Invitation to Passion

by Bronwen Evans

  Rheda sighed. “Sometimes it’s annoying having such a handsome husband.” She hugged Maddy and whispered in her ear, “Except in the bedroom of course.”

  Maddy smiled. Her brother would never betray his wedding vows, and neither would Rheda. She’d never seen a couple so much in love, well, except perhaps for Richard’s brother, Anthony, the Earl of Markham and his beautiful wife, Melissa.

  That’s what she wanted, a man who loved her as much as Rufus loved Rheda.

  It had taken some getting used to, having her brother residing permanently at home again; however, she did not wish to leave his household any time soon. Due to the differences in their ages, and the many years he’d spent away from home on his mission to clear the Strathmore name, she was relishing this time getting to know him. She was just beginning to have a real relationship with him.

  Witnessing Rufus living back at home, married and in love, had made Maddy realize that settling for marriage with a man she didn’t love was no longer on the cards.

  Unfortunately, only one man filled her dreams and he was in love with another. Speaking of which, with growing unease, Maddy watched Lord Wrentham scanning the ballroom, then begin to make his way across the crowded floor. Luckily, the room was packed. Tonight it seemed that all London society were in attendance, with many making the journey to Newmarket to witness the black sheep being welcomed back into the bosom of society. They definitely weren’t here to meet her.

  Her eyes followed the Marquess’s path through the guests. Lord Wrentham was definitely looking for someone, and she was sure it was his beautiful wife, Sarah. It was up to Maddy to warn the lovers.

  She straightened her shoulders and stepped out into the crush. The music drowned out the sound of her determined stride. She circled round until she was able to locate her brother, flirting with his wife. At Maddy’s arrival, Rheda glided away to speak to other guests. Rheda made it look effortless and given she’d also lived her life outside of society, Maddy envied her way of fitting in as if she’d lived within the bosom of the ton all her life.

  “Lord Wrentham has arrived. You should go and greet him. Now would be the perfect opportunity to put the past behind you. He carries at lot of influence in the House of Lords. Lord Wrentham could be a valuable ally.” This was not really a lie. Rufus had decided to take a special interest in the rights of workers, a result of his wife’s influence, and he was chasing the Marquess’s vote on labor law reform.

  Her brother kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Don’t think you can distract me by mentioning politics.”

  Maddy’s heart stilled. Had Rufus seen Richard leave with Lady Wrentham? “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I’ve seen you hiding behind the plants. I should have made you stand center stage, but Rheda told me to leave you alone.”

  All the while as her brother talked, Maddy was guiding him ever closer to Wrentham.

  “Your wife is, as always, a gem. What is this rush to get me to the altar? I’ve only just got you back in my life. Now you are married, don’t you want me here?” She couldn’t disguise the hurt in her voice. Her brother’s determination to see her quickly wed made her feel as if she was a nuisance once again.

  Rufus halted, and, oblivious to their guests, he pulled her close. “Is that what you think?” He hugged her tight. “Never think for one moment I want you to leave my house. If I could, I’d hold onto you forever, but that would be selfish. I just don’t like seeing you stuck here in the country, on your own, like Rheda was. You deserve more.”

  Relief flooded through her. She lightly cuffed his shoulder. “I do not intend to marry any time soon, so stop pushing me.” Before Rufus could argue, she added, “There’s Lord Wrentham. Go and bore him with your talk. You can lecture me tomorrow at breakfast.”

  She abruptly turned and schooled herself to walk away slowly, and in the opposite direction from the library, where she assumed Richard had taken Sarah.

  Richard knew every square inch of this house intimately. Over the years, he’d spent many nights under this roof and many nights teasing her, teaching her, talking to her.

  She had to warn him. Richard was her only true friend, and she didn’t wish to see him killed in a duel, or sent fleeing from England for having killed Lord Wrentham. Most of the young ladies her age whom she could form friendships with were aloof and kept their distance, scared that a friendship with her would sully their reputations.

