Stealing a Lady's Heart: A Regency Fairytale (Fairfield Fairytales Book 1)

by Tammy Andresen

  “Something else has bothered me. Why is he so intent on marrying Charlotte?” Tom asked in his soft voice.

  Lord MacPherson hesitated, “I could say that it is her great beauty or her wealth and influence but I think it may be something else. She is the granddaughter of my uncle who planted those trees. My guess is that Lord Bard wishes…” he looked away.

  Charlotte gasped as her hand fluttered to her face, “To make a magical child.”

  Lord MacPherson looked relieved. “Now you understand why you must marry someone else. Charlotte, I will call for the priest directly. I am sorry but you may have to marry in that gown although I will see if my wife has one better.”

  “That won’t be necessary. This will be just fine.” Charlotte smoothed the gown.

  Lord MacPherson chuckled, shaking his head. He knew his cousin.

  Graham’s smile split his face. “There is a lot that is unique about Lady Charlotte.”

  “You’re a lucky man, Graham. Charlotte, under the circumstances, would you do me the honor of allowing me to give you away?”

  “Ewan, the honor would be mine. Would little Ewan be well enough to act as ring bearer?”

  “Of course, although we will have to procure some rings.”

  The smile left Graham’s face as he queried, “Lord MacPherson…”

  “Ewan,” the lord corrected. “We are to be family.”

  “Ewan. We have used all the funds we brought to…” Graham’s face grew stiffer with each word.

  “I will find something simple. You can reimburse me when you can. I would say that they would be a gift for what you are about to do for all the north but something tells me you won’t take it.” Ewan slapped Graham on the back.

  “Thank you,” Graham added but continued to look troubled.

  Charlotte bit her lip. She knew Graham was worried about providing for her. She just felt in her heart that it would all work out. But she didn’t think her words would comfort him. Instead she reached for his hand. He gave her a small smile but it did not reach his eyes.

  Will approached Ewan, “Do you need any help with game for the feast?”

  Ewan slapped Will on the back, “Normally I would say yes to a man of your talents but I am keeping you in the safety of the gates until tomorrow.”

  STEALING A LADY’S HEART

  CHAPTER TEN

  Graham and Charlotte married in the afternoon rays of the sun as it shone down on the courtyard of Lord MacPherson.

  The ceremony was brief but beautiful. Charlotte loved the intimacy but her only regret was that her father and Graham’s father were not there to see it.

  The group had a lovely meal together. Charlotte kept glancing at Graham, unable to believe that they were man and wife. Her body pulsed with excitement. But a small niggle of fear flitted through her thoughts too. He hardly looked at her.

  As the sun began to set, several servants and the Lord himself, went out and cut small bows of the bay willow trees. In a line, each brought their willow branch up to the room the new couple would share.

  Charlotte and Graham were last to enter the room. A large four post canopy bed stood in the center. Ladders were placed in either side of the canopy. One by one, each person climbed the ladder and placed a branch on top of their bed.

  “The branches should protect you until the marriage is consummated.” Ewan seemed almost to blush slightly at these words. Men rarely talked of such things in a woman’s company.

  Graham grimaced as though someone was about to kill him rather than a man about to have his wedding night.

  Charlotte felt her joy being replaced with irritation. Graham was acting like an unwilling groom. He kept his eyes trained away from her as everyone filed out of the room.

  Once they were alone, she walked up to him placing her face inches from his. “I will not hold you to the marriage as you seem so unwilling.” Her fists were balled at her sides. Her face inched closer to his with every word.

  Graham gently cupped her face with his hand. His thumb stroked her chin. He spoke as though he knew her mind, “It is not my unwillingness to marry you that causes my pause. It is my fear that I am the common thief locksmiths are accused of being. I have stolen you away from your father.”

  “You are returning me to my father and a good life. The man that kidnapped me is the thief.” They still did not say the marquess’ name.

