Last time, on Ashwood Manor.
Hardly had Rosemary progressed away from Reginald and returned to Lillian before Reginald felt a pressure on his arm from behind. He stiffened. Unwelcome lips brushed his ear and a too-familiar voice whispered, "Now, darling, how can we make sure you join our household if you keep scaring my daughter away?"
Reginald steeled himself before turning around, replacing his distaste with a debonair expression. "Lady Ashwood, a pleasure, as always."
"Always so adorably formal." Painted red lips curled into something more like a snarl than a smile. "So proper. I'd almost think I'd imagined our night together."
"My Lady, I assure you, as much pleasure as that evening afforded," Reginald paused here, keeping his voice low and calm, "it was something that, alas, can never be repeated. I am engaged to your daughter."
The Lady's dark eyes narrowed. "That can be arranged differently."
Before Reginald could reply, Lord Ashwood joined them. "Wife mine, do you see our handsome son-to-be? We will have the most beautiful grandchildren in Sussex."
Lady Ashwood turned her vitriol to sweetness. "Yes. He is handsome, and he will make handsome children."
To get the whole story of Ashwood Manor, the collection is here.
