by Vikki Vaught
Kathryn and Jonathan went upstairs, and he led her to her new rooms. When he opened the door and they entered, she looked around at the beautifully appointed sitting room. The soft shades of peach with accents of sea foam green used to decorate the room made it feel warm and inviting. The furniture looked comfortable, with plenty of cushions on the chairs, and she could just imagine curling up for a good long read. She thought about what it would be like to spend a quiet evening with Jonathan, reading to each other in this lovely room.
The French doors opened out onto a balcony, which overlooked the gardens, and she could see a lake in the distance. The gardens appeared well maintained, and she felt sure that the gardens would be lovely next spring.
Jonathan came up behind her and stroked her shoulders. “My mother loved to garden. I’ve attempted to maintain them as a memorial to her.” Turning her around, he pointed. “Over there is the door to your room, and mine is on the opposite wall. We each have a private dressing room and bathing room attached. I hope you’ll be happy here. Please feel free to change anything you would like.”
“The sitting room is delightful. May I see my bedroom?”
“Of course, my dear. Follow me.” As they entered the bedroom, she noticed that the color scheme matched the sitting room. The counterpane on the bed was a deeper shade of peach with delicate ivory lace trim, and there was a mound of comfortable pillows that she could just see herself luxuriating amongst.
“Jonathan, these rooms are lovely. I’m sure that I’ll be very happy here. I don’t need to change a thing. Is that the door to my dressing room?”
“Yes, and your bathing room is attached. I had these rooms modernized five years ago when I did my rooms, so there’s running water in the bathing room. No need for anyone to carry water upstairs.”
“Thank goodness. I have to admit that I’ve been somewhat spoiled since Sanderford Park has also been modernized. Sarah will appreciate this, and it looks as if she has already put away my things,” Kathryn stated as she walked over to the chest and peered inside.
Jonathan walked over to her and took her hand. “Come with me. I’ll show you my room.”
Jonathan’s room was enormous. The bed was huge with a deep green velvet counterpane on it. There were two comfortable-looking wing back chairs with matching ottomans in front of the fireplace. A book was lying on the table between the chairs with a pair of spectacles on top of it, as if someone had just laid the book down.
“Jonathan, do you wear spectacles? I’ve never seen you with them on. I want to see them on you.”
Jonathan reached around her, picked up the glasses and put them on. “Yes, I wear spectacles, but I only need them to read. That’s why you’ve never seen me with them on. What do you think of my room?”
Kathryn walked over to the chairs. Running her hand over the back of one, she said, “It looks quite comfortable, and very masculine. The moss green walls are very serene and restful, I imagine. Thank you for showing me our rooms. They’re quite lovely. I’m sure we’ll spend many quiet evenings in the sitting room. We’ll be able to read to each other this coming winter.”
Jonathan pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Kathryn responded, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Kathryn felt a tingling sensation run throughout her body as he pulled her close. When their bodies touched chest to thigh, she felt something hard probe her belly. Realizing it was his manhood, she pushed him away. “Jonathan, I like your kiss, but I get uncomfortable when you pull me too close. Please don’t pull me so tightly against you. I could feel your…ah…arousal, and it made me uncomfortable.” She sat down in one of the chairs and looked up at him.
Jonathan sat down in the other chair, leaned forward, and took her hand. “I’m sorry, darling. I’ll be more careful in the future. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, but just because you arouse me doesn’t mean I’ll act on it. You’re a very beautiful woman, and it’s my body’s way of responding to your beauty. I promise you I’m quite harmless. I think you’ll enjoy having me hold you close, if you realize that you have nothing to fear. Now enough about that. Let me show you your studio. I hope it pleases you. Let’s go take a look at it, all right?”
The studio was perfect. Jonathan had furnished it with plenty of art supplies and canvases. The unfinished portrait sat on the easel, and she was dying to get to work on it. She thought it was going to be her best work so far. She wanted it to be perfect for the children and Jonathan, since she knew how much it would mean to them.
