by Vikki Vaught
With a devious grin on his face, he said, “I had Mansfield search Canterbury until he found a greenhouse that had them. He ended up traveling several hours out of town before he located them. Come here and give me a kiss.”
After she laid the roses on the table, she went to him and gave him a peck on the lips. He pulled her into his arms and gave her a real kiss. Desire stirred, and he was as aroused as she because his hard shaft probed her belly.
Since Mrs. Holden would be in to announce dinner at any time, she slipped from his arms. “Behave,” she teased. “I received a present from my parents today, and I waited to open it. I’m dying to see what they sent.”
She unwrapped the gift and opened the box. Inside, she found a lovely set of bed linens, monogrammed with their initials. Henry handed her his present, and her face lit up when she opened it. “This is so beautiful. First the gorgeous emeralds at Christmas, and now diamonds. You’re spoiling me terribly, and I love every minute of it. Here, help me put it on.”
“Turn around.” After he fastened the necklace, he pulled her against his chest and nibbled on her earlobe, sending chills up her spine.
“Henry. Stop. Mrs. Holden could walk in here any minute to announce dinner.” She laughed, and as she looked back, Mrs. Holden entered the parlor and announced dinner, then took the roses away to place in a vase.
He continued to distract her with his kisses. After a few minutes, she playfully pulled away. “Although I enjoy your attention immensely, I’m starving. Shall we go see what Mrs. Holden has prepared?”
When they entered the dining room, the bouquet graced the table. The meal of baked chicken in a fricassee sauce with parsley potatoes and carrots had her salivating. The chicken was so tender, it practically melted in her mouth. For dessert, the housekeeper had even baked and decorated a cake.
She appreciated the effort the sweet woman had gone to for her special day. “Thank you, Mrs. Holden. Everything is delicious, and the cake is gorgeous. In fact, it’s so pretty I hate to cut it.”
The housekeeper beamed. “Oh Lord, milady, go on with yourself. Go ahead and cut it.” After cutting the cake, she handed a piece to Henry. Then she cut a piece for Mrs. Holden and one for herself. When she took the first bite, the flavors from the scrumptious buttercream icing and cherry filling in the middle, tantalized her taste buds.
After finishing the dessert, she wished Mrs. Holden a good night, and they went upstairs to their room. Earlier in the evening, Melody had let her maid know she would not need her, so they were alone at last.
Henry turned her around, unbuttoned her gown, and pushed it past her hips. It fell to the floor. Before long, he had removed all her clothes, and she stood completely nude before him. As he gazed at her with fire burning in his eyes, her cheeks grew flushed.
As he removed his clothing, she allowed her eyes to roam down his muscular body, and desire glowed hot in her belly. He swept her up and carried her to the bed.
“Have I told you how much I love you lately?” he asked in a husky voice, igniting her passion further. “When I see you in your naked glory, I know you are the only woman I will ever want or need. Your breasts fill my hands perfectly. Your delectable belly is made for kisses, and these lovely thighs are in my dreams when I’m away from you.”
Melody loved it when he said things like that to her. It made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. He pulled her close, trailing kisses down her neck. Then he lowered his head and took her nipple in his hot mouth. As he suckled her, her passions spiraled out of control. Her breathing grew rapid, and her feminine core pulsed.
Henry blazed a path of hot, wet kisses down her belly to the curls covering her pleasure point. Then he lowered his body so he lay between her thighs. Placing her legs over his shoulders, he began to lick her core. She went wild, tossing her head back and forth on the pillow as her passions exploded. Waves of glittering sensations rolled over her. He moved up and kissed her deeply. She tasted her essence, and it aroused her again.
His shaft slid inside her, and he began to stroke in and out. His movements became faster and deeper. Her passion burgeoning and growing ever stronger, she scraped her nails along his back and wrapped her legs around his hips. She went soaring higher than ever before, as he threw his head back and groaned, reaching his release at the same time. He fell to the side and pulled her to him.
He sighed as he buried his face in her hair. “I can never get enough of you. You’ve started a fire in me that will never go out. I love you, sweetheart.”
She stroked his sweat-dampened shoulders. “I’ll love you forever. Is lovemaking always this powerful?”
He lifted her chin. “It’s never felt this way with anyone before. I think it’s because with you, my emotions are engaged, where before it was only physical lust. My love for you grows stronger every day we’re together.”
“I feel the same way. I never thought marriage could be so fulfilling. I’m so fortunate to have found you, and I could not bear to lose you.”
He pulled her close. “That will never happen. I shall always be here, forever and beyond.” They held each other in the aftermath of their lovemaking, enjoying the closeness and peace until sleep swept them away.
The next week, Henry invited some of his fellow officers and their wives over to the house. This would be her first opportunity to entertain. Mrs. Holden was immensely helpful, and they soon had a delightful menu prepared for the dinner. She also planned to play cards to entertain their guests. While she looked forward to it, her pulse jumped and her palms grew sweaty as she dressed for the evening.
Captain Hayden arrived first, and he brought Lieutenant Bronson and his sister with him. After they removed their cloaks and handed them to the young girl Mrs. Holden had asked to help her that evening, Melody gave Mary a welcoming smile. “Good evening, Mrs. Harrison. I’m so pleased you could attend. Are you enjoying your visit with your brother?”
