by Vikki Vaught
“That almost happened.” She told Ben who their father had planned for her to wed and that she had eloped. “So you see, my husband truly saved my life.”
Ben fisted his hands. “I never thought even our father could be so dastardly.” He turned to Cortland and stuck out his hand. “I can never thank you enough for saving Mary from that reprobate, sir.”
Her husband shook Ben’s outstretched hand. “No thanks are needed. The good Lord put Mary in my path, and I’m eternally grateful He did. She’s a true delight.”
While Mary was pleased by his praise, it confused her. If he felt that way, why was he still staying away from her bed when she’d told him she was not afraid that he would hurt her during one of his nightmares? Now was not the time to ponder that. Later, she would try to talk to him again. She motioned the housekeeper forward.
Mrs. Hadley curtsied. “Good evening, your ladyship. I have your brother’s chamber ready, as you requested. Would you like me to show him to his room?”
“Please.” She turned to Ben. “Why don’t you go freshen up? I’ve assigned one of our footmen to act as your valet. Donald is waiting upstairs and will assist you during your stay. He can show you to the drawing room once you’ve washed away your travel dirt.”
Her brother grinned. “Thanks, sis. I can’t wait to spend time with you, so I’ll hurry. See you shortly.” He followed Mrs. Hadley, and she drank in the sight of her beloved brother. It was such a relief to have him in their home.
Cortland turned his gaze toward her. “I’ll go upstairs and freshen up. When I return, I’ll tell you what happened on the way to Oxford.”
She wanted him to tell her right this minute, but she would have to be patient. By the serious expression he wore, she suspected that more than the common road mishap had occurred. What could have happened?
****
Cortland rushed through his ablutions. Mary would be frightened when he told her what happened to his carriage. Thank God it occurred on the way to get her brother instead of after, when the roads had grown so icy.
If he did not fear she could be in danger, he would not tell her, but someone was out there, intent on killing one of them. It could have been Mary instead of him, since she tended to use the smaller carriage often.
He met Ben on the stairs, so they entered the drawing room together. He liked Ben, but he now understood why Mary was so protective of him. The young man was very slight in build, and his complexion was pasty. He’d coughed several times on the way back, and at times, he had gasped for air. He would have the apothecary look at him on the morrow.
Ben took the seat next to his wife, so Cortland took the chair adjacent to the sofa. She handed him a cup of tea after he sat down. He took a sip of the hot brew and sighed. “Ah, this is just what I need. I can’t believe we’re getting snow so early.”
Mary passed out plates of scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam, along with finger sandwiches. Once everyone had a plate, she asked, “What took you so long to return? I expected you at two.”
He hesitated a moment, then said, “The carriage lost a wheel a mile before I reached Oxford. At least it happened on the way there instead of the journey home, when the weather turned so nasty. I’m sorry I worried you, my dear.”
“Goodness, how dreadful,” she replied. “Do you know what caused it to lose the wheel? I know you keep your carriage in good repair.”
“I do,” he paused, not wanting to alarm her, he played down the danger, “but the spokes broke, causing the wheel to collapse. Fortunately, we were traveling slowly because of the driving sleet. Thank God, the coachman managed to bring the horses to a halt quickly.”
“Oh, dear Lord, you could have been killed.” He heard the concern in her voice. Once she found out the spokes had been cut, she would truly be alarmed, and she should be. There was no doubt the wheel was damaged on purpose, since he trusted the stable manager implicitly.
Someone wanted one of them dead. He suspected it was him, but because he could not be sure, he wanted her protected at all times. He would hire guards to go with her, even when she went into Cuddesdon, only a mile away.
While she had to know, he would tell her the true state of affairs when they were alone. No use worrying the others. “That didn’t happen, so we will put this out of our minds and enjoy our tea.”
After they finished their refreshments, he asked Mary to accompany him to his study. Once behind closed doors, he told her the rest. “But, Cortland who would want you dead? Do you have a cousin that would inherit if you died?”