After luncheon, she went upstairs to visit the children in the schoolroom. Frankford and Jane were happy to see her and were soon showing her their work. Their governess, Miss Mills, told Kathryn that both of the children were good students and well behaved. Frankford still seemed a little withdrawn, but Jane was cheerful as she asked, “Lady Kathryn, would you come back later after I finish my schoolwork and have tea with me?”
Smiling down at Jane, Kathryn replied, “I’d be happy to, and please call me Aunt Kathryn. After all, you’re now my niece. I’ll return at three.” Then giving Jane a quick hug, she left the schoolroom.
Kathryn went back to her new studio and spent the next couple of hours working on the portrait. She thought about what had happened in Jonathan’s room. She realized she hadn’t been afraid, but only nervous, even though she’d felt his arousal. She knew he wouldn’t do anything to her she didn’t want. She did enjoy having him hold her, and she loved his kisses. They made her feel all warm and tingly.
Kathryn wondered if what she was feeling could be desire, and the very thought shocked her, because she has been sure she would never be able to feel it. She decided that the next time Jonathan held her she wouldn’t pull back, even if she did feel him getting aroused. Jonathan had been so logical when he explained why he’d become aroused. She had no reason to be scared of Jonathan. She knew he would never do anything to hurt her. She decided that she just needed to relax and enjoy Jonathan’s friendship and affection.
At three o’clock, she went to the nursery, and Jane had everything ready for their tea. They sat at the little table and chairs with two of her dolls, and pretended to drink tea. Kathryn enjoyed it because she’d done this many times with Mary Elizabeth and Angela. After she finished having tea with Jane, Frankford asked her to read him a story, which thrilled her. She spent a pleasant hour with the children, and then went downstairs to have tea with Jonathan and Elaine.
When Kathryn entered the drawing room, Elaine was already there, so she went to the sofa and sat down beside her. “How are you today? I wanted to thank you for being one of my attendants yesterday at the wedding. I have something for you. I hope you like it.” Kathryn pulled a beautifully wrapped gift from her pocket and handed it to Elaine.
When Elaine opened it, she picked up the bracelet. “Oh, thank you, Kathryn. This is so pretty. I’ve always wanted a charm bracelet. You really didn’t have to get me anything, but I do love it.”
“It’s a tradition to give everyone that’s in the bridal party a gift as a thank you for being in the wedding. You looked very lovely yesterday, and purple is a good color on you with your golden blonde hair and green eyes. Have you used Madame Bovary’s Boutique before?”
“Yes. When Allison came for her last visit, shortly before they died, she convinced Jonathan to allow Madame Bovary to make me a few dresses. They turned out beautifully, and the riding habit fits me better than any I’ve ever owned. I love riding. Do you ride Kathryn?” Elaine asked, as she sat with her back straight, not touching the back of the chair. Kathryn was impressed with Elaine’s manners and comportment. Her governess had done a very good job, and Elaine was a charming young lady.
“I do ride occasionally, so hopefully we can ride together sometime.”
“Good. I look forward to it. I’d like to go back to Madame Bovary’s because I need some new things for this coming winter. Everything I had last year no longer fits since I’ve grown two inches, and my chest is much bigger. Do you think I could get some m
ore gowns from Madame Bovary?”
“I’ll talk to your brother, but I’m sure he’ll agree. Your figure is more mature than the average fifteen-year-old, and I’m sure Madame Bovary can design gowns to fit you, and yet still keep you looking young and innocent. If he’s all right with it, we can go tomorrow.”
Jonathan came into the room and asked, “Where do you plan on going tomorrow? Is it somewhere I would like to go?”
Kathryn looked up when she saw Jonathan and smiled. “No, it’s not. Elaine just told me she needs some new clothes for the winter, and if it’s all right with you, I thought I would take her to Madame Bovary to get her new wardrobe. She has the best designs in Bath. Didn’t Elaine look nice yesterday at the wedding? Madame Bovary made that gown.”
