“Oh….”
I felt him inside of me. My ass stretched, but it was darkly pleasurable. Ashton pulled back then pressed in slowly once more.
“Ashton,” I said, shaking. “I have given you all of my body now. Nothing of me has been left untouched by you. I love you with all that I am, body, heart, and soul.” I breathed.
“Trinity, you shall always be mine,” he growled, kissing the nape of my neck, still moving as I bumped my ass into his thrusts. “You were made to be only mine.”
“Yes,” I moaned.
Ashton’s hand moved from my lower stomach to my woman’s mound. His finger slipped between my slick folds and circled my sensitive clit. It took only two rubs to make me shake, bearing down into an earth shattering climax.
“Ashton … oh God!”
“Sweet Jesus,” Ashton said, working into my ass, claiming me until he could no longer take it. He gave way in surrender, pulled out of my body, and came across my lower back.
He kissed my shoulder. “I did not harm you, did I?”
“No. It was … pleasurable,” I said.
“Good,” he replied. He tugged my body into his, engulfing me. “I love you, Trinity.”
I turned in his arms to face him and kissed his smooth throat.
Needing the assurance I asked, “Did you find what we did to be pleasurable?”
“God yes, my dove.”
“You do not feel I am improper?”
Ashton kissed my lips. “Nothing in which we do together is improper. You are not improper. Your desire for me is not improper. You shall never believe you are anything less than extraordinary. I adore you, Trinity.”
I smiled.
“Ashton?”
“What love?”
“Can we talk? I feel like we have been so busy we haven’t talked in forever.”
“Trinity, you know we can speak of anything.”
“Are you really going to give me Zeus?” I asked.
Ashton gave a low chuckle as he twisted his finger through a golden curl before running the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip.
“Yes, my dove. I would not have said such if I did not intend to give him to you.”
“So will you teach me to ride when we return back to the chateau?”
“Of course, my dove.”
I bit my lip.
“Ashton?”
He chuckled. “Yes, my love?”
“Why are you chuckling?” I asked.
“I knew you had more inquiries. It made me chuckle to be correct in my assumptions.”
“Oh,” I said. “I have something to tell you.”
“Well then, enlighten me, my beautiful wife.”
“We sort of have a wedding date,” I said, closing me eyes quickly, scrunching up my nose as if I were waiting for him to yell. He laughed.
“I should hear of the date if we have one,” he replied.
I puffed out my cheeks then blew. “Okay, well, your mother was very insistent we pick a date while I was with her today. June eighteenth is what she suggested. I felt bad not having you involved but—”
Ashton cut me off with the brush of his lips across mine.
“Trinity, does this date make you happy?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said.
“Then June eighteenth it shall be.”
“I know you were thinking May, your mother told me, so are you happy with the date?”
“I am delighted if you are happy.”
“Well, there’s more.”
“Please tell me, my dove.”
“Your mother started in on a long list of people to meet with. She wants to start on Monday. I told her I planned an engagement party at the chateau in France so we must be home on Wednesday. She said we shall stay here until Tuesday in order to get the wedding plans under way. She’s going to have a luncheon or tea party, I can’t remember her exact wording, but it will be in two weeks so she can make the formal announcement of our wedding date.”
“Yes, my mother shall be very involved. She will not be able to help herself, I am afraid. However, I wish for your happiness so I shall speak with her if you are unhappy about something.”
“No, it’s just I wasn’t sure if we could stay because I hadn’t been able to speak with you. She assured me you would be fine with staying.”
“Do you wish to stay?”
“I have a feeling if I don’t, she will be very unhappy with me.”
Ashton looked serious. “What is your wish, Trinity?”
“We can stay, but we have to go back to the chateau for Wednesday’s dinner party.”
“Then we shall plan for such.”
“Will you stay with me when we start in with the wedding planner, the chef, the baker, the printer…” I took a hefty breath. “I can’t even remember everyone else.”