“No cousin. I have no idea, but until we find the person who did this, I want you protected.” He told her about the guards.
Her face grew pale. “Could it be the marquess? I’m sure he was livid when he found out we had wed. It would not matter whether he had decided against the match. He would not appreciate the decision being taken away from him.”
“You may be right,” he contemplated. “It’s the only thing that makes any sense. I’ll hire a Bow Street runner to look into that possibility. In the meantime, we will both take appropriate precautions. While I don’t want you to worry, do be careful. Now, how are the plans coming along for the house party?”
It took some coaxing, but eventually she seemed to forget about the incident and became animated, using her graceful hands as she talked. “Oh, Cortland, I’ve had the most marvelous idea. I want the children involved, so we’re planning entertainment for all the village children on the morning before the evening event. I met with some of the women at church, and we’re making ragdolls for the little girls. One of the women’s husbands is a wood carver, so he’s making soldiers and tops for the boys. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
Relieved he’d managed to distract her, he smiled. “It does. Where will this party take place?”
“In the church hall. That way we shan’t interfere with the preparation in the ballroom for the evening’s entertainment.” She smiled, obviously satisfied with her idea. They talked a bit longer, and she shared the games she had planned as well.
Since it was time for them to dress for dinner, he escorted her to her room, and he went to his. Once he made it to his chamber, he sighed. That was the most energetic he had seen his wife in a couple of weeks.
He’d been so determined to stay away from her bed, he had built a wall between them. It was not fair to her. Every time she asked him about his nightmare, he had shut her off. While he realized she knew why he was avoiding her bed, it did not mean she liked it. He did not like it either. Tonight, he would join her, he would make love to her…and he would not fall asleep.
Feeling better than he had in weeks, he had Larken give him a shave and dress him in his deep gold brocade waistcoat and black evening coat. When his valet finished tying his cravat, he glanced at his reflection. He looked ready for a London ball. Normally, he could care less about his appearance, but he wanted to please Mary.
Whistling, he made his way to the drawing room where he planned to woo his pretty wife. He would find his way back into her good graces and win her heart as she had won his, if it was the last thing he ever did.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
When Mary entered the drawing room, she found the aunts on the settee whispering like two young girls. It never ceased to amaze her when she observed the change in Aunt Mildred. She looked ten years younger. Before she’d come to live with them, she’d always worn a frown. She’d carried a good deal of extra weight and never had a kind word to say. Now, she smiled every day and even laughed often.
They’d had several discussions regarding her father, and she found out her aunt was only thirty-eight years old, ten years younger than the earl. Still young enough to find a husband. With the change in her countenance, she almost looked pretty.
Aunt Marjorie had offered to have her lady’s maid fix her hair, and the young woman had created a softer coiffure that brought out auburn highlights, taking it from dull, lifeless brown to vibrant shades of rich brown and red. N
ow, instead of a cold, almost dead blue, her aunt’s eyes sparkled with vitality and warmth. She’d also lost a significant amount of weight. The maid had altered several of Marjorie’s gowns, and the lighter colors and fabrics of the new ones gave her a more youthful appearance.
Aunt Mildred loved spending time with Gerrard and Aimee. She went to see them every day after nuncheon and read Aimee fairy tales, which the little girl loved. Gerrard peppered her with questions about plants that could be used for medicinal purposes, and her aunt glowed under the attention.
That afternoon, they had received a call from one of their neighbors. Lord Robert, a younger son of the Marquess of Brockton, had returned to his estate the day before and wanted to offer his condolences. Mary found him an interesting man. Not only did he hold a position in the House of Commons, he also ran a horse breeding farm and loved, of all things, horticulture.
Lord Robert kept casting glances at Aunt Mildred, especially when something amused her and she laughed. Her aunt had a surprisingly lyrical laugh. A good-looking widower, probably in his late thirties as well, would be perfect for her aunt.