‘I have no problems with her using Madame Bovary. Just make sure she still looks like a fifteen-year-old. It’s three years before she has her come out, and she’s still a child in many ways, even if she doesn’t look it.” Jonathan took a seat, accepted a cup of tea from Kathryn, and took a sip.
A shadow fell over Kathryn’s lovely face as she said, “I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ll make sure all her new clothes are appropriate for her age. The last thing I would want to do is encourage any man to think she’s older than fifteen and available for dalliance.”
Elaine spoke up a bit testily. “You’re no fun at all. I’ll be sixteen on November twelfth, and I am not a child! I’ll be making my come out in two years, not three. I think I’ll go up to my room now and read.” Elaine huffed out of the room.
Jonathan shook his head as he watched his sister leave. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with her. When my friend Jenkins came to visit, she actually tried to flirt with him. Thank God, he has a younger sister and didn’t act on it. At least it’s fairly isolated out here, and there aren’t any young men around.”
“I think it’s quite natural for a young girl her age to want to try out her feminine wiles. At least it was safe with Baron Jenkins.”
“Please, watch her closely tomorrow when you’re in town. I know I’m over-protective, but you and I both know it would be easy for her to get into trouble if we don’t watch her carefully. Maybe I ought to go with you after all. I could always go to the Pump Room and drink some of that nasty water while you’re at Madame Bovary’s.”
Kathryn put her plate back on the table. “You’re welcome to come, but I promise you I’ll watch her very carefully. I know better than most that there are wicked men out there who prey on young girls.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think that I don’t trust you. That’s not it at all. I just know Elaine likes to get into mischief. When I’m in London, I’m always getting notes from her governess. I’m hoping that you’ll have a calming effect on her.” Jonathan picked up a cake from his plate and bit into it. After he swallowed, he said, “Did you try these cakes? These are one of Cookie’s specialties and my favorite.”
Kathryn smiled. “I did try them, and they’re quite delicious. Elaine’s really quite typical for a fifteen-year-old. I don’t think you need to worry, especially since there are no young men close by. I think she’s quite level-headed and mature for her age. You told me that you left her here with only her governess most of the time. If she got into mischief, it was probably her way of getting your attention.”
“I know you’re probably right, but I’m just having a hard time realizing she’s almost grown.”
Lightening the conversation, Kathryn said, “I spent some time with the children this afternoon. Frankford is still withdrawn, but he did ask me to read him a book. Jane is darling. We played teatime with her dolls. I plan to spend time with them every day. I also worked on the portrait earlier this afternoon. I should have it finished by the end of next week. Then I’ll start on those miniatures you asked me to do.”
“I’m so grateful that you’re going to be able to finish Roderick’s family portrait. I’m going to hang it in the family gallery when it’s finished. Eventually, it will go back to Westland Acres when Frankford reaches his majority.”
“I’m just grateful I did so many sketches so I could finish their portrait.”
“Thank you for spending time with Frankford and Jane. I’m sure you’re going to be able to help Frankford get over his grief. I’m going to teach him how to ride. He’s old enough, and I think that if he has a horse to take care of, that will help take his mind off losing his parents.”
“I think that is an excellent idea. He’s the perfect age to learn.”
“If he can ride, he’ll be able to go out with me. Since he’s my heir, he needs to meet all my tenants so he’ll appreciate everything that makes up the marquessate. My father did that for me when I was his age. Well, as much as I enjoy sitting here talking to you, I’ve got a meeting with Stebbins and Whetherby, so I’ll see you tonight at dinner.” He leaned over, kissed her on the cheek, and then left the room.
Chapter 17
After his meeting with Stebbins and Whetherby, Jonathan went to his room so Hatton could treat his knee. While he was there he took his afternoon dose of laudanum. He told Hatton he wouldn’t need him again until seven o’clock. Once Hatton left the room, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He wanted a drink, but he resisted the temptation. Now that Kathryn was his wife he had an even stronger reason to stay away from liquor. He wondered how long it would take before the craving for liquor would leave him entirely. The last thing he wanted was for Kathryn to see him drunk.
