Ah. This Freddy was his Freddy—brave and beautiful.
He lowered his mouth to her breast once more, taking her courage for himself, hoping to give something, anything, back to her. Whatever she needed.
Her legs clenched about him as her hands tugged at his hair. “Mr. Webster.”
“Grant.”
“Grant,” she sighed.
“‘Grant’ what?”
“More.”
Ah. Perfection. Exactly what he wished for as well. “I—”
A knock on the door.
She jumped off his lap. “Eep!” She had her clothes righted and every inch of herself covered in a horrifyingly short amount of time.
“Damn,” he hissed. For several reasons. “Who is it?”
“It’s Albert.” The horse trainer. “William’s at it again. He’s saying he’s going to start training on Wellington.”
“He’s not,” Grant barked. “The young fool is barely capable of managing Apollo.”
“I know. But he doesn’t seem to.”
“Damn. Where’s he now?”
“Saddling Wellington.”
“He just finished a show! He’s not going to have the control necessary for such a beast.”
“Same as I told him, Mr. Webster.”
Grant rested his elbows on his knees and hung his head. “I’ll be right there.” His cock, previously hard and urgent in its need, had tamed itself. “Youthful stupidity will do that.”
“Pardon?”
Grant rose with a sigh and pulled Freddy to her feet and into his arms. “My apprentice, William, is determined to saddle my horse and run a few tricks. He’s not ready, and the horse is tired. I have to go stop him.”
“He sounds … rash.”
“An irresponsible hot head.” He tilted her face up, kissed her softly and much too quickly. “I must go. But this is not over.”
“I’m quite glad to hear that.” Soft words from softer lips.
Damn William Stigal straight to Astley’s and then to hell. But not back. Because if the boy came back, he might interrupt Grant again.
“No more interruptions, Freddy darling. Come to the matinee on Sunday afternoon. Alone. I’ll send a carriage to pick you up after and deliver you to my townhouse.”
She nodded. “As you wish.”
“Is it as you wish?”
Another nod, but her gaze drifted sideways.
“Do you have something to say, Freddy darling?” He wanted her words, all of them, even if they were to disagree.