The Secret Christmas Ciphers Read Online Free PDF Page A

her reaction to this morning’s kiss. She’d never expected to feel such a multitude of delightful sensations, sensations that traveled through mysterious routes all the way down her torso and into the deepest part of her belly. She could almost begin to understand why the sisters were so enthralled with the various aspects of physical contact.
    Except she had no doubt that for her, these sensations would have been absent had her kisser been anyone other than Derek. She already dreaded the absence of his touch, so she wrapped her arms as tightly around him as she could and engaged her tongue with his, hoping to encourage him to continue this delicious experience.
    That she’d surprised him seemed obvious because he paused for a split second, but then he continued with increased fervor. Abigail felt a moan of pleasure rising in her throat. She had no doubt it would have escaped had her father-in-law not chosen that particular moment to har-rump quite loudly.
    She and Derek pulled back simultaneously and turned their heads to look at the Earl of Melton. His frown of disapproval warred with an understanding smile. “I quite see,” he said, “that the two of you dislike the idea of parting so soon, but it’s past time for you to be on your way, my son.”
    Derek bit his lip as though trying to regain control over his emotions, then grasped Abigail’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze before turning away from her. “You’re right, sir.”
    He bowed to his father, waved to the housekeeper, butler, and footman, and dashed down the steps. He mounted his horse and rode away without once looking back at Abigail.

 
     
    Chapter Three
     
    London, mid October 1813
     
     
    Despite her desire for independence, Abigail couldn’t help feeling relieved when her father-in-law announced he would accompany her and Catherine to London. Although Catherine swore that she would behave herself, Abigail had no confidence in her friend’s judgment or self-control. Perhaps having the earl in residence at the town house would encourage caution on Catherine’s part.
    They traveled to the city together on a sunny but chilly day in the earl’s luxurious traveling coach, arriving in late afternoon. Catherine’s cousin, Parsetta, had arrived the previous day and awaited them. She’d taken it upon herself to alert the servants, and the housekeeper had already assigned bedchambers. Lord Melton was to have the largest chamber with its dressing room and adjoining bedchamber. Abigail, as wife of the heir, was assigned the next largest bedchamber, and Catherine was a couple of doors down the hall. Cousin Parsetta was next door to Catherine.
    Abigail would have preferred having a chamber with another room adjoining it as she and Derek had occupied back at Melton Castle, but the town house was much smaller, of course. Besides, as she reminded herself, she and Derek were not likely to be staying at the town house at the same time. He’d plainly said that he’d let her know when he would be in London so she could make arrangements to be elsewhere. Thus, she wasted no time worrying about the lack of an adjoining chamber. There was too much excitement in London to leave room for worries.
    Abigail had visited London on a couple of occasions with her father, but this time was different. Now, instead of arriving as the unmarried daughter of an obscure baron, she was the wife of a viscount who was heir to an ancient earldom. In addition, the Earl of Melton was available to serve as an escort, and Cousin Parsetta proved to be an excellent companion. As it turned out, she had been companion to so many of her relatives that she was well known and liked by many people in society.
    To Abigail’s surprise, she and Catherine almost immediately received invitations to a few events, with more invitations arriving as soon as people realized they had come up to town for the Little Season. Fortunately for Abigail’s peace of mind, Catherine’s behavior was quite