by Anne Herries
‘Thank you. I’ll make that known to my father.’ John offered his hand and shook on it, then he nodded and moved away.
Harry Pendleton came up to him. ‘So we are all three wed,’ he observed. ‘I think we have done well for ourselves, Gerard. There was a time in Spain when I believed none of us would ever see this day.’
‘We were lucky to escape with our lives.’ Gerard’s mouth formed a grim line. ‘And we have all had our troubles since. However, I believe we can all look forward to a more peaceful future.’
‘With Napoleon safely tucked up in his island prison, I dare say England will be at peace—and I think the same may be said for us.’ Harry looked thoughtful. ‘I wrote to Northaven and thanked him for the part he played in this last affair, Gerard. You were right—the past is gone and should be forgotten.’
‘It was harder for you to forgive, because of what happened to Susannah, but, from something he said when we talked, I believe that when he saw her fall with his ball in her shoulder it changed him. I dare say, given the chance, he may lead a better life in future.’
Harry shrugged and then grinned. ‘Susannah wanted me to write the letter. It is amazing what we do for love, Gerard.’
‘Indeed, I agree with that,’ Gerard said and laughed. ‘Excuse me, my dear fellow, but I believe they are about to play a waltz and I should like to dance with my wife…’
Amelia turned in her husband’s arms. She thought he was sleeping and she smiled as she traced the line of his mouth with her fingertip. Sometimes he could look stern, forbidding, but in sleep he looked younger and at peace, very like the young man she had first fallen in love with so many years ago. The previous night, he had made love to her passionately, hungrily, but with such tenderness that she had wept tears of happiness. She bent her head to kiss his lips softly and found herself caught in an imprisoning embrace.
‘I thought you were asleep,’ she said and smiled down at him.
‘Were you trying to take advantage of me?’ His eyes mocked her lovingly.
‘Foolish man…’ She tried to pull away but he moved swiftly, rolling her beneath him, gazing down at her. Her hair was loose and tumbling about her face in disarray, her skin pearly pink and smooth as his eyes feasted on her sweetness. ‘Gerard…it is almost time to get up.’
‘This is our honeymoon and I may not leave this bed for a week.’
‘Is that a threat or a promise?’ she teased, touching his beloved face. ‘I think I should be quite happy to stay right here for as long as you wish.’
‘I shall take that as an invitation,’ he murmured huskily, bending his head to suck gently at her nipples, which peaked at his touch. ‘You are so beautiful, my love. I think I can never have enough of you.’
Amelia moaned softly, her body arching, tingling as he stroked her, coming vibrantly alive as the desire pooled inside her. She ran her hands over his back, loving the satin feel of his skin, the hardness of toned muscles. His maleness felt hard and hot against her inner thigh as he sought the sweet moistness of her femininity, entering her with a deep thrust that made her cry out with pleasure.
They moved together, slowly, taking their time as their bodies matched and met in equal need—a need that took them soaring into realms of pleasure known only to true lovers. Carried and tossed by raging passion, they ended on a far shore where the soft sea spray kissed a sunlit breach and the scent of blooms wafted on a warm breeze.
‘I am in paradise…’ she murmured against his shoulder, tasting the salt of his sweat. ‘I am truly happy, Gerard.’
‘We are both in paradise then,’ he murmured and smiled down at her. ‘For I am in a place I never thought to be.’
Amelia lay back, content to feel him lying beside her. She thought that he had fallen asleep or perhaps he was just pretending again.
‘I was thinking,’ she said. ‘We have so much, Gerard. We must find a way to share some of our good fortune. I realise that I made a mistake with Marguerite, but there is a young woman I know who really does need a little good fortune. Her name is Jane and I thought we might give her a Season in town this year.’
Gerard did not answer. He must truly be asleep this time. Amelia smiled. Somewhere within the house she could hear a longcase clock striking. She felt sleepy, at peace with herself. There was no hurry for anything. When they returned to England, she would write to the young woman and invite her to stay with them at their house in Hanover Square…
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II B.V./S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
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First published in Great Britain 2009
Harlequin Mills & Boon Limited,
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
© Anne Herries 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4089-1607-0
Table of Contents
Cover Page
Excerpt
About The Author
Other Books By
Title Page
Author Note
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Copyright