“Evie, where the hell did you learn this?” He hoped it hadn’t been under the tutelage of another man.
She smiled against his chest. “Sophia told me what to do.”
He frowned down at her. “Why?”
Her green eyes stared up at him innocently. “So that I might seduce you.” Her hand trailed down and closed over the growing shaft in his breeches. His cock jerked as if urging her on. He had no clue whether he wished to thank Sophia or curse her.
Her palm began to stroke him vigorously, causing enough pleasure to make his seed seep from his prick and his balls to swell.
“Oh, God.” He gripped Genie’s shoulder with his other hand and squeezed hard. “You have to stop. I’m going to come.”
“Do it.”
At her command, his body spasmed as it pumped furiously into her welcoming hand, his seed wetting his smallclothes and the front of his breeches. He gentled his hold on her shoulder as he calmed down and his eyes focused enough find her smiling at him.
Guilt hit him as he realized what he’d done. “Evie, we shouldn’t have done that.”
“Why? We both enjoyed it.” Not a shred of embarrassment or shame lay in her expression.
It made him start to harden again. He turned from her. “We should head back.” He had to get away from her before they went any further, before they went to a place of no return. “This never happened.”
“Oh, but it did.”
He turned to her quickly and buttoned up his shirt, his fingers shaking. “You can’t tell Lorena or anyone about this.” Their happiness, or any chance they had of it, depended on it.
Genie frowned. “Why?”
“It’s improper. Do you wish them to think you a whore?”
She jerked back and pain filled her eyes. “They’d never think that of me.”
He hated hurting her but he couldn’t undo what had been done. Already his cock grew heavy with the memory of her eager hand. “Swear you won’t say a word about this.”
She remained silent for a spell.
He needed her to agree.
“Only if we do it again.”
His swollen shaft pressed against his already wet breeches. “We can’t.”
“Swear it,” she told him.
“Fine, but not today.” The next time he touched her, he would have to wait until a time when they could be together without the world’s interferences. “Come and get on the horse.”
Genie obeyed with a smile and Francis got them underway, with the intention of stroking himself to completion the moment he reached his room.
* * *
.
.
.
* * *
* * *
.
.
.
CHAPTER TWELVE
.
Two days later, Genie was sitting with the women on Maura’s back terrace when the sound of a carriage approaching had her on her feet and heading around the house with the others. They kept close to the hedges and stilled at the sight of the seal on the carriage door.
Archie had come for her.
“How did he find me so quickly?” Genie asked.
“I don’t know,” Sophia replied. “We’ve been quite careful with all your correspondence to London being delivered to my address first.”
Genie took one deep breath after another.
“Don’t worry,” Sophia told her. “You are a free woman. He has no control over you.”
“But he’s threatened to take away my allowance.”
“And when you asked to see the proof that such a thing could be done?” Lorena asked.
“He said he wasn’t at liberty to show me the contract but I should know of the possibility.”
“Rubbish,” Aunt Tilda said. “He’s obviously trying to make you fear him. Come, dear, there’s no need to hide.” She turned swiftly toward the terrace entrance. “We shall greet him as though nothing were amiss.”
Genie nibbled her lip and followed the others back into the house.
They took positions in the drawing room and waited for the butler to announce Archie but were all surprised to discover that Archie was not alone.
“Lord Buckley and Mr. Cross.”
Genie watched as both Archie and Mr. Cross looked around the drawing room, their eyes caught on the various artifacts before turning toward the women.
Archie grinned. “Mrs. Shaw. It’s an honor to meet you.” Archie could be described as average in every way. He was average height, build, and there was not much to note about his face except for it was slender. He, like Genie, had the Toft red hair but his eyes were brown like her father’s had been. His eyes caught at Aunt Tilda’s breasts before he bowed.
Aunt Tilda curtsied with a smile, knowing exactly just how alluring she was. “Lord Buckley.” She moved toward him and offered her hand.
Archie took it instantly and gave her knuckles a kiss, his eyes impassioned. He then took a breath and turned to his friend. “I’d like to introduce my friend, Mr. Levander Cross. He’s a businessman.”
Mr. Cross took Tilda’s hand and kissed it as well, and while Genie wished she could say that Mr. Cross was also average, she’d be lying if she did.
Even Tilda, who was used to being stared at by men, blushed.
“Genie,” Lorena whispered at her side. “You never said Mr. Cross was gorgeous.”
He was gorgeous. Tall with broad shoulders and a lean body that was emphasized by the precise cut of his suit. He had lovely hooded dark eyes and gleaming brown wavy hair. His nose was arrogant and his mouth full. He also had a wonderful smile, which he treated Tilda and the rest of the room to.
“He’s magnificent,” Sophia whispered. It was her first time seeing him herself since she and Genie had not been able to see one another until the morning Genie left for the country.
“I hadn’t noticed,” Genie replied just as quietly. “It’s nearly impossible with all the talk of taking me to Norway.”
“He could take me to Norway,” Sophia commented under her breath with a wide grin.
