Page 21 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Twenty

“ W hat did you think of your new carriage?” Mabel said as she smoothed the turquoise silk gown and laid out Grace’s pearl earrings. “These will match the ribbon trim used for the gown.” She sighed dreamily. “Have you seen the exquisite chemise and stockings that Lady Trafford purchased to match this gown? The duke won’t be able to resist you tonight when he sees what you are wearing.” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “My tongue sometimes runs ahead of my thoughts, my lady. Please forgive me.”

Grace couldn’t help but like the young woman. She had an effervescence about her that made everything a little brighter. After being alone for so long with only Theo, Grace enjoyed having Dane’s servants in her home. Even Theo had welcomed all three without a single quibble. It seemed he quite fancied being solely a butler and managing the household. He’d even taken a liking to Mrs. Fournier, who had invaded his kitchen as if it were her own.

She still blushed at the thought of her boldness in the carriage. Though she’d been on her knees for Dane, she had felt powerful and the one in control, particularly when he was crooning her name as she pleasured him.

And it was all because of Dane, who had given her free rein to pleasure him. She shivered slightly in anticipation of tonight. No telling what Dane had planned for her. But the thought of Marbury hung over her head. Several hours ago, she’d received notice that the earl had made good on his promise and put the amount he promised into her account. She’d already sent word to her bank to return the funds.

She still hadn’t received a response to her request to meet him. Tomorrow, she’d call on some acquaintances and clients. The way she was received would indicate if there was gossip about her stay in Amesbury that she needed to be concerned with.

“Ma’am?”

Grace shook her head to clear the fog in her thoughts.

“What about the pale pink gown with the red trim?” Grace fingered the soft silk. It felt decadent and sensual beneath her fingers. Instantly, she wondered what Dane would think of it. She would feel like a seductress in his presence. “Lady Ravenscroft certainly created a masterpiece with this creation.”

Mabel tilted her head and regarded Grace. “Lady Ravenscroft did sew these gowns, but His Grace’s ideas and thoughts went into every design. Lady Ravenscroft told me when she delivered them to Ardeerton House.”

Grace stilled as her thoughts swirled. Ironically, she would have been furious if these gowns had been delivered two weeks ago. Now, she wanted nothing more than to please him. If he wanted to give her dresses, she would gratefully accept them. It was one way he showed his love. Ever since she’d known him, he was always buying gifts for his sisters, and now, he was purchasing them for her.

“Ma’am, I forgot to mention it, but a footman from Lord Marbury’s home stopped by earlier with a brief message. He asked if I’d tell you that Lord Marbury would like for you to call upon him the day after tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Mabel.” As the young maid prepared her bath, Grace released a pent-up breath. She would have preferred to see Marbury as soon as possible, but this would have to do. Once she explained the circumstances to the earl, she could close the chapter on that unfortunate episode, including the extra money, Dane’s illness, Athena’s broken heart, and the damage to their reputations.

Then, she could concentrate on building her happily ever after with Dane.

Dane paced in front of the round table with two chairs in Grace’s courtyard. He wasn’t nervous at all; he simply couldn’t wait to see Grace again. When he surprised her with the carriage, he never thought she would be so receptive to his gift. His Scottish wildcat had resisted him every step of the way when he had given her gowns and an account at E. Caversham Commerce. Blood rushed to his cock as he thought of Grace and their interlude in her carriage. He had never dreamed she would even know how to do that. He smiled to himself and bit the inside of his cheek. Perhaps his little governess would share her books where she’d read how to pleasure a man. They could study them together.

“Your Grace?” Samuel Wilton, one of his footmen he’d brought over from Ardeerton House, stood before him. “Everything is ready. I informed Lady Grace that you were waiting for her.”

“Thank you.” Dane took one last look at the table. A stunning bouquet of blush roses from the little flower girl rested there. Candles of various shapes and sizes adorned the smaller tables surrounding the dining area. In the dusk, the flames flickered, reminding him of fairies dancing around in a magical kingdom. Hopefully, Grace would be as enchanted by it as he was. When they settled into Ardeerton House, they would dine outside whenever the weather allowed. He had instructed Harry and John on how to create the setting to make it perfect for his future duchess.

“John and Mr. Tinniswood will serve dinner now,” Harry advised.

“I didn’t know that your butler duties included serving Lady Grace and me,” Dane jested to Theo.

