One True Love (A Regency Romance)

by Lisa Follett

  “Sleep now. You need your rest,” he said.

  She kissed his chest. “I am tired, but not sleepy.”

  “Then lay here with me. I just want to hold you.”

  “William.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “I love you.”

  The only sounds in the room were their heartbeats. He did not have to say the words. She could live without them as long as she lived with his arms wrapped around her.

  William rolled her onto her back and came over her. His chocolate eyes shined with love and hope. He palmed her cheek with his hand and bent down to kiss her. She tasted the brandy on his warm lips, then she flicked her tongue across his open mouth and invited more.

  He deepened the kiss and touched her tongue with his then explored her whole mouth. Their lips and tongues tangled and danced to a new tune –one of love, trust, and commitment. His lips left her mouth only to begin a trail across her jaw, cheeks, and eyelids.

  He lifted away from her and buried his face in her neck. “I want to make love to you, but not until you regain your strength.”

  He pulled her against him and they both rested. She worried her bottom lip with her teeth, and refused to allow his lack of words to bother her. It was enough he was here holding her. She placed her ear against his heart, and listened to the the slow and steady beat matching her own. William ran a comforting hand along her back. She could stay in the warm and cozy bed snuggled up against her husband forever.

  “I am sorry,” he said.

  Cassie lifted her head and gazed into his sad, worried eyes. “For what?”

  “I allowed my own foolish jealousy to override common sense. I accused you of terrible things and treated you horribly. I am ashamed of my actions and my words.”

  “Oh, William.” She reached a hand up to stroke his face.

  He held onto her hand. “No, I mean it. By the time I met you I had started to believe that stupid curse. The mirror does not lie, you know. I am not spotted or fat, nor do I have a double jaw, or beady eyes. I thought perhaps I was dull, but truly, I do not think I am.”

  “You are handsome and witty and charming.”

  He laughed. “I also have a tendency to make a complete cake of myself. Did you know I proposed marriage to twelve women before I met you, and everyone of them turned me down? I do believe I hold the record.”

  “I heard, and I am ever so grateful, for if one would have accepted, I would not be lying here with you now.” Cassie touched her lips to his. They shared a few tender kisses before she sighed and rested her head against his chest.

  “I thought you were in love with Winnington.”

  “I was in the foolish first blush of love with Mr. Parker. I think more than anything that I was in love with the idea of being in love, and married with children. But, he became Lord Winnington, and, with the title came a different man. A man I did not know or even want to know. He was so unlike the man I thought I knew, and terribly frightening. I am so glad I did not marry him.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “So am I…so am I.”

  William cradled her in his arms as the one candle in the room flickered out, and the dying embers of the fire became their only light. She would love him forever, even if he did not love her, but, perhaps he would come to love her in time. Hurt hovered over her happiness, for in truth, she hoped he would confess his love, but she would have to make do with what he gave.

  She would endeavor to be happy, and perhaps when her child came, he or she would be followed by a house full of children to love. Cassie blinked back moisture that threatened to expose her feelings.

  “When I saw you lying in the road, in the mud, pale and broken, I thought you were gone. I thought it was too late to tell you what I feel, but your pulse was strong and steady. Then the long days and nights of waiting for you to awaken, of trying to get your fever down. I have never been so scared in my life.”

  She said nothing, but kissed his chest and ran her fingers lazily through his dark curls. She only desired to go forward after surviving such an awful ordeal.

  “Three small words seems insignificant in comparison to how I feel, but I do not know any other words to express it. I love you, Cassie. I love you with all my heart and soul, and I promise you, I will spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”

  William tightened his hold and she snuggled deeper against him. He reached down and wiped away her tears and the past.

  ***

  “What do you plan to do for the rest of the Season?” Stephen twirled his brandy in his glass.

  “We will stay here. Take the time to get to know each, and wait for her lying in.” William poured another glass and joined his brother. The study, his own personal sanctuary was one of his favorite rooms in Rosehill Manor.

