Bethia

by Keira Montclair

  It was so beautiful that her eyes misted. She knew it would never fit.

  As they dropped the gown over her head and shoulders, she ducked into it. The folds fell around her, gold threading visible as the fabric floated down over her hips.

  She held her breath, waiting in expectation. She’d been through this so many times before. The seamstress would do the usual tugging on the ribbons in the back, tugging and tugging until Bethia wished to cry from embarrassment.

  Nothing beautiful ever fit her.

  Except this time it did.

  Cecily said, “Oh my. Your mother would be so pleased, Joan. ‘Tis a perfect fit.”

  Bethia stared wide-eyed at her mother, who looked like she was about to burst into tears. “Mama?” She didn’t know what to make of her mother’s expression. “What do you think?”

  Joan handed Cecily the belt and the maids tied it around her waist, looping the ends in the back.

  “This fits, too,” Cecily added. “Your mother always amazed me, Joan. How did she know this would be a perfect fit for Donnan’s true wife?”

  Everyone in the chamber stood back to admire the gown. Bethia’s mother started to cry, Joan and Cecily beamed, and then something miraculous happened.

  Bethia looked down at the gown and suddenly felt beautiful.

  Cecily played with her hair until it fell in beautiful waves down her back. “Oh, I think we should intertwine golden ribbons with the waves in her glorious hair the day of the ceremony. Don’t you agree, Joan?”

  Joan smiled and said, “You will make a beautiful bride and a lovely countess.”

  Her mother couldn’t say a word at first—she was choking back her tears. When she was able to manage, she whispered, “Stunning, absolutely stunning. The full skirt hides your hips and your waist looks so small with that belt. It’s just…”

  “Come,” Joan said. “I’ll carry your train and you can go downstairs and show your family. I made sure the men are gone, though I’m not sure where Donnan disappeared to. He had a plan. I could tell by the light in his eyes. Bethia, you know not how it pleases me to have my brother back again…and whole. That…that woman had torn apart our family. Many thanks to you, my dear.”

  They stepped into the passageway, her cousins’ voices and laughter filling the hall with joy. She swallowed and made her way toward the wide, curved staircase, pausing at the top to gather her strength, but then she reminded herself.

  She was beautiful.

  She took two steps down the stairs and a hush fell over her family. Not allowing anything to stop her, she continued, thinking about how much she loved Donnan and how happy they would be together.

  Her chin lifted as the quiet was broken by squeals of joy. Her cousins heartily agreed with what her mother had told her.

  The Countess of Panmure was a beautiful woman.

  ***

  Donnan had stayed out of sight, wanting to see whether or not Bethia was satisfied with the gown. He knew how sensitive she was about her size, and if the dress made her feel at all uncomfortable, he would have another one made for her. His breath caught in his throat as soon as soon as he saw her in it, and he could tell from the way she floated down the staircase that his mother had made a fine choice. He watched as her family fussed over her, so pleased that she actually felt as beautiful as he found her to be.

  Her beauty came from her heart, her soul, and her stunning smile. True, her chestnut hair fell in luscious waves down her back, and the ivory color of the gown accented her coloring perfectly, but the smile that radiated from her not only lit up her face, but everyone else in the hall.

  How could they not feel it? The beauty of her kind soul washed over everyone, even wild wolves, to the point where it was impossible not to bask in her joy.

  When he was finally able to tear his gaze from his wife-to-be, he found his way up the back staircase. He waited until Bethia made her way back into his chamber and then caught her mother just before she followed her into the chamber, pulling her aside for a quiet conversation.

  After he explained what he had in mind, Bethia’s mother’s eyes misted and she said, “You do love her, Donnan. I’m impressed you’ve recognized that about her. I’ll talk to Quade.” She kissed his cheek and headed down the stairs. Once the gown came back out the door for adjustments, he stepped inside the room and said to his sister. “Joan, I’d like to speak to Bethia alone for a moment. Please find her mother and ask her to explain what we just discussed.”

