by Lucy Wild
“Walk with me back a little and I shall arrange their collection,” Jim replied.
Elizabeth found herself marvelling at the countryside around them as they walked back the way they’d come. What a difference a clear day made. She could see the mounds of heather sprinkled across the moors, dry stone walls lower down the valley in crisscrossing patterns, keeping groups of sheep and cattle apart.
“Come this way,” Jim said, turning from the track to a well worn path that headed into tall trees that whispered in the wind.
“Where are we going?” she asked as the sunlight faded away above the canopy.
“I wish to show you something.”
They walked around the outside of a lake, geese hissing a warning at them as they passed by before finally stopping in a clearing, the centre filled by the huge trunk and overhanging branches of an enormous ancient oak tree.
“I remember this,” Elizabeth said in an excited voice. “This is the tree I climbed when I was last here.”
“It’s one of my favourites,” Jim replied. “Want to?”
“To what? To climb it? I am no longer a child James.”
“Nor am I,” he said, setting his hands onto the lowest branch and swinging his way upwards. “Nonetheless, would you care to join me?”
“Race you to the top!” she said, leaping past him onto a higher branch, already climbing above his head.
“Impressive!” He fought to catch up with her but she was too fast, making her way ever higher until at last she could go no further. Sitting on a long thick branch, she waited for him to catch up.
“Slow as a snail,” she laughed. “I win.”
“Is there a forfeit for the loser?” he asked as he finally reached her, sitting beside her on the branch and looking out above the surrounding trees to the distant moorland.
“I’m sure I can think of something,” she replied, blushing deeply as the thought of kissing him entered her mind for the first time. “Have you always lived here?” she asked, changing the subject quickly.
“My family have always been here as far as I know.”
“You’re lucky to live in such a beautiful place.”
“Taking care of it can be a burden at times.”
“You mean farming?”
“Of sorts.”
Elizabeth leaned back and slipped, her body sliding from the branch. Jim moved quickly, grabbing her and pulling her back up, gripping her hands tightly in her own.
“Thank you,” she said, staring into his eyes, only too aware that he hadn’t yet let go of her hands.
“You’re welcome,” he replied.
For a moment she thought he might kiss her but then he looked away, a flicker of sadness in his eyes. “Let’s get back into the sunshine,” he said, slipping his hands free and climbing back down.
Elizabeth descended slowly, finding him laid on his back in the clearing with his shirt off. She looked at his chest in wonder, amazed by the firmness of his stomach, his biceps bulging as his hands cradled his head. His eyes were closed. Her eyes moved down him, past his belly button to a slight line of hair that seemed to point towards his trousers. As she sat beside him, she found her mind filled with the most obscene thoughts. She thought about sliding her hand past his waistband. What might she find waiting there for her? She could grip him in her hand and free him from his clothing, take him into her mouth or even inside her.
She fanned her face as if to try and wave the thoughts away as his eyes opened and he glanced at her. Ashamed, she looked away, watching the trees that surrounded them, refusing to look at him in case the lascivious thoughts returned.
They spent an hour sunbathing before returning to Roseneath. “I shall have your bags here presently,” Jim said as she stood in the open doorway. “Perhaps you might walk with me again sometime before you leave?”
“I would like that,” she said before a silence descended, seeming to thicken in the air until it became oppressive.
Jim stared at her, leaning forwards slightly and before she knew what was happening, she’d reached out and kissed him. He leapt back from her and blurted a goodbye, turning on his heels and walking away before she could say another word.
Walking inside, Elizabeth felt crushed. Had she misread the signs? Had she offended him? What if he never spoke to her again? She didn’t think she’d be able to bear it.
That afternoon there came a knock at the door and she ran to it, hoping it was Jim. She had to fight to hide her disappointment as Calvin stood there with her bags in a neat pile beside him. “You luggage miss,” he said, tipping his hat. “Courtesy of Mr Franklin.”
“Wait,” she said as he went to turn away. “What can you tell me about Jim, I mean Mr Franklin?”
“He’s a good man,” Calvin replied. “Anything else you’ll have to find out from him.”
He climbed onto his trap and rode away, leaving Elizabeth to drag her bags into the cottage. Very well, she thought. I’ll find out for myself.
Chapter 5
Her chance didn’t come for a number of days as arranging the sale took precedence. She spoke to the appointed agent in Whitby forty eight hours later who informed her there had already been a number of inquiries as to the cottage. “I have a gentleman who wishes to purchase sight unseen,” he said, nodding eagerly. “If you accept the sale can be arranged immediately.”
“Excellent,” replied Elizabeth, glancing out of the window and seeing Jim strolling past. Her jaw almost fell open as she saw he was holding the hand of a young woman. Why wouldn’t he be courting? He never said he was available. Think of how shocked he was when you kissed him. He was clearly spoken for, you foolish girl. Her mind continued to plague her with such thoughts as the arrangements for the sale were made.
By the time she returned home, she was certain she never wanted to see Jim again. When there was a knock on her door just as the sun set, she was in two minds whether or not to answer but in the end politeness overruled anger and she pulled it open to find Jim standing there. “Care for that walk?”
