Madame had constructed the negligee and peignoir out of fine ivory silk, the clever cut designed to show off Fancy’s curves. Both garments were trimmed with bronze ribbon, and the back of the peignoir was embroidered with a Chinoiserie scene in matching bronze thread. The workmanship was flawless. In Fancy’s estimation, Madame’s genius lay in her ability to create garments that were simple yet extraordinarily flattering.
As Fancy looked into the mirror now, her confidence grew. There was a reason she was wearing her new garments tonight: she had decided that if Knight wasn’t going to come to her, she would go to him, even though Aunt Esther would likely disapprove of her plan.
You mustn’t be so eager to please, Francesca, Esther had lectured during today’s lesson in etiquette. In our world, being too accommodating is considered bourgeois. You are not a puppy to do as its master commands. A true lady knows her worth—and knows she is worth the trouble. Do you understand?
Fancy did, yet spending two nights apart from Knight was enough in her opinion. He’d given her permission to open the door whenever she wanted, hadn’t he? At supper tonight, he’d seemed less remote and more like his old self before that scene with Imogen. Fancy had resolved to take the bull by the horns and go to him that evening and thus the pains she’d taken with her toilette.
When Knight’s imperious knock sounded again, happiness and relief swirled through Fancy. If he was taking the initiative, then maybe he’d missed her too.
“Please let ’Is Grace in,” she told her waiting maid. “Then you may go.”
As Gemma did as she bade, Fancy rose and nervously adjusted the belt of her robe. The slide of silk against her skin felt different from her old flannel. It made her feel more sensual…more daring. She wondered what her husband would think of her new attire.
She didn’t have long to wait. Dressed in his black dressing gown, Knight prowled toward her, the glint in his eyes turning predatory as he took her in. His male hunger was unmistakable, filling the room, making her heart knock against her ribs. Some age-old instinct made her retreat a step, the back of her legs hitting the dressing table, rattling the contents on its surface.
He stopped a hairsbreadth away.
Staring down at her, he murmured, “What are you wearing, chérie?”
“It’s part o’ my new wardrobe,” she said. “Do you, um, like it?”
“I cannot say for certain.” As her heart plummeted, he lifted a hand, running a finger down the slope of her shoulder. “Not until you show me the rest, hmm?”
Emboldened by his sensual demand, she undid the belt of the peignoir and shrugged it off. It cascaded down her body, pooling at her feet. The negligee was held up by thin straps, an elegant column that bared her shoulders and dipped in the front to show the shadowed crevice between her breasts. The silk flowed downward, loose but not billowing, skimming over her curves. She felt her husband’s smoldering gaze rake over her. Her nipples stiffened to hard points visible against the silk.
“What do you think now?” she dared to ask.
“I think,” he said, a growly edge to his voice, “that you look good enough to eat. As it happens, I have not yet had my dessert.”
He swept his arm over her dressing table. Shocked, she watched as toiletries went flying left and right, thumping onto the carpet.
“Knight, those were expensive—”
“I’ll buy you more.” He hauled her onto the dressing table, her spine pressing against the mirror and legs dangling off the edge. He yanked on her neckline.
Hearing seams tearing, she gasped, “This is new. You’re ruining—”
“I’ll buy you another.”
So that’s why Madame said I needed a duplicate. The realization dispersed like a dandelion puff at the force of Knight’s ravening gaze upon her bared breasts.
“By Jove,” he rasped, “you have the most delectable tits.”
Her reply became a moan for he’d fastened his lips over a straining nipple. He suckled her, the feeling shooting straight between her thighs. Her pussy clenched helplessly as he tongued her taut buds, going back and forth until her breasts glistened from his kisses. When he grazed her with his teeth, her hips bucked, a gasp leaving her.
“Too much?” His gaze searched her face, and whatever he saw made his lips curve into a wicked smile. “I didn’t think so.”
Before she could reply, he crowded in closer, making room for himself between her splayed legs. He lowered his head again, giving