by Lisa Follett
She almost purred.
Deeply satisfied, she reached over and felt the empty space in the bed. She frowned, turned on her side, and pulled the covers over her naked body.
Slivers of a red-orange dawn peeped through the window and illuminated his space in colorful shadows. Where was William?
Cassie ran her hand along the bed sheets and over his pillow, and sought his warmth. Perhaps he was an early riser. Surely he did not return to his own chamber after what they did last night.
She sighed, contented by his loving, but frustrated by his leaving. Why was he not here, in her bed, soothing her throbbing body? Now she knew why she throbbed down there, and she wanted to feel him again, deep inside of her, thrusting in her until the ache eased and she felt that wonderful splendor all over again. Warmth tinged her face at her naughty thoughts. William would most likely be shocked if he knew that she was thinking such sinful, wanton thoughts. Couples did not make love in the daytime, or did they?
Cassie snuggled deeper under the covers. She reached up and touched her full breasts, and the tight buds of her desire. She recalled his mouth on her, and the exquisite pleasure he gave her there. Her hand moved to the secret place he touched last night, now sensitive, but still wanting. Every part of her craved his touch again, but she was alone, so all she could do was turn into her pillow and groan.
***
Rosehill Manor left little room for escape. William could only go so far before he ran into his wife. He knew he could not avoid her forever, and if he were honest with himself, he did not want to avoid her, especially her bed. Annoyed by his own self-imposed life long prison sentence, he knew he needed some space and time to sort out his muddled thoughts and feelings. He could not do that with his wife in his constant presence.
During the night William debated leaving Cassie in the country while he went to London alone, but he decided it was best to avoid unnecessary gossip. After all, there was no one else but himself to blame. William knew about Cassie’s feelings towards another man before he offered for her. She could not switch her feelings overnight, despite his attempts to make her forget. Time and attention were his only weapons, but right now his own wounds were too raw.
Cassie’s cry in the night for Mr. Parker cut deep. He needed a certain amount of distance before he made a besotted ass of himself. Somewhere between twilight and the rising sun, he realized his dilemma as a fallen man. All of his life he admired his parent’s unconditional love, but their love was two sided, unlike his sham of a marriage, where only one heart was engaged.
In London, he could keep her busy with fittings for new dresses and social engagements. He would need to escort her on occasion, but for the most part they could follow separate social agendas. He could escape her by spending time at his club and Gentleman Jackson’s.
As William sat down for breakfast, Cassie breezed in with a smile so brilliant he nearly lost his resolve. The woman took his breath away, and this morning she looked particularly pleasing in a lavender gown with a deep cut revealing her delectable breasts. He schooled his expressions, stood and greeted his wife, but could not take his eyes off of her. His wife’s golden locks, let loose, reached her waist and formed an angelic vision that never looked so lovely.
Cassie’s eyes fluttered downward, and a blush sweetened her milky skin. Her shyness after last night’s passion touched a deep cord inside of him, a place he desperately tried to close up and lock away. The temptation to sweep her into his arms and carry her back upstairs almost won out, but he fought off the thoughts in the same way a man being choked would fight off his attacker.
“Good morning, William.” Cassie’s face glowed and her heat radiated around him, and tightened the already protruding bulge in his breeches even further. Her eyes were dreamy as if last night meant something, but he remembered her cry and tightened the reins on his heart.
He fought for control and normalcy. He forced a smile to curve his lips, and he reached to kiss her cheek. The softness of her skin tormented him, so he turned to the buffet to fill a plate with coddled eggs and kippers. She followed and did the same, blushed and turned from him more than once before they made their way to the table.
Yes, London would be a good thing. Lots of diversions. His family being the first on his list of ways to keep his little wife occupied. “I have instructed Katie to pack your things. We will leave for London this morning.”
Cassie’s fork stopped halfway between her plate and her mouth, her full pink lips gaped open. The idea of yanking her onto his lap and kissing her mouth took hold of him. Instead, he took a deep breath and gathered his composure. Is there a name for a madness of the heart?
“Today? So soon?” She lifted the fork to her mouth and took a bite of her egg, then had the audacity to dart her tongue out and lick her lips.
William held back a groan that threatened to escape his own lips. His attraction towards his wife vexed him. “The Season is about to begin. You will need time for shopping and fittings and such.”
“What about our plans for Rosehill Manor?”
He stumbled. The renovations were almost finished, but the house still required decor and furnishings. He thought of another way around this new obstacle. “You can consult with London’s premiere designers and order everything Rosehill Manor requires from our London townhouse. By the end of the Season, the house will be complete, and when we return our home will be in order.”
“I feel as if I have yet to become used to one place, and now you want to go to another. Not that I am arguing. I have long looked forward to seeing London, but it is just that I feel as if my life is a sudden rush in so many unexpected directions.” Cassie held her teacup and looked at him with her startling green eyes.
“Are you complaining of too many changes in scenery in such a short time span?”
She set the cup down. “Yes, I suppose I am. In one week’s time I have been halfway to Scotland and back, married, moved into Rosehill Manor, and now you want me to leave for London. Could we not wait a fortnight more?”
