“We,” Rebecca swallowed before speaking, “though we couldn’t kill her, we knew keeping her was dangerous. So, we sold her off to a criminal who took interest in raising young children.”
“Oh goodness,” Elisa exclaimed. “You sold the poor child, you evil people. You did such horrible things just for money? This is unbelievable.”
The disgust was strong in Elisa’s tone.
Mary Ann knew exactly how it must feel for the child. No parents. Having to turn to a life of crime to survive. The world was against people like them. While she was moved to tears by the story, she did her best not to cry.
She turned to Thomas, noticing his unbreaking gaze on her. With all her courage, she smiled at him. He smiled back, and she couldn’t help but notice the fakeness of it. His eyes appeared sad and distant. She had thought he would be happy to get to the bottom of this, but clearly there were more things on his mind.
“What is the name of the child? Maybe we can find her.”
Phillip looked at his daughter then at Thomas.
“The sole inheritor of all Peter Allen’s property is Mary Ann Allen,” he let out.
At first, Mary Ann didn’t believe she heard right. The coincidence in the name almost warmed her heart. But when she turned to face Thomas hoping to see a smile, she saw a different expression. His face was sad as if struck by a tragedy.
“What?” she mimed not understanding the reason for his sadness
“It was you, Mary Ann,” Thomas let out in a soft voice.
She felt her stomach turn and her mind came crashing down unable to process her thoughts. Mary Ann had a lot to say, but she was tongue-tied. The hard life she had endured during her years of crime and the daily suffering of finding food was all she could remember. The times she would have to go hungry for days. How she would be beaten for not stealing enough. It was all because of them.
Her legs shook fervently as if she was cold but her body was sweaty and hot. Even though silence echoed in the room, the ringing in her ears took over. She felt dizzy. As if the world was swirling around her, she lost her balance on the seat.
“Careful now,” Thomas urged as he helped her back to where she was sitting.
“Thank you.” It was the only thing she could utter before tears began running down her face. She searched her memory, trying to see if she could get a mental picture of her parents but no such thing existed.
“You killed them,” she said softly. “You destroyed my life. How could you do that? Why?” she sobbed profusely and Thomas moved closer to comfort her.
Elisa still in shock and disgust, after hearing what the Egertones had done.
“You are a disgrace and I regret inviting you into my family,” she shook her head then looked at Mary Ann.
“You cost an innocent child the life she deserved.”
Elisa was still in tears.
“I cannot even remember their faces. I don’t remember what they look like,” Mary Ann sobbed in Thomas arms.
“I am sorry this happened to you,” Thomas told her.
Rebecca and her father did not move from their seats. It was too late for them to do anything. After twenty-five years, this was the end of their success.
“We will get justice for you, I promise,” Thomas told her as the large door swung open.
James was the first to enter, followed by four persons. At first Mary Ann could not recognize them but when they drew nearer, she realized they were constables.
“Take these putrid persons away from here and put them in the prison where evil doers like them deserve to be,” Thomas told them. “And His Grace still has an old man named Oliver locked up somewhere. Kindly get that information from him.”
Phillip looked sad while Rebecca was begging for forgiveness. Her once arrogant and proud countenance had been replaced with a scared and regretful one. She wept and called for Thomas while she was being taken away. With her teary eyes, she looked back at Thomas. Her eyes were red, with swollen cheeks and an almost-distorted face was staring back at Thomas. Looking at her now revealed her old age, exposing all the wrinkles and spots she had been hiding.
After they were long gone, James exchanged looks with Mary Ann then nodded slightly at Thomas before closing the door one more time with him standing outside.
“Mother,” Thomas spoke adjusting his seat so as to come face to face with her. “This is Mary Ann.”
After the brief introduction, he smiled for a few seconds before speaking.
“This is who I am in love with. And I will have nothing but your blessing for us to get married,” he confessed.
“I don’t quite understand,” Elisa uttered gazing at Thomas who was beaming.
“How long has this been going on?” she asked still confused.
This caused Thomas to laugh and put a smile on Mary Ann’s face, but Elisa wasn’t going to let that stop her from getting a response.
“Thomas?” she called stressing his name.
“All right, Mother, we met when I went to the countryside. I love her with all my heart.”
His mother went quiet, trying to take in all that had happened in her office. Her son almost got married to a criminal and now he was telling her that he’s in love. To add on to everything, the person that he is in love with is a maid who had her life taken away from her.
“Mary Ann,” she called.
Mary Ann slowly raised her head to face Elisa.
“What happened to you was sad and painful and I am sorry that your life turned out like that. But at the same time, I am thankful that you and my son met and it would be an honor to have the two of you get married.”
