Page 19 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

“My dear, I think perhaps you have had too much sun, and it has weakened your constitution. You are overwrought, and it is time to return to the house so you may rest.”

For heaven’s sake, he sounded like her mother. She stared open-mouthed at this man she loved and had married hoping one day he might love her. Yet his ideas were so rigid, so—ton. But then, again, in all honesty, hers were the same—or had been until she’d discovered the book.

“Yes, you may be right.” Hating herself for giving in so easily, nevertheless, there were more important battles to be won. She started to gather up the remnants of the picnic, so she could return to their room and rest, like a good little girl.

…

Devon studied Eugenia under lowered lashes as they both cleaned up, placing items in the basket, standing, and shaking out the blanket. She’d been so very strange lately. Could it be she was increasing, and all her emotions were unbalanced due to pregnancy?

Sit in Parliament? Go to a gaming hell? He thought he knew her so well. Eleven months of acquaintance, and not once had she ever deviated from exactly what he’d thought she was.

A proper English lady.

Something inside him twisted when he saw the unhappy look on her face. He reached for her hand as they walked to the horses, and gave it a slight squeeze, then linked their fingers together. The smile she turned on him hit him like an unexpected punch to the gut. All the air left his lungs, and he wanted nothing more than to grab her and kiss her senseless. Right here in the outdoors. Something was happening between them that, frankly, he did not understand.

When they reached the animals, he fastened the basket to the back of his horse and turned to help Eugenia. Her crystal blue eyes looked back at him. Pleading, asking for something. Before he could reach for her waist to lift her, she tilted her chin and licked her perfect pink lips, almost daring him to—what?

Slowly his head descended and his large hand took her face and held it gently. Her lips were plump and smooth. He teased her with a few short nibbles, then took her mouth in complete ownership. He nudged her lips with his tongue and swept in at her gasp. He tasted the sharpness of the wine, the sweetness of the grapes, and something minty. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth, sliding from place to place.

She kissed him back with a hunger that stunned him. His arm tightened around her, drawing her closer so her breasts were flat against his chest. How he longed to be rid of the clothing that separated them, so he could feel the hardness of her nipples scrape against his skin. His cock shouted its agreement.

Eugenia seemed to grow limp, which reminded him that they stood in the outdoors where anyone could ride by. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her, male satisfaction racing through him at the wistful expression on her face. Before he could continue with what he’d started, he turned her and set her on the horse.

She shivered, as if a sudden chill had swept through her, then looked around, appearing to ascertain where she was. “Be careful, Eugenia.” His words seemed to snap her out of her inattention. She gripped the reins and gave a curt nod.

He should not have kissed her that way. She was a young, proper lady, who no doubt would be completely shocked and dismayed when she returned to herself. It was his duty to protect her sensibilities. He must learn to curb his appetites.

More guests had arrived by the time they returned, even though the party wouldn’t officially start until the next day. Devon watched Eugenia return to their bedroom to rest from the picnic, he assumed, then he strolled down the corridor to the billiard room.

Several men stood around, drinking and talking while two others played. Devon helped himself to a brandy and joined Lord Benson and Mr. Sedow, who were involved in a lively discussion on the benefits of some new horseflesh Sedow had recently acquired.

He didn’t join

in the conversation, but allowed his thoughts to wander while the men rambled on. There was no doubt that he had begun to think of Eugenia in a more lustful way. Perhaps being without a mistress since before he’d married was wearing on him. On the other hand, he no longer found the idea of sex with anyone else appealing.

Eugenia, with her blue eyes, blond curls, and sweet mouth would be a pleasure to take to bed. Not just for a quick attempt to gain an heir, but to enjoy her body. Her breasts pressed up against him were soft and full. When he’d rested his hands on her waist it had been impossible not to notice the flair of her hips. And the smooth creamy skin on her back when he’d unbuttoned her frock still had him fighting to keep the blood away from where he didn’t want it to go.

“Your wife is to always be treated with the utmost respect, son. Slake your lust on courtesans and opera dancers, but never demean the lady you married with licentious behavior.”

His father’s words were ingrained in him through years of repetition. The late marquess had had rules for everything, every behavior, even every thought, and had made sure his son understood and adhered to the rules.

But he’s dead now.

“Say, Devon, you certainly are woolgathering there.” Benson grinned at him as he lifted his glass to sip. “How goes the bill you planned to sponsor in the House?”

“I think I have enough votes to get it through. It’s about time we stopped the Whigs from all their liberal ideas. Things are just fine the way they are, and I see no reason to change a system that has worked for decades.”

“Hear, hear,” Benson said as he raised his glass in salute. “We need more who think as you do, Devon. Before we know it, we’ll all be giving our lands away to those who are trying to ape their betters.”

Devon nodded and joined Benson in sipping the fine brandy Wentworth provided his guests.

“Ah, but then one must consider the French citizens’ revolt. The aristocracy had ignored the plight of the poor.” Mr. Sedow stared at them through the thick spectacles he’d worn ever since Devon had known him, as far back as Eton. The third son of the Earl of Attlee, Sedow was known for his contrary views. Devon had often thought the man was still rebelling against his overbearing father.

“That will never happen in England. We have things in control.” Benson dismissed the man with a wave of his hand.

“That’s what we thought when the colonists in America dumped all that tea in Boston. Look how that turned out.” Sedow punctuated the air with his finger, settling in for an argument of which Devon did not want to be a part.

“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think I will take on Jennings at billiards.” Devon placed his glass on a small table and left the two men to enjoy a heated argument.