“I can’t say, as I have nothing to compare it to,” she intoned.
“Don’t let her modesty get in the way of the truth, my lord,” Cameron added. “It’s not often I’ve been so impressed.”
“I’m thrilled to hear it. However, I do worry over her lack of progress when it comes to dismounting on her own.” Christopher’s eyes narrowed. “Is there a problem in that area?”
The color drained from Cameron’s face, and Genevieve realized exactly what brought her husband out of the manor. For some reason, he’d chosen that one moment to look outside. Anger welled up within her. How dare he finally pay attention to accuse an innocent man of wrongdoing?
“I asked him to help me,” she said, her shoulders back. “It was easier and faster so Gemini could get the care she needed.”
Christopher’s furious gaze turned on her. “Then, he should have refused. I shall deal with him later. You will come with me now.”
All traces of anger left her in that instant as fear took its place. She lowered her head as her shoulders slumped. Although she didn’t regret standing up for Cameron, she was very aware of what her punishment would be. However, sadness crept in over her fear as it would be far more difficult to bear coming from the man she loved.
To her surprise, Christopher led her to the side of the manor, not inside. That was upsetting as she would be forced to take her bruised body up to the room when he was finished, but she suspected there was no help for it. Each man liked to give out his punishments in his own way. This must be her husband’s preferred setting.
When he pulled to a stop, he spun around to face her. “What the hell is going on between the two of you?”
Her eyes widened, but she kept her voice low. “Me and Cameron? What are you talking about? He’s teaching me to ride as you instructed.”
“The last time I checked, a riding lesson doesn’t involve touching or long conversations with smiles and laughter when the riding is over,” he practically growled.
She couldn’t believe she was hearing this. He wanted nothing to do with her and now he was selecting her friends? In truth, Cameron was out of line for helping her dismount, but he hadn’t lingered or moved his hands inappropriately. Likely, the man simply wanted to save himself from retrieving the stairs.
“I assure you, my lord, our conversation was completely innocent.”
He stalked toward her, and she couldn’t help but back up. Although she knew it always angered her father, she couldn’t stop the compulsion. She’d never seen Christopher so angry, and she was terrified. When her back hit the side of the manor, she knew that was it. She had nowhere to go.
“Nothing you have with a man is ever innocent.” He kept moving forward and caged her against the wall with his hands. “His words may seem innocent, but his mind is on your lips or your body.”
She shook her head, but her lips parted as her breathing increased. His proximity turned her terror into desire. His body didn’t touch hers, but she ached. It had been much too long that she’d suffered without his touch. And, regardless of his claims, the fact she had her menses last week hadn’t brought him to her bed.
“I don’t believe that,” she whispered. “Men don’t desire me.”
The words spoken aloud brought a tear streaking down her cheek. She knew them to be true. Even her husband had to force himself to join her in bed. Shame filled her. She never should have admitted such to him. After all, his lack of response made it clear he was now realizing the truth.
Training her gaze on the buttons of his waistcoat, she waited for her punishment to come. Only then would she be free to escape to her bedchamber and pray the floor would swallow her whole.
Chapter 15
Christopher stared at Genny in complete disbelief. Did she honestly believe those words? That men didn’t desire her? The very notion was absurd. London was full of men who had lusted after her and Jacques would have married her had he not seen Christopher’s interest. Then, there was that damned groom.
Thinking about that man putting his hands on Genny made Christopher’s blood boil. Every day, he’d been watching her lessons, and had seen them conversing, but this had crossed the line. She belonged to him and he would allow no man to touch her.
“Your mouth is going to get you into a lot of trouble.” His eyes dropped to said mouth, and those perfect lips called out to him. “You know nothing of a man’s desires.”
Her gaze dropped lower. “That is true. After all, I can’t understand something I’ve never seen.”
“Don’t do that, Genny. You and I both know you don’t believe that.”
“You can’t tell me what I believe, my lord. I may not be the most experienced, but I do listen. You can’t claim to feel desire for me now when a few weeks ago you told me the truth. You never came to my bed because you wanted to, it was only in an attempt to further your line.”
Christopher cursed under his breath. He had said that. Although he hadn’t meant to say he never had desired her, the implication was there. Clearly, she’d taken his every word to heart. He supposed he should be pleased to hear that.
“I did go to your bed to further my line, but that doesn’t mean I don’t desire you.”
“Lord Andel, don’t—”
Done with the titles and the proof of her own lack of desire for him, he silenced her with his mouth. This was the only way he could prove his feelings to her. To his amazement, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and returned his kiss with a fierceness he hadn’t expected.
Filled with a desperation he hadn’t felt since he was a teen, he pinned her to the wall with his body, loving the feel of her shuddering. She could deny it with her words, but the proof of her desire was clearly evident, and his body reacted.
A primal need arose within him to take what was his. He hadn’t been with her since he’d realized he loved her, and the overwhelming urge to leave a lasting mark on her assaulted him. She belonged to him, and he wanted her to know that.
