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Recollecting herself, she took a step back, glancing about her to see if anyone had noticed his caress. Kit, will you mind your manners and please behave yourself. A low chuckle preceded his reply. Behave? How would you have me behave, my love as a gentleman? And how can I do that when I am only a hired hand unschooled in the postures of a gentleman? If you would cease currying favour with my father and stick to the stables and your cottage, it would ease matters. His eyes seemed to glow from deep within. Ah my cottage. Perhaps you would care to drop in some time. I will show you around if you like. The bed I can recommend all feathers and down and large enough for two. Amanda flushed scarlet at what he was implying. I am not the sort who goes easily, without thought or affection, to a man s bed, she hissed. Come now, can I not persuade you to risk your heart s defences in one night of love? Perhaps you will find it agree- able and want more. How conceited of you to think you can make me want you. Do you really believe you can do that? His smile was feral as he moved closer. Judge for yourself. You will come to me. I have no doubt about that. The light 132 Rogue s Widow, Gentleman s Wife in his eyes, the subtle undertone in his voice, was a chal- lenge a warning. And what do you think people would make of it if they saw me entering your home? It is no crime, Amanda. No but it would be dangerous. A little danger adds spice to the excitement. I have enough excitement in my life without indulging in an illicit interlude with my father s horse trainer. As Amanda was about to turn and walk away, his hand shot out and gripped her wrist. Tis not an interlude I seek with you, my love. I want something deeper, more profound, more lasting than that. We have to talk, but not here. You will find me at home later. Will you come? Amanda took another step away from him, suddenly afraid of being alone with him in his cottage and what he could do if he set his mind to it. But they must talk if they were to resolve matters between them and in doing so move on with their lives. She nodded. If I can. Amanda moved away from him at the same moment as Mr Quinn made his appearance. Pausing in the doorway, he looked at the chattering throng with little interest. If Amanda had turned to look at Kit, she would have noted a hardness that infused his face as his eyes settled on her father s most trusted employee, and would have detected a grimness in his dark eyes that boded ill for Mr Quinn. Chapter Six Dinner was a splendid affair which was all down to Caroline. When she had married Henry she had brought with her that well-bred way of life she had known and been trained to from birth. The long mahogany table had been polished to a mirror shine. Small bowls of attractive and colourful flowers marched down the centre, adding a light and graceful effect, and the white crockery with a narrow margin of gold was of the best and most expensive English china. Places were set with silver cutlery on white damask place mats edged with the finest Honiton lace, and to the right of the setting, four differently sized, cut-crystal wine glasses. The food was the best of its kind plain and simple and cooked to perfection. Throughout the meal, Amanda was aware of Kit seated on her father s right hand on the opposite side to her. He was con- stantly within her sights. Their eyes would meet, his full of meaning and seduction. Heat would suffuse her cheeks and she would look away, trying, often without success, to appear serene and composed. 134 Rogue s Widow, Gentleman s Wife *** When dinner was over the ladies rose and followed Caroline to the drawing room. Fluttering and cackling like hens that have seen a fox in their coop, they plumped them- selves down on cushioned sofas and chairs and began to discuss frivolous matters as freely as they would in their own homes. When the gentlemen joined them, they began drifting back into the library, where the musicians were playing a waltz. Couples began taking to the floor. Of their own volition Amanda s eyes sought out Kit. When she couldn t find him, disappointment washed over her, but then he was there, standing only an inch behind her. She in- stantly felt his presence as if it were a tangible force. She even recognised the elusive sharp scent of his cologne. Her heart [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |