Page 24 of The Duke of Aces
To buy time, Isadora nodded, then remembering they were in the dark, added, “Pray do.”
“As a duchess, you will have a generous monthly allowance at your disposal.”
Isadora blurted the first question that came to mind. “Enough to cover the monthly lease of Wembly Hall?”
He grinned. “Mayhap.”
Apparently, Tom did know a thing or two about her wants and desires. But logic caught up with her, and Isadora’s shoulders rolled forward. “Having access to large sums of coin after I marry will do me no good. I shall no longer qualify to be a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon.”
He slipped a finger between the curtains and parted them briefly. “I spotted Lady Thornston in attendance earlier. I’d wager she is not the only former Wicked Lady in attendance tonight. Life doesn’t end for the Wicked Ladies after marriage, perhaps you could offer them more than a reunion once a Season.”
The idea of forming an alliance with previous members of the Wicked Ladies who were now married had its merits. “Go on.”
“As mistress of all the Avondale properties, you would have free reign to host as many events as you wished.”
Isadora raised her hands to settle on his chest. “So, if I agree to marry you, I’d have the necessary resources to ensure a fun and exciting Season for the former members of the Wicked Ladies. No restrictions.”
“Aye. And there are other benefits…” His gaze lowered to her lips. “Benefits only a married lady may enjoy.” He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers, gentle, then more demanding.
It was her first kiss.
It was thrilling.
It evoked within her a bond she’d never felt with a man.
He ran the tip of his tongue along her bottom lip, seeking entrance. Her heart, which was already racing, pumped harder. She parted her lips, and the rich flavors of aged brandy and a slight hint of mint burst upon her taste buds. It was wickedly delicious, and a half sigh escaped her. He awakened her in ways she never knew existed.
Tom placed a kiss on her the tip of her nose before he eased back, placing space between them. He was breathing hard.
He placed a hand over hers that remained on his chest. “Kissing is the first of many advantages a married woman can experience.”
“Are the rest just as wonderful?”
“Woman, you are going to drive me to distraction. Now is neither the time nor the ideal location for this conversation.” Tom briefly closed his eyes and straightened. “All I ask is that you promise to consider the idea of becoming the Duchess of Avondale.”
“I promise.” Her quick reply garnered another kiss from Tom, and this one set her toes curling in her slippers.
When his lips left hers, he released her and quickly peered through the curtains. “We must return to the ball.”
Isadora busied herself righting her sleeves. Was Minera looking for her? How long had they been gone? It simultaneously felt like mere moments and an entire lifetime. Isadora shook her head. What was she thinking? If they were discovered, the scandal that could ensue would remove all choices. Benedict, her overprotective brother, would end his honeymoon early and insist they marry by special license rather than wait for the banns to be read. She would be the next Duchess of Avondale.
Isadora placed her hand in Tom’s. “I trust you know how to escape undetected.”
“I do.” He gave her hand a squeeze and then proceeded to lead her out back into the brightly lit ballroom.
Charlotte and Minerva were only feet away as if they had been guarding them the entire time. As they came to stand next to their sisters, Tom released her hand and whispered, “Don’t forget about your promise.”
She gave him a discreet wink. “I won’t.”
Minerva looped her arm through Isadora’s. “I believe it is time we take a turn. In private.” She bobbed a quick curtsey, pulling Isadora into one as well. “Your Grace. Charlotte.”
Whisked away by her sister, Isadora mutely followed, preoccupied with thoughts of Tom. She had much to consider. Would marrying Tom allow her more freedom as he suggested?
Chapter Twelve
It wasn’t thesight of Isadora reentering the ballroom flanked by Charlotte and Lady Minera that caused Tom’s heart to thunder. No, his entire body tensed at the sight of Lord and Lady Torrance waltzing through the crowd headed straight for him. The couple rarely left the country early unless required to do so. Even before his parents’ demise, Lord Torrance, who was a decade and a half older than Tom, had been assigned as Tom’s primary contact.
The head of the Foreign Office preferred to separate the role of mentor and trainer from the role of a parent, which had been a blessing for both Tom and Charlotte when they lost their parents five years past. The stern look upon Lord Torrance’s features did not bode well. It was highly probable that the couple was here on Crown business. And since it appeared Tom was their target, it was also likely they were here to inform him of his next mission. If he were to be sent away to deal with a foreign affair, it would jeopardize his progress in securing Isadora’s hand.
