by Janet Woods
Benedict rolled over on his back, flinging his arm out. His eyes fluttered open and he stared at her. ‘My beautiful Amaryllis. How I've missed you.’ His voice was a whisper of silk, his smile like cream as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her down against him. His welcome kiss rendered her breathless.
When she caught her breath she discovered they’d sunk into the soft mattress with herself on top of him. Every man part of him was corresponding with every womanly part of her. Her legs had parted over his thighs and he was growing hard against her. Lord, how big he was, and how languid and accessible she felt as she murmured half-heartedly, ‘Benedict Costain, allow me to escape from the liberties you are contemplating. We are not married yet.’
‘Shush. I’ve just woken up from a dream of seduction, so let me love you a little,’ he said, kissing each tender nub of her breasts until they pushed hard against her bodice like ripe acorns waiting to fall from their cups.
She pushed her hand through his hair and pulled his head back, her fingers grasping a bunch of its springy length. ‘Will only a little be enough?’
He laughed. ‘I doubt it. I’m only human, and so are you.’
‘Then why torture each other?’
‘Because that’s the nature of men and woman.’
‘Then love me more than a little when the time comes. But that time is not now, my Benedict. There’s something you should know.’
Her eyes sought his and his smile faded. ‘Now you have a fortune you’ve decided not to wed me after all. Is that it?’
Scrambling from his side she put some distance between them. ‘No, that is not it. I’ll honor the agreement our grandfathers made, and the promise I made to you. There is another matter - one you may not like.’
‘Which from your expression is also less than palatable to you. You have all my attention.’
‘Today I visited Lord Carlton with your family. Jonas Carlton was there. It was such a shock. He tried to apologise, but my heart refused to accept it, and I threw it back at him.’
He nodded. ‘It’s natural to be passionate when you’re angry.’
‘There is more. I hit him in front of everyone, and I and called him names.’ Tears pricked at her eyes. ‘I acted like a fishwife and have embarrassed everybody in your family, as well as myself.’
He came up off the bed in one fluid motion and slid into his jacket, the joys of the flesh forgotten. ‘Where’s Kitt and Archie?’
‘Still at the Baron’s house, trying to sort it out.’
‘How many other guests were there?’
‘None ... just us.’
‘That’s good.’ He came to stand tall before her, his eyes a blaze of blue as they gazed into hers. ‘It sounds as though the baron has heard of his heir’s exploits and set a trap to confront him with you. The baron is a philanderer, but he’s a charitable man with a reputation for fairness. A public dressing down of his heir in his own home would have affronted and humiliated him. It would be better to have accepted Carlton’s apology. I may be able to save the situation if you’re prepared to help yourself.’
Mentally, she stamped her foot. ‘I do not feel the need to apologise. He deserved it.’
‘No doubt, Amber. But one word from Lord Carlton and your reputation will be gone in a puff of wind.’
Her blood ran cold. ‘You mean he’d lie about me?’
‘He wouldn’t have to lie, just indicate he’d been slandered. London operates on rumor and gossip. You’re new to society, so will be fresh meat for the buzzards. They’ll crucify you given half the chance.’
She shivered, then said fiercely, ‘So I must swallow my pride and accept his apology, even though he’s the one at fault. I certainly will not.’
‘Is your pride so important to you that it can disregard an attempt to put matters right and stand up to public scrutiny? Trading insult for insult is not a good way to settle a dispute.’
What had happened to her former quiet life? ‘Is there an alternative?’
‘Yes ... marry me. Now. As my wife your reputation will be untouchable, unless someone cares to answer to me. I’ll accept Jonas Carlton’s apology on your behalf.’
Alarmed, she stared at him. ‘You don’t intend to challenge him to a duel?’
‘The Code Duello forbids it, since Carlton has no rank. If I’m challenged, either the baron would stand in for his heir - and he used to be an extremely good shot. Or somebody would have to stand in for me. Kitt would probably volunteer to defend your honor.’
