Turned Around By Love (The Montgomery Family & Friends Book 3)

by Vikki Vaught

  Kathryn glanced around her bedchamber and admired the lovely royal blue counterpane on the bed along with the matching upholstered furniture. Sarah arrived and had all her belongings put away in a thrice. A dressing room separated her spacious bedchamber from her husband’s. She knocked on his door, then entered.

  Jonathan had removed his shirt and pantaloons and stood in his smalls. “Oh, excuse me. I didn’t realize you were changing.”

  He smiled. “I’m always happy to see you. Come here. It’s been days since we’ve shared a real kiss.”

  Kathryn approached him, and he pulled her against him. He gave her a slow, hungry kiss that curled her toes. She ran her hand across his chest, burying her fingers in the silky hair. She loved running her fingers through it.

  He must have enjoyed it, since his smalls were tented. She found it titillating, rather than alarming as it probed her belly. She’d come a long way. Two weeks ago, she would never have found his erection arousing.

  He frowned. “Sorry; you cause this reaction all the time. I’m usually able to hide it. I hope it doesn’t frighten you. I was getting ready to apply ointment on my knee when you entered.”

  “I’m actually…flattered.” Overcome by her boldness, she cast her eyes downward. “If you sit in that chair, I will tend to your knee. It must be stiff after all the traveling.”

  Jonathan sat next to a table holding the jar of ointment. Kneeling before him, she massaged the salve into his skin. She could not help noticing the material of his smalls stretched tight across his thick shaft.

  Fascinated, she wanted to touch it, but she was far too shy. Once she finished tending his knee, he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her as she opened for him.

  He unbuttoned her gown, pulling it, along with her chemise, out of the way and feasted on her breasts. Pleasure broke over her, sending ripples of fire up her spine. Her breasts grew heavy and her nipples taut as he licked one with his tongue while he gently flicked the other with his thumb.

  Kathryn ran her hand over his smooth, muscular stomach, and his shaft swelled even further. He groaned. “We must stop, or I shall never have it under control for tea.”

  She giggled. “If you insist. I love your touch. I never imagined I could be this comfortable with what we do.” She stood and kissed him, then left the room.

  CHAPTER 24

  After tea, Jonathan went with Collingswood to his stables. While they looked at the prime horseflesh his brother-in-law owned, his new friend asked, “So, how’s it going with Kathryn? Have you worn her resistance down, or are you still taking cold baths?”

  Jonathan grinned, immensely pleased with the situation with his wife. “Things are progressing faster than I expected. While we haven’t made love yet, she has allowed a few liberties. I believe she should overcome her fears in the near future. If she would just fall in love with me, her passions would burn hot enough to defeat them. We had a situation with a maid, and I thought it would stir up bad memories and set us back for weeks, but she handled it well.”

  “What kind of situation?” he asked.

  “One of the chambermaids is increasing. She was raped by several young men from Bath. She was unable to give a description, other than to say they were gentry. I expected Kathryn to fall apart and withdraw into her shell, but she handled the entire episode with a calm demeanor.”

  Mathew cocked a brow. “You could not gather any information? I suppose it doesn’t matter anyway. Who would take the word of a maid over a member of the gentry?”

  “That’s why I didn’t press the issue. I talked to the girl’s parents, and at first, they wanted to throw her out. They’re very strict Wesleyans, you see. Then I told them I would support their daughter and her child, so they relented. So, tell me about these racing horses. Do you ever take them to Doncaster?”

  As they left the stables, Collingswood turned to him. “Sanderford owns Doncaster Stables, and he’s allowed me to breed a few of my mares with his Arabian stallion. I expect to have several births any day now. I’ve raced Jezebel and won. That was a nice purse; odds were ten to one. If I can have a few more runs like that, I would become a much wealthier man.”

  “I didn’t realize he owned Doncaster Stables. That’s one of the best breeding farms in England. I must talk to him about breeding my mares. Kathryn mentioned her brother used to detest you, but now you’re the best of friends. What changed?”

