A Scandalous Portrait (The Rose Room Rogues #1) - Callie Hutton Page 0,45

the wedding breakfast. All they will do is criticize us the entire time. It’s my wedding, and I want a happy, peaceful event.” Diana scowled at Hunt as she scanned the list he’d presented to her of guests to be invited.

They’d already decided on a small ceremony with only Hunt’s brothers, a couple of his friends, Diana’s father, wife and children, and a few of Diana’s friends, one who would act as a bridesmaid. He had wanted to secure a special license, but with Diana’s father coming from a distance, his wife had made it known it would be an inconvenience to arrive before a month. So, they had the banns read, instead.

Hunt had cupped her face and rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks. “Sweetheart, we want everyone to know that we are a happy couple, had planned to marry, and are not being forced to do so because of Lord and Lady Grafton’s chicanery.”

Diana’s brows rose. “I see. And having to put up with slurs, suggestions and eye-rolls during our wedding breakfast will assuage their need for nastiness?”

He pulled her into his arms. “Let’s just get through this.”

She looked up at him. “Just get through this? Isn’t every woman entitled to enjoy the day and be pleased with her wedding?” She pulled away from him and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “Perhaps we should just make the trek to Gretna Green and be done with it. It’s already a scandal, so adding to it won’t make a bit of difference.”

Why she worried about comments and snide remarks was surprising. She’d been dealing with them most of her life. Stunned to feel tears rimming her eyes, she turned her head so Hunt wouldn’t notice.

Of course he did.

“Ah, honey, come on. It won’t be that bad.” He reached for her again and, before she could protest, his mouth covered hers. After a few seconds, her thoughts fled, and she settled into his embrace.

He nudged her tongue, and she opened to him, allowing him to muddle her brain further. Her body reacted just as she’d learned every time Hunt kissed her. Her nipples tingled, and the area between her legs grew moist.

Before she even realized it, he had loosened the back of her gown and had slipped his hand into her corset to fondle her breast. He pulled back and covered her jaw and neck with tiny kisses. “I don’t see why we have to wait for the wedding.”

She was quite sure she knew to what he was referring, especially given the hardness she felt against her lower abdomen. Hunt was ready to anticipate their vows. Truth be told, so was she, but she suddenly remembered they were standing in her drawing room with an unlocked door.

Good grief, an open unlocked door.

Even though she no longer employed a chaperone, any one of the servants could wander by. She shoved him back and pulled up the bodice of her gown. “Hunt, anyone can come in.” She barely got the words out, unable to get a full breath.

Hunt ran his fingers through his hair, apparently having a problem breathing also. He grabbed her shoulders and spun her around, quickly lacing up the back of her gown.

Once she was put back together, she hurried to the wall and tugged on the bell pull. “I will order tea.”

He walked in the opposite direction. “I could use a brandy.”

Two nights later, Diana held onto Hunt’s arm as they descended the stairs at the Brentford ball. This one celebrated the come-out of the last of their eight daughters, all who had successfully married and were producing offspring at an alarming rate.

Needless to say, Lord and Lady Brentford appeared a tad desperate.

Lucky for them, however, Lady Alice was a pretty and charming young lady. She’d already attracted a good deal of male attention, but rumor had it she was holding out for a love match. Diana had the feeling if she didn’t choose someone by the end of the Season, her father would choose for her.

As usual, she and Hunt attracted attention when they stepped onto the ballroom floor. The room was already filled, with little space to move around and even less to dance.

Diana had to give the Brentfords credit since they had done up the ballroom as splendidly as anyone presenting their first daughter. Flowers filled the room with a lovely scent and footmen were busy carrying trays of champagne.

The refreshment table was loaded with sweet and savory treats as well as the requisite