"My ring is perfect. Beautiful. Its exactly what I would have picked if I had picked one out. I love it so much Cole."
In just moments they were back at home, and Cole helped her down from the carriage. “I don’t think your brother realized you were there at the ball accompanying me. He could have seen us trying to escape, but Lily should have had it under control. If he comes looking for you, I will make certain you get out and to the orphanage. He doesn’t know about the orphanage, does he?”
Eden shook her head, “No, he doesn’t know. He never cared to find out anything about me. Ever. I don’t want him to find me Cole. I’m afraid of what he will do if he finds me.”
Cole shook his head, “I will be vigilant about that. I think for the next few days we should stay home, lay low. Not be in sight, in case Sterling did see us together, but after that, I want to take you to the theater.”
Eden gasped, “I have never been! But I have longed to go. Oh Cole, I would love to attend. May I ask if Persephone can accompany us? She has also longed to see a play, and her parents have only allowed her to go to a few select things. If she gets invited to the theater, especially with you there, they will most certainly let her come.”
Cole chuckled, “I would love to have your friend come with us. As that will make you happy and your happiness is my only goal and concern. My family has a box that almost never gets used. My father made certain he had one. One of his many mistresses was an actress, I believe. So, he was always there, front and center. Anyway, I am certain if I speak to her parents, and get their permission, we can get her there without any problems.”
Eden threw her hands around his neck, “Thank you Cole.”
He took her mouth in a kiss, “No need to thank me love. I want to give you the world.”
Eden kissed him back, and then she yawned. Cole kissed her nose softly, “Come, my sweet. It has been an exciting day for both of us. Let’s get you to bed.”
He swung Eden into his arms, and she let out a squeak of surprise, “What are you doing? I can walk you know.”
Cole laughed, “I know you can. It's just, I see Aidan always doing this to Rhia, and I wanted nothing more than to do it with you in my arms.”
Eden giggled, “You are too good to be true.”
She put her head on his shoulder, and he carried her into her bedchamber and put her down on the bed. “If I don’t let you go to sleep now, I am going to take you. So, I need to get out of here before I do something you aren’t ready for.”
Eden gaped at him, and blushed. “I don’t think you heard any objections in the carriage, did you?”
Cole shook his head, “No, I didn’t, but this isn’t the way I imagined our first time.”
Eden laughed, “Oh. You have imagined our first time? And good sir, how did you imagine our first time?”
Cole swallowed hard, “I have imagined it more than bears repeating. But don’t stress. I will tell you when the time comes.”
Giving her a quick kiss, he backed out of the room, and shut the door. Leaning against it, he took a deep breath.
He couldn’t believe what had happened in the carriage. Seeing Eden in all her glory, climaxing in his lap was the best moment of his entire life, up to that point.
And then, she said she would marry him. That took the first spot and Cole couldn’t be happier that she would finally be his wife, his love forever.
Going to his room, Cole stripped out of his clothes, his pants drying, and hard from the come earlier, and with regret, washed it away. He would dream about her tonight, and he couldn’t wait.
Chapter Sixteen
Eden
London, England Oct, 1812
Eden got ready for bed, and the ring she had on her finger caught the light from the fireplace.
She sighed as she looked at the beautiful ring on her finger. Loving every single inch of the ring he had personally picked out for her to wear. Not only that, but Cole had asked her to marry him. Had finally said the words.
Earlier this evening, she was saddened by the thought that though they were getting married, he hadn’t formally asked her, and she worried it wasn’t what he wanted.
But the proof was right there on her finger. Her body still buzzed and tingled all over from his ministrations in the carriage.
She couldn’t believe they had done that. Had almost made love right there, in the streets of London. It made her so happy and a little overwhelmed.
Her mother had died when she was very young and had never told her what to expect when she would marry.
Eden knew the basics of it, but she had heard women say that they just laid there and let their husbands do what they had to, all the while, the women would lay back and think of something pleasant and then it was over. With no pleasure shared between the two.
