None of it mattered just now. She had tasted ecstasy, given in to the frightening urges she had previously thought of as inconsequential and base. And while the heated moments of bare skin, dizzying kisses, and forbidden caresses had been the lewdest experience of her life, they had also been the most extraordinary. A kiss wasn’t just a kiss with Dominick, and pleasures of the flesh became something spiritual. How could she spend the rest of her life with someone who didn’t make her feel a fraction of what Dominick inspired in her?
Who cared about practicality when love stood within reach?
After stopping off in her bedroom to put her appearance back in order, avoiding Ekta’s questions and probing stares, Calliope had joined the party just in time for lunch, after which a trip into the nearby village of Box Hill had been planned. It was difficult to pretend to care about shopping and exploring with the other ladies when she was so aware of Dominick, who was always near, but never close enough to touch. He watched her with an intensity that left her hot all over, parts of her body tingling as she remembered the stimulation of his mouth and his hands.
Had there ever been a more enthralling sight than Dominick in the throes of ecstasy, the cords of his neck stretched taut as he surrendered to her touch, teaching her how to give him the very same pleasure he had bestowed upon her?
Nudging her as they inspected the offerings of a haberdashery, Diana gave her a knowing look.
“Sister, I feel it is my duty to inform you that if you continue staring at Mr. Burke that way, absolutely everyone is going to know you’re mad for him.”
Lowering her gaze and feigning interest in spools of ribbon, Calliope flushed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh really? Then it would be wrong to assume that sometime within the past several hours, he has done something decidedly naughty to you? Why else would you have that look in your eyes and that foolish grin on your lips?”
“Diana!”
To her relief, the rest of their party seemed engrossed in their shopping.
“Play coy all you want, but I know the look of a satisfied woman. Hastings puts that expression on my face quite often.”
Calliope rolled her lips between her teeth to keep from grinning, no longer ignorant or scandalized by such talk. She understood all-too well what her sister referred to now, thanks to Dominick.
“Oh, Diana … am I foolish for being besotted with him? None of this is according to our plans, but I cannot help myself. The way he makes me feel …”
Diana took her hand, giving it an encouraging squeeze. “You are not foolish. I daresay you are in love, and there is nothing wrong with that. And who gives a fig about plans? I cannot tell you how happy I am for you. At least … I can celebrate this turn of events, yes? Mr. Burke intends to make an honest woman of you?”
She sneaked another glance at Nick, who stood with his back to them, inspecting something at the counter as he conversed with the shopkeeper.
“I believe he does. There is still much for us to figure out, but … I don’t think it is premature of me to think he has marriage on the mind. We have plans to meet tonight and talk things over.”
Diana let out an excited squeal, which anyone around them might assume had to do with the lovely violet ribbon she inspected. But, her eyes welled with unshed tears as she looked to Calliope.
“I knew he would rise to the occasion. He simply needed a little time to come to his senses.”
“Whatever gave you that impression?”
“Oh, just a feeling. And the fact that he practically seethed with jealousy whenever Mr. Lewes came anywhere near you. I thought they would come to blows.”
The thought of two men fighting over her had no bearing on the warmth that spread through her just then. It had everything to do with realizing Dominick wanted her, and the hope that he perhaps even loved her.
“Say nothing of this to anyone,” she cautioned.
“Of course not. My lips are sealed, albeit grudgingly.”
The rest of the afternoon passed with secretive glances traded between her and Dominick, though Calliope would have to be blind not to also notice the affect this was having on Martin, who was clearly incensed. Guilt niggled her conscience, but