Page 16 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

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Devon watched the sway of Eugenia’s hips as she walked in front of him, her arm linked with Lady Wentworth’s. He’d just arrived at the house party and had been greeted by Lord and Lady Wentworth and Eugenia.

It was the first time he’d seen his wife since he’d ravished her mouth in his library. What the devil had been wrong with him? He’d never kissed her like that before. A slight smile teased his lips. Truth be known, the exchange had been quite enjoyable.

Lately, it seemed all he could think about was Eugenia, and taking her to bed. Not the usual way, but in a way that would surely scandalize her. While listening to ramblings about Parliamentary bills, he’d found himself drifting off into thoughts of the various positions he could place her in.

Although he’d never seen her completely undressed, from his hands alone, he knew she possessed generous breasts, wide hips, firm buttocks, and slender legs. How he wanted to drag her upstairs to whatever room she’d been assigned and remove her clothing, one piece at a time, relishing her smooth, silky skin as it revealed itself.

He stepped into the entrance hall of the manor, a spacious area with marble floors and pale-green-silk-covered walls. Two large potted plants graced the doorway. Several people climbed the sweeping stairs in front of him, following servants who were directing them to their rooms.

“Lady Devon is already settled in your room, my lord.” Lady Wentworth turned to Eugenia. “I assume you will escort your husband?”

“Yes.” Eugenia took hold of Devon’s arm. “Right this way, my lord.”

The first thing he noticed was the light scent of flowers drifting from Eugenia’s hair. Hair that had been arranged in a softer manner than usual. Her body felt supple against his side, almost as if she’d changed the sort of corset she normally wore. Wishing to distract himself so he didn’t grab her once more and plunder her mouth here on the stairs in front of guests and servants, he asked, “Were you able to finish whatever arrangements Lady Wentworth needed help with?”

She smiled up at him. “Yes. We finished up this morning, and since you are here now, perhaps we can ride this afternoon? Wentworth has an excellent stable and Cook offered to prepare a picnic basket for us. There is a lovely pond a short ride from the house.”

A picnic? Never had Eugenia suggested such a thing. He’d always assumed she had a disdain for bugs and other creatures that made themselves at home on a picnic. But then again, he was beginning to believe there was much more to Eugenia than he would have guessed. Perhaps many of his assumptions about her had been incorrect. “Wonderful suggestion, my dear. After being closed up in the carriage for so long, a ride in the fresh air would be just the thing.”

Eugenia’s glowing face captivated him as they entered the bedchamber. They’d attended only one other house party since their wedding, and that gathering had been small enough that he and Eugenia had had separate bedchambers.

He took in the space and the one very large bed in the center. Not only would they share the space, they would also sleep—all night—in the same bed. All night. Side by side. Why that thought unnerved him he did not wish to examine.

She grinned at him, almost as if she knew his thoughts and had him wondering if she would taste as good this time as she had in his library. “Excellent. I am glad you like my suggestion. I will need to change into my rid

ing habit.” She turned her back to him. “Will you undo my gown, my lord?”

He stepped back as if she’d burst into flames. Precisely how he felt at the moment. “Er, I will be happy to find my way to the library and wait there while Sally attends you.”

She looked at him over her shoulder, her eyes wide. “Oh, dear. I forgot to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“Sally injured her foot climbing out of the carriage. She will be fine, but needs to stay off her feet for a day or so.”

Devon continued to stare at her. Did she really expect him to play lady’s maid? Undress her, help her with her bath? Just the thought of her naked in a bathtub had his cock jumping to attention and saluting.

“Ah, are there no other maids about?” He could swear he saw laughter in her eyes. Yet he expected embarrassment, flushing, fidgeting. Where was his Eugenia?

She sighed. “I’m afraid not, my lord. It is just you and I.”

Just you and I. Indeed.

“Very well.” He worked the fastenings, but there seemed to be hundreds of the blasted things. The more he undid, uncovering the creamy skin of her back, the more he fumbled trying to get the bloody thing completely undone. He’d certainly unfastened enough ladies’ gowns in his day, as well as unlacing corsets, and never before had he had such trouble performing the simple task.

His cravat grew damp and restrictive. He had the urge to rip the thing off and fling it across the room. More buttons. More pale, silky skin. His knuckles brushed against her back, and Eugenia flinched and sucked in a breath. It was nice she could find air, because his lungs were having a problem.

At last the bloody thing was opened. He couldn’t resist placing his lips at her nape where a few curls had fallen. Warm, soft, scented skin. Instead of pulling away as he’d expected, she sighed and rolled her head to one side. He took advantage of her movement and covered the area with small, light kisses.

Of their own accord, his hands moved to her shoulders and slid the gown off. The garment slithered to the floor in a gentle swish of fabric. Eugenia stood before him in her corset and chemise. His blood surged, and his cock cried out for relief. Slowly, she turned, her eyes meeting his. She licked her lips.

“Ah, where is your riding habit?” The devil take it. Was that his voice? He squealed like a girl.

“In the wardrobe.” Her voice, on the other hand, was warm and sultry.

“Oh.”