They hugged each other in happiness.
“I guess we have a new wedding to plan,” Thomas declared enthusiastically.
Mary Ann could not respond to this. It still felt like a dream to her. She had not only learned about her parents and the wealth left for her but also, Thomas had just proposed. In order to be sure everything was real, she pinched herself.
“It is real, My Darling. You deserve all the good that comes your way.” Elisa told her having noticed what she was doing.
This made them all laugh full-heartedly before Elisa spoke again.
“Follow me, Child. I have a room just perfect for you,”
Mary Ann looked coyly at Thomas who encouraged her. She followed Elisa after this with Thomas close behind.
“I will do my best to help you meet someone that knew your parents long before this tragedy. I believe that would make you feel a little better,” Elisa suggested.
“When you are ready, we can go and meet whoever is in charge of your business,” Thomas added.
They all nodded their approval and after Mary Ann expressed her gratitude, she turned to walk away. Her eyes met with Thomas’ who was looking happily at her.
“I love you,” Thomas mouthed but she could only smile back as they went in opposite directions.
Epilogue
It had been days since her life had changed, and slowly, she was learning to accept things the way they were. Thomas’ mother had gone a long way in getting her all the information about her parents; who they truly were. Thomas and Mary Ann had also gone back to the business that now belonged to her. They met with Oliver who introduced her to the different things about the business.
Mary Ann rose from her bed in the early morning and wandered off outside the manor. Some servants were already up working so she navigated her way around the manor so as not to be noticed while going to the stable.
“Hello, horsey,” she whispered as she touched a beautiful white horse with black spots.
The horse snorted as if replying to her greetings. Her mind found a way back to the Egertones but she did her best to push it away.
Whatever happens to them, they deserve it.
She went to get fodder and some hay, allowing the horse to eat from her hand.
“Mary Ann?” Thomas called from behind looking unsure of who he was seeing. “What are you doing
here?”
He moved closer, staring deeply into her eyes as if the answers were written in them. His lavender fragrance hit Mary Ann, as he wrapped her into his arms just the way she always loved to be held.
“What seems to be the matter?” Thomas asked again as he broke away from her.
“Nothing really, it’s just—”
She choked on her words, almost causing her to break down in tears. Instead, she remained speechless. Once again, Thomas leaned in and gave her a kiss.
“I love you,” Mary Ann said in a low voice.
“And I love you.”
His eyes were calm and showed love. Mary Ann glanced at his lips then back to his eyes before leaning in once again to kiss him. Thomas reciprocated, holding her by the waist before moving his hand down to her bottom. Thomas took his lips from her mouth down to her neck, sending chills down her spine. Mary Ann loved the feeling but she wanted more. This caused her to pull Thomas toward her breasts. He took them in his hands and kissed her cleavage before pulling away.
“I think I have an idea of a more appropriate place for this,” he whispered as a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
Thomas pulled her and she followed him into the manor. They didn’t walk for long before they got to the stairs leading to his chambers. She had never been there before but the thought of getting inside gladdened her heart. Thomas held the door for her and she entered slowly, taking in all that was inside. As Thomas shut the door quietly, he grabbed her from behind. Mary Ann spun so they could kiss more.
Yes, touch me!
It was as if Thomas could read her mind. He carried her, laying her at the edge of the bed gently. He used one of his hands to pull up her dress while the other was used to touch her breast.
He moved further downward, until he was kissing her portal. By this time, her insides were already quite moist. Mary Ann felt the tension building up inside and with just a gentle push, she spread her leg wide for Thomas to get between them. Their kiss didn’t stop, until Thomas pulled off her dress and her undergarments to reveal her voluptuous body.
As Thomas bent between her legs to lay a tender kiss on her orifice, Mary Ann shuddered. She tried to moan but Thomas’ hand prevented that from happening. Her heart was racing when Thomas continued to kiss her center and she closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the pleasure. As this was going on, she delicately moved her hand around her body touching her nipples a few times to increase the tension she was feeling.
Thomas dipped his tongue into her causing her to erupt in pleasure. She placed her legs farther apart while drawing him closer with a welcoming touch. When Thomas raised his head to look at her, she caught a glimpse of enjoyment in his eyes. Mary Ann directed his head back to her inner lips to which he obliged. Mary Ann closed her eyes. The touch of his lips was soothing against her portal as she rotated her waist to the movement of his tongue.
“Yes! Yes!” she whispered.
