Miss Mischief - A Regency Romance (28 page)

He loved her. It was the most marvelous, liberating experience!

‘Minx!’ he whispered against her lips, before succumbing to the inevitable and kissing her with all the desperation long weeks of privation had instilled. Johanna surrendered her own willingly, knowing he could not escape her again, not now. She had compromised him completely and there would be no turning back from this point forward. They belonged together and she would make very certain he understood that in the years to come, along with all the things a man like him could give her.

Respect, honor, passion and tenderness.

Behind them, in among the sudden buzz of scandalized conversation, Audrey raised an eyebrow at her sister. She and Isabella had come looking for their brother, having seen him disappear through the doorway shortly before. Both were feeling ashamed of themselves for neglecting him when he had been away from the social bustle for so long.

It seemed their remorse had been entirely misplaced.

‘Is Marcus really kissing Johanna Claybourn or have my wits become completely scrambled?’

‘No,’ Isabella observed thoughtfully, surveying the oblivious couple. ‘Although I am inclined to think that it’s more a case of Miss Claybourn kissing
him
.’

‘Do you suppose they are acquainted? He did visit Yorkshire, did he not?’

‘I certain hope so. Either that or we have been grossly deceived by Miss Claybourn’s charms and our brother’s nature. I must say, Millie
will
be pleased. She wanted him to snare an heiress and Miss Claybourn is worth a fortune.’ She gave Audrey a sideways glance. ‘I think you should go along and tell Mama before she hears it from one of the gossips.’

‘Why me?’ Audrey protested, trying to imagine the inevitable conversation.

‘Because I am going to undertake the problematic task of separating those two and dragging them inside so they can be properly introduced. And then, I suppose, we’d better make plans for a wedding.’ Isabella gave her sister a wicked smile. ‘Or should that be a double wedding? An earl, my dear. You
are
clever!’

Audrey blushed, cast one last look towards the closely entwined couple and hurried away. Her brother’s unexpectedly outrageous behavior was suddenly a great deal more appealing that her own marital prospects.

But oh, Mama would be pleased!