He ran his hands over her body, teasing her until she was fighting to bring her body closer to his. The small victory was enough to spur him on. He had no desire to wait and certainly no willpower.
Using both his hands, he tugged her riding habit up to her thighs, then lifted her against the wall to wrap her legs around his hips. She let out a sensual moan the second his clothed body made contact with her. He knew she was ready for him, and bloody hell, he’d been ready for weeks.
In a rush, he freed himself, and slipped inside her slick body. The overwhelming rightness of it took his breath away. She clung to him, meeting his thrusts, as he took her, all the while willing her to understand what she meant to him.
When her body shuddered in his arms, he pushed her harder, desperate to give her more enjoyment than she’d ever experienced before. As a result, his own release hit him unaware, and left him blind as mind numbing pleasure dragged him away from reality.
Unfortunately, his return to the world made him realize how much of a mistake he’d just made. Not only for his state of mind, but for everything he’d been building with her. That was all ruined in this one moment.
Knowing he couldn’t allow her to discover his regret, he pulled back and fixed his clothing as her skirt fell back into place. “I believe that proves my point.”
Her mouth fell open. “You did all that simply to prove a point?”
“I thought it to be both effective and enjoyable. Didn’t you?”
“I suppose it was tolerable.” She arched an eyebrow. “If you are done proving your point, please excuse me, my lord.”
She brushed past him and marched away toward the manor. He cursed. Hurting her hadn’t been part of his plan, but he saw no help for it. His love for her was a problem that he needed to deal with on his own. She could never know, for he wouldn’t be able to handle seein
g pity in her eyes.
Casting aside the thought, he headed back toward the stables. Cameron had been with him since he’d been young, and the betrayal hit Christopher deep. In addition, it was quite unexpected from a person who had earned so much trust.
The man was busy seeing to the mare Genny had taken to. “Cameron, you and I need to have a word.”
“Of course, my lord.” Cameron walked out of the stall to face him, is head held high. “I accept full responsibility for my actions. Although it was unconsciously done, it was inappropriate, and it won’t happen again.”
Christopher leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. “How was it an unconscious move when Lady Andel requested your aide?”
With his eyes unwavering, the man appeared to be unperturbed. “How is the countess? I hope you have not punished her for my error in judgment.”
Not pleased that Cameron avoided the question, Christopher straightened. “She is not your concern.”
“At the risk of losing my position, I respectfully disagree, my lord. You assigned me the task of ensuring no harm come to her while in my care. If something has happened to her as a direct result of my actions, I am at fault.”
“Why is it that you care so much?” Christopher clenched his hands so tight that his fingernails dug into his flesh. He didn’t care. The very thought of this man wanting Genny brought out an irrational rage inside him. She was his, and he didn’t like other men so much as looking at her.
Cameron’s stance withered as his gaze dropped. “The lady is rather young. As such, she has similarities to my baby sister. When I’m with her, it’s like my sister is alive again, and it’s easy to forget the countess isn’t her. That being said, you gave me a duty to protect her, and I take my duties seriously.”
Studying the younger man, Christopher recognized an earnestness in Cameron’s features. If he truly felt as he claimed, he could be a valuable asset. Having someone in his position close to Genny could only be useful. Especially when it came to those meaningful conversations and discerning her thoughts.
“If you feel that way, I can overlook your blunder as long as your hands keep to themselves in the future.”
The man’s stance straightened. “You have my word, my lord.”
“Excellent. Now, why don’t you come take a walk with me? I think you and I have some new duties to discuss.”
~ ~ ~
Genevieve stared at the portrait of her husband with his first wife. Over the past few days she’d begun visiting the portrait gallery as if the memories and people within could give her some kind of help with Christopher. So far, she’d been unsuccessful.
As was typical, a round of jealousy hit her when she took in the sight of Christopher’s joy when beside the previous countess. Somehow, she had given him something Genevieve had failed to do. The knowledge was painful, but the solution had to be somewhere.
In both looks and manners, she was so different to the lady before her. That presented a challenge she couldn’t overcome. But, he had selected her to marry, so that must count for something. Not to mention, his claims of desiring her.
Although, she still could argue that point since he’d made no move to so much as touch her since their interlude outside. Furthermore, he had insisted she continue her riding lessons and that Cameron remain as her teacher. And, he hadn’t so much as checked on them once. Clearly, he didn’t care.
“What is it about this particular work that draws you here?”
She jumped and turned, feeling guilty for being caught here by her husband. “My lord?”
“I’ve been told you visit this portrait often,” he moved closer to her. “Is there a particular reason why?”
With cheeks blazing, she faced the picture once again. “Tell me about her. The two of you look happy.”
When he stepped up beside her, his eyes trained on the portrait. “Leslie’s mother and mine were quite close, so she and I grew up in each other’s lives. I don’t know what more you want me to say. I’m certain you have heard stories from the staff. Why do you need more from me?”
