The Governess's Scandalous Marriage

by Helen Dickson

  ‘Park House must be such a welcome change after the hustle and bustle of the city.’

  ‘I cannot deny that. I would like to spend more of my time there, which I intend to do eventually. When I went to Egypt to sort out my father’s affairs, which were quite extensive, I had to put everything here on hold. It’s amazing how things build up.’

  ‘Lord Blakely, when you returned from Sussex and found Mrs Marsden had offered me the post to be Alice’s governess, it was wrong of me to say what I did.’

  ‘What? When you accused me of neglecting her?’

  ‘Yes. I behaved in an impertinent and presumptuous manner. I didn’t even allow you the chance to defend yourself. When you refused to be drawn on the matter I couldn’t help myself.’

  Christian looked at her, thoughtful for a moment, and when he continued his voice was serious. ‘You also told me Alice is an unhappy child. Is that still the case?’

  ‘I think so, but she tries not to show it. I have seen the hope, the fleeting joy on her face at any mention of her father, only to be replaced with a quiet hurt and disappointment when you fail to come to her.’

  * * *

  Linnet’s face was composed and her eyes clear and untroubled. In fact, she looked as she always looked since he had taken her in his employ. She went about her work with a cool reserve and looked unapproachable and detached when they met in the house. It was hard to believe she was the same young woman he had held in his arms, the woman who had returned his kisses with such abandon. The memories of those kisses reminded him that he had detected untapped depths of passion within her and he knew her well enough to know she was not as prim as she appeared. The impact of those memories brought a smouldering glow to his eyes. She excited him, made him imagine those pleasures and sensations she could never have experienced without being aroused by him.

  It would not be too difficult a task to demolish her pride and have her melting with desire in his arms. Briefly the idea of conquering her appealed to Christian’s sardonic sense of humour—if that was what he had a mind to do, which he didn’t. It would put him on a par with his father, who had been the most debauched man he had known. Christian was his son, but there the association ended. He was not like his father and never would be.

  Where Miss Osborne was concerned he must remember that—because of the post she held, to him she was untouchable. But she tempted him daily. When he retired to his bed at night, he was fully conscious that within a few strides of his room, she was there.

  * * *

  A hectic two days had followed as preparations to leave London began in earnest. Alice was excited to be going to the country and Linnet was looking forward to seeing Park House. She wrote to inform Toby of her plans and where she could be contacted if need be. With everything packed up, after an early breakfast, they climbed aboard Lord Blakely’s impressive shiny black travelling chaise, which boasted a crest on the door panel and was drawn by four sleek bay horses.

  Linnet was glad when they left London behind and the lovely English countryside slid by. Christian travelled on horseback for much of the journey. Alice was so excited she never stopped chattering, but eventually, with the warmth and the rocking of the coach as it trundled along country lanes, she fell asleep with her head resting on Mrs Marsden’s knee.

  * * *

  It was early evening when they approached their destination, after stopping twice to take refreshment and stretch their legs. Park House was set in glorious countryside in the high heathland of the Western Weald in Sussex. They passed through huge wrought-iron gates bearing a family insignia, travelling on up a long, curving drive lined with tall elms. Linnet was not disappointed when she saw Park House, the grand country residence of the Blakely family. The house was situated on a low hill and consisted of two wings embracing a central court. Its many chimneys and courtyards looked out over the still waters of a lake, presenting a stirring sight which could be seen all over the surrounding countryside.

  The closer the carriage carried Linnet to Park House the more vulnerable and weakened she became, feeling that this was very much Lord Blakely’s territory, where he was master and reigned supreme.

  He was the first to alight the carriage. Holding out his hand, he assisted Linnet and then Mrs Marsden, before lifting Alice out and placing her carefully on the ground.

  ‘Welcome to Park House,’ he said.

  Stepping inside the great timbered hall, Linnet was overwhelmed by the magnificence and antiquity of the house. The staff had gathered to welcome Lord Blakely home and Linnet had a strange feeling of passing into another world. She could feel the past closing in on her, wrapping itself around her, but it was in no way unpleasant or threatening—in fact, it was quite the opposite, for it gave her a warm welcoming glow deep inside. The magnificence of the house was well matched by the view of well-planned gardens and acres of parkland, which could be seen from the terrace.

  Lord Blakely instructed the housekeeper to be so good as to show Miss Osborne the rooms that had been allocated to her and Mrs Marsden. They both connected to a sizeable nursery that had housed generations of Blakelys. It was a lovely room—large, light and warm since it faced south. Alice immediately began to explore. She was soon dragging toys out of boxes and was thrilled to find a rocking horse.

  Everything became chaotic as their trunks were unpacked. They ate their evening meal in the nursery and then it was time for Alice to go to bed. When Linnet had read her a story—the exhausted child falling asleep before she was halfway through—Linnet left the nursery, wanting to spend a little time by herself.

