The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis Read Free Book Online Page A

past the first hurdle.
    The clock struck two, but Aunt Clara still remained perfectly alert in her chair by the fire. Unable to slip out that way, Viola retreated back into her room. She’d have to wait or find a different route. But what route? She crossed to the French windows to peep out at the snow-covered fields and the bright moonlight. Everything seemed so crisp and clean.
    She could see the windows of the north wing from her balcony, and that gave her an idea. What if she didn’t go through the house, but used a route no one would ever consider. Aunt Clara would believe she was in her room fast asleep.
    Snow seeped through the fabric of her shoes, as Viola crept out onto her balcony. The wind was biting, but she bound her shawl tight about her shoulders, and girded her loins in a manner she’d once seen in a book so that her legs were free to move, then swivelled herself over the balustrade and onto the narrow ledge between her balcony and the next. She clung tight to the wall, as she inched her way along, and refused to look down. There were only twelve icy ledges between her and her future.

Chapter Eight
     
    “It would seem that Miss Marsh has chosen to accept your offer after all, unless you suppose the sprite outside is some other being.” Will remarked, raising his hand to shield his eyes from the candle glare.
    Percy released his lover’s cock from his mouth, to complain, “That’s not funny, Will.” Being worse for wear on drink wasn’t an excuse for making light of a sensitive topic. Percy had never actually believed Viola would come. He’d already realised when he’d suggested it that she’d decided that what they were asking of her was too scandalous and too big a risk. She wasn’t the woman he’d hoped for at all. Leastways, that was what he was trying to convince himself. Actually, he was doing his damnedest to let go of his thoughts of her altogether by focussing all his attention on Will. It’d been working too, until Will had spoken.
    “It wasn’t a jest. She’s actually come.”
    Percy turned his head, resting his cheek against Will’s thigh so he could look toward the door to their room. He’d heard no knock, and there was no glow of candlelight seeping around the frame. Evidently Will was more inebriated than he’d realised, if he was hallucinating things.
    “Not there. Outside the window.” Will pushed him off. “Go. Let her in before she catches her death.”
    Percy stumbled to his feet. “You’re serious?” All he could see were windowpanes caked with rime, and how the devil could she have got out their anyway, without wings or an exceedingly long ladder? He opened the French doors, but the balcony appeared empty save for a few sad looking potted shrubs. “Miss Marsh?” he enquired softly, feeling faintly ridiculous, not to mention chilly. “Viola, are you there?”
    “To your right,” Will informed him. “She has her enchanting derriere pressed tight to the glass, and a pleasanter sight I’ve not seen in a long while. Well, besides the vision that’s your derriere.” The latter, Percy was relieved to report was not currently on display, but concealed by his breeches and shirttails. If Viola truly was here, most likely the sight of him naked wasn’t the sort of greeting she’d be anticipating.
    “Viola?”
    Startled, she leapt forward, and skidded to a halt right before him.
    “Viola,” Percy said, catching her. “You’re here!” Her warmth filled his arms, as a delicate scent of lavender and rose surrounded him. She was indeed, as Will said, in her night gown, with only a thin shawl about her shoulders to ward off the chill. Percy stared at her, his throat all of a sudden tight, as he caught sight of her nipples steepled by the cold pressing against the thin cotton sheath.
    What he wouldn’t give to simply take her in his arms and close his mouth around those points. His cock stiffened at the thought, prompting him to take a step back from her. No