  He sent everyone out of the chamber and bolted the door behind him, wanting some time alone with his love. Bethia turned around on the pedestal, wrapped in a thick white robe his sister had purchased for her.

  “Donnan, is aught wrong? Did you not like the gown on me? I liked it.” Her hands shook as she tied the belt around her dressing robe.

  “You were beyond beautiful in that gown, my love. My mother truly had a premonition that you would come into my life. But you are more beautiful to me as you stand in front of me now.” He moved closer to her. She attempted to step down from the pedestal, but he stopped her. “Please stay. ‘Tis where you belong, my love.”

  The expression in her eyes told him she didn’t understand his meaning. “To me, you are above everyone, though I know you don’t see it. Allow me to ask you a question and I ask you to be honest with me.” He walked around her in a circle, his gaze taking in her beauty before he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close.

  While she was on the pedestal, her head was almost on level with his, a closeness he quite liked. He whispered in her ear, “Were you comfortable in that gown?”

  Her voice came out barely loud enough for him to hear. “Aye.” She tipped her head down, but he lifted her chin back up. “I love it. It makes me feel beautiful, but…”

  “But? Do not be ashamed. That gown is beautiful, and ‘tis perfect for you, but I can tell this wedding is straining you. I know that because I love you. I think my wife-to-be would be more comfortable with a small ceremony with just her family and mine in attendance than with a large, formal ceremony in front of a crowd. That she would rather not parade down the streets of Edinburgh before marrying in a castle courtyard in front of hundreds of well-wishers. We would dance for hours, be the center of attention for the entire day before we could sneak away in the late hours of the night.”

  A tear slid down her cheek and he kissed it away. “Am I correct, sweeting?”

  She nodded, her hands gripping his around the waist. “I’m so sorry. I know you’re the earl and there are certain expectations for you, but I am so unsettled about all this. ‘Tis not how I was raised, ‘tis so unlike…”

  He put a finger to her lips and said, “Shhh… It is done. I was so sure of it that I’ve already arranged for it to happen. Cecily will finish the gown for you. ‘Tis a gift from my mother to you, and I hope you would like to wear it at our wedding, But if not, we can keep it at the castle for you to use on another occasion. The gown will be at your disposal. If you agree, we will marry quietly in two days, and then I will take you to our home in the woods. We’ll spend our first night together there. I’ve already spoken with your mother.”

  “Oh, Donnan.” She spun around and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him until they were both breathless. “And until then?” she whispered, her breath and her body as heated as his own.

  “You are all mine. I will show you how much I love you without saying another word.” He cupped her face and asked, “Do you trust me, lass? I promise not to take your maidenhead until after we marry, but I have much to teach you.” His voice came out a bit huskier than he’d expected, but this woman caused a fire in his body unlike any other.

  “I trust you.”

  He said, “Tell me to stop if I discomfit you.”

  She nodded, the expression of trust on her face humbling him.

  He kissed her cheek and untied the belt around her waist, opening her voluptuous body to him since. Sliding his hands unde
rneath the folds of the robe, beneath which her soft, supple skin was completely bare, he caressed her hips and brought his hands up to her breasts, cupping them both, holding them up for his perusal before he dropped his head to one, teasing her nipple with his tongue until he brought it to a taut peak. She shivered at his touch and he smiled, pleased by yet another show of her passion.

  He did the same to her other breast, then drew her bud into his mouth, suckling her until she cried out, her arms now gripping his shoulder. “Donnan?”

  “Relax, my sweet. Allow me to get to know you.” He stepped back and removed his boots, his tunic, and then his plaid. When her eyes widened, he moved back to her. “Aye, give me your hand, and I’ll show you the proof of your beauty.” He took her proffered hand and set it on his bulging erection. “This is how much I love you. You are perfect to me, and I’ve never desired a woman more.” She wrapped her fingers around him gingerly and he groaned, closing his eyes. “Not yet, sweet one. ‘Tis your turn.”

