by Jane Charles
Timothy flipped a few more pages. Each were various ways of enjoying each other’s body without actually joining. Could he and Katrina actually engage in intimacy and still leave her a virgin? He knew it was possible and had been satisfied before without entering a woman.
He closed the book and put it in the bag. But, not tonight. Katrina was sound asleep and he did not wish to disturb her. Besides, he wanted to give the matter some thought and they did have a few more days of travel in which to explore, if that is what they decided to do.
She shifted in her sleep and pulled at the covers. It was somewhat chilly in the room. Timothy pulled the blankets from beneath her body to cover her before he crawled into bed. The mattress dipped beneath them and he settled onto his back. Katrina rolled toward him, finally settling with a hand on his chest and leg over his thigh.
It was going to be a very long night.
Chapter 6
Katrina woke and stretched as her eyes took in the strange room. For a moment she forgot where she was and who she was with. She rolled to her side. Timothy slept on his back. One arm curved above his head and the other across his chest. The blankets were shoved down to his waist and she snuck a peek beneath the covers only to be disappointed because he was clothed from the hips down. Her eyes returned to his chest. Though relaxed in sleep she could still make out the muscles in his chest and abdomen. There was nothing soft about Timothy and it was a shame he had to hide such a desirable physique beneath clothing.
She reached out a hand to touch the flat dark nipple but stopped herself. The time for intimacy had passed. Daylight whispered through the draperies and she would have to wait until tonight. She would not let him out of her sight this time. It was a shame people didn’t engage in such activity during the day because they had a whole day of riding in the carriage together. All of those hours where she could explore would be wasted. She overheard her aunt once exclaim that such things should only take place under the cover of darkness. Katrina would have asked why, but then her aunt would have known she eavesdropped on a private conversation. Maybe someone would explain it to her one day.
Katrina sat and flung her legs over the side of the bed, her toe connecting with the bag of books. She bit her lip to keep from crying out and waking Timothy. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure he still slept but his piercing green eyes studied her.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.” He put a hand over his mouth and yawned.
She bent forward and quickly closed the bag. What would he think of those books? What would he think of her? She hoped he didn’t notice them last night.
Timothy threw back the covers, rose from the bed and stretched. The ripple of his muscles across his back fascinated her. She knew she should move as well but couldn’t tear her eyes away from him.
“I will leave you to your privacy and request breakfast be delivered to the room.”
Before she could utter a word he was gone.
Katrina shook her head to clear her mind and quickly moved to dress for the day before he returned. It wouldn’t do to have him catch her half dressed in the morning. However, night was an entirely different matter.
* * *
Breakfast was a simple affair and as soon as they were finished, Timothy had their bags taken back out to the carriage. When the coachman lifted her bag of books he stopped him. “My wife has reading materials in there to keep her entertained. We will keep those with us in the carriage.”
He glanced at Katrina over his shoulders and her eyes were about ready to pop out. She was probably trying to invent several reasons why that bag could not be opened and he couldn’t wait to hear each and every one of them.
It was a risk he took. Could he just taste and sample without taking everything? He counted on being able to find enjoyment for himself, more than once, and give Katrina as much pleasure as he knew how and still leave her a virgin. It would be difficult but he knew it could be done. He just hoped he was strong enough to stop himself from taking it all.
“We don’t need them with us. I don’t really like to read on carriage rides.”
Timothy fought the smile. “Yes, but I do enjoy reading. Perhaps you have something I might enjoy.”
She grabbed the bag and put it back with the others. “I am sure there is nothing you would like. Horrid novels and such.”
He certainly hoped she didn’t view the books as horrid or all plans he made would go out the window. He grabbed the bag and started walking toward the door tthe carriage. “If you promise not to tell anyone, I enjoy horrid novels.”
Katrina took hold of the handle. “But these horrid novels are very horrid, as in horrible. You really wouldn’t like them.” She yanked on the bag but he wouldn’t let go.
“Let me decide for myself.” He grinned at her.
The red began in her neck and crept up her cheeks and to her forehead. It was interesting and lovely at the same time. After a moment she let go of the bag and entered the carriage. He followed and placed it on the floor. He would address it and the contents once they were away from town.
* * *
I have to keep him from looking in the bag. Katrina brought her hand up and placed the back of it against her cheek. Yes, her face was hot as she imagined. Goodness, what would he think of her? It was one thing to read and look at them in privacy and imagine Timothy doing those things to her at night. It was quite another thing for him to look at those books in broad daylight. Such things were not done. Of that she was certain. She would just have to keep him occupied and his mind off of reading.
“Where do you think we will stop for the night?” Drat, she shouldn’t be thinking about night because night led to bed and hopefully led to what those books described, but she didn’t want him to know that.
“We probably won’t make it any further than Earlston.”
