Calvin tried to join in the mundane conversation Miss Peabody had started about the weather, which led to traveling on a ship, but he couldn’t. All he could do was focus on the lovely woman beside him who was doing her best to answer politely even though her tone of voice indicated how bored she was with the current topic. He even caught her a few times rolling her eyes when Miss Peabody looked away.
He knew the companion was carrying on this particular conversation to see if Dorothy could converse properly, which so far she proved she could—except for when they were alone, anyway. For the life of him, he couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d like to do with her if they were alone. Curse her for saying what she had earlier and making him think wicked thoughts best left dormant.
The wind shifted and became a little stronger. Miss Peabody held on to her bonnet with one hand—even though he didn’t think it was going anywhere tied to her head so tightly—and bundled the cloak around her neck with her other hand.
“This weather is so unpredictable, do you not agree, Mr. Seton?”
“Indeed, I do. But that’s to be expected when traveling on a ship.”
Another gush of wind came up behind them. Miss Peabody stumbled, and Calvin quickly grabbed her.
“I thank you, Mr. Seton, but I fear I won’t be able to handle much more of this. Miss Paxton and I shall have to quit the deck and return to our rooms.”
“Actually, Miss Peabody,” Dorothy quickly said, “I’m not ready to quit the deck. I’m enjoying the stroll immensely, and I don’t mind the wind.”
Calvin patted the companion’s hand. “If you would like to return to your room, I shall take over the responsibility of entertaining Miss Paxton.”
The woman blinked the wind out of her eyes. “But that’s not proper.”
“Of course it is. The deck is still full of people. It’ll be no different if I was with Miss Paxton at a ball.”
“Well…” the companion said hesitantly as she glanced around at the others. “If you say so, then I’ll believe you.”
“I assure you, it’s proper.”
She gave a small curtsey. “Then if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to leave before I’m blown away.”
“I’ll be down in a while, Miss Peabody,” Dorothy called after her.
Once the older woman left, Dorothy chuckled. She met Calvin’s gaze and shook her head.
“I can’t believe you lied to her!”
“Pardon me? How, pray tell, did I lie?”
“By telling her this is proper.”
“But it is.” He swept his hand around the deck. “We have many people to be our chaperones while we take a turn around the deck together.”
“We do now.” She stepped closer and squeezed his arm. “But what will happen when they all leave?”
“Why would they leave?”
Another gust of wind blew, bringing with it a spray of water from the ocean. She nodded towards the people again. “I assume the weather is too cold. They are leaving now.”
By Jove, Dorothy was correct. Because of the stronger winds, more people were rushing towards the stairs, heading for their rooms and shelter. Soon there would just be a handful of people, and maybe only Calvin and Dorothy.
Excitement shot through him. They’d be alone at last!
~ 6 ~
Dorothy knew that certain gleam in a man’s eyes and the hooded way he gazed at a woman. The look of desire was evident in Calvin’s expression. This wasn’t the first time a man had looked at her in such a way—granted, the men were usually extremely intoxicated when they’d done this to her—but this was certainly the first time her heartbeat hammered so hard it nearly broke a rib. And she couldn’t recall ever staring at a man and thinking she’d never seen anyone so handsome, and who smelled so good. Then again, she was used to the pungent scent of tobacco and alcohol clinging to men’s clothes.
Calvin had rubbed his leg a few times during their stroll. It surprised her that he didn’t want to return to his room as well if his leg was paining him.
Another strong gust of wind came up from behind them and literally shoved her against Calvin. She braced her hands on his hard chest as he clutched her shoulders.
“This blasted wind,” she muttered.
He chuckled. “I must agree. It seems as if this wind has plans of its own, and we are reluctant to fight it.”
Although her palms felt good right where they rested, she really must step back. Being this close was dangerous to her state of mind. Yet she couldn’t get her legs to cooperate, especially with the wind fighting her.
