The Rake's Unveiling of Lady Belle by Raven McAllan Page B

retorted, not at all embarrassed. ‘Where all the cares of the word have disappeared and you can just sink into its loveliness.’
    Phillip shrugged out of his jacket, rolled it up and put it under Belle’s head for a pillow. She grinned and stretched out next to him, her legs crossed at the ankles. He wished the skirt hem would creep upwards, just a little.
    It didn’t.
    â€˜As I said. Perfection. Wake me up if I fall asleep.’ Belle yawned and laughed. ‘Oh dear, it is not the company, I promise you. Just lack of sleep. So, please wake me up.’
    â€˜With a kiss?’
    â€˜Not necessarily. A gentle pat on the cheek would suffice.’
    â€˜Not nearly as satisfying though.’
    Belle waggled her finger at him. ‘Talk about the estate, my lord.’
    Phillip caught hold of the digit and nibbled the end. Her look of astonishment made him laugh and he patted her cheek. ‘Your wish as ever is my command.’
    â€˜You are full of hot air, if it was… Ah well no matter, I’m all ears.’
    He chose not to ask her to finish her sentence. Not now. The fragile peace and contentment between them was too important to sully.
    â€˜The house, the pond and the land between them, plus the home farm and its acreage, is tiny compared to some.’ He plucked a fern leaf from a nearby clump that waved softly in the breeze, and he used it to tickle Belle’s nose. She swatted his hand away.
    â€˜Stop it. You’ll make me sneeze.’
    â€˜Sorry, but it’s such a perfect nose to touch.’
    â€˜Hmm.’ Belle wriggled the object of his esteem. ‘That’s the first time my nose has been admired. Go on, you were saying?’
    â€˜It’s more of a country house with a little bit of land. Of course I have my estate in Northumberland and a few other establishments, and Papa’s will come to me eventually. For now though, this is perfect. My escape route when needed.’
    Belle nodded. ‘Useful. I wouldn’t know what to do without Honeysuckle Cottage.’ She stiffened, stopped speaking suddenly and plucked at a tuft of grass. ‘Do you prefer here to Northumberland then?’
    So Honeysuckle Cottage, wherever it was, was an area not up for discussion. He would comply for now.
I wonder if Clarissa knows anything about it?
    â€˜Sometimes. Our lands are next to the border, in fact some are over the border. It can be wild, mysterious and eerie, as well as warm, bright and full of hope and…’ He broke off, suddenly embarrassed at his hyperbolic description. ‘I was born there not in Surrey where Mama hails from. To me, Northumberland—Ottering Park—is home.’
    â€˜It must be nice to feel that sense of belonging,’ Belle said slowly.
    â€˜Do you not have that sense at, where was it, Honeysuckle Cottage?’
    Belle shook her head, and sat up to lean on her elbows and stare into the dark water. ‘It’s not the same thing. Ah, c’est la vie.’ She shrugged. ‘So, what now?’
    â€˜I swear that is one of your favourite questions,’ Phillip said. ‘This is next.’ He tugged on her elbows until she fell flat and he rolled over to settle between her legs. In this position her boson was enticingly close, and the sweet, flowery scent he associated with her filled the air. ‘If you don’t want a creased skirt you could take it off?’
    â€˜How kind.’
    â€˜Oh I am.’ He took her hands and used one of his own to hold her arms above her head. It stretched her body and her breast heaved and fought the constraints of her bodice.
    â€˜And of course if your bosom is compressed by your gown…’ He grinned and Belle moaned deep in her throat and laughed huskily. That combination of seductive and innocent was such an alien sound to come from her, he stared.
    â€˜I know, I can take it off.’
    â€˜Exactly.’ He bent his head and sucked the soft