Miss Taygete’s Sweet Sister’s Society

by Charlotte Stone

  His fingers played along her shoulder as he spoke. “We’re in session until late in the evening, which is when the party will start. What have you planned in my absence?”

  Taygete didn’t want to be without him and admitted it freely to herself now that she’d decided to stay with him. She wanted to give him some measure of the happiness she’d taken from him, but she was glad she’d be seeing him again in the evening. She had learned yesterday that the party would take place at Aaron’s residence and planned to meet the much spoken of Mary and Lily. “I’m going to call on Alice and see if she’ll take me to St. Ambrose.”

  St. Ambrose was the name of a hospital in the city. Once a Catholic house of prayer, it was now a place for the sick.

  “The hospital can be a dangerous place,” Hugh said, cupping her arm.

  She looked up and thought she found his eyes in the dark, though she wasn’t sure. “Yes, I know. I’ve worked in a hospital for eight years.” And she had no plans of giving it up.

  Hugh sighed. “What if you started a charity that raised funds for—”

  “No. I’ll not sit around and do nothing all day, Hugh. You have to understand that if this is going to work.”

  He stilled next to her before he asked, “Are you saying what I think you are?”

  Taygete closed her eyes. She’d not wanted to have this discussion in the carriage and definitely not with company present, asleep or not. “We’ll discuss this later.”

  “We’ll discuss this now,” he said as the carriage came to a stop. They’d made it to his house.

  Taygete woke her sister and led her into the house.

  “Did he speak with Fortiere today?” Alcyone asked with a calm that betrayed her worry.

  “I don’t know,” Taygete said, “But I’ll ask him. What did you and Maura do?”

  Alcyone brightened as she climbed the stairs, though she looked extremely exhausted. “We were hunting the house for her ghost. She’s haunted, you know. A man visits her a few times a year. She says his face is white as snow. We’re going to try and capture him if he visits her tonight.”

  Taygete didn’t want to know what catching a ghost entailed. She was simply glad her sister had found a friend as eccentric as herself and that their activities had remained indoors. “Sleep well,” she told Alcyone.

  Her sister nodded before turning toward their room, but then she stopped and looked at Taygete once more. “Are you going to marry Hugh?”

  The question caught her off guard, but Alcyone continued before Taygete could find her words. “I saw you two in the carriage. I wasn’t asleep, only pretending… at least in the beginning.” She tucked her chin in and smiled. “Are you going to marry him?” she asked again.

  Taygete felt her throat closing but managed to whisper, “Yes.”

  Alcyone took her hand and said, “It was meant to be, Taygete. Never doubt it.”

  Taygete nodded, unable to speak.

  Alcyone turned away but then turned back again. You won’t forget to ask him, will you?”

  “I won’t forget.” It was clear Alcyone had put her hopes in Fortiere. Taygete only hoped the young man was worth it.

  Taygete returned downstairs and turned toward the sitting room where she could hear Electra’s happy voice carrying into the hall.

  “Commander Nicholson escorted Mother and I to the park, and I met quite a few gentlemen there. I invited them to the party tomorrow night. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Hugh shrugged and said, “I don’t mind at all.”

  Taygete wondered what he thought about Nicholson spending time with her family. Taygete thought him a good man for doing so, her sister obviously wanting to see as much of London as possible.

  He was standing by the empty fireplace. The presence of the glowing lamps was harsh on Taygete’s eyes after riding in the darkness, but she settled in by her sister and mother on the couch.

  Mary stood and said, “Well, we simply wanted you both to hear the news before going to bed. Good night.” She started out of the room, but Hugh stayed her with a word.

  “Wait.”

  Taygete turned to him just as her sister and mother did. Her heartbeat kicked into a throttle as she noticed Hugh was staring at her. He was going to tell her family about them and Taygete wanted to stop him. They’d not spoken of it, not really, but she saw no further point in delaying it. She would marry him.

  Hugh looked at Mary. “I plan to marry your daughter.” He was not asking permission but simply stating what would be.

  Electra’s hand went to her mouth, and Mary seemed unsteady on her feet but righted herself swiftly before straightening. Taygete stared and watched as tears filled her mother’s eyes and a pained expression spread upon her features.

  Taygete was on her feet and wrapped her mother in her arms before saying, “If it upsets you in the least—”

  “No.” Mary shook her head, her eyes still tormented. “You should marry him, Taygete.” Then she put a small smile on her lips before touching Taygete’s cheek. Taygete saw a tear slip from her eyes as she fled from the room. Electra seemed confused by the reaction but made certain that Taygete knew how thrilled the news made her when she wrapped her in a tight hold before kissing her cheek. “I’m very glad for you both. You deserve happiness.”

  Taygete didn’t agree. She didn’t deserve happiness at all, but she knew Hugh did and she planned to give that to him by any means necessary.

  Electra left the room, and Taygete remained where she stood, staring at the place her mother had been. The look in her mother’s eyes disturbed her, made her want to second guess her decision even though she knew she wouldn’t.

