by Gill, Tamara
There, she had admitted it. Her mother’s face paled, and anyone would think the woman had seen a ghost. Her mother did not speak for a moment, even though her mouth opened and closed several times.
"You cannot mean what you say," she eventually gasped.
Victoria stood, packing the letters she was reading and writing in the little writing box she had brought down from her room. "I do mean every word. You do not need me to have children too. Or to marry again. You have three other daughters already married with children. Josh will be next, and he will do his duty to the family. I do not see why I should have to as well. It is unfair to ask this of me when you know how against it all I am. I cannot trust anyone, Mama with my heart. I will not have it broken for a second time."
"Victoria, darling, it will not," her mother cajoled, but Victoria wasn’t hearing it.
She turned about, striding down the terrace stairs and starting for the lake. She mumbled expletives, hating to argue with her mama but also disliking what was expected of her, even after all that had happened with Paul. It was utterly unfair. Determination spiked through her and she huffed out a breath. It was not to be borne, and nor would she bear it. Never again.
* * *
Albert heard Victoria coming through the trees before he saw her. Her mumbling to herself, words such as vexing family, stuff and nonsense, expectations just some of the few terms she pitched out into the world at no one in particular.
He sat at the short dock, his feet bare and dangling in the water on this hot day.
She came into view and skidded to stop when she spied him. He waved, smiling at her and her shoulders slumped before she joined him, kicking off her silk slippers and pulling down her stockings without care to dangle her feet too in the water.
"Something the matter?" he asked her, knowing that there was.
She shook her head, staring down at the dark water of the lake. "Nothing that I am not handling.” She paused. “I will say that had I never married Paul my troubles would be naught," she teased, throwing him a self-deprecating smile. "What are you doing down here at the lake all on your own?"
He pointed to the tackle and rod behind him. "I was fishing. Your brother was here but wanted to go for a ride before it grew too warm."
Victoria raised her face to the sky, giving him the perfect view of her profile. His heart did a little thump at how much he cared for her. How much he longed for Victoria to care for him in the same way.
Was his dream for them a fantasy? Hell, he hoped it was not so.
"It is sunny today. It is probably why my mama is so vexing. She does not like the heat," she admitted.
Albert did not push her to find out what had happened, and instead, offered an idea to please instead. "Would you like to swim? The water is not chill."
Her eyes widened, and she looked back toward the house.
"No one can see us from here," he offered when she looked to refuse. "And I've told my servants not to disturb me."
A mischievous grin lifted on her supple lips. "Will you help me with my gown?" Victoria turned, giving him her back.
Albert unclipped the tiny buttons at her back, admiring her creamy-soft skin beneath her shift. "You have a very kissable back." He caressed her neck, nuzzling just beneath her ear.
She pushed back against him, reaching up to clasp his hair. "Come, let's swim."
Victoria stood, the gown slipping to her feet before she ran and jumped off the end of the dock, eliciting a squeal as she hit the cold water. Albert wrenched off his waistcoat and pulled his cravat free before throwing his shirt onto the dock with all of their clothes. He left his breeches on and then joined her, jumping in beside her.
She laughed, swimming over to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. For a moment she stared at him, the droplets of water sitting on her long eyelashes. Her green eyes were fierce with the lake surrounding them, and then she kissed him. Albert pulled her legs about his waist, holding on to the dock to keep them afloat.
The kiss was as wild and demanding as the woman in his arms. Untamed and wicked. Love welled up inside of him. She was his life, and he needed Victoria to realize that he was hers. That being married to him did not mean she had to give up her dreams, just let him be part of them. He would compromise if it meant they were to be married.
Until then, he would play this game until she muddled through her thoughts, forgave the past and welcomed the future with open arms.
Victoria needed time, and he was in no rush. He'd wait forever if he needed to.
Chapter 30
The days passed by, followed by nights of scandalous awakenings. Victoria could not remember enjoying herself so much before at any house party in all the years she attended them.
But Albert was a very special host and paid particular attention to her. Her wants and desires. He was utterly addicting and wicked, and she savored every moment in his arms.
The carriage rolled to a stop before the estate of Lord and Lady Hammilyn's home. The house wasn't as large as Rosedale and was quarter the size of Dunsleigh. Even so, the earl's property was grand and very pretty with its sandstone walls, glistening windows, and lanterns that lined the oak drive up to the house.
Josh this evening looked particularly dashing, and she wondered if he had set his cap on Lady Sophie and dressed to impress the heiress. She was very beautiful, but cold, Victoria could not help but think. Josh needed a kind and cheerful lady like his character, and Victoria wasn't sure they suited all that well.
Her mama spoke very little. Still a little put out after their disagreement several days ago. She supposed she would have to make peace with her mama, but how to do so when she was determined to live her life as she saw fit?
"We're here," Josh stated, slipping his top hat onto his head. He jumped down first, helping Mama and then Victoria to alight. Albert joined Victoria and took her hand, placing it on his arm as they walked up the short flight of steps into the house.
