by Vikki Vaught
Finally, the evening ended, and Melody went up to her lonely bed. She usually read for a while, and that normally helped her go to sleep. However, that night, it did not seem to be working. She kept reading long into the night. She heard the clock strike three, so she decided she would go down to the kitchen and get a glass of warm milk. She lit a candle and headed down the hall. As she approached the stairs, she heard a noise. She went to investigate and found Kathryn walking down the hall. She went over to her and started to ask if she was all right, when she noticed Kathryn looking very strange. Melody realized Kathryn must have been sleepwalking, so she gently guided her back to her room. Suddenly, Kathryn stiffened and gave out a startled cry. She looked over and started crying upon seeing Melody.
Melody gathered Kathryn in her arms to comfort her as she said, “Shush, it’s all right, sweetheart. You must have had a bad dream. I found you walking in the hall, but you didn’t seem to recognize me. I think you may have been sleepwalking. Have you done that before?”
“Oh no, I did it again!” she said. “I haven’t done that in years. I used to do it quite a bit, a few years ago, but then it stopped. I hope it’s not going to start up again. My parents get so angry with me over it. They can’t know I’ve done this again. Please don’t tell them about this.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t say a word. Why don’t you get back into bed. I was on my way to the kitchen to get a glass of warm milk, so I’ll get you some. Will you be all right if I leave you alone?” she asked.
Kathryn looked relieved as she said, “I’ll be fine. A glass of warm milk does sound nice. Thank you, Melody, for being so understanding about this.”
Melody went down to the kitchen, got two glasses of warm milk, and returned to Kathryn’s room. “Here you go, Kathryn. Hopefully, this will help you get back to sleep. I’m going back to my rooms now. If you need anything or you ever want to talk, please let me know. Goodnight, my dear.” Melody returned to her rooms and thought about what had happened. She wondered why Kathryn was so scared when she realized she had been sleepwalking. She was sure their graces were appalled that they had a child with this affliction. They probably made her feel as if it was her fault. Poor child, she could not control this. She wondered if Henry knew about the sleepwalking. When he returned, she would ask him. Thank goodness, he would be home in the next couple of days.
The next morning, Melody got up and called for her maid. Millie came and readied her bath. This was one luxury she really enjoyed. Melody had always enjoyed a bath, but at home, it was so difficult, because all the water had to be carried upstairs and they only had one maid. Here, all she had to do was have Millie fill the tub. Imagine having running water in a house! What a modern convenience! She took off her robe and night rail and sank down into the tub. Millie had used her special lemon scented bath oil. Henry had told her several times that he loved her scent, and relaxing in the bath felt wonderful. She put her head against the back of the tub and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she felt someone’s arms around her. When she looked up, she saw Henry was there and said, “Henry, when did you get here? I thought you weren’t going to be here until Saturday. My love, I’m so glad you’ve come home. What a pleasant surprise!”
“I was able to leave sooner than I expected. I left last night and rode through the night to get here this morning. I wanted to see you in your bath. You smell wonderful. Hand me that sponge, and I’ll wash your back.” Melody handed him the sponge, and he slowly slid the sponge down her back. Then he lathered both of her arms; only it was not the sponge he was using but his hands. He slid his hands around her shoulders and started stroking her breasts, and Melody felt desire rising in her. His hands moved down lower and lower, until he touched her feminine core, and then he leaned forward and kissed her. As he put his finger inside her, she shuttered, for it felt so sublime. Then he stood up and tore his clothes off. Once he was naked, he stepped into the tub with her. He pulled her to him, so she was straddling him. She could feel his manhood hard against her belly, and it excited her. He lifted her up and then lowered her down onto his shaft. He started slowly moving in and out, by lifting Melody’s hips. Soon, she was writhing and twisting from the pleasure of it all. Henry touched her little nubbin, and she came apart as wave upon wave of pleasure rippled through her. Then Henry surged upward and groaned as he filled her with his essence. She slumped against his chest and sighed deeply. They lay there until the water grew cool. Henry stood up and pulled her to her feet, and they stepped out of the tub. There was a big fluffy towel lying beside the tub, so he picked it up and dried them both off; then she reached for him, pulled him down, and kissed him.
Henry asked, “Did you miss me? Now that was a wonderful way to be welcomed home.”
“That was the best bath I’ve ever had! Anytime you want to help me take a bath, go right ahead!” Melody said.
“I agree that was the best bath I’ve ever had also! How have you been?” he asked. “Have my parents been giving you a hard time?”
“No more than usual. I’m getting used to it by now, and I just ignore them. I’ve developed the ability to not let it bother me. We better put some clothes on before we catch a cold!” she said.
“Why bother, we would just have to take them off again because I’m certainly not satisfied yet.” Henry threw her over his shoulder and carried her to the bed, dropped her in the middle, and fell down beside her. Then he kissed her all over, and they made love again.
They did not come down for luncheon or tea. They did come down to dinner, and Henry’s parents glared at them when they entered the drawing room.