“Why is that?” She could look at a map and pinpoint where any city was, but she had no concept of how long it took to travel from one place to the other.
“The books.”
Certainly he didn’t mean her bag of books. Did he know what was in them and planned on . . .? No, she dismissed the idea. “What books?”
A half-smiled pulled at his lips. “Didn’t you notice a wagon following us, or maybe we are following it.”
“No.”
“I want all of those books with me so they aren’t lost between here and Middleton. They are worth a small fortune and I don’t want to go to the trouble of trying to build my library again.”
“So a wagon travels slower.”
“Much slower, but I would rather it took us an extra day than be separated from them.”
So would I. “I will still make it to Willanton in time for my interview won’t I?”
“Yes, we have days left and I certainly don’t think it will take us that long.”
“Oh, good.” She folded her hands on her lap. If they could drag the trip out to four days she could hopefully seduce him and arrive in Willanton the day before or the day of her interview. It would be perfect.
Timothy turned his head and looked out the window. Katrina remained quiet. He could stare the entire day, as long as he didn’t want to know what books were in the bag. But if he showed interest she would need to think up another distraction. She had better be prepared in case he became interested.
The gentle sway of the carriage was too relaxing by far. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier, but she forced them open. This was always a curse. The moment she settled into her seat, as long as it was a well-sprung carriage and the road had few ruts, she could never remain awake regardless of the amount of sleep she had the night before.
She stifled a yawn behind her gloved hand and forced her eyes open. She could not go to sleep right now. She needed to be alert in case her husband wanted to read a book.
Katrina closed them just for a second, only one second and then she would open them again. Her head jerked and she sat up. This was no good at all. She glanced over
at Timothy. His head rested back against the squabs, his eyes closed. If he were taking a nap then it was safe for her to do so. Katrina gave up the fight and leaned against the side of the carriage and closed her eyes.
Her rest lasted all of a minute because the frame was too hard. Lifting her head she looked over at her husband. He still slept and seemed quite content. She glanced along the back bench where she sat. It was a rather comfortable, cushioned seat. With another yawn she stretched out, folded her arms beneath her head and closed her eyes.
* * *
Katrina enjoyed the most wonderful nap but when she looked to see if Timothy still slept, panic set in. He was reading one of the books. The bag was open and two books sat on the seat beside him and one was in his hand. The rest remained in the open bag. Oh, she could just die of mortification. She squeezed her eyes shut and pretended to sleep. What was she to do? What would he think?
She cracked one eye. He was rather engrossed in what he was reading, or perhaps looking at. He hadn’t even noticed she had awakened. He turned the book to the side and studied further.
It must be one of the picture books. There were a few that she had a hard time understanding and was fairly certain a body could not contort into such strange positions.
He righted the book and turned the page. Maybe he needed to read it as much as she. What if he didn’t know what to do and that was why he didn’t want to consummate the marriage? Maybe by reading these he would get an idea and be more confident.
Katrina fought the smile that came to her lips. It wouldn’t do to let him know she was awake. He may be embarrassed caught reading such material. But, hope bloomed in her breast that maybe now she would have a wedding night and they could learn everything together.
The carriage rocked to a stop suddenly and she almost toppled off of the seat. She reached out to gain purchase when Timothy’s hand came to rest on her arm, bracing her to keep her from falling. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” There was a slight tilt to his lips and his eyes held an odd gleam. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. She sat up and straightened her skirts. There was no use in pretending to sleep any longer.
He closed the book and placed it on the bench. “I went searching for a horrid novel.” He indicated to the bag of books. Her face heated. “I haven’t found one yet, but the ones so far have been rather interesting.”
Katrina peered down and picked at her skirts. “Well, they . . .” How did one explain such reading material? “I didn’t think it would be proper to sell them.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You didn’t think I would have been interested in these along with the others.”
Her face was going to burst into flames if it got any hotter. She shrugged and glanced out the window. There was no way she could look at him.
The coach door opened and she breathed a sigh of relief. She needed to get out of here now and hastened to the opening where the driver waited to assist her. Once her feet were firmly on the ground outside of the carriage she breathed deeply. At least in public they could not discuss the topic any further.
Timothy followed behind and took her arm in his. “Shall we?” He indicated to the coaching inn they had stopped before.
Katrina allowed him to lead her inside. They dined in silence amongst the others stopping for their midday meal. The two private rooms were already in use, thank goodness. She took as much time as she possibly could to finish her servings.
“Do you always eat so slowly?” Timothy finally asked.
“Sometimes,” she hedged. Half of the food remained on her plate and had gotten cold in her attempt to stall for time.
“Please hurry. We want to make Earlston before nightfall. I have no desire to spend the night on the road and I don’t know if there are any lodgings between here and there.”
Katrina spooned a last bite into her mouth, no longer hungry. In fact, she hadn’t been all that eager to eat once her stomach began tightening with nerves.
