Benedict rushed on to finish. “Mr. Rollingsworth attacked Lord Tallow on the docks. The knife wound to Lord Tallow was fatal.”
She didn’t care that Lord Tallow had died. She felt no remorse for the man that beat her.
“Was Kilman hurt?” The beat of her heart increased as she awaited Benedict’s answer.
“He suffered a severe cut to his face. Thornston escorted him home.”
Elise moved to stand. “I need to go see him.”
“Sister, he’s in no condition to accept visitors, and it is the middle of the night.”
She collapsed back onto the settee. How could she ever repay Kilman? He had been injured due to her actions and investigations.
Elise cared deeply for the man. Kilman had been her pillar of support when she was at her most vulnerable. Sickened by the thought that he would never forgive her for involving him in this mess, she curled back up into a ball.
Elise took in slow, deep breaths. Once she had regained her equilibrium, she asked, “What of Mr. Rollingsworth?”
“He was cuffed and set aboard the ship. He is on his way to Australia.”
All remnants of energy seeped from her body. The ordeal was over.
Soft cotton brushed against Elise as Benedict again tucked the throw about her. “I’m meeting with Thornston in the morn to seek out the Archbishop of Canterbury in Doctors’ Commons.” Benedict paused, and Elise opened her eyes to meet his gaze.
Benedict asked, “It is your wish to marry him, correct?”
For a split second, images of Harold and Kilman flashed before her. It was an unfair comparison for she knew her heart belonged and would always belong to Harold. “Yes, he is the one.” Elise let her eyes shut once more. “I’ve waited for him all these years.”
Benedict stood. “As I suspected.”
Chapter Eight
Elise gingerly walked down the stairs. Her slow steps had Harold clenching his fists behind his back. While her body was slowly recovering, Elise remained hesitant to rejoin the social whirl of the Season. Today, a fortnight since her abduction, was the first day she had relented and agreed to venture to the park.
Harold met her by the side of his rather fancy landau. “Ready?”
Elise stopped in front of him and placed a hand on his chest. “Why ever did you procure such a large carriage?”
He loved the feel of her touch. The banns need only be read one more time.
“To accommodate our family.”
“Benedict owns more than enough carriages…”
“No, my dear. Our. Family.”
“Oh.” Elise’s cheeks flooded with color.
While they had enjoyed a few private moments and stolen kisses, he wasn’t prepared to make love to her until she was fully recovered although the minx had made it excruciatingly hard at times.
She placed her hand in his as he assisted her up onto the seat.
Harold asked, “Comfortable?”
The twinkle in her eyes shot darts straight through his chest and heart. Exhilaration at the thought of spending the rest of his life with this beautiful woman had him racing around to his side and jumping up to take the reins.
Eyes not quite meeting his, Elise asked, “Would you allow me to drive one day?”
Without hesitation, Harold handed over the ribbons. “How about today, my love?”
The incredulous look upon Elise’s features only made his gesture even more worthwhile. He relaxed and stared forward. The Elise he knew and loved would never hesitate, and he was relieved when she boldly adjusted her skirts and elegantly slapped the reins, setting the horses in motion.
“I received an invitation to Mr. Howlington and Lady Isodora’s betrothal dinner.” Harold leisurely turned to observe her lovely features that were set in concentration. “I wanted to ask how I should reply.”
Elise’s eyes remained trained straight ahead. “We are not yet wed. You may do as you please.”
“I will do what pleases you.”
“Will you? I’m six and twenty and rather set in my ways.”
“Are you insinuating I should have married you when you were sixteen?” The slouch of her shoulders told him that was exactly what she had expected him to do. “Elise. I’m truly sorry. I have no excuse for my cowardice. I regret not telling your papa to go…” He stopped as Elise shot him a sideward glance.
She inhaled deeply and then slowly released her breath. “I understand. I also know it was my papa who instigated the situation with Lady Clarissa. What I don’t understand is why you remained away for so long and then what prompted you to return?”
