Heart's Desire by Cheryl Holt

Author:Cheryl Holt
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: BookBaby; 3 edition
Published: 2015-06-25T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Did you enjoy yourself, Mrs. Harlow?”

“I had a wonderful evening, the best of my life!”

Clarissa clasped Matthew’s hands and twirled herself in a circle, but she’d had a bit too much champagne, so she was giddy and off balance. She teetered over to a chair and plopped down.

“The best evening?” he teased. “How could that be? The best evening has to be the night you met me.”

“I met you in the afternoon.”

“Aren’t you glad I came to Greystone? Admit it. You are.”

“Yes, you arrogant bounder. I’m ecstatic.”

“I told you you would be,” he pompously claimed.

“Don’t gloat. It’s aggravating.” She held out her foot. “Take off my shoes, will you? If I wear these heels another second, I’ll fall flat on my face.”

“At your service, madam.”

He clasped her ankle, yanking off one shoe, then the other. He pitched them over his shoulder, and they landed on the floor with a muted thud.

They were in London, staying in the home of an army friend who was at his post in Europe and paying a hoard of servants to run the place while he was away. It was a grand residence, with bright, spacious rooms, comfortable furniture, and a competent staff.

He’d thought he was eager to get back to the army, but now he wasn’t so sure. As he gazed down at Clarissa, he couldn’t imagine trotting off and leaving her behind.

Was it time to resign his commission? Should he retire to the doldrums of farming and domestic bliss? He didn’t think he should, and the fact that he was even considering such a huge change was downright alarming.

“Is that better?” he asked, as he massaged her feet.

“Much.”

“Your skin is icy.”

“It’s cold outside.”

“You should have said something, you silly goose.”

“Would you have warmed me?”

“You know I would have.”

She grinned at him, looking sly and pretty and a tad intoxicated. He’d never seen her foxed before. She wasn’t much of a drinker, but the champagne had been very good, and the night had seemed to call for it.

They’d gone to Vauxhall Gardens, where they’d had a late supper, had watched the crowds strolling by, had watched the fireworks. Clarissa had been to the city in the past, but it had been when she was a girl, when she was with her mother and very poor, so there had been no money for frivolities.

He was treating her like a queen, inordinately charmed as she’d reveled in the sights. She was curious and interested and intent on having fun, so it was easy to spoil her, to make her happy.

“Come, you.” He pulled her up. “Let’s get you ready for bed.”

“Shall I ring for my maid?”

“No. I shall serve as your maid, and I plan to be exceptionally obedient, so I promise to obey your ever command.”

“You will not.”

He smirked. “Well, maybe not, but I promise to try.”

He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the dressing room. He sat her on the stool at the dressing table, and he stood behind her and plucked the combs from her hair.

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