by Cecilia Rene
“I don’t know why I must follow propriety in front of Mother Di. Soon, we will be family,” Julia huffed out, placing food on her plate, ignoring the look her aunt gave her.
Livie ignored Julia, seeing the signs of a temper tantrum. She was accustomed to her cousin’s moods and hoped they would lesson once she was married.
Before Julia could continue on her rant, a footman came in carrying the mail on a silver tray and set it beside Mother Di. The tray was filled with letters and the gossips. Mother Di picked up the items, sorted through them, and passed Livie a letter then discarded the others to the side and picked up the gossip sheet.
“Di, you have the gossips delivered to Essex?” Lady Hempstead inquired.
Mother Di nodded. “I like to know what is being said in London. There is always news, even if it is not the best and it’s late.”
Livie turned the letter over to find the Karrington seal gleaming at her. Her heartbeat increased. It had been so long since she heard from Remington. Not wanting to delay a moment longer, she opened the letter and released it from its confines with shaky hands.
Her starving eyes roamed his neat penmanship greedily.
My Darling,
Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
Thinking of you, my Livie. I will return to London immediately.
Yours, Always,
Remington.
“That must be some letter. You’ve hardly breathed since you opened it,” Julia said.
“I’m breathing,” Livie whispered, feeling the heat on her cheeks as she neatly folded the letter and put it away in her dress pocket.
They continued eating as Mother Di read over the gossips. Livie eyed the small breakfast room in awe, imagining it filled with children running around, while her and Remington enjoyed breakfast. A smile graced her lips as walks to the beach and nights playing chess filled her mind.
“Oh, dear!” Mother Di’s loud voice caused every head to turn toward her.
“What is it? Surely it can’t be about Livie and the duke? We’ve escaped London to avoid the gossips.” Lady Hempstead leaned over, eagerly looking down at the paper.
“What does it say?” Livie sat up, anxious to know what was being said about her.
Her mother gazed up from the paper. “More gossip on Lady Evers and her supposed child. To even suggest such a thing is unheard of. I now know why we’ve never been to town before.”
“It seems as if there is proof the child is hers. One of her maids has confirmed it.” Mother Di’s eyes were glued to the sheet. “Goodness.” She dropped the paper as if it had burned her, her hand covering her mouth.
Lady Hempstead took the paper scanning it furiously until her own eyes widened.
“I believe the child is hers, but what concern is it of anyone’s, really?” Livie asked, remembering the beautiful babe outside the dress shop and Lady Evers’s confession to her.
“Livie, it’s unheard of and scandalous. Can you imagine the spectacle it’s going to cause at my wedding?” Julia’s voice shook with outrage.
“I believe there is more at risk than that.” Mother Di finally said, her face pale.
“Whatever do you mean?” Livie asked, concerned.
“My darling … Please know that it is just speculation, but the paper has listed a number of gentlemen that could be the father of Lady Evers’s child. The duke is among the list.” Her mother’s voice was kind and unwavering.
All the breath in her lungs seemed to have left Livie. Surely a paper wouldn’t be so cruel as to actually name men and ruin their lives. It couldn’t be true. She stood urgently and took hold of the paper.
She scanned the names of the five gentlemen listed. At the very bottom, directly after the Earl of Windchester, Remington’s title stood out among the others:
The Duke of Karrington
Her breakfast lodged in her throat. She had to leave before it threatened to return in front of everyone.
“Excuse me.” She dropped the paper and rushed out of the breakfast room into the hall. When she turned the corner of the main hallway, she collided with something hard. Strong arms settled around her.
“Sweetheart? What is the matter?” Remington’s deep voice was out of a dream. She must be hallucinating. There was no way he could be there, wrapping her in his arms, right when she needed him most.
She needed him to say the paper was a lie. Looking up into his crisp blue eyes brought an immediate calm over her. Remington really was there.
“What … What are you doing here? I thought you were still in Norwich.” She tried to back away so that she could hide her tears, but he wasn’t having any of that as his hands cupped her cheek.
He wiped at a tear she hadn’t realized she shed. It was as if all of her fears were coming true.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” he teased before kissing her lips.
She knew the kiss was supposed to be chaste. But from the moment their lips touched, a desperate need seemed to have taken over both of them. They clung to one another, making up for their time apart.
Suddenly, she didn’t care about the atrocious article, and its insinuations, for she knew when they were like this, that Remington was hers and hers alone. Livie’s fingers went to his nape, pulling him closer. His arms encircled her tighter. She wanted to forget about the paper.
“Livie?”
“Olivia?”
The muffled voices called in search of her. But coming through her kiss-ridden mind, she didn’t care; she just wanted him.
Remington released her just as the footsteps grew closer.
Livie turned to her mother, heat and embarrassment spreading through her at the thought of being discovered in such an act.
Three shocked faces stared at her. Julia, her mother, and Mother Di all stood gaping.
“Your Grace … w-what a surprise,” her mother stuttered, making the situation infinitely more embarrassing as she tried to hide the gossip sheet.
How does Lady O feel about the Bachelor Duke possibly being the father of Lady E’s child? It’s bound to come out sooner or later, who the father really is.
