In Love With a Charming Brunette

by Tabetha Waite

  As Beth joined her, she said, “Shouldn’t we have gone home to grab our bathing clothes first?”

  “Who needs clothes?” Beth answered with a laugh and prepared to disrobe right there in full view of the Crescent just a short distance beyond — as well as their esteemed guests.

  “Beth!” she gasped. “Are you mad?”

  “No,” her friend said firmly as she stepped out of her dress and tossed it over a nearby rock. “I’m living.” As her undergarments followed suit, she rushed toward the waves with a shriek of delight.

  Crawford and Devon quickly joined her, and although Mercy told herself to look away from her view of their bare bodies, she found that she was quite riveted to the sight of those firm buttocks, muscled backs, and long, lean legs.

  “Do you care to join them?”

  Mercy started as Freddie spoke near her shoulder. She’d failed to notice him approach her. Instantly, her face warmed. “I’m… still deciding.”

  He chuckled and she dug her toes deeper into the warm sand, enchanted by the sound of that deep rumble. He removed his jacket, waistcoat, and cravat, but not until he removed his shirt from the waistband of his trousers, baring himself to her from his taut stomach upward, did her mouth go dry.

  “Let me know how it turns out,” he challenged, and then, with a swift movement, he was fully naked.

  Her breathing ceased as he turned and joined the fray.

  With shaking hands, Mercy slowly began to disrobe. It was a bit tricky to untie the laces of her stays, but she managed to loosen them enough to shimmy free. As much as she’d told herself that she was going to live for the moment, she hesitated when she would have removed her chemise. She couldn’t quite make herself take off the last barrier between herself and complete exposure.

  She dipped a foot in the water and sighed, for the temperature really was perfect.

  “What are you waiting for?” Beth shouted to her amid a round of exuberant laughter.

  Mercy took a deep breath and fought the nervousness rising up within her and ripped off the last of her modesty — in more ways than one — as she dove under the water without a stitch of clothing.

  She closed her eyes and let her body propel her through the waves that threatened to push her back toward the shore. Remembering how to slice her arms and legs through the water to stay afloat, she finally surfaced some distance away from the rest of the group.

  She’d lost her hairpins along the way, but she didn’t care as she shook her long dark tresses out of her face. When it was wet it reached as far as her lower back. She opened her eyes to find Freddie a short distance away from her, treading water.

  Mercy instinctively covered her breasts with her arms, although thankfully, she wasn’t exposed, the water reaching to her shoulders.

  “You look as enchanting as a mermaid rising out of the sea.”

  She reached out and touched the necklace she had yet to remove ever since he’d placed it around her neck. “Then I suppose it’s a good thing I have something to barter with if I ever find Atlantis.”

  His eyes became hooded, turning deliciously… wicked. He glided toward her until she tensed in alarm, but then he abruptly disappeared beneath the surface. When he didn’t immediately reappear, she called out, “Freddie? Freddie!”

  Beth and her duo of suitors couldn’t hear her, the sound carried away by the surf and the distance between them. Even then, Mercy wasn’t sure she might have paid her any mind, for she was too busy cavorting.

  When something brushed her ankle, Mercy yelped, just before she was pulled under. In the midst of a watery darkness, a pair of strong arms surrounded her waist. She was pressed against a firm chest as a pair of tantalizing lips captured hers.

  At first, she started to resist, but then, she began to melt into the embrace. She slowly lifted her arms and wound them around his neck. The slippery sensation of his body flush against hers, her bare breasts rubbing against the scattering of hair on his pectorals was equal parts heady and scandalous.

  As they slowly broke through the surf, they were still locked in their torrid embrace.

  He lifted his head long enough to murmur, “My own water nymph,” before he set his lips against the pulse beat at her neck. She moaned slightly, as her blood began to race through her veins. It wasn’t until he dared to flick his thumb across her nipple that she stiffened slightly. It wasn’t an unwelcome sensation — quite the contrary — but merely unexpected.

