by Josie Dennis
Edward chuckled and opened his mouth, no doubt to say something outrageous, when the girl at the instrument ceased and stood with a bow. Polite applause filled the room, and Cathy breathed a sigh. The evening was nearly over.
Refreshments were served in the adjacent parlor, and Henry and Edward served as her escorts. They went to retrieve their drinks, leaving Cathy alone for the moment.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Clarisse Middleton asked her.
The girl wore a sour expression, one Cathy did her best to dispel with a bright smile. “Quite, Miss Middleton. What of you?”
“Not in the least.” Her eyes narrowed. “I daresay I have learned much from watching the spectacle, however.”
Trepidation flickered over Cathy’s skin. “What do you mean?”
“You and the two gentlemen,” she hissed. “I saw it all.”
“What, precisely, do you believe you saw?” Cathy asked.
Clarisse’s hands fluttered about in the air. “The looks. The glancing touches. I can guess what earned you their exclusive attention.”
Cathy pursed her lips for a long moment. “You should not spread such lies,” she bit out.
“They are not lies!” Clarisse cried.
Cathy winced as all eyes turned toward the two of them. Struggling to maintain her composure, she pulled Clarisse toward an empty corner of the parlor.
Looking about to make certain no one paid them any attention, she leaned closer to her. “Lower your voice, you harridan.”
Her eyes widened. “Harridan?”
“Miss Middleton, is there a problem?” Henry asked.
The look on his face was thunderous, his body rigid.
Fool that she was, Clarisse gave a nod. “Indeed there is, Mr. Heath. I was to have Mr. Linden this year.”
“Does Mr. Linden not have a say in that?” Edward said as he joined them, his voice deceptively calm.
She dimpled up at him. “Of course! I simply meant that…now that your parents are dead you are the master of Thistle Grange. As I am now out, it is most fortuitous.”
“The loss of my parents is fortuitous?” Edward asked.
“No, no.” Clarisse’s cheeks flushed. “I meant that with Mr. Heath so…occupied with Miss Earling, you would at last be free to court me.”
Edward’s cheeks reddened. “Listen to me and heed my words, you grasping bitch,” he growled low. “I would not dance attendance on you if you were the last eligible young lady in England.”
Clarisse blanched, looking toward Cathy and Henry for assistance. “I had thought…That is, my mother was certain…”
“And do not let me hear of your spreading that filth I overheard you say to Miss Earling,” Henry said. “She is so far above you, you cannot touch the hem of her skirt.”
Clarisse’s mouth gaped, her lips flapping like a fish pulled abruptly from the lake. “Miss Earling…”
Cathy turned sharply, cutting her from her notice and setting her from her mind. Grasping bitch, indeed! To think to use the death of Edward’s parents to her advantage.
“I believe I have grown tired of this company,” she said. “Let us find the Pickerings and make our farewells.”
“I shall call for the carriage.” Edward turned to Henry. “Do see to our coats?”
The gentlemen left, and she kept herself turned away from Clarisse. She could feel the hateful glare on her back, however. With a huff, the girl finally left her in relative peace.
In a matter of minutes the three of them were tucked into Edward’s carriage and headed for Earling Manor.
“What a horrid girl,” she said.
“I nearly wrung her neck for saying that about our parents, Edward.”
Edward nodded. “I’ve never slapped a woman, but she seemed to be begging for it.”
They grew silent for a stretch, and then Cathy sighed. “What of her accusations? She all but said the two of you are involved with me.”
Edward shook his head. “She could not possibly know anything. She had a plan, is all. She thought to get you out of the way, putting forth that you and Henry were a match.”
“And then she could have you.” She let out a curse. “I would snatch her bald-headed first.”
“Believe me, love. The thought of her having me causes my cock to shrivel,” Edward said.
“Mine as well,” Henry put in. “Thank God we both have our Cathy to defend our honor.”
She waved a hand. “What do I know of honor?”