Mary had extended an invitation to their Christmas party and he quickly accepted. When he learned of the children’s party, he asked if his eight-year-old daughter could attend. Of course, she assured him she would be welcomed.
Mildred had become quite animated while discussing their mutual interest in plants and foliage with Lord Robert. Ever since that conversation, her aunt watched him whenever she did not think anyone was looking. Yes, this could be a nice turn of events. She would make sure they had plenty of opportunities to converse whenever they met in the future.
Good Lord, am I actually matchmaking for my aunt?
Her husband entered, pulling her mind from her wondering thoughts back to the present. Her breath caught when she met his gaze. His smile set her pulse racing. She gave his appearance an admiring glance. He looked so handsome and debonair standing in the doorway. She longed to go over and kiss him. She barely kept herself from doing such an inappropriate thing.
Her skin grew hot when he came to her, raised her hand, and kissed her knuckles . His eyes boring into her own, she saw the hunger burning there, and gooseflesh danced up her arm. “Good evening, my dear.” His husky voice sent pinpricks of sensation from her neck to her toes. “You look lovely tonight. Did you have an enjoyable day?”
“I did.” Her words came out at a higher pitch than normal, as she tried to rein in her reaction to him. “We received a visit from Lord Robert today. He came to offer his condolences to your aunt.”
“Ah, yes,” he replied. “I remember him. Isn’t he a member of Parliament? I believe he came to see my father when he decided to stand for a seat in the House of Commons, wanting to gain his support. I was at home from school. Owns a horse farm, does he not?”
“He does. I invited him to our Christmas party.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I think he’s attracted to my aunt.”
His eyes glowed with merriment as they met hers. Her heart skipped a beat. “Are you trying your hand at matchmaking, my sweet?”
She glanced over at Mildred to make sure she was not paying attention. “I…well, he would be an excellent match for her. They’re close in age. He has a daughter who must need a woman’s guiding hand. Now that Aunt Mildred is so changed, I realize she’s still young enough to find love. Would it not be simply splendid if this worked out for her?”
He guffawed so loudly that both their aunts and her brother looked over at him. Ben came over and asked, “Now what do the two of you find so amusing?”
Before she could reply, Wallis appeared and announced dinner. Cortland grinned. “You’ll have to ask your sister over dinner. If you will lead Mary in, I shall bring in the aunts.”
The conversation around the table had every face aglow with merriment. Her brother told several amusing stories regarding his best friend. Cortland reminisced about his school days at Oxford, and the two found much in common. When she suggested to her aunts it was time to leave the men to their port, it was obvious her husband and brother were enjoying each other’s company. That pleased her greatly. Hearing Ben laugh and joke put joy in her heart. They had not had very much to laugh about growing up.
Thirty minutes later, Cortland and her brother joined them in the drawing room, and Ben suggested a game of charades. They spent an enjoyable hour trying to figure out what animal, place or person each of them were portraying.
At ten, Aunt Marjorie covered her mouth to hide a yawn. “Beg your pardon. Although I have had an enjoyable time this evening, I’m growing a bit tired. I think I shall retire for the night. I will see all of you in the morning.” Everyone wished her a good night as she left them.
Ben stood. “While I’ve found the evening entertaining, I’m off to bed as well.” He offered his arm to Aunt Mildred, when she conceded she was also ready to retire, and the two of them strolled from the drawing room, leaving her alone with her husband.
Cortland stood and offered her his hand. As she placed her hand in his, he pulled her up with a bit more force than he probably intended, and she stumbled against him. He grabbed her arms to steady her.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pull your hand like that.” Cortland looked at her intently. “Shall we go upstairs?” He reached up and stroked her cheek. “May I visit you tonight?” he huskily asked.
Her heart hammered and her pulse jumped. “I would like that, my lord.” She looked away, afraid to allow him to see the desire that must be in her eyes.
