The Earl of Heartbreak

by Bethany M. Sefchick

  Clearly not knowing what she was doing, Sarah wiggled her hips against his aching cock. "Very much so. As long as I have an excellent and willing teacher then anything is possible." Then she bit her lip and wiggled again. Perhaps she did know what she was about after all.

  So did Rayne. And he had no intention of allowing such a willing student to go untutored in the art of seduction.

  For the rest of the night and into the early hours of the morning, Rayne taught Sarah all that she wished to know about the delights of the flesh and more. He gave to her the most exquisite pleasure he knew how and she gave it back to him ten-fold. If not more.

  Finally, when the first light of dawn streaked the sky, Sarah fell into a deep and fitful sleep. Rayne kissed her lightly and gathered his clothes, knowing that most of the household was still abed. She mumbled in her sleep and reached for him, but he stepped back out of her reach and opened the door, allowing both Taffy and Toffee into the room before helping them onto their mistress' bed

  It was better that her maid find her this way and think that Sarah simply had a restless night than to catch Rayne under the covers with her. Despite his bravery in the darkness, it was quite another thing to be brave in the light. He was not there yet. He wondered if he would ever be.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The next five days practically flew by for both Rayne and Sarah. When they were not attending to estate business, they were sneaking off to make love wherever and whenever the mood struck them. One day it was by the lake, the blazing summer sun beating down on their nude bodies. On another day it was in the silver closet where they were almost discovered by Mrs. Dowdy and her staff who were busily preparing for Frost and Lavinia's much-anticipated arrival.

  A flurry of letters had arrived the previous day stating that Frost and his bride were now two days out. Given the pace of the mail these days, especially with horses nearly expiring from the excessive heat, that meant that Sarah's brother could arrive any day now. As could the dowager viscountess, along with Dory and Aurelia who had also departed Bath some time ago.

  All of that had thrown Sarah, who had been embarrassed to admit that she had done absolutely no planning at all on the wedding ball, into a near panic. That was until Rayne had laughingly admitted that he, along with Mrs. Dowdy and her staff had taken care of the preparations, including making certain that the dowager's numerous special requests be taken into account as well.

  Sarah had been so absolutely delighted that she had pulled Rayne into the nearest empty room and had her way with him until they were both completely breathless. He had created an insatiable lover in Sarah and he was not at all sorry about it for a moment.

  So by the time the carriage with the Tillsbury family crest on the door rolled up the drive, Rayne was feeling rather good about things in general. Even though he knew that his time with Sarah was rapidly drawing to a close. If it had not ended already.

  That was part of the reason why Rayne was lounging in the library when Frost came bursting through the door, beaming with pride and making pronouncements on the bliss of married life. Not to mention his plans to travel on to Seldon Park for Lord and Lady Candlewood's annual summer house party in the near future.

  As soon as his own wedding ball was over, of course. After all, Frost did love a good celebration.

  "Rayne! You old dog! I did not expect you to still be here when I arrived, though I am glad to see you! Gads, this must have been so awful for you! I am certain you were bored out of your mind here at Hallowby with just my sister for company." Frost didn't even have the road dust shaken from his boots as he tromped into the library, so eager was he to see his old friend. Or perhaps he was just eager for an update on his sister. Not that Rayne was about to give him one. Or at least not a truthful one, anyway, starting with the fact that there was a distinct possibility that Sarah might be carrying Rayne's child. "Did Sarah give you that much trouble that you felt compelled to stay until I returned?"

  Chugging some brandy for fortification, Rayne rose as if he hadn't a care in the world, making certain his "Earl of Heartbreak" mask was firmly in place as he did so. "No. Not at all. Your sister is fine. Placid and perfect as always."

  "This is Sarah we are talking about, is it not?" Frost frowned. "I do not recall those two words ever being applied to her. For any reason. "

  "We are, but she was fine. Is fine. Whatever. Nothing that I could not handle." Rayne took another healthy swig of his drink. "Or could not just about bore her to death with my historical ramblings."

