Montgomery Family 03 - Turned Around By Love

by Vikki Vaught

  “I wish I could stay and continue to talk to you about this, but I have a meeting with Whetherby.” He gently pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “Why don’t you go rest until dinner?”

  “I think I’ll do that. This has been quite distressing,” Kathryn said. Jonathan gently kissed her, and she gave him a trembling smile and watched him leave the room.

  Chapter 19

  October 1823

  Kathryn woke up from her nap feeling much better. She still felt terrible about what Nancy would be facing, but at least she wouldn’t have to face it alone. Kathryn would make sure that Nancy’s child was well taken care of. After all, she had her money from her commissions to help women like Nancy. In fact, there must be a need for a safe haven for other young girls who found themselves in similar situations. Maybe she could sponsor a home in London to help these young women. Kathryn decided that she would talk to Jonathan about it at dinner.

  While eating dinner that night, Kathryn broached the subject, explaining to Jonathan what she wanted to do. “Since I don’t need the money that I earn from my commissions, I can fund it myself, that way you shan’t need to worry that I’ll come to you for help.”

  “Kathryn, I think it’s a wonderful idea, but I would like to help. I agree that there must be many other young girls that find themselves in situations just like Nancy’s. When we go to London in the spring, I’ll help you find a location for the home.”

  “Oh, thank you, Jonathan. I’m sure that I can get Melody and Helen to participate in my endeavor. After all, all of us who have volunteered at St. Mark’s Orphanage have seen children without a parent to take care of them. With a home like this, there will now be a way for young girls to keep their babies instead of leaving them at the orphanage.”

  “Whatever you want to do, my love. Now, since we’re through with our dinner, why don’t we go to the library, and we can read some more of that new novel by Jane Austin.”

  Later that night, after Jonathan and Kathryn retired to bed, Jonathan held Kathryn and gently rubbed her shoulders. “Darling, you’re very tense aren’t you? I think you need a massage to relieve some of that tension. Roll over on your belly. If I’m going to do this right, you’ll need to take off your night rail. While you do that, I’m going to my room and get some massaging oil. I’ll be right back.”

  While Jonathan left the room, Kathryn thought about this idea of a massage. She wasn’t sure she wanted one, especially without her night rail on. Of course, she did like it when he rubbed her shoulders, so maybe it would be all right. She removed her night rail, laid down on her stomach, and pulled up the sheet.

  Jonathan came back into the room carrying a small bottle, which he held over the flame of a candle. “I’m warming the oil so it will feel more soothing. It will only take a moment. I hope you don’t mind the scent of mint, because this oil has spearmint in it. I’m going to just lower this sheet a bit.” He touched the bottle. “Perfect.”

  Jonathan sat on the side of the bed, poured some of the oil in his palm, and rubbed his hands together. Then he started rubbing her shoulders and arms. The oil had a pleasant, spicy scent that filled the room as he kneaded it into her skin. He used a little pressure as he rubbed her shoulders. Then he poured some more oil into his palms and applied it to her back. She had to admit, it felt very soothing, and she could feel her muscles begin to relax.

  As Jonathan kept stroking her back, he worked his way down to her derriere. He pulled the sheet down and started stroking her bottom and upper thighs. She wanted to reach down and pull the sheet back up, but she resisted the temptation. Kathryn felt a throbbing between her legs, and she felt moisture pooling there. Kathryn couldn’t imagine what was causing that.

  Again, he poured more oil into his palms and massaged it into her body. His hands worked down to her calves. It felt so good, that she couldn’t help but moan from the pleasure of it all. Then he started massaging her feet, going toe by toe, and it felt sublime.

  “Roll onto your back and I’ll massage your front.” She looked warily at him, but then she complied. He started at her feet and worked his way up her legs. It really did feel marvelous, and her muscles felt as if they were wet noodles. Then he poured some oil in her navel and slid his hands over her belly, kneading gently.

  Jonathan slowly rubbed his hands up to her breasts and massaged more oil on her skin. He never touched her nipples, but they grew taut anyway. Her breathing was becoming shallow, and her heart was beating rapidly. He was now lying on the bed. Jonathan leaned over and kissed her as his hands continued to massage her breasts. His hands were trembling as he finally took her nipple and gently rolled it between his forefinger and thumb.

