Page 150 of From Rakes to Riches

“Mother and Father thought it would be good for me to have a change of scenery,” Anna explained. “I haven’t been myself since you left.”

“I’m truly sorry to have caused so much distress,” Lola said in a sincere tone not wanting to go into the details. She turned to Theodore, her smile reappearing. “This is my sister, Anna. Can you believe this is happening?”

“I’m not sure I understandwhat’shappening,” Huntington said, his expression conflicted. “Will someone please explain?”

“My sister and I haven’t seen each other since I left Ipswich two years ago. Finding her here accidently is a wonderful surprise and makes this evening all the more perfect.” She glanced at Theodore again, the reference to their confession in the garden not lost as their eyes met and held.

“Lola left quite suddenly,” Anna added, in hope of clarifying things for Huntington.

“But then who is Miss York?” Huntington asked. “If you’re sisters and your surname is Morgan, I don’t understand.”

“My family name is Morgan,” Lola clarified. “I took the name York when I arrived in London, but that’s a rather long story better left for another day.”

“I see,” Huntington said, though his expression conveyed the opposite.

“I’ll explain things later,” Theodore said to reassure his friend.

“How are Mother and Father?” Lola asked. “Are they here in London with you?”

“No, they’re not, but they’re doing well. Of course, they miss you as much as I,” Anna said. “I’m staying with the Dunbury family. Father recently trained a horse for Mr. Dunbury and he mentioned how his daughter wished to attend some of the Season’s events. Even with her older brother serving as chaperone, he wanted his daughter to have a female companion. Things progressed rather smoothly thereafter and I arrived three weeks ago.”

“Thank goodness for that,” Huntington said with adoration in his voice. “Otherwise, I would have never met your delightful sister.”

Lola noticed how Anna looked at Huntington with stars in her eyes. It would appear they were both equally smitten.

“Anna?” Lola said as she reached for Theodore’s hand and tugged him forward. “Lord Essex and I plan to dance the night away. Would you and Lord Huntington care to join us?”

“Of course,” Anna said as she gathered the ribbons of her mask. “As soon as we put each other back together, you must lead the way.”

The clockon the mantel read half three when Theodore and Lola returned to his town house. They’d talked for the entire ride home reliving the excitement and joy of the evening, but now a quiet wonder held them captive. Once upstairs, Theodore tended the fire while she slipped off her shoes and walked to the large window to look out at the stars. How had so manywonderful changes happened so quickly? She’d reunited with her sister, confessed her love to a devastatingly handsome earl, and was about to climb into bed with said earl and share a passionate night of pleasure.

As if an illusion come to life, Theodore approached from behind, his reflection in the windowpane adding to the evening’s enchantment. He’d removed his cravat and his shirt gaped open, a shadow of whiskers darkening his jaw. Her skin heated with a flush of desire and she brought her hand up, her fingers settling on the smooth cool gemstones where they rested at her collarbones.

“This necklace is so beautiful I don’t want to take it off.”

“Then don’t,” he suggested wickedly as he turned her and led her away from the window. “Leave the jewels on and come to bed. I want to make love to you in nothing but sapphires and diamonds.”

“I love you, Theodore,” she said as he diligently loosened ribbons, unfastened buttons and removed her clothing. “I never believed I could be this happy,” she added, her voice hushed and dreamy.

He discarded his clothes and boots next and they kissed their way onto the covers. She laid back against the sheets, her skin hot against the cool silk. She welcomed the heated press of his body against hers as he moved over her, his weight supported on his strong arms.

Their lovemaking could have been anxious, fervent and demanding, but instead he kissed her tenderly, trailing endless caresses against her cheek, neck and breasts, teasing with his tongue and teeth, her body responding to his promise of pleasure. She could feel his hot, hard erection against her inner thigh and sensed how he struggled to restrain his desire.

When she didn’t think she could wait any longer to feel him inside her, he looked into her eyes, his heart bared for her tosee. With one firm stroke he entered her, sliding deep, filling her completely. She cried out, overwhelmed with pleasure, the sensation intense.

“Please, Theodore,” she said, her voice a trembling rasp.

The exquisite sound of their lovemaking soon replaced the quiet as their rhythm grew feverish. She ached for him every time he withdrew, gasping with pleasure when he filled her again. Still, she yearned desperately for what seemed just beyond reach.

He stared down at her and his eyes glistened. She blinked through her own emotion as she looked up at him.

“I love you, Lola.” His voice was husky, almost broken. “Tonight, and always.”

She wanted to reply, to tell him the same, but pleasure rolled over her at hearing his words, the intensity too much to bear. She only managed his name as she closed her eyes and surrendered to sensual bliss.

28

Theodore sat behind his desk with a pile of correspondence spread before him. Letter after letter stated a similar version of the same disappointing facts. Removing his spectacles, he rubbed his eyes before he stood up and walked to the window.

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