by Vikki Vaught
“Why bother? We’ll only be removing them, since I’m certainly far from satisfied.” Throwing her over his shoulder, he carried her to the bed, dropped her in the middle and fell beside her. He pulled her close and began to fulfill all her wishes in a most delightful way.
* * * *
They never made it for luncheon or tea. They did make it an appearance at dinner, and his parents glared as they entered the drawing room.
“It is about time you joined us,” the duke declared. “I understand you arrived at ten o’clock this morning, and you could not be bothered to let us know you were here. This is simply unacceptable.”
“Beg your pardon, Your Grace. I needed to speak with my wife regarding an important matter, and since I traveled through the night, I took a lie down,” he explained. “Was there something you needed?”
“When are you going to sell your commission so you can take care of your responsibilities here?” the duke demanded. “You promised you would take over the management of Doncaster Stables in Yorkshire, and you have not done so.”
Henry sighed. He had explained this to his father a dozen times, but he refused to accept it. “I’ve told you I need to settle my men first. I shall have accomplished that by late March. Then I will be more than happy to meet my responsibilities.”
The duchess interjected, “It will not be a day too soon for me. Then you can take your wife away. I am so tired of her and her common ways.”
He stepped menacingly close to his mother. “My wife is far from common. Do not worry, Your Grace. Melody will be coming with me when I return to my regiment. I have rented a house while I finish my military career. Neither one of us shall bother you much longer.”
Simpson stepped into the room and announced dinner. Conversation was stiff throughout the meal. He had not heard the last of this from his father. He would start in on him again, once the ladies left them alone with their port.
As he expected, his father had quite a bit more to say. He was being particularly stubborn over the issue of when he planned to sell out. He did not want to hear about how his men needed him. He finally told his father he would not discuss it any further and left him to go join the ladies.
The rest of the evening went better. He had a chance to talk with his brother. He was worried about Nelson. The bags under his eyes were even more pronounced than they had been a month ago. Lines of tension were deeply etched around his mouth, making him looked much older than his thirty years. “You seem tense and look like hell. Is there anything I can do to assist you?”
His brother shrugged. “I haven’t been sleeping well. That’s all it is, Henry. The duke is now insisting I marry Lady Penelope. Sometimes, I think it would be easier if I did. I shan’t ever love anyone as I loved Nora, and I do need an heir. I suppose one female is as good as another. I just don’t like giving into His Grace on this issue.”
“I can understand, but don’t give up. You know how selfish Lady Penelope is. She would make your life a living hell.”
“You’re right,” he declared. “I shall resist his machinations. As I told you when you first returned, I’ll go to London in the spring and look for a wife. I want someone of my own choosing…someone older than the average debutante. Possibly a widow who’s looking for companionship, and not a love match.”
Nelson looked so troubled.
Perhaps there is something I can do. “I may know of someone. Matthew Bronson, my lieutenant, has a sister. She lost her husband two years ago in Salamanca. I met her recently. Mrs. Harrison is a lovely woman. She has a young son and has struggled financially since her husband died.”
“I may be interested.” he mused.
Henry suggested, “You should meet her when you go to town. I’m sure Bronson would be happy to write a letter of introduction. She may very well be perfect for you.”
“Perhaps I will. It would save me from the marriage mart. I could not handle any of those giddy debutantes and their marriage-mad mamas.”
Henry yawned, exhaustion setting in. “Pardon me. I think I will get Melody and go upstairs. I traveled through the night so I could arrive this morning. Thank God we had a full moon last evening.”
Nelson smiled. “Good idea. I’m ready to turn in as well. I shall see you in the morning.”
Henry went over to Melody. “Are you ready to retire for the evening? I want to spend some time with my pretty wife.”
“Certainly. I’m fairly tired myself, and I would love to spend time with my handsome husband.”
Once they were in bed, he pulled her close and tenderly kissed her. When they had made love that morning, it had been driven by the need and passion they felt for each other. Now it was about the deep, abiding love and tenderness they felt for one another.