  Kathryn began kissing him back. She parted her lips, so he slid in his tongue. He ran his hand down over her belly and into her curls at the apex of her thighs. She felt his finger touch her core, and she sighed from the intense pleasure. He circled her little nubbin, moving ever closer to the entrance of her body.

  Slowly, Jonathan slipped his finger inside her, and she willed herself to stay relaxed. He began to stroke his finger in and out while his thumb rubbed her special spot. Heat poured through her, startling in its intensity. She gasped as sensations surged throughout her entire body. She felt as if she was flying, and then she landed on a soft cloud. As she came back down to earth, he slowly withdrew his hand. He gently kissed her nose. “Do you feel relaxed now?”

  Kathryn gazed at him. “If I were any more relaxed, you would have to scrape me off this bed. I think I like massages. Would you like me to give you one?”

  “I tell you what…you can give me one next time. I believe that it’s time for us to go to sleep. I love you, Kathryn.” He lay down beside her, pulled the covers up over them, and wrapped her in his arms. Kathryn was so sleepy that she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep without even remembering she was totally nude.

  Kathryn and Jonathan, along with Elaine and the children, went into town on Friday to visit with Kathryn’s brother and sister and their families because they were all leaving to go back home on Saturday. When they arrived, Kathryn took Frankford and Jane to the schoolroom so they could play, and Elaine decided to stay with them. Jonathan went to the study to spend time with Henry and Matthew.

  When Kathryn got back downstairs, she found her mother with Helen and her sisters-in-law in the drawing room. As she entered the room, she took a seat. “Hello, Mother. You look well. Have you enjoyed having your family here this week? I’m sure you’ll miss everyone when they leave. Do you have any plans for next week?”

  “We’ve had a pleasant visit. Lady Milsom and I are going to London next week. Her son is getting married in three weeks to the Duke of Monmouth’s youngest daughter, Lady Ellen. The wedding should be marvelous. I need to do some shopping, so I’m looking forward to the trip.”

  “I hope you have an enjoyable time.” Kathryn turned to Helen and asked, “Are you sure you’re all right with me bringing Frankford and Jane with me when we come in two weeks?”

  “Of course. We look forward to it. Christina and Catherine are thrilled that Jane is coming for a visit, and Winston and Nelson are enthralled with Frankford. When can we expect you?”

  “We’re planning to leave on Saturday, the first of November. Since we’ll have the children with us, we should get to your house the following Tuesday. We’re planning on three days of traveling. Is that how long it takes you?”

  “If the weather is good, then you can easily do it in three days. It took us three days to get here, and none of the days was too arduous. Let’s go up to the schoolroom and see how the children are doing.” Helen turned to Melody and asked, “Do you want to come with us?”

  “Certainly, Helen. William’s due for a feeding anyway,” Melody replied.

  Once Kathryn, Helen, and Melody were out of the drawing room, Helen said, “Now, let’s go to your old room so we can talk. We want to know how everything is going with Jonathan. Can you believe Mother? She’s been pl
easant this entire visit. She must finally be mellowing in her old age.” They all laughed, looked at each other, and smiled.

  They went upstairs to Kathryn’s old room and took a seat, and then Melody remarked, “I have to say, I’m quite surprised with your mother’s attitude. She’s been so pleasant to me. It’s as if she were a different person. Henry hasn’t had to say anything to her the entire time we’ve been here. She even had us bring the children to her yesterday afternoon, and while she was a bit stiff, she actually had a conversation with Mary Elizabeth and Brandon. I was so shocked you could have blown me over with a feather. Now, enough about that. Tell us what’s been happening. Are you and Jonathan getting closer?”

  Kathryn blushed. “Yes, we’re getting to know each other much better. I want to thank both of you for your advice. I’m much more relaxed around him. Jonathan’s so kind and considerate, and I’m thrilled that I married him.”

