"What does you brother say?" he asked in a seemingly casual tone.
She shook her head. "Jonathan is away on his wedding trip, and will not be back for some time. He may have some recollections when he gets back."
"Well, it's been very pleasant to see you both, but I fear I'm engaged for the next dance. I hope to see you both around Bath again. Pray excuse me." He bowed, turned on his heel, and left.
After he had gone, Sarah looked up at Alexander, and saw his face was a frozen mask. "What is it?"
"How well do you know him?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"Not well at all. He was a friend of my sister-in-law Pamela for a time. Chased her for her fortune. He is charming enough, but a bit of a rattle. And a recruiting officer, a role in the Army Jonathan and I despise. Why?"
"Did he have designs upon you?" he asked angrily.
"No, of course not." She laughed incredulously. "No one would take a second look at me if gorgeous blonde wealthy Pamela were in the room and available. Or Elizabeth Eltham, the Duke's daughter."
"Still, I don't like him."
She hugged his arm to her bosom. "Then we need not speak with him again. I promise you, Alexander, you have no reason to be jealous.
"Now come, one more waltz, and then we're going home. After a night dancing in your arms, I'm more than eager for your caresses, as you'll soon find out."
She pressed up closer to him than was strictly needful during the waltz, which quickly convinced him of her sincerity and intent. They got their cloaks and hurried out the door as fast as the crush of people would allow.
Safely seated in their vehicle, Sarah removed her gloves once more and reciprocated his act in the previous carriage ride, stroking and suckling him until he was sure he would explode in her mouth.
They barely made it up the stairs and into the safety of their room before Alexander pressed her against the wall and hoist her skirts. In an instant her undergarments pooled around her feet, and he entered her with a hoarse cry.
Sarah wondered wildly if the plaster would give way as he poured his passion into her. She threw her head back and let out a keening cry of joy as he filled her and sent them tumbling into bliss. With her legs locked around his waist, he eventually staggered over to the bed and began his feast of the senses anew.
Much later, when they were at last quiet and completely naked, she said quietly, "You have no reason to worry. I never want to be with anyone except you. I never had any girlish passion for any man. I'm a grown woman now. I know my own mind and heart."
"You say that now, my love, when things are so powerful between us, but there may come a time--"
"No, never," she said, shaking her head so vehemently her ebony ringlets danced over his face and chest sensually. "I've tried not to feel threatened by your past, darling, when we both know I have ample reason to be. But you have no reason at all so far as mine is concerned.
"Still, if you want to me to leave my old life behind, leave Brimley, find a new place to settle and live as husband and wife, you have only to say. The town, the country, I don't mind. We can start making inquiries tomorrow. Ask the estate agents to look for a place for us while they are at it. Some of those properties we've seen for Michael would be more than suitable."
He kissed her and stroked her hair. "No, I believe you. I was just being foolish. I felt threatened, insecure. I behaved like a twit."
"I forgive you. But the offer still stands. If you want me to speak to them about leasing or buying a new home, I shall. And if not here, then somewhere close enough for you to make the trip as and when needed."
"I admit I'm enjoying the Baths very much. My stiffness is nearly gone. A couple of more weeks here and I would be completely well."
"Would be?" she echoed.
"We can't stay. We've been here so long already."
"Nonsense. If the waters here are helping, then here we stay."
"You're so good to me," he sighed.
"You're wonderful for me."
She kissed him, and snuggled down into the bed beside him. She put Captain Breedon and the rest of the world out of her mind as she concentrated on the sensual things they could both do with their hands and mouths.
Chapter Twenty-five
True to his estimate, after another week, Alexander's movement was much more full and unrestricted, and he requested a fencing master to come to the house to put him through his paces. He also discovered an aptitude for boxing, but Sarah put her foot down.
"I'm sorry, Alexander. You can argue with me all you like, but I will not have you being hit about the head. Not in your condition. The brain, your eyes, are very delicate things. Please, you know I love you, but not this. Anything but this."