“So you think,” he whispered in her ear, “if you could read my mind, you’d know my thoughts are not those of a gentleman. In that dress, I would venture the comment that you are blooming all over.”
She whispered against his face, “Curious word you’ve chosen.”
“Let’s just say it enhances your abundance.” He curled his lips in a jovial smirk.
“There are times when you should forsake gentlemanly pursuits.” As she moved back a step again, Jaclyn took his hand and placed it on her throat. The tenderness with which she kissed his face unraveled him.
The square neckline of her dress allowed him to kiss the hollow at the base of her throat. He seared a path of kisses with the utmost of pleasure to her generous breasts. He slipped his hand inside the bodice. The touch of his fingers on her nipples caused the rosy peaks to harden. First one, then the other. His hand roamed as she writhed against him.
The sound of her moan spurred him to dizzying heights. But when she purred, “Oh, I like when you do this,” he came undone.
With his arms around her, he explored the soft lines of her waist, her hips, and clutched her buttocks to his arousal. Wolferton molded his body to her soft contours. He groaned in torment at the intensity of the desire within.
“You’ll be the death of me yet.” He pulled her into the shadow of the large saplings so busybodies would not witness the sight of them. His kiss, now urgent and passionate, invited her eager response. As Wolferton aroused her desire, his ardor increased. Her kiss sang through his veins. He burned for her and waited for her breath to slow. His tongue found its way to her mouth. Anxious hands slipped down the sleeves of her dress to her breasts. Her nipples pert, proud, and rosy colored in their tautness. Trembling fingers moved magically over the soft, full mounds. Eyes closed, he traced his hands to her stomach and memorized the path. For a moment, he considered taking her then and there.
But something inside overrode the intense longing. Jaclyn was not a woman to seduce in such an ill-conceived manner. Wolferton had promised her father to protect her. No, this wasn’t the honorable thing to do. Tomorrow he’d have to face the consequences for he knew better.
Not that he would mind a marriage with her, but there was a difference between love and lust. He wanted hours and hours of enjoyment together in all the small things that a committed couple did to each other. Mostly, he wanted to introduce her to the world of ecstasy every day and night without the feeling of guilt.
“No,” he said with a growl and pulled away.
“Why?” she asked in a voice soft as a siren’s lure.
“I must go. Love and passion are not a child’s game to play. You think you can twist me around your little finger because you’re bored and there’s no one else to play with you? Do you think me an idiot?” He growled at her and she stepped back, suddenly her expression displayed hurt, shocked by his rebuke. She cast her gaze away from him, stepped back farther. He stood between her and the exit.
“There’ll be no picnic. No horse ride. No chicanery. I will stand by the door until you’re presentable. Your behavior as a harlot does you no merit. Jaclyn, it would be appreciated if you’d honor my request.” He waited. “Or must I explain the definition of honor to you?”
Jaclyn hiked up her bodice, her lips in a quiver. A hand went to her disheveled hair. “You hide behind honor, but you can shove it up the proper aperture. The only person you deceive is yourself. You accuse me of playing games while you play the most devious of all. Look at me. I’m half naked.”
He tried to help, but she shoved him away. “Don’t touch me. You’ve done enough. Give me another moment to get my heart and soul together, not to mention my dress.”
He detected the anger and disappointment in her voice, nodded and walked to the glass door to stand sentinel. In what seemed like a lifetime, she sashayed down the aisle of plants and seedlings, stopped at a black rose bush, plucked a flower with a strong hand, and came to him.
“My apologies, Jaclyn, I hope you understand.”
“Your apology is not accepted, Your Grace. I wonder which one of us is the greater tease. It meant nothing to me. I merely practiced on you.” But those deep, pained eyes said otherwise. She sauntered by. “Kindly open the door. I’ll tell Halbert the picnic plans have changed.”
She stopped a moment, turned, and faced him. “This is for your black heart and soul. I’ve been a fool to think I could make a difference in your life. There’ll be no second chances for you. Rest assured, I’ll find someone who will appreciate me and all that I generously offer.”
