She ran her hands up and down Ethan’s broad, hard back. When he plunged his tongue into her mouth, she let out a sigh of pleasure. She tasted the wine on his breath and smelled the sandalwood from the soap he had used to bathe. Each nip, each caress claimed a piece of her heart.
Ethan became more desperate, as if he could not get enough of her. Kate’s legs tingled and grew weak. He was the only one to ever make her feel this way. Their tongues dueled and mingled with an occasional moan from each of them. His tongue probed hers, demanding a response. In turn, Kate rocked her pelvis against Ethan’s erection. She was rewarded with a low growl of approval.
Kate wanted to strip him of his jacket and shirt so she could feel the ridges of his muscles. She wanted to be lost in his touch, to shut out everything until only the two of them existed, but she knew it could never be. Even if Ethan loved her, she was sure his anger would return once he knew the truth behind her decision to leave all those years ago.
Kate’s mind returned to the present when Ethan’s hand cupped her breast. Even through her dress, his fondling ignited her desire. Her skin burned, branded by the searing heat of hands.
Ethan nibbled kisses up and down her neck. Moisture pooled between her legs; her body responded to Ethan’s every stoke. He made his way back to her mouth and, once again, claimed it for his own. His mouth and body enveloped her in a cocoon lust.
Kate knew they could not continue with a few stolen moments. Eventually, they would need to have a serious discussion about their relationship. After Arthur was captured, she would return to Nathan’s estate; it was where Robbie belonged. The idea saddened her, and she stilled in Ethan’s arms. Kate put her hand on his chest and felt his heart pounding. Her breaths came in quick bursts, and her lips felt deliciously swollen from being ravaged.
“I’m sorry; I could not help myself,” Ethan said, rubbing his hand up and down her back.
“I did not mind.” She met Ethan’s stare. “I’m just distracted by everything; it’s not you.”
Ethan smiled and kissed her on the forehead. “I understand, but it was in poor taste for me to steal kisses with all that is going on.”
“It makes me feel desirable. I haven’t felt like this in a long time,” Kate assured him.
“Surely, Nathan thought you were desirable. After all, you were married for all those years.”
At the mention of her late husband, Kate pulled out of Ethan’s arms and walked over to the window. Ethan, like everyone else, assumed she had been in love with Nathan and had carried his child. Kate shook her head, wondering what Ethan would think when he learned the full story. Eventually, she would have to tell him. There could be no lies between them if there was any chance of them being together.
With her back still to Ethan, Kate said, “I’m going to go lay down and rest for this evening. I’m not used to being out, and I want to look my best.”
Kate left without looking back to see if Ethan watched her.
Chapter 12
Later that evening, dressed in a simple plum purple dress with a black, lace wrap, Kate went downstairs to leave for the party. Ethan escorted her to the Grahams’ residence. During the ride, Ethan was silent. Kate could not tell if he was upset with her or not. She had not been overtly rude to him when she had left the library, but she sensed tension between them. Before they had left, Hugh had assured her that Robbie would be safe. Extra men were positioned around Robbie’s bedroom, both inside and outside the house. She wanted to enjoy herself tonight, but the shadow of apprehension was never far away, even though Ethan was near.
The couple entered the Grahams’ parlor, and they were greeted warmly. Kate could not help but feel happy when she saw their warm, welcoming faces. These were people she had grown up knowing and the familiarity melted away some of her nerves.
The ladies of the group took Kate off to the side. Those she had not seen since she returned gave condolences for the loss of her husband. She explained that she was staying with her parents to give Robbie a change of scenery and get him away from the depressed state of their home. Luckily, everyone appeared content with her story, and there were no further questions.
The Grahams had set up card tables in the large parlor, and the participants sat down. Guests not wishing to partake in the games could sit and converse in an adjoining room. A group of gentlemen, who wanted to talk business, led Ethan to a quiet spot. Servants circled the rooms with trays of drinks and a table with refreshments was set in the corner.
