Just Like A Bear: A Steamy Shifter Romance (A Ravenswood Romance Book 3)

by Jada Turner

  “Shall we take tea first?” said Diana pouring out four cups while the options ran through her sharp brain.

  She handed one cup to the Midshipman, who seemed too tongue tied to say thank-you. Diana felt sorry for him. In her opinion, he ought to be at home with his mother.

  She handed a cup to the Lieutenant careful to bend slightly forward so he could catch a glimpse of her décolletage.

  “Please follow me,” she said when they had finished their tea.

  The Squire, the Lieutenant and the Midshipman followed her along the wood-paneled corridor of Eylebourne Hall to Sir Reginald’s study. She tried the door but found it locked as she expected.

  “I was afraid so. He keeps this door locked.” She looked over her shoulder to see Mrs Marshall hovering. “I don’t have a key. Do you or any of the maids have a key?”

  “No, M’lady. You knows the master won’t allow anyone in there unless he’s there too. The maids clean while he watches,” said Mrs Marshall.

  “Yes, I’m afraid I knew that really. I hoped… never mind. Well, Lieutenant, what you want may be inside that room but I’m afraid I can’t open the door. Perhaps you could return tomorrow when it is more convenient and I have had the opportunity to summon a locksmith.”

  “I’m afraid that will not be possible M’lady. I think it would be easier to enter by the windows than this door. Could you show us on the outside which room it is, M’lady. I would be much obliged and in your debt,” said the Lieutenant making a slight bow.

  “I’m afraid that will not be possible, sir. The room does not have windows. Sir Reginald had them bricked up. He said it was because of the window tax.”

  “That is most unfortunate, M’lady.”

  She could see the Lieutenant had an overt interest in her bosom and his tight breeches gave away what was going through his mind. She began to calculate her options. They would find enough evidence to incriminate Sir Reginald. Of that she had little doubt. This would mean the lands and all his assets would be sequestered to pay for fines. Sir Reginald would be ruined and may even spend the rest of his days in gaol.

  The life she lived in a gilded cage would soon be over and she needed a protector when the bailiffs came to seize the house, land and property. Diana, from experience, knew there was a dearth of suitable gentlemen in the district. The Lieutenant looked a likely enough candidate to fill that role until she could find someone more suitable. Or until Richard returned from India if indeed he ever did return. She didn’t feel any guilt at her sudden lurch into her mercenary self-preservation. Life in the landed gentry of Regency England had forced her to adapt and accept the ways of this society. And to act fast.

  “I’m afraid we shall have to break down the door M’lady,” said the Lieutenant.

  The Squire had wandered back along the corridor to look at a painting. The Midshipman had taken up a position so he could see the door and the men outside.

  They were both out of earshot.

  “Yes, you look like a man who will break down barriers until you get what you want,” she said looking him in the eye and allowing an enigmatic smile to cross her lips. Then she made a point of taking an overt look at the bulge in his breeches. She could hardly believe she was doing it. Since Richard had ploughed her, most of her inhibitions had vanished though she had not had the opportunity to see how far she was willing to go with other suitable men if only she could find one.

  He showed no embarrassment. “Indeed, M’lady,” he smiled and then strode along the corridor to the front door.

  A few minutes later he returned with the large sergeant and an even bigger Royal Marine.

  “M’lady, I beg your forgiveness but I have to to do my duty.” The Lieutenant bowed to her again and then turned to his sergeant. “Open that door.”

  The sergeant gave it a massive kick with the heel of his boot, but it remained intact. He turned to the larger man. “You have a go.”

  The big man took a deep breath, lifted his enormous foot and booted the door. The lock didn’t break, but a panel did. He kicked again and knocked a hole through.

  The Lieutenant shoved the Midshipman through to release the lock from the inside.

  The two Royal Marines returned to their posts outside.

  The Squire, Lieutenant Phillips and the Midshipman entered. Diana followed. She’d been in here often enough when her husband was present, but she’d never been in here without him. It smelled musty, like her husband.

  Enough light filtered in from the hallway for the searchers to look for ledgers and documents. It didn’t take them long to find what they were looking for; three Royal Marines carried an enormous pile of ledgers and papers out to the waiting coaches.

  “I’m sorry Diana,” said the Squire taking his leave.

  Diana stood in the hallway with the Lieutenant. “What will happen now?” she said.

  “We had evidence from the ship to link him with slave trading. I expect there will be plenty more in the documents. He will be questioned by the Magistrate in Maidstone and then I’m afraid he will appear before the Assizes in due course. I doubt they will hang him, but he’ll lose all his assets and may have to spend some time in gaol. It must be a terrible blow to you M’lady.”

  “Let’s be honest Lieutenant. He’s had this coming for some time now and frankly I’m glad to be rid of him.”

  The Lieutenant raised an eyebrow. “I do not wish to be forward M’lady or put you in an awkward position but I could visit you and offer some advice and keep you up to date with the progress of the case.”

  “That would be very helpful Lieutenant.”

  “Splendid.”

  “Why don’t you come around tomorrow evening for dinner and perhaps we can discuss something then?”

  “Delighted M’lady.”

