A Ladys Pleasure

by Jolie Cain

  “As always, Aunt, you never fail to amaze me with your ability to get right to the heart of the matter.”

  “Humph! All your other relatives, including your mother I must say, are too polite to tell you the truth to your face. But I warrant they have plenty to say behind your back.”

  “I’m pleased to know that you don’t let such a thing as politeness get in your way.”

  “Very funny, my boy. I believe in plain speaking. Always have. Saves time. Tell me, what are your intentions in that direction? That is what I’d like to know. You’re not getting any younger you know.”

  “I am aware of my responsibilities to my title, my lady.”

  “That’s good to hear. It’s past time you settled down and started filling up your nursery. If you’ve settled on Lady Morley, I have no complaint. She’s well-bred and from a good family. Seems quite intelligent besides. Wouldn’t bore you, once the passion dies down, I dare say.”

  “Indeed.”

  “Also quite interesting looks. Not in the normal way of things, but quite attractive.

  Wouldn’t do for you to select someone ill-favored for the next Duchess of Carlisle.”

  “Quite.”

  “Should breed some handsome children between the pair of you, should you be leaning in that direction.”

  Richard coughed in an attempt to cover up a bark of laughter that threatened to overtake him. Plain speaking, indeed. “I should hope so.”

  “So? Is the lady the one? Or are you simply…entertaining yourself with her? If that is the case, then I have a few young ladies to whom I would like to introduce you.”

  He sighed. “If they’re the usual crop of young debutantes, my lady, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass.”

  “Yes. I figured you wouldn’t have much patience for the simpering young misses straight out of the school room. Though there are a few older girls that aren’t quite as bad. Not many, though. Not many at all. Not like in my day when a woman had something to say for herself. Bunch of bleating sheep, that’s what they’re producing these days. No, you’d probably send them packing before the first week was out. If you didn’t strangle them first.”

  “You’re correct in that, Aunt. And in fact, you were right when you supposed that I’d fixed my attentions on Lady Morley.”

  “Excellent, my boy. I’m quite pleased that you have finally decided to settle down and do you duty. Quite relieves my mind. Does your mother know?”

  “I think that might be a bit premature yet, Aunt. I have yet to ask the lady for her hand. You know how Mother is. She’d have the announcement in the paper and the wedding reception planned before I’d even gotten an acceptance.”

  “Well, what are you waiting for? No need for all this whiffling about and game playing. Get in there and speak your piece.”

  “I have a slight problem. The lady has sworn off marriage.”

  His aunt’s eyebrows drew down in thought. “Not surprising, I guess, considering that buffoon of a husband she was married to. If anyone could turn a woman against the idea of matrimony, it would have been Edgar Laughton. Never could stand the man. Felt very sorry for both of his previous wives.”

  “You’re correct. Also, she has enjoyed the last two years of freedom. As a fairly well-to-do widow, she has complete control of her money and her time. I’ve been attempting to…er…demonstrate to her that marriage to me has…much to offer that remaining single does not, but I have not yet quite brought the lady up to scratch.”

  His aunt looked at him, a knowing glint in her eyes. “I’m sure you’re being quite…persuasive.”

  He laughed. “I’m doing my best.”

  “Well, you need to hurry it up, boy. The way all those others are flittering around her like a bunch of ninnyhammers, if you don’t watch out, someone will steal her out from under your nose. Then you’ll be stuck with one of the whey-faced debs.”

  He grimaced. “The thought has occurred to me. Believe me, I’m doing everything in my power. I have a plan.”

  “A plan, eh. Well, I hope it’s a good one. Now, take me back over to sit with Lady Rigby and Countess Turlow. I’m too old for all this gadding about.”

  Richard returned his aunt to her friends before looking around for Lily. He could barely see her for all the men hanging around her. His aunt was right. Lily drew men to her like a honey drew bees. She didn’t know her own charms. Unfortunately, the other men of the ton had discovered what he already knew. Lily was much more personable than the young nitwits who’d just made their come outs. Yet she was not a Cyprian, playing fast and loose with her reputation. He was sure that before the season was out, she would receive more than one proposal of marriage. He had to step up his game. But how?

  His advantage was that he knew Lily a lot better than those other buffoons. He just had to figure out how to use that knowledge to his advantage. He thought about the time they’d spent together, the things she enjoyed. An idea occurred, and his lips curled into a pleased smile. Perfect. He would get her alone and then she would be reminded of how good they were together. He would not lose her. The idea was completely unacceptable.

  * * * *

  Two days later, he and Lily were riding in Hyde Park on one of their morning excursions. He admired the picture she made in her dark gold habit. His eyes dropped down to study the horse she rode. It was one of Stephen’s that she frequently borrowed for their rides.

  “You know, Lily, it wouldn’t hurt for you to have your own horse to use for when you’re in London. Now that you’ve begun to learn some of the appeal of town life, you’ll probably be visiting more often, don’t you think?”

  He saw her cast a glance in his direction, a questioning look on her face before her eyes took on a considering glint. “I hadn’t thought about it before, but it is quite true. It would be nice to have my own mount and not have to rely on Stephen to supply me with one of his.”