Henry’s eyes grew round. “You are not ashamed of what we share?” he asked her.
“No!” she cried.
“Then no more talk of honor,” Edward said. “You belong to us and we belong to you.”
She thought about that for a moment. “For the time being.”
The two of them shared that secret look of theirs, but she could not bear to ask them the import of it. She did not wish to think about it any longer. They held her close in the carriage, and she let herself just feel.
Before more than ten minutes had passed, their kisses and caresses put any thoughts of Clarisse’s lies and her own honor out of her mind.
“Take me, Henry,” she sighed.
“I daresay you put that hateful Middleton chit out of your mind quickly, love,” Henry said.
She shivered as Edward reached beneath her dress to stroke her pussy. His eyes drifted closed. “God, you are sweet. Merely a touch of my hands and you’re ready.”
“Take me,” she begged again.
Henry suckled her breast as Edward continued to tease her. Now she could only feel. There would be time enough to regret this interlude.
Now, however, was not that time.
Chapter 8
A week passed, during which she had her monthly bleeding. Edward and Henry called upon her at the manor, however. Quite properly, as well. Maggie had been surprised at first, then charmed by Edward’s manners and Henry’s wit. By the third visit, Maggie was serving tea and biscuits on their finest china. She told them that she no longer worried about them breaking the valuables now that they had grown to be such respectable gentlemen.
Cathy smiled inwardly as they took their leave of her this particular afternoon. Her bleeding had passed. In truth, she’d been startled when it came. Foolish as she’d been, she’d taken no sort of protection against any unwanted consequences. She knew of none, in any event. Though, should she become with child, it would be sorely wanted on her part. She already lived alone with her housekeeper in the wilds of Yorkshire. Why not add an illegitimate child to the mix? That would give Clarisse Middleton something to gossip over for certain.
Cathy had told Maggie that she was to attend a card party at the Richardsons’ this evening, after dining at the Grange, but had no intention of doing so. It had been too long since that wicked carriage ride home from the recital. Her body ached for the two of them to make her theirs once more. What surprises did they have in store for her this evening? Her body tingled with the possibilities.
That evening dinner was served by Edward’s discreet staff, the three of them sharing wine and tales of when they were younger as they were left to dine without attendants.
“We have waited so long for you,” Henry told her. “A lifetime, it seems.”
“Tell me you did not find entertainment in the interim?” she asked. “You had to learn all those wicked things somewhere.”
Edward laughed. “Indeed. And aren’t we fortunate to teach them to you?”
She nodded with enthusiasm. “You know I watched the two of you. At the lake.”
Henry started then turned to Edward. “At the lake?”
“Two years ago,” she added. “Before our kiss.”
Edward grinned. “Naughty girl. And what did you think of our fine selves?”
“I thought you were both so lovely.”
“Lovely?” Henry pulled a face. “Not something a man wishes to hear.”
“But you are lovely. Big and muscular and…lovely.”
&n
bsp; “I shall take that as a compliment, then,” Edward said. “How are you feeling, Cathy?”
Her cheeks flamed as she caught his meaning. “All has passed.”
“You should not be embarrassed, love,” Henry said. “We can share everything. Anticipation can heighten desire, at least in this case. I daresay I have thought of little but taking you again over this interminably long week.”
“I’ve wanted the both of you as well,” she admitted.
Edward grinned. “I daresay I can scarcely bear to wait. I declare dinner is over.”
“You will not have me on this table,” she stated.
“The parlor, then,” Edward said.
“Perhaps some sherry is in order,” Henry said. “After dinner we should play a hand of cards or two as well.”
“Cards?” she asked.
“Yes. Then you can be truthful should Maggie inquire about the game.”
“At least we do not have to attend another recital,” Edward said. “Although I much enjoyed our ride home.”
“It was marvelous,” she admitted on a breath.
