Page 18 of Wicked Is the Duke
Afterwards, the men rejoined the ladies in the drawing room for cards. His sister, however, had other ideas to pass the time before they began their game.
"Why don't you show Anna the gardens? There's a full moon out tonight," she said coyly.
He approached Anna. She was regally seated on a gold damask chair. "Would you care to join me for a turn in the gardens, Miss Grover?" he asked quite formally.
She nodded and extended her gloved hand. "I think that's a wonderful idea, Your Grace."
He led her through the French doors to the terrace. He walked until they were out of sight of the drawing room. He looked up at the moonlit sky. He hadn't had much opportunity to spend time alone with her. It was hard to get to know his future bride or talk with her with people constantly around them.
"Jane was right; it's a beautiful night for a walk in the gardens. Shall we?"
"Yes," she replied, looking up at him. His heart froze as he knew in that instant, she trusted him beyond a fault.
They walked in a comfortable silence, which Henry broke from time to time to point out various plants on their walk or to share a bit of knowledge he had about the gardens. At no time did she appear nervous to be alone with him or the fact that they were out of view of the drawing room.
"I understand from your sister that the gardens at Blackmont Crest are legendary."
He nodded. "Yes, I suppose they are. They've been meticulously maintained for generations."
The edges of her mouth curled up. A mouth meant for kissing. So far his affections had only been an occasional peck on the cheek at the end of an evening. With any luck, much more would unfold during her visit. "I can't wait to walk through them."
"I thought we might go for a ride tomorrow, unless my sister has other plans," he said.
"I would love that."
"Then it's settled. I shall come for you late morning. I'll arrange a luncheon for us as well."
"That sounds lovely."
He bent his head and gently covered her mouth with his. One little kiss. What could it hurt? Her lips were full and soft, fitting perfectly with his own. He drew her bottom lip between his teeth, kissed the corner of her mouth. It parted, allowing his tongue to slide in. He could taste her feminine sweetness, the taste of wine still lingering.
Anna slid her arms around his neck, kissing him back. Henry deepened the kiss, cupping her face between his hands and kissing her even deeper. A soft moan of pleasure escaped her lips as his hands found her breasts. He cupped one and rubbed the nipple with his thumb until it stood like a peak. Heat soared through his blood.
Breaking the kiss, he stared down at her. "That was just as I imagined. Incredible”, he said hoarsely.
He saw her flush. Was it from embarrassment, or was it lust? "It was."
"I suppose we should go back to the house. It's getting late, and the air is cool."
She gazed up at him. "Henry, would you kiss me again? Before we go back?"
He didn't need any further prodding. Once more their lips met, and in seconds, their tongues tangled in an erotic dance. His cock was rock hard like he'd never experienced. At least not with other women he'd pursued. He wanted her but knew he needed to go slow.
"Come," he said as he brushed his thumb over her plump, kiss swelled lips. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm and led her back to the terrace.
As they entered the drawing room, he noted Norwood standing in front of the fire, talking in hushed tones with his sister. Norwood arched a brow in his direction and turned to hide his smile.
"Miss Grover and I are ready to play some whist," Henry said quickly, leading Anna to the card table set up on the side of the room.
"A couple of games would be acceptable," Norwood replied, "though I thought you and I might finish the evening with some billiards."
Jane waved her hand as her husband grinned, offering his hand. "You must forgive my husband; he is always up for a game."
"I understand," Anna replied. "Robert is the same way."
They sat down at a round card table and began to play. He found Anna to be a quite competent and competitive player. For such a quiet young woman Anna was far more enthusiastic than he’d imagined she would be. Would it rub off once they married? He had plans for them once they married, and he had the feeling she would be a very willing participant.
