He pressed his mouth against hers until she opened to him. Lucien knew he had to manage some sense of control, but part of him didn’t want to.
Harriet let him devour her in his passionate kisses. Was this what it was like between a man and woman even after marriage? It certainly wasn’t with some couples she knew, like her parents.
His kisses gave her feelings she’d never had, and they became more intense with every encounter they had. Lucien was a gentleman and would maintain control of the situation.
“Lucien?” she gasped, pulling back for a moment. “Don’t you think we should head back? We’ve been gone quite a while.”
“I assure you we are fine, but we can return if it’ll put you at ease.”
“At least to the path?”
Standing in silence for a moment, Lucien finally kissed her one last time before taking her by the hand and stepping back on the path.
Once they climbed the steps to the terrace, he led her back inside. “You’re not upset with me?” she asked.
“Upset? No, my love. Frustrated? Oh yes,” he replied.
She shyly smiled. Looking across the ballroom, Harriet saw a too familiar figure. “Oh my God, my mother is here.”
Lucien was barely able to get turned around when a voice was speaking directly to him.
“Where have you been with my daughter?”
“Mother, what are you doing here?”
“Looking after my daughter it appears.”
“Your daughter and I are about to become betrothed. We plan to marry,” Lucien said.
“Mother, this is Lucien…”
“Yes, I know who he is, but what I want to know is why he’s interested in you.”
“Because I find her charming, delightful, and smart, among other things,” Lucien said closing the gap between Harriet and himself.
“You must be referring to some other woman, Lord Lucien. You haven’t described Harriet,” she replied.
“Mother, stop it. Lucien and I are to become betrothed soon so please, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all,” Harriet said. She half startled herself by speaking to her mother that way. She knew if she didn’t take control, her mother would, and she wasn’t going to have that.
She gestured in Lucien’s direction. “You see what happens when I’m not around? As far as you two going to marry, I’m sure your father will have something to say when he finds out.”
“Mother, don’t try to ruin my happiness just because you have none in your life,” Harriet said sternly.
“I assure you I’m not doing any such thing. You’ll thank me someday,” she replied.
Lucien interrupted the volatile conversation. “Come, there are some people I want to introduce you to. There’ve just arrived.”
“Mother, if you’ll excuse us. I’m sure we’ll speak again before the evening is over.”
“Have your things packed and ready to go in the morning. You’re coming home with me,” she said before turning and leaving the two of them stunned.
“She can’t do that. I won’t let her do that,” Harriet said.
“Is your father here?”
“I don’t see him, but he uses these gatherings to get away from my mother,” Harriet said.
“If you see him, let me know,” Lucien said lowly.
