by Ella Edon
After Katherine declined the man, Arthur stretched out his hands, a grin on his face.
Katherine gazed at him flabbergasted. She shook her head, declining.
Arthur was having none of her rejection. He placed his hands in hers and said to her. "Do you trust me, Lady Bowmount?"
Katherine narrowed her eyes at him, but she nodded reluctantly.
Then he smiled. "If you do, then have this dance with me."
Katherine laughed. He had manipulated her. And he knew it. The mischievous glint in his blue eyes said it all. She took his hands and nodded. She gasped when he pulled her with so much energy. He laughed as he did. She found herself laughing with him. There was a loud howl from behind them the moment he stopped. Then he began to tap his feet and he nodded at her to follow along, which she did.
"I had no idea you love to dance! " she shouted over all the noise.
"I used to, when I was a lad. But I left London long ago and took to other paths of life. It is rare to see men scream and dance while half drunk. Inappropriate, I know, but it amazes me. It makes me laugh." He laughed again and danced on.
He twirled her in his arms and held her close as they moved together, dancing, laughing and talking all at once. Katherine felt her body heat up at their contact. With the joy in their eyes and the laughter on their lips, Katherine wished that it would never end. She felt so free, so alive. She felt new. She had never done this before; it thrilled her.
There were several more dances, and Arthur led her through them all.
"I've only ever danced proper, ballroom dances all my life," she admitted, out of breath.
Arthur simply shrugged. "You are highborn. It is what you were taught to do. But now, you can choose for yourself what you wish to learn."
She felt that he was talking about more than just dancing. He was talking about more than that. That she could make her own decisions. She knew he was trying to tell her to be free. She knew that when she returned to Somerset, she would never feel this free again.
Suddenly, she wanted more than just to dance. More than just to be held there, in that pub, by his side. The heat radiating from her body, and his, made them both stop. They stopped dancing, their breathing changed. They looked at each other and they both knew what the other wanted. Arthur gripped her forearm gently. His blue eyes searched hers. With his hair tousled from dancing, he looked perfect under the light. Carefree, and without the burden of being a barrister and a Marquess.
"Katherine..." he whispered. His eyes moved, searching her face for an answer. An answer to a question which could not be asked aloud.
Katherine placed her index finger on his lips and said. "Let us retire to the inn."
Everything else that happened was a haze. One minute, he was placing the coins for their meal on the table, the next he was leading her out of the pub. Then, they were walking towards the inn which was just down the road.
Then they were in the hallway where their separate rooms were located. They stopped, their hearts racing, their eyes never once parting. Katherine knew he was hesitant, because he had always made what he wanted clear. She, on the other hand, had always pushed him away. She had to show him that she wanted him, as well.
The hallway was empty, but still, Katherine had grown up with certain morals and even in a strange town, she remembered it. She walked past Arthur and opened the door to his room. After she had walked inside, she turned and waited for him. He looked hungry with desire. He walked into the room and locked the door behind him. In the next moment, he pressed his lips to hers. Katherine succumbed to the passion she had tried to hide and deny for so long. Arthur seemed like he had been yearning for her for so long. His hands were all over her. On her bosom, her face, her waist., She stepped back, to catch her breath.
Arthur stood back and watched her. She turned her back towards him.
“You’ll need to undo my buttons,” she said. Arthur fumbled with the buttons, undoing them. He helped her to step out of her dress, and then he unlaced her corset.
Her eyes were locked with his when she let the corset fall in a heap at her feet. He sucked in a breath and stood rooted to his spot.
"You are so beautiful, Katherine of Bowmount," he said.
His words brought all of her desires roaring in with much more need.
Chapter Twenty-Four
He was hard against his breeches. Katherine was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Her breasts were perfectly round. He could see her curves, and the triangle at her center.
She was bold, looking at him and not shying away. He threw his hat somewhere, took off his coat and his shirt. He was left with his breeches, before he advanced towards her. He pulled her to him and heard her sharp intake of breath.
He pressed his shaft against her stomach, so she could feel him. She moaned at this. He lowered his lips to hers. Her hands gripped his cheeks as she kissed him. His hands moved to secure her legs around him and hold her bottom in place. He carried her to the bed, and laid her there.
The candlelight illuminated her face, showing how beautiful she was, lying there and ready for him. He pulled down the straps of her chemise and began to kiss her neck. Her moan filled his ears. He kissed both her breasts, pleasuring her with a nibble. His hands ran over her sides, as his lips toyed with her breasts. They were so perfect. They filled his palms as he squeezed them. She was tugging at the front of his breeches, urging him to take them off. But he was not done. He would pleasure her before he entered her. He would make her scream his name and demand more from him.
