Stavewood (Stavewood Saga Book 1)

by Kinslow, Nanette

  As they stepped out into the street, he turned her to him, overcome with questions and looked into her eyes.

  “How did you know that he had your ring? It’s perfect, Rebecca. I would have chosen it for you myself had I not thought you’d prefer something much larger.”

  “I don’t know, maybe it was what you said about Stavewood and the window cracking. It just seemed that it was meant to be.”

  He stared into her deep green eyes and agreed that it indeed was meant to be.

  “Timothy and Rebecca! What a stunning pair you make!”

  They looked up to see the elderly couple Rebecca had met at Timothy’s party, and were a bit flustered at having been caught in their public display of affection.

  “How wonderful to see you both!” Rebecca took the woman’s hand and smiled sweetly at the gentleman. “I must admit my shame. I met you both at the party and was so rude to have never gotten your names. Please forgive me!”

  The woman was strikingly attractive, and smartly dressed, her silvering hair upswept into a stylish hat. The gentleman was nearly as tall as Timothy, with a rugged and stately manner.

  The couple laughed, admitting that they had never been properly introduced, and the gentleman turned to Timothy, instructing him to do so now.

  “Rebecca Fagan, may I introduce Phillip and Isabel Elgerson, my parents.” Timothy bowed as Rebecca gasped loudly.

  “Oh, heavens! Please forgive me, I had no idea!” Rebecca was obviously flustered and thrilled.

  “Rebecca and I are to be married,” Timothy announced.

  “So we heard, so nice of you to have told us,” his mother scolded.

  “Today,” he continued.

  “Today?” The Elgersons looked at each other and smiled at the surprise.

  “We’ll be having a ceremony in the future, but today we are eloping. Is that what you called it, Rebecca?” Timothy turned to her and smiled broadly.

  “Oh, please come with us!” Rebecca pleaded, her intentions genuine.

  “Is it traditional, dear, to have the groom’s family present when one elopes, Isabel?” Timothy’s father turned to his wife.

  “Since when has Timothy, or you for that matter, ever done anything traditionally?”

  Rebecca laughed with delight, her wedding day becoming more perfect.

  “You have, of course, bought this dear girl a ring, Timothy?” Isabel asked.

  “The most astonishing ring, as a matter of fact!” Timothy boasted.

  “Then I believe we ought to wait to eat, Isabel, and attend our son’s wedding first!” Phillip announced, as Rebecca and Isabel whispered in appreciation over the emerald ring. He gathered Isabel’s hand, placing it in the crook of his arm.

  The woman pulled her husband aside and they slipped into a florist’s briefly, reappearing excitedly with a large bouquet of white flowers.

  In the private office of the magistrate, Rebecca repeated her vows in a sweet clear voice as Timothy smiled and looked into her eyes. She studied his firm, strong face and contemplated his resolute, muscular jaw line as he watched her solemnly. She hesitated, looking away once, for a moment, his want-ad appearing in her mind. She marveled at how many places she had been and all that she had been through to be where she was standing right now.

  Isabel Elgerson smiled at her with quiet understanding as Rebecca looked back to Timothy and continued, “I do.”

  Timothy Elgerson stated his vows, unwavering as he gazed into her clear emerald eyes, her beautiful face flawless with serious composure. He knew that every moment of his life he had looked for her loving gaze and he swallowed hard before responding in his deep resounding voice, “I do.”

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  The elegant dining room was warm with candlelight and the hearty congratulations of friends and acquaintances, as a steady stream of patrons recognized the couples and stopped by their table to say hello.

  “Timothy, you really should consider the cottage!” Isabel exclaimed as she and Phillip treated their son and his new bride to a lavish dinner.

  “She just spent months redecorating the place, Tim. I have to say myself that it would make a rather nice place to honeymoon,” Phillip admitted.

  “I suppose I should let my wife decide.” Timothy smiled broadly to Rebecca. “I had hoped to be back at Stavewood tonight, but at this hour we may be staying in town as it is. What do you think, Rebecca?”

