Page 75 of Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife
Sylvie had come to London with money?That was interesting.Had a lover subsidised her in Vienna?Or even back in England?He didn’t believe she’d amassed a large nest egg working as a pastry chef.“And you stayed on as her scullery maid?”
Athene’s snort was scornful.“I would have, if I’d had an ounce of talent as apâtissière.My dear Sir Hugo, you’ve taken up with a woman who can’t cook.”
“Horrors,” he said blandly.“It’s a good thing I’m rich enough to employ a few servants, then.You have other talents.”
The searing memory of her lips on his dick distracted him for a second as Athene went on.“I wasn’t very handy in the kitchens, but I used to do her books and deliveries and anything else she needed.”
“So how did the poetess appear?”
“As a game.I used to make up silly verses.I’d done it since I was a child trying to amuse my older brother.We started putting a few lines in the regular customers’ orders.At least I couldn’t chip the china when I had a pen in my hand.”
Hugo hooked a hand behind her head and drew her in for another kiss.“You’re so clever.”
Her laugh was self-conscious.“I doubt Milton is wobbling on his monument.”
He cupped her cheek.“Clever and brave and beautiful.”
She frowned.“Now I know you must be besotted.I think I’m rather odd-looking.”
“You know I’m besotted.”More than that, but he was too aware of her skittishness – even now – to avow the true depth of his feelings.Would he ever be able to confess his love without fear of chasing her away?
“I have the family nose.”She touched the feature with one hand.“It’s commanding on a man but not becoming on a woman.”
“I admire your nose.”He caught her hand and brought it down to rest over his heart.“It befits an empress.”
Her laugh was dismissive.“Strong features aren’t in fashion.”
“To Hades with fashion.You’re beautiful in a way that time will never erase.”
She stared at him wide-eyed.“Hugo…”
He kissed her again then twisted her under him.She giggled and protested.But not too much.While he explored that luscious, daring mouth, he reached for the hem of her nightdress.
“You’re going to…” she murmured, clutching his back.
“I am indeed, if it’s all right with you.”
“I thought you might be tired.”
“Tired?I’ve barely begun.”
With another laugh, she stretched out beneath him in ardent surrender.
***
It took Athene about six weeks to remember why she’d hated being George’s mistress.To her shame, it wasn’t because of the consciousness of sin.She must be irredeemable, because she’d loved sharing a man’s bed.Even after she’d lost all respect for George, she’d liked the way he touched her.Until even that pleasure was indelibly tainted by her contempt for him.
Nor was her dislike for the mistress’s role based in the loss of respectability.It wasn’t even about having to avoid arousing her neighbors’ curiosity, for fear that they might gossip about Hugo and sully his local reputation.
No, none of those perfectly valid reasons.Instead, it was the endless waiting around.Her life only proceeded in her lover’s presence.Everything else was just holding her breath.
She and Hugo had left the inn in Putney after a week of rapture such as she’d never imagined possible.Even better, she’d discovered a friend as well as an unforgettable lover.After all the solitary years, only trusting Sylvie, that emotional closeness was as powerful as the sensual spell he cast.
Not in any particular hurry, they’d traveled north, staying at secluded hostelries where they conjured enchantment in a range of opulent beds.The last inn was in York, where Athene had a first taste of waiting, while Hugo went out and located a charming little house near the impressive medieval walls.
The residence was luxurious and had a private back garden that caught the sun.Or at least what little sun November offered.On one side, it was bordered by a disused chapel and on the other by a reclusive widow.A maid, a cook, a groom and a footman meant that Athene didn’t need to lift a finger.Generous wages ensured the staff’s discretion.A natty carriage with a pair of high-stepping bays occupied the small stables at the end of the garden.An extravagant wardrobe from York’s best modiste filled the dressing room adjoining the bedroom.
For a while, everything remained joyous.Hugo stayed with her for a fortnight, and Athene had never been so happy.She’d missed Yorkshire since the day she’d left it.York was a beautiful city, and Hugo took her out driving to explore the countryside.For the first time in ten years, she could breathe.She’d pined for the open spaces and huge, changeable skies of her home county.Now she was back here with the man she loved.What could be better?