Ashton tapped the tip of my nose with his finger. “I shall stay. It sounds as if I may need to keep an eye on mother.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“Trinity, you have nothing to thank me for.”
“Ashton?”
“Yes?”
“I don’t want to leave Jacqueline and everyone at the chateau out of our announcement plans. I have invited them to our announcement dinner. Have I made a bad decision in doing this since your other friends such as Lord Ironington will be in attendance also?”
Ashton shrugged. “Everyone knows of my friendship with Jacqueline. She shall never be left out. You have done nothing wrong, my dove.”
“Ashton?”
“Yes, my love?”
“Your mother said the reason you weren’t here when we left for the ball was you were attending parliament. Are you like a governor or a senator or something?”
Ashton laughed. “Our branches of government are not the same as in the United States.”
“So…”
“My father holds a seat in the House of Lords. He wishes to leave his seat to me. There are only a few such seats which are handed down to heirs.”
“The House of Lords is in parliament?”
“Yes, but I have not accepted the seat.”
“Are you going to?”
“I am undecided at the moment.”
“Why?”
“I wish to spend time with my wife.”
“So you are undecided because of me?”
“No. I have been undecided for a while; however, meeting you has caused me to reconsider some of my obligations.”
“Ashton, you can’t allow me to change your life or to keep you from doing the things you want to do. I never wish to be a burden, a hindrance, or a regret.”
“Trinity, I assure you. Meeting you has changed my life, but for the betterment. I am exactly where I wish to be and doing exactly what I wish to be doing. I shall never regret marrying you. You shall never be a burden or a hindrance. You have nothing to fret over, my dove.”
Ashton’s hand splayed across my ass.
“Ashton?”
He smiled. “Yes, my love?”
“Are you sleepy?”
“Not at the moment,” he said.
“Then, do you think we might make love again?”
“I am thinking we shall make love all night,” he replied. I’m sure I frowned when he got out of bed.
“Where are you going?”
“To wash up before round three. Care to join me in the shower?”
He winked, and held out his hand for me. “Unless you wish to continue talking.”
“No. I’m done talking,” I said as I scampered out of bed, and took my husband’s hand.
Chapter Thirteen
The sun shone brightly through the oval stained glass window of Ashton’s bathroom. I was watching him shave, and completely captivated. He used an old antique bowl and brush to apply the white creamy concoction to his face. He lathered his face then his neck. Ashton reached for a straight edge blade that sported a pearl handle. Carefully, he placed the blade to his face, removing the lather from his skin in lo
ng, even, smooth strokes. Then with the same precision he would twirl the blade into the gold sink basin of water, cleaning the blade between every stroke.
Ashton glanced at me through the mirror. He winked. Swirled the blade in the water to clean it.
“My dove, tell me,” he said.
“How did you know I had something to say?”
“I am becoming quite the expert in your expressions, as well as your body language.”
“Do you know you have a perfect face? The lines of your face are, well…. Perfect.” I giggled.
“No,” Ashton said. “I was not aware of such.”
“Well, now you are aware.”
“My dove, are you hungry?” he asked.
“Famished,” I replied. My hands loosened the towel from around his waist.
****
I thought about my night’s accomplishments, over breakfast, not to mention the taste of pleasure I partook in this morning. Ashton and I had made love until dawn. I was tired, but it was worth it. I tried to hold back my smile, but wasn’t quite able to contain it. I lost myself in thought while Ashton’s father blathered on about people I didn’t know.
I played with my eggs with my fork, hearing, but not listening. The smell of coffee, fruit, and honey filled the air. The sounds of scraping forks against the bone china rang out and mixed into the conversations. I wasn’t really in the room, but far away in my thoughts of Ashton.
“I was thinking we should use lavender roses within the floral arrangements,” Lady Archer said. “They symbolize enchantment. The lavender rose is also traditionally used to express feelings of love at first sight.” I heard her, but didn’t respond. “My daughter, what do you think about lavender roses?”
