“Mmm, second sight perhaps,” she said dryly. “It was hatred at our true first sight, on both our parts I might add.”
“I am delighted that you have both changed your minds.”
“Whatever makes you think that?” she asked without a trace of mockery.
Blandford looked longingly at Anne who was dancing with Albemarle. “Do you think Lady Anne would let me escort her to the supper room?”
“William van is quite mad about her. He will give you a run for your money.”
When it was time for supper, Charles separated his wife from all her other admiring dance partners, and from that moment on never left her side.
Anne remarked to her brother, “You are behaving like a dog with a bone. Take care you don’t make a cake of yourself, Charles.”
“Look to your own behavior, my dear. Setting one suitor against another is acting like a cocktease. If you are not careful, I shall pack you off home to Goodwood.”
“The Earl of March preaching morals. How bloody ironic!”
He took the glass of champagne she was holding and took it from her hand. “You’ve had enough to drink, Anne. I believe it is time to leave.” Charles turned to Sarah. “I shall escort you home.”
Sarah bade the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough good night and thanked her for her lovely hospitality. A footman brought her cloak, and she and Anne, accompanied by the Earl of March, went downstairs and climbed into Lennox’s carriage.
The carriage set off from Pall Mall, and after a few minutes, Sarah glanced from the window. “This isn’t the way to the Cadogan town house.”
“No, it is the way to Richmond House in Whitehall,” Charles said.
“But you said you would escort me home,” Sarah protested.
“Richmond House is your home,” Charles pointed out. “My home is now yours.”
“I cannot live with you.” Sarah began to panic. “Stop the carriage!”
“Where else would a wife live, but with her husband?”
Sarah opened her mouth to revile him with every insulting name in her salty vocabulary. Then her inner voice cautioned her. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Nevertheless, she had no intentions of becoming his wife in the true sense of the word. At least not until the time was ripe, and of her choosing.
“I shall insist upon my own private bedchamber.”
Charles smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, sweetheart. Did I not promise to woo and win you?”
When they arrived at Richmond House, Anne gave Sarah a knowing wink and excused herself immediately. Charles took his wife upstairs to his own private wing. He opened a door and led her into a spacious bedchamber that was furnished luxuriously. She glanced about nervously and her eyes fell on an adjoining door.
“If this bedchamber adjoins yours, I won’t sleep here.”
He opened a drawer in the night table beside the wide bed and produced a key. Then he took her hand, placed the key on her palm, closed her fingers over it and then kissed her hand. “Oh, she of little faith,” he teased.
“There are two doors,” she pointed out distrustfully.
“This key locks them both. Sleep tight, my beauty.”
The moment he left, Sarah lost no time turning the key in both locks. She sank down on the bed, relieved that he had told her the truth. She realized she had nothing to sleep in, so after she removed and hung her gown in the wardrobe, she took off her corset and stockings, and decided to sleep in her petticoat.
The bed was wider than any she had slept in before, and she worried she would never get used to it. She thought about Molly, who would be worrying about her not coming home, and Sarah decided she would go and get her Irish lady’s maid first thing in the morning. Her decision made, she fell asleep almost instantly.
Sarah opened her eyes and screamed as the bedclothes were lifted from her and thrown on the carpet, revealing her only in her undergarment.
“Come on, sleepyhead, the day is awasting,” Charles cried.
“You devil! How did you get in here?” she demanded, crossing her arms across her breasts to protect them from his laughing, bold brown eyes.
Charles held up a key and waved it about with glee.
“But you gave me the key and I locked both doors!”
“Credit me with some intelligence, my beauty. I possess more than one key.”
“You, sir, possess an overabundance of arrogance. How dare you?”
“Sarah, my love, I’d dare anything where you are concerned.” He sat down on the end of the bed and gazed at her.
“You lecherous swine, why are you staring at me?”
