by Lisa Reisner
“I can’t wait. Emily tells the best ghost stories,” Olivia said with an exuberant smile.
The Brimleys had requested Olivia spend the night with them, so the girls would have a nice amount of time to spend together. Abigail assumed the girls would get very little sleep and eat an excessive amount of sweets, which in Abigail’s opinion was just what Olivia needed.
Olivia seemed to be improving every day, but Abigail felt it would be beneficial for Olivia to share some quality time with someone her own age. Marcus must have felt the same way because he easily gave his consent for Olivia to spend the evening with the Brimleys. After all, Marcus would have to be made of stone to refuse the eager look in Olivia’s eyes.
Marcus. Just the thought of his name made her dizzy with anticipation. It had been five long days since their evening of passion and her body ached with unfulfilled satisfaction. In truth, she was surprised he did not propose another sensual encounter for them. A part of her longed to knock on his door and recreate the ecstasy they had shared, but female pride had prevented her from doing anything of the sort.
She wondered if Marcus was turned off by her lack of experience or simply did not desire her intimate company for more than one night. Abigail knew she had physically pleased him, so she could not understand his sudden disinterest in her, but she was too proud to confront him on it. Lord Everton had another thing coming if he thought she was going to chase him around!
Besides, it was not as if she even had the opportunity. Except for a few passing glances, she had hardly seen him. He seemed to be preoccupied with work and spent last evening at the Crowley ball. Probably searching for his bride, no doubt, or worse, dancing with Tabitha Applewood.
Abigail sighed. She had not expected to feel so vulnerable or angry, and if she was being honest with herself, she had not expected to feel so lonely. Why did the other night mean everything to her and it clearly meant nothing to him? Perhaps Marcus got all he had wanted from her and now he was through?
Abigail shoved those questions aside when she was informed of the Brimleys’ arrival. She straightened the bow in Olivia’s hair and walked her down the stairs, which wasn’t any easy task given the fact that Olivia practically flew down the steps.
“Olivia!” Emily squealed.
Emily Brimley was simply adorable with two flaming red braids and a face full of freckles.
“Emily!” Olivia screeched.
“I couldn’t wait any longer to see you. I drove Momma batty until she promised to bring me to London.”
Emily and Olivia hugged and started to chatter away. Abigail smiled. It warmed her insides to see Olivia so cheerful. Apparently, a tiny eight-year-old girl had already stolen her heart. She had never felt so protective before; Abigail wanted to shield Olivia from any pain. Perhaps this is what it feels like to be someone’s mother?
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Brimley. I have heard such wonderful things about your daughter. I am Olivia’s governess,” Abigail said.
Mrs. Nancy Brimley was a plump brunette with a kind smile. “The pleasure is all ours. We are delighted to steal Olivia away for a short spell. The girls always have such fun together and Emily has missed Olivia terribly. It would be a crime to keep them apart and I promise to try my best to see they get some sleep.”
Abigail heard strong, self-assured footsteps behind her. She knew Marcus was there and her stomach felt like it was full of butterflies. Abigail hated that he had such a powerful effect on her.
“I highly doubt that will happen,” Marcus joked. “It is very nice to see you again, Mrs. Brimley.”
“We promise to try to get some rest, Uncle Marcus,” Olivia said with a giggle. She gave Marcus a kiss good-bye on the cheek and then turned serious. “You will be alright without me?”
Marcus laughed. “It will be very difficult, but I think I will manage one night without you, Olivia.”
Olivia wasn’t quite so pleased with his response. She gave Abigail a hug and spoke loudly enough for everyone to overhear. “Abigail, take good care of Uncle Marcus while I am away. He doesn’t seem quite like himself lately.”
Abigail tried her best not to blush. The last thing she wanted was for Mrs. Brimley to suspect anything. “I think your Uncle Marcus can take good care of himself.” She recognized a definite bite in her voice, caused by the fact that Marcus appeared not to need anyone, especially her, and it was beginning to vex her greatly. Damn this impossible man!
