“Yes, my lord,” she sighed, drawing away. It was probably fortunate that she’d done most of her undressing herself. It made it simple to locate her dress and relace it, though she wasn’t sure what had become of the blue velvet. “Do I suit your desires now, sweet?”
“Plainly speaking, no… you suited MY desires without the garment.” Humphrey said pulling her into a hug. He sensed a change of mood. “Sadly we need to care for other things than my desires… and mayhap we could talk as you feel as cold as wind in winter, so tell me what it is I may have insulted you? I meant no offence.”
Summer leaned her head against his chest, sighing softly. “I am not insulted, only disappointed. I wished more of you, and you put me off.” Deliberately, she looked up and smiled. “Come, kiss me again and we shall go into supper. We may talk, though not of insult.”
Humphrey kissed her obediently, and possibly longer than she intended because his mind was lost in its analysis of her wanting more of him. Once out his chamber, he asked her. “What would you mean by more of me, thought you had enough of me… for a little time. Thought you hesitated to stay. I had no intention to put you off.”
“No?” Her tone arced high with surprise and an edge of teasing. “And what, may I inquire, brings you to this decision?” She laughed at him, arch and a little cruel, and went on, “I know you, my Duke. You’ll not cleave to me for long, so I’ll have as much as I may before that time comes. Did you wish me to be blind to you?”