by Sarah Thorn
''My Lord, if I may say so, you are being foolish. You are in love with a beautiful woman. Would you let her go because of what society thinks of her? I can tell you what Miss Isabella thinks of you.''
''Yes, what does she think of me?'' he asked curiously.
Isabella didn't answer but walked away from him. She walked out of the hall and into the fresh air. She had just one hope: that the Duke would be so curious as to the answer, he would follow her.
The Duke didn't see Isabella leave the ballroom. She had woven her way between guests and he'd lost sight of her. He walked around frantically trying to find the lady in the red gown. After ten minutes Isabella had the blackest thoughts she had had since her mother had died. He hadn't followed her. He didn't really care to know what Isabella felt. Her dream was really over.
She took the path that circled the castle and began to walk the lonely route to a side door where she could slip inside unnoticed, and go to her room.
''Stop. Please stop.'' The Duke. Isabella didn't turn around. She listened to him trying to catch his breath.
''Dear Lady. Why did you run away from me?''
''I didn't run my Lord.''
''And?''
''And what, my Lord?''
''What does Isabella think of me?''
Isabella still with her back to him, turned around. She looked at him. She saw a desperation in his eyes. His hair was disheveled and there were beads of sweat on his forehead.
Slowly, she put her hand to her masque. She hesitated, but then drew in a long breath. She removed the masque.
The Duke gasped when he saw it was her.
''I want to tell you that Isabella loves you very much. More than is good for her. Her life is a daily chore of heartache and pain and will continue to be, unless you free her.''
He looked at her. A beautiful sensual woman, standing in front of him, in a red gown. The same dress he had wanted to rip from her lithe body on the dance floor.
He cleared his throat. ''Will you please relay to Miss Isabella that I love her very much. It pains me to know that she suffers at my hand and I will indeed free her from her misery forthwith. Would you please tell Miss Isabella that I will come and see her in her chamber, as soon as I am able to free myself from the drudgery of Miss Victoria.''
''Yes. my Lord, I will ask Isabella to wait for you.''
****
Isabella had the longest, most nerve racking wait of her life. More than two hours passed. She sat in the same chair and stared at the door, the whole time. Her thoughts rolled between moments of thorough ecstasy and deep depression. He had declared his love for her just moments ago, but where was he? Why was he taking so long? Had he changed his mind?
Then, there was a knock at the door.
Isabella jumped up and threw it open. She watched as he stepped towards her. ''I am sorry I have been so long. That awful woman wouldn't take no for an answer.''
''Well, my Lord, I am pleased you are here now.''
''You will have to stop calling me, my Lord.” The Duke placed his hands on Isabella’s shoulders. “Isabella, I love you and I have loved you from the minute I saw you.''
''Then why didn't you come to me? You could have saved us so much misery.''
''I was torn between two worlds. I was worried what society would think. Now I realize that was a big mistake.''
He reached for her and pulled her to him. He bent to her and kissed her passionately. Isabella almost fainted. It was what she had wanted for so long. In one movement he had taken her to another happier place.
As they kissed she could feel his desire pushing against her. His hands reached behind her and started to unfasten the buttons of her gown. One by one he snapped them open. Isabella wanted him and now she wasn't going to be shy anymore. He gasped as she felt for his bulge and found it. She felt him and found his balls, then the line of his shaft. She felt him shiver when she traced the full length of him and let her finger rest at his tip.
He put his hands inside her décolleté and pushed the gown from her shoulders, down past her thighs and onto the floor. He stroked her back with his strong hands. It made her thrust her pelvis against him.
He was insatiable now. He dropped to his knees and pulled down her underwear. Without stopping to admire her sex, he thrust his tongue between her legs and raked it over her soft lips. Isabella gasped, pulled his hair and opened her legs wider. His tongue made strong movements over the whole of her wetness, and she moaned with each movement of it. Her desire for him was so strong, it took every ounce of air out of her body and made her feel like a woman. She felt her legs beginning to shake and was grateful when he stood up and gathered her in his arms.
