by Vikki Vaught
Then Kathleen’s innocent green eyes had flashed through his mind. He immediately told Noreen he was not interested in having an affair, not now or in the future, but she didn’t believe him. She told him that when he got tired of playing house to come see her.
He took the sanctity of marriage seriously after what his mother had endured at the hands of his debauched father. That was why he had decided he wouldn’t marry until he was much older.
God, I’m only twenty-four.
That was entirely too young for marriage, but he’d had to; his honor demanded it. Besides, he’d probably be a dead man by now. If not the duke, then her brother would have called him out for sure, if he had not offered marriage when he embroiled his sister in a scandal.
Damn it!
Why am I thinking these negative thoughts?
His will was strong enough to resist any temptation. He’d already proven he was a better man than his father in so many ways. He would not allow himself to fail. He would be faithful to his wedding vows, if it was the last thing he ever did.
Then he pictured Kathleen as she had looked in the church earlier and all his doubts flew away. She’d glowed in that ivory gown. There was such innocence in her beautiful green eyes as she had said her vows with so much conviction in her voice. He believed she’d meant every word. Regardless of how this came about, they would build a lasting marriage. He wanted to set a good example for his children, completely different from the horrendous example his father had set. Together, they would raise their offspring to be honorable men and women.
However, while he realized he needed an heir eventually, he hoped to put that off for a few years. He wasn’t in any hurry to become a father. After all, they were both young, especially Kathleen. She was only eighteen.
Glancing at the clock again, the time had arrived for him to go to his bride. Andrew went to the door separating their rooms and knocked to let her know he was coming in. When he opened the door, he looked over at the bed. Kathleen wasn’t in it. She stood by the window, looking at the sky. Her fine lawn night rail clung to her body, so sheer, he could see all her generous curves. For a petite woman, her hips were beautifully rounded. He could probably encircle her waist with his two hands. Desire coursed through him, knowing she would soon be his in the fullest sense of the word.
He walked over to her. “What are you looking at?”
She smiled at him, her green eyes glowing. “The starlit sky. I’d love to look at it through your telescope. Since we’re not leaving tomorrow, may we star gaze tomorrow night?”
Pulling her back against his chest, he whispered, “Certainly, my dear. It would be my pleasure. Hmm, you smell divine, like a spring garden.” He pushed her long blonde tresses to the side and kissed the nape of her neck. She sighed and turned to face him. He lowered his mouth and captured her lips in a gentle kiss, keeping his passion well in check.
As she responded, he deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue between her luscious lips. Her exploration of his mouth, sent tremors of desire racing through his veins. Blood rushed to his loins, and his shaft began to harden. Not wanting to scare her, he gently scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, then sat her on the edge.
“Let me blow out some of these candles and turn down the lamp.”
He sensed she would be more comfortable without too much light. He did leave the wall sconces lit, since they cast a luminous glow over her pale skin. He returned to the bed and stood in front of her. She looked at him with trepidation in her eyes.
“Are you frightened?” he asked. “I promise to take it slow. If you don’t like something, tell me and I shall stop.”
“I’m not scared; I’m nervous.”
Giving her a reassuring smile, he pulled back the covers. “Lie back on the pillows, I’m going to get in beside you.”
Kathleen scooted over the satin sheets, making room for him. He slid in, then pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. Then, he ran his hand down her back, using gentle strokes. Lifting her chin, he tenderly kissed her, keeping his mouth soft, even though he wanted to ravish her sweet-tasting lips. He probed with his tongue into the recesses of her delectable mouth.
His hand roamed to the orb of her breast, teasing her nipple through the fine lawn gown. As he continued kissing her, he released the front row of buttons, one at a time, slowly revealing her pearlescent skin an inch at a time. Her breasts weren’t large. They had dainty deep pink nipples with pale freckles scattered across the plump mounds. He was enchanted by them. Her breast filled his hand to perfection. Hardening further at the beautiful sight, he trailed feather light kisses across her cheek to the skin right below her ear and licked, tasting the slight saltiness of her skin.
