"Rest?" Gilles suggested.
"Oh! That would be decadent." She sighed between bites.
"Very well. I'm making it mandatory. You will rest the day after the ball, and the day after that. You deserve it." Gilles did something to her plate.
Elise bit her scone and tasted clotted cream. She moaned as she chewed and licked her lips.
"More?" He asked.
Elise nodded.
"Yes, please!"
"You two are almost disgusting." Mirabelle interrupted.
"Sorry!" Elise said as she brought her finger to her lips to lick off some stray cream.
"Actually, I think I need to have a word with my wife." Gilles' voice sounded strained. He tried to relieve Elise of her plate but she hung on to it. He tugged and but she was determined.
"I want another!" Elise complained.
"Very well, bring it with you." She felt something fall on her plate. "And now you have two more. Come along." He helped her stand and turned her towards the door.
"Will we see you at dinner?" Mirabelle asked as they were just through the door.
"I wouldn't count on it." Gilles answered over his shoulder.
"Gilles!" Elise exclaimed as she felt her face flood with heat.
The parlor erupted with laughter.
Once in their room, Gilles was urgent. He made quick work of her dress and had Elise down to nothing but her stockings in minutes. She was surprised when he insisted she keep them on. It didn't take her long to decide that she liked the effect they had on Gilles. He lifted Elise and perched her on her dressing table and ran his hands and lips up and down the length of her legs for several minutes before he parted her thighs and took her with his mouth, his hands caressing her limbs through the silk the entire time.
After, Gilles sat on her stool and pulled Elise into his lap. He freed himself from his trousers and lifted her as he thrust upwards. Elise was shocked at the feel of her naked skin against his fully clothed body. The fine wool of his coat against her arms, stomach and back, the texture of his brocade waistcoat against her nipples, the buttons of the falls of his trousers against her thighs... And Gilles' strong, solid body beneath, Elise couldn't feel enough. She touched him everywhere with her hands and pressed her body against him wherever she could.
"The bed?" Elise panted.
"Here. I want to watch us in the mirror. I need to see your legs wrapped around me." Gilles' voice was deep and raspy against her ear. Heat exploded and Elise felt herself become wetter. "I don't think I've ever been this hard in my life." He groaned as he pulled her hard upon him.
Elise let her head fall back as she moaned. Gilles was so hard and she felt so full of him. She squeezed, causing him to curse and pull her harder against him. His mouth closed around her nipple and Elise screamed. She felt her nerves coiling and her muscles tensing, she rocked her hips against him. Gilles' hands gripped her bottom, helping her rub harder against him. Elise felt herself start to shiver.
"That's it, my love. Come for me, I'm so close, let go." Gilles growled against her breast. He pulled her in and suckled hard. Elise pulled his hair and held him to her as her nerves exploded, her body taken over by cascades of sensation, she arched and writhed against him as she sobbed his name.
A moment later, she felt Gilles' body tense and freeze as his cock swelled with her. He arched his back and Elise felt heat erupt from him within her as he shouted "Yes!" and her name and God's.
Elise's bones and consciousness melted away as she slumped against Gilles. They remained on the stool, in front of the mirror with Gilles' arms wrapped around her and his head on her shoulder for what must have been a very long time. Long enough for Anna to assume they were asleep or no longer in the room.
The door opened softly and she marched in carrying what sounded like several garments. Gilles' head snapped up.
"Oh, my!" Anna gasped. "That's a new use for a dressing stool..." Her voice was pointed away, most likely because she'd turned away from them. Elise heard her move across the room and felt Gilles lean sideways. A moment later, her dressing robe fell over her. She buried her head against his neck as she pushed her arms into the sleeves.
"I'm just going to hang this. I won't have it wrinkled. My lady is going to be a vision tomorrow night!" Anna announced as she went about her business.
"Anna." Gilles said flatly.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Our lady is always a vision but if you don't leave now, you're going see some things you probably shouldn't." He threatened. Elise bit her lip. That was the least likely thing to scare Anna off.
"Don't mind me, then! If you want to strip down to your skin, it won't bother me one bit, my lord." She teased. Gilles chuckled.