  Frost appeared relieved to hear this. "Good. I was worried she might harangue you over one thing or another. I love her dearly but she is often tenacious and known to get her way if one is not careful."

  She was that and more, Rayne silently acknowledged. After all, she was the one who had come to him begging to be seduced, and he, of course, had given in. Not that Rayne could tell Frost any such thing unless he wanted to be shot dead on the spot.

  "Nothing so bad as all of that." Rayne swirled his glass in the air. "In fact, nothing with Sarah at all. Just a small problem with the old irrigation and drainage systems. Those ancient Romans built things to last, but nothing is forever. Since I have some expertise in the field, I thought that I might lend a hand and so I did. The repair report is already on your desk, along with daily progress updates."

  "Gads, you've been working? For me?" Frost pretended to be aghast, but he was clearly relieved that he didn't have to deal with an immediate crisis upon his return.

  Rayne snorted indignantly. "Perish the thought. No, just rummaging through your library, consulting old blue prints. The very sort of thing I rather enjoy. Especially since I knew you would be...otherwise occupied upon your return."

  He laughed the way he might have once before - before Sarah - and took another drink. If he kept this up, he would be thoroughly foxed soon. Good. It would ease the pain he felt creeping into the depths of his soul. "You really need to hire a steward before you leave again, however." Another sip, this one for fortification. "I met with your new neighbor, though, since the problem spills onto his land as well. The Marquess of Lansdale. He's American, in case you didn't hear. He and his sister are all the gossip in these parts as of late, as you might imagine."

  Frost frowned again. "Ah, bother. Well, there is time enough before the ball I would think to deal with the matter if it requires that immediate of attention. Perhaps I should invite him to dinner."

  If Rayne was confessing, he supposed he might as well confess all. Or rather almost all. "Already did." At Frost's raised eyebrow, Rayne rushed on. "Baron Hodge was about, trying to stir up trouble for Sarah, same as before, but I handled it. The daft man now thinks that she and I are betrothed, but we can quash that rumor soon enough, I should think. Already did with Lansdale, when he and his sister, Lady Pearl, came to dine here last week. Hated to play host in your stead and what not, you know, but..." He shrugged as if his actions held little meaning. "We do what we have to for family. For that is what we are, is it not? Family." Rayne quickly realized he was rambling now so he promptly shut his mouth before he said anything that he might regret.

  For a moment, Frost gazed at his old friend rather peculiarly, as if he was attempting to sort out some kind of puzzle, yet did not know what exactly the end result was to look like. "Yes, well, thank you. I am certain that I will get all of the details from my sister and the staff soon enough." He nodded, his expression still one of mild confusion. "And you shall receive a bottle of my best French brandy for your trouble. You have your own estate to run. You should not be troubling yourself with mine as well."

  "At the moment, mine is overrun with marriage-minded females, thanks to my mother," Rayne reminded him succinctly. "It is part of the reason why I stayed on here. That and by the time I would have made it back to Fieldown, I would have simply had to turn back around for your wedding ball. Far to much travel for my liking at the moment."

  Picking up a glass for himself, Frost poured himself a drin
k, downed it quickly and then poured another one before topping off Rayne's glass again. "I still do not understand why you let your mother run about as if she is in charge of Fieldown. If she wants to host a ladies-only house party, you have numerous other estates to pick from."

  "It makes her happy." Rayne loved his mother enough that he allowed her to do as she pleased. She had always sacrificed herself after his father had passed so that Rayne and his sisters could have the best of everything until Rayne could fully take charge of the earldom. That had included her own happiness at times.

  "It drives you mad," Frost countered. "I know you feel there is a debt to be repaid where your mother is concerned, but gads man! A house full of women? And at your country seat, no less? Certainly there is another way!"