Theo sat down two covered dishes on the table and then lifted the lids. “This butler does, Your Grace,” he chortled, then lowered his voice as the two footmen brought even more dishes to the table. “Thank you for sending us John, Mabel, and Mrs. Fournier. I don’t know what I would have done without their help.” The elderly man’s cheeks reddened. “I’m not as spry as I used to be.”

Dane stood and patted Theo on the back. “Thank you for taking care of Grace all these years.” Emotion threatened to choke him up, but he pushed himself to complete his thought. “I should have been here for her long before now."

Theo’s gentle smile shone in the evening light. “Enough of that, Your Grace. It was my pleasure. I’ll stand by Lady Grace’s side for as long as she needs me.” He looked over the work of the two footmen who stood nearby, waiting for his approval. Theo nodded, indicating that the two footmen should wait by the door for Grace.

“Theo, if you ever get tired of working, you’ll always have a home at Pelham Hall, Ardeerton House, or wherever Grace and I are.” Dane cleared his throat as he met the man’s gaze. “I will always be in your debt for the care you’ve provided for Grace over these past years.”

Tears welled in the old man’s eyes as he nodded once. “Thank you, Your Grace.” He bent his head as he wiped away his tears. “I’ll go and escort her to you now.”

Without another word, Theo left his side and entered Grace’s home.

In what seemed like a matter of seconds, his future and all his hopes and dreams stepped toward him. Grace had wrapped her arm around Theo’s as he escorted her to Dane’s side. Her eyes glistened with wonder as she took in the scene before her. But the world suddenly stopped on its axis when her gaze met Dane.

He’d never seen Grace more stunning in his life. But, of course, he always thought that when he saw her. Throughout the years, he’d realized that Grace was the type of woman who would always be treated kindly by age. Every day, she became more beautiful. And if fate was kind, he would be the lucky devil by her side through those years.

Without hesitation, he strolled toward her, and Theo bowed to Grace. When Dane reached her side, he took her hand and pressed his lips to her delicate skin. "In this moment, I’d give my fortune to be as eloquent as Byron. I’ve never seen you so enchanting. It's little wonder the moon is rising over the horizon, and the stars are twinkling in the darkening sky. They all vie for your attention, but I’m the fortunate man who will dine with you tonight.”

Even in the twilight, he could see Grace’s blush. “I don’t think you should worry about matching wits with Byron. If he listened to you tonight, he would envy your imagery.”

“It’s not imagery if it’s the truth.” He squeezed her hand and laughed. “Don’t tell my sisters about my musings. They’ll taunt me to no end.”

“They’ll never know. This is ours.”

Dane rubbed his finger down the soft skin of her cheek. “I feel the same.”

Grace waved a hand at the table and the candles. “This is gorgeous. It looks like I stepped into a magic kingdom.”

“One that you rule,” Dane said as he pulled her chair for her. Once she was seated, he took his seat but ensured it was close to hers. “Allow me to serve you.”

She placed her serviette on her lap as he poured them a glass of champagne. He held his in the air as she lifted her glass. Before he could toast her, Grace did the honor. “To the future.”

Only after it grew quiet could he speak. Damnable emotions. “To the woman who has chosen me and, in doing so, has given me the greatest gift of all, her heart. I raise my glass to a life of shared dreams and a love that will only grow stronger with time.”

Dane brought the glass to his lips without breaking his gaze from hers. For the first time, he understood what his best friends felt about their wives.

Where was all of this heady sentiment coming from? If he was this emotional now, he feared he’d be a bawling baby when they finally said their vows. Yet, when he gazed into her eyes, all questions and fears ceased. This woman was his destiny, and their lives had been intertwined for decades.

“Grace, I have something I must say.”

She regarded him, and a slight furrow formed between her brows.

He took her hand and squeezed. “No frowning. Not tonight.”

She nodded with a slight smile.

“I realized something about myself. Only with you do I have the fortitude and desire to marry. I shall never be alone with you by my side. Even when we quarreled, it never broke our invisible bond with one another.”

A genuine smile of affection pulled at her lips. “Even Byron discussed how love and hate are kindred emotions easily woven together.” This time, she was the one who squeezed his hand.

“You have my promise that I will always have your best interests at heart.” It was her turn to blink twice, but it didn’t hide the glistening of tears in her eyes.

“No tears, darling.” Dane speared a deviled quail’s egg and placed it on her plate. He added a slice of roasted beef and several buttered potatoes.

“You remind me of a red fox I once saw at Pelham Hall while walking. He was feeding his vixen, who had a litter of pups.”

“Where do you think he learned that trait from?”

Grace giggled. “You are incorrigible.”

