by Vikki Vaught
He squeezed her hand. “I’ve heard you talk of going several times. I thought it would be a treat for you for taking such wonderful care of my sister.”
She looked so pleased as they boarded the boat that would take them across the Thames to the gardens. He watched as she looked up at the beautiful night, no fog in sight. For once, the sky was crystal clear, and the stars shone brightly against the dark sky, a perfect night for what he had in mind. Once their vessel crossed the river, he helped her out and led her to the private box he had reserved. Brightly lit lanterns hung from the trees, and people from all walks of life strolled in front of their box.
He ordered dinner and champagne for them, with strawberries and clotted cream for dessert. While they ate their dinner, he enjoyed watching her look around the gardens, obviously fascinated by all the people laughing and dancing under the star-studded sky.
Dipping a piece of the fruit in the thick cream, he looked deeply into her eyes as he fed her a bite. A drop of the creamy confection fell on her chin and he wiped it off, then slowly licked it from his finger, which seemed to ignite her desire. Her flushed cheeks and her sparkling eyes sent his pulse racing. His loins tightened. When Melody looked seductively at him, his desire for her rose higher and burned even hotter.
After finishing their meal, he asked her to dance. He held her closer than what was normally deemed appropriate, but since it was Vauxhall, no one would comment or even notice. He had never seen Melody acting so alluring. The glances she bestowed on him sizzled with heat and enticement.
His plan must be working. He was hard as a rock just thinking of the night to come. He came prepared, having planned out exactly what he wanted to say to her and what he was going to do. He could not help noticing how her luscious breasts practically popped from the low décolletage of her gown. He could almost see the brownish pink areola around her nipples.
As he pulled her close and executed a turn around the dancing area, she had to feel his erection. Her eyes met his, the green depths burned brightly, and she had a knowing smile on her face.
I must stop thinking about ravishing her before I embarrass myself.
When they returned to their box, Melody picked up her champagne and took a sip. Filling her glass again, he looked deeply into her eyes and felt a further stirring in his loins. Shortly before it was time for the fireworks, she giggled. She might be becoming a touch tipsy. No more champagne for his darling wife. He wanted her relaxed, not intoxicated.
The fireworks started at midnight, and an array of reds, greens and gold burst above in the night sky, bringing oohs and ahs from his adorable wife. Melody’s delight in the colorful display ratcheted up his desire to the point his breeches grew tight over his stiff erection.
Whispering in her ear, he suggested a walk, and lacing his fingers with hers, he pulled her up and led her from their box. After weaving through the mass of people strolling along the many paths the garden was well known for, he turned in the direction of the famous dark walk. Several trysting spots would afford him privacy to further his seduction.
Once they left the crowd behind, she whispered, “Henry. Where are we going? I can no longer see the fireworks from here.”
He took the path to the right and moved toward a crop of trees bordering the walk. He pulled her behind one of them and whispered, “Here.” He swooped in and devoured her lips, drinking in her sweetness. She gasped, giving him access to the dark cavern of her mouth. He pulled her against him, and his swollen cock pressed against her belly. Hugging her tighter, his passion began to spiral beyond his control.
As he cupped her breast, he lightly teased her nipple through the fabric, and it immediately pebbled and grew taut. Wanting more, he slipped his hand inside her bodice. Her breasts popped out, then he lowered his head and pulled a tightly puckered nipple into his mouth. He sucked furiously on one while rolling the other between his thumb and forefinger. Her body trembled in his arms as she gave herself up to his ministrations. Melody’s magnificent breasts grew swollen and heavy, and she started panting as he continued to suckle.
When she grasped his thick shaft with her small hand, waves of pleasure coursed through his body. He moaned from the sheer pleasure of it all. Her boldness was so enticing, he could barely contain his desire.
Although he was more than ready to devour her, he could not chance having someone discover them. “We need to stop before I end up ravishing you against this tree. Although exciting, we dare not risk it. It’s time to leave so we can finish what we have started. Come, my darling.”
After he helped her straighten the neckline of her gown, returning her abundant breasts to their proper place, they turned toward the boat landing. Moving in the opposite direction as the rest of the crowd, Melody’s hand slipped from his grasp. He looked behind him. All he could see was a mass of people.
His tiny wife had immediately been swallowed up by the crowd.
He shoved his way through the people blocking his path.
His heart thundered.
Adrenaline rushed through his system as he scanned the area.
A glimmer of light illuminated Melody’s golden hair fifty feet ahead.
He followed as quickly as possible, but the crowds kept pushing him backward, and he lost sight of her again. At last, he broke through and rushed to where he had last seen her.
On a path to the right, he caught another sight of her hair shimmering in the moonlight. He ran in the direction where he had seen a glimpse of his wife.
He came to a dead end.
Melody was nowhere around.
Panic set in.
Anything could happen to her.
This was a public garden, for God’s sake. All manner of rogues could be lurking around. He rushed back the way he had come, and halfway to the main area he spied a turnoff he had missed before, and he raced down the path.
He heard a whimper up ahead and ran toward the sound. He saw Melody struggling to get away from a huge man dressed in black. He pulled her out of the man’s arms and pushed her from harm’s way. The obviously intoxicated man staggered as he swung his fist.