Marcus gave her an inquisitive stare and led the merry party outside. Abigail watched from the window as he helped them all into the carriage. He appeared so calm and composed, which was the polar opposite of her present state. A tiny part of her wanted to unleash her growing anger, but she decided it was best to keep her emotions to herself. After all, he was still her employer and Abigail needed her position.
She decided the best plan to get her mind off her troubles with Marcus was to create a diversion for herself. Abigail knew Mrs. O’Brien was missing certain ingredients for this week’s meals. She decided to volunteer her time to fetch the ingredients from the market. A bit of fresh air would do her some good.
∞
“Where do you think you are going?” Marcus asked, as he watched Abigail leaving through the front gate.
“I am going to the market for Mrs. O’Brien,” Abigail offered. “I was not aware that I needed to inform you of my dealings that did not pertain to Olivia.”
Marcus was not surprised by the contempt he heard in Abigail’s voice. She had every right to be cross, given the fact he had spent the last few days trying his best to ignore her.
He thought that if he avoided her, his desire for her would fade. Of course, his actions had caused the exact opposite to occur. He couldn’t stop thinking about Abigail and her delectable body. Damn! This impossible woman is going to drive me mad!
“It is not safe for you to go alone,” Marcus stated. “I will accompany you.”
“I would not want you to trouble yourself. I will take along one of the footmen,” Abigail insisted. “I am sure you have more important things to attend to, Lord Everton.”
Marcus hid his smile. He found himself enjoying the fire in her eyes. “At present, I find myself completely available.” Marcus instructed the groomsmen to ready the carriage. “I thought I had instructed you to use my given name,” Marcus said, purposely trying to goad her into losing her temper.
“So, now we are back to being familiar with one another. I assumed that since you were treating me like a stranger that we should act as such,” Abigail clarified with a subtle hint of defiance.
Her clever rebuke gnawed at his conscience. Marcus knew he needed to apologize for his inattentive behavior, but that meant divulging the reasons why he had needed to stay away from her. Hell, he didn’t fully understand his own bizarre reaction to the night they spent together. So how was he supposed to make Abigail understand his distant manner?
The carriage pulled up beside them. Marcus offered his arm to assist her inside and she reluctantly took it. Before the door was shut, he gave instructions to the coachman. “Please take the scenic route to the market. Miss Jenner and I need to have a long discussion.”
The coachman nodded his understanding and they were off. Abigail was trying her best to ignore him by staring out the carriage window. The angry color in her cheeks only highlighted her breathtaking beauty. Marcus thought she looked ripe for the picking in her yellow day dress and matching bonnet. “You have every right to be angry, Abigail. It has been wrong of me to be so cold.” Marcus took a deep breath. “I have acted irresponsibly. I knew starting an affair would only hurt you, but I allowed it to happen anyway.”
Abigail’s posture stiffened. “I am not sure what you are referring to.” Abigail continued to stare out the carriage window. “I truly have not given much thought to our night together. It was really not quite as memorable as you must think.”
Marcus knew she was lying to preserve her pride and he hated himself for it.
“Apparently, we share two very different views on what happened.” He took the seat next to her and his thigh touched her hip. His mouth skimmed her earlobe and he whispered “Because all I’ve been able to think about is being inside you again. I want to taste every inch of your skin and make you scream with pleasure.”
Abigail inhaled sharply. “Marcus, I am not sure I understand the game you are playing. One minute you are all over me and then the next, you pretend as if I don’t exist.” Her shoulders sagged with weariness. “Maybe it is best if you return to one of your more experienced lovers. I am afraid I’m not sophisticated enough to find sport in such matters.”
Marcus put his hands around her tiny waist and lifted her onto his lap. He removed her bonnet and flung it on the opposite seat. “You may not believe me, but I am not playing any games.” His fingers toiled with the lace on her gown. “And I am afraid I can’t accommodate your request. The only person I want in my bed is you.”
