by Stacy Reid
After ensuring they were both tidied, he drew her into his arms so that her head pillowed on his chest.
“I received word earlier today that the minor repairs are completed on our country home. Should you wish to journey down soon, let me know.”
Fanny smiled. “And will your businesses not suffer?”
He grunted softly. “I am hiring a few more stewards and managers.”
She twisted to face him and peered up into his face. “To what purpose did you hire them?”
“So that I can visit my office only twice per week. I want to spend more time with you wife.”
Impulsively she hugged him, and he chuckled. Drawing back, she lifted her fingers and traced the curve of his lips. He was smiling, and suddenly she felt silly that she insisted on darkness when they made love.
“And you will retire with me to Derbyshire?”
“At least for a week or so, I’ll be there with you. I am quite looking forward racing you.”
“How surprised you will be when I trounce you,” she murmured sleepily, snuggling into his arms, quite glad she had trusted in her instincts to visit his office earlier.
Another few weeks passed, and Fanny's admiration and affections for her husband grew. In truth, she was quite certain she was falling in love with the man. A notion which would have frightened her a few weeks previously for she did not like heartache or her expectations to be disappointed. But there was nothing more permanent than marriage, and she had given herself leave to bask in the glorious delight she felt in being with her husband daily. Though Sebastian did not like it, she visited him at his office, of course with no less than two footmen accompanying her, and had lunch with him several times.
“Is that all, your ladyship?” Mrs. Campbell asked, and Fanny got the sense the housekeeper had requested an answer a few times.
She grinned, scandalized with how often she spent thinking of her husband. With a smile, she handed the housekeeper the changes she had made to the menu for next week and the list of items she required for a dinner party she was planning next Friday evening.
“Yes, it is, thank you, Mrs. Campbell.”
She smiled and dipped into a quick curtsy before bustling away.
Fanny then made her way to the room her husband used as a personal exercise room. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open wider, her breath hitching at her husband's state of undress. She didn't usually venture into his domain, but he had requested her presence several minutes ago. Unable to help herself she greedily ran her gaze over the graceful but powerful lines of his body. Muscles corded Sebastian’s shoulders and back, and they twisted with each dip and roll of his shoulders. He was tall, lean, and so handsome, a dart of heat arrowed through her. Her breath quickened, and a rush of pleasure filled her heart by merely looking at him. Was this why he craved to see her naked?
She stepped into the room and closed the door.
He faltered and grabbed a towel from the small sofa to his left and raked it across his skin. His chest was an expanse of beautiful golden skin, chiseled with muscle. How desperately she wanted to touch. As if he read her mind he grinned, carnal invitation firing in his eyes. She scowled, for her husband would probably attempt to seduce her as he tried yesterday in his library before dinner. Fanny feared she wasn’t adventurous enough to indulge in those kinds of debauchery, and it fretted her at times. Sebastian seemed so virile and insatiable, making love with her often. While he came to her bed every night, she could feel the tempered restraint in his touch, and the battle he waged with himself. Last night, he had bit out a curse of frustration and had pulled from her, parted the curtains, and lit a taper casting light into his chamber.
He hadn't wanted to make love in the dark anymore, and Fanny had hardly known what to do with herself. It had been too unexpected, and she had been unprepared. Her husband had stared at her for several moments, then closed his eyes, and apologized for frightening her. She hadn't been frightened really, merely startled. When he had made to out the candle, she had gripped his hand and tugged him down to her. Fanny hadn't the courage to remove her nightgown, but they had made love with that single light. She had been able to see the flash of raw hunger in his face, the piercing need in his eyes, the sensual slant of his lips as he had ridden her longer and a bit harder than she had experienced before. How wonderful it had been. Except he had seemed so tense afterward as if he waited for her recrimination. They had remained silent until she had fallen into deep slumber.
“You asked to see me, Sebastian?”
"I did," he said, walking over to cup her cheek and press a kiss to her lips. "I missed you." Another kiss, and with a pleased sigh, she parted her lips for a more intimate embrace.
“And also, because we must speak about this need you have to visit me in the office. I do not like it.”
Fanny stepped back with a frown. “I thought you enjoyed my help immensely?”
“I do, but yesterday’s incident has left me unsettled, wife.”
“Oh, Sebastian. I only had a few coins in my reticule, and the boy did return it after he learned that he robbed your wife.”
Her husband scowled, seemingly unmoved by her argument. For the last several days she had been assisting him at his office on Whapping Street. She would take lunch, and after dining, she assisted him by sorting through the records of the employees, he would have to terminate in the coming weeks and write a suggestion on a severance package, and artfully worded recommendation letters.
The first time she had suggested a severance payment of two hundred pounds for a man who had worked in his factory for ten years. The lawyer in the room had spluttered his outrage and suggested as a woman she had no notion of business matters for the two hundred pounds was far too much when they had to fire hundreds of workers. She had tartly responded as a woman she had the heart and compassion he lacked and had offered the bulk of her inheritance to Sebastian’s astonishment. She had almost choked when Sebastian revealed the magnitude of his wealth and that he could afford to pay everyone he would have to let go whatever she thought they deserved for their years of service. Her husband had fired the lawyer immediately to her distress, but she had convinced Sebastian to give the young lawyer another chance. They had worked together splendidly since then, and her generous severance payments were not frowned at. She had believed her husband enjoyed her presence and her assistance.
