by Aston, Alexa
Slowly, he helped slip her breasts back into the corset and pulled her dress into place. She watched him silently, her eyes large and luminous.
Then he propped his left elbow onto the desk, next to her head, and gazed at her as his right hand lifted the hem of her skirt. His hand slid beneath it and slowly glided up her leg. Her skin was smoother than silk. Just brushing his fingers across it made him almost come. He tamped down the urge and worked his way up her inner thigh. Gemma shivered in anticipation.
Burke reached her nest of curls and only wished he could see if they were as auburn as her hair. That would be saved for another time. He intended to have many encounters with Gemma Covington. His curiosity would be satisfied sooner rather than later.
Gradually, he worked his way to the seam of her sex and let his index finger glide up and down it.
“You’re already wet for me,” he whispered.
She frowned and then moaned as he pushed a finger inside her.
He tormented her, easing it in and out, watching a multitude of emotions flicker across her face. He added another finger and she would have come off the desk if his weight hadn’t held her down.
“Help me,” she begged.
“Help you do what, Gemma?”
“You know.” For a moment, anger flashed in her eyes. “This is something you’re very good at.”
He stroked her lingeringly and the anger died, replaced by fire.
“I do know. I know exactly what you want. What you need.”
Panting, she pleaded, “Give it to me.”
“All right.”
Burke found her pearl and circled it. Gemma gasped, her eyes widening, her teeth capturing her bottom lip and sinking into it. No, that wouldn’t do. He leaned over and kissed her, causing her to relax. Then he bit into her lip and she groaned as he added pressure to the circles he formed.
“Oh! Oh! Oh!” Each one became louder.
He released her lip and as his fingers worked their magic, his mouth covered hers, absorbing her cries as she orgasmed violently. It went on and on and he kissed her deeply and thoroughly. Finally, she shuddered and stilled.
One more kiss and he broke it. Gemma’s eyes were glazed from her release. He brought his hand from under her skirts and used his handkerchief to clean his fingers.
She lay there, watching him, not moving. He latched on to her elbows and lifted her from the desk to her feet. Her knees buckled and he picked her up and set her atop it.
Gemma sat still, her eyes closed, a wisp of a smile on her beautiful face. Finally, she opened her eyes and whispered, “Thank you.”
“Your pleasure is my pleasure,” he told her. “I must go see Selina Crawford now. Will you be all right?”
“Yes,” she said faintly.
She scooted and let her feet touch the floor. He retrieved her fichu and she wrapped it around her, tucking it into her bodice again. Burke thought it a shame to cover such lovely breasts. Ones he would dream about until he touched them again.
“I’ll see myself out. I’m sure you have your other work to focus on now. Will you be at the musicale tonight?”
Gemma nodded. “I’ll see you there.”
“Since Lawrey’s name isn’t on our list, we’ll merely mingle and talk with those who are and see what we can glean from them.” Burke took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Until tonight.”
He quit the room, wanting to look back but forcing himself to keep moving. Gemma Covington was already deeply embedded within him. He had to practice restraint when he could.
Until tonight. After the musicale, he would seek her out.
And make her his.
*
Burke watched the comings and goings from Selina Crawford’s house. He followed one footman to Lord Hampton’s house, where the servant delivered a message, and then returned to stand watch. After a while, an older woman followed by a younger one came from around the back of the house, baskets on both of their arms. He determined them to be the cook and a scullery maid and followed them to the market.
The older woman engaged in lengthy bargaining, which gave him time to speak to the younger one.
“Come to market often?” he asked, seeing her cheeks fill with color.
“Most every day, sir. Cook doesn’t trust anyone but herself to get the best meats and vegetables. She doesn’t think anyone can haggle over a price the way she can.”
“Have you worked for Mrs. Crawford long?”
The girl’s eyes widened in surprise. “You know her?”
Smiling, he said, “I do. Is she a good employer?”
The servant frowned. “She’s a bit of a terror, to tell the truth. Always sends her food back to the kitchen. And her poor lady’s maid quit yesterday because Mrs. Crawford yelled at her so much.”
“I hope she doesn’t treat you poorly,” he said, sympathy in his tone.
“I don’t see her much. I’m always in the kitchen or cleaning somewhere.” She grinned and leaned in to share a confidence. “But I do see her friends come and go. She has a new one.”
“A male friend?”
She nodded. “Cook says it’s her new protector. That’s good for us. I like to be paid. When she doesn’t have a man looking out for her, sometimes we go for a bit before receiving our wages.”
Burke saw the cook had moved to another stall and had them move along in case the woman looked for the girl.
“That’s shameful. You work diligently, I’m sure, and should always receive a fair wage. Is her new protector tall and bald?”
“He is. You know him?”
“I believe it’s Lord Hampton.”
“That’s the one,” she agreed. “He’s brought another with him before. Handsome he is. Much younger than his lordship. Fair hair and light blue eyes.”
Burke knew she described Viscount Carpenter.
“They’re to come tonight,” the girl offered eagerly. “With some others at midnight. I heard the housekeeper saying she needed to get ready for them. His lordship has held a few meetings downstairs before he’s gone up to Mrs. Crawford. I know ’cause I served them.”
