Page 65 of His Scarred Duchess
“Yes, we should,” Edmund agreed, already reaching for her gown.
With an ease that surprised them both, Edmund helped Adeline back into her dress, his fingers lingering as he fastened each button. “I never thought I’d enjoy dressing a woman as muchas undressing one,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder.
Adeline shivered at his touch, turning to face him. “We really must hurry,” she said, though her hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they smoothed down his shirt.
Edmund caught her hands in his, bringing them to his lips. “Indeed, though I find myself wishing we could stay here forever.”
The sound of approaching horses spurred them into quicker action. As Adeline pinned up her hair, Edmund straightened his own attire, both stealing glances at each other and suppressing grins.
Just as they deemed themselves presentable, Edmund pulled Adeline close for one last, searing kiss. “To tide me over,” he explained with a roguish wink.
When they finally parted, both were flushed and disheveled. Edmund took a step back, his eyes roaming over her with such heat that she felt as though she might combust on the spot.
“We should go,” he said, his voice strained as he buttoned his trousers. “But make no mistake, my dear. This is far from over.”
The promise in his words sent a thrill of anticipation through her as they made their way back to the party, both acutely aware of the passion simmering just beneath the surface.
Adeline felt as though something fundamental had shifted between them.
Whatever was growing between them, it was far more potent—and potentially dangerous—than she had ever anticipated.
The crackling fire in the drawing room cast a warm glow over Adeline’s features as she sipped her sherry. Edmund found his gaze drawn to the play of light and shadow across her face, highlighting the delicate arch of her cheekbones and the soft curve of her lips.
“I must say,” Adeline began, setting down her glass, “the hunt was far more exhilarating than I expected. Even from the phaeton, the energy was palpable.”
Edmund smiled, leaning back in his armchair. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. You seemed quite absorbed in it.”
“Indeed, I was,” Adeline replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Though I must confess, the highlight was watching Artemis outsmart Lord Rutherford’s prized hound. The poor man looked positively scandalized.”
A chuckle rumbled in Edmund’s chest. “Ah yes, Artemis has always had a knack for beating the competition. She comes from a long line of excellent hunting dogs.”
“Oh?” Adeline leaned forward, her interest piqued. “Is breeding hounds a family tradition, then?”
Edmund nodded, a wistful expression crossing his face. “Yes, it was something my grandfather started. He had quite the eye for good stock.”
“And your father?” Adeline asked gently. “Did he share the same passion?”
Edmund’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “He had other interests.”
Adeline must have sensed his discomfort, for she quickly changed tack. “What about your mother? Did she enjoy the hunt as well?”
A pang of old grief shot through Edmund’s chest. He took a sip of his brandy, buying time to compose himself. “I’m afraid I never knew my mother,” he said softly. “She died shortly after I was born.”
Adeline’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with dismay. “Oh, Edmund, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
Edmund waved off her apology, though he was touched by her genuine concern. “It’s all right. It was a long time ago.”
“Still,” Adeline said, her voice gentle, “it must have been difficult growing up without her.”
Edmund found himself nodding, surprising himself with his willingness to open up.
“It was challenging. My father, he…” He paused, searching for the right words. “He never quite recovered from her loss.”
Adeline’s brow furrowed in sympathy. “That must have been hard on you both.”
“In different ways, perhaps,” Edmund said, his voice low. He stared into the fire, lost in memories. “My father, he… he blamed me for her death. Said if it hadn’t been for me, she’d still be alive.”
Adeline gasped softly. “Oh, Edmund. That’s terrible. Surely he didn’t mean it?”