“For a while, I became lost. I wasn’t able to decipher who I was as a man. I engaged in activities that I am not proud of, none illegal, but regardless, I’m still remorseful. It wasn’t until your brother asked me to return and assist with his duchess hunt that I even considered returning. In some odd way, I believe I was waiting for his, the Duke of Fairmont’s approval. I know it sounds silly.”
“You were a fool.”
Had he heard her correctly? Elise was correct in her assessment. Did that mean she no longer wanted to marry him now that he had told her the truth? The carriage began to slow. Harold tugged at his cravat. The material felt as if it was tightening about his neck. The blood rushed from his face, and his breathing became erratic. An image of him facing a guillotine appeared, and then Elise’s sweet voice broke through.
“I’ve waited a decade for you. I’d wait another if it took you that long to realize what a wonderful man you are.”
Not caring who was about, he crushed her to him and kissed her. He infused the kiss with all his love.
Elise smiled and wiggled free. “I was wondering what it would take for you to kiss me like that again.” She raised a hand and gave a genteel wave.
Carriages lined the park’s pathways. Harold shifted to view who had caught her attention. “It would appear everyone is about today.”
“It’s a good thing the banns have been read. Otherwise, that kiss would have either seen you in a field at dawn or us scurrying off to Gretna Green tonight.”
Harold wagged his eyebrows. “I have other plans for us tonight.”
“Oh, do they include you climbing a tree?”
Harold chuckled. “I might not be as agile as I once was, but the prize is well worth the risk.”
Elise had left the window ajar. Her eyes widened as the drapes shifted, but Harold did not appear. It was well after midnight. She rubbed her bare arms. Naked, she slipped farther down under the covers. She nearly screamed as a dark figure loomed over her, but the familiar light cologne had her peeking from under the bed linens.
Harold placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Sorry, my love, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“I’m still a little on edge.” Elise sat up, pulling the bedding with her. “What delayed your arrival?”
Standing, he removed his greatcoat, jacket, and waistcoat. “Your brother had me tied up with marriage agreements, settlements, and other paperwork until my eyes crossed.”
“Did you read through it all?”
He turned to face her. “No. I trust your brother had your best interest at heart.” His gaze fell to her bare shoulders. “All I care about is having you for all my remaining days.”
Elise dropped the sheets, revealing creamy skin and nipples that puckered when they came into contact with the cool night air. Harold’s eyes fell to her breasts, and the tip of his tongue appeared at the corner of his mouth. Memories of how he had once suckled her had warmth flowing throughout her. Licking her lips, she shifted to sit upon her heels. As soon as Harold was within reach, she relieved him of his cravat and shirt.
Elise marveled at his form. She ran her hands over his broad shoulders and down his chest. Her recollections of his chiseled muscles were incomparable to the heat that now radiated off his skin, which was slightly roughened by hair. The twenty-year-old Harold had been impressive, but the man before her was glorious.
&nb
sp; Raising her eyes to meet Harold’s, she was shocked to see apprehension.
Elise placed one hand on his cheek. “I love you.”
Warm hands roamed over every inch of her body, followed by Harold’s sweeping tongue and lingering kisses. These were not caresses from a young, eager pup. They were slow and methodical. If she hadn’t seen the bulge in Harold’s pants, she might have assumed he remained unaffected by her nakedness. But as soon as his fingers glided over the center of her and a moan escaped her lips, his touch became urgent, almost frantic.
Harold took in a deep breath. “You will not find another who loves you more.” The crush of his lips prevented a reply.
Lost in the pleasure of every movement, Harold shifted her soft body over the top of his naked form. Restless to have him inside her once more, Elise rolled onto her back. Instead of positioning himself between her legs as she expected, he ran a finger from the tip of her nipple, along the underside of her breast, down her stomach, and slowly drew circles teasing the bud at her center.