My chin popped up. “Hum?”
“Lavender roses. What are your thoughts on the matter?” Lady Archer reiterated.
“I am sorry, Lady Archer. My mind was drifting. Please forgive me.”
“Yes, you do look a bit bemused this morning,” Lady Archer replied in her haughty tone.
“Mother, please allow Trinity some time to gather her thoughts. It is early,” Ashton interjected, taking my hand.
The Duke gave his son a nod. “Yes, my dearest love,” he said turning his attention to his wife. “I am quite assured after last night’s vigorous activities, Trinity is probably quite exhausted.”
Ashton shot his father a fiery wicked glare.
“She has never been to such an event before so I am sure the ball was strenuous,” Ashton’s father added. But I knew, he knew, Ashton and I were indeed sleeping together.
“I’m fine,” I assured. “Yes, I believe lavender roses would be beautiful,” I answered Lady Archer, hoping to get off the subject Ashton’s father was intent on pursuing.
“Excellent. Then I believe we should discuss lavender as the main color, along with white and perhaps silver,” Lady Archer continued. “Lavender works so well for summer weddings. In fact, we shall have lavender spilling over into the larger arrangements as well as lavender plants. I think we should even add lavender into the menu, perhaps lavender tea? It shall be a uniquely beautiful summer wedding. Perchance late afternoon or early evening?” Lady Archer asked but then answered her own question. “Yes. Twilight as the backdrop setting would be grand.”
I blinked. “Well … what do you think, Ashton?”
Ashton gave a low laugh. “I think if you are happy with the color then I shall be happy.”
“I like lavender, but I should also like to use white roses. White roses and orchids. I saw them together once. Someone had sent fourteen or fifteen huge flower arrangements to a doctor of mine. They took up her whole office and waiting room.”
“Then we shall have white roses and orchids as well,” Ashton assured. “Correct, mother?”
“That would be lovely,” Lady Archer replied.
****
On Monday the printer was to be our first meeting, which started promptly in the formal salon at eight a.m. Ashton sat dutifully at my side while his mother went on and on about the need for elegant invitations.
“Mr. Toms, we shall have nothing as ghastly as the invitations Lord Archibald’s daughter, Lady Ann, sent for her upcoming marriage to Lord Gilster,” Lady Archer was sure to point out. “I should think something floral pressed, smelling of lavender for Lady Trinity’s luncheon invitations, and I would like see what other options we have for the formal wedding announcement and invitations to the reception gala.”
I sat quietly with my ankles crossed and hands placed in my lap. Ashton turned to look at me, smiled tenderly then winked. I wanted to giggle, but I held it back and listened to Lady Archer and Mr. Toms talk about the options in announcements.
By the end of the day the wedding planner had been hired, the colors had been chosen, the invitations ordered, the cake decided upon as well as the menu for the formal dinner. I wanted to collapse; Lady Archer was indeed a force to be reckoned with. However, there was still the need for my dress, flowers, the china to be used for the dinner, the guest list, the place of the reception… I threw myself onto the bed and closed my eyes, feeling overwhelmed.
****
In many ways I was a different woman leaving England than the woman Ashton brought to meet his parents. I actually peeked out the window of the jet, in flight.
“My dove, you are not clutching on to me, and you are gazing out the portal of the jet,” he commented. His expression looked intrigued.
“I have decided if I could find the nerve to meet your parents, go into crowds of people, attend a formal ball, meet the Queen of England and survive, then I should be able to ride within our jet.”
“You shall never cease to amaze me, my dove. But I do miss the clinging. I rather enjoy the clinging.”
“Then it shall be done,” I said, grabbing on to Ashton, nuzzling my nose into the side of his neck while twining my fingers in the nape of his hair. “Is this better?” I asked.
“Much.”