  Helen rolled her eyes. “That’s not what we want to know. We want to know if you’ve made love yet. Has he been able to break through your barrier?”

  Kathryn looked down in embarrassment. “He says that we are making love, but just not completely. We sleep together every night and I’ve…allowed him certain…ah…liberties with my person. He’s told me he loves me, and that he’s content with whatever I’m comfortable with. Something happened that was truly amazing. He’s given me immense pleasure, but I haven’t returned that pleasure. He told me he gets satisfaction from watching me, but I know he would rather me do something for him, but I don’t know what to do.” Kathryn’s face turned bright red as she told them this.

  “I know you find this difficult to talk about, Kathryn, but we just want to help you. I’m pleased you’ve allowed him to bring you pleasure. As far as giving him pleasure in return, all you have to do is…ah touch his…ah manhood. I promise he’ll love that,” Melody answered, blushing profusely from embarrassment.

  Kathryn couldn’t look at them as she replied, “I’ve thought about that, but I haven’t gotten my nerve up yet. Oh, this is all so embarrassing. I appreciate your advice, and I do want to do what’s right for Jonathan, but I get scared that he’ll be so overcome with desire that he’ll do something I can’t handle.”

  “Kathryn, how do you feel about Jonathan? Do you think you’re falling in love with him?” Helen asked.

  “I know my feelings have grown much stronger for Jonathan, but I’m not sure that I know how love feels. How did you know you were in love with Matthew?” Kathryn asked. “I know you were determined to never fall in love, but then you did.”

  “Love wasn’t something that I planned on. I fought it determinedly, but it sneaked in when I least expected it,” Helen replied, as she smiled at Kathryn. “For me, love is never wanting to be away from him, and when we are apart, thinking about him constantly. I not only love Matthew, I respect him tremendously, and we’ve become very good friends.”

  “Jonathan and I are good friends. In fact, he’s the best friend that I’ve ever had. I do think about him all the time, and I respect him. Oh, how do I ask this? Does…ah…making love hurt?”

  Embarrassed, Melody giggled. “No, making love doesn’t hurt as long as the man does what he’s supposed to do. Your body has to be prepared to receive your husband. Lots of kissing helps to do that, and touching you intimately does also. Just let yourself relax. I promise it doesn’t hurt. I know what happened to you was horrible, but it had nothing to do with making love. What your uncle tried to do was about power and manipulation.”

  “I appreciate your help and advice,” Kathryn confided. “You’ve given me more to ponder, and I’m sure that I’ll know when I’m ready for more intimacy. This was difficult to talk about, but if it helps me get over my fear, it’s worth it. Now, can we go have William’s birthday party?”

  Arm in arm they walked to the nursery. The children were having a delightful time. Helen and Kathryn read them a story while Melody fed William. Once William had eaten, Melody sat him down at the table in front of his birthday cake, and before she could stop him, he dug his hand into the cake and smeared icing all over his face. All the children shrilled with laughter.

  Once they had all eaten the cake, Melody helped William open up his presents. It was so cute to watch him try to tear the paper off and see his expression when he saw what was inside. They spent a pleasant hour with the children, then returned to the drawing room for tea.

  The men joined them and soon everyone was enjoying their tea and biscuits. Since they were staying for dinner, Jonathan and Kathryn went up to her old room to rest. As they entered her room, Jonathan pulled Kathryn into his arms, kissed her, and said, “I’ve been wanting to do that for the last hour. Why don’t you lie down and take a nap? I’m going to just slip off my pantaloons and put some ointment on my knee.”

  Bolstering her courage, Kathryn took a deep breath. “Why don’t you lie on the bed, and I’ll massage the ointment into your knee? Where do you keep it?”

  Looking surprised, but pleased, Jonathan said, “I’ll get it for you.” He went to his valise and pulled the ointment out, then handed it to her as he slipped out of his pantaloons. He went over to the bed and laid down. Kathryn walked over to the bed, sat down beside him, and spread the ointment over his knee. She worked it into his skin. Her hands trembled slightly as she stroked and kneaded his knee.