Thomas rose for the second time. He curled his hand around her breast while gently resting part of his body on her. The overpowering effect of this aroused Mary Ann, causing her core to erupt with essence seeping out of her. She reached for Thomas’ swollen member, pulling down his trousers to allow her hold it. It was warm and hard to her touch. They exchanged kisses with ethereal ease and Mary Ann pulled Thomas closer. Thomas stroked her sweet spot gently and it filled her with desire. Every inch of her body tremored sending sensual vibrations across it.
“Thomas,” Mary Ann whispered, “lay with me.”
Thomas kissed and fondled her breasts before pulling away.
Mary Ann was gasping for air when she helped Thomas take off his shirt and trousers, revealing a well-chiseled muscular body with not a single mark or scar on it. His member stood straight, its tip pointing toward Mary Ann.
“Lay with me,” she said again, spreading her legs to accommodate him.
His skin was warm against hers as he moved closer. He kissed her neck gently and she clung onto him in anticipation. Thomas used one hand to push her back to the bed gently again while the other was at her portal, teasing it. The rush of blood was now more than she could bear and she pulsated rapidly.
When she was comfortably laying on her back, Thomas took his hands from her portal and she soon felt the cap of his member at her entrance. She gasped, her body preparing itself for what was coming.
As Thomas moved to kiss her, so did his member slide gently into her. She opened her mouth wide in awe and delight. When it was deep inside her, she could feel the full size and girth. Thomas started thrusting gently, each movement causing a surge of pleasure in her. The heat from his body seemingly melting all the worries that might had been left in her. Her tense body eased up allowing her to feel the fullness of his member inside her.
She felt a tingly sensation and when Thomas caressed her body, she ached for more. Thomas responded by increasing his pace. Mary Ann moved rhythmically with Thomas’ body, causing bliss inside her.
Thomas held her in a firm but gentle manner, which made her feel safe. Safe from anything or anyone that wanted to do her harm.
“I love you,” she managed to say.
This caused Thomas to look into her eyes with his direct gaze that showed her all she needed; love, care, and reassurance. His movement had since slowed down but maintained its rhythm. Thomas stroked her hair, then planted a kiss on her neck down to her breast causing her to gasp again. She felt not just the throbbing of her heart but of her lady bits which gave way to warm essence trickling out her portal. She was still in a state of euphoria, her breath reducing to its normal tempo, when she noticed Thomas’ eyes on her.
“I love you, Mary Ann Allen,” Thomas whispered before he laid beside her.
“I love you, Thomas Comeford,” Mary Ann replied.
Extended Epilogue
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Preview: The Blind Duchess and her Wicked Duke
Prologue
“This way, My Lady! Quickly!”
Helena stumbled after the voice, the heat of the fire searing her flesh and the cracking of the wooden beams making her jump and scream in terror.
“Whe—” she doubled over, wracked with coughs, unable to go any further.
“This way!” the voice called again, though it was muffled, as though he spoke through a rag or a handkerchief.
Helena had no idea who he was. She couldn’t see him—she couldn’t see anything. She stopped and put a hand to the wall, thinking to use it as a guide, but the voice called out again, panicked and fearful.
“No! Don’t touch anything. There’s fire everywhere.”
“I can’t see,” she cried back at him, bent almost double and screaming at him with all her might.
Within seconds, she felt a hand on her arm, firm and rough and dragging her forward.
They staggered on, Helena’s whole world reduced to that moment—the darkness, the smoke, the overwhelming heat, the stranger’s hand pulling her through it all. She blinked rapidly, tears streaming from her unseeing eyes, but her vision didn’t clear.
And then, just as suddenly, they came through the other end, lurching out into the cool, fresh air. Helena tried to gulp it in, desperate to clear her lungs, but all it served to do was choke her further.
She fell to her knees, gasping for breath and retching.
“Take her,” the man said. “I’m going back inside. There are others.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
Then another hand was on her, pulling her back up to her feet and then farther away from the house. A woman’s hand, this time, soft and feminine.
“Everything’s black, I can’t see. Why can’t I see? Why?”
“I don’t know, My Lady,” the woman said. She sat Helena down on a bench, and as she finally snatched a breath from the air, it was stolen once more by her sobbing.
Behind her, the fire raged on. There were people—maybe twenty or so, Helena couldn’t tell—who ran around the burning building, screaming and shouting orders at one another. Buckets of water were passed along rows of hands, then thrown onto the fire to douse it, but the water was lost to the conflagration before it had a chance to make a difference.
They were some distance from the house, perhaps thirty or forty feet—close enough to hear what was happening, but far enough away to be out of danger.
A Fiery Duchess for the Dashing Duke: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 26