Martha (The Marriage Market Book 5)
Page 10
Dr. Thomas Martin stood on the wharf with his arm around Jane’s shaking shoulders and watched the Mystic Maiden sail away. On board was a courier with instructions to hand-deliver a package containing the children’s photograph and a letter to Dalton and Suzanna at their hotel.
Jane included all pieces of correspondence she’d had with the woman who was supposed to have delivered her children to Seattle as well as a promissory note from Duncan guaranteeing the reward for their safe return.
Thomas could do no more. It was heart-wrenching to see how distressed Jane was and he considered taking her back to his house and administering a sedative. Her cheeks were pale, her eyes red and swollen and he knew for a fact her backside must still be tender. He had not gone easy on her last night, and may have let his anger get away from him. By the time he sat her up and held her on his lap, she was sobbing hysterically and he wasn’t sure how much was from the discipline he’d administered or worry for her children.
He was still angry. Having lost both his wife and unborn child, he had a hard time accepting Jane would take such a tremendous risk. If she wasn’t so distraught, he knew he would spank her again. He wanted too, each and every time he thought about it and all of this because he hadn’t declared his intentions. What did the damn fool woman think he was about?
Thomas had paid her passage, given her employment and was working on enlarging his home to include a growing family. Had she noticed none of these things? Taking her arm, he led her carefully away from the wharf.
“Jane, has it been your intention to marry me from the beginning?” he asked bluntly.
“Well, not at the very start,” she answered, her head down. “I needed to make sure you were a good man, and that we could get along well together. My children are my life. They need a strong man, someone who will set a good example, a man who will be a father to them and a good provider.”
“And when did you determine I met these qualifications?”
“It was soon after I arrived,” she whispered.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” he demanded.
“I didn’t think it was my place to bring it up. Usually the man is the one to broach such a subject, and you didn’t.”
“Do you think I am the kind of man who goes around kissing women?”
“No, but as I said last night, there did not seem to be any passion in your kiss.”
“And was there enough passion for you last night? After I let you know what I thought of your actions, I kissed you for quite a while.”
“Yes, you did,” she agreed. Tripping on a stone, she stumbled and he tightened his grip, steadying her.
“Must I pry it out of you, woman? Was there passion last night? Did you feel passion for me?” he demanded.
“Yes, Thomas.”
“Enough passion to satisfy you? Enough for you to agree to become my wife?”
“Yes, Thomas.”
“Good, then let’s go and get married.”
“What? Now? Tonight?” she gasped in shock.
“Yes, tonight.”
“Why the rush?” Jane asked, biting her lip.
“Jane, I’ve seen firsthand how impulsive you can be. We do not know what the future holds or if and when the children will be returned to us. I am the kind of man who must have some control, and if you are not my wife, you will be free to leave here, possibly traipsing all over the country looking for them. Any chance of happiness will disappear with you and that I cannot allow.
“I want them here as much as you do, but I’d also like to have another child or two before it is too late. As your husband, I will have certain rights regarding your behavior, as your employer I have none. Marry me, Jane. Now, tonight so I may know I have your promise not to leave me,” he implored, stopping and turning her to face him.
The light was fading fast, but he could still see the uncertainty in her eyes.
“You have not mentioned love, Thomas,” she said sadly. “Is this marriage to be one of convenience?”
“Do you think I spanked you because you inconvenienced me?” he nearly shouted, ignoring the others in the area. “I love you, Jane, and you have put not only your happiness at risk, but mine as well, for I fear I cannot be happy when you are miserable and consumed with guilt. I hoped by punishing you some of that would be relieved, at least that’s the way it usually works,” he sighed.
“I see. As it happens I love you too, Thomas. You are a good man and better than I could have hoped to find so far from home. However, if you spanked me every day for the rest of my life, it would not remove the horrible guilt I carry for what I’ve done. If my children are not returned to me, I will never get over it. Are you willing to take on such a woman? A woman who may never be as she once was.”
“I’ll take that risk, Jane, and pray that no matter what happens, we will find happiness together somehow. At least I won’t have to worry about losing you, other than through an act of God.”
“I cannot promise I will not go looking for them, Thomas,” Jane said sincerely.
“And I will help you, but you must never go off on your own,” he said, stroking her hair back from her face. “For if you do, it will be within my rights as your husband to bring you back. I guarantee you will not like my methods if I have to punish you for such an act of defiance.”
Jane shivered in his grasp as he lowered his mouth to hers and claimed her lips with more passion and fire than she thought him capable of. Her knees trembled, and had he not had such a firm grasp on her, she would have sunk to the ground. When he finally raised his head, a small crowd of people were watching them and he stared them down until they melted away.
“Is a judge all right with you? I see no need of a religious ceremony or one that will require unending arrangements to be made.”
“A judge is fine, Thomas,” she answered breathlessly.
Less than an hour later they were husband and wife. He took her to his home and swept her into his arms, carrying her across the threshold. Expecting to be set down inside the door, she was surprised when he carried her straight through to his bedroom and placed her on the bed.
