“I find politics fascinating,” Diana said, joining the fray. “I read the newspapers daily.”

  Oliver added, “I enjoy hearing my wife’s opinions about the world, especially politics. It leads to many fascinating discussions.”

  “Not politics,” Minden said emphatically. “This is a house party. We should be interested in anything but politics. Which I do find boring, Lady Thea, so I suppose I’m typical of most ton gentlemen. However, I’m sure we’ll be participating in several activities this week that I do enjoy.” He paused. “I hope we’ll join in on several of these together.”

  Thea felt she’d done nothing but blush this morning. Lord Minden’s interest in her was very obvious. She saw Oliver’s eyes narrow as he looked at the earl and was grateful she had her brother-in-law’s protection.

  “What is planned for today, Your Grace?” Lady Lydia asked brightly.

  “Aunt Louise is going to take the females on a tour of Durbury after breakfast while the men plan to shoot.”

  “Oh, seeing Durbury will be so exciting,” Lady Burns remarked. “Won’t it, Lydia?”

  The way the viscountess looked from her daughter to the duke, Thea believed the woman thought her daughter would be viewing her future home. It rankled her but she kept her thoughts to herself. If the duke proved to be more interested in Lydia Burns, then Thea knew Durham was not for her. She might not be as pretty as the woman, but Thea knew she had more substance.

  At that moment, the dowager duchess rose from the table adjacent to theirs. “I would love for the ladies to accompany me as I show you Durbury. We’re quite proud of the house and I’m happy to share it with you.”

  As the women came to their feet, Thea glanced to the duke.

  “May I still shoot, Your Grace?” she asked quietly.

  His eyes lit with a smile. “I’m counting on it, Lady Thea.”

  When the women had gathered and the dowager duchess began to lead them from the room, Lady Lydia stopped and looked pointedly at Thea.

  “Aren’t you coming along?”

  Before Thea could reply, the duke said, “No. Lady Thea will be shooting with the men.”

  Chapter Eight

  Adam couldn’t believe Lady Lydia’s jealousy. If the chit was trying to show her good side to him, she’d bungled it badly. No matter how pretty or well-bred she was, he would never have been interested in her after she showed her true self regarding her attitude toward Thea de Wolfe.

  Both women, along with Miss Pickford, had accompanied the men outside. The latter had remarked to the room that all large houses were alike—but that women shooting rifles might prove to be quite interesting.

  Fortunately, his aunt maneuvered the rest of the women, along with Lady Burns, away from the breakfast room. From his own tour with Aunt Louise and knowing how vast Durbury was, he expected the ladies to be occupied for a good two hours. The men adjourned outside to the back lawn, where servants awaited with loaded rifles.

  “You don’t mean to actually fire one of those, do you?” Lady Lydia prodded Lady Thea.

  “I most certainly do,” Thea calmly replied. “I find it soothing.”

  “Balderdash,” sniffed Lady Lydia.

  Adam bit back a smile.

  “Pass out the rifles,” he ordered Holmes, and the servants did his bidding. He wasn’t sure why she’d asked to shoot, but after much thought last night as he lay sleepless in bed, he’d decided she must have some experience with it. Adam didn’t see her as the type to pretend to be familiar with something if she wasn’t, much less act coyly and have a man show her what to do.

  He watched as Lady Thea received her weapon. She inspected it thoroughly, and from the way she handled it, she was no newcomer.

  They took turns as pigeons were released. As the host, Adam chose not to participate, allowing his guests to have their fun. He spent all his time watching Lady Thea, whether she was shooting or not. Her color was high as excitement filled her. When she brought her weapon up each time, she moved with innate grace and confidence. As a former military man, her shooting skills made her vastly more attractive to him than if he’d spotted her dancing in some ballroom.

  Moreover, she never missed.

  Miss Pickford asked if she could try her hand at it and Hardy helped guide her practice. Adam saw the two continue their conversation once her turn ended. He couldn’t help but think the lively, pretty young woman would be an excellent match for his friend.