“Because I’ll never have enough. I want to learn everything about you. I want you to lift your lashes so I can gaze into your Persian sapphire blue eyes. I want to see you laugh until the tears roll down your lovely cheeks. When you get angry I want to see your fire and hear you spit curses at me. When I pull off your covers, I want you to fly at me, pull my hair, and roll about the bed with me … Sarah, you are only sixteen, I want to play with you!”
She saw that he was wearing tall boots and tight black riding breeches. The white linen shirt contrasted with his sun-bronzed face and neck. He was so attractive, her heart skipped a beat. I’m supposed to be teasing and tempting him. The wicked devil has turned the tables on me.
“Hurry and dress. I want to take you riding.”
“I have no clothes, other than the gown I wore last night. I have to go to my house and pack my things and get Molly, my lady’s maid.”
“Rubbish! I want you to be spontaneous. Anne will lend you a riding habit, or you can wear a pair of my breeches.” He rolled his eyes. “I can just picture your round arse in tight black riding breeches.”
“Go! If you leave me, I will ask Anne to lend me some clothes.”
“I’ll give you ten minutes. If you’re not ready by then, I’ll strip off your petticoat and dress you myself.” He held up ten fingers and headed to the adjoining chamber.
Sarah knew he was perfectly capable of the outrageous antics he threatened. She jumped off the bed, snatched up her stockings and corset, unlocked the bedroom door, and went in search of Anne.
She found her sister-in-law reaching for a tray so she could eat her breakfast in bed.
“I need a riding habit,” Sarah said breathlessly.
Anne pointed to her wardrobe. “My boots may be a bit too large for you. I have Ye Royal Family feet,” she said between mouthfuls of toast.
“Save me some breakfast, please. I have no time to get my own. The devil wants to go riding and has only given me a few minutes to get dressed.”
“Don the habit, then come sit down and eat. Let the mountain come to Mohammed. Surely you know better than to go running when a man beckons.”
Sarah put on her corset, drew on her stockings, and began to laugh. “You are right. Whatever was I thinking?” She sat down on the bed and helped herself to some food.
Anne went to the wardrobe and brought out a fuchsia-colored habit. “This shade of purple will be glorious on you.”
The door flew open and Charles strode in. “Your time is up, and here I find you filling your face. I warned you,
Sarah.”
He picked her up and put her over his shoulder clad in only stockings and corset. He grabbed the riding habit from his sister’s hands, picked up the boots, and swept out the door with his kicking and protesting wife. Charles carried her back to her bedchamber and set her feet to the carpet. He then proceeded to finish dressing her, managing to stroke his hands over every inch of her luscious curves.
When he was done, his powerful hands held her fast as his eyes swept over her with appreciation. “The sparks of anger in your eyes have turned you into a blazing beauty, and your curses are music to my ears. You are in a passion, and it delights me.”
Sarah took a deep breath. “My fury excites you!”
“You have no idea, my beauty.”
She, too, felt excited and knew Charl
es was the reason why. Is it because his hands caressed my limbs, or because he aroused my temper? Perhaps he aroused more than my anger. Perhaps my own body is betraying me. “You are a devil!”
“Let’s be devils together.” He sat her on the bed and knelt before her. Then he lifted the hem of the riding habit and rolled his eyes wickedly as her legs were revealed.
Sarah bit her lip to keep herself from laughing at his antics, but she couldn’t hold her amusement inside. She threw back her head and shook with mirth.
Charles lifted her foot and slid the riding boot onto her leg. Then he did the same with the other one. This time, however, his hands continued sliding up her thigh until they stroked the bare flesh above her stocking. “Smooth as silk,” he whispered.
Sarah stopped laughing and drew in a swift breath as a frisson of arousal spiraled up inside her. He bent toward her, and she thought he was going to kiss her, but when his lips were a mere fraction from hers, he swept her up in his arms again and carried her from the room.
When they got to the top of the staircase, he turned around, threw his leg over the banister, set her before him between his thighs, and wrapped his arms about her beneath her breasts.
