Part 12 (1/2)
”No. I always take great care to be discreet.”
”Marcus...you cannot simply enter my bedchamber any time you please.”
”I know. But one day soon you will invite me there of your own accord. I like your hair down like that, by the way.”
Her expression turned exasperated. ”I am not wearing it this way to suit you, but so it will dry.”
”I know that, too. Now taste your wine. You'll find it much more palatable than last night's vinegar. It's claret from my own cellars.”
The wine was indeed excellent, and Marcus refrained from making any more provocative remarks.
Since they kept the conversation to impersonal matters about the neighborhood, Arabella found the interval before dinner rather pleasant. She actually was enjoying being with Marcus by the time Simpkin came to announce that dinner was served.
The meal was delicious-creamed artichoke soup, turbot in lobster sauce, stuffed partridges, braised veal, cauliflower, and currant pudding for dessert.
As the footmen cleared away the dishes, Marcus addressed the butler. ”Simpkin, pray send my compliments to Mrs. Simpkin. My London chef could not have done better.”
”Thank you, my lord. She will be pleased to know you approve.”
When the servants had been dismissed, Arabella glanced at the ormolu clock on the mantel and rose.
”This was delightful, my lord, but I believe I have fulfilled my obligation to share your company for today.”
”Not quite, love.” Reaching up, he gently caught her wrist in his fingers.
She stared down into his blue eyes. ”Surely our four hours are up.”
”I still have a quarter hour left. Time enough to begin your education.”
”My education?”
”To show you what you will be missing if you insist on remaining a spinster.”
Her heart started fluttering. ”I do not need educating, Marcus.”
”You do, Arabella. You badly need a taste of physical pleasure. I want you to understand the connubial bliss you can expect when we are wed. How else can you make such an important decision about your future?”
The suggestiveness of his question momentarily rendered her speechless. When she remained mute, Marcus stood, still holding her wrist. ”Come take a stroll on the grounds with me. The gardens should be pleasant, now that they are no longer a jungle.”
Arabella glanced at the French doors and swallowed. Dusk had fallen, and a half moon hung low over *
the horizon, silvering the trees that lined the river. ”It is dark outside.”
”Dark is perfect for wooing.”
”Marcus, I won't go outside with you. Whatever you intend, you can do right here.”
”I could, but I don't think you want Simpkin witnessing my advances.” When she gave a huff of exasperation, Marcus added cajolingly, ”I won't kiss you this time. If I try, you can box my ears again.”
”Don't tempt me,” she muttered.
He smiled. ”Do I tempt you, sweet Arabella? You tempt me .”
”I certainly don't mean to.” Pulling her hand away, she strode to the door and drew it open.
Marcus followed her outside to the terraced gardens and then caught her arm. ”Let's walk down to the river. It will give us more privacy.”
Arabella felt her pulse quicken as he led her down the terrace steps to the sloping lawn. It was unwise to allow Marcus the kind of privacy he demanded, but in all fairness to the wager, she had to provide him the opportunity to woo her. She would have to summon more willpower than she'd shown thus far, however, if she intended to make his seduction difficult.
She could hear the soft ripple of water as they neared the river. When they reached the bank, Marcus drew her behind a chestnut tree. Enough moonlight shafted through the lattice of branches that she could see his handsome face and the midnight blue of his eyes simmering in the dark.
He stood watching her thoughtfully, though, until she finally broke the silence. ”What do you intend to do, if not to kiss me?”
He dragged his sensual gaze over her in a lazy caress. ”To show you the power of touch.”
She didn't like the sound of that. ”Marcus...”
”I mean only to touch you this time. I want to show you how merely the brush of a fingertip can arouse powerful sensations between a man and a woman.”
”I am perfectly willing to believe you. I don't need a demonstration.”
Marcus smiled knowingly. ”You aren't turning craven again, surely.”
His deep gaze had become a dare, which only heightened the quivery little feelings that were rioting deep in her body. ”No, I am not craven. I just wish you would hurry and be done with it.”
”Patience, sweet Arabella. A proper wooing takes time.”
”You only have five more minutes by my calculation.”
”Five minutes should be ample time to teach you this lesson.”
Arabella tensed as he took her right hand and turned it faceup, yet she couldn't help watching with *
fascination as Marcus began to trace small patterns on her palm with his fingertip.
When he reached the most sensitive curves, the simple caress made her s.h.i.+ver with awareness.
If she was wise, she would pull away, Arabella knew. Yet she stood immobile with her back to the tree trunk, with Marcus blocking her way. Then he pushed up the long sleeve of her gown an inch to expose her wrist and stroked the delicate flesh there, raising a flush to her skin.
Unnerved, Arabella tried to draw her hand away.
”Be still,” Marcus commanded.
”That tickles.”