  An evening light beamed through the windows and danced across the mahogany floors. They sat in deep leather chairs grouped informally into a sitting area. Tonight, a celebratory dinner was arranged in Cassie’s honor. Tomorrow, all of their relatives would return to their homes.

  “Does that mean you have worked things out between you?”

  William lived his life under the false impression marriage was easy. He had exemplarily models to watch as he grew up. His parents never hid their affections for each other, or their children, and certainly not from the ton. They broke the rules by attending Society events together, dancing with each other more than once in an evening, and smiling and flirting with each other in public.

  Now, he knew better. His parents loved each other, and, when two people love each other, they are bound to experience a wealth of emotions such as anger, jealousy, and fear. Marriage required hard work, trust, and compromise; but most importantly, marriage required openness. He could not hide from his wife. From now on, he would face their troubles and talk to his wife when things bothered him.

  “We will spend the rest of our lives working things out together, and I, for one, am glad of it. I made the mistake of not letting Cassie in, of not trusting her, or confiding in her. I know better now.”

  “I am not sure I understand it, but I am glad to hear it. Shall we join the ladies?”

  They walked to the drawing room where his family waited for dinner. Cassie looked healthy and flush in her pink silk dinner gown. Her hair was swept high upon her head and surrounded by curls made of sunshine. Her green eyes sparkled with life. Their eyes met and held long enough for him to experience a charge of desire. William swallowed and privately promised to give his valet a raise for selecting the longer dinner jacket.

  He started towards his wife when Anne grabbed his arm. “Shall we take a turn around the room brother?”

  “Of course.”

  William would much prefer to go visit with his wife, but he would never purposefully hurt his sister’s feelings. He escorted Anne about the perimeter of the drawing room. She looked particularly fetching tonight, dressed in a yellow gown the color of a rose in the evening light. Her fine figure and a lovely face embraced doe eyes, an upturned nose, and a well proportioned mouth. Some gentleman would someday sweep her off her feet.

  His sisters avoided the marriage shackles as much as the men of the ton, but deep inside, he was quite certain they were romantics at heart, especially Anne. She would marry for nothing less than love. He smiled and waited for her to begin a speaking.

  “I know you do not want to hear this, but I feel I must say it. I am convinced Cassie loves you. Leaving her alone has done great harm to her. She wants to make a go of your marriage, but she cannot do it alone. You must meet her halfway.”

  “Now see here, Anne…” William could say certain things to Stephen, Stephen was his brother, another man, but Anne, she was his sister, his younger sister, at that.

  “Do not cut me off. Listen and listen well. Women want, no, they need romance. Flowers and picnics and random acts of thoughtfulness. Running off to your club all day, and doing, well…I do not know what men do at their clubs exactly, but I do know this is not the way to b
uild a lasting relationship. You must talk to her, William. You have always desired marriage and children above all else. Do not lose your dream because of that silly curse and your foolish jealousy. Winnington is dead. You no longer need to consider him an adversary. Cassie is alive and with child. Go to her. Love her. Be a husband to her.”

  “Are you quite through?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.” Anne let go of his arm and strode away as if they just shared a private joke.

  Sisters! And he was cursed with four of them. Thank heavens the other three did not come. He would not know what to do if they decided to lecture him as well. Of course, his mother was just as willing to offer him advice. He headed back towards his and Cassie’s families, who sat talking, laughing, and waiting for dinner. Both mothers were deep in conversation. Stephen and his father stood by the hearth, drinking their brandies and laughing. Anne had returned to Cassie and Jocelyn’s side.

  William hoped for a moment alone with his wife. At least he was able to escort her into dinner, but since they had guests, they sat at opposite ends of the table.

  “Have you heard the most shocking on dit of the year?” William’s mother, a walking gossip column who always knew the most recent London news, which included some of the most secretive and scandalous pieces of gossip.

  “Do tell Mother.” He knew by the placement of her hand on her heaving bosom that his mother was dying to share.