After they finished making love, he pulled her into the protective shelter of his arms, tenderly kissed her forehead and watched as sleep took her away. Love and gratitude filled his heart. He’d been truly blessed when Melody came into his life. He sent a silent prayer to heaven for this sweet and passionate woman. Closing his eyes, he fell into the most restful sleep he’d had in weeks.
* * * *
The duchess kept them all busy over the next few days, working on the arrangements for the party. Henry helped decorate the ballroom for the gala, and Melody helped with the menu. They were still able to break away so they could spend time alone.
That afternoon, she finally had a chance to ask Henry about his sister’s sleepwalking. “Kathryn told me she’s had problems in the past. She seemed frightened when I found her.”
Henry frowned. “To my knowledge, she hasn’t done it in years. I’m glad you were the one to find her. My father used to lock her in her room when she did it before. That’s probably why she was frightened. My parents would have found some way to punish her if they discovered this.”
“I suspected that might be the case,” she mused. “Kathryn was understandably distraught when she realized she’d been sleepwalking.”
He pulled her close as they cuddled on the sofa in their sitting room. “I hope she doesn’t start doing it again. I’ll talk with her, see if something is bothering her. Although, she may not want to confide in me. She may be more willing to talk if you’re with me. She simply adores you.”
Melody stood. “We can go to her now. I believe she’s in the schoolroom painting.”
They did indeed find Kathryn in the schoolroom. When they entered, Kathryn’s face lit up and she showed Henry some of her recent work.
Perusing her art, he told her, “This is astounding. I had no idea you had improved so much. Have you talked to our parents regarding some formal training?”
Kathryn’s shoulders slumped forward. “I mentioned it to Mother. She told me ladies only paint watercolors, to leave the oils alone. She feels that type of painting is for men, and unacceptable for me, especially once I wed. I tried to tell her I might not want to get married. That I wanted to be a serious artist, and she laughed at me.”
Glancing again at some of her work, Henry told her, “Well, you have a remarkable talent, and you should have the opportunity to develop it. I shall hire a tutor to work with you, and I’ll pay for it myself.”
Kathryn threw her arms around him. “Oh, thank you, thank you. I know I can be a good artist with the right instruction.”
He hesitated, then broached the subject they wanted to discuss. “Melody told me she found you sleepwalking. Have you been having any of those nightmares you used to have? I remember you used to have more trouble with it when you had them before.”
“Yes, I had a nightmare the night she found me. It’s always the same one, and I wake up finding myself somewhere other than my bed. That’s the first one I have had in a long time.”
“Is there anything that’s bothering you?” Melody asked. “Henry thought if something was, it could cause the nightmares.”
She shrugged. “I was disappointed when Mother refused to take my art seriously, but nothing else.”
&n
bsp; Kathryn appeared to be unwilling to make eye contact. Melody suspected there was more she was not telling them. They would need to be patient and watch for anything that could be a clue to what truly troubled her.
Glancing at the clock, she noticed it was later than she had realized. “Henry, it’s time for us to dress for your mother’s party. It’s already five o’clock. I still need to bathe, and Millie is going to try a new hairstyle tonight.”
He glanced at her through heavy lidded eyes. She suspected he remembered the bath he had interrupted the other day. It gave her chills, recalling the sensual experience. She loved the way he seemed to want her all the time, and of course, the feeling was mutual. My goodness, what a wanton she was becoming.
As she prepared for the evening ahead, her heart leapt at the thought of seeing Henry every day, of being able to make love every night. A thrill ran through her. When he left this time, she would go with him. He’d made it clear he would be busy and that she would need to find ways to keep herself occupied. That would not be a problem. As long as she had a good book, she would be fine.
He mentioned that his friend, Captain Hayden, was supposed to attend, and his lieutenant, Matthew Bronson, and his sister would be there as well. He wanted Nelson to meet the lieutenant’s sister, Mary. He thought they would get along. She hoped for Nelson’s sake he was right. Her brother-in-law deserved to find someone he could love again.
