As the footman opened the door to the drawing room, Alexander stood for a moment unnoticed on the threshold. The Christmas decorations were still in place, the magnificent tree in a corner of the room glittering as if loaded with jewels and adding its own sparkle to the splendid glass chandeliers overhead. His gaze swept over the rich scarlet and gold velvet sofas and chaise longues dotted about the vast room, the exquisite Louis XV style walnut and marquetry centre tables – a favourite with his mother – and other carefully selected furniture. Dominating one wall was the great stone fireplace in which crackling logs were piled high and shooting forth blue, yellow and red flames, a couple of his father’s wolfhounds asleep on the Persian rug in front of it. It was all a picture of sumptuous opulence and grandeur, and the rich dresses and lavish jewels of the women present added to the scene.

Most of the assembled company, whether standing or sitting, were watching Gwendoline at the grand piano and she, in particular, lived up to her surroundings. Her dress glittered like a galaxy of stars and her fair hair was piled high with jewelled combs, their brilliance reflected in the necklace and bracelets she wore. As he stared at her she looked up, noticing him in the doorway, and smiled.

Suddenly, on the screen of his mind, there was a snapshot of a small snug sitting room and of the beautiful woman it contained, of a child’s doll’s house and the modest fire burning in the gleaming blackleaded fireplace.

He knew with all his heart where he would rather be.

Chapter Nineteen

Nathaniel lay propped against the heaped pillows on the bed, his arms behind his head, watching Maria as she stoked up the fire in the bedroom and then added another log to the crackling flames. The room was stiflingly warm, too warm for him, but Maria liked it hot. In more ways than one, he thought to himself, his gaze wandering over the voluptuous naked figure of the woman now sauntering over to him.

She reached the bed, bending over and kissing him long and hard on the lips. His hands came from behind his head and he cupped her heavy smooth breasts, feeling the nipples responding instantly to his touch. She moaned softly before straightening up and smiling sensually. ‘I fetch us another bottle of wine, yes?’

He nodded and she trailed her fingers over his forehead before reaching for her black satin robe. As she pulled the belt tight and flicked back her long, dark hair, Nathaniel reflected that no one would have guessed she was approaching forty. Thirty, more like. Or even mid-twenties.