Sebastian prowled over to the sofa and picked up a few articles of clothing. He held them out, and beyond curious, she made her way over and collected them.
“What are these?”
He shot her a devilish smile, his eyes twinkling. “Breeches and a shirt. These are what you will wear when I teach you how to box.”
“I beg your pardon?”
His head dipped, and he kissed the bridge of her nose. "You heard me, my sweet. You and I will be dancing on this mat at least twice a week. That way I will rest better knowing if you are ever accosted you can defend yourself."
Her husband had the oddest notions. “You would like to show me how to defend myself?”
“Yes.”
Fanny felt bemused. “I will not be taking lessons with you,” she said primly, hurrying to replace the clothes onto the armchair of the sofa.
Provoking amusement lit in his eyes. "Then you will not be revisiting that side of town wife. I have the time for a lesson now if you are free."
“Sebastian!”
He arched a brow toward the breeches and shirt. With a huff, she grabbed them up, thoroughly scandalized. His amusement deepened as she tossed him a glare.
“I do hope you realize how outrageous this all is.”
“Is that the reason you are fairly bouncing with excitement?”
She grinned for she was genuinely delighted. “I shall be back shortly.”
“You could dress here,” he murmured. “I will happily play your maid.”
A shock of desire shivered deliciously through her body at that improper suggestion. They stared
at each other, and the dare in his gaze robbed her of breath.
“Undress for me, Fanny.”
Her husband circled her as if she were prey. His warmth pressed into her back, and she felt the proof of his arousal. “Is it to be a lesson in boxing or one of ravishment?”
His laughter was soft and hot against her neck. “There will come a day my sweet where I’ll have you splayed, naked on that sofa there and I will feast on you.”
Fanny whirled around, clutching the clothes to her chest. Sebastian's eyes were watchful and curious, and she got the sense he had been testing her. She spluttered, unable to credit acting in the lascivious manner he suggested. Unable to proffer a reply, she hurried from the room, her face flushed and her heart racing, and her husband staring at her with amusement and something far more troubling that she was unable to identify.
With the aid of her lady’s maid, she changed into the scandalous garments and returned to his domain. Almost an hour later, Fanny sprawled indecorously atop the mat in the room, utterly exhausted, and uncertain if she wanted to still make an afternoon call on Darcy whom she hadn't seen since her marriage. They had corresponded through letters, and Fanny had thought it quite odd, that she hadn't seen Darcy and Colin at the few balls Fanny had attended with Sebastian.
“I wanted to have a small dinner party next week,” she said winded, still working to settle her breathing. The rudimentary motions of thrust and skip away he'd shown her had seemed so simple until one repeated the motion over and over with a husband who seemed more machine than man. “Then I am thinking to host a ball toward the end of the season.”
Her husband, the dratted man, lay beside her, his breathing unruffled. “Whatever you wish, Fanny.”
"I would like to invite Josephine, Selina, Percy, and Richard and Theodore to dinner and the ball."
Sebastian turned his head on the mat, and their gaze collided. “You know they aren’t normally invited to society events.”
“I know,” she murmured. “I enjoy their company immensely, and they aren’t disreputable in the least. If you approve, I would love to extend the invitation.”
His lips curved. “I’m certain they will be thrilled, but society will be offended.”
“I never knew you set stock with other people’s opinions.”
“I don’t.”
“Then I daresay as your Viscountess I should have your mettle,” she teased. It had startled Fanny that the few balls they'd attended people had seemed welcoming. Her genuine friends hadn't cared that several scandal sheets branded her the double jilt, and those who had appeared inclined to frown upon it had forgiven the incidents relatively quickly. She’d soon realized it was her husband’s wealth they coveted after the several hints that were discreetly delivered to her.
He chuckled, and she heard the warm approval in it. "Then it is settled," Sebastian said. "Invite whomever you please to our table and house. And I must also tell you, wife. You are an apt pupil, very quick and graceful.”
Warmth burst inside her chest, and she grinned, suddenly glad she had indulged his odd notions. Acting with playful instincts, she shifted and rolled atop of him, settling her bottom atop his lower stomach. Sebastian sucked in a harsh breath, his muscles clenching beneath her, and Fanny grinned. How she loved surprising him.
“I am of a mind to ravish you,” she murmured, biting gently on his chin.
"Ah, my sweet, such wicked words are music to my ears."
Fanny smiled at his hopeful look. "You remind me of the cocker spaniel I had as a child. He was always so hopeful I would feed him treats and he softened me up with a similar look!”
“Woof.”
She laughed. “You my lord are outrageous.”
“But you like it.”
“I love everything about you,” she said softly and then stilled at what she implied.
He searched her eyes. “Fanny?”