They always were saying how boring it was, or how horrible it was, how painful it was, and Eden had been scared.
But, tonight, though they hadn’t actually made love, was nothing like she imagined love making to be. She had no idea her body could come alive like that.
That Cole could make her body sing and feel more than she ever had. She sighed, her body still felt like it needed something, but she didn’t know what. All she knew was that she ached, low in her belly.
It was almost painful, and she wanted to groan. She had never felt like this before, and she wished Cole was here.
Her breasts felt heavy and full, more so than they ever had before, and again she was reminded of his mouth on them, sucking and biting. Licking every single inch of them.
She let out a groan. She shook her head, trying desperately to clear her thoughts from this.
It was clouding her brain, and she needed to think. Taking off her dress was a chore. It normally tied in the front, but this one tied in the back.
Cole had found it, and wished he was here to help her. He wasn’t though, so she reached around behind her back, and untied what she could.
Her dress sagged, which made her sigh in relief and she was able to get out of it without incident.
Then she took off her corset, which made her grateful that it laced in the front. And when she was left in only her chemise, she heard a commotion out the door of her room and rushed to find a robe or something to pull over her undergarments.
She peeked out her door and was shocked to see that Burk was carrying Lily through the house. She noticed Cole was standing outside his door and he was shirtless, and Eden paused, then swallowed hard, looking at the perfection of his form.
He was hard with muscle everywhere, his chest hard and strong, his stomach tight. She counted at least 6 different bumps in his abdomen, and she felt her mouth dry as she stared at his physique. He had a small line of hair leading from his navel into his trousers, and Eden wrenched her gaze away from him.
This was not the time to study his magnificent body. She hurried into the hall, and saw that Lily was awake in Burk’s arms, she was just quiet.
When she saw Eden, Lily cried out and wiggled in Burk’s arms. “Put me down. Please!”
Burk tightened his hold and shook his head, “Not a chance Lily. That man tried to hurt you, and most likely did. I won’t put you down, or let you go. Not until I know you are all right.”
Lily glared up at him, “Yes you will! Put me down!”
Burk glared back but didn’t put her down. She started kicking and yelling, fighting even harder for him to let her get down. “Put me down you big brute!”
Burk shook his head, and Eden could see him tighten his hold again. Eden stepped to where they were, “What happened Lily?”
Lily took a deep breath, and glared at Burk again, “I was trying to create a distraction for you, because of your brother, but Sterling wasn’t having it. He slapped me across the face, and I wasn’t expecting it, so I tripped and fell, hurting my ankle. Burk came running into the room, so angry that Sterling had touched me, and causing the distraction in his own way, and he punched Sterling so hard, I think Sterling lost a
few teeth. He is still mad, and looking for you, but I think he can’t for a few days. The hosts called for Scotland Yard, and thankfully, they took Sterling away. They tried to take Burk as well, but most of the men from Scotland Yard were no match for Burk’s size. So, he grabbed me, and took off. I hurt my ankle in the fall, and my face still stings. Your brother knows how to slap, doesn’t he?”
Eden swallowed hard, her eyes filling with tears, “I am so sorry Lily. I had no idea he would do that to you. I have caused you and Cole nothing but grief.”
She turned away, shame and guilt coursing through her body, completely overtaking it. She felt Cole come up behind her.
He put his arms around her waist, “That isn’t true, and you know it Eden. If Lily hadn’t wanted to help, she wouldn’t have. I won’t let anyone hurt you or take you from me. If I had found out that you were getting married when I got back, I would have taken you that first night. Nothing would have stopped me. This I vow to you. The only person at fault for any of this is Sterling. And if he is being held at Scotland Yard, then we have a few days to get ourselves in order. Give us more time to get things ready for our wedding. Don’t stress anymore love.”
