by Cheryl Howe
Ivy snapped herself out of her dreamy trance. “Now I must know. Morbid hobby? My dear, you are indeed hiding something fascinating under that pristine exterior.”
Arianna pulled a pale pink ribbon from her hair. “This is all my mother’s doing. I look ghastly in white. Usually I don’t bother with anything but dark colors, brown and dark blue. It doesn’t show blood.”
Arianna met Ivy’s gaze. “Should I go on?”
Ivy nodded, took a bracing gulp of sherry.
“I have dissected over a hundred cadavers. I studied at Guy’s Hospital. That’s where I met Robert. I volunteered as a nurse when I wasn’t studying. Robert was ministering to the sick. Of course I could not attend classes with the men, but I was allowed private tutors, and shall we say, a use of the facilities. Once I mastered the written material, I was granted access to the…corpses.” Arianna shrugged. “Forgive me. You must be appalled.”
“No, not at all,” Ivy swallowed, realizing she entirely underestimated Arianna Maddox. “And Robert knew of your interests?”
“He encouraged them,” she said passionately. “But now he seems to think me merely an annoying child.”
“So is that why you are agreeing to the marriage?”
“I have no choice. If Robert had true feelings for me perhaps…” Arianna lowered her head. “But he claims he does not.”
Ivy glanced in Robert’s direction to catch him staring at Arianna. His frown mirrored Arianna’s obvious unhappiness.
“I would wager that he was not completely honest with you. Men are not always willing to admit the secrets of their hearts.”
“Robert has his reasons for denying having any affection for me. He does not wish to dishonor his family.” Arianna took a small sip of her sherry and winced. “I didn’t realize the earl and he were related. Or that his family depended upon grandfather’s good will for their sustenance.
“I am afraid that is true.” Ivy reached her hand out and covered Arianna’s. “Neither of you shall be the first to have had to make such a sacrifice.”
“As you made such a sacrifice.”
Ivy instantly stiffened against the reminder of a wound that would never heal. Arianna pulled her hand away.
“Forgive me, Ivy. I did not mean to overstep the bounds of our friendship. I should not have assumed—”
“I made my choice and do not regret the path I chose.” Ivy tried to smile against the chill she knew crept into her voice every time she spoke of her broken engagement to Darien.
“I did not mean to offend. It’s just that, well…your prior relationship with Lord Blackmore is common knowledge, more like legend, really. But here you are together and I so want to have a little time with Robert. It does not seem like too much to ask.”
“No offense taken, Arianna. Let’s make a vow never to fear revealing ourselves to each other. With whom else are we to share our sorrows?” Ivy laughed as Arianna laid her hand on her heart and held up her left hand in a solemn pledge. Truly touched by the girl’s sincerity, Ivy was more than a bit humbled by her obvious admiration.
“I vow, Ivy. We shall always be frank with each other.”
“Agreed.” Ivy took Arianna’s hand in a firm shake, a gesture which would seem less odd to curious onlookers, something Ivy had never been able to avoid. “So, back to Robert. We both suspect he refuses you for honor’s sake.”
“Yes, Robert is honorable, isn’t he?” Arianna's gaze was still sad, but her mouth tightened. She squared her shoulders. “Which is one of the reasons I can’t stop myself from loving him. Please, Ivy. He won’t have me after I’m married like any other normal aristocrat, so I must persuade him to be my lover before. My mother claims losing one’s virginity is not pleasant, but after the marriage night it will become tolerable. When I am with Robert Fitzgerald I can’t imagine the act to be anything so bland.”
Arianna pressed a hand against her flushed cheek. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“When he’s near, the sound of his voice makes me crave things that once shocked me. As I said, I have a full grasp of anatomy. I know the workings of the human body.”
“All right, Arianna.” Lily snuck up behind them and both Arianna and Ivy jumped. “I have a couple of fat sheep waiting for their fleecing.”
They followed Lily’s gaze to a matching set of white-wigged matrons both dressed in eggplant colored gowns. The ladies smiled sweetly in their direction. One of the women shuffled expertly, jeweled rings glistening on every finger.