‘He cannot do that. He might be killed, then his wife and children . . .’ Her eyes widened in surprise. ‘Did you say, marry you now?’
‘I did. Then I can indicate to the Baron that an apology in writing for the insult previously paid to my wife would be acceptable to me.’
‘This very minute ... in secret?’
‘Without even thinking about it.’ He laughed. ‘Don’t look so surprised. I could probably persuade a clergy do the deed at short notice.’
‘But Emma and Caroline are making the arrangements for our wedding.’
‘Oh, we can be married a second time, just to satisfy them.’
A smile touched her mouth and a reckless excitement overtook her. ‘I’ll wear my new bonnet.’
Benedict left instructions with a footman as they sneaked out, knowing they would never get away with this if Emma or Caroline saw them. Luckily, the sisters were too busy gossiping about what had taken place to notice their guest leave with their brother.
The pair took a hired carriage to the venue. The church was a dusty cavern in a narrow street, the door was open and the clergy was nowhere to be found.
He gazed at her in consternation. ‘We cannot be married legally without clergy, but will you exchange vows with me now here, in front of the altar.’
When she nodded he took both her hands in his and she gazed into his eyes.
‘I, Benedict Costain, pledge myself to you in marriage this day, Amber Rose. I will guard you in honor, care for you always and hold you close to my heart, and as long as we both live.’
She hoped that would be a long time, and smiled. ‘I, Amber Rose Hartford, take you, Benedict Costain, to be my husband. I promise to respect you, to be true to you always and keep you in my affection.’
‘There, it is done, Amber,’ and he stooped to gently kiss her.
Benedict dropped a generous amount of money into the poor box as they left the church hand in hand.
She gave him a sideways glance and grinned. Even though legally dubious, it had been a romantic gesture, a few moments of closeness that had bound them together. ‘I don’t feel very married yet.’
‘You will soon, my love.’ He handed her up into the carriage. ‘Let’s go home. I’ll leave you there while I go straight on to Carlton’s house. You’d better advise my sisters of the vows we exchanged. I’m just glad I won’t be there to witness their reaction; they hate not knowing what’s going on around them. You might have to stamp your foot, and you have my permission to pull rank.’
Before she headed into the house, she said. ‘I’d forgotten to enquire about your illness. Are you sure you’re recovered?’
‘That was quite a wifely remark.’ Leaning out of the carriage window he kissed her long and hard. She was grinning when the carriage moved off.
She’d hardly got inside when Caroline and Emma came clattering down the stairs with a barrage of questions.
‘Where have you been?’
‘Was that Ben, kissing you in public? How absolutely wicked of him. Is he better?’
‘He must be if he was kissing her. Why didn’t he come inside, Amber?’
Then together. ‘Oh ... we so hate so much being kept in the dark.’
‘I’ve been to the church. Yes it was Benedict, yes he was kissing me, and yes ... he appears to have recovered. He didn’t come inside because he’s gone to Carlton House.’
Emma came closer to gaze at her. ‘You look rather odd. Come over here. Caroli
ne, does Amber look odd to you?’
Caroline peered at her. ‘Her face is flushed ... and her smile is rather peculiar and dazed –’
‘I have just exchanged vows with Benedict,’ she said.
‘ ... she has tears in her eyes. My dear, you’re not sickening for anything, are you? Do you have any pain?’
‘Will the pair of you never stop talking long enough to actually listen. I have just told you that I’ve exchanged vows with your brother,’ she said more loudly.
They fell quiet and gazed at her.
‘I’ve been Benedict’s wife for exactly fifteen minutes.’
Emma said faintly, ‘Good . . .’
‘ ... gracious,’ finished Caroline.
They sank on to a velvet sofa together like a pair of pale blue swans, gazing at each other, rendered mute with surprise.