“Harold.”
“Yes, my love.”
“I…” Elise raised her hips, seeking out his touch. “I want you.”
“Hm.” Harold scooted down and replaced his fingers with his tongue. “You have me.”
“No. Like…” Her back bowed off the bed as he sucked hard on her sensitive bud and drove his tongue in deeper.
Harold murmured, “Like this?”
The pulsing sensations Harold was creating within her were disorienting. She writhed and moaned. She was about to find her release when Harold shifted and positioned himself at her entrance. One swift stroke, and finally they were joined to the hilt. There was no pain this time, but the fullness made Elise wiggle.
Harold stilled. “Love, you are so snug.”
“You have grown too large for me.” Elise wasn’t sure if she wanted him to move or remain still.
“Trust me. My anatomy has not changed. But this glorious feeling will end too soon if you continue to squirm.”
This time, Elise was the one to stop moving. He leaned down to place a kiss upon her lips and nuzzled against her neck. She shifted, and with a groan, he sank deeper into her.
Elise found the weight of him comforting rather than suffocating. Harold moved initially in a circular motion. After a few moments, he changed position and began to slowly withdraw a little farther with each stroke, plunging back until he was entirely sheathed by her. She was in ecstasy. When they both found their release simultaneously, Elise was certain no other would be able to conjure these feelings within her. Harold was the only man who affected her this way, and he was to be her husband in a week.
Harold assisted her in donning a nightgown. Half asleep, she hadn’t noticed that he had already dressed until the buttons of his waistcoat pressed against her palm as she reached out to stroke his chest once more.
Harold gently drew up the covers to her chin and kissed her frown away. “Sleep.”
She felt the bed sag as he sat on the side of the bed and tugged on his boots. She didn’t want him to leave, but the cover of night would soon be gone.
Harold stood, and a flicker of sadness appeared in his eyes. “Fairmont has decided we are to retreat to the hunting lodge until the wedding.”
Elise yawned. “Benedict has been driving Dorinda crazy. She ordered him to leave while she organizes their wedding.”
She was grateful her brother had not insisted they have a lavish wedding that was expected of the duchy. Everyone was in agreement. Harold and Elise were to marry first, followed by a grand affair, royals and all, for Benedict and Dorinda’s nuptials.
Harold placed a chaste kiss upon her forehead. “I will miss you.”
Elise nestled farther under the covers and closed her eyes. “Make sure you arrive at the church on time. I’ll not wait another decade for you.” But in her heart, Elise knew she would always wait for him. Thank goodness she wouldn’t have to.
Epilogue
Ignoring the sounds of the orchestra and the need to feel his lush wife in his arms, Harold glanced about the elegant room. Fairmont, as usual, had spared no expense for his annual ball, renown for opening the Season’s festivities.
On tiptoe, Elise was searching the crowd of guests.
“I’m standing right here.”
His wife of five-years swatted her fan against his arm. “I heard rumors she is to be here tonight.”
“How many times must I remind you, my dear? She’s not real.”
“I overheard Lord Archbroke make reference to her at our dinner party last week.”
“You really shouldn’t eavesdrop. It’s a terrible habit.”
“Well, the Home Secretary should be more circumspect when discussing matters of import.”
“I’m sure Lord Archbroke would not approve of my confiding in you of his position.”
“Even if I were to share the information with another, no one would believe me anyway. Lord Archbroke acts the dandy at ton events, and he is hardly tolerated at other social occasions. No one misses him when he fails to appear. Even the marriage-minded mamas dismiss him as an eligible earl to be married.”
“I’m off to say good night to the children. Are you coming?”
Elise’s gaze lingered on the guests on the dance floor as she placed a hand on his winged arm. “Of course, I shall accompany you. Emilie will terrorize the others until we arrive.”
Halfway up the staircase, he halted and turned Elise into his arms. “If the elusive Lady L is indeed in attendance, we shall approach her together.”