Eden hugged him tight and buried her face in his chest. She nuzzled into his skin, and he sucked in a breath. Eden froze, and he chuckled, “I should have put a shirt on,”
Eden shook her head, “No, you shouldn’t have.”
Cole laughed and Eden heard Burk snort. She blushed and turned to look at him. “I can help Lily with her ankle. You can put her down Burk.”
Burk stubbornly shook his head, “No. I am not going to put you down. Now, show me where your room is woman. I will bring you there. I want to make certain you are all right.”
Lily glared at him, “You cannot come into my room. It is completely improper for you to hold me like this, and for you to enter my bedchamber.”
Burk looked down at her, “I don’t see the society misses here checking to see if you are proper or not. Show me which room is yours.”
Lily let out a huff, “No.”
Cole burst out laughing, “Her room is that one.”
He pointed to the far end of the hallway, and Lily turned her glare on him. “Nicholas! You are supposed to be on my side!”
Eden looked up at him in confusion, “Who is Nicholas?”
Cole’s cheeks flushed, “I am. My name is Nicholas, but my real father shortened it to Cole. And no one calls me that except my mother, and now apparently my sister.”
Eden giggled, and they followed Burk to Lily’s room. Eden laughed when Lily kicked and struggled against Burk still, and he put her on her bed.
He leaned down and caged her in his arms and whispered something that Eden couldn’t hear. Lily blushed and shook her head, and Burk finally straightened.
Eden rushed to Lily’s side, and she studied Lily’s face. “I am truly so sorry Lily. I didn’t think Sterling would do something like this. Not in front of most of society. He cares about his image too much. Or I thought he did anyway.”
Lily waved it off, “I am all right. Believe me, I have had much worse than this. But I am afraid that the society pages are going to be buzzing about this for a while. This, and of course the fact that the great Marquess of Woodbridge danced at a ball.”
Eden blushed, and she heard Burk and Cole leave the room, shutting the door behind them. She helped Lily take off her evening dress and checked on her ankle.
Lily wasn’t limping or anything, so Eden knew Burk was overreacting, but she loved it. In all her years knowing Burk, he had never even given a woman a second glance.
Although she knew about the prostitutes that stayed at his house. She also knew that none of them ever made Burk look. But this girl had.
Eden was happier than she could imagine. She hoped it would work out between the two of them, and after making certain Lily was truly all right, she left Lily for the night.
Climbing into her own bed, Eden sighed. She wanted to dream about Cole and knew she would.
The next morning, Lily came bursting into Eden’s room, and Eden sat up, rubbing her eyes.
Lily sat on the edge of Eden’s bed. “I apologize for waking you, but I was so excited, I could wait no longer. I heard about Cole taking you to the theater! And I wanted to speak with your friend last night, but in all the excitement, I didn’t get the chance. May I come with you today? I mean, now that we don’t have to hide in the house since Sterling is gone, I would love to come with you.”
Eden giggled, “Of course! I love spending time with you. And I just know you will love Persephone. She is pretty fantastic.”
Lily grabbed her hand, and bounced a few times, and then she stilled. She lifted Eden’s left hand up to her gaze and gasped. “He finally did it? He asked you?”
Eden nodded, and Lily grinned and then clapped her hands. “Oh, I am so happy for you two. He has had that ring for three years. Just carrying it around in his pocket. I am so glad he finally gave it to you!”
Eden’s eyes filled with tears, “Me too. He really has had it for that long?”
Lily nodded, “He told us all when he was recovering. Told us everything that he had wanted to tell us but was afraid to be a burden. And, he told us all about you.”
Eden smiled, “I love that he spoke of me. That is so very sweet of him. I love him so much. I cannot wait to become his wife.”
Lily smiled and pulled her into a hug. “I cannot wait either. I am so happy that you are to become my sister! You are perfect for him. My sister and Rhia can’t wait to meet you. Rose loves you already.”
