an excellent choice. Instinct told her that this man would know exactly how to treat a woman.
“Do you have any French letters with you?” she asked. “Though I long for another child, I would not make him or her a bastard.”
He smiled ruefully. “I did not bring any, thinking I would be closeted with Dez and learning all I could about how to run an estate.” A slow smile spread across his face. “I can always pleasure you and then withdraw.”
Dalinda knew that a man got his pleasure from spilling his seed. The fact that he offered to go without said a great deal for him.
“Then I accept your invitation, my lord,” she said demurely. “However, I would rather you come to my bed.”
Heat filled his eyes. “I see.”
“I will go to my bedchamber now and allow my lady’s maid to prepare me for bed. I suggest you do the same with your valet. Shall we say half an hour until we meet?”
In reply, he leaned in and kissed her. His hand went to her nape and held her steady as his mouth ravished hers.
He broke the kiss without warning. “I would be delighted to come to your bed, Your Grace.”
Rhys rose and offered her his hand, helping her to rise. Dalinda felt unsteady on her feet and hoped her knees wouldn’t give out on her as she began to take a few steps.
“We never did have that brandy,” he said.
She stopped. “Pour us one now,” she commanded.
He went to the decanter and poured some into two snifters and returned to her.
“Take it with you,” he said. “Drink it once you are waiting for me. I look forward to tasting it on your tongue.” His provocative gaze caused her to shudder.
Rhys accompanied her to the guest chamber Anna had designated for her and he said, “I am across the hall. Listen for my knock.”
Her throat grew thick with sudden emotion and she merely nodded, turning away and entering the room. Tandy awaited her, dozing in a chair. Dalinda sipped some of the brandy and then placed it on the table by her bed, which had already been turned back by the maid. She looked at it, thinking that in but a few minutes, she would be in it.
With Rhys.
Taking a second sip of the brandy, she felt it blaze a trail from her tongue to her belly and set the snifter down before gently shaking Tandy’s shoulder. The maid apologized for falling asleep and quickly stood, helping Dalinda from her layers of clothing and into her night rail.
“Where is my dressing gown?” she asked. “I am not sleepy. I may read for a while.”
Tandy brought it over and helped her slip into it. Dalinda belted the sash.
“You may go. I will ring for you tomorrow morning when I have need of you.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Goodnight.”
The maid left the room and Dalinda claimed the snifter again, perching on the bed, her focus on the door. Butterflies exploded inside her. She had been impulsive as a child. It was one of the things her father had loathed about her. As a duchess, she had tried to curb that tendency, always being steady in her demeanor and decisions.
Tonight was different. She was going to make love with a man whom she barely knew, beyond what her twin had written about Rhys over the years. Though they were close to being strangers, she was touched he had shared some of his past with her today. He thought himself beneath her, being a former groom, but she had nothing but admiration for the way he had risen in the world. He had made the most of the situation he found himself in. Promotions all the way to colonel spoke of his intelligence and leadership.
Dalinda knew tonight would be the only time they would ever be together. Perhaps she would learn something new about herself—and him. It might give her a better idea of what she wanted as she embarked upon a new chapter in her life.
She took another drink of the brandy, allowing its warmth to fill her.
A soft rap sounded on the door. Nerves danced through her as she shot to her feet. Before she could take a step forward, the door opened and Rhys quickly entered, closing it behind him. He turned to face her.
Though he still wore his trousers, his feet were bare. A dark, silk banyan covered his upper body but she doubted anything was beneath it. She could see his