A World Apart (The Hands of Time: Book 3) by Irina Shapiro Page A

father.
    Annabel finally set aside her sewing and went to fetch Harry from the nurse, leaving Louisa on her own.  She continued to stitch for a few more minutes, before stowing her unfinished chemise in her work basket and heading outside.  She purposely passed a mirror on the way to the door, checking her appearance and pinching her cheeks a few times to give them some color.  Louisa pulled out a few strands of hair from underneath her cap, allowing them to curl freely, framing her lovely face, and smoothed down her skirt before walking into the garden. 
    The air smelled o f damp leaves, late-blooming roses, and herbs from the herb garden by the kitchen.  She inhaled deeply, enjoying the aroma.  It was quiet in the garden, until one stopped to listen.  Insects buzzed over the late blooms, birds sang their hearts out, enjoying the last sunny days before the coming winter, and the wind whispered in the trees, the leaves rustling as if having a secret conversation.  Everything seemed more vibrant and colorful somehow since she discovered that Tom loved her.  Louisa sashayed toward the hedge, stopping along the way to admire some golden mums.  Their shaggy heads swayed in the autumn breeze, bringing a burst of color to the dying garden. 
    Tom was already there, his hat in his hands, pacing back and forth.  He smiled broadly as he saw her, holding out a hand, which she took with no reservations.
    “You look lovely, Louisa.  I thought you might have changed your mind about coming.”  He gave her a searching look.
    “I had to wait for Annabel to leave the room.  She wouldn’t approve of us meeting this way.  I was counting the moments until we could be together,” she said breathlessly, raising her face for his kiss.  Tom pulled her closer, kissing her sweet lips.  His kiss was tender at first, but became more demanding as his tongue slid into her mouth, leaving Louisa momentarily shocked.  He hadn’t done that before.
    “I’m sorry.  Did I frighten you?”  Tom pulled back, his arms still protectively around her.
    “I’m not certain.  Why don’t you try it again, and I’ll let you know,” Louisa answered coyly.  Tom kissed her again.  This time she opened her mouth, imitating what he was doing with his tongue.  She liked the sensation.  Her heart was beating wildly, her body leaning into him in an effort to get closer. 
    Tom finally broke the kiss, holding her away from him.  “You’re a surprise, Mistress Louisa.”  His eyes were full of something she didn’t quite understand, but he was panting, his lips parted.
    “A good surprise, I hope,” Louisa said, hoping he wouldn’t disagree.
    “The best kind.”  Tom cupped her cheek, smiling into her eyes.  “Who knew you’d grow into such a beauty?”  He kissed her again, his warm hand cupping her breast through the fabric of her gown.  Louisa felt weak in the knees as he ran his thumb over her nipple, massaging it in a circular motion.  Strange feelings were coursing through her, completely new and indescribable. 
    “Don’t stop,” she breathed as he took his hand away, but Tom had no intention of stopping.  He carefully pulled down her bodice on one side, bending his head to draw her nipple into his mouth.  Louisa nearly swooned with the sensation of his warm lips sucking, then biting her nipple gently.  She leaned into him, afraid her legs would betray her. 
    “Do you like that, my little dove?” he asked, momentarily stopping what he was doing.
    Louisa just nodded mutely.  She wanted him to go on.  She’d never known this yearning before.  Tom kissed her neck, then moved on to the tops of her breasts, running his tongue over the creamy skin.  She barely noticed as he lifted the hem of her gown, sliding his hand up her leg until his fingers reached the bare skin above the stocking.  Louisa sucked in her breath, terrified of what he might do, but didn’t ask him to stop.  Tom’s finger slid into her moist