  “The new Duke of Montford is an American.”

  Shocked gasps echoed throughout the room. There was dramatic pause of one, two, three. “Of course, he was not born an American, he was simply raised as an American.”

  “He sounds positively fascinating,” Anne teased. William laughed at his mother’s raised eyebrows and shocked expression.

  “Why would a duke raise his son in America?” asked Mr. Chambers.

  “Oh, he is not the old duke’s son. He is the grandson. Years ago the duke and his son had a fallout, so the son took his family to America. They say the new duke is incredibly handsome.”

  “I do believe I shall swoon at his feet if we meet.” Anne placed the back of her hand on her forehead and pretended to faint as everyone laughed.

  William watched his wife enjoy herself. Cassie’s beauty entranced him. The rest of the table fell away and it became just the two of them. She lifted her eyes to meet his. She positively glowed in the candlelight.

  He had spent each night in her bed since they declared themselves to each other. They did not make love, but, instead, they held each other, shared kisses, and talked long into the night. He wanted to give her time to heal and fully recover from her injuries. Her bruises were gone now, and she was back to her old self –strong, and full of love and laughter.

  Tonight.

  He would go to her and love her in every way possible. Damn. He really should watch his own thoughts at the dinner table. He hardened painfully as everyone talked on.

  Their families stayed until they were certain of Cassie’s health and recovery. Although William made a point to spend time with his wife during the day, his time alone with her was as rare as a blue rose. Someone was always with her. A mother, or sister, or both, or all of them. He cherished the nights when they all retired to their beds.

  He loved his mother and sister, and he respected his mother-in-law and young sister-in-law, but he looked forward to their departures. Yet, he would miss the company of his brother, father, and even his father-in-law. He enjoyed their heated political discussions and late night card games, but if their leaving meant more private time with his wife, he would gladly shake their hands goodbye.

  “William. William.” His mother’s voice broke through his private thoughts.

  “Yes, I am sorry. I do believe I was woolgathering. Not well of me at all.”

  “I asked you if you and Cassie planned to return to London soon.”

  “No. We have decided to stay at Rosehill Manor for the rest of the Season. The country air is much better for an expectant mother’s constitution.”

  Squeals of delight bounced around the room. Stephen, Anne, and his mother were the only family members who knew their secret. The mothers jumped out of their seats, cried, fussed, and carried on over Cassie’s condition. Jocelyn clapped with joy and Mr. Chambers blustered something nonsensical at the news of becoming a grandfather.

  “Shame on you two for keeping this a secret. Why did not you tell us?” asked Mrs. Chambers.

  “Well, in truth, we wanted to wait until Cassie fully recovered and Dr. Ainsworth could assure us all was well. Cassie was enceinte before the accident.”

  “Oh, dear heavens!” exclaimed Cassie’s mother. “Thank the Good Lord for miracles. You could have lost the child.”

  He watched Cassie’s pink cheeks turn white, and William was immediately incensed at his mother-in-law’s insensitive comment. “We would prefer not to think of what could have happened, since it did not. Cassie and the babe are perfectly fine.”

  “Of course not, it is just that I am her mother. I should have known. She might have needed me.”

  “I am fine, Mother. I am alive. Our baby is well. Dr. Ainsworth said I can expect a healthy delivery.”

  Mrs. Chambers dabbed a handkerchief at her eyes. “Yes, dear, I am just so happy for you.”

  The conversation turned to babies and nurseries until the ladies made their excuses and left the gentlemen to their port.

  “Do you have one of those fancy cigars boy?” asked Mr. Chambers.

  William smiled. The reverend loved cigars, but he would catch hell for it later. “Are you quite brave enough to smoke one with your wife present?”

  “She can fuss all she wants. I am going to be a grandfather. A man only becomes a grandfather for the first time once. A celebration is in order, and a cigar is the perfect way to celebrate.”

