by Vikki Vaught
Now, after getting to know Andrew better, she believed he would be a good husband. She needed to put aside any resentment she had toward him, and focus on those redeeming characteristics he had. She might not love him yet, but she would turn her feelings into love, no matter what.
At the beginning of the week, Kathleen received another short missive from Andrew, telling her he had returned, and he would like to take her driving at four o’clock. She sent a reply letting him know she would be ready. A thrill rushed through her. Today, she would start her campaign to win her scandalous baron’s heart and nurture her growing feelings for him. She was determined to turn this engagement into a love match before they married.
That afternoon, she dressed with care, choosing her prettiest day dress, a pale green, sprigged muslin gown trimmed with deeper green satin. The ribbons dangled down the front and a sash in back tied into a bow. She had Louise take extra care with her hair. Taking perfume, she dabbed it on the sides of her neck and again on her wrists, and for extra measure, she added some to her modest cleavage. She had never spent this much time getting ready in her life. Of course, she had never set out to make a man fall in love with her either.
When she stepped into the drawing room, Andrew had his back to her. She surveyed his male assets, looking through new eyes. His broad shoulders filled a dark blue jacket, which nipped in at his trim waist, and his powerful-looking thighs were encased in buff breeches. He had a long, lean, muscular frame, giving him a powerful yet graceful physique. A flicker of something settled in the pit of her stomach. An odd feeling she believed must be sexual desire. She had felt it before when he kissed her, and now she reveled in the sensation.
He must have heard her because he turned around and met her gaze. One thing she particularly liked about Andrew was his immaculate grooming. Not a strand of his red-gold hair was out of place. His snowy white cravat was tied in a perfect mail coach knot. His deep sapphire vest brought out the brilliant blue of his eyes. Andrew was a very handsome man, indeed, and he would belong to her—heart and soul. She would make it happen.
Slowly walking forward, allowing her hips to sway a bit, she offered him her hand. He raised it to his lips, and then kissed it, while looking deeply into her eyes. She had to keep from shivering under the intensity of his gaze.
“You look particularly lovely today, my dear. Something looks different. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s very alluring.”
Kathleen laughed softly, and then she smiled, thrilled that her plan seemed to be working already.
She coyly replied, “I’m just glad you’ve returned. I’ve missed our afternoon drives. I hope the repairs are progressing well at Hatton Manor.”
Andrew offered her his arm, and she slipped her hand through it. “I will tell you all about it on our drive. Shall we depart, my lovely lady?”
With a slow—and what she hoped was seductive—nod of her head, he guided her out and helped her into his phaeton. Once he sat beside her, instead of staying as far away as possible as she had on their past trips to the park, she deliberately allowed her thigh to brush his.
Giving her an appraising look, he commented, “You’re full of surprises this afternoon. Normally you try to distance yourself to the point I’ve feared you would fall out of your seat. But today, you’re settled comfortably and relaxed beside me. I like that.”
She never realized the power she could exert over him until now, and it felt quite titillating. “We’re engaged. In a few short weeks we shall be husband and wife. I’ve decided it’s time I relax around you.”
“I’m pleased, my sweet. Very pleased indeed.” He picked up the reins, and with a flick of his wrist, they were off. The heavy traffic impeded their progress. He weaved around wagons and carts unloading goods to be carried to the kitchens belonging to townhouses lining the street. It seemed so odd to her that in England the kitchens were in the basements. Finally, they made it to the entrance to Hyde Park. As was his custom, he parked his phaeton, and his tiger ran to the front to hold the horses.
After he helped her from the vehicle, they promenaded along the path where a profusion of blue impatiens and pink English daisies, purple asters and white peonies lined the walkway. The scent of the spring flowers wafted around them, and Kathleen felt there was no place lovelier than London in the spring on a beautiful, sunny day.
Holding his arm as if her life depended on it, she urged, “Tell me about Hatton Manor. I want to hear everything.”
Andrew looked taken aback when she slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow as if she’d done it dozens of times before. Although, she had never willingly touched him so casually in the past.
He cleared his throat, then laid his hand on top of hers. “Mr. Herron has made amazing progress. The foreman he suggested is excellent. He’s able to get a tremendous amount of work from the crew I hired. Mr. Herron told me we should be finished by the seventeenth. I’m going back the middle of next week to check on everything. I shall only be gone a few days, as long as everything is still on track.”
“You wrote that your mother came. How did she take it when she saw the damage?”
He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “Just as I expected. My mother is quite high-strung, so she became hysterical. She lamented the loss of the artwork most. Some of the pieces were priceless and can never be replaced. Her family silver is ruined beyond repair, all the crystal and dinnerware which has been in her family for hundreds of years, everything gone.”
Kathleen stroked his hand resting on hers. It felt nice, the physical touching. She could get used to that. “I’m sorry. No wonder she was devastated.”
He sighed. “This time, my mother had a reason for her histrionics. Although, she doesn’t need much to set her off. I’ve seen her in a rage over something as simple as a lost earbob.”
“She does seem high-strung,” she commiserated. “Of course, I know my mother would be desolate if she lost so much, especially if my father’s library was damaged. My father had books from all parts of the world.”
