Capturing the Earl

by A. S. Fenichel

  “Not when she’s been out late at a ball. She will stay above stairs until at least ten, and I am always up with the sun.”

  His hand, stilled on her back. “Then you likely knew the answer to your question. Why did you ask it?”

  Mercy turned and swung her leg over Wesley’s lap so that she straddled him. He gripped her around her bottom to keep her from sliding to the floor and she clasped her hands around his neck and pulled herself forward. “I was thinking that no one would miss me for some time and we might stay here while the sun warms this room. If you objected, you might have said that my aunt would be awake soon and we should return.”

  Her dress and nightgown had ridden up around her thighs. Wesley slid his hands down to where the flesh of her knees was exposed then slid them along her outer thighs. “I suppose I might have, but I like the direction of your thoughts, love.”

  A small tilt back and the release of her hands and her overcoat drifted to the floor. “Do you think anyone comes around here and might spy us through the glass?”

  “It is unlikely, but I will take you elsewhere if you are uncomfortable in the daylight.” Pushing deeper under the cotton shift brought his hands to the top of her buttocks and he snugged her in close enough that his shaft pressed against her intimately.

  Wiggling in tight, she ran her fingers through his hair. “I like the light.” It was wicked, but she loved seeing him and the desire in his eyes as he realized she was giving herself to him, both her heart and her body.

  He tucked her hair behind her ears. “I long to see every inch of you and kiss my way from head to toe.”

  Warmth flushed from her chest, up her neck and to her cheeks. She undid the loosely tied day dress and pulled it over her head. “I would not object, my lord.”

  Cradling her in his arms, he shifted them so that she lay on her back on the settee. Her legs were exposed, but the rest of her was fully covered by either boots or her voluminous nightgown. Wesley slid one hand down her leg to her calf and removed one boot and then the other. As promised, he started at the bottom and pressed kisses from her toes to her knees.

  Every kiss was wonderful torture and the skin at the back of her knee sent a shock directly between her thighs. She clasped them together hoping for some relief, but it only increased the tingle at her core.

  The kisses he pressed to the inside of her thighs had her arching off the cushion and begging him for relief. “Wesley, please.”

  “As you wish, love.” His mouth covered her and he teased her sensitive bud with tongue and teeth until she tumbled over the abyss and cried his name.

  His arms wrapped her in a safe cocoon while waves of pleasure coursed through her and when she could once again breathe, he slid her nightgown up over her torso and her head before placing it on the high arm of the furniture. “You are magnificent.”

  She pulled him close and opened her mouth on his kiss. It was an intricate dance between tongues, teeth, and lips. Mercy wanted more and scratched at his back to bring him closer.

  Sitting back, he studied her. “Are you certain, Mercedes? I can wait.”

  Bringing his hand to cup her breast, she said. “I want you, Wesley and wanting is not something I do often.”

  In moments he stood before her naked and leaned down to take her taught nipple in his mouth.

  Exquisite pleasure and pain pressed between her legs as he opened her with his hips and pressed inside her.

  Mercy bit her lip to keep from screaming against the pain.

  Still as a statue, Wesley waited for her to relax. “I’m sorry. I promise there will never be pain again.”

  Her friends Poppy and Faith had told her as much, but she couldn’t help wishing him away as it seemed she was torn in two. As the pain eased, pleasure returned and she lifted her hips, taking him deeper.

  A low groan from him was both satisfying and empowering.

  His body joined with hers was perfection, and with each press inside her, the friction brought pleasure until she thought she might go mad with it. Clutching for him, she screamed as another wave of ecstasy exploded inside her.

  Wesley shuddered and cried out her name.

  They lay wrapped in each other’s arms while time seemed to stand still and keep them safe.

  Kissing her temple and then her cheek, he said, “I think we must dress and get you back before we are missed. I will speak to your aunt today.”

  Once Aunt Phyllis knew of their love, there would be no hiding. “Perhaps you and Aurora had the right of it.”

  As he pulled away, she regretted having said anything that would take him away from her sooner. “What do you mean?”

  “If you go to my aunt today, she will not be able to keep silent on the subject. She will announce to everyone who will hear her that we are betrothed.” It sounded so nice, she blushed despite the point she was trying to make.

  He lifted her chin and grinned. “And what is wrong with that?”

  As she made to sit up, he pressed her gently back in place. “Let me help you.”

  Before she could stop him, he’d taken his white handkerchief and wiped between her legs. It was at once sweet, embarrassing, and wonderfully intimate. Despite her mortification, she couldn’t take her eyes from the sight of a man tenderly caring for her as if she were his own. He really did love her. She had to concentrate on the issue at hand and not burst into joyous tears.

  When he was satisfied with what he could do with a dry cloth, he sighed, but reached for her night rail and handed it to her. “You’ll need a proper washing. I’m sorry. I should have thought this through better.”

  She pulled her gown on, picked up her cloak, and before she could pull it on, Wesley was helping her into it. “Now why don’t you want me to go to your aunt today?”

  Taking up her boots, she pulled them on and watched as Wesley dressed. She’d never seen a man dress and thought she would watch him often when they were married. “You really want to marry me?” It came out before she could stop herself.