Andrew listened to the cadence of her breathing, allowing it to tell him whether she was ready for him to continue his exploration. When he heard a slight catch, he smiled as he kissed his way to her taut nipple. As he sucked it into his mouth, she moaned.
“Ah, you like that, do you not? Let’s see if you like this.”
He slowly raised her gown to her waist and slipped his hand between her slender thighs, finding her hidden treasure. He played her like the violin she loved so much, stroking her bud of desire until a sigh escaped her lips. Her core wept as he slid his middle finger inside her tight passage. It took all his control to beat back the need to sink deep inside her sheath.
Thank God he’d had the foresight to relieve some of his pent-up passion. While he still felt guilt over his behavior, it enabled him to take it slow, to bring her pleasure before seeking his own.
She arched her back, thrusting her pelvis, trying to get closer to his probing fingers. He lightly pinched the center of her womanhood, and she let out a high, keening sound as she flew over the edge into ecstasy. He slowed his stroking, giving her a chance to come back to earth. As she lay there completely sated, he spread her thighs wider and moved in between them. His rock hard cock probed her portal and she stiffened. He’d wanted her so sated she would not feel any pain.
Trying to mitigate her fear, he murmured, “Relax, my sweet.”
She breathlessly replied, “I’ll try.”
Capturing her lips with his, he nibbled and stroked her tongue until he felt the tension ease. He slipped the tip of his cock inside and stopped to give her time to accept him. Slowly, inch by inch, he pushed into her incredibly tight channel, until the tip of his shaft hit her virgin’s barrier. As he pushed through, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, stifling her cry of pain.
“I know it hurts, dearheart. Take a deep breath and the pain will ease.”
When he felt her body soften and open up, he began to slowly stroke in and out, going deeper with each penetration. She moaned and clasped her hands around his neck as she passionately kissed him, winding her surprisingly long legs around his hips, pulling him to her. Sensing she was near her second release, he stroked faster and faster, reaching for that pinnacle of pleasure. Just when he felt he couldn’t hold back any longer, she cried out, and then he allowed his seed to erupt deep inside her body.
He buried his head in the side of her neck, taking deep ragged gasps of air one right after another, as her light floral scent assailed his senses. Never had he felt such explosive pleasure before. Rolling to the side, he pulled her with him, and she lay limply across his chest, as short little pants escaped her lips. Slowly their breathing evened out, and she sighed, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Andrew held her for a long time, enjoying the feel of her sweet body in his arms. All his muscles relaxed and his eyes grew heavy. In the region where his heart resided, he felt love flicker into a flame and spread. He would protect his wife and keep her safe until the end of time. Feeling a wealth of hope pervade his soul, he slipped off into the land of dreams, holding the woman who had begun to capture his heart.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Kathleen awoke as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. Strong arms encircled her midriff and pull
ed her against a rock hard, male body. She felt something hard probing her bottom. All the marvelous sensations she’d felt the night before, came rushing back. Andrew moved, so he had awakened as well.
He huskily whispered in her ear, “Good morning, dearheart. Roll over, I want to give you a kiss.”
Keeping her eyes tightly closed, too embarrassed to meet his gaze, she turned toward him, and he captured her mouth in a kiss that left her reeling. His hands roamed along her back as he pulled her closer. Suddenly, she realized her gown was around her waist, and his bare skin pressed against hers.
He murmured, “I don’t think we need this anymore,” and he lifted her night rail, pulled it over her head, and dropped it on the Aubusson carpet. Her heart pounded as he licked his way to her nipple and gently suckled it. Incredible tingles flitted across her skin.
He lazily nibbled his way to her belly, stopping to swirl his tongue around her navel, and then he moved lower. Surely, he would stop? Then he nuzzled her curls and licked across something that caused flames to burn a path to the very core of her being. She gasped as he probed her flesh. His fingers spread her folds to give him better access. Each stroke, each touch, escalated the pinpricks of sensation, sensations beyond anything she’d ever thought possible. Her body tingled everywhere, even the tips of her fingers. Her heart pounded and her breath caught with every swipe of his tongue. Pleasure raced through her as he sucked on that part of her she’d had no idea was so sensitive. Glorious sensations sent her flying so high she felt as if she could touch the sky.