She folded her arms. “Care to tell me about the woman in Whitby?”
He looked shocked for a moment before his usual half smile returned. “Jealous?”
“Who is she?”
“Come with me and I’ll explain.”
He wouldn’t answer any of her questions until they were once again high in the old oak tree, looking out at the sun just as it sank beneath the moor top, leaving the sky a deep shade of orange.
“Who is she?” Elizabeth asked, refusing to look at him.
“Her name is Jessica Crampton and she has sought my hand in marriage for months. That was her final attempt.”
“You said yes?”
“I told her I had met someone else.”
“Who?”
He pressed his fingers to her cheek and turned her face towards his. “Do you need to ask?” he said quietly, reaching forwards and kissing her. His arms slid round her back as he shuffled towards her on the branch, the tip of his tongue tracing its way over her lips before nudging into her mouth. She felt her heart soar and her entire body tingle as he kissed her, their bodies pressing together.
His hands ran down her back and she swooned, almost falling from the branch. He grabbed her and looked worried. “Are you all right? Have I offended you?”
“Far from it,” she replied. “But perhaps high up in a tree isn’t the best place to do this.”
“Of course. Come with me. I know the perfect place.”
They made their way out of the trees and onto the moor. Jim pointed at a nearby cottage set alone amongst the heather.
“Who lives there?” Elizabeth asked.
“Currently no one but I care for the place.”
He took her over the grass as the light of the light disappeared. Scraping the door open, he lit a number of candles and set them around the fire, creating a blaze whilst she glanced around her at the humble one room cottage, her eyes drawn to the nearby bed, remaining there for a
long time as she thought about Jim and that kiss.
He finally got the fire going before turning to her. “Warmer than the treetop?” he asked.
“By far,” she replied, getting to her feet. “I think I could happily live somewhere like this.”
“Why not try staying the night?”
“Here? Would that not be improper?”
“I won’t tell anyone if you won’t.”
He kissed her again, drawing her towards him until their bodies were pressed together. She could feel his hardness through her dress, the sensation making her yearn for him all the more. Sliding her hands over the taut muscles of his back, she let her tongue play with his whilst staring into his eyes by the light of the fire.
He reached down and bunched her dress in his hands, pulling it slowly upwards as they moved towards the bed. Elizabeth felt her heart pounding as her dress reached her hips, knowing he only had to move his fingers a little and he’d be touching her knickers.
He pushed her back onto the bed and as she landed he climbed onto her, kissing her again whilst running his hand up her thigh, his rough fingers gliding over her flesh, stopping just before reaching the spot she was desperate for him to touch.
She pulled at his shirt, tugging it over his head before kissing his chest, loving the feel of his skin under her lips.
“You’re beautiful,” he said, his hand gliding over her knickers, “so beautiful.”
She replied by grabbing his hips and urging him upwards. As he moved she reached for his trousers, undoing the button and shoving the unwanted clothing away from his body. Underneath, his cock came free, rigid and captivating her gaze. She pulled him further up until he was able to thrust himself into her mouth. He let out a long low groan as she licked her way along his shaft, gripping the base of him with her hands and holding him tightly, her tongue never still, circling the head, tasting the heat of him as he thrust back and forth past her lips.
At last he pulled free, sitting her up and sliding her dress from her shoulders, drawing it down her body to expose her bare breasts. He took her left nipple into his mouth, sucking on it as his hands slid her dress from her, leaving her only in knickers. He toyed with her chest for some time, groping and squeezing her breasts whilst sucking on her nipples until she ached with desire.
He kissed his way lower, using his teeth to tug her underwear from her and letting it fall to the floor. His tongue slid all the way up her right leg as he shoved her knees apart, tasting her for the first time.
She let out a gasp as his tongue slid over her wetness before circling her clit, expertly toying with her whilst she could only beg for him to enter her whilst her chest heaved, her breathing becoming increasingly laboured.
He kept teasing her with his tongue even as she yearned to be filled by him. “I need you inside me,” she said at last, pulling him up her body and thrusting her hips towards him.
She reached down with her hand and held him tightly, drawing him into her, keeping her legs wide apart, her clit throbbing with desire. With a long slow thrust, he slid inside, stretching her whilst she winced at the sheer size of him.
“Oh my god,” she moaned, drawing him deeper until he was buried in her, the connection she’d wanted fulfilled at last. She could feel the pulsing flesh as he rocked back and forth, easing out of her before sliding back in, again and again until she grew impatient to feel him come inside her, wanting to know she could bring him to orgasm.
Any hint of composure was gone from Elizabeth, her mouth was open, her eyes wild as she begged him to move faster, his pelvis brushing her clit and teasing her ever more intensely.
When he still refused to speed up, she growled and flipped him onto his back, rolling with him so he remained inside her. Sitting up she froze with the tip of him just inside her, teasing him for a change. She rocked in a circle slowly whilst descending, letting his shaft glide into her wetness. She began to ride him quickly, bringing his hands to her breasts before rubbing her clit frantically.
