Read Online A Bride for Lord Esher by P J Perryman - Free Book Online

if someone took it? I wonder, perhaps society would overlook a person’s origins if they had humble beginnings. And with such a winning figure even a prosperous husband might stand by her. But what if that person were a thief? Would they be as accepted then? And would such a husband stand by her? Hmm. It makes one positively giddy just thinking about it all.”
    Tom Warren released her neck and stared into her eyes. She truly was deliciously evil.
    “I think you might be onto something. If you would permit it, perhaps you would stay behind when the others leave and we can discuss such… hypotheticals… in more detail.”
    “I think I would like that Mr. Warren.”
    “As would I, ma’am, as would I.”
    Lady Sudbrooke had just returned the cameo to her pocket when there was an unexpected shriek from the across the room. Once again all eyes were on Lady Ashworth. Though the two conspirators shot each other meaningful glances, both had guessed at the cause of her distress.
    “My love, are you ill?” said Lord Ashworth.
    “My cameo, I’ve lost it.”
    “Hells teeth,” said Lord Ashworth. “I told you not to bring it.”
    “I must have dropped it in the meadow.”
    “Darn it, I suppose I could ride back to the meadow before we leave.”
    “I would be happy to join the hunt,” said Lord Esher. “The ladies can wait here while we look. Tom, are you with us?”
    “Actually, Robert, I have something very particular I wish to discuss with Lady Sudbrooke,” said Tom Warren. “Would you mind if we stayed back a little? I’m sure you and Lord Ashworth together will make an ample search party.”
    Lord Esher shrugged. “Whatever you wish Tom.”
    The two gentlemen left the room immediately, and Tom Warren bowed respectfully to the ladies. “Please, have some more wine. My business with Lady Sudbrooke will not take long.”
    Chastity was too busy looking after Lady Ashworth, and that lady herself was far too distressed to pay any attention to the departing pair. Once out in the hall, Tom Warren took Lady Sudbrooke by the hand and walked her into the small morning room, where he knew they would not be disturbed. The room was scantily furnished, with a small desk by the window which overlooked a very natural pond. But Tom was not there for a tour. He turned to Lady Sudbrooke and got straight to the point.
    “Well, my dear, you have my full attention. What do you propose?”
    Lady Sudbrooke withdrew the cameo from its hiding spot and placed it down pointedly on the desk. “Such a small thing could easily be slipped into her ladyship’s dresser. Her lady-in-waiting could be bribed perhaps, though there’s always a risk when you bring in more people to a scheme. Tongues that are purchased have no scruples about wagging.”
    Tom Warren stepped a little closer. He found the lady’s scheming arousing. His voice dropped a little deeper. “Very true that. So, what other option presents itself?”
    He noticed Lady Sudbrooke’s own voice had dropped a few decibels too. “An intimate could perhaps do it, a close friend of her acquaintance, someone like you, maybe.”
    “I could, or I could simply return it to its owner.”
    Tom was so close now, he could almost catch the rhythm of her heart. “But where would be the fun in that,” she asked.
    Tom bent forward and his lips met hers. For such a sourpuss she tasted deliciously sweet, and he probed her mouth aggressively with his tongue. Though she received him well enough, he sensed she was still holding back, and knew her hand would come between them any moment to stop him from going too far. Annoying little virgin , he thought. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and he pushed her toward the desk until her backside collided with it and she was forced to drop her hand to the wood to steady herself.
    Lady Sudbrooke indulged his kisses for the longest time, but just as he was sensing her total submission, the expected hand shot up between them, and breathless, she