  Once out of sight of the guests, Maddy lifted the hem of her dress and rushed toward the library. Sliding to a halt outside the door, her courage momentarily fled. What would she observe when she opened this door? Was she prepared to see her Richard in the arms of another?

  Her Richard! She acknowledged her claim was a monumental fantasy. Richard was her friend. That was all. He still saw her as the thirteen-year-old girl he’d rescued from the Chesterton bullies.

  Just a friend, she silently scolded herself. Yet Maddy couldn’t understand the riotous inner feelings she’d developed over the last eighteen months. Whenever she looked at Richard, her heart beat harder, her stomach knotted, and her body warmed in certain places she was too embarrassed to even think about, let alone mention.

  A stab of jealousy hit hard in her chest. Madeline secretly hoped Richard was doing nothing more than talking with Lady Wrentham. But she knew Sarah was the love of Richard’s life, and realized it was unlikely they were simply conversing.

  But a girl could dream…and she’d been dreaming of Richard a lot lately.

  She shook her head, cleared her confusing thoughts, and knocked hard on the door. She waited, but there was no response. She pressed her ear to the door, but could hear nothing through the thick walnut.

  #

  “Sweetheart, we shouldn’t be in here alone. You’re recently married and the ton is watching our every move.” Richard Craven’s chest ached at the pain he saw in Sarah's eyes. He’d not seen Sarah for over a month, not since her wedding to Charles Chesterton, Marquess of Wrentham.

  She stood before him in a swathe of gossamer silk, a vision of beauty and now another man’s possession. Her pale-gold ball gown hugged every sensuous curve. Her fair hair, elegantly piled on her head, waved in curls, which draped over her bare shoulders like jewels. He itched to run his hands through the silky, soft tresses.

  She reached out and placed a gloved finger on his lips, halting his words of caution. The glove outlined slender fingers he wanted to kiss, and to feel wrapped around his….

  Sarah knew how to dress in that innocent, yet alluring, way that sent a man’s pulse racing.

  Now Richard drank in every inch of her, and damn it, grew hard. He should have more self-control. She was no longer his lover, but like any red-blooded man, he wasn’t immune to a beautiful and willing woman, or at least his body wasn’t. If he’d only known how things would turn out, he would never have taken her to his bed. They had planned to marry, but had not foreseen the objections of Sarah’s father, the Duke of Martinborough.

  His heart still clenched in his chest every time he remembered that she now belonged to Wrentham. When the Duke had denied his suite, he’d begged her to elope, but her father had held all the cards and had played his hand accordingly.

  In the end, it had been Sarah’s choice. She wasn’t strong enough to go against her father’s wishes and now they were all paying the price. She'd married Wrentham and destroyed any chance of them being together.

  So, as he had watched from the sidelines, the woman he loved had married another. It still ate him up and at the same time, showered him with guilt because a small part of him was relieved.

  “Don't desert me, please, my love. I can barely stand my life as it is. When he touches me...,” she gave a half sob. “I close my eyes and dream it’s you.”

  He couldn’t bear looking into her pain filled eyes, so he pulled her close and soothed her as he would a small child. His voice echoed in despair. “I don’t know what more I can do. You refused to elope with me a
nd thwart your father. What did you think would happen if you went through with this wedding?”

  He hated how harsh his words sounded, but there was little else he could say. She simply clung harder as if he had the power to save her. He didn’t and it was almost destroying him. If anything, his getting involved would make things worse. “I have to let you go, just as you must try and make a good life with Charles.”

  “That’s impossible, especially as he knows you were my lover.”

  “You underestimated him, my love. Telling him you’d given yourself to me was unlikely to see him release you from the wedding contract. It would only have made him want you more. Charles hates me almost as much as he hates Rufus Knight.”

  “And me. I’m sure he hates me…” and she tried to kiss him.

  Richard gently pushed her away. “I can’t do this, Sarah. I’ll always be your friend and confidant, but I cannot be more.” He watched the light leave her eyes. “I will never understand why you did not elope with me, but what is done is done. It will hurt all of us in the long run if I do not let you go.”

  “So you’ll leave me to my punishment?” she cried bitterly.