Several friends from London were guests in the ballroom and after introductions they joined them. For some time, Victoria chatted about fashion, London, who had returned to their estates and what scandals were brewing in town. Thankfully she was no longer the topic of conversation regarding that subject. Albert, by her side, maintained conversation well with people of his social sphere. He had come such a very long way since their first lessons. He would do splendidly next year in town.
She pulled him aside, smiling up at him. "I know you do not want me to introduce any ladies to you, but I see Miss Marigold Scottsdale has arrived with her brother, and no one has joined them. Being one of the highest-ranked gentlemen in the county, maybe you could go speak to them and make them feel more welcome."
"Was not Mr. Scottsdale embroiled in some scandal last year?" Albert asked her, not moving away from her side.
Victoria frowned, thinking over the past season. "I do not believe so, but then I have not circulated in their group of friends. Either way, that they have been invited here, I'm sure whatever you heard is unworthy of concern."
He ran a hand across his jaw, an uncertain look crossing his features. Victoria steeled herself to observe him with Miss Scottsdale. This what he needed to do if he were to move forward with his plan for a wife. This was what he wanted in life. She could not stand in his way simply because she enjoyed his company and the delights they shared when in private.
"Go and speak to them, Albert. I shall be perfectly well here with my friends."
He nodded and reluctantly started toward the two guests. Victoria returned to her group, moving aside somewhat so she could watch Albert's interactions. Relief was evident on Mr. Scottsdale at the marquess's presence, and Victoria could not help but feel sorry for the pair. The ton, when anyone stepped out of line, could be so harsh in their criticisms. Maybe Mr. Scottsdale had been in a little trouble and had not been fully forgiven for it yet. She knew all too well how it felt to be a pariah, even though she had been the innocent party of her husband’s whoring, the
ton had not seen it that way.
"Lady Victoria, you are here with Lord Melvin and your brother the duke, of course. It is good of you to join our small society here in Camberley. I know that you are not used to such menial events."
Victoria turned to Lady Sophie, nodding in welcome. "There is nothing menial about Camberley at all. I have enjoyed myself immensely while staying here."
Lady Sophie raised a skeptical brow. "Really? Lord Melvin and his penchant for privacy, a homebody of sorts I did not think would suit your character or your social calendar."
"Lord Melvin has been friends with my brother for some years, and Mama and I had no fixed engagements, so thought to join the duke on visiting his friends after the season." Victoria pinned a smile to her lips. "I did not think you would be interested in my social calendar."
"My father knows of everyone's whereabouts or at least those he chooses to know. My father, you see, has designs on me marrying a lord or a duke. I am yet to make up my mind which one I want."
Victoria narrowed her eyes, a prickly sensation rising along her skin. "You are yet to have your season. Would you choose before you attended London?"
Lady Sophie lifted one delicate shoulder into a shrug. "My father is determined to see me married, and so I shall. If I marry, I do not wish to ever be in reduced circumstances, and so I think I have two options to satisfy both mine and my father's wishes."
"And what is that?" Victoria could not help but ask, even though she knew she would not like the answer.
"Why, I shall choose between Lord Melvin and your brother the duke. Two of the wealthiest men in England. While the duke has been more forthcoming in his interest, Lord Melvin is certainly curious, do you not think? And handsome, which a husband should be if one is so lucky."
Victoria swallowed the ball of fire that lodged in her throat. "Do you care for Lord Melvin?" Not that Victoria should ask such a personal question, but Albert deserved a lady who loved him, adored him in every way. She would never allow Albert to marry a woman who did not care for him, only his money, even if she did not want marriage herself.
"Does not matter if I do not. He would be marrying me for my dowry and to have his children. Love is not a requirement."
"And your thoughts on my brother?"
A small smile played about Lady Sophie's mouth, and Victoria decided she did not like her. The woman was calculating, and next Season, whoever ended up married to the chit would need all the luck in the world to make such a marriage work. She would not be an easy woman to be hitched to.
"I'll be a duchess. There is nothing more to say than that."
Victoria cleared her throat, forcing the words she had to speak. "You do understand that I am the duke's sister and that Lord Melvin is a family friend. After what you have said, I wonder if you're suitable for either man at all."
"Really?" Lady Sophie laughed. Victoria stared at her, nonplussed and not quite believing the woman found her words so amusing.
"Why are you laughing?"
Lady Sophie waved her hand before her face, the amused farce carrying on too long. "You are amusing, my lady, and I find it surprising you would care that I would see marriage as a binding agreement. You are the one who has sworn off marriage, after living through a disastrous one. I would have thought you would agree with me and urge me to guard my heart against any spouses who have little respect for their wives. Marriage is a contract and without love, one cannot be hurt. If I was unfortunate enough to marry a man such as your late husband, well, if I did not love him, I would not care if he were shot on foreign shores.”
Victoria glanced about the room, discombobulated by Lady Sophie’s words. Was she right? Is that how society saw her now? Like a woman sworn off men, of marriage as if it were some dirty institution to be pitied and ridiculed for those who chose that path?