“I’m having a lovely time.” The widow glanced around the parlor, and her face fell. “Is Lord Wyndham attending by chance?”
“No,” Melody replied, “unfortunately he did not make it. Does this mean you’ve been thinking of him?”
The young widow blushed. “I enjoyed meeting him at the Christmas party. It’s such a shame that he lost his wife last year. We have much in common, having both lost a dearly loved partner. I would have enjoyed seeing him again.”
The rest of the guests arrived, interrupting their conversation. Shortly after everyone had gathered, Mrs. Worth announced dinner. The food tasted superb, and their guests seemed to be having a good time. After dinner, she led the ladies into the parlor so the men could enjoy their port.
While the ladies waited for the gentlemen to join them, Melody enjoyed a delightful conversation with Mrs. Cunningham, Henry’s commanding officer’s wife. Once the men entered the parlor, they took their seats at the card tables. Even though this was the first time she had played whist with Henry, they easily won the set.
After their guests left, he gave her a hug. “I’m so proud of you. You planned a wonderful party. My friends told me they had a delightful time.”
“Thank you. I was nervous, so I’m pleased everything went well.”
“It was such a pleasure to have everyone over. We’ll have to do it again soon.”
“I agree. I liked your commanding officer’s wife a great deal.” She stifled a yawn. “I’m exhausted. I think I will go upstairs to bed.”
“I’m right behind you. I have to be in early tomorrow.” They went upstairs together, and Henry played maid for her. As soon as her head hit her pillow, she fell fast asleep.
CHAPTER TEN
Late March 1815
When Henry arrived at the garrison, something was causing quite a disturbance. Men scurried from barracks to barracks. Others were cleaning supplies. Complete chaos reigned, and he could not locate any of his men and none of his fellow officers. Finally, he saw Hayden up ahead, and he hurried over to him. “What’s
going on? Where are our men?”
Hayden rubbed his hand across his eyes. “They are out in the practice yard. Napoleon has escaped. We received the dispatch from Wellington thirty minutes ago. We’re meeting in an hour.”
“When did Bonaparte get away?” Concern colored his tone. “How did it happen?”
His friend furrowed his brow. “From what was in the dispatch, he escaped on the twenty-sixth of last month, and no one knows how he managed it yet. We should learn more in the meeting.”
A stab of pain shot through his heart when he thought of how this would affect his wife. He would be going back to war, and he would have to leave her behind. Always before, he had felt an element of excitement over going into battle; now…he would have so much more to lose.
God, why did that lunatic have to escape?
He prayed he would have enough time to take her to her parents, but he doubted it. He worried about taking her back to Sanderford Park. Both of his parents treated her so badly. He would just have to count on Nelson to protect her if he could not take her up north.
At the meeting, they learned Bonaparte had planned his escape while the British and French guard ships were elsewhere and took passage on the brig, Inconstant, arriving between Cannes and Antibes with one thousand men on the first of March. He proceeded to gather his followers around him, and then marched toward Paris. Without a single shot being fired, his troops swelled. On the fifth, the 5th Infantry regiment at Grenoble joined him.
As soon as word arrived from Wellington, the regiment would leave for the continent. Wellington would be leaving the Congress of Vienna and traveling to France.
He arrived home at eight o’clock, and he tried to soften his expression so as not to alarm her, but by her expression she realized something was wrong.
“Henry, you’re worrying me.” Her voice trembled. “What’s happened?”
Dread weighed him down and his heart ached, but it could not be avoided. He had to give her the terrible news. “Bonaparte has escaped. We’ve received orders; we will be joining Wellington soon. I need to take you back to Sanderford Park, so I know you will be safe. Can you be ready to leave in the morning?”
“I suppose you don’t have time to take me north.” Even though she tried to hide her fear, he heard the terror in her voice. “Whatever you feel is best. I know you do not need to be worried about me.”
Regret pulled at his soul when he saw the look of trepidation in his wife’s eyes. “I wish I could. I barely convinced my commanding officer to give me leave to take you to Surry.”
She bowed her head. “I understand. I shall have Millie start packing right away.”
He watched as she left the room. He could see fright in her bright eyes, filled with unshed tears. Clearly terrified at the thought of him going into combat, he wished he could reassure her, but to be honest, he had his own misgivings. He had never had so much to lose in the past.
When she returned, they had supper. Not wanting to cause her further distress, he tried to act like it was any other evening, but it did not help. Melody remained unusually quiet all through the meal.
After dinner, they retired to bed, where he passionately made love to her, taking both of them to heights beyond what they had reached before. A swell of emotion filled his heart, and he had to blink his eyes to keep the tears at bay. Melody clung to him and eventually drifted off to sleep. He held her close for a long time, just stroking her beautiful hair, relishing the feel of her in his arms. Finally, he succumbed as well and fell asleep.
The next morning, they set off for Sanderford Park at dawn. He tried to talk of inconsequential things to reduce the tension in the carriage. Even though Melody kept a composed expression on her face, her eyes told a different story.