Kate sat at a table with Caroline Ridley, Colonel Ridley’s daughter. Colonel Ridley had moved to the country after he retired from the military. On Kate’s right sat Randolph James, the local solicitor. To her left was a gentleman she did not know, but who was introduced as Mr. Walter Brightley, a fellow solicitor and friend of Mr. James. The group made for pleasant company. Thankfully, Caroline had the gift of conversation, and she led the rest of the table in this endeavor.
“Are you enjoying your time back at your parents’ home, Lady Leeds?” Miss Ridley asked as she played a card.
“Yes, it is nice to be back where one is the most comfortable and familiar.”
“Were you not comfortable at your husband’s home?” The young lady asked.
“Well, I had only been there for a few years before he passed. We never really got settled in to make it feel like our home, and his death made me yearn for a change of scenery. I wanted to take Robbie away from the gloom and sadness. A boy his age should play out in the sunshine.”
Mr. James spoke, “It is understandable, after such a tragedy, to crave solace in familiar things. One remembers one’s childhood home as a place of security and comfort.”
Kate grinned at the older gentleman. “You are right, Mr. James. I want to give my son happy memories. I want him to be a little boy and not have to worry about his future, just yet.”
“What do you mean?” Miss Ridley questioned.
“At our estate, the servants address him as His Lordship or young master, and I know he does not understand what has happened. Robbie is only five. He knows his father is in heaven, but he does not understand that he now holds the title. It is all rather confusing to him, so I thought a break would be good for both of us.”
Kate’s heart had broken the first time she had explained to Robbie why the servants addressed him differently. He had cried that night, saying he did not want to be an Earl, and he wanted his father back. It was too much of a burden for such small shoulders. Robbie needed time to adjust to the changes and be away from the constant reminder of his father’s passing.
Kate had toyed with the idea of leaving before the strange incidents had started at the estate. After the last confrontation with Arthur Penbrooke, she had resolved to take Robbie to a place where they would both be safe. She had not planned on the added protection of Ethan and his men, or the rekindling of her feelings for him
At the thought of him, Kate’s eyes wandered toward the other room. The doors were open, and Ethan was conversing with Mr. Jones, a local businessman. Ethan brought his drink up to his lips as he scanned the room. Even from a distance, the sight of him struck a chord deep inside her soul. Their gazes met. Ethan’s brows lifted and bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment.
Kate brought her attention back to the card game. No one had noticed that she had been staring into the other room. They played two more games before the party of four paused to stretch their legs.
A short time later, Kate walked around the buffet table and almost ran into Mr. Brightley. “Oh, I am terribly sorry, sir; please, forgive me.”
“No need, Countess, I should watch where I am going. Would you care to sit?” Mr. Brightley motioned to a settee a few steps away. “I must say, I count myself fortunate to have been in town to accept the Grahams’ invitation for tonight.”
“You are a friend of Mr. James, correct?” Kate asked.
“That is right. We knew each other at university, and we recently struck up the old friendship. I am in town
visiting for a while and helping Randolph with some work.”
“It is nice to have old friends to depend on; is it not?”
“Yes. I also have some private business to attend to in the area, so it was advantageous on both counts.”
“How long will you be here?” Kate nibbled on a small sandwich.
“It depends on how fast I can resolve my affairs. There have been some hiccups, but I am hoping to straighten everything out in time.”
“Well, I wish you the best for a quick resolution to your problems.”
“Thank you. How long are you staying?”
Kate paused, “I’m not sure. Like you, I have to settle some things before I return home.”
“Understandable. I saw you came with Lord Norris tonight. You two are acquainted?” The lawyer bit into a dainty finger cake.
Kate had to be careful how she answered since she did not want to give the wrong impression to Mr. Brightley or the others. She was still in mourning, albeit close to the end, but she did not want there to be gossip about a romance between her and Ethan.