  There was, but Rayne would not ask it of his mother. In fact, a smaller, much more intimate estate that he owned, Oakwood, was located not far from Fieldown. It would be an excellent place for his mother's yearly gathering. However, she loved to show off the earldom's primary estate, though that was also in part to help capture the attention of the young women attending and show them what sort of wealth they might obtain if they married her son.

  Still, there was no reason his mother could not host the same party at Oakwood. Especially since Rayne had no intention of marrying any of the women his mother paraded before him like prized horseflesh at Tattersall's.

  "Is suppose there is," Rayne confessed as he studied the shimmering amber liquid in his glass. "Except that it would hurt her."

  Now it was Frost's turn to snort. "Perhaps she is stronger than you think and can handle change. I have a feeling your mother would understand. Caring for another is more than just putting them ahead of yourself, you know. It is also knowing when you must put yourself first in order to do right by them as well."

  Rayne knew that Frost had no idea about anything that had transpired in his absence, yet at the same time, he felt as if the man's words were meant solely for him and his situation with Sarah. There was also a part of him that wanted to confess all to simply be done with things and then beg to be allowed to take Sarah as his wife. But no. He could not take the risk. When the ball ended, Rayne would walk away. That was how it had to be and they both knew it, even if Sarah did not yet wish to admit as much. Frost did not know what he was talking about. Clearly marriage had muddled his mind. That was the only rational explanation for his friend's odd words.

  "Who is changing what?"

  Rayne had not heard Sarah's approach and now she swept into the room wearing a gloriously low-cut gown which was the color of the summer sky high above. She looked so utterly tempting that it was all he could do not to take her in his arms and divest her of her lovely garment. Except that her brother was right there in front of them both and once more he was looking at them rather strangely.

  "No one is changing anything, Sarah." Frost gave her a quizzical look when she did not immediately rush into his arms in greeting. "And what? No welcome home for your big brother?"

  Immediately, she dashed across the room and hugged Frost tightly, making Rayne feel slightly peculiar inside. "I am sorry. My mind is an utter muddle at the moment."

  Rayne was thankful that she did not say why that was and instead, made an indistinct grumbling noise which Frost immediately remarked upon.

  "Is there a problem, Rayne?"

  The earl shook his head and hoped that he didn't say something stupid in the next few minutes that would give everything away. "Not a bit. Just something in my throat."

  Now it was Sarah's turn to make a choking noise and once more, Frost turned his eagle eye on her. "Sarah, what say you? Have you two been at each other's throats?" he asked with a frown on his face. "For there is something odd going on here that I cannot quite put my finger on. Neither of you are acting as you normally might. In fact, it is downright odd. You two might strenuously disagree, but you do not argue."

  Sarah laughed but to Rayne's ears she sounded stilted and broken, not at all like her usual vibrant self. "Argue? Heavens no! Why would you think such a thing? Rayne has been the perfect gentleman, as always. We are both just distracted with your upcoming ball. There has been much to do and very little time in which to do it. I am afraid that I have taken advantage of Rayne's good nature and asked him to assist me when he likely would have preferred to be reading his dusty old history tomes somewhere."

  Frost did not look as if he quite believed his sister, but he did not argue with her either. "Very well." He rubbed his eyes wearily. "I fear that the travel these many days has made me tired and I am not thinking clearly. It was a very long journey." Then he frowned at Sarah again. "I know Mama has not yet arrived, but what of the plans for the ball since you have just mentioned them? Are they set? I know she sent you on ahead to prepare, but she does like to meddle a bit and I am afraid..."

  "Have no fear," Rayne cut in before Sarah could even come up with an excuse as to why she had not done a single thing to prepare for the wedding ball. In fact, she had forgotten all about it. Mostly, anyway. "Sarah has been doing a magnificent job with planning and preparations. Since she did not have a specific date for your return, some of the plans have remained a bit flexible, but overall, I believe that you and the new viscountess will be pleased. In fact, Sarah was showing those very plans to me over dinner just last evening." It was a lie, but in this moment, Rayne would say anything to save both of their skins from Frost's fury.

