Page 57 of When a Marquis Chooses a Bride
Lavvie resisted the urge to roll her eyes while he considered her idea.
“Where will you take her?” he asked.
She leaned against his side a little more and glanced up at him, trying to portray a helpless look. “I had not gotten that far in my plan.” She smoothed the cloth of his sleeve. “Do you know of a place near enough to Town for the purpose?”
“I have a cottage in Richmond my grandmother left me. It hasn’t been used in a few years, but a couple takes care of it. I don’t know that they’d agree to keep Miss Stern against her will.”
“We could tell them she is a relative of mine who has tried to elope and must be kept safe until her brother comes to fetch her.”
“I suppose that would work,” Fotherby mumbled.
“Then the only thing to do is set a date.” Lavvie acted as if the deal was done. She couldn’t afford for Fotherby to back out. Who knew what kind of man her uncle would force upon Elizabeth if Lavvie failed?
“I’ll only do this to help Merton, mind,” Fotherby said in a whiny voice. “I’ve no wish to see him marry against his will.”
“Naturally,” Lavvie said, using her most innocent tone. “That is my desire as well.”
She signaled for her footman to approach with the message she had given him. “My lady, you’ll be late for your appointment.”
“Thank you, Edwards. Mr. Fotherby, I am so pleased we could have this discussion.”
He took her outstretched hand. “I as well. When will we—you know?”
She smiled. “I shall send you a note.”
He nodded before mincing off toward St. James Street. Once he was out of hearing, she strolled toward the Park exit nearest Green Street. “Edwards, I want you to keep an eye on a young lady. I need to know her schedule.”
“Yes, my lady. I’ll find someone to do the job.” He walked behind her, closer than he should have. Lavvie felt his breath on the back of her neck before she heard him. “I didn’t like you leaning against that man.” His tone was insolent, and she glanced at him in time to see his hot gaze raked over her bodice. “Don’t let me see it again.”
A shiver of delight speared through her. She couldn’t wait to see him naked again and feel his hard body sink into hers. So much different than her soft, pudgy husband who could barely do his part, then blamed her for not conceiving. “Stop that. You mustn’t let anyone guess.”
One black brow rose. “You don’t think his lordship would like me tupping his wife?”
That was the only fear she had for herself. If Manners knew, he’d divorce her. She would never survive the scandal. “He can’t ever know.”
“I want you . . . soon.”
God, she was panting like a bitch in heat. “The old governess’s room.”
They entered the hall of her home. Under the guise of removing her cloak, he squeezed and kneaded her derrière. His low voice caressed her ear. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
She licked her lips. “I won’t.”
A knock sounded on the door. Edwards opened it.
“Lavvie, I did not know if I would find you home.” Elizabeth did not even seem to notice the footman. “We need to discuss something.”
Lavvie allowed her cousin to kiss her cheek. “I’m sorry, my dear, but I cannot visit right now. I have the most vicious headache.”
“Not another migraine?”
“Indeed it is. Can your news wait?” She tried to look ill, when the only thing wrong with her was the dampness between her legs.
“Yes. I’m so sorry you are feeling badly. I have to get back now.”
“I understand. Your aunt Agatha is here.”
Elizabeth gave a small smile. “I hope you feel better soon.”
