Wickedly Wanton: A Ménage Regency Tale Read Online Free PDF Page A

a beautiful structure, large and equally proportioned. Curtained windows sat evenly spaced, and not a soul stirred in the open courtyard. Not even a dog, Sabine thought as she stepped out of the carriage.
    The carriage pulled away, the driver and footman not looking in their direction. Eyes closed, Sabine turned to the entrance, praying she wouldn't lose her nerve. It was far too late now. There was a note pinned to the highly polished oak door.
    In strong, clear writing across the front read Miss Sabine Stanton .
    Ladies,
    The servants have been discharged and we've the house to ourselves for an afternoon of games and merriment.
    We shall begin with a hunt. Through the house, into the gardens, make your way to the statue of Hermes. There you'll find your first instructions.
    Severn
    Sabine opened the door and stepped into a lovely foyer. Marble floor led to a wide staircase where portraits of his ancestors hung. Interspersed, she noted with a flutter of anticipation, were colorful depictions of ancient maidens, scantily clothed in gossamer dresses so sheer as to render the wearers all but naked. These maidens drew water from the well, ran from equally scantily clad men, or frolicked amongst themselves with wood nymphs looking on.
    Her fingers curled into her dress, but she moved on. Faith ignored the décor, walking quickly down the hallway, past the bouquets of flowers offering their beautiful fragrance from every available surface.
    The wide glass doors to the garden were suddenly before her, and Sabine hesitated only a heartbeat before opening them.
    They quickly discovered the Hermes statue, and she spent a moment studying the messenger of the gods. The symbolism wasn't lost on her.
    This is the start of our game. Remove your bonnet and gloves and leave them at the base of Hermes. Further on, you'll find the goddess of wisdom.
    Sabine glanced around, searching for Lord Severn, but saw no one. Nonetheless, she knew he watched and removed her hat and gloves and placed them at Hermes's feet.
    They walked farther into the garden laid out in the traditional style, though there were more varieties of flowers here than she recalled seeing in most English gardens. Hera, Apollo, ah, Athena, but she still didn't see their host—for that matter she heard not a sound but those she and Faith made.
    A large ostrich feather lay nestled between the goddess's bare toes, with another note.
    Here you begin your collection. Take the feather and find Poseidon.
    Taking the feather, she ran it along her cheek. What could it be for? She had no idea, couldn't imagine, but knew Lord Severn placed it there with a purpose. Suddenly her stomach didn't jump with nervousness, but with excitement. She wanted this, no matter what she told herself earlier, no matter how she reasoned out her decision.
    The fact of the matter was very, very simple: she wanted Lord Severn.
    “Do you see Poseidon?” Faith asked, turning in a slow circle.
    Sabine was about to admit that she did not when the tinkling of water caught her attention. “By the house.” She pointed to the left, though she couldn't see the statue. “He has to be by the water fountain.”
    Sure enough, the god of the sea stood proud and naked above the fountain, water coming from the three prongs of his trident. A bright blue silk pillow leaned against the walls of the fountain, and a green silk cloth lay draped over the rough stone.
    Kneel before the other and remove her stockings, garters, and shoes. Leave them as a tribute to Poseidon before wading into his domain.
    “Sit,” she said, pushing Faith onto the edge of the fountain.
    Grinning up at her friend, she took the pillow and knelt before her. Slowly she lifted her dress, ran her hands up her thighs to untie the garter. With equally slow movements, she rolled the stocking down Faith's leg, just barely resisting the urge to kiss the dimple above her knee. Removing her shoe, Sabine placed all three items onto the green silk. She repeated