by Tamara Gill
Only recently, returning home late one night from a social event, he had been seized by a fit of intense passion, and had started kissing his wife so fervently that she herself was on the point of knocking on the roof to signal the driver to stop so that they could dash into the woods together to relieve themselves of the need for each other – and why not? But it was too late for rapping. After a momentary preparation he had pulled Constance onto his lap, where all was in attentive readiness, and they had ridden the rest of the way home in the carriage, their muffled motions matching the tireless trot of the horses, their mutual blissful release happily coinciding with their turning into the drive which led to their door.
What was it about marriage that had so dramatically eroticised Perry? Constance kept meaning to ask him, but was far too occupied by his exciting schemes to find a suitable occasion. Such as now, for instance. He had her completely naked, except for her new pearl necklace. He extinguished all of the lights except for one candle and led her to their four-poster bed. As she lay back on the shimmering purple silk covering, he completed his own undressing, allowing her excitement to build as his manly beauty slowly but most surely, was unveiled.
Rather than complacently turning to fat like most married men, he had made the conscious decision to do as much exercise as his duties and responsibilities allowed. He rode Zenobia, he fenced, he helped on the estate, he boxed, he swam. The result was a physique that rippled with tautened muscle.
Muscle complemented by even broader shoulders, a stomach 'as flat as one of Mrs Bell's washboards' Constance often quipped, thighs as rounded and firm as the mahogany bedposts of their great bed, and, a springing, headstrong energy to his manhood which saw him 'ready for action' at a moment's notice.
Constance, looking upon its lengthy ardency now, stretched herself lasciviously, ready to receive him, to begin the night's long amorous campaign.
“Tomorrow... Oh!... TOh!... morrow... I must ask him... h..... Oh!... w he.... acc... Oh!... ounts for this... this... ratcheting up of his... passion!”
~~~~~
Several hours later Constance awoke. Perhaps it was the Moon, which was pouring its light directly into the room. She kissed Peregrine lightly on the shoulder and slipped out of bed. Opening the window, she breathed in the cool night air, fragrant with flower scents carried by the light mist. What she really felt like doing was running through the dew which was sparkling on the grass, each blade distinct as the prongs of a fork. It was something she used to do when she was young, at home in Edinburgh, running into their broad back-garden in her bare feet. And what was the point of being a Countess if she could not do so now, should she wish it?
Mr Collins, troubled by his usual sleeplessness, noted her rather unladylike sweep down the stairs and across the hall to the door in her black velvet cloak, but was somewhat startled by the bare feet that glimmered whitely beneath its sweeping hem.
She looked so self-contained and bent on some business of her own that he thought it best not to intrude, and said nothing, watching her unbolt the great door, and with a quick look behind her, slip out of the house.
He stepped gingerly to the window and looked out. The Countess of Blackwood, the hood of her cloak thrown back, was walking slowly, arms held out aloft like some pagan worshipper, delighting at the prints her bare feet made in the shimmering moonlit dew. Mr Collins, in deference to his mistress's private moment, withdrew to the kitchen to try to placate his insomnia with yet another cup of Mrs Bell's strongly stewed tea.
There was no one left to observe Constance as, mesmerised by the shimmering beauty around her, she followed her feet across the spangled park, out under the trees, within whose leaf-thickened branches fresh stars were entangled. Blackwood Chase itself perhaps watched, its numerous windows the eyes of the Earl's ancestors, or the Moon itself, or the old owls that sat as sleepless as Mr Collins in their nests.
Finally, Constance slowed her meandering, skittish progress, stopped, and turned to look back at the great country house. She thought of Clara and Harriet and Amelia, all three growing up so quickly, asleep now. She thought of dear Margaret, nearby, asleep but doubtless up soon, still rising early out of old habit, and of Mrs Temp and Mrs Bell and Mr Collins - poor Edward and his insomnia!
She located the window of the nursery, where her firstborn George slept, and, next to it, the window of their own dear bedroom filled to the brim with so much love and passion. Would she ask her dear Perry tomorrow why he still loved her so?