  In a way, a part of Taygete felt the same as Hugh. She should never have left him at the pond. She should have urged him to marry her. Maia would have found someone else. She was gorgeous. Most men wanted her on sight, but Hugh was never made for Maia… And Taygete had told her so in her letter.

  Hugh settled his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. “She’ll come around to the idea.” His expression was worried.

  Taygete shook her head. “I’m sure she will, but that wouldn’t change the decision I’ve made.”

  He tightened his hold on her. “And what decision is that?”

  “I choose you,” she whispered.

  His expression softened before their mouths met.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

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  This kiss was gentle from beginning to end, though it didn’t stop Hugh from becoming painfully aroused. The pull of Taygete’s lips around his tongue was intoxicating and made his body break out in a sweat.

  He pulled away and took a deep breath. “If there wasn’t so much to do to ensure our marriage is met without issue, I’d marry you tomorrow.”

  She smiled, but it was fleeting. “I suppose out marriage will have its issues.” She took a moment before asking, “Are you sure you'd rather not… marry another woman?”

  “I want you.” He cupped her cheeks. “I don’t want another woman.”

  “But what about an heir?” she asked. “What about your duty?”

  “It can hang,” he told her. “I don’t care. If I can’t have you, nothing else matters.”

  She wrapped her arms around his middle and tilted her head as she looked into his eyes. “You can still have me.”

  Hugh trailed his fingers down her cheek and chin as he held her eyes. “What do you mean?”

  Her look was direct and full of sincerity. “I mean, I’m yours in any way you wish it.”

  Hugh understood what her words implied but couldn’t believe them all the same. Taygete had gone from avoiding him to being willing to become his mistress in a matter of days. He didn’t know what the change of heart had been, but he knew that having Taygete as a mistress would never be enoug
h. He wanted her wholly, even if the world never recognized it as such.

  “You’re to be my wife,” he told her.

  “All right,” she said with a slight grin. “Whatever you wish.”

  It was as though she’d whispered those words against his cock. He felt them down to his bones and in her sultry voice the words sank into his blood, making him full in ways she’d never understand.

  “If you keep saying such things, I’ll change my mind and marry you tomorrow.”

  She smiled and ran her hands up his chest. “If that’s your desire.”

  “Damn,” he whispered as another shot of arousal spread through him. “Taygete, stop speaking.”

  She pressed her lips together, and Hugh found he very much liked an agreeable Taygete. Still, he couldn’t help but test the waters. “I don’t want you to work in the hospital.”

  Her smile vanished. “That is not an option even worth a discussion.”

  Hugh laughed, finding that he liked a less docile Taygete even more. He leaned over and kissed her before saying, “I heard how you were in Southampton. You’d at least have to slow down. You couldn’t go in every day, and you certainly couldn’t work as many hours as you did before.”

  Taygete stared at her hands and then looked at him again. “All right.”

  He smiled and asked, “And do you have any concerns you wish to discuss?”

  She looked at her hands again, and Hugh saw something play in her eyes before she blinked it away and shook her head. “No.” She looked up at him. “I’ve nothing else I wish to discuss.”

  “Then what is it you’re avoiding discussing?” he asked, knowing there was something. He hated unsolved issues, rather getting them done with as soon as possible. Taygete was like a never-ending puzzle to him.

  “Have you spoken to Fortiere?” she asked to distract him.

  He wouldn’t allow it. “He’s not come to me as of yet.”

  Taygete’s brows drew together.

  Hugh tipped her chin up. “Don’t worry. He’ll come. Now, tell me about what we’re not discussing.”

  She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. He knew what she was doing. She planned to silence him with kisses.

  And he would let her.

  They were quite compatible where that was concerned. Her continued willingness to please him almost made him want to demand she join him in his bed, but he wouldn’t ask that of her, not with her mother and sisters staying under the same roof. Also, he still had to speak to Titan. He’d make arrangements to return to Southampton after the first party, taking a single horse to ensure the journey was as quick as possible. He wanted to leave them behind, but he owed Titan a look in the eyes when he made his plans known.

  He’d let their family down once. He wondered if that was the reason for Mary’s tears. Did she think he’d fail her again? Hugh prayed he didn’t, for if anything happened to Taygete, he’d not survive it.

  He put all of that into their kiss but broke it before it could go further, knowing he’d be unable to stop himself if it did.

  He leaned forward and placed his hand on her own. Her breath was strong against his lips, her fingers still clutching his hair. She wanted more, just as he did. He shook his head. “Why?”

  She swallowed and whispered, “What?”

  “Why did you change your mind? Why did you say yes?” He knew that in the end, it didn’t matter. She was his. She’d agreed to marry him, but a part of him wanted to know what he’d done to deserve this chance at true happiness. “Why?”

  Eyes the color of winter skies stared up at him. “Because, I’ve been in love with you since you touched my feet.”

  He smiled. “I think I fell for you the moment I gazed out the window and saw you sitting there alone by the pond, hair undone, the sun bathing you in light. You called out to me, Taygete.”

  She slid her hands to his cheeks. “I want to make you happy.”