“It is about time that you joined us,” the duke said. “I understand that you got here at ten o’clock this morning, and you could not even be bothered to let us know you were here. Simpson mentioned that you had arrived. Henry, this is simply appalling behavior. This is not the kind of example you should be setting for your sisters.”
“Sorry, your grace, I needed to speak with Melody about an important matter, and then since I traveled through the night, I decided to take a nap. Was there something you needed to see me about?” he asked.
“When are you going to sell your commission so you can start taking care of your responsibilities to this family?” he asked. “You promised you would take over the management of Doncaster Stables in Yorkshire, and you have not done so.”
Henry sighed in exasperation as he replied, “I’ve explained to you on numerous occasions that I need to settle my men first. I’ll have everything taken care of by late March, and then I’ll be more than happy to meet my responsibilities to the family.”
The duchess spoke up and disdainfully said, “It will not be a day too soon for me! Then you can take your wife and get out of here. I am so sick of her and her common ways!”
Melody knew he wanted to explode, but he controlled his anger as he said, “My wife is far from common! Don’t worry, your grace, I’ll be taking Melody with me when I return to my regiment. I’ve found a place for us to live while I finish up with the army. You don’t have to be further bothered by either of us. Now, can we move ahead and go into dinner?”
Everyone went into the dining room. Conversation was very stiff throughout dinner. Henry knew he had not heard the last of this from his father. He was sure he would start in on him again, once the ladies left them alone with their port.
It was just as he suspected; his father had quite a bit more to say. He was being very stubborn about the issue of when Henry would leave the army. He did not want to hear about how his men needed him. He finally told his father that he did not want to discuss it any further and left him to go join the ladies.
The rest of the evening went better. He had a chance to talk with his brother about how he was doing. He was worried about Nelson because he looked tired, and there were lines of tension around his mouth. So he asked, “Nelson, are you all right? You look terrible, and you seem to be all tensed up. Is there anything that I can do to help you?”
Nel
son sighed and shrugged his shoulder, then said, “I’m just a little tired. I haven’t been sleeping well, that’s all it is Henry. Father has been after me again about marrying Lady Penelope. Sometimes, I think it would just be easier if I went ahead and did it. I won’t ever love anyone like I loved Nora, and I do need to have an heir. I guess, one female is as good as another. I just don’t like the idea of giving into our father on this issue.”
“I can understand how you feel, but don’t give up,” he said. “You know how selfish Lady Penelope is. She would make your life a living hell.”
“You’re right, Henry. I won’t give in to him. As I told you, when you first got back, I’m planning on going to London for the season, this coming year, and I can find a wife then. I want someone of my own choosing … someone older than the average debutant. I want someone who may have lost her husband and is looking for companionship and not a love match.” Poor Nelson looked so troubled by all this. Henry wished there was something more he could do to help.
“That’s a very good idea. In fact, I know of someone just like that. Remember me mentioning Matthew Bronson. He has a sister who lost her husband about eighteen months ago. I met her, and she seemed quite pleasant. Her name is Mary. She was married to Captain Harrison, and he was killed in Portugal. She has a young son, and she has been struggling financially ever since he died. Why don’t you look her up when you get to town?” he asked. “She may be just what you’re looking for.”
Nelson smiled when he heard this and said, “Maybe, I’ll do that. It would save me from the marriage mart. I don’t think I could handle all those giddy young debutants and their marriage-mad mamas.”
Henry yawned as he said, “Excuse me. I really am tired. I think I’ll get Melody and go upstairs. I haven’t slept much in the last twenty-four hours. What with leaving late last night, so I could spend time with Melody this morning. I need some sleep. Good night, Nelson.”
Henry went over to Melody and asked, “Are you ready to retire for the evening? I want to spend some time with my pretty wife, in private.”
“Of course, I’m ready. I’m fairly tired myself, and I would enjoy spending time with my handsome husband.” They went upstairs to their rooms; Melody sent Millie to bed, and Henry told Mansfield to go also. They undressed and got into bed. Henry pulled her close, and after they tenderly made love, they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The next few days went by swiftly. The duchess had everyone working on the arrangements for the party. Henry helped decorate the ballroom for the gala, and Melody helped with the menu. They were still able to break away, so they could spend time alone.
Melody asked Henry about Kathryn and the sleepwalking. He told her that Kathryn had been doing it since she was a small child. It made his parents angry, and they even locked her in her room to make sure she did not wonder the halls at night. He was surprised to hear that Kathryn was having problems with it again. “I’m just glad you found her. My parents would have found someway to punish her if they knew about it. I hope she doesn’t start doing this again, as she used to. I’ll talk with her and see if something is bothering her, but she may not want to confide in me. Why don’t we talk with her together? She may be more willing to talk, if you’re with me. She simply adores you. I’m so glad you have gotten to know my sisters and that you get along with them so well.”
“We can go talk to her right now. I believe she’s in the schoolroom, painting.” They did indeed find Kathryn in the schoolroom, and she was painting. She asked them in and showed Henry some of her recent work. Henry was amazed at how much she had improved in the last two years.
