The Duke's Christmas Promise (Regency Christmas Romance) by Sandra Masters

Author:Sandra Masters [Masters, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England & Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Sensual Story Theme, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Winter Weather
Publisher: Sertsam Publishing and Sandra Masters Author
Published: 2019-10-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The Masquerade Ball

Abingdon spoke to his valet.

“Philippe, is there any way you can darken the colour of my hair with pomade?”

He liked the reflection in the mirror but wanted complete anonymity for a few hours in the ballroom.

“Oui, Monsieur,” the servant answered with a smile as he combed through the slick strands. “However, I want to see the lady you wish to impress with all of this preparation.” His voice offered humour. “I can prepare your suite with champagne and sweet tidbits. Perhaps you’d care to show the lady your four-poster bed?”

The servant’s grin now held mirth.

“Philippe, you always anticipate the unexpected. Yes, I can’t guarantee her appearance, but one never knows if my charm is still in top form.”

The thought of the exquisite Noelle in his suite of rooms stirred untold memories of their younger days.

He shooed away all thoughts since he no longer would settle for anything but real passionate lovemaking. He vowed there’d be no more visions with wet dreams — only the ardent woman in the flesh.

“Your Grace, there are times actions speak more than words. Do you wish much light in the suite?”

“Yes, but not too bright. Incense for fragrance would add a touch of mysticism.”

Abingdon couldn’t remember a moment of more enjoyment than the formation of his siege plans to bring Noelle back to him. She had become an obsession. An itch that demanded to be scratched. Much as he tried not to think of her unless she was truly in his arms, for a moment his damn imagination roamed once again.

A kiss here. A kiss there.

A gentle touch of the back of his knuckle down a high cheekbone.

A roving hand caressing the cleft of her throat in tingling circles.

A pause as the fingers meandered to full breasts.

A tongue gliding over those same luscious mounds.

“Your Grace, I do believe your disguise is complete now. Do you require anything else of me?”

Abingdon jerked alert.

“No. I’ll go down the back staircase and enter the ballroom from the veranda, so no one will see me. I will reconnoitre and find my unwary lover. I’m in the mood for mischief. Wish me success, my man.”

“I do. Do you care to wear a rose in your lapel, so that it is available, should you desire to bestow it to the lady in question at some convenient time? You could lay it on her naked stomach, oui?”

“Excellent thought. Yes. I would consider myself most fortunate to do so. Carry on.”

Abingdon took one last look in the floor mirror, adjusted his satin mask, and left the room. He glanced from left to right and made his way down the longer route. Soon he walked to the terrace and slipped into the room. He scanned the dance floor, kept near the wall where he spied Rapunzel but no sorceress. Motionless by a Corinthian column, he waited and calmed his thoughts.

Noelle’s laughter echoed in his ears. He’d know her face anywhere, despite the dark mask she wore. Two masked pretty young ladies joined the group.

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