Page 183 of Rogue of My Heart

A lady must never make a public display…

Lady A’s Advice Column

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Albina awoke to the sun shining brightly through a crack in the drapes. For the first time in years, she was eager to face the new day.

Surprisingly enough, even though she had drunk nearly a half bottle of port, she felt no ill effects. Not only that, but after last night, she’d lain all her inhibitions about Michael to rest. She was determined to face any problems that might arise between them, with an open mind and not to jump to any more unsavory conclusions.

She rolled over in bed and expected to find her husband gone, but instead, she rejoiced to see him lying beside her. She blushed, knowing what a sight Helen must have walked in on that morning, not expecting her mistress to have company in her bed.

She wanted to reach out and stroke her hand down that strong furry chest, maybe even slide a bit lower to stroke his glorious cock, but she refrained. Today was St. John’s Eve, and there were some last minute preparations that she needed to see to.

She carefully crawled out of bed and grabbed her robe, slipping it on over her nakedness. Going into her husband’s room, she rang for Helen and asked for a bath to be prepared. Her maid obeyed her commands, although there was a pleased smile around the corners of her lips.

Once Albina was dressed in a simple lavender day gown, she went downstairs to seek out Mrs. Humphrey, stunned to find that it was already mid-afternoon. She found the housekeeper in the kitchen speaking with the cook. The moment she spied Albina, she offered a curtsy. “Good morning, my lady. I was just going over things with Mrs. Dryler. I think we’re all set for tonight.”

“I’m relieved to hear it,” Albina replied. “Are you sure there isn’t anything I might assist with?”

The housekeeper patted her hand. “Not to worry, it’s all in hand.

You’ve done so much already, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

She offered a kind smile, but then raised a finger. “Oh, I nearly forgot! I went to the village this morning, and Mrs. Brandt asked me to deliver this to you for tonight’s celebration.”

Albina accepted the box, knowing what was inside. But in all the excitement and turmoil that she had been dealing with Michael, she had nearly forgotten the silver gown that she’d commissioned the local

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modiste to make for her. Now, she couldn’t wait to count down the hours until she could wear it. She hoped that Michael would approve. “Thank you.”

She was on her way back up to her chamber when she was grabbed from behind on the first floor landing. She gasped as Michael’s arms went around her, and his teeth grazed the side of her neck, causing a rush of desire to course through her body. “There’s my beautiful wife.” He licked a trail of fire to her earlobe, nipping the tip of it before letting her go. His gaze dropped to the box held in her grasp. “What do you have there?”

She lifted her chin and tightened her grip on the package. “It’s a surprise.”

He grinned wickedly. “I love surprises.”

Albina’s stomach clenched. She couldn’t believe that she was still in need of this man after he’d pleasured her so thoroughly just a few short hours ago.

“My lord, this just arrived for you.”

Albina looked at the simple sealed letter that Jeffries handed to his master as if it were a snake, coiled and ready to strike. Don’t even think it, she chided herself.

She watched Michael carefully as he tore open the missive. He frowned, but after a moment, his face cleared. “Good news?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Very.” He smiled broadly and she couldn’t help but melt. “Go upstairs and get ready. The festivities will be starting soon.”

As she turned her back on him, he swatted her behind playfully. A giggle rose up in her throat, but she contained it until she reached the sanctity of her room.

Helen had just put the finishing touches on her mistress’ hair when there was a brisk knock at the door. “Are you nearly ready?” It was her husband’s impatient voice. “Our guests are waiting for the festivities to begin, but we can’t do that without the lord and lady of the house present.”

“It never stopped you before,” she couldn’t help but call out in return.

It was hard to let go of the past five years, even though it seemed as though she might be lingering on after St. John’s Day after all.

“New rule.”

Albina smiled as she rose to her feet. She knew that she looked her best tonight, the silver of her gown showing off her every curve to the best