  He nodded. “I’m sure Stephen would be glad to stable the horse for you.”

  “Do you have a particular horse in mind, Your Grace?”

  “Well, as it happens, I have a friend who owns a stud about an hour or so outside of London. I know how much you love good horseflesh. I thought perhaps tomorrow we might take a ride out there for a visit, and you could look over his stock. It would be quite an unexceptional trip so we wouldn’t need a chaperone. We’ll be back before dark. We could take my curricle.”

  He saw her brain whirling as she went through all the possible consequences. He could tell when she made up her mind. “All right. That sounds like an excellent plan. I’d like that very much.”

  He smiled. “Perfect.”

  * * * *

  The next morning found Richard and Lily on their way out of London. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. Richard stole a glance at Lily’s glowing face beneath the fashionable bonnet she wore. Her neat blue traveling dress gave her an elegant yet comfortable appearance.

  “Oh, it is so good to get out of London and breathe the fresh air of the country again.”

  His eyebrows rose. He’d thought Lily had been enjoying herself in town. “What?

  You aren’t enamored of the distractions available to you in London? It seems to me that you have been having a good enough time with all the gentlemen who’ve been buzzing around you.”

  She laughed. “I like London. More than I thought I would. It’s certainly exciting. But things do get wearying after a while. No, it’s quite nice as an occasional distraction, I suppose, but you know that I am a country girl at heart.”

  He was thrilled to hear her say that. Once he married, he planned to spend most of his time on his estate, Wingate, which was located in the countryside in Dorset. He could just see Lily riding over his estate on the back of some trim little mare, or relaxing in the rose garden reading a book. He’d discovered she was a bit of a bluestocking. Shocking indeed. He should have known of course. She had to get her independent ideas from somewhere.

  By the time they arrived at his f
riend’s stud farm, both he and Lily were relaxed and in quite a good mood. They toured the farm and found her a sweet little filly that Lily fell in love with on the spot. It didn’t take long to finalize the purchase. After making arrangements to have the horse delivered to Richard’s stables in London, the two made their departure. It was still not quite noon when Richard detoured off the road, after going a mile or so down the simple country lane, they pulled to a stop before a sweet little house with a white picket fence.

  “Where are we?” Lily looked around curiously.

  “I thought you were probably hungry. I had a message sent down earlier to the housekeeper, Mrs. Shepherd, and asked her to prepare a light luncheon for us.”

  “Do you know the people who own this house, then?”

  He jumped from his seat and then lifted his arms to lift her down. After setting her on her feet, he drew her arm through his and started forward. “Actually, I own it.” He darted a glance sideways, anticipating her reaction to that bit of news.

  Thoughtfully she took in her surroundings. Then her eyebrows shot up. “Richard? Is this the house where you keep your mistresses?”

  “Lily! That is not a proper question to be asking me.”

  “Is it not? Still…I presume it is not presently occupied?”

  He turned to face her. “It is not. In fact, I have put it up for sale. I don’t believe I will need it much longer.”

  Her eyes met his, and he could see the question that she wanted to ask but wouldn’t.

  “Well, I am absolutely famished.” She changed the subject, and he let her get away with it, not wanting to force the issue…yet.

  In short order they were seated at the dining room table partaking of a delicious meal. He kept the conversation light, reminiscing with Lily about some of the more interesting balls they’d attended the past week. He studied her as they ate, conscious of a real sense of ease he normally felt only with a few of his closest friends and relatives. He felt comfortable with her. By the time the meal had ended, though, that sense of comfort had slowly transformed into a low hum of desire.

  After Mrs. Shepherd had cleared the dishes away and disappeared into her apartments in the back, Richard led Lily on a tour of the house. He could tell from the expression on her face as they walked down the upstairs hallway and towards the master suite that she was anticipating their coming together as much as he was. A light flush stained her cheeks, and the pupils of her eyes were wide with expectancy.

  Richard wondered if she had any idea of what he had in store for her today. He planned to take her further than he ever had before, so that she could not imagine what her life would be like without the passion that the two of them incited in one another.

  He pushed open the door and let her precede him into the room. As he closed and locked the door, he watched as she gazed around, taking in the elegant appointments. The walls were painted a soft tan, and the bedcovers and window hangings were a subtle mixture of browns and blues that gave the bedroom an air of warmth. A bed with an elaborate wrought-iron headboard stood in the center of the room. It was large enough for at least three people, and he noticed her eyes widen as she absorbed that fact. A huge chest in one corner held some interesting objects he’d accumulated over the years to aid in his sexual pleasures, though to Lily’s eyes, it probably appeared quite innocuous.

  There was quite a variety of toys in the chest, but he only planned to introduce her to a few of the more basic ones today. He wanted to lure her in, not scare her off.

  “It’s quite lovely, Richard. Not exactly what I was expecting.” She turned to face him.

  He laughed. “What…you were thinking perhaps red brocade wallpaper and gold-plated appointments?”

  She smiled. “Perhaps.”

  He walked over to her and took her in his arms. “I’ve missed you, sweetheart.”

  “Missed me? You see me every single day. How can you miss me?”