Genie glared at her. “And what of your love for Levi?” Levi was Sophia’s lover, a very beautiful man, a phenomenal actor, and an outstanding singer as well.
“Who?” Sophia asked, never taking her eyes off Levander, who thankfully still stood across the room in conversation.
“Norway does sound pleasant.” Alice fanned her face.
Lorena bit her lip and her eyes twinkled.
Genie shook her head at them. “Both of you are engaged.”
Lorena gave her wide eyes. “I said nothing.”
“You didn’t have to.”
Lorena and Alice both looked at each other and broke out into shameless giggles as Levander and Archie were finally brought over for introductions.
When Levander approached Maura, the girl offered him both her hands and a heated expression that Genie had only believed Aunt Tilda had mastered. It seemed Maura had a hidden seductress of her own. Even sweet Maura wasn’t immune to his beauty.
Levander chuckled and kissed both Maura’s hands as he held her eyes.
Genie made a huffing noise and turned away.
Levander made his way down the line toward Genie. When it was finally her turn, Genie offered him nothing more than a curtsey.
His eyes glittered with hidden laughter, as if knowing she was purposefully avoiding touching him. “I’m glad to see you are well.”
“Thank you.” Genie sat quickly in an effort to get away from him.
“We came by to see how my dear cousin was faring. You can’t imagine my disappointment when I realized she’d disappeared.” Archie offered his words to Aunt Tilda.
Tilda sat in a wingback chair and had her hands laid on either arm, which managed to put her assets on display. “I’m sure you’ll agree that the quiet of the country offers what a lady needs for mourning such a loss.”
“Of course,” Archie replied. “Though I’m surprised to find her here. It would
have been better if Genie had gone to the Buckley Estate. Visiting friends during such a period is frowned upon.”
The urge to stick out her tongue at Archie grew.
Levander looked at Archie. “But Buckley estate is so far from the vicar and if I am to understand it, seeking the wisdom of the church can be quite soothing.”
Archie looked surprised. “Well, of course—”
Levander turned to Genie. “Surely, you’ve visited the local vicar during your stay in the country, sought his advice on the matter of grief, which can be quite a heavy subject?” His brown eyes urged her to agree.
Genie blinked. “Yes.”
Archie looked at her. “What’s the vicar’s name?”
Genie smiled at her cousin. “Reverend Columbus Davis. He’s a very wise man and kind, too.” And she had visited the local vicar, if only to meet him before the dinner that was set to happen in a few days’ time.
“There you have it,” Levander said to Archie with a grin. “She’s in Cort to take in the country and visit the church. Society will find no fault in that.”
Archie pressed his lips together and nodded. “Very well.”
She was astonished to see Levander trying to protect her reputation but quickly looked away to ensure he didn’t see her gratitude. It would not change her mind where he was concerned. She was devoted to Francis, her one and only true love. Besides, she hated the cold.
Levander turned to Tilda. “You have a fine home. Perhaps we could take a tour before we are on our way?”
“So soon?” Archie asked. “Didn’t you wish to visit a little longer?” His eyes shifted to Genie.
Levander smiled at her cousin. “Another time.”
“We’re to have a dinner in a few days,” Aunt Tilda said, getting on her feet. “Reverend Davis will be here. You should come as well.” She showed them out of the room.
“He’s so charming,” Lorena whispered. “If you marry him, I’ll visit you in Norway. I promise.”
Genie rolled her eyes. “No, I’m to marry Francis and now that Aunt Tilda has invited them to the dinner, Levander will witness my display of love.”
Lorena gasped. “I hadn’t even thought of that. Do you think Aunt Tilda did this on purpose?”
“I think my mother did,” Maura said. “Though perhaps more for Lord Buckley’s sake.”
“Of course,” Alice said. “For it seems that Buckley is more pressed for you to marry, though Levander doesn’t seem inclined to discourage him.”
“Ha,” Genie puffed with wave of her hand. “It’s obvious that Levander would take any woman. He smiled suggestively at every person in this room.”
“I believe it’s his eyes.” Sophia was still staring at the door where he’d left. “They’re extremely… I don’t know the word.” She smiled.
“Profound,” Lorena offered.
“Extraordinary,” Maura said with a sigh.
“Agonizingly beautiful,” Alice added.
Genie scowled. “They’re brown.”
They all looked at her.
Genie looked away. “Besides, I don’t need any more suitors.”
“Suitors?” Lorena asked. “Has some other man given you the impression that he wishes to marry you?”
Genie bit her lip. She’d not told her friends of Morris’ visit. She wasn’t sure she should. But already she was obliged to keep her and Francis’ secret from the woods and, compared to that, what had occurred with Morris was innocent.
Alice gasped. “There is someone else. Who is it?”
Genie shrugged. “Morris.”
There were gasps.
Confusion and intrigue filled their faces.
“The Duke of Cort asked for your hand?” Sophia asked with surprise.
“Yes, but I believe it is only in an effort to end the Spinster Society and keep us all from killing ourselves.”
“Or anyone else,” Lorena said with a nod. Then she leaned forward with a grin. “Exactly what did he say?”
Genie told them everything.