To her shame, there was truth to Lady Sophie’s words. Marriage was not something she longed to endure a second time. Nor the children that followed the wedding day. But then, when she looked across a ballroom such as the one where she now stood, watching Lord Melvin, the small lines at the corner of his eyes creasing when he smiled and laughed, she could not imagine not seeing his face every day. Of not having a future with him.
"I do not see you as a foe, Lady Sophie. I merely want more for my brother and Lord Melvin than a cold wife unable to love. While I may not be searching for a husband, that does not mean that I do not believe that love is real and can be found between people. My siblings are proof that the emotion can be found and nurtured."
"But you still do not want it."
Not with men such as her late husband had been, she did not. But with men such as Lord Melvin, well, that was a vexing issue she had been debating for weeks. Not that he'd asked her to marry him, even though he had hinted a time or two that he would be willing to travel with her. Give her freedom.
She narrowed her eyes. But would he really? Men were very agreeable during the engagement, and then once the marriage had taken place, they were known to change their character and minds. Paul’s true character—a cheating snake—had not taken long to slither out of its hole and strike at anything in a skirt.
Victoria did not think Albert was such a man, but then she had been wrong before. Her life was all such a mess, choices coming at her, decisions she wasn't ready to make. She needed time to think. That was all.
"I wish you well next season, Lady Sophie."
Victoria bid her good evening and went to find her mother, or better yet, a whiskey decanter. She needed a little toddy before continuing this ball. A few minutes later she found herself headed for the library and, thankfully, welcome peace from the bustling room. Once she had steadied her racing heart and stopped imagining everyone was still talking of her in the way Lady Sophie had mentioned all would be well.
Chapter 31
Albert cast his eyes over the guests bustling about the ballroom and could not find Victoria. He stood with her mother, hoping she would return so he may dance with her, but after several minutes and she still did not appear, concern bit at his gut and would not relent.
He left the duchess speaking to a group of matrons, all of them watching their charges like hawks. He moved through the room, taking care not to be pulled into a conversation that he could not remove himself from.
Penworth stood talking near the supper room doors with Lady Sophie, and something about his friend's visage made him wonder if the duke was enjoying the conversation with the young woman as much as he would like.
He moved on, leaving the room and walking past the ladies' retiring room and the men's salon set out for their use during the ball. Victoria did not appear near either of these spaces, and he stood in the hall for several minutes, wondering where she was.
Was she safe? Had she become unwell?
He started back downstairs, striding toward the rear of the house, and skidded to a stop before the library doors. They stood slightly ajar. Inside he could see Victoria standing beside a sideboard where the whiskey decanter stood, pouring herself a glass.
"Victoria? What are you doing in here?" he asked, coming into the room and closing the door behind him.
She spun about, a little of the liquid spilling onto the floor. "I needed time away from the ball." She sipped her drink. "Oh, and Lady Sophie is not the lady for you. Trust me, should you marry her, your marriage will be as miserable as my first one."
His life would be miserable no matter whom he married if that woman was not the one standing before him.
"I do not want to marry Lady Sophie. Your concerns are moot."
She sighed, going over and slumping against the desk. "Well, thank heavens for that. I suppose now I only have my brother to worry about."
Albert did not think she did in truth. Penworth looked to have formed his own opinion on the lady in the past hour since their arrival. He reached out and took the whiskey glass, downing what was left of the drink.
"Never drink alone," he teased her, stepping against her to
reach behind and place the glass on the desk.
His body, close to hers, soared with desire. Without caution, he reached out, placing her onto the desk. Her eyes darkened, a wicked light entering her jade orbs. She did not shy away from his touch but reached for him, settling him between her legs.
"I want you so much," he admitted, kissing her deep and long. Victoria sighed, taking all that he could give her. The demanding kiss stole his breath and wits, and he knew he had to feel her.
Tease her sweet flesh until she shattered in his arms.
He shuffled up her silk ballgown, pooling it at her waist. The soft skin of her thighs making him burn, his cock hard and aching to have her.
"Touch me, Albert," she begged him. "Please, touch me."
He could not deny her. He slipped his hand between her legs, teasing her bud, wanting to make it bloom. She was wet, achingly so. Feeling bold, he teased a finger into her hot core. She clamped about him, making stars flash before his eyes.
He moaned, wishing it was his cock that had taken her instead.
"Oh yes. Touch me, tease me."
His cock ached, and he could feel himself on the brink of orgasm at her breathy pleas. He fucked her with his hand, pushing her toward a climax they would both enjoy. She clutched at his shoulders, her head thrown back, lost to her pleasure. He kissed her sweet neck, reveling in her scent, her breathy sighs, and pleas for more. She rode his hand, taking all that he made her feel before the first tremors of her release drew at his finger.
Her body milked his digit, and he rubbed her nubbin as the last of the tremors wilted from her.
As the haze of pleasure subsided and Victoria came back to the present, he grinned, knowing he would never tire of the sight of her during climax. "That was unusual, but I do believe we've just covered another act within our sketchbook," he declared, helping her to sit up.