Once she finished dressing, she joined Henry, and they went downstairs to the party. The rest of the family had assembled in the drawing room. His mother seemed pleased about the upcoming gala. It was the most animated she had ever seen the duchess. His parents had even allowed Kathryn to participate in the party. That surprised her, but Henry told her most of the rest of the family would be attending, so other young people would be present.
Soon, the ballroom was full. Henry introduced her to his friends. Lord Weston was there along with Captain Hayden. The lieutenant and his sister had arrived, and Melody could see why Henry thought she might suit his brother. While they were getting to know each other, Nelson sauntered over.
“Lieutenant, Mrs. Harrison, let me introduce you to my brother, the Marquess of Wyndham.” He looked at Nelson and continued the introduction. “This is Lieutenant Bronson and his sister, Mrs. Harrison. I mentioned them to you the other day. She recently arrived in Canterbury. I believe you have met everyone else.”
Nelson bowed and took the widow’s hand, then brought it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Harrison. Lieutenant, it’s nice to meet you as well. I hope both of you will have an enjoyable time this evening.” He turned to the widow. “Would you care to take a stroll around the room with me?”
Mrs. Harrison timidly looked at her brother-in-law. “That would be lovely, my lord.”
Melody and Henry continued to speak with Weston as Nelson and Mrs. Harrison left for their stroll. Shortly after, the dancing started, and Melody and her husband joined the others for a waltz.
His brother asked the young widow to dance, and Henry whispered in her ear, “I think he likes Bronson’s sister. I hope so, because he deserves to have someone in his life as wonderful as you. By the way, have I told you how pretty you look tonight?”
She smiled up at him. “Why thank you, husband. Let me return the compliment and tell you how handsome you look. Do you realize this is the first time we have danced since our wedding?”
He pulled closer than was completely proper. “Yes, and you dance as divinely as you did then. While I love to hold you in my arms, I would rather have you naked than with all these clothes on you.”
“Henry,” she admonished. “Be quiet. Someone might hear you.” She laughed up at him. Tenderness filled his gaze. Her pulse jumped. She always felt so loved and protected in her husband’s arms.
It turned out to be a splendid evening, and Melody enjoyed herself. She danced with all of Henry’s friends, and then with Nelson. As they danced, she mentioned the widow. “I saw you dancing with Mrs. Harrison. I think she’s nice, don’t you?”
He smiled. “Mrs. Harrison seems pleasant. I asked her if I could see her again, and she said yes. She lives in London with her son, and if all goes well, I plan on spending time with her this coming spring…Miss Nosey.”
Concerned she may have step out of bounds, she said, “I just want you to meet someone and have the type of marriage Henry and I have. I’m sorry if I was prying.”
“I was only teasing you.” He chuckled. “Actually, I appreciate your concern. It’s just hard to think of being with anyone after Nora, but I know it’s time. Mrs. Harrison is a little older and should not be looking for a love match. After Nora, I don’t think I’ll ever fall in love again.” Once the dance ended, Nelson led her back to Henry and his friends, and they joined in on the conversation.
Toward the end of the evening, Melody saw Henry across the room talking with an older gentleman, and he motioned her over. “This is my uncle Theodore, Viscount Manningly. He’s my mother’s twin brother. He will be staying with us for the holidays. Uncle, my wife, Melody.”
Henry’s uncle gave her a disdainful look, reminding her of the duchess in appearance and attitude. She acknowledged the introduction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope we will find time to get to know each other during the holidays.”
With a supercilious expression on his face, the man drawled, “My sister mentioned my nephew had married. How did you meet one another?”
“I was in London visiting my aunt, Lady Helton, and soon after we met, he asked me to marry him, and of course I said yes.”