With a look of astonishment on his face, he asked, “How did he do that? I would not think there would be many bookstores in, what did you say the name of your town is?”
She tried to hide her irritation. Andrew didn’t mean to be condescending. He was curious. The English seemed to think all Americans lived in log cabins and lacked education.
“Baltimore,” she replied, and then added testily, “and there are several fine booksellers there. However, my father captained his own ship. He collected most of them on his voyages.”
“I should have figured your father was a man of the sea since Alex was one. Tell me, why did your father collect books of all things? It doesn’t fit my image of a sea captain.”
She removed her arm and stopped, then placed her hands on her hips. “My father was a highly educated man,” she huffed, “and he spoke several languages.”
“I’m sure he was very intelligent,” he told her in a contrite tone. “Please forgive me. I meant no offense.”
Slightly mollified, she again took his arm, and they resumed walking. “I believe I told you my grandfather went to Oxford. He taught my father everything he had learned there.”
Andrew led her to a park bench nearby. “Please, sit. Since you mentioned your grandfather, tell me how they ended up in America.”
She took her seat, folding her hands in her lap. “After he graduated, he returned to Ireland and convinced my grandmother to elope to Scotland. My father told me wonderful stories of their mad dash to Gretna Green with my grandmother’s father hot on their heels. When the earl found them, it was too late, they were married. He disowned my grandmother on the spot, and then when they went to my grandfather’s family, they did the same. That’s when they migrated to America.”
“This is fascinating. I guess I should have realized your family had originally come from England with a name like Hawks. Did your grandfather become a sea captain?”
“Oh, no,” she lau
ghed, “he taught school, but since they settled along the coast, my father fell in love with the sea. From what he told me, his father opposed his choice. In the end my father turned him around to his way of thinking.”
Once they were seated, Andrew put his arm along the back of the bench, brushing her shoulder as he did it. Kathleen felt prickles of sensation dance across her skin. Now that she had decided to fall in love with him, his slightest touch seemed to affect her even more than before.
“I assume since your father sailed the high seas that’s why your brother went into shipping. It must be in his blood.”
“Actually,” she replied, “that wasn’t what Alex had in mind at all. He loved books and learning. He had graduated from Harvard with a law degree and had recently set up his practice when Papa died. Since my family had heavily invested their wealth in the shipping company, Alex had to take over, or we would have lost it all. You know I’ve told you about my family, but I know very little of yours.”
A pensive look came over Andrew’s face. He hesitated, then spoke, “You already know my mother and I don’t get along, so I shan’t bore you with the details. My father rarely spent any time at home while I grew to adulthood. There’s no other way to say this; my father was a philandering scoundrel. I know this sounds terrible…I was relieved when he died. I blame him for the way my mother is. I rarely talk of this. Let’s just say I didn’t grow up in an affectionate home and leave it at that.”
Kathleen’s heart ached for the sad little boy Andrew must have been. She had never realized how fortunate she was to have two loving parents. Feeling they needed a change in conversation, she told him about running into Renwick in the park, and she soon had him sharing amusing stories regarding his friends.
After he dropped her off, Kathleen went to her room to get ready for dinner. While dressing, she went over the conversation she’d had with Andrew, and her heart warmed at the layers of his character he had shown her. She felt closer to him, and believed they’d made some progress toward a growing affection. If all continued along as it had today, she felt confident he would begin to fall in love with her.
Yes, a very good day.
CHAPTER TEN
After dropping Kathleen off, Andrew reflected on their outing. She seemed much friendlier than ever before and very alluring. Some of the looks they had exchanged sizzled, sending blood rushing to his loins. He was glad they had talked more of her family, and he strongly suspected she was connected to the Hawks family in Ambleside. He hoped his solicitor would confirm that soon.
It would be Kathleen’s decision, but he hoped she would want to meet them. It would give her and her brother legitimate ties to a member of the gentry and go a long way in smoothing her acceptance with the great dames of society, not that he cared one way or the other what they thought. However, he did want Kathleen to feel comfortable in her new role as his Baroness.
Instead of growing more anxious as the wedding drew near, he found himself looking forward to their marriage. And not just because of his sexual attraction either.
After his confrontation with his mother, he had to keep her away from Kathleen. He only prayed she would refrain from telling everyone of her displeasure. He had made it perfectly clear she was not to interfere in any way.
If his mother came in contact with Kathleen, she would surely say hurtful things to her. Now that his intended seemed more receptive toward him, he did not want the baroness saying anything to ruin their fragile alliance.
Even though the season would be at its peak at the time of their wedding, it would be best to take her to Grainger Hall, instead of staying in London. His mother never traveled to Dorset, especially during the season.
Yes, that would be the best thing to do. If he wanted to take Kathleen there, the repairs to Hatton Manor must be finished, so they could leave. He would offer a bonus to Herron if he completed the work by the fourteenth.