“Lord Norris and I are childhood friends, so he offered to escort me here tonight. He is very thoughtful.”
Mr. Brightley nodded. “I heard the gentleman spoken of with great affection tonight. Someone told me that his father’s health is failing and that he has taken over some of the responsibilities. It must be a relief for the Marquess to know he has the support of his son.”
“I’m not privy to the health of the Marquess since I am not one of the family.”
“Of course, my apologies.” Mr. Brightley sipped his drink.
The man had an unusual interest in her and Ethan, which made Kate uneasy. She had to find a polite way to excuse herself.
“If you will excuse me, sir, I need to speak with the hostess.”
Mr. Brightley rose with her. “Yes, of course. I have monopolized enough of your time. I must apologize for all the questions. It is the lawyer in me. Always asking too many questions. I did not mean to pry. Have a pleasant stay before your return to Leicester.”
A chill went through Kate. “I was not aware you knew the location of my husband’s estate.”
Mr. Brightley chuckled, “Mrs. Graham mentioned it earlier when she was regaling me with the list of her guests who would be attending tonight. She was quite pleased to have you in attendance. She told me she is close friends with your mother and Lord Norris’ mother.”
“Yes, they are.” A wave of relief swept through Kate. Her nerves were on a knife’s edge, and she was as jumpy as a mouse. Mr. Brightley was only being polite. “My mother has been friends with Mrs. Graham since before I was born. I am glad I could come tonight; it has been so long since I have been able to socialize.”
“I heard mention of your husband’s passing, and I am sorry.”
Kate smiled, “You are kind sir, thank you.”
“Was it sudden?”
The question caught Kate off guard. “I beg your pardon?”
“Was your husband ill, or did he die suddenly?”
It was an odd question to ask after only meeting each other that night. Kate studied Mr. Brightley but could not read his expression. There was something odd about the solicitor that made Kate want to leave.
Kate stepped back.“Please forgive me, Mr. Brightley, but I am tired, and wish to retire for the evening.”
The man bowed, and Kate turned to leave, but not before she glanced back to find him still watching her.
Kate searched for Ethan. She entered the room where she had last seen him, but he was not there. Perhaps, he had slipped back into the card room without her noticing. She pivoted and ran into a broad chest and firm hands that steadied her. It was Ethan. Kate sighed with relief.
He immediately noticed Kate’s expression, and his pleased smile turned to one of concern. He led her over to the patio doors, and they went outside. The cool evening breeze caressed her skin, and Kate inhaled the smell of roses mingled with lavender. The aromas calmed her nerves and allowed her to gather her thoughts. It had been too long since she had been around so many people, and she was weary.
Ethan stood by her, a reassuring arm around her shoulders. It was not proper for them to be seen in so intimate a stance, but Kate did not care. Right now, she needed him.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine. I became a little overheated from the proximity and the wine. It’s the first time I have been in such a crowd since Nathan’s passing, and I think it has been a little too much.”
“Do you want to leave?”
Kate knew Ethan would do whatever she decided. The thought of spending another hour talking with guests and pretending all was well was suddenly too much. She had done enough socializing for the night and told Ethan she wished to leave. They made their farewells and left.
Ethan kept Kate’s hand enfolded in his throughout the ride home. His touch reassured her that she had his support. They rode back in silence, content to do so.
When they reached the house, Kate checked on Robbie, then went to bed. She had a restless night filled with dreams about a man cornering her, and she could not escape. Someone was chasing her, but she could never see his face.
The next morning Kate found it difficult to wake up, but she knew it was good to keep to a routine, so she got ready for the day. After breakfast, she and Nana played with Robbie in the garden. Ethan met them as they walked back to the house. He walked up to Robbie and knelt beside him.
“Hello, Robbie. Are you having a nice time at my home?”
The little boy nodded eagerly. “Yes, sir.”
“Well, I had a thought this morning. I was about your age when I learned how to ride a horse. Do you know how to ride?”