His hands traced the outline of her center. She bucked as he did.
"Arthur," she cried.
"Shh. Let me make love to you," he said.
He brought her lips to his, but she moved away to nibble at his ears while his hands played at her center. She moaned and the sound pleased him. He moved his lips down, so they stopped at her perfect breasts. He teased her, kissing and sucking. While his hands found comfort in her center. She gripped his waist and pulled forcefully at his breeches. When his manhood sprang forth, she moaned.
She looked at him and pleaded, "Arthur, guide yourself inside me."
He bit his lip. He let himself free of his breeches and brought her lips to his. She moved her hands against his manhood, urging him to move inside of her. He touched her one last time, pressing her perfect breast again before he finally entered her.
She cried out at first, in satisfaction. And when he began to move inside her, her breasts rubbing against his chest, she moaned. But he did not like that her eyes were closed.
"Look at me, Katherine," he urged. She did as asked, smiling now.
He rocked his hips as their breaths mingled, their bodies moving together in ecstasy. When they had both finished, he fell onto the bed beside her, their legs tangled and their breathing loud.
* * *
He stirred, opening his eyes to find the sun, shining through the drawn shutters. He slowly turned and then fluttered his eyes open. The first thing he saw was a mass of golden hair. He leaned on his side and took a good look at the hair. He had always wished to see the length of her hair, to pull his fingers through it. And now was his chance. He pushed his fingers into the hair and drew it softly, careful not to cause pain.
Her hair was long, and lovely. Her face was turned away from him, the duvet was drawn to her chest. Her chest rose softly, as her breathing came. He leaned down and kissed her bare shoulders. As he did, he looked up to see if she was looking. He wanted to see more of her, more of her sleeping peacefully beside him. She turned; her face was to him, but her eyes were not yet opened.
He pushed the duvet aside and sighed at her breasts. So perfect. He placed his lips around her nipple and sucked. He did the same to the other nipple. Her breathing became even. And then, it was as though she struggled to breathe. When he looked up at her, he saw her looking at him, her eyes so blue, a smile on her lips.
He kissed her then. "Good Morning, Katherine."
; She tossed the rest of the duvet aside and brought her naked body to his, hugging him to her. He liked the feel of all of her against him.
"Good Morning, Arthur."
"You’re so perfect."
She pulled away, blushing. "As are you."
"Perhaps another?"
She gave him a look. "We may never leave here if we do. We have to head back to Somerset." Her voice lowered when she said this, her eyes dimmed.
He caressed her cheeks and shook his head. "No, do not let the smile fade."
"What have we done, Arthur?"
He sucked in a breath at her tone, but he refused to let go. He held her still and searched her eyes. "Do you regret it? "
"No!" she responded, shocked that he even asked. "I do not regret it."
He understood then. She regretted that they had to restrict something so beautiful. They had to hide their feelings from everyone. He pushed her hair away from her face and tilted her face until her eyes met his.
"Whose judgement do you fear?"
She stared at him, like his question made no sense. But she answered. "Everyone. The Dowager Marchioness, my friends, my parents. The ton."
"No one has to know," he said.
She shook her head. "I will feel as if they knew, having to face them every day. My friends can see through me. They just know. And when they do, I will have fought them for nothing. Their concern about me has been right, Arthur."
He shook his head. "What matters most, is what you want, and what you feel is right for you. The Duchesses of Richmond and York have been your friends for so long. True friendship is understanding. And you should also reconcile with them. Word reached me about their last visit."
She scowled at him. "Word?"
He grinned. "Word spreads so quickly— you have no idea, My Lady."
She giggled under his gaze and nuzzled close to him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
"Do not over think it at all, Katherine. Everything will be fine."
He wasn't sure that it would, but he had to assure her. He was scared as well. He was terrified that she would give up on them. He wanted her close. And having her, waking up by his side, he realized that he wanted her more than he had known. He would stay close to her, and whatever came, they would face it together.
He pressed his forehead to hers and they stayed that way for a moment, then they rose. Arthur paused, turning towards her. He wanted this Katherine, the one from London to always be his Katherine.
So, he told her so.
"Promise me, Katherine, that where we are won't change anything. Just like you have been open now about your fears, always be open to me."
Katherine looked up at him. He sensed she was going to say nothing, so he pressed on. "I want more than what we have shared here, Katherine. I want your mind and your soul as well. For my desires run far deeper than this. "
Katherine tightened her hold on him and muttered. "Of course, Arthur. I won't change."
