Her Wicked Proposal novel Chapter 69

For a long moment, she surrendered to his embrace, loving the feel of his arms around her, cuddling her close to him.

An old woman with a bonnet covered in wilting ostrich feathers gasped at them as she rounded a bookshelf and spied Anne on Cedric's lap, his arms wrapped around her.

"This is a library," she said, clearly scandalized.

"Pardon me, madam," Cedric replied politely. "But my wife and I require some privacy. Sod off."

The old woman bristled and thumped the top of her parasol on the wooden floor.

"How dare you, sirrah!" she blustered and left.

"Oh dear," Ashton said, laughing. "That was Lady Beach, you know. One of Prinny's acquaintances."

Cedric snorted and hugged Anne even closer. "Lady Beach be damned. I want to hold my wife."

Anne glanced about, making sure no one else was watching them before she kissed Cedric's cheek. It was something she hadn't yet tired of, this delightful ability to touch him, kiss him, whenever she wanted. The man had been right about the benefits of marriage.

"How was your dress shopping, love?"

"Fine, thank you. Lady Pickering was there. We are invited to dine tonight at their house. Is that all right? She's such a dear. I didn't want to refuse her."

"Lady Pickering," Cedric mused. "Second mother if I ever had one. Always trying to fatten me up."

Anne sobered. "Yes, well, she's right to. You've grown too slender, husband. I don't like it. If I must become a meddlesome, bothersome wife to take care of you, then I shall."

"If telling me to eat more is your idea of being bothersome, then I adore you even more." Cedric began to nibble on her ear, and Anne shivered. Desire blasted through her like bolt of lightning.

"Well, I shall leave you two to peruse Donaldson's a bit," said Ashton. "A ship of mine just came into port and I need to check on it. Shall I meet you back at the house after dinner this evening?"

Anne sat up. "I'm sure Lady Pickering would love for you to join us."

Ashton waved a hand. "She is a wonderful woman, but I'm afraid I must see to business and it may take more time than expected. Send Lady Pickering my regards."

As Ashton departed, something inside her sighed a little. Lord Lennox was an enigma. He always seemed to be alone, save for the other members of the League.

"What's the matter, Anne? I can hear you thinking." Cedric jostled her a little in his arms to get her attention.

"I'm worried about Lord Lennox. He seems so lonely at times. So focused on his work."

Cedric's blank eyes betrayed no emotion, but his smile wilted a little.