For the life of her, all she could do was study his face—slightly stubbled square chin, straight nose, dreamy green eyes…and heaven help her, his tempting lips. Those lips were hard to tear her gaze away from.
“Dorothy? Are you ill?”
She nodded. “I believe so, yes.”
The corner of his lips lifted. “Then perhaps you would like me to escort you back to your room.”
She really should allow him to do that. The chilly air would eventually create icicles on her nether region, and the spray from the ocean would drench her if she stayed out here any longer. Yet going to her room at this particular moment was out of the question since Miss P would only pound Dorothy with more etiquette lessons.
She forced herself to step away from him. “Heavens, no. Why would I want to return to that stuffy old room?” She turned and faced the deck, taking in deep breaths of the sea air. “I’d rather be out in the open where I don’t run into a wall every eight steps.”
He took her hand and hooked it over his arm, continuing their stroll. His limp became more prominent, which worried her.
“Mr. Seton, might I enquire to how your leg is holding up in this chilly weather?”
He ran his hand over his thigh again. “I must admit, the coldness makes it ache more than I’d like, but I shall be fine.” He patted her hand over his elbow. “Not to worry. I’ll keep you outdoors as long as you are able.”
“You may regret making the promise.”
A few more people scurried below deck, and now only a handful of couples were left. Dorothy expected them to flee to their rooms within minutes as well.
“Please forgive me for making you stay with Miss Peabody in such close quarters,” Calvin continued, “but you must understand your lessons are extremely important.”
“I understand about the lessons, but what confuses me is why my grandfather expects me to act like the rest of his grandchildren when I was brought up in such a vastly different manner.”
Calvin stopped them by some large crates that helped block the wind. It also helped block them from the others.
“I’m doing this for you. I want your family to see you as a lady, just as they should,” he said as he gently caressed her cheek. “If they knew you like I do, they would see you for the wonderful, kind woman you really are.”
Although his words warmed her, she wondered if he’d lost his mind. He couldn’t possibly be speaking of her. “Pray, Calvin, who are you referring to? Because I know you’re not thinking of me.”
He chuckled. “Indeed, I am.”
She liked the way his voice deepened, and the way his green eyes darkened. She especially enjoyed the warmth from his stroke on her cheek, erasing the chill on her skin and creating different stirrings in her body that left her far from cold. In fact, if he kept this up, she wouldn’t have to worry about her nether region turning to icicles.
“Dorothy Paxton, you are a delight to be around, and I’m certain once your family gets to know you, they’ll think the same.”
Confused, she arched an eyebrow. “A delight? That’s a different way to say it. Not too long ago, you had said my personality was forthright. Have you perhaps changed your mind?”
He stepped closer, and on impulse, she stepped back. The mood between them had changed, and the excitement pounding in her chest frightened her, only because she was afraid she’d want to fall against him and have him hold her in
a very improper embrace.
“I have changed my mind, Dorothy.”
He stepped closer, and once again she stepped back, but a large crate kept her from going any further. She raised her hands between them to keep him from coming any nearer, but all her palms seemed to want to do was rest against his chest. His heartbeat thudded in a fast rhythm, matching the pace of hers.
“W—why did you change your mind?” God in heaven! Was that her voice? If so, why did it sound so sultry?
“Perhaps it’s because I’ve had the privilege to see how you’ve blossomed since we first met.”
His gaze swept over her face, his fingertips following as they brushed her forehead, her cheeks, and across her bottom lip. His eyes remained on her mouth even though his fingers moved over her chin and slowly down her neck.
Cotton took up residence in her throat, making it impossible to tell him to stop. Her mind insisted she put a halt to this insanity, yet her body urged Calvin’s exploration, and her lonely heart enjoyed the way he made her melt. There was no way she could stop him now, even if the ship sank.
“Dorothy, you’re breathtaking,” he whispered and leaned his face closer.
