by Vikki Vaught
He sighed deeply. He had not done right by his daughters. He had loved playing with them that morning. Remorse filled his soul at the thought of the time he had wasted. Thank God, Helen had attended that ball. Without her, he and his children would miss so much. He may have neglected them in the past, but no longer.
Wilson’s question pulled him back into the present. They ended their discussion and made their way to the village to pick up needed supplies at the blacksmith’s shop. As they approached the village, Gregory and his friends stumbled out of the tavern, leaving no doubt in his mind: all three of the young men were intoxicated. Gooding staggered against Boling, and that young man barely kept the two of them from falling in the mud. They looked like they never made it to bed the night before. Matthew rode toward them and dismounted.
He tossed the reins to the groom in front of the establishment. “Watch my horse. I’ll give you something for your trouble.” In a clipped tone, he told Wilcox, “Go on to the blacksmith’s shop. I’ll be along in a moment.” The man nodded and set off down the street. He turned to his brother. “From your disheveled appearance, you never made it home last night.”
“You’re correct, big brother,” he drawled, his speech coming out slurred. “I won a monkey off some gentlemen at the tavern. We also indulged ourselves with some fine female company, if you know what I mean.”
“At least you came to no harm—this time. You could have as easily lost a monkey instead, and you’ve already spent your allowance this quarter. Go home and sleep it off. And…try to stay out of trouble.” Matthew watched as his brother and his friends stumbled to their horses and left town.
What should I do about Gregory?
At this rate, he was bound to find himself in serious trouble. The drinking and wenching did not bother him as much as the gaming. No wonder his father was so determined he marry again and produce an heir. If something happened to him before he did, it could be disastrous. Thank God Helen had allowed him in her bed. Perhaps she had already conceived his much-needed son.
On that hopeful note, he retrieved his horse, joined Wilcox, and continued their tour of the tenant farms. He expected to have a good harvest this year, and many of the sheep would produce offspring. The sheep shearing had been quite profitable and had helped enrich his coffers this past spring.
When they neared the next cottage, his tenant rushed toward him. “Milord, thank God ye’ve come. Some o’ me cattle are sick, and I’m afraid they might ’ave somethin’ catchin’. Can ye take a look?”
Although the cattle were sick, Matthew did not believe they were contagious. He sent Wilcox after the gamekeeper, just to be sure. They worked well into the night and at last, the tide turned and they saved the animals.
By the time Matthew arrived home, it was well past midnight. He found Helen asleep on the sofa in their sitting room. He went to his room and called for his valet. Once he had washed the dirt and mud away, he sent Jennings to bed and returned to her.
Helen still slept peacefully. She looked so beautiful. Her skin looked as soft as a rose petal, and her cheeks were delicately pink. He was so fortunate he’d met her and that she’d married him.
Matthew longed to break through the shell encasing her heart. If only he could find out why she did not want love, perhaps he could win her heart. He slipped his arms under her knees and around her back, then carried her to his bed.
When he laid her upon the sheets, Helen opened her eyes and smiled. “I tried to wait up. I received your message. Were you able to save the cattle?”
“Thank God, we did. Now we need to figure out what they ate. They ingested some type of poison, but we don’t know where they found it. I’m just grateful Wilcox and the gamekeeper reacted so quickly. Without them, the cattle would have died, but enough about that. I want a hug from my sweet wife, unless you’re too tired?”
If she was, he would beat down his arousal and just enjoy holding her through the night. That was odd, because he never liked sleeping with any of the other women with whom he’d had sex. He’d always wanted to leave once he had finished. It must be because he loved Helen, with the other women it had only been lust. No love had existed.
She stretched. “I’m not too tired. That’s why I tried to stay awake. Of course, I’m wide awake now.” What looked like desire smoldered in her eyes.
Lying beside her, Matthew pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He quickly dispensed with her nightgown and his robe. Soon they were skin to skin, and his shaft grew even harder, if that was possible. Nibbling from her neck to her lovely breasts, he took a nipple into his mouth and suckled, as his other hand circled the areola of the other orb.
Soon, he had her writhing as he kissed his way to her belly. Licking her navel, he looked at her and met her passion-filled gaze. He continued to kiss down her belly to the apex of her gorgeous red-gold curls. Gently parting her slender thighs, he settled between them. He inhaled, catching the slight scent of her arousal as he licked her bud of desire. Helen tried to pull away, but he held her firmly in place.
“I promise you’ll like this. Relax.” Before long, he had her sighing and writhing, twisting, trying to get closer to his tongue. Sliding his finger inside her as he continued to pleasure her bud, her muscles contracted and she went soaring, her eyes closed in what could only be ecstasy.
Grateful she’d reached her release, he climbed up her luscious body and thrust into her tight sheath. Soon he had her spinning toward another shattering climax. He thrust deeper and faster as she writhed beneath him. Throwing his head back, he shouted as he lost control and collided into the strongest climax of his life. Falling to the side, he pulled her against him, kissed her temple, and fell asleep.
