Page 71 of The Duke of Kisses
Lyle gestured for the maid to precede him, and they disappeared up the stairs.
David held a chair for Fanny and, as she sat down, whispered, “Are you all right?”
She nodded at him. “I’ll explain later.”
The promise of later sped his heart rate, but he wondered how in the hell she would manage that when she was lodging with Mrs. Oglethorpe. He poured Fanny a glass of port and handed it to her, allowing his bare fingers to graze her gloved ones. It was an enticing taste, but not nearly enough to sate his hunger.
“What brings you to the Black Rabbit so late in the evening, Miss Snowden?” Mrs. Oglethorpe asked.
“I’m just visiting,” she answered vaguely, raising her glass to her mouth.
David couldn’t help but look at her lips. How he longed to be that glass of port…
“On your way somewhere?” Mrs. Oglethorpe asked.
“Yes, back to Suffolk.”
Mr. Tabor looked at David. “You’re from near Suffolk, aren’t you, my lord?” They’d discussed it at dinner.
“Yes.” He offered nothing else.
“And you are acquainted with Miss Snowden,” Mrs. Oglethorpe observed.
Because he’d called her by name when she’d entered. He’d been too surprised to see her here.
“I think I saw her here earlier,” Miss Vaughan said.
“We met yesterday,” Fanny said. “We’re both bird enthusiasts, and I loaned him a book, which I picked up earlier today.”
A neat and excellent explanation. David lifted his glass ever so slightly in her direction before taking a drink.
“Well, shall we play loo, then?” asked the Mr. Keeling who was in possession of the cards.
Mrs. Oglethorpe winked at Fanny across the table. “You can watch and learn, dear.”
Fanny watched and learned all too well, winning several pots, much to her delight. The cloud of distress cloaking her when she entered had completely dissipated by the time they broke up the game to seek their beds.
Mrs. Oglethorpe led Fanny up the stairs to her room, which was next to David’s. “We’re just ahead there, dear,” she said, pointing toward the door and allowing Fanny to go in front of her.
The widow paused at David’s door, waiting for him to stop. “I’d hoped to visit you later, but with my guest, that may not be possible.” She sighed. “Ah well, I will try.” She flashed a smile at him and didn’t wait to hear whether he would welcome her visit or not.
Bloody hell.
He caught Fanny’s eye for a moment before Mrs. Oglethorpe ushered her into the chamber. The door snapped closed, and David went into his room teeming with frustration and anxiety. Would Fanny show up at his door later? Or would Mrs. Oglethorpe? Or would neither?
He stripped down to his shirt and breeches and lay down on the bed. His attempts to readBritish History of Birdswere a complete failure. His mind kept wandering next door as he tried to puzzle out why Fanny had shown up here tonight.
Something had to have gone very wrong with her family. She’d been concerned about causing trouble with them, which was why she’d asked him not to call. What sort of parents allowed their daughter to leave their house after dinner?
It was a silly question. She’d traveled here from Suffolk with a maid, a footman, and a coachman. She could certainly travel to an inn to spend the night.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft rap on the door. He bolted upright and sent a silent prayer as to who it might be.
Slipping from the bed, he padded to the door and took a deep breath before cracking it open. “Thank God.”
He grabbed Fanny’s hand and pulled her inside. As soon as the door was closed, he turned and was instantly greeted by Fanny throwing her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his. Surprised, he pulled her close and poured all his pent-up desire into the kiss. It was several long moments before he pulled away.
“What happened to Mrs. Oglethorpe?” he asked, glancing toward her room.