Henry blocked the man’s punch and hit him hard in the jaw, and the blackguard collapsed at his feet. He did not check to see if the man had been knocked unconscious or not. Instead, he grabbed his wife’s hand, and they ran toward the lights.
Melody’s much shorter stride could not keep up, so he slowed his pace once they were among the crowds again. This time he kept his arm around her shoulders so they could not be separated.
A relieved expression flitted across her pale face. “Thank goodness you showed up when you did. That disgusting man was trying to kiss me. I was ready to scream, even if it did cause a scandal.”
“Are you all right?” His voice came out husky. “Are you sure he didn’t hurt you? I’m so sorry I let go of your hand.”
“You didn’t let go,” she breathlessly replied, “we were pulled apart. I’m fine, Henry. A little scared, I knew you would find me. After so much excitement, I’m more than ready to leave.”
“So am I.” He guided her along the main path, and soon they arrived at the boats. He helped her in, then sat beside her. Pulling her close to his side, they made the trip across the Thames to their carriage.
Once inside their conveyance, he cradled her in his arms. “God, I greatly feared I had lost you. You were so brave. Most women would have grown hysterical. You stayed calm, even though you must have been terrified. You’re an extraordinary woman.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “I’m never letting you go again.”
When they arrived home, it was dark, and he used his key to get in. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her up the stairs.
“You don’t need to do this,” she insisted. “I can walk. I’m too heavy for you to carry all the way to our rooms.”
He gazed at her, grateful to have her in his arms. “You’re lighter than a down-stuffed pillow. I almost lost you tonight, and I’m never letting you go again.” Once
they entered her bedchamber, he gently lowered her to the carpet. “Turn around so I can unbutton your gown and loosen your stays.”
Once he had her gown open, it slipped to the floor. She turned to him. “Sit by the fire while I finish undressing.” He lounged on the chaise, ready to enjoy the sight as she pranced to her dressing table.
“Are you sure you don’t want any help?” he asked huskily.
“I just want you to watch,” she purred seductively.
Shocked by her boldness, nonetheless, pleased she was taking the initiative, he leaned back. Melody slowly removed her stays and dropped them on the carpet. Then she gathered her chemise and lifted it up her body, revealing her creamy thighs an inch at a time.
Her skin glowed in the candlelight.
His shaft pushed against his pantaloons.
He held his breath as he watched her glance at him through her half-closed eyes.
The undergarment was now at her hips, and her sweet golden curls were peeking out. It was almost more than he could stand, but his wife wanted to play the wanton, and he was more than willing to let her. She pulled the chemise further up her body, revealing her delectable belly, and then her breasts came into view. Her nipples were drawn up into tight little buds. She slowly pulled her last garment off and tossed it in the corner.
Standing in her sheer stockings, blue garters, and slippers, she boldly met his gaze. Melody put her leg up on her dressing table chair and slowly rolled down the first stocking as she ravished him with her eyes. His cock grew so hard, it was almost painful.
After she finished taking off her other stocking and slipper, she slowly walked to where he sat and knelt at his feet. “You have on too many clothes, so let me see what I can do to rectify that.” Her husky voice sent tingles to his stones.
Reaching up, she untied his cravat and dropped it to the floor beside her, and then she pushed down the sleeves of his tailcoat. After she had removed it, she unbuttoned his waistcoat. She slipped it off and dropped it on the mounting pile of his clothes. Slowly, she unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it over his head.
Sitting on her heels, she gazed at his nipples, causing them to tighten. She stared at his chest with longing in her eyes. He loved it when she played with the hair growing in the center between his pectorals. He inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring, as she leaned forward and licked his right nipple, setting off a firestorm in his loins. Melody was the first woman to give so much attention to that part of his anatomy. He had never realized how sensitive they were.
“Are you feeling warm? Let me see if I can cool you off.” She unbuttoned the flap of his pantaloons, and when the fabric fell down, his huge erection sprang forth. Her small hand wrapped around his thick shaft as she firmly squeezed.
His breath caught as he wondered what she would do next. Watching as she lowered her head and kissed the bulbous head of his cock, his ball sac tightened. She slid her luscious lips up and down his shaft as she began to suck, pulling him deeply into her mouth.
He did not know how much more of this he could handle.
He was ready to explode, but it felt too incredible to tell her to stop.
She reached her other hand into his pantaloons and gently cupped his stones. He almost came undone. “Stop, I can’t take anymore,” he growled. “I’ll spill my seed if you continue.”
He pulled her up as he stood. Scooping her up into his arms, he threw her on the bed. Then pulling off his pantaloons, he fell beside her. He nibbled on her neck before running his tongue over the mounds of her breast. He pulled her taut nipple into his mouth and sucked hard. Squeezing her other little rosebud, she moaned, which sent a rush of sharp, glittering pleasure straight to his groin.
Licking and kissing his way down her belly, he buried his face between her sweet thighs as he breathed in the scent of her arousal. He licked and sucked on the bud of her pleasure and pushed two fingers inside her, as he sent her spinning over the edge into bliss. Hearing her high, keening wail gave him a huge sense of satisfaction.
