A Matter of Duty (24 page)

‘Why are you smiling?’

‘Because Tom told me to be happy with you.’

‘And are you?’

‘Yes. Oh, yes.’

‘There’s so much happiness yet to come,’ he said softly, drawing her toward him. His fingers twined richly in her hair as he kissed her, and she could feel emotion sweeping her away as he pressed her close. She was conscious of his body against hers, and the slow, luxurious movement of his lips over hers. It was a kiss to entice her wanton senses, stirring them into that shameless passion that he alone had ever aroused. She felt no modesty at all; she wanted him to possess her.

He drew back a little, cupping her face in his hands, desire to match her own reflecting in his blue eyes. ‘This is no matter of duty, Louisa,’ he whispered, ‘this is a matter of love, a love that should have been acknowledged long before now. It’s time you were my wife in every way, for my need cannot be denied any longer. I’m already your husband, but now I must be your lover too.’ He took her hand and led her to the steps in the gazebo.

Hengist and Horsa rose expectantly to their feet, tails wagging, but he looked sternly at them. ‘The marriage bed is one place where you’re not welcome, my friends, you must stay here.’

They recognized the word ‘stay’ only too well, and their tails stopped wagging. They watched as Louisa and Kit descended the steps, and then they lay down again, their heads on their paws. Their ears twitched a little as a door closed somewhere, and then there was silence.

A little later Louisa lay in Kit’s arms in the great Venetian four poster bed. She felt warm and loved, and happier than she’d ever imagined it was possible to be. ‘I love you so, Kit,’ she whispered.

His arms tightened around her. ‘As I love you.’

‘Our marriage won’t ever be a matter of duty again, will it?’

‘No. Never again.’

Her lips were soft and pliable as he kissed her.

Lovely young Linnet Carlisle was a lady to her fingertips Totally innocent of impropriety, and an heiress as well, she was a model future bride in the London marriage mart.

Judith Jordan was her absolute opposite. Stunningly sensual from head to toe, she was the most sought after courtesan in the city.

But when Judith laid claim to handsome Lord Nicholas Fenton, stealing away the man who had stolen Linnet’s heart … and then launched a campaign to make Linnet the laughing stock of society … Linnet did what no lady would dream of – and only a woman in love would dare to chance.…

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