Compromised by Christmas

Author:Katy Madison
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christmas, regency, duke, compromised, house party, dress design
Publisher: Katy Madison

Chapter Ten

"Do not ever do that again," said Fanny as she glared at Scully.

Scully looked up from the newspaper and realized the drawing room was empty except for the two of them. After the late ball last night, the day had been desultory, with most of the company lounging around. They must have disappeared to dress for dinner. Until this moment Fanny had been distant, as if their kiss had never happened.

"Do what?" he asked calmly.

Anger at least showed a bit of passion on Fanny's part.

"Do what you did last night." She paced away from him.

"What was that, love?" asked Scully as if he'd done nothing of consequence.

Fanny stopped, swirled around and stared at him, blinking as if uncertain if her kiss was so easily forgotten or that he did not understand the implications of kissing a widow so thoroughly or so publicly. Then again, he did not want Fanny ringing a peal over his head.

Scully stood and stretched his arms.

Fanny resumed her pacing. "You cannot go around doing such things in company. Everyone now thinks that I am your paramour."

"So it is my failure to be your lover in truth that offends?"

"No!"

"Oh, so I should kiss you only in private, love?" There had been a moment under the mistletoe when she sagged against him. If she would just let him in.

"No," she whispered.

"Ah, are you saying, I should never kiss you again?"

"Yes." Her shoulders slumped, but relief ran clear in her voice.

"I cannot contemplate such a desolate future"—he took a long step toward her—"and deny myself so heady a pleasure. I am afraid I cannot grant your request."

She turned to face him, her hands on her hips. "It was not a request."

He took a determined stride toward her. Fanny's anger crumpled into an expression of alarm. As he neared her, she squealed and ran toward the door. He caught her before she had gone four steps. Laughter bubbled under his breath, but he held back. Fanny was not yet in a state to appreciate the humor of the situation.

He caught her around the waist, and she struggled to free herself but not with true conviction. She shoved at his arm across her stomach, but did not spin out of his grasp. He did not hold her so tightly that she could not break free if she really was of a mind to. He put his other hand on her shoulder, stroking lightly.

"Come, my pretty Fanny. You would not deny me your sweet kisses. I should pine away and expire without them."

"You destroy my dignity." She stopped struggling.

Scully pulled her tighter against him. He could hardly kiss her when her back was turned to him. "By making a public display of my affection for you?"

She stilled. "Dev, please, I beg of you, do not toy with me."

Scully dropped his arms. "I have never, not now or in the past, toyed with you."

After a moment's hesitation she stepped away, then slowly turned. "I am a duchess. I must behave accordingly."

"You have been listening too much to Max.

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