“No!” she gasped as she felt his hard cock press into her soft bum.
“Yes!” he cried as they slid down the long polished banister and shot off the end, landing in a tangle of arms and legs. “Good thing I cushioned you.”
“Cushion? You are hard as a rock.”
He nuzzled her ear. “Sweetheart, you have no idea.”
Sarah had a damn good idea. She began to laugh. She realized she had no defenses against the playful devil and knew she would concede control to him, for the present. If she didn’t, Charles would take it anyway.
In the stable, when he lifted her into the sidesaddle, once again his hands lingered on her waist, rekindling the frisson of arousal that spiraled up into her breasts. Charles mounted his own horse, and together they rode sedately through St. James’s Park and then crossed over into Hyde Park.
There were many riders on Rotten Row. This did not fit in with the earl’s plans. “This way, Sarah.” He cut through some trees and his companion followed his lead.
Finally they came to a long open stretch of lush green grass. “Have you ever ridden hell for leather? Have you ever experienced the rush of pleasure from riding full out?”
When Sarah shook her head, Charles let out a whoop and dismounted. He fastened the reins of her horse to a tree and lifted her from the saddle. He carried her to his own mount and unceremoniously hiked her skirt up to her thighs. He lifted her by the waist. “Put your legs astride. You’ll get few thrills riding sidesaddle.”
The minute she obeyed him he mounted behind her and took the reins. One touch from his heels and his black hunter took off in a mad gallop. As the wind rushed past them, he whispered in her ear. “Can you feel the exhilaration? Don’t you love new experiences, Sarah? There’s so much I long to teach you. In my arms there is no limit to the peaks of excitement we can achieve.” He bit her earlobe and pulled her back so her soft bum cushioned his cock. “Ride with me to the stars, and I’ll let you taste heaven.”
Charles turned his horse, and without slowing the pace, they raced back to where he had tethered her mount. He vaulted from the saddle and held up his arms in invitation.
She knew without a doubt that he was enamored with her, but she wanted more. She knew a need to enslave him. In that moment, Sarah felt empowered. She did not hesitate,
but flung herself down into his waiting arms. Her eyes were filled with a wanton enticement, her laughing mouth luring him to take whatever he desired.
Charles took her down to the lush grass and rolled with her until she was above him in the dominant position. With her mons pressed into his cock, he brought her down until his lips brushed against hers.
At that moment a pair of riders emerged through the trees. The lady’s horse shied at the couple in the grass. With the man’s help, the lady got her mount under control and the pair stared in disbelief.
Though Sarah struggled, Charles held her tight against him, their intimate parts melded together, as he laughed up into her eyes.
“Whatever will they think?” she muttered as shame turned her cheeks to flame.
“There can be no shame between man and wife,” Charles said as the pair of riders galloped off.
Her eyes glittered with blue sparks. “Not for one moment did they think we were married. Husbands don’t roll their wives in the grass in compromising positions.”
“This husband does.” He captured her mouth in a kiss that was so sensual, her breasts and her woman’s center began to ache with longing.
Chapter Five
When they returned to Richmond House, Charles unsaddled Sarah’s horse for her. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight.”
She refrained from asking him where he was going. Men hated wives who questioned their comings and goings. “I’ll need the carriage to transport Molly and some of my clothes.”
“All your clothes. From now on you will reside at Richmond House … with me.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Tonight, I shall persuade you to call me Charles, or die trying.”
Anne joined Sarah for lunch. “I don’t need to ask if you enjoyed your ride. Your face has a vibrant look about it. When a woman looks like you do, it’s usually because a man she desires is paying court to her. I can tell you are making progress.”
Sarah laughed softly. “I have him eating out of my hand.” ‘Tis the other way about. Stop deceiving yourself.
“Albemarle has invited me to take a carriage ride this afternoon. I shall tear a page from your book, Sarah, and tempt him to desire me above all others.”