  “Oh, sorry. I’ve just remembered. I’ve given all the staff the night off tomorrow and Michael will be staying with a friend. I will be alone here. Perhaps we can do it another time.” She waited for him to take the bait.

  “Indeed M’lady. But it may be necessary for me to give you advice sooner rather than later. As you are a married woman and I’m a gentleman, I do not believe it would be considered too improper for me to call on you tomorrow evening. That is if I may be of any assistance to you. And, of course, if only you and I are here then who is to know?”

  “You are very kind sir. I think assistance is what I need. It is a while since I have had any assistance.”

  She lowered her eyes in mock subservience. It wasn’t lost on him.

  Chapter Three

  Sir Reginald’s business problems were not the only thoughts that entered her mind as she waited for sleep to take her. The memories of Richard making love to her in the straw and in the room over the Pantiles kept up her spirits. Nearly two years had passed since he sailed for India. She prayed that he was safe and would make his fortune so that he could come back and claim her.

  In the meantime, she wondered if she really would go through with seducing the Lieutenant in order to have a protector when she had to leave her home. What if he just ploughed her without any commitment? She would have to make sure she had her hooks firmly into him to prevent his escape.

  Diana’s thoughts descended into fantasy, dreaming that she lay in bed while the Lieutenant ploughed her. Her passions had been awakened by Richard but he was gone and she had not experienced such bliss since. However much trouble her husband Sir Reginald was in, she desperately wanted to taste the forbidden fruit of sex with a real man again rather than the Thursday night ritual grunt and groan with her husband. She had to admit to herself that it wasn’t only a quest for a protector for herself and her son; she craved the caresses and intimacy from someone who could handle her desires and satisfy them. There had been no candidates since Richard, but the Lieutenant seemed to be a possibility.

  ****

  Diana dismounted her grey mare, Penelope, and dropped the reins.

  “But M’lady, I don’t need to take the night off
and where would I go?” said Miller as he took the reins and led the horse to the stables.

  “As I said, you have all been working so hard and as grateful thanks for what you were prepared to do yesterday I have arranged a dinner and accommodation at the Dog and Duck over in Downhurst village. All the staff are to be there. It is my present to you all.”

  “Yes, M’lady.”

  “And when you are ready, please take Jane and Michael over to Tunbridge Wells for him to stay with his friend George. It is all arranged.”

  “Yes, M’lady but I’m worried about leaving you here in this big house without any of us to protect you.”

  “I’ll lock the door and keep a shotgun ready. I can look after myself, but I appreciate your concern.”

  “Yes, M’lady. May I say how sorry I am for your troubles. Sir Reginald ought…”

  “That’s enough. Thank you but I’ll manage and I’ll do everything I can to ensure that you and all the staff do not lose out because of my husband’s greed and stupidity.”

  ***

  Diana spent an hour soaking in a warm bath full of bubbles and two hours getting herself dressed. She’d gone over and over what her plan was for tonight and as she pulled up her silk stockings she wondered if it would work and if it would be worth the sacrifice. She’d shared Sir Reginald’s bed; the Lieutenant was far more wholesome than he. She could do it.She’d have to do it. And it made her blush when she realised she wanted to do it.

  She stood in front of her full-length mirror wearing only the stockings. Diana mused that the blond nest between her legs would soon be locked with the blond forest that the Lieutenant must surely have since she had seen the hair under his wig.

  Diana dithered whether to put on her underwear or remain bare under her dress. She decided the thrill of removing it would please the Lieutenant more than finding her open so easily. It would excite her too when he pulled the garment down. The white silk knickers with lace edges she chose with an increased beating of her heart. Pulling them up her shaved legs they felt sensuous and cool. She imagined the scene where they would be taken from her.

  Next she slipped her white silk Empire style dress up from her feet and eased her bosom over the high line. A pink turban like scarf finished the dressing and a pair of pearl earrings and matching necklace added extra glamour. She was very pleased with what she saw in the full-length mirror.

  Mrs Marshall had left a cold collation for one in the kitchen. Diana added to it and found a bottle of wine. She carried it all through to the dining room.

  In the corner of the dining room, she heard the grandfather clock strike seven. He would be there shortly.

  A knock at the door sent butterflies around her tummy. She glided to the front door and opened it.

  Lieutenant Phillips stood looking handsome but serious. “Good evening, M’lady. I hope I am not intruding. I have disagreeable news of your husband.”

  “Indeed sir. Then please will you enter. I must apologise, my staff have the evening off. Does your horse need accommodation?

  “That would be a boon M’lady. Pray direct me to your stables.”

  “Please, follow me sir.”

  Diana led the way round the side of the house to the stables where the Lieutenant coaxed it into a box. All the while he could hardly take his eyes of Diana and she knew it.

  “Would you not be needing to unsaddle the horse sir?”

  “I’m afraid that may not be necessary, M’lady, when I have divested myself of the news that I bear.”

  He placed a bucket of water in front of the horse.

  “Please, follow me sir.”

  Diana led him into the dining room.The long table was set for two with a cold collation and wine. Candles added to the light that still filtered in from the summer’s evening.