“You love that about me. You also love that I’m wealthy.” He waggled his eyebrows. “That may be my most redeeming trait in your eyes.”

“Very.” She popped a potato in her mouth, then closed her eyes and moaned as she chewed. “Delicious,” she pronounced, then dipped her gaze before she met his. “I have a question. Are you truly wealthy?”

“What kind of dinner conversation is that?” He tilted his head and regarded her. He shouldn’t be surprised. His Grace was always concerned about money.

“We’ve never discussed it.” Her eyes never left his.

“Yes, I am.” He needed to be patient with her. Ever since her father died, she’d had to earn her way in life. “Darling, don’t worry about money. We have plenty. Let us concentrate on us tonight.”

The brightness in her eyes dulled. “You’re right. Forgive me. That was a horrible display of manners.”

“There is nothing to forgive.” He brought her hand to his lips.

The night continued as they finished their meal and drank their champagne. John and Harry were discreet and unobtrusive when they cleared the table and brought out Dane’s bottle of port and two glasses. He poured two glasses and gave one to Grace.

“This is another reason why I adore you,” she said as she raised her glass. “You are generous in sharing your port.”

“Thank you.” He took a sip, then sat his glass down.

Grace did the same. “I’m surprised you moved next door.”

“Why? I thought I had made it clear that I refuse to be separated from you. You will compare me to a barnacle clinging to the keel of a ship. I won’t disappear easily.” When she laughed, he savored the sound. He knew he would never tire of it.

She leaned near him and winked. “I like that.”

Her gown highlighted her long neck, and the urge to kiss her soft skin became almost unbearable. His voice turned into a low rumble. “Another reason I moved in next door is so we could make love whenever we desire.” When her eyes widened, he continued, “Hear me out, Grace. You made it abundantly clear that we can’t live together until marriage, but we’ve wasted so much time. I know that our actions may result in a child, but we’re to be married. Frankly, I don’t care because I want children with you. But the most important thing is you. I think of you every hour of the day and night.” He shrugged. “If that means I’m a besotted fool, I will gladly claim that title.”

Her eyes grew hooded. “I want that too, even if it makes me your match as a lovesick and wanton fool.”

“You are never that,” he declared softly. “If you’re lovesick, then let us be lovesick together.” He took her hand and played with her fingers, then brought them to his mouth. “You don’t by chance know of a secret passageway in that house of yours that I can sneak through and sleep in your bed?”

“Like Romeo and Juliet?”

“No. We don’t have a nurse to help us unless Theo wants to play the role.”

“Don’t corrupt my butler.”

“Spoilsport.” He scowled slightly. “I don’t care for that play anyway.”

“Do tell.” Her tongue slid across her lower lip, making it wet. Then the temptress bit the tender skin.

He groaned at the sight and reached for her. He slid his free hand under the table and reached for her thigh. The feel of her tender skin beneath his fingers made him want to bay at the moon.

Instantly, she stilled at his touch before placing her palm over his hand. “What are you doing?”

“I’ll combust into flames if I can’t touch you,” he whispered.

“Well, we can’t have that happen.” She tangled her fingers with his.

He moved their hands closer to the juncture of her thighs and rubbed his thumb slowly against the silk of her gown. “Your gown is soft, but it feels as coarse as a canvas sail compared to your skin.

She shifted slightly in her seat. He continued his ministrations for a moment, then started a slow slide of her skirt up her leg. “I want to touch you.” He brought her forefinger into his mouth and sucked. “I want to make you wet.”

“I already am.” Her voice fluttered with arousal.

“Will you share?” His hand slipped between her thighs.

“Dane,” she protested softly but opened her legs.

“Don’t scold me.” He slid his fingers into her folds and found the sensitive nub. She sucked in a breath and closed her eyes. The feel of her heat and wetness made his cock thicken and throb. But tonight wasn’t about him. It was about his Grace.

The tender skin of her chest grew red as her chest heaved in and out. She placed her hand over his, and instantly, he stopped. “Is this all right? Say the word, and I’ll set you back to rights.”

Slowly, she twisted and met his gaze with a wicked but playful gleam in her eyes. “Don’t stop.”

Dane leaned close and rubbed his nose against the tender skin on the side of her neck. “You smell divine. Your scent has always caught my attention, but when mixed with the sweet scent of your arousal?” He pressed his lips, then tasted her with his tongue. “All I can think of is making love to you.”

If anyone saw them, they would think that he was sharing secrets. In many ways, he was. But they were sensual secrets.

