An Improper Seduction

by Quill, Suzanne

  She drew the counterpane up to her chest and shivered. Not only was the room spacious, it was opulent. She looked up.

  The silk canopy was drawn together over the bed. At its center was a medallion with a dramatic “C” embroidered.

  Angeline doubted the marquess’s room would be decorated in shades of pinks. She could only guess she had slept, in Geoffrey’s arms, in the marchioness’s suite.

  Good Lord! What must the Colburn staff be gossiping about this morning?

  Knowing she could not hide forever in the large comfortable bed, she put her feet on the floor, wrapped the counterpane around her, and allowed her curiosity to draw her toward the open door. Peeking in, she saw a steaming bath, towels, and a change of clothes, her clothes, hanging from a hook.

  In for a penny, in for a pound. She dropped her makeshift wrapper and eased herself into the heated waters. She basked in the luxury of the marble tub as she took in the extravagant dressing room. Tea rose marble constructed the tub, covered the floor and three walls. Thick Turkish towel mats were placed on each side of the tub. A nearby bench held a stack of neatly folded white Turkish towels. The fourth wall held two closets and an exit door. The closets were huge. The last marchioness must have had a large selection of gowns.

  A heavy sigh escaped her lips. She must be in heaven.

  Knowing eventually she must face her responsibilities, Angeline finally dressed and took the main staircase. In the foyer, she followed the sound of two male voices. When she entered the dining room, Geoffrey and Doctor Wesley rose. Geoffrey came round the table to take her hands in his. The callused warmth and strength of his touch assured her that all was well. As he looked deeply into her eyes, he took each hand to his lips in turn, then tucked her right hand in the crook of his left elbow as he led her to the seat at his right.

  “Good day to you, Lady Angeline,” said the doctor with a warm smile on his face. Doctor Wesley could not have been over one score and ten years old. Angeline had started working with the prior doctor, who had died some five years earlier. Since she had been involved in the various healing arts the elder doctor applied before his death, Angeline had helped to select the area’s current physician. It seemed his tenure had served him well despite the fact he was still as slender as a board and his brown hair seemed to be greying and thinning by turns. “I came to deliver a baby and found my work had already been done. And a fine job it was, too.” He beamed at her with his cool grey gaze.

  “Sit down, my dear. You must be famished.” Geoffrey pulled out the chair and helped Angeline settle in. In a matter of moments, a plate filled to overflowing with luncheon foods was before her.

  “I have checked on the mother and child,” Wesley continued. “They are doing well. The babe is nursing and the mother is as proud as can be.”

  “I had thought to check on them before I came down.” Angeline looked toward Geoffrey, then returned her gaze to the doctor, “But the house is so large, I did not know where to look. You see, I was very tired when I finally got to bed last night and I seemed to have lost my orientation.”

  Geoffrey cleared his throat as Angeline returned her attention to her plate.

  “Of course, my dear.” Wesley took another bite of his food, then pointed his fork toward his host as he spoke. “My lord, Lady Angeline best get home to rest. She has greatly taxed herself with the delivery. Please see she is returned to her father as quickly as possible.”

  “You need not worry, Doctor,” Geoffrey patted the hand Angeline had leaned against the table edge only moments before. “I have only her best interests at heart. I will be escorting her home as soon as the marriage has taken place.”

  “Well, I am afraid I cannot stay for that, Lord Colburn.” Wesley dabbed his mouth with his napkin, stood up and moved around the table to take Angeline’s hand in his. “I have other patients to tend and must be on my way. Lady Angeline, I hope I will be seeing you again soon, though not with a patient between us. Remember I have prescribed some well-deserved and needed bed rest for you.” Turning to his host, he said, “Thank you for your generous hospitality. I rarely receive such a fine luncheon nor time to take it as I did today. I am sure our paths will cross again.”

  After shaking hands, Graham, who had been patiently waiting by the sideboard, led Dr. Wesley out.

  Geoffrey turned his attention back to Angeline. “I fear you still have some dark shadows under those beautiful eyes, Angeline. As soon as we get the new parents wed, I will see you home and to bed.”

  She felt the color drain from her face, then Geoffrey added, “Not literally, my dear. What would you take me for? In your own house?”

  “But, Geoffrey, I have been here all night. The servants must know where I slept. There must be gossip.”

  “There will be no such thing,” he assured her as he took her hand in his. “Every one of my staff received a substantial increase in salary when I took charge. I am sure they are loyal to me and respect you enough to keep comments to themselves. Besides,” he looked into her eyes, “I made sure to muss my bed and lock the adjoining door from your side. It all looks totally respectable.”

  Angeline could not hide the skeptical look on her face but she nodded and offered, “Yes, my lord.”

  Graham reentered the room so Geoffrey laid Angeline’s hand back on the table.

  “The parson has arrived, my lord.”

  “Good. Graham, show him to the drawing room, assemble the available staff, and bring Lester and Brenda there as well. It is high time we set these things to rights.” Standing at his place, Geoffrey extended his hand. “Shall we attend a wedding, my dear?”