"Make yourself scarce, Anna. After you bring her ladyship some tea to have with her scones. We'll be dining in here tonight, so she won't be needing help later." Elise buried her face deeper and hissed his name in mortification. He stroked her back soothingly. "Would you like a bath later, darling?" Elise nodded.
"Please." Her reply was muffled. Anna laughed as she departed.
"Very well. Tea, dinner and a bath. Sounds like a lovely evening. Try not to overtire her, my lord. She's got a big day ahead of her." Anna chided as she shut the door.
The evening had been lovely. Gilles undressed and relaxed in his robe while Elise finished her scones and tea. Both napped for a few hours and rose for a lazy dinner. After, they relaxed in the tub until the water began to cool. Gilles carried Elise to the bed and made love to her tenderly. As she drifted off to sleep, she decided that excluding the moment when Anna walked in on them, the entire afternoon had been perfect.
Elise hadn't been asleep for long when she shivered and reached for Gilles. He wasn't next to her. Groggily, she sat up and cast her senses out. He was on the far end of the bed. Carefully, she crawled towards him. Elise could feel he was shaking and warmth flowed from him. She reached out and touched his back. He jumped and gasped. He was wound so taut and sweating.
"What's wrong?" Elise asked as she wrapped herself around Gilles. His arms covered hers and he shook his head.
"It's nothing. Let's go back to sleep."
"You felt like you did when you had the dream. It's a lot more than nothing."
"I promise, everything is fine. I think all this preparation is taking it's toll on me too. I worry about how much of a strain all of it is on you. Let's get some rest." Elise could feel how tired he was. She nodded and let him guide her back against the pillows.
"Please don't worry about me. I know I'm dreadful in the mornings but I'm truly looking forward to the ball tomorrow. I'm going to be a bundle of nerves but I'm going to make the most of it." Elise promised as she settled against Gilles' side. "You'd tell me if it was something more?"
He sighed and brushed his hands through her hair.
"Yes, love. Now try to sleep."
Elise remained still and listened until Gilles' breathing became slow and regular. She felt his face carefully to make sure it was relaxed. Once she was sure he was peacefully sleeping, she let herself follow him.
Chapter 51
Gilles paced as he waited for Elise in Madeline's private sitting room. He tried to distract himself with little success. Despite it being a woman's private sitting room, it was remarkably comfortable for Gilles. For as long as he could remember, Madeline had always been an amateur scholar and the room was littered with books and illustrations. She had insisted that all four of the children learn to read and write Ancient Greek and had taught them herself. Gilles smiled, it had been a tremendous help in his work. On any other day, he could have settled into a chair and read for hours. Not this night. He was immersed in his worry for Elise. How nervous was she? Would she go through with it? Would it be too much for her?
His thoughts were interrupted by the door. Anna opened it wide and Elise walked through. Gilles' heart stopped and his eyes filled with tears.
"She's ready, my lord!" Anna said proudly.
Elise smiled
radiantly and reached for him. Gilles stumbled forward and took her hands.
"How do I look?"
Gilles couldn't speak. He looked at Anna, dumbfounded.
"I think he approves, dear." She chuckled.
He let his eyes drift over her from head to toe, trying to memorize every detail. Gilles stepped back and considered her gown. It was just on the acceptable side of provocative. A very sheer underlay of transparent cream silk hugged Elise's body and a slit at one side offered a generous view of her leg. The overlay was silver threaded lace and hugged her bodice, showcasing her spectacular breasts. In a mirror, Gilles could see that the back draped shockingly low. The two layers together were just enough to prevent anyone from making out too much of what lay beneath.
Elise wore silver gloves and matching slippers, a long strand of pearls hung from her neck and fell between her cleavage. Gilles' eyes followed the strands helplessly. Her hair defied the current style and was loosely pulled up at the sides while the rest of her hair flowed down her back in silken waves. Simple pearl clips and a few cream roses rested on her head. Gilles looked from Anna to Elise.
"I have no words..." His voice broke. He cleared his throat. "Beautiful seems so inadequate."
"I wanted them all to see that my lovely girl didn't have to resort to trickery to win your heart, my lord!" Anna announced resolutely.
Gilles nodded and smiled.
"I fear she may come away with a great many more hearts tonight." He said as he lifted her hand to his lips. "I am devastated to have to share you with the world." With that, Anna winked at Gilles and shut the door. "We have just a few more minutes. How do you feel?"