****
“Milord. My Lady,” Claudia greeted with an edge to her voice as Ashton and I entered the chateau. “I am sorry, milord, but Lady Trinity has been receiving calls from a Mr. Addison. He is very insistent she return his call upon her arrival.”
Ashton looked indifferent. “Thank you, Claudia,” he said.
Claudia nodded. “Milord, there is news from Thaxton as well.”
“Yes, Claudia?”
“Thaxton rang less than half hour ago. Lady Trinity’s family shall be arriving within the hour.”
“My Lord, I must leave you in order to change my clothes,” I said in a rush.
“Of course, my dove,” he said.
“Thank you, my lord,” I said, turning to not quite bound up the stairs. After all, I was Lady Archer. I had to maintain my composure. I stopped, held up me chin, and asked, “Claudia, has everything been prepared for dinner tonight?”
Claudia bowed. “Yes, my lady. Everything is in order, as you requested.”
“And the sleeping quarters?” I asked.
“They have been prepared. Roses were added to their quarters,” Claudia returned.
“Thank you, Claudia.”
Claudia curtsied. “Of course, my lady.”
“My dove,” Ashton called.
“Yes, my lord?”
“Shall you dress in your white gown this evening? The one I first saw you in?”
“It this your wish?”
“Yes,” Ashton replied.
“Very well, my lord.” I nodded then turned, speed walking up the stairs and into my room.
I stood still for a moment inside of my room, trying to catch my breath. My mother and my aunt would be here soon, as well as my guests. I was not only going to see my family, but I was hosting a party. I covered my laugh with my hand. I would have never guessed this to be my life. Never in my wildest dreams.
Chapter Fourteen
Engagement Party.
Dressed in my white slinky gown, I exited my room and stopped on
the landing at the top of the stairs in time to see Ashton, my mother, and my aunt.
“Lady Trinity shall be down momentarily. Shall we take our leave to the parlor?” Ashton asked.
My mother gazed up the stairs, holding her hand to her heart. “Oh my God. Trinity?” She spluttered.
I didn’t have to imagine how different I must look to her. Compared to the Trinity she knew, I probably sparkled like a new diamond instead of a dead lump of coal. I smiled, lifted my chin, and descended the stairs.
“Ah … yes. There is my beautiful dove,” Ashton replied.
“Trinity, it is you?” My mom asked.
“Hello, mother,” I said. “I have missed you.”
“Oh my good Lord, Trinity,” Jane said, astonished. “You are absolutely gorgeous.”
“Thank you, Aunt Jane. I am pleased to see you.”
My mother took my hand. “My love, you are so stunning. I-I.” She broke into serious tears.
“Please don’t cry, mother.” I gave her a hug. “I am finally living, so there is nothing to cry about.”
I let loose of my mother and gave Jane a hug before taking Ashton’s arm. “I see you have already met my lord, but I wish to introduce him to you. Jane. Mother. This is the love of my life, Lord Ashton Braedon Willmont Archer. This is the man I’m going to marry,” I said.
Jane must have caught a glimpse of the ring on my finger. “Good Lord, Trinity, you are wearing a rock.”
I held out my hand so they could see the ring. “My Lord is too generous.”
Ashton chuckled. “If we could have found a bigger rock,” he used Jane’s word, “which appealed to my dove then I would have secured it. I wish everyone to know Trinity is no longer available to any other.”
Claudia approached. “I am sorry to interrupt, my lady, but your frocks have arrived.”
“Please place the black gown into Lady Jane’s sleeping quarters, and the crimson gown into my mother’s sleeping quarters.”
Claudia curtsied. “Yes, my lady.”
“And Claudia, will you show my family to their sleeping quarters in order to rest a few moments and dress for dinner?”
“Of course, my lady.”
“Mother. Jane. Claudia will show you to your rooms. You will find formal attire. They are yours. Please wear them tonight.”
The Good Sister: Part Two Page 16