Without words he slowly undressed her, removing her shoes and stockings first. His hands were cool, but her skin was feverish and they felt good. In no time at all he had her naked, her heart pounding in her chest.
She watched him then as he removed his clothing. She’d been right about him all along. He was well made, his muscles strong and well defined. When he lay down beside her, she tensed.
“Don’t be afraid, Jane,” he whispered against her shoulder as his hand trailed from her collar bone to her breast. “I know it’s been a long time since you’ve been with a man, and I will be as gentle and patient as I can.”
Jane nodded, gasping as he toyed with her breasts, plucking at her nipples until they stood firm.
“These are lovely,” he murmured before sucking first one and then the other into his mouth and drawing deeply. His large hand trailed across her belly, sending shock waves through her. Her husband had not been one to dally. As a rule, he’d crawled between her thighs with very little fanfare and took his pleasure. Thomas’s actions stunned her.
“I’m going to shave this one day soon,” he informed her after releasing her throbbing nipple. “I know it’s not the custom in this country, but I much prefer a silky smooth play area,” he teased, patting her mons. “You’ll like it, I promise,” he said as his fingers pried her lower lips apart and he began to stroke her there.
She waited for the pain and discomfort, but it did not come. Instead she found that his finger seemed to be sliding along her slit and circling an area that filled her with panic. Sitting up, she grasped his hand.
“Ah, I see,” he said kindly. “This is new to you. I wondered if it might be. Not all men are concerned with their woman’s pleasure, but I am, Jane. Lie back down, sweetheart, and let me touch you as I’ve longed to.”
Slowly she obeyed, forcing herself to try to relax. It was not eas
“Thomas?” she cried, her tone full of questions.
“Easy, my dear,” he cooed against her breast as he tongued her tip. “I know what I’m about, even if you do not. Trust me.”
Jane nodded and gave herself over to her new husband. His hands guided her, toying both inside and out, drawing her ever closer to some kind of precipice and she followed in awe. All of her senses seemed to be acute. She heard each breath, felt each heartbeat as he took her will and shaped it to his own. When she felt as though she was going to fall, he spoke.
“Don’t be afraid, my darling Jane. I know what you are feeling and I’m here to catch you. Give yourself to me,” he ordered softly. “Do it now.”
It washed over her unlike any feeling she’d ever known. There was not enough air, not enough strength in her to fight it. She screamed out as his fingers plunged inside her, his hand pressing and moving against her mons. Her body went into spasms; her legs trapped his hand as her hips moved in a violent rhythm of their own.
“Beautiful,” he praised, “just beautiful.”
His hands gently separated her legs and rubbed them as she shook. As soon as they were opened, he moved between them, sliding his hands under her sore bottom and lifting her.
“I’m going to take you now,” he said, his voice thick and husky. “Be good and let me.”
“My bottom,” she squeaked out.
“Yes, I know it’s sore, but it will be a good deal more so if you don’t mind me,” he chuckled. “I will not hurt you, Jane, but I will take what is now mine. In fact, this pleasure belongs to both of us and I won’t let you hide from it. Do you understand? I will spank you again if you try to deny us this.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Thomas took her then, firmly with one hard thrust. She moaned out, but it was not in pain and her hips rose to meet his, or tried to. His hands held her sore cheeks tightly. It should have hurt, but it did not. It only increased her need of him and she did not try to suppress the breathy pleas that seemed to fall from her lips.
There was no pounding into her, no praying for him to hurry and finish as had been her experience. Instead, he kept a measured, steady pace, filling her completely and withdrawing slowly until she thought she would scream out for him to move faster, harder.
When she looked at him in frustration, he was smiling.
“Oh, my sweet, don’t be in such a hurry. There will be times we will achieve satisfaction much quicker, but tonight is not one of those times. You must be patient. I have waited a long time for this and I mean to enjoy every second of it. While you may have multiple episodes of grasping my cock and crying out in pleasure, I am allowed only one at a time.
“After that I must have a period of recovery, so do not rush me as I intend to make this last as long as humanly possible,” he groaned.
“I don’t understand,” she wailed.
“I know you don’t, but you will in time. Let it go, my dear. Let your body respond to mine as it wants to. I shall enjoy each and every grasp of your sweet core, each quivering sigh that passes your lips. Give them to me. You’ve been mine since the first day I saw you.”
Jane flew apart, crying out as she gripped him tightly and the tremors rushed from the top of her head to her toes. Still, he moved within her, dragging each ounce of pleasure from her depths. It came again and again until she was weak and nearly limp in his arms before he rocked against her, harder than before and spilled himself with a roar.
She had no concept of time. She only knew she was going to sleep in his arms for she could not keep her eyes open and his tender hands rubbing her back and bottom encouraged her to go.
Chapter 11
The restaurant was crowded, but Ethan’s mama always kept a table for family. Tonight was a very special night, for Martha and Ethan had finally set a date for their marriage and the entire family was celebrating. It would be a one week from Sunday, and after the service at the church, they would have a reception at the restaurant.