Henry Maddox walked into the room. His scowl deepened when he spotted Ivy and Arianna sitting alone together. Arianna immediately sat back in her seat and dropped her gaze. Henry paused as if he meant to march in their direction and scold Arianna. Instead, he turned and walked toward Robert who stood on the far side of the room with his sister and father.
Ivy reached for Arianna’s hand under the table. She could not let the girl face her marriage bed with thoughts of anatomy books and tolerability dancing in her head.
“Do not fear. I will help you in your quest.”
***
Darien stood from the piano the moment Henry Maddox headed directly for his nephew. Instead of hopping over the piano bench, his first impulse, Darien skirted the obstacle, intending to put himself between the two men.
“You are to perform the wedding. Is that correct?” Maddox rudely assessed Robert from head to toe.
“Yes. That is correct.” Robert agreed flatly.
Mrs. Maddox rushed to stand beside her husband.
“This is Reverend Fitzgerald. He is Mrs. Fitzgerald’s son, and nephew to the earl. He has recently been made a bishop so we are honored to have him join us tonight.”
“Yes, yes.” Henry Maddox shook off his wife’s grip. “I know who he is. He looks fresh from the nursery but if he’s ordained I suppose he’ll do. I heard you were opening the church on the grounds. Is it done?”
“A few pews have wood rot and there is a leak in the ceiling. The stained glass is broken, but I suppose it is passable if you care to visit the sanctuary.” Robert ignored Darien, who glared at Maddox from his side.
“I hope you have a uniform or robes for the ceremony.” Maddox eyed Robert’s perfectly tailored black eveningwear as if he wore beggar’s rags.
“I have all the appropriate vestments. I assure you, I am quite capable of performing your daughter’s ceremony.”
Henry nodded, not noticing—or caring—that Robert practically ground out his words. Mrs. Maddox, on the other hand, paled considerably. She no doubt knew where her daughter’s true affections lay.
“Very well, then. There has been a change in plans.” Maddox cleared his throat and Darien realized that Henry was ignoring him, too.
“Oh, no, Henry,” Mrs. Maddox cried. “The printer will not have time to make any further changes to the program.”
“Better that than not to see your daughter properly married. The wedding will take place tomorrow.”
Robert’s face reddened and his lips paled.
“But Arianna’s dress needs two more fittings, at least.” Mrs. Maddox’s agitated voice rang like a bell over the sudden hush that fell over the room.
“I don’t give a bloody damn about the dress. I have had enough putting up with this riff-raff.” He nodded at Darien and then jerked his head in Ivy’s direction. “Arianna will be Lady Westhaven before noon tomorrow and that’s the end of it.”
There was a sob from a gaming table and to Darien’s shock, he discovered Lily wrapping her arms around Arianna. Robert’s gaze was pulled in their direction. He blinked, then turned stiffly back to Maddox. For the briefest of moments, Darien thought Robert was going to punch Maddox in the face.
Maddox must have thought so, too, because he braced himself. When Robert stood motionless, his face completely blank, Maddox sneered then strode away to pour himself a drink.
Robert remained frozen in place, no doubt hearing Arianna’s soft cries in the far cor
ner. Mrs. Maddox had slipped into the chair recently occupied by Lily. Melodic female chatter and wide satin skirts surrounded Arianna. The women closed ranks, blocking the miserable bride from further speculation.
Darien poured himself a whiskey, his first one tonight, and eyed Maddox. When Maddox could no longer ignore Darien’s obtrusive presence, Darien toasted his nemesis. “Weddings are such joyous occasions.”
“How would you know?” Maddox slammed back the contents of his glass.
“True that the Blackmores haven’t been very successful in the matrimony arena in recent years. Except for my dear sister, who eloped, but I suppose that doesn’t count. It was rather a scandal.”
Maddox returned to filling his glass. His dismissive glance to Darien proved he found his person of no consequence, much less worthy of conversation.
