Chapter Text
There were no balls or luncheons or dinners planned for Monday, and Kate was relieved. She was looking forward to a chance to relax in the warm country air.
At breakfast, Anthony took his place beside her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. Across the table, Violet gave him a pointed look, though it quickly melted into a resigned sigh. She seemed to understand that scolding her son for his public displays of affection was a battle long since lost.
“Have you seen the orangery yet?” Anthony asked as he settled into his chair.
Kate shook her head. “Aubrey Hall has an orangery?”
Anthony’s grin was boyish, lighting up his features. “Indeed it does. I think you will enjoy it very much. Shall I show you after breakfast?”
She nodded, excitement bubbling in her chest. A walk through the greenhouse, hand in hand with Anthony, sounded like the perfect way to begin the day.
After they finished their meal, Anthony led her to the orangery—a small but enchanting space nestled amidst the estate gardens. The moment Kate stepped inside, the humid warmth and fragrant air wrapped around her like a familiar embrace.
“Oh,” she breathed. “This is lovely.”
Anthony held the door open, watching her as she took it all in. “I thought you might like it.”
Kate closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The heady scent of jasmine and oranges filled her senses, evoking memories of India. She leaned back against Anthony’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist, content to savor the peaceful moment.
“It reminds me of home,” she murmured, resting her head against his shoulder.
Anthony pressed a kiss to her hair. “One day, I will take you there. Whenever you are ready for the journey again.”
Kate turned around so she could kiss him. “I love you.” She stood in his arms, inhaling the scent of him mixed with the ambrosial scent of the orangery. “I love it in here.”
He smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “I have some work to do,” he said. “Would you like me to send one of the maids down with tea for you here?”
She frowned. “You have work to do?” She knew her voice sounded petulant, but she didn’t care. The idea that she had a whole day to herself in the country without Anthony felt like being given a plate of rice without curry. Filling, but flavorless.
“I always have work to do.” He laughed. “Duty of a viscount, I’m afraid.” He kissed her forehead. “I will be in the study here. It is mostly ledgers I have to attend to.”
“Could I keep you company?” she asked. “I could come read in there with you.”
He gave her a fond, puzzled look. “It will be quite boring. Why don’t you stay here?”
She shook her head, smiling. “No, I’d rather be with you.”
“Are you certain? It is not nearly as nice inside as it is out here.”
“I don’t mind,” she said. “I want to be where you are.” She smiled. “Does that sound pitiful?”
Anthony grinned. “No. I would love your company.” He kissed her. “But I mean it, the moment you tire of it, I insist you return here. No hard feelings.”
The day unfolded in comfortable silence. Anthony worked through his ledgers at the large desk while Kate curled up on the small sofa with a book in hand. Occasionally, he glanced at her, smiling whenever their eyes met. They broke briefly for lunch and later wandered into the library, where Kate selected a few more novels.
By late afternoon, Kate was halfway through her third book when Anthony stretched, rubbing the back of his neck. He let out a yawn, his work finally complete.
“I enjoyed having you here,” he said warmly, his gaze lingering on her. Outside the window, the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hazy purples and golds. “Shall we return to the orangery before dinner?”
Kate set her book aside, but Anthony picked it up, tucking it under his arm. “I’ll read the rest to you.”
Her heart swelled at the gesture. It had been so long since anyone had read to her—her father was the last, and the memory made her chest ache with longing. “I would love that, Anthony.”
In the orangery, Anthony had arranged for a small sofa to be placed inside, perfectly positioned to catch the evening breeze. They snuggled together, Kate resting against him as he read aloud. The cadence of his voice lulled her into a state of bliss, the warmth of the orangery, the scent of fruit and flowers, and the solid comfort of Anthony at her side weaving together into a moment so perfect it nearly brought her to tears. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been so happy.
Again that night, Anthony crept into her bedroom. Tonight she was not tired. Tonight she yearned for him. At dinner that evening, it had occurred to her that today was what her life would be like now. She would spend her days with Anthony while he worked, and spend her time relaxing in leisure. In the beautiful orangery. She knew there would be things to do, events to attend, children to raise, eventually. But for the first time it really hit her that the days ahead would be quiet, and peaceful, and filled with Anthony.
When he arrived at her door, she was standing behind it, and she pulled him to the bed the moment he crossed the threshold, her hands eager as she undressed him. She climbed on top of him and grinded her body against his. Anthony groaned beneath her touch, trying to flip their positions, but she pressed him down firmly.
“Tonight,” she whispered, her lips trailing down his neck, “is for you.”
Anthony's breath hitched as she moved lower, her hands deftly unbuttoning his shirt and trousers. He watched her, entranced, as she explored his body with unhurried, deliberate strokes. She leaned down slowly and kissed the very tip of him. His eyes bolted open.
“Kate, you do not have to—” His voice was hoarse with need, but whatever protest he meant to voice was cut off the moment her mouth closed around him.
He moaned loudly, and she stopped, looking at him. She whispered, “Shh.” And then she did it again. He buried his face in a pillow, a groan of pleasure escaping him. “My god,” he muttered, his voice muffled.
Kate took her time, exploring him gently with her tongue and mouth. She had imagined this moment ever since their night in Lady Danbury’s summerhouse, curiosity burning within her. Now that it was real, it was even more intoxicating than she had dreamed.
Anthony’s body tensed as she grew bolder in her exploration of him. He tried to pull away, gasping, “Kate, wait, no,” but the pleasure overwhelmed him. With a strangled groan, he spilled over, the release sudden and forceful.
Kate blinked in surprise, her face and chest streaked with evidence of his climax. Anthony’s cheeks flushed crimson as he scrambled to find a cloth.
“I am so sorry,” he stammered, his embarrassment palpable.
To his astonishment, Kate began to laugh. She wiped a hand across her face, glancing down at the cum on her fingers. With a mischievous smile, she locked eyes with him—and then, slowly, she brought her tongue to her hand, tasting him.
Anthony groaned, his restraint unraveling. “Jesus, Kate,” he muttered, his voice thick with arousal.
Without hesitation, he tossed the cloth aside and pinned her beneath him, his gaze dark with intent. “Your turn,” he murmured, spreading her legs and lowering himself between them.