“Mary…look at me.” She met his gaze and his eyes glowed bright amber. “Don’t ever be ashamed of your passion. Will you promise me something?”
“Of course. What is it?” she asked.
“Don’t let me fall asleep in your bed.” He searched her face. “Please, know that I haven’t stayed away because I don’t desire you, never that. All I ask is that you understand…when I leave your bed tonight after we make love, it’s to protect you. I could not bear it if I inadvertently hurt you while in the throes of one of my nightmares.”
The pain in his words tore at her soul. “All right. It will be as you wish.”
He swept her up in his arms, then carried her up the stairs and into her chamber. When Ella saw them, she blushed, then curtsied and scurried from the room. Cortland chuckled. “I think we embarrassed her. Please give her my apologies in the morning.”
He gently set her down on the Aubusson carpet, and kneeling at her feet, he slipped her shoes off one at a time. Sliding his hands up her left calf, he removed her pale blue garter, and rolled down her stocking, kissing behind her knee after he exposed it. Once he had both of them off, he stood, turned her around, and unbuttoned her gown. All the while he nibbled on her neck, causing it to tingle as his lips caressed her skin.
Her dress dropped to the carpet as he untied her stays and threw them down. All that was left was her lacy, white shift. He turned her toward him. His eyes blazed hot with passion as he lifted the garment over her head and tossed it on top of her gown.
She could not breathe. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it might break through her chest. Cortland picked her up and carried her naked body against his clothed one. She wanted to beg him to take off all his clothes, but it was a futile thought. He would never remove his shirt, even if she did plead.
He gently lowered her to the silken sheets and stood. Never taking his eyes off her, he removed his cravat and tossed it on the floor. Then he unfastened the fall on his breeches and pushed them down revealing his stark white small clothes. A bulge was clearly visible beneath the thin fabric. Her nether region throbbed as he pushed them down as well, exposing his large shaft. This was the first time she had actually seen it. She desperately ached to touch it, but her shyness held her immobile.
Cortland had added some weight and muscle over the past month. His thighs had more girth than before, and she longed to stroke them, to feel the powerful muscles. Her cheeks burned, and she prayed the lamplight
would not allow him to see how red they must be.
Tossing the cover out of the way, he crawled on top of her and cradled her hips between his thighs. His hand swiped across his mouth as he gazed at her. Leaning forward, he took her lips in a bruising kiss. Continuing to battle her desire to touch him, she gripped the pillows behind her head, knowing that if she did not, she would ruin the moment by running her hands under his shirt.
He licked his way from her mouth to her collarbone, then down to her right breast. Taking her nipple into his hot mouth, she moaned. Sensations built as he sucked harder. Unable to remain mute any longer, she cried out, “Yes, oh yes. Harder.”
Good Lord, did I really say that?
What must he think of her? She squeezed her eyes tight.
He leaned back on his calves. “Mary,” he breathed out her name, “remember what I told you downstairs. Never be scared or ashamed to let me know what feels good. I want to give you pleasure. To do that, I need you to tell me when you enjoy something.”
She blinked, then opened her eyes to find his filled with a wealth of tenderness. Taking him at his word, she asked for what she longed to do. “Can I please, please just touch you? I need to hold you as you take me. I fight the desire to rake my hands down your back when you drive into me.”
He paused and sucked in a breath of air, then slowly nodded and laid his head upon her breasts. He would surely hear the pounding of her heart. Tentatively, she stroked his arms, felt the defined muscles, smelled his bergamot cologne. When he continued to lie still, she ran her hands across his strong back, feeling his heat even through his thin silk shirt.
He let out a long sigh, then reverently took one of her hands and pulled it to his mouth, then kissed it. “I’ve craved your gentle touch, my sweet…sweet, Mary. Thank you for being courageous enough to ask for what I feared to want.”
Feeling empowered, she asked, “Can…can I touch your…your, uh,” searching for a name to call that intimate part of his body, “your manhood?”