  He dug his boot in the dirt. “I told you I had a mistress. Sanderford blamed me for causing Helen so much grief, and I deserved it. Cecilia made my wife’s life miserable the first year of our marriage.”

  “At least you moved beyond it,” he replied. “I’m sure it was hard on Helen.”

  “It was my own stupid fault,” he retorted. “I should have broken it off with Cecilia before I went to London to search for a wife. That’s something I shall regret the rest of my life. Eventually, Sanderford forgave me when he realized how much I adore Helen.”

  He clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad he forgave you. I like Sanderford, but I will make sure I never get on his bad side. We’d better return to the house. Kathryn will wonder what is keeping us so long.”

  * * * *

  While the men went to the stables, Kathryn and Helen visited the children. They spent a pleasant hour in the nursery before going to her sister’s sitting room. As soon as they sat, Helen asked, “Your husband seems relaxed and happy, and so do you. Have you made love yet?”

  “We still haven’t, but I’m feeling much more comfortable with the idea.” She met her sister’s questioning gaze. “I have fallen in love with my husband.”

  Helen squeezed her hands. “That’s wonderful. I’m so pleased. I liked Jonathan from the very beginning, and you would never have married him if you did not love him. I have some news to share. I’m having another child. I’m two months along, so the babe is due in late June.”

  “Helen, how do you know you’re increasing? I’ve always wondered how a woman knows before she starts showing.”

  “If you have regular monthly courses, it’s fairly easy, because they stop,” Helen explained. “I have missed my second one in a row. I love my sons, but I hope I have a daughter this time.”

  “I hope you do too. I would love to have a babe. Thank you for sharing this. I’m hopeful I can overcome my fears. My greatest concern is that if Jonathan were to lie on me, it would bring forth images of my uncle and what he did.”

  “There are many positions one can use when making love. The man doesn’t always have to be on top.” Helen’s cheeks turned rosy. “In fact, oh…this is so embarrassing, but if it will help you…I umm…quite enjoy being on top. It gives me a sense of power, and I love it.”

  She giggled. “Helen…oh, my…I can’t even imagine. I’m glad we talked. I do find it embarrassing, but if it helps me, it will be worth a little embarrassment. Well, I need to go to my room and dress for dinner. Are you sure you’re fine with Elaine taking meals with us?”

  “Of course,” she assured her. “When I first married, Margaret, Matthew’s sister, was only sixteen, and she always ate with us. I believe once they’re fifteen they should eat with the family.”

  “Oh, good, Elaine is very excited.” Kathryn stood. “Her sixteenth birthday is on the twelfth. I’m hoping my husband will see her behaving admirably and will let her dine with us once we return home. He’s a trifle old-fashioned concerning some things.”

  Helen grinned. “Well, sixteen is an important birthday, so we must give her a small party.”

  “Oh, thank you ever so much,” she replied. “Elaine will be thrilled. If I’m going to be ready in time, I need to go to my room. See you at dinner.”

  Elaine was on her best behavior that night, and dinner was a jovial affair. After dinner, the ladies left the gentlemen to their port and cigars. Kathryn worried over that since Jonathan had problems with alcohol, but she must have faith in his ability to resist temptation.

  * * * *

  Once the ladies
left the room and the footman set the port on the table, his brother-in-law started to pour two glasses, but Jonathan held up his hand. “Ah, none for me, Collingswood.”

  “Jonathan, what do you drink?” he asked. “You do not drink brandy, and now you don’t drink port. I noticed you at dinner, and you barely touched the wine, and what you did drink, you watered down.”

  “I…do not handle spirits well.” Damn. Why am I so weak? “I still drink watered wine, but only with meals. I was allowing myself port, but on the trip here I overindulged, so I’ve decided I should not drink it either.”

  “Everyone overindulges at times,” he declared.

  “It all started with my injury,” Jonathan admitted. “I was in so much pain, I drank to find relief. Shortly before my brother passed, I was drinking whiskey every night, and I barely ate any food.” Then he told him what happened at the assembly. “So, at first, I thought if I just left whiskey alone, I would be fine, but then I overindulged on brandy, and now port. So, I dare not imbibe.”

