by Carla Kelly
‘Come, you need to dry yourself.’ He took the cloth from Diana’s nerveless fingers and dragged it over her hair, removing the worst of the wet. He briefly rested a hand on her shoulder. ‘That spencer of yours has soaked up water like a sponge. It needs to come off.’
She reached up, but her fingers were shaking too much to do anything more than fumble uselessly with the buttons.
‘Tsk. Here, let me.’ He pushed her hands aside and dragged the sodden velvet from her shoulders. The sleeves were tight and had to be tugged off, but at last the spencer was discarded and he rubbed her bare arms with the cloth. Even through the coarse linen he could feel the chill of her skin. He gave an exasperated sigh, covering his anxiety with irritation.
‘How could you be so foolish?’ he muttered. ‘If you catch a chill you would be well served.’ He threw aside the sodden cloth and dragged off another chair cover which he arranged over her shoulders. ‘You should have gone indoors as soon as the rain started.’
‘I know it,’ said Diana quietly. ‘I am sorry—’
‘Ah, don’t!’ He stopped her, exclaiming as if the words had been forced from him. ‘You must not be sorry, Diana. Never sorry.’
She looked up, her misery forgotten when she saw the blaze in his eyes. Lightning flickered warningly. They were frozen in a moment of tense silence and Diana knew with sudden, frightening certainty that they were still on the edge of the precipice. She had not stepped back and had no intention of doing so.
There was an explosion of thunder as they crashed together. Diana raised her face and Alex covered it with kisses, finally finding her lips. They parted eagerly beneath the onslaught and his tongue explored her, plundered her senses, possessed her. She pushed herself against him, with only instinct to guide her responses. The kiss became more frenzied, the cloth slipped from her shoulders but she did not need it, she was burning and barely aware of the damp muslin that clung to her body.
His arms tightened. He lifted her as if she weighed nothing at all and laid her gently upon the sofa. Her loose wet hair pressed against her back and Diana trembled slightly. Alex paused, raising his head, and even in the dim light she could see the question in his eyes. Fearful he would leave her Diana threw her arms about his neck, dragging his head down towards her. He obliged her with another searing kiss. She clutched at his shoulders, wanting him, needing him to continue his assault of her senses. Excitement rippled through her body, she moved restlessly beneath him, sighing as his hands began to explore her, tearing at her gown. When he uncovered her breasts she gasped at his touch, but made no attempt to stop him when he trailed a line of kisses down her throat. Her hands drove through his hair, feeling its silky strength as his lips travelled lightly over her skin. She arched towards him, offering up to him her full, aching breasts. He cupped one with his hand, his thumb circling, teasing while his mouth covered the other and his tongue began to flicker over its hard nub, drawing a response from deep within. A yearning hunger was unfurling inside. Her body was heavy with it, her skin so sensitive that she was aware of his every touch and impatient for more.
Her skirts were bunched around her hips and Diana felt his free hand moving over them and down to the juncture of her thighs where his fingers stroked and caressed and finally slid inside her. Urgent desire shot through her, heating her blood, making her moan with the exquisite craving that his touch unleashed. She did not understand it, only the need to go on, to finish this. She reached for him and, obedient to her touch on his face, Alex gave up pleasuring her breast and returned to kiss her lips, the sweep and thrust of his tongue matching the movements of his fingers deep inside her and rousing her to a frenzy. Somehow amidst the fury of their embrace he had unfastened his breeches and she exulted in the feel of his skin upon hers. He was hard against her, she should have been frightened but instead it only heightened her own need, even as the insistent rhythms of his tongue and his fingers carried her almost beyond reason.
She groaned into his mouth, her hips moving, pushing against his hand as new sensations took hold, rippling and growing, filling her like floodwaters rising against a dam. He eased himself over her and she slid her hands over his smooth, firm buttocks, urging him on, knowing there was more he could give her. She cried out as he entered her, not with pain but joy. He pushed into her again and again, up to the hilt. Her body tightened around him, she wanted this to go on for ever, but even as the thought formed she felt herself unravelling, bucking and writhing as the dam broke and she was carried away on a wave of heady, intolerably sweet sensations. She screamed, shuddered and clung to Alex, falling, drowning in sweet sensuous pleasure even as he gave a shout and a final, urgent thrust before collapsing against her, his own passion quite spent.
Chapter Thirteen
The storm was moving away, the lightning had all but ceased and the thunder was nothing more than an occasional, distant mutter. Alex shifted his weight to one side but kept his arms about Diana. In truth he never wanted to let her go. He felt dazed, confused and battered by the feelings that had raged through him. His anxiety for Diana’s safety had thrown him off balance and he had hidden his confusion beneath a veneer of anger, but even that had been no proof against the wave of emotion that swept over him when she stood before him looking so lost and vulnerable. At first he had wanted only to protect her, but having her so close roused a strong desire to possess her. He had not intended to kiss her, he had wanted to turn away but his body had suddenly become a separate entity, answering only to the siren call of the woman before him. The woman who was now in his arms. The virgin he had deflowered.