  “Let me know if I hurt you. I’ve never done a massage before, and I don’t know how much pressure to use. When I see your scars, I’m truly amazed that you didn’t lose your leg. I would think that it’s terribly painful to bend your knee,” Kathryn said, as she continued to massage the ointment into his skin.

  “It is quite painful, that’s why I have to walk with such a limp. Does it bother you that you’re married to a cripple?”

  While Kathryn continued to message his knee, she said, “I don’t think of you as a cripple, and no one who knows you would. I think it’s remarkable that you get around as well as you do. I just wish that it didn’t cause you so much pain. Do you need to take a dose of laudanum?”

  “I was going to wait until you fell asleep. You said it would bother you to see me take it. I’ll be all right for a while longer. My knee feels much better since you rubbed the ointment on it. Why don’t you slip off your gown? I’ll loosen your corset and you can take a nap.” He sat up and turned her around so he could unbutton her gown.

  Kathryn stood still as he helped her loosen her gown. “I know you need the laudanum. I’ll be all right if you take your dose. I’ll just turn away from you while you take it.”

  “As long as you’re all right with it.” Once she was through massaging his knee, she removed her gown and laid down with her back to him while he took his laudanum. When he rejoined her on the bed, he pulled her close and whispered, “Pleasant dreams.”

  After their nap, they dressed and went down to dinner. It was splendid as usual. The duchess had a wonderful chef, so the food was always superb, and everyone was in good spirits. When it came time to leave, Kathryn hugged Melody and Henry and said, “Thank you for coming to my wedding. Jonathan and I look forward to seeing you at Christmas. Have a safe trip back.” Then turning to Helen and Matthew, she added, “I’ll see you in November!”

  After more hugs and a kisses, Kathryn entered the carriage, and as it pulled away, she waved to them as the carriage turned the corner and headed back to St. John’s Wood.

  The children slept the entire way home. When they got home, Jonathan and Kathryn carried them up to the nursery and tucked them into bed. By the time they got to their rooms, Kathryn could barely keep her eyes open. Jonathan told her he would be back, and he went to his room. Sarah was waiting for her, and she soon had Kathryn ready for bed. Sarah left, and Kathryn went ahead and got into bed. As she started to drift off to sleep, she heard Jonathan come into the room. He walked over to the bed, pulled back the covers, got in, and pulled her close. He kissed her cheek as she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.

  Chapter 20


  Early November 1823

  During the next two weeks, Kathryn spent her time working on Roderick’s portrait in the morning, and playing with Frankford and Jane in the afternoon. Her nights were filled with sensual delights. She still hadn’t worked up the courage to touch her husband. Each time she started to, her mind would fill with images of what her uncle had forced her to do.

  Her feelings were growing stronger each day they spent together, but she still didn’t know if she was in love with him. In the evenings after dinner, they would spend time together in the music room, or in their sitting room reading to each other. Kathryn was very content with her life, and knew that Jonathan felt the same way.

  Kathryn, Jonathan, and the children were leaving the next day to go to Helen and Matthew’s house. The children were excited about seeing their friends again, and they constantly asked when they were leaving. Elaine wasn’t going because she needed to concentrate on her studies, since she’d neglected them ever since Kathryn and Jonathan’s marriage.

  That evening when Jonathan came to Kathryn, she was determined to give him some of the pleasure he’d so generously given to her. Before he got into the bed, he removed his robe, but he left his smalls on. He slid into bed and pulled Kathryn into his arms. She gladly snuggled close, raised her head, and met his kiss. Returning his kiss with enthusiasm, she opened her mouth to allow him access, and then slid her tongue into his mouth, twining it with his. She breathlessly kissed him back, her mouth pliant and hungry, luxuriating in his taste.

  Desire blossomed deep in her belly as she melted into his embrace. His fingers slid down over the soft orb of her breast, turning her nipple into a tight little bud. His lips followed the path that his hand had taken as he gently suckled her breast. Then nibbling his way down to her navel, he swirled his tongue around it as if he were drinking sweet nectar. His hand found her core as he began to gently flick his fingertip across her little pearl. The muscles tensed in her belly from the desire she felt as his mouth followed where his hand had gone.