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From his conversation, the duke appeared to be a keen-witted, formidable ra’s cousin, the young duke Alessandro, as well Listening to the discussion aht into the tangled nature of local politics and sy h what pro hihty a silent thanks that Brookas located in the relative peace and prosperity of England
And as for Allegra—his heart expanded with love and longing just rerandfather, radiantly beautiful in an elaborate gown of pure white, the gracious hostess ever attentive to the duke’s guests She looked like an angel
Would that she ht be his!
So full of guests was the drawing rooht, he’d not yet had a chance to speak with her So when he spied her ahead of hiain by her dour duenna, he went in pursuit
“Good evening, Duchessa,” he called to her To his delight she turned and, recognizing hiht, the stars glea like diamonds on velvet May I ith you?”
“I should be delighted, Lord Tavener,” she replied
She took his ar hi, he nearly groaned at the pleasure of it For several ical ht Will could not help but reettable kiss that had shaken him to the core Did she remember it, too?
He wanted nothing ain
As if on cue, Barrows erasping his other wrist as he held it up and out From what he pantomimed to the duenna, he had cut himself and needed her assistance
Not easily distracted fro him where in the house to return for assistance, instructions Barrows apparently did not understand in the slightest While he gestured to the agitated duenna, Will rounded the corner with Allegra
For several precious seconds, they would be alone, hidden from view by the dark bulk of the sculpted yew
As if by unspoken agreera looked up at him, a tremulous smile on her lips Will took her chin in his hand and tipped it up so he could read her eyes The yearning he saw there sent a thrill of anticipation and desire through hier for the kiss he was ive her
The first brush of his lips against hers was gentle, reverent Then need and longing hten his eent
Instead of struggling or protesting, she leaned into hi her lips
Lost then, Will bound her to hiue that fenced eagerly with his There was a roaring in his ears and blood thundered through his veins in a fierce, primitive rhythm that said mine, mine
She was his; sheher home
Barrows’s loud, theatrical cry of warning dragged him back to the present Reluctantly, he broke the kiss
Allegra stepped away fro hand on his arize, she nudged him into motion “Your valet is a most valuable employee I hope you pay him well”
“For allowing me h”
“Ah, for hed
Hardly daring to hope, he said, “You would have more?”
“A lifetime,” she murmured “And you?”
“A lifeti
Before Will could press her further, see if by her reply she meant what he hoped she did, footsteps approached fro with a tall older ion ofon a ribbon about his neck
“Ah, here you are, Allegra, Lord Tavener,” the duke said “Count von Strossen, allow hter who is visiting us froland Count von Strossen is the…local representative for the Austrian government, Lord Tavener”
It required only the aze the Austrian had fixed on Allegra for hiave Will a slight bow, his eyes rera
“My dear,” her grandfather continued, “Alessandro needs your assistance in the ballroom”
“Then I shall go at once, nonno Lord Tavener…” She pressed Will’s hand before releasing it with obvious reluctance “Thank you again for visiting,days”