* * * *
When Helen awoke the next morning, she glanced at Matthew lying beside her and enjoyed watching him. He was such a gorgeous man, and he belonged to her. She loved the way his hair always looked tousled, even after his valet had tried to smooth it down. There was one curl that just would not stay in place. She thought she would never get tired of looking at him. As she continued her appraisal, a disturbing realization hit her.
She was falling in love with her husband.
The way she felt about him was so much stronger than what she’d ever felt for the duke. What she’d believe was love was merely infatuation. She’d bought the fairy tale of romance, never realizing until it was too late, it led to the pain of betrayal.
Oh. dear, I do not want to be hurt again.
She’d told him she did not want love, and he’d told her he did not want it either. She thought she had guarded herself against it. Somehow, Matthew had silently sneaked in when she was not watching.
She would write Melody and ask her for help. Her sister-in-law would love to hear she’d fallen in love with her husband. What she needed to do in the meantime was win his affection and friendship. They had already started doing that on their morning rides. It would help if he observed how well she was getting along with his children, and she needed to concentrate on this house, making sure it was perfect. She would make herself indispensable to him. Surely, he would fall in love with her if she did all those things.
The next week Helen dove into redecorating the house. She ordered fabric from the draper in Plymouth. She found wallpaper that would lighten up the rooms. She hired extra help so the
work could be done quickly.
For the drawing room, Helen had the walls painted a pale silvery blue and had new curtains made in a deep gray blue with gossamer sheers underneath. She had the furniture reupholstered in a paisley print with matching shades of blue and gray. The Persian carpet in the music room was in good shape, and it had the right colors in it, so she had it moved to the drawing room.
In the dining room, she chose soft shades of palest yellow with accents of green. She particularly liked the way it turned out. There was just something about those colors that made the room warm and inviting.
She selected peach and cream flocked wallpaper for her bedchamber. She
had curtains made of muslin to match the walls, and it helped give the room a light, airy look. The new counterpane was a deep peach with ecru lace trimming the edge. The bed skirt was a striped fabric with varying shades of peach and cream.
Helen placed two deeply cushioned chairs in front of the hearth, and this winter she pictured the two of them spending quiet evenings by the fire reading. She purchased a new oriental carpet, because the old one did not match the new interiors.
She began work in the nursery next and had it painted a soft shade of yellow. The furniture was dark wood. It had good lines though, so to help brighten it up, she had it painted white. The curtains were made of a deeper shade of yellow with small white flowers woven throughout the fabric. For the girls’ bedchamber, she painted it a delicate pink with deeper rose curtains at the mullioned windows.
Helen located a local artist and hired him to paint a fairy castle in a rose garden across one wall. Christina and Catherine spun around in circles, clasping each other’s hands when they saw it, then ran to her and wrapped their little arms around her.
She’d made great strides in her endeavors by the end of the second week, and the house already looked much better. She would finish the rest of the rooms on the main floor the following week.
On Sunday, they attended services at the parish church, and Helen had insisted the children attend with them. Since their behavior had improved so much, she had confidence they would do fine. Christina and Catherine expressed interest in going. She’d been appalled to learn they had never gone before.
Margaret came along, although, Gregory and his friends remained home, since they’d stayed out late the night before. It felt so right to be in church with Matthew. It was the first time they had attended mass since their wedding. She’d always loved going to church, and it was an even richer experience, sharing it with her husband and the girls.
As they waited to speak to the vicar, Helen told him, “I want to invite Vicar Winslow and his wife to dinner tomorrow night, if that’s not a problem?”
“An excellent idea,” he replied. “By all means, have them over.”
At last, it was her turn to speak with the vicar. “Thank you for your excellent homily, Vicar. We would like to have you and your wife to dinner tomorrow evening at seven. Would that be convenient for you?”
Vicar Winslow looked at his wife. and she nodded. “That would be delightful. We look forward to it.”
After taking their leave, Matthew helped her and the children into the carriage. Helen looked forward to the following evening. Mrs. Winslow was only a few years older than she, and becoming friends would help her feel a part of the community quicker.
Between her role as mother to the twins, her involvement with her husband’s tenants, and now the church, her life was becoming as full as it had been at Sanderford Park. And, of course, she had her campaign to win Matthew’s heart to fill her days, and hopefully her nights. Her dreams of a home of her own and a family was coming true at last.
CHAPTER 14
Once they returned home from church services, she talked Matthew into taking the girls to the beach again, and they had another lovely afternoon. They played in the water for at least an hour and built another sand castle.
The wind picked up from a storm brewing over the sea, so they gathered their belongings and made a mad dash to the house. Thank goodness, they made it under the portico before the skies opened, sending torrents of rain slashing down. The girls were practically asleep on their feet, so they carried them to the nursery and turned them over to Katie.
They went to their sitting room. “What a close call,” she said. “I was sure we were going to be caught in a downpour. Did you notice how well-behaved Christina and Catherine are? I’m so glad I found Miss Wilson. They’re both bright children and are learning their letters and numbers much quicker than I would have thought possible.”
Matthew sat next to her on the sofa. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for them. They’re like different children since you came here to live.”
