Her Wicked Proposal novel Chapter 51

Anne put a hand to her lips. The taste and feel of Cedric's mouth still lingered pleasantly. She was torn between running after him and running far away. Although she could not remember him, or anything about herself, she was positive that she desired him. Her body responded with liquid fire to his touch, his kiss, even his voice. Cedric's every action toward her screamed of the primal mating of bodies and souls. Would it be so bad to give in to her desires? They were husband and wife, after all.

She could give in, but she decided that she would not let him be aware of such an intention. Not yet. Anne had her pride like anyone else, and Cedric's story had raised some questions she needed answered first. She was, however, fascinated with the idea of Cedric fully dominating her with that tender but exciting passion.

"My lady?" A voice broke through her thoughts. It was the young footman, Sean Hartley. He waited patiently at the edge of the doorway.

"Come in, Hartley. I am told that I owe you my life. I wanted to offer my gratitude to you."

Hartley blushed and cast his eyes to the ground. "'Twas no trouble, my lady. I am glad you are recovering."

"I seem to have no memory, except for tiny flashes, but beyond that I feel much better. My shoulder only aches a little."

Hartley looked mildly concerned at her words, his brows knitting together. Then he began to fish about his trouser pockets before withdrawing something. It was a beautiful garnet stone surrounded by tiny diamonds. Rather than being affixed to a chain, it was threaded through a black satin ribbon.

"I had to remove it when the doctor was seeing to your shoulder. I wanted to give it back to you in person because of what it means to you."

Anne drew closer, curiosity and bewilderment filling her at the sight of the lovely gem. "What is it?"

"I am told it was your wedding present from his lordship."

"A necklace?" Something about that stirred a longing inside her. Light caught the red garnet, and ruby spots of light danced on the wall behind her.

"I heard from your lady's maid that his lordship believed you would often take off the ring he gave you while riding so that it would not ruin your gloves. He wished for you to have this to wear in its place."

Anne felt the briefest flash, the pang of wanting to return such thoughtfulness. Had she given him something in return for such a beautiful gift? With a sinking feeling, she sensed she hadn't, and the thought filled her with shame. A man like Cedric deserved something wonderful. While she was recovering, she would put her mind toward that.

"Hartley, would you be so kind as to help me put it on?"

Hartley fixed the clasp at the ends of the ribbon and the garnet fell against Anne's collarbone as it if had always belonged there.

"Is Brighton very far from here?"

"About half an hour by coach." Hartley kept his head bowed in respect, eyes fixed on the floor.

"You need not look down when speaking to me, Hartley." Her voice was gentle as she tried to coax him out of his determined shyness.

"You are my mistress and the Viscountess Sheridan." His tone implied that was all there was to the matter.

Anne frowned with mild irritation. She didn't want her servants refusing to meet her gaze.