She loosened her hold but still held her hand on his.“I want more as well.”

“That’s it,” he praised. “You can guide me. Show me where you want me to touch you.”

Grace nodded slightly.

He nipped below her ear, acknowledging her. Their chests rose and fell as they breathed in unison. Grace closed her eyes and gasped a soft moan, lost in the heat of the moment. Her chair creaked as she arched her back, pushing further into his hand. She let out a small whimper as he circled her clitoris, his thumb, and forefinger relentless in their teasing.

“Tonight, I think I’ll pleasure you with my fingers, mouth, and cock. In that order.”

She whimpered and opened her legs even wider until her thigh rested against his. He bit his lip to keep from groaning. Slowly but surely, his middle finger circled her entrance. She was so aroused that his fingers were coated in her wet heat, making his cock thicken even more, if that was possible.

She was like a heavenly body encircling him in her orbit. He would never leave and had no desire to. As he studied the side of her face, her lips were parted. He closed his eyes to keep from coming in his breeches, something he hadn’t done since the first time he’d touched Grace when they were curious about each other’s bodies.

He inched another finger inside, stretching her. Releasing a groan, Grace threw her head back in pleasure at the contact.

“Darling, we must be quiet. Look at me,” he commanded. When she did, he twisted in his chair facing her, then closed his mouth over hers. He removed his hand from her body and wrapped it around her chair.

Grace groaned in disapproval. “Dane.”

“I won’t leave you,” he murmured. He replaced his left hand with his right, his fingers thrusting in a slow rhythm, mimicking what he wanted to do with his cock. Her breath hitched as he rubbed circles around her clitoris, working it faster and harder with each passing moment. All the while, his tongue explored every bit of her sweetness.

Grace grabbed the lapel of his evening jacket and held on for dear life. She moaned into his mouth as her hips rose to meet each thrust of his hand. He could tell she was close to her climax as her muscles tightened around his fingers. Then, in a flash, her body stilled. She closed her legs, entrapping his hand as he slowed his movement. The softest sigh escaped her.

It could have been seconds or minutes. He’d lost track of time. There was nothing more enchanting than having his Grace come apart in his arms.

She rested her head against his shoulder. With deliberate slowness, she moved her hand from underneath the table and palmed his cock through his breeches. It twitched as if it were a dog, and she had petted it. Typical. It was unruly when he tried to control it. But with Grace, it would follow her anywhere.

She moved to unbutton the falls of his breeches.

He placed his hand over hers, stopping her movement.

She lifted her head and met his gaze. “Don’t you want me…”

“Grace, you have no idea how much I want you.” He murmured as he pressed his lips to hers. “But I just saw Theo peek outside.”

“He probably wants to clean the table so he can go to bed,” she said dejectedly. “Do you have a secret passage in your house?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t.” He pulled her closer into his chest. “This is why we should be at Ardeerton House.” He stopped as he remembered another entrance to his townhouse. “Wait a moment.”

“What is it?” Grace pushed away and faced him.

“I do have a secret passageway. It’s next to the backdoor.”

If anyone had told Grace earlier in the week that she would have let Dane pleasure her in the courtyard while the servants were in the house, she’d have been horrified at such behavior.

But that would have been because she had never understood the urgency, the need, the hunger to be with your love. Dane was right. They had wasted years. Perhaps they were making up for lost time. She smiled to herself. What smoldered between them could not be extinguished. Why had she even thought she could push him into another woman’s arms?

Dane reached under the table and smoothed her dress. “I don’t want you to fret that anyone might see something inappropriate.”

“That’s very gallant, Sir Galahad,” she teased.

“Minx, call me simply Galahad, as in the Duke of Galahad,” he answered as they both stood.

He took her hand and led her to the back corner of the courtyard, where a wrought iron fence separated their back entrances. The darkness surrounded them, and before they took another step, he swept her into his arms.

“Finally,” he murmured before he slammed his mouth against hers.

When Grace melted against him, she sighed softly into his kiss. But the dastardly darling fiend deepened the kiss, reigniting all the passion that had blazed between them.

“Dane,” she whispered like a prayer against his lips.

“Come with me,” he sighed against her lips, then took her hand and pulled her through the iron gate.

The night swallowed them, and she couldn’t see a foot in front of her. She pulled on his hand, slowing their pace.

“What is it, darling?” His voice, smooth as whisky, comforted her.

“I can’t see.”

“Don’t worry. I know where we’re going.” He kissed her lips and then tugged her hand, encouraging her to follow him.