With no plans for the evening, Andrew decided to find Renwick and Effinger to see if they wanted to go to the new gaming hell that had recently opened. He found his friends at his club, and they enthusiastically agreed to his plans. He spent an enjoyable evening and only imbibed enough spirits to feel relaxed. Since he had a meeting with his solicitor the next morning, he made it an early night and arrived home by two in the morning.
The next two days passed by at a fast clip. He met with his solicitor regarding his plans to invest in Hawks Shipping, and took care of some business pertaining to Grainger Hall. There was no news regarding his inquiries into the Hawks family yet.
Even though his days were hectic, he still made time to take Kathleen to the park. He believed they had grown much closer, and she appeared to be more comfortable with him touching her. In fact, now when they sat on the park bench he held hands with her, lacing their fingers in a more intimate way.
His courtship progressed nicely. He now believed she would be ready to make love on their wedding night. His desire only grew stronger every time they were together. In fact, he’d had a hard time hiding the effect she had on him. They were attending the opera tonight, and he planned to have a few minutes alone with her. His need to caress and kiss her had grown fierce. He wanted to see if her ardor had increased as much as his had for her.
When he arrived at Chilton House shortly before seven o’clock, the butler showed him to the drawing room, and Kathleen sat on the sofa, and alone. She stood when he entered and moved toward him with a soft smile on her beautiful, heart-shaped face.
Andrew stepped forward, took her offered hands and raised them to his lips, while meeting her gaze. Her luminous green eyes glowed with what looked like anticipation. “Good evening, my sweet. You look ravishing tonight. You should wear green all the time.”
He pulled her into his arms, lifted her chin and gently kissed her lips. Before deepening the kiss, he waited to see how she would respond. Her mouth softened, molding to his. Desire shot through him. When she parted her lips to let him in, his tongue swept into the depths of her sweet mouth. Her hands meandered their way to the back of his neck, and she toyed with his hair. He ran a trail of kisses from her mouth to her ear, tasting her along the way. As he nuzzled her slender neck, her sweet, floral scent teased his nose, driving his pent up desire even higher.
Pulling her closer, and his hands roamed lower. He cupped her bottom and pressed her against him. Her slight gasp let him know she felt his hardening cock. He returned to her mouth and plunged his tongue inside again. Kathleen softly moaned, and soon their tongues were dueling for dominance. Her breathing grew shallow.
He slipped his hand inside the bodice of her low cut gown, touching the plump mound of her breast. The feel of her soft skin ratcheted up his desire. Realizing where they were, and that someone could walk in at any minute, he reluctantly broke their passionate kiss and released her.
Curious, he asked, “Where did you learn to kiss like that?”
Blushing, she whispered, “I don’t know. You’re the first man I’ve ever truly kissed.”
“Didn’t William–I think that’s his name–ever kiss you?”
“Once,” she murmured. “The night he asked me to marry him, his lips fleetingly brushed mine. Nothing to compare…to your kisses.”
He smiled slowly. “Your inexperience pleases me. I want to be the one to teach you passion. After we’re married, of course.”
Even more color rose in Kathleen’s cheeks. “I want you to be the one as well, but I agree, not until we’re husband and wife.”
Hearing steps in the entryway, they moved apart, as her mother entered the room. Mrs. Hawks narrowed her eyes. “When did you arrive, Lord Billingsley?”
Andrew moved toward her. “Good evening, Mrs. Hawks. I arrived a moment ago. I just told Kathleen how lovely she looks tonight. Are you looking forward to this evening’s performance?”
Still looking suspicious, but for the moment, placated, Mrs. Hawks replied, “With great anticipation, I’ve heard the London opera is superb.”
&nb
sp; As they continued to discuss the upcoming entertainment, the duke and duchess joined them. After dinner, Andrew escorted Kathleen and her mother to his carriage. Their graces followed in their own coach. When they arrived at the Royal Opera House, they followed the ducal couple to their box.
As the performance played out on the stage, he watched his future bride. Her delight clearly showed on her face. Her radiant beauty stole his breath. While he hadn’t planned to marry for years, he did want to care for his wife. A warm glow spread through his body as he continued to watch her. Leaning against his seat, he took her small, delicate hand and laced their fingers as they continued watching the opera.
When the performance ended, he returned Kathleen and her mother to Chilton House. He went home and once he settled back in his bed, he fell asleep dreaming of the beautiful American girl…who was beginning to steal his heart.
****
Kathleen awoke to sunlight filtering through the lace curtains. She watched the tiny particles of dust dancing in the air. Her maid had already opened the heavier drapes, allowing the sunshine in. England had so many dull, cloudy days, she relished it when the sun shone bright and warmed the ground. Today’s drive would be splendid. Then she remembered, there would be no trip to Hyde Park and her spirits fell.
Andrew had left for Kent to check on the progress at Hatton Manor. She’d grown accustomed to seeing him each day. Even though he only planned to be away for a few days, she would miss him.
Whenever they were together, marvelous sensations coursed through her. They’d had no opportunity for kissing since the night they attended the opera, but he’d touched her often. Whether holding her hand, or draping his arm along the bench they used in Hyde Park, each time it sent delicious frissons of desire through her. She hoped her campaign to win his heart was working, because she grew fonder of him each time they were together.
