CHAPTER 29

"YOU WANT US TO GO AWAY from London?" Hannah's question held more enthusiasm than surprise, which boded well for his plans.

"Yes," he said, kissing her bare shoulder as she reclined against his chest in the huge bath. "We could go somewhere quiet, where no one knows us. Have a holiday. Just the two of us."

She turned around to face him, her slippery body rubbing against him with delicious results. He sucked in his breath to control another surge of lust.

"Where are you thinking of going?"

"A coastal town. Maybe near Weymouth? But smaller. With an inn near the beach. At this time of the year, it's bound to be empty. We wouldn't be able to bathe in the sea, of course. But we could walk along the beach. And take breakfast in bed. Forget about the rest of the world."

"Hmm, that would be lovely. You don't think people would recognize us?"

"Not outside the rarefied society we inhabit. We will travel under assumed names."

"I would like that. When would you like to go?"

"I'll make arrangements to depart as soon as possible and will send a message when I have the details. Maybe as soon as tomorrow. Can you be ready?"

"Yes, of course." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and warmth spread through his chest.

"It's settled then. I'll look into the train tickets and the accommodations."

"I have a private train coach. We could use it—"

"No. That would defeat the purpose of anonymity. I will book us first-class tickets in a private compartment. Would you be able to bear the inconvenience for a few hours?" he teased her with a twisted smile.

She laughed. "To go on a holiday with you? I could bear anything."

Her words eased something inside him. He couldn't provide all the luxuries she was used to, but she still wanted to go away with him.

He kissed her. Hard. Molding their lips together. Possessing her mouth with the intensity of his feelings. Feelings that were growing at an alarming rate.

"We may not see each other tonight," he told her when at last their mouths separated to catch a breath. "Especially if we are to catch the train tomorrow."

She frowned. "I suppose that makes sense."

He gave her another quick, hard kiss. "Don't frown. I'll miss you too. But we will have days to get our fill of each other. Tonight, sleep well, my darling duchess."

They had been seeing each other every night for a week now. Sneaking out of events, returning her home in the early hours of the morning. It was exhausting. Neither of them had gotten a good night's sleep in days. While he was used to it from his days as an officer, when sleep was sometimes a scarce commodity to be indulged in when possible, Hannah was positively wilting. She had dark shadows under her eyes, and each day it was more difficult to wake her to return her to her residence.

Besides the exhaustion, meeting this way was perilous, and not as discreet as he had hoped. The servants may not know what she was doing, and with whom. But they couldn't have failed to notice that the duchess was going out each night and returning in the small hours.

And then there was the lurking menace of Neil Blackwell. After his threats to Hannah, Gabriel had hired a private investigator to learn everything he could about the man. And what he had learned so far was not good. He didn't want to trouble Hannah with his findings, but his protective instincts were blaring an alarm. Blackwell was cruel, unscrupulous, and greedy. He had also been living well beyond his means for years now, borrowing on his prospects as the heir to a dukedom. He would not relinquish his claim to the title so easily.

But most of all, he wanted to get her away because he was tired of their encounters being cut short. Of not being able to sleep peacefully after their glorious lovemaking. He wanted to wake up with her in his arms. Arouse her with kisses, make dreamy, slow love to her in the morning light. And then stay in bed for as long as they wanted.

That was simply not possible in London, where they had to keep appearances. He had already completed his business deals in the city and appraised his solicitor and steward of the improved circumstances. Now that they had their instructions for the following weeks, he could take a holiday. He had not had one in years.

"I look forward to our holiday," she said, placing her hand on his chest and looking into his eyes. "But you are wrong about something."

"Oh?"

"I will never have my fill of you. I will always want more."

Oh, damnation. The confession made his breath catch as emotion swelled in him. "So will I, love."

TWO DAYS LATER, EVERYTHING was ready for their holiday. Gabriel sat at his library desk, holding the train tickets and the telegram from the inn, confirming their availability. The train tickets were easy enough to secure. But to find the right seaside town and inn took some more research and coordination. He had pored over every travel guide he could get his hands on. Had consulted a travel agency, and at last settled on Lulworth Cove, a small beach town east of Weymouth. Close enough to the big resort town and its train station to make it accessible from London, but remote enough from the popular beach town to ensure they wouldn't meet anyone who might know them.

Lulworth Cove also boasted a lovely beachfront inn. Which would be almost empty at the moment because it was winter. Perfect.

Besides the beach, the surrounding area offered paths, cliffs, and secluded coves to explore. Now if only they could get there already. He couldn't wait to see Hannah again. It had only been two days, but that was two days too many.

More excited than a lad in a candy store, He penned a message to Hannah, asking her to meet him tomorrow at London Waterloo station at half-past six in the morning. The train departed at seven and would arrive at Weymouth after midday. He would allow her to board the coach first, and once she settled in, he would join her.

"Thakur!" he called, knowing the valet was likely lurking nearby.

Just as he had predicted, Thakur walked into the room a moment later.

"Yes, my lord?" he asked with exaggerated formality.

His valet never called him by his title unless he wanted to make clear he disapproved. Well, too bad, because he was following this course, and there was not enough disapproval in the world that would turn him away from Hannah.

"I need to deliver this letter to the duchess." Gabriel put the piece of paper in an envelope, added one of the train tickets inside, and sealed it with wax. "If you use a courier, please make it clear they are to wait for the duchess's response. And don't announce it is from me."

"I will do as you say, my lord." Thakur bowed out of the room with the letter in his hands.

Hannah's response was quick. Within an hour, he had her scribbled note saying she would be at the train station at the agreed upon time.

Now he only needed to while away the hours until he could have her in his arms again.