by Cathy Duke
“I can't be gentle now…I seem to need everything you have,” Arden whispered between kisses.
“I don't want you gentle…I can take whatever you have to offer…I need it too,” she responded in a throaty whisper.
Arden laid her on her back and started kissing, nibbling and licking his way down her chest. First one breast was suckled and then the other. He worked his way down her stomach stopping to circle her navel with his tongue causing Amy to arch her back in need, moaning her desire. He spread her thighs and moved between her legs. She looked down where she saw his head and sighed with satisfaction by what he was doing to her. His fingers were magical and gentle.
“What are you doing to me?” she asked in a breathy voice. “You drive me insane.”
He didn't respond but instead started kissing her thighs until he reached her mound. His fingers gently opened her folds and found her center already moist. His tongue followed using the same thrusting she was now desiring. His tongue caressed her nub.
“Ohhhh, Arden.”
Arden did not slow down nor converse with his wife. Amy's hands held him in place while she began to experience the eruption of a volcano so intense and so vivid that she began to tremble in its quake. Finally the explosion came and she screamed her pleasure. He looked up into her face and witnessed her rapture with a slow easy smile.
Amy had little chance to recover, when the first of many hard and rugged thrusts came slamming her into the mattress with a force that took her breath. His balls were pounding her bottom, his hands supporting her hips. She matched the rhythm and pace with equal energy and soon the gasps were in unison until they both found their release gasping for breath together. Amy sighed as she looked at the perspiration falling from Arden's face. Her face was shiny and her body slick with her own efforts of pleasure. How could a person survive such intense pleasure, she wondered. It was beyond anything she ever imagined possible. Arden was sensitive to her needs and pleasure, she was certain it was a rare trait.
Both exhausted, they both lay side by side on their backs holding hands. Arden had one arm supporting his head. Their breathing was returning to normal.
“I think I am spent for at least an hour,” Arden said under his breath. Amy giggled and sighed her exhaustion.
“I am glad of that because I too am tired. I never knew it could be like this, Arden.”
“We do have something special, that is for certain.”
“I never thought we would have a wedding vacation in a house…of”
“You mean a whore house,” he laughed as Amy blushed. “Well, it's not so much a whore house really. Sarah is more mother for strays and the disadvantaged. I have sent a woman or two to her to be cared for. She has a big heart.”
“I was fortunate that Sarah was the one Joseph Dodd decided to take me to…otherwise I don't know what would have happened.”
“I, too, feel fortunate for that, however, we were on his trail and would have caught up soon with you. I am angry that I didn't have the chance to…ahh, sorry. He is dead, after all.”
“Rosie and Jamie will be relieved that he won't be seeking them out, ever. They are safe.”
“I am to blame that I found out Dodd was on Brightmore manor lands and did not take care of it then. I thought he was perhaps trying to talk to Rosie or Jamie…He was dangerous and I blame myself for…”
“Do not blame yourself. He was a lunatic and no one could have known what he planned. Besides, all is well now and we have much to be grateful for.”
“Have I told you yet today how much I love you?”
“You are a treasure Arden. I am truly blessed. I wish I had that little book to see what we have missed…”
With that they resumed their kissing, embracing and loving.
Epilogue
Brightmore Manor, 1840
John stood by a large oak tree and watched his younger sister chasing a butterfly. He had his father's dark coloring and hair. His body was sturdy with the promise of a statue like that of his father. He stared at his sister respecting her absolute pure pleasure in her innocent adventure. She fell onto the thick padding of tall grass and looked up to see the butterfly land on her arm with surprise.
“Look, John. See the butterfly? It is truly beautiful.” Her rosebud mouth was open in awe, a younger version of her beautiful mother. Her blue eyes sparkled in mischief as an idea sprang to life. “I wish I could fly like a butterfly, John. I would fly around the world and see all the things that we read about. The butterfly is delicate like the most intricate lace. What a miracle he is.”
“Come, Helen. We must not be late. Mother has planned a fine dinner of celebration and she will not be happy if you have stained your new gown.” He walked over to where his sister sat and put out a hand to pull her up. She put her small hand in his and smiled her love for him. He was her hero, always rescuing her from her lapses in judgment. He told her he would always be there for her and she knew he would be good to his word. John already had honor their papa would often say. He would not tattle on her when she had indiscretions in judgement. That had an agreement of sorts that she would hold her tongue about him, although John never did anything wrong.
“But what are we celebrating? Is Mama presenting us with another sibling?”