The lack of emotion in his voice made her turn to look at him. For some reason, he had closed himself off from her. If he had no desire to talk about the subject, she couldn’t understand why he would join her here. He’d been avoiding her over the past few days, so he should have remained away.
Lowering her gaze, she concentrated on a spot on the floor. “The information would be significantly different coming from you. I’d only hoped to get some insight into understanding you better.”
“I’d venture to say you know me better than most people.”
“Not the married you. That man is a puzzle to me,” she quietly admitted.
“I’m the very same man who walked into the drawing room demanding you speak French. The same one who protected you from unsavory characters at balls. And, the same man who asked you to marry me.”
She peered up at him. “If I recall correctly, you didn’t ask. Merely told me and demanded I accept it.”
A slow smile covered his face, and she reveled in the sight. It was far warmer than the one in the portrait. This one was hers. She’d found her Christopher. He may believe he was the same man, but he was sorely mistaken.
“That does sound like me. You can’t blame me, though. I’m quite determined when I see something I want.” He winked at her.
Although she didn’t want to ruin his playful mood, she also didn’t want to waste the rare opportunity to speak candidly to him. “And, what is it you want from me? Sometimes I feel as though I know, but you change so frequently.”
As she’d expected, the smile faded from his face. “Leslie and I managed well because we had a very companionable relationship. She was quite fond of telling me her every thought and feeling. I would expect the same of you.”
“Very well spoken,” an unknown female exclaimed, gaining both their attention.
Heat climbed up Genevieve’s cheeks at the idea of their conversation being overheard by the grand lady approaching them. The woman was well put together and dressed in the latest fashions. Genevieve didn’t recognize her, but familiarity tugged at her.
“Marianne, this is a surprise,” Christopher greeted as he met the woman and warmly took her hand. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit?”
“I had to come meet your bride since I don’t travel to London any longer. And, you’re a naughty boy to keep your mother waiting in the drawing room for so long.”
Mother? The word rang in Genevieve’s mind. Her eyes shot to Christopher’s. As she knew his mother to have been deceased many years ago, that meant only one thing. She swallowed and turned to face the woman.
“Lady Wrightman, please allow me to present you to my wife, Lady Genevieve Valentine, the Countess of Andel.” His eyes gave nothing away. “Genevieve, this is Lady Marianne Glover, Viscountess Wrightman, mother to the late Leslie Valentine.”
“I’m honored to finally meet you, my dear.” The viscountess took Genevieve’s hand in both of hers. “My contacts in London have told me so much about you. I say, waiting the proper time before arranging a visit was very difficult. I couldn’t wait any longer. That’s when I decided the rules didn’t strictly apply to me since I’m family.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Genevieve replied, not sure how else to respond.
The woman smiled so warmly, Genevieve returned it. With the vibrancy and charm oozing off the woman, she could definitely see a glimpse of how her daughter would have been. Again, the differences between herself and Leslie were painfully obvious. Would the woman’s presence remind Christopher what he no longer had? The thought made Genevieve’s stomach roll.
“We are pleased to have you here, Marianne,” Christopher added. “However, I know you dislike to travel, so how long are you
intending to remain with us?”
“I should think it will take at least a month for me to sufficiently see to my motherly duties. I understand Lady Andel is trained, but the running of an estate this size can be challenging. I only want to offer my help.”
Stunned, Genevieve had trouble keeping her mouth closed. Lady Wrightman had traveled from her home simply to train her? Seeing the love shining from the woman’s eyes helped to calm the insult to Genevieve. She’d never known anyone who cared about her like that, that they would sacrifice themselves for her well-being. Christopher was a lucky man.
“I am honored, my lady.” Genevieve nodded.” If you would give me a moment, I can have a room readied for you.”
The lady waved a hand at her. “Call me Marianne, we are family now. And, you don’t need to do anything. Stay here with your husband. I’ve already sent the housekeeper to see to my old room. We can chat more once I freshen up.”
Christopher chuckled as Marianne turned and walked away. “She’s always been like that. Do you honestly not mind her presence?”
Turning to face him, Genevieve saw the hopefulness in his gaze. Clearly the woman meant something to him. She refused to let him down. Offering him a smile and portraying a confidence she didn’t feel, she lightly touched his arm. “She’s important to you, so she’s important to me.”
His eyes zeroed in on her lips. “You shouldn’t say such things.”
“Why ever not? It’s the truth.”
“As I believe I told you before, that mouth is going to get you into a lot of trouble.”
Without further explaining what he was talking about, he caught her to him and sealed his mouth over hers. She melted into him, grateful for whatever had come over him. Lately, his kisses were rare, and she intended to savor every moment. If a friendship with the viscountess would help her relationship with her husband, she intended to become the woman’s best friend. At this point, she would do just about anything to have her Christopher back.
To Teach A Gentleman Page 19