Chapter Twenty-Five
She felt new, alive. It was as though she had seen the stars from afar, and then, suddenly, it was so close to her that she could feel it. She had thought that it was strange to feel new, but it wasn't. Bowmount was home, but being away from it for a few days made her rediscover herself.
They arrived Bowmount Hall, late in the afternoon. Katherine walked ahead of Arthur, eager to not arouse anyone’s suspicions. She had a strange feeling that whomever gazed upon her and Arthur would know instantly what had happened. She did not want that.
The Dowager Marchioness was the first to approach her. She was smiling, with Victoria walking ahead of her. Katherine greeted the Dowager Marchioness before she turned to her daughter.
"Mama."
"Darling." Katherine easily squatted, so she could embrace her daughter. Victoria was so happy to see her.
"You won't believe me, Mama. I played draughts with Grandmama and she won all the time. She won't even let me win."
Katherine burst into laughter. The Dowager Marchioness smiled. Katherine rose to give her a hug. "Welcome home, Katherine."
There was something about everything going on. It was as though after such a long time of dimness in her life, everything was suddenly bright. As though a light had been lit, brightening everyone. It was comforting, to see that after almost nine months since tragedy had struck Bowmount Hall, there was suddenly laughter and happiness.
"Lord Bowmount!" Victoria giggled and ran towards Arthur.
Arthur walked through the threshold, his broad shoulders shielding the setting sun as he scooped Victoria up and twirled her around for only a second before setting her down again upon seeing the stern look the Dowager Marchioness gave him.
Katherine watched all of them, marveling at how easily everything was falling into place. Even the Dowager Marchioness acknowledged Arthur with a small smile. Victoria laughed like she had not in months. Katherine realized that Arthur brought more than himself to Bowmount Hall. He brought joy as well and she was uncertain how to thank him for it. She watched him from afar, with a smile on her face and a deep yearning within her.
Their night in London was definitely not the last. It was not something she could easily get over. More than anything, she wanted more from him now. She swallowed. She wanted more and somehow; she was going to get it.
The night swept by quickly, Katherine had the comfort of her own bed, but she couldn't help remembering all that had happened in London. The pub, their lovemaking, and their discussion. Arthur knew her more now, as she knew him. They had spent time together, tangled in each other’s arms and enjoying the ecstasy. She wished he were beside her once again. She slept only a little before the day broke, as her mind wandered through most of the night.
During breakfast the next morning, Arthur told the Dowager Marchioness about the progress that they’d made in getting the profit from the merchants in India. "So then, the letter has been sent to the Indian merchants. Hopefully, we will receive a reply soon, and Victor's profit will be right where it belongs."
The Dowager Marchioness narrowed her eyes at him. "We are not supposed to discuss anything at the dining table, Lord Bowmount. We shall discuss it all once our meal is done. Katherine, bless the meal, please."
Katherine did as she was asked, but not before she shared a smile with Arthur. After the meal, Arthur continued where he left off. Only, he didn't really have much else to say, except repeat what had already been said.
Victoria was eager to play draught with her grandmother before her governess called her for tutoring. Katherine was then left alone with Arthur. He looked left, and right, and wanted to walk up to her, but she shook her head sternly. They couldn't risk doing anything that would put their name on the lips of everyone. Arthur let his shoulders sag as he stood still. His eyes told her he understood very well what her stance meant. And he honored her desire for propriety.
"What will you do today, Lady Bowmount?"
Katherine shrugged. "Spend some time with Victoria and Mother."
Arthur smiled. He nodded, then picked his briefcase from beside his feet and took his hat from where it was hung. He tipped his hat to her and said, "I hope your day is memorable. See you when I return."
She clutched the sleeves of her dress as she watched him leave. She knew he yearned to kiss her just as much as she wanted to kiss him. But she had to control herself. They could do nothing of what they felt. Katherine looked away from him and nodded. "See you when you return, My Lord."
He didn't walk away yet. He stayed, his brows rising. She knew then that he was thinking of something. She raised one brow at him in question. He turned towards her. "Perhaps, visiting your friends wouldn't be such a bad idea."
Katherine shook her head. She remembered how she had shouted at them in her anger. How she had said so many mean things to them. But they also weren't so innocent themselves. They clearly did not trust her. They didn't feel the need to ask what was going on before they had arrived with their own judgements and
demands, just like the rest of the society.
She missed them so much, but she wasn't sure she was ready to face them yet. She was ashamed, and a bit still annoyed at them. They used to discuss everything together, but they hadn't visited to discuss anything with her. They had visited to tell her what they thought was best for her.