John took his sister's hand and walked her back to the manor house. He was tall for his nine years and accomplished so it was no wonder he was obliged to watch over his six year-old sister. She was a hand full for her nanny and mother too for that matter. She was mischievous and adventuresome. A dangerous combination, Papa said. Papa told him that he would learn a lot about women just by observing his sister, and so far he was not impressed nor was he convinced there was any reason to learn more about women. He did not understand their nature, but again Papa said that would come later…with patience. Papa said in time he would change his mind. It was difficult to imagine, but then Papa was a wise man and John had learned to listen to his Papa.
“Not that I know of Helen. I think the twins are enough for them to take care of.”
“I am not in agreement with you, John. Elizabeth and Connor are three and I wish for a new baby to hold.” Helen pouted the words. Her long dark thick braid bounced as she skipped along to keep up with John's long strides. His hands were firm and warm and she liked when he held her hand in his. She felt safe. She would miss him when he went away to school. Papa said John would be all grown up after attending school, but she knew he was already grown up. John was wise and Helen depended on that wisdom nearly every day.
“All you need is another doll. A real baby is a lot of responsibility Helen. Maybe I should tell Papa you wish for a baby doll.”
“I would take care of a real baby, John.” She replied. “Mama would not have to do anything. I can be very responsible.”
“You will have your own babies soon enough, Helen. Don't grow up too fast and miss what is meant for a six year-old to enjoy.”
“John, I wish to marry a man just like you. Someone I can talk to and understands me. Nanny is not patient. I want to ask her things and she just tells me to do as I am told. She tells me I ask too many questions.”
“I will answer your questions, Helen. I know nearly everything.”
They went into the parlor and took their place standing beside the twins who Nanny was holding, one on each hip. The burden became too much so she slid one child down her hip to the floor and handed the other to John who took the child with a sigh. Nanny looked at John with approval and admiration. She smiled at him as he adjusted the child in his arms.
Eva stood next to Amy watching her father getting ready to make an important speech. Eva was beautiful in her new grown up gown although her red hair was down past her shoulders, a clue to her youth. Her mama was not ready to give her license to wear her hair up as yet, but soon. She was ready to be courted she decided. She wanted a love match like her papa and mama. She looked up at her beloved mama with adoration. She was growing up too quickly mama always said.
The house was filled with guests all talking at once. The tenants were dressed in their Sunday finest and their faces were smiling and bursting with pleasure. It wasn't common to be invited to be guests of the Duke of Brightmore. But then the Duke of Brightmore was unique for a Duke. He valued the common people and well they knew it.
They were in the parlor and Arden was clinking a glass to gain their attention. Everyone stopped their talking and turned to face the Duke. The room grew quiet. They looked upon Arden with respect.
Arden glanced at all the guests for a moment before speaking. He looked at each face, giving importance and respect to each tenant. Everyone waited patiently to hear his words.
“We have a wonderful occasion to celebrate. Ten years ago my Duchess started a school for the children of our Brightmore tenants. It was so successful, that more teachers were brought in and more days and hours were offered for schooling. Now, I have one superior student my Duchess and I will sponsor at University.” He looked through the gathering and nodded to Jamie Dodd to step forward. “There are many good students. I hope Jamie will not be the last we sponsor. However, today is Jamie's day. He has done well in his studies. I am very proud of him.” Arden smiled at the young man who now was nearly eighteen. His red-headed mother, Rosie, was smiling from ear to ear and tears trailed down her cheeks. Jamie smiled at his mother.
“Ah, mother. Please don't cry.” Jamie's face was redder than his hair. Everyone raised their glasses for the toast. It was a joyous group.
Amy joined her Duke in the toast and stood by his side looking at the crowd of tenants and their children. To the side of the room stood the Duke of Somerset. He was smiling as he, too, toasted the occasion. Millie was on his arm. As the Duchess of Somerset she was dressed beautifully with her rich chestnut hair layered on top of her head with three ringlet curls hanging on her shoulder. There was a slight lump on her midriff that laid promise to a child in the future. Her hand rested there in a protective gesture known to all womenkind. She looked up at Bradley with love in her eyes, a common occurrence for these newlyweds. Amy trapped Millie in a look across the room that said, “We did well.”
Cathy Duke
Cathy lives in Southern California with her husband and six rescued cats. Her daughter and son have vacated the nest leaving Cathy to her writing. She received her B.A. in Theatre and her M.A. in Film. For 25 years she was the CEO and founder of the San Diego Film Commission and wrote a monthly column for the San Diego Business Journal. She received two Emmy's for her writing and producing.
