Page 61 of Wicked Is the Duke
"Nothing matters more than you, Anna," he whispered in her ear. "Besides, we need the trysts if I'm to get you with child...if you're not already breeding."
"Henry, please. This is hardly the place to discuss such intimate matters."
Since their first time together, Henry spent much time thinking of the matter. He imagined her heavy with his child. Their child. The idea had never really appealed to him, having children. But he needed an heir, so that became his priority as it was for most men of his station. With Anna, however, he wanted more. The thought of having a house full of laughing, happy children made him content. Like he hadn't been in years.
"Yes, well, we'll have plenty of time on our ride north, among other things," he drawled.
"What am I to do with you?" she teased. The dance was coming to an end, and neither of them wanted that.
"Do you think we'd be missed if we left now?"
She was so adorable, the way she gazed up at him in mock horror. "Your Grace, did I hear you correctly?"
"You did. There is no supper, so we could slip out and no one would be the wiser."
"Lead the way, but first we'll need to..."
"No, we won't. Everything is set."
The dance ended, and Henry led her back to the edge of the ballroom, near the orange trees. The scent was a refreshing change from all the bodies pressed tightly together.
"Have you changed you mind?" she asked.
"No, I needed to breathe, catch my breath for a moment," he replied, taking her hand. "Follow me. I know another way out."
He led her through the potted orange trees to a hidden door. They slipped out into the garden. The paths were lit with torches as there was no moon. They walked until coming to another path. It led to a gate in the back wall.
"How do you know your way around the duke's garden so well?"
"I observe," he chuckled. "Plus, my coachman has rescued me a couple of times before."
"I see. Needing to escape some young debutant or bored rake?"
"You would love it if it were true," he whispered in her ear.
"Trust me, I've heard stories."
He opened the gate and led her through. His carriage sat in the ally waiting. Upon seeing the duke, his coachman clucked the horses quietly as the carriage rolled towards them.
Helping her into the carriage, he flung himself in as the door shut behind him. He sat down next to his wife and chuckled like a naughty school boy.
"I can't believe we just did that. I'll never be able to face the ladies. Not with a straight face."
He raised her skirts as he stroked her thigh with his warm hand. "Since when did you care what thetonthinks?"
Her breath hitched as his fingers swirled through the silky hair at the apex of her thighs. "I don't."