  Graham smiled a little but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Charlotte, you deserve everything life has to offer. What if I can’t give it to you?”

  Charlotte felt her anger melting. His concern, as always, was for her wellbeing. “I am the luckiest woman I know to have a husband who works and worries so much for my happiness.”

  This time his smile was genuine and his lips came down to meet hers in what was meant to be a soft kiss. As their lips met, the passion that they shared seemed to ignite.

  Graham pulled away for a split second to look into her eyes but then brought his lips back down to Charlotte’s. His kiss was more demanding. Their lips met again and again with more urgency until Graham softly pushed her lips open with his and slid his tongue between her lips. It touched the tip of hers and Charlotte felt molten heat slide through her body. She pressed her body closer to his as their lips and tongues kissed and caressed.

  Charlotte was barely aware of Graham undoing the buttons on the back of her dress but she felt the air tickle her skin as it slid down her body. She stepped away from him and kicked the dress to the side. She could see his eyes burning into her flesh. Charlotte was surprised that she didn’t feel at all embarrassed. She had spent days with every part of her pressed closed to him and she wanted the last barrier between them removed. In an instant, she realized she wanted to share everything with Graham because she was in love with him.

  Charlotte slid the pantaloons off from under her chemise. Then she pulled the chemise over her body delighting in the tortured look on Graham’s face. She stood naked before him and his eyes drank her in, growing darker as he stalked toward her. He looked ready to fight a bear. She wasn’t a bit afraid of him as she demanded, “Your clothes, husband.”

  He gave her a wicked grin, “If it is what the lady wants.” He shrugged out of his jacket then peeled of his shirt. His broad shoulders rippled with muscle as they tapered down to a slim waist. He was glorious. Hunger built in Charlotte as he kicked off his shoes and then removed his breeches. His manhood stood out from his body and Charlotte blushed at the sight.

  “Oh my,” she swallowed hard but Graham only chuckled. He closed the two paces between them and swept her up in his arms.

  His lips met hers and she relaxed slightly. He carried her to the bed and laid her gently down. He climbed on top of her, their skin pressed together. Their lips danced again but fear still lingered. It took some of the pleasure away for Charlotte.

  Instead of entering her, Graham began trailing kissing down her neck. It sent shivers and tingles running through her entire body. He passed over her collar bone and then began kissing her chest.

  When his lips reached the peak of her breast, a gasp escaped Charlotte’s lips. She completely forgot her fear as his hands caressed her abdomen and his lips teased her nipples into hard peaks. Her hands wound into his hair pulling his head down as her back arched. He momentarily lifted his head and a protest escaped her lips but his mouth immediately lowered to the other breast giving it the same treatment.

  “They are both so exquisite, we wouldn’t want one jealous of the other,” Graham murmured.

  A soft laugh escaped Charlotte’s lips but it quickly turned into a gasp as his lips moved lower. The pulsing need that had been building between her legs became unbearable and she pushed his head lower, unable to help herself.

  She felt him smile against her abdomen but he obliged her and when his lips gently touch her small folds she went wild. She bucked against him and a moan escaped her lips. He continued his ministrations until she felt she could ha
rdly stand it, the pleasure was so intense.

  He stopped suddenly and she started to protest but his lips skimmed up her body and then he was between her legs. The pressure of his hips against hers felt amazing. With one quick thrust he was inside her. She let out a small cry of pain.

  He stilled against her and softly kissed her lips. “It will feel better in a moment,” he said, continuing to kiss her as her body adjusted. Then Graham slowly began moving inside of her.

  She tensed, waiting for the pain but instead waves of pleasure washed over her. They built higher and higher as the pace grew more intense. When she thought she couldn’t stand it another second, Graham let out an intense groan of pleasure as Charlotte tumbled over the edge of her desire.

  He rolled onto his side, pulling her with him until they lay face to face. He wrapped his arms around her.

  “Are you all right?” she asked.