  They laughed, and William sent a footman to fetch cigars. They took their smokes to the veranda off of the study. The cool, night air was exactly what his heated body needed. Seeing his wife flushed in pink beneath the candlelight did more to his lower regions than he thought possible. He could not wait to retire for the evening.

  They finished their cigars and joined the ladies in the drawing room. William made his way to Cassie’s side, bowed and took her hand. “My lady, may I have a private word with you?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  They walked arm in arm over to the far end of the room. “You are looking tired, my dear. I do not want to overtire you. I think we should retire early.”

  Amusement flashed in the deep green pools of her eyes. She playfully slapped him on the arm. “Silly man, I am not the least bit tired. You worry too much.”

  “Oh, but I am certain you are exhausted. Too much so to stay a moment longer. We should make our excuses, and I should carry you up to bed.”

  Awareness dawned in her eyes. “Oh, yes, I am feeling a bit tired, now that you mentioned it. Too much excitement over dinner. Perhaps it would be best if I allowed you to carry me to bed.” She joyously laughed, and his heart burst with happiness.

  They stayed for another quarter of an hour before they made their exit, then practically racing up the stairs, and fell onto the bed laughing, kissing, and tugging at each other’s clothes.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Cassie pushed against William’s chest. “Wait.”

  “Wait?”

  “Yes, wait. We have had precious little time alone. I think we should talk first.”

  William groaned and Cassie laughed. He was so hard he was near to bursting, and she wanted to talk. They had the rest of their lives to talk. They had all day tomorrow to talk. Why now?

  He watched her bottom as she sashayed over to a chair and sat down.“Poor me a glass of wine, darling.”

  Wine. She wants wine and talk. He walked over to the sideboard and poured two glasses of wine. Perhaps they could talk fast. He handed Cassie a glass and sat down in the seat opposite of her. “What would you like to talk about, sweetin
gs?”

  The laughter drained from her face. “You are angry.”

  “I am frustrated. Sexually frustrated.”

  Cassie’s cheeks went from rosy to white then back to rosy. “Oh.”

  Now it was William’s turn to laugh. “I am going to make love to you tonight, Cassie. I plan to explore every inch of you over and over again. You will not get much sleep.” William swirled his wine in his glass then took a swallow.

  “Oh.” She reddened.

  His wife looked like an angel. No, she looked like a goddess sitting on the large cushioned green chair with her feet tucked beneath her pink silk gown. Cassie leaned against the arm of the chair, and her bosom pushed over the tops of her bodice. She appeared relaxed and stunning. She took a sip from her glass then licked her lips.

  He experienced pain in his lower region, and he worked hard to tamp down his lust. He might need to order a cold bath, or to go take a dip in the lake. She deserved a thorough loving, that was long and slow, and perfect. He would do his damndest to give it to her even if it killed him.

  “How will we spend our days here at Rosehill Manor?” she asked.

  “Hmm…”

  “I am serious.”

  “I know. We still have several rooms to furnish and decorate, including the nursery. I suppose we will need to interview for a wet nurse and nanny.”

  “I will nurse my own baby, but I do suppose we need a nanny. I want to decorate the nursery in yellow. A child’s room should be bright and cheery.”

  “Nurse your own child? That is beyond the pale, you know. My mother will have a serious case of the vapors when she finds out.”

  She laughed and her entire face became animated. He loved her smile. A perfect set of white teeth accompanied her luscious pink lips. Talk. She wanted to talk. “And there is estate business. I, I mean, we, own a great deal of farm land. We should get to know our tenants, find out their needs, and begin establishing community relationships.”

  “Oh yes. Times are hard right now. We should take them baskets of food,” she said.

  “Excellent idea. We can set Margie and her kitchen staff to the task tomorrow.” William realized one of the things he loved most about his wife was her kind heart. He expected she would want to be involved in various charity events. She had already taken an active role in helping Anne with her orphan home project. “We should also get to know the local gentry. I have neglected to socialize with my neighbors thus far. I wanted to get the house in order first.”