Expecting a tirade, Amber said carefully, ‘Please do not be vexed. It happened so quickly. Benedict was lying on the bed asleep when I went upstairs, and he woke. I told him what had happened at the Baron’s House and I cried, so he comforted me. And then ... we just got carried away. It was Benedict’s idea to exchange vows now, so I put on my new bonnet and we went to the church.’ She flopped into the chair opposite them. ‘Good Lord, this is extremely disturbing. I don’t know what came over me.’
‘Ben can be very persuasive,’ Caroline offered.
Emma raised an eyebrow. ‘You mentioned you got carried away. May I enquire–’
Amber blushed at the misunderstanding and reminded them, ‘Your brother is a gentleman.’
‘So was Archie.’
‘And Kitt. Being gentlemanly doesn’t stop men from being ... men.’
Voices restored, the sisters exchanged a grin. Emma said, ‘But of course Ben is perfect, so above such impulsive behavior. He was nearly persuaded to become a clergy by our grandfather. For a while he walked around with his hands pressed together in prayer. You could almost see his halo shining.
Amber frowned. ‘I beg to differ. He’s hardly perfect, is completely impulsive, and is not in the least bit angelic now.’
‘Oh, he was only six then, and had learned he’d been named after a saint, which was rather a handicap to begin with. He was praying that father would buy him a proper horse for his seventh birthday. He lost his faith when it didn’t eventuate. It was rather a relief at the time, wasn’t it Caro?’
‘At least he stopped blessing everyone in sight.’
Amber gazed from one sister to the other, both bright-eyed with laughter. ‘The pair of you are incorrigible.’
‘And you, dearest sister-in law are gullible. Now, what are we to do about the wedding we were arranging. It would be inconvenient to cancel when the invitations have already been sent and the earl’s staff instructed.’
‘Oh, the marriage must go ahead as planned, since today’s ceremony was hurried ... and there was nobody there in the church. It wasn’t a proper marriage and I really don’t feel married yet. I doubt if Benedict does, either. You’re right, Caroline. Benedict really is persuasive. It was such a romantic gesture.’
Emma and Caroline exchanged a glance.
Chapter Twelve
The baron was apologetic, but his eyes were troubled. ‘Miss Hartford was perfectly within her rights to be angry, My Lord. My only regret about the incident was that it occurred in public, when my nephew asked to talk to her in private. It was embarrassing for all concerned, but especially for the young lady. I’ll apologise in writing on behalf of my nephew, with suitable reparation.’
‘I would prefer the apology to come directly from your nephew.’
‘So would I. Alas, he absented himself before your hot-headed friend over there could challenge him to a duel on your behalf. Jonas is, no doubt, licking his wounds. If he was not my only relative I’d disinherit him over this episode. But he’s still young and needs to sow his oats, as do we all, I suppose.’
‘You know I cannot accept that as an excuse.’
‘No, no, of course not. It was not offered as one, but was merely the idle musings of an old man. Nevertheless, the apology was sincerely and spontaneously offered and it should not have been rejected out of hand. The young lady was passionate, a quality which should be reserved for the bedchamber, where it can be fully exploited. Her Italian blood, I imagine. To which of you does she belong?’
‘Miss Hartford is my ... wife,’ Benedict said rather self-consciously, and his brothers-in-law gazed at each other and grinned.
‘Your wife!’ The baron gazed at him with some perplexity. ‘Miss Hartford is rather an odd way to refer to her then, is it not. Without offence, may I enquire if the young lady is aware of the fact that she’s married to you?’
‘I rather doubt it. We only exchanged vows an hour ago, without clergy, and I’m just getting used to it myself,’ he said drily.
‘Ah yes ... I see. I do recall that chivalry runs strongly in your family. You’ve taken the insult upon yourself in the name of love. I find that truly touching. You should be servicing the wench, not fronting up to an old trout like me.’
Benedict’s lips twitched as he struggled not to laugh. The wily rogue was right. ‘Miss Hartford was brought up in the country and was unaware of the protocols surrounding this affair.’
‘At least you did not call me out, for which I’m grateful, My Lord. I’m pleased you’ve turned up since your companions were becoming rather a nuisance. In actual fact my hand shakes too much to aim a pistol now.’ He grinned round at them. ‘The ladies don’t seem to mind it too much, though.’