  She dropped her hands and he returned his attention to her large breasts, suckling them until she cried out. His hands dipped lower, down her sides and across her belly until they reached the vee in her legs. Caressing her nub, he encouraged her to spread her legs, and she did as he’d hoped, her hands returning to his shoulders.

  Pleased to see how slick she was, he followed his finger with his tongue until he knelt in front of her. Then he flicked his tongue over her pleasure spot until she cried his name.

  “Donnan!”

  “Aye, ‘tis number one.”

  He took the tiny bud in his mouth and suckled her, his finger moving inside her, building her need. He wished to show her how wonderful it would be between them. Their anticipation would build until they were alone together once more.

  “Donnan! My knees are buckling. Please, Donnan. I know not what to do.”

  “That’s number two and three, though not quite a scream.” She gave him a puzzled look amidst her haze of desire, so he stood and reached for her hand, helping her down from the pedestal and onto the bed behind her. Once he had her in the perfect position, he trailed her body with his fingertips, watching the desire and need flush her face.

  “Donnan…”

  He continued with his caresses until she squirmed beneath his attentions. He returned his lips to the juncture of her thighs, lavishing her mound in an effort to bring her to completion. He licked and suckled, teasing and taunting until she held her breath, just what he’d hoped for. He plunged his finger inside her heat, careful not to go too far, and continued to do so until she crashed over the edge, calling out his name, and convulsed on his tongue, much to his delight.

  When she finished, he kissed a path back up her body and rested his body off to her side, his head in his hand, his elbow supporting it.

  “That was wonderful.” Her gaze found his and she giggled, a glorious sound. But then it stopped abruptly. “But what about you?” She glanced down at his hardness and quirked her brow. “Tell me what to do. ‘Tis only right.”

  “Nay,” he whispered as he kissed her cheek. “You have not screamed my name ten times yet as I pledged you would. But I promise you will in the privacy of our own home.”

  She laughed and he jumped off the bed, reaching to help her to the side of the bed.

  The last thing she asked was, “Do you think Joan will mind if I keep this robe? I rather like it.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  That night, Bethia found she could not sleep. She moved over to her window and pulled the shutter back, the new contraption she’d never seen, staring up at the crescent moon as she thought about all that had transpired.

  Everything had changed at such a rapid pace, and yet it felt like everything had unfolded just as it should. The threat to her family was over, she’d found a wonderful man who adored her, and she was to marry in two days’ time—and in the small, private ceremony she’d wanted.

  She was so grateful to everyone, but most of all to Donnan. He’d given her so much hope and joy. Love didn’t seem like a strong enough word to express her feelings for him. Suddenly, she realized that Molly had been right. When she thought about standing in front of her love with naught on, she felt…beautiful.

  How could that be possible?

  Suddenly, she knew what she needed to do. Life was just too short to wait for the things you truly wanted. She removed her night rail, donned the plush robe Joan had purchased for her, and cinched the belt around her waist before stepping into the passageway, which she was pleased to find empty.

  When she reached his chamber, her boldness took over and she opened his door, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. Donnan stood in front of his window, but he turned around quickly upon hearing her enter. A small tallow lit the chamber enough for her to see that he was pleased to see her.

  “Aye, my love? You seem carried away by your thoughts, just as I’ve been.”

  Even in the dark of the night, his handsome looks nearly took her breath away. His beard had grown in enough to look a bit scruffy, but she liked it.

  “I promise to trim my beard before we marry.” He gazed at her, his eyes widening when she opened her robe, dropping it to the floor as she crossed the space between them.

  “I love you however you decide to wear your beard.”

  “Do you now?” When she was close enough, he dropped his plaid to the floor, the only piece of clothing he had on, and tugged her close, wrapping his arms around her. “You must want more of what you enjoyed earlier. I’d be happy to pleasure you again, sweeting.”

