Brisbane!” I exclaimed, only his mouth was on mine and the…

““Brisbane!” I exclaimed, only his mouth was on mine and the word was lost. After a long and thoroughly pleasurable moment, he lifted his head and I tried to catch my breath. His hand was still in a compromising spot and I returned the favour, smothering his groan with my lips. He was muttering something and I pulled away to hear it. “Forty-eight hours. Forty-eight hours. Forty-eight hours.” “Unless,” I began, then broke off, feeling suddenly shy. “Unless?” he prompted, his witch-black eyes glittering brilliantly in the dim light. “Unless you would like to slip upstairs now,” I murmured. “I can dismiss Morag. No one need know.” A slow smile curved his lips and he bent his head to nip my lower lip with his teeth. “Tempting, my lady. But I am engaged to play billiards with your father and your brother Benedick. They have threatened my manhood if I do not appear, and I’d rather keep that intact.” “So would I,” I said seriously. He burst out laughing and kissed me again. “Tomorrow after luncheon. The river meadow.” I nodded and he slipped out from behind Maurice, leaving me deliciously bemused. I adjusted the décolletage of my gown and waited a few seconds, then emerged. Out of the tail of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a white apron whisking around the corner. One of the maids, eavesdropping, no doubt. And I had a very good idea which.””

— Deanna Raybourn