by Vikki Vaught
As they drew closer to Sanderford Park, His nerves wound tighter and tighter. He had sent word of his marriage, but he could not even begin to imagine his parents’ reaction. The news would not have been well received, to say the least. He feared they would feel his wife would not be good enough for the family. He needed to make it clear to them that he loved her and they must treat her with the respect she deserved.
After all, Melody’s father was well born. As the younger son of the Earl of Wyldwood and her mother, the daughter of Viscount Millings, should have made them an acceptable match. If the duke was not so hell bent on him marrying Lady Penelope, they would be more willing to accept her. At least his brother and his sisters would treat her well. They were going to love her, once they got to know his wife.
Glancing out of the window, he saw the next coaching inn up ahead, where he planned to stop for luncheon. This would be the last stop before they reached the estate. Once the carriage came to a halt, he helped Melody out and into the inn. The innkeeper approached and bowed low. “Good day. How may I help ye, milord?”
Henry smiled pleasantly. “I would like a room for my wife so she can freshen up, and then we would like a private parlor for our meal.”
The innkeeper bowed. “O’ course, milord. Me wife can show yer lady t’ a room, and if ye’ll follow me, I’ll takes ye t’ th’ private parlor.”
His breath caught and his heartbeat sped up when Melody entered the dining room. She had washed her face and hands and tried to tidy her hair, but one curl had slipped out of her top knot, and she looked adorable. “Here darling, let me help you to your seat. The innkeeper will be here any moment with our food.”
As she sat across from him, she said, “Thank goodness, I’m famished. How much farther? Are we getting close?”
The innkeeper came in and served the meal, then bowed and left the parlor. Henry poured Melody some tea. “We should arrive in two hours. I don’t want you to be nervous. Remember what I told you about my parents. It will take some time for them to warm up to you.”
After she swallowed a bit of her food, she told him, “As long as you’re with me, I’ll be fine with your parents. I admit it’s a bit overwhelming. I’ve never met a duke and duchess before.”
“I promise. I will be right there with you the entire time.” He tried to smile reassuringly at her, but inside he worried. He hoped he had prepared her enough for the aloofness she would receive from his parents. “You’ll get along well with my sisters and brother. Helen’s always full of energy and only a few years younger than you.”
Melody looked a little less troubled. “I look forward to meeting her and Kathryn, your brother as well. It’s good to know they will be friendly.”
Glancing at the clock on the mantel, he informed her, “It’s later than I realized. We need to continue our journey. Since we have finished eating, let us depart.”
* * * *
When they returned to the carriage, Melody could sense Henry was very concerned about her meeting the duke and duchess. By this point, she was getting even more nervous about meeting them herself. Evidently, he did not expect them to receive her well as their new daughter-in-law. His furrowed brow, and the way he kept clenching his fists racketed up her anxiety.
She hoped he was not ashamed of her. She did not bring any dowry to the marriage, and it would affect how his parents felt towards her, most likely. As they traveled ever closer to his ancestral home, she began to fidget in her seat, tugging on her gloves and straightening her skirts. Anything to keep her hands busy and distract her from the upcoming introduction to his parents.
Finally, the carriage turned onto a long drive, and her husband told her they were traveling on his family’s estate and had been for quite some time. They approached the house, no—not a house—a mansion. It was truly magnificent, but overwhelming. She could not imagine living in such an enormous residence. However, it would be her new home, so she would adjust. At least it should only be for six months. Once Henry sold his commission in the spring, they could go to Hyatt Hall. She prayed the time would go by fast.
Once the carriage pulled under the portico, several footmen came out to help them from the carriage. Henry offered his arm, then they walked up the steps and entered through the immense oak doors. The entrance hall had black-and-white marble floors, and white marble statues stood around the circular foyer. The great hall was at least three stories high, with al fresco art painted on the ceiling. A magnificent staircase led up to the next floor, and it appeared to go on forever. Although a stunning room, it looked cold and uninviting. If the hall was this opulent, what would the rest of the house be like?
An older man stepped forward. She assumed he was the butler by his austere expression. Henry greeted him by name. “Ah, Simpson, good to see you. Did Mrs. Milton prepare my suite?”
The man bowed. “It is as you requested, my lord.”
“I shall escort my wife to our chambers so she can freshen up after our journey. I assume the family will be in the drawing room at four o’clock for tea.”
“Certainly, sir. I shall tell His Grace you have arrived.”
“Very good. Tell him I will be down shortly to see him.” Then he linked her arm with his and led her up the wide staircase.
When they arrived at a set of double doors, Henry showed her inside a huge sitting room. He showed her around the suite. The two bedchambers each had dressing rooms attached. There was even a bathing room, which Melody had never seen before. The walls of her bedchamber were painted a soft blue. It would be restful, and she loved the delicate French furniture. The counterpane on the bed was a lighter shade of blue with ecru lace around the edge with a matching canopy and bed curtains. She imagined what it would be like to make love to Henry in that glorious bed, and a warm sensation rushed through her body.
