The Proud Viscount (26 page)

* * * *

If she hadn’t wanted so much to be with Rossmere, it would have been the perfect evening. Her father was full of goodwill to her and gentleness to Nancy. Her Aunt Mabel was radiant with the success of her scheme. Her siblings played their old word games at the table and included Rossmere with an ease that deeply affected her. Stephen joined in their every pursuit with a lightheartedness she hadn’t been positive he possessed. So much laughter and warmth! And his eyes seemed to radiate both, when they came to rest on her, to hold hers with a bold gaze that made her family smile.

Across the room of people his eyes had, eventually, told her that he was willing to wait no longer, and she excused herself, saying that it had been a long day and that she wished to be rested for the next day’s planned activities. Rossmere had risen instantly, solicitously, to his feet, made his excuses, and followed her from the room.

“Thank you,” he said as the door closed behind them. “I like them all excessively, but I’ve been away from you too long to be patient for another minute.” He drew her into his arms for a long, ardent kiss. “We belong upstairs in our own room, I think.”

Rather shakily, she agreed and followed him upstairs to the royal suite. “Don’t ring for Tilly,” he suggested. “Let me undress you... but not until we’ve talked. You could sit on my lap, though, so I can hold you.”

Jane allowed him to pull her down with him into the deep-gold armchair, and to kiss her once, softly, before she drew back to study him. “Would you like me to start?” she asked.

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’ve had a lot of time to think about what you said. And a lot of time to come to understand that pride has nothing to do with the things you’ve asked of me. I love you, Jane, and I admire you. Not for the world would I hurt you or force you to be less of a person because of my self-consequence. I don’t know how I could ever have thought it something desirable to rule over you, like some upstart unsure of his position.”

“I think we could do a great deal better than that,” she agreed, snuggling against him. “I was pleased when you wrote to consult me on the colors of the rooms. Your floor plan was just a trifle revealing, however.”

He cocked his head at her. “How’s that?”

“The only piece of furniture you indicated in the whole house was a bed in the master suite.”

He laughed and hugged her. “Ah, yes, I can imagine having that on my mind. But, Jane, you haven’t told me if you return my regard.”

There was a wistful note to his voice that sent a thrill through her. Jane could tell he suspected that she loved him, but he wanted her to confess the extent of her attachment. In some way, without saying so, she had to assure him that he was now the love of her life, that Richard was properly relegated to the past. Not a simple matter, though her feelings were excessively strong and her thoughts were so completely caught up in her husband.

“I love you,” she whispered. “I love you so much it takes my breath away. Touching you makes my heart pound, and having you touch me quickens every sense. I have the most wonderful feeling that we belong together, that with you I’ll be able to soar above the silly conventions and petty nuisances of our lives.” She dipped her head almost shyly. “Does that sound silly?”

“It sounds wonderful to me. I admire your courage and your intelligence and your independence. You’ll certainly be able to soar, and I trust that I’ll soar with you. But I’m also a great admirer of your body,” he admitted as he allowed his hand at last to slide down from her shoulder to the top of her gown, where he traced her flesh with a lingering finger. “I want to make sure that you can soar when we lie together, too. Forgive me for being so single-minded when we discussed it before. Your pleasure really means a great deal to me, Jane.

“You have a wonderfully responsive body,” he added, proving it by slipping his finger under the gown to touch her hardening nipple. “It excites me just to know that you delight in your own sensuality. If in the past I’ve spoken hastily, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. We both found it unsettling to be suddenly married, and unsure of the other’s feelings. In future, I hope we’ll be more honest with each other.” Jane shifted slightly so that his hand was dislodged. His brow went up in a surprised question. “I merely wished to make things a little easier,” she said as she started to wriggle out of her gown. “Help me with the fastenings, will you, love?”

“I can’t think of anything I’d prefer doing.” He regarded her with warm, laughing eyes, their silver-blue color finally coming alive with passionate intensity. “You’re the most remarkable woman, my dear. Shall I just remove this last impediment?”

“If you would,” Jane murmured.

Copyright © 1987 by Elizabeth Rotter (Laura Matthews)

Originally published by Signet

Electronically published in 2001 by Belgrave House/Regency Reads

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No portion of this book may be reprinted in whole or in part, by printing, faxing, E-mail, copying electronically or by any other means without permission of the publisher. For more information, contact Belgrave House, 190 Belgrave Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94117-4228

     www.RegencyReads.com

     Electronic sales: [email protected]

This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.