Tomorrow? What was the hurry? There would be a million tomorrows.
She ran her eyes over stately, mellow, austere, quietly gay, quietly naughty Blackwood Chase, and all the life it contained.
“I am finally at home, for good! In love, for good! And - I'm so amazingly happy!”
The End
Be the first to know about it when Arietta’s next book is released! Sign up to Arietta’s newsletter at
http://www.ariettarichmond.com
When you do, you will receive two free subscriber exclusive books - ‘A Gift of Love’, which is a prequel to the Derbyshire Set series, and ends on the day that ‘The Earl’s Unexpected Bride’ begins, and ‘Madame’s Christmas Marquis’ which is an additional story in the His Majesty’s Hounds series.
THE DUKE’S HOUSE PARTY MATCH
Kelly Anne Bruce
Chapter One
Sarah Elizabeth Payne walked into her mother’s sitting room with a spring in her step. At two and twenty, she was beautiful and full of confidence, a feeling bolstered by her doting parents.
“Good morning, Mama,” Sarah reached Mrs Payne’s side and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “How are you this fine morning?”
Charlotte Payne smiled indulgently at her only child. “I am well, my dear. I think you must be, also, given your happy countenance.”
Sarah flashed her mother a grin and plopped down on the chair opposite Mrs Payne’s at the small table. “It is a glorious day,” she waved a hand at the sunshine pouring in the open window. “How can I not be pleased?”
“I think I may have some news that will please you even more. Would you like to hear it?” Mrs Payne did her best to hide a smile, but her raised brow gave away her tease.
Sarah hid a chuckle behind her hand. “Oh, Mama, are you baiting me? You know I wish you to tell me now. I hate waiting, especially if what you have to say will make me happy, as it seems it might.”
Mrs Payne gave up the effort to school her expression, breaking out into a grin. “We have been invited to a house party!”
Sarah’s eyes grew wide, and her mouth fell open. Quickly lifting her jaw, she heard her teeth snap as she closed her lips to swallow. “How wonderful! When? Where?”
“I knew you would like it! The party is to be held at the home of the Duke of Haston in Essex, and we will be leaving in three days.”
“So soon!” Sarah leaped to her feet. “I must go up and tell my maid to pack my things.” She stopped as she remembered that her mother had been unwell recently. “Mama, are you certain we should go? Do you feel well enough?” Sarah reached for Mrs Payne’s hand, holding it in hers. “I can forego the party; honestly, I can.”
Charlotte Payne squeezed her daughter’s hand. “You have such a tender heart toward those you love. Of all the wonderful qualities you have, that is the one I am most proud of you for. You must not worry about me. I am well, and sitting in a carriage or around the drawing rooms of a grand estate is not going to hurt me.” Mrs Payne stood, gathering Sarah into her arms. “I am just as excited about this party as you are.” Kissing the top of her daughter’s head, she pulled back, resting her hands on Sarah’s shoulders. “Do not worry about me. We will go and enjoy everything that comes with a party such as this. Yes?”
Sarah smiled at her mother. “Yes, we will. I will attempt to put aside my concerns for your health. Papa would not allow you to put yourself in danger, in any case.”
“That is true,” Mrs Payne agreed with another fond smile. “He i
s such a mother hen at times.” Her face turned serious as she looked back at Sarah. “Your father arranged this invitation for a reason. He expects you to make a match very soon, and this is a good opportunity for you to do so.”
“I know,” Sarah sighed. “I am nearly on the shelf, but… I wish to marry for love. I know Papa loves me and wants the best for me, but he is looking at wealth in a suitor.”
“Your Papa only wants you to have a secure future. You know he and I did not love each other when we married, though we dearly do so now. He feels that if you have a good match in other ways, you will fall in love eventually.”
“Yes,” Sarah sighed once more. “I know. I understand his position on the matter, but… Well, anyway, there is no point in borrowing trouble. Papa is not forcing me to marry anyone yet, and perhaps there is someone for me at this party. She stood up on her toes to kiss her mother’s cheek. “I will go up and set my maid to packing, and stop fretting about things.”
