Free More Than Charming by Jomarie Degioia Page B

wanted to make her his! He took a deep shuddering breath and tried to cool his blood. After her climax, he’d been nearly mad with desire to be inside her. Her nightgown gathered around her waist, her lovely legs open on the bed. Her silky curls had been sweetly damp from his attentions. If he’d unbuttoned his breeches and driven into her, taken her maidenhead and stroked deep inside her . . .
    He’d speak to Catherine’s father tomorrow. As soon as he rose. Certainly, the Earl of Talbot would have no objections to their union. Her brother would certainly be pleased.
    Catherine cared for him. She told him so and she was an open, honest girl. He’d made no declaration of love, and felt guilty about that, but he wouldn’t say those words to her unless he was certain. And he wasn’t.
    He closed his eyes and once more pictured her as he’d left her, all soft and welcoming. He breathed out another ragged sigh and prayed for sleep to take him.
    The next morning James awoke early and with determination. He must approach the Earl of Talbot directly, as the gentlemen were planning to hunt quite early this morning. He rushed through his morning toilette and dressed with care. Black boots, buff-colored breeches, stark white shirt and cravat, green waistcoat. At last he donned his brown hunting jacket and went downstairs to the breakfast room.
    James entered the breakfast room, pleased to find it nearly empty. Chester and Geoffrey were the only others present. His mind fully occupied on his coming conversation with Catherine’s father, he served himself a small portion of eggs and ham from the sideboard.
    “Good morning, Roberts,” Chester said.
    “Good morning,” James returned absently.
    Chester sipped his tea, a thoughtful look on his face. “How does this morning find you?”
    James looked up and read the concern on Chester’s face. He gave a short laugh. “A far sight better than last evening, I assure you.”
    “All is settled, then?”
    He shook his head. “Not quite yet.”
    “What’s this?” Geoffrey cut in. “This has something to do with all the brooding going on last evening, I would imagine.”
    James shot him a look of mild irritation at which Geoffrey laughed.
    “I daresay the atmosphere was positively Gothic,” Chester added.
    Just then, Paul and his father joined them. Paul looked closely at James. “Roberts.”
    James nodded, watching as Paul served himself. When the earl stood alone at the sideboard, James rose to his feet. He crossed to Lord Talbot, ignoring the speculative glances he received from his friends. “If I may have a word with you, sir. It’s of the utmost importance.”
    Talbot smiled. “Certainly, my boy. What is this regarding?”
    James threw a glance at the table. He turned back to the older gentleman. “If you would, sir, I’d prefer to speak with you in private.”
    The earl nodded, his brows raised. James suggested the library and waved the man ahead of him. He closed the door and faced Catherine’s father, suddenly very nervous.
    “You’ve certainly piqued my interest, son,” the earl said. “Do tell me what has you so intent.”
    James clasped his hands behind his back. He cleared his throat and began. “Sir, it would do me a great honor if you would give me your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
    The Earl of Talbot blinked at him. “What’s this? You wish to marry my daughter?”
    James gave a firm nod.
    The earl furrowed his brow in thought. He looked at James closely. “Catherine?”
    James chuckled. “Yes, sir. Catherine.”
    A smile spread across the older man’s face. “Of course, my boy!” He gave James a hearty slap on the back.
    James felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He offered his hand to the earl, at which he was pulled into a rough embrace. The man strode back to the breakfast room, James in tow. The other men looked up from their plates, puzzlement clear on their faces.
    “It seems, gentlemen,” Catherine’s father