It seemed so natural, sitting here with them and speaking of such intimacies. She could not summon the embarrassment she’d felt over her monthlies, however. What they shared was beyond anything she could have previously entertained. The doors were shut tight, their staff all but invisible, and now she wondered if they would take her here on the table!
Hunger and thirst satisfied by fine food and wine, the titillating conversation caused all sorts of delicious notions to fill her mind. Henry reclining naked on the settee while she kissed every inch of him. Edward bending her over as he drove deep within her. She was indeed a naughty girl, and from the knowing light in their eyes they knew precisely what her thoughts were.
“What say you to the parlor, Edward?” Henry asked. “Now?”
“The parlor is a fine idea, Henry.”
She simply smiled.
* * * *
Edward poured the sherry as Henry set up the cards. Cathy seemed quite uneasy, her nerves strung tight with wanting. She was truly their match in every way. He could scarcely think himself, his cock throbbing an incessant litany of need. Henry sat and adjusted his trousers. No doubt he was in a bad way as well.
They played a lopsided game of three-handed whist then gave up on the cards altogether.
“The doors, Edward?” Henry asked.
Edward saw them locked tight, turning to run his gaze over Cathy. “Are you ready for us, love?”
She swallowed, her pupils dilating. “Oh, yes.”
“Thank the good Lord,” Henry said as he gathered her to him. “You liked what I did the last time, Cathy? In that very large bed?”
She nodded, that adorable blush on her cheeks.
“Good. Tonight we will do that and more.”
She blinked in obvious confusion. “More?”
“Yes,” Edward said, holding her close from behind. “You shall take both of us.”
“But haven’t I already?” she murmured.
Henry just shook his head, reaching up her skirts to rid her of her drawers. He handed them to Edward. Bless her wanton soul, they were damp.
“Delightful,” Henry said.
Edward unlaced and removed her dress, putting it carefully aside and loosening her stays. Henry removed his jacket and waistcoat. He settled back on the settee, pulling Cathy close to straddle him. Edward’s cock was so hard, he had to keep his trousers closed to refrain from taking her right away. The scent of her, the sounds she made as he stroked her breasts from behind, drove him mad. Her nipples were exposed now, rosy and tight and ready for Henry’s mouth. She reached forward, unbuttoning his shirt and running her hands over his chest. Then his belly. She stroked his cock, grasping gently until he pulled her hand from him with a groan.
Henry brought his mouth to her breasts and closed his lips over one bud, sucking deeply. As he began to feast, Edward removed his own clothes and stripped down to his trousers. Edward knew Henry had to be in a bad way as well. He gave a wince of near-pain.
Henry brought Cathy up onto the settee, one sweetly dimpled knee settled on either side of him. As he ran his hands over her bare bottom, she arched her breasts closer still. Edward dipped a hand between her legs, stroking her pussy until she gave a shudder.
“Oh, yes…” she sighed.
Edward struggled to hold on to his control. He would have her ass tonight, while Henry fucked her pussy. It would be the final act that should prove to her that they could all be together forever. That no other woman could satisfy them as she could. Soon. He sucked in a breath as he watched her writhe on Henry’s fingers now. Soon she would know it all.
He grabbed the little jar of balm from his pocket and took a generous swipe. Using two fingers, he slowly penetrated her ass.
“Edward!” she cried. “Oh!”
“Yes, love,” he ground out, moving his fingers in and out until she began to stretch. “Does that feel good?”
“Yessss,” she hissed.
Henry sucked loudly and lustily on her breasts, easing his hand from her pussy to hold her still for Edward’s possession. She trembled as Edward began to penetrate her, a keening cry escaping her lips. She was so close now, Edward nearly all the way inside her. Henry clenched his teeth in an apparent effort to keep back his own climax.
“That’s it,” Edward chanted, moving in and out of her tight hole. “God, yes.”
“Oh, Edward!” she sobbed. “Henry, please. I need…”
Edward knew her pussy was swollen, could feel her dripping wet with need as he roused her to a fever pitch. Henry did not touch her, though. He just held her still as she clutched his shoulders.
