The future looked bright indeed.
Three months later
“Nurse Lydia! Look at the sun I painted!”
Lydia took the proffered paper and admired it. “It is a brilliant sun, Sophia.” Sophia was one of the sweetest girls she had ever met. Only Sophia was not a girl, but a young lady of twenty-six. She handed the paper back to her. “You’ve taken your medicine? Feeling better?”
“Yes, I did. My tummy is better, thank you.”
Lydia patted Sophia’s shoulder and moved to the young boy sitting opposite. He was rocking slightly, but using wooden building blocks to build a fort. “I am going to feel your forehead, William, all right?”
He gave a quick nod, and Lydia laid the flat of her palm against it. “Not as hot as before. You are getting well.” He nodded again, and Lydia gave him a smile. About to move to the next table, one of the volunteers came to the door.
“Nurse Chesterton, there is someone here to see you.”
Her heat skipped a beat, then another. She had no sleep the night before, for today was September twentieth. He came. Harrison was here.
“Lord Tennington is waiting in your room.”
“Thank you.” She hurried past, practically running along the corridor. As she moved closer to her room, she slowed her pace. There he stood, looking out through the glass door. She nearly wept from the familiar sight of his broad shoulders.
He turned, and smiled. “Good afternoon, Lydia.”
How she yearned to embrace him. What stopped her? The absence of three months caused them to be tentative, not certain as to what to do or say next.
“Hello, Harrison,” she whispered.
“You look well. Rested. Content.”
“I am, thank you. And you are hale and hearty. Rested.” He’d put on a couple of healthy pounds. So had she. Neither of them looked as weary.
Harrison placed his gloves inside his hat and tossed them to the nearby table. “You’ve enjoyed your time here?”
“I have, very much.”
He took a couple of steps closer. “The plans for the clinic have steamed ahead. Thanks to my father and brothers, we’ve more contributors than we could have hoped for. We bought the building next door to expand the clinic. Renovations have already begun.”
“I am so pleased to hear it.”
“To abruptly change the subject, we’ve barely known each other a month before we parted.”
“That is true.”
“I feel as if I have known you far longer. All my life.” With a smile, he moved a little closer. “I love you, Lydia—with every part of heart and soul. These three months apart were absolute agony.”
“For me as well,” she replied softly.
“Think of the future we could have.”
“Future? As what?” she whispered.
“You would be my partner in all things. My equal. My lover, my friend.”
“A long-term affair?”
Harrison scoffed. “No, my dearest. As my wife. If you will have me.”
“Of course I will have you,” her voice tremulous. “For the rest of my life. What will I be?”
“A marchioness. Lady Tennington. Someday—I hope long into the future,—the Duchess of Gransford. But that is what society will see. To me you will be my entire world. Lydia Chesterton. You will always be your own woman. You will never lose your individual identity. Not to me or to anyone who counts. I would never expect you to be any less than you are. Equal partners, my love. My promise to you. Does entering this privileged but pompous world give you pause?”
Lydia had given it plenty of thought these past months, weighing the pros and cons. “I deserve to be happy, to love unconditionally. As do you, Harrison. No one, ever again, will make me doubt my worth. What does class and society matter, as long as we are together?”
“I want us to marry as soon as we can arrange it. If you agree. I said I would lay everything bare, and I have.” He opened his arms. “Tell me again that you feel the same. That you want to share our lives. I love you, with my whole heart.”
Tear welled in her eyes. Without hesitating, she rushed into his arms. She was home. It was where she felt safe, warm, and cherished. “I love you too. So much.”
Cupping her cheeks, he kissed her. A gentle nibbling of her lips, then it swiftly turned into searing passion. Lydia returned it, happily.
He pulled back a little. “And marriage? Our lives together?”
“I want it all, everything you said and more. Yes, I will marry you.”
He kissed her again. “I want you. Come away with me. We’ll get a room somewhere.” Then he gazed into her eyes. “Or we can wait. Your call, my love.”
