"You can't know how desperately I wished for a sister!" Mirabelle sobbed.
"My dear girl finally has a family!" Anna wailed.
The woman hugged, cried and laughed for several moments until Anna cleared her throat and stood back.
"We have much to do if we're going to be ready by nine!" She declared and began shouting commands.
The ladies spent the next hour visiting all sorts of tortures upon Elise. She was powdered and doused, squeezed and laced, her hair pulled and twisted. When their efforts were exhausted, Anna, Mirabelle and Celine stood back and sighed dreamily.
"She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" Mirabelle sighed.
"Si angélique!" Celine exclaimed.
Elise heard a sniffle from Anna.
"You look like a dream, my lady!"
Thanks to the champagne, Elise felt confident. Celine had placed a sapphire pendant around her neck and Mirabelle gave her a lace shawl. As Anna, Holderson and the rest of the staff had been invited, all four ladies left the room together, a chorus of giggles and nerves.
Chapter 36
Shortly before nine of the clock, Gilles entered the ballroom gallery and was relieved to see that everything was ready. The Tibbets had arrived, including Mrs. Tibbet's sister. Mr. Tibbet waited in the center on the room while his wife and sister were exiled to a back corner. The rest of the staff stood waiting, whispering excitedly until Elise arrived.
Alastair and Lucien stood next to Gilles. Alastair was absorbed with his thoughts, staring unseeing across the room. Lucien seemed more anxious than the groom, pacing and staring at the door. Gilles' mother and sister were with his intended, he assumed.
Gilles clasped Lucien on the shoulder.
"I'm the one getting married, you know?" Gilles teased.
Lucien smiled anxiously and raked a hand through his hair.
"This will be me, soon enough." He gestured around the room. "You found your perfect bride and you'll be happy. What if I choose the wrong woman, Gilles? What if I don't have what you have?" Lucien looked like a trapped animal.
Gilles placed his hands on Lucien's shoulders.
"You marry when you're ready, Mercutio. Don't do it because I did or because Madeline is pushing. No matter what she says, she wants you to be happy. Find the right woman and your wedding day will feel like a blessing and a relief. Otherwise, don't do it." Lucien nodded and his shoulders sagged as the tension gripping him eased. Gilles felt Alastair's eyes on him and knew his thoughts.
What about Mirabelle? Gilles heard the question in his own mind. He knew he had to wait and see what time revealed. He wanted both to be happy, no matter what that meant.
At the thought, the ballroom doors opened and Holderson appeared with Elise on his arm. Gilles felt tears sting his eyes and his vision blurred. Her hair was piled high, a riot of curls, ribbons and pearls. A gown of pale silver silk and lace with a wide neckline and short train hugged her from breast to knee. She was like a goddess rising from the sea. A soft, sensual smile hung about her lips as she walked confidently towards him. Gilles had never seen anything more beautiful in his life. Forgetting where he was, he took a step towards Elise. Alastair grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
Despite the fact that he was in full dress, including silk breeches and stockings, the most ornately folded cravat and a priceless sapphire pin, Gilles felt unworthy to receive Elise. Like a poor mortal staring upon the face of divinity, he trembled. If he had been told to kneel before her, he wouldn't have hesitated. Gilles wanted to worship her, to beg her favor.
After an eternity, Elise's hands were placed in his and Gilles promised to worship and protect her, to endow all his worldly goods upon her. Elise promised to have and to hold and pledged her troth. Gilles knew that no one in the room doubted that much deeper vows were being exchanged. Aside from the Tibbets, all eyes were filled with tears and all breaths were held until Gilles was finally able to pull Elise into his embrace and brush his lips against hers. He lingered too long and the room erupted into applause. Once they did part, Gilles rested his forehead against Elise's.
"Hello, Elise Spencer." He whispered.
"Hello, husband." She giggled in return.
Gilles smiled and cherished her face.
"Thank you." He said softly as he brushed his lips against hers.
As soon as the registry was signed, the Tibbets were all but thrown out of Longwood. Everyone present lifted a glass of champagne and saluted the new couple before the family made their way to the garden for a wedding breakfast picnic.
