Slowly, he moved his mouth on hers, until she began to match his movements. He licked the seam of her lips and she moaned, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Soon her tongue was tangling with his. Pulling her against him, he caressed her breast, wishing she wasn’t wearing stays. Still, she moaned.

He didn’t want to go too fast or scare her. “Did you like that?”

“Yes. Do that again.”

He brushed his thumb over where he thought her nipple was. If only he could feel it harden beneath his touch. Damn stays. “Like that?”

“Ummm. I feel so strange. Everything is on fire.”

John stifled a groan. If only he could make her hotter. Lift her skirts and feel how tight and wet she was. But before he could do that, he had to get permission to wed her. He raised his head, breaking the kiss. “Eleanor, I still need to speak with your brother-in-law, but will you marry me? You are the only lady I want as my wife. The only one I have ever wanted to be in my life forever.”

“Yes, Montagu.” She drew his head down and kissed him. “Yes, I will marry you.”

“John. Please call me John. No one else does.”

She smiled up at him. “John.”

He sent a prayer to the deity. Please let it be soon.

Off to the side, leaves rustled. “We must go in. I must talk to Worthington.” But John couldn’t seem to let her go. He kissed her again, stroking his hand over her bottom. And as he’d hoped, she pressed herself fully against him. He had to have her soon. Reluctantly, he raised his head. He must take her back inside before anyone saw them. “We really do have to go. Anyone seeing us would only upset your family.”

Eleanor sighed and her shoulders slumped. “I suppose you are right.”

The path was still empty as they slowly made their way back. “I think we missed the supper dance.”

She glanced up at him with a sly look. “I did not miss anything, my lord.”

“Minx.” Her light laughter filled the air. John hoped he could convince her to a short betrothal.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Kenilworth strode through the French doors from the terrace and came directly to Matt. “Well?”

“You will receive a request for her hand before the night is out.” Kenilworth had a smug look on his face. “They are well matched. And Rothwell owes me a monkey.”

Matt stared at his old friend and brother by marriage. “How the deuce did that come about?”

Kenilworth shrugged. “You know how he can be. He went on and on about Montagu being a slow-top. I got tired of it and finely wagered five hundred quid.”

“That will teach him.” In general, Rothwell did not display the pomposity of most dukes, but every time he did, someone in the family got the better of him.