Lydia stepped out of his embrace and strolled to the door. She held up a sign that said: Do Not Disturb. “See this? It’s used by staff to ensure quiet time. We can use it now. But we will have to be quick and quiet. You might as well know this about me, I can be bold.”
Harrison’s eyes narrowed, his look sleepily sensual. “I am counting on it.”
“How soon can we wed?”
Harrison smiled, patting his coat pocket. “There are times being part of the privileged class has its benefits. Perhaps my arrogance is showing, thinking you would agree to marry me.”
“But?” she asked hopefully.
“I’ve secured a special license on the outside chance…”
Laughing, Lydia ran to his arms. He held on tight and spun her around.
He kissed her, then said, “Whatever you want to do, Lydia, I will comply happily. Do you want to stay working here? It can be arranged. Do you want to assist me with the planning and running of the clinic? We can volunteer whenever we like. Hire whom we wish. We can do all this and raise a family besides. We can do anything we put our minds to. What do you think?”
Lydia brushed aside a lock of hair that fell over his eyes. “I would love to help you plan the clinic. I also want to keep my hand in here. We can plan visits to Gransford Manor and I can volunteer here as well.”
“Done. I have a country place by the sea, about thirty miles south of here near Eastbourne. A place, I believe, we will use for the marriage—if you agree. We can make it our country home. Close enough to keep a hand in, whatever we plan. I cannot wait to begin.”
“Our life?”
Harrison nuzzled her neck. “No, love. Our adventure.”
And three days later, at Eastbourne…
With the wedding guests departed, Harrison and Lydia found themselves alone at last. Turning the key in the door, Lydia turned to face her husband. “How long I have waited for us to be alone.”
“Have you, my lady?”
“Oh. My lady. I like that. Remember what I said about quick and quiet?”
A growl emitted from deep in his chest. “Quick I can do, at least at the start. We have the rest of the afternoon and the entire evening before us. Quiet? Absolutely not. This is our place; make as much noise as you wish, love.” Harrison pulled off his coat and tossed it aside. Then he unbuttoned his waistcoat and threw it over his shoulder. “We will not be emerging from these rooms for days.”
“I like the sound of that.” Lydia met Harrison in the middle of the room. Laying her hands flat against his chest, she reveled in the warmth of his hard body. Trailing her fingers across the pearl buttons of his shirt, she slowly pushed them through the holes. “I hate to bring up his name, but we must discuss it. Huntsford. I always made certain he was sheathed.”
“Good. Since you know my wicked reputation is mostly counterfeit, in the past five years I only visited my mistress every few months or so. The association ended before I met you. I’ve been with no one since. I also used sheaths. Do you wish me to use them here?” he murmured.
Lydia reached under her skirt and pushed down petticoats and drawers, kicking them aside. Giving Harrison a sensual smile, she gave him a gentle shove into the large leather chair and climbed into his lap, her knees resting on either side of his hips. She pulled up her skirt as sh
e kissed him. “Not at all. We wish to start a family, what better time than tonight?”
“What better time indeed? I will spend the rest of the autumn paying exclusive attention to you—and for the rest of our lives. We will do whatever you wish. Rides in the carriage. Dinner. Theater. We can stay here, travel to London, you only have to say the word.”
“Sounds wonderful.” She traced the fullness of his lips with the tip of her finger. Lydia ground against his arousal.
Harrison groaned.
“So, quick?” she teased.
“Bloody hell, yes,” he murmured seductively. “Believe me, I’m ready to shatter at your slightest touch, so quick will be no hardship.” He fumbled with the fall of his trousers, pulling out his stiff shaft. Reaching under her gown, she grasped it, squeezing firmly.
She wanted this. Wanted him. Her husband. Lydia was aroused as never before. Positioning herself, she lowered slowly, taking him deep.
Harrison threw his head back, the cords in his neck pulled taut. “Damnation. If only we could stay like this forever,” he moaned.
Lydia began to move, a rocking motion that was soon joined by Harrison sitting forward and thrusting upward in concert with her motion. They kissed, the pace quickening, both anxious to savor every sizzling sensation.