  Frost shuddered darkly. "How incredibly boring that must have been for you, man. Two bottles of brandy are in your future then, for no man should have to endure ball details of all things." He said the word ball as if it was another word for the plague.

  "It wasn't so bad as all of that." Rayne made a face that Sarah could not interpret. From his frown, neither could Frost. "I dare say that your sister is quite brilliant."

  Once more, Frost squinted at Rayne and then Sarah and then back to Rayne as if he was attempting to decipher a puzzle. "Are you all quite mad?" he asked finally. "I have never known you, Rayne, to pay Sarah a compliment."

  Rayne shrugged once more as if the matter was of little consequence. "That does not mean that I did not think them." He finished off his drink. "Remember, Frost, you were the one who sent me here to make certain you sister was well. I have done as you asked, for I am, despite whatever else might be said about me, a gentleman. Does it so surprise you that we actually get along, and that I might have noticed that Sarah does have some fine qualities? We are adults and not squabbling children after all. What you take for strain between us is not that, I can assure you."

  Rayne knew that in the past he had not complimented Sarah in the same way some of Frost's other friends had, mostly for fear of his attraction to her being discovered, but that did not mean that he could not start. Especially as it would be difficult enough to keep his hands off of her until the night of the wedding ball and he could safely sneak off into the darkness, away from Hallowby. And away from Sarah. Unfortunately.

  "No, it is I who am sorry," Frost said and rubbed his eyes again. "I have not slept well on the road and I lost contact with Harry. I understand that he is fetching Aunt Beatrice who has become lost somewhere in southern England? At least that was what his last post to me led me to believe."

  "Something like that." Actually, Rayne had no idea where the Runner was at the moment, though he hoped and prayed the man turned up soon. Otherwise, Baron Hodge might become something of a problem once more. Though Rayne thought that he could likely deal with Hodge on his own so that no harm came to Sarah's reputation. Or to Sarah herself.

  Just then, Sarah cleared her throat as the conversation went on around her. Here, finally, was something she could contribute - even if most of what she said was a lie. Still, it was better than remaining silent any longer. Frost knew she was rarely ever silent and he was suspicious enough as it was. No need to add fuel to that particular fire.

  "Mama sent for Aunt Bea before she left for Bath, directing her here to Hallowby. Er, howe
ver, we fear the old dear may have been confused in her directions and we think she might have traveled on to Bath instead. Harry passed by here a few days ago and when we mentioned that Aunt Bea had not yet arrived, he insisted upon going to search for her himself, fearing her lost." That was close enough to the truth to suit everyone, including Rayne, she thought.

  "Lord. Lost aunts and odd compliments. I think I need another drink." Frost reached to refill his glass again.

  "I rather think you need a bath." Sarah wrinkled her nose, indicating just how poorly her brother smelled at the moment.

  Looking down at his dusty clothes, Frost gave a small bow. "So I do. If you two will excuse me? I should freshen up before Lavinia has my head. She has become a stickler for the proprieties as of late. I will see you both at dinner."

  Then Frost was gone, clomping down the hall as servants seemed to pour from every corner in order to welcome him home. That left Sarah and Rayne very much alone in the study.

  Rayne was the first to move, going to the door and locking it firmly so that they wouldn't be disturbed. Their time together was ending and he did not wish to waste a moment more of it. He turned around to find Sarah eyeing him critically.

  "So when, precisely, did you plan this wedding ball, might I be so bold as to inquire?" Sarah asked as Rayne took her in his arms and placed a heated kiss on her lips. "And why did you not tell me?"

  "It was supposed to be a surprise," he growled as he backed her up against a built-in bookshelf. It was perfect for what he had in mind at the moment. "I was going to tell you on the 'morrow, but your blasted brother is far too prompt. He arrived home before I could put the finishing touches on the plan. Er, party. Or ball. Or whatever. It doesn't matter now, though, for I have other things on my mind at the moment." Then he gripped Sarah about the waist and hiked up her skirts so that she could wrap her legs around his waist.