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P erry’s head and heart warred with each other.

And his heart won out.

He knew it was wrong to kiss Lady Dru—but he did it anyway. One hand cupped her nape, while the other moved to the small of her back. Their bodies grazed against one another, even as their lips did. He would not rush this kiss. He would savor it.

Because it would be the last time he kissed her.

Slowly, he brushed his lips against hers.

Soft. Ripe. He heard her breath hitch as he began pressing gentle kisses to her luscious mouth.

Again and again, he touched his lips to hers, each time for a little longer.

Then a little harder. He heard her sigh and felt as she moved closer to him, her breasts now pressed against his chest. His heart beat rapidly as he continued kissing her.

Knowing her only kiss had been the soft, easy one between them on a previous occasion, he took his time, letting the heat build between them.

Then ever so slowly, he glided his tongue along her full, bottom lip.

Back and forth. Back and forth. She stiffened when he first did so, but now she relaxed, snuggling closer to him, her arms reaching up, her fingers clasping his nape.

She began toying with his hair, pulling slightly on it, murmuring something he could not discern.

Encouraged by her response, he ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth, gently nudging it open, gaining access to heaven.

His tongue swept inside, tasting her sweetness, even as the faint scent of gardenias surrounded them.

It was obvious that she did not know what to make of this kind of kiss because she stilled for a moment, letting him explore her leisurely.

Then a whimper escaped from her, causing desire to surge through him.

He slid his hand down to her tight, rounded buttocks, squeezing one cheek, then letting his other hand glide along her spine to the other cheek.

He kneaded her buttocks, causing her to mewl.

Oh, how he wanted to strip the tight breeches from her and feel the bare skin, but he knew he could only go so far.

His hand moved up again, fingers splayed against her back, holding her in place. The other he brought between them, sliding it along her hip and thigh, reaching the place between her legs. As he kissed her possessively, his hand cupped her.

She gasped, breaking the kiss for a moment, her luminous, amethyst eyes meeting his, a question in them.

“Trust me,” he whispered, his mouth covering hers again, the kiss deep and satisfying.

Slowly, he ran a finger along the seam of her sex, regretting that he could not plunge that finger into her. Still, he rubbed and caressed her lovingly, and she began to whimper, even as she moved against his hand. He believed he could get her to come and made that his goal as he deepened the kiss.

Her whimpers turned to low groans. He broke the kiss, his lips traveling down her throat, feeling her pulse jump. His hand moved faster now, his teeth grazing her throat. She began panting, her breath shallow and rapid.

“Let go,” he urged. “Go with the feelings within you.”

His lips moved to her earlobe, his teeth tugging on it.

That was what drove her over the edge. Quickly, his mouth covered hers again, swallowing her cries of ecstasy, as she held on tightly to him, her hips moving, meeting his hand.

They were so close he felt every beat of her heart as she pushed against him, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Then she stilled. She was the one who broke the kiss, turning her head to the side, breathing heavily. Perry kissed her hair, wanting so badly to have this woman in his bed.

And in his heart.

His hands went to her waist, steadying her. Their gazes met, and he saw she was dazed by the experience. She licked her lips, causing desire to flare within him again.

“Come. Sit.”

He guided her to a chair, easing her into it.

It looked out over the front lawn of Beauville.

She gazed out the window, her eyes glazed and unfocused.

Bending, he brushed a kiss against her brow and then took the chair opposite her.

Neither spoke. He knew she must be trying to make sense of what had happened between them.

Hearing the door open, he glanced up, seeing a maid rolling in a teacart, thankful no servant had entered and seen them together. Perry rose, meeting the maid.

“I will take it. Thank you.”

The maid left, and he rolled the cart over to the far side of the room, so that it was between them.

Only then did Lady Dru look up. Their eyes met, and he saw curiosity in them now.

“What was that?” she asked.

“Let’s get a cup of tea in you, and then we can talk about it if you wish,” he said lightly.

Instinctively, she began the ritual of pouring out. He made up a plate for them both, handing hers to her.

“Thank you,” she said, accepting it. “I suppose I should also thank you for the kiss. Or was it kisses? I could not tell when one ended and another began.”