A small desk, which would be perfect for her correspondence, sat against the wall next to the door into the sitting room. French doors led onto a balcony overlooking a lovely rose garden. Next spring it would be truly glorious to behold, with all the flowers in full bloom.
The walls in Henry’s chamber were painted a deep blue with pale gray accents and much heavier dark oak furniture, giving the room a masculine feel to it. An enormous oak bed was on a dais, the biggest bed she had ever seen. Two people could easily get lost in it—of that she was sure. She would be more than comfortable living in these rooms, as long as Henry’s parents accepted her.
Before he left her, he smiled over at her. She could see apprehension in his eyes, and it set her nerves on edge. “Your maid should be here shortly. Simpson told me she arrived several hours ago. Please, take your time and rest before you join the family. I shall return in an hour, and then we’ll go down together to meet everyone.”
She met her husband’s troubled gaze. “Whatever you think is best. I look forward to meeting your brother and your sisters, but I dread meeting your parents. I just know they’re not going to like me.”
He pulled her into his embrace. “I don’t want you to worry. Remember what I told you they are like. I’ll be there to protect you. You’ll love my sisters, and I know they will adore you. See you in a bit, my love.”
CHAPTER SIX
Henry entered his bedchamber and washed away his travel dirt, then hurried down the stairs to speak with his parents. He found them in his father’s study. It was obvious, by the expressions on their faces, they were not pleased with him. The duke sat behind his desk, and he motioned for Henry to take a seat. His mother sat on the couch by the window, looking her usual haughty self.
He took a seat across from his father. “Good afternoon, Your Graces. I hope both of you are well? I have arrived with my bride. She will be down shortly to meet both of you. I hope you will welcome her. I told you in my letter she comes from a good family and I love her a great deal, so please be kind to her. She is feeling overwhelmed by our home and meeting both of you.”
With disdain showing on his face, his father barked, “Why s
hould we welcome her? You were supposed to marry Lady Penelope. Then I received your letter telling us of your marriage. Her father was livid when I told him you had married someone else. I had assured him you would be asking for his daughter’s hand when you returned from the north. She would have enriched the dukedom.”
He rose from his chair, his blood boiling. “I told you repeatedly I would not marry Lady Penelope. You should never have given Lord Stanton the impression I would. And furthermore, your ducal holdings are immense. You’ll do quite well without Lord Stanton’s small estate.”
The duke stood with enough force to send his chair tumbling over. “What does this little country mouse bring to us? Nothing. Her father is a vicar with no consequence to speak of, and you did not even have the decency to let us know you were getting married. This is so like you. You have always been impulsive. I suppose I should have expected this type of behavior, as you have been this way your entire life. Your mother and I are extremely disappointed in you.”
Reining in his temper, he took a calming breath and resumed his seat. “Regardless of your feelings for me, you will give her the respect my wife deserves. Any wrongdoing has been done by me, and I shan’t allow you to punish her for what you see as my misguided decisions.”
It was as he had expected. They were going to give Melody a difficult time. At least he would be here to protect her for a few weeks while she settled in. He would make sure Nelson took over for him when he had to rejoin his regiment.
“Melody is the kindest and most tenderhearted young woman you could ever hope to meet,” he told them. “Please keep your opinions to yourselves and be civil to her, even if you can’t be nice.”
The duke looked at him, contempt glowing in his cold blue eyes. “We will be polite, but we do not have to like her, nor like the fact you have married her. Keep in mind that you are only my second son. We do not have to support you or your wife.”
“I don’t need your assistance,” he retorted. “Grandmother left me her estate and enough income, so I do not need assistance from you.”
Thank God he’d been wise enough to invest some of his inheritance when he came into his majority. With the growth of his investments, he did not need to worry about taking care of his wife.
“I neither need nor do I want anything from you, other than a place for my bride to reside. I will sell my commission in the spring. My wife needs to live here for a few months. Can I at least count on you for this?”
His father looked like he wanted to continue to argue, then he nodded. “We will allow her to stay, but we are not happy about this whole situation.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. We will try to stay out of your presence as much as possible. If you will excuse me, I shall return to my wife. We will join you in the drawing room for tea shortly.” He rose, turned and left the study.
Damnation!
How can I leave her with my parents?
He had no choice but to leave her here, though. He would make sure Nelson interceded between their graces and his wife. He would have to travel back and forth often to ensure she was well. If it were not for his men, he would sell out now and take Melody to his estate. Perhaps he should have left her with her parents until spring, but he could not bear to be away from her for that long. His shoulders drooping, he made his way to his wife, praying the next six months would go by quickly.
* * * *
When Henry returned to their suite, his facial features were rigid and his hands were clenched. He must have talked to his parents. He always seemed so tense whenever he mentioned them, and it increased her own anxiety over meeting them.
“Tea will be served in ten minutes. I want to introduce you to my family. No need to be apprehensive, I shall be with you the entire time.”
Inwardly she quaked, but she stiffened her resolve. “I’m as ready as I shall ever be. I look forward to meeting your brother and sisters, but after what you’ve told me of your parents, I dread meeting them.”
