It was now a beautiful sunny day with a light southerly breeze, and it was a day of imminent adventure, sporting adventure. Having had a little practise in driving Thunder around a railed paddock for two days with Derby tutoring, today would be the first day of driving his beautiful black around the estate with Derby as merely her passenger. So far Thunder had behaved with impeccable manners and patience throughout slow manoeuvres. Though once he was on open ground he might be less than compliant to her hands, thus causing her a little apprehension whilst awaiting him and the curricle to appear out front of the house.
Derby’s brisk footsteps dragged her attention from the window. “Ready love?” asked he, whilst donning fine tanned kid driving gloves. “Thunder awaits your pleasure in the courtyard, for we’re going by way of the woodland drive.”
“Oh, but I thought my first outing would be along the main driveway, where the rail fencing will confine Thunder on both sides.”
He laughed, his dress immaculate in green tailcoat, grey working breeches as he called then, and high top boots which he preferred for driving. “Heavens love, Thunder needs a decent run, and we’re taking the dog cart instead of the curricle. You’ll find it easier to handle for your first time out as a charioteer on a long drive.”
“I feel inadequately dressed for driving,” said she, glancing down at her golden muslin gown bedecked with red ribbons, and in realisation she was still prone to wearing shades of yellow, she further expressed sense of chagrin: “Oh lordy, this is so flimsy it’ll fly in all directions unlike the heavier dimity I wore throughout my driving tuition.”
“I’ll not be minding if your skirts fly, my love. No one will see you but me. Now come along, else Thunder will steam up in knowing he’s heading for open tracks this time, and he’s raring to go. I’ll take the reins initially and hand over when he’s calmed a little.”
In haste they departed the upper drawing room and descended the staircase that led to the courtyard corridor, and soon they were outside where Thunder awaited, a groom holding his bridle and talking to him as though a fellow human. Without preamble Derby leapt into the dog cart, it being lower to the ground than his high-top curricle. He immediately gathered up the double reins and drew them taught within his grip, thence extended his hand to assist with her gaining a foothold to join him. It was true to say Thunder was itching to get underway, for as soon as the groom let loose his grip on the bridle Thunder lunged forward with the merest click emitted by Derby.
As they sped away and Thunder set a good pace with extended trot she loved the feel of the wind whipping at her hair, and whilst fearing her bonnet would be dragged from her head she was holding on to it, as well as gripping the brass rail of the dog cart to keep her balance. With a grin directed at her Derby reined Thunder along a rough grass and stone track toward a woodland trail, and chivvied him to the canter. Her skirts began slithering up and over her knees, and abandoning hold upon her bonnet in attempt to gather her skirts, the ribbons of her bonnet worked loose and it flew from her head.
Derby merely laughed, and said: “We’ll pick it up on the way back.”
And so they sped onward the green canopy of the woodland cloaking overhead, the trail winding this way and that, until they arrived at a sweeping bend. Derby reined Thunder back to the trot; for halfway along the bend it fell away down to a river, and on touching bottom they forded the shallow waters. Thunder splashed through mane flying and thence set off again alongside the river at the canter. Soon they were climbing back uphill into woodland proper and Thunder’s initial zeal had tempered somewhat and he seemed happy enough at the trot A good half hour had passed, of that she was sure, and her balance much improved she felt able to say: “That was wonderful.”
Derby merely grinned as they came upon a private woodland drive on flat ground, for he stood up, feet spread wide and, drawing his coaching whip forth from its grip ring he chivvied Thunder to a canter, and thence to the gallop. Thus they sped along at great speed; and heart in mouth she clung to the side rail and the seat, whilst her skirts bunched and billowed about her waist baring her legs which were devoid of stockings due to the heat and her brazen disregard to dressing as a countess should.
It was but a short sprint and really quite exhilarating, and thence it was over when Derby reined in and he brought Thunder about in a short arcing turn: she supposed in readiness to repeat the mad caper, but he instead drew Thunder to a halt.
“Now my little charioteer, it’s your turn to take the reins. No more than a canter; if you feel able. Do as I did and you’ll love it, I promise. I’ll keep hold of your waist for extra balance.”
“I would rather keep him at the trot,” said she, as Derby handed the reins to her care and thrust the whip back into its holding ring.
“As you please,” said he, slithering centre seat as she positioned herself with feet spread for good balance and steeled self to drive Thunder onward. Assured off Derby’s grip to her waist she clicked Thunder onward, the horse more attuned to that particular command for the walk, though always requiring verbal command from her when she wanted him at the trot, thus she flicked the reins gently and said: “Trot on,” and Thunder fell into the trot.
“Take us back the way we came, my lady,” said Derby, emitting a chuckle in releasing his grip on her waist. “You have excellent balance, my love, and now I’ll demonstrate another and pleasurable aspect of ride and drive.”