She slipped the flower into the buttonhole, patted the lapel as hard as she could without pummeling him, and left him…alone.
Jaclyn emotions were in a tailspin. Embarrassment at his dismissal, for one. Rejection of her desire to further their relationship. Anger at his harsh words. She walked back so fast that she passed the gardener and under-gardener and did not stop to greet them as she usually did. She took the back way into the house, through the kitchens, nodded, and did not speak as she climbed the stairs to the main floor.
No one was in the foyer and she ascended the steps into her room. By now, the anger she held inside exploded. She locked the door and threw herself on the bed. The rustle of the silk stripe dress annoyed her and she was able to slip out of it and cast it aside.
Donning her wrapper, she unlocked her desk drawer and withdrew her journal. Flipping to the next page, she wrote the date and time of day.
Dear Diary: I’m mortified. I thought to pair off with Radolf and that we could share a picnic and maybe sweet words and caresses. At the beginning when I visited him, he seemed…aroused…anxious. He said he liked the way Josette’s dress looked on me. He mentioned I blossomed in it. I think he meant my bosom lifted due to the tight bodice. Sweet heaven, he caressed my breasts. My body reacted to his touch and it set me afire. Darting kisses, molten lips, and embraces that singed had me yearning for more. Every time he held my gaze, my heart responded in a wild beat. He has the most beautiful grotto blue eyes of any man I’ve seen.
Wild things imploded inside me. All new and wonderful. For some reason, he pulled back from me and he said awful things. Accused me of chicanery! That I twist him around my fingers. He said I behaved like a harlot! He withdrew and demanded I pull up my bodice and make myself presentable. That it was a matter of honor.
Then the damn man apologized to me for his actions.
Oh, I didn’t want an apology. I just wanted to be caressed, well kissed, and had such a desire to please him. Dratted man!
One of these fine days, I will repay him for his ill treatment. I will reject him. Wait and see.
She replaced the diary in the drawer, locked it, and realized that Radolf had rejected her once again.
Chapter Fifty-One
A Fond Farewell
Wolferton awakened early to have a chat with Monsieur Dupree before he left. He had much in common with the man. Not only did they discuss business matters and the political environment, they spent a great deal speaking of the antics of their two precocious charges. He even gave a standing invitation for Dupree and his daughter to visit whenever they were in the area. “When I see Jaclyn and Josette together, I’m suddenly aware of my age. I’m twice Jaclyn’s age, old enough to be her father.” That statement further depressed him after his prior episode in the conservatory with the tempting young scantily clad woman. Yes, she was no longer a girl, but a full-blooded determined woman.
Monsieur Dupree expressed his thanks to his hosts, and the two young women made their tearful goodbyes with promises of another reunion soon at Jaclyn’s seasonal ball.
Dupree spent a moment in quiet conversation with Camille. Both were in smiles and walked to the group. Wolferton couldn’t help but notice that Josette kept looking over her shoulder.
“Your Grace, you can’t imagine my joy to have this opportunity to stay with you and your family. Jaclyn and I were overjoyed. Would you be kind enough to extend my thanks also
to Major Anderson for all his considerations?”
Wolferton nodded. So that’s why Josette was on guard. The major would not arrive without a request from him. He wondered if she just flirted because he was the only available bachelor she’d met. Young girls were known to be flighty. “I’m sure there will be other visits. We do not wish you and your father to become strangers now that we’ve found you.”
Wolferton peered at his sister who extended her hand to Dupree, who kissed it. “Until we meet again.”
Camille’s melodious voice spoke volumes. “Au revoir.”
Wolferton arched an eyebrow at the look they gave to each other, which appeared to be more than friendly. This made him happy.
The footmen assisted them into the carriage, and they waved a fond adieu.
They watched the vehicle roll along the circular drive to the entrance of the estate and then on to the highway to connect them to the Great Northern Road en route to London.
