Behind her, Spencer emitted a sound not entirely dissimilar to a growl as he swept his fingers between her legs, stroking her in a feather-soft caress at first, then more insistently as he parted her, his fingertips circling a part of her that brought intense pleasure to her entire body. “You’re so wet,” he murmured as he pushed a finger inside her, “so ready.”
Closing her eyes, Sarah gave herself up to the spectacular sensations he wrought. She could feel him moving in and out of her, stoking a need within her that soon took the form of extreme pressure. It was both wonderful and torturous all at once. Her body begged to feel something more—to grasp the pleasure he offered. Clenching her muscles, she embraced her desire until the pressure exploded through her, dazzling her senses as she trembled in the midst of the most extraordinary storm. “God help me,” she sighed when the last of the tremors abated and she sagged back against Spencer’s warm chest.
“Does that mean it was good?” he asked with a hint of a smile to his voice.
Turning toward him, she flung her arms around his neck in adoration. “You know it does, you beastly man. What you just did was absolutely incredible.”
Chuckling in response, he kissed her for a long, joyful moment. “Just wait until you see what else I have in store for you this evening,” he said, waggling his eyebrows. Scooping her up, he walked across to the bed and set her down gently amidst the cushions. “You and I are far from being done with each other.”
Sarah had no doubt he spoke the truth, for the proof of his desire was still very much apparent. “Tell me what I can do for you.”
Spencer groaned, while his face took on an expression of sheer anguish. “I can think of a number of things, Sarah, but for now, the best you can do is welcome me into your warmth.” His throat worked as he swallowed harshly. “If you still wish it, that is.”
Lying back, Sarah spread her legs apart and offered him a tempting smile that she hoped would do the trick. He was upon her instantly, touching her and kissing her wherever he could until she squirmed beneath him, desperate once more for his touch. He did not disappoint, stroking her tenderly as he’d done before until she begged him for more.
More came soon enough as he rose up onto his elbows and positioned himself at her entrance, the tip of him nudging her flesh apart until she could feel him inside her, filling her with his strength and vitality. The sensation was incredible—so much so that tears sprang to her eyes. Whatever her experience with Harlowe, it would never hold a candle to this awe-inspiring moment of becoming one with the man she loved. There was no doubt. She loved Spencer with all her heart, and as she held him close, moving in time to his thrusts, she only wished they could remain like this forever—trapped in this moment, where their hearts and souls merged.
Swiftly, the familiar pressure began to build within her once more, coiling itself into a tight ball that carried her upward, teasing her with the expectancy of what would soon follow.
“Tell me you’re ready,” Spencer muttered between clenched teeth, his muscles rippling in response to the strain of his movements.
“Yes,” she breathed, the sound hoarse as she gazed up into his imploring eyes, seeing there the moment when he abandoned his restraint. His final thrusts were harder, and then, on a spark of light, the pressure burst, scattering through her body like stars. Faintly, she heard Spencer groan as he found his own release, his hands clutching the pillow on either side of her head while his body shuddered above her.
As the moment subsided like an ebbing tide, Sarah felt her body relax until it was overwhelmed by a calm she hadn’t known in years. Pulling out of her, Spencer sank down beside her on the bed and hugged her against him, pressing a tender kiss against her cheek before snuggling his face against the curve of her neck. Moments later, they were both fast asleep, wrapped in each other’s arms.
Chapter 21
As they drove onto the graveled path leading up to the Thorncliff stables the following afternoon, Christopher lowered his head toward Sarah’s ear and said, “If anyone asks about your absence, just tell them you went to visit the modiste in Portsmouth and were forced to remain there until today due to inclement weather and a lame horse.”
“At least part of that story is technically true,” Sarah said with a smile. Seated beside him in the carriage, she’d enjoyed her return to Thorncliff a great deal more than she had her departure.