  Collingswood had the footman take away the port and requested coffee. Once the footman returned, they enjoyed their cigars with the dark brew. “For the rest of your stay, I shall request coffee. You’re a strong man to recognize you have a problem and then do something about it. My younger brother has a drinking problem, so I respect anyone who can leave it alone.”

  A huge sense of relief swept through him. The man did not judge him for his weakness. “How old is your brother? Is he out of school?”

  “Gregory is one and twenty and in His Majesty’s Navy. He was sent down from school when he was eighteen. I haven’t seen him in two years, but he writes occasionally and seems to enjoy navy life. Before I bought his commission, he was drinking and carousing with his friends all the time. The worst part was the gambling. He even fought a duel because of it. Before my boys were born, I worried over what would happen if I died without an heir. I was ecstatic when Helen had the twins and greatly relieved, to say the least.”

  Hearing Collingswood talk about his brother had him contemplating his life, and how he had lived before he met Kathryn, and he was grateful for the changes he’d made. He still was not good enough for her, but he was determined to make his wife proud of her husband. “Your brother is still young, and you never know—he may have changed. Two years can make a big difference at that age. I’m sure our wives are wondering what we’re doing. Shall we join them?”

  After they joined the ladies, Helen wanted to go to the music room, and Jonathan played while Elaine sang. It was a pleasant evening. At ten, they retired to their beds.

  He was proud of his sister. She’d behaved prettily. While it was hard for him, he had to accept it—Elaine was on the cusp of womanhood. Thank God he would have Kathryn to help when she made her come-out.

  When Jonathan entered her room, Kathryn glanced at him, giving him a seductive smile. “I’m ready to take another step closer to intimacy. You must promise you will lie still and let me explore. When you lean over me, images of my uncle flash before my eyes, and that’s what frightens me. Will that be all right?”

  “Whatever you want.” Could this be the night I break through her barriers? Breathe; take it slow. “I’m yours. I shall lie beside you and place my arm around your shoulders. Is that acceptable?”

  “I would like that. It’s just when you lean over me too much that’s what scares me. I like it when you hold me.” Jonathan let her take the lead. She placed her lips on his, and he gently stroked her mouth with his tongue. He rubbed her back and stroked her shoulders. Kathryn trailed kisses from his collarbone to his chest and took his flat nipple into her mouth.

  Desire shot straight to his loins. She suckled while gently rolling the other nipple between her thumb and forefinger. She ran her hand over his taut stomach and toyed with the waistband of his smalls.

  His breathing became shallow, and he made a slight groan as she pulled the tab loose. Once they were untied, she pushed them out of the way. Her hands shook as she reached inside his smalls and gingerly touched his cock, but when she felt his wet tip, she pulled back.

  “That’s my seed. I promise it will not hurt you. If you want me to enjoy this, let me show you how I would like you to touch me.” He took her hand, guided it down his shaft and showed her how to stroke him.

  It took all his control to remain still.

  God’s teeth, it feels good.

  She fondled and touched for a long time, and then he gently removed her hand. “If you keep doing that, I will explode, and I do not want to frighten you. When a man becomes too excited, he releases his seed, and right now, I’m very close to that happening.”

  “Don’t you want that?” Curiosity glowed in her remarkable violet eyes. “Would you feel pleasure if that happens? I want to give you the same pleasure you have given me.”

  “If you’re sure, then keep rubbing me through my smalls.” Kathryn tentatively smiled at him and squeezed his shaft. It swelled and grew even harder as she continued to touch him.

  Lord, she’s killing me.

  She ran her hand up and down his shaft. She started moving it faster as she squeezed his cock. Unable to hold on any longer, his deep, keening sound echoed around them, and he fell against the pillows.

  “Did you feel pleasure, Jonathan?” she huskily asked.

  “Oh, yes,” he replied, “Now let me return the favor. Face me so I can touch you.”

