Page 19 of How To Seduce A Wife

“Do you think it is... quite decent?”

Polly giggled. “I’m sure his lordship will think so. Now let me fix your hair and find you a nice warm cloak and you’ll look perfect, my lady.”

* * *

A quarter of an hour later,Louisa scooped up the gold mask that Polly had discovered in the bottom of the dress box, gathered her cloak around her, and descended into the hall. Nicholas stood waiting for her; his long, flowing cloak concealed his clothing. He wore riding boots rather than his usual shoes.

He held out his hand. “Are you ready, my lady?”

“Yes, my lord.”

His smile was quite wicked as he escorted her through the door and into the carriage. “I’m glad to hear it. I hope this evening lives up to your expectations.”

“My expectations?” She studied him as he took the seat opposite her. “I wasn’t aware that I had any.”

“Of me, or of marriage?”

“That is hardly fair, sir.” She looked away and gathered her skirts more closely around her.

“True when the only confidantes you have on the subject are your mother and my sister.” He crossed his booted feet at the ankle. “And I should imagine their views on the subject of marriage don’t always agree.”

“That is true, my lord.” She tried to smile. “I have received a great deal of advice from them both, and all of it conflicting.”

“Did it ever occur to you to ask me?”

She finally looked at him. “Why would I do that?”

His smile was full of warmth. “Because, surely I am the person most involved with your future happiness and well-being.”

She licked her lips, aware that with Nicholas in such a confiding mood she had nothing to lose and perhaps much to gain. “I did ask you.”

He leaned back and studied her, his eyes narrow. “I suppose you did, in your own unique way, and I hope you will be pleased with my efforts to accommodate you.”

Louisa was about to ask for clarification when the carriage stopped moving and the door was opened to let the steps down.

“Put your mask on, Louisa,” Nicholas commanded.

By the time she was helped out of the carriage and up the wide steps of a large mansion, she was too intrigued to ask anything at all. Nicholas led her into a large, marbled hall where a footman stood stationed at the bottom of the stairs.

“Good evening, my lord, ma’am, and welcome. May I take your cloaks?”

“Good evening. You may take the lady’s cloak.”

Louisa shivered when Nicholas untied the ribbons of her cloak and handed it to the footman. Nicholas remained staring down at her, his gaze fixed on the swell of her bosom. She resisted the temptation to cover herself. He’d chosen the gown for her; he must have known the effect such tight lacing and the old-fashioned stays would have.

“You look very nice. Very... ravishable.”

“Thank you.” He took her hand and kissed the palm. “Where exactly are we?”

He led her toward the curving staircase. “We’re at the pleasure house, I thought you might enjoy it.”

Her fingers clenched on his sleeve. “A bawdy house?”

“No, a house of sexual pleasure for the rich.”

Louisa dug in her heels and stopped moving. “Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Not at all. There are no prostitutes here, only willing members of the upper classes who like a bit of variety in their sexual pleasures.”

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