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

He leaned over to her and whispered, "Perhaps I should come by your room tonight to persuade you."
    Rebecca replied coyly. "You can try. Penhope Manor is first and foremost a fortress of protection and sanctuary, Desmond."
    "Is that a challenge?"
    Rebecca looked at him gamely. "If you wish."
    "Care to make it interesting?" Desmond arched an eyebrow to her.
    Rebecca laughed. "You have a pitifully short memory, sir. I remind you that you best not bet against me if you want to keep your shirt. You said so yourself."
    Desmond was contenting himself with the grapes from a nearby fruit plate. He crunched on them merrily. "Well, you see, Rebecca, the big difference is that this wager does not involve horses. Secondly, it need not be for coin."
    Rebecca tilted her head. "What shall the prize be then?"
    "Well, it would have to be worth my while." Desmond popped another grape into his mouth, chewed and swallowed.
    "A kiss then?" she suggested.
    "Ah…but I've already had one of those." Desmond grinned at her, his eyes full of mischief.
    Rebecca blushed and stared down at her hands as she toyed with the stem of her wineglass.
    “ Is that no longer worth your while, Desmond?" she asked him, her voice was soft.
    He longed so much to kiss her just then. There was only one answer. "Of course it is, my love."
     
     

CHAPTER SIX
     
    Lady Garway touched her husband's hand lightly. "John, look at Rebecca and Desmond. Have you ever seen two people so very much in love?"
    Lord Garway looked down the length of the table. The affianced couple was rapt in conversation with one another. They might have been the only two people in the room. Rebecca was laughing. Desmond would not take his eyes from her.
    "I still can't believe it," replied Lord Garway. "I mean, we all knew it, didn't we? Perhaps after her break with Sir Isaac, it was only a matter of time."
    "It may have been Rebecca's plans for Wales that finally brought Desmond to his senses. Whatever it was, let us be grateful. I've already sent a letter to my mother with the news,” she told her husband.
    "Will she be disappointed, I wonder?" Lord Garway turned to his wife. "I fear she still hasn't forgiven me for having stolen your heart across Mother England, along with your dowry. She may have had a grand scheme to get Rebecca settled permanently in Wales. Her last laugh, if you will." Lord Garway smiled wryly and took a sip from his wine glass.
    "I'm sure you're right," Lady Garway sighed. "Thank God we're to avoid all that. I could not have borne having another child so far from home. Having Owen in Scotland is bad enough."
    Lady Garway soon rose and began the slow migration of the ladies to the drawing room. Lord Garway went to join forces with Desmond in yet another volley of alcohol. He sat down next to him.
    "So, my dear chap," he began. "I'm not one to comment on affairs of the heart if it can be avoided. But I make an exception in this case. No other match for my daughter could have pleased me more." Lord Garway tipped his glass to Desmond and took a drink.
    "Thank you, sir." Desmond's manner was unsettled. He shifted his glass of brandy from one hand to the other. "I appreciate your confidence. I love Rebecca very much. You must know that I will do everything in my power to keep her safe, to spare her any sorrow."
    "Of course, Desmond. What is it? There's something on your mind."
    Desmond's eyes were very serious and he spoke in earnest. "It's a delicate topic." He paused. "Perhaps I've had too much to drink. We might discuss it later. "
    Lord Garway's brow furrowed. "Please, Desmond. Continue."
    Desmond took a deep breath and another drink. "Rebecca has given me her account of the events relating to Sir Isaac. I was told that he insinuated himself into her bed. And when she discovered that he had no intention of ever marrying her, it was too late. He is a gambler with no scruples about running up his debts and running away...but she has told you as much, I see.”
    Lord Garway was