Jonathan wasn’t sure how he was going to keep her from knowing he desired her. It was murder last night, holding her in his arms and not making love to her. He just needed to remember he had to take it slow, but still get her used to physical touching. She was definitely responding to his kisses. When they were kissing earlier, he felt her quiver as he deepened their kiss. He wished he knew whether it would hurt or help his case if he told her he loved her. Sitting there thinking about Kathryn was getting him hard, and since he couldn’t do anything about it, he decided to take a cold bath.
At dinner that night, Jonathan began to tell Kathryn some delightful stories about his childhood. “You know that Roderick and I were only a year apart. The summer when we were ten and eleven, while we were swimming in the lake, Roderick decided he was going to climb the tree next to the lake and then jump off the tallest branch. I told him not to do it, but he wouldn’t listen to me.”
“Henry was quite a daredevil at that same age. I’m surprised he never broke a limb from all his antics.”
“Well, Roderick did. The lake isn’t that deep by the tree, and sure enough, when he jumped, he ended up landing on his side and snapped his arm. He spent the rest of the summer with his arm in a splint and a sling. Father never reprimanded him. He felt that the pain of a broken arm was enough. Roderick was also unable to swim in the lake the rest of the summer.”
Kathryn wiped her mouth with her napkin and remarked, “Henry fell out of a tree by our lake when he was around six years old, but Nelson saved him from drowning and taught him how to swim that summer. Nelson taught all of us how to swim when we got that age. We spent many wonderful afternoons out at our lake each summer.”
“Roderick always loved the water. That’s why it was so perfect when he inherited Westland Acres. As hard as it is to think about losing him, at least he was doing something he loved when he died. We found the yacht, you know. It washed up on the shore about a week after we found Roderick and Allison. It wasn’t even damaged that badly. A huge wave must have flipped it over, and they probably didn’t even have time to react. Oh God, I wanted to keep our conversation light tonight, but sometimes I just need to talk about them. I’m sorry.” He picked up his wine glass and took a sip as he looked over at Kathryn.
With tears swimming in her gorgeous eyes, she said, “I miss them too. I know I didn’t know them for very long, but they were both so friendly, and they went out of their way to make me feel welcomed in their home. Jonathan, I want you to be able to talk
to me about anything. That’s what friends are for. I’ve never had many friends because I’m a little shy, and it’s hard for me to talk to people I don’t know.”
“It’s all right to be shy. It’s one of things I find most attractive about you. You’re a very good listener too. If you’re finished with your dessert, let’s go to the music room. I feel like playing tonight. Would you mind listening to me?”
“Of course, Jonathan. I could listen to you play for hours.” Jonathan helped her up, and they made their way to the music room.
After he played for about an hour, he suggested, “I’m a bit tired tonight. Are you ready for bed?”
“I’m tired also, so yes, I’m ready to retire.”
When Kathryn and Jonathan entered the sitting room, he said, “I’ll give you thirty minutes, and then I’ll come to you. She looked nervous, but she nodded her head and went to her room.
When Jonathan got to his room, Hatton helped him treat his knee, then departed. He knew he would have to be very careful tonight if he was going to convince her to let him sleep with her again. He decided he would just go in there, get into bed, and see how she reacted.
He knocked on her door, then walked in. “Hello, darling. Did I give you enough time?” Jonathan casually stretched and yawned. “I’m really tired tonight, how about you? Oh, you never said whether it was all right for me to go into town with you tomorrow. I do want to go to the Pump Room and take the waters. Did you plan to go anywhere else while you’re in town?”
While sitting at her dressing table, brushing her hair, Kathryn answered, “I thought that after we finish picking out Elaine’s new wardrobe, we would go by my mother’s and see the family. I’m fine with you coming along. I’m sure Henry and Matthew would enjoy your company.”
