* * *
Linnet’s passion devastated Christian and when they lay spent, their bodies entwined in moisture, the hot climatic world that had held them in its grip began to subside. Linnet’s hair spilled over them both like a silken sheet and he lifted if off her face, seeing that her face was one of peace and perfect tranquillity. She was magnificent, exquisitely soft in his arms. From the moment his mouth had touched hers, he’d known they were an oddly combustible combination. What had just passed between them had been the most wildly erotic, satisfying sexual experience of his life. Lying there while she slept in his arms, he marvelled at the intoxicating primitive sensuality of her. Whatever he’d felt for her during their coupling had been real and uncontrived. He had no doubt about that. No woman could have feigned those responses, not without a great deal of practice.
When she opened her eyes she appeared to be awaking from a deep sleep. Her eyes were huge and warm with passion. Christian was lying on his side, looking at her in wonder, his face strangely calm and his dark head supported on one fist, the waving locks of his hair drooping over his moist brow. He was well aware that her feelings for him were deeper than even she knew. She would not have responded to his kiss so ardently if that weren’t so. She was too sweet and innocent to feign those emotions.
* * *
Linnet lay quite still. She was transfixed by a profound pleasure that felt almost holy. It shook her to the very core of her being. Nothing would ever be the same again. She savoured the memory of what had happened, recalling the details and storing them away. She felt that, deep down, Christian had been shocked at her abandonment, at her eagerness, at her wanton display. If he had expected a hesitant lover, he had found instead a full-blooded woman ready and eager to enjoy their loving. They had taken pleasure in one another’s bodies. She had been shy at first, but not embarrassed, uncertain without clumsiness. Christian had made her feel like a real woman. She wanted to experience more and she hugged the pleasure she had felt to herself, feeling wanton.
Taking a lock of her hair and twisting it around his finger, Christian said, ‘I have something I want to ask you, Linnet.’
Her eyebrows arched in faint surprise. ‘Oh?’ Her lips curved in a smile. ‘I am intrigued. What is it?’
‘Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’
Linnet had not seen this coming and she gasped with the shock of it. ‘Your wife?’
He nodded. ‘My proposal seems to have taken you by surprise.’
That was true. ‘Forgive me if I seem surprised, but—is this a jest?’ She was unable to imagine what madness could have caused him to ask her.
‘Not at all. I would not jest about something so serious.’
‘But—marriage! You must be mad.’
He chuckled softly. ‘I imagine there are others who would venture to agree with you, but I assure you I am quite sane. Although I suppose when emotions are running high people do mad things.’
‘And your emotions are running high now?’
‘When I’m with you my emotions are always running high—in fact, they’re often pretty chaotic, even though I firmly try to suppress them. I realise this must come as a surprise.’
‘Indeed it does. But—isn’t it a bit extreme?’ Tilting her head to one side, she gave him a questioning look. ‘Please don’t feel you have to ask me because of what we’ve just done. We do have some control over this. It was a mutual decision, Christian, for my feelings are comparable with yours.’
‘You must know that I have come to have a high regard for you and a strong and very passionate desire and affection for you.’
Desire and affection were all very well, Linnet thought, but she wanted a deeper, more loving understanding with the man she married. ‘Naturally I am honoured,’ she said, knowing he was offering her a way of life unknown to her—a way of life akin to royalty. ‘May I ask what has prompted you to ask me?’
‘You may. I know I must marry some time and there is no other woman I would want to be my wife, Linnet.’
She stared at him. Her mind was in a turmoil. Christian Blakely was the last man she’d ever thought would offer for her. ‘Christian, I thank you for your generous offer. I am flattered that you have come to think so highly of me, but I cannot accept your offer.’
He looked surprised. ‘Might I ask why not?’
‘I’m not a suitable wife for you.’
His eyebrows rose. ‘Surely I must be the judge of that.’
His smile was disconcerting, but she went on. ‘My behaviour since meeting you has been somewhat circumspect. I do not think we are compatible.’
‘You don’t?’
‘No,’ she said firmly. ‘For a number of reasons.’
‘Shall we discuss the reasons you believe make us incompatible? Although I don’t think we should take too long in discussion,’ he murmured, nuzzling her ear. ‘And don’t imagine you’re going to sleep. I have not done with you yet.’
She giggled softly. ‘You’re incorrigible,’ she remarked, snuggling closer to his naked body. ‘I shouldn’t have to remind you that you are a titled gentleman—an earl—with friends in high places and far above my status in life, while I am the sister of an impoverished gambler without a dowry—and initially you thought I was a thief, even though you were mistaken. You must realise that that alone sets us apart.’
‘No, I don’t. Besides, that has all been explained. I understand what you were doing and I hold no blame.’
‘But—how can you trust me after that?’ She glanced at him obliquely, laughter bubbling on her lips, mischief lighting her eyes. ‘Aren’t you afraid I might run off with the family silver?’