No one could ask more of the weather. The sun shone and a soft breeze wrapped the gentle fragrance of the garden around the party. Cook and the kitchen staff had laid a feast suitable for any royalty. The cake, a masterpiece of sponge and buttercream was such perfection, Elise allowed Gilles to feed her two pieces. Afterwords, everyone lounged and laughed as morning gave way to afternoon and empty bottles of champagne began to collect on the grass. Mirabelle convinced Elise to stand and began teaching her how to waltz. Unable to hum and count the steps, Mirabelle allowed Gilles to step in and replace her.
Comfortable in Gilles' arms and rhythmically inclined, Elise picked up the steps easily. Delighted to be doing yet another thing she had long ago accepted she wouldn't, Elise glowed with joy and laughed. Once again, Gilles was grateful to have stumbled upon another priceless gift he could give her. It was fulfilling and humbling to be able to see such simple things bring so much joy. He was fully aware that he could just as easily found himself part of another ton marriage where the bride had accepted the groom for the rank and financial security he could provide. Such a wife would not be wooed by horseback rides and garden waltzes. Gilles could imagine no man luckier than him. He decided to let his happiness carry him away, he swung Elise in the air and took her lips in a kiss that pressed upon her all the emotion he felt within him.
Mirabelle rolled her eyes and suggested they save such displays for a more private setting while Celine sighed with contentedness to see her son so in love. Alastair and Lucien shrugged and reclined on the grass, averting their gazes. Deciding to take mercy on his family, Gilles announced that he was taking his wife "for a walk". Elise seemed only mildly shocked to find that their walk led back to the house and eventually to Gilles' bedroom.
Gilles led Elise into the room. As he looked around, he marveled that it was the same room he'd woken in hours before. Bright light streamed in and every surface was covered with flowers and candles. The candles were unlit but someone clearly understood that they would be necessary later. Chilled champagne and glasses stood on a table with fresh fruit. Feeling mildly nervous, Gilles turned Elise to face him.
"May I attend to you, my lady? Or would you rather have Anna?" He held his breath, humbled by how badly he wanted her to choose him. Elise's response was a smile so knowing and seductive that Gilles wondered if he'd have the patience to undress her. She turned her back to him.
"The buttons, please." She commanded.
Gilles stepped up close behind her.
"As you wish, my lady." He whispered against her ear. As he looked at her, his hands began to shake. Gilles wasn't sure if it was the army of buttons that marched down her back that he'd have to battle or finally removing Elise's gown. She was a vision and he had been conscious of the fact that she, including everything contained in that silver fantasy of a gown, was completely his in the eyes of the world. Not acting on that the moment they finished saying their vows had taken effort on Gilles' behalf.
Deciding that there was nothing for it but to get to work, Gilles set his hands to the top button and prayed that he'd get Elise out of her dress without ripping it. Once his fingers got the hang of it, he made quick progress. As the back gaped and he could see more of her skin, Gilles started feeling more urgent. Every time his knuckles caressed her silken skin, he bit his lip. His erection strained against his breeches and he felt like he'd combust if he didn't get his own clothing off soon. He'd reached Elise's derriè
re and the cleft peeked. He failed to stifle a groan and hoped that a few more would allow him to slide the dress from her. When the back of his hand brushed the perfect, firm swells of her bottom, Elise released a breathy moan and shivered. Gilles tugged the dress downward and felt lightheaded when it fell to the floor with a soft swishing sound.
Gilles turned Elise and helped her step out of the gown. He tossed it to a chair and took in the sight of her. The cut of the dress hadn't allowed a chemise but she wore a light corset and stockings. For a moment, he was immobile, his chest felt too tight to breathe. Her breasts sat high and proud, threatening to spill from the short stays. Part of Elise's stomach was uncovered and his eyes traveled lower to the exposed curls. Just lower, silk stockings and garters hugged her thighs. Still wearing heeled, silk slippers, Elise looked more provocative than the most skilled courtesan.
"The corset, please?" She whispered, lifting her arms and resting them seductively on top of her head.
Gilles tried to speak but his voice cracked. He cleared his throat and set his fingers to the corset.
