Manor of Pleasure: An Erotic Historical Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

Baines, the Countess of Delafield, and Lady Claudia. True to form, the elders appeared to have just discovered yet another difference of opinion. Neither one seemed able to look at the other. That was soon to change.
    "Good evening, all. Good evening, Grandmother, Mrs. Baines…Aunt Claudia, how unexpected!" She greeted her aunt with a kiss.
    Rebecca then took her place beside Desmond. It felt natural to do so, as if they had already exchanged their vows.
    "Rebecca, how lovely to see you," said Desmond. "You look well this evening."
    "I do so love a ride in the afternoon, Desmond. The fresh air always invigorates me," Rebecca replied without the least hint of her true meaning. She tilted her head and smiled gaily at him.
    "I quite agree," said Desmond. "I can see you've become quite a good rider. I shall go riding with you more often in the future, if you'll have me."
    The chemistry between them was palpable. Upon Rebecca's entrance into the room, he could see or hear no one else. Her presence demanded the attention of all of his senses.
    For Rebecca's part, she wanted nothing more than to throw her arms about his neck. In fact, she didn't know how much longer she could go on without touching him. It was torturous really but at the same time quite exciting.
    "You and Desmond went out riding together? How was it?" Lady Louisa inquired.
    "It was exhilarating." Rebecca answered. "Desmond rides very well. He showed me places I'd never been."
    Desmond smiled.
    "Really, Rebecca? How could that be? You know this estate better than any one of us with all the riding you do," Louisa countered in surprise.
    Lord Garway spared Rebecca the bother of answering her meddlesome sister. His voice suddenly dominated the room.
    "Now that everyone is here, I think it is time for a rather exceptional announcement…an announcement I'd say has been long overdue." He paused for effect. "Lady Garway and I are so very pleased to tell you all that our beautiful daughter, the Lady Rebecca Garway, is to be wed…to Mr. Baines."
    Mrs. Baines rose quickly from her perch. "Why, Desmond! You said nothing to me!  Congratulations, my dear boy!" She rushed to embrace her son. She turned to his fiancee, "And Rebecca, I cannot tell you how pleased I am." She grabbed Rebecca's hands and kissed her on the cheek.
    "Thank you, Mother. Rebecca and I are very happy."
    "Well now, Desmond," the Countess uttered, "no one could certainly accuse you of acting precipitously. I trust this is not a trend. One only hopes that I shall still be above ground for the birth of your first child." She smiled at him broadly. "But this is happy news all the same."
    "Thank you, Madam. I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge your role in the match." Desmond said discreetly to her as he took her hand. The Countess reddened slightly.
    "Yes, yes. Thank you, Desmond; we shall speak no more of it."
    Desmond assisted the noble lady to her feet as dinner had just been announced. The small gathering trailed into the dining room.
    Dinner conversation revolved around wedding plans. Lord Garway and his soon-to-be son-in-law smiled helplessly at each other through much of the discourse. They contented themselves with the hearty meal and the fruits of the vine. By the dessert course, Desmond had had his good share of wine. But there was no doubt that the tone of the evening was festive and not a single person remarked upon their slight intoxication.
    Desmond's left hand slid beneath the table's edge and found its target: the yielding thigh of his consort.
    Rebecca started. She looked at him and widened her eyes.
    "Rebecca, I must go to London the day after next."
    "Oh? How long will you be gone?"
    "For the day only. I had hoped you would accompany me. Will you?"
    Rebecca was pleased. "I'll have to see."
    "Is the pleasure of my company not sufficient enticement?" At that moment, Desmond was completely overtaken by all of the charms of her physical beauty, all the more for the wine that he had consumed.