  He gave her a beautiful smile. Looking at him took her breath away.

  “I should be asking you that.” Graham tenderly brushed a strand of hair from her cheek.

  Charlotte hesitated. The moment had been so amazing she didn’t want to bring up his doubts now but she wanted reassurance that he didn’t regret what they had just done. “I just mean do you regret…”

  He put a finger to her lips, “I will never regret it. I just hope you don’t.” Then he snuggled her close.

  Charlotte kissed his shoulder. “How could I regret something so beautiful?” she murmured as she closed her eyes. Charlotte was relieved that he was happy. Another person’s happiness had never in her life been so important to her. After days of sleeping on the hard ground, the soft feather bed felt amazing. Warm, safe and satisfied, she could feel herself drifting off into sleep.

  “Pray you always feel that way,” she heard Graham’s voice far away before she heard nothing.

  * * * *

  Graham lay in bed staring at his sleeping wife. His father was going to disown him. Her father was going to murder him.

  It was worth it.

  Her long lashes lay against her slightly flushed cheeks. Her full rosy lips pouted out as she softly breathed in and out. He brushed a few beautiful blond tresses away from her face. His fingers trailed down the curve of her back, her skin like silk under his fingertips.

  He knew he should sleep. He would need his strength for the next few days but Graham wanted to drink her in for every second that he could. She was his. He had met beautiful women before but none had captured his heart the way she had.

  It had taken every ounce of his strength to deny her in the woods. He only gave in now because he truly believed this was best for her. Graham had meant what he said under the bay willow. He would sacrifice his life to keep her safe. His life no longer mattered. Only Charlotte’s was important. He felt in his heart that this was fate. He was put on this Earth to save the woman he loved. He could admit that now that they were married. He loved her with all his heart.

  His finger trailed down her cheek again. A nervous flutter rose in his chest. What if he didn’t succeed? He gritted his teeth. The path would become clear, it had to.

  Graham snuggled Charlotte closer. He would protect her and, in the meantime, he would enjoy whatever time they had together.

  * * * *

  The late morning sun peeked into the windows when Graham and Charlotte finally woke. She smiled at her husband, her heart shining through her eyes. “I love you,” the words slipped through her lips before she had a chance to stop them. She bit her bottom lip as he looked at her. She wished she could take the words back now that she had said them.

  “Charlotte,” Graham began but she stopped him.

  “I don’t think I want to hear what you are going to say.” She turned her face away, her cheeks flushing with color and tears pricking at her eyes.

  He gathered her tighter in his arms and his lips grazed her ear. “I love you too. I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you sitting on that horse.”

  Charlotte’s heart swelled in her chest. Tears of joy stung her eyes. She turned so that their lips met in a kiss. Their bodies were pressed together and Charlotte began rubbing her skin against his.

  “Charlotte,” he groaned her name as his hand slid down to her buttocks and then pressed their hips together.

  Charlotte could feel his manhood pressing into her. She hooked her leg around him and then he rolled her on top of him so that she was straddling his hips. He slipped into her. His hands were guiding her hips until she found the rhythm. Pleasure was building in her body as she moved against him and then Graham reached up and took her nipple into his mouth.

  She bucked wildly against him. Charlotte heard Graham groan, “Oh sweetheart. My beautiful Charlotte.” Tension tightened his body in rhythm with her own.

  They climaxed together and then Charlotte collapsed on top of him, certain she would never get enough. Her hand traced patterns on his chest, as her eyes drifted closed.

  He smiled against the top of her head, his hand lightly stroking her back. “Don’t fall asleep on me now. We have big plans to make today.”

  “Mmmm,” she replied sleepily. She wanted to spend the whole day in bed and enjoy the oasis they had found for as long as possible.

  Just as she was about to fall back to sleep a loud knock sounded at the door.

  “Yes,” Graham called.

  “Get up little brother. We need you,” Will’s voice boomed through the door.

