by Jenna Jaxon
“Indeed. What caused his change of heart?”
“I cannot think but that it is my marriage to Jemmy and the promise of an heir that has softened the old blackguard.” Elizabeth’s words seemed harsh, although she said them with a fondness in her tone.
Always cheerful, their younger friend now looked radiant, her face filled with smiles. “I will travel nowhere now without Lulu.” Georgie was regaling Charlotte and Nash with a tale about the silky little dog with the round soulful eyes. “She is my protector, even though King Charles spaniels are not normally kept for such reasons. However, her great-grandmother was my protector when I was young and Lulu has inherited those same instincts.”
“You are looking marvelously well, Georgina. Elizabeth tells me your father has repented his harshness toward you. I am so glad to hear it.” Fanny hugged her friend. Today she wanted everyone to have joy in their lives.
“Thank you, Fanny. He has, at least in some respects. I do have Clara now as my maid, which is a blessing. And he’s given me Lulu, for which I’m very grateful.” A shadow chased across Georgie’s face. “I only wish he would stop his marriage negotiations with Lord Travers. Unfortunately, on that he will not budge, even though I’ve pleaded with him.” She frowned. “Perhaps I should set Lulu on him. He might better see reason if threatened by tiny sharp teeth. If he would simply allow me to go to London for the Season this year, I feel certain I could find a nice, likeable man with a title that would satisfy even Father.”
“Can Jemmy not talk reason into him?”
“He has tried,” Elizabeth spoke up. “But Lord Blackham is adamant about it. I’m not certain why Lord Travers. A rather disagreeable man, for my tastes.” She turned to her sister-in-law. “I am sorry to say it, Georgie, but it is true.”
“You need not tell me, Elizabeth.” Georgie gave her a Friday face. “I’ve been privy to his nature, unfortunately, for some time now. Father has had him come meet with me about the marriage twice. He never seems to say much, but he says it with authority. I have managed to find excuses to put off the wedding, but I don’t know how long I can continue to do so.”
“Don’t give up yet, Georgie.” Hugging her, Fanny whispered in her ear. “We will put our heads together and find a way to rescue you from this marriage.”
“I pray you can, Fanny, for I would certainly wish for a happy wedding like yours and Matthew’s, or Jemmy’s and Elizabeth’s. Or mine was with Isaac.” Tears shone in her eyes. Her late husband had been the love of Georgie’s life. “Anyone would likely be better than Lord Travers.”
“We will call a meeting of the Widows’ Club the instant Fanny returns from Paris and try to find a way for you to have a happy-ever-after too.” Charlotte embraced their friend and all the women clustered around Georgie. If there was a way, together they would find it.
* * *
The candle Matthew had set on the bedside table had burned low. The rhythm of their breathing had slowed at last to almost normal as they lay entwined, tangled in sheets that might need to be repaired. Fanny would swear she heard one of them rip as they had tussled in the midst of their lovemaking. “I don’t think we have done this much damage to the bedclothes since our first tryst in your rooms in Albemarle Street.”
A chuckle came from Matthew’s side of the bed. “I remember having to come up with a reason why the bed listed to one side after your first visit. The servants simply shook their heads and said nothing. A bit of gold goes a long way to secure silence.”
“And now we have no need to sneak, or bribe, or—”
“Or hide under beds it is devoutly to be wished.” Matthew shivered and slid down under the covers.
“Exactly,” Fanny giggled and snuggled next to him. “We have had enough of those days. Days of revenge.” Sobering, she shook her head. “Who would have thought that one act of vengeance would almost end in my death and the death of our daughter? No matter how much I thirsted to make Stephen pay for all he had done, I could never have imagined how badly my scheme would misfire.”
“Still, it brought us our daughter, and soon perhaps a son to join her.” Matthew pulled her over for a kiss. He had kissed her many times tonight, each seeming more passionate than the last. “Most importantly, love, it brought us back together, as we were meant to be from the beginning.”
As sated as she had been minutes ago, his kiss set her aflame once more. To judge by his cock, miraculously stirring to life again, her husband appeared likewise insatiable. Yes, they were indeed well matched in all ways that counted. Although, if they did not show more restraint, Fanny began to doubt she would be able to walk come the morning. “I suppose, then, I shall give up my thoughts of revenge on Stephen. There is no way to strike at him, or Theale for that matter. Save for something that will transcend death.”
“I believe I have a scheme, my love, whereby you can perform an act of vengeance on Stephen and his brother you have scarce dreamed of.” Drawing her toward him, Matthew melded his lips to hers.
When she could next breathe, he loomed above her, his body pressing her down into the mattress, the weight of him as delicious as any other part.
“The best revenge you can devise, my love,” he continued, settling once more between her thighs, “will be to live long beside me as my wife, and love me well for all the days of our lives. Your most perfect revenge will be that neither of them will find the happiness, joy, and contentment with which we have been truly blessed.”
“Then bless me again, my love.” Wrapping her legs around him, she urged him forward.
“As always, it is my great pleasure to do your bidding, my love.” He leaned down to capture her lips again. “Every time.”
