by Heather Boyd
“Because it is true. My father sired only one legitimate son, and I have not married as yet to produce the required heir. The next in line is a cousin, a pious prig who would sooner brand them all vile creatures to be cast out onto the street than spend the shillings required to feed even one.”
Her eyes widened. “You would marry just for them?”
“Not just for them. I did have other hopes when I wed.”
A rosy blush spread over her cheeks and her neck too, yet relief filled him. She did not appear too shocked. He’d always intended to be honest with his wife about his half brothers and sisters, so gaining Arabella’s understanding went a long way to proving he’d made the right decision to tell the woman he married too.
“You’re fond on your siblings, despite their origins?”
Merrick supposed she was right. “Family first.”
“That is not at all a bad thing.” She shifted closer, tucking her knees beneath her and giving him all her attention. “Having none I care for now means I’m made more aware of my lack.”
Merrick glanced across the stream to hide the sadness that filled him. It was not easy to ignore that Farnsworth’s actions had revealed just how alone Arabella was in the world. Leaving would be difficult. He lifted his eyes to the horizon with a heavy heart. Storm clouds had gathered to the west of the estate. His brothers were going to get wet on their way home. Yet if he didn’t go now, he feared he might never walk away from her. His hopes for his life would go unfulfilled if he stayed.
He stood and dusted off his trousers, then held his hand out to Arabella. “We’d best be on our way.”
He helped her up and brought her back into the field, holding her arm as they walked over difficult terrain, releasing her when their way was free of impediment. They had not traveled very far when he spotted Holland and his coachman, Jimmy, in the distance, striding toward them in a hurry. “Ah, a family reunion. I wonder what the fuss is about now.”
Arabella chuckled. “Oh, dear. Did they think your virtue in danger?”
“No. I’m very sure they are attempting to protect yours.” He laughed too as his good mood returned. He had been alone with Arabella and had thought very little of getting beneath her skirts. It was not the first time Arabella had lured him to speak his mind rather than contemplate the delights of her body. Despite her troubles and the delicate topic he’d broached, he’d never had a more enjoyable day. If he told Holland that she knew all their secrets now, the man would likely fall over in a faint and never wake.
She stopped suddenly. “Will you dine with me this evening?”
“If I stay that long I’ll have no chance of returning to London as expected.”
“You had other plans for the journey home too, didn’t you? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t delay you.” Her throat moved as she swallowed, proving her disappointment was acute.
“My plan had no date affixed to it.” He smiled. “My half sister is an agreeable creature and will understand the delay was for a good cause.”
“You have a sister?”
“Several. The one I am to meet runs the Castle Inn at Fox Hill with her husband. I often break my journey there when I come to Wiltshire. She had a babe recently and Holland wants to see the lad and another one residing close by before we return to Town. They can wait a day more.”
Her gaze turned to the building storm clouds. “If you’re sure it’s not a bother I’d appreciate it if you would stay for the night. There is ample room for everyone and I should not like your brothers to get soaked before half a mile is passed.”
Merrick threw his head back and laughed. “Now that is a first. Most women invite me to stay for anything but my ugly brother’s benefit.”
A brilliant blush stained her cheeks and he caught her arm and steered her toward the fast approach of Holland and Jimmy. Did she blush when men shared her bed? He frowned at that idea. Arabella had been a widow for some time, yet he’d never heard of her taking a lover. She cast no lures that he could detect. He pushed the idea from his mind firmly. It was better to be friends than lovers. Friendship lasted far longer than the sudden rush of lust.
“Jimmy, we seem to be staying the night. Have the carriage and team put away and the men dispersed where they will fit. Make sure they help out where they can. No sense being idle if there is work begging to be done.”
Holland glanced between himself and Arabella, his expression curious and wary. “My lord, this is unexpected. What about your plans?”
“It is unexpected, isn’t it? Ease your mind, Holland. My plans can wait. Lady Farnsworth would feel more secure if Lord Farnsworth found the place still occupied by my servants and myself should he return tonight. I would not like to disappoint her by refusing her hospitality.”
Holland didn’t appear happy about it but eventually nodded. “Of course. I would not be easy to have him return either.”
When Holland hurried back to the house, Arabella swatted Merrick’s arm. “You beast. You enjoyed tormenting him.”
He studied his brother’s fast retreat. “I’ll be suitably lectured for it later.”
“What could he have to say about the matter?”
“He’s concerned for you.”
“I’m in no danger with you.”
“Quite the contrary.” He faced her so he could judge her reaction. “Have you even thought your invitation through properly? While we were in London, I was confident I could remove you from my house undetected, but here in the country our togetherness will not be so easily overlooked. People will assume there is something between us if I stay. We have already been too long alone together as it is.”
Her tongue darted out and licked her lips. A distinctly nervous gesture that made his pulse race. “You’ve never…” She waved her free hand about as she sought the right word to describe his lack of seduction.