He put her gently down onto the bed and pulled her underwear from her. When he stared at her, she wasn't shy, she was proud of her body and the effect it was having on him. He bent down, pushed her legs apart and put his mouth to her pussy again. Again his tongue began its onslaught. He licked every inch of her folds and then latched onto her clitoris. Her belly heaved as she felt her first orgasm coming. She screamed, squeezed her legs against his head and came over his mouth. He gratefully lapped her juices while her back fell to the bed again and her breathing returned to normality.
He stood up and smiled at her as he undressed. When he took off his shirt, Isabella looked at the hard muscles on his chest and stomach. His biceps bulged as he moved his arms down to his trousers and began to open them. Isabella wasn't content to just lie and watch him. He was amazed when she sat up and pushed his hands away. She wanted to unpack and discover him herself. She hungrily opened each button, reached inside and grasped his hard shaft. He threw his head back as her delicate hand stroked his tip. Now she wanted to see him as well as feel him. Her fingers hooked into the material and pulled it down. His trousers came with her hands and she gasped as his penis sprang up in front of her face. She took hold of him and looked him in the eyes as she stroked it. When she looked at his cock again she could see droplets of his excitement glistening at her.
Keeping hold of his shaft she leaned back and pulled him down on top of her. He slid his trousers down to his ankles and kicked them of. With her hand, she guided him carefully to her vagina and urged him to enter her. When he did, he did so with one hard thrust. It made her gasp as she had never done before.
Being filled by him was all she had wanted for as long as she cared to remember. Now he was finally inside her. She held onto him as her made love to her. Each time he thrust into her, he rubbed against her clitoris and, before long, she felt another orgasm rising up in her. She put her hands onto his hard buttocks and pulled him into her. Then she began to push her pelvis to meet his shaft, as it parted her. When her orgasm came, Isabella bit into his shoulder, drawing blood. He ignored it and thrust faster. Again Isabella felt another wave rising and crashing onto her. She was a wreck now, shaking, open and used.
As he fucked her, she heard him beginning to grunt with the effort. When she wrapped her legs around him and whispered, ''I love you,'' he cried her name and came. Isabella felt his hot seed coating her insides and she was sure life could never get any better.
As they lay in each other’s arms, the Duke said,'' Wait a minute, I have something for you.'' He got out of bed, walked to his jacket and pulled out an envelope. He jumped back into bed, took her in his arms and gave it to her.
''What is it?'' she asked.
''Open it.''
Isabella had never seen three thousand pounds before.
****
THE END
REGENCY Romance - Rescued From a Rake
Alice Ashmeer and her friends, Georgina and Sophia, were sitting on the terrace at the rear of Stanley Manor, a large house belonging to Lord Ashmeer. The house had extensive grounds and included a lake that Lord Ashmeer used infrequently for fishing.
''It's such a lovely day. Do you think we dare go for a swim?'' Alice asked her two closest friends.
''It really is the most tediously hot day. What do you say,
Georgina?'' asked Sophia.
''Yes, lets. It was so much fun when we swam last year. The lake was so cool and there's never anybody around to see us. Come on, let's be daring,'' Georgina said.
''How long has your family owned Stanley Manor?'' Georgina asked Alice as they walked over the lawn towards the lake.
''About two hundred years,'' Alice replied. ''My father hates the place. He says it costs far too much to maintain.''
''But your father is the richest man in the county. Surely a few pounds for maintenance is of no consequence to him?'' Sophia butted in.
''He is indeed rich beyond belief, but he is what people in this part of England call, tight. He keeps his fingers firmly on his money,'' Alice said.
''Yes, that's how people get rich, by not spending anything. My father is rich but not nearly as rich as your father is. In fact, in comparison, I would say we are really rather poor,'' Sophia complained.
The other two laughed at Sophia. They both knew her father was rich enough to own a three thousand hectare estate.