  “Oh, please do!” Isabel urged. “You’ll have all the privacy you please,” she smiled knowingly at her son. “It’s so cozy and since we have had no chance to get to know you we could spend some time together.”

  “Mother, it seems to me that, if you want us there so that you can get to know Rebecca better, there won’t be much privacy at all.” Timothy sipped his wine, raising an eyebrow towards his father.

  “That is so kind of you. I don’t know what to say.” Rebecca looked at the friendly faces surrounding the table. She felt warm and relaxed and sat studying her wedding ring thoughtfully. The wine was leaving her with a deep glowing feeling and she didn’t really want to make a decision in either direction.

  “You’ll have plenty of time at Stavewood once the snow flies,” Isabel continued her persuasion. “Bring her, Timothy. We would enjoy it so much!”

  Timothy looked concerned. “There are other things we have to consider, Mother. Rebecca ran into some problems on her journey and I have some men watching Stavewood, there is a situation I think you should be aware of.”

  Phillip removed his napkin from his lap and placed it on the table.

  “We heard some things, Tim,” he studied his son’s face seriously. “I can assure you that if you are in any way concerned, I can put a few of the men around the cottage during your visit. We’ll be right there at the main house ourselves should either of you need anything. You know our place is not nearly as isolated as Stavewood. It might be safer in fact.”

  “Rebecca,” Timothy turned to his bride, watching her eyes. “I think it might be a better idea than staying in town tonight. And, since Mother seems so determined, how would you feel about staying at the cottage for a night or two, then we’ll go home?”

  “It might be fun,” Rebecca smiled. She was unsure how disappointed Timothy might be over not returning to Stavewood. She knew she was a bit disappointed herself.

  “Then it’s decided!” Isabel exclaimed.

  Timothy gathered her beside him in the furs, as the carriage turned towards his childhood home, and Rebecca giggled.

  “What has you so amused, Mrs. Elgerson?” He watched her face, her cheeks flushed and rosy.

  “I’m not sure. The wine perhaps?” Rebecca giggled again.

  “Ah!” Timothy smiled. “Well then, my dear, I can hardly wait until we reach our destination.”

  “And why would that be?” Rebecca snuggled into his sturdy chest.

  “Because, Rebecca, if you are drunk it will be easier to have my way with you.” Timothy felt the excitement of his approaching honeymoon as his beautiful bride’s delicate hand slid provocatively along his thigh.

  “How far a ride is it?” she asked teasingly.

  “A fair ride, I expect. Why do you ask?” he examined her face suspiciously as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  Rebecca kissed him passionately and Timothy displayed no resistance as she slipped her slender hand inside of his jacket, stroking his chest boldly through his shirt.

  She began unbuttoning him slowly as he reached to secure the curtains in the enclosed carriage.

  He found her kisses along his chest maddening, and, as she placed her hand unashamedly over the hard ridge against his thigh, Rebecca felt him stiffen from her touch. Having never approached a man so shamelessly, she hesitated for a moment, before moving her fingers slowly and firmly along him and it was clear he was not offended by her boldness.

  He turned her to face him as his excitement built and Rebecca’s desire for him matched his own. He unfastened her bodice, fondling her warm brea
sts above her corset, his touch sending spasms of excitement through her.

  Rebecca, unbridled in her curiosity, slid her slender leg across his thigh, straddled his knees, and unbuttoned his trousers. As he pulled her towards him in his desire, she placed a gentle hand against his chest, holding him in check. She found that part of him that she wanted to know more intimately and grasped him firmly. He swallowed hard, watching her face, fighting to concentrate, the warmth of her hand consuming him with desire.

  Rebecca gasped softly in surprise as she felt his stiff firmness in her hand, more exciting than she ever imagined and explored the length of him with her fingertips.

  “Rebecca,” he groaned.

  “Do you mind?” she asked softly. “I just wondered.”

  He watched her face, fighting for control and swallowed hard.