She gasped loudly as he squeezed her nipples, her clit burning with heat until all at once a tidal wave of pleasure washed over her. She contracted around his cock as she came, her climax spreading through her body and forcing her to keep still for a moment.
As it faded away she looked down at Jim, his eyes as wild as hers. She began to ride him again, panting for breath as he matched her rhythm, getting ever closer to his own climax. At last he couldn’t last any longer and she sank all the way onto him, feeling his cock jerk and twitch inside her. There was a delicious pause and then his hot wetness spurted into her, filling her completely as he groaned with pleasure.
Leaning down, she kissed him as a second spray of cum gushed into her and then at last he was done. She held him inside her for as long as she could before sliding off him and rolling onto her side on the bed, his lips planting kisses on her neck as her body throbbed with sheer satisfaction.
She smiled broadly as he played with her breasts whilst continuing to kiss her. Leaning down, she took him into her mouth, tasting her own wetness on him mixed with his salty cum. Sighing again she lay back, her body entwined with him as they both drifted slowly off to sleep.
Chapter 6
Elizabeth woke up alone. She sat up in bed and looked around but Jim was nowhere to be found. Dressing quickly she walked outside but the only signs of life were a few wandering sheep. There was no note and no sign of him. Loved you and left you, she thought as she made her way back to Roseneath. Perhaps that’s for the best. You can return home now the sale is arranged and an unhappy marriage is waiting patiently for you there.
Packing the few things she had removed from her bags, she found herself continually glancing up at the door as if expecting him to appear at any moment. When a knock came she ran outside to the crushing sight of a carriage and driver. “I’ve been sent to collect you,” the gruff man said. “Luggage?”
“Here,” she replied, pointing behind her. Had the agent arranged her return? The entire journey up the hillside, she looked around for any sign of Jim but by the time she left Yorkshire, hope had left her. She sat in dull misery for the entire duration, not stirring from her stupor even as her home came into view days later. Climbing down from the carriage she noticed three people stood on the doorstep, her parents and Richard.
“Great news,” Richard said, marching towards her. “Your parents have accepted my marriage proposal. Isn’t it wonderful?”
She allowed herself to be led into the house, muttering greetings whilst a tumult of activity went on around her, the papers regarding her aunt poured over by her parents. “You did well,” her father said, setting his hand on her shoulder. “Although I have no doubt you are glad to be home at last.”
“Yes father,” she replied quietly. “There’s nothing left for me back in Yorkshire after all.”
“What’s that my dear?”
“Oh nothing.”
“A letter came for you whilst you were away. Where is it now?” He rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a cream envelope, passing it to her.
“Who on earth could be writing to me?” she muttered to herself as she tore open the letter and read the contents.
I am sorry to trouble you but the party who wishes to purchase Roseneath has insisted you complete the sale in person. Please come as promptly as you can.”
“Who’s it from?” her mother asked.
She passed over the letter and it was read by her parents and Richard in turn. “You must go back,” her father said.
“Must I? Can I not stay here?”
“You will be home soon enough and this time for good,” Richard said. “Once married you shall remain forever by my side. Travelling is no good for wives.”
In a daze, Elizabeth watched as her cases were loaded back onto a fresh coach and horses. She had barely said goodbye when the wheels began to turn and she was moving once more, enduring a miserable journey back to the seat of her misfortune.
When she arrived at Roseneath she
found the agent waiting for her. “Let’s get this over with,” she sighed. “I have no interest in remaining here any longer than is strictly necessary.”
“Are you sure about that?” said a voice from the doorway.
Looking past the agent she saw a figure emerge and recognised it as Jim. His face was mottled with fading bruises and she gasped at the sight of his injuries. “What happened?” she asked, concern overriding her shock at seeing him once more.
“Come inside and I’ll explain.”
She followed him in, finding deeds of sale spread across the table. He winced as he lowered himself into the armchair by the fire. “I awoke during the night to the sound of voices outside the cottage,” he said as she sat down opposite him.
“Who were they?”
“Poachers. I ran out but there were more of them than I expected. We had a disagreement over ownership of my sheep.”
“A disagreement?”
I chased them for a while but they tricked me, caught me the other side of a wall and did this,” he pointed to his face. “I was lucky I was found the next morning and taken to the big house. By the time I woke up you’d already left.”
“I’m so sorry,” Elizabeth said, her hands beginning to shake. “I had no idea.”
“Luckily George was willing to send you a letter whilst I recovered.”
She turned to the agent who merely inclined his head from the doorway.
“Wait,” Elizabeth said. “You mean you’re buying the cottage?”
“I am.”
“But why? How on earth can you afford it? You’re only a gatekeeper aren’t you?”
“He’s no gatekeeper miss,” George said, walking over to the deeds of sale and gathering them together. “This is Duke James Franklin of Franklin Manor.”
“Where?”
“The big house,” Jim said. “It’s mine.”
“What are you talking about? But you live in the gatekeeper’s cottage.”
“I have done ever since my wife died. I couldn’t face being in that old place on my own. I moved into the cottage four years ago and I’ve been there ever since.”