  With his breeches on and his blouse hanging loose around him the smattering of hair on his chest could be seen and a day’s beard grew on his chin. There was a wildness to Wesley that always lurked under his calm facade. He turned and watched her. “I want to marry you more than I have ever wanted anything in my life. Why do you ask as if it were impossible?”

  She shrugged. “Before today, I would have told you it could never happen. I would have told you that men do not marry for love.”

  “But your Wallflowers have married for love, have they not?” He tucked his blouse into his breeches and secured the fall.

  “Poppy and Faith are the daughters of earls.”

  He took her hand before sitting and pulling her onto his lap. “My love, their titles had nothing to do with their finding love. I’m given the impression that Aurora’s marriage was very unhappy, yet she too is the daughter of an earl. Or am I mistaken?”

  Why didn’t he understand? “Men will marry where it suits them best. It is wonderful that Faith and Poppy found love in their marriages, but they were suitable wives for those men. Don’t you see, I will always be thought of as beneath you. People like the dowager will always say I trapped you into an unwanted marriage.”

  “What do you think, Mercy?” His voice was soft but laced with warning.

  “I did not trap you. I tried my very best to send you in another direction. Yet you still say you wish to marry me.” It was bewildering.

  Tightening his grip around her waist, he drew her attention. “I don’t give a damn what anyone besides you thinks. I love you and that is my entire reason for wishing to be your husband. So you may be confounded and if you are set against telling anyone until we reach London, I will comply.”

  He loved her. He didn’t need her as she had nothing to offer save herself and that was enough. Mercy’s mind raced with all the
consequences to be faced and made her decision. “If the dowager rages, let her rage. I expressed my feelings last night.”

  He touched the tip of her nose, his grin wide. “And you will be a countess soon enough and there will be no need to listen to her babble ever again. We needn’t invite her to our home unless she finds some way to redeem herself to you, my love.”

  Resting her head on his shoulder, she breathed in the warm scent of him. The band around her heart loosened and warmth spread through her chest. “I don’t think I have ever been truly happy before. I have on occasion been content and I did enjoy my time at school, but I actually feel happy.”

  “My hope is to keep you in this state for many years to come, Mercy.” He kissed her forehead and they sat watching the sunrise.

  Time ticked away and finally Wesley sighed and kissed her again. “If we don’t leave now, the entire party will be awake by the time I take you back and we will have the devil to pay and there is one short stop I’d like to make. If you don’t mind.”

  Mercy stood and pulled her overcoat tight. “Of course.”

  Taking her hand, he led them out the door with the broken lock and around the manor house. At the front, Brutus waited patiently.

  He kept the horse at a walk and on the way back to the village pulled down a short lane. At the end a small cemetery, neatly kept, was surrounded by a low iron fence. Mercy waited with Brutus and watched as Wesley knelt beside the graves of his parents.

  When he’d finished, he took her hand and they walked back down the lane. “It’s nice that the village kept the graves so neat. I shall have to inquire as to who has done so.”

  Mercy squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you were able to visit.”

  “My father wanted very badly to have Whickette back in the family.” He grinned. “Father will not mind waiting a few more years. Then maybe we can try to buy the property and perhaps in that time decide what to do with such a mammoth place.”

  “I’m sorry to have spoiled your plans.” It was half a lie. She was sorry for him to fail in what he’d set out to do, but not to be the reason he was not marrying Aurora or anyone else.

  Still smiling, he shrugged.

  Expecting some regrets for his decision to give up on the lands that would afford him the ability to visit often, she was surprised when he changed the subject.

  “Mercy, some time ago the Duke of Breckenridge implied that you might have played some part in the death of Aurora’s husband.” There was no accusation in his tone, only curiosity.

  Nick suspected. How perfectly reasonable. “Did he?”

  Wesley chuckled. “Could this be true?”

  If she was going to marry him, he should know everything. “I may have sent an unsigned note to a certain gaming hell to keep an eye on the Earl of Radcliff’s gambling habits.”

  Stopping, he turned to look at her. “Good lord. Does Aurora know?”

  Lifting her chin, she looked him in the eyes but saw no censure there. “The Wallflowers have never discussed it, but I suspect all three know.”

  He lifted her onto Brutus’s back and blinked. “What an amazing circle of women you Wallflowers are.”

  Leaning into the circle of his arms, she had everything she wanted. Her heart ached that he did not. “I truly wish you could have Whickette Park back.”

  He kissed the crown of her head. “What I am getting is far more precious. I think my father would heartily approve.”

  Having never met the previous earl, Mercy didn’t know if he would have been in favor of his only son marrying a girl of no title or wealth. Still, being with Wesley made her happier than she’d ever been.

  When they reached the inn, Wesley left her at the back door with a warm kiss that stole her breath and was full of promises.

  * * * *

  Mercy insisted on being present when Wesley spoke to her aunt. It was nearly luncheon by the time Aurora managed to convince her mother to take a walk. As soon as they were out of the inn, Wesley requested the interview and secured a small private room at the back of the common room at the inn.