“Are you sure you are finished?” He glanced down at the plate.
“Yes.” She gulped down some water and stood.
Timothy offered his arm and escorted her back outside. Katrina took her seat but instead of Timothy facing her, he settled beside her.
* * *
The carriage lurched forward and Timothy looked down at his temporary bride. He needed to know why she chose to carry those books, of all books, with her. Why weren’t they sold with the collection? Did she even know what damage could be done to her reputation if anyone found them? What of her new employer? He certainly would not approve of his governess possessing such reading material.
Katrina stared out the window and he studied her profile. She was a beautiful young woman. It was a shame she was going to lock herself away on some estate to teach children. A woman like her deserved to be loved and to know passion.
“You have brought along an interesting library.”
She shrugged.
“Most young ladies, especially unmarried ones, aren’t in possession of such books.” He tugged on the edge of her sleeve to get her attention.
Katrina sighed. “If you must know, I found them one day while cleaning.”
“That doesn’t explain why you have them now.”
She turned to him, shoulders rigid and jaw set. “I am curious.”
“Most young ladies ignore their curiosity until marriage.”
“Other than this handfasting, I don’t plan on ever marrying.”
Didn’t most women want marriage? It couldn’t be her dream to become a governess.
“If you went to London you would probably have your pick of potential husbands.” Timothy could just imagine Katrina entering a ballroom, dressed in the latest fashion, her hair curled around her head. Every type of eligible gentleman would flock to her side.
“And how would I have a Season, if that is what you are suggesting. My father was a bookseller, if you have forgotten.”
“Your grandfather is an earl and your uncle is a baron. It is practically your duty to present yourself.”
She snorted and he kept the chuckle inside.
“As I explained, my uncle could not afford to give me a season and I am fairly certain my grandfather doesn’t even know I exist.”
“Oh, I am sure he knows and am surprised he hasn’t sent for you.”
“Neither of my parents had contact with him after they married. He has probably even forgotten he has a daughter.”
Timothy found that very hard to believe but would not argue with her. “There are other places you could meet gentlemen.”
“Please don’t.”
He closed his mouth and waited for her to speak. He had to wait a few moments.
“I moved from Bristol to Edinburgh after my mother died and later to Blackrig. I have met several unmarried gentlemen in town, on visits to Edinburgh and while I worked as a governess for Lord and Lady McGowan.”
“McGowan?” He knew Lord McGowan. The man was a notorious rake before he married as were his friends. From what he had heard, nothing changed with his marriage and children, nor had his friends matured. She may have met a number of gentlemen but very few, if any, were interested in a wife in their bed. Willing young lady, yes. Just not a wife unless one was in need of an heir.
“Yes. I was their governess and he used to hold regular weekend and week-long parties.”
“And none of them were interested?” He was curious as to how she was treated.
“Oh, they were very interested, but nothing as permanent as marriage.”
Anger raged inside Timothy. Had one of those rogues seduced her? Was that why she couldn’t marry and why she was so willing for a handfasting and not concerned with her own reputation? If she were no longer a virgin it certainly changed what level in intimachey could enjoy, if she were even interested. How could she not be? A lady does not find interest in books such as those without wanting to experience something.
&nb
sp; “Did any of them . . .”
“No!” She cut him off before he could finish the question. “A few tried, but I am not some featherbrain who would mistake their attention for anything more than an opportunity to throw up my skirts, have their fun, and be gone.”
Timothy barked out laughter. No lady of his acquaintance had ever spoken so bluntly before. “I know McGowan and his set and you are exactly right about them.”
Katrina looked down and picked at her gloves. “That doesn’t mean I am not curious.”
“It is only natural, I suppose.”
“Yes, but I want it on my terms, since marriage is not an option.”
She was back to the idea of not getting married, but he would ignore it for now. Heaven knew he was not in a position to marry and he certainly didn’t know her well enough to suggest such a thing, regardless of their current handfasted state. But pleasure on her terms was a tempting option.
“Are you saying you wish to explore intimacy without marriage?” His cock jumped at the possibility. He hoped he had not been wrong in assuming she wished for more than a ride to her destination.
“Yes. With the person of my choosing but he doesn’t seem interested.”
Who the hell wouldn’t be interested? Did she mean him?
“I find that hard to believe, Katrina.”
She looked up at him and sighed. “Why do you think I wanted you to take me to Willanton? I could have taken a coach, borrowed a carriage, any number of things if I had searched hard enough, but I wanted you.”
His pants grew tighter.
“I never considered a handfasting until Mr. Wallace suggested it, but it was perfect for my plans.”
“Plans?font> Did you mean to seduce me on this trip?”
She shrugged and looked down. “If you must know, yes. You are the one I wanted to experience those things with.” She gestured toward the book. “I’ve been attracted to you since the moment you walked into my father’s store. But you have no interest.”
