Page 23 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
“Please, Andrew. I want to know what it feels like,” Kate panted.
Andrew nibbled gently at her bottom lip. The sounds of guests outside of the library door pulled him from the heaven of their passionate embrace and back to earth. “Soon, my darling. I shan’t risk your reputation.”
Kate sighed. She knew it was prudent of him to do so, but she felt a stir in her private area that longed to be fully ignited. His own desire moved against her, and she reached her hand down tothe front of his trousers. He groaned. “You are quite bold, Miss Avery,” he whispered. “I believe that I shall enjoy this truce.”
“As are you,” Kate said. “I look forward to our next encounter.” The smile disappeared when she heard her grandmother call her name. She pulled from his embrace. Her grandmother’s voice had acted as ice water upon her passion. She felt discomfited by how quickly she had succumbed to his touch. All sense of propriety had abandoned her. Her mind felt muddled and confused. How could she desire someone who she knew would share her bed, then leave it as quickly once the deed was done?
She straightened her gown. Her lips felt raw from his kisses, and she reached up a finger and touched them. Andrew pulled her to him one more time and said, “Go. I’ll wait here until all chance of discovery has passed. I need some time to—” He looked down at his trousers and the bulge barely contained by the fabric. He cleared his throat and said, “I need some time to recover.”
Kate gave a small uneasy laugh. As she went to slip out the library door, she looked over her shoulder. She opened her mouth to tell him it was a mistake, but they died before she uttered them.
“A bold woman, indeed, Kate Avery,” Andrew said, softly, as Kate hurried away lest her grandmother discover her.
Chapter Ten
Julia arrived late that afternoon with her mother and father. Kate waited until her friend had sufficient time to change from her travel dress into a gown more suitable for parlor games and dining planned that evening. The Earl of Winfield was expected in the morning, so Kate looked forward to spending time alone with her friend before her husband-to-be arrived.
“Kate, I am so pleased with all of the decorations and how festive Renwood appears.” Julia clutched Kate’s hands excitedly. “It’s just as I imagined it would be when I was a girl.”
Kate, too, had longed to see Julia marry here at Renwood Castle, but she had always believed it would be to her brother, Nicholas. However, she couldn’t harbor Julia any ill will. It was not from her lips that the lies had come, nor from the Duke of Devonport’s, it seemed. If only she could ferret out who had caused the disastrous rumor, for she was adamant that her brother was innocent.
“I am glad you are happy with the decorations. The Duke and I have worked tirelessly to guarantee a blessed day for you and the Earl,” Kate said.
Julia appraised Kate. “And how has it been working with the Duke? He has a reputation for forthright speech and a domineering personality. Have you found it to be so?”
Kate laughed. “Indeed, I have. He is quite outspoken with his opinions, as am I. We butted heads like goats in a pen at times, but eventually, we declared a truce so that we could finish preparations. It was worth the aggravation to see the joy on your face today.”
“Hmm. And what of the masquerade ball? Have you had a chance to revisit that evening with the Duke? Perhaps experience the pleasure that only a man can bring to a woman?” Julia arched a brow.
“You are being quite bold, my friend.” Kate felt a flush form on the nape of her neck that rose to her cheeks.
Julia giggled and placed a hand on Kate’s arm. “I am only teasing you, Kate. It was unkind of me to do so. I just want you to experience a night of happiness with a rake or a virile man like the Duke.”
Kate sighed and sat down on the small white chair next to the fireplace. “I fear that this is something only others will experience. Although the Viscount of Surry appears to show some interest in me.”
Julia looked aghast. “Oh, no, Kate! You cannot expect a man such as my cousin to bring you pleasure. He is an odious man who has traveled from country estates to the London townhomes in search of a wife with a fat purse.”
Kate shrugged and said, “What am I to do? The only men who have shown any interest in me have been the Viscount and Lord Radford.”
Julia frowned. “Lord Radford? He has expressed an interest in you?”
“Oh, it was probably just a bit of sport. It was in the garden as we played games. A minor flirtation, but I must admit it was pleasant to spend a few moments in the company of such a dashing figure as Lord Radford. Do you know him?”
Julia’s eyes slid away and looked at the wardrobe. “Not really. But let’s not talk about men. I want to show you my wedding gown. Did you keep your promise?”
“Of course! I had the servants hang it straight away here in the room and have not peeked. I wanted to save that honor for you.”
Julia pulled the linen cloth covering her gown. Kate let out a gasp of delight. Julia's cheeks grew pink with pleasure. “Isn’t it amazing, Kate? The modiste my mother engaged to design and sew my dress is quite talented, wouldn’t you say?”
Kate clapped her hands together and put them to her mouth. She was speechless at how intricate the lacework at the neckline and hem of the dress was. The gown was the color of summer wine and would look fabulous on her friend.
Julia pouted when Kate did not speak. “You don’t care for it?”
“I love it! The lacework is extraordinary and left me speechless. You will make a beautiful bride, Julia.” Kate hugged her friend.
A knock on the door interrupted further conversation. Julia’s mother entered. “Your guests are waiting, Julia. You mustn’t hide away in your room with Kate gossiping like schoolgirls.”
Julia ducked her head. “Yes, Mama. I simply wished to show Kate my wedding gown.”