  Lady Lydia also begged to be taught, taking a rifle from a servant and swinging it wildly around. Adam intervened quickly and forced the weapon to her side so that the barrel pointed to the ground.

  “Guns are to be treated with respect, my lady,” he chided gently.

  “As ladies are?” she asked coyly, glancing at his hand over hers as he held the barrel down.

  “Of course,” he said brusquely.

  “Will you show me the proper form, Your Grace?” she asked sweetly and, for a moment, he could see why men would be taken with her.

  “Yes, I’d be delighted.”

  Adam helped her raise the rifle, pointing away from the others, and gave her a rudimentary lesson. She giggled constantly and he warned her that her flagging attention made her an unsuitable candidate for shooting. He lowered the weapon and stepped back from her, taking the gun with him.

  “It’s just as well,” she said. “I don’t think it appropriate for women to pursue. It’s so violent.”

  “It is,” he agreed grimly. “You’d best return to the house.”

  “Oh, I’ll think I’ll stay and watch,” she said airily.

  What she did was watch him. Adam tamped down both his irritability and discomfort and did his best to ignore her.

  They finally exhausted the supply of pigeons and everyone returned their weapons to the waiting servants.

  Lord Minden said, “Well done, Lady Thea. You hit every target. Only Hardy matched you and he’s got military experience.”

  Jealousy flared within Adam as he saw the look of regard Minden gave Lady Thea.

  “Thank you, my lord. My brother taught me to shoot though we did it more to put food on the table than for sport.”

  “First, puzzles—and now accurate shooting. Is there anything you cannot do, Lady Thea?” Minden asked.

  “Sing well,” she replied. “I play pianoforte adequately but I implore you never to ask me to sing, my lord.”

  “If anyone does and they disparage you, shoot them,” Minden joked.

  Holmes stepped to Adam. “Your Grace, luncheon is to be served in half an hour.”

  Adam realized the shooting had taken longer than he’d anticipated. “Thank you, Holmes. Everyone, my aunt requests our presence at luncheon.”

  He moved toward Lady Thea. “It looks as if we’ll need to eat before our ride.”

  He offered her his arm to escort her back to the house and she took it. That same jolt of electricity surged through him at her touch. Their gazes met and he knew she was aware of it, too.

  Everyone freshened up and appeared for luncheon. This time, Adam had Lady Sybil on his right and Miss Pickford on his left. The meal passed quickly in such enjoyable company, though he found Lady Sybil to be even more reserved than he usually was.

  When the meal ended, Aunt Louise said, “Cards await us. And then we’ll take tea this afternoon and then have time to walk Durbury’s gardens before dinner.”

  “I think some of us plan to go riding now, Aunt,” he said. “I know Lord Hardy and Lady Thea have asked to see the estate. There’s no better way to do so than on horseback.”

  Adam counted on his friend making himself scarce during the ride. He only hoped everyone else was up for card play. Disappointingly, several chimed in that they, too, were interested in a long ride, including Lord Merrifield. He knew the earl served as chaperone for Lady Thea and understood Merrifield’s desire to come along. Lady Merrifield begged off, saying that she wished to indulge in a nap before tea. In the end, the four young bachelors and four young ladies decided to go. That caused Lord Merrifield to opt out, though Adam saw him draw his sister-in-law aside and speak to her briefly.

  The group walked to the stables and orders were issued to find mounts suitable to the riders’ experience. He noted both Lady Thea and Miss Pickford requested horses that reflected they’d been in the saddle for years. Hardy volunteered to stick close to Lady Sybil, who professed she was a novice, while Lord Burles offered to accompany Lady Lydia, who admitted she didn’t care much for riding.

  They set out at a canter, and soon those four fell behind. Adam pointed out a few features of the estate, and then Miss Pickford announced they should simply ride. She took off quickly and Minden raced after her, both laughing.

  Adam looked at Lady Thea. “Shall we ride to the west?”

  West was the opposite direction from their companions.

