***
Nicholas was not amongst the guests at Lady Wyndham’s dinner. Georgiana wondered if her mother had invited him, for Caroline was present. Had he refused?
“I can only hope another family member does not die, or I will be in mourning again,” Caroline said, annoyed by her aunt’s death. She was wearing black, and her wedding had been once more pushed into the future.
Georgiana wondered if Caroline had many family members so she could do away with them one by one. The happy nuptials might never take place. She would start with Dorothea, who was at that moment sitting beside Charles and talking incessantly of the ball he had not attended. She also wore a black dress with black beads at her neck. The vicar had not been invited. Her mother had planned well, for Lady Kingston could not have looked happier.
Georgiana ate little, afraid she would become sick again, and tried to apply herself to Caroline’s conversation.
“He is to be given command of another ship soon,” she said. “I fear he will go to sea and months shall pass before I see him again.”
“I would not worry,” Lady Kingston said. “The war will soon be over and there will be no need for him to serve anymore. Do you not agree, Sir Charles?”
“Indeed, Napoleon cannot hope to continue much longer. Wellington has given us assurance of victory,” Charles replied.
“But what of the American War?” Caroline said concerned. “It all seems too much. Why must there be war at all?”
“Let us not speak of war,” Lady Kingston said, her tone kind but the look in her eyes warning her daughter.
Caroline looked down at her plate, contrite, but the frown remained, and Georgiana found herself feeling sorry for her, a feeling that did not sit well.
“Do you know they propose to take away the monopoly of the East India Company’s trade with India and China in return for helping the company administer their territories?” The question came from Sir Arlington, who was visiting Charles along with his two sons. They made up the ten dinner guests. The sons did little for Lady Kingston’s plans as they were both already spoken for.
“It seems rather unwise to interfere with such a Company as the East India in a time when Europe is at war and the Americans set on giving us nothing but conflict,” Lord Kingston said. “With trade freed to all, the collection of revenues will be less efficient and smuggling will be rife. The King cannot afford a loss of revenue. The prosperity of India itself is at stake. It is widely known that with the arrival of the Company in India, our people there have prospered. Were we to interfere, I am not sure if the same will be true.”
Georgiana could feel her mother’s eyes on her. She had promised to keep any opinions she might have to herself this night.
Charles glanced at his sister before answering, and then said, “You cannot deny, surely, that merchants cannot make good administrators as their first thought is always for profit. Every decision must be made with that issue foremost in their minds, irrespective of the impact on the lives of the natives. I do not see that removing the East India Company is a disadvantage to India, but only the replacing of it with an administration that would be foreign, and still ruled by foreign interests.”
It was what Georgiana would have said, but coming from Charles, it raised no eyebrows. She continued to push the food on her plate from one side to the other and back again
“You do not seem enamored of your food. Are you not well?”
Spoken softly and to her alone, the question came from her left and she turned to Mr. George Arlington and smiled. “I’m afraid you have caught me out,” she said. “My appetite is off, though probably naught that some rest would not cure.”
“It is their beauty that makes women such delicate creatures,” he said, leaning closer. The bad smell of his breath overwhelmed her, causing her more distress.
“I warrant that with your extraordinary fine features you are often prone to such spells.”
He was trying to pay her a compliment, she knew, yet it was offensive to her in both manner and sentiment. Nevertheless, she had given her mother her word. Grace gave her a pitying look from across the table.
“Your wife is fortunate to have such kind understanding to guide her.”
“My wife is often unwell herself, and takes to her bed often.”
She was probably trying to get away from her husband, Georgiana guessed. She smiled politely, and lowered her eyes lest her true feelings reveal themselves. She hoped she would seem demure.
Grace asked Mr. Arlington a question, and Georgiana was left to her own thoughts again. She found herself glancing at Caroline, and wished the girl were not so pretty and amiable. She was all a woman of this age was required to be, everything Georgiana could never be. She would make Nicholas the perfect wife. Jealousy was gripping her fiercely tonight, and she tried to think more pleasant thoughts, but soon gave up and resigned herself to her own torture.
Once the ladies withdrew to the drawing room her distress continued as Caroline seated herself next to Georgiana.
“Nicholas tells me that you and your brother spent several of your younger years at Evansgate.”
“Yes,” she smiled. “His father would have us come live there for a few years.”
“How extraordinary,” Lady Kingston said, listening to their conversation from across the coffee table. Grace seated herself next to Lady Kingston, who did not give her a kind glance.
“Then your fathers were good friends,” Grace said, trying to be part of the conversation.
“I believe they were acquainted through similar interests in Parliament,” she replied, glancing at her mother who sat perfectly still, her mouth drawn in a thin line.
“But is it not highly unusual?” said Lady Kingston, glancing at Lady Wyndham.
“It was for the benefit of Nicholas and Charles so they might have each other’s company,” her mother replied, not realizing the turn the conversation would now take.
“I did not know they were so well-acquainted,” Caroline said, surprised. “I have yet to see them together in the same room.”
“They are quite good friends,” her mother assured her, having no recourse but to continue. “They were even together in the Navy.”