“Oh, I’ve been interested, but you would surely be the poorer for it.” Merrick was glad they had some distance to walk before they reached the house again and he curled her arm about his and drew her in that direction. “After your recent set of troubles, I wouldn’t be surprised that you’d want nothing to do with men again. You’ve been very clear that you oppose marriage.”
“I don’t exactly oppose marriage. I just never want to have to make another because I’ve no choice.” Her free hand clenched at her waist. “I’d always thought of Farnsworth as a brother. Not a particularly close one, though, so I was shocked that he thought to sell me like he would cattle.” She tightened her grip on his arm. “Can we talk of something else?”
“Anything you like.”
Yet silence fell between them. As they drew closer to the house, Arabella’s steps slowed. She kept sneaking glances at him until he couldn’t stand it. “What?”
She paused beneath a tall tree and faced him. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Name it.”
“When I close my eyes, I see Farnsworth’s face right before he would have hit me again. I would like not to see that image anymore.”
“I don’t imagine that’s very pleasant.”
“Will you kiss me again?”
Merrick held himself very, very still as his pulse bolted. “Ah, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Please. I would like something pleasant to think about at night.”
The plea in her eyes broke him. Perhaps a kiss would take her terror away quicker than time and distance would. A glance around them confirmed they were alone and could not be seen from the house. He could kiss her and no one would be any the wiser.
He didn’t want to say no, so before he reasoned out the whys of not doing so, he leaned toward her and brushed his lips across hers. He drew back quickly when Arabella froze in place. “I’m sorry.”
Her brow furrowed. “For what?”
“I startled you.”
Her cheeks brightened with hot color. “No. It was not that at all.”
“What then?”
“I don’t know.” Her l
ips pressed together briefly. “Would you kiss me again and I will try to remain still?”
“Arabella, another kiss may not change anything.”
“Perhaps not, but please, Merrick. I’d rather think of you.”
She gave so much more than she realized. Merrick tried again, more slowly this time. The first brush of lips was gentle and soft. A temptation to ease her mind. The second kiss was firmer. He cupped her head, eagerly ready to tangle tongues with her. However, her lips remained closed as if she were not used to kisses at all.
Slowly, Merrick sought her waist with his free hand and drew her against him. She sighed as a third kiss began and finally kissed him back the way he wanted. Her hands touched his chest as he tasted her with his tongue. The sweet suction of their lips sent his pulse out of control, and his cock thickened and strained immediately against the placket of his trousers. There was more, so much more, passion to come between them, but in everything to do with Arabella, he hesitated. He wanted her so badly and did not want to make a mistake. He drew back reluctantly with one last soft kiss and waited for her reaction.
Arabella opened her eyes slowly. Her cheeks flamed to a vivid pink, so bright he had to run his fingertip across the smooth surface to test how warm they were.
“Oh my.” She slapped her hands over her blushing cheeks and a throaty laugh burst from her lips. “I see now why every woman who’s ever spoken of you was mad for your company.”
There was his reputation, come to remind her of his debauched past. He bit back his disappointment that she listened to gossip and looked away. “I have my uses.”
After a moment, her arm slid back through his and they continued their walk toward the house with her holding to him firmly. Her eyes fluttered shut as she walked, an unwise decision on uneven ground, and her lips pressed together tightly.
Although intrigued by her reaction to such a simple kiss, he waited till she opened her eyes again before asking what he most wanted to know. “Is Farnsworth gone from your memory?”
“Who?” She faced him and her smile was sweet and intimate. “After such a kiss I am capable of very little recall. It’s a wonder my legs can hold me up. Do you kiss all women like that?”
He’d used no more skill with Arabella than anyone else, but it was different kissing her. Unique and undeniably tender. An idea formed in his mind, but he pushed it away as a foolish wish brought on by an even more foolish desire that she might never belong to anyone but him and only smiled.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Arabella rolled her face into the pillow as frustration grew. Kissing Rothwell had ruined everything. Now instead of the memory of Farnsworth’s red, angry face filling her with terror, she saw Rothwell, and not just in that moment before he’d touched his lips to hers and ripped her contentment apart. Every kind and gentle moment between them flickered through her mind, adding fuel to her memories of kissing him.
She burrowed beneath the sheets, irritated by herself more than anything. During dinner tonight, Rothwell had acted as if that kiss never happened. He’d been charming and kind, always smiling and ready to converse. He’d had no problem upholding his side of the conversation at all. Arabella had barely managed to finish her meal. How could he not feel anything after such a kiss?
She was thankful he’d been taken away by Holland to speak of something so vitally important that Rothwell had not reappeared at all. Arabella rolled over and tossed the covers from her body. Her nightgown was twisted completely around and she lacked the will to collect herself. The advice she had received months ago on how to seduce a man played through her mind again. The ring on her finger was gone, just the faintest trace of the depression remained. She had restyled her hair and worn more revealing gowns than normal.
Even close proximity to a rogue had made no discernable increase in her attractiveness.
Perhaps she was doomed to die a virgin.
She sat up quickly. No. Absolutely not. She would not allow life to pass her by. If not for Rothwell’s being home, she might have fallen prey to Farnsworth’s evil intentions and been coerced into marrying Lord Parker.
