He lifted his head and caught her eyes as he pressed further, stretching her. “The first time will hurt.”
“I know.”
“It’ll never hurt again.” He closed his eyes for a moment as she tensed. When he spoke again, he sounded pained. “Relax, Evie.”
She tried but didn’t know how. “I’m sorry.” She looked away.
Francis shifted and Genie felt his fingers connect with her clitoris, circling the bud with a vigor that made Genie open her legs more. The wanting grew as Francis began rocking gently in her. He moaned and stroked into her tight passage deeper, working her with his fingers at the same speed.
Genie began to pant, wanting more.
Finally, she felt him become seated, his erection all the way in. Her legs went around his waist and he leaned up and on his arms and started taking her body more completely, pulling nearly all the way out before filling her over and over again, pumping at her with abandonment.
She curled her fingers around his arms and Francis dropped his lips over hers just as they both came together. Their lips stayed locked through the shaking and trembling that followed.
Francis spoke against her mouth. “Did it hurt?”
She shook her head.
He smiled. “Good.”
She leaned away and met his eyes. “But I’m a virgin. Aren’t all virgins supposed to have a terrible first time?”
“Not always and there may not be blood either. It happens.”
Genie seemed unsure.
He chuckled. “I suppose Sophia didn’t tell you the whole of it.”
Apparently, she hadn’t.
He remained inside her as he flipped her over. His hands moved her hair out of the way and he stroked her back. Genie settled on him and wanted to weep at just how complete she felt. Francis was with her, his moist chest against her cheek, the sound of his heart at her ear. He loved her. She had everything she’d wanted in the world.
“This was far better than any dream I’ve ever had of you.”
She did cry then and when the sobs became uncontrollable, Francis slipped from her, sat up in the bed, and held her close. When the sobbing stopped, the room seemed so very quiet and she whispered, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
He wiped at her cheek and kissed her gently. “I couldn’t.”
“Why? Do you know how torturous these past few years have been? Not having you when you were everything I wanted?” The tears continued to fall.
He cupped her cheek, his face a reflection of misery. “It has been the same for me. Imagine how hard it was to deny myself the pleasure of your lips whenever you tried to steal kisses from me.”
She ducked her head as she recalled the moments in their past where she’d tried to gain his attention.
He brought her chin up. “If anyone was tortured, it was me. You have played temptress in my mind for years.”
Genie turned her body until she was straddling him and wrapped her arms around him, so glad she could, so glad he no longer pushed her away. “Why? Tell me why you said nothing.”
He shook his head and kissed her nose. “Not now, but soon I shall tell you everything. Then you will have a decision to make.”
She held his eyes. “What decision?” She’d choose the way that led to him. Always.
“I’ve said too much but for now, I need you to promise to keep our newfound relationship between us. Lorena and the Spinster’s Society can’t know we are together.”
“We’re together?”
He chuckled and his fine blue eyes roamed her face. His hands squeezed her hips. “Yes, we’re together.” His gaze fell to hers and became serious. “And if you wish that to continue, you must swear not to tell Lorena.”
“Why?”
He frowned. “Because you women always meddle. Your little performance in the drawing room two weeks ago could have ruined everything for us.”
Genie’s heart stilled and she took a breath. “I didn’t know.”
“I know you didn’t but now we must be more careful than ever.”
His every word confused her and when she tried to find a reason for the secrecy and their newfound relationship, her mind drew a blank. What did he wish for her to do? “You mean I must pretend to hate you?”
He seemed to think about this for a moment and then nodded. “That would be wise.”
“That will be easy to do.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
“Because we’re together. I’ll do anything to keep it that way.”
His expression softened. “And I’ll do the same.” He kissed her and moved her until her bottom hit the bed. He got up and started to dress. “I should return to Morris’ estate.”
Genie slipped from the bed, put on a night rail and got under the sheets. Then she watched Francis as he covered his nudity and thought the act a sin. He was much too handsome for clothes. “The Spinster’s Society’s meddling brought us one thing.”
“What was that?” He started to fasten his breeches.
“This. Us.” How much longer would she have had to wait until Francis told her the truth? At least this way she could have him, even if it was only done in the shadows.
He finished, walked over to her, and kissed her quickly. “You’re right but no more meddling.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
He smiled, finished dressing, and left the room through the window.
Genie laid in bed, smiled, and for once fell asleep with little worry.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
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Genie was greeted with silence as she entered the breakfast room the next morning. The looks ranged from anger to sorrow. Aunt Tilda seemed more enraged than anyone else. Genie knew the evening had been a disaster… at least the part of the evening that everyone was privy to. Her body still ached from the things she and Francis had done. She felt different in a way but wasn’t sure how. Instead of thinking on those blissful thoughts, she focused on doing as Francis had insisted she do. She played the role that William Congreve noted: a woman scorned.