Grinning at her, he crawled up her body and slid between her thighs, entering her in one swift thrust. She’d expected pain again. While she did feel unbelievably full, she felt pleasure coursing through her veins as he began to stroke in and out of her body. She wrapped her hands around his back, raking her nails down it, reveling in the feel and the clean, sweaty scent of her husband. His firm, vigorous thrusts sent gooseflesh dancing along her inner thighs. Her breath came in short pants as he increased the pace.
Andrew groaned, then stiffened as something warm flooded her body. He rolled to his side, pulling her with him. He exhaled deeply and murmured, “Now, what a marvelous way to greet the day.” Then in a voice filled with remorse, he said, “I probably should have refrained from making love to you this morning. You’re bound to be sore.”
“Not at all. It felt marvelous,” she softly whispered. “I never realized making love would be so intense and fulfilling.”
He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “It’s never been this intense before you.” Then gathering her close, he rained soft butterfly kisses all over her face. “You’re so beautiful,” he crooned. “I shall never get enough of you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Placing a soft kiss in the middle of his damp chest, she murmured, “I feel the same.” Then she snuggled into the pit of his shoulder. Growing drowsy, she closed her eyes and fell into a deep, restful sleep.
Over the next two days, they spent all their time in her bed, only coming up for air a few times a day to eat. She’d never dreamed in a million years she’d enjoy intimacy so much. They also spent hours talking, and Andrew had her laughing so hard, her sides ached. When she fell into an exhausted sleep on Sunday night, her mind drifted to the many wonderful years ahead of them. While her marriage may have started out on the wrong foot, all had turned out better than she ever dreamed.
When she awakened on Monday morning, Andrew was gone. She could still smell his clean, woodsy scent on his pillow and she hugged it close, burying her face in the pillow. While Anissa had said making love was beautiful, she had not described how wonderful it would feel. Then she remembered what her new husband had done to her again this morning, and she blushed all over. When he had kissed her in such an intimate place, the most incredible sensations raced through every part of her body and filled her womanly flesh, sending her off into oblivion.
Curious, she flung back the covers and ran to her mirror. After what had happened over the weekend, surely she looked different. She certainly felt different. She examined her reflection, but she didn’t see anything changed. Thank goodness. She would not want people thinking about what she’d done over the past two days and again this morning. That was another thing. Did people actually do those things in the daylight? Was that normal?
Of course, her husband was a rakehell. Maybe only rakes made love during the day. Would he turn her into a wanton? Oh, she had so many questions she would like to ask. She would be too embarrassed to ask Andrew. Perhaps she could ask Anissa to explain it to her.
Yes, that’s what I will do.
Anissa will know the answers.
With that resolved in her mind, she rang for Louise. Time to start her day; it was already after ten o’clock. She never slept this late, even when she stayed out late at a ball. She looked over at the tousled sheets on the bed. Goodness, she didn’t want Louise to see her bed in such disarray. If she saw the sheets all twisted and turned like that, then she would guess what had happened. Of course, she had to know. They hadn’t left her room since their marriage, but her maid seeing the evidence was different somehow.
Kathleen went over and straightened the sheets, then neatly folded one side back the way her bed normally looked. Yes, much better. Going over to the dressing table, she pulled the brush through her unruly curls, trying to put them in some semblance of order.
A soft knock sounded on her door. Sure it had to be Louise, she called out, “Come in.”
Her maid came into the room with her breakfast tray. “Good morning, my lady. I brought you something to eat. Would you like a nice warm bath?”
Lord, I will never grow accustom to being called “my lady.”
Oh, well, I suppose I must allow it.
