Free Reason to Wed (The Distinguished Rogues Book 7) by Heather Boyd Page A

question?
    He smiled at her as an idea took hold. “What would you say to a second romp out of doors? Are you adventurous enough to risk other people seeing us together in a compromising position?”
    An excited gleam filled her eyes but then dimmed just as quickly. “Not today. I promised to meet with your sister and Harriet very soon.”
    Disappointment filled him and then acceptance. He could wait. “Well, perhaps tomorrow you might come riding with me in the morning. There are a few things changed from your visit last year. I’d like to show you around the rest of the estate since you so clearly enjoy telling me what to do with my affairs.” He smirked just to annoy her.
    She brushed aside his remark with a wave of her hand. “I’m sure your guests would enjoy the tour.”
    “Just us, Esme. I would explore this peace between us fully while it lasts.”
      She frowned then. “We can end things if you prefer. You should not neglect your guests.”
      “Not yet.” He grinned and caught hold of her fingers. “Not when there is so much pleasure to be had with you. I should ask, rather than assume: Would you consider being mine for what remains of the house party?”
    The corner of her mouth lifted into a wicked smile he’d grown to crave. She reached to his waist and, to his surprise, secured a button that had come undone on his waistcoat. “Well, I suppose I could tolerate your attentions a little longer.”
    He smiled broadly and drew her into his arms one last time and nuzzled her neck, earning a gasp from her. Yes, definitely another bout was required today to dull the ache of want already returning. Perhaps they could meet tonight. “What if I come to regret this bargain of ours and want a longer affair?”
    She drew back, hands rising to straighten his cravat into neat folds. Had he been that ruffled as to need his valet? Esme appeared utterly impeccable despite what they’d done on his chair. “I like a man who can keep his word.”
    “I can.” But it would be so easy to continue to explore their mutual passion. He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed each one. “My bedchamber or yours tonight?”
    Her eyes flickered over his body. “Yours, but only so I might lie surrounded by Jillian’s beautiful art. That is the only reason to visit your room again.”
    “Liar.” He kissed her lips, hard and greedily, anticipation for tonight’s adventure consuming him all at once. He smiled. “But a lovely one. You want me, admit it.”
    She gifted him with a smile. “Perhaps I do. You show some talent.”
    He laughed hard at that and sent her on her way before he proved on his settee just how talented he could be.

Ten

    As Adrian and Carolyn Hill rode away, back toward the manor house and guests, Esme scowled at Windermere. “Why do you invite them to your estate if you don’t wish to spend time with them?”
    “I invite them so she can visit with her family.”
    She frowned. “They haven’t left the estate.”
    “Yes, I’ve noticed. My cousin is too busy dragging his wife from pillar to post furthering his acquaintance, from everyone in attendance at the balls to the tenant farmers.”
    She had noticed that last night too, and wondered why the man was cozying up to so many of Windermere’s friends. She chose her next words with care. “Is it my imagination that Mr. Hill acts as if this will all be his one day?”
    Windermere’s mount pranced and he took a moment to calm the animal. “He can wait until we’re dead first,” he bit out savagely.
    Esme was surprised by the display of anger. “I didn’t suggest I agreed that he should.”
    Richard stared at her and then shook his head. “Forgive me. I know I shouldn’t react but I’ve had it up to my ears with his hints and suggestions for how things should be done. Let’s ride.”
    He kicked his mount ahead and Esme followed, her mare keeping pace with Windermere’s larger beast fairly well. She enjoyed riding here. The vistas