“What, love?” Henry panted. “What do you need?”
“Your cock, Henry.”
She arched and Edward glimpsed her face. Her eyes were squeezed shut, her mouth an O. Her body was flushed rosy, her hair curling damp around her face. She was never more beautiful.
“My cock?” he asked her.
“I need your cock in me now!” she cried.
It was all the invitation Henry needed. Undoing his trousers, he freed himself. Holding her still once more, he thrust up into her pussy. She began to come, great shudders wracking her body as they both rode her. She was so small, so tight with Edward fully seated from behind and Henry from the front. They moved as one, alternating in and out in a timeless rhythm, driving her over the brink as they joined her in thunderous release.
Edward took in great gulping breaths as he struggled to his feet. What they’d just shared was incredible and better than he and Henry had imagined. Cathy was a heap of glorious, trembling flesh in Henry’s arms, his cock still high inside of her. The pleasure etched on his face made Edward smile. Henry roused before Cathy, easing her off of him to cradle her in his lap.
Unabashedly naked, she kissed Henry then reached toward him. “Come here, Edward,” she sighed.
He settled beside Henry, taking in slow breaths. He lifted her lovely legs onto his thighs, stroking her as she stretched languorously. “This is so right, Cathy.”
“Heaven,” she said with a nod. Her eyes popped open. “I believe I shall never forget it.”
“That sounds ominous,” Henry said. “We shall never let you forget it.”
“And as much as I enjoy looking at your luscious body, we should get you dressed and back home,” Edward said.
She pouted prettily, but acquiesced. “I suppose it is best.”
Edward sensed something in her tone, and when she was reasonably put together he took her hand. “Tonight, Cathy. Tell me you do not regret this. Regret us.”
“Not regret, not at all! I know this shall come to an end, is all.”
“It does not have to end,” Henry said, coming close as well. “We do not want it to.”
“How, Henry? How could it not?” She turned from them, wrapping her arms around herself. “You said you will settle in Yorkshire, stay on at the Grange. Undoubtedly
you will each find a woman to marry, as it should be. I, however, will not be one of those women.”
“No, you will not be one of them,” Edward said. “You will be the only one we marry.”
She whirled on them. “Are you mad? What is this nonsense?”
“Cathy, listen,” Henry began. “When we started on this course, we knew full well what we were doing. What we wanted.”
“When you started?” She blinked rapidly, her color high. “I do not know what your plans were, Henry, but this is not what I wanted. Did I want to be ostracized for the rest of my life? To have all and sundry know of the wanton I became with the two of you? To be the subject of hateful gossip until I can do nothing but hide for the rest of my days?”
Henry reached for her. “Cathy, please.”
“Marry the two of you?” she asked. “You are both mad. I will not be your plaything, something to keep you occupied as you rusticate in the country.”
Edward’s own words on their return to Yorkshire struck him. “You were not simply something to keep us occupied.”
“A plaything,” she said again, her voice cracking.
“You should feel no shame,” Edward said, grasping her arm.
She pulled away from them. “No, no shame. I should feel foolish, however. Foolish to believe the two of you cared for me at all.”
“Cared for you?” Henry scoffed. “We love you!”
“Love?” She shook with her fury. “This is not love.” She waved her hand in the direction of the settee. “This is…sexual. No mention of love was made by either of you, Henry. And now you expect me to believe that? Stuff and nonsense.”
Helpless, Edward watched as everything they’d planned fell apart before his eyes. They had grossly miscalculated, thinking to ease her toward the reality of their futures together. And now? Now it appeared she would never believe them, let alone be their bride.
“Cathy, let us explain,” Edward said.
“Take me home, please,” she snapped.
“Cathy,” Henry urged. “Do not go this way.”
She closed her eyes, tears spiking her lashes. They had thrown everything away in a single night, and Edward could not pinpoint where matters went so awry.