''I do so like your dress, Alice. You look prettier than ever in pink. Your father may be the richest man in the county, but my dear, you are the most beautiful woman in the county. You could have any man you want,'' Georgina said.
''Nonsense. You two are more beautiful,'' said Alice.
When they reached the lake, they walked along the shore and stopped at a wooded area.
''I do hope nobody sees us. It really isn't lady like to swim,” Sophia said.
''Well, I don't care. I'm going in naked this time,'' Georgina announced.
''But you can't, what if somebody sees you?'' Sophia asked, horrified at the idea.
''There is nobody here. And so what if somebody sees me. I'm just a woman, not a monster.''
''Then let's all swim without clothes. It'll be so daring and so much fun. Swimming in undergarments is so heavy. Last year, I was almost pulled to the bottom,'' Alice concluded.
Alice and Georgina went behind a tree and began to take off their clothes. Sophia looked around nervously, sure someone would see them. When Alice emerged, she walked to the water’s edge and tip-toed into to the refreshing water.
Sophia looked at her and was instantly envious of Alice's body. Her legs were long and slender, her buttocks small and soft and her breasts perfectly formed. Sophia would have swapped her red hair and blue eyes for Alice's blonde curls and emerald green eyes, in an instant.
Sophia turned to see where Georgina was. When she saw her, she was surprised by the size of her breasts. Sophia, Alice and Georgina were neighbors in the high society life of Northampton, and they had grown up together. But they hadn't seen each other naked for many years. Every time they swam, they had worn some sort of garment.
''Georgina, you are a very wholesome woman,'' Sophia said. Georgina smiled and ran into the water. Sophia hung around at the water’s edge as Alice and Georgina walked out into the water. When the water reached their thighs, they both dived and swam off into the middle of the lake.
''Look at her. She is too afraid to take off her clothes,'' Georgina said as she and Alice trod water.
''I really don't know why. She has a stunning figure,'' Alice said. ''Sophia, come on. The water's lovely,'' she shouted.
Eventually Sophia disappeared behind a tree and emerged with her arms folded across her breasts. She skipped into the water as fast as she could, and as soon as it was deep enough, submerged her body from sight. When she reached the others she was quite out of breath.
''It's very cold, indeed,'' she said gasping.
The other two looked at each other and rolled their eyes in a display of irony. They continued their conversation, still treading water in the middle of the lake.
“What would you do now, if a man came along and took our clothes?'' Alice asked.
''Oh, that thought is too horrible to contemplate,'' Sophia said.
''I would chase him,'' Georgina said.
''But there would be a horrible scandal. You can't run around naked,'' Sophia observed.
''It would be a very difficult situation wouldn't it. Although it isn't very far back to the house. I think we would have to tear a branch full of leaves from a tree and walk behind until we got close enough to run inside and get some clothes,'' Alice ventured.
''As we are talking about daring activities, I have a suggestion. When we were on the terrace a few minutes ago, I told Alice she was beautiful, and she told you and I, Sophia, that we were more beautiful. Let's find out who is the most beautiful,'' Georgina said.
Sophia looked puzzled. '' But how do you want to do that?''
Georgina explained. ''There is a ball next week at the Ferguson's. Let's see which of us can fill our dance cards the fastest. The first one to get it filled, we will call the most beautiful of us, and there will be no more dispute.''
''Georgina you are an absolute genius. What fun it will be,'' Alice said as she let herself sink under the water.
The man watching from the far bank wasn't interested in stealing their clothes, but he was interested in seeing them leave the water.
*****
''You have such soft hair, Miss Alice,'' the lady's maid said, as she poured a jug of warm water over her. Eleanor was a plump lady in her sixties. She had long gray hair tied in a bun. It made her look strict, but she was in fact, the friendliest soul imaginable. Alice's mother had chosen her to be Alice's ladies maid because she had years of experience. She trusted Eleanor to temper her daughter’s youthful urges in choice of clothing.
''And you are the kindest maid I could ever have wished for,'' Alice replied. ''How long have you been at Stanley Hall, Eleanor?''