  “You already do,” he told her. “I’m sure that not a happier man exists in this world.”

  Her expression became pleased. “Good.”

  Hugh could tell he was missing something in this moment, something that was vital, but the moment was too sweet to bother with ruining it. Whatever her reservations, he’d see to their end in due time.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

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  St. Ambrose was nothing like the hospital in Southampton, but it was exactly what Taygete had suspected it would be. The people in London who came here did not just come for injuries and infections as a soldier would. Instead, common people had many more issues, especially women.

  Taygete found herself fascinated by the women she met. Dr. Oliver Hanford allowed Taygete to walk in his shadow as he visited one room after another, and Taygete soon discovered that she not only liked the facility, but also the staff, especially Dr. Hanford.

  Alice had explained that she and the doctor had been at odds a year ago when she’d begun courting Calvin. At the time, Dr. Hanford had wanted Alice to marry Isaac Hanford, his nephew who helped run the family bank. Taygete had recognized the Hanford name immediately and better understood why the hospital was so well equipped. The Hanford Bank made donations that helped those who couldn’t afford to pay for services.

  “You should invite Mr. Isaac Hanford to the party tonight,” Taygete had said as they left the hospital.

  Alice grabbed her arm as they walked through the courtyard, the gesture done as though they’d been great friends forever. Taygete welcomed it. “I don’t know if Isaac suits your sisters, but never mind that. Lorena and I have already put him on the list. We’re leaving nothing to chance.”

  They walked through the gate and Lorena asked, “Exactly how many young men have been invited?”

  “Oh, quite a few.” They stood in front the carriage and climbed in once the footman opened the door. Alice settled and went on, “Since the Brotherhood did most of the invitations, there weren’t many who refused. Everyone loves them. Of course, we had to invite unmarried women as well to even the room out.”

  Lorena shook her head and sighed. “If my sisters don’t fancy anyone at the party, I’ve no idea what I’ll do.”

  “Don’t worry,” Alice told her. “The men have chosen very well. I guarantee all will go well.” Alice moved her bag closer to herself and Taygete recalled Dr. Hanford giving her something before they left.

  “Are you ill?” Taygete asked.

  Alice blinked. “No, why do you ask?”

  Taygete shook her head. “It’s not my place to ask.”

  Alice brightened. “That never stops me from asking a question. Go on.”

  Taygete paused. “What did Dr. Hanford give you?”

  “Oh!” Alice touched her bag and said, “It’s an herb that keeps the Sisterhood from becoming with child.”

  Taygete stared at Alice’s bag then met her eyes again. “The sisterhood doesn’t want children?”

  “We do,” Alice assured her. “Just not at the moment.”

  Taygete thought that interesting. The women were able to commence in all the pleasures of the marriage bed without the fruit, leaving them free to gallivant across town without a round belly. She wondered how the men felt about it and immediately knew they didn’t know, because if they did, surely, they’d have put a stop to this.

  Taygete didn’t think anything would make her happier than to carry Hugh’s baby. Her hand went to her belly absentmindedly.

  It was her fault he’d lost Artemis. She’d have as many children as she could to make him happy, though she didn’t believe her labors would ever replace what he’d lost.

  “Are you with child?” Alice asked with wide blue eyes, her gaze falling on Taygete’s belly before lifting again.

  “No.” Taygete moved her hand away.

  “But you want one,�
�� Alice asked.

  Taygete nodded and smiled. “Yes.”

  “And you want to make that child with Hugh,” Alice said. There was no question in her words. Taygete had yet to tell anyone in the Sisterhood of her plans to marry Hugh, but they’d all known. They’d known before she had. She’d returned happiness to Hugh’s life. How could she not? “Yes,” Taygete decided to confess. It was only fair since she’d asked a personal question of Alice. “We’re getting married.”

  Alice gasped and moved to sit by Taygete before throwing her arms around her. “I’m very happy for you both. You make a beautiful couple. The women will be pleased to hear the news.”

  Taygete managed to join in Alice’s excitement during the trip to Lorena’s before seeing Alice inside and setting out again. This time, she called for a hack and started toward the park. She was to meet her mother, Alcyone, and Electra there. Maura and Maura’s mother were with them as well.

  Hyde Park wasn’t far from Lorena’s residence, and Taygete had the carriage stop at the entrance her mother had indicated she would be at and set off to find her.

  She’d barely taken a step before she spotted a face that filled her with as much fear as it did anger.

  Two young boys ran around their mother’s skirts and when the woman looked up, Taygete saw it was Jennie.

  Taygete looked around for a place to hide, but before she could, Jennie set off toward her, and Taygete simply decided to brace herself for whatever the woman wished to tell her.

  Jennie’s face was a mixture of emotions but the greatest of them all was pain. “Taygete, I must speak to you.”

  “No, you mustn’t. There’s nothing to say. You ruined my brother.” Hurt clogged her throat, a hurt so old that it surprised Taygete when it hit her. This woman had destroyed any hope of her brother’s happiness. For that, Taygete would never forgive her.