"If it pleases you." The smell of her drove him wild. He quickly flicked the bow apart and pulled at the laces. Because she was so small, Elise hadn't required boning or to be tied in tight. Gilles was relieved to see that her skin hadn't been marked. Creamy, silken perfection met his eyes as the garment fell away.
Elise placed her hand on Gilles' shoulder and pushed him towards the ground.
"It would please me if you removed my stockings." She purred as she rested a foot on Gilles' thigh. He was astounded. Who was this siren? His control was slipping through his fingers and Elise was unknowingly playing to his most secret fantasies. Gilles made quick work of the garter and rolled the stocking down, letting his fingers glide along the smooth skin of her leg. He leaned forward and kissed the inside of her thigh before squeezing the other, signaling for her to switch. Elise lifted her other leg and Gilles repeated the exercise with the other stocking. He sent his hands skimming up her legs until they reached the firm globes of her bottom. He looked up and groaned. Naked, with her hair still arranged high on her head, Elise was sensuality personified. Venus, come to claim him. Gilles leaned forward to press his lips to her curls, to pay homage and feast upon her. She stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
"You're overdressed, my lord." She smiled down at him.
Gilles jumped to his feet and began pulling at his coat. It was cut to fit him like a second skin, usually requiring his valet to remove it. He turned in circles as he tugged and stretched. Elise probably would have laughed if she could see him. As it was, her head had fallen to one side, her brows were pulled together and she chewed her lip, trying to make sense of all the movement. Finally, Gilles swore and with one final pull, he was free. In disgust, he flung the coat against the wall and grabbed his waistcoat. He attempted the first few buttons and gave up, pulling it open, causing buttons to rip from the fabric or pull loose. Elise pressed her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing.
"May I help?" She offered.
Gilles nearly choked himself, pulling his cravat tighter in his haste. He whipped it off and tossed it on the floor.
"I'll be done in just a minute. Don't move." He pulled at the collar of his shirt, letting the buttons tear off and fly across the room. He pulled it over his head and attacked the falls of his breeches. More buttons came loose as he swore and toed out of his shoes then kicked them away. Gilles cursed Matheson for insisting on two sets of stockings as he hopped from foot to foot, peeling them off. Once he'd tugged the last one from his foot, Gilles stood upright.
"Ha!" He declared, his hands on his thighs and his breathing labored, he felt much less victorious than he sounded. Elise giggled. He nodded his head and pointed in her direction. "Right." He prowled towards her and scooped her into his arms. No more of this nonsense, Gilles thought. He lowered his lips to hers and claimed her mouth, stroking boldly with his tongue. Elise sighed, seeming to revel in the feel of his naked skin against hers.
Gilles tossed her upon the bed, causing her to gasp. She recovered and rose on her elbows. Her hair started to unravel and strands began to spill around her shoulders. He let his eyes roam her from head to toe. In the bright afternoon light, naked on his bed, Elise was the most erotic thing Gilles had ever beheld. His cock twitched, demanding he continue. She extended an arm towards him, beckoning.
Gilles stepped to the bed and wrapped his hand around her ankle. He caressed her foot lovingly before he gave it a swift tug. Elise squealed as she was flat on her back and sliding towards him. He raised her foot to his lips and kissed the inside of her arch. Gilles' lips traveled up to her ankle and then the inside of her calf. He laved at the back of her knee, the sensual torture of it causing Elise to giggle and gasp. Gilles knelt to the floor, wrapped his arms around her thighs and pulled her to the edge of the bed. Elise's arms stretched above her, gripping at the bedclothes, she thought she was falling off. Gilles laughed as he buried his face in her curls.
"You're not going anywhere, madam." He growled as his lips kissed her delicate flesh. He licked up the length of her womanhood and Elise smothered a scream.
"Don't you dare silence yourself. I want to hear every sound. Your mine now, if you want to sing an aria when you come, I want to hear it." He parted her folds and set his tongue to her core, swirling the tip of it against her.
"Gilles!" Elise gasped as she pushed her hands into his hair.