  He looked into her eyes and said huskily, “Do you want me to stop?”

  Mercy found that she was swiftly drowning in that dark, fathomless gaze. “No. I don’t want you to stop.”

  Chapter Four

  Malcolm didn’t intend to rob the lady of her innocence this night, for it was rather too chilly for him to do so, although he also didn’t plan to send her home without knowing how satisfactory a liaison could be between them.

  He disappeared beneath the surface again, but it was to grasp one of her taut nipples in his mouth. He smiled inwardly when she grasped his hair and dug her fingernails into his scalp.

  When he came up for air again, he asked, “More?”

  Her expression appeared dazed. “Yes.”

  Again, he allowed the water to claim him as he feasted on her other breast. But this time, he added a bit more to the sensation. His hand lowered to her midsection where he delved between her wet curls. She jerked, and then her legs went lax as he stroked her gently. This time when he bobbed out of the water, her eyes were closed in surrender.

  He took advantage of her pleasure to kiss her thoroughly once again, all while bringing her to the heights of ecstasy. As her breathing deepened, he knew she was nearly at her peak. “Let go. Give yourself to me,” he whispered against her mouth.

  Her body abruptly shuddered, and she convulsed around his fingers.

  She was so lovely in that moment, with her lips parted just slightly, that he knew before he returned to London, he would have to have her in his bed. There really was no other option.

  As she slowly came back to her senses, her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him. A touch of hesitancy loomed in those remarkable eyes, as he slowly removed his hand.

  He could tell she wasn’t sure what to say, so he took pity on her and said, “It’s fortunate that you aren’t a mermaid, for that would have been decidedly more difficult to accomplish.”

  To his surprise, she laughed.

  At the sound of splashing behind them, he saw Crawford and Devon heading toward them. Their timing couldn’t have been more perfect. “Lady Beth invited us over for tea,” Jacob remarked with a decided grin.

  “At this time of night?” Malcolm asked dryly.

  David shrugged his shoulders. “We did work up a thirst embarking on this late night swim.”

  Malcolm couldn’t help turning his attention back to Faith.

  She was biting her lower lip in consideration, and he yearned to carry her out of the sea and back to his rooms where they could properly finish what they’d started. But, since he didn’t want her to have any regrets, he would patiently bide his time and wait for her to come to him. “I’m afraid that I’ll have to decline,” he said. “But by all means, enjoy yourselves.”

  “I fear the same goes for me,” she added. “I’m rather… tired.”

  “Very well,” the earl returned. “I suppose we shall have to entertain the lady by ourselves.” With a mischievous laugh, the two men headed for the shore.

  When they were gone, Malcolm held out his hand to the woman who was quickly slipping her way past his defenses and finding a way into his heart. “Shall we?”

  After a brief hesitation, she slipped her hand into his and together they dove beneath the waves and swam as one back to the sand.

  ***

  Mercy was shivering as she donned her chemise and gown, holding the rest of her clothing in her grasp. But, in truth, she wasn’t sure if it was the sea breeze that was causing her knees to knock together or that explosive enc
ounter with Freddie. She tried to envision doing something so intimate with another man and found it rather difficult to do so. Perhaps Lord Westbrook would be the sort who wanted to perform his duties with the lights out and fully clothed, for to look upon another face as those same sensations flowed through her body was impossible to imagine.

  Freddie had… changed something within her with the mere slide of his fingers. He’d caused her to question everything, her entire future, as well as Beth’s insistence that she should live for the moment. Before she went back to London, she vowed that Freddie would be her first lover.

  A thrill shot through her at the prospect as she entered the terrace house and climbed the stairs to her room, while Beth and her gentlemen callers disappeared into the front parlor. No doubt it was going to be a rather interesting night for them.

