by Vikki Vaught
Or does he enjoy being with his men so much he doesn’t even think of me?
She began to cry. While she accepted he had to go, she missed him so. Rolling over, she hugged his pillow, wishing he was there to hold her. She could still smell the sandalwood scent Henry always wore, and it helped her feel closer to him. She would make sure no one washed the pillowcase, because she wanted to be able to hug it each night and pretend he was still with her. Slowly, she drifted off as she cried herself to sleep.
Over the next month, Melody had to endure quite a few negative comments from both the duke and the duchess. They would never accept her or feel any affection toward her, no matter what she did. Thank goodness for Helen and Kathryn. They helped keep her busy and treated her with kindness. Nelson had taken her on several more walks, and they even went riding most mornings when the weather permitted.
She wrote Henry every day and had received several letters from him. He always told her how much he loved her and that he could not wait until they could be together again. She did not tell him how hateful his parents were, because she did not want him to worry. She kept her letters cheerful and told him about the fun she was having with his sisters.
The days passed slowly, but at last, it was time for Henry’s return. He should be home the next day. She had her maid prepare a bath so she could wash her hair. Her husband always mentioned how much he loved her curls.
The next morning, she could not sit still. Her heart gave a twinge when she anticipated being in his arms again. She hoped it would be earlier in the day, because she doubted she would be able to do anything until he got home.
That afternoon, she took a walk to the lake, hoping it would help pass the time. As she stood there looking out, she remembered the time she and Henry had made love there. All those wonderful feelings came rushing back. Soon her husband would arrive, and they could be together again. Thinking of Henry’s lovemaking started a tingling sensation deep in her belly. She turned and made her way to the house. When she walked up to the terrace, she saw him standing there.
He ran to her and swept her into his arms, then twirled her around. A sense of peace and safety rolled over her, and it felt like coming home. The wind had blown his hair, and he needed a shave, but he had never looked more attractive.
He looked at her with tenderness glowing in his eyes. “Darling, I’ve missed you desperately. This has been the longest month of my life. Did you miss me?”
“Of course. I thought this month would never end. How are your men? Have many of them returned to civilian life?”
Cradling her in his arms, he pulled her closer to his side as they went inside. “Some of them have. Unfortunately, many of them don’t have jobs to return to, so they are still there. They’re restless, and because of this, some altercations have broken out. I’ve had to discipline several of them, which is never pleasant. Let’s change the subject. I talk of these problems all the time with Hayden.”
“I want you to tell me about your work. A wife should listen to her husband and support him. So, please continue to do so.”
“Well, all right. Promise me you’ll let me know if I’m boring you, though. I appreciate you writing every day. Your letters were so cheerful. You’re spoiling me dreadfully, and I love every minute of it. I do try to write you each day, but my men keep me incredibly busy. Some nights, I’m too tired to pick up my pen. I’m glad you’re getting along with my brother and sisters. You didn’t mention much about my parents. Have they been treating you well?”
She shrugged. “They don’t talk to me very much. I think they would rather pretend I don’t exist. I spend most of my time with Helen. She’s been so nice to me, and we’ve become close. Kathryn’s painted a miniature of me, and she just finished it today. She’s giving it to you. I was pleased she wanted to paint me. She’s very good. I’ve seen some of her other work, and it’s wonderful.”
“I’ll adore the portrait. I’m sure she painted you in all your glory. It’s time for tea, so we better go in. His Grace gets irritable if anyone’s ever late.”
“Oh, I know. Helen and I were late coming back from the village, right after you left, and he let me know how displeased he was with me.”
When Melody and Henry entered the drawing room, the family was already there. The duke looked displeased again.
“So…I see you have returned. How long will you be staying this time? Your brother needs your help with running the estate. When are you going to sell your commission? You are needed here.”
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, I cannot leave my men until they’re settled. I have a commitment to them, and I need to fulfill that responsibility first,” he explained.
His father exploded. “Ridiculous. Your family should come first. Those men do not need you to hold their hand. Let them find their own jobs.”
While she watched Henry and his father, she noticed that even though the duke had exploded, her husband did not seem intimidated. “Nonetheless, I will not desert my men. I have told you this before. Nelson has assured me he is fine and has told me to take the time I need.”
The duke’s face turned a bright red. “I can see there is no use talking to you. You are as stubborn as ever. Take your wife and get out of my sight.”
After sending his father a piercing stare, he turned to her and extended his hand. “Come. We shall have tea sent to our suite instead. Excuse me, Your Grace.”
After they left the room, he told the butler, “Please have tea sent to our suite. Thank you, Simpson.” After they entered their sitting room, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard. “I’ve wanted to do that ever since I saw you on the terrace. You look so pretty in this yellow dress. It brings out the green flecks in your beautiful eyes.” A knock on the door heralded the arrival of their tea, and a footman entered. “Please put it on the table, and you may go.”
Melody filled a plate with sandwiches and biscuits, then handed it to Henry. She picked up her teacup and took a sip. She watched him finish off his food and reach for more. He glanced her way and raised a brow. “You aren’t eating. Are you well?”
