Page 4 of Ironvine

“Matthew, where are you taking me?”As if I didn’t know.

“Darling, Georgina, I’ve missed you so much. When you managed to write me, which was most illicit of you, and said you would be coming to London at long last, I could not sleep for craving your company.”

“You did not send a letter back. I waited.”

“I did not wish to put you in any danger, my sweet. What if your sister or brother were to intercept my passionate missive?”

“It would have been passionate, your letter?”

“But of course.”

“Well, I’ve always taken the risk of being found out, but you’ve never once written back to me.”

They were in a shadowy aspect now, rows of hedges and tall trees secluding them from the crowds milling about the gardens. She knew of these areas of Vauxhall used for intimate privacy.

Guttural moans and manic cries rose in the distance. Mutterings filled the space.

“Yes, sir, yes. Oh, yes.”

“That’s it, wench.”

“Where have you brought me, Matthew?” She knew very well where they were, but she wasn’t about to betray that she knew.

“I am rendered powerless before you and act with great recklessness. You must forgive me with a kiss of those most beautiful lips.”

“A kiss?”

Yes, yes, yes, she’d wanted a kiss from him for so long. She’d been infatuated with Matthew, her brother’s closest friend, for as long as she could remember. And now, at last, he was seeking her favours.Yes.

She’d been looking forward to returning to town, not only for its usual entertainments but for the chance to see Matthew again. He and Thomas had been in London since the very beginning of the season.

His fingers pressed into her sides, and she let out a small gasp. Eager, she leaned in closer to him. The warm skin of his lips touched her cheek, brushing her skin toward her lips.Yes. Finally.She’d been dreaming of this moment for so lo—

“Get your hands off her,” came a deep, sharp voice, separating her and Matthew like the slicingswooshof a sabre.

“Who’s there?” Matthew pushed Georgina to his side.

Georgina recognised the voice immediately. “Charles Montclare, is that you?

“What?” Matthew moved toward the tall figure in the dark.

Charles moved forward, his sculpted features visible in the muted light. “Penry, how dare you risk Miss Georgina’s reputation and well-being by bringing her here? Are you daft or only supremely selfish?”

“How dare you speak to me this way, Montclare. We were watching the jugglers, and Miss Georgina became overwhelmed with the heat and the wild doings, and I took her away.”

“And I’m taking her right back.” He held out his hand. “Come, Miss Georgina.”

“But, Charles…”

“Now.”

She knew he was right. Her skin heated as she brushed past Matthew and went to Charles.

“Montclare, damn you, you’ll answer for this.” Matthew stomped out of the pathway leaving them alone.

Charles turned to her. “You know better. I know you do.”

Her face heated, but she did not avert her gaze.

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