* * *
Quite unexpectedly he smiled broadly, a white, buccaneer smile, and his eyes danced with devilish humour. For a moment he couldn’t breathe. She was indeed beautiful, perfect, and there was no sound more delightful than the sound of laughter from Linnet Osborne’s lips and the mischief brimming in her lovely eyes. Desire clenched his chest. He wanted her more than he had wanted any woman in his life. Equally intense, and far more disturbing, was a need to protect and a tenderness that made his throat ache.
‘My darling Linnet. I am offering you my name and all I possess. If that includes the family silver then you can have the lot if you agree to be my wife. My Countess.’
* * *
A pleasurable shiver ran down Linnet’s spine. A countess—the Countess of Ridgemont... Lady Blakely. It would take some adjusting to. ‘And you won’t mind taking on a pitiable, penniless waif?’
‘You’re a far cry from that.’
‘You could marry someone from the aristocracy with a generous dowry.’
‘That doesn’t concern me. I have enough wealth for the both of us. So, what do you say? Would the position as my wife be to your liking?’ He cocked a quizzical eyebrow. Amusement glinted briefly in his eyes which crinkled briefly at the corners, then vanished. ‘Is there anything else that makes us incompatible?’
‘We—we hardly know each other, for one thing, so how can you wish to marry me? We have known each other for such a short time and that time has been fraught with trouble. We know nothing about each other.’
‘What would you like to know?’
‘Everything, I suppose—but even then I don’t think I can accept and can only hope that you will withdraw your offer.’
‘I will keep asking you. I will wear you down until you accept. We are compatible in bed—you cannot deny that.’
‘No,’ she said, a little shyly. ‘I cannot deny that.’
‘Good, because I believe that you and I would be well suited and have a very pleasant life together.’
Linnet had listened to him in wide-eyed wonder. He fell silent and awaited her response. A lump of nameless emotion constricted her throat.
‘I want you, Linnet. You will marry me. Here you are w
ith your hair spread about us both—naked and beautiful. We are lovers—we must look upon this night as a gift from fate. Ever since we first met my mind has been full of you. When we parted at Woodside Hall I realised that knowing you had brought disruption to my life, a disrupting I did not want, and I honestly did not believe we would meet again. When I returned to London and found you ensconced in my home, I suppose I panicked and wanted you gone because of the effect you had on me. But I soon realised that I wanted you to stay and now I want you to become an integral part of my life. I’d like this to be a new beginning for us both. Say you will be my wife.’
He spoke in a low, husky voice that was half-whisper, half-seductive caress. Linnet remained silent, too afraid to speak at first. She could scarcely believe this was happening. Tilting her head, she looked deep into those sober brown eyes, so gentle, so tender. His expression was serious.
For the first time in his life Christian was finding it difficult to tell a woman—this woman—that she was the most alluring and as desirable as any he had ever known. She had become a passion to him, a beautiful, vibrant woman.
Linnet was looking at him closely. Was it possible that she would marry him after all? Her heart was whispering, Yes, perhaps...
‘Well?’ he asked, his voice deep and husky with desire. ‘Do not refuse me, Linnet. I beg of you.’
She opened her mouth to utter a denial, but her conscience chose that moment to assert itself and strangled the words in her throat. She’d already decided to leave his employ when they returned to London. Perhaps she had been too hasty. Could she be falling in love with him? she wondered and then firmly dismissed the notion. For her there would always be the ideal. Not only must she love, but she must be loved equally in return. Anything less was unacceptable. Yet she had gloried in his kiss, in his body and his loving, and she could not bring herself to tell him otherwise. And what if there was to be a child after this night? She would not want any child of hers born out of wedlock. The thought was beginning to form in her mind that marriage to Christian might not be so terrible after all.
‘Damn you, Christian Blakely, you know I can’t do that,’ she whispered. ‘In this instance I concede victory to you. There is a part of me that doesn’t want to want you. I don’t think I want to feel like this. It’s unendurable.’
She didn’t see the tenderness in Christian’s slow smile as he bent his head and planted a kiss on her neck, caressing her cheek, relieved when she didn’t draw back. ‘My poor little Linnet. It needn’t be. It could be something wonderful if you would let it.’
It was his tone, not his words, that conquered her. ‘I know,’ she whispered shakily.
‘Then don’t fight me. You will tire yourself out with the effort. In the end you will succumb to what is in your heart and you will not want to fight it. Have I given you sufficient time—and persuasion—to consider my proposal? Do you have an answer for me?’
‘Yes,’ she murmured, finding it difficult to hide her treacherous heart’s reaction to the deep timbre of his voice. Remembering all the times she had been alone with him and the consequences of letting him come close, those brief, private flirtations had been thrillingly dangerous and had added a zest of excitement to her life that had decidedly been missing before. ‘Very well. I will marry you.’ She sighed. ‘How strange life is. Aunt Lydia has agreed to pay off Toby’s debts—he has to work for it, I know, but it is indeed generous of her. And here you are—asking me to be your wife. It would seem luck is on my side at last.’