She sat her cup down. “I’m fine. I’m trying to slim down a bit. I’ve decided I’m a bit too plump, so I’m watching what I eat.”
“What nonsense is this? You’re beautiful just the way you are. I love every luscious inch of you, and I do not want you to lose an ounce. Here, let me fill a plate for you. Eat up.”
“You really like me the way I am? I’ve worried you thought I was too fat. Your mother told me you like slender women, and I’m far from that.”
Henry gazed directly into her eyes. “Do not listen to my mother. Let me assure you, I love the way you look. You’re round in all the right places, and I want you to stay that way. Come here.”
She went to him, and he pulled her into his arms. Thrusting his tongue into her mouth, she tentatively entwined hers with his, as passion flared. Sweeping her up into his arms, he carried her to his bed. While settling her beside it, he let his eyes roam up and down her body. She grew hot, watching Henry peruse her with so much desire.
His eyes sizzled. “Take off your clothes. I want to see all of you. Each night, I’ve dreamed of your delectable body.”
Blushing, she turned around so he could unbutton her gown. Once her clothes fell to the floor, he continued to ravish her with his eyes. Standing in her stockings and garters seemed different and much more embarrassing in the daytime. Looking down, she noticed his shaft through his breeches growing longer and thicker. Her breath grew shallow as she remembered how it felt to have him thrusting deep inside her.
As he knelt and began to roll her stocking down her leg, shivers danced along her spine, and her desire climbed ever higher. He removed her stocking and garter, then kissed the back of her knee. It tickled, and she giggled. He grinned as he slowly removed her other stocking, then stood and pulled her into his arms.
Gently pushing her down on the counterpane, he murmured, “I can’t take it slow this time. I need you too badly.
I can wait no longer. Lie back with your bottom at the edge of the bed.” She felt so exposed, but she loved the way he devoured her with his eyes, and passion flared, scorching her as flames ignited deep in her belly.
He stripped off his clothes, leaving him naked. She glanced at him, and his shaft grew even larger than a minute ago. It was huge and engorged, the veins pulsing for release. Pushing her thighs wide, he thrust into her tight sheath. Her inner muscles clenched around him. Desire had him shaking as he began to pump into her and ride her hard.
She tossed her head from side to side from the ecstasy of it all. As he rubbed her core, moisture dripped from her body and she came apart, sensation after sensation rolling over her. Making his last thrust, he shouted, “Ah…yes…yes,” as his warm seed filled her passage. Then he collapsed on top of her, both of them gasping for air. It took a while for their breathing to slow. He climbed into bed and gathered her in his arms. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw him watching her intently.
“I love to see your face all flushed with passion. That’s when you’re most beautiful to me. I can’t get enough of you. I could make love to you every minute of the day, and it still would not be enough. I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you, too. I’m overjoyed you’re home. I’ve missed you dreadfully and counted each minute until you could return. How long can you stay?”
“I have to be back on Monday. I wish I could stay longer, but it’s not possible. I can return for Christmas. I know this is hard. Fortunately, it will be over within a few months. By spring, at the latest, we shall go to my estate. Then you can be closer to your parents.”
“I received a letter from my mother. She wrote that my father’s been feeling poorly. Nothing to worry about, mainly his rheumatism acting up.”
“I’m glad it’s nothing serious.” He stroked her shoulders. “I gather my parents haven’t been pleasant. I’ll speak to them.”
“Please don’t say anything,” she implored. “It hasn’t been that bad, and your brother and sisters keep me entertained most of the time. Nelson takes me riding whenever the weather permits. It’s only for a few more months, and then we can go north.”
He pulled her close. “All right, but if they become more difficult, you need to let me know. I’m thinking about finding a house close by my garrison. I just don’t know how much time I will be able to spend with you, and I hate to think of you being alone. At least here, you have my brother and sisters to keep you company.”
“I would rather spend an hour with you than a week with anyone else. Millie will keep me company, and I can always read to fill my time. Do you really think you can find a place?”
Kissing her on her temple, Henry replied, “It may be difficult, but I’ll start looking when I get back. At this moment, all I want to do is make love to you again.”
And he did…just that.
Over the next couple of days, Henry and Melody spent as much time together as possible. They went riding through the park and took the gig into the village. They made love every chance they could find, and she became much more comfortable with her body.
The time went by too quickly, and soon Sunday arrived. After Mass, they had luncheon with the family, and the time for Henry to depart had arrived. Once they entered the stables, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a tender kiss. He led Jupiter out and mounted him, then looked down at her.
“Take care of yourself, and write me every day. Your letters mean the world to me. I shall write as often as I can, and let me know if you need anything. If my parents become too unbearable, I will find some way to make other arrangements. I love you, darling. See you soon.”
Stepping away from Jupiter, Melody stood still, watching her husband ride away. When she could no longer see him, she hung her head and slowly turned and entered the house.
The next couple of weeks went by quickly, because they started getting ready for Christmas. The duchess had her helping with the party they held each year. While Her Grace remained cold toward her and barked out orders, Melody still enjoyed participating. She looked forward to this, because so far the only people she’d met were at church.
