Ladyship wished to make an impression. That meant Mrs. Hewitt would have that much more time to extract the most pertinent details from her. Not that she needed the extra time. It was Mrs. Hewitt's special talent that she could coddle and finagle news and maneuvers from Her Ladyship in a matter of minutes.
Mrs. Hewitt chose her moment as Lady Garway sat at her vanity, putting the final touches to her hair. They were trying out a number of different combs and ornaments.
"The staff were very concerned last night, ma'am, with Lady Rebecca gone for so long and arrivin' in such a state," Mrs. Hewitt began.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hewitt." Lady Garway nodded. "It was awful."
"She's all right, then?"
"Yes, she's fine, thanks to Desmond," her mistress replied.
"That's a grace, isn't it, ma'am? The marriage is to go forward." Mrs. Hewitt smiled graciously at her.
"Of course, it is. Why wouldn't it?" If it was possible for Lady Garway to scowl, she managed it then.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, truly I am. But the entire staff is aware of the ill-founded rumors circulatin' in London and elsewhere." Mrs. Hewitt continued her ministrations. "But certainly, those aren't in play anymore, what with Mr. Baines and Lady Rebecca's engagement."
"If only that were true," Lady Garway fiddled with the cluster of combs before her on the vanity. "I'm afraid Sir Isaac may still wreak some havoc." Her lips set themselves in a firm straight line.
Mrs. Hewitt's face showed not the least bit of surprise at the mention of the older gentleman. "Lady Rebecca never really gave a care for him, ma'am, you can be sure of it. He's no threat to Mr. Baines."
"That's not what I meant," Lady Garway sighed. "He's a politician, Mrs. Hewitt. Rumors and scandal are his bread and butter." She looked at herself in the mirror. "Thank you, Mrs. Hewitt. That's perfect." She rose from her vanity for the next stage in her preparations. Lady Garway didn't need to say anything more. Mrs. Hewitt had what she needed.
By the end of the day, Rebecca was quite herself again. All the same, she took extra care in her preparations for Desmond's return. She chose a pink gown, hoping it would add some color to her cheeks. She stood before the mirror. It brought to mind his first visit to her room. Her white naked curves against his black dinner jacket. The warmth of his hands on her breasts, his lips against her throat.
A heated surge rushed from her center down to that cleft between her thighs. The sensation was lush, hot and delicious. He would come to her again tonight. She would see to it.
Rebecca stood at the door with Abbott as Desmond and his mother entered the manor. "Mrs. Baines, so happy to see you," Rebecca said as she kissed her on the cheek. She turned to Desmond and grabbed his hand. "You look well, Desmond."
"I should say that to you," Desmond replied, "although you look a great deal more than well."
Rebecca felt his eyes traverse her face and body. She so hoped that she pleased him.
"Rebecca, I hope you're feeling better?" asked Mrs. Baines.
"Much better, thank you, Mrs. Baines," replied Rebecca with a smile.
Desmond interrupted their exchange. "Would you excuse us, Mother? I have something rather important that I wish to discuss with Rebecca."
"Certainly, Desmond," Mrs. Baines replied and she turned to Rebecca and smiled. "Rebecca, we'll talk later. Be sure that we do." Mrs. Baines followed Abbott to the drawing room.
Desmond grabbed Rebecca's hand and led her to the east library. Once in private, Desmond turned to her, "You are absolutely captivating tonight, Rebecca.” And with his hands at her waist, he pulled her to him.
Rebecca wrapped her arms around his neck and their lips met in a long and sensuous kiss. "You have plans," he whispered against her lips. "I can tell."
She ran her hands down his chest and under his dinner jacket. "The seduction of Desmond Baines," Rebecca replied softly, looking up at him. She placed her hands on his hips and pressed herself
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