An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(49)
William’s smile dropped in an instant as the pillow sailed across the room and hit Quinn in the head. “Of course not! A man can never keep a wife and mistress happy at the same time and remain happy himself. Better to love your mistress enough to make an honest woman of her than juggle two without caring for either,” he growled.
“I say,” Quinn said, surprised by William’s vehemence. “Steady on.”
“I nearly made that mistake,” William admitted in a quieter voice. He smiled then. “But I am happier now than I ever hoped to be.”
“Please, you are sickening.” He threw the pillow back at his cousin. “Whoever thought you would be happily landlocked and spouting nonsense about matrimonial bliss?”
“No one, I expect. That is why I enjoy claiming to be pleased with my situation so often. It unsettles everyone when I smile.” William threw the pillow back at his head. “Do you feel better now or shall we break out the swords next?”
Quinn sat the pretty silk pillow on his knee, contemplating the question. “No need for further violence. I will survive.”
“You’re not alone,” William promised. “You’ll never be alone. Our family, all of the branches, only want the best for you and the estate.”
Quinn grinned at his cousin. “So does that mean the family can expect to have the pleasure of your company more often? My sisters wrote to say they were quite taken with your wife when you visited Newberry Park at Christmas.”
“Perhaps,” William said, straightening his spine. “Matilda is still quite shy of everyone.”
“She has no reason to be concerned. Eventually, given enough time and my sisters’ unfortunate influence, she’ll be just like the rest of them. Opinionated. Unruly.”
William rubbed a hand over his scar. “I like Matilda just the way she is, so perhaps we will not visit often.”
“People will change. A timid mouse might one day become a lioness.”
William frowned. “That would not suit my temperament.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you will adjust.” Quinn smirked. “I am positive Matilda will come into her own in due time. Heaven help you then.”
“I think we should talk about a marriage for you again,” William teased, making an obvious attempt to change the subject.
“Nothing can be done in pursuit of a lady while the family grieves, even if I had someone in mind.”
“I doubt mourning would stop you if you set your heart on someone,” William mused, then helped himself to another cup of coffee. “How long will you mourn?”
“Three months.” He sighed. “There is Louisa to consider.”
“Yes, Louisa and her third season,” William said, with his own heavy sigh. “I’m beginning to wonder if she’ll ever tie the knot.”
“She’ll marry eventually, or she won’t.” Quinn tapped his fingers on the pillow. “I’m not truly concerned by my sister’s lack of interest in finding a husband that suits her. Unlike father, I will support any decision she makes. I will not control her friendships at the expense of her dreams. I will give her the chance to make the most important decision of her life in her own time.”
And if deciding on as short a period of family mourning as possible helped, it was all for the better.
“You’re wiser than your father already,” William promised. “As for you, you’ll find someone to love soon enough with that attitude. Women will come running to stake a claim on your tender heart.”
Quinn felt no rush to gain a wife, but planning how to continue his affair with Theodora in this house, without being noticed, required delicacy and perfect timing on his part. He threw the pillow at his cousin one last time. “Put a cork in it, William. You really are becoming unbearable.”
Chapter 19
A scratch at the door alerted Theodora to her lover’s arrival. It was late, and the house had been quiet for some time. She was just giving up hope of seeing Quinn tonight when she heard him outside her door. The move from Maitland House to Newberry House had exhausted her; her last glimpse of the ruins of her former home had brought her grief closer to the surface than she cared to admit.
Catching sight of Quinn in a dark silk banyan and bare feet banished the tension she’d been fighting since coming up to her new bedchamber. She held out her arms, beckoning him closer. Excitement rippled up her spine as he locked the door behind him and hurried to join her.
His lips were hungry as they settled over hers and soothed her as nothing else could.
They did not speak. There was no need. They both were well aware of why he’d come and what Theodora wanted from Quinn tonight.
Quinn’s kiss was exactly as she remembered, but fiercer somehow. Hungrier. As if he was filled with the same desperation she felt after one night of abstinence. Twisting away, Theodora ripped the tie to her robe undone, and he did the same. Given they were both naked beneath, Theodora did not wait to push her body against his, gasping a little at the contact of his hot skin against hers.
He slid his hands down her back, beneath the robe, then lifted her up. “Mine,” he taunted.
Theodora curled her legs about Quinn’s waist and tightened her grip on him. “All mine, too.”