Once it turned too cold to go riding, she missed it a great deal. Nelson still spent time with her, taking her on walks through the gardens whenever the weather permitted. Since she was an only child, she enjoyed having a brother and sisters. It was the best part of living here, truthfully, the only part.
Dinner was the hardest time of the day, because she could not avoid his parents. She found it practically impossible to sit still. The duke had given her the evil eye several times when he noticed her fidgeting with her napkin and toying with her food. After dinner, the men would stay in the dining room and have their port, and Her Grace would gather the rest of them and go to the drawing room.
She always hated that part of the day, and tonight she had struggled with it more than usual. Her Grace made several hurtful comments regarding the way she looked and how she acted. Nothing she did pleased her mother-in-law. Helen tried to steer the conversation in another direction, but her mother-in-law found a way to bring it back to her. Once the men joined them, Nelson played chess with her, and then the evening went better. When the evening ended, Melody went up to her lonely bed.
CHAPTER EIGHT
December 1814
Reading normally helped her go to sleep, but that night it did not work. She kept reading long into the night. When the clock struck three, she decided to go to the kitchen and get a glass of warm milk. Lighting a candle, she turned down the corridor.
As she approached the stairs, she heard a noise. She went to investigate and found Kathryn walking down the hall. She went over to her and started to ask if she was all right, when she noticed something odd. The girl seemed to be sleepwalking, so she gently led her back to her room. Suddenly, Kathryn stiffened and gave out a startled cry. She looked over and saw her crying.
She gathered her sister-in-law into her arms. “Shhh, it’s all right, sweetheart. You must have had a bad dream. I found you walking in the hall. I think you may have been sleepwalking. Have you done it before?”
“Oh no, not again,” she cried. “I haven’t done it in years. I used to do it quite a bit a few years ago, but then it stopped. I hope it’s not going to start again. My parents get so angry with me over it. They can’t know I’ve done this. Please don’t tell them.”
“Don’t worry, I shan’t say a word. Why don’t you get back into bed? I’m on my way to the kitchen to get a glass of warm milk, so I’ll bring you some. Will you be all right if I leave you alone?”
Kathryn looked relieved. “I’ll be fine. A glass of warm milk does sound nice. Thank you for being so understanding.”
She went to the kitchen, prepared two glasses of milk, and returned to Kathryn’s room. “Here you are. Hopefully, this will help you get back to sleep. I’m going to my rooms now. If you need anything or you ever want to talk, please let me know. Goodnight, Kathryn.”
She returned to her bedchamber and thought about what had happened. Kathryn’s parents must be appalled to have a child with this affliction. They probably blamed her.
Poor child, she couldn’t control this. Melody wondered if Henry knew about the sleepwalking. When he returned, she would ask him. Thank goodness he would be home in the next couple of days.
The next morning, Melody arose and rang for her maid. Millie came and readied her bath. This was one luxury she enjoyed immensely. She had always enjoyed bathing, but at home it had been difficult, since the water had to be carried upstairs. Here, all she had to do was have Millie fill the tub.
Imagine having running water in a house?
What a modern convenience.
After removing her robe and night rail, she sank into the water and added her special lemon scented bath oil. Henry had mentioned several times how much he loved the aroma. Relaxing in the bath felt wonderful. She put her head against the rim of the tub and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she felt someone’s arms a
round her.
Startled, she started to scream, but when she looked up, she saw Henry. “You scared me to death. When did you get here? I thought you weren’t going to be here until Saturday.”
Smiling, he explained, “I was able to leave sooner than I expected. I rode through the night to get here this morning. You smell delicious. Hand me that sponge, and I’ll wash your back.”
Handing him the sponge, he slowly slid it down her spine. Then he lathered both of her arms. Only it was not the sponge he used, but his strong hands. Sliding them around her shoulders, he stroked her breasts, and desire rose in her. His hands traveled lower, until he touched her feminine core. Leaning forward, he kissed her, hot and deep. When his finger slid inside her, she shuddered.
He stood and tore his clothes off, then joined her in the tub. Pulling her to him, she straddled his hips. His hard, engorged shaft probing her belly had her secret spot throbbing. Lifting her up, he lowered her onto his raging erection. Soon, she was writhing and twisting from the pleasure of it all. Water lapped against the side of the tub as they reeled from the loss of control, and it splashed over the rim.
He touched her secret spot, and she came apart. Wave upon wave of rushing pleasure rippled through her. He surged upward and groaned as he filled her with his essence. Slumping against his chest, she sighed deeply. The water had cooled, so he stood and pulled her to her feet, then they stepped from the tub. Picking up a towel, he dried her off. She put her arms around his neck, pulled him down and kissed him deeply.
When their kiss ended, he asked, “Did you miss me? That was a great way to welcome me home.”
“It was the best bath I’ve ever had. Anytime you want to help me bathe, I’ll not object.”
He laughed. “It gave me immense pleasure. I shall be happy to assist you again in the future. Have my parents given you a hard time?”
“No more than usual. I’m getting used to it, and I just ignore them. We’d better put some c-clothes on before one of us c-catches a cold,” she said, shivering as the cool air hit her body.
