Page 33 of Pursuing a Duke
Chapter Ten
“Good morning,” Emmeline’smaid said as she tossed the curtains aside, letting in the bright sunshine. “It is a lovely day to relax outdoors before traveling into Bath for dancing. There is not a cloud in the sky.”
“Indeed.” Emmeline blinked as the sunlight filtered inside the room. Sitting up, she stretched, noticing little aches in certain areas of her body, reminding her of last night. It had been six years since she’d lain with a man, and her body was not used to the vigorous activity. The subtle achy twinges had her heart soaring. The only thing better would have been to wake up in each other’s arms. But that was impossible. Perhaps in time. Many widows had their lovers spend the night. But she wanted more from Andrew. She wanted all of him.
“Let’s get you ready for the day. Everyone is gathering on the veranda and in the gardens for breakfast. Your day is free until three when we need to get you ready for tonight,” Amanda said as she opened the wardrobe, eyeing the day dresses. “Would you care to wear the peach day dress with matching spencer and bonnet?”
“That would be perfect.” Once she was dressed she sat at the dressing table while Amanda worked her magic taming her hair and making her look presentable. It was not long before she approached the doors to the veranda, and the aroma of breakfast wafted her way, along with the hum of voices and laughter. Her stomach took that moment to grumble, and she made herway to the serving tables and fixed a plate of eggs, ham, and toast with a dollop of whipped butter and jam. She scanned the gardens, smiled in acknowledgment to her mother sitting with her friends, and spotted an empty chair at a small table with Catherine and her husband near the rose bushes.
“May I join you?”
“We were just leaving, but please sit,” Catherine replied. “We promised to help Claire organize things for this evening’s trip to Bath. Enjoy your breakfast.”
“Thank you,” Emmeline said as she glanced around the gardens, looking for Andrew. He stood on the veranda by the doors with Caldwell. Their eyes connected, and he winked. Heat scorched her cheeks as she remembered what he had done to her last night with his mouth. She covered hers to stifle her gasp as he moved toward her, his eyes intense and predatory. His body moved with a natural masculine grace most gentlemen did not possess.
“May I?”
She wanted to askMay I what? May I kiss you? Make love to you?As far as she was concerned, he could do anything to her.
But he didn’t wait for her reply, taking the seat vacated by Catherine. “You look flushed,” he said, placing his elbows on the table, leaning forward, and lowering his voice. “I didn’t mean to leave without saying goodbye, but the sun was rising, and I was afraid to be seen.” He lowered his voice to a mere whisper, and her eyes were riveted to his mouth. “I knew if I woke you, I would not leave until I’d made love to you in the dawning light.”
Swallowing down her moan, her eyes left his lips and moved to his green eyes, which were now a deep forest green rimmed in black. “How disappointing.” They were both shocked at her words.
His brows rose, and he grinned. “Perhaps tonight.”
Her lips curved into an easy smile, and warm happiness spread throughout her body. She feared that if anyone looked too closely at the two of them, they would know what they had shared, but she couldn’t let the joy go. For the past six years, she’d had very little true happiness in her life, and she refused to let it go or hide it inside now.
“Perhaps . . . do you think it is obvious?”
Relaxing back in his chair, his arms across his chest, he said, “Is what obvious?”
Her eyes darted around the gardens. Nobody noticed them except her mother, who studied her intently from across the way. She would know. A mother, or at leasthermother, always knew. But there was no need to be embarrassed because her mother at least would be thrilled for her.
“Us. What we shared.” As she said the words, her cheeks burned even hotter.
“You look positively gorgeous when you blush. And knowing that what we did put that color there makes me thrilled.” He gestured to her plate. “You should break your fast. You used an awful lot of energy last night.”
Just when she thought it was safe to put a forkful of eggs in her mouth, he had to say that. “You are not making it easy. Perhaps you could be silent so I can eat without choking.”
“Whatever pleases you.”
*
Ten carriages rolleddown the long drive of Waterford Manor toward Bath at six o’clock sharp, transporting all occupants of the house party to the Upper Assembly Rooms for the Dress Ball. Emmeline was in a carriage with Andrew, Caldwell, and Lady Clarice. Catherine obviously had a hand in the carriage assignments. It was only a couple of miles to the AssemblyRooms, and Emmeline listened to the conversation between Caldwell and Andrew with only half an ear. Her mind was occupied with the dancing and what she hoped would come afterward when they returned to Waterford Manor.
“We are here.” Andrew’s voice pulled her out of her musings, and he assisted her in exiting the carriage. Her hand connecting with his had heat traveling up her arm and curling around her heart. A heart he’d claimed completely last night. A heart she willingly gave to him. A heart she hoped he didn’t break. Her heart was more fragile than most, and she didn’t think she would survive if he broke it.
He escorted her into the Upper Assembly Rooms. Andrew paid the cost of attendance for the four of them, with funds the marquess had supplied him for that purpose, and they entered the large ballroom to a considerable crowd milling about. The time was just past seven. They had two hours of dancing until tea at nine and then dancing until eleven.
For two hours, the orchestra played minuets. They danced several times but also took turns around the ballroom, watching others partake in the dancing. “Is all well with you?” Andrew said with concern. “You appear a little distant this evening.”
Knots formed inside Emmeline’s stomach. She hadn’t realized her fear of her love for Andrew, and her panic that he was capable of breaking her heart, was resonating from her. The last thing she wanted to be was distant and give Andrew reason to think she regretted last evening or didn’t want to repeat it. “Forgive me. Nothing is wrong. Perhaps I’m tired.”
He raised a brow in silent question. “I know we discussed what happened between us this morning at breakfast, and you had no regrets then. Has something changed?”
Yes. She had fallen more in love with him than ever before, and it frightened her to the point that her heart nearly burst from her chest. “No.”
“Emmeline.” he closed his eyes, inhaled and exhaled. “Please answer me one question: Do you regret last night?”
