Josie Dennis Read Online Free

waiting for the guests with his father? How could she face him? Her nerves were stretched taut after enduring the past few days ignoring James at every turn. Just the thought of his dark head nestled between her thighs as he drove her mad was enough to send tingles of delight and shudders of shame through her.
    The interior of the abbey belied the ancient-looking exterior, thankfully. The general preferred all things modern, at least where guests would gather. Smooth plaster hid the rough walls, and expensive carpets covered the stone floors. The guest chambers reflected this partiality as well, though she’d heard whispers of dark corridors where torches still lit one’s way to perdition.
    The maids surely believed she was like other women of her station, finding the servants so far below their notice, for they had spoken freely during her last visit when she was within earshot. She had gleaned that the general apparently kept a stark chamber of sensual delights somewhere in the great house. Frederick had alluded to the place as well, on that long-ago night when he’d given her the first orgasm of her life.
    “Henry, welcome home,” the general said as they entered the parlor. The man stood beside the marble fireplace, his dress as austere as the expression on his handsome face. He looked much like Frederick, though the lines on his face appeared harsh where his son’s looked striking. “And your guests are most welcome as well.”
    Isabella couldn’t keep her gaze from flitting about the room. Where was Frederick? She longed to get this initial contact over and done with so she could better withstand this interminable visit. Out of the corner of one eye she saw that James watched her as well. Was he reliving that night in her chamber at Thorne Manor? Well, that was most unfortunate for him. She might have welcomed him into her bedroom, but she wouldn’t do so here. Not with her wild attraction toward Frederick to contend with as well. It was far too much to consider.
    “Ah, the prodigal son has returned.”
    Her heart skipped as she felt her body tense. That drawl could only belong to one man. Frederick.
    She watched as he sauntered into the room, that familiar twist on his beautiful mouth. His dress was impeccable, though as usual he seemed to give not one thought to it. Sable-colored jacket topped snug, buff breeches and shining boots, but his dark hair was tousled. He looked as delectable as he’d ever appeared in his uniform. His new station suited him. He appeared supremely comfortable in his clothes and in his home.
    His eyes settled on her, and she couldn’t catch a breath. He dipped his head toward her then faced the other guests. She paid no attention to the stilted conversations, unable to keep her gaze from darting between Frederick and James. They were so very different yet they elicited the same heat within her. For his part James stood at her side, though a bit in front of her. A glance at his face showed his proprietary stance. What cheek!
    “General, I am honored that you included the rest of us in your invitation to Henry,” she said.
    General Tilman arched a brow, his expression of surprise mirrored on his eldest son’s. Was she not to speak in their company unless addressed first?
    “It is my pleasure that you’ve come, Miss Thorne.” He smiled at Frederick. “Isn’t it delightful she is one of the party, Frederick?”
    Frederick ran his dark eyes over her, making her feel as though she was stark-naked in front of a room full of people.
    “I daresay I could not envision a more delightful guest at the abbey, Father,” he said.
    James narrowed his gaze toward Frederick, and she could almost see the animosity between them. The next instant it was gone, but she sensed the residual tension as they were shown to their rooms to ready for dinner.
    She dressed with her usual care, though the maid given to her charge seemed to watch her warily when she thought Isabella’s attention elsewhere.