by Jada Turner
Diana had to force herself not to imagine undoing those breeches.
“M’Lady, so good of you to receive me.”
“I think we can dispense with the formalities William. Please be seated.”
Diana pointed with her eyes at a plush red chair. William waited for her to be seated in her winged back chair and then sat down.
“So tell me William, how was your adventure in the South Pacific.”
“My dear Diana, every day was a torment without you.”
“Indeed? Please tell me of the sights you saw on the other side of the world.”
“Many islands. Some of them with cannibals. Beautiful flowers and magnificent jungles. Just like the ones you are embroidering there,” he said looking at her work. “Strange creatures. It is without doubt a mesmerising place.”
“So mesmerising that you may be drawn back there?”
“No, Diana. I have sailed the oceans for the last time. As I said in my letter, I am to take over my family estate as my father has passed away.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your father. It must have been difficult for your mother with you so far away.”
“Indeed Diana. But the family rallied around her and she is now in good spirits.”
“It is very time consuming running an estate. I found that when my husband died. Are you sure you want to take on the burden?”
“Without doubt Diana. And that is why I am here today. All the time I was away I thought about you every day.” He stood up.
Diana took a deep breath. She sensed what was coming.
William went down on one knee before her. “Diana, I love you. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
Diana looked at him. She knew he was an excellent man and would treat her and young Michael well. But she knew she had to keep Eylebourne Hall intact and functioning for her son to inherit. She could not do that from Devon and she was loathe to trust an Estate Manager with the task. But a slight miss of her heart beat told her that she either loved him or was very close to that emotion.
“William, I am honoured that you should ask me. But I am afraid that I would not be able to marry you. I have to run this estate for my son and I could not do that from Devon.”
“Suitable arrangements would ensure we could spend some of the time on your estate and some on mine. There is a good road between the two estates. The distance is only around two hundred miles. Three days, perhaps two would suffice for the journey.”
“William…”
“Please, Diana. Do not make a hasty decision to refuse me. All I ask is that you think about what I have said. If you permit, I shall return in one week or sooner if you wish and you may give me your answer then.”
“You are very kind and understanding William. I promise to give what you have said my full attention.”
The last year she had passed without any sexual encounters. How could she tell him that a tumble in bed or another suitable venue would be perfect whether or not she agreed to marry him? She knew that a direct approach from her may shock him. But then she thought of their previous encounters. Perhaps he too was hoping for a continuance whether or not she accepted his proposal. If he was, she was willing.
“Where are you staying?” she said.
“The Black Bear over at Pindleford.”
“For how long?”
“For as long as it takes for you to make up your mind.”
“Did you arrive by carriage?”
“No, on horseback.”
“Splendid. Return tomorrow morning and we shall take a ride in the countryside. We can discuss matters and I shall give you a decision.”
And I know an empty barn where you can plough me!
Miller appeared in the doorway with a mournful and worried look on his face.
“Yes?” said Diana.
“Begging your pardon M’Lady but are you at home to a Mr Richard Devere-Scott?”
Diana looked at William. “I’m sorry. I have other business to attend to. Please come back in the morning.”
She stood up and made a small curtsey.
He stood and bowed. “Until tomorrow then.” He strode towards the door.
Miller looked at Diana for instruction.
“Please show Captain Phillips out and inform Mr Devere-Scott that I am at home.”
Diana sat down. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest. There was no inclination on her part to see what happened when the two men passed each other in the hall.
Miller showed Richard into the drawing-room and then backed out.
Diana stood and curtsied.
Richard, dressed in a well-cut frock coat and breeches, but no wig, bowed to her.
“Your circumstances seemed to have changed considerably since our last meeting, Richard.”
“Indeed so M’Lady. I have had good fortune in India.”
“Please be seated.”
Richard waited for Diana to sit down and then sat on the recently vacated chair.
“So what are you plans then Richard? Are you here to stay or return to India?”
“I shall return to India. My business ventures and commitments are there.”
“Indeed. How do you cope with the heat?”
“It is tolerable when one gets used to it.”
“It is good to see you again Richard. Is this a social visit or do you have something on your mind?”
“News travels even to the far corners of the world. I’m aware that your husband died, please accept my condolences. Of course, I would not have visited you were he still alive.”
“Thank you, Richard.”
“I am also aware that you have a child. It may be presumptuous of me but…”
“Yes, Richard. He’s your son.”
Richard took a deep breath. “May I be allowed to meet him Diana? At some time when it is convenient for you.”
“I think so Richard but I must ask you to be discrete. Nobody knows that Michael is your son; they think he is Reginald’s. If his parentage became common knowledge, it would cause him considerable loss. Reginald’s brother Joseph would inherit this estate instead of Michael. Joseph is already one of the richest men in the country, but he wouldn’t hesitate to stake his claim. I have told you the truth Richard because it is the right thing to do and I trust you.”