“And if you agree, I’d like to announce our engagement at the first available opportunity. The sooner we get on with planning our wedding, the sooner we’ll be able to live together as husband and wife.” He pressed a kiss against the curve of her neck, sending delicious sparks across her skin and down her spine.
“Then I suggest we announce it immediately.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Christopher said as the carriage rolled to a stop. Opening the door, he stepped down and turned so he could help Sarah, soon to be Viscountess Spencer, alight.
But before she reached the ground, Christopher placed his hands upon her waist and pulled her into his arms.
“What on earth are you doing?” she asked when he failed to put her down and started toward the house.
“Precisely what it looks like, my love. I’m carrying you.”
“But you can’t possibly! It isn’t seemly!” She kicked her feet in protest.
“If you think I’ve any intention of letting you go again, then you are quite mistaken.” Lowering his head to her ear, he whispered, “Since we’re already weaving a Banbury tale, you may include that you just now twisted your ankle when you alit.”
Chuckling, she relaxed her head against his shoulder. “You’re absolutely incorrigible, my lord.”
“And you are quite delightful,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as he strode up the front steps. As soon as they entered Thorncliff, Lord Andover was upon them. “Sarah! Are you all right? Why on earth are you being carried?”
“I misstepped, Papa,” Sarah said.
“Well, it wouldn’t be the first time, I suppose.”
Christopher frowned at the double entendre, to which Lord Andover responded with an uncomfortable laugh. “No harm intended, my lord. I’m just glad she’s been found, although I cannot imagine what you were thinking, Sarah, running off the way you did. Lady Andover is quite beside herself, you know. She feared you might have decided to do something just as foolish as . . . well, we needn’t discuss your past indiscretions.”
“We most certainly do not,” Christopher agreed as he tightened his hold on Sarah.
“Quite a delicate matter, to be sure,” Lord Andover remarked. “But now that you’re back, I hope to assure her ladyship that she needn’t worry about you any longer. You’ll do your duty, won’t you, Sarah?”
Christopher winced, hating the condescending tone with which Lord Andover addressed his daughter. Drawing himself up, Christopher prepared to rebuff it, when Sarah spoke instead.
“You may rest easy now that Lord Spencer has returned me to Thorncliff, for I shall trouble you no further. But if you imagine that I will submit to any of the plans you’ve contrived to rid yourselves of me, please know that I don’t accept.”
“But you must,” Lord Andover blustered.
“On the contrary, Papa, I shall follow my heart.”
Lord Andover’s face reddened. “Have you learned nothing from your idiocy?”
“Have a care, my lord,” Christopher bit out. Had he not been holding Sarah, he would likely have dealt the earl a blow to the face. Christ, he was feeling protective.
“I have learned that you and Lady Andover were capable of tossing me to the wolves without much consideration, that you were completely unsympathetic and uncaring. I know my actions were dishonorable, but I had hoped that your love for me as my parents would allow for better treatment of me as a person.”
“Love must be earned, Sarah.”
“And yet I still love you and Lady Andover, in spite of everything.”
Christopher’s chest swelled with pride. She’d just bested her father by dealing a staggering blow to whatever conscience he might have left. Lord Andover’s eyes widened, surprise evident upon his face as he drew back.
“You should also know that Lord Spencer has proposed and that I have accepted,” Sarah continued. To Christopher’s satisfaction, Lord Andover’s mouth fell open. “However, I think it prudent to point out to you that when I marry him, it won’t be out of duty or because I have no other choice. It will be because I love him and can think of no other man with whom I’d rather spend the rest of my life.” With a smile brighter than the sun, she beamed up at Christopher with adoration in her eyes.
Lord Andover’s transformation was immediate. A smile lit his face, his eyes bright with the satisfaction of a man who’d just unearthed a vast treasure. “Well, whatever your reasons, I certainly consider it wonderful news, Sarah. Congratulations,” he said, leaving Christopher with the distinct impression that in spite of his positive words, the man still cared more about the prospect of getting his eldest daughter off his hands than he did about the fact that she’d made a love match. Locking his jaws together, Christopher chose not to comment. “And to you, Lord Spencer. You’ve made an excellent choice for yourself. Heavens, Sarah, just wait until Lady Andover hears about this. She’ll be thrilled! Absolutely thrilled!”