After leaving the courtyard, Dane led them to the rear of his townhouse. Rather than using the back door, he opened a smaller door to the left of the main entrance. It was concealed by paneling that matched the house's trim.

“Voila! Watch your precious head for me,” he murmured as he ducked through the door first.

She followed. “What is this?”

“I discovered it the first time I examined the fireplace in my bedroom. It leads directly here.” He opened a tinderbox and lit a piece of tinder with a flint. After lighting a nearby candle, he blew out the fire from the wood. “You first.”

When her eyes adjusted to the light, she noticed a steep staircase with handrails on both sides. “It looks like an escape route for when the revenue officers come to steal you from your bed in the dark of night.”

When she started up the steps, he followed her and slapped her behind. “What a devious mind you have. I thought the owner built it exactly for the reason we’re heading upstairs.”

“Ouch.” She rubbed the spot. He grabbed her hand and entwined their fingers. “You mean trysts with unmarried women?”

“This is not a tryst. This is catching up for lost time,” he murmured in a sinfully dark voice.

When they reached the top of the stairs, he reached around her and opened the door to his chambers. As soon as she stepped in, she was surrounded by the essence of Dane. Candlelight flooded the room, and a massive bed with a wood frame commanded the center. It was richly appointed with luxurious silk and brocade bedding in black and ivory. Matching pillows were strewn around the room and on top of the bed.

Before she could comment on the room, Dane kicked the door closed and pushed her against it. With his arms bracketing her head, he lowered his mouth to hers. He devoured her as if he were a starving man and she was the nourishment he needed.

“Where are Emmy and Dancer?” she asked breathlessly.

“Home at Ardeerton House. In my bed. Which is where you should be.”

“Dane.”

With an exaggerated huff, he continued, “You can’t blame a man for trying. I’ll stay as long as you’re here.” He pulled away, then, as if unable to leave her, he took her in another kiss. “Gown off.”

“I’ll need your help.” She turned and rested her arms toward the door. Dane pressed close against her. It was difficult to determine who was harder—Dane or the wood.

With a slow breath, Dane made quick work of the fastenings on the back of her dress. It slipped from her shoulders in a swoosh. She turned and never took her eyes from his as she untied her stays. It fell next to her dress on the floor.

With a shaky hand revealing everything he felt for her, he gently untied her chemise. It joined the rest of her clothes, leaving her in only her stockings and shoes. He leaned closer and pressed his lips to the spot on her neck where her pulse throbbed. “To think we will always be together without needing to sneak through the night like secret lovers takes my breath away. I beg of you, can we marry tomorrow?”

She untied his cravat and unbuttoned his waistcoat. He shrugged his coat and let it join the rest of their clothes. After a flurry of activity, he stood before her with a tent in his breeches. He wanted her as much as she wanted him.

He swept her into his arms and brought her to his bed, where he sat her on the edge. He dropped to his knees and unbuttoned his falls, freeing his engorged cock. Carefully, he removed her evening slippers and untied her stockings, rolling them down her legs.

He finished undressing and leaned over her as he took his cock in hand. Never taking his eyes from hers, he tugged hard. A longing, or perhaps a new fervor, glowed in his brilliant blue eyes. She’d never seen such intensity before.

After a moment, it became too much. She dared to look at the rest of his body. A bead of arousal shimmered on the crown of his cock. She licked her lips at the sight.

Something was different about tonight. They were ravenous for each other, but a new tenderness had budded between them. Perhaps it was the realization that whatever brought them together was too powerful to ignore.

Dane lowered his body over hers and held her hands above her head. His mouth met hers in a kiss filled with longing and love. She felt him position himself at her entrance. He pushed forward tentatively at first, then more until he was firmly seated in her.

“What I feel for you is more than love.” With a languid ease, he moved inside her. “What I feel for you defies the limits of any word I know. I’ve always thought that love was supposed to be tender and sweet?” He shook his head. “But that is not what I feel for you. What burns in me is far fiercer, more consuming. It is a fire that cannot be quenched, a need that gnaws at my very soul. When I look at you, it’s as if the world bends to you, as if time itself pauses, and nothing else exists but the pulse of your presence in my heart. This is not just love; it is something deeper, something wild and untamed. It is a devotion so boundless it terrifies me because, without you, I would be utterly lost, as if the air itself would vanish.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything. I’m simply telling you the truth.” He buried his head in her neck as his pace increased in tempo. “Promise never to leave, Grace. It would destroy me.”