If Hampton were meeting with other rebels, it would make sense to do so away from his own house.
He slipped a crown from his pocket and placed it in her hand. “Would you watch and see who comes tonight? Tell me what they talk about if you wait upon them?”
She looked at the coin, her jaw dropping at holding something of such value. Then uncertainty filled her eyes.
“I know you are torn by loyalty to your employer but the younger man you described who may come tonight is . . . well, he has been seeing my wife on the sly. I believe you know what I mean. I’m trying to keep my eye on him.”
“Oh. Well . . .” Her voice trailed off.
“Do this for me,” Burke urged, “and there’ll be another crown in it for you.”
The girl still wavered. “What if I lose my position?”
“I doubt that. You’re not doing anything to hurt Mrs. Crawford. You’d just be telling me what was said in a conversation that she has no part of. And if you did? I guarantee I would find you another one.”
She could always come to work as a maid for him or have Morris find her somewhere to work.
“All right,” she agreed.
The cook turned and saw her with Burke and shouted for her to come along, glaring at him as she did so. The girl rushed to the older woman, who placed several fish in the basket and tugged on her to come along. The girl looked over her shoulder at him as they departed and Burke nodded.
It was a start.
Chapter Thirteen
Gemma allowed the Covington footman to hand her into the carriage. She was still conscious of the pistol strapped to her calf. A package had come for her with a note from Burke, telling her after their close encounter with Lord Hampton that she must be aware of the danger they faced. He urged her to wear the pistol wherever she went. She’d done as he asked and attached the holder to her leg after her ma
id dressed her and left.
She only hoped she would never need to fire it.
Gemma listened to Lady Covington chatter nervously in the very carriage Gemma used to ride in with Lord C. She had arranged last week to attend the Lawreys’ musicale with the earl and countess. They’d spoken briefly at the opening ball last night, confirming their plans.
“The dresses are so splendid. I feel like a country mouse,” the young woman complained. “Everything I own was more than appropriate for Lincolnshire. I wasn’t to have a Season.” She glanced at her husband with fondness. “Sidney and I always knew we were meant for each other.” Looking back to Gemma, she added, “Who would ever have known that we would come to town one day and Sidney would sit in the House of Lords?”
Then her face fell. “I’m so sorry, my lady. That was most insensitive of me. If Robert hadn’t have fallen in battle, he would be Covington. Not my Sidney.”
“It’s quite all right, Lady Covington,” Gemma assured the insecure countess. “Rob himself would have been surprised to find himself named Covington. As it was, he died before my letter reached him. He never knew of his father’s and brother’s passings.”
“It’s kind of you to take us under your wing tonight,” Lord Covington said, finally speaking up. “We were a bit out of our element last night. So many people. Too many names to recall. I’m glad tonight’s event is smaller.”
“Lord C and I always attended musical evenings at the Lawreys’,” she told them. “I think you’ll enjoy those who attend. It will be far quieter, with only about three dozen present. I’ll be able to introduce you around some.”
Gemma had actually written to Lady Lawrey and asked her to invite the Covingtons, else they’d never have scored an invitation to the exclusive event.
She turned to the countess and said, “If you’re interested in acquiring a few new gowns, I have the names of some modistes to recommend to you.”
“I’d be most grateful, my lady. You always appear so elegant and polished. I fear Sidney and I will never fit in.”
The earl took his wife’s hand. “Don’t think that way, Aggie. We are just as good as those who will be in attendance tonight.” He kissed her hand and then continued to hold it.
Gemma was glad to see they were a love match. She wondered what it would have been like to grow up and wed for love. While she’d adored Rob and did love him as a friend, they would never have had what this young couple did.
Once they arrived, she told them there would be no receiving line and so she sought out their hosts. She found both Lord and Lady Lawrey together and introduced them to Rob’s cousin and wife.
“We are pleased you could join us this evening,” Lady Lawrey said graciously.
“Thank you for the invitation, my lady,” Lord Covington said. “Aggie and I both play the pianoforte and enjoy music.”
“Do you now?” Lady Lawrey gave her husband a pointed look.
Sheepishly, the earl said, “My wife wishes me to take lessons on the pianoforte. I’ve always been fond of music but play no instrument of any kind. I fear I’m too old to learn.”
“Oh, you’re not,” Lord Covington assured him. “I was the same and decided to learn to play, although quite simply, to surprise Aggie upon our wedding. It was my present to her.”
“How thoughtful,” Lady Lawrey proclaimed. She slid her arm through Aggie’s. “Do accompany me about the room, Lady Covington. There are several people I should like you to meet.”
Gemma saw them go off and went the opposite direction. She was greeted warmly by several people who attended the Lawreys’ event each spring and even made plans to go to tea with two friends whom she hadn’t seen since Rob’s death. She joined a circle where one nobleman from the notorious list held court but he said nothing of consequence and she doubted she could get him alone.
Wandering around again, she came across the Covingtons, both aglow from the response they’d received.
