Page 3 of The Gift of a Christmas Scandal

“Perhaps I would like both? But – which of the gentlemen would you suggest…”

“Oh, I don’t know – you might like Lord Egremont, he’s rather handsome, and has a… reputation…”

“I see, then perhaps you should contrive an opportunity to introduce me to him, as I don’t believe that I’ve met the man.”

“Then… I feel the need for some crisp fresh air – don’t you agree that it’s getting stuffy in here? A walk on the terrace should be just the thing.”

“Won’t your mother notice if we disappear?”

“Unlikely – she is gossiping over there – your mother is too, I see, and father is in the card room with your father.”

Mariel rose, slipped her arm through Selina’s, and led her to the terrace doors. As they walked, Selina watched with some admiration as Mariel effortlessly caught the eye of a stylish young man, inclining her head towards the doors, and receiving a nod in response.

On the terrace, they found themselves alone, others having been put off by the crispness of the wintry air. But not for long. Soon, two young gentlemen slipped out through the doors, and came to them, where they stood against the railing, to one side half in the shadow of the tangled ivy that draped the walls. Mariel smiled in greeting, and performed the introductions.

“Lady Selina Brancourt, may I present Lord Egremont, and Lord Charles Woodley.”

“Charmed, I’m sure.”

Lord Egremont took Selina’s hand, bowing, and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand – the warmth of his lips was palpable through the thin silk of her glove, and a shiver ran through her at the sensation. Lord Charles had taken Mariel’s hand, and drawn her towards him. She went into his embrace with a willingness that shocked Selina a little.

But she was soon distracted from Mariel’s situation by Lord Egremont, who had not released her hand, but instead had drawn close. His eyes met hers, full of an intense warmth, and some small amusement which she did not understand, then they fell, tracing a path past her lips, which she found herself licking nervously, and onwards, until his gaze rested on the well displayed mounds of her breasts, where the rather daring gown dipped low over them. As she watched, he licked his lips – an intentional movement that heated her to the core.

He pulled her against him, and lifted his other hand to cup her chin.

“And are you, Lady Selina, as… adventurous… as Lady Mariel?”

What should she say? Mariel had spoken with her, of stolen moments like this, and she had dreamed… perhaps it was time to be courageous, and discover more in real life.

“Perhaps… my Lord should find out…”

He chuckled, as if pleased with her flirtatious words and, ever so slowly, lowered his head to hers, tilting her face up with the hand that cupped her chin, until his lips met hers, softly at first, then harder, his tongue slipping out to trace her lips, to push gently until she gasped, and granted him entry. It was intoxicating, exciting… yet, not what she had expected.

His kiss was demanding, powerful, yet almost crude – as if he simply took for his pleasure, with little thought of hers. He had released her hand, and slipped that arm around her, holding her to him. Then, slowly, his fingers explored her back, her side, and softly, the edge of her gown where it sat across her breasts.

An odd fear joined the excitement, a certainty that she was, here, quite out of her depth. Her heart beat harder, and her breathing shuddered. His finger grazed the tip of her breast through the thin silken fabric of her gown, and a jolt of sensation ran through her. It was too much, too soon. Startled, she wrenched herself from his grasp, and spun away.

“I see, not quite so adventurous as it seemed. How disappointing. Still, my thanks for a most pleasant kiss, Lady Selina. Perhaps another time?”

She turned back at his words, rather astounded by his calm arrogance. He bowed to her, a hard edged, almost sarcastic smile on his lips, and then stepped back. As he did, Mariel moved, somewhat regretfully it seemed to Selina, out of Lord Charles’ grasp. Lord Egremont nodded to Lord Charles.

“Come, old man, let us find other entertainment – I do believe that the ladies fear discovery by their mothers.”

Lord Charles laughed at his words, bowed to them both, and the men turned, slipping back in through the doors.

Mariel looked at Selina, bright eyed and flushed.

“Well – what did you think? Do you like him? Did you like…?”

Mariel gave a gesture which seemed to include everything. Selina considered carefully – what could she say?

“I… err… it was, I think, a revelation. I will need to consider this, in detail, later.”

Mariel laughed, and took her arm, leading her back inside.