Halfway to Scotland and back. William tossed his napkin down and stood. “No madam, we will not wait. We will leave for London in an hour.” William marched out of the room, and left Cassie in shock.
Cassie moved from the first blush of love to the first moment of reality in her marriage in a single heartbeat. What, pray tell, brought that on? What angered him so? What did she do to displease him?
Last night, William seemed more than pleased. Good grief! All she did was express her feelings about so much change at once. Perhaps she should not have mentioned Scotland. It reminded him of her disgrace.
Cassie’s blood simmered. William knew of her ruin when he proposed marriage. The incident with Mr. Parker yesterday was uncomfortable at best, but she thought him over his anger when he came to her last night, and took her to his bed. Everything felt so right with the world, but now, she was unsure.
Well, there was nothing for it. This week was one adventure after another, and now it appeared she would be adventuring again. She finished her breakfast and made her way to her room.
“Everything is packed, my lady. I left out a traveling dress for you.” Katie curtsied and waited for her instructions.
Cassie did not know if she would ever get used to having a lady’s maid. “Thank you, Katie. Lord William wanted to leave soon, so I had best hurry.” She changed into her serviceable gown and went to the front hall to meet her husband.
Her husband’s efficient staff brought the carriage round and stowed their trunks away in record time. William handed her up and they were off to London Town. London. She might have been thrilled if William was not so out of sorts, and if the trip had not been announced just this morning.
Cassie looked out the window, and avoided her husband’s sour disposition. This was a side of the man she could live without. She much preferred him smiling and cheerful. Right now he reminded her too much of her father, who almost always wore a puckered look on his face as if he swallowed a canary.
She chuckled at the thought.
“What is so funny?”
“Nothing, my lord. I am simply lost in my amusing memories.”
“Would you care to share these amusing memories?” he asked.
“I was thinking how you remind me of my father, a dour expression indeed, as if you just swallowed a canary. The vision I created amused me.”
He twisted his lips as if he debated between a scowl and laughter. “I am glad my mood entertains you, my lady.”
“Why are you out of sorts, William?”
He hesitated, then sighed. “I am sorry, my dear. I do not know why I feel so agitated this morning. I suppose I have not been good company.”
“No, you have not, but perhaps, you can make it up to me.” Cassie had his attention now. She thought about how she awoke this morning and wanted him near her. Last night’s magic lingered, and now, more than ever before, she wanted his kiss. He turned to her, and his expression softened a bit. She pleaded with him with her eyes. Perhaps it was wanton of her, but she could not help herself.
“And how might I make it up to you?” William’s voice changed to a husky, intimate tone.
“You can start by kissing me, husband.”
Cassie must have said the right thing because William’s lips crashed upon hers. There was something different in his kiss, something possessive, and punishing. She relished it, and kissed him back with everything she had. She threw her arms around him, opened her mouth and met his tongue in a passion filled battle. He yanked her onto his lap, and before she knew what happened, he had her dress was halfway down her waist.
He burned a trail of kisses down her neck until he found her breasts and drew one into his mouth. She cried out, and squirmed on his lap, desperate for release. His mouth tortured one breast before he turned to the other. William’s hand found the hem of her gown and slipped up the inside of her skirt to the slit in her drawers. Wetness pooled there and she opened her legs to give him better access. She panted and gasped as his fingers thrust into her core and he tantalized her with the movement.
Her climax burst through a foggy cloud and split into waves of pleasure. She screamed before she descended from heaven and he pulled her against him. She sat in his lap, half dressed with her breasts pressed against his coat. His arms were wrapped around her with his hands running over the smooth skin of her back when the carriage came to a sudden stop.
“London.” William pulled her dress back up and helped her with her buttons. She moved to her seat beside him and straightened her skirts. What an amazing ride she just experienced. Who would have thought one could seek such pleasures on the road?
She looked back up at her husband, the man who changed moods like a woman changed her clothes. William’s smile faded, and was replaced by a hard mask of indifference. Where did he go when he shut himself off like that? But most importantly, why did he go there?
Chapter Ten
William sent a note to his family’s London home before he went to his club and left Cassie to her own devices. The fully furnished and decorated townhouse was large enough for entertaining, yet still warm and inviting. After she looked around, she wanted to add a few feminine touches to the masculine environment, especially in the drawing room.
Her own room was a feminine creation of rose and silk. The housekeeper, Mrs. Maudley told her that William’s sister Elizabeth took charge of decorating this room for him. Cassie wandered the house, talked to the staff, and finally found her way to the drawing room where she sat by herself. She watched the city pass by from behind the window, as she searched for her husband’s form, and hoped for his return.
A familiar coach and four made its way up the street and stopped in front of the house. The Camberley crest marked it, and a footman opened the door to four young women –Anne, Elizabeth, Mary, and Jane. She scolded herself for her impulse to run out to greet her new sisters, instead, she stood and waited patiently for the butler to announce their arrival.
Like little mother birds the sisters flocked into the room, and surrounded her with hugs and warm wishes.
