He’d intended to give her pleasure before taking his own, but she had other ideas. Her delicate hands tugged at the fall of his breeches, and then she pushed aside his smalls, took his cock in her hand, and worked the tight skin up and down.
Her breast popped from his mouth as pleasure pushed a moan from his lips. “Shall I move us to a couch, sweetheart?”
Thrusting forward she rubbed his shaft and her hand against where his fingers still teased her.
“Dear God, Dory.” The feel of her wet sex against his burning rod was too much. He lifted her until she let go of him, positioned himself at her core, and let her body engulf him.
Their cries filled the music room.
Her feet didn’t reach the ground, so he lifted her up and forward over and over again.
If there was a perfect moment, this was it. Her hair fell from its early state of grace and tickled his face. Her wet, tight body surrounded him with delight. Throwing her head back, she cried his name as her core pulsed around him.
Stilling himself as long as he could stand it, he let her orgasm cascade and relax before he redoubled his pace and let his own pleasure come. He had to close his eyes against the pure joy of it as the rapture took hold and he soared above the world before settling back into reality.
Dory pressed her forehead to his. “That was wonderful.”
Still inside her, he stood lifting her and carried them to the couch near the far wall. A gold velvet upholstered screen blocked that area from the door should a servant come looking for them. Keeping them joined, he lay on his back with her on top of him. “It was. This entire morning, I shall count as one of the best of my life.”
Her eyes darkened. “I am sorry it was tainted by the events of last night’s ball.”
Threading his fingers through her hair he forced her to look him in the eye. “Those things are not your fault, Dory. I wanted to marry you or I promise you I would not have done it. I know your reasons for entering this marriage were more practical, but mine were not. Do not worry about Hartly or your father. I shall deal with them appropriately.”
“I do not approve of you paying my father’s debt.”
Sorry to lose the intimate connection he pulled away and sat up before pulling her onto his lap. He adjusted her gown to cover her breast and held her there enjoying the feel of her. Despite the intimacy they’d just shared, this tamer contact delighted him. “It is a debt owed and I have taken his only means of payment.”
She pushed away from him. “My father intended to use me as currency. Will you do the same?”
The intimacy between them broken, he sighed with regret. “You put me in a difficult position, sweetheart. I respect your opinion, and you are not currency, but the debt is owed and our actions have injured your father.”
Squaring her shoulders, she stood. “You must do what you feel is right. I have told you my wishes on the subject.”
He rose as she did and ran his hands up and down her arms. “Please do not be cross with me. We have shared a wonderful morning together. Ruining it now over a silly disagreement would be a shame.”
Arms crossed, she frowned. “It is not silly. However, I am not cross, I am tired. I think I will go to bed for a few hours.”
“May I join you? I would love to hold you while we sleep.”
Her cheeks pinked in the most stunning blush. “I would like that too.”
Thomas let his breath out. He’d been sure she would deny him such an intimacy even after their lovemaking. He believed her when she said she would like to be held and it warmed him to his soul.
* * * *
It had been weeks since Thomas had gone to Whites Gentleman’s Club. Since the scene at Fitzwilliam’s Ball, he and Dory had a steady stream of invitations. Everyone in London was keen for more gossip and some altercation that would make their affair stand out. The vipers were anxious for another ruckus to break out because the couple was present. Thus far, they had been disappointed. Hartly had not accepted any invitations and no one had seen Lord Castlereagh for some time. Dory’s mother had called several times, but without her husband.
Thomas and Daniel opted to pass on the Berwick ball in favor of a quiet evening of cigars and brandy. The dark masculine environment suited Thomas, but his thoughts drifted to what Dory might wear and who she danced with while he was not at the ball.
Daniel leaned forward in the overstuffed chair and spoke in low tones. “How are things going at home?”
“Better.” His wife wrote her music and allowed him to help. They got along well enough and even laughed from time to time. What more could he ask for?
“Is better good enough?” Daniel sipped his brandy.
Thomas flicked lint off the arm of the leather chair. “I am not unhappy, Dan. Do I wish for more? Yes. But it is unfair to expect more than Dorothea is willing to give. Perhaps in time things will change, but for now, we get along well and spend a good deal of time in the music room.”
Daniel nodded, and then his attention shifted over Thomas’s shoulder. He frowned. “Your father-in-law has just walked in and is heading this way.”
Thomas remained seated and sipped his drink before setting the glass aside. “Does he appear inebriated?”
“I am afraid so.”
It wouldn’t do to get into a confrontation in the middle of Whites. All his attempts to meet with Geoffrey Flammel in private had gone unanswered. Apparently, he preferred public displays. “That is a pity.”
“You!” Geoffrey rounded the grouping of chairs and pointed his finger. Distracted by his own hand, his glassy eyes lost focus and he stumbled to the left.
Thomas rose and bowed. “My lord, how are you this evening?”
“It was your plan all along, wasn’t it? Well, you have done a fine job of ruining me. It is not to be borne.” He stumbled the other way and blinked as if focusing. His cheeks and nose burned bright red and his expensive coat looked as if his valet had rumpled it into a ball before putting it on his lordship.