  She grinned, mischief lighting her eyes. “I’d be happy to, Your Grace.”

  “Follow me.”

  He urged his mount on at a steady clip, and she followed.

  Until she passed him.

  He hadn’t anticipated the move and raced to catch up with her. Once he reached her, they galloped across a large meadow, the wind on their faces. They reached the end of the open space and she steered her horse into the woods, pulling on the reins until it slowed to a walk. Adam joined her.

  “Is there somewhere nearby where we can water our horses?” she asked.

  “Yes. There’s a stream about a quarter-mile ahead. I’ll show you.”

  He guided his horse in front of hers and they reached the water quickly. Adam dismounted and then went to aid her. He captured her waist, his hands spanning it, and brought her to the ground.

  And didn’t let go.

  They continued gazing at each wordlessly, something passing between them that he might never be able to explain.

  Then she said, “I’ve missed riding. Remind me never to break my leg again.”

  “I’ve other things to remind you of, Thea,” he said, his voice husky and low. “Important things.”

  She licked her lips nervously. “What, Your Grace?”

  “This.”

  He bent and touched his lips to hers. His fingers tightened on her waist. Her palms flattened against his chest. He pressed soft kisses against her mouth, his thumbs stroking her ribs. She sighed.

  Adam longed to taste her. He urged her mouth open and his tongue swept inside.

  Her fingers clutched his waistcoat. She whimpered—and he delved deeper, doing more than merely sampling. She tasted divine. Like the best sweet he’d ever indulged in, though a thousand times better. Her tongue met his and began teasing it as she kissed him back. His hands moved to her slender back and traveled the length of it, up and down, as they continued to kiss. And kiss. And kiss. Adam had never known a kiss such as this. One that caused his heart to beat rapidly. That filled him with a giddiness that made him want to shout with joy. A kiss that told him everything he needed to know.

  He wanted this woman in his life. Now. Forever.

  His hands moved back to her waist and glided along the curve of her hips. He brought them to cradle her face as their kiss went on and on. He longed to remove the pins from her hair and comb through her raven locks but stopped himself before he did so.

  Adam broke the kiss and stared into Thea’s eyes, now a brilliant green, surrounded by the ring of gold which had deepened to a rich amber. He memorized everything about her, from the arch of her brows to the shape of her nose.

  “You are so very beautiful,” he said with reverence.

  Eyeing him with wonder, she asked, “Is this truly happening?”

  “Yes,” he assured her. “Yes.”

  With that, he took her mouth again, first biting softly into her full, lower lip, drawing a surprised cry from her. He licked where he’d nipped her, his tongue soothing the spot. He wanted to gobble her up. It was as if a maelstrom waged within him, his emotions turbulent and out of control. He buried his lips against her throat, kissing the slender column and licking his way across her collarbone. He’d worried about not knowing what to do but instinct—and desire—led him.

  “Oh,” she moaned. “Oh, Adam.”

  She called him by name. The thrill shot through him and his mouth sought hers again in hard, demanding kisses that told her she was his. His arms enfolded her and then pinned her to him as he ravaged her mouth.

  Finally, he broke the kiss again, realizing he was the one in control—and he wanted to stay that way.

  He released her and tried to step back, but Thea’s fingers grasped his shoulders.

  “Don’t go,” she urged.

  “We need to rejoin the others,” he told her. “This was the very thing your brother-in-law wanted to prevent.”

  She frowned. “Oliver doesn’t need to know.”

  “Of course he needs to know,” Adam insisted gently. “How am I to offer for you if I don’t speak to him first?”

  A radiant smile graced her face. “You mean to offer for me?”

  “I do. It’s probably best to wait till the end of the week, though. Lord Merrifield needs to see that we’ve gotten to know one another.”

  A wise, womanly look entered her eyes. “I know all I need to.”

  “Are you certain? There’s much we’ve yet to discover about one another.”