"A little nervous but mostly excited!" Elise giggled softly and Gilles felt his heart swell. She was so breathtakingly beautiful and brave, he felt like weeping with joy that she was his.
Then, like a wave crashing on a shore, he felt terror fill him. A single thought crystallized in his mind: If I lose her, I will die. He staggered back, sick and dizzy. His heart began racing as he blindly reached for the back of a chair.
"Gilles? What's wrong?" Elise stepped forward carefully until she found his back. "Are you ill?" She was beginning to panic. He shook his head violently and forced himself to breathe deeply.
"I'm fine. It's alright." He stood up and blinked until his vision cleared.
"No! You're not fine! Why won't you tell me what's wrong?" She begged.
A knock at the door told them it was time.
"Don't let this ruin your evening, darling. I just get... worried. That's all. We have to go."
He lead her into the hallway and down the stairs.
"This feels like much more than worrying." She whispered.
"I'm fine. Tonight is about you. I want you to relax and enjoy it." He sounded confidant and sensual, normal again.
"No. It's about us, Gilles." Elise said sternly. He knew she was referring to more than the ball.
Gilles stopped them in front of the ballroom doors. He raised her hand to his lips for a quick kiss before he nodded to the footmen. The doors opened and he led Elise forward. Joss smiled and winked.
"Lord and Lady Cambroke." He announced proudly.
The room went silent as every head turned in their direction. Gilles rested his hand atop Elise's where it rested on his arm and squeezed reassuringly. They stepped off the top step and she glided down elegantly. As quickly as the room fell silent, a rush of whispers and "Oh!'s" and "Ah!'s" filled the room. Jaws fell as they made their way to the dance floor. Gilles stopped, raised Elise's hand to his lips and let it linger as the opening of a waltz sounded. Lowering it, Elise curtsied and he pulled her into his arms and began revolving around the room with her. She smiled up at him and laughed, caught up in the joy of the music and spinning around the room.
Gilles lowered his lips to her ear, breathing in her scent.
"The whole room is spellbound, my love." He knew he was holding her a touch too close but he doubted anyone would blame him. Elise giggled as he led her through a turn. Gilles scanned the room and felt his hackles rise at all the appreciative glances from the men around them. The women craned their necks to get a better view of Elise and her gown.
"I'm not sure what they're most fascinated with. I keep hearing the women say "She's blind!" and "That dress!". I'm not hearing much from the gentlemen." Elise said softly.
"Because they have very little to say out loud that is appropriate." Gilles mumbled.
They came to a flourishing halt as the song ended. Gilles led Elise to maman, Mirabelle and Madeline. All three exclaimed over the dress and declared Elise to be enchanting. Before long, a crowd gathered and people pushed to be next to be introduced to the new Lady Cambroke. Just as Elise started to look overwhelmed, Alastair claimed her hand for the next waltz. Gilles escorted Mirabelle to the floor in their wake. They remained close and he was relieved to see Elise was relaxed and laughing. Alastair smiled gently as he watched the room around them. Once the song was over, they returned to The Mothers and Elise's numerous new admirers.
Lady Gasden grabbed Gilles' arm as she passed.
"She has been declared this Season's Incomparable, my boy. Congratulations."
Gilles inclined his head and smiled.
"I could have told them all that weeks ago."
Lady Gasden laughed as she made straight for Mirabelle.
"Miss Spencer!"
Gilles turned his attention back to his wife. Elise was surrounded by young lords and ladies and talking animatedly. She did it, he thought. Every hurdle and test, successfully overcome. He swelled with pride as he made his way to stand next to her. He placed her hand on his sleeve and greeted old friends and associates, introducing them to Elise and accepting their congratulations. Lucien interrupted and claimed Elise for their waltz. She laughed up at him as he led her away. Gilles bowed to Madeline and escorted her to the floor.
"She is an overwhelming success, Gilles!" Madeline gushed as they turned.
"Thank you for all of this. For helping smooth the way and having this ball." Gilles kissed her cheek.
"Nonsense! We're family and this has been a pleasure. I'm so proud of you for choosing so well." Madeline smiled and then sighed as she looked at Lucien.
"Give him time. He knows he has to marry but he wants to marry