How can I leave her when I know how my parents treat her?
By the time they arrived at the estate, the trip had exhausted Melody. They had traveled practically nonstop to get there. While he helped her out of the carriage, she stumbled and he caught her before she fell. Once she regained her footing, he kept his arm around her waist as they walked up the steps together.
Simpson met them at the door and bowed. “Good evening, sir.”
“Where is His Grace?” His voice sounded brittle to his ears. The last thing he wanted was to talk to his father, but it could not be avoided.
The butler answered, “His Grace is in the drawing room with the rest of the family. Have you had dinner yet? I can have Cook prepare a light repast for you, if needed.”
“Food would be much appreciated, Simpson,” he replied.
“I will have Cook prepare the meal and send it up to your suite, my lord.” Turning, the butler went toward the back of the house.
He turned to Melody. “Why don’t you go to our rooms, while I bring His Grace up to date on what is happening?”
She covered her mouth to hide her yawn. “I think I shall. I’ll wait up for you, so you can tell me how the news is received.” Then giving him a kiss on his cheek, she made her way up the stairs. The weary set of her shoulders tore a hole in his heart.
Henry went to the drawing room and found the family gathered there. His Grace stood when he entered the room and demanded, “What are you doing here? Have you finally sold your commission?”
He wearily shook his head. “No, Your Grace. I have grave news. Bonaparte has escaped, and I will be returning to the continent to join the Duke of Wellington. I have brought my wife with me. Can I count on you to welcome her back? She is going to have a difficult time dealing with me leaving, so she will need your support.”
The duke began to pace. “We will take your wife in, but we will not mollycoddle her. Perhaps she should go to her family, since you do not know how long it will be before you return, or if you will return. You have been fortunate so far. However, this could be the death of you.”
“I don’t have time to take her to her parents. I barely obtained permission to bring her here. I have to be back at the garrison tomorrow night. Please, be polite. That’s all I ask.”
The duke sighed. “Oh, all right. I suppose we can put up with her again. At least she keeps your sisters entertained.”
He turned to his mother. “Can I count on you to be civil to my wife? This will be a very trying time for her, and she will need all the help she can get.”
“I shall be polite, but I refuse to do more. You should have demanded the time so you could take her to her parents.” The duchess looked directly at him and declared, “You could send her and her maid in one of our carriages. She would probably be happier, and I would not have to see her.”
“I’m sure she would be. However, I do not want my wife undertaking such a long journey on her own. It’s not safe.”
Helen spoke up. “Where is Melody? You know you can count on us to be there for her. We’ll do our best to keep her from worrying.”
He smiled at his sister, relieved he could at least count on her to be there for Melody. “She’s in her chamber resting. We had a tiring journey. I suggested she rest until food could be brought up.”
“This is such distressing news.” Her young voice wobbled as she spoke. “I can’t believe that terrible man has escaped. What will happen now? Are we going to be at war again?”
“We have no choice. Bonaparte has to be stopped, and this time for good. Please help my wife adjust to me being gone. I would greatly appreciate it. Well, I shall take my leave. Since I will be leaving at dawn tomorrow, I shan’t see you again. Please know I love you all and shall miss you. Please pray we recapture Bonaparte quickly.” He slowly turned and walked from the room.
He went to their suite and found Melody asleep on the couch in the sitting room. She looked so sweet and lovely with her head lying on the arm of the couch.
How can I leave?
This time I have so much more to lose.
God, I love her so much.
He wished he could take her to her parents. His mother was right—she would be much happier there.
/> She stretched and opened her eyes. “My goodness, I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I don’t know why I’m so tired tonight. It must be all the changes, between moving back here and you leaving.”
He took a seat beside her. “If I didn’t have to leave tomorrow morning—I wish I had more time—I would take you to your parents instead of leaving you here. I know my parents don’t treat you well.”
“How did your family receive your news?” she asked.
He sighed. “As well as can be expected. Of course, they were shocked and concerned, to say the least.”
She laid her head against his shoulder. “The entire nation will be shocked, I’m sure.”
“Helen is glad you have returned. Nelson will watch over you while I’m gone. I’ll try to return before I leave for the continent if I can.”
“I shall pray for that, but I will not get my hopes up.”
“Let us put all of this from our minds and enjoy this evening. Dinner should arrive shortly, and then we can retire after we eat.”
A footman brought the food, and Henry had him leave it on the table. Once dinner ended and everything was cleared away, he carried her to bed and made love to her with an intensity that had not been there before. He spent a long time stroking her soft breasts and belly. When he took her, he made sure she reached her peak first before he found his own release. They lay in each other’s arms, not talking, but not sleeping either. Before they were ready, it was time for him to leave.
He crawled from the bed and attempted to smile. He failed miserably. His heart splintered in a million pieces as he gazed at his wife.
Tears filled her beautiful hazel eyes, but Melody dashed them away and sat up. “I shall see you soon. Take care, and return to me as soon as you can. I love you, and I’ll miss you terribly. May God keep you in His loving arms while we are apart.”
He leaned toward her and gently kissed her lips one last time. Straightening, he turned and walked away from his wife…too overcome to say anything.