“I do not think it is necessary to keep count,” he told her.

“Lucy told me tongues were involved in kissing,” she told him. “I did not really believe her.” Her gaze met his. “But I do now. I know I have no experience in kissing, but I believe that you kiss divinely, my lord.”

He felt the tips of his ears prickle. “Well, thank you, my lady. You also kiss very well. I would call you a fast learner.”

That caused her lips to curve in a smile. “I did pick things up rather well. It was the most enjoyable thing I have ever done. No wonder Lucy and Judson kiss so often,” she mused.

Absently, she took a sip of her tea. He could tell she was still trying to think through what had passed between them. She ate an entire scone, her expression thoughtful, before she spoke again.

“What of the other. You know, beyond our kisses. I want to talk about that.”

Though he knew it wasn’t the most polite topic to converse about, he knew everything was new to her.

“The feeling you experienced is called orgasm,” he explained. “The French have another term for it. La petite morte .”

“The little death,” she echoed, translating the words. “Yes. I can understand that. It was almost as if I had died—and been reborn somehow.” She frowned. “How could I let you feel the same?”

Now, his ears burned, and he thought them probably bright red.

“It is nothing for you to worry about, Lady Dru,” he assured her.

“But... I felt so alive in that moment. As if I soared through the heavens.” She paused. “Sometimes, when I ride astride, I have felt little pricklings in my core. You... touching me there... it made me feel invincible.”

A bit of pride swelled within him. “I am glad you enjoyed it, my lady.”

“Do all couples who kiss—”

“No,” he interrupted, his tone firm. “In fact, I should not have done so. It is usually a practice conducted between married couples. Do not let another man touch you like that again until you are wed,” he warned sternly.

Defiance flickered in her eyes. “And what if I choose not to wed, my lord?” she demanded.

“Then you can pleasure yourself,” he told her. “You do not need a man to do what I did to you. You can do so yourself.”

“I could never do that,” she said, a blush spilling across her cheeks.

“You can,” he said firmly. “You should. Especially if you do not decide to take a husband. It is something you can do in private.”

She pondered his advice. “I suppose I could. With my bedchamber door locked so no servant might interrupt me.” Frowning, she asked, “If this is something a wedded couple does, then why did you do it with me?”

Why, indeed?

“Because you have touched something deep within me, Lady Dru. You have been utterly kind, offering me your friendship. No, what we did is not something friends do, but I wanted to please you in the moment.”

She chuckled, the sound making him smile. “Well, you most certainly did, my lord. I have never experienced such euphoria. And coupled with the kissing, why, it was simply incredible.”

“It is not something you should speak of. Especially to you sister.”

She shook her head vigorously. “No, I would think not. I am certain Lucy and Judson do so. Ariadne and Julian, as well. But I will not reveal what passed between us. Not even the kisses,” she promised.

“Lucy entrusted me with you. If I told her—or Judson—that we had kissed, I am afraid my brother-in-law might come and remove your head from your body. Slowly. And painfully.” She giggled.

“And he would be within his rights to do so,” Perry agreed. “I do not regret kissing you, Lady Dru. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As for the other? I think we should never mention it again.”

“I agree. If I do agree to make my come-out, I will certainly kiss a fellow or two. Mostly to compare their kiss with yours, my lord.”

“Are you leaning toward a come-out Season, my lady?”

She sighed. “It is possible. It would give me more time with Lucy and Ariadne. My other cousins, as well. I told you because of my uncle’s death that Tia and Lia had to postpone their own come-outs.

It would be fun to do so with my cousins.

And Val will also be there, along with Con.

I would like to spend time with all of them and even make a few new friends amongst the other girls making their own come-outs. ”

He watched her brow furrow. “What is it?”

“My only fear is that Mama will demand I wed. I told you she did not choose Judson for Lucy, but I did not tell you why. You see, they were caught in a compromising position. Kissing one another. Judson was gentleman enough to offer for my sister, who already had developed feelings for him. Come to find out, Judson also had feelings for Lucy.”

“But you are wise enough not to go about kissing men and being ruined?”