  Kathryn laid still as he began to stroke her breasts. He kissed her deeply and soon their tongues were dueling. Her breath grew shallow, as his hands traveled down her body to the apex of her thighs.

  He slipped his hand between them and touched her special spot, stroking faster and faster. Then he watched her eyes close and she sighed as he sent her spinning over the edge into ecstasy. They lay there in each other’s arms as her breathing returned to normal.

  “Thank you, for trusting me. I love you, my darling, very much. You’ve brought so much joy into my life, and you have made me a better man.” He lifted her chin and gazed at her. “When I first met you, I wasn’t living, only existing. Now I’m a new man. I pray that someday soon you will trust me enough to throw off all your fears and truly be my wife, but you take as long as you need. I shall be waiting right here when you’re ready.”

  He gently kissed her temple and folded her in his arms. She was a precious jewel. He did not know what he’d done to deserve her, but he would treasure her for the rest of his days.

  * * * *

  The next day, Kathryn and Helen arrived at the Marquess and Marchioness of Ralston’s estate at four o’clock for tea. The butler showed them to the drawing room. As they entered, the marchioness rose. “It’s so good to see you, Helen. This must be your sister.”

  Helen smiled. “It is. May I present the Marchioness of Sutherland.”

  Cassandra beamed as she handed a cup of tea. “Welcome to my home, Lady Sutherland. And, congratulations on your nuptials.”

  Kathryn took a sip of her tea, then placed it on the table. “Thank you for inviting me, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Ralston. I appreciate the opportunity to paint your family portrait.”

  “Please, call me Cassandra. I’m sure we shall become good friends. I’m so pleased you’re able to do our portrait. We’ve talked of having it done for a while now, but we wanted the children to be a little older. Brian is now six, John is five, and Lucian is four. I hope you’re used to rambunctious little boys, because mine certainly are.”

  Kathryn smiled at Cassandra. “Oh, my, yes. I have eight nieces and nephews. I recently did a family portrait for the Earl and Countess of Shelton, and they have three children. Then I painted my husband’s brother and his wife before they died. My husband is guardian to their two children, so I’m very used to little ones and love to paint them.”

  “I was so sorry to hear of the marquess’s loss,” she replied. “Please accept my condolences. From what Helen told me, you were there when it happened. I’m sure you were a great help to
Lord Sutherland.”

  “I’m thankful I could be there for my husband.” Wanting to redirect the conversation, she said, “I met Lord Sutherland when I painted his portrait. I never planned to wed, but my husband can be very persuasive, and he’s very supportive of my art.”

  “I imagine that is very important to you.” She grinned. “I’m glad you enjoy children, because, as I said, mine are definitely a handful. Now, when can you start?”

  “I’m available immediately. I need to do preliminary sketches of each of you, which should take a week, depending on how many times we can meet,” Kathryn explained. “I like to observe the children at play while I sketch them. This keeps them from having to sit too long. I’ll want to do sketches of you and your husband separately, and then I will need to do a few of all of you in the setting we choose for the portrait.”

  “We’re more than willing to accommodate as many sittings as you need. My sons and I can be available every day, but my husband will not be available until next week. He had to travel to one of our other estates and returns Saturday.”

  “Then I shall do sketches of you and your sons now and do your husband’s next Monday. I should be ready to start painting by the following week. Did you have a room in your house you would like for the background?”

  Cassandra tapped her chin, clearly considering her choices. “Hmm, I do like our morning room. Would that work?”

  “I would like to see it, and meet your children today, if possible.” Then remembering she had not mentioned when she preferred to work, she added, “Oh, and I like to do my sketching in the morning, if possible.”

  Cassandra stood. “That will be best for my children. If you will follow me I shall take you to the morning room, then you may meet my children.”

  CHAPTER 25

  When Cassandra showed Kathryn the morning room, she could understand why she wanted to use it. The room was delightful, full of sunshine from the large bay window, and decorated in tranquil shades of blue with beige accents. “This is lovely. It will work perfectly for the portrait.”