Mrs Payne gave her daughter another soft smile. “I will see you at tea, then, dear. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Mama.” With that, Sarah was out the door.
Hours later, when Sarah joined her mother for tea, her father was in the drawing room, as well.
“Papa,” Sarah teased, “Did your employees give you leave to come home, or did you sneak away?”
Andrew Payne laughed. “Oh, I definitely was sneaky about leaving. You know how much they enjoy my company.” He winked.
“They are only shy of you because you are always looking over their shoulders.” Sarah loved to make her father laugh; her eyes glowed, and a grin covered her face to hear him do so now.
“If that were true, I would be unable to retain any workers at all. No, if anything, I am too liberal. I have been told many times that I should keep a closer eye on them, but I have found the best employees to be the ones I train and then allow to do their jobs without me hovering. Clearly,” Mr Payne added, “I have made enough money using my methods that they cannot be sneered at.”
“You have, my love.” Mrs Payne lifted her chin, her shoulders back and chest puffed out. “You put the rest of the tradesmen in London to shame. How many of those who mocked you have had your success?”
Andrew, who had been standing beside his wife, put his arm around her waist and pulled her close to his side. “You know what I always say, do you not? No truly great man would be where he is if he did not have an equally great lady at his side. I would be nowhere without you. And I do not mean without your money.”
Charlotte lifted the corners of her lips, her eyes sparkling, as she wrapped her own arms around Andrew’s waist. “You are correct, as usual.” It was her turn to wink, making her husband laugh once more. Then, she let him go, glancing at Sarah and blushing. “I am sorry, Sarah. I forgot you were there.”
Sarah’s giggle joined her father’s hearty chuckle. “I suspected you had, but then, this is not the first time the pair of you have forgotten propriety in my presence. Do not worry; we are at home amongst family. I know that it is not proper behaviour for public situations.”
Andrew cleared his throat to hide a laugh and a still-blushing Charlotte reseated herself, just as the housekeeper brought in the tea service. Sarah and her father followed Charlotte’s example and sat themselves down.
“Has your mother informed you of our invitation to the house party at Thornwood?”
“She has, just this morning,” Sarah assured him. “I am looking forward to it. My maid has begun packing my things.” She turned to her mother. “How long will the party be? I realized while I was supervising the maids that I neglected to ask you. I told them to pack for a se’ennight, but that can be changed.”
“You will need enough for a fortnight. Some house parties go on for months, but this one is shorter. There will probably be dancing several nights, so you will need more than one ball gown,” Charlotte instructed as she began pouring tea into the delicate cups.
Sarah nodded. “I am glad I asked.” She smiled and accepted a cup and saucer from her mother.
The trio enjoyed their repast of tea, sandwiches, and cakes. When the food was consumed and a last bit of tea being sipped by each, Mr Payne spoke to his daughter, his demeanour serious.
“I have high expectations for this house party, Sarah. You have been out for four seasons now and have yet to make a match. You will soon be on the shelf if some action is not taken.”
Sarah swallowed. “Yes, Papa.”
“I know that you have told me you wish to marry for love, and your mother has been supportive of you in this desire.” Andrew took a deep breath as he considered how to say what he needed to. Letting the stale air out in a sigh, he continued. “It is of vital importance to me that your future is settled soon, and not to just anyone. You are a bright and shining jewel, and you deserve the best. This house party will be attended by several young gentlemen of the peerage, all in want of a wife. I expect you to catch the attention of one or two of them.
“Sarah,” he continued, leaning forward and speaking earnestly, “we have spoken before about this. Your birthday is quickly approaching. You will be three and twenty. If you are not attached before then, I will choose a husband for you, without regard to your wishes. I do not wish to be overbearing, but I will have failed in my duty if I go to my grave without my only child being well-protected and cared for.”
“Yes, sir,” Sarah whispered. She cleared her throat and stiffened her spine. “I will do my best.”
“I know you will.” Andrew rose and, kissing first his wife and then his daughter, strolled from the room.