That was not his way. What madness had come over him? He had not felt so out of control since his schooldays, when the love of his life, the stepmother of one of his school friends, had initiated him into the pleasures of the flesh. She had been much older than he and her protestations of love had been false and short-lived. Alex had soon been cast aside and he had never let himself grow so fond of any woman since. Looking back, he recognised that she had seduced him, taken advantage of his innocence.
And was that not what he had done now to Diana? She had been very willing, but he was the experienced one, he should have shown restraint. He closed his eyes, angered by his weakness, and yet he could not feel any real regret at what had occurred, it had been so natural, so right and it was as much as he could do not to roll her over and take her all over again. And again. To make her his own.
To make her his countess. The thought came suddenly, shockingly, but he knew now that was what he wanted. Not some barren, sterile, comfortable marriage of convenience, but to spend his life with this tempestuous, spirited woman who would infuriate and enchant him by turns.
What of Diana, what would she want? A sudden chill ran through him. He had always said he would not be coerced into wedlock so why should she, just because he had taken advantage of her? She had grown and blossomed since that first spring meeting. Alex felt a certain pride that he had somehow been instrumental in her transformation, but despite what they had just done he had no right to claim her as his bride. She might not wish to be tied down when she had only recently discovered her own strength. He buried his face in her wet hair and breathed in the unique scent of her. He had likened her to Sleeping Beauty, but just because he had awakened her did not mean they would live happily ever after. She needed to live in the world a little, to choose her own partner, whoever that might be. He would not rush her into a decision, she must be allowed to consider her position and that would take time, more time than they had now. With a long sigh he gathered her to him for one last kiss.
‘We must go, sweetheart. We will be missed.’
He helped Diana to her feet then bent to scoop up the holland cover from the floor and place it once more around her shoulders.
‘I would this were the finest cashmere,’ he told her. ‘But it must suffice. At least it will cover the ravages I have wrought upon
the neck of your gown.’ He ran one gentle finger along her cheek. ‘You must go to your room now. If anyone sees you, tell them you were caught in the storm and took shelter in here, but with luck everyone will be changing for dinner.’
‘And you?’
Her eyes were still starry and luminous from their lovemaking and he could not resist taking another kiss.
‘I shall slip around the house as if I were coming in from the stables.’ He smiled. ‘Have no fear, Diana, I shall protect your reputation. No one need ever know of this.’
‘Alex, we must talk—’
‘I know, sweetheart, but there is no time now for all that must be said. If we are both late for dinner it will give rise to the sort of speculation we wish to avoid.’
* * *
The warm, beloved feeling that had enveloped Diana evaporated when Alex moved away. She wanted to remain beside him for much longer, to explore these new and delicious feelings. Was it love? She thought so, but how could she tell? Diana felt bemused, stunned by her own behaviour. He was right, of course, she must get back to the house and change, but there was so much unsaid, implied but never put into words. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask Alex if he loved her but she held it back.
She was afraid he might lie.
It was still raining when she ran back to the house, but only a light drizzle. The storm had spent itself and there were signs of a clear sky spreading from the west, promising a fine evening. Jenny was waiting for her in the bedchamber, and burst into relieved chatter when Diana came in.
‘So there you are miss, I was beginning to be that worried about you! I guessed you’d stay in the orangery until the rain stopped.’
‘Unfortunately I went for a walk and I was in the woods when the storm broke.’ Diana was surprised that her voice was so normal after all that had occurred. ‘I ran back to the orangery to wait for it to pass.’
‘Very wise, mistress, I’ve heard stories before now of animals and people being struck down in an electrical storm.’ The maid shook her head. ‘La, but your gown is all ruined. That’s the trouble with these very fine muslins, they’re that flimsy they don’t stand no wear at all. You should’ve put on an old dimity gown if you was going to be working in the orangery.’
‘I should indeed, Jenny.’
‘I’ve filled a tub for you, miss, in the dressing room. The water might be getting a bit cool now but I’m sure you will feel better for a bath—’
As the maid came forward to help her mistress undress, Diana held out the wet spencer that she had carried back with her. ‘Take this away, if you please, Jenny, it is dripping all over the carpets. Take it down to Mrs Wallace and see if this can be dried and restored. Quickly now.’
While the maid hurried away Diana drew off her gown, trying not to think about how the bodice came to be torn. She inspected the muslin skirts and her petticoats for evidence of her wanton behaviour in the orangery, but thankfully there were no telltale signs, so her secret was safe, for a little longer.
Her spirits swung between euphoria and despair, soaring when she thought of the way Alex had kissed her and swooping when she considered how reckless she had been, giving herself to a man in such a wild, abandoned manner with no thought for the future. She summoned up every vestige of courage to fight down her fears. Alex felt the same, she knew it, her very bones told her that he loved her. But what if she was wrong?
* * *
Jenny had looked out her moss-green gown and Diana put it on, allowing the maid to pin up her hair and thread a matching green ribbon through the curls which were damp and heavy about her head. Just before the appointed hour she made her way downstairs, but as she was about to enter the drawing room she heard Alex’s voice from across the hall.