Unwilling to push him back, she closed her eyes and offered her mouth for his taking. He didn’t disappoint. Covering her lips with his own as his arms wrapped around her, he pulled her body against his. She clutched his jacket, hanging on before her legs gave out beneath her.
He slid his lips over hers in a soft caress. His soft mustache stroked her skin in a sensual way. She mimicked the tenderness he showered on her mouth until his tongue traced the seam. Surprised over the tingles cascading through her, she gasped, but he took the opportunity to push his velvety softness into her mouth and stroke her tongue.
Never had spirals of heat blazed through every nerve in her body, making her burn with passion. She shivered, but not from the outdoor elements. Instead, desire flooded her every sense, igniting a greater sensation to flow inside her body.
Calvin kept the kiss soft, even when he tilted his head and deepened the kiss. She continued to copy his movements, and when she rubbed her tongue against his, his kiss became more eager, and his hands roamed over her back as he drew her even closer. She slid her palms up his chest and around his neck, but this only made it possible for her breasts to squish against his muscular chest. Instead of being uncomfortable, the warmth from his body made her bosom burn and nipples harden.
Since these feelings rushing through her were so foreign, she should be frightened, yet she felt more comfortable with him than she had with any man. They were pressed together so closely she should be having difficulty breathing. Instead, her breaths came deep and fast, as did his.
Silently, she prayed that nothing would stop this incredible feeling.
~ * ~
Calvin couldn’t get enough of this passionate woman. Her response to his demanding kiss was better than he’d anticipated, which turned up the heat inside his body to a roaring inferno.
He’d kissed enough women to know which were innocent and which were not, and Dorothy was innocent despite of the way she’d been reared. It pleased him to know she’d never been kissed this way—and that she enjoyed his attention.
Her body melted against his as he devoured her mouth; only his frame and the crate behind her kept her standing. And because she responded so well, he couldn’t stop his hand from wanting to touch more of her. Earlier, when he first spotted her standing by his side while he played cards, he admired the way the corset enhanced her luscious breasts and the fabric of her gown hugged her curves. Now he wanted to know firsthand if her breasts were as perky as they appeared.
With caution, he slid his hand from her back, making his way around her waist towards her bosom. The kiss seemed to slow the closer he came towards his destination, but her breathing grew faster. Just as his hand hovered beneath one mound, she held her breath, which in turn made him do the same.
Inch by incredibly slow inch, he moved his palm until he could stand no more of the prolonged enjoyment. Finally, he cupped her breast. She released her breath in a deep moan, and it surprised him to hear his own voice blend with hers.
As he tenderly caressed her, images ran wild through his mind of how passionate she would be if they were alone in his bedroom. If she allowed his touch on her breast, would she also want him to warm her nether regions?
He brought his mind to a quick halt. What in God’s name was he thinking? She was innocent! And she was Danby’s granddaughter, to boot. Calvin could not do what he’d been imagining with Dorothy.
Reluctantly, he broke the kiss, dropped his hand and stepped away. She swayed as if she’d fall to the deck, but then quickly righted herself. Deep blue eyes, dark with passion, searched his in confusion. Within seconds, passion left her gaze. Hurt and embarrassment replaced it.
“Forgive me,” she muttered. “I didn’t mean…” Her voice trembled.
His heart broke and he shook his head. “No, Dorothy, it wasn’t you—”
“I must be going. Miss Peabody is probably worried.”
She pushed past him. He grasped her arm to keep her still so he could explain, but she yanked her limb away and ran away from him. He should have gone after her, but he knew she wouldn’t listen now anyhow. Hopefully, she’d let him explain later. He’d rather see her smile than her expression of agony.
~ 7 ~
The next week passed slowly for Dorothy. She didn’t leave Miss P’s side for a moment, because Dorothy knew Calvin wanted a word with her. She didn’t want any words with him, the scoundrel! How dare he make her feel like a real lady, so passionate and desirable? Indeed, she was turning out like her mother—close to being swept away by a sweet-talking nobleman.