Oh. There. Perfect.
Her breath expelled in short bursts. Then the climax slammed her hard, and Harrison caught her cry of ecstasy with his mouth, kissing her deep. Moments later, he followed with a shuddering release of his own. They held each other close, quaking from their releases.
“It will only get better, if that were possible,” he murmured.
They embraced as their breathing regulated. He was growing stiff inside her. Harrison laid hot kisses along her low neckline. She was wearing the white lace gown he’d bought her months earlier.
“If I didn’t adore you in this gown so much, I would tear it from you,” he growled as he reached behind her to unlace and loosen the bodice.
Oh, yes. The thought thrilled her.
Pulling down the neckline, her breasts were exposed. Harrison laved his tongue around her hard nipples, sucking, caressing, and wringing cries of ecstasy from her. Slipping his hands under her rear, he stood, walking them toward the bed. Once he lowered her and her slippered toes touched the floor, he took his time undressing her. Then stood back to admire her. “Stunning. You are beautiful.”
Smiling and basking in his praise, Lydia did the same to Harrison. Slipping off his shirt. Removing his trousers, socks, shoes, and drawers. Oh. He was well put together. In every way. Their gazes locked, the yearning a living entity.
Once on the bed, Harrison pulled her close, as they had that night she’d curled up next to him for comforting warmth. His erection was not hard to miss. Rolling her hips, she rubbed her rear end against it, eliciting one of his husky groans.
Lacing his fingers through hers, he whispered, “Lay your leg across my hip.”
Lydia no sooner did as he asked when he entered her with a swift slide. “I love the feel of you inside me,” she moaned.
Harrison quickened the pace. “Good,” he rasped. “For I may never leave.”
They laughed, and loved, and did so for the rest of their lives.
Epilogue
August 1892
Ten years later
Since becoming the Duke of Gransford four months past, Harrison had much on which to reflect. The family still grieved the loss of his father, a formidable presence in all their lives, but they came together today to celebrate a happy occasion: the birth and baptism of his and Lydia’s third child, a girl that they named Myra Ann. This child was not expected, but welcome all the more because of it. She would have two protective older brothers to keep watch, Ashley, aged nine, and now the Marquess of Tennington, and Duncan, age seven.
The parlor was filled with happy voices. Harrison raised his glass in Sam Kenward’s direction. His good friend was here with his wife, Adelia Wollstonecraft and their daughter, Patricia, and young son, Aidan, named for Adelia’s father, the Earl of Carnstone. Sam was the managing director of the Hornsby Free Clinic, which now boasted four locations in greater London. Presently, they were looking to expand to smaller outlying districts, those in particular need.
Spencer stood nearby with Philomena and their daughter, Lorene. Tremain and Eliza were sitting with the dowager duchess, bravely holding up despite the loss of her beloved husband. Keeping his mother happily occupied were Tremain’s three children, Covina, Clarisse, and son, Hayden. Standing with Sam was Tremain and Eliza’s adopted son, Drew, on break from his medical studies at Cambridge. He’d informed Harrison that he wanted to work at one of the clinic for a few years. Harrison could not be more proud. As was the rest of the family.
The Hornsby family had grown this past decade. The Hornsby brothers chose life and love partners that could not be more removed from accepted society.
And they didn’t care a whit.
Let the gossips speculate, turn their noses up. Harrison could not imagine life without Lydia. His duchess. It would have been a hollow and lonely existence without her.
Spencer and Tremain would no doubt say the same about their loves.
Harrison placed his whiskey glass on the table and strode toward his wife, sitting on the settee, holding their infant daughter. She glowed with happiness. He loved her more each day. Harrison told her once he would tear down the sky for her.
Today? He would tear down the moon and stars as well.
Author’s Note
Cocaine was recognized by the British medical community in 1884 as an effective treatment as an anesthetic in surgery. It went on to be used in a number of ways including in the treatment of opium and morphine addiction. Since my story takes place in 1882, I took a little creative license regarding the wide availability at the time. Cocaine did not become an illegal substance in Britain until the Dangerous Drugs Act was passed in 1920.
