Chapter Sixteen

A s soon as he learned that Lady Bethany was not at home, Seth could not wait to be alone with Frances so that he could kiss, hold and caress. He had hoped she would feel the same, but when Frances settled into a single chair when two settees were available, he couldn’t help but wonder if she felt the same. He was certain she’d been as filled with desire last night as he had been.

Perhaps that was the reason she intentionally kept her distance from him.

Had her passion scared her or was she wiser so as not to tempt that which was forbidden.

“Thank you for the stroll. It was pleasant,” she offered as Seth decided to take a seat across from her.

“Yes, it was. Perhaps we should walk again tomorrow.”

Frances arched an eyebrow. “I have not yet decided if I will be at home.” The corner of her mouth quirked.

Seth chuckled and shook his head. She played a game and though he did not know her intentions, he also did not mind.

“You did not indicate that you already had plans.”

“Perhaps I do.”

“What would those be?” he asked.

Frances shrugged. “Not all plans need to be shared.”

“Therefore, I will not call,” he finally said.

“Did I not say that I have not yet decided if I would be at home?”

“You wish for me to call on you, but you may not be available,” Seth clarified.

Frances grinned. “Yes.”

“Very well.” He chuckled again. “I will call and eagerly wait for you to invite me in or send me away.”

She had waited on him for ten years at the cottage and now Frances had control of her comings and goings and apparently his as well. Seth would give her this and it could simply be because she wanted to be assured of his intentions.

A footman entered a moment later and set the tea service in the center of the table, which was also out of reach of the chair Frances had chosen so she had to move to one of the settees. Unfortunately, she chose the one across from Seth.

“If you were free tomorrow, is there anything in particular that you would like to do?”

She frowned as she poured him a cup of tea and added just a touch of milk, exactly as he had taken it all those years ago.

“I need to visit the lending library. Perhaps that is what I will do,” she said as she fixed her own cup of tea, taking nothing with it.

“I would be happy to accompany you,” he offered.

“Though, I may go in the morning.”

He arched a brow. “Simply to avoid me.”

“Not necessarily, but if I find a riveting novel in the morning, I may be so engrossed when you call that I may not be at home to you.”

He was done with her teasing.

Seth set his cup and saucer on the table and came to his feet.

Frances’ eyes widened as she looked up at him. Did she fear she had pushed too far?

“Do you enjoy tormenting me, Franny?”

She bit her bottom lip, which was a true sign that she was trying not to smile.

“I believe you do.” He marched around the table and then took a seat next to her.

“Were you not comfortable on the other settee?” she asked innocently.

“I cannot convince you to be at home tomorrow from over there.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I cannot do this.” He then placed a finger under her chin and gently lifted it before placing his lips against hers.

Frances had no idea what had gotten into her, but she had enjoyed teasing Seth. Besides, she did not want him to think that she would eagerly be waiting whenever he called. She’d done that for ten years but she was not going to do so now.

Further, she did not want him to think she would fall so easily back into his arms or be taken advantage of again.

However, she had not expected him to end up kissing her.

Of course, Frances had no objection, but pulled away.

Seth frowned at her. “Should I have not kissed you?”

Oh, she adored the concern in his blue eyes. “Not while I am holding a cup of hot tea.” She then leaned forward and placed the cup and saucer on the table.

“I apologize,” Seth said right before he slid his hand behind her head and brought his lips to hers again.

Frances relaxed and sighed. Oh, she did enjoy being kissed by Seth.

It also did not take long before they grew more heated as he delved and she accepted. And even though she was sitting, Frances had to hold onto him as she grew dizzy. In fact, there was a moment that she felt as if she were falling and clutched onto his shoulders even tighter only to realize that she had been when her back connected with the pillows at the corner of the settee.

This was certainly not proper at all and she should object but could not find the will to do so.

When Seth took his lips from hers, Frances expected him to sit up and then assist her; instead, he trailed kisses along her jaw and down the side of her neck.

Goodness, he scorched her skin everywhere his lips touched. Who would have thought that lips on a neck could heat the blood in her veins and she turned her head to offer better access uncertain what else she should do.

He also didn’t stop at her neck but trailed kisses along her chest and just above her bodice as one hand came up and cupped her breast.

Frances couldn’t help but moan as she arched against his hand.

This was seduction and it was heavenly.

“Frances, are you in the parlor?” Bethany called from the stairs.

In an instant, Seth was sitting up then assisting her before he moved back to where he had originally been sitting and placed a napkin on his lap.

She could not understand why until she glanced down and smirked.

“It is your fault.”

“You are the one who came over here. I did not ask to be kissed.”

“It was in your eyes.”

“It most certainly was not,” she argued.

“And also in your tone with your tormenting and teasing.”

“You read far too much into the words that were spoken.”

“Minx,” he growled as he lifted the cup to his lips.

Bethany stopped at the entrance of the parlor and glanced first at Seth and then Frances before she frowned. No doubt she had hoped to find them in a compromising position. Though, if that were the case, she would not have announced herself.

Thank goodness that she had or all the plans Frances had made for Seth would have been ruined.

“Why didn’t you answer when I called?”

“I am sorry, but I was busy arguing with Lord Seth.”

“About what?” she asked as she settled beside Frances.

“Whether I will be at home to him tomorrow or if I would rather read a book.”

“Who won?” she asked.

“I will not know until tomorrow.”