Martha knew Tempest would be disappointed. She felt it was her duty to provide each bride with a beautiful wedding, but Ethan’s mother was adamant. The Jordons would be invited, of course, but she and she alone would provide the food and cake.
Lucas offered to supply the drinks and Clara shot him a glare which he ignored.
“Thank you, Lucas. That will be fine, but we will pay for them,” Mrs. Jorgenson said. “If you would like to give my son and his bride a bottle of nice champagne for their wedding night that will be fine by me, ya, all right, but the rest is our responsibility, right Lars?”
“Yes, Mama, anything you say,” her husband replied.
“I’m sorry I have no dowry,” Martha said with her head down.
“It is true in the old country you would have come to my son with a dowry, but this is new world and it is not so important. Besides, look at this beautiful apron you made me,” she said holding it out to show the intricate embroidery. “You have skill with a needle, Marta. You will not be a burden on my son, but an asset to him. Ya, we are pleased to welcome you to the family, Marta,” she said with a smile before hurrying back to the kitchen.
Clara was surprised. The food was delicious and she was having a grand time. The number of prominent citizens who stopped by to talk to Lucas and offer their best wishes to Martha and Ethan was astonishing. Many women questioned Martha about her shop, as though the fact that it was next door to a saloon was of no concern. People were certainly more accepting in Seattle than they’d been in Washington.
Lucas was attentive, introducing Clara to many of his acquaintances as though she were someone of great importance in his life. Clara wondered if he was under the mistaken impression that she was going to marry him. It was impossible, of course. He ran a saloon; she was dead set against drink, although she did raise a glass to toast the happy couple.
“Ah, ah, ah,” Lucas said with a twinkle in his eyes as he plucked the glass of wine from her hand. “I wouldn’t want you doing anything to give the people of Seattle the wrong impression,” he scolded.
“You give that back,” she insisted. “It’s only wine.”
“Wine, champagne, whiskey, it’s all the same,” he replied. “It contains alcohol and you wouldn’t want to be called a hypocrite as you’re marching around town, would you?”
“Well, no, but this is a special occasion,” she explained.
“And for some men their pay day is the only special occasion they get. It’s what they look forward to all week long.”
“Give me my glass,” she demanded, her dark eyes flashing. “It’s not the same thing at all.”
“Very well,” Lucas said, handing her the wine. “It doesn’t matter in any case. Once we’re married…”
“Humph,” Clara said with a smirk, draining her glass in a few swallows. “More please,” she sweetly requested of Ethan who refilled her glass.
“As I was saying, little woman, once we’re married there will be no more talk of meetings and marches,” Lucas informed her. “You’ll behave yourself and do as you’re told.”
Clara drained her second glass and hiccupped.
“I’ll do exactly as I please,” she stated, smiling. Handing her glass to Ethan she glared at him when he raised an eyebrow and looked to Lucas for approval. “I do not need his permission to have a tiny glass of wine,” she said. Still Ethan waited until Lucas nodded at him.
“Clara,” Martha said gently. “Perhaps you should finish your dinner.”
“Oh, I will. It’s wonderful. Ethan, your mother is a marvelous cook.”
“Thank you, Clara. I will be sure to tell her you think so.”
“Martha, did you see Ellie and Mr. Ferguson over there in the corner? Ellie doesn’t look very happy,” Clara whispered as she sipped her wine.
“No, I don’t imagine she is. I hope she doesn’t do anything foolish. Mr. Ferguson is a very nice man and a good catch,” Martha whispered back.
“He is, isn’t he,” Clara replied thoughtfully as she watched the other couple. “He’s very wealthy and well-mannered and I think if he were with another kind of woman, someone with a more congenial personality, he would do quite well as a husband.”
Lucas snorted. “Congenial personality?” he murmured under his breath as he shook his head.
“Yes,” Clara continued, obviously feeling very relaxed. “He is attractive. If he decides not to marry Ellie, I may just decide to set my cap for him.”
“That’s the only part of you that will be sitting,” Lucas responded with a grin.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me fine, you little termagant. I don’t know why you’re so determined to stir up trouble.”
“I’m not. I’m just making casual conversation. May I have a touch more wine please, Ethan?”
Lucas shrugged and Ethan filled her glass.
“Thank you oh so much,” she replied, smiling crookedly. “As I was saying, it’s just casual conversation. I don’t know what you’re getting so worked up about.”
“Oh, you haven’t seen worked up yet, honey,” Lucas said. “Somehow I don’t think it’s acceptable for a little woman to mention she’s going to set her cap for one man in front of the man she’s going to marry. Especially when the man she’s talking about is already engaged to another woman. Somehow it doesn’t seem quite proper, but then I’m just an ignorant Texan.”
“I didn’t say I was going to do any such thing. I merely mentioned how attractive Mr. Ferguson is and if he were to find himself free, it might be something to consider,” Clara sassed. “At least he’s not a barbarian who man-handles women.”
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