Most of the men in the room turned to gather fodder for the gossip mill. Some had the decency to turn away, but most gawked and whispered to their friends.
It was a chore to keep his temper in check. “This is not the place for a conversation of this nature, sir. I have attempted to meet with you and you have ignored me.”
“I want no meeting with you other than pistols at twenty paces.” Spittle flew from Geoffrey’s mouth.
A gasp rumbled through the club. There was no mistaking that the Earl of Castlereagh had just called out Thomas Wheel.
Thomas’s stomach clenched as his anger raged, but it would not do to feed the fires of this insanity. “My lord, perhaps you should return home and rethink what you have just said. It is a dangerous game you play.”
Sweat beaded on Geoffrey’s brow as he stepped so close to Thomas their noses almost touched. Fetid breath mixed with alcohol doused the air. “I have had plenty of time to think on your betrayal. I may never have satisfaction for what that bitch did to me, but you I will have satisfaction from. Are you a man, Wheel, or the simpering thief I have always taken you for?”
There was no going back. To decline such a direct challenge would ruin his reputation and to accept would end any hope of happiness with Dory. Thomas sighed, stepped back a pace, and bowed. “Have your second contact me with the time and place, my lord.”
More whispers and mutterings went through the bevy of men who had heard the exchange.
Thomas stormed out of Whites. It was foolish, but he had no choice. He’d rather lose his life than his reputation. His skill with a pistol was unmatched, but killing Dory’s father was not an option. As outrageous as it sounded, he had been outmaneuvered by a drunk.
Calling up to Mally in the street outside the austere front of Whites, he ordered the carriage home and climbed inside. Nothing was as it should be; even his c
arriage interior closed in on him. His life had never been what one might call normal, but it had never been out of his control before.
Before they’d moved an inch, he listed a dozen arrangements he needed to make.
The door to his carriage flew open, Daniel jumped in and sat across from him. In the privacy of the carriage the normal calm mask he wore fell away. Worry and disgust etched lines around his mouth and eyes. “You’re not going through with this madness?”
“What choice do I have?”
Daniel ran his fingers through his hair. “You could decline the challenge. It’s illegal to duel. Cite that as your reason.”
“My reputation would be ruined.”
“Better that than to kill your father-in-law.”
There were things Daniel would never understand or agree to. Unable to lie to his oldest friend, he did the best thing he could for him. “Dan, it might be best if you stayed out of this mess. I shall find another second who is not so close to the situation. Besides, as you pointed out, dueling is illegal. Your involvement would be inadvisable.”
For several beats, Daniel stared open-mouthed. “If that is what you wish.”
“It is.” It was the truth. He could not and would not involve his friends in the mess his life had become. It wouldn’t be fair to damage their reputations with his own. Protecting those around him, those he loved, was paramount. It was all he had left.
“Very well. I shall leave you to your task.” Daniel exited the carriage, slamming the door as he went.
Just another regret to live with. Thomas added writing a letter of apology to Daniel to his list of things needing his attention.
Chapter 14
Dory’s temper had gotten the better of her. She tried to be calm about Thomas paying her father’s debt to Hartly, but he had completely disregarded her feelings. Looking for someone to calm and console her, she arrived at the Marlton townhouse and waited for Sophia to join her. It was early for a house call, so she waited in the front parlor while the lady of the house finished dressing above stairs. She’d brushed out her skirts a dozen times and taken countless turns around the room before resuming her seat on the edge of a fainting couch.
The door opened.
Dory shot to her feet. “Sophia.”
Daniel held the door open for Sophia who entered first. Sophia rushed over and hugged her. “I had no idea what was happening until Daniel just told me.”
She had hoped for a private conversation with her friend. Daniel was Thomas’s friend and his presence complicated the matter. Yet it appeared Thomas had already shared their private matter with the Earl of Marlton. Her temper threatened to erupt in a very unladylike fashion.
“You know?”
They both stared at her with pity. Sophia had the good grace to blush and keep her eyes lowered.
“Is it today?” Daniel asked.
“Is what today? I believe he paid the debt several days ago.” How long had Daniel known of Thomas’s betrayal?
Sophia stared at Dory, and then at Daniel. “I have a feeling we are not all speaking of the same thing.”
Dory gripped the back of the ornate chair she had put between herself and the couple. “I asked Thomas not to pay my father’s debt, but he informed me yesterday he had done so anyway. My father does not deserve his charity nor do I appreciate being bartered about like livestock.”
Daniel nodded. “I think he is settling the situation with your father because of the duel.”
Dory’s heart stopped. “What duel?”
Taking her hands, Sophia sat pulling Dory with her. “Your father issued a challenge to Tom at White’s the other night.”
“No. Father would never do such a thing. It is just a silly rumor.” The ton loved to spread gossip and malice.
Sophia shook her head. “I wish that were the case, but I am afraid it is true. Daniel was there. Tom tried to stop your father, but he was drunk.”