“Well,” he looked down his long nose at her, “we shall see how long this glow of new love lasts. I’m sure my nephew will grow bored. After all, you’re nothing like the other women he has been attracted to in the past.”
Melody stood there, shocked and speechless at the man’s audacity.
Henry looked his uncle directly in the eye. “If you were a few years younger, I would take you out to the garden and give you the thrashing you so richly deserve. You will apologize to my wife.”
“I will not apologize,” he sneered. “I would remind you, young man, I’m your elder.”
Melody touched his arm. “It’s all right. Let us join your friends. I think they’re ready to depart.” Slipping her arm through his, they left the detestable man behind.
They made their way across the room, wished his friends a good night, and told them to be careful on the ride back the next day. His friends called out, “Good night, and happy Christmas. We shall see you after the holidays are over.”
* * * *
Finally, the rest of the guests left, and everyone retired for the evening. Henry entered his room and took a wash, then since he planned on making love to his wife, he gave himself a quick shave so his stubble would not rub her delicate skin. Tonight had been pleasant, he was pleased his friends were able to make it. It amazed him they had traveled so far to attend. He loved being able to introduce Melody to them, and she had been so gracious to them all.
He had seen red when his uncle had made those cruel comments to her. He had wanted to grab his throat, but he had not wanted to start a ruckus. Of course, he was so much like the duchess, he should not be surprised. He had never been close to his uncle. He was such a reprobate. The only reason he was accepted by society was due to his connections to his sister.
Nelson seemed enchanted with Mary Harrison. He had said he planned to see her when he went to town in the spring. He prayed his brother had at last begun to move past his grief. Nelson deserved to have someone in his life who would be his helpmate.
After he donned his silk dressing gown, he went to his wife’s room. When he opened her door, he saw her sitting at her dressing table brushing her hair. Her verbena scent tantalized his senses and sent his desire racketing upward.
God, she has the most beautiful and lush hair.
Every time he saw it down, he wanted to wrap it around his hands and bury his face in it. “So lo
vely.” Even though he had cleared his throat, it still had a husky quality to it. When he reached her, he pulled her close and kissed her. He nibbled on her earlobe, which always aroused her, and she shivered in his arms. While slipping his hand inside her robe, he started unbuttoning her night rail and her luscious breasts spilled forth.
His wife untied the sash of his robe and pushed it off his shoulders, then let it fall to the floor. He was surprised by her boldness, because normally Melody let him lead the way. She slowly kissed her way down his chest. He had a small patch of hair in the middle of his chest, and she must find it alluring because she toyed with it every chance she had.
God, I love it when she does that.
He gasped as she took his flat male nipple into her mouth and suckled. Then she trailed kisses from his chest to his navel. Could she possibly be considering loving him with her luscious lips? His shaft grew even more swollen as it pushed against her generous breasts. Kneeling before him, she looked up and met his gaze, giving him a quizzical look. His breath hitched when she tentatively licked the tip of his shaft and slowly lowered her mouth. Intense heat shot through his body, and he had to draw on all his control to keep from spilling.
She wrapped her small hand around his shaft, then took him deeply into her mouth as she twisted her hand around the base. His cock grew even larger and his ball sac drew up, threatening to spill his seed. As much as he enjoyed her ministrations, he needed to call a halt, or she would be in for a surprise.
“Stop, love. You’ll unman me if you continue.” He pulled her up into his arms and drove his tongue deep into her luscious mouth. She returned his kiss with as much passion as he. Swinging her up into his arms, he carried her to the bed. Laying her on the edge, he spread her thighs wide. His mouth watered when he gazed at her pink, swollen womanly folds. He would enjoy drinking her juices another time. He needed to be inside her before he exploded.
In one quick thrust, he entered, and her inner muscles gripped him as tight as a glove. Once he was inside, he fought the desire to let go. He stilled and regained control, wanting to make this last, to make sure she reached her fulfillment first. Taking his finger, he ran it down her belly, then touched her core. She was wet and ready. With sure, even strokes, he began to move.