To Catch a Countess by Patricia Grasso

Author:Patricia Grasso [Grasso, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, General
ISBN: 9780821774731
Google: IaybngEACAAJ
Amazon: B00HKJK53G
Publisher: Lachesis Publishing Inc
Published: 2004-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

“I wish we could have remained in Winchester,” Victoria said, as their coach picked up speed on the last leg of their journey to London. She looked at her husband and sighed with disappointment.

“Like plants, my businesses need tending lest they wither and die.” Alexander put his arm around her and drew her against his body. “You don’t want to live in the poorhouse.”

“Living in the poorhouse doesn’t bother me as long as you’re there.” Dropping her hand to his groin, Victoria heard his sharp intake of breath and murmured, “Some of life’s luxuries cost nothing.”

Alexander tilted her face up, and his lips captured hers in a passionate kiss. That melted into another. And then another . . .

Desperate to escape the deluge of uninvited guests who descended on them the day after their wedding, Alexander had changed his plan to remain secluded at the Grosvenor Square mansion. The newlyweds had packed their bags and hidden at his country estate along the Itchen River in Winchester.

Alexander and Victoria had passed a gloriously sensual two weeks. They made love, strolled about the grounds, picnicked near the river, and shopped in the village. On the only rainy day, Victoria had entertained her husband with a flute concert, and Alexander had tried unsuccessfully to teach her the game of chess . . .

The sun’s afternoon descent was casting long shadows by the time they reached Grosvenor Square. Victoria prayed that her husband’s sister, living three doors down, was not looking out the window to see their return.

“The Randolphs expect us at their ball tonight,” Alexander reminded her, as their coach halted in front of their mansion.

“I plan to wear my wedding gift and become the envy of all the ladies,” Victoria said.

“I’ll never understand the female mind.” Alexander gave her a quick kiss. “You are adorable, though.”

Several hours later, Victoria stared at her image in the cheval mirror. She had chosen a midnight blue evening gown with a low-cut, scooped neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Her maid had brushed her red mane back and plaited it into a knot at the nape of her neck, but several errant wisps of fire had escaped and framed her face. The stark color and alluring simplicity of the gown accentuated her diamond collar, her alabaster skin, and her youth.

Victoria could hardly believe the sophisticated reflection in the mirror was herself. She felt like a different person from the naive girl who had flirted and fought with Alexander only a month earlier.

Snatching up a lacy shawl, Victoria hurried downstairs to her husband’s office adjoining the library. Alexander stood near the windows and turned when he heard her enter.

Victoria gave him a flirtatious smile as she crossed the room. She enjoyed his surprised stare when his hazel gaze dropped to her cleavage.

“I missed you.” Victoria stood on tiptoes to plant a kiss on his cheek. Inhaling his bay scent, she suffered the urge to disrobe and make love to him right there.

“Sweetheart, did I mention that you needed to wear clothing to the Randolphs’ ball?” Alexander asked, his lips quirking into a smile.

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