An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(52)

Her fingers tightened and then she tousled his hair. “It seems I must forgive you, since you are waking me with such lovely kisses.”

Reluctantly, he drew back from her breast. He had arranged to meet a friend this morning in pursuit of information about Mary’s final days. He couldn’t be late. “Kisses that must stop, if I’m to return to my room unnoticed.”

“Sadly true. I was just beginning to feel warm all over.” She pulled a face, not a pout but an expression of acceptance. Adele would have complained about him abandoning her and sulked, denying him her bed until he’d bought her a pretty trinket to make her smile once more.

He kissed Theodora’s lips quickly. Theodora was a sensible woman. It was unfortunate that they could not play together in bed all day and get away without it being noticed. “Hold that thought until tonight, or if you dare, you may finish this morning without me, and we will start anew later.”

She smiled slowly. “If you are certain you must go, I suppose I have no choice but to please myself.”

“I am sorry I cannot stay.”

She peeked beneath the sheets toward his erection. “I know.”

He smiled and rolled out of bed. As was often the case, he felt very energetic after being with Theodora. Quinn found his banyan, slipped it on, and spent a moment gazing upon a very tousled Theodora. Her hands moved beneath the sheet, sliding down her body. She widened her legs a little and raised her knees.

Vixen! She was going to take him up on his suggestion while he was still in the room! What he wouldn’t give to stay and watch her make love to herself.

“Until later,” he whispered.

He hurried out, giving his erection a stern warning to subside. If he stayed, he might be tempted to stay with Theodora forever. An idea that was slowly beginning to become appealing.

He was inside his chamber less than five minutes before Rodmell arrived, arms full of riding clothes. He was out to the stables fifteen minutes later.

Once Quinn had regained his appreciation of firm land beneath him, and lost his sea legs, he preferred to be out in the fresh morning air each day on his favorite horse, Locket, riding with old friends in Hyde Park. He pushed Locket to a trot to reach the prearranged meeting place as quickly as possible.

Lord Deacon was already waiting on a restless mount, but had unexpected company in the Duke of Calder at his side. He galloped to join them. He was late, and apologized for making Lord Deacon wait and then turned toward Lord Calder, a man a little older than him but quite a prankster. “Good morning, Calder. What brings you out of your bed at this ungodly hour?”

“Good news. I’ve found a bride,” Calder said, beaming from ear to ear.

Quinn blinked, and then pressed his hand to his chest. “You? Married? The world is about to come to an end.”

“That’s what I said,” Deacon added glumly.

“We’ll be married by the end of the month.”

“Well then. Congratulations.” Quinn maneuvered his horse so he could shake Calder’s hand. Calder would have chosen very well. A woman with a large dowry and impeccable connections were needed when an estate had fallen on hard times, as his had. “I’ll tell my secretary to accept the invitation immediately once it arrives.”

“Good, for I should like the pair of you to stand up with me.”

Quinn’s horse pranced. “It would be an honor. Now, do tell me about your bride. Who is she?”

“You don’t need to know yet.”

Deacon scowled. “There’s the rub. He won’t say who she is. Means to surprise us all, he says.”

“What?”

Deacon slumped in his saddle. “I ask you, how is a man supposed to pick a wife if there is every chance he pursues the hand of a woman who’s already off the marriage market and won’t say a word about it?”

“You would never suit my lady, Deacon, and I am most definitely keeping her away from the likes of you, Templeton,” Calder promised, then laughed.

“Afraid she’ll throw you over for an inferior title?” Quinn joked.

“Or perhaps I am merely afraid she’ll take a look at my friends and become hysterical and run.” Calder quirked one haughty brow and then laughed. “I am not giving society a chance to gossip about my choice of bride until the very hour we’re to marry.”

Quinn exchanged a long glance with Deacon, but saw his confusion too easily at Calder’s plan. It was highly unusual, and not at all like Calder to be secretive. “You’re not marrying the baker’s daughter, the one on Bond Street that you always flirt with, are you?”

“She’s a fine wench,” Deacon murmured, with a touch of reverence in his voice. “Her sugared buns bring me back to her shop again and again,” he promised.

“No, not her.” Calder laughed heartily at that. “My lips are sealed until the ceremony. You’ll have to wait like everyone else to find out her identity.”

Quinn shook his head. Calder was the most outspoken of his circle of friends. It would be a miracle if he didn’t give away his own secret before the appointed hour. “This ought to be very interesting,” Quinn conceded.

“I think so too.” Calder’s grin widened. “Now all we need do is see the two of you similarly well matched.”

Quinn pulled a face. The only woman he wanted in his life was Theodora, and he had her already. “Perhaps we should concentrate on finding Lord Deacon a wife first.”