“You will like Nelson and my sisters, and they will adore you, as I do. Come, let us get this behind us, and then we can relax.” Offering his arm, they made their way to the drawing room.
By the time they arrived downstairs, her knees were shaking and her palms were damp with sweat. The more Henry tried to reassure her, the more nervous she became.
They entered the large, well-appointed drawing room. His parents were on the settee. A man stood by the fireplace, obviously Henry’s brother. They looked so much alike, they could be twins. His sisters were there as well. Everyone looked up when they entered.
Henry led her forward. “Good afternoon. This is my wife, Melody. She’s excited to be meeting all of you.” Henry smiled over at her and squeezed her hand.
“This is my father, the Duke of Sanderford…and my mother, his duchess.” She politely acknowledged the introduction and gave them an elegant curtsey, and then he introduced his brother. “My love, this is Nelson.”
His brother approached, took her hand and bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Henry told me about you when he was here last month. Welcome to our family.”
Henry turned to his sisters. “These young ladies are my sisters, Helen and Kathryn. I’m sure you will get along splendidly.”
The older of the two girls spoke first. “I’m Helen. I’m so pleased to meet you.” Rolling her eyes at her brother, she told her, “Unlike Nelson, Henry didn’t tell me anything about you, but I can’t wait to get to know you. I’m sure we will become fast friends in no time.”
Kathryn timidly smiled at her. “I’m Kathryn, and I’m very excited to meet you. I wish you and Henry all the happiness in the world.”
Henry’s brother and sisters made her feel welcomed. His parents, on the other hand, looked down their noses at her. She guessed it was to be expected. After all, they probably did not think she was worthy of their son. Henry sat her close to his sisters, and the duchess served tea. As usual, Henry ate several sandwiches. After tea ended, he escorted her back up to their suite.
Once they were in their sitting room, he took a seat on the sofa in front of the fireplace. “Thank God that’s behind us. I know my parents were cool, but they’re like that with everyone. I’m just relieved we have this first meeting behind us. Come here, you look like you could use a hug.”
She went into his arms as he lifted her face and tenderly kissed her. She responded, and he deepened the kiss, pulling her close. Desire blossomed, and she tentatively returned his kiss, letting passion take over. Scooping her up, he carried her to his bedchamber, undressed her and continued to kiss her deeply. Soon, they were both naked and laying on his bed.
Taking the initiative, she touched his chest. She rubbed his flat male nipples, and he gasped as she continued to run her fingers through the hair that grew in the center of his chest. He lowered his head to her breasts, took her engorged nipple into his mouth, and sucked gently. Then he kissed his way down her body and over her soft belly. Spreading her thighs, he lowered his head, and his tongue licked that sensitive place she had only recently discovered.
She stiffened with shock and embarrassment. Surely, this was too wicked, but it felt so incredible she did not care if it were wicked or not. Tingles spread all over, and her nether regions ached. Her breathing grew shallow, and she writhed, trying to get closer to his talented mouth.
Starting to shake, she exploded. Her body shuddered in ecstasy as powerful waves of sensations rolled over her. She tried to stay quiet, but she wailed when she reached the strongest peak. He lifted his head and gave her a boyish grin, and she returned his with one of her own. Crawling up her body, he surged inside. She soon reached another peak, as Henry found his release. Then she clung to him and fell asleep.
They barely made it down to dinner on time as they rushed into the drawing room laughing. His Grace narrowed his eyes. “Henry, you know what time we gather here for dinner, and you are five minutes late. You know how much I value punctuality. I do not expect to have to mention this agai
n.”
Simpson came in and announced dinner. Everyone was so quiet; it was one of the most uncomfortable meals she’d ever had. Even though the food was incredible, it might as well have been sawdust for all she tasted of it. Finally, the duchess rose and requested that the ladies come with her, so they could leave the men to their port and cigars.
When they arrived in the drawing room, the duchess motioned for Melody to sit beside her. As she took her seat by Henry’s mother, she clasped her hands together to keep them from shaking.
Her grace began to ask her about family connections. “Are your grandparents still living? I understand you are an only child.”
Melody kept her tone even and her face set in a mask of composure. “My grandparents passed away years ago.”
The woman fired off another question. “What are your prospects? Did you inherit anything from your grandparents? Speak up, gel, and answer me.”
“My father’s brother is the Earl of Wyldwood, but they’re not close. My uncle inherited everything from my grandfather, and his children will inherit from him, so no, I did not.”
“What of your mother’s family?” she barked.
She squeezed her hands, trying to remain calm. “While my mother’s father was a viscount, he disliked my father and disinherited her.”
The duchess eyed her with scorn. “Humph, why am I not surprised? How did you have a season in London?”
“My father’s sister is Viscountess Helton. She sponsored my season this past spring. My aunt didn’t have any children, and I shall eventually inherit a small amount from her, but thankfully, she’s in excellent health and should live many more years.”
“Just what I suspected,” the duchess drawled. “You don’t bring anything to the ducal coffers. I don’t understand what Henry sees in you. You are not beautiful, and you are a bit dumpy. He will grow tired of you quickly, and don’t expect anything from us. Do I make myself clear?”