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Sixteen
The lovely morning passed too quickly for Mercedes and the time she’d spent with James and Lizzy would soon come to an end. Within an hour they’d be going back home and she didn’t want the pleasure to stop. When each child clasped her hand, her heart soared. Completion intensified in her chest, causing her to burst with happiness.
The morning had started out perfect, first with the tender conversation with William, followed by the brief but earth-shattering kiss that had left her body weak and shaking. Then to have William’s children come to accept her kindness and love… Definitely, the day could not be better.
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William climbed into his coach and tapped on the roof, then braced himself when the vehicle lurched into motion. Today had been as bad as yesterday—worse, in fact, because he couldn’t stop thinking about this morning’s kiss. Undoubtedly, his wife’s charms had bewitched him, because she was certainly a witch. How else could he explain the sudden yearnings he experienced whenever she was around?Exhaling a deep sigh, he relaxed in the seat and stared out the window. The sun descended over the horizon, pink and red shades highlighted the sky. Another day without an invitation to Colonel Burwell’s weekend party. His plans to secretly search the man’s house were slowly fading from his grasp, and he feared he
Let's Pretend (book 1) Eighteen
“Here we are.”Ignoring William’s grumble as he stared out the carriage window, Mercedes sat forward in her seat and admired the enormous estate. Full trees, the land, and greener rolling hills made it a splendid sight.The Burwell’s three-story house had at least three wings added to the structure as it circled around the backyard. She caught a glimpse of the rose garden that seemed to last forever. At the edge of the yard, a cluster of trees led into a small forest.
Let's Pretend (book 1) Nineteen
William raised his glass of brandy in salute, and then quickly drank the liquid, wishing he were someplace else besides here. After the luncheon, he and the rest of the men had gathered in the library to discuss politics. The women wandered outside on the porch to converse about more delicate subjects as they daintily sipped their tea. William had tried to sneak away from the men several times, but someone stopped him every time. It irritated him that he couldn’t sneak around and search through Colonel Burwell’s study as he’d wanted. Would William ever find the proof he needed that someone was trying to sabotage him?Unfortunately, he had to paste a smile on his face and nod like a fool, raising his glass at the right mo
Let's Pretend (book 1) Twenty
The evening’s meal and dancing afterward was a huge success for Lady Burwell. A few more guests arrived, nearly crowding the ballroom. It thrilled Mercedes when William escorted her out on the dance floor, but she wished he didn’t have to leave her arms. While in his embrace his eyes sparkled like gems and his soft smile weakened her limbs. Would he ever feel the same way about her?“Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” he asked.“I’m certainly trying.”
Let's Pretend (book 1) Twenty-One
William glanced inside. Through the poorly-lit room, a flash of pink flew by and then disappeared under a flurry of blankets. He chuckled softly. His dear little wife was acting shy again. So unlike her.She had extinguished the candles, leaving only the moonlight that poured through the sheer curtains. Yes, she certainly had been behaving strangely, but he forced aside his confusion and proceeded as if she weren’t even here.He closed and locked the door. After he shrugged out of his over-coat and waistcoat, he draped them over the nearby chair where he sat to remove his boots. Out of the corner of his
Let's Pretend (book 1) Twenty-Two
Morning light peeked through half closed curtains warming Mercedes’ face. She stirred to awareness and the silky sheets rubbed against her arms. Her mind cleared a little more. Last night had come to a terrible close. When she recalled the defeating way the conversation had ended with William, her heart withered in agony.Yet, other memories came sneaking through, those which happened to her during her sleepless night.Every time her leg bumped into William’s she awakened and scooted to the side of the bed. At one point she found herself curled against his muscular arm, and the memory still made h
Let's Pretend (book 1) Twenty-Three
Mercedes stared wide-eyed at herself in the full-length mirror as she adjusted the sash on her dress. The woman staring back at her had sparks of excitement in her eyes and a rosy hue to her cheeks. Even her lips looked fuller, as though she’d been kissed good and hard by a loving man. She giggled like a schoolgirl. How could she not feel so elated after what she and William shared this morning?She wasn’t anxious to meet the other ladies downstairs because she worried her expression would give away this morning’s enjoyment. Yet if she dallied in her room any longer, they’d think her lazy.
Let's Pretend (book 1) Twenty-Four
William kept his gaze on his wife as the physician finished examining him. Mercedes had remained by William’s side every minute, tending to his needs and comfort. Even through all of this, he didn’t dare believe she had become the wife he’d always wanted. He couldn’t have his heart broken again.When he’d regained consciousness, his head had throbbed and his leg ached just as painfully, but she’d done everything possible to alleviate his discomfort. So different from the woman he’d married.The physician finally pulled away and closed his medical bag, then turned to M
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