“No, sir.” Robbie’s eyes twinkled.
“Would you like to learn?”
Robbie’s face lit up. He looked back and forth between Ethan and Kate. “Do you mean it?”
Ethan took Robbie’s hand and led him around to the stables. There, in the middle of the yard, was a pony, saddled, and ready to go. Robbie squealed with delight and ran over to it.
Tears of happiness filled Kate’s eyes. It was the most touching thing anyone had ever done. She went over and hugged Ethan.
“Thank you. Your generosity is more than I could ever have expected. You didn’t need to do this.” Ethan’s kiss silenced her.
“I told you before, I want to make a future with you and Robbie, and it starts now.” He placed his hand in hers, and they went over to the boy.
For the next hour, they watched the groom take Robbie on the lead. His joyful yelps affected everyone; even the servants grinned as they walked by. Kate forgot how infectious a child’s laugh could be.
Ethan said he wanted a future with her, but he had uttered no words of love. Perhaps, he wanted to wait until after this ordeal was over. Kate did not care. For now, she would enjoy what she had and deal with the rest later.
After Robbie’s lesson, Nana took him inside for a nap. Ethan promised the boy he could have a riding lesson every day if he behaved himself and finished his lessons with Nana. Robbie swore he would be good and skipped into the house.
“I want to show you something,” Ethan whispered to her after Robbie had left.
Kate gave him a questioning look. A devilish grin was his only response. He led her into the stables and down to the stall at the end. What was down here? Ethan stopped at the stall. Kate peered in and saw that it was empty.
“Ethan, what is going on?”
He put his arms around her waist and kissed her. “I wanted a few moments alone with you. This is one of the few places where we can have privacy.” He kissed her again.
“What if someone finds us?” she said between breaths. She would be mortified if a servant found them.
Ethan lifted his head. “No one will. I made sure the grooms were out exercising the horses. We are safe.”
“You have not changed in some respects, have you?”
“Not whe
n it comes to wanting you.”
The heat of his words made her flush. What did it matter if they were caught? They were adults and knew what they wanted, each other. Ethan cupped her face between his hands.
“I want every moment I can with you, my darling. We have lost so much time already.”
It was all Kate needed to hear. She pulled Ethan in for another embrace. Their lips melted into each other, fusing into a kiss of heated passion. Their hands were all over each other. This time Kate removed Ethan’s jacket, like she had wanted to do during their last interlude. She rubbed her hands down his arms and felt the outline of his muscles under his shirt.
Without breaking their kiss, Ethan lowered them onto the bed of hay. Kate lay beneath him. His tongue invaded her mouth, taking possession of her. Their tongues danced and tasted each other, bringing her yearning to a fevered pitch.
Ethan loosened the buttons of her dress enough to slide his hand inside the fabric and cup her breast. The skin to skin contact made her senses reel with wonder. This was what she had always desired, to be with Ethan. At this moment there was nothing but the two of them. Every nerve, every fiber of her body was attuned to his every whim.
His thumb stoked her nipple until it hardened. With each caress the throbbing between her legs increased, asking for his attention. Now that she knew what Ethan’s touch could do, she wanted his hand in her most intimate place.
As if reading her mind, Ethan removed his hand from her breast and pressed his palm against her junction. The mere pressure made her back arch from the friction.
“I want to touch you, Kate. Let me give you pleasure.”
“Yes. I want your touch. I need it.”
Ethan latched onto her mouth as he drew up her skirts to expose her drawers. His fingers found the slit in fabric and slipped past her wet nest of curls to find her bud of pleasure.
The first time his fingers brushed over her clitoris, Kate saw stars. Nothing could have prepared her for the feeling of euphoria from the simple touch. She let out a small cry. Ethan moaned against her mouth, as he increased his pressure. A knot of wanting uncurled in her belly. The feeling drifted toward her apex. She was close to exploding.
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