  “My apologies. But as I said, the staff including the cook are away this evening.”

  “I am concerned M’lady that you are unprotected here.”

  “From what or whom may I need protection sir?”

  “I do not wish to alarm you M’lady. It has been known for footpads and mountebanks to operate in the Kentish countryside.”

  “I have a shotgun sir, and I know how to use it. Please, would you care to be seated.”

  Instead of sitting down he drew himself up straight as a ramrod and looked at her.

  “It may be more appropriate if I deliver my news standing up M’lady but I would be greatly obliged if you would take a seat.”

  “Indeed sir? I must own that your demeanour troubles me.”

  The Lieutenant held the back of a chair as Diana sat down.

  His manner unsettled her. Her plan to seduce him had been fairly obvious, but he seemed restrained and hesitant. Diana thought that the moment had passed, but she would persevere.

  “If I may M’lady, I need to divest myself of some bad news for you. This will undoubtedly affect you and the evening, but you can be assured that I shall be here to render what assistance I may be allowed to offer.”

  “Then please sir, give me your disagreeable news.”

  “M’lady it is with deep regret that I have to inform you that your husband, Sir Reginald, collapsed and died this afternoon while being questioned by the Magistrate in Maidstone.”

  Diana thought about her husband. She knew she didn’t hate him. She didn’t like him much with his disgusting manners, boorish behaviour and penchant for actresses. His slave trading offended her morality, but he had always been generous with his money towards her and her parents. His passing did not bring her joy. It did bring a little sadness but not grief. And she thought he would have preferred this end rather than be dragged through the courts and incarcerated for a long sentence.

  “That is indeed disagreeable sir. May I ask what caused his death?”

  “It is believed that he had a heart attack, M’lady.”

  “I do not find that surprising, sir. He has looked most unwell recently and has been under considerable strain.”

  “Indeed M’lady. A very sad business indeed. I have come here tonight not only as the bearer of sad news but also to explain the legal position to you. Sir Reginald was under investigation because one of his ships was intercepted carrying contraband, slaves, as you know. The authorities are still sifting through the documents we removed from your house yesterday. He had not yet been charged nor had he appeared before the court. This means that the case against him died with him.”

  “Yes, I understand that, sir. Please, will you sit down and take a little sustenance?”

  Lieutenant Phillips breathed a sigh of relief and seated himself at the head of the table.

  She fixed her eyes on his. He looked back.

  “The ship involved in the slave trading will be confiscated but as there is no possibility of charges being brought against your husband, that will be the end of the matter.”

  “Sir, are you telling me that my son and I will not lose this estate and Sir Reginald’s business?”

  “That is indeed the case, M’lady.”

  “I believed, sir, that my husband would be in gaol and his property sequestered. We are to be spared that ignominy, sir?”

  “By the Grace of God, that is so, M’lady.”

  “It is very kind of you to bring this news to me at this late hour, sir.”

  “I am concerned about leaving you undefended M’lady until your servants return. In the circumstances, I shall take myself off to the stables and spend the night there where I may defend you without compromising your position. And in view of the news that must have brought considerable grief to your heart, I do not wish to impose myself on your hospitality at such a time as this.”

  Diana looked at the Lieutenant. She did feel a little sad but not much. Her weekly ordeal under Sir Reginald had been canceled for the past six months due to his ill health. She wondered whether it would be wrong to go ahead with her seduction after what she had just heard. She didn’t need a protector now. She had everything she needed except a lover.
What would the Lieutenant think of her if she pressed her amorous needs upon on him?

  There was only one way to find out. But Diana’s brain was already checking out the advantages and pitfalls of her new found position. Now she was a wealthy widow her position had changed from a hunter looking for a protector to a woman being hunted by men who would seek to take her fortune and that of her son. Diana resolved to find out more about Lieutenant Phillips before opening her legs to him.

  “Tell me about your family Lieutenant.”

  “I’m from the Devon Phillips. My family have an estate outside Plymouth. I’ve been in the Navy since I was thirteen.”

  “Do you have any older brothers?”

  “No, M’lady. I have a younger brother and sister.”

  “And is there a Mrs Phillips residing at home?”

  “Indeed there is M’lady. My mother.” He smiled.

  “So in time you will inherit the estate, sir.”

  “Indeed so, M’lady. I am the eldest son.”

  “Then you are a man of substance and position. A wealthy widow has to be concerned for herself and her son, sir.”

  “Indeed M’lady.

  She took a piece of ham in her fingers, rolled it into a length and then put one end in her mouth and nibbled it down to half way.

  “At a time such as this one often looks for distraction to ease one’s mind, sir. Perhaps a little food and wine will satisfy my needs.”

  “Indeed so M’lady. If I may say, I had not relished the onerous task of bringing such sad tidings to your door. I feel in need of some distraction myself, M’lady.”

  He reached for a peach, held it in his hand and twisted so it came apart to reveal the stone. He removed the stone and put the inside of the peach to his lips and with his tongue licked out the soft flesh.

  She wiped her hands on her napkin and then ran her finger down her cheek to her neck and then her chest before letting it hover over her décolletage. “It’s rather warm for this time of year don’t you think, sir.”