  “No. I shall always be your friend. If Charles hurts you in any way, I’ll protect you as much as I can.”

  “How?” She threw her hands up and stalked over to the large window of the library, the dark night outside as turbulent as the emotions flying around the room. She stood with her back to him, straight and tall, defying all that the world had thrown at her.

  The impotency of his situation made anger burn hot in his veins. “Christ, I don’t know, but we cannot carry on an affair. It will only be worse for you.”

  Her shoulders suddenly slumped in defeat. “It’s hopeless, isn’t it? We’ll never be together. Ever.” She shuddered. “You know the man he is. Cold, cruel—sometimes I fear for my safety.”

  “He doesn’t physically abuse you, does he?” He gripped her arms tight as he turned her toward him. “Does he hurt you?” She stared at him like a helpless puppy, her eyes big and round with dread. The muscles of his stomach clenched in hot stabs of agony. “I’ll kill him.”

  During his childhood, he’d watched his father abuse his twin brother, Anthony, because he was the heir. Their father decided Anthony should be broken down and made as cold and cruel as him. Richard had been powerless to stop the abuse Anthony had received while he’d enjoyed a pain free upbringing with their mother.

  Richard was no longer powerless and he would not stand idly by and let Wrentham, Marquess or not, husband or not, bully and hurt Sarah.

  “Don’t do anything stupid like challenge him. I couldn’t bear it if you were hurt, killed, or had to flee England. What would I do then? He doesn’t hit me. He’s—rough—that’s all.” She took his hand and placed it on her delicate cheek. “As long as I know you are here for me, I’ll survive. He can’t touch what we share in here,” and she pressed her other hand to her breast. “My heart will always belong to you.”

  He couldn’t help himself at her earnest declaration. His mouth captured hers in an anguished kiss. She moved into his arms and the familiar rush of desire enveloped them both.

  When she reached lower to stroke him through his tight breeches he tried to resist but...

  #

  Madeline knocked hard on the door. She waited but there was no response. She pressed her ear to the door, but could hear nothing through the thick walnut.

  Feeling like a thief and not wanting to be caught, she tentatively opened the door. “Richard, are you there...?”

  Although there was no response to her greeting, she heard the soft, breathy cries of a lady. Sarah sounded like she was in pain. What on earth was Richard doing to her?

  Not wishing anyone who happened to venture into the hall to see or hear, she stepped into the room and rather loudly closed the door behind her. Surely this would announce her presence.

  The room was dimly lit, but she could make out two people on the settee. They still appeared not to have heard or seen her.

  “Ahem,” she tried with an added cough. She knew she should not look at the couple, but the quest for knowledge about what went on between a man and woman overrode her sense of propriety.

  She stood mesmerized. Richard had discarded his jacket and waistcoat. They lay thrown behind him on the floor, as if he’d disrobed in a hurry. His shirt was on, much to her disappointment, although Maddy was too scared to acknowledge that thought.

  He was kneeling on the floor, leaning over Sarah, who lay prone on the settee. Maddy moved closer and gasped, and her hand flew to her mouth. Sarah’s gown lay in folds of silk at her waist; her breasts were bare. Her hands were clutching Richard’s thick, glossy hair, holding him indecently close. Richard appeared to be suckling her breast like a babe.

  Maddy tore her gaze away from the erotic sight to look worriedly at the door. The situation was scandalous and Lord Wrentham would have every right to challenge Richard if he were to enter.

  The image of Richard fighting a duel, and his possible subsequent injury or death, spurred her on. She gathered her composure, moved closer, and in a loud voice uttered, “I hate to interrupt but-”

  Richard barely lifted his head from Sarah’s breast. “Go away, brat” he growled.

  “Believe me, I’d love to but-”

  “Christ, not now, Maddy. What the hell are you doing in here?” Richard sat back on the balls of his feet, while still on his knees at Sarah’s feet.

  All Maddy could see was a very angry and gorgeous Richard.

  She couldn’t seem to get her lungs to work. Her breath caught in her throat as she soaked up the beauty of the naked expanse of rippling stomach and muscled chest displayed through the flaps of Richard’s open shirt.

