Page 50 of Love Abandoned

“He seems to have inherited your bottomless pit. Oh no, don’t,” she said as Richard grabbed a cake. “I have arranged a special dessert for us this evening.” She turned to William. “My dearest, you have a big day tomorrow. You must get some rest. Gordon, please walk William to the nursery.”

William dutifully kissed Elizabeth on the cheek and paused before Richard. “I hope she’s not lonely,” he said solemnly.

“I’ll see she isn’t,” Richard said and looked up, catching the shadow of sadness that drifted across Elizabeth’s face. Was she relating this to her own situation, as he was?

Satisfied, William held out his hand. “Thank you, Papa.”

Richard pulled him in for a hug. “Off to bed,” he said. “Dream of your new pony and her name.”

Gordon offered his hand to William, but he did not take it. “I’ve eaten a proper meal in the dining room, Gordon. I’m not a little boy anymore.”

Richard smiled as the two exited the room, then turned his attention back to Elizabeth. “And what is this special dessert you have arranged?” he said, riveted to the mischief twinkling in her eyes.

“You shall soon see,” she said, pushing from the table. “Follow me.”

He trailed her out of the dining room and past his study. She threw a glance at him over her shoulder before climbing the stairs. The dress clung to her, revealing her long legs and her alluring backside. Richard groaned and adjusted himself. It was going to be a long night.

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