How long could a man like Rothwell resist a woman if she were to climb into his bed? He had said he was interested but had assumed she was put off by men entirely. She wasn’t, but if Rothwell was waiting for some sign from her to proceed to intimate relations between them, she had no idea what that sign might be.
She bit her lip. Rosemary had promised that her body would appeal to any man. She wanted to test that theory with Rothwell before he found himself a wife. Nervous but committed to her decision, she climbed from bed. She just had to allow Rothwell an opportunity while he was still here. He’d been amenable to a kiss that had scorched her senses. She would go to him tonight before she changed her mind.
Arabella drew in a deep breath to steady her nerves and stepped out into the dark hall. It took a few moments before her eyes adjusted to the gloom and without the aid of any other light she padded toward the room her butler had assigned to Rothwell on his arrival. Steady rain beat against the windows she passed and disguised the sound of her passage. Light flickered beneath his door and she raised her hand to the wood. Her knock sounded loud to her own ears, so instead of waiting outside where a servant might see her, she quickly entered.
But the room was empty. The bed was made as if Rothwell had not been in it at all. Crushed, she turned on the spot and retraced her steps quickly. So much for having dishonorable intentions about a man. She would have to try again later or give up her wish as a fool’s errand.
“Arabella?”
She jerked her head up and stared into the shadows lingering beside her bedchamber door. Rothwell stepped from them.
“Oh, there you are.”
He came closer. He was still dressed as he’d been at dinner, but his coat was missing. He looked rather dashing in his shirtsleeves and embroidered waistcoat. “Were you looking for me?”
As during dinner, his deep voice did funny things to her nerves. A ball of uncertainty settled in her stomach. She took a deep breath and took a pace toward him. “I was. I have another request to make of you.”
“Are you thinking of Farnsworth again?”
“No. I was thinking of you.”
“Me.” His fingers brushed the sleeve of her nightgown. “In what way?”
This was the moment. “I’d like you to kiss me again and not stop.”
He studied her for a long, uncomfortable moment, eyes skimming her body as if he were touching her. Warmth pooled between her thighs and she clutched her robe tightly to stop her hands from shaking. When he blinked, his expression grew shuttered. “This is an unexpected request.”
Arabella brushed her suddenly sweaty palms over her robe. There was only one thing left to do. She’d have to be honest and as bold as Cecily could be. “I wanted you to seduce me,” she blurted.
Rothwell drew back a pace as if she’d struck him. For the first time ever, he seemed at a loss for words. He shook his head. “I’m sorry. My mind wandered for a moment. Could you please repeat that?”
His words bolstered her courage considerably. The tables had turned. Now he was the one flustered.
Yet Arabella hesitated. She hadn’t actually thought she’d need to ask to be seduced. She’d assumed Lord Rothwell would understand what she wanted without being told and act accordingly. How else did one invite seduction if there were no right words to request it? “I want you.”
She stared at him, hoping a blunt invitation would be acceptable. Time slowed. The clock ticked loudly nearby and then Rothwell finally seemed to catch on. But still he did not sweep in to ravish her. Perhaps additional conversation was a requirement in a seduction. She smiled. “Are you not pleased?”
“Don’t mistake my silence as displeasure. I am honored.” He swallowed and dug a finger beneath his cravat to loosen it. “However, before I consider how to proceed I want to know why me and now.”
Because there was much about Rothwell to be imp
ressed by—tall; dark haired; broad, muscled shoulders. He commanded attention wherever he went and to be alone with such a man in her own surroundings did terrible things to her senses. She might actually swoon.
That he was so out of countenance pleased her. From the moment he had kissed her, she had hesitated to name the force that plagued her. It might be described as lust, but she’d never experienced that. Yet the heat of his gaze now seared through her body and did terrible things to her composure. She wanted to twine her body around his and never let go.
Even now, with her interest in the open and the heat in Rothwell’s gaze evident, he still refused to act. Perhaps he looked at all women as potential candidates to grace his bed but he didn’t necessarily follow through in bedding every one.
The thought was disheartening. She liked him best of all the gentlemen she knew. Disappointed, she pulled her robe closer about her body. “Forgive me for taking up your valuable time. I’m sure you have other, more interesting activities planned for your evening.”
He caught her arm to prevent her flight. “Wait. Our discussion hasn’t ended.”
“But my courage has.” She turned for the door and an end to her embarrassment, slipping from his soft hold easily. “Good evening, my lord.”
He caught her before she made her door, his hands firm on her upper arms, his body behind her. “I’m willing. I’m just surprised. Why would you need courage for me? Has Farnsworth given you another fear to conquer? I promise you few men are cruel like that.”
She drew in a shaky breath. “I hope not.”
They were alone. His seduction could begin. He drew her against his body and when her spine landed against his chest, she shuddered. Warmth penetrated her robe where they touched and took her breath away. His hands slid up her arms firmly and she tried not to start from the unfamiliar sensations he stirred. Yet her whole body thrummed with anticipation at the sensation of his attention.