“How is married life with our brother, dear? Is he treating you well?” Mary pasted a mischievous grin on her face, as if she expected an answer that would give her a reason to scold him.
“Very well. William is the kindest of souls.” Cassie rang for tea as the ladies found their seats.
“I must admit I am rather surprised that you are in London already. I thought William would keep you to himself for at least a fortnight,” said Anne as she stirred cream into her tea.
Cassie did not miss the assessing glance her friend and new sister gave her. “William thought I would need time to shop and deal with fittings before the Season got into full swing.” She lifted her teacup to her mouth to hide her expression. Something told her this was not the full reason for their abrupt departure from Rosehill Manor.
“Where is that brother of ours? Why is he not here laving attention on his new bride and greeting his dear sisters?” Mary sat down her cup and straightened her back. Suspicion clouded her eyes.
“He said he had some business matters to attend to.” Cassie bit into a scone. One could not answer questions if one’s mouth was full.
“It is a bit odd, but no matter. We are excited you are with us now. All of us need to acquire a new wardrobe for the Season. That is why we came to Town early on. Tomorrow, Madame Colista will bring her staff to Camberley House for fittings. You must come.” Elizabeth patted Cassie’s hand.
The conversation turned to the latest on dits. Cassie listened to the chatter, but she did not hear it. She could not help but wonder about William. When would he return? Where had he gone? She was acting silly. A man of consequence did not sit around his home holding his wife’s hand. She made a sincere effort to enter the discussion at hand.
“I had it on good authority from my friend Miss Blakely, who heard it from her mother’s friend, Lady Chancery, who got it from her friend, Lady Dorchester, who is acquainted with the duchess of Rochester, that Prinny threw a terrible temper tantrum just last week. They say he rolled onto the floor in a fit of temper, pulled at his hair, and cried like a babe. Do you think he is as mad as his father?”
“Dear Jane, I do declare you could write the gossip column for the paper with all of the on dits you manage to find yourself privy to,” Elizabeth chuckled.
“I will leave the writing up to you, dear sister. Did you hear about the recent wild house party at Lord Rutherford’s?” Jane waited for her audience to give her their full attention, but at that moment, William entered the room.
“William.” Cassie stood, then quickly realized how anxious she appeared. She faltered a moment, then strode toward her husband and lifted her cheek for a kiss.
“Cassie. Sisters. I see you did not waste any time once you received my note. I hope you will embrace my wife and help her plan her wardrobe for the season.”
“Do we have carte blanche to spend your money then?” Mary smiled and raised her eyebrows at her twin.
“Within reason, Mary. It is a shame mother is not here. I thought to ask her to sponsor a ball to introduce Cassie to Society. What do you think ladies?”
“Oh, I think mother would be thrilled, William,” said Jane.
Cassie could not imagine such a thing. A ball in her honor! The prospect frightened her, but excited her at the same time. If only William’s smile reached his eyes. Something was amiss.
The tide of the chatter turned to the ball, as William took his leave. Cassie wanted to follow him and demand he tell her what was wrong, but she did not dare. She feared acting the part of a nagging wife.
“Cassie, you must come to dinner at Camberley House tonight,” said Anne.
“Oh, yes, do come, Cassie.” The Prescott sisters spoke and nodded their heads in unison.
“I must ask William, of course.” Cassie hesitated, unsure how her husband would want her to answer. She could not imagine he would turn down an invitation to dine with his family.
They were close, that much was obvious.
“Oh bosh! Mother would have William’s head if he even thought to turn us down. We dine at seven.” Mary was adamant, and the look her sisters set upon her told her they brooked no argument.
“Of course, I am sure it will be alright. Tonight then.”
***
William sat in the carriage and scowled. He did not want socialize with his perceptive family. He could not blame Cassie for accepting the invitation. She had no idea what he was thinking, and she could only assume he would want to go. Besides, his sisters never accepted no as an answer. He knew they would badger Cassie if she hesitated in the slightest before agreeing.
There was nothing to do except carry on. His acting skills would be tested tonight. He still chafed over his unexpected encounter at Whites with Miles Parker. Damn the man! He insinuated his way into William’s card game this afternoon. He should have folded and left, but too many curious eyes were focused on him, all of the gossiping dandies who loved the next on dit as well as any woman.
Cassie’s betrothal to Mr. Parker was common knowledge, and her sudden change of grooms stirred a few yakking feathers. He hoped her escape to Gretna Green had not reached the ears in London, but he knew how fast scandals flew across England. William held his own, did not fold, but ended up losing twenty pounds to that blackguard.
He suppressed a growl at the memory. He found it difficult to concentrate on cards when he wanted to reach across the table and smack the smirk off the man’s face. Parker used the opportunity to drop hints of his intimacy with Cassie –the bastard. She was a virgin when he took her, but that did not mean she did not succumb to passion’s play with her betrothed. He did not want to question his wife’s morals, but he could not seem to help himself. Had she played loose and fast? Had he married a wanton?
Clenching his fists, he shoved such thoughts from his head. Just because she allowed him liberties while engaged to Parker, did not mean his wife was a fast woman. After all, he was on the other side of those passionate moments.