Page 48 of The Duke of Aces
Torrance cleared his throat. “What about Drake?”
“What about the fool?” Isadora asked.
Torrance deemed Drake the only man in England who possessed the talent to defeat Lady Minerva. In addition, his wife, Lady Ethel firmly believed the pair were unequivocally in love. Torrance asked Isadora, “Would you recommend I send Drake away so he doesn’t interfere or allow him to remain?”
“Do as you see fit.” Isadora whirled to join Charlotte. “How long do you suppose it will take to arrange everything?”
Charlotte looked over Isadora’s shoulder to Torrance. Tom willed and silently begged his mentor to raise no more than two fingers, and as luck would have it, Torrance unfurled two fingers.
His sister sighed and said, “No more than a fortnight.”
Tom wanted to jump for joy. He’d have Isadora as wife in two weeks. Surely, he possessed enough strength to contain his adoration for fourteen days, but when Isadora turned to give him a wink and a smile, his resolve crumbled. He’d wait to take her maidenhead, but there were several other ways they could explore pleasure together.
Charlotte let out a squeal, capturing Tom by surprise. Isadora had thrown her arms about his sister. “I shall have to relinquish my role as the patroness of the Wicked Ladies Salon. Will you accept the position if the members approve?”
Charlotte returned Isadora’s hug with enthusiasm. “Oh yes! I would love to.”
“I know I’d be leaving them in good hands, although I’m a tad sad I’ll not be able to participate in the events this Season.”
“No need to be sad. I’m certain Tom will ensure you have a wicked time in France.”
The ladies linked arms and proceeded to leave the room, leaving Tom alone with Torrance.
“Inform me of what you need, and I’ll see that it is done,” Torrance said as he slung an arm over Tom’s shoulder.
“A case of brandy to start.”
Torrance laughed and patted him heartily on the back. “I’ll have it delivered by first light.”
“Do you believe Isadora’s scheme will succeed?”
“Aye, I believe the future Duchess of Avondale will and can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.” Torrance motioned for Tom to precede him through the door. “I approve of your choice, and so will the head of the Foreign Office.”
Tom sighed. “Two weeks.”
“It’s a far cry better than one hundred days and nights.”
“Aye, you’re right.” Tom accepted his coat from the butler, waiting in the wings. “Shall I report back in the morn?”
“Nay, get some rest and keep an eye on Drake.”
“So, he may remain on home soil?”
“For now.” Torrance waved him out the door. “Don’t worry about informing him tonight. Escort the ladies home, and I’ll send round a note to Captain Bane to inform him he may give Drake the option.”
Tom entered the coach. He debated with his conscience whether or not to inform Drake he was no longer being forced to leave. He’d never ignored Torrance’s advice before, and he wasn’t going to start now.
Seated across from Isadora, an epiphany hit him: Love was a choice.
Epilogue
Four weeks later…
Paris, France
Sheathed inside hiswife, Tom’s hips rolled forward in time with the swell. He would never tire of pleasuring his wife until she reached her climax. It was a sight to behold. Married a month, and he still wanted her every day. Isadora had become a vixen in bed, and he loved every moment they shared abed. She sated a wild desire within him that he had not known even existed. He plunged deeper, and Isadora’s moans of pleasure had him increasing the pace of his thrusts.
“Husband, slow down.” Isadora pleaded.
