Free Desperate Measures (Regency Undone) by Claire Firth Page A

e’ s voice was frosty. ‘But if you would care to remove your hand?’
    He found himself surprisingly reluctant to do so.  Her breast was perfectly formed he felt - not too large and not too small, and it seemed to fit the palm of his hand perfectly.  And as for the rest of her body.  He was shocked to discover that her slender form tucked so intimately into his had given him the most rampant of erections.  He frowned, struggling to control his bodily cravings.  This was Isabelle, not Angelica he reminded himself.  His cold and distant wife - not his languid and seductive mistress.
    ‘ Of course,’ he muttered abruptly, dragging himself away from her.  And within seconds he had removed both his hand and his offending body from the bed, seeking the privacy of the bathroom that he might deal with his needs in private.
     
    Isabelle released her breath slowly, acknowledging his withdrawal with a mixture of relief and surprise.  She had felt his manhood, so hard and erect, pressing into her and could scarcely believe that instead of taking her he had left the bed. 
    There was no denying she was glad of it, but there was another emotion she could not so easily identify.  It surely could not be a sense of deprivation ?  Yet that was how it felt. 
    She frowned, trying to comprehend it.  And then the reason hit her.  Of course, it was because now the comfort and warmth of his body had gone, there was no ignoring the chill that so swiftly penetrated her bones.  She sighed her satisfaction at this reasoning.  That was it of course.   It had nothing to do with the strange ache that seemed to have settled in her bosom where his hand had so intimately caressed her.
    Throwing back the bedclothes she rose quickly from the bed and rang for her maid. 

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    ‘Grand-Mama, we are here.’
    The sound of children squealing in the hall and the clatter of footsteps marked the arrival of Guy ’s sister and her family.
    ‘ Now our peace and quiet is over,’ the Duchess said with a smile, rising to her feet.
    And indeed it was.  Claudia seemed scarce to take time for breath as she regaled events that had occurred since last they ’d visited, recounting numerous stories about the children and her husband until Isabelle felt she knew them all quite intimately. 
    After lunch, the Dowager, saying that she needed some time for a little solitude, suggested they take the children for a brisk walk in the grounds.  ‘It will tire them out for bed so that they sleep more easily in a different house,’ she said.
    ‘ Do you not think it a little cold?’ Claudia’s husband, Lionel, remarked dubiously.
    ‘ Not at all.  It is bracing that is all.  It will do you good to get some fresh air.’
    And so it was they were all now wrapped in warm cloaks and being given a tour of the grounds by Guy and his sister.  After several minutes it seemed to happen naturally that Guy and Lionel should drop behind, bent on talking Estate matters and manly interests, whilst Isabelle and Claudia moved more quickly in front.  
    ‘So tell me, how are you finding my formidable brother, Isabelle?  Is he a ferocious husband?  I swear he scares the life out of me and I have known him all my life!’
    ‘ Not at all,’ Isabelle replied primly.  ‘Indeed he is always most accommodating.’
    ‘ You do not look to me to be someone who is easily intimidated I have to say, and that is good.  My brother would easily make minced meat of you if you were.’  
    ‘ Then as you say, it is a good thing my skin is thick.  But do you not think you are being a little harsh?  Guy has shown me nothing but consideration since our wedding, and although he has not the most ebullient of natures-’
    Claudia burst out laughing.  ‘That I think must count as the understatement of the year, sister. Guy was never one of the most ebullient of characters, even when he was more carefree and happy than he is today.’
    Isabelle had to admit she found