“Genie?” Lorena called.
She turned to her friend as she moved to the sideboard. “Yes?”
“Are you all right, dear?
She picked up a spoon to gather a few currants. Everything looked amazing. She was famished. “I’m perfectly fine. Why do you ask?”
“You’re walking funny.”
A currant went through the air, the small dried fruit landing somewhere beyond her. She spun around and looked at Lorena. “Oh, I slept badly on my leg.” She was still sore between her thighs but hadn’t thought her wobbling noticeable.
Aunt Tilda’s anger vanished. “You poor darling, I’m sure you had a terrible night of it.” Her anger swiftly returned. “I can’t believe my nephew rejected you, in front of his friends no less, and then came over simply to ask after riding lessons. I’ve a mind to speak with him. It was his mother’s greatest wish to see you together. I shall make that known.”
Lorena began to nod her head.
“No.” Genie took a seat between Maura and Sophia and began to eat.
The table remained silent as she bit into toast and orange marmalade. Heaven.
Alice was the first to speak. “No?”
“No.” Genie reached for her mug, realized it was chocolate, and grinned with the first sip.
“What do you want us to do?” Lorena asked.
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?” Sophia asked.
Genie nodded. “I’m over Francis.” And it was the first time she’d said his name to anyone in two weeks. The ban from its use was lifted.
The table fell into another lapse of silence.
“Genie, there’s no reason we should give up now,” Lorena began. “The girls and I believe Francis was simply… overwhelmed by the great numb
er of people in the room.”
She thought of this and wondered if that were the reason. He did wish to keep their relationship a secret but she didn’t believe him to be embarrassed by her. She saw no reason for that to be the case. “It doesn’t matter. Francis is officially free of me. I’m moving on with my life.”
Maura made a sound and covered her fingers with her lips. She looked ready to cry.
Genie put down her fork and blinked at her. “Are you all right?”
Maura nodded as her eyes filled with tears. “It’s just that… Your love for Francis is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a long time and I’d hoped for your happy ending.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. How selfish of me.”
Genie took her hand. “Don’t apologize.” She could imagine just how much beauty Maura had missed out on while locked behind the walls of Bedlam. It was sweet to know that Maura had been invested in her own way toward Genie’s happiness. She wondered how the girl would react to know that she and Francis were finally together. Unfortunately, like the rest of the table, she’d have to wait to hear the good news. “Sometimes we don’t get what we want.”
“But do you still want it?” Maura asked.
Genie thought of what Hurt Genie would say.
“You were so resilient before,” Alice told her. “I can’t believe you’ve actually given up.”
Would Hurt Genie give up so quickly? She’d been hurt before but this was different. Genie had been completely crushed before Francis had come to her. She’d been ready to let go last night and was sure if the circumstances were the same, she’d still be ready to move on. “It’s time,” Genie told everyone in the room. “I can’t live the rest of my life loving someone who doesn’t love me back. You all heard his reaction to my kiss.”
“Would you prefer someone else?” Sophia asked. “Levander or Morris?”
Genie shook her head. “No, I believe I’m through with all men.”
“But you’ll still take your riding lessons, won’t you?” Alice asked.
She thought about that for a moment and nodded. “It was the wish of my father that I knew how to ride. I’ll continue with Francis until I can employ another teacher.”
“No rider is better than my nephew.” Aunt Tilda lifted a brow as she sipped her tea.
“We shall see.”
Lorena spoke again. “Well, before we completely do away with our efforts. Sophia made a suggestion that could work.”
Genie sighed and realized why Francis hadn’t wanted her to tell her friends. Had she not known better, she’d have been right along with them, planning and plotting. She decided that Hurt Genie would indulge them. “What’s your suggestion?” she asked Sophia.
Sophia sighed. “We plan something that allows you and Francis to be alone.”
“We’ve been alone before. Plenty.”
“But not for an extended amount of time.” Sophia looked around the room before smiling. “We believe it would be best if Francis and yourself were… trapped somewhere alone.”
Both Happy and Hurt Genie were intrigued. “Trapped?”
Sophia smiled. “The dowager house at Buckley was my suggestion. You said the trees were abundant there. Why not make a few fall over and block the doors?”
Happy and Hurt Genie loved it but especially Happy Genie, since she knew exactly what she and Francis would do if left with nothing but themselves for entertainment. Still, she decided to not seem so eager.
“What would be the point?”
“It would give you the opportunity to convince him that he can’t live without you.”
She couldn’t hold back the small smile that came at the knowledge that Francis had told her a reality without her was unbearable. She sighed. “I don’t know.”
“At least think on it,” Lorena said. “And I’ll speak to my brother because what transpired last night makes no sense.”
No, it didn’t.