“Which leads me to wonder why you’re so damned determined to break into our ranks, Henry. There are less troublesome nobles for someone of your prestige and style to align yourself with.” Darien studied Henry’s finely tailored suit and expensive boots. “Your eldest daughter was engaged to Philip for perhaps a month at the most. He’s been dead for ten years. You are a man of business, Maddox. When is it time to call that small investment of time a bust? It was an accident—”
“Accident?” Maddox actually had the bravado to laugh. “Philip enjoyed the lads a bit too much. That was his real downfall.”
“What the hell are you saying?” Darien took a step toward Henry, but only advanced enough to pin Maddox against the bar.
Maddox did not seem intimidated in the least. In fact, he leaned against the bar and gazed up at Darien in a relaxed manner.
Robert was suddenly behind Darien.
“Just what everyone else has been saying for years.” Maddox grinned.
“Which is?” As much as Darien wanted to wipe the smile off of Maddox’s thin lips, he’d waited too long for someone to speak openly about what happened to Philip.
“Which is that your father did not shoot your brother in a hunting accident, but in a fit of rage.”
Robert tried to pull Darien away but he flung off his grip.
“Westhaven caught him with his male lover under this very roof,” Maddox continued. “And his stark raving mad younger son could not tolerate the truth so he invented talk of murder to hide his shame.”
“I’m not ashamed.” Darien shook his head and tried to return Maddox’s sickly smile, but his mouth was too dry. “Nothing could ever make me be ashamed of Philip.”
“You disgust me.” Maddox’s grin faltered. “Philip would be ashamed of you. So run along and play house with your whore, and all will be well. You can keep your miserable little crofter’s hut and bugger your sheep to your heart’s content.”
Ivy stood and watched Darien from across the room. She had taken several steps in their direction, but hung back, obviously concerned. Darien would accomplish nothing here. And he would not risk upsetting Ivy in public. Not again. He had to prove to her that she could depend upon him. Flying into a blind rage over a rumor he already knew would not accomplish that.
“So shall you be at the hunt tomorrow?” Darien said, shocked and somewhat pleased with himself for sounding so reasonable in the face of Maddox’s hostility.
Maddox poured himself another scotch. Darien noted that the usually sober Henry Maddox swayed on his feet.
“Your father could not be bloody talked out of riding with his band of merry old men at morning’s first light. The earl loves to kill small rodents and run with his hounds,” Henry said with disgust.
“Then I shall see you at dawn where I hope we have a chance to speak on this subject again.” Darien bowed and went to collect Ivy as he imagined a gentleman who cared not to upset his lady might.
Maddox followed their every move from a red-eyed haze of hatred. At the moment, he appeared to hate everything in his sight. Truly, it was a wonder Henry was so set into marrying into a family he clearly despised.
“I am known to be a good shot, too, Lord Blackmore,” Maddox slurred upon their exit.
“I shall look forward to the hunt then.” Darien paused to bow. He strolled out the door with the beautiful Ivy Templeton upon his arm, enjoying being the heir to Westhaven for the first time since the position had been rudely thrust upon him.
…my life, my family, my very identity.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Arianna tried to control her shivers while Ivy tightly laced the gown’s satin corset. The carriage’s wheel hit a rut and nearly knocked them both off the seat. A lantern swung, casting light over her bare arms and thighs. The gauze, rose-colored skirt hardly covered her backside. Despite the warm summer night, a draft tickled Arianna’s secret folds. She shuddered and tried to keep her knees together.
“Mind the road, driver.” Ivy beat on the roof of the carriage. “Dressing for seduction is a delicate thing.”
A panel slid open in the carriage’s wall. “Might I be of assistance?” Lord Blackmore called from the driver’s seat. “I should think a male perspective could add much illumination to the subject.”
Though he could not gawk at them while he handled the reins, Arianna clutched her hands over her breasts. Surely Lord Blackmore was not serious about evaluating her appearance. Even allowing Robert to witness her in nothing but gauze—meant to seduce—unnerved her. Honestly, she was not sure she would be able to drop her cloak at all.
“Just drive more carefully, Darien. You are not hauling sheep to market.” Ivy stood and shut the panel.