Daniel said, “I had hoped that the entire thing would blow over after Castlereagh sobered up, but if Tom is settling his debts, your father must have sent his second with the time and place.”
Dory heard Daniel, but couldn’t believe it. Thomas would kill her father in a duel. It was a story out of a bad novel. She refused to believe it. In spite of all their troubles, she still hoped they might be happy together. If nothing else, they had the music to keep them engaged. One day that might have grown into more. How would she forgive him after today? “Why did you not stop him?”
Daniel spread his arms with the palms facing up. “What could I do? I advised Tom to refuse, but it is a tricky matter when dealing with a man’s honor. I do not know if I could have refused such a challenge made in public.”
“Tom is going to kill my father.” The horror shook the air and pounded her heart. Things had been getting better between them. The paying of the debt had hurt her more than she would have thought possible. She had begun to trust Thomas and his action had been a betrayal of that trust. Now all would be lost when he destroyed her family. Her gut twisted and a wave of nausea had her gripping the soft cushion for support.
“Shall I call for a tonic, Dory? You don’t look well.” Sophia stood and rang for the maid.
Mind racing, she pulled herself together. Tom would kill her father because he was the better shot and he would be sober. He’d gone out early before she’d awoken. She thought he was avoiding another argument about the debt. He might have already done the deed. “If he was planning to kill my father, why would he pay the debt?”
Thomas said, “Perhaps he wanted to do the right thing by your mother.”
Dread washed over her. “He could have done that after the duel.”
The butler opened the door. “My lord, this letter came by special messenger.”
Daniel took the note and opened it. “Dear God.”
Sophia rushed to his side. “What is it?”
“A letter of apology from Tom.”
“Apology?” Dory gulped for air to slow her pounding heart.
“Is your carriage outside, Dorothea?”
“Yes. What is it?”
He grabbed her elbow and hauled her off the seat. “I will explain on the road. We have no time to lose.”
Dragged from the house, she got in the carriage.
Sophia sat next to her and Daniel on the opposite bench.
The whack of information swirled around in her brain until it cleared to the only logical thought. “Tom is not going to kill my father.”
“I do not believe so.” Daniel frowned. He pounded on the roof for the driver to go faster.
“He plans to let my father kill him. That’s why he paid the debt before the duel.”
Sophia gasped. “My God.” She pounded on the carriage. “Drive faster.”
Dory stared out at the buildings as the carriage sped past. Thomas had left the house hours earlier. What would they find when they arrived at the dueling field? Perhaps they had both been arrested. Better that than the alternative. How could she bear seeing Thomas lying dead in the grass? She might as well have pulled the trigger herself. By manipulating his feelings for her, she had tricked him into a marriage doomed to fail.
The buildings gave way to countryside just outside of London. They bounced down the rutted road for an eternity before the carriage stopped next to a stand of trees.
Daniel flew from the vehicle followed by Dory. She lost her balance, but the footman caught her. As fast as her feet would carry her, she ran toward the clearing beyond the trees, holding her skirts up like a child. A mist still settled on top of the tall grass as if pulled out of a Gothic novel.
A shot rent the air.
She stopped. Her chest exploded with pain as if she was shot.
Too late.
Resuming her run, she crashed through the trees.
Daniel ran towar
d Thomas’s body where he lay in the grass.
Dory turned away, her heart broken in a million pieces. What had she done?
Her father handed his pistol to another man and pulled out his handkerchief. He wiped his brow and then his hands before staggering forward.
Bradly Whitcolme shook his head and his unruly blond curls shadowed his face while he stared down at Thomas. “He never even aimed. Castlereagh fired, missed, reloaded, and fired again. All the while, Wheel just stood there looking across the mist. And we waited hours for that drunk to show up to his own duel.”
Dory’s feet were lead stumps dragging her closer to the scene.
Sophia ran past in a flurry of green and white skirts. “Tom.”
“He’s alive,” Daniel said. “We need to get him home.”
Alive?
“Whitcolme, call a surgeon. Bring the carriage!” Daniel waved toward the driver.
As if in a nightmare, she trudged across the field until she reached Thomas’s side. His eyelids drooped closed and his color was pasty and gray. She knelt next to him and touched his cheek. “Tom?”
Daniel stripped off his jacket and pressed it against Thomas’s waist. Blood seeped through the material.
“What have I done to you? Tom, I am sorry. I am so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.”
His blue eyes opened but paled compared to their usual brightness. “You should not be here, sweetheart.”
The endearment crushed her soul. “I should be exactly here.” She leaned close to his ear. “I love you, Thomas Wheel. Do not dare die on me.”
He blinked and his eyes rolled up in his head before his head lolled to one side.
Heart hammering in her chest she prayed for him to open his eyes again. “No.”
“He’s lost blood, Dory. He’s not dead.” Daniel lifted Tom in his arms with the help of the footman and driver and they loaded him into the carriage.
Dory followed with Sophia.
Geoffrey Flammel staggered toward them. “Let him die. I might still get my money out of you, Dorothea. You are not pure anymore, but still pretty enough to draw a good price.”
Desperate Bride Page 16