  “Go away Will,” Charlotte scolded her brother-in-law.

  “Sorry Charlotte, but it’s important. Meet us downstairs in ten minutes.” Charlotte and Graham heard his muffled footsteps down the hall.

  Charlotte scowled at Graham, her breath coming out in a huff. “This is our honeymoon. Why can’t we have a day?”

  Graham cocked one eyebrow. He chuckled, “Actually, this is a rescue mission. The marriage is a happy side benefit. We must try to get you back to England as soon as possible.”

  Charlotte bit her bottom lip. He was right of course. “Where will we go?”

  “Harlington Manor first. Then onto your father’s home. The Marquess has never attempted to kidnap you from there so I can only assume there is some protection that is provided in your family home.”

  “And what if there isn’t?” Charlotte’s eyebrows drew together in worry.

  “We sail for America,” Graham stated without reservation.

  Charlotte burst out laughing but then realized he was completely serious. She kissed him hard on the lips. “You would move to America for me?”

  “I would battle hell itself for you,” he claimed as he returned the kiss and then picked her up and climbed out of bed. “Now we need to head downstairs. Keeping you safe is a full time position.” Graham winked at her as he set her down.

  Charlotte sighed but began washing herself and getting dressed. She had a sinking feeling that once they left this room the honeymoon was over.

  The couple descended the stairs, with all eyes on them. Lord MacPherson stepped to the front of the group.

  “Welcome back,” Ewan eye’s twinkled as he spoke.

  Heat travelled up her entire body. She inched closer to Graham. Everyone in the room knew what had happened between them last night.

  “I am sorry to interrupt the honeymoon but we must decide what happens next.” Ewan patted Charlotte on the shoulder.

  Graham agreed, “You mentioned yesterday that you thought we should leave today.”

  Ewan gave a single nod. “It would be tempting to stay here and rely on the protection my home provides but it will leave the Marquess too much time to plan. When we do finally leave, he will attack.”

  “He will attack no matter what,” Will interjected.

  “You are probably right, huntsman, but if we do this now, he will have little help and very little time to come up with a strategy. We will make a break for it while he is disorganized.” Ewan waved over his son.

  “Yes
father,” the boy said.

  “I am going to go with them. They need my help. You must promise to stay in the castle walls. You can’t go beyond the bay willows.” Ewan hugged his son.

  “I have to go with them too, father.” The boy looked into his father’s eyes.

  “No. It is too dangerous for you. Without the protection of the trees, I don’t know what might happen to you.” Ewan held his son tighter.

  The boy shook his head. “I am supposed to go with them. I told you father, that I needed to get Charlotte. You didn’t want me to leave then either. The fates have spoken. This is the path. We have to go with them.”

  Ewan began to protest but the boy looked at Graham. “Would you please get your sword?”

  Graham started in surprise. How could this boy know about his sword? He hadn’t unsheathed it. It should have looked like any other weapon. He started to ask the question but then wordlessly got up and returned to his room to retrieve the weapon.

  It was a plain sword, not encrusted with jewels, or fancy designs but the copper was the purest he had ever worked with and the sword had seemed to form itself. Even the master swordsmith had admired his work. Graham was extremely proud of it.

  “I have seen this sword, it is the one that kills the Marquess of Huntly.” The boy gently touched the hilt.

  “Graham defeats the Marquess?” A grin split Charlotte’s face.

  The boy shook his head. “I don’t know. I cannot see who gives the final thrust and if they live or die.”

  A sob rose in Charlotte’s throat. She covered her mouth with her hand. It was too risky, she couldn’t let Graham do this. “We will stay here. We will wait it out…”

  “No, my love,” Graham cajoled as he wrapped her in his arms. His voice was soft, “The second I left my father’s house, I knew I may very well being giving my life for yours. There is nothing to be done for it.”

  “That’s mad. We can make another plan, we can sail for America…” Charlotte’s voice tightened in fear as she pulled away from the embrace.