Page 21 of Daring the Forbidden Earl
What would it feel like, with you? If you can have me breathless and quivering with pleasure from a kiss, what would happen to me if we were to… lie together?
“If you would only give me my letter back, I would be able to garner a better idea,” she sighed, trying to imagine what scandalous words could have graced that page. “Although, you are quite right in your assumption that a practical education would be more beneficial.” She giggled. “And I am certain you would be an exemplary teacher.”
She walked toward her mahogany writing desk and sat down, determined to reinvigorate the spark that had been ignited not half an hour ago. If she was to keep Mark on her hook, she needed to continue dangling tidbits of anticipation.
Taking out paper and ink, and sharpening the nib of a quill, she gazed out of the window and looked up at the wispy clouds that drifted through the blue sky. She hoped she would find some inspiration in that beautiful scene, but it did not come.
“Will we kiss again?” she wondered aloud. “Or was that to be our sole peace treaty, and now we will go back to hurling barbed words at one another?”
He was so very different with me today. I confess, I rather liked it. I do not know that Icouldgo back to the way things were.
She frowned, trying to picture herself as his lover. Having experienced a fragment of the passion he could kindle within her, she had a feeling that it was the sort of sensation that became addictive. Indeed, she was already craving more. How could she give up such pleasures, if he reverted back to despising her openly? It was up to her to ensure that he did not.
“I must ask Nora for further advice about how to maintain the interest of a gentleman, in case this is the beginning of something.” Johanna paused. “Though, I do not think I will tell her who the object of my desire is, just yet. I would not want it causing upheaval among their collective of friends, if it all goes awry.”
She smiled, feeling a thrill at the prospect of a clandestine affair. Maybe that would be enough to keep Mark wanting more.
Setting the ink to the paper, she began to write, letting her most daring thoughts leap onto the virgin white sheet.
Dear Lord Sinclair,
I hope this letter finds you in a much less fevered condition than during our most recent encounter. I believe there must be something catching in the air, for I have been forced to loosen the buttons of my chemisette in order to quell the heat upon my skin. Indeed, I am tempted to shed my attire entirely, and submerge myself in a bath of cool water.
I wish to reiterate that I have not forgotten the item that you have stolen from me and while I fully intend to reclaim it, I hoped you might regale me with some of the contents. I must have an idea of the writing, so I may decipher the sender. Would you be willing to furnish me with a line or two? Whichever part takes your fancy.
Now, I must come to more pressing business. I am afraid that you and I cannot… indulge in further education, unless rules are in place. I would have you as my secret, for when something is secret, I rather think there can be no limitations. In company, it would be wise for us to continue as we have been, formerly. There is nothing so vitalizing for the blood as the vigor of an argument, even one that is feigned, for it must surely make the reconciliation all the sweeter. What say you?
I must depart now. That tempting bath is calling, and I have a desire to unlace my stays so I may breathe easier.
Yours Faithfully,
Johanna
She fanned herself furiously with a clean sheet of paper as she read over the words she had dared to put into ink. If her cheeks had been warm before, that was nothing in comparison to the swell of heat that swept through her body at that moment.
“Nora said I must be bold in my desires,” she told herself, as she waited for the ink to dry. “That is the way to true passion.” It had worked extremely well so far, for if she had not listened to Nora’s suggestions, she would never have known how it felt to be kissed by Mark.
I cannot send this… can I?
She hesitated, wondering if it was too much. In all of her married life, she had rarely exchanged letters with her husband. Even when he was away at sea, undertaking his employment as a Naval Captain, she had gone months without hearing a word from him, and that had suited her just fine. The letters shehadreceived were short and to the point, with no confessions or professions of love to be found. As such, this was entirely new territory.
“Nora would send it,” she urged. Where her friend was bold, she often felt meek. That needed to change, if she was ever going to bring sensual fire and the pleasures of the flesh into her life. Otherwise, she might as well have remained in her mourning clothes.
“Mrs. Sawyer?” Johanna cleared her throat.
The housekeeper appeared, dabbing perspiration from her forehead with a cloth. “Yes, Mrs. Carlton?”
“Might you…” Johanna faltered, realizing she could not allow something so incendiary to fall into the wrong hands. “Never mind. I am going to take a brisk walk outside, and then I will return for that delicious chicken soup.”
Mrs. Sawyer shrugged. “As you like, Mrs. Carlton.”
As soon as the housekeeper had retreated back into the kitchen, Johanna hurried out of the door. Feeling oddly girlish, she bounded down the wide stairwell to the lower floor and let herself out onto the street.
I do not even know if this will be safe in the postman’s hands…
But there was a thrill in that, too, and it seemed she was becoming rather fond of unexpected excitements.
Chapter Twelve