  “What is this all about, my lord?” Aunt Phyllis sounded stern but her eyes told Mercy she knew what he wanted.

  “I have asked your niece to marry me and she has indicated that it would be agreeable.” He let out a long breath and sat across the round table from Aunt Phyllis.

  Both brows raised, Phyllis studied Mercy. “Mercedes, do you wish to marry Lord Castlewick?”

  Surprised by the question, Mercy said, “He is an earl. I would have thought what I want would play little part in your decision.”

  For a long moment, Aunt Phyllis stared but said nothing. “That does not answer my question.” The stern tone now accompanied a harsh stare.

  Knowing her aunt was not to be trifled with when in this mood, Mercy swallowed her questions. “I do wish to marry his lordship, Aunt Phyllis. I love him.”

  Turning back to Wesley, Phyllis said, “I will expect you to treat my niece with utmost respect. The fact that she is not titled might make a man think she does not deserve high regard. If you have a mind to peddle her musical talent for gain, I shall not have it.”

  Wesley frowned. “Use her…Deserve…” He took a long breath. “Madam, I am perfectly solvent with a good income and several estates. The fact that I am not in possession of Whickette Park as yet should not be taken as a sign of any financial ruin. I can ably take care of Mercedes and have no need to peddle her talents, as you put it. She will play if and when she wishes. I am in love with your niece and intend to marry her. If you disapprove, that will make for an uncomfortable few minutes, Lady Mattock, but it will not change my resolve.”

  “Pretty speech.” Aunt Phyllis fussed with her blue satin reticule. “Pretty indeed. I’m happy to hear that you love her as she is a remarkable woman who deserves nothing less. I give you both my blessing.”

  “Thank you.” His shoulders sagged slightly before he righted his posture.

  Aunt Phyllis turned to Mercy. She patted her perfectly coiffed gray hair into place and pursed her lips. “As for your question, Mercedes. I have always wanted you to be happy. When I married Mattock, it was to secure a future where we would be comfortable. You were unfairly judged by him, for which I am sorry. For a long time, I felt bad about him sending you away to school. However, it was for the best. While I did think he would live a bit longer, the outcome was good enough that neither you nor I had to go into service and that was the point. You may think me uncaring, but it was always my intention to see you were secure and my hope that you would be happy. You must forgive me if I failed you in any way. I always had your wellbeing at heart.”

  Emotion knotted in Mercy’s throat as she leapt from her chair and threw herself into her aunt’s arms. “You have been a wonderful parent, Aunt Phyllis. I always knew you wanted the best for me. I was content at school and would not change a moment of those years. Forgive me for my callous question. Of course, I know you want me to be happy.”

  Aunt Phyllis patted her back. “I’m much relieved, my dear.”

  Mercy kissed her cheek and straightened. Wesley stood near the door smiling at them both.

  “I suppose this means we shall have to deal with Jemima’s temper for the rest of the trip.” Phyllis sighed. “I expect banns to be read for at least three weeks, my lord.”

  He nodded agreement. “Whatever you ladies wish, I will see it done.”

  Unable to bear the thought of a big public wedding, Mercy said, “I would like a private wedding with just our closest friends. I do not care for being gaped at when there is no music between me and my admirers.” She pushed her spectacles up.

  “If at the end of the day you are my wife, I don’t care where we marry or how many people witness the event.” His eyes sparkled and he never took his gaze from her face.

  The joy she saw from him filled her with
elation that could barely be contained.

  Aunt Phyllis gave a satisfied nod. “You needn’t marry at St. Paul’s. I would be perfectly satisfied if you married at Grosvenor Chapel, as it is where I attend. Would that be acceptable?”

  “I would like that very much.” Mercy had always liked the clean white chapel much more than the larger ones in London. It might not be as fashionable, but she would feel more at home.

  “Then it is settled.” Wesley’s grin hadn’t faltered since Aunt Phyllis had given her consent.

  Never had another person’s happiness made her feel so fulfilled. It probably meant that his sorrow would be hers too, but she pushed the thought aside. “Shall we go and see the ruins?”

  They walked from the private room. The common area bustled with a luncheon crowd. The mistress of the inn was a stout woman with ruddy skin and bits of brown hair poking from under her cap. Her name was Mrs. Truitt and she ambled over carrying a large basket with a smile that revealed a missing front tooth. “My lord, I’ve packed a lovely picnic for you and your party. You’ll find everything you need within.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Truitt. You have been most accommodating.” Wesley accepted the basket with a smile.

  “I suppose that means we are going to picnic by the ruins as planned.” Aunt Phyllis smiled. The breeze blew in from the opened door and her smile turned to a frown. “I believe Aurora has informed her mother of the situation.

  Mercy’s heart pounded despite her resolve never to let that woman intimidate her again.

  The Dowager Countess of Marsden stood arms akimbo, glaring across the common room.

  Chapter 20

  Wesley stepped between Mercy and the approaching dowager, but there was little he could do.

  “I knew I should have tossed you from the house the first moment I saw you all those years ago, Mercedes Heath. How dare you foist your wiles on the earl as if you had any right to him with your low birth.” Lady Marsden did nothing to hide her agitation or lower her voice.