“You may rely on my discretion Diana. I would not do anything to cause problems for you or the boy. What is his name?”
“Michael.”
“Michael? I like that name.”
“You shall meet him before you leave today.”
“Diana, I am aware of my responsibilities and I have come here to ask for your hand in marriage. I have a fortune and I can provide for you and Michael in India. An Estate Manager can be appointed to run Eylebourne in your absence until the boy is old enough to return and run it himself.”
Diana picked up on the difference in the two proposals she had received that afternoon. Love was mentioned in the first but not the second. And Richard had said ‘he was aware of his responsibilities’. What did that mean? He wanted to marry her because she bore his child? Diana felt a little confused.
“Why would you want to marry me Richard?”
“I’ve thought about you often Diana. I know we didn’t have long together, but the little time we spent was one of the happiest times of my life.”
One of the happiest times? Not the happiest time!
“And you wish to be involved in the upbringing of your son?”
“”Indeed I do Diana. A boy should have a father. I would teach him how to be a real man.”
“When do you intend to return to India?”
“I am here for two weeks before I sail.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The King’s Head in Tunbridge.”
“Yes, I know it. It’s near the Pantiles. I need to give your proposal some serious thought Richard. Would you please allow me a few days to think it over?”
“Of course, Diana. It is a
big decision.”
“Did you come here today by carriage?”
“No, I borrowed a horse from the landlord. Borrowed is probably not the right word. Rented at an exorbitant price I should say.” He laughed, but there was something strange in the laugh. It wasn’t like when she remembered his carefree laugh when she had first made love to him. It worried her.
“Come back in the morning the day after tomorrow and we shall take a ride in the countryside and discuss the matter.”
And I know a barn where you can plough me. That is if you come back to your old self. I’m not sure I like the new Richard.
“Thank you, Diana. I would like a ride with you.”
She thought, she hoped, she saw a twinkle in his eye but was it? Or was it a peevish look. Diana couldn’t be sure and it worried her even more.
Diana lifted a small brass bell from a table beside her chair and shook it. The tinkle was not loud but enough for Miller to appear in the doorway.
“Yes, M’Lady?”
“Please request Jane to bring Michael to the drawing-room to meet my guest.”
“Yes, M’Lady.”
Diana examined Richard while he was distracted looking at the wind swirling up the leaves outside. There was something different about him. She had to admit she didn’t know him well other than carnally. But he had lost much of that carefree air he had before and seemed more serious. Perhaps it was the burden of having a fortune.
Jane came into the drawing-room holding Michael’s hand. She curtsied to Diana and then to Richard.
Michael bowed to Richard. Jane and Michael stood hand in hand awaiting instruction.
“Please leave Michael with us for a few minutes Jane,” said Diana.
“Yes, M’Lady.” Diana curtsied and backed out of the room. She looked at Diana.
Diana nodded.
Jane closed the door after her exit.
“Michael, I would like to present a friend of mine to you. This is Mr Richard Devere-Scott from India.”
Michael bowed to Richard, who returned the compliment.
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance sir,” said Michael.
“And I yours, sir,” said Richard with a smile. “I have come all the way from India to see your mother. Do you know where India is Michael?”
“Yes, sir. Jane has shown me on the globe.”
“Jane is an excellent teacher, Richard. He can already recite the alphabet and do his times table up to five.”
“I can see he is an intelligent child. He must have inherited it from his mother and father.”
Diana smiled. “Indeed, Richard.”
“Most English boys of his Class go to one of the Public Schools. Is he enrolled for Eton?”
“He isn’t going to a Public School. I couldn’t bear the separation and from what I hear of them, they are not places I would want to send my son.”
“Good for you Diana. I went to Eton and I would not wish that on any child. Tell me Michael, how would you like to live in India?”
“Richard!”
“Sorry,” said Richard.
“If Mama was there, then I do believe it would be tolerable,” said four-year-old Michael.
The two adults looked at him in amazement at his confidence and vocabulary.
Diana picked up the bell and shook it.
Miller opened the door and stood waiting for instructions.
“Please show Mr Devere-Scott out.”
“Yes, M’Lady.”
“Until the day after tomorrow, sir,” said Diana with a smile and curtsey.
Richard bowed to Diana and then to Michael and then strode from the room.
Jane came in and took Michael back upstairs.
Diana sat in her chair and black thoughts crept into her mind.
Chapter Four
Ann helped Diana into her thick brown riding culottes over her silk stockings and crotchless pantaloons. She held her boots while Diana pulled each one on to her long and shapely legs.
The overnight rain had given way to a wan sun that just managed to break through the cloud. She would have preferred to have been more lightly dressed, but Kent in autumn could be cold and today was no exception.
Her warm riding jacket covered her white blouse and the effect finished with a white silk cravat at her neck pinned in place with a cameo brooch. She tied her hair back with a black silk ribbon. Diana picked up her riding crop. It reminded her of the Baron.