  “What do you want to know?” His breathing was hoarse and labored.

  “What you feel like,” she panted softly.

  “And?” He closed his eyes and moaned deeply.

  “Very nice,” she whispered slowly and her grip tightened.

  He pulled her to him, kissing her fiercely. Her touch was unbearably seductive.

  He placed his fingertips on her hand, his self-control becoming impossible. His breathing halted. Rebecca slipped brazenly from her lacy bloomers and sat across his lap.

  He lifted her onto him and she arched her back in sudden ecstasy and moaned, her head tilting back and her lips parting in a soft moan of pleasure. Captured in her passion, she looked into his eyes, fierce with desire for him, and he surrendered in release to her unmistakable sensuality.

  “I ought to give you wine more often, Madam,” he sighed and gazed into her eyes, consumed with love for her.

  Suddenly, a bit embarrassed at her boldness, she blushed and buttoned her bodice carefully.

  “You’re blushing, Rebecca. Why?”

  “I was overcome, I suppose,” she whispered. “I just wondered what it would be like to touch you. I never have, and I was curious.”

  “Rebecca,” he lifted her chin with is finger gently, looking into her eyes. “You are my wife. I would hope you would do anything you’d like. Don’t be afraid, Rebecca. There is nothing you could ever do in our lovemaking that you should ever be embarrassed about. I certainly am not.” He smiled devilishly. “As far as I’m concerned, you are welcome to be curious like that any time you like.”

  The young bride blushed again, and Timothy chuckled.

  “I’m not sure exactly how far we are from my family home, but I guarantee that if we arrive in such a state you may have much more to blush about.”

  He set Rebecca on the seat beside him. He gathered himself, watching her beside him trying to dress, flustered and self-conscious, and Timothy shook his head.

  “I think in the future there might be a few more things you could be curious about.”

  She scowled at him, smiling, and smoothed her skirt carefully.

  He studied her flustered face, wondering what kind of a marriage she must have had to be so anxious about her natural curiosity.

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  Rebecca stood before the cottage as Isabel had requested before running inside to light the lamps. The leaded windows began to fill with a warm glow and Rebecca felt enchanted.

  The tiny, Victorian home was painted a soft yellow and adorned with a pure white gingerbread trim, featuring steep angled roofs and a large oval window in the front door.

  “It looks like a fairy tale!” she observed aloud.

  “Wait until you see what she has done inside.” Phillip laughed and rolled his eyes. “I swear the woman feels denied at never having had daughters and always wanted dollhouses all about the place! She actually comes out here by herself and has tea.”

  “Tonight it is a honeymoon cottage!” Isabel announced as she returned to the porch.

  Phillip checked inside the coach, and then turned to his son as Timothy released the driver to return to Stavewood. “Tim, didn’t you and Rebecca bring any luggage at all?”

  “Rebecca and I had not planned to stay the night in Billington, Dad. We never packed any luggage.” He draped a soft fur around Rebecca’s shoulders.

  “I have the perfect thing at the house for you, Rebecca!” Isabel exclaimed. “And I’m sure Phillip has something Timothy can use for the night.”

  “You don’t need to bother tonight, Mother.”

  “Nonsense! How often is there a new bride staying at my honeymoon cottage? Both of you ride up to the house and we’ll set you up for the night while the place warms up and you can come back here straight away. You’re worse than your father in your lack of patience!” Isabel smiled at Rebecca, as she turned away fearing she might blush.

  Timothy sighed and then helped Rebecca into the family coach and they reached the main house quickly.

  Isabel led Rebecca through the grand home, solidly built and elegant in its modern straight lines.

  “This is very different from the cottage,” Rebecca mused, as she examined the portraits lining the upstairs hall.

  “That’s why I wanted the cottage built. I love this home, but I always longed for some ruffles and lace and they never seemed to fit into this household. Timothy’s father built the house during our engagement, and, although I love its solid elegance, I wanted a home of a different type as well.