  “Isn’t that what marriage is for?” she asked. “A lifetime’s journey with someone you love, learning more about them each day?” Then her face flamed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “That you love me? Or that I love you?” He laced their fingers together. “It sounds foolish. We’ve barely spoken. Yet I’ve known from the beginning how I felt about you.”

  “I have, too,” she said softly.

  He gave her a lingering kiss. “Then let’s spend as much time as we can together this week. When the house party comes to an end, I’ll speak to Lord Merrifield. We can announce our engagement at the ball.”

  She sighed. “My first ball.”

  Adam hesitated a moment. “Would you rather wait? Do you wish to make your come-out to society? I don’t want to rush you into marriage, Thea. If you’d prefer to—”

  “No,” she said firmly, squeezing his fingers. “A come-out merely places a woman on the Marriage Mart. I have no need for men to ogle me. Not when I have you.”

  Thea pulled him down for a sweet kiss.

  “You’re right, though. Oliver will want to see our relationship progress. I know he’ll grant permission, though. He’s madly in love with Diana. And he’ll recognize how we feel about one another.” She chuckled. “It will be hard calling you Durham now. Especially after those kisses.”

  Adam raised their joined hands and swept kisses along her fingers. “Yes, my love. Calling you Lady Thea sounds so formal.”

  “We must play the game that society has set for us,” she said.

  “Agreed.”

  He took the reins of both horses in hand and led them to the stream, allowing them to drink briefly before his hands went to her waist. Adam gave her a final kiss and placed her in the saddle before mounting his own horse. They left the woods and rode east, where he hoped they would locate at least Miss Pickford and Lord Minden. Fortunately, the pair headed their way and they joined up and returned to the stables together. His groom let him know the others in their riding party had already returned.

  Adam helped Thea from her horse and she politely thanked him for showing her about the estate. Then she went to Miss Pickford and they linked arms and returned to the house. He and Minden followed at a distance.

  The earl said, “I’m glad you asked such interesting, beautiful women to Durbury for your house party, Durham.”

  “Thank my aunt. She is the one who composed the guest list.”

  “I’ll do that,” Minden said. “I think I might even find a bride this week.”

  Adam only smiled.

  Chapter Nine

  After Diana dressed for dinner, she came to watch her lady’s maid prepare Thea for the evening. Thea happily chatted with her sister and asked her to wait after the maid had been dismissed.

  “Is there something you wish to speak about in private?” Diana asked.

  “When . . . when did you know . . . that Oliver was the one?”

  A smile lit up Diana’s face at the mention of her husband. “From the beginning,” she admitted. “I was attracted to him before I even knew his name. And then we were introduced at tea by Lady Merrick.” She shrugged. “What can I say, Thea? Oliver is everything I could ever dream of in a husband. From our first kiss, I desperately wanted to be with him. I even . . .”

  Her voice trailed off and she studied Thea. Suddenly, a smile lit her face and she asked, “Is it the duke?”

  Thea nodded, her cheeks heating. She lowered her gaze, overcome with emotion.

  “Has he kissed you?”

  “Yes,” she whispered and then looked at her sister. “Yes, he did. And it was glorious, Diana. I never knew what a kiss was like. I never understood how powerful it could be. I see you and Oliver kissing all the time, even when you don’t notice me about, and I’ll admit I’ve been curious. Even envious. Hoping that someday I would find a good man and discover what you and Oliver have together.”

  “And now you know,” Diana said, taking Thea’s hands. “I’m so very happy for you, Thea.” She chuckled. “Poor Oliver. He so wanted to be a good chaperone for you. And here you’ve gone and already kissed our host.”

  “Oliver’s not to know yet,” Thea explained.

  “But I could never hide anything—”

  “No, Diana, don’t worry. Adam says he will speak to Oliver at the end of the week. He wants Oliver to see us keeping company and how well suited we are for one another. Then he will have a private word with him. Adam would like to announce our engagement at the ball.”

  “I see.” Diana sighed, and Thea heard the worry in it. “I will do my best to keep your secret for now, but it will be hard. We tell each other everything. Especially because I didn’t in the beginning.”

 

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