Lady Alexandra's Lover (Sex and the Season #3) - Helen Hardt Page 0,37

such activities.”

“Didn’t I just tell you only moments ago never to deny yourself pleasure?” I smiled.

“You did, indeed, and I certainly would like to experience more…”

“If you felt being with a woman was scandalous, perhaps you will find being with a man slightly less so.” I raised my eyebrows and smiled again.

“Perhaps…”

And then, Amelia, I knew I had her. I so look forward to my next lesson with Christophe. I hope very much he will bring Mr. Peck with him.

I shall write again when I have more exciting adventures to tell you. Until then, I remain yours, affectionately,

Prudence

Chapter 11

And here we go again. Evan sighed. The woman was bound and determined to get to London. Evan doubted very much it had anything to do with her friend, Miss Hortense Stafford or whomever it was. Knowing Alexandra, she had something completely different up her sleeve. Still, he had made a promise to her, and he hated having to break it. Plus, Sophie certainly deserved to get off this estate and have some amusement, as well. Shy and timid she may be, but she had seemed to enjoy the balls they’d attended at the duke’s estate.

“My apologies to both of you,” he said calmly. “I know you were looking forward to seeing the end of the season. However, there is a problem at one of my businesses in the city of Bath, and I must get it resolved.”

“Well, that is not an issue as I see it,” Alexandra said. “Sophie and I can simply travel to London alone and attend the balls.”

“You know damned well”—Evan jerked when Sophie gasped at his language—“that I cannot allow the two of you to travel to London alone. Look at what happened last time we tried to go. You and I ended up stranded.”

“Oh, for God’s sake, Evan, we just won’t travel during the worst rainstorm of the century. Surely that won’t happen again.” Alexandra stomped her foot on the Oriental rug.

“Ally,” Sophie said, “if we can’t go to the balls, it’s not the end of the world. We shall both have our seasons next year.”

“It’s not the damned season—”

Sophie gasped again at Alexandra’s words.

“—I’m concerned about. I just want to have a little bit of fun. Ever since Mother and the earl left on their wedding trip a month ago, we’ve been stuck here. I’ve nearly exhausted all the literature in the library, and I’ve knitted and crocheted so many baby booties that I want to hurl my crumpets.”

“I am very sorry,” Evan said again. “If there were any other way—”

“Of course there is another way,” Alexandra said. “If it’s a chaperone you are concerned about, send us with one of the servants—one you trust completely. I’m sure he would be happy to escort the two of us to the balls in London.”

Oh, Alexandra was beautiful, and when she got that dander up, sexuality just oozed from her pores. Evan felt feral. He wanted to run to her and crush his mouth to hers in a carnal and passionate kiss. But he couldn’t—not in front of Sophie. And not at all, for that matter. She had refused his suit, and she no doubt would not appreciate any more of his attentions. He’d have to hope like hell he hadn’t impregnated her.

The thought of his child growing in her belly filled him with a raw and possessive need. To see her body change, to see a baby born with her chestnut hair… But no. It would be much better if she was not with child.

“Don’t be absurd. I can hardly have the two of you attending London society balls on the arms of a servant.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s just not done, that is why.” He turned and then looked back over his shoulder. “And I’ll not hear one more word about this.”

“Oh, you will hear more than one word about this,” came Alexandra’s voice from behind him. “You can be certain of that.”

Evan closed the door to the parlor a bit more loudly than he meant to. He walked quickly to his office on the first floor. His father, being aware of his business investments, had allowed him to use a room on the estate for his work. He sank down into his leather chair. The musky scent of cowhide wafted to his nose. What was he going to do about Alexandra? She never left his mind. Even when he was focused on work, still her visage tormented him behind his eyes, her berry scent always in