Looking into her husband’s eyes, the sincerity of his words made her pulse race. Harold never made promises he could not keep. If they were to identify Lady L, what would she say? Thank you seemed rather insipid considering Lady L had assisted her in numerous investigations and ousting unscrupulous men of the ton for years.
Resting her cheek against Harold’s chest, the steady beat of his heart had her mind settling. With a sigh, Elise said, “Perhaps it would be best if Lady L’s real identity remained a secret.”
Harold’s palm continued to rub her back. “I agree. Some mysteries are better left alone.”
Her body began to heat as her husband’s movements became bolder. His hands were now roaming over her lower back and bottom. Taking a half step closer, she pressed up against his full length.
Harold’s body immediately hardened. “Wife, you must remember we are in your brother’s ducal residence.”
“Oh, I’ve not forgotten.” Elise flattened her palms against his muscular chest. She slowly moved them up, inch by inch until her hands rested on his shoulders. His muscles tensed and twitched beneath her fingers. With a seductive smile, she said, “I believe Dorinda left instructions for my old room to be regularly cleaned and maintained.” Sliding her hands behind his neck, she urged his head down to her.
Elise broke the smoldering kiss. “But first we must see the children.”
Harold was still in a half daze when she stepped out of his embrace. She was about to reach the landing, her foot in midair when Harold placed his hand on her rounded bottom.
With a playful squeeze, he said, “You better hope they only ask for one bedtime story tonight.”
Looking over her shoulder, she gave him a saucy wink. “If you are good and patient, I’ll make the wait worth your while.” Elise darted down the long hall and into the nursery.
She was finishing up a second story when Harold appeared in the doorway. He didn’t enter. Instead, he leaned against the doorframe and crossed both his legs and arms in a leisurely manner.
Snapping the book closed, Elise said, “And that is why little girls shouldn’t tramp about in the woods alone.” She eyed her eldest daughter, who was forever hunting in the forest. “Unless she has with her a bow and arrow.” She pulled the covers up to Emilie’s chin. “Good night, my love.”
Wandering over to her son, Milton, she bent and placed a kiss on his forehead.
“Mama, there aren’t
really wolves in the woods, are there?”
Running her thumb to smooth out Milton’s creased brow, she said, “None that like to eat good little boys.”
Milton’s small frame shuddered. “Mama, I’m still a good boy even if I stole a pastry, am I not?”
“Well, you had best not venture into the woods until you’ve made amends then.” Elise tucked the bed linen under his quivering chin and gave him a reassuring pat. “All will be well, Milton. We will sort it all out in the morning.”
Snuggling deeper under the coverlet, Milton said, “Good night, Mama.”
Elise rose and followed Harold out of the nursery, softly pulling the door behind her.
Before the door shut completely, Milton mumbled, “Em, we shouldn’t steal sweets anymore unless you are going to protect me when we play in the woods.”
A sleepy Emilie replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. Always.”
Grabbing Elise’s hand, Harold tugged her away from the nursery before he let out a laugh.
Elise’s steps slowed as they approached her old bedchamber. “What do you find so amusing?”
“We created two…”
“Beautiful, intelligent, brave, human beings.”
Blocking her from entering the room, he whispered in her ear, “And we are about to make another…”
With a flourish, he opened the door wide to reveal a trail of flower petals leading directly to the bed.
“Harold, you didn’t raid Dorinda’s hothouse again. Did you?”
He couldn’t prevent the upturn of his lips as he said, “Dorinda will forgive me if you tell her it made you happy. Are you happy, my love?” Harold lived to see her smiles and would never tire seeing them.
“Extremely.”
He bent and hauled her over his shoulder and carried her to the bed. With all the finesse of a caveman, Harold threw Elise on top of the soft petals. She squealed as she landed atop the soft mattress. And among the smell of roses, Amelia Rose Greenfield was conceived.
Desires of Lady Elise Page 7