  Mercy shut the door to her chamber and removed her wet clothes, laying them over the arm of a chair near the fire to dry. She slipped on her nightdress and robe, but since sleep was still some distance away in claiming her, she walked over to the balcony and opened the doors. She peered out at the sea beyond and hugged herself when she glanced at those dark waves, which she would never look at the same again. While Brighton had always held a certain place in her heart because it was where she’d spent so many joyous holidays with her parents, now it was where she’d first been introduced to Freddie and the power of passion.

  After a time, she walked over to her bed and slipped under the covers. Enveloped in the warmth, she drifted off to sleep.

  Mercy awoke the next morning and dressed for the day in a yellow muslin, her hair pulled back into a simple chignon.

  She headed downstairs to the dining room to find that Beth had yet to rise, although Lady Franson was there. She glanced up from where she’d been reading the paper. “Ah, Mercy, dear.” She folded the print and set it aside. “How has your time at Brighton been thus far?”

  Again, Mercy thought of last night and that scandalous encounter in the water. “I am enjoying it very much.”

  Her lips twitched almost knowingly. “I’m sure. Brighton has a certain way of opening one’s eyes to new perspectives.” She smiled as Mercy walked over to the sideboard and began to gather some breakfast.

  Mercy decided to change the subject, for to continue going down that path would cause nothing but questions she didn’t have the answers to. “I daresay the Mansion continues to be an enigma. No one seems to know who it belongs to, and the host is rather mysterious.”

  As Mercy took her seat at the table, Lady Franson said, “It has always been so. No one will probably ever know the true owner. But then, opening it up to such an illicit affair each year, anonymity would be imperative to anyone.”

  Mercy considered the lady’s words. “No doubt you are right.” She glanced at her. “So how has your visit with your friend been going?”

  Lady Franson sighed almost dreamily. “Rebecca is just as wonderful as I remember. We’ve seldom left each other’s side. I plan on returning to see her this morning, but I wanted to check in on you girls first.” She winked. “Besides, I shouldn’t wish to neglect my duties as a proper chaperone.”

  Mercy couldn’t help but laugh. She couldn’t have asked for a better woman than Lady Franson to spend her time in Brighton with. She had allowed her and Beth the freedom to explore their youth before marriage and childbirth descended upon them.

  “Someone is having fun. Mind if I join?”

  Beth walked into the room with a satisfied grin on her face. She greeted her aunt with a kiss on the cheek.

  “Someone is rather happy this morning.” Lady Franson looked at Mercy as Beth filled her plate.

  “Indeed. And I’m particularly famished.” She sat across from Mercy and said smugly, “I had a rather exciting night.”

  Her aunt lifted a brow. “I don’t suppose it would have anything to do with the two gentlemen I saw sneaking out of the house before dawn, would it?”

  Beth paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. “Er…”

  The lady waved a hand. “Don’t worry, dear. I’m certainly not one to pass judgment. I’m not nearly that hypocritical.”

  Beth giggled with an expression of relief. “It’s why I’ve always adored you, Auntie.”

  She winked at her niece and said, “So, what’s planned at the Mansion this evening?”

  Beth lifted her chin. “It’s to be another ball, but this one is a bit different.”

  This perked Mercy’s interest. “How so?”

  Her friend smiled broadly. “It’s ladies’ choice on who they get to dance with. The gentlemen will be wearing the cards on their wrists for a change.”

  Lady Franson chuckled merrily at this as she clasped her hands together. “Oh, how delightful! I’m almost sorry that I will be otherwise occupied. However, I’m sure you two girls will have a wonderful time.” She wiped her mouth with her napkin and stood. “I should be going. I promised Rebecca we would do a bit of shopping this morning. Do you girls need anything?”

  “Yes.” Beth spoke up, but she slid her glance to Mercy. “I’ve noticed what Mercy brought with her, so she could use an extra special gown for this evening.” She tapped her lip thoughtfully. “I should think something in blue.”