“You look lovely, M’Lady.”
“Thank you, Ann.”
Diana descended the stairs to the hall to see Jane and Michael playing hide and seek. Michael had found his Nanny hiding in a cupboard.
“Oh, sorry M’Lady,” said Jane bobbing a curtsey.
Diana laughed. “Don’t worry Jane, please keep him amused. Please inform Cook that I will be back at one with a guest for lunch."
“Yes, M’Lady.”
Miller was still on Butler duty from the previous day and hovered by the front door as instructed. He bowed to Diana as she made her way to the drawing-room.
A tap on the door galvanised him into action; he slipped the bolt, dropped the catch and pulled open the massive door.
“Good morning sir, you are expected,” said Miller to Captain William Phillips RN who today was not in uniform but wore a heavy riding jacket over breeches and boots. The captain handed Miller his riding crop and top hat.
Miller led him to the drawing room.
“Captain Phillips, M’Lady.”
William strode into the drawing-room and bowed to Diana. She curtsied back.
“Is my mount prepared?” said Diana to Miller.
“Yes, M’Lady. The boy has tethered her outside.”
“Thank you that will be all.”
Miller backed out of the room.
“Will you take a little refreshment before we ride, William?”
“I think not, Diana. I must own I am rather keen to go on our ride and hear what you may have to say about my proposal.”
“Then let us depart forthwith.”
Diana led the way, side saddle, on her grey mare, Penelope. She could have gone astride with the crotchless pantaloons but decided that she would play the Lady.
The fields were claggy with wet earth where they strayed from the bridleways.
The hedgerows gave off their musty autumn smell of decaying leaves. Overhead a skein of geese headed south. A hare bolted from the undergrowth startling Penelope causing Diana to rein her in lest she took off at a gallop.
A cock pheasant gave off its alarm call sounding like a dry cork being turned in a wine bottle.
“This land is beautiful William. I am Chatelaine of this estate; I do not think I could leave it.”
“It is indeed a wonderful part of the country Diana but my estate in Devon, with its red earth and wildlife is just as awe inspiring. Perhaps, before you make up your mind, you would like to visit? It could be arranged. We could even take in Bath.”
“William, my geography is not good but I do know that Bath is a fair distance from your estate.”
“Only about ninety miles. We could stay there for a few days.”
“It will be the Season in Bath. I would like that.”
Ahead she saw the barn that she had been aiming for. A look around confirmed that no other persons were in the vicinity.
“Let us take a rest in the barn,” she said as she trotted her horse towards her goal.
William dismounted first and offered his hand to Diana as she slid from Penelope. He caught her in his strong arms and didn’t let go. Their lips met.
Diana was hungry for him. She broke free, took him by the hand and led him to the barn door. She watched him lift the latch and push open the great door. Inside she saw hay bales stacked up to the roof at the far end and only two bales high at the front. That would do.
Still holding his hand, she led him to the hay bales and sat down. He sat beside her. It made her smile to see his hands were slightly shaking. Was it passion or
was he nervous? There was only one way to find out. She kissed him on the lips as she took his hand and placed it on her breast.
He needed no more encouragement. Gently he laid her back on the hay.
She looked up into his eyes. At last, she thought, at last. I’ve waited a long time for this. She felt his fingers at her cravat as he loosened it. She couldn’t help smiling as he unbuttoned her blouse. When his hand trespassed inside taking hold of her nipple between his forefinger and thumb she felt waves of delight down her spine and all the way down between her legs.
Now she waited as his hand ran up her boot, over her stockings and up to her pantaloons. He found the gap and slipped his finger inside her.
She unbuckled his belt, loosened his breeches and found what she craved. It was hard and ready.
William lifted her skirt and then lowered himself onto her as she spread her legs far apart. He entered her through the gap in her pantaloons and felt her give a little shudder of delight.
Her hands went under his shirt and she gripped the hard muscle on his back and then down to his buttocks and squeezed each cheek so hard she was sure she must have left fingernail marks.
As he pumped up and down, she moved in time with him like they were doing a horizontal waltz.
She felt him getting more carried away and lost herself in her own passion. Each thrust sent waves of ecstasy through her from head to toe. She couldn’t help biting his shoulder around the collar bone due to the sensations that had taken over her body.
Diana lifted her legs and wrapped them around his back while he carried on driving his hardness into her. She felt how wet and slippery she had become. His penetration slid in and out like a knife through warm butter.
She could tell he was near. Diana needed at least another minute of his penis inside her before she reached her climax.
“Not yet, not yet,” she gasped.
“I’ll try… I’ll try.”
“Harder, harder.”
“I’m coming.”
“Harder!”
She forced her body up as he drove down. Now she knew how close she was. Three more hard thrusts would get her there. She could feel him holding back as best he could. One. Two. Three. He fired and she convulsed completely satisfied.