  Standing close to the French windows and drawn by the coolness the terrace offered, she slipped outside. Dusk was falling and the sky was a blaze of colour on the horizon. Linnet began to stroll along the length of the terrace, tilting her face to allow the light breeze to cool her cheeks. Reaching the end, she paused on top of a short flight of steps that led down to the gardens. The air was filled with the scents of late summer flowers. She looked towards the lake in the distance, its waters still and dark. Linnet was irrevocably touched by the timeless splendour of the house. She felt helpless in the grip of something she could not name, or escape. Sighing deeply, she experienced a feeling of contentment she had not felt in a long time.

  Stepping down into the garden, she was unaware that Lord Blakely had come to stand beside her until he spoke, his voice soft and warm to her ears.

  ‘I’m glad you came with me to Park House. Have you settled in?’

  Smiling softly and falling into step beside him, she glanced up at him. ‘Yes, thank you. Everything is perfect. This is a lovely house—a beautiful place to live and bring up children.’

  ‘The house never changes,’ he murmured. ‘My mother loved it and I have loved it since I was a child. It means a great deal to me and when I’ve been away it always feels good to be back. It invites and welcomes all who come here.’

  ‘I know. I can feel it,’ Linnet answered, looking towards the lake. At that moment she felt that Park House was part of her destiny, that she belonged here. Coming back to awareness, she told herself not to be silly, that such fanciful thoughts were not possible, that things did not happen like that, especially not to a woman who was as poor as a church mouse.

  ‘Speaking of children, Alice is in bed?’ Christian said.

  Linnet nodded. ‘The poor lamb is exhausted with all the excitement. With almost every one of your servants fussing over her, I do not think she would notice my absence. Mrs Marsden is keeping an ear open for her. I understand this is the first time she has been to Park House—Mrs Marsden also.’

  ‘And no doubt you are wondering why.’

  ‘I can’t pretend that I am not curious, but it is not my concern.’ She didn’t want to pry into information that Lord Blakely and Mrs Marsden didn’t want to offer, but she would like to get him to open up and tell her something about himself and why he was fi
nding it difficult to bond with Alice. This was something she had quietly observed over the time she had been in his employ. Over time she hoped everything would become clear to her.

  ‘Alice spent the first five years of her life in Egypt. When I had settled my father’s affairs and I was able to return to England, she came with me.’

  ‘And her mother died in childbirth, I believe.’

  Christian looked at her, then looked away. For the briefest instant she saw a flash of—what? Remorse in his dark eyes—or was it anger? When he looked at her again his expression was unreadable.

  ‘Who told you?’

  ‘Mrs Marsden.’

  He nodded and stopped to look at her. ‘And what else has Mrs Marsden told you, Linnet?’

  ‘About Alice? Nothing.’

  They walked on in silence, each occupied with their own thoughts—Linnet even more curious about Alice’s mother. Lord Blakely had sidestepped her query and she wondered why. The mystery about her deepened.

  * * *

  Christian turned his head and looked at his companion. He beheld a vision of her washed in light. A prickling sensation raced down his spine. His stare followed the graceful curve of her throat downwards to her slender body. Graceful and serene, her pale cream gown had sheer long sleeves and a scooped neckline. She wore her honey-gold hair piled and coiled in glorious chaos atop her head. Tendrils wafted against the flushed curve of her cheeks. He quivered and forced his gaze away, his pulse hammering.

  Dear Lord, she was lovely, he thought with a catch of longing in his throat. Her eyes were dark and glittering with sensuality as she swept him with an assessing gaze, smiling her welcome. How could mere reason stand against the sensory power of her presence? Just having her here at Park House, his home, sent ripples of unrest into his soul. He would like to say that what was between them was nothing more than a practical arrangement, that it suited them both that she was Alice’s governess. But he couldn’t.

  More than anything in the world he wanted at that moment to take Linnet Osborne to bed. Had she then made the smallest seductive gesture—had she indicated that she was willing—he might have taken her to his bedchamber and made love to her. But she was not merely a body, a thing of the flesh. He desired her, oh, yes, but as his gaze caressed every inch of her lovely face, her eyes whispered to him of the gentling influence—the elevating companionship—he had long been starved of.

  Unable to resist her any longer, taking her hand he drew her into the shelter of the trees, away from prying eyes. She made no attempt to draw back. Towering over her he looked at her for a long moment, tracing the tips of his fingers along the curve of her jaw. He could feel the warm, beguiling sweetness of her soft breath on his skin.

  * * *

  Once again Linnet felt that melting sensation between her legs as his finger made sensuous movements on her flesh. She did not speak or move, but her eyes darkened as her pupils dilated. For weeks she had been telling herself that she was drawn to Christian Blakely because of his compelling good looks and his powerful animal magnetism. She had almost convinced herself that it was so, that this strange hold he had over her was merely his ability to awaken an intense sexual hunger within her. But that was just the tip of the iceberg, for what she felt for this man went way beyond anything physical. It was something deeper, something dangerously enduring, which had been weaving its spell to bind them inexorably together.