  “I’ve missed this.” He took her lips in a heated kiss, telling her without words how much he needed her. Her lips parted under the demand of his, and his tongue dove in, dueling with hers until they were both breathless and aroused.

  He pushed her from him. “Turn.”

  She did so, and he quickly divested her of every stitch of clothing and pulled out every single pin from her hair. She stood before him, wearing nothing but a delicate pink blush, her hair a heavy fall of black curls down her back.

  He stared at her as he shrugged out of his jacket and took off his cravat and shirt.

  “Damn, Lily, you are so amazing.”

  “Take off the rest of your clothes, Richard.”

  “I will, love. Soon. I promise. But first I want you to lie on the bed, face down.”

  A puzzled expression crossed her face. “Why?”

  He reached out a hand and cupped her cheek. “Because I want to give you more pleasure than you would ever believe. But you have to trust me. Do you?”

  He saw the truth in her eyes even before she spoke the words. “Of course I do.”

  Without another question Lily turned and crawled upon the bed, stretching out as he had asked her to. The paleness of her flesh against the dark brown and blue coverlet almost had him forgetting his plans and taking her then and there. He restrained himself knowing that it would be so much better for both of them if he took his time with her.

  After a moment he had himself back under control. Moving over to the cabinet, he opened it up and contemplated a few objects before he decided on what he would need.

  He drew a few items from it and then walked over to Lily. Sitting on the bed beside her, he told her, “Raise your hands up above your head.”

  When she had done as he asked he took a red silk scarf and wound it around her wrists so that her hands were tied together with about an inch or so in between. Then he took another and slid it between her wrists and attached it to the wrought iron headboard, knotting it securely. She was bound but could turn over fairly easily.

  She turned her head to look at him, and he carefully studied her face, looking for any sign of strain or fear, but all he saw was a slight nervousness mixed with curiosity.

  “You’re doing beautifully, Lily. How does it feel? Is it too tight? Does it hurt?”

  She tugged on her wrists for a moment. “No. It doesn’t hurt. It just makes me feel a bit odd.”

  He leaned down and kissed her bare shoulder. “Odd in a good way or a bad way?”

  She tugged again and bit her lip. “I…I’m not exactly sure.”

  “Shall I continue, darling? I promise I’ll stop if you just say the word.”

  After a brief hesitation, she nodded.

  Smiling inwardly, he reached for another tie. “I’m going to cover your eyes now. Is that all right?”

  She nodded again, and he bent to slide the third scarf, this one black, around her eyes and tied it securely behind her head. He brushed her hair to one side so that her back was quite bare, then he stood back to admire his handiwork. God, she looked incredibly erotic, lying there bound and blindfolded for his pleasure. His hands itched to stroke her, to feel the warmth of her skin beneath his touch. But not yet. Not just yet.

  Crossing again to the chest, he pulled out another item. It was a feather quill.

  Smiling, he went back to Lily. “Still doing okay, Lily?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was soft but unwavering. He sat beside her. “I think you’ll like this.”

  She started to say, “What…” but he reached out and stroked the feather down her back, starting just below her neck and trailing all the way down her spine to the sweet spot just above her buttocks. “Oh…” She shivered delicately. “Well. Wasn’t that nice?”

  “You like that, Lily?”

  “Oh, yes, Richard. That was lovely.”

  He did it again, only this time across her shoulders and up her arms, then up and down her legs. When she parted her legs, as if in invitation, he couldn’t resist tickling the feathers down the crease of her but
tocks and but kept away from the nether curls he could see peeping out between her thighs. He knew she was already getting damp with her arousal, but he wanted her to be out of her mind with need before he gave her what he knew she wanted.

  He put the feather aside and began following the same paths across her skin with his mouth, using his tongue to trace sensuous trails and blowing on the damp areas softly.

  Again, he avoided her most sensitive spot, and Lily began to plead. “Please, please, Richard. Touch me.”

  “I am touching you, Lily.” He dragged his teeth across one plump buttock, resisting the urge to bite down and mark her.

  “Not there.” Her voice was beginning to sound a little desperate.

  “Where then, my love? Here?”

  Using his shoulders, he spread her legs and began softly kissing his way up her inner thigh until he almost touched the damp hair at the apex of her thighs. Then he moved to her other leg and did the same. She pushed her hips up, attempting to force his mouth where she wanted it. He just smiled and raised himself up.

  “Was that better, Lily?”

  “No, Richard. No. You know what I want.” The words were forced out, he could tell.

  He thought she probably had that stubborn set to her mouth, and the thought brought a quirk to his lips.

  “Perhaps you should tell me exactly what it is that you want, Lily. How else am I to know? Do you want me to touch your legs? Your back? Your buttocks? Your cunny?”

  He had always taken the lead in their lovemaking, knowing from Lily’s reaction what she wanted him to kiss, to touch. But he wanted her to tell him. He knew it would probably go against everything she had ever been taught about lovemaking, to say out loud the things she wanted him to do to her. The dirty little words would sound exquisite on her lips, and the knowledge that he could push her to the point where she could say them would be one more tie that bound them together.