Chapter Two
Three days later, Sarah and her parents were in her father’s coach and four, pulling up to the front of the grand estate that housed the Duke of Haston and his family. Sarah peeked out the window at the beautiful, four-storied home. With a huge smile lighting her face, she leaned back in her seat once more.
“What do you think, my child? Is it not a magnificent place?” Andrew Payne grinned from his rear-facing seat.
“It is,” Sarah exclaimed. “I am so excited. I wonder how many people will be here, and if any of my friends are in attendance.” She clasped her hands tightly to keep from clapping them.
“I do not know,” her father admitted. “I did not ask about any of the other guests.” The carriage came to a stop. “We will soon discover the truth.”
The door to the equipage opened, and Sarah’s father descended. He reached in to hand her mother out first, then Sarah. With each of his ladies holding one of his arms, Mr Payne walked through the magnificent courtyard and up a short flight of steps. A set of double doors was open, and a man in livery stood sedately waiting.
Handing the servant his invitation, Sarah’s father introduced himself and his family. The butler sedately bowed and indicated they should follow him. Sarah tried not to stare at her surroundings. The home she shared with her parents was elegant, but this one was beyond anything Sarah had ever seen, with high, painted ceilings and a marble staircase. “I hope we can take a tour,” she murmured.
A few minutes later, the butler stepped into a long, narrow, but bright room and announced them. “Mr and Mrs Andrew Payne and Miss Sarah Payne.” He bowed and then backed away, heading back down the hall in the direction from which they had come.
Sarah and her parents were approached by a well-dressed couple. Andrew recognized the gentleman as the Duke of Haston, and he bowed. Sarah and her mother followed suit, curtseying to the duke and duchess.
“Payne,” The duke greeted, “I am glad you could make it. How were the roads?”
“They were as good as could be expected,” Payne replied, “though they improved greatly as we grew closer to Thornwood.”
“I should hope so, given the amount of work my people put into them.” The duke laughed and then turned to the duchess. “This is Mr Andrew Payne, my dear. He is the one I told you about with the warehouse full of silks from the East.”
The duches
s’ eyes lit up. “Indeed? I am so pleased to meet you, Mr Payne. Will you introduce me to your friends?”
“Of course,” Payne smiled. “This is my wife, Charlotte.” He waited for the ladies to greet each other and when they had done, introduced Sarah. “And my daughter, Sarah.”
Sarah curtseyed again, and the duke and duchess complimented her parents on her beauty and grace. To Sarah, the duchess said, “House parties are such fun when one is young; I hope you enjoy yourself. We have many young people in the group.” She looked around the room as though searching for someone. “My daughter is here somewhere. I shall be sure to introduce you this evening.” She smiled a sweet smile that reached her eyes showing she was sincere in her well wishes and intentions.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Sarah curtseyed again and returned the duchess’ smile.
“We have detained you too long,” the duke declared. “Let me call the housekeeper to show you to your rooms.”
“Oh, yes,” the duchess agreed, hands clasped tightly in front of her. “You have been assigned a very pretty suite of rooms in the guest wing. Take the afternoon and recover from your trip. We will see you at dinner, if not before.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Sarah’s father spoke for all of them. Within minutes, they were following the housekeeper up the grand staircase and then down a long hall. They turned down another hallway and finally at the door to a room. Sarah and her mother exclaimed in delight as they entered a beautifully-appointed sitting room.
The housekeeper lifted her chin, a pleased gleam in her eye. She gestured to the left side of the room. “The bedchamber for the Miss is here, and for you, Mr and Mrs Payne, the chamber on the other side, here.” She used her other hand to point out the necessary door. There is a dressing room attached to each bedchamber.” Now clasping her hands together in front of her, she continued. “I have assigned a maid to each lady, and a man to serve you, sir. If you need anything, the bell is there, beside the fireplace. There are also bells in each dressing room and bedchamber. Feel free to call if you need something. Dinner will be served at eight o’clock.” With a curtsey, the housekeeper was gone.