"Mmmm... louder, my love." He murmured against her and penetrated her with his tongue, mimicking the way his cock would thrust into her. She moaned as her shoulders came off the bed. Gilles withdrew his tongue and slid two fingers into her clinging heat. He set his lips to the delicate knot of flesh and drew her in, suckling as he stroked in and out of her.
"Gilles, please!" Elise moaned quite loudly as she reached for him.
He sent his free hand sliding up her stomach until he found her breast and filled his palm. He flattened his hand and let it glide back and forth across her nipple until it puckered and pebbled. Elise whimpered and bucked against his mouth. Gilles pinched the nipple and her back arched.
"Yessss!" She sighed. He could feel the tension building with her and knew she was already close. Gilles pulled his fingers from within her and rubbed them along his aching length, savoring the feel of her hot juices against his sensitive skin as he lapped at her quivering flesh. He began stroking himself slowly, enjoying the exquisite torture as his body demanded something tighter and faster. Gilles pulled away from her and released himself. Grabbing Elise's hips, he flipped her over. She was almost delirious and gasped as she clawed for purchase among the rumpled quilts and sheets. Gilles set his lips to her again, gently nibbling her sensitive flesh. Elise sobbed his name a balled her fists in the fabric next to her face. He lapped at her and dipped his tongue into her, probing as his thumb stroked the delicate pearl of flesh within her folds. Gilles let his tongue quest higher, into the cleft of her bottom. He parted her with his hands and licked upwards until he found the puckered bud and flicked it with his tongue. Elise hauled in a desperate breath and shrieked.
Unable to wait any longer, Gilles stood and positioned himself at the hot, dripping center of her and slid in until he was fully seated forcing the breath from Elise. She sighed and clenched tight around his cock. He let his head fall back as he began thrusting in and out of her, his strokes slow and deep, causing her to gasp every time she took him to the hilt. Gilles gripped her hips tightly and pulled her against him every time he thrust in. Her body bounced against the mattress and more of her hair came loose and danced about her shoulders.
Gilles lifted her knees, one at a time, and positioned them so that Elise's feet were level with her bottom, raising her and allowing him to enter her deeper. She threw her head back and screamed. Gilles felt her body tighten and begin to tremble, he knew she was nearly there. He slipped his hand between them and found the tiny knot just above his cock as he pounded into her. Gilles rubbed it in a circular
motion and Elise lost her mind. She tore at the bedding and gasped for air, her body writhing beneath him, he felt her hold her breath and she shattered. She yelled his name and sobbed as he continued to ride her, gritting his teeth as the force of her release squeezed his cock, threatening to take him with her. Determined to keep going, Gilles rode on as her tremors weakened and she relaxed beneath him. He lifted her and moved her to the middle of the bed so that he could rise on his knees behind her. He continued thrusting into her sated body, glorying in the slick heat and sight of her beneath him.
Gilles could feel the tension coiling within him, his balls began tightening and he knew he wouldn't last much longer. He pulled Elise up and against him, burying his head in her hair and filling his hands with her breasts as he continued rolling his hips into her. She whimpered and reached behind and clasped his head.
"That's it, darling. I want you to come for me again before I fill you." His voice hoarse with desire. He let his lips find her shoulder under her hair and he bit gently. Elise gasped and he felt her hands slide alongside his flanks, her nails digging into him. Gilles let his hands fall from her breasts to her stomach. One arm circled her waist as the other slid between her legs and found the sensitive nub. It only took a few strokes before she screamed and flew apart. This time he gave in when Elise's muscles gripped him, milking him mercilessly, the pressure exquisite and almost painful. Gilles yelled her name over and over as he spilled himself, stream after stream of his seed pumping deep within her. He waited until the spasms subsided before falling sideways towards the pillows, taking Elise with him.
Gilles pulled her into his arms and sighed contentedly into her hair. He assessed what had just occurred and laughed.
"What?" Elise asked, pulling from him slightly. Her hands found his face, seeking his smiling lips. Gilles kissed her fingertips.
"At the risk of upsetting you again, there is no way any man could believe you were an innocent just days ago. If I hadn't felt and seen the proof, I would doubt it myself." He'd said the words against her fingers. He took her hands and kissed her palms before rising from the bed.
Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 19