“Are you sure he’s the one you want, Anne? Has Bland-ford lost his attraction?”
“William is all very well, but he gambles too much for my taste. My own father is addicted to gaming, and he hasn’t been the ideal husband. And then there’s Bland-ford’s mother, Henrietta, who is now effectively the Duke of Marlborough. She likes to rule the roost and would surely impose her will on a daughter-in-law, if Blandford could ever be brought to the altar.”
“I warrant you’re right. Her mother Sarah, the dowager duchess, has always had a soft spot for me, but she does rule her family with an iron hand.” She remembered how strict and straight-laced her own mother had been. Being married gives me the freedom I love. The only fly in the ointment is being saddled with a husband … an amorous one to boot. Sarah smiled a secret smile.
After Anne left, Sarah pondered her situation. A fullblown picture of Charles came to her, and she had to admit to herself that his physical appearance was potently attractive. His bold, dark eyes told her he wanted her, and she had no doubt he was the kind of male who took what he wanted. The sun has bronzed his face and neck. I wonder if his chest and broad shoulders are also tanned? She took a deep breath. Stop it this moment! You will never get your revenge if you don’t take control of your silly female fancies!
Anne’s words about gambling came back to her. Since the Duke of Richmond was addicted, it was highly likely that his son was no different. Ye Royal Family traits of going into debt to pay gaming debts, and acquiring a bevy of mistresses, had probably been passed down to Charles.
She remembered the humiliation she had suffered in The Hague when they had exchanged their marriage vows,
and her resolve hardened. Don’t let his physical attractions blind you. This is a dangerous game you are playing. You must be the winner, and Lord Bloody March must be the loser!
“This is a grand mansion,” Molly declared. “Even the servants’ quarters have posh furniture.” She hung up the last gown that remained in Sarah’s trunk. “I’ll ring for a footman to shift this. Have you noticed how attractive the male servants are?”
Sarah laughed. “It’s likely the livery. Females can’t resist men in uniform.”
Molly winked. “It’s what’s under the g
old-buttoned breeches that counts.”
“Dinner is served later here, at seven o’clock rather than six.”
“Jaysus, me belly will think me throat’s been cut by seven.” Molly brightened. “I’ll just go along to the kitchen and ask that big bloke in the white hat if he’s got anything to satisfy my cravings. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!”
That night when Sarah arrived in the dining room, Charles was there before her. He held her chair for her and then his hands touched her shoulders in a brief caress.
“Thank you, my lord.”
He gave a theatrical sigh. “You’ve forgotten my name again.”
When Anne arrived, Sarah asked, “Did you have an enjoyable ride?”
“I did, Sarah. I feel as if I’m on the brink of success.”
“I warrant it would be polite to include me in your conversation.”
“I’m a Lennox, Charles. I wasn’t aware politeness was in our vocabulary.”
“You would do well to emulate Sarah. Nothing captivates a man more than a sweet smile and a gentle manner.”
“Save perhaps a seductive smile and a saucy manner,” Anne contradicted.
“And this has brought you to the brink of success? With whom, may I ask?”
Anne bit her lip. “If you must know, the Earl of Albemarle is pursuing me.”
“With an intention to marry?” Charles asked bluntly.
“How dare you suggest otherwise?” Anne demanded.
“Seductive and saucy behavior prompt me to suggest otherwise.” He glanced at Sarah. “In a wife that would be deeply desirable; in an unwed young lady, it would be fodder for gossip. As a matter of fact I was in Albemarle’s company this afternoon. He is a wealthy man who could have any woman he fancies. If you don’t behave like a lady, he’ll never propose marriage.” Charles turned his attention to his wife, effectively dismissing Anne.
“Were you able to transfer your clothes and your lady’s maid this afternoon?”
“Yes, my lord. Molly believes Richmond House is a step up in the world.”
He smiled. “And do you share her opinion?”
Lords of Passion Page 5