Page 71 of A Duke for Hire

Hugo gave her a devilish and sated smile as he leaned down to kiss her.

“My little lamb is turning into a vixen,” he teased between kisses.

“It is your fault,” she teased back, smiling against his lips. “You have awakened this in me.”

“A blame I gladly take,” Hugo moaned, then clasped both her cheeks so he could kiss her deeply.

He kissed her until Seraphina nearly forgot to breathe, and when he finally let her go, he had to smooth a hand over her chest to remind her to inhale.

“Let’s get you inside, my wolfish little lamb,” he murmured, taking care to pull the edges of her ruined blouse and corset back together, “I think there are many more lessons I can teach you in bed.”

Suddenly realizing that this had all happened outside, Seraphina gasped, gripped at her ripped blouse, and sat up. She looked around wildly at the dark expanse of the empty field, wondering who could have possibly seen.

“It’s all right,” Hugo chuckled, helping her to her feet. He then picked up the blanket, shook it out, and wrapped it around her shoulders. “No one would dare follow us. You are safe with me, Seraphina.”

And, as Hugo kissed her once more, wrapping his arms around her tightly to hold him to her chest, she realized that was true.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Four weeks later

“This will not do,” Seraphina muttered, looking from her notes to the new schedule handed to her.

“Mrs. Purdy, it seems His Grace has scheduled a visit from the Maroni’s at the same time as his hunting trip in three days,” she announced, her voice poised and full of confidence.

“I believe Lord Walter would not enjoy himself if he were left alone with me, his wife, and four daughters. Have a basket put together, please, and I shall write a note explaining the mix-up. Then have Archie take it to them at once, I don’t want any more confusion.”

Mrs. Purdy frowned as she glanced down at the schedule.

“Are you positive, Your Grace?” She asked. “I have assisted His Grace with his schedule for many years and have yet to be mistaken once.”

For a moment Seraphina paused, self-doubt briefly flooding her mind. Then Leah’s words returned to her.You are the mistress of this house now. Show them you are capable. Not just in handling your duties, but your husband. Remember, they are afraid of him.

Seraphina drew her shoulders back, and smiled at the housekeeper.

“I am sure that you have done a wonderful job managing His Grace’s schedule in the past, Mrs. Purdy, but I know my husband. I speak with him every day now, and I am most certain that I am correct.”

Mrs. Purdy’s eyes grew wide.

“You- you speak with him? Every day?” The housekeeper asked.

“Every day that he is home,” Seraphina conceded. “And he was telling me of how he was looking forward to this trip this weekend just last night. Now, please be so kind as to do as I ask. I will not have my husband seen as a fool for this error.”

Mrs. Purdy’s haughty disposition continued to wither.

“I did not realize,” the older woman murmured, “His Grace is not known to speak with anyone so often.”

A smile twitched on Seraphina’s lips. Yes, she knew that as well. And yet he was now making time. Forher.

“Well, he does now,” she replied, closing her diary. “So you will see to this arrangement. Then please go to the kitchens and alert the staff that we shall be dining picnic style this evening.”

“Again?”

“My husband prefers the outdoors,” Seraphina said matter-of-factly, “And now so do I. Good day, Mrs. Purdy. Be sure to have the basket readied and at the door by six-o-clock.”

Mrs. Purdy curtsied, still looking flustered, and Seraphina parted ways with her with a smile on her face.

“No, not lilies,” Seraphina said, stopping two servants in the hall, both holding large vases.

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