“I would hope so,” she said, laughing. “It does not mean I would not be agreeable to a brief kiss in the moonlight or while strolling some gardens. Thanks to Lucy’s experience, I would be most careful.

I have told you I am leery of marriage. Mama can be overbearing as it is.

I do not want to go from her household to a husband who would be domineering and arrogant.

I treasure having my freedom. If I do attend the Season, Mama might try and force my hand into marriage. ”

“You never mention your father. What of him?”

She shrugged. “Oh, Papa is a genial sort. He is quietly supportive of me—when Mama is not in the room.”

“Would he stand up for you against your mother and allow you to make your own choice? Either of the gentleman you wish to wed—or the decision not to wed at all?

She sighed. “Mama has always made all the decisions in our family. She was a duke’s daughter and is very opinionated, as your own mother pointed out.

I believe Mama wishes she had been born a man so that she might have become the duke.

I have never seen her back down from any challenge.

She rules our household with a firm hand, and that includes telling Papa what he should do and where he should go. ”

He was concerned hearing this. “Both your sister and cousin have wed powerful, strong men. Could the four of them help you? And your brother?”

“That is what I am debating,” she confided. “If those who support me would be enough to help me stand up to Mama.”

“The Hardwicke Act should protect you, my lady,” he explained. “You would have to give your consent and make your vows with no coercion for any marriage to be valid.”

She brightened. “You mean that if I did not wish to marry a gentleman, I could simply refuse?”

“In theory, yes. No one can force you to speak your vows during the ceremony.”

She shuddered. “I would hate to think it would take getting to the ceremony itself and refusing to speak at all in order for Mama to understand I did not wish to wed.”

He reached and took her hand, ignoring the way it made him feel to do so. “If she tries to force you to wed, tell her you will not do so. Say the Hardwicke Act gives you the freedom from coercion. If she is wise, she would step back and not force the issue.”

Brightening, she said, “This is a relief to hear, my lord. It gives me the confidence to go to the Season and enjoy the time with my family without dreading what outcome might come about, thanks to Mama’s machinations.

” She paused, looking at him beseechingly.

“And you will come next spring, won’t you?

You have said you wish to find a bride.”

His heart heavy, Perry still put a smile upon his face. “Yes. I plan to do that very thing. It is important for me to find my countess and get an heir.”

Lady Dru beamed. “Oh, it would be so wonderful to have you there. I would introduce you to all my family. I know you would like them. You already know Judson and Julian. Con and Val are also wonderful men. I know they could introduce you around and possibly even help you find a match.”

A sinking feeling filled him. He had such tender feelings for Lady Dru, but she blithely only considered him as a friend.

Perry told himself he should feel fortunate that he had a firm friend in her and, most likely, would also become friends with others in her family.

It would be nice to have real friends, as well as find a wife.

Pushing aside his feelings for her, Perry said, “Then we should make a pact,” he said. “We both go to the Season—or neither of us do.”

She squeezed his fingers. “I like that idea. I can even help you in looking for your countess. I know men usually are only interested in a woman’s looks or their dowry, but I can get to know the other young ladies and tell you about their character.”

“I can do the same for you,” he offered. “We can be one another’s confidant. Give advice to each other.”

“That is wonderful, my lord. You actually have me looking forward to the Season now,” she declared.

He released her hand, no longer able to hold it without a deep yearning filling him. He had Lady Dru’s friendship, which was something he cherished. He figured she would be a good judge of character, and she could help him find his wife.

Even as his heart broke.

“I am glad that is settled,” he said. “Come, finish what is on your plate, then I will accompany you back to Huntsworth.”

“Oh, I can ride by myself. I do so all the time at home.”

“No,” he said firmly. “Your sister has entrusted you to my care. I will deliver you home safely.”

They finished eating and went to the stables. Despite his gloomy mood, he couldn’t help but catch a bit of Lady Dru’s joy. She had such a light heart and was a carefree spirit. Perry knew he did the right thing by not pursuing her.

He only hoped he could make it through the Season—and wed a woman who might help him forget this beautiful, spirited woman.