  Without warning or hesitation, he bent his head and brushed her parted lips with his own. At first Linnet hesitated, with the uncertainty of innocence, then with an eagerness that would surely astound Christian, as it did her. Parting her lips, she welcomed the invasion of his tongue, sliding silken arms tightly about his neck and pressing herself to the hard contours of his virile form, little realising the devastating effect she had on him as her lips blended with his with an impatient urgency. Impatiently his fingers caressed her breasts straining beneath the fabric of her gown. Linnet closed her eyes and let the hot, flickering flames of desire sweep through her when his lips left her mouth and travelled down the silky softness of her throat, his hand searing through her gown over the hard peaks of her breasts.

  Finding her lips once more, he lightly traced his tongue over her lower lip, his kiss deepening with all the persuasive force at his disposal as he held her tight against him. So lost was she in the desire he was skilfully building in her that she almost drowned as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her. Her body came keenly alive, all her senses heightened and focused on him and herself and the touch of his mouth until nothing else mattered. His kiss was deep, his lips teasing hers. In his arms, with his hand gently cupping her breast, she felt wanton and joyously alive. Caught up in sensation, she was floating on a cloud of euphoria.

  This, heaven help her, was exactly what she had wanted, needed him to do, ever since she had come to live in his house. Linnet slid her hands over his chest, marvelling over the breadth of his shoulders. Then they were about his neck like tendrils of ivy, clinging to him as an ache spread through every part of her, a sensation she had felt before when he had kissed her. She ran her hands through his hair and pressed against him, wanting to bring him even closer. It was as if her entire body knew what to do, even if her mind did not. Hesitantly she half-opened her eyes and met his intense gaze, hearing the drumming of her heart until her ears were full of the sound. Faintness drifted on the edge of her vision. She wanted more of him. She ached for him with the awkward desperation of inexperience.

  * * *

  Fighting a rampaging desire, Christian took her face tenderly between his hands, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs and gazing down into her passion-bright eyes, knowing she would be a willing partner as his wife. The moment his lips had touched hers and he’d felt her body mould itself to his, he knew she wanted him. She was too young and inexperienced to conceal her feelings, too genuine to want to try.

  ‘My God, Linnet,’ he said, his breathing ragged. ‘You are so lovely. You are a temptress, angel and courtesan all in one. You see how much power you have when you choose to use it. Ever since I saw you that day as Alice’s governess I have wanted to do that.’

  * * *

  Linnet did see that she, who had convinced herself she had no influence over anything in her life, felt as captivating and alluring as the most beautiful woman on earth, and a joy she had never felt before blossomed inside her.

  ‘Thank you—but why are you smiling?’

  ‘I was just trying to make up my mind if the kiss was as good as the last time.’

  ‘And what is your conclusion?’

  ‘I confess to being delighted at your eagerness. If the kiss, like the last time I kissed you, is an indication of your feelings then I am encouraged. You certainly kiss me with more enthusiasm than your Aunt Lydia would consider proper. You melted in my arms as you did the last time. In fact, your passions were in grave danger of running out of control. Still, I am not complaining,’ he uttered softly. ‘I confess to enjoying the moment. Your eagerness astounded me. Nothing you can say or do will change what happened between us. You do want me, Linnet,’ he told her with a knowing smile. ‘You cannot deny it.’

  Linnet swallowed nervously and stared at him before turning and taking a step away from him. From the very first, Christian had awoken feelings inside her that she had not known existed. She was no longer a naïve young innocent, but a woman, with a woman’s wants and needs that could match those of any other—and she knew only this man could fill those needs. But what she felt for him she could not begin to analyse or understand. It was dark and mysterious and all consuming, a highly volatile combination of pleasure, danger and excitement, and the force of it terrified her.

  All the pleasurably wanton feelings he had awoken in her tore through her. More than anything in the world she wanted him to make love to her—and he knew it. Never again would she misjudge his strength or his ardour. She had felt the strengt
h of his hands exploring the secrets of her body with the sureness of an experienced and knowledgeable lover. The smell of his elusive scent lingered in the air and she could still taste his kisses and remember how urgent and hungry his mouth had been on hers.

  Instead of trying to stifle her feelings, she allowed them to flow through her. Not even in her wildest dreams had she imagined that a man could make her body come to life like that and she doubted that anyone else ever would but Christian Blakely.

  But she should not have let him kiss her. The stability of her position as Alice’s governess had shifted dramatically.

  ‘We—we should not have done that.’

  Christian’s lips quirked with wry amusement at her gravity, then, raking his fingers through his hair, he sighed, clearly no longer in any mood for the light banter that had laced their conversation so far. ‘I’m sorry, Linnet. I never meant for it to happen. It was wrong of me to take advantage of you.’ He gazed down at her, his expression tender. ‘I would like to say that I would like you to forget it happened, but I can’t.’

  ‘I was supposed to forget the times you have kissed me before—one of them in a garden similar to this—but no matter how hard I have tried, it’s impossible.’ That’s the trouble, she thought. The memory of those kisses lingered far too strongly for her to discount their effect on her. ‘So are you telling me your intentions weren’t honourable when you took advantage of me in my weakened state?’

  * * *

  She tried to sound light and flippant when she spoke, but somehow it didn’t sound like that to Christian. When he heard the tell-tale hurt in her voice, it was so touching that he was moved in spite of himself.