“I don’t doubt it for a second,” Christopher murmured. Setting Sarah down, he offered her his arm and began leading her down the hallway, while Lord Andover followed behind them, still wishing them well.
He was so loud in his exclamations, in fact, that there was no need to go looking for Lady Andover at all. She soon found them, saying, “Sarah! There you are! Where on earth have you been? Oh, I was so terribly worried about you after—”
“She went to Portsmouth as you suggested, to visit the modiste,” Christopher said, stopping her tongue before she said something stupid. Other guests could hear their conversation. “Unfortunately, the weather and a lame horse resulted in the delay and she chose to remain there until she was certain of returning safely. Quite wise of her, wouldn’t you say?”
“Oh yes! Yes of course,” Lady Andover agreed, abandoning whatever reprimand Christopher suspected her of having had on the tip of her venomous tongue. “But tell me, is it true? I was just having tea with Mrs. Penbrook in the Chinese salon when Viscountess Eagelton arrived to tell us that she’d heard my husband hollering about his daughter marrying Viscount Spencer. Has an offer been made?”
“I wasn’t hollering, my dear,” Lord Andover said dryly. “Her ladyship has completely exaggerated the details.”
“Frankly, I don’t give a toss about the details,” Lady Andover said, sounding just as mercenary as Lord Andover had earlier. “All I want to know is whether or not Lord Spencer has finally proposed.”
“Finally?” Christopher asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, when you hurried after her the way you did, I knew you would probably do so eventually. The only question was whether or not she’d accept,” Lady Andover explained, her expression suggesting that she was struggling not to elaborate on that point. Christopher decided his glower was probably having the intended effect.
“I have,” Sarah said.
“Oh, my dear girl,” Lady Andover said as she threw her arms around her stepdaughter. “You’ve finally made a wise decision.”
Lord Andover coughed. Christopher stepped forward, intent on defending his fiancée’s intelligence, but he was prevented from doing so when Lady Andover released Sarah and, looking at her, said, “Whatever our differences may have been in recent years, I do wish you happy.” Her stiff tone suggested it was a chore for her to say as much. While Christopher wished Lady Andover would apologize to Sarah for the way in which she’d treated her, he accepted that this was as close as Lady Andover would probably ever come to admitting she’d done anything wrong.
“Thank you, Mama. Your approval means a great deal to me,” Sarah said.
Christopher’s heart swelled. Sarah’s ability to address with such kindness the woman whose love for her should have been unconditional was not only remarkable but also a powerful reminder of why Christopher loved Sarah as much as he did.
“Of course I approve,” Lady Andover said, clearly determined to ignore that she’d recently made a very deliberate effort to force Sarah into a distasteful marriage with Mr. Denison. “Why on earth wouldn’t I? He’s an eligible gentleman—a fine-looking one too, I might add. No, I have no cause for complaint. I’m sure the two of you will be exceedingly happy together and that your children will be the handsomest ones in England.”
“Mama!”
Christopher chuckled in response to the blush that rose to Sarah’s cheeks. She was looking adorably self-conscious. “May I suggest we celebrate with champagne later?” Christopher asked. “I’d like to tell my own family the good news, and then we can all meet in the . . . conservatory in, say, one hour?”
“The conservatory?” Lord Andover grumbled. “Won’t it be horribly hot and humid in there?”
“Most likely,” Sarah said, “but it’s where Spencer and I first met. I can’t think of anything more fitting.”
