A man’s voice called from inside, “Li?”
“A minute, darling. Stay put.”
Not Milton.Elizabeth exhaled. “Miss Li, forgive me, I must?—”
“Apologize, yes, but let us move this conversation indoors rather than continue it on my front step.”
“Is Mr. Damon your guest?” Elizabeth’s curiosity got the better of her as she followed Li inside.
“No.” Li remained brusque. “Though clearly, the man left an impression on you.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks flamed.
“And as I should like to return to the gentleman currently warming my sheets…” She arched one elegant eyebrow.
“Jasper did not return home last night.” Elizabeth stopped there, embarrassed.
“Lady Milton, my caller does not enjoy interruptions. Explain yourself. Quickly now.”
“Forgive me, Miss Li. I am simply concerned that Jasper did not send word. Our relations have improved, you see, such that I thought he would not seek the company of?—”
“Whores?” Li’s brow arched skyward.
“Yes.” Elizabeth’s face heated only more. “I assumed in marriage he would not stray. At least, not until heirs were born.”
“Of course he’s not strayed. It is not in Jasper’s nature. He would have told you he wished to sleep with other women, allowed you, as well, to sleep with other men. Elizabeth,wherever your husband may be, I assure you he is notin another woman’s arms.”
Relief flooded Elizabeth’s body even as Li regarded her with impatience. “I cannot speak to Jasper’s whereabouts, Lady Milton, only to his impeccable character.”
Elizabeth scrunched her lips.
“Well, perhapsimpeccableis not the correct English word, but his intentions are mostly honorable. I am sure he has good reason to be gone and will explain himself when he returns.”
“And if he doesn’t?” Elizabeth’s inner fear found voice. “His absence makes me uneasy given all that has occurred between my sister and Mr. Finch.”
Li’s head snapped up. “Hieronymus Finch?”
“Yes. You see my father?—”
“Elizabeth, you must tell me everything. At once.” Li’s entire bearing stiffened. “But first I must inform my guest I shall be longer than he likes.”
Li took off, leaving Elizabeth alone, her thoughts skittering like pins into the dark corners of the lady’s dress shop, fear winding its way up her spine.
Harris sat across from his wife—wife!—and watched her worry her bottom lip. He wished to bite it. In truth, he wished to do worse. He didn’t know if he’d been foolish or wise to indulge this genteel lady. He knew only that he’d relished educating Mrs. Harris on her wedding night.
He willed his raging cockstand back into submission. All morning long in this blasted, swaying carriage his prick had threatened mutiny, because his bloody wife was the worst temptation ever. He would return her to her family intact,damnation, intact! Though at the rate they were playing, it would be her body alone that remained intact. He’d already corrupted her mind; one had only to look at her now to know it.
“Dare,” Harris grumbled, having drawn a low card. He’d no desire to tell Bella how many women he’d bedded in his thirty years on earth, because that number was likely both more and less than she expected, and he’d a reputation to uphold.
“Dare?” Her fetching lips twitched. “Oh, I shall have to think a moment.” Her eyes fell to his waist.
“Bella, we forfeit kisses only, so I expect you to?—”
“Remain the lady I was yesterday, when you have enlightened me in so many ways? I think not, husband.” The minx grinned. “I think I shall ask you to kiss me where I like or”—her look turned even more wicked—“dare you to let me kiss you whereI’dlike.”
Harris instinctively crossed his legs. “Annabelle…”
“Unbutton your fall, sir.”
