Page 108 of From Rakes to Riches

He trailed his fingers along her ribs until he reached the delicate swell at her neckline. She murmured his name, that same breathy restlessness in every syllable. Moving the fabric aside, he lifted her breast, breaking their kiss to lower his head and taste her creamy skin. She arched into him and he stroked his tongue over the hard tight tip causing her to shudder with pleasure.

Her fingers sunk into his hair, holding him to her heart, yet he couldn’t continue. He wanted to and so much more, but Lola deserved better than to be ravished on a pleasure path. When they made love, it would be in absolute privacy, wrapped in satin and silk, unhurried and magnificent. Not like the patrons of the close walks, who after a tawdry interlude returned to their regular lives unchanged, easily dismissing what happened only hours before.

Decision made, he carefully withdrew, putting her gown to rights before he wrapped her in his embrace. He rested his chin atop her head and breathed a deep sigh. He didn’t know what they had, what they’d created, but whatever it was, there was no denying it had a strong hold on him now.

Lola kept her eyes closed,relishing the precious security of Theodore’s embrace. Just one minute longer and then she’d let go. She shouldn’t get used to the feeling. Forcing herself to withdraw, she slowly stepped away.

“Don’t wait tonight to bring me home. I’m perfectly fine with Sofia and her brothers. We will leave together,” Lola said as they moved out of the close walks.

Time shared with Theodore within the pleasure garden was a cherished memory, but that was all it could be. Every time she was with him, she made another mistake and gave in to desire. She needed to end it now before her emotions became more involved. Already it hurt to think of never seeing him again.

“If that is what you want,” he said as he watched her closely.

“Do not think yourself clever.” He had agreed too easily and she wasn’t fooled. “I don’t expect to look down the street and see your carriage in the shadows rolling along in silent escort.”

He chuckled, low and wonderful. He’d been caught.

“You’re too smart for your own good.”

“My father used to tell me that,” she said with a rueful smile. “Perhaps it is true.”

“What time do you finish this evening?” he asked and she wondered if he would still insist on appearing at the end of her act even though she’d told him not to.

“It will be late,” she said noncommittedly. “Morland is opening the Cascade for the first time tonight and there will be a bigger crowd than usual. Sofia and I are looking forward to seeing the show. Then all of us, her brothers too, will go home together.”

“I see.”

They’d reached the pavilion and Lola wondered if Marco watched from afar. Besides, it was almost time to open to the public. Too many performers and workers were moving about the grounds now.

“Best of luck to you in finding out what happened to your friend.” She bit her lower lip and glanced away, the finality of her words in direct contrast to the taste of him lingering on her tongue.

“Until next time, Lola,” he said before he turned and walked away.

Theodore arrivedat Fremont House by seven in the evening. Calling hours had ended and he hoped Margaret felt well enough for conversation. Enduring the mourning visits and keeping her emotions under control had to have been exhausting. He hoped her betrothed was the stand-up sort, able to comfort her and also take control of the situation.

Once inside the drawing room, he helped himself to a brandy. For the entire ride to Fremont House, he’d tried to understand Lola’s dismissal. She sought to protect her heart, he supposed, but didn’t she realize they were already intertwined. And not just because of Fremont’s death. He refused to believe they were drawn together for a few illicit kisses and nothing more.

“Theodore.” Margaret came into the drawing room looking more relaxed than when he’d seen her previously. “I’m glad you’ve returned.”

“I know the day must have taken its toll. So many people were here earlier. It’s a tribute to how respected and well-liked Stephen was.” He placed his brandy on the inlaid rosewood table between them as they settled on opposite chairs. It still felt odd to speak of his friend in the past tense. He couldn’t imagine Margaret’s difficulty with the same.

“Yes.” She sighed. “He will be greatly missed.”

“I’ve conferred with Bow Street but I’m afraid I don’t have any more information to share.” Sincere frustration laced his words. “Did you hear any gossip or speculation today that could be useful?”

“No, unfortunately.” She stood up and walked to the writing desk. “But I did receive a note from Timmons.”

She returned to where they sat and handed him a folded piece a paper. Placing it on the table, he reached into his breast pocket and retrieved his spectacles, remembering how Lola had removed them in his carriage and kissed him until he’d forgotten his own name. The untimely but intense memory gave him pause. Belatedly, he slid his spectacles on and opened the valet’s note, anxious for meaningful distraction.

“Timmons resigned his position,” Margaret shared. “His mother is much improved but he’s decided to stay in Ipswich to care for her. I suppose if you want to ask him about Stephen’s behavior or whether or not my brother had a journal, you’ll have to visit him. He’s included his mother’s address so I can forward his final wages.”

“Yes. I see that here,” Theodore said. “It isn’t that far of a trip, but I won’t be able to go for a few days. I’ve committed to a game of cards at the club tomorrow night.”

“Cards?” Margaret asked as she took the note and placed it on the table. “And that’s so important?”

“Actually, yes.” He nodded. “Huntington plays piquet regularly and mentioned a comment about Stephen’s change in behavior during one of the games. It’s my hope that by engaging in a few rounds of cards, I’ll be able to discover more.”

“I guess any information can be helpful since we know so little.”

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