“Kathryn, this work is astounding. I had no idea you were such a talented artist. Have you talked to our parents about getting some formal training?” he asked.
Kathryn woefully replied, “I mentioned it to Mother, but she told me it was fine for a hobby but not for anything else. She said I should stick to watercolors and leave the oils alone. Mother feels that type of painting is for men, and it would be unacceptable for me, especially after I get married. I tried to tell her I might not want to get married. I told her I wanted to be a serious artist, and she just laughed at me.”
Glancing again at some of Kathryn’s work, Henry said, “Well, Melody and I both feel you have a remarkable talent and that you should be able to pursue it. I’ll tell you what, I’ll hire someone to work with you, and I’ll pay for it myself.”
Kathryn threw her arms around Henry and gave him a hug. She was so happy that she was crying. “Oh, thank you, Henry. I know I can be a serious artist with the right instructor.”
“Melody told me about the sleepwalking. I was wondering if you have been having any of those nightmares you used to have?” he asked. “I remember you used to have more trouble with sleepwalking when you had them before.”
Kathryn looked down as she said, “Yes, I had a nightmare the night Melody found me. It’s always the same nightmare, and I wake up finding myself somewhere other than my bed. That’s the first one I’ve had in a very long time.”
“Is there anything that has been bothering you lately? Henry thought if something was bothering you, it could cause the nightmares,” Melody asked.
“I was very disappointed when Mother refused to take my desire to be an artist seriously, but nothing else that I can think of.” Kathryn appeared to be unwilling to make eye contact, so Melody suspected there was more she was not telling them. They would just need to be patient and watch for anything that could be a clue to what was really troubling her.
“Henry, it’s time for us to go and get ready for your mother’s party. It’s already five o’clock, and it will take me awhile, because I still need to bathe, and Millie is going to try a new hairstyle for tonight.” Henry looked at her, and she could tell he was thinking of the bath he had interrupted the other day. It gave her chills just remembering what a sensual experience it had been. She loved the way Henry seemed to want her all the time, and of course, the feeling was mutual. She was astonished at what a wanton she was becoming!
Melody took her bath and was a little disappointed when Henry did not interrupt her again. However, it was a good thing he did not because it would have made them late. If they were late again, they would have had to listen to the duke make derogatory comments about it. She was so glad Henry had found them a place to live, close to the garrison. It would be nice to see Henry everyday, even if it were only for short periods of time. He had made it clear that he would be very busy and that she would need to find ways to keep herself busy. This was not a problem for Melody because as long as she had a good book to read, she would be fine. Millie returned and helped Melody finish getting ready for the gala. She was looking forward to meeting more of Henry’s friends. He had mentioned that Captain Hayden was supposed to attend. He also said his lieutenant, Matthew Bronson and his sister, would be there. Henry had just heard they were at the garrison, and he wanted Nelson to meet the lieutenant’s sister, Mary. He thought they would get along well since she was a widow, and Nelson had told him, she was the kind of woman he would like to meet. Melody hoped for Nelson’s sake, Henry was right. Nelson deserved to find someone he could love again.
Henry came into the sitting room, and they went down to the party. The rest of the family was already in the drawing room. His mother seemed very pleased about the upcoming gala. It was the most animated that Melody had ever seen her since she had started living there. Their graces had even allowed Kathryn to participate in the party. That surprised Melody, but Henry explained that some of the rest of the family would be there and that there would be other younger people attending. They went into the entrance hall to receive the guests.
Soon, the ballroom was full. Henry introduced her to all of his friends. Lord Weston was there along with Captain Hayden. The lieutenant and his sister had arrived, and Melody could see why Henry thought she might suit Nelson. As they were getting to know each other, Nelson came over to them.
Henry introduced
everyone to Nelson, “Everyone, this is my brother, Nelson Montgomery, the Marquess of Wyndham. Nelson, this is Lieutenant Bronson and his sister, Mrs. Harrison. Remember, I mentioned them to you the other day. They’ve just arrived in Canterbury, at the garrison. I believe you have met everyone else.”
Nelson bowed and took Mrs. Harrison’s hand, brought it to his lips, and placed a soft whisper of a kiss on her fingers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He looked over at Bronson and said, “Lieutenant, it’s also nice to meet you. My brother has had good things to say in regards to your bravery while serving under him during the conflict with France. I hope both of you will have an enjoyable time this evening.” Nelson bowed to Mrs. Harrison and asked, “Mrs. Harrison, would you care to take a walk around the room with me?”
Mary timidly looked at Nelson as she answered, “That would be lovely, my Lord. I would enjoy that.”
Melody and Henry continued to speak with Henry’s friends as Nelson and Mrs. Harrison left to stroll around the room. Soon, the dancing started, and Henry and Melody began to waltz. Henry noticed that Nelson had asked Mrs. Harrison to dance also and he whispered in Melody’s ear, “I think Nelson likes Mrs. Harrison. I hope so, because he deserves to have someone in his life as wonderful as you are. By the way, have I told you how pretty you look tonight?”
