Tempting the Footman (House of Devon #5) - Lauren Smith Page 0,50
when you came to my door because I was too afraid to see you. Lord Devon did me a great service by hiring you, but I should have been the one to take care of you.” The duke’s gaze lowered to the floor. “I don’t expect forgiveness for my mistakes, and I certainly do not deserve it.”
“But you have it,” Adrian said quietly.
The duke’s brows rose, and he smiled. “In that case, I believe my belated wedding gift will be a welcome one.” He removed a folded packet of papers from his coat pocket. “Please, accept this from me as my congratulations on your marriage.”
He gave the papers to Adrian, who unfolded them. He scanned the contents and then passed the papers to Venetia without a word. Venetia read through the documents, and her mouth fell open.
“This is the deed to the Latham country estate,” she whispered. “How . . . ?” She couldn’t finish.
“Your grandmother told me how your cousin sold it for profit. She also told me that it was the house that you and she had called home and that you missed it most dearly. I had my solicitor approach the new owner and make an offer. It now belongs to you both.”
Adrian rubbed his jaw as he stared at his father. “Thank you, Your Grace,” he finally said. “This means a great deal to us.”
“I hope to do much more, but I believe this is a good start,” the duke replied. “If you won’t object to me becoming a part of your lives.”
Venetia could see that Adrian was still stunned by this visit, but she hoped he would view it positively.
“I would like that, Your Grace,” Adrian said.
“Richard, please, and perhaps someday you will call me Father. When you feel comfortable with it.”
Adrian held out his hand to the duke. “Richard.”
“Let me get us some tea.” Venetia rang the small bell for Evanston.
They spent the next half hour with Adrian’s father, and when he departed, Venetia curled her arms around her husband’s neck.
“How do you feel?” she asked him.
“Stunned,” he said. “But hopeful.”
“Hope is good.”
She pulled his head down to hers for a kiss. She squealed in delight as he scooped her up and carried her back to one of their more comfortable settees in the drawing room. They both sat, Venetia on his lap, and continued kissing. Adrian’s hand slid up her skirt, making her giggle as he tickled her with his fingertips. He always knew how to drive her mad with hunger for him.
“You meant to take me here?” Venetia pretended to ask in a scandalized gasp.
“Of course, we have only a few hours before your grandmother returns, and we mustn’t waste a moment alone.”
Venetia laughed. “You know she doesn’t mind…”
“Well I mind. I adore your grandmother, but she’s quite fierce. I always expect her to swoop in and knock me senseless with that cane.”
“She would never!” Venetia laughed. “You are her hero, you know. You did exactly what she’d hoped, you gave Patrick a good thrashing.”
Adrian’s eyes burned with wicked delight as he gazed at her mouth again with a lusty fixation.
“You really do tempt me you know” he said, chuckling between their kisses.
“Do I now?” She bit his bottom lip playfully, and he groaned before kissing her harder.
“Minx,” he growled, and Venetia laughed in delight.
“Hush and make love to me,” she commanded.
Adrian flashed her a seductive look that made her body hum with excitement. “As you wish.”
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Don’t miss the next delightful romance in the House of Devon Series, Tempted by the Windflower by Sue London. Turn the page to read the first chapter!
Tempted by the Windflower
By Sue London
Bluestocking Rosalind Flowers would rather help her father with his astronomy observations than attend endless teas with her mother. She jumps at the chance to visit her friend Lady Caroline when her father receives an invitation from the duke. Open skies, horseback riding, and the freedom to read, sleep or do anything else she might like? Heaven. The surprisingly well educated and clever groom Freddie Marshall is a pleasant surprise. Will his love be worth flaunting society’s dictates?
Chapter One
Alfred “Freddie” Marshall ran a brush over Baybridge’s glossy coat one last time and the gelding snickered his thanks. Few horses loved a