He crawled up her body, spread her thighs wide, and thrust deeply inside her tight passage. Shaking all over, he tried to gain control. He could not. He moved powerfully into her undulating hips as her heels dug into his buttocks. Harder and faster, he rode her until together they crested and flung themselves high over the precipice and into oblivion.
As he released his seed inside her, he shouted, “My love,” as he fell on top of her. He tried to hold himself up by his arms, but they would not support him. Cradling him, she stroked his hair. While slowly pulling out of her body, he rolled to the side and pulled her with him. They lay for a long time, breathing in and out, as they slowly floated back to Earth.
He raised her chin so he could gaze into her eyes. He wanted her to fully understand the depths of his feelings. “I love you so much. I’ve been such a selfish bastard since my return. I’ve realized you were right to go on with your life. I watch Mary, and I know she needs to do that. Nelson would not want her to bury herself away. I should never have seen your choices as a betrayal. You were doing what you needed to do to survive and take care of our daughter. Can you ever forgive me? I need your love. Have I destroyed it?”
“I never stopped loving you,” she fervently proclaimed, “not for a minute. Every waking hour you were in my mind, and you filled my dreams as I slept. I could never love another as I love you. I’m overjoyed you have finally let go of your resentment. Of course, I forgive you. As long as we love each other, we can overcome anything.”
Pulling her close, he gently kissed her temple and closed his eyes. Peace settled over him, and he fell asleep in his wife’s loving arms.
When he opened his eyes the next morning, Melody lay beside him fast asleep. His heart swelled. At last, they had found their way back to each other. There would be struggles ahead, but as long as they faced them together, they would make it. She slowly opened her eyes and gave him one of her beautiful smiles.
Then she looked over at him and laughed.
Astonished, he asked, “What is so humorous, my love? By the way, do you know how ravishing you look this morning?”
“Why, thank you, husband. I was laughing at how young you look lying there. All your little lines around your eyes are relaxed after having a good night’s sleep. Not that you have that many wrinkles, you are only turning nine and twenty. Happy Birthday!”
He grinned. “My God. It is my birthday. I had forgotten. Let us do something special with the children today. I want to spend the entire day together, Parliament be damned!”
And they did just that.
They took the children to the park and had a picnic, and then they went for a drive in his new barouche. The children appeared to be having a wonderful time. He kept making funny faces at Mary Elizabeth, and the peals of laughter rang out for all to hear.
After the drive in the park, they returned to the nursery and played tea with their children. He fell over as he tried to sit on one of the tiny chairs, and Mary Elizabeth cried, “Papa, you so funny!”
Henry froze…and looked at Melody. A tight knot formed in his throat, and he blinked to keep the tears at bay. His little girl…had called him ‘Papa’…for the first time. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. His eyes met Melody’s, and his heart surged.
At last…their lost pleasures had been found.
EPILOGUE
All the days of the rest of the season were filled with laughter and joy. Kathryn had quite a few beaus, but she still refused to show any interest in them. The Duke of Somerset was playing serious court to Helen, and she seemed quite pleased over it. Henry thought he seemed too old for her, but she insisted she liked mature men.
He and his wife were concerned over the duke’s pursuit, because neither of them cared for the man. He had his man of affairs investigate Somerset. He did not find any hidden secrets or shady dealings, so he could find no reason to discourage the duke.
Mary had become involved with the orphanage again, and it appear
ed to give purpose to her life. The children were thriving, and he found there was no boundary to his love for both Mary Elizabeth and Brandon.
The high point of his day was the time he spent with his children, and the highlight of his night was spent in his wife’s loving embrace. Life was at its best.
He had adjusted well as a member of Parliament, and he actually found it challenging. He believed he could help the soldiers who had returned and were still in such dire straights.
In August, the family traveled to the country without his mother. The dowager duchess had decided to move to Bath, since many of her friends were there. He bought her a townhouse on the Royal Crescent, the most exclusive area of Bath. It had never been so peaceful at Sanderford Park that fall.
A week after their return, they lay snuggled in their bed. Melody turned to him with the most incredibly beautiful smile on her face. “I have some wonderful news. We’ll be adding an addition to our family in May. I’m with child.”
Tears filled his eyes, and he dashed them away with the back of his hand. “That is indeed excellent news. Come here and give me a kiss.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly as passion took them soaring again.
Christmas came, and everyone enjoyed the holiday season, without Uncle Theodore. Kathryn seemed to have truly put the ordeal behind her. Henry was so proud of the young woman she had become. She had finished the formal portrait of him and Melody, and he had it hung in the main drawing room, so everyone who came to the house would see it. The portrait was magnificent and by far the best work Kathryn had ever done.
His sister still wanted to be an artist. He called in a few favors, and along with a generous donation, he managed to get her accepted at the London Art Institute. She would be going there in the spring. Since his wife was increasing, she would live with Melody’s aunt, Lady Helton.
The winter passed, and spring arrived. The gardens were in full bloom, and they spent many happy afternoons there with the children. His sisters left for London. Kathryn to study art and Helen to enjoy the season with Lady Helton.