  Lady Franson inclined her head. “I will see what I can find.” She kissed Beth on the forehead and waved at Mercy before she departed.

  “Was that necessary?” Mercy chided with a shake of her head. “What I brought along is perfectly acceptable—”

  “Of course,” Beth interrupted, as she slathered her bread with butter. “If you are at a dreary London ball, but those plain colors won’t gain the attention you wish from Freddie the valet. You need something that will stop the man in his tracks and make him take notice.”

  Mercy, once again, thought of the interlude the night before and could tell she colored slightly. “I don’t think that a gown will make any difference. He’s already taken particular note of me.”

  “But you must amaze him by your beauty. Really, Mercy, do you not know how seduction works?” she tsked. “You must make him pant after you so that he will do whatever you say.”

  Mercy’s lips twitched. “And did you employ those tactics with Lord Devon and Baron Crawford?”

  Beth picked up her wineglass and took a delicate sip before she said rather saucily, “Oh, rest assured, they will seek me out for an encore.” She began to giggle and Mercy found that her wickedness must have been rubbing off on her, for she too, joined in the merriment.

  ***

  Malcolm was sitting in the library reading when his two comrades finally came down the stairs. He glanced at the clock on the mantel to see that it was nearly two in the afternoon. He’d already taken his horse out for a ride along the chalk cliffs to the east of town and spent some reflecting time on the beach. After that, he’d gone to the Royal Pavilion and walked through its lavish halls for a time before he had returned home. It was one of his favorite places to go when he was here. The Indo-Saracenic style of the palace for Prince George was always a marvelous structure to visit, designed by renowned English architect, John Nash.

  Upon his arrival at the terrace house, he’d been informed by the butler that Devon and Crawford had yet to rise, so he’d grabbed a book from the library and made himself comfortable.

  They walked in wearing nearly matching grins and a saunter to their stride that was even more pronounced than usual. Malcolm could only shake his head with a snort as he set his book aside. He crossed one leg on top of the other and folded his hands over his stomach. “By the similarly pleased expressions on your faces, I assume you had a good time with Lady Beth?”

  Jacob was the first to speak up as he took a seat across from Malcolm. “Indeed, old chap, you missed quite the escapade. The lady is certainly…” He paused, as if searching for the correct word.

  “Accomplished,” David finished for him. As the baron took a seat, he looked at Malcolm. “I would have thought you might have stayed long enoug
h to enjoy Miss Albright’s talents as well.”

  Malcolm’s grin was tolerant. “I find that anticipation is the best form of foreplay. Besides, Faith is an innocent and must be approached with care.”

  “’Tis why I’ve never been fond of virgins,” the earl said with a mock shudder. “I prefer a woman who knows how to please a man.”

  “And in Lady Beth’s case,” the baron murmured, “two at a time.”

  Malcolm rolled his eyes as they shared a good-natured laugh. Then again, it hadn’t been so long ago that he would have partaken in similar delights. Only when he realized that the sands of his bachelorhood were running out did he stop pursuing those empty liaisons. It had been fun while they had lasted, but it was time he prepared for his future — which was with Lady Mercy Granville.

  But embarking on one last rendezvous was why he was there, wasn’t it? To finally close the door on his single life before marriage and fatherhood claimed him like a steel trap.

  He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, for the idea of settling down had never appealed to him. Mainly because he knew growing old and the afterlife were soon to follow. He’d always feared the thought of death, mainly because his father had died in his fifties. While he had lived longer than some, the idea that Malcolm would be in the ground beside him in a matter of years had always made him rather cautious — and why it had taken him to the ripe age of seven and twenty to finally decide to see that duty through and take his place beside the daughter of the Marquess of Newthyme.

  And then he thought of Miss Albright.

  He’d known of the lady’s existence all of three days, and yet, she had managed to push aside all of his reservations and grab hold of this opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest.

  Which he fully meant to do.

  Tonight.