Page 35 of Love Lessons for a Lady

Needing no further encouragement, Aston brushed his mouth across hers. A feather’s touch. A wisp and no more. Once. Twice. Then he pressed fully into the tempting, velvety softness.

She sighed and snuggled closer, one hand coming to cup the back of his neck.

He shuddered from the intense sweetness and the all-engulfing emotion that squeezed his chest. Running his tongue along the seam of Chasity’s lips, he encouraged her to open to him.

She hesitantly moved her mouth beneath his in acquiescence as she melted into his embrace.

Heaven. Surely this was heaven.

Oh, God, Aston silently prayed. If only there was a way that she could be mine.

Impossible, his realistic self reprimanded. Grandfather would destroy her. Just as he did your parents.

Then by all that was holy, Aston would savor this precious interlude. Cherish each murmur and sigh. The way her form fit perfectly against his and the magical way the world faded away until there was only Chasity and him. Sharing a forbidden kiss in a world that was impossibly unfair. For if life was fair and just, he would be able to give her his heart and love her until the end of his days.

The bird trilled again, and Chasity stiffened, then pulled away. Fingertips to her mouth, she gazed at him. Indigo eyes bright with surprise, pleasure, and, yes, desire, she stared.

“I’m sorry, Aston. We cannot. I cannot be compromised.” She tried to smile but failed. “It would give Mrs. Crenshaw the weapon she needs to dismiss me.”

She was right.

Aston should never have brought her out here. He was a selfish cad.

He drew a finger over her smooth-as-a-peach cheek. “I know, sweetheart. I know I should say I’m sorry, but I cannot regret kissing you. I’ve wanted to since I danced with you.”

This time a nascent smile full of regret did bend her mouth upward. “Some things are just not meant to be, Aston.” She put her hand over his heart. “We are not meant to be.”

And he couldn’t contradict her. She spoke what they both knew to be the truth.

“I’m sorry, Chasity. I wish it were otherwise with all of my being.”

“There you are.” Kellinggrave strode toward him, scarcely giving Chasity a glance. “An urgent missive has arrived for you from your grandfather.”

How had grandfather known where Aston was?

Was he having Aston followed?

Likely, the interfering tosspot.

“Thank you.” Aston broke the wax and scanned the short letter.

His dying uncle asked for him. How could he refuse? He couldn’t, of course. Conley was as much a victim as Aston had been, only he’d found his escape in spirits.

Folding the rectangle, Aston stood. “I have to leave at once. We’ll speak tomorrow at Balderbrook’s Institution for Genteel Ladies, Chasity. I shall arrive early so we might finish our discussion.”

“That will be fine.” Nodding, she rose as well. “I hope nothing is amiss.”

A rueful smile strained his lips. “With my family, something is always amiss.” He glanced to Kellinggrave, who had retreated a respectful distance. “Might I trouble you for a ride to Berkeley Square?”

“Of course.” He slid Chasity an indecipherable glance. Kellinggrave was a man of discretion. He’d not say a word about finding Chasity alone with Aston. “I shall have my phaeton brought ’round.”

He strode away.

Chasity hoped Faith knew what she was getting herself into. From what Chasity had observed thus far, Kellinggrave had the personality of a rock.

Aston scraped a hand through his hair. “Chasity, about our kiss…”

She held up a hand.