‘Ah, well timed, Diana. If you could spare me a moment, there is something I wish to discuss with you.’
The sight of him, calm and immaculate in an evening coat of deep-blue superfine, almost turned her bones to water. She suddenly felt very shy.
‘It—it is almost time for dinner, sir. I—’
‘I am aware, but it will not take long.’
He was standing by the study door and after the briefest hesitation she preceded him into the room and heard the door shut behind them. Diana wondered if he intended to sweep her into his arms and knew a moment’s disappointment when he moved away from her towards the desk. She stifled her regret and faced him with a calm that matched his own, but his first words came as a surprise.
‘I am glad you are wearing green tonight.’ He picked up a small leather case from the desk. ‘I thought these might go well with it.’
Her brows went up when he opened the box and she saw the cluster of emeralds nestled against the velvet lining.
‘Oh, how lovely.’ She reached out to touch one finger to the gems. The set comprised a necklace and earrings of fine, dark emeralds in a heavy gold setting. ‘You would lend these to me?’
‘No, I am giving them to you, since you appear to have no ornaments of your own.’
‘No.’ She kept her eyes on the jewel case, fascinated by the sparks of green fire that flew from the gems as they caught the light. ‘I have never purchased anything for myself.’
‘Best not to wear jewels or too much finery, Diana my dear. You must not draw attention to yourself.’
Mama’s voice, kind but firm, echoed in her head. Diana sighed. She had never questioned it, until now.
She said, ‘Margaret left me her personal jewellery in her will, but of course she was carrying it with her when, when the ship went down.’
‘I beg your pardon, I did not mean to distress you with that memory.’
She shook her head and gave him a faint smile.
‘You did not, sir. But, are you sure you wish to give these to me?’
‘Of course.’
‘May I wear them now, tonight?’
He smiled at her eagerness.
‘Of course, that is why I am glad you are wearing that gown. Turn around now and let me fix the necklace for you.’
Diana removed her pearls and stood very still while Alex fastened the emerald necklace about her throat. The stones rested heavily on her collarbones, but she was even more aware of Alex’s fingers at the back of her neck, brushing her skin and sending little darts of fire through her blood. She breathed deeply and slowly, resisting the urge to lean back against him. She closed her eyes for a moment, imagining herself turning and pulling his head down until their lips met in another sizzling, explosive kiss.
‘There, it is done. Here, take the drops for your ears and put them on.’
Her eyes flew open. She could no longer feel his touch on her skin and she wanted to cry out, but instead she forced her reluctant feet to move away from him. She walked to the mirror and slipped the emerald drops in her ears. As Diana stepped back to look at herself the evening sun chose that moment to blaze between the dispersing rainclouds and she was caught in a shaft of golden light that enhanced the red-gold tints in her damp hair and made the green silk of her gown glow richly. It set the emeralds on fire, but they sparkled no more brightly than her eyes, which positively shone with happiness. She stared at her reflection in wonder.
I look beautiful.
She put her hands to her cheeks, shocked by the revelation. Margaret had always been the pretty one, Diana was the red-haired little cripple, to be hidden away, despised and pitied. But no longer. Alex had neither despised nor pitied her this afternoon. He had worshipped her! A huge smile burst from her as she turned back to Alex.
‘Thank you so much.’
He looked slightly nonplussed at her gratitude.
‘John Timothy collected the emeralds for me from the London today. They were in the family vault and you are...family. James would have given them to Margaret, but he told me once that she did n
ot like emeralds.’
‘No, she never wore green, she thought it an unlucky colour.’
But avoiding the colour had not saved her from drowning. Diana gave a little shiver.
* * *
Alex saw the shadows of sadness flitting across Diana’s face and he longed to cross the short distance between them and take her in his arms, but he was very much afraid if he did so he would not be able to let her go until he had kissed her so thoroughly that she would be obliged to go upstairs again to tidy her hair, and possibly her gown.
There was no doubt that the emeralds were a good choice, they enhanced the creaminess of her skin and brought out those tantalising green flecks in her eyes. He had thought her quite splendid when she was angry, but now, glowing with happiness, she looked truly magnificent. If there hadn’t been a room full of guests waiting for them he might well have ravished her again, here, over the desk...
He turned away so that she might not see how she affected him. He thought of the bachelors he had invited to stay. He had made it clear to them that Diana would be a good match. Well, he had vowed she might choose her own husband, but he knew now he would not promote anyone but himself for that role! Alex cleared his throat. Perhaps he was wrong to wait until they had time to discuss the matter. He should tell her now, make her an offer.
‘We had best go to the drawing room,’ said Diana. ‘Fingle will be announcing dinner very soon.’
He closed his eyes. As he was thinking of marriage, so she talked of dinner. Clearly this was not the moment to propose. He dropped the pearls into the empty jewel case.
‘I will send this up to your room later.’ He went to the door. ‘Shall we join our guests?’
* * *
Diana walked beside Alex across the hall, matching her step with his. She could walk with barely a hint of drag now and every day it became a little easier. And it was all Alex’s doing. He had called her a worthy opponent and encouraged her to believe in herself.