Remington cleared his throat, aware of what they must look like. He had been so desperate to see Livie that after he saw his solicitor and requested a special license for them to marry, he had immediately set off to Essex. He had to see her, had to ask her the question that had been building since the first day he saw her. She would be his wife, promptly, if he had anything to say about it.
Once at the house, he had practically sprinted in like a boy, not saying a word to his servants, just going in search of his Livie. Finding her distraught caused him pain. A kiss meant to soothe her seemed to have taken off on its own course, a fact that pleased him very much if it wasn’t for their audience.
“Ladies, forgive my interruption. I thought I would come and escort you all back to London.” He pulled his jacket down, trying to hide his discomfort.
“We were just having breakfast.” Lady Hempstead huffed out a breath as she held the gossip paper in her hand.
Remington eyed her, his gaze locked on the sheet in her clutched grasp.
“I’m afraid the gossips have arrived.” A worry crease formed between his mother’s brows, one he hadn’t seen since his father was alive.
Livie shifted uncomfortably at the mention of the gossips. She nervously chewed her bottom lip, her eyes red from her tears.
“What was said?” His voice was harsh, his eyes never leaving his intended.
“Perhaps you would like to freshen up first?” Mother Di gave him a sad smile.
“No, I would very much like to know what has upset Lady Olivia.” He reached out his hand to Lady Hempstead, silently asking for the paper.
She handed it to him before she turned to Julia. “Come along. L
et’s prepare for our walk.”
“I really must stay with Livie—”
“Julia!” Lady Hempstead’s voice raised a fraction, causing her niece to jump before scurrying away.
“Lady Olivia, please find us when you are done with the duke.” Her mother bowed her head before following Julia.
Mother Di looked at her son, who took Livie by the elbow and led her into the adjacent library. His touch caused Livie to visibly relax, the tension in her shoulders disappearing quickly.
“It’s just gossip,” Mother Di said simply, trying to excuse the papers as she followed them into the room.
Remington’s eyes widened and his jaw tightened as he scanned the sheet. “Trash!” He threw the paper across the room, causing Livie to jump slightly. “How dare they ruin people’s lives like this! To name possible fathers.”
“Yes, it’s abominable, but we know there is no truth to any of it.” Mother Di eyed Livie, who remained quiet. “Don’t we?”
Livie gave Mother Di a small smile, her eyes shifting nervously.
“Mother, may I speak with Lady Olivia alone?” Remington gave his mother a pleading look.
“Of course.” Mother Di left the room, closing the door behind her.
Livie walked to the window; the drapes were opened to reveal the grounds that overlooked the sea. Remington watched her carefully before he joined her. His arms wrapped around her shoulders, enveloping her in his embrace.
She leaned her head back against his shoulder, letting out a shaky sigh. “I’m sorry I reacted in such away.” Her voice broke a little.
He gently turned her around to face him. “You have nothing to be sorry about.” He cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry that it upset you. But you must know, I have never had any personal relationship with Lady Evers, aside from being her brother’s closest friend.”
He wanted to tell her that him and the lady could hardly stand each other. They had a difference of opinion on gossips and propriety.
Livie let out a sigh of frustration. “I know, it’s just when we saw Lady Evers at the ball, and I saw her at the dress shop before we came here, she seemed to be familiar with you.”
Livie took a step away, creating space between them. Remington cleared his throat and gestured to the sofa. She walked over and took a seat but refused to look at him.
Kneeling down in front of her, he held her hands in his, bending to brush soft kisses against her knuckles. “Livie, I swear to you there is no truth in that article. I only have eyes for you,” he whispered staring into her eyes.
“I just don’t understand how they can print such a thing if there is no connection.” Her voice was quiet as she stared over at the chessboard in the corner.
Remington stood taking the seat beside her, before he took her hands again. He intertwined his fingers with hers, trying to reassure her of his innocence. “Sweetheart, I don’t want there to be any discord between us. I became familiar with Lady Evers last season. We were often thrown together as she and Heartford formed a relationship. There were jokes, and we did become familiar with each other’s company, but nothing more.” He took a breath, his eyes locking with hers. “The lady and I often did not agree on her lifestyle. As you know, I deplore gossip, and she seemed to shine in it, especially with the freedom she has as a widow. Other than that, there is no connection between us, especially one where I would father her child—”
Livie leaned into him, squeezing his hand. “I never thought such a thing. I was just unsure of how familiar she was with you.”
“Rest assured, no one is as familiar with me as you, Livie.” He pulled her to him so that she was on his lap.
“Good,” she whispered before her lips captured his in a searing kiss.
His fingers gripped the nape of her neck, deepening their connection, while his other arm wrapped tightly around her waist. “My God, I’ve missed you,” he whispered urgently against the base of her neck.
“Yes,” she called out as he lavished the sensitive area with his tongue. “I’ve missed you too,” she mewled as his teeth nipped at her skin.
Her fingers found a home in his hair, pulling him closer to her. He massaged and kneaded one full breast, while trailing kisses down the column of her throat. She arched her neck giving him greater access to her delicate skin.
