Before Fiona could protest, he ushered them both inside. Throwing the latch, he turned, only for her to shove him lightly in the chest. “You were concerned someone might be in here?”

He lifted a shoulder. “The chance of that happening at this early hour is incredibly unlikely. Especially with the assembly going on. Besides, a smart person locks the door.” He pivoted to set the lock, then faced her once more as he drew his gloves off and tossed them toward a table. “Now, where were we?”

Waggling his brows at her, he took her hand and removed the glove. Then he moved to her other hand and did the same. Tugging her against him, he kissed her again, this time taking his time exploring her mouth and stripping away the last of her defenses.

Well, if she’d had defenses, he would have stripped them away.

Ending the kiss abruptly, he took a step back. “I don’t want to muss your gown. Please tell me this isn’t a nightmare to remove.”

“It’s not exactly a nightmare, but I will require your assistance with the buttons on the back.” She turned her back to him, which forced her attention to the primary piece of furniture in the room—a large four-poster bed. Covered in a lush, dark purple coverlet, the bed looked fit for royalty.

There were only five buttons, and Fiona felt each one as Tobias plucked them open. Then he loosened the tie that cinched the dress around her middle until the fabric parted in the back. He lowered the gown, and she carefully stepped out of it.

Turning her head, she saw him gently lay the garment over a high-backed chair. “The best I can do, I’m afraid.” His gaze swept over her. “You are so beautiful.”

Fiona pulled the tie at the back of her petticoat and slid the narrow straps from her shoulders. She was not quite as cautious as she let the garment fall to the floor before stepping aside and plucking it up.

“Allow me.” Tobias took it to the same chair and laid it atop the gown. “I suppose we should leave your corset in place.” He sounded disappointed.

She pulled at the laces until the garment was loose and she could push it down over her hips. “Too late.” Keeping her gaze locked with his, she kicked her shoes from her feet. “I’m about to be nearly nude, while you are completely clothed.”

He scrambled to remove his coat, letting it fall to the floor unheeded before moving on to his dancing slippers and stockings, which required him to perch on a chair.

“I’ll just wait over here,” she called, climbing onto the bed where she sat back against the headboard.

A low growl crept across the room from his lips to her ears. His body followed as he prowled toward her, discarding his cravat and waistcoat along the way. When he reached the side of the bed, she met him there, first on her knees, then putting her legs over the side of mattress on either side of him.