''Oh, a lot of years, Miss. Let me see, you were born, twenty two years ago and I was here many years before that. I'm afraid to say I can remember Stanley Hall when your grandfather was alive.''
''So you must have been a lady's maid to my grandmother.''
''Yes, I was. I was very young and quite frightened of your grandmother. Your mother brought her own lady's maid when she married your father, and, after your poor grandmother died, I became a house maid. That is, until you came of age. I was so pleased your mother asked me to be your maid. You are turning into the most beautiful young lady in England.''
''Eleanor, you are very good at exaggerating, I must say. On the subject of beauty, I have a bet with Miss Georgina and Miss Sophia, this evening. We are going to see who can fill their dance cards the fastest. Who does, will become the undisputed beauty among us.''
''That sound like great fun, Miss. I am sure you will win. You are so much more beautiful than they are. Now let's get you out of the bath and into a gown fit for a Queen.''
Eleanor held out an enormous towel and wrapped Alice in it as she stepped out of the water. ''Which gown do you want to wear this evening, Miss?''
''It is awful, but I can't decide. I suppose if I showed a little décolleté, I may have more of a chance of winning our little competition, but, on the other hand, I don't want to appear too vulgar.''
''How about this one?'' Eleanor said, holding up a white gown with hundreds of roses embroidered into it. ''It's a lovely color for a fresh young lady and I think it is daring enough, without being overly so.''
''Excellent choice, thank you.''
After Alice dressed, Eleanor stood back and looked at her. ''I am proud of you, Miss Alice. You are tall and blonde and your features are finer than any porcelain money can buy. You have a lovely figure and enough bust to attract any gentleman's roving eye. You are a credit to your mother and father. Whoever marries you, will be the luckiest man in the world.''
''Alice, are you ready yet? Why does it always take an eternity for you ladies to get ready?'' Lord Ashmeer asked his daughter.
''Because, father, we are gentle creatures that need nurturing, like flowers. You do want us to look our best don't you?''
''I suppose so, now where on earth is your mother? This eternal waiting is becoming quite intolerable.''
'
'Father, why are you so impatient. What's the matter?'' Alice asked.
''I want to get the best seat at the card table. If she doesn't hurry up, I will be doomed to sit next to the door and have to listen to all that ridiculous music.''
''That ridiculous music, father, is modern. All young people like it.''
''Well, to me it's just a blessed din. Ah, here she is. Finally, woman, please do hurry yourself,'' he barked at his wife.
''Jeremy are you talking to me? If so then kindly do not refer to me as 'woman'. Women work in factories. I am a lady and don't you forget it.''
Lord Ashmeer felt himself suitably chastised and they left for the ball.
*****
As soon as the Ashmeers arrived, Georgina came running up to Alice. ''I already have two dances in my card, only another six and you'll have to call me beautiful all your life,'' she said.
''What are you girls up to, whispering like that,'' Lady Ashmeer inquired.
''Nothing, mother, just a little friendly rivalry.''
''Well make sure you behave with a little decorum, we have a reputation to keep. Now please excuse me, I want to speak to Lady Hanley.''
''So, please tell me, who you have on your card?'' Alice asked.
''Now that would be telling,'' Georgina said secretively.
Alice looked at Georgina. She wasn't as tall as Alice and she was dark. Her brown eyes often looked sad. Georgina had lost her mother in a dreadful riding accident and she had never really recovered from the loss. Her father was heartbroken, and almost never left the house. But Georgina was plucky, and Alice always enjoyed her practical jokes immensely. Georgina was also sought after by a number of extremely rich suitors, none of who appealed to her.
''Here's Sophia, let's see how she is faring?'' Georgina said.
''And how many of the dashing gentlemen have you managed to snare so far this evening?'' Georgina asked. Sophia had red hair and pale skin and was probably the least attractive of the three. Nonetheless, she wasn't plain and could quite easily hold her own in the evening’s competition.
''Three, so far,'' Sophia replied enthusiastically