Happily, they found Christopher’s parents and sisters gathered on the terrace, where they were having tea with Lady Duncaster and Chadwick. “Ah! There you are, Spencer,” Christopher’s mother said as he and Sarah made their approach. “We were quite worried when we discovered you and Sarah missing last night, but Lady Duncaster assured us that it was probably just a question of a broken-down carriage and that you would bring Lady Sarah back to Thorncliff safely.” Looking to Sarah, she said, “I trust you’re all right?”
“Of course she’s all right,” Lady Duncaster said. “Just look at her, Lady Oakland. She’s practically glowing!”
“Thank you for your concern, Lady Oakland, but Lady Duncaster is quite correct. I’m perfectly fine,” Sarah said, accepting a vacant seat next to Laura while Christopher grabbed a chair belonging to another table and brought it over, placing it where there was most room, next to his father. “I took a carriage to Portsmouth with the intention of doing some shopping and got caught in the rain with a lame horse.”
“Oh, how awful!” Fiona said.
“Accidents do happen,” Rachel pointed out.
“Fortunately I found her and was able to escort her back to the house this morning,” Christopher said.
“I’m sure you were,” Lady Duncaster said with a sly grin.
“That aside,” Christopher said, determined to prevent those present from dwelling too long on the information he and Sarah had just supplied or the question of how they’d spent the night, “there’s something I’d like to tell you all. In fact, it’s more of an announcement really.” He could see on their faces that everyone had guessed what he was about to say, yet he was still overwhelmed by the squeals of delight from his mother and sisters, as well as the well-wishes from his father and Chadwick, the moment he told them that Sarah was going to be his wife.
Sarah received her fair share of attention too. Of course all his sisters and his mother began crowding her with questions about the sort of gown she’d like to wear, her preference for flowers and a slew of other things pertaining to a wedding. Christopher sat back and watched the spectacle with amusement, coupled with a small degree of pity for Sarah. Evidently, she had not fully considered what she was getting herself into when she’d agreed to marry him, which was really just as well.
“This is madness,” Christopher heard his father mutter after a good five minutes of chattering about various types of cake. From the other side of the table, Chadwick served Christopher a look of clear exasperation, which was understandable, since he’d been stuck between Fiona and Christopher’s mother.
Christopher chuc
kled. “It’s only just the beginning, Papa. Don’t forget you have one more son and five daughters.”
Lord Oakland sighed. “God help me!”
A short while later, the entire Heartly family, accompanied by Lady Duncaster and Lord Chadwick, followed Spencer and Sarah into the conservatory, where footmen had been ordered to bring champagne and glasses. “Lord Montsmouth,” Sarah said as she rounded a corner and found the earl crouching beside the fountain, as if searching for something. “What on earth are you doing?”
Looking up with an irritable expression, he said, “I was startled when I heard the door open, and I accidentally dropped my snuffbox. I’m beginning to think it might have rolled into the shrubbery.”
“Getting startled in here is apparently a common occurrence,” Sarah said. She smiled as she looked at Spencer. “Perhaps we can help you?”
“Thank you, Lady Sarah,” Lord Montsmouth said. “I’d appreciate that a great deal.”
“And once we’ve found it, I hope you’ll join us for a celebratory glass of champagne,” Spencer added.
“Oh, what’s the occasion?” Lord Montsmouth asked.
“My engagement to Lady Sarah,” Spencer said, straightening in a manner indicative of his pride. “We’re making the formal announcement tonight.”
Sarah’s heart expanded, filling her with warmth from her head down to her toes.
“I say, that certainly is wonderful news,” Lord Montsmouth declared. “Felicitations to you both!”
“Oh look,” Lady Fiona said just as Sarah’s parents arrived. “There’s something shiny over there. Could that be it?”
“Ah, yes. Well done, Lady Fiona,” Lord Montsmouth said as he peered down between the leaves of a large fern. “I do believe you’ve found it. Thank you ever so much!”
“I’m just happy I could help,” Lady Fiona said while Lord Montsmouth stepped forward to retrieve his snuffbox.
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