  Angeline smiled up at him, her face quite luminous. “I haven’t a thing to wear so I guess I must go in this silly old rag.” She came to her feet and placed her hand in his.

  As Graham’s back faded from the doorway, Geoffrey leaned toward her and whispered, “In rags or nothing at all, Angeline, you look beautiful to me.” He brought her hand to his lips and placed a kiss in her palm, then tucked it in the crook of his elbow and escorted her to the drawing room.

  Parson Jones, his short, pudgy body frocked in black, his hat in hand baring his bald pate, stood near the fireplace examining the accessories along the mantel. Since his back was toward them, Geoffrey cleared his throat as they entered. The parson swung around with such speed Geoffrey thought everything on the mantel might be blown to the ground.

  “My lord, my lady.” Jones came toward them, his wizened face showing beady black eyes filled with restrained curiosity. He stopped at a respectful distance, then bowed at the waist, first toward Angeline, then toward the marquess.

  Angeline did the honors. “Reverend Jones, may I present Lord Colburn. My lord, this is Reverend Jones who has serviced our parish most ably for many years.”

  Geoffrey looked the man over as surreptitiously as possible. This could be the man who marries us, he thought and decided he would have to do, particularly since he was probably as old as the manor house they were standing in.

  A number of staff members entered along with Mrs. Nash and took places standing along the walls. Angeline went over to Mrs. Nash and whispered in her ear as the housekeeper nodded. Geoffrey heard her say, “It’s taken care of, my lady.”

  When Angeline returned to his side, Geoffrey said, “The couple has been called. We best get this thing on its way.” Geoffrey steered Angeline over to the side of the fireplace where he gently patted her hand, then stepped away to place himself on the other side. Moments later, Lester and Brenda entered, she with the newborn babe in her arms.

  Coming forward together, they stood in front of the preacher.

  The reverend smiled benevolently at each of them, then cleared his throat as he looked at the child in her mother’s arms.

  “Oh!” exclaimed Brenda. “I—I—”

  �
�Let me have her, Brenda.” Angeline reached out to bundle the baby into her own arms. “I will be only too happy to hold her. Now if we could just get the flowers.”

  Once again activity at the doorway had everyone’s attention averted. “So sorry,” said the upstairs maid. “It took me a moment to round up the posies.”

  She bustled over to Brenda and handed her a small but beautiful bouquet of blooms from the marquess’s garden. She momentarily looked up at the marquess for permission, but with his nod, she smiled warmly and placed the bouquet in the bride’s hands.

  A small tear slid down Brenda’s cheek. Geoffrey looked up to Angeline and was graced with a wily smile and a small shrug. “What is a bride without a bouquet, my lord?”

  “Really,” he retorted. “Get on with it, Jones. We all have other things to do.” But his lips twitched in a slight smile and he himself was most relieved his personal set of star-crossed lovers would be married and settled this day. He had more important things to concern himself with. And his main problem was standing across from him holding the babe like the precious bundle it was and cooing words into her little ear as she slid her index finger within the grasp of one tiny fist.

  His heart lurched. After years of sexual indulgences, he had come to realize his trysting of the past was only sex. Angeline brought to their lovemaking feelings he had never known existed. Now he could see himself with only one woman for the rest of his life and hopes that particular woman would one day, hopefully soon, be holding his child in her arms. She was so beautiful, holding the new babe. She had so much strength, courage, will. True, she was more stubborn than an old horse but she had values and she was committed to them. And she was loyal. If they were wed a hundred years, he knew he would never have to worry about her fidelity. His heart ached. His body hardened. If only she would say yes and marry him.

  Angeline looked up into Geoffrey’s eyes. She caught a glimpse of something before he quickly shuttered his gaze. Could his look possibly mean there was a stronger feeling for her? Or, was it the babe in her arms he relished? Was all they had done together only to get her to marry him and bear his heir? But how could she continue to say no? She loved him, more so each day. Each time they made love, her need of him, to be close to him, to be part of him, grew. Could she wed him, bear his children, and know it was only sex to him? That one day, he might be bored with her and look for another to sate his needs? Could she be happy raising their children knowing he was gone from her bed? Could she be happy when he left her to move on with his life? Her heart was breaking as her reverie was interrupted.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God . . .” said Reverend Jones.

  No sooner had the vows been said than Graham came in carrying a tray with glasses and chilled bottles of champagne.

  “My lord,” exclaimed Brenda, “you are much too kind.”

  “If I may paraphrase Lady Angeline, Brenda, what is a wedding without champagne?”

  Once the butler had poured glasses all around, he returned to Geoffrey’s side. Geoffrey leaned over and whispered in his ear and nodded as his man retreated through the doorway.

  “To Brenda and Lester and their blessed event. May you have a long and happy life together,” toasted the marquess.

  Everyone clinked glasses and took a sip. A slight ebullience went through the group. How many had ever tasted such a drink before? When their glasses were lowered, the marquess asked, “By the way, Brenda, what have you named the child?”

  “Why, my lord, we did the only thing fitting and proper under the circumstances.” Brenda looked over at Angeline, who was still cuddling the infant and sipping champagne. The maid handed her glass to her beaming husband and went over to take the child.