Remington growled out in frustration as he lifted her up and then laid her down on the sofa. Livie stared at him in round-eyed surprise as she watched him remove his waistcoat.
Taking her by the hand, he kissed a slow trail starting at her fingertips, “You are …” he began before continuing up the long span of her arm, “… the only woman …” He stopped at the crook of her elbow, eliciting a giggle. Her gray eyes were warm and welcoming. “… that I want …” He moved up her body, spreading his larger frame on top of her, propping up on his elbows so that he wouldn’t crush her. Wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, he pulled her toward him, his lips hovering over hers, their eyes locked in a heated gaze. “… now and always.”
His lips ravished hers hungrily; his tongue plundered her mouth like a greedy pirate searching for treasure. Remington pulled down the bust of her dress, freeing her bosom. He released her mouth, trailing heated kisses down her magnificent flesh.
He had dreamed of her body every day they were apart, and now, he couldn’t contain himself any longer.
“Remington,” she moaned out in pleasure, her head pressed into the embroidered cushion.
He took the pebbled pink flesh into his mouth, swirling his tongue around one perfect nipple. Reaching down with one hand, he began lifting the edges of her skirts. Livie gripped the muscles of his arms as his fingers trailed up the bare skin of her leg to the opening of her pantalettes.
She quivered beneath him when he touched her sensitive flesh. Her response emboldened him to part the folds of her sex, dipping in and out, tracing a slow delicious trail to the sensitive ball of nerves.
God, he wanted her more than he had ever wanted anyone in his life. His lips slowly traced from her jaw to the shell of her ear. “You’re mine, Livie,” his voice sounded husky to his ears as his fingers circled and dipped. Her walls closed around his fingers.
“Oh, yes! Yours.” Livie moaned.
He continued to ravish her swollen breast, licking and sucking, while his two fingers filled her over and over. “Let go, Livie,” he begged. She tightened and then exploded around him.
Remington covered her lips with his, so in awe of her beauty while in the throes of pleasure. His mouth slanted over hers, wanting nothing more than to take her right there in the library, everyone be damned. “And I am yours.” His voice was soft as he removed his fingers from her sex.
His eyes searched hers, and he saw trust, absolute devotion, and—
“You’re mine,” she whispered, reaching up again and kissing him softly.
His heart soared in his chest because he knew that soon, they would belong to each other—forever.
The duchess’s rooms at Talbert Abbey were large and beautiful, made for royalty. The entire room was covered in light furnishings and drapes that reminded her of the color of a light peach.
She glanced around, trying to avoid the insistent questions and stares from Abigail and Julia. Livie was preparing to go on a walk with Remington. However, what she really wanted was more of what occurred in the library. She had never in her entire life experienced anything like that, and she did not know what to think of it.
A knock on the door on the far side of the wall shocked all three ladies. Abigail quickly went over to answer, finding a shocked duke standing on the other side.
“Your Grace,” she said, dipping a curtsy.
“Ladies, I was in search of Lady Olivia, and I heard voices.” He looked at Livie, causing heat to blossom in her cheeks as she remembered the delicious ways he had tortured her body. “Are you staying in here?” he asked.
“Yes, Mother Di insisted. I’m sure she did not expect you to join us. Perhaps we can have
another room prepared for me?” she asked nervously, not sure how he would react to her being in his mother’s room.
“No, that will not be necessary. It’s fitting.” The last part was whispered as he walked over to her and offered her his arm. “Shall we go for our walk?”
“Y-yes,” she stuttered, feeling butterflies dance in her belly after being so intimate in the library.
“Did you see Henry while you were in town?” Julia prattled on behind them as she and Abigail followed them out of the room.
“I’m afraid I did not. Once I arrived, I had urgent business to attend, and then I had the urge to see Lady Olivia.” Remington looked down at Livie, his eyes twinkling in mischief.
“Oh, that is just the sweetest. I wish Henry had the same urge,” Julia practically whined as they walked down the stairs where Lady Hempstead and Mother Di were waiting.
“Abigail, you do not have to walk with Lady Olivia and His Grace today.” Her mother smiled, sharing a look with Mother Di.
Abigail gave her a nod before going back up the stairs.
Once outside, Livie and Remington parted from the others, her arm around his, ignoring the whispers and giggles behind them.
“What do you suppose they are up to?” she asked Remington, who was leading her down a trail toward the back of the property. The women seemed to have been conspiring all morning after catching her in his arms.
“Who knows?” He intertwined his fingers with hers. “Are you enjoying Talbert Abbey?”
“It’s so beautiful, Remington, and the view from my room is breathtaking. Waking up to the sea has been divine. I love it here.” The visit had only been made better by his arrival.
The path led to a clearing that overlooked the sea and the sandy beaches below. He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her to him. “I’m glad you love it here. It was my mother’s favorite place. I wanted you to see it.”
A cool breeze from the sea swept past them, and Livie nuzzled closer, basking in his presence. “I’m glad you suggested to Father that we escape the city. It’s now my second favorite place in the world.” She kissed the underside of his jaw, enjoying their closeness.