Thus she sensed her skirts at the rear hoisted high, indecently high, and kisses bestowed to her buttocks shamefully thrilling, as were his fingers teasing between her spread thighs. “Derby that’s wicked and mean when I am trying to concentrate on the task at hand. I shall lose my balance if you continue thus.” He remained silent; determined to tease all the more and did so by rubbing her nub, by stirring need and desire within her to such an extent her knees trembled, her balance precarious. “I cannot stand a minute longer, because I am so close, so close—”
“I know,” intoned he; quick in clutching her hips. “Sit down in my lap, and we’ll ride and drive together for a while.
She did as bid, knowing full well his intention, and she loved the feel of his hardness sheathing itself within her; the pressure of it pushing upward to kiss the core of her womanhood, thus affording boundless pleasure.
Derby Rossiter had made her his woman, had thrilled her on their first night together. He’d thrilled her in numerous wickedly indecent positions since that night, and still he could surprise her. Never had she thought all she had witnessed in the arbour at Frampton was part and parcel of married life between couples, barring the fact Derby had no desire to share her with other men, and always reminded her she was his, and he was hers.
Whilst encircling her waist to take Thunder’s reins from her grasp, he kissed her head, and asked: “Happy?”
“You know I am.”
“Good, now enjoy the ride home.”
Every bump in the track added to the pleasure of their coupling, every nuance of movement thrilling her, and she had never thought it was possible to fall in love at first sight and marry that man. Her dream had indeed come true.
The End.
Read on for other books from Francine Howarth’s listing.
Or perhaps you would care to visit her Amazon page:
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Pocket Novella
(Love at First Sight)
A Devilish Masquerade
A Coaching Accident, a Regency New Year Fancy Dress Ball, and a Devilish Masquerade will ensue.
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The cynical Melbourne, Earl Standish, has resigned himself to a bachelor existence in which a mistress is a damn sight safer than young chits with mother’s who are hell-bent on securing a title for their daughters. Stealing the cherry as sporting game has never been his gambit, until that is, a coaching accident involving his sister and the Danby family, thrusts an irresistible young lady into his sightline. Conventions of hospitality must be afforded to the rescuers of his sister, and wit
h a New Year ball imminent at Norton Priory, Standish is hopelessly smitten, but he has two brothers and the elder of the two is a renowned cherry stealer. Can the Earl overcome his misgivings and rejoin the Marriage Mart – and will the rakish brother let him steal away with Cecily Danby?
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Pocket Novella
Lady Louise de Winter
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One grave transgression in her past, and Lady Louise de Winter, has accepted all hope for love and romance is but a dream she dare not embrace. Aware her semi-closeted existence on the Harcourt Estate is no more, and a substantial inheritance awaits her pleasure, her friend Count Casarotto suddenly brings his personal troubles to her door and seeks sanctuary. Worse, pursued by officers of his majesty’s regiment of horse, Louise endeavours to conceal his presence despite qualms as to his innocence when the bare facts are laid before her. What is more, devastatingly attracted to the senior officer, Louise battles to retain sense of propriety as burning desire within takes hold. But despite Major Fitzwilliam’s reassurance he cares not a jot about her past, the truth remains she is not as other young would-be brides. Therefore, dare she give her heart into his care?
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Romantic Regency Murder Mystery (Steamy)
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The Reluctant Duchess is a Regency tale of romance, abduction, mystery and murder. The setting is Exmoor in Somerset, a place made famous by the novel Lorna Doone, of which the local inhabitants refer to as Doone Country.
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Devon Howard, the Duke of Malchester, acquires a bride by dubious means. Well aware Liliana is a reluctant duchess, and although his new wife submits to his ardent advances on the wedding night, he cannot be sure, that even if given time, she will ever surrender her heart to him. While his past continues to damn him, he sets out to win Liliana by inciting jealousy and rivalry ‘twixt her and Serenity: a would-be mistress?
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Likewise Liliana has a dilemma, for although she despises her circumstances and feigns disinterest in Devon, she cannot deny his desirability. Twice married, rumours abound. Devon has twice bedded and broken a wife. Liliana believes otherwise. Nonetheless, evil does exist within the walls of Calder Hall, and Liliana fears for her life when she’s brutally abducted from her coach whilst en route from Dorset to Exmoor. But it is Devon’s blood that is sought, and while revenge for one person proves bittersweet, for another it proves fatal.
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Infamous Rival – Regency Romance and Murder Mystery -book 1 Bath Series (steamy)
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She was once the darling of the beau monde, but Georgette Lady Beaumont’s reputation lies in tatters after the apparent suicide of Lord Brockenbury’s heir. Shunned by society, Georgette embraces a secretive lifestyle in which she endeavours to evade Adam Brockenbury, whom she loathes as much as he desires her. Believing him capable of murder to gain his heart’s desire, she is not alone in thinking his elder brother’s death as somewhat suspicious, and whilst on a clandestine visit to her dearest friends she encounters a stranger of note.