Dorothy blamed her curious nature for what happened between them that wonderful afternoon. If she hadn’t wondered what it would feel like to be held and kissed by him, she wouldn’t have encouraged him for a moment of privacy.
Now she knew, and she’d never let it happen again. She couldn’t allow it happen. She couldn’t let her life to turn out like her mother’s.
Miss Peabody had Dorothy sitting at the small table in their room as she explained the importance of mealtime. Each utensil had a purpose, and even each glass. Each serving dish was brought in at different times for a reason, Miss P explained. Not only that, Dorothy was shown the proper way to sit at the table—keeping her elbows off at all times—with her back straight and chin erect.
Dorothy rolled her eyes. Good grief, these British people couldn’t possibly be serious. This was a meal for God’s sake, not a test in school.
But Miss P was quite serious in her lessons. Apparently, the nobility took this kind of thing very seriously as well. No wonder Calvin had been so appalled that time he took her to dinner.
A knock sounded on the door, and Dorothy jumped. Her heart climbed to her throat as her limbs froze. It had to be Calvin. She took a deep breath, trying not to appear upset.
Miss P sashayed the best she could in the small room towards the door and opened it. Just as Dorothy suspected, Calvin stood in the doorway, looking as handsome as ever.
“Mr. Seton. What a pleasure it is to see you,” Miss Peabody said sweetly.
“Miss Peabody, forgive me for intruding upon your lessons, but I came by to see how you both were faring.”
“I thank you for your consideration, but we are doing quite well.” The companion grinned.
Calvin met Dorothy’s gaze from across the room. “And how are you faring in your lessons, Miss Paxton?”
“Very well,” she answered softly.
Dorothy didn’t enjoy the look of sadness in his gaze. He must still have the need to speak to her, which of course she couldn’t allow.
“Another storm has come upon us, and I fear it’s worse than the last one. I thought to check in on you before retiring for bed,” he stated.
“It’s worse?” Miss Peabody flattened her hand on her chest and breathed deeply. “I absolutely
abhor the rolling waves.”
“As I had suspected, Miss Peabody, which is why I came to check on you.”
Since Calvin kept his gaze on Dorothy, she wondered why he was even conversing with Miss P at all. Dorothy shrugged. “No need to worry, Mr. Seton. We can hardly feel the waves at all.”
“Good to hear.” His smile looked forced.
“Although,” Miss Peabody said, then paused, turning her eyes to the wall. “I do hear the rain, and it sounds very heavy.”
“Indeed, you do.” Calvin nodded, finally moving his attention to the companion. “It’s coming down in sheets, I fear.”
“Oh, dear.” Miss P wrung her hands against her middle. “I really do not like storms.”
Dorothy sighed loudly. “I love the rain—love the smell, and the way it cools the air, and the pitter-patter on the roof that makes me drowsy. It’s a pleasant way to spend the day, cuddled up by the fireplace, listening to the raindrops hit the window.”
Calvin cocked his head. “Pray, Miss Paxton, what would you cuddle next to during a time such as this?”
She heard the hint in his tone, and without wanting to, she blushed, damn him. “I would cuddle with a blanket, of course.”
He grinned. “You are a woman after my own heart, because I also love a good rainstorm.”
There he went again with those sweet words. Dorothy really wished he’d stop it.
“Then I must be different, because storms frighten me.” Miss Peabody pouted.
Calvin looked at the companion. “Miss Peabody, I believe most women think as you do.”
Dorothy rolled her eyes. Maybe most women from England, but she highly doubted American women thought in such a boring way. When Dorothy met Calvin’s gaze again, his smile had widened. Obviously, he caught her reaction to what Miss P had said.
“Well ladies,” he bowed slightly, “I bid you good evening. If you should need anything, don’t hesitate to come get me.”
“We shall be fine, thank you,” Dorothy quickly answered.
A Summons From His Grace (Regency Christmas Summons Collection 4) Page 16
