Her eyes were riveted on Thomas as he dismounted his large horse. His powerful and muscular legs effortlessly swung him down to the ground. His brown riding breeches were tight, highlighting every muscle, and his riding jacket pulled tightly across his chest. A chest she envisioned sprinkled with soft hair and hard muscle.
My God, her thoughts were all focused on the physicality of Thomas. She raised her hands to cover her flaming cheeks. Between the conversations earlier in the day with Amelia and Bella, and now with this powerful attraction to her betrothed… Emma tingled deliciously between her thighs and crossed her legs beneath her skirts, wishing the sensation away. All that did was make her more aware of the sensation. Yes, indeed, she was definitely a wanton woman. Surely she should be considering other more important things? Like the dress and the guests…
Moving away from the window, Emma went out into the grand entrance and waited with fingers twisting together, stomach fluttering and heart pounding. She waited as patiently as she could for the doorman to open the solid front door. Then she wondered if His Grace would think she was happy to see him if she greeted him at the door.
Slowly, Emma pivoted around and headed up the large staircase. She paused when she reached the top. There, she waited until the three gentlemen stepped into the hallway. She took a deep breath for courage and walked slowly down the stairs, humming as if she didn’t have a care in the world. As if she didn’t know the men were standing there.
“Miss Hamilton.” Thomas’s voice carried up the staircase, causing her insides to tingle. “Where is everyone? I thought we would be greeted with enthusiasm after our long separation.”
“Your mother is resting. Amelia and Bella are out riding. I believe they should be back shortly.” Her eyes went from one man to the next. “I trust your travels went well?”
Myles stepped forward and bowed like the graceful rogue he tried to be. “Miss Hamilton, may I say the country air definitely agrees with you? You’re lovelier than I remember.”
“Why, Lord Norwich, thank you. A charmer as always.”
“Emma, do you remember my good friend, Amesbury?” Thomas asked with a bland expression on his handsome face.
“Why, yes, I do. My Lord, I’m pleased you accompanied the duke.” She curtsied then Amesbury took her offered hand and bowed over it.
Amesbury’s eyes sought hers, then he smiled and his whole face lit up, softening to reveal an incredibly handsome man. She imagined the debutantes following him around, batting their lashes. He was dashing, handsome, and a marquess. Wait, was he not also betrothed to Lady Beth?
“I am glad you could attend our wedding.” Emma’s eyes moved to Thomas, and her cheeks heated. She swallowed. “Please tell me, will your lovely betrothed, Lady Beth, be attending our wedding?”
If she had not been attentive she would have missed the frown that crossed his face. But she caught the expression and saw his body stiffen at the mention of Lady Beth.
“Lady Beth has broken our marriage contract. We are no longer engaged.”
“Oh.” She found herself staring at him. No words came to mind, to break the uncomfortable silence she’d caused.
Thomas broke the silence. “Yes, well, Amesbury is relieved. Ahh, here are our trunks. Giles, could you inform Mrs. Webster we have arrived and my guests can now be shown to their rooms? Excuse me, Myles, Amesbury. I would like a private word with my lovely bride-to-be.”
The word ‘private’ had a profound effect on Emma’s body, sending quivers throughout.
“Shall we go to the blue salon?” Thomas raised his brow and gestured for her to take his arm. She swallowed and placed her hand on his forearm, trying to ignore the muscular male hardness beneath her fingers and the masculine smell of horse and leather invading her senses.
Emma sighed with relief when he left the doors open, although if the truth be told, she’d wanted him to take her into his arms and make her feel all relaxed and loose and cherished.
“How may I help you, Your Grace?” she said as he went to the window and looked out the same one she had minutes before.
“I trust you have had a pleasant two weeks here?” he asked as he turned around, regarding her solemnly.
“Yes. You have a beautiful place. I’ve explored all the gardens and the path down to the ocean.”
“Good. Has Mother treated you well?”
“Yes. Like a daughter.”
His headed tilted down slightly. “Good, as you will become her true daughter soon. This is why I wanted to speak to you in private.” Pausing, he went to the sideboard and poured a small amount of amber liquid into a tumbler.