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Her travelling companion, although of charming disposition and of considerable handsomeness, something about him errs dark and secretive but unmitigated mutual attraction exists that neither can deny. Unfortunately he’s a Brockenbury too, and as love, jealousy and hate take precedence, three murders are committed and Georgette quite believes she will be the murderer’s next victim, but who is the real murderer?
Professional Reviews.
Romance Reviews Magazine: "...a fabulous intelligent Regency murder mystery with heaps of witty repartee, danger and simmering sensuality. Ms Howarth writes strong engaging characters and I simply adored Lady Georgette Beaumont..."
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County Life Magazine"...A romance with murder, mystery and delightful humour, and all occurring within the period of Regency England... Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this classic tale of love and redemption.
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Amazon UK ~ Amazon Com
The Dark Marquis – Regency Romance and Murder Mystery -Book 2- Bath Series (Steamy)
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Characters from book 1 (Bath Series) feature in this novel
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Despite a dark secret and aware his father the duke will likely disinherit him for marrying below his rank, Rupert Marquis of Ranchester is nonetheless determined to wed his mistress. But Caroline Lady Somerville, an old flame of Rupert’s has returned from India a widow, and has every intention of once again leading him into vices of the flesh, gambling and the dream smoke.
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Nervous but happy about imminent wedlock life becomes Hell for Estelle, when one man’s inner desires lead to blackmail, betrayal leads to revenge, and a string of murders place the duke in the frame as the killer. But what possible reason could the Duke of Leighdon have for terrorising Estelle, for killing the duchess, a portraitist, a whore and Caroline?
Amazon UK ~ Amazon Com
The Damnable Lady Caroline– Regency Romance and Murder Mystery – Book 3 (Steam)
Set within a remote Scottish Castle.
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Whilst young Lady Caroline Douglas is plotting to take flight from a disastrous marriage and escape the confines of KilKenneth Castle, betrayal, lust, and the financial bank crisis of 1825 suddenly opens a Pandora’s box of intrigue, murder, and mystery. The newly widowed Lady Caroline faces few choices in light of imminent poverty, the best being to hunt down and marry a wealthy man, the worst to runaway with a penniless lover. Thence unbidden attentions of a would-be laird and with assistance from his strange sister, they conspire to keep Caroline prisoner to his every whim. Thus Caroline turns to essence of the dream smoke to thwart their plans, until a lewd painting leads to dark desires and threat of forced submission to the would-be laird. But romance and escape to love and happiness Caroline had so sought, and never encountered, her fate seemingly lies within a stained glass window depicting a mediaeval knight.
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The Trevellians’ of New-Lyn: an Emotional, Poignant Murder, Mystery, and Romantic Family saga series.
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The Admiral’s Prize: book 1
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After the dreadful murder of la Comtesse Montacute and her sons, within the grounds of the family château, le Comte and his daughter are mortified by turn of events. Who did it and for what reason? Utterly distraught, they accept the help of an English marquis and return with him to England. But a dreadful dilemma then unfolds. A secret tryst between Adelle and a young admiral leads to untold heartache, when her aunt declares she is spoken for. Thus Adelle would rather risk life on the streets with a fellow countryman than abide to her father and her aunt’s desire to see her wedded to the marquis. But when a man of cold countenance and vengeful nature is hunting her, as he would a fox running ahead of his hounds, she fears the marquis will win the day by means most cruel and dastardly.
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The Admiral’s Sin: book 2
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Wanting to believe the past is in the past and that friendship can be reinstated with an old adversary, Admiral Trevellian loses far more than he ever bargained on by trusting Landford, who is now the Duke of Norfleet. Betrayal runs deep, so deep Trevellian awakens to discover his wife has stolen away with her French coachman, and fearing the worst that she’s taken their son, Trevellian is further shocked to discover the boy has been left in his charge. Wielding a sword in battle is quite different than wielding one in pure anger and grievance at another’s insane jealousy. But hold the duke to account, Trevellian will until satisfaction is met with cold steel to flesh. And whilst he believes death will cease his unbearable pain, his son determines otherwise.
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For Love of Captain Jack: book 3
It is 1814 Regency England, and Captain Jack Trevellian RN (Royal Navy) has returned home to South Devon. But on the eve of his return, a young woman is murdered. Three more murders occur in quick succession, and Captain Jack is convinced someone wishes to see him dangling from a hangman’s noo
se. Determined to uncover the identity of the killer, Captain Jack and his army friend Captain Lester Knight, stir more trouble than anticipated when their aristocratic neighbour brings rank to bear in matters of the judicial system. Nonetheless, wilful, bold and daring, and all for love of Captain Jack, Alathea Velvet Hawkesworth attempts to lure the murderer from the shadows at a grand masque ball. The true identity of the murderous villain is not as imagined, and she fears she will die a terrible death whilst laughter, music and heady scent of roses drift on a balmy evening breeze, and all within a palatial setting.
Amazon UK ~ Amazon Com
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Venetian Encounter:
A Georgian Romance & Murder Mystery:
The year is 1800 – Naples & Venice.
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The Earl's Captive Bride Page 9
