Lady Be Reckless (Duke's Daughters #2)(72)

Olivia glanced around the room, finally spotting a clock set on the table on the other side of the bed.

She hadn’t taken a good look at the room the previous night; she’d been too focused on him, but now she could see it was a large, comfortable room, with only a few items placed on the bureau and tabletops. It was a room designed for relaxation, not work. Designed for other things, also, as she could tell from the size of the bed, which was huge.

It was a room she could see herself being in, living in, being comfortable in.

But only if she were able to fix all the mess she was currently in.

She scooted over to the side of the bed and dropped her feet down onto the plush carpet, blushing as she glanced down at her nakedness.

“Uh,” she began, looking over her shoulder at him. He had lain back down, the sheets tangled around his waist, his chest on delicious display, making her want to dive back into bed with him and do more exploring.

“What is it?” he asked, arching a brow. As though he knew just what she was thinking and he was thinking the same thing.

“I need my clothes,” she replied, closing her eyes so she wouldn’t get distracted. Wondering how the stubble on his cheeks would feel on her skin.

Well, so much for not being distracted. With her eyes closed, she could picture just what it would look like if she stretched her hand out and put her palm on his abdomen, rubbing his chest with her fingers, sliding down until she—

“Here,” he said, and she felt a plop of fabric land on her lap. Her eyes flew open, and she saw her night rail, which was twisted inside out. She put it the right way again and put it on, standing up to let the fabric shimmy down her legs.

“If I had my way,” he said in a low, smoky voice that made her shiver, “I’d just keep you here and pleasure you until your screams woke the house. Then we wouldn’t have to announce anything at all.”

She felt a shiver run through her. It was a tempting idea.

“I think we should do the proper thing first,” she said in a prim tone. Keenly aware of all his bare skin behind her.

“Fine. We’ll try your tactic,” he said, and she heard him shift on the bed. “But if that doesn’t work, I’m tossing you over my shoulder and taking you back here to ravish you.”

“It’s a bargain,” she said in laughing tone.

She’d never expected all of this to be so much fun.





Chapter 26




Oh my goodness, that was fun. I cannot wait to do it again.

Lady Olivia’s Particular Guide to Being Reckless



He didn’t have a ring. He should get a ring, to make certain she would marry him.

She’d said she would, but there was something enticing about having a physical claim on her, making sure everyone who saw her knew.

If he told her that’s why he wanted her to wear one, he knew she would upbraid him for his old-fashioned notions. Which was why he needed to make certain he bought such a lovely ring that she didn’t think too hard about it.

“Doughty?” Edward said, leaning back in his chair. The butler moved forward, inclining his head.

“What may I help you with, sir?”

Edward looked up. “Where would I buy a piece of jewelry? Is there somewhere nearby?” He’d been to the town—the one that had not wanted Olivia’s help—often enough, and he knew there wasn’t a jeweler there. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too far.

“There is one in Ackleworth, about ten miles from here.”

Ackleworth. That was where his father had first met his mother. He generally avoided going there, since his grandfather’s house was on the town’s outskirts. But if he could just go in, find the jeweler and then get right out, it would be fine. He needed a ring more than he needed to avoid a town with bad memories.

He took another sip of coffee, pleased to find it had cooled enough. Hopefully that was a sign that he would be able to wait. Wait for the coffee to cool. Buy the ring.

Marry the woman he loved. Who loved him.



Edward settled Chrysanthemum at the stables, and then walked quickly into the center of town.

It was far larger than what he was used to, at least out in the country. There were signs of bustling commerce everywhere, from pubs and inns to a milliner’s shop, a fabric store, and no fewer than three haberdasheries.

The jeweler was next to the fabric shop, one of the ones his father’s mills sold to. He was pleased to see a steady stream of customers going in and out, which he could report back to his father. The mill had been one of his father’s first successes, and Mr. Beechcroft still viewed it as one of his favorite business transactions.

Edward stepped into the jeweler’s, hoping the shop would have what he wanted—a ring that was as brilliant and sparkling as Olivia, but not too opulent. She wouldn’t want a crass display like other ladies in Society. He wasn’t certain whether or not such a ring existed, but he was going to try.

“Good morning, sir, welcome to Fotheringay’s,” an older man with grey hair said as Edward advanced. There were three sections of jewelry on display, one to either side of him and one in front. Sconces were above each, lighting the cases and making the stones within gleam.

Edward blinked against the sudden brightness, taking his hat off and walking up to the counter. “I am looking for a ring,” he said, beginning to peruse the case in front of him.