“Can this be true?” Caroline questioned. “Nicholas has not spoken of it.”
“They joined together,” her mother said. “And served on the same ship.”
“Extraordinary,” Dorothea smiled. “I must ask Charles of this for none of us had known of any such connection. Were it not for Caroline noticing a portrait in the west wing of Evansgate containing the young Charles and Nicholas astride their ponies, we never would have discovered it. It was his sister who confirmed that it was indeed Charles on the pony. When I was informed of this painting and Nicholas’s confession of knowing Charles from his childhood, I knew we simply must ask you of it. I cannot understand how we had not discovered it sooner. I only wonder, if they are such good friends how has their association come to an end? Was Nicholas not invited to tonight’s dinner?”
Georgiana glanced at her mother, wanting to know the very same.
“Ten is a perfect number for dinner guests,” Lady Wyndham replied. “Conversation is so much better, I feel. I had wished to accommodate the Arlingtons as Charles is involved in some important work in Parliament with Sir Arthur. I am sure Nicholas did not mind his absence here tonight greatly.”
“No, indeed,” Lady Kingston said, easily put off.
Georgiana glanced at Dorothea who seemed far less convinced. Caroline asked her of Edward’s well-being, and she replied as best she could without her scant information. She had not had a letter from him in some time. She felt relief in his silence, for it meant he did not require any money.
The gentlemen rejoined them and a look of desire from the younger Mr. Arlington made her skin crawl. She felt relieved suddenly that Caroline occupied the seat next to her.
“You knew Nicholas well then,” Caroline said to her, her voice tinged with accusati
on.
“It seems so long ago now,” she said. “My brother and he were friends. To me, they were but annoying boys.”
Dorothea had risen from her chair when the men had entered, and now pulled Charles closer to their conversation. “Charles, is it true you are great friends with Nicholas, and we learn of this only now?”
He glanced at Georgiana but she kept her expression blank, aware that Dorothea was watching her. “It is true we were friends,” he said. “But of late I have not seen much of him.”
“Ah, so we have it from the horse’s mouth,” Lady Kingston said, triumphantly. “But are we to understand you have quarreled with him?”
“Not at all,” he smiled. “It is only that our paths have not crossed of late. My work in Parliament keeps me busy, as you know, and Nicholas has been occupied with seeing his estate put to rights.”
“Then we must conspire to bring you together again,” Dorothea smiled. “Can we not have a dinner of our own, Mama, and invite in particular the two gentlemen?”
“We shall,” Lady Kingston replied, seeing another opportunity to have Charles spend time with her daughter.
“I must unfortunately decline the kind effort of you ladies, for my work calls me back to London.”
“How disagreeable,” Dorothea said, pouting. “You work too hard, Charles, and it is so unfashionable. Can you not but stay one more week?”
“As delightful as the company is here in the countryside, I am forced to find my way back. But let us not dwell on this unpleasantness. Who will have a game of cards?”
With his suggestion, the conversation was effectively moved to a safer topic and Georgiana saw her mother’s face relax. As Caroline moved away to join the card game, Lady Wyndham moved next to her daughter. She gave Grace a pointed look and the poor woman moved away rather than force a confrontation with Lady Wyndham.
“It must never be discovered why they are not speaking to each other,” her mother said to her quietly.
“You mean you know the real reason?” she asked curiously.
“Of course I know,” she snapped. “Nicholas blames Charles for your marriage to Edward. If the Kingstons were to discover his feelings for you, there could be a scandal. Again, you threaten the good name of this family.”
Georgiana noticed that her mother was holding her hands tightly in her lap as if to hold them steady. She had spoken in an even tone, and her expression did not show the tumultuous feelings that seemed to course through her. She was frightened, Georgiana thought, truly shaken by the near disaster of a social scandal revealed, as if her life had been threatened.
“They will not discover it,” she said, trying to reassure her mother.
“How can you be so sure?” her mother asked. “Dorothea was not convinced and she is jealous of her sister’s good fortune.”
“Even if she was able to discover the truth, I do not see it as so damaging.”
“Would you like to know your fiancé fought a duel for another?” Her mother’s tone was angry now. “And that very woman lives but a few doors from your own?”
“It is in the past,” Georgiana argued. “His feelings have changed.”
“Have they?” she asked, her eyes searching Georgiana’s. “Then why has he not yet forgiven your brother?”
Georgiana remained silent for she had no good answer and turned to watch as a table was set up for a game of cards. The guests surrounded the card table, and the only one who paid any attention to them was Mr. Arlington, who glanced at her now and smiled, his teeth black.
”Have you seen Nicholas of late?” her mother asked, suspiciously.
Georgiana was surprised by the question, and her face flushed with guilt.
“You have,” she hissed angrily, reading the answer on Georgiana’s face. “There must be no scandal in this family. I forbid it.”
“Have we not been over this ground enough times to know where it will end?” Georgiana asked, tiredly wiping her eyebrow with her knuckle. “I do not wish to discuss this further for there is naught to speak of.”