  He rose to his feet, anger scoring his handsome features. “This better be important or, by God, I’ll put you over my knee. Do you realize how inappropriate it is for you to be in here?”

  Maddy’s temper flared. “It’s not as inappropriate as seducing another man’s wife.”

  Her barb hit its mark as she watched Richard’s fists clench at his sides and heard Sarah give a cry of distress.

  Maddy tore her gaze from Richard and looked at Sarah. She’d covered herself, drawing her gown back on. Her face was filled with misery and Maddy felt a stab of regret at her words. Sarah loved Richard, but had been forced into a marriage with Charles. Maddy did feel genuine pity for her. She knew first-hand what a bully all the Chestertons were. Marriage to Charles would be a nightmare. However, she would not let Sarah’s terrible life-choice destroy her only friend. Sarah should have stood up to her father. She should have chosen Richard and had faith in him.

  “I’m sorry, Sarah, that was unkind.”

  “Damn right. This is none of your business.” For the first time in her life, Richard looked at her with something akin to hate. She swallowed back tears.

  “Charles is here. He’s looking for Sarah. He thinks she’s with you. And, of course, he’s right,” she couldn’t help adding.

  Richard swore and Sarah jumped to her feet. “He can’t find me with you. He’ll kill me.” Sarah stood quaking, looking helplessly at Richard for assistance.

  This time it was Maddy who clenched her fists. Once again, Sarah’s only concern was for herself.

  “I won’t let him hurt you,” Richard vowed.

  Maddy didn’t see how Richard could ever promise that unless he killed Charles. Oh, no, kill Charles! He’d do it—for Sarah.

  Maddy’s insides went cold, and at that precise moment she hated Sarah more than she had ever hated anyone or anything before.

  She simply would not let Richard throw his life away on a selfish woman. Sarah had been too weak and stupid to trust in love. Richard had offered to elope with her, and save her from Charles. Instead, this woman had preferred to honor her father’s dictate, and then had decided to carry on an affair with Richard, placing her purportedly one true love in acute danger.

  Maddy woul
d never have been so selfish. Sarah should have called off the affair as soon as she had married. She’d made her choice. Sarah should honor the vows she had made with Wrentham.

  Richard moved to the door and cracked it open. “Christ, it’s Wrentham walking this way.”

  Sarah’s face turned ashen and Maddy instantly comprehended the extent of the peril the two lovers were in.

  “I have a plan. Sarah can slip through the secret door to the study, and then make her way down the west corridor back to the ballroom. You will stay here with me so Charles has no proof you were with Sarah. If you’re found here with me, Wrentham might believe you couldn’t possibly have been with his wife.”

  “Then what are you and I doing here?”

  She swallowed hard at Richard’s question. “I’ll pretend your assignation is with me.”

  Richard’s face reddened. “I don’t think that’s wise...” Sarah let out a wail at his hesitancy.

  “Charles would take great delight in torturing me if he sees me with you.”

  “I can’t see any other choice. If we all escape through the secret door, then his suspicions will be truly raised. He’s looked everywhere for his wife. If anyone has already told him she was with you, we had best disprove that concept immediately.” Maddy clapped her hands. “Quickly, we don’t have time for dramatics.”

  Richard finally nodded his assent and hurried Sarah to the bookcase. He pulled the secret lever and the wall of books slid back revealing a narrow corridor. He kissed Sarah and pushed her gently inside. “Go. Tidy yourself and make your way back to the ballroom. I’ll send word later.”

  The false wall of books slid back into place, leaving the library filled with thwarted silence. Richard ran a hand through his hair.

  Maddy whispered, “You can thank me later.”

  “I ought to wring your bloody neck for risking your reputation on this stupid stint. I’m perfectly capable of confronting Wrentham.”

  “Oh, yes. That would be the perfect answer. Kill Wrentham and be hung for murder. Then who would protect Sarah?”

  “Bloody hell. What a mess,” the anger in his voice had gone, now replaced with sadness.