Jaclyn wiped away a tear. Camille went to her and held her hand. “Partings are the sorrow necessary to prepare us for the joy to meet again. Come, let’s go inside. The wind starts to howl.”
Jaclyn’s hand went to her pocket and tightened around a letter.
Camille asked, “Do you want to tell me something?”
“It’s a note Josette asked me to give to the major. He couldn’t be here to wish her a safe trip. It wouldn’t be proper, and Wolferton might object. I’ll walk around the back of the stable and find him. I do feel Josette is serious about him.”
They walked back into the manor house, each on their errands. Wolferton followed and went to his study to review his correspondence. On the letter tray was an envelope forwarded by the School Master at the Quarters School.
He placed his hand to his forehead to ease the ache, more stressful than critical, and certainly all about Jaclyn. With his dagger opener, he removed the seal, unfolded the paper, and read.
Sir:
I regret to advise you that one of our boys, Matthew Higgins, has gotten into a difficulty with the constabulary. They returned him to us after a bout of drinking and fighting. I was able to explain that I am the School Master in charge, but they wish to speak to the principal of our school and I could not get a response from you. Your barrister assured me he would see to its delivery to you.
There is to be a hearing two days after the date of this letter and we are to appear before the court. If you do not appear in time, I will do my best to explain my position and the school’s discipline about intoxication, etc. and the request for reimbursement by the pub keeper.
At your service,
John R. Pidgeon
Wolferton reread the letter and placed it aside. He rang for Halbert, then explained the situation to his batman and instructed he prepare for his departure to London.
“Are the ladies to accompany you?” he asked.
He shook his head, but soon Camille walked in on the conversation. “Where are you going that we can’t come with you?” Her voice shook. Her expression questioned her lack of knowledge for his departure.
Wolferton exhaled in exasperation. “There are some places where ladies cannot go with their men.” He stood and glanced at the letter.
Halbert remained at attention awaiting instructions.
“If you leave without us, we are helpless if Lord Halifax pops in without an invitation. Please give thought to that. Who will aid me if it is necessary to eject him from the premises?”
She had a good point.
Halbert cleared his throat. “I understand that one of the guards had to dissuade a merchant from entering the grounds, Your Grace. The person in question had golden blond hair.”
Wolferton’s anger escalated. “Why wasn’t he apprehended?” He turned and paced behind his desk.
“He indicated a mistake of address and left when asked, sir.”
Wolferton stormed toward Camille. “Prepare to pack now. We will leave in four hours’ time. Take only travel necessities. We will return as soon as my business concludes. Both of you have enough clothing at the London townhouse to establish a fashion shop.” Bloody hell.
“I see you’re in a difficult mood. I’ll alert Jaclyn, and we will be ready on time.” She stormed out of his office and shut the door with a thud.
Halbert prepared to leave.
“Make sure I have pistols and two rifles in the traveling carriage with sufficient ammunition. Sword cane and boot holster also. Halifax’s too clever for his good. You’ll come also.”
Halbert hurried on his mission.
As Wolferton was about to reconcile his thoughts, Jaclyn entered, rustling skirts and a pale face. “Why are we leaving, Radolf? We’re happy here. You’re not going to have me meet suitors. You promised you wouldn’t.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Balderdash. It would be respectful if the women of this household would recognize that there are times I must make hasty decisions. This is one of them. I will explain much later. Right now, we have to leave. I ask that you trust my judgment.”
More sniffles ensued. Wolferton removed a handkerchief from his breast pocket and walked toward Jaclyn. He patted away tears, but she kept her face from him.
“Jaclyn, I give you my word of honor—no suitors. We will return as soon as we can. I too am happy here in Hertfordshire. Be a darling and start packing, or we will leave without your luggage.” He smiled and winked, turned her around and ushered his ward out the door. “Hurry, before it is too late. I don’t wish to travel in the dark. By the way, you are lovely in that day dress.”
Jaclyn turned and ran to him. “I have one errand to perform. I will do it and then pack.”
Wolferton stopped. “What errand? Where?” he growled.