Her heart pounded, and she stared at him helplessly. I love you. She could not say the words. When did it happen? And how could she be so certain? It was just ridiculous to perceive the beautiful way he made her feel, the pleasure that would swarm through her from a simple kiss was love. They'd only been married a little over a month.
“Fanny, I’ve lov—”
She kissed him passionately and with a furious need burning inside her to stop the words she feared he might say. It was impossible to describe the feelings cascading through her at the realization he could have a tendre for her as well. Only a few could ever hope their marriages would have more than warm affection to sustain its lifetime. Their tongues tangled, and the sweetest of heat burned through her body for him. Is it joy or trepidation I feel? Speaking their growing sentiments aloud would make it seem so much more real, and if it was real, then it could be snatched away. She needed longer to savor the idea of love before she could own to the feelings he aroused in her heart.
She pulled away. He grinned, and her stomach flipped. Why was he so appealing?
He brushed his fingertips along the curve of her throat. “I lov—”
Again, she silenced him with a kiss, and this repeated whenever they broke apart, and he tried to say the words until they dissolved into fits of laughter.
"Oh, I see," he murmured, his lips wet with her kisses, his arousal a hard brand beneath her buttocks, his eyes burning powerful with emotions that made her insides hot and achy. "I see, indeed my Viscountess."
She could barely breathe, let alone speak. Fanny blushed, what did he believe he perceived? That she was suddenly and inexplicably afraid to want his love and have it ripped from her, like all her previous attempts? That the revelations flowering through her were more intense and real than anything she had ever felt? She was falling in love with this man. With him, Fanny felt comfortable, desired, cherished. Pushing away from him, she lurched to her feet, feeling the weight of his stare as she rushed from the room as if the devil was on her heels.
Chapter 11
The next day, Fanny descended the carriage with the aid of the footman at her former home in Mayfair. She hoped Darcy was at home and had not taken herself off to the country. The letters Fanny had sent around yesterday had received no reply from her friend and she was concerned. She decided to extend the invitation to dinner in person and find out if her friend was well.
She marched up the small steps, and the door opened before she could knock.
“Jeffers,” she said warmly greeting her former butler.
His weathered faced creased into a smile and be bowed. “Lady Shaw, how wonderful to see you again if I may say so.”
“Oh, you may,” she said with a laugh, handing him her light coat, and removing her bonnet. “Is Lady Banberry home?”
“Her ladyship is in the drawing room. She'd asked not to be disturbed earlier. If you wait in the smaller parlor, I will announce—”
"There's no need. I will knock and announce myself." With that, Fanny made her way down the hallway and knocked on the drawing room door once and then opened it. "Oh Darcy, I've missed—"
Fanny gaped at the sight of Darcy and Colin locked in a passionate embrace. They were only kissing, but Darcy had always been such a stickler for propriety the scene was shocking. Fanny spun around when her brother hauled his wife even closer, and with a groan cupped her buttocks.
She closed the door, ensuring it slammed. A gasp sounded and then a muttered curse.
“Fanny?” came Darcy’s startled cry.
“I did not mean to intrude on your privacy,” she said blushing. “I never thought you would be…kissing.” In daylight, and in such an intimate fashion. Certainly not after the speech Darcy had given Fanny on how a lady should conduct herself with private matters. She had been happy for her friend's guidance, even though lately she had been yearning to touch and kiss Sebastian on more than his lips.
A lady must never be wanton in her desires.
You’ll repulse your husband if you show yourself to be too eager for the marriage bed.
You must l
ie silent and not be vocal in your responses. It will be perceived as vulgar and unladylike.
Those were a few of Darcy’s instructions she remembered with clarity for they were some of the hardest to adhere to once Sebastian took her in his arms. She turned around to see her brother and his countess respectably composed. He made his way over to her and hugged her.
“It is good to see you, Fanny, I trust you will stay with us for dinner?”
Her noncommittal response was muffled against his chest, and she returned his embrace fiercely. “Is mother back from Bath?”
“She’s opened the house at Camden Place and intends to stay for the entire season.”
“I’ve been married six weeks and mamma is still prostrate with disappointment? It isn’t likely to change,” she said with amused exasperation.
"You know mother. She will come around when she is of a mind to recall that Viscount Shaw is three times wealthier than the marquess."
Fanny scowled at her brother who ignored it and bestowed a tender smile toward Darcy then departed. Fanny made her way over to the sofa, sat, and settled comfortably against the cushions. Darcy pulled the bell for tea and cakes. She peered at Fanny, an unusual glow in her eyes. It was perhaps one of happiness, and Fanny was heartened to see it.
“I see things with Colin have improved?” Fanny probed delicately.
Her friend blushed. “I daresay it has. I packed my trunks and was about to depart and he begged me to stay. Oh Fanny, it has been glorious since,” she gasped, clutching her rosy cheeks.
Fanny grinned. “I am happy for you. When you did not reply to my note yesterday I dreaded the worst, that you were so unhappy you were abed.”
“Nothing of the sorts, we...I...was just busy.” She bushed so prettily, she gave Fanny an inkling just what activity had kept her friend busy.