“What are you about, Marcus? For God’s sake, we are in a moving carriage.”
She looked completely flustered. Her lilac-colored eyes were alive with indignation, as her hair sprung free from its tight coil. Marcus thought she never looked more beautiful. He could feel his loins stiffen with urgency.
“I know my actions do not make any sense. The only thing I can tell you is that I have never desired anyone more than I desire you.” He crushed his lips to hers as he began to unfasten the buttons at her back. His swift action caused a small tear to the bodice of Abigail’s gown, exposing her tantalizing décolletage. Marcus nuzzled the valley between her breasts and knew there was no turning back. He would take her here, right now.
“You are making me feel lightheaded,” Abigail declared, trying to regain some control. “You must stop at once.”
Her demand lacked any real conviction. Marcus’s hands traveled underneath her skirts and he found the damp proof of her desire for him. “Tell me again that you do not want to continue, and I will cease from going any further.”
Abigail moaned as he played with the source of her heat. “You know I would be lying if I said I didn’t want you. It is just that I don’t want to want you.”
It was all Marcus needed to hear. He positioned her hips to straddle him and released his stiff arousal from his breeches. “Abigail, take me inside you,” Marcus instructed. He wanted her to gain a sense of power in that moment. “I cannot wait any longer.”
She hesitated at first and then touched his hard shaft. He groaned and then placed himself at her silky entrance, beckoning her to capture him within her tight passageway. “Please, Abigail, release me from my torment.”
Abigail grasped the tip of his stiff manhood with her slick warmth and Marcus willed himself to remain still. He wanted her to feel comfortable exploring her own sexuality. Marcus knew her climax would be twice as strong if she felt in control of the passion between them.
She slowly inched her way down his rigid member. Marcus thought he might die of pleasure. When her yielding flesh clenched him entirely, his tight control snapped. He grabbed her backside and lifted her to where her journey had begun, hastily bringing her down onto his firm rod.
Then they were both wild. Abigail rode him with uncontrolled abandon and Marcus lifted himself higher and higher, desperate to fill her.
Marcus watched her body shiver with climax and then found his own pleasure. Abigail clung to him, unable to meet his eyes, clearly embarrassed after sharing such tempestuous intimacy.
Her innocent blush stirred feelings in Marcus that he couldn’t quite name. “You are beautiful, Abigail,” Marcus said as he lifted her chin to meet his stare. “You are never to be embarrassed or ashamed about what we share together. It was completely natural.” Marcus grinned and caressed her cheek. “And completely fantastic.”
Before she could respond, the coach came to a complete stop. Marcus let out a curse and called out to the driver. “Miss Jenner has changed her mind about going to the market. Please return home.”
Marcus would have much preferred to spend the rest of the afternoon at a cozy inn, making slow, passionate love to Abigail, instead of the quick, urgent coupling they had only been able to share. However, he had scheduled an afternoon business meeting with Jordan and Liam Stone, and it was much too late to cancel.
Abigail smiled and pointed out the slash in her dress. “Yes, I think it is best we go back. I am not sure how I would explain this to the street vendors.”
Still intimately joined, Marcus felt his body harden with renewed hunger. “Oh, that is nothing.” Marcus’s mouth kissed the smooth skin of her neck. “I am sure we can do better than one tiny tear.”
Abigail whimpered with delight and Marcus tried his best to ruin the gown completely.
Chapter 15
Abigail stepped down from the carriage, her body still tingling with wonderful sensations. Marcus draped her silk wrap around her shoulders, careful to conceal the damage done to her dress. She could hardly believe what had just taken place in the carriage. Abigail could kick herself for allowing Marcus such liberties, especially after his aloof treatment of her this past week, but something in his silvery-blue gaze made her unable to refuse him.
“I have a business meeting now, but I want to see you later today.” Marcus extended his arm and she gladly accepted it. “I know of a great inn that serves a superb supper. Would you care to join me?”