“I have to deliver a letter to the major.”
“From who?” His fingers tapped the desk in staccato time.
“Josette. It’s her farewell letter. Not farewell, but you know what I mean.”
“I don’t know what you mean. Farewell is farewell. I’m attacked on all sides by romantics. Very well, deliver the letter. I’ll have a footman accompany you. Do not tarry. Agreed?” Again, he reverted to a smile at the now-frightened-out-of-wits girl.
She nodded.
Halbert appeared with a footman without being summoned.
Wolferton pulled his watch out of his pocket, checked the time, and thrust it back. They’d already lost a precious three-quarters of an hour. “Halbert, we will leave promptly on time. Make it happen. I don’t care if you have to tie them to the coach.”
“Yes, Your Grace. All will be in readiness.”
He departed his study, skipped up the steps, turned right at the landing and raced to his bedroom suite. His valet was prepared with traveling attire, and minor luggage.
“The pistols and rifles?” Wolferton asked.
“In the usual spot behind the seat, as in the old days, Your Grace.”
“Good. Hurry with my shave.”
Restless like a pacing lion, inside his heartbeat throbbed so much he would have sworn every one could hear it.
Something was wrong.
Chapter Fifty-Two
At the Wolferton London House
Vindication
Jaclyn departed the carriage first, followed by Camille. Wolferton tapped his cane sword on the walk while Halbert opened the doors for the ladies to enter. They lifted their skirts as they walked the dusty unpolished corridor. In the foyer, furniture had ghost sheets for protection, no time for Halbert to have put the house in order.
Jaclyn stopped at the entrance to the drawing room, her hand clutched the door molding. A sensation of dread crept over her like a funeral crepe. She must’ve made a sound because Camille turned and reached for her hand. “Do you feel it too? What is it?”
“Listen,” whispered Jaclyn.
Camille’s eyes widened as she moved her head side-to-side, ears alert. “I hear nothing.”
They released each other.
“Silence. It’s the
eerie stillness that discomfits me. True, we left for the country, and the house was closed, but there’s something else that dwells here. Like a sense of…” She hesitated, then said, “Evil.”
Jaclyn pulled Camille away. “Come, let’s go to Radolf’s study where it’s cozier and brighter.” Besides, the Guardians were there to protect.
Dragged by Jaclyn, she followed. “Why? What has happened?”
Jaclyn threw open the door. They entered the streaming sunlight and blessed warmth from the uncomfortable darkness. Even the cloths over the desk and chairs were reflective of the sun’s rays. “Come, Camille, there’s something mystical and protective in this room.” She led her to the window and stood in front of it. “These are the Guardians. They protect him.” She touched the wolf’s face. The eyes turned blue. She rested her hand to let the animal’s goodness enter her soul.
“I’m confused. You call them Guardians?”
“Surely, Camille, you’re aware of the legend? The wolf’s eyes changed color. You didn’t notice?”
Camille’s breathing raced noticeably as she removed a cloth from a chair and sat. “Of course, I know the legend, but I’ve never seen any manifestations. Anyway, the tale only applies to an honorable duke and his lady love. You remember I told you the story?” She gazed upon the colorful window after her spoken words. “Jaclyn, if Radolf can see the transforming, and you can too, is the prophecy true?”
“Do you think me a silly girl? He and I can see the changes of color.” She pointed to the image of the wolf. “His communication is with eyes that turn blue, like Radolf’s.”
“Oh, my darling girl, I’m so happy for you both.” Camille clasped her hands together and pulled off her gloves.
Jaclyn whirled to face her. “Happy? I’ve loved Radolf from afar for years, saved every letter he wrote, underlined every sweet word, and when we finally met as adults, my fate became sealed. If he doesn’t love me, there’ll be no other man in my life.” She knelt at Camille’s knee. “I dreamed of him as a handsome and brave warrior in every sense, on and off the field. I could envision him leading a charge of men into danger with himself at the forefront.”
The Blue-Eyed Black-Hearted Duke Page 24
