Page 80 of The Duke and the Lady in Red
Her fingers stilled on a button. “But?”
He shook his head. “I’m not sure I want you dancing in the fountain. I grew bored with the ladies who did.”
“You’ll grow bored with me eventually.” She released the final button, eased the nightdress off her shoulders so it could slither down her body. He watched the journey of cloth until it all gathered at her feet. Then he lifted his gaze back to hers.
“Eventually. But not tonight.”
Taking her hand, he led her into the bedchamber.
Chapter 16
“Rose, we need to get up now.”
Pressing her nose into the hollow of Avendale’s chest, she tried to ignore the lure of his throaty voice, still heavy with sleep. After bringing her to bed, he’d made love to her so slowly that she’d almost wept. Made love. That was the word that seemed to fit when they were together.
Squinting, she peered through one eye. “It’s not light yet.”
“I know. We need to be away before it is. It’s more spectacular that way. Now, come on get up.” He smacked her bottom before rolling away from her.
Still she shrieked her indignation as she scrambled back until she was sitting against the headboard. “What are you on about?”
He took a plain dress from the wardrobe and tossed it onto the bed. “Wear this.”
Clutching the covers to her, she said, “I’m not wearing anything until you explain what’s going on. Are you in trouble? Are we running away? Have you decided to get rid of us?”
He fairly pounced, his hands coming to rest on either side of her, his arms effectively caging her in. “I have a surprise planned.”
Unfurling her fingers from the blankets, she touched them to his cheek. “It might be too soon to leave Harry all alone.”
“He’s coming with us.”
“Where are we going?”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Someplace I doubt you’ve ever been before. Now be quick about it.”
Abruptly leaving her side, he dropped into a chair and began to pull on his boots. When had he drawn on his trousers?
She scrambled out of the bed. “Why must you be so mysterious?”
“Because it’s more fun.”
She wanted to trust him, but he’d only just found out about Harry. He didn’t understand the limitations, her need to protect him. She knelt before him, and he stilled, his eyes delving into hers. “Will there be others around?”
He sighed, obviously disgruntled with her. “If you must know, we’re going beyond London for a picnic in the country.”
That didn’t sound as though it had the potential for Harry to be hurt. Rising up, she pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Thank you.”
She began dressing. As he finished before her, he assisted her, but his mouth remained in a straight line. She hated that she’d ruined his surprise. “I’ve never been on a picnic,” she said quietly, hoping to assuage some of his disappointment in her.
“I’m hoping this will be one that you’ll never forget.”
She didn’t think she’d ever forget any moment she spent in his company. Because it was to be a picnic, she decided to wear a straw bonnet to give her some protection from the sun.
She followed Avendale from the room, took his arm as they began to descend the stairs. She’d expected him to lead her out through the front door, but once they reached the foyer, he directed her back down the hallway toward his library.
“Shouldn’t we fetch Harry?” she asked.
“Gerald should have him waiting for us. We’re a bit behind schedule.” He gave her a pointed look. Apparently he hadn’t allowed time for her questions when he made his plans for the morning. They walked past his library to a door that led into the gardens.