  “I always hoped one of the boys would have a family and the grandmother lurking inside of me wanted a cottage perfect for reading fairy tales.” Isabel watched Rebecca’s face, looking for her reaction. She led the girl into a massive bedroom with soaring ceilings and substantial, carved furniture.

  “This is like a cathedral!” Rebecca whispered in awe.

  “The Elgerson men do not hold back when they build,” Isabel shook her head, a fond smile on her lips.

  “Enough of my babbling. There’s plenty of time to talk about families. I doubt my son’s patience will hold out long.”

  Isabel sorted through a large armoire, finally emerging with a carefully bundled parcel.

  “I wore this on my honeymoon. Perhaps you would like it for yourself.”

  Rebecca unfolded the wrapping carefully, uncovering a delicate negligée, a trail of tiny embroidered flowers flowing the length of the gown. She looked at Isabel speechless and tears glistened in her eyes.

  “I expect it might be a bit large for your petite size, Rebecca, but, if Timothy is anything like his dear father, I expect he won’t notice,” Isabel smiled wistfully. “This is your wedding night and you should feel more beautiful than any night in your life. The night I married Phillip I felt like a vision in this.”

  Isabel took Rebecca’s hand gently, and looked into her eyes. She held the girl warmly as she cried.

  “Thank you,” Rebecca whispered softly. “This is all like a dream I fear I will wake from. I am so in love with your son.”

  Taking the girl by the shoulders, the older woman looked seriously into her face.

  “Rebecca, you are my daughter now. I have never seen Timothy so happy, so comfortable with anyone. He is my only living child and the pleasure you have put on his face says to me that you are something very special. I wish you all the happiness in the world, and I hope you will always look at Phillip and me as family.”

  Timothy stopped in the doorway, listening quietly, having grown impatient waiting for the women to return.

  “Timothy!” Isabel caught him as he listened. “I see you have not given up your talent for spying! You look out for him, Rebecca. He has an unerring talent for watching you when you have no idea that he’s there!”

  “I know!” Rebecca giggled.

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Rebecca dressed unhurriedly, brushing her hair to a soft shine, leaving it loose, and lowered the delicate gown carefully over her head. The gossamer fabric fell against her slender body and she smiled with satisfaction. Rebecca did indeed feel more beautiful than she ever had in her life.

  She set her brush down and sigh
ed deeply, before leaving the bath.

  Timothy paced the room impatiently, oddly nervous as he waited for her to emerge.

  The light from the open doorway silhouetted her perfect figure as she stood demurely and met his appreciative gaze.

  He lifted her easily and carried her slowly, lowering her softly onto the ruffled bed.

  “Rebecca,” he whispered. “You are absolutely the most breathtakingly beautiful woman I have ever seen in all of my life.”

  “And I am entirely yours,” she whispered, kissing him softly.

  His kisses inflamed her and he made love to her with gentle passion. Rebecca felt more complete than she ever imagined possible.

  She lay beside him in the warmth of his love and the aftermath of their perfect union. She listened with complete contentment to the strong beat of his heart.

  He lifted himself to face her, his soft brown eyes searching her own, his handsome face tanned and rugged.

  “Are you happy, Rebecca?” he whispered.

  “Blissfully,” she replied softly.

  He pulled her to him, and tucked the warm, down coverlet around her and she drifted off, certain that she now believed in fairy tales.

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  Two weeks flew past them in a flash, filled with delightful visits to Timothy’s family home and perfect nights when they slipped ecstatically away in each other’s arms. Timothy shopped with her and they dined in all of Billington’s finest restaurants. Rebecca felt as if she were living a dream, and, as much as she missed Stavewood and everyone there, she regretted that the honeymoon would eventually have to come to an end.

  “We’ll go back tomorrow,” Timothy agreed, as they lounged over brunch in the sunny breakfast room of the cottage.

  “I miss Mark and Stavewood,” she admitted, rising from her chair to kiss the man on the cheek. She felt a stab in her side, and winced.

  “Is something wrong? Would you rather not go home?” Timothy watched her with concern.