Archie and Kitt chuckled.
The baron sobered. ‘My nephew starts at Cambridge before too long. Between now and then I’ll cut off his allowance; that will bring him to heel. No doubt he’ll return home when he’s hungry, at which time I’ll make him aware of his shortcomings. In the meantime, my sincere apologies. Now gentlemen, may I offer you a brandy while we wait for my secretary to draft the letter?’
The paper was duly brought to him to sign, then folded and sealed. A small box was laid on top. ‘A flower for the young woman, with my compliments,’ he said. ‘Such passion in her. You’re a lucky man, Lord Costain.’
Lucky man indeed, Benedict thought as Archie and Kitt bore him off to celebrate his dubious nuptials. He was glad he’d put them straight about the nature of it though, then wondered with an anticipation bordering on the indecent if Amber would regard the vows they’d exchanged as binding. It would be interesting to find out!
* * * *
Emma and Caroline had worked fast. By the time their husbands and brother arrived home, the carriages were almost packed and the horses being saddled.
The two men exchanged a glance of tacit agreement when told they were shortly to take to the road. If Amber hadn’t made clear to their wives about the nature of the promises made between herself and the viscount, it was nothing to do with them.
Ben would take advantage of the situation presented to him, Archie thought. There was no doubt that he needed to reel Amber Hartford in fast, and taking her to bed would secure that.
Kitt put up a token resistance, as was expected of him. ‘We won’t be home before dark,’ he grumbled, watching Caroline with interest as she began to disrobe before changing into her travelling clothes
‘We’ll spend the night at that inn we used before.’
‘I don’t see why we can’t stay the night here and leave early in the morning?’
‘Because it’s Amber and Benedict’s wedding night. Don’t grumble, my darling Kitt, they should be alone.’
He grinned as he wished Ben luck with his bride.
‘You’re leering at me,’ she said.
‘I don’t leer. How can they be alone when there’s a house full of servants?’
‘Servants are different. They don’t nudge each other and give each knowing looks in the morning. At least ... not in front of their employers.’
‘Actually, Ben’s not that well. We’ve put him in the spare bedroom.’
Caroline narrowed her eyes. Taking her husband by the lapels she brought his face down to hers to smell his breath. ‘You’ve been drinking, you lout, and you were definitely leering at me.’
He grinned, then kissed her. ‘You’re right, and I haven’t drunk enough to render me incapable. I feel rather amorous, as it happens.’
‘As it happens, so do I.’
Archie had been having a similar conversation with Emma.
Unlike Kitt, he didn’t argue. He just heaved an exaggerated sigh of resignation and said, ‘I’ll be glad to be alone with you again, my love. Having guests is always a strain. You have to walk around with all your buttons done up. Can you loosen my cravat a little. It’s strangling me.’
His arms came round her when she complied. Tucking one hand under each of her buttocks he drew her closer. ‘There, that’s better.’
Throwing the cravat aside, she placed a kiss at the hollow of his throat and murmured, ‘You taste salty.’
‘I feel salty. Now, put your hands down between us and unfasten my buttons.’
‘But, Archie, your breeches will fall down.’
He chuckled. ‘I sincerely hope so.’
* * * *
Oblivious to what was going on around her Amber was soaking in the bathtub.
Two hours later, rested, perfumed and arrayed in a new cream gown trimmed with pink rosebuds and lace, she made her way downstairs.
The butler gave her a small bow, said tentatively, ‘My Lady.’
So, word had got around. The house seemed awfully quiet. ‘Where is Lady Stratton and Mrs. Foster?’
‘They departed for Hampshire with their husbands, not more than two hours ago.’
‘They decided to return home without me?’ For a moment Amber felt hurt, and wondered if she’d been forgotten, then Benedict’s face rushed into her mind. She was his responsibility now. Turning pink she enquired, ‘Is Lord Costain at home?’