One thing she had learned since arriving in England, servants were touchy concerning protocol. It was vastly different from the way their employees acted in America. Back home, they were part of the family and quite outspoken. Here, servants were supposed to be invisible. She knew how well that would have gone over with Mina, their cook back home. As time passed, it would surely become easier.
Once Kathleen finished dressing, she went downstairs to find the butler. She wanted to send a missive to her mother and Anissa, letting them know she would be in town until they left for America. Oh, good Lord. They needed to meet with her brother and tell him about Sir Malcom Hawks. Although Andrew thought she was overreacting, she wasn’t. Alex would not take the news that he would become a baronet at some time in the future well at all.
The die was cast, and she had to live with her decision to seek out her English cousin. She hoped Alex would not blame her. While he could rile quickly, he also calmed down just as fast. He didn’t normally hold a grudge against her, or any of his family, for that matter.
She found the butler in the entryway. “I want to send a message to Chilton House. Where can I find some paper, Masters?”
The man bowed. “Good morning, Lady Billingsley. There is a desk in the family sitting room. If you will follow me, I will show you where it is, ma’am.”
Kathleen followed him down the hall and into a room. She was pleasantly surprised. It looked like their parlor back home, cozy and lived in. This would be her favorite room, with the rose-hued walls and the floral carpet covering the gleaming hardwood floors. A beautiful French desk filled the space between two mullioned windows, and a settee sat in front of the hearth with two overstuffed chairs on each end, turned so they faced each other. This would definitely be where she felt most content.
“Thank you, Masters, I shall be quite comfortable here. When I’ve finished writing my note, I will need you to send it for me.”
Showing her the bell pull, he told her, “Please ring when you’re ready, Madame. Would you like me to send in Mrs. Elwood, the housekeeper? She would like to meet with you to go over the day’s menus.”
Good Lord, I don’t know how to manage a household of this size.
I shall have to learn som
etime. It might as well start today.
“I shall meet with her in fifteen minutes, after I’ve written my letter. Oh, and Masters, could you arrange for some tea?”
“As you wish, your ladyship. I shall have it brought immediately.” Then bowing, he left the room.
Kathleen found the foolscap and quickly jotted off her missive. When the butler returned with a maid carrying the tea she had requested, she gave it to him. The servant set the tea on the table in front of the settee and left as well. Pouring a cup, she settled back against the sofa and took a sip of the lovely hot brew. A few minutes later, she heard a knock on the door.
“Please enter,” she called out.
Mrs. Elwood came in, then approached her and curtsied. “Good morning, Lady Billingsley. Chef Marcel prepared the menus for you.” She handed them to Kathleen. “After you approve them, I would be happy to show you the house, ma’am.”
“That would be lovely, Mrs. Elwood. I’ll look these over, and then we can begin the tour.” Kathleen looked at the menus. They were written in French. She knew some French, but not enough to read these.
Goodness, what am I going to do?
She would assume the chef knew Andrew’s preferences better than she, and go along with what he had suggested. After pretending to look the menus over, she handed them back to Mrs. Elwood. “These will do. Now, lead the way. I’m anxious to see the house.”
Mrs. Elwood led her to the kitchen. Chef Marcel accepted the menus and bowed. “Merci beaucoup. Vous avez aime les menus?”
She thought he had asked her if she liked the menus. Then using what little French she knew, she replied, “Oui, beaucoup. Bonjour.” She didn’t want to be rude, but she was getting in over her head. She turned to Mrs. Elwood. “Shall we continue the tour?”
“Certainly, my lady. If you will follow me, we’ll start the tour in the drawing room.”
Downstairs had the charming parlor, the formal rooms, a small breakfast nook, plus the library and her husband’s study, along with a delightful music room. Too bad it would be next year before she could have her violin. She missed it desperately. While the ballroom wasn’t large, they could still entertain guests. Upstairs, in addition to her rooms and Andrew’s, there were three more bedchambers. On the third floor, there was a nursery, a schoolroom, and two more sleeping chambers. The servants occupied the top floor.