The 7th Earl of Shaftsbury was a real figure, a prominent force in parliament who championed the poor. A philanthropist and social reformer, he had a hand in crafting many child labor and factory reforms as well as in education. He was known as the “poor man’s earl.”
The Wollstonecrafts mentioned in this story are fictional characters, and you can find their stories (that take place about thirty-eight years before this trilogy) at digital book retailers. The three book series is called the Men of Wollstonecraft Hall. Read a sneak peak of book one in the series in the pages ahead.
More Books by Karyn Gerrard
~Historical~
The Spinster and Mr. Glover (Book #1 Blind Cupid Series)
The Governess and the Beast (Book #2 Blind Cupid Series)
The Copper and the Madam (Book #3 Blind Cupid Series)
The Baron and the Mistress
Bold Seduction (Book #1 Hornsby Brothers Series)
The Vicar’s Frozen Heart (Book #2 Hornsby Brothers Series)
Marquess of Secrets (Book #3 Hornsby Brothers Series)
Beloved Monster (Book #1 The Ravenswood Chronicles)
Beloved Beast (Book #2 The Ravenswood Chronicles)
Marriage with a Proper Stranger (Book #1 Men of Wollstonecraft Hall Series)
Scandal with a Sinful Scot (Book #2 Men of Wollstonecraft Hall Series)
Love with a Notorious Rake (Book #3 Men of Wollstonecraft Hall Series)
Knight of Christmas
~Contemporary~
My Highlander Cover Model
Timeless Heart
That Christmas Feeling
Wild Pitch
He’s the Wicked Bad (Wicked Men of Rockland City #1) coming soon
Author Biography
Karyn Gerrard, born and raised in the Maritime Provinces of Eastern Canada, now makes her home in a small town in Northwestern Ontario. When she’s not cheering on the Red Sox or travelling in the summer with her teacher husband, she writes, reads romance, and drinks copious amounts of Earl Grey tea.
A multi-publi
shed author, she loves to write contemporaries and historicals. Tortured heroes are an absolute must.
As long as she can avoid being hit by a runaway moose in her wilderness paradise she assumes everything is golden. Karyn’s been happily married for a long time to her own hero. His encouragement and loving support keeps her moving forward.
To learn more about Karyn and her books: Visit: http://www.karyngerrard.com/
Also visit her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Bookbub.
Sign up for her newsletter HERE
“Looking for a swoon-worthy read? You can’t go wrong with the lovely and emotional romances from Karyn Gerrard.” ~Vanessa Kelly, USA Today Bestselling author
"Karyn Gerrard writes very enjoyable, richly textured historical romances." ~Kate Pearce, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author
Sneak Peek: Marriage with a Proper Stranger
(Book #1 Men of Wollstonecraft Hall)
Prologue
Wollstonecraft Hall, Kent
Autumn, 1831
Taking a stroll through a gloomy graveyard was the last thing thirteen-year-old Riordan wished to do on this dismal, overcast autumn day. But he and his twin brother, Aidan, followed dutifully behind their grandfather as he led them to the private area on the edge of the vast estate of Wollstonecraft Hall.
Ravens cawed loudly overhead as they swooped and circled above the rows of tombstones. Gnarled trees stood around the perimeter of the cemetery, as if guarding the dead. Riordan swore he could see screaming faces in the patterns of the bark. A breeze rustled the remaining leaves, creating an eerie sound, causing a chill to curl about Riordan’s spine. Aidan, however, was not affected by their gothic surroundings; he gave Riordan a shove, almost knocking him from his feet.
“Stop it,” Riordan whispered fiercely.
Aidan gave him a smug smile and shoved him again. It was tempting to wrestle his annoying brother to the ground, but he decided against it when their grandfather stopped before a polished marble tombstone. “It is time you lads learned of the curse.”
The Marquess of Secrets (The Hornsby Brothers Book 3) Page 16