Ivy landed on the opposite seat when Darien unexpectedly sped up.
“Oh, you have goose bumps.” Ivy studied her creation in the wavering light cast by the lantern. Arianna followed her gaze to the deflated gauze at the top of the bodice, little cut out slots covered by sheer cloth where her breasts should be. “Let me finish the lacings. We shall bundle you in your cloak while we change your stockings.”
“I put on a fresh pair before I snuck from my room.” Arianna forced her arms by her sides. Ivy had gone to great lengths to help her tonight, and she didn’t want to act like a shy schoolgirl.
“You must wear the ones designed for the gown. They are as sheer as the skirt. And do not worry about returning them. If they accomplish their purpose, the silk will be properly ruined afterwards. As will you.” Ivy’s laugh was sweet and wicked like liqueur-laced chocolate. A flavor she did not appreciate fully until now.
“Lord Blackmore must think I’m a terrible wanton—” Arianna broke off her words, not wanting to offend Ivy, the only actual fallen woman she knew. The sort of woman most mothers preached against seemed so much more appealing than cold duty and chaste resignation. “I know they have their differences, but I am supposed to marry his father.”
“Exactly why we have no time to waste. Drastic measures had to be taken. It’s tonight or never. Darien is too much of a gentleman to allow us to go traipsing around in the dark alone.”
Arianna had been told otherwise and Robert’s infamous uncle made her nervous. No matter how many dead men she had sliced from sternum to groin, live men could still be terrifying.
“I fear my union with Robert might be never unless you can give me the secret to a man’s desire before we reach the rectory.”
“I think this gown should do the trick.” Ivy settled on the seat next to Arianna.
“I fear I do not quite fill it out.” Arianna stared down at the loose fabric that gapped open, clearly revealing her dark nipples.
“You have to know how to slither into it. Lean forward.” Ivy tugged the bodice loose. Arianna’s breasts slipped into the garment’s stiff contours. “Now sit up. Perfect.”
Arianna gazed down at the globes of her breasts, rounded over the lifting support of the darker burgundy satin corset. Her nipples pressed against the flimsy gauze in protest, becoming more aroused with each tiny breath that pushed them up further.
“Oh, my, I feel lightheaded.”
“That’s an added benefit.
Men love to see a woman pant. Now lean back.” Ivy hopped to the other seat. “Put your feet up on either side. We must hurry. We’re getting close. If Robert hears the carriage and finds us all in his driveway, he will send us packing with you in tow. The element of surprise is crucial.”
Ivy patted the leather seat, suggesting that Arianna place her feet on either side of her extreme hip paddings that were sewn into her elaborate undergarments. Though it was the latest fashion, Arianna blushed. Ivy knew Arianna did not have on a stitch beneath the nothing of a skirt.
“I can manage.” Arianna rolled down the thick white cotton stocking with shaking fingers. The rocking carriage made the process almost impossible as she tried to keep her balance and her dignity intact.
Ivy reached for the other stocking, ignoring Arianna’s protest. She held up the sturdy cotton for her examination, then tossed the garment out the open carriage window.
“Only silk should be worn against a woman’s delicate skin.”
“Yes, well.” Arianna tried not to blush or grab her crotch. The thin skirt felt as if she wore nothing against the cool leather seat. To say nothing of the rocking of the carriage. “Usually my undergarments are only for my own viewing.”
Ivy grabbed her ankle and set it on her lap. “Point your toe.”
Arianna stared at the ceiling while Ivy worked the silk stocking over her foot and up her leg. Her sex pulsed at the shockingly exposed position and the carriage’s motion, stimulating nerves in her gluteus that directly connected to her woman’s privates. Of course she knew the scientific reason for the phenomena, but in practice, she found it all rather disconcerting.
“Here are the matching garters. I think you can manage those.” Ivy handed her two burgundy-colored strips of gathered silk. Dear Lord. These garters weren’t intended to keep anything in place.
Arianna fumbled with the ties of the satin garters, forcing Ivy to brush her fingers away to finish the job.