Maura turned red.
Lorena simply continued to smile.
Sophia looked dumbfounded.
Alice had a dreamy gaze. “I wished I’d seen it.”
Genie stood. “There was truly nothing to see as I won’t be marrying Morris or Mr. Cross.”
“Then we must focus our efforts on Francis,” Sophia said. “My father should be arriving tomorrow with your gown.” She smiled. “If our plan works, you might very well be the first Spinster Sister to marry.”
Genie hoped their plan worked because if it didn’t, she’d never be the same.
* * *
.
.
.
* * *
* * *
.
.
.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
.
“Lord Buckley is here to see you,” a footman informed Francis.
Francis passed the horse brush over to one of the stablemen, allowing him to take over the grooming of Prince, and followed the footman toward the house, He was not dressed to receive Archie but didn’t wish to let the opportunity to see what the marquess wanted pass. He also wanted to find out if he’d seen Genie and what he’d said to her.
They went through a side door of the house and Francis washed himself as best he could and met the new Lord Buckley in the parlor.
The others had gone to the woods for shooting practice but Francis had returned early with the intentions of stealing Genie away for a riding lesson.
He walked into the room and bowed. “Lord Buckley.” The door was closed behind him.
The marquess bowed with a grin. “Your Grace. I was surprised to find out from Mrs. Shaw that you were visiting the Duke of Cort. How strange it is that our dear Genevieve is only a ride away.” Archie looked Francis’ shirt and breeches over. He wore no coat or cravat and the distaste was obvious even through the smile. “Have you seen Lady Genevieve?”
“I have,” Francis told him. “She had a riding lesson a few days ago.”
Buckley lifted a brow. “Riding lessons during mourning?”
“Does one’s education cease in respect for the dead?” Francis asked. “I’m sorry, I’m unsure of the custom myself.” He offered his own smile.
Archie narrowed his eyes. “I suppose if she were a man, education would go on but where women are concerned, that is a different matter. Besides, riding a horse is not really an achievement.”
The cutting remark was seen for what it was but Francis ignored it as he walked over to the sideboard. “It’s an achievement that her father insisted his daughter master and every man who knew the former marquess knew this to be true. Port?” he offered.
“Please.” Archie joined him by the sideboard that sat in front of a window that overlooked a green field with a single crooked tree in the distance. Francis and Genie had raced toward it just the other day. He remembered the way she’d pressed against him and her challenge for a kiss. He passed Archie a glass of port to distract himself.
Archie looked out the window as he spoke. “As I understand it, the lessons weren’t so much about Genevieve's mastering her fears as they were another form a revenue for you.” Archie put down his glass, reached into his breast pocket and held out an envelope. “There is a banknote in there for you. It’s what I was told you are owed monthly and this is from two months ago. I’m sorry it is so late but there was much to sort out after the funeral. I’ll be sure to send another note to you since you are continuing to teach Genevieve lessons.”
“There’s no need. If you know about the monthly payment then you were probably also told that I never take the money,” Francis said. “Put it toward my debt.”
Archie placed the note on the sideboard. “Actually, I believe I should give this to you and allow you to think on better options for the money. You’re pouring all your money into this debt but you must know that you’ll never pay it off before Genevieve marries. You’re out of time.”
/>
Francis stared at the banknote and sipped his liquor. Anger burned him internally but he didn’t allow it to show. “Is this the only reason you came to see me?”
“No, I also wished to remind you of the contract you signed with Genevieve's father. If I ever get the impression that you and she are together, it will be the end of you both and possibly Lorena.” He grinned. “You wouldn’t want that on your head, would you?”
Francis poured another serving and finished his glass in one swallow. He could imagine Archie’s glee at the prospect of taking not only everything that Francis possessed but Genie’s allowance and the large dowry that had been set aside for her. “You go out of your way, my lord. There is no need to do it again. I recall the oaths I make. Evie has no clue of my affection toward her.”
“Evie?” Archie chuckled and started toward the door. “Well, I shall see you both at the dinner that Mrs. Shaw is hosting at the end of the week.” He smiled and left.
Francis turned back to the window and stared at the tree then he looked at the banknote and pocketed it, believing there was a chance that Archie was right. He was wasting his time and perhaps should have simply taken the kiss at the tree, since it was likely the only one he’d ever receive from Genie.
Or perhaps he would go further with her as he’d promised her in the woods. He’d never look at her hands the same.
The door opened again and his friends stormed into the room.
Morris looked around. “I heard Buckley was here.”
“You just missed him.” Francis poured another glass of port and moved over to a chair by the empty fireplace, falling into the wingback chair’s cushions with a sigh. “He came to remind me of my oath to Buckley.”
The other men sat around him.
Morris said, “My solicitor is looking into your contract as we speak. I should hear word from him soon.”
Frank said, “I should know what my man of business has to say in a matter of days as well but we looked over the contract ourselves.” He narrowed his eyes. “It reads as though Genie’s father had been planning this offer for a while. It’s precise.”
Genie’s Scandalous Spinster’s Society (The Spinster’s Society Book 3) Page 8