  His words brought her back to the pleasure he’d given her earlier, to the feeling of his lips on her, laving, licking, suckling her as though she were the finest of treasures. Desire spread through her, but she also felt the need to experience and taste him as he’d tasted her.…everywhere.

  “I want to know you the way you know me.” She caught the surprise in his gaze and decided she’d only begun to understand what the joy of lovemaking could bring to their relationship.

  She stood back, watching his erection grow until it jutted proudly in her direction. “I want it all, Donnan. I want you now. I’ve waited too long for you to come into my life to wait another day. Make love to me.” Before he could deny her, she reached for his penis, wrapping her hand around him gently, enjoying the velvety surface and reveling in his response to her touch. Pleased with this new power he’d given her, she moved closer, allowing her nipples to touch the coarse hairs of his chest. She found the sensation quite erotic, rubbing against his skin until her nipples peaked.

  “If you do that again, we will finish this.” His voice came out in a deep, husky tone that shot straight to her core, spreading a tingling feeling that caused her to lean toward him and scrape her teeth across his nipple.

  What had come over her?

  He took her hands in his and set her away from him, closing his eyes before he spoke. “Please think about this. Are you sure? Because if I lie in that bed with you, ‘twould be sheer torture to stop after I have you in my arms all to myself.”

  Her thumb traced a path across his lower lip. “I am sure. ‘Tis time for us. I must know and feel all of you, Donnan.”

  “Naught would please me more, but we must be quiet. I care not to awaken all your family. ‘Twill be a challenge, but I accept it.” With a low growl, he scooped her into his arms and settled her on his bed, shoving the furs aside when he climbed in next to her. “You’ll not need anything but me to warm you.” The heat of his body enveloped her, speaking to the truth of his words, and she luxuriated in how small she felt next to him. His mouth descended on hers, slanting over her lips so he could caress her more deeply, his tongue teasing hers until she panted with need, her desire now coursing through her with unbridled freedom.

  “More, Donnan,” she whispered.

  His lips trailed a path of kisses down her sensitive neck, across the fine bone beneath to the valley between her breasts. He cupped one breast, bringing the fullness
to his mouth, and teased her nipple and the tender underside of the mound until she wished to scream with pleasure.

  Deciding it was her turn to taste him, she held his chin up so she could bring her tongue across his beard, raining kisses up to his chin so she could follow his jawline with her tongue, making her way to his ear and then eagerly suckling on his earlobe. Her hands moved from his neck and down his chest, scraping her nails across both nipples until they peaked as hers had done, then wandering down the center of his abdomen until she encountered his hot flesh. She wrapped her hand around him, giving him a light squeeze, surprised to feel a touch of dew at the tip.

  “Donnan, more. I need more. Show me, please.”

  His finger moved to the junction of her thighs, parting her curls until he found her entrance. He instantly groaned. “You are so slick for me, sweeting. I can feel your desire for me.”

  He caressed her nub and she parted her legs, wanting him inside. She brought the tip of his hardness to her entrance and he gave her the chance to experiment, to push against him where she felt it best. Her hand fell away and her pelvis rose to meet his, loving how his heat seemed to emblazon a path across her folds until she managed to get him inside just a touch.

  She moaned as she pushed against him, and he captured her lips in his, but she pulled away. “I don’t know what to do now. Please, finish this.”

  He grabbed her hips and positioned himself at her entrance, coaxing her thighs apart before he plunged inside, breaking her barrier in an instant. She squelched her desire to cry out.

  He cupped her face and said, “I’m sorry, but ‘tis the only way. ‘Twill ease in a few moments.” He kissed her forehead. “You are mine forever, lass. ‘Tis what it means. I love you and I want you, and only you, forever.”

  She couldn’t stop a tear from escaping from one eye.

  “Does it hurt so much?” he whispered. “You cry from the pain, wee one?”

  “Nay,” she sniffed. “The pain is almost gone. ‘Tis the beauty of us that makes me cry tears of joy.”