Only she surprised him by saying, “Oh don’t go yet, sir, please.” She blushed. “That is, I have only father to talk to anymore and he is, well, he is rather poor conversation now that Charles is gone.”
John froze. He’d a chance here but wasn’t sure he ought to take it. However, nerves soon gave way as he ventured a shot. “Would y’ like t’ step out with me a ways then, walk me partway back, miss?”
She beamed in response, making him more relieved than she knew. “I should like that very much, Mr. Cuthbert. Just let me fetch my shawl.”
John swallowed, his heart beating fast to think he’d have this gel all to himself a ways longer, to walk beside.
She was back in a flash and followed him out the door. Then, to his amazement and delight, she took his arm. Miss Eleanor walked him halfway back to Almsdale, chatting on about everything and nothing.
His soul soaked up each word she uttered, her voice better than butter.
Charles was busy at Mrs. Jenkins’s room, nearly done scrubbing both floor and walls. Having spied some passable pieces in other rooms, she would consult with Cuthbert next about filling the space with furnishings. He could help her haul them over. She stopped to survey her work, wiping her brow, when she felt a familiar prick of awareness.
Charles turned to find Lord Wells leaning crookedly against the door frame.
“’Twill be a fine chamber for a cook.” He cocked his head at her before he strode across the still damp floor. “And you know well how to scrub a room, housekeeper. Only put down your rag, girl, and come greet your master properly.”
She flinched at his tone, but did as she was told, dropping rag to pail only to have him pull her in for a swift, dark kiss.
“Better,” he murmured at her lips, “though I like you on your knees.”
“My lord, I should finish the room before dinner, sir.”
“I’ll not interrupt you long.” He took her lips again, shoving his tongue down her throat as reminder that she obey.
Charles felt her insides burn.
“I’d have you again right here, woman.” He dove in for another kiss.
“My lord, I’ve work to finish . . .” Her protest sounded feeble.
“Mmm, I know, Charles, but all work and no play makes for a frustrating day.”
She laughed, pulling from him. “I daresay you ought to be kept frustrated some, sir.” Her eyes met his. “It wouldn’t do for me to give in too readily to your desires, lest you tire of me too fast.”
His eyes twinkled. “Know me that well already, do you?” He pulled her taut against his body, his hands cupping her bottom to knead both cheeks through her thick wool skirt. “Very well, Charles. I’ll remember your words when nextyouneed frustrating.”
“You frustrate me enough, Lord Wellesley,” she replied, even as his hands began to roam more boldly. She again pulled away, creating space, and for once he relented, though he kept one of her hands prisoner in his own.
“My lord.” She hesitated.“There is a woman in town I think it wise I go see.”
“And what woman is this, Charles?” He began to play with her fingers.
She blushed. “She is . . . experienced in matters and might counsel me discreetly on how best to . . . That is, if we are to engage more often in coupling, sir, I should like to be better informed.” Her face was likely scarlet it burned so hot.
“I see.” He lapsed into silence. “Quite right, Charles, and spoken like a true mistress.” He kissed the inside of her wrist, flustering her only more. “I shall accompany you when you visit this woman.”
“No!” She was upset. “No, my lord, I will see her alone.”
He frowned. “And why, pray?”
“Why?” She was appalled. “Because if you accompany me she will know at once that you are . . . That I am . . .”
“Still ashamed of your position here, Charles?” He arched his brow.
“No, sir, not with your lordship, but in the eyes of others I cannot . . .” She swallowed. “I must safeguard my sister’s reputation, sir, as well as my father’s. Out of respect to them I would beg you give me leave to visit this woman on my own, in secret. I have given you my word I will not flee, but will return to you, to my position here at Almsdale.”
He pulled her to him once more, fingers lazily this time unhooking her dress. “So you say, yes.” He exposed her stays, his hand fast caressing her bosom. “Only I am not entirely sure I can trust you yet, Charles.” He dipped his head to kiss her décolletage. “Cuthbert will go with you.”
