She dug her heels into his backside. “Edmund, please. Move.”
“Tell me what you want, Genie.” He kissed her hard and fast. “Should I go slow?” He rotated his hips against hers in a dizzyingly sedate fashion. His blood rushed through his ears, urging him to go faster. “Or should I shag you senseless, as I said?”
She tipped her head back and moaned softly, then leaned forward and snagged his earlobe with her teeth. “Hard. Fast. Make me come, Edmund.”
Edmund nearly spilled himself. Where was the hesitant, almost shy, dowager? He didn’t care. He was desperate for this Genie—no, he wanted every aspect of her. He clutched her backside and put his other hand on the side of her head, his fingers digging into her hair beneath her hat. “Look at me, Genie.”
She focused her eyes on his, and he was lost in the desire blazing in their depths. He thrust into her again and again, increasing his pace until he thundered into her.
Her eyes slitted, and she cried out.
“Shh.” He kissed her, taking her moans and whimpers into himself. Each sound increased his drive, pushing him to the precipice. His orgasm gathered. He was so close. He tore his mouth from hers and dragged it to her ear. “Come with me, Genie. Now.”
Her muscles tightened around him, and he felt her shudder. It was all he needed to let go. In a torrent of need and passion, he drove deep into her and came, somehow managing not to shout his divine satisfaction.
He held her tightly as their bodies moved together in bliss and desperation. And finally, their tension eased as release washed over them. He held her still, his cheek pressed to hers as he gulped in breath after breath to calm his racing heart.
Kissing her jaw, he lowered her gently to the ground. She unwrapped her legs from his waist and stood against the stable. Her skirts dropped, covering her once more. Edmund put himself back together, tucking his cock into his smallclothes and buttoning his fall.
Genie looked toward the house. “That was dangerous.”
“Perhaps that’s what made it so delightful.” Edmund couldn’t help but smile. “That, and you.”
She turned her head to look at him, her eyes wide and her cheeks gorgeously flushed. He wanted to look at her like that for the rest of his days.
“This changes nothing.” She smoothed her hands over her skirts as she took a deep breath.
The frustration he’d banished working in the stable—and from shagging her—rose in him again. “You can’t deny there is something between us. Do you really want to ignore it?”
“We must.” She looked at him imploringly. “Edmund, this is not enough.”
“If you mean sex, there is more than that between us, and you know it. I feel as though I’m holding my breath every moment you aren’t in my sight. Anticipation ravages me until you walk into the room and brighten the world.”
Her gaze softened as her lips parted. “Edmund. But knowing what we do, this is folly.”
He felt as though he’d been punched in the gut. “It isn’t to me.”
Her forehead gathered into worried little pleats. “I’m sorry.” Then she turned and hurried back toward the house.
He considered following her but didn’t. This wasn’t something he could force. Perhaps she didn’t reciprocate his feelings. He’d wanted her for twenty years. In truth, he’d moved on from her long ago, after she’d wed Kendal. He’d never imagined having a chance, and he certainly hadn’t come to this party with the intention of seeing her, let alone pursuing her.
This was the realization of a dream from his youth and nothing more. He’d taken a different path and should stay on it—find a wife now who would suit his needs. That meant an heir.
There were several viable women here. Women without children who might yet bear fruit, and women with children who had proven their ability to give him what he needed.
That sounded so cold and callous, but it was the way of things, particularly for a man of his station. Marrying for love was a luxury most didn’t achieve. Why should he think he was special?
Edmund went to pick up his coat and pulled it on. Then he slammed his hat on his head. Ignoring the hollow ache spreading inside him, he stalked toward the house, intent on downing an entire bottle of brandy if he must. Whatever it took to forget about Genie.
Nursing a slight headache the following morning, Edmund was late to breakfast. When he arrived, the only seat available was between Lady Bradford and Mrs. Grey. He immediately regretted his decision to come downstairs.
Lady Bradford slid him a curious look and whispered, “Are you still drunk?”
“No.” He’d been rather intoxicated when she’d come to his room last night looking for an assignation.
“Well, you look terrible.”
“Thank you.” He nudged the food he’d obtained from the sideboard around his plate with his fork.
Cosford stood at the head of the table. “It’s my pleasure to make an announcement this morning.” He looked to his left at the couple seated there. “It is my distinct honor to share the engagement of Lord Audlington and Mrs. Sheldon!”
Applause and cheers sounded from around the table. Rotherham lifted his glass of ale. “A toast to the betrothed couple!”
Everyone raised their glasses and called, “Huzzah!”
Edmund sipped his ale as the noise of everyone’s reactions caused his head to throb.
“I wonder who will be next?” Lady Cosford said from the other end of the table near Edmund.
He glanced toward Genie across the table next to Lord Audlington, who was gazing besottedly at his betrothed. Genie was staring at her plate.
“My money is on Mrs. Fitzwarren and Sir Godwin,” Lord Pritchard said with a grin.
“Now, now,” Lady Cosford said, pursing her lips. “Let us not speculate. It’s incredibly…awkward.”
“I’ll take that bet,” Mrs. Hatcliff-Lind said, with a ruthless glint in her eye and a smile pulling at her lips.
“Excellent!” Pritchard turned to their host. “Cosford, will you take down bets?”
Lady Cosford waved her hand. “No, no, we can’t do that!”
Cosford coughed. “You heard our intrepid hostess.” He glanced toward Pritchard, and the look they exchanged said the wagers would absolutely happen, just in secret.
“Well, if they are going to take wagers, I will bet on you and Lady Bradford,” Mrs. Grey whispered from his right.
Edmund swung his head around to look at her. “What?”
“I won’t be the only one,” she said, her blue eyes probing his. “Someone saw Lady Bradford outside your chamber last night.”
Hell and the devil. She had come to his chamber, but he’d turned her away. He’d been far too soused to invite a lady to his bed. More importantly, he didn’t want anyone but Genie.
His gaze strayed toward her. She was watching him intently, her mouth drawn into a judgmental frown. Damn. Had she heard the rumor about Lady Bradford?
Swearing silently, Edmund picked up his ale and took a long drink. It didn’t matter what she’d heard or what she thought. She’d been very clear—even after they’d shared that amazing shag behind the stable yesterday.