  “And that would be?” inquired Geoffrey.

  “Why, Lester and me, we named her after the person who brought her into the world. Her name is Angela.”

  A pleased cry went up from the gathering and then hands clapped all around.

  Geoffrey caught the blush that rushed up Angeline’s cheeks but he smiled and nodded at her as he said, “Why, Brenda, I think that is one of the most thoughtful things I have ever been told.” Raising his glass again, he toasted, “To Angela and Lady Angeline Hartley! May they both live long and happy lives.”

  Angeline’s blush deepened but her smile was heart-stopping. Geoffrey had no idea how he would ever get his feelings under control.

  Graham reentered the room, nodded at the marquess and picked up the silver tray. As he passed by each person with a glass, they placed it on the tray. Then they made their bows or curtsies to Geoffrey and left the room. Mrs. Nash and the butler were the last of the staff to leave with the exception of the parson and the bride and groom.

  “Thank you, Reverend, for a fine ceremony and especially on such short notice.” Geoffrey extended his hand.

  Taking the offered hand, Reverend Jones nodded. “It was my pleasure, my lord. And, if I may be so bold to ask, now that you are settled in, can we hope to see you at Sunday services in the near future?”

  “I will take that under consideration, Reverend. I thank you for your invitation. Graham will show you out and a proper donation will be delivered to you shortly.”

  Graham, standing by the doorway once again, gave one of his perpetual nods. The Reverend bowed to Angeline and Geoffrey then left. He turned to the newlyweds.

  “Well, I have finally gotten you two taken care of.”

  “My lord, we are most grateful.” Lester put his arm around his wife and child and smiled fully.

  “Lester, have you settled in over the stables?”

  “Oh yes, my lord. There is plenty of room for the three of us and maybe one or two more.” Brenda’s elbow poked him in the ribs. Angeline hid her smile behind her hand and Geoffrey cleared his throat.

  “Well, be that as it may. The two of you should retire there now and take the rest of the day off. Tomorrow is soon enough for you to get back to work. Brenda, I have given Mrs. Nash instructions to be easy with you for the next week or two. And we will have to see how you can take care of the child and still do just a few chores.”

  “Oh, my lord, many of the staff have offered to help and watch her when they can. Cook has put an old cradle in the kitchens and says Angela can stay there when she is to nap. It will be warm and I can get there right quick if she needs me.” Brenda rocked the babe in her arms as she looked down at her with adoring eyes. Lester hugged his wife again.

  Geoffrey’s heart lurched once more. Would he ever get to share such deep feelings with his own wife? Could he possibly make that wife Angeline?

  “It sounds like you are getting matters arranged effectively. Off with you three now. I don’t expect to see you again until tomorrow.”

  With bows and curtsies, the newlyweds left just as Angela started to fuss. Geoffrey heard Brenda say to her husband, “Just in time, Lester. I must feed the little sprite.”

  He took Angeline gently by the elbow. “I think it’s time we get you home to bed, dearest. My carriage is waiting and I shall escort you.”

  Chapter 17

  The ride back to Hartfield was quiet, both of them lost in private thoughts. Geoffrey sat back against the leather squabs with his arm around his lover. Angeline’s head rested against his chest, her breathing even; she might be dozing. He laid his head against the silk of her hair. There was so much he felt, so much he couldn’t say.

  He knew it was time to ask her again to marry him, but not this very moment when she was exhausted. She may be too spent to consider the question rationally. And he did not want to get her temper up thus closing off the discussion into the foreseeable future. It would have to wait until tomorrow when he would visit her at home once again.

  But, he knew she was the only one he wanted to marry. After years playing the rake, making light
of the hearts of ladies all through the Ton, this contrary spinster had brought him to his knees. Well, it would be one knee wouldn’t it?

  Yet, she had no idea she had conquered he who would not be conquered. And, she had done it with no desire to do so. In fact, she had fought the whole process tooth and nail. Except when she was in his arms. Then she was passion personified. The look of her, red-gold hair splayed on the pillow, eyelids heavy, face flushed, body naked upon his bed. The feel of her, silken tresses, soft skin, warm and wet in all the right places. The taste of her, by turns salty and sweet. Even her scent had him undone. Just thinking about her made his body ache and harden.

  He shifted under his delightful burden to ease his manhood. Could she feel him? Feel the heat that was constantly there when she was near?

  Could she possibly refuse him, yet again? He could tell by the look on her face she wanted a child of her own. She held Angela as a precious bundle, as if she were her very own mother. The light in her eyes while she tended the baby was all he needed to know this as truth.

  He could give her that gift. He would be only too happy to do so. Wouldn’t that solve one of his dilemmas as well? He needed an heir and, based on the prior events in his family, he’d be wise not to forestall the event for any amount of time.

  She’d have the child she wanted; he’d have the heir he needed. What was so complex about that? Why could she not give over and grasp the opportunity with both hands.

  The carriage took a bump. Geoffrey grabbed for Angeline as she lurched forward. When they resettled, he realized his free hand had caught her breast to save her the spill. He took his hand away then ran his fingertips across her cheek.