Lessons From a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes Page B

ducal responsibilities held too much allure for her to resist. Other than this one aberration—which was heartening—she almost never saw him during the day. When did he ever take time just to enjoy himself? He went hunting now and then, he’d told her absently when she’d posed the question at dinner one evening, and had a box at Newmarket where he occasionally attended the races. To keep fit, he fenced nearly every day and took a morning ride that was penned into his schedule.
    She was unlikely to be invited along for any of those activities, so the house party at least forced him to spend some time with her other than in a solely sexual way. More than half the time he ate dinner at his club or they had guests, and when they did go out together, they were also always surrounded by other people. “I planned it to please you,” she explained, not quite telling the truth.
    For a moment Colton said nothing. Then he exhaled, his breath stirring her hair. “I realize you had the best of intentions, but in the future, I must insist you consult me first.”
    The word “insist” was grating. She played her trump card. “Your grandmother is thrilled.”
    It wasn’t a lie. The dowager duchess was enthralled by the idea of a celebration and a horde of guests, not to mention all three of her grandsons visiting at once. Brianna understood that very rarely happened. Damien worked for the Crown and was abroad more than he was home, Robert’s notorious interests were legendary and not easily pursued while buried in the countryside, and Colton was so diligent in his responsibilities he had little balance in his life, in her opinion.
    “Is she?” There was just a slight edge of irritation in her husband’s voice. “Why do I get the feeling I am being manipulated?”
    “Colton,” Brianna said with as much asperity as she could summon, “I hardly think someone going to a great deal of trouble to honor your birthday is manipulation. I already told you I didn’t ask your permission because it was supposed to be a surprise. A pleasant one.”
    Just wait, her inner voice said. Lady Rothburg had a very outrageous suggestion in the chapter she had just finished reading, and though Brianna blushed every time she thought about it even if she was alone, she was willing to try it if it pleased him.
    “Surprises have no real place in my schedule, Brianna.”
    “It’s our life, unless I am mistaken, so I should also have some say.” She touched his cheek in a tender gesture that was heartfelt.
    And maybe, for the first time, he felt it too, for he seemed nonplussed. Those remarkable azure eyes stared into hers.
    Maybe it was foolish, but she pressed him. “Shouldn’t I?”
    No , any man in England might have answered her. But then again, she had married only one.
    “I had no idea I had married such a militant female.” He rolled her over abruptly, his much larger body pressing hers into the mattress. His mouth lowered until he could whisper against her lips. “I believe you are arguing with me. Am I mistaken, or do you have quite a habit of doing just that?”
    “I wouldn’t call it a habit.” Brianna felt breathless all at once, and needy also, as if they hadn’t just made love. He was hardening again. She could feel the pressure of the length of his returning erection along her thigh.
    “Hmm, I think I might differ in my opinion.” His embrace tightened and firm lips grazed her temple. Then he gave an exhale that echoed with resignation. “But I should go. This has been a very satisfying diversion, but Mills will be wondering what the devil happened to me and I have a dozen—”
    Brianna interrupted him by levering up on her elbows and pressing her mouth against his in a deliberately provocative kiss. Her arms slipped around his neck and she clung to him as if she had the power to actually keep him from leaving her bed.
    It turned out she did. Despite his self-professed busy schedule, he stayed for another very