The Spy's Daughter by Bianca M. Schwarz

Author:Bianca M. Schwarz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Central Avenue Publishing
Published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

MAX COLLAPSED ON TOP OF HER, AND SHE HELD him through the aftershocks. It was a singular experience to be so devastated and so fulfilled all at the same time. They calmed each other with loving, slow caresses while they caught their breath. Once the blood had stopped rushing in his ears, Max asked, “Am I crushing you?”

“No, I like having you close like this. But I wish the window was open.”

He lifted his head and kissed her cheek. “Oh, indeed. I’ll be right back.” Climbing out of bed, he threw the closest window wide open, then filled a tumbler with water from a pitcher on a nearby table, swallowed half, filled it again, and brought it to Emily. She took it gratefully and drank while Max climbed back into bed. As soon as she had finished her drink, he gathered her in his arms. “Are you well, my love?”

Emily grinned. “Never better, but I’m hungry.”

He laughed. “Making love can have that effect.” Kissing her, he continued, “I’ll have them bring us a tray while Suzie gets a bath ready for you.”

“That sounds wonderful, but I want to have a look at Addy’s portrait first.” She handed him the empty glass and climbed over him and out of bed. “How on earth did you manage having her painted without me knowing about it?”

“Your stepmother. She recommended the young painter specializing in horse and hound portraits and organized for him to paint Addy in the mews at times you were unlikely to need her or visit there.”

“Isabella is a marvel. And sneaky when needed.” Not at all bothered by her nakedness, she threw a cheeky grin over her shoulder and skipped to her dressing room. “I wonder if Suzie has unpacked my Japanese dressing gown.” She disappeared inside the other room, and Max could hear her rummage through an armoire. “Ah, there it is. I can steal down the corridor in this. All the servants will be downstairs anyway, Suzie will have seen to that.”

“You have great faith in your maid.”

“I do, she is a treasure and understands things better than most other people.” It appeared she was looking for something else. “Where is your valet, by the way? I don’t think I have ever met him.”

Max got out of bed and put on his shirt and breeches in anticipation of their trip down the hall. “He is keeping up appearances in Burton Street, but once we have had tea with Grandfather tomorrow, I suppose he can join me here.”

There was an audible intake of breath from deep inside the dressing room. “Oh my, we have an actual bathroom! Max, come here.”

Grinning from ear to ear, Max followed her voice. “I guess you found your second wedding present.”

“Oh Max, it’s marvelous, but how on earth will anyone empty the water out?”

Max found Emily dressed in a turquoise silk dressing gown with cherry blossoms artfully embroidered on it. It had a little Asian collar and a row of silk-covered buttons down the front.

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