‘Say it again. Let me hear you say you will.’
‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘Yes, Christian. I will marry you. I shall be proud to marry you.’
‘Thank God for that.’
His lips were warm when they covered hers, touching her mouth with an exquisite gentleness that stunned her into stillness. They caressed, lazily coaxing, hungry and searching, fitting her lips to his own, and then his kiss deepened and he kissed her endlessly, as if he had all the time in the world.
* * *
The following morning Christian marched into the nursery and told Linnet he was taking her riding. Stopping what she was doing, she stared at him askance.
‘But—I couldn’t possibly—and I have Alice to take care of.’
‘Mrs Marsden will take care of her, won’t you, Mrs Marsden?’ he said, playfully ruffling Alice’s hair and giving the old nurse one of his melting smiles.
Mrs Marsden was only too happy to oblige.
‘There you are, you see. How easy was that.’ The smile curled and his lips lifted slightly at one corner, his lids drooping seductively over his dark eyes. ‘Come, Linnet,’ he said teasingly. ‘Be adventuresome. I can assure you that you will enjoy it. Put on something suitable and I’ll meet you in the stables. I have a beautiful little mare, extremely docile—’
‘Not too docile, I hope.’
He laughed. ‘She’s a frisky mare. You’ll love her, I know. I also have a ladies’ riding saddle so you need not be afraid of losing your dignity.’ His attention was drawn to Alice, who had climbed on to the rocking horse. ‘And when I’ve found a quiet little pony for you to ride, Alice, you can come with us. Would you like a pony of your very own?’
Alice nodded and giggled as Christian proceed to rock the horse faster.
‘A pony of my very own? I would like a white one.’
‘Then a white one you shall have. Then I will teach you how to ride. Would you like that, Alice?’
Alice nodded her enthusiasm, rocking the horse even harder.
* * *
Attired in a dark green skirt and matching jacket over a white blouse, her hair tucked beneath her bonnet, excited at the thought of riding again, Linnet hurried to the stables. Christian was leading a grey mare into the yard. She looked at Christian admiringly, thinking how attractive he was, with his darkly handsome face and the breeze lightly ruffling his dark hair. He was resplendent in an impeccably tailored, tan riding coat. His gleaming white neckcloth was perfectly tied and snug-fitting buckskin breeches disappeared into highly polished black riding boots. Already saddled, the horse whickered and stretched out its nose to greet her, shaking her mane vigorously.
‘So, I’m to ride you today. What a lovely horse, you are,’ she whispered, removing her glove and rubbing her velvety nose affectionately. ‘Does she have a name?’
‘Delphine—her name is Delphine,’ Christian provided. ‘She was my mother’s horse. She bought her at a horse sale in London—fell in love with her the moment she saw her.’
Linnet frowned. ‘Are you sure you want me to ride her, Christian? Any other horse will do.’
‘No. I want you to ride her. My mother would be more than happy for you to do so.’
‘That is indeed generous of you. Well—if you are sure, I promise I will take good care of her.’ She smiled, running her hand down the horse’s glossy flank. ‘I think Delphine and I are going to be good friends.’
‘I know you will.’ The heat of his gaze travelled the full length of her in a slow, appreciative perusal, before making a leisurely inspection of her face upturned to his. ‘I’m pleased to see you appropriately dressed for the ride.’
‘Why—did you think I wouldn’t be?’ she asked, smiling provocatively at him out of the corners of her eyes, marvelling at the thought that this man would very soon be her husband. ‘Now,’ she said, turning her attention to the horse. ‘Does Delphine have any peculiarities I should know about before I risk life and limb?’
Christian lifted one eyebrow lazily. ‘She’s as gentle as a lamb. Now, give me your opinion of her.’
‘I’ll be able to do that better when I’ve ridden her.’ The mare rubbed her head against her, her soft dark eyes alive with intelligence.
Placing his hands on her waist, Christian lifted her effortlessly into the saddle, watching as she hooked her knee around the pommel and placed her foot in the s
tirrup before settling her skirt. Taking the reins as Delphine moved restlessly, Linnet controlled the horse effortlessly and slanted Christian a glance.
‘Are we ready?’
They set off at full gallop towards the lake. Linnet was happy that Delphine turned out to be a spirited little horse, certainly less docile than she had first thought. Leaving the lake behind and riding through the park to the fields beyond, after a time they slowed their horses to a leisurely walk.
‘My compliments, Linnet. I know few men who ride as well as you.’
She laughed, her eyes shining and her cheeks having turned a delightful pink with excitement of the ride. ‘That is a compliment indeed.’ The genuine warmth and admiration in his voice and in his eyes flooded her heart with joy.
‘Is Delphine to your liking?’
‘She most certainly is and I know we are going to get on well.’ She smiled, leaning forward and stroking Delphine’s neck when she saw the mare prick her ears back, as if aware that she was being talked about. ‘She’s a beautiful horse.’
The Governess's Scandalous Marriage Page 18
