What You Desire (Anything for Love 1)

Claude bowed. “Lady Danesfield felt that you would need sufficient sustenance for your excursion today,” he replied.

Like a man who had just regained consciousness after a serious drinking bout, Sebastian frantically searched his mind in the hope of remembering what was significant about the day. “Did she happen to mention where we are going?”

“It is all in the letter, my lord,” Claude said as he offered a bow. Noticing Sebastian’s confused expression, as there was no sign of a letter on the tray, Claude added, “You must finish your meal before I have permission to hand it over.”

Sebastian smiled. Once again, Sophie had managed to pique his interest. He could barely contain himself during his meal as her unpredictability always roused an element of excitement, coupled

with an element of fear.

“There, all gone,” Sebastian said swallowing down the last morsel and sounding somewhat like a boy in the schoolroom.” The letter, if you please,” he said, holding out his hand.

Claude bowed, handed over the sealed note and removed the tray from the room.

Sebastian leaned back against the pillows and read the cryptic note, smiling when he got to the part that said, “having experienced feelings of rapturous pleasure in every room in the house, I suddenly realised there is a case of unfinished business that requires our attention. Should you wish to bring this business to fruition, you will know where to find me.”

Jumping out of bed as though the sheets were ablaze, he didn’t wait for Claude to return and dressed with haste while he considered the note. What possible unfinished business could they have? Scanning through once more, he acknowledged the seductive undertone. He hoped she didn’t expect him to travel all the way to High Wycombe. Although from his recollection, there was nothing left unfinished from their time there. No, wherever she’d gone, it couldn’t be more than a few hours ride. Then inspiration struck and he hurried down to the stables to find Haines.

Coming to an abrupt halt at the sight of one of the stable boys brushing down Altair, Sophie’s current horse of choice, Sebastian called out to Haines and the man in question came lumbering out of one of the stalls. “Which horse did Lady Danesfield take this morning?” Sebastian asked.

“She’s gone out in the gig, my lord,” Haines replied, scrunching his weathered brow. “She was going to ride Cronus as Altair needs a new shoe but then decided on the gig.”

“And you did not think to stop her?”

“I don’t expect Lady Danesfield would take instruction from a coachman,” Haines informed him in a tone that made Sebastian feel stupid for even asking the question.

“I wouldn’t worry, Haines. She does not take instruction from her husband either,” Sebastian sighed. “Did she happen to mention where she was going?”

Haines' mouth straightened into the beginnings of a weak grin. “I’m afraid I can’t say, my lord. But know that Haines always keeps his eyes on the road, always looks straight ahead, even when he arrives a little too early with a chattering maid in tow.” He turned and looked over his shoulder and whispered, “Although I’d best not say chattering now that she’s my wife.”

“Thank you,” Sebastian said patting him on the shoulder.

Sophie heard the thunderous pounding on the dusty road but did not sit up. She was lying on a blanket, her hands cupping her head, looking up at a perfectly blue sky when Dane dropped down beside her.

“I remember feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of this place,” she said propping herself up on her elbows to look out over Rockingham Pool, “and it is just as spectacular now.”

“I’m afraid I cannot comment on its beauty,” he replied still a little breathless from his journey. “Nothing could compare to the look of pure pleasure on your face when I brought you here. I have never forgotten it.” He glanced down at her breeches and let his fingers trail along the soft curves of her thighs.

“It is a special place for me,” she sighed as she looked up at him. “I tried to fight my feelings for you, but it is impossible not to love you. Everything changed the day we came here.”

Dane smiled. “Everything changed for me, too. I am just sorry that the memory was tainted by me hurling you into the carriage.”

She sat up and put her hand on his cheek. “Which is why I think we should finish what we started,” she said blushing slightly. “There is a secluded spot just to the right, behind those trees.”

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her with unbridled passion. “Have I told you how much I love you, how much I want you?”

“Every day,” she sighed with pleasure. Getting to her feet, she took hold of his hand and pulled him towards the trees. “Come, it would not be wise for you to be seen kissing Mr. Shandy and little William is in desperate need of a sibling to keep him company.”

Dane inclined his head. “But next time, do you think you might wear a dress? I find breeches so cumbersome.”

Sophie gave a coy smile. “Next time, you must surprise me. But know that I’ve always found a military uniform rather appealing.”

“What about a pirate? I’ve often fancied setting sail in search of treasure.”

She pulled him behind the trees and devoured his mouth while her hands ravaged his body. When they broke for breath, she said, “Did you ever hear the story about the prince and the pirate princess?”

“I can’t say that I have.”

“Well, the princess was forever stealing into places unnoticed,” she said, stripping off his waistcoat and running her palms over his shoulders. “I should have a care, as one day you may come home to find she has captured your study.”