“Then punish me for my falsehood.”
He grabbed her about the waist and yanked her to him. “Do not tempt me. My restraint was aided by the knowledge that I was out of practice. It will not be so next time.”
He was still determined that the return of Master Ashley be confined to one night.
“You would deprive the Red Chrysanthemum of one of her finest dominants?”
“I have other cares at the moment. If you wish to atone for your behavior, there is one thing you could do,” he said, releasing her. “You can permit my family to stay at Merrybourne for at least a sixmonth. I will find a way to make the payments you seek.”
“Of course.”
After adjusting his own garments, he collected his hat, gloves, and cane.
“I’m sorry you missed your night at the theatre,” she said.
He took in a long breath before replying, “I am not.”
She smiled. “I hope that we may be friends, Mr. Ashley.”
A friendship with her was far too dangerous, he thought to himself. He made no reply and bowed over her hand.
As he took his leave of her and the Inn of the Red Chrysanthemum, he grew increasingly at ease with what had transpired. It had felt good to be Master Ashley once more, and Lady Pennington had proved more than a satisfactory submissive counterpart for him. Tomorrow he would return to the task of courting Miss Adams, but he would have fond memories of his night of wicked debauchery with Lady Pennington.
THE END