“I’d like to see some other homes today,” Genie said as a way of changing the subject while all the while the thought of a few days with Francis turned her soreness into an ache.
After breakfast, Genie was informed that she had a caller and was not surprised when her cousin and his companion made their way into the sitting room. Everyone else had gone to the village to speak with the woodman about what could be done to make the trees fall just right around the dowager house. Only Genie and Maura had remained but Maura had ventured outdoors while Genie had decided she’d rather not walk at all for fear anyone would look too closely at her and see the truth.
She rose on steady legs, curtsied, and retook her seat.
Her cousin smiled. “I’m glad you look well today. I know yesterday evening didn’t go as planned for you. Mr. Cross wished to see you, so here we are. I’ll just leave you two alone.” Then he slipped from the room without a backward glance.
Genie was surprised that her cousin would leave her in a situation that was most improper but knew he was hoping she would marry Levander and seemed to be taking the steps to ensure it happened. She forced a smile on her face as she looked into Levander's troubled brown eyes.
He crossed the room and took the seat next to her. “Archie believes I’m here to woo you while you are in a state of heartbreak. He thinks I am to take advantage of the moment but that is not why I am here.”
This surprised her. “It’s not?”
He shook his head and looked worried. “I came to apologize. I had no idea you were in love with another man. When your cousin first told me about you, I was hesitant but then I met you and…” He smiled. “You’re a very charming girl in spite of Archie’s occasional obtuseness.”
“A kind word for it,” Genie whispered as a smile played on her lips.
Levander smiled but then grew serious again. “I didn’t know about His Grace and only knew of your undying love for him after Archie and I were gone. He went on and on about it in the carriage, about the way you two would never be together.”
Genie frowned and came alert. “What does my cousin know about Francis and me?”
“I don’t know but he insisted I not stop in my pursuits, that eventually, you’d realize you couldn’t have Valdeston and that... His Grace couldn’t have you. Those words did not tell the story of a woman who’d been outright rejected by a man, which was what I thought I’d seen last night.”
Genie was sure that was what everyone had seen but Archie had not been deceived. What did her cousin know? Was he the reason she and Francis were keeping their love secret? It wasn’t possible since she and Archie had only become acquainted less than six weeks ago. Francis had said he longed for her for years. But it was clear that his words after the kiss had been a performance but for whom? Archie? Morris? What if the obvious tension between Morris and Francis was about something else entirely? She focused on the answers she could seek out immediately. “Did Archie say anything more?”
“No, but if he does, I’ll tell you.”
She smiled and touched his hand. She’d tried not to like him but he was starting to grow on her even if they could, in the end, only be friends. “Thank you.”
He grabbed her fingers. “I simply thought you should know that your feelings might be returned by the duke.” Then his eyes warmed and he tightened his hold. “But if there comes a day when you’re truly ready to move on, I hope you’ll consider me.”
Genie’s smile widened then she confessed, “Until this very moment, I believed you only pursued me at Archie’s urging.”
Levander shook his head. “Not at all, though he would be pleased if we wed. Archie may not do well where people are concerned but he’s wise with his money. He wishes to keep yours and believe our wedding will ensure that, since I’ve no need for your dowry and wouldn’t take it. All I’d want is you.”
Genie took her hand back and laughed. “I can’t believe a man as charming as you is not already wed.”
He glanced away. “I was married once. She died of illness years ago.”
Her heart broke for him. “I’m sorry. Did you have any children?”
He shook his head. “None, but I hope to have them someday. You’ve woken that part of me.”
She smiled again. He was very charming and if she wasn’t in love, she would have gladly allowed him to court her. “You should return to London. No lady wishes to move to Norway.”
He laughed and stood. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She started to rise but he stopped her.
“No need,” he told her. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”
She was still smiling when he left but her mind quickly went to the warning he’d given her about her cousin. Archie knew something and now, more than ever, Genie wished for the truth herself.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
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Francis woke to the sounds of the maid placing his breakfast tray on the table. He sat up and stared at the breakfast laid before him for a long time before washing, dressing, eating, and leaving the room swiftly. He was out the front door of the castle, on his horse, and at Aunt Tilda’s front door within an hour.
The butler opened the door and Genie strolled out with a grimace, though she did give him a sly wink after the butler closed the door. It had been only a day since the night he’d confessed his love, yet his heart yearned her for as though they’d been apart forever. He imagined it would take him time to get used to the fact that he could make love to her whenever he chose to… and when they were completely alone. He’d idly wondered the other day what his life would have been like if they’d simply been sneaking behind her father’s back for all those years, but he knew that their timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Soon he would have word as to what future he and Genie could expect and Genie was more likely to hold a secret from his sister for a matter of days as opposed to years.
Genie’s Scandalous Spinster’s Society Page 14