Abigail could feel her heart constricting in her chest. She knew she was completely and utterly falling in love with this man. Just the simple action of linking her arm in his made her feel happier than she could ever remember.
For just one moment, Abigail imagined what would happen if she could erase the past. What if she were Marcus’s wife? How wonderful things would be if she could share her life with him. She knew Marcus would treat his bride with respect and kindness. Stop this foolish daydreaming, Abigail! You are simply a plaything to him!
Abigail realized how silly her thoughts were, but she could not seem to snap out of her fantasy world. That is why it took her a moment to notice the concerned look on Marcus’s face. He was staring at a horse and rider that were traveling at lightning speed towards them. The horseman was Lord Sunderland.
Abigail had only met Robert Sunderland briefly, the day she had interviewed for the governess position with Caroline. She remembered his jovial attitude and calm manner when she was introduced to him, which was a complete departure from his current state of distress. Today, Robert’s face was a mask of anxiety and desperation.
“It is Caroline. She is in childbed and something is terribly wrong,” Robert said with frantic speed. “Caroline does not seem to be progressing and the midwife wants a surgeon to remove the baby. I know your personal physician is the best in the country. Is he still in Surrey?”
“No. He’s at his home in Reading. We can fetch him immediately.” Marcus ordered his horse to be readied. He spotted Liam Stone entering the front gate and called out to him. “Our meeting will have to be postponed. Robert and I are riding to fetch my physician for Caroline.”
Abigail knew the serious risks involved with surgically removing a child. Her grandfather had treated many women who had contracted deadly infections from such a procedure. She had also gained knowledge of the birthing process by listening to all the midwives that had worked with her grandfather. “Lord Sunderland, I know it is not my place to intervene, but perhaps I can help. My grandfather was a doctor and aided many women in childbed. I learned much from him, so maybe I can be of some assistance to your wife.”
“At this point I am willing to try anything,” Robert said with despair.
Liam Stone spoke to Lord Sunderland. “I want to help in any way I can. I will take Miss Jenner to your home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stone,” Robert said and then he looked directly at Abigail. “Please tell Caroline I am thinking of her and we will bring the doctor as fast as we can.”
“Of course, my lord,” Abigail said. She watched Marcus mount h
is horse and they were both off in an instant. She turned to Mr. Stone. “It is very kind of you to take me to Caroline. I will only need a moment to change and gather my supplies.”
“I will wait for you in my carriage,” Liam said.
Abigail was caught off guard by Mr. Stone’s assessing stare. It was not the usual male perusal of her feminine assets that Abigail was accustomed too. He seemed to be trying to gauge her true nature in one brief moment. She considered questioning him about his behavior but realized time was of the essence and she needed to get to Lady Sunderland as quickly as possible.
Abigail went to her room and quickly changed into a more serviceable gown. She picked up her grandfather’s medicine bag and made her way down the stairs. Her heart was pounding with dread. She had known too many women who had lost their lives in childbirth.
Abigail prayed for her grandfather’s wisdom and hoped it wasn’t already too late.
∞
“So, you believe you can help,” Liam asked, as the carriage moved at a furious pace.
“I hope so,” Abigail answered in an encouraging voice. “My grandfather used a specific herbal remedy to aid the progression of labor. It may work for Lady Caroline.”
“I will pray that it does.” Liam watched Abigail wring her hands together nervously. He had built his career upon trusting his gut instinct and his gut told him that Abigail Jenner was as sweet as she appeared.
Damn! He loathed what he was about to do. Liam knew the timing was awful, given the gravity of the current situation, but he realized he may not have the same opportunity to speak with her in private again.
His conscience told him it was his duty to warn Abigail against her enemies. “Miss Jenner, I am sure you are unaware of this, but I run my own private investigation firm.”
“That sounds interesting,” Abigail responded politely. “Do you enjoy your work?”