Eden smiled again, “I want to meet them both as well. I think we will be able to soon, Cole wants us to wed at your brother’s estate.”
Lily clapped, “Oh, I am so happy! I want to tell Rose all about London. Maybe convince her to come back with us,”
Eden and Lily laughed, and Lily said, “Come, let’s get dressed and we can meet your friend. I want to be able to have another friend when we go to any future functions. The women are all horrible and the men even worse. They all give me a headache, but your friend was so kind to me.”
Eden laughed, “Persephone is very sweet. I am so grateful I met her this year. It has been very lonely for me as well.”
Lily sobered, “You went through three seasons and had no one? No one even spoke to you?”
Eden shook her head, “No, I didn’t have anyone. It was just me against them. I only went to most of the functions I did, so I could get out of my house and away from Sterling, and so I could see Cole.”
She ducked her head, a blush rising in her cheeks for admitting so much to Lily, and Lily giggled. “Cole only went to them to see you. Well, you were what kept him going. He went because he was going in Aidan’s stead, but he hated going to those things. He always complained to Aidan about it.”
Eden giggled, “He always seemed like he hated it. You could see it in his face, that he was not happy to be there. He never spoke to anyone there, at least not often. He did have a friend he would speak to when they happened to be at the same function, but other than that, Cole never entertained anyone. He also didn’t dance with anyone, just looked like he wished he was anywhere else. I had never seen him smile until I met him for the first time.”
Lily rolled her eyes, “Oh, indeed. Cole loathes the ton. And almost all the people. Except you and his friend Cabe. That must be the man you spoke of. But after Cabe went into the Navy, Cole had no one. But he never minded it when you were there.”
Eden smiled, “I love that.”
Lily helped her stand, and then she went to the bell pull. “I already called for your bath. And, now your tray will also be sent up. We need to eat before we can go see Persephone, and maybe go see the children again. I also have your dress in my room, and when you are out of the bath, I will help you, if you want?”
Eden nodded, “I would love that, thank you.”
Lily smiled, “I will be back to check on you in a little while?”
Eden smiled, and nodded, getting into the bath to get ready. After bathing, and eating, Lily helped her dress, and fixed her hair.
Eden was very impressed with the styles of hair that Lily could do. It was not easy doing one’s hair oneself, so having Lily fix and tame her long locks into a lovely style was wonderful for her.
Eden loved spending time with Lily. It was everything she ever wished for. Knowing the love of a family and having one that loved her in return. Now that her brother wasn’t as big of a threat, they could visit her friend.
After getting in the carriage, Eden gave them the directions to Persephone’s home. Eden walked down the steps of the carriage with the help of the footman Cole had assigned them.
And then he helped Lily. Eden only had one card left and gave it to the butler at the front door.
They were shown into a small sitting room, and waited only for a few moments, before Persephone was wheeled into the room by her mother.
Her face broke into a grin, “Eden! How lovely to see you today! How have you fared these last few days? With all the commotion at the ball last night, I didn’t get a chance to speak with you.”
Eden went to walk over to Persephone, when her mother spoke up, “So this is the woman who caused all the chaos last night? Really Persephone, you don’t need this kind of excitement in your life. What if it causes you to have another attack?”
She sniffed and looked down her nose at Eden. Her eyes narrowed in a glare. It made Eden look down and take a deep breath, she went to say something, and Persephone spoke up, “Mother, I won’t have another attack. I am just fine. I loved that that was the most exciting thing to happen in the entire season so far. It wasn’t Eden’s fault. You don’t need to be so rude. She is my only friend.”
Persephone’s mother looked like she swallowed a lemon. Her lips were pursed, and her eyebrows were raised, “Young lady, you will not take that tone of voice with me.”
Persephone just shrugged, “I apologize for the tone Mother. I just want to speak with my friend. She is the first visitor I have ever had. Please mother.”
The Marquess Who Adored Me Page 15
