Adrienne Basso - How To Seduce A Sinner

Heat flooded her cheeks. Dorothea dipped her head. “I cannot help my sudden tiredness.”

“I know.” His gaze drifted down to the slight swell of her belly before possessively settling his hand over her burgeoning womb. “This child will put gray in my hair long before it arrives,” he declared, tempering his words with a loving smile.

Dorothea sighed happily, basking in Carter’s love and affection. “I think you shall look very distinguished with silver at your temples.”

“Hmm. Between the baby and Emma, my hair will be stark white within the year.”

“Oh, stop being so vain.” Dorothea’s mouth quirked. “Our child will be a perfect angel, the envy of every parent in England. And Emma has no serious interest in Benton, beyond putting his likeness on canvas. She told me that his classic looks combined with his brooding charm are an irresistible lure to her creative muse. She is striving to capture the essence and energy of his masculinity in a way that no other artist had ever attempted.”

“Good Lord, if she weren’t so talented, I would refute that statement as a bunch of pure rot,” Carter muttered.

“I repeat, there is no cause for worry. Benton is far too old for her.”

“In my experience, any female between the ages of eighteen and eighty is a prime target for Benton’s charms.”

“He would not dare try to seduce Emma,” Dorothea declared. “He has too much respect for you.”

“Well, he does appreciate my skill with a sword and pistol. Perhaps it would be a good idea to remind him of that next week. I’ll arrange for an afternoon of sport and bring Roddy along, too. His prowess with a sword is near legend.”

Dorothea rolled her eyes. This protective streak of Carter’s was normally very charming, but he could carry it a bit far. “Being around Benton is good practice for Emma. She has just turned seventeen and this will be her first Season. If she can learn to handle a rake of Benton’s caliber, then she’ll easily deal with any other handsome rogue. Now, enough about Emma. We have guests.”

Carter groaned. “I finally understand what Dardington meant about having daughters. Promise me you shall only give birth to sons, my dear.”

“Ah, that would be a birthday gift your father would long cherish.”

They both laughed. Carter dipped his head and Dorothea curved herself into him. Heedless of their guests, the marquess lowered his face and pressed a lingering kiss on his wife’s tender lips.

“I told you, Benton.” Emma’s voice rang out in triumph. “It’s a love match!”

Dorothea’s eyes flew open. Embarrassed, she tried to pull away, but Carter’s arm was holding her firmly in place. He finished the kiss at leisure, his eyes smiling down at her, radiant with love.

The sight brought an incandescent flash of joy through Dorothea’s entire body. Emma was right. Dorothea hadn’t been looking for love in marriage, but oh, my, she had certainly found it.

Adrienne Basso lives with her family in New Jersey. She is the author of ten Zebra historical romances and is currently working on her next, to be published in 2011. Adrienne loves to hear from readers and you may write to her c/o Zebra Books. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish a response.