“The cruelties you have inflicted, no mother should have to endure. I promise you, you will never see Jane and Margaret again, if you persist in seeing that man.”
“Mother, you cannot threaten me so. Charles would not allow it.”
“You are truly shameless to cause me such pain. I will remove myself to London and give you no further assistance.”
“Should I have the carriage brought around?”
Her mother rose from the settee, and withdrew a good distance without appearing as if they had quarreled. Unfortunately, the place next to her free, Mr. Arlington made his way toward her. Grace however seated herself in the space for which Georgiana was thankful.
“Please ignore my mother,” she said to Grace. “I have endeavored to do so my entire life.”
“I am sorry for it,” Grace said. “I was fortunate in my parents, and I often forget others may not share the same experience.”
“You must miss them greatly,” Georgiana said.
“I do, yes.” Grace looked like she was about to cry so Georgiana changed the subject, complimenting her on the dinner they had eaten.
***
Nicholas watched her sleep, one leg and her shoulder naked where they lay above the covers. She lay on her side curled up like an infant, the blankets pulled across her. She had not slept easily, as the bedclothes were twisted about her. Her hand lay palm up, her fingers slightly curled, and he watched as they twitched in her sleep. She was dreaming, he surmised, and wondered what of. Her face looked so different in sleep, not guarded and controlled to hide her thoughts. She looked younger, and vulnerable.
He shivered, cold from his long wet ride to see her, and moved toward the bed. He leaned down to kiss her cheek, only to stop suddenly as he felt the cold edge of a knife blade at his throat. She opened her eyes, fierce hard eyes that took a second to recognize him in the dark.
“Nicholas,” she whispered, surprised, and slid the blade under her pillow again.
He retrieved the weapon as she sat up, pulling the covers around herself.
“You were expecting someone else?” he asked, looking at the knife.
“I like being prepared,” she said softly.
“Are you still fighting pirates in your sleep?”
He sat on the bed next to her and kissed her. Her lips were warm on his frozen skin, and she pulled away.
“You must not be here. Charles is in the next room.”
He removed his boots in answer, and after pulling his shirt and breeches off, he climbed under the covers next to her. She made room for him, shivering as his cold feet touched hers.
“You are so cold,” she whispered.
“Then warm me.”
She laughed as his cold hands wrapped around her, and he kissed her again a long deep kiss that she took into herself as if she would steal his soul. Her hands found their way under his shirt to the wall of his chest and she pushed him gently away.
“Nicholas,” she said breathlessly. “You must listen to me.”
He kissed her and withdrew, watching her eyes turn darker as he knew they would. He drew a hand down the side of her face, running his thumb across her full lower lip, pulling it slightly downwards. Her pink tongue darted out to lick at his skin and he drew in his breath, feeling his groin tighten at the small movement, the beat of his blood quickening in his veins. He pulled the covers down to expose her naked skin, and lowered his lips to her left nipple. She moaned, arching her back to meet his demanding need. Then she pulled his shirt up, and he smiled and ducked his head so she could pull the garment free.
He moved over her, placing his leg between hers, and spreading her legs apart as she pulled him down, his weight on her. His desire for her weakened his reason, and made him careless. He did not care anymore if they were discovered. He wanted her, and his hunger consumed every part of him. He groaned as he eased himself inside her, straining to hold himself back, to go slowly. She moved u
nder him with a new urgency and he responded to it as his lips found hers and he swallowed her cries.
When he could no longer contain his urgency for her, he drove into her, every muscle in his body straining. His hand was over her mouth to stop her from crying out as he felt her body arch and quiver in release. Her teeth bit deep into his hand and he welcomed the pain as it drove him closer to his own release. He was filled with the smell of her, the feel of her skin sliding over his. Her fingers clawed at his back as he pushed himself deeper into her wetness, and then he was lost to the world.
He remained inside her, unwilling to be parted, laying slightly to the side as he waited for his heart to return to him. He rose on his elbows, his face over hers, and kissed her gently on the lips. She watched him with eyes turned to liquid, and he smiled, brushing her hair from her face.
“Was I too forceful?” he asked softly.
“Yes,” she said.
He closed his eyes and kissed her again. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not,” she breathed.
The burning inside him eased as they turned together, his body curling around hers, and they lay side by side, his arm holding her close.
He kissed the nape of her neck, and she shivered. Pulling her tightly against him, he breathed her in, wanting to absorb everything about her into himself.
“I didn’t think you would return ever again,” she said.
“It is my intention every day to forget you,” he sighed.
His silence was a long one, and she turned to him. She had the most beautiful eyes, her eyelashes long and dark. They had haunted him for years. He did not want to give her up, but the more he saw of her, the stronger his need for her grew.
“You have grown tired of me,” she said, her voice teasing, but he could see the fear in her eyes and he wondered at it.
He was not naïve. He knew her feelings for him were not nearly as strong as his for her. If only she knew how close he was to forgetting himself entirely. He had only that day thought he could no longer see the months stretched out before him and not have her near. If he were to spend every day by her side, one lifetime would not be enough.
Raven's Shadow (Book 2, the Ravenstone Chronicles) Page 11
