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Alicia smirked at him, and he felt the dark heat of desire rush through him again.

“Careful, Duchess, or I will take you right here, without mercy or thought for your beautiful gown.”

Alicia’s hand moved to her breast as she swallowed, the air between them crackling for the remainder of the journey, mere inches of space between them, desire heavy in the air.

CHAPTER 19

Lady Gould’s ball was bustling with activity as the carriage pulled up at the front steps.

Alicia relished the chance to be back in London, looking forward to seeing all the people she had not seen since her wedding.

Although it was probably unladylike to admit it, she was looking forward to snubbing a few of the women who had always looked down on her, too.

She was a duchess now, which would certainly make them think twice about insulting her to her face.

Lady Gould’s townhouse was beautiful and limned in light as they entered.

Alicia could already feel dozens of eyes turning to them as they were announced and walked into the ballroom.

For the first time, she felt genuine excitement at attending a ball. She felt beautiful in her new gown and could not wait to see everyone and catch up on the gossip.

Seth was quiet, staring around them, his aloof mask firmly in place. The need rose inside her again, a violent pull to please him, to make sure that he enjoyed himself today, threatening to overwhelm her.

The thought was vexing. He had been very rude in the attic that night, and although he had apologized, she was not sure whether that was simply so he could get close to her in the carriage again.

Heat surged inside her at the memory.

She lost her senses whenever he touched her. If he had not pulled away, all her carefully laid plans would have evaporated, and she would have allowed him to take her on the seat.

There was a vein pulsing in Seth’s forehead, and his fingers loosened around hers as though he were already withdrawing from the room.

“Would you care for refreshment?” he asked, his eyes darting around as Alicia waved to an acquaintance.

“Yes, thank you. Shall I accompany you?”

“No need. You should see your friends. It seems there are several of them.”

Was that criticism in his tone?

She watched him walk away, his frame taller than everyone else in the crowd as he crossed the room.

It was an ornate ballroom, with long wooden floorboards underfoot, pillars on either side of every window, and three huge chandeliers above her head.

She could see two of her friends to her right and a few dancing in the center of the room.

Although Katie and Bridget were her closest friends, she had made other acquaintances before she was married.

She made her way to them and laughed as they all surged forward, telling her how stunning she looked and how wonderful it was to see her.

“Alicia! Oh! Forgive me, Your Grace,” Lady Bradley said as she held out a hand, looking over Alicia’s gown in admiration. “You look utterly beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Alicia said, laughing as her friends exchanged meaningful looks and then began peppering her with questions.

“I have not seen the Duke of Radcliffe up close before; he is so handsome but so stern!”

“How is married life?”

“Radcliffe Manor is beautiful. What is it like to live there? I went there some time ago for a garden party the late Duke hosted!”