“Thank you. I’ve grown quite fond of them. I’m glad you agreed to invite Vicar Winslow and his wife to dinner. She looks vaguely familiar to me. Perhaps I’ve met her before,” she mused.
He began toying with her fingers, and delicious tingles raced from the tips of her fingers to her toes. “I’m glad you suggested it. From what you told me, you had quite a few friends in London, so I want that for you here as well.”
“I do too.” Recalling her plans, she told him, “I think it’s important to know the vicar. I used to assist the rector in Cranleigh, and I want to help here as well.”
“I’m glad you feel that way.” Gratitude swept across his face. “What you’ve accomplished with the house is miraculous. I worry you’re doing too much though.” He threw her that devilish grin she loved. “You’re not getting much sleep. I hope you don’t mind that I can’t keep my hands off you.”
She giggled. “I would not have it any other way. I have a secret. I take a nap for an hour right after tea, so I’ll be able to stay awake. I’m glad you’re pleased with my decorating endeavors. I’m planning to do the rest of the public rooms next week. Would it be all right if I redecorated your bedchamber? Let me know your preferences, and I’ll take them into account.”
“I would love it. It’s too dark for my tastes. The furniture is good so no need to replace it.” He quirked his brow. “Oh, and I would join you for your nap, but that would defeat the purpose,” he chuckled.
“You’re right about that,” she saucily retorted. “Oh, I just remembered, we have the Marquess of Ralston’s ball on Wednesday night. How well do you know them?”
“We went to the same school,” he replied. “He’s a few years older than I, and he intervened once when several bullies were harassing Bradley and me. He’s well-liked by our peers and is active in Parliament. Now, I’ve only met his wife a few times.”
“I look forward to meeting them.” She asked, “Do you have any plans for this afternoon? I think I’ll do a bit of reading.”
“I’m meeting with Wilcox, and we’re going to the Wilkerson’s farm,” Matthew said. “He broke his leg recently, and his wife is with child. She isn’t able to do any of the heavy work, so I thought I would offer him some extra help while he’s laid up.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” she queried. “Cook could put together a basket. I would like to go, if you’re agreeable.”
“Certainly. Since you’re coming, I’ll let Wilcox know he doesn’t need to. I shall meet you out front in ten minutes.” While he went to speak with his steward, she donned her pelisse. On the way out the door, she grabbed an umbrella, not that it would do any good. The rain was still coming down in sheets.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilkerson were overwhelmed by the basket and Matthew’s offer to find extra workers to help until the man was back on his feet again. Mrs. Wilkerson offered them tea, and Helen went with her to the kitchen to prepare it.
She glanced around the small, yet immaculate space. “I love those pretty curtains at your window. Did you make them yourself?”
As the young woman prepared the tea, she replied, “I made all the curtains in th’ house. I’ve always liked t’ sew. Me mother, God rest her soul, taught me ever’thin’ I know.”
“When do you expect your baby?” Helen asked. “Oh, do you have someone to help you when your time comes?”
“Me auntie is a midwife, and she’ll be ’elpin’ me when me time comes in September. There, th’ tea is ready, milady.”
“Of course, I’ve enjoyed our talk, and please, let me know if you ever need anything.” They spent thirty minutes with the Wilkersons, then took their leave and returned to the hall. The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time they made it home.
* * * *
The following morning, Helen had agreed to go to the beach in time to watch the sun come up. Once they arrived, Matthew helped her dismount, and they set off toward the east. They went a fe
w feet and stopped to take in the gorgeous reds, golds, and purples lighting the sky.
He pulled her against him and placed his chin on her shoulder as he watched the dawn break. A huge sense of peace rolled through him. His love for this incredible woman deepened every moment he spent with her.
He kissed her cheek and nuzzled her neck as he fought the temptation to tell her he loved her. He needed to hold his feelings in his heart until she was ready to hear those three little words. He’d never been a patient man, but he needed to find some, because it would bring him great rewards later.
Matthew turned her around and gently kissed her. As he stroked her face with the back of his hand, he marveled at the softness of her skin. “So, are you enjoying your first sunrise over the ocean? Thank you for getting up to enjoy it with me. I always find it so peaceful and serene. Listen. Can you hear the waves as they wash in and out?”
A soft, dreamy look filled her eyes. “Thank you for suggesting it. It’s an incredible sight. I always found Sanderford Park serene, but I find the ocean even more so. I love living here, Matthew.”
He hated to end their time together, but duty called. “As much as I’ve enjoyed this, I need to return you to the house. Wilcox and I are going to see some of my tenants today to check on their crops. I promise I’ll return in plenty of time for our dinner tonight.”
After they returned to the house, Matthew met his steward, and they went to visit his tenants. The weather had been consistent so far, and he anticipated another good harvest this year, so his coffers would be in much better shape. Now that he had a wife, he had an even better reason to prosper. He wanted Helen to see him as a good provider, and he did not want to touch her dowry if he could avoid it. He wanted to keep it for their offspring.
Thinking of children, he hoped she would conceive soon. He’d caught his brother gaming again and had to bail him out. He was so reckless. At the rate he was going, Gregory was likely to find serious trouble, and the next time, he might not be able to extricate him.