“Lady Lawrey is so very kind,” the countess raved. “She said she would help us secure an invitation to next week’s garden party, though for the life of me I can’t remember who’s holding it. Oh, my lady, you simply must go to the modiste with me and help me purchase a new wardrobe.”
“I’ve told Aggie I’ve the coin to spare now,” the earl said. “She’s to pick out whatever she wants.”
“That’s very generous of you, my lord,” Gemma said.
“Someone’s being generous?” a voice said, sending a shiver along her spine.
Turning, she said, “Good evening, Mr. Nicholson. I did not know you would be in attendance this evening.”
“I have a fondness for music, Lady Covington.” His eye gleamed at her and all Gemma could think about was how it had done the same as he’d pleasured her in her study this morning.
Collecting herself, she said, “May I introduce my companions to you? This is Lord and Lady Covington. Lord Covington is my late husband’s cousin.”
Burke greeted them and then said, “I believe things are about to start. Would you care to sit with me, Lady Covington?”
“Yes. That would be delightful.”
He offered his arm and she took it. As they strolled to the far side of the room, she asked, “How was your friend?” knowing he would understand she meant Selina Crawford.
“I never saw her. I did make friends with someone in her household, however. She told me of a midnight meeting our friend from last night would be holding there. Tonight.”
His gaze met hers and she saw regret, wondering why this would upset him.
By now, they’d reached the last row of seats and everyone else was making their way to the chairs. Burke chose two on the end.
Once settled, he leaned close and said in her ear, “I had hoped to spend some time with you tonight but think I should look in on our friend and see who attends his meeting.”
Disappointment filled her, though she would never have admitted it to him.
“I think that’s a wise decision,” she murmured. “It could be enlightening.”
“Not nearly as much as my morning activities proved.”
Her cheeks heated and Gemma looked at her folded hands in her lap, hoping no one noticed as Lord Lawrey introduced the evening’s first performer. As usual, the earl had drawn very talented singers and musicians to his musical evening.
Unfortunately, she heard very little of the music. Her attention strayed continually to the man seated on her left. Burke’s shoulder and arm nestled against hers, heat radiating through his superfine coat of black. Though she stared straight ahead, she was aware of his every breath. She kept thinking of his lips on her skin and what his tongue and fingers had done to her this morning. It made her grow quite warm.
“Would you care for some punch?” he asked when a brief intermission occurred. “Or ratafia?”
“I’d prefer punch,” she said, wanting to keep her wits about her.
“I’ll retrieve some for you.”
Gemma stood after he left, ready to stretch her legs a bit.
“Lady Covington, how are you this evening?”
She turned and smiled, recognizing a friend of Rob’s from both Eton and university who’d come home with him a few times during school holidays.
“William Redmond! How delightful to see you. I must have missed you last night at the ball.”
He took her hand and then kissed it. “I was late coming to town. Business at my country estate detained me. You’re looking very lovely, Gemma.” He paused. “I was sorry to hear about Rob.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “You were such a good friend to him. Is your wife here?”
A shadow crossed his face. “No. I’m not married.”
“But I thought the wedding was scheduled for last September.”
William sighed. “It was. I showed up. My bride didn’t.”
She gasped. “Oh, William! I’m so very sorry.”
“I’m not. Apparently, my fiancée was in love with a baron’s son
from her neighborhood. Her father wished for her to make a better match financially. That is where I came in. The pair ran off to Gretna Green.”
Gemma took his hand. “I’m very sorry, William. Being in mourning, I didn’t attend the wedding and I hadn’t heard of your situation. I’m sorry if I brought up a painful topic.”
He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a long kiss against it. “I feel I was rather lucky, Gemma.”
Suddenly, Burke appeared next to her. Just a glance at his face told her he was angry.
“Mr. Nicholson, may I present Viscount Redmond to you?”
William released her hand to shake Burke’s and said, “A pleasure to meet you, Nicholson. I am an old friend of Gemma’s. She—”
“William and Rob were at school together,” she said quickly. “The three of us spent time together during school holidays.”
“I see,” Burke said curtly. “Your punch, Lady Covington.”
“Thank you.” She glanced back to her friend. “It was so good to see you again, William. Perhaps you’d care to come to tea tomorrow?”
“Not tomorrow, my lady,” Burke interjected. “I thought we were to take tea and ride in the park.”
She took control of the situation and firmly said, “No, Mr. Nicholson. That is the day after tomorrow.” Smiling at William, Gemma said, “Will you come?” She gave him her address.
“Of course, Gemma,” William said with a broad smile. “I can deny you nothing.”
“Excuse us,” Burke said brusquely and led her away.
She waited until they returned to their seats before saying, “You didn’t have to be so incredibly rude.”
“And he didn’t have to hold your hand so long. And kiss it. Twice.”
“You were spying on us?”
“Merely observing. It’s what I do.”
“Burke, William is an old friend. Don’t act . . . so protective.”
“You are supposed to be interested in me,” he said emphatically. “Or don’t you remember?”
Gemma looked at him coolly. “I can be interested in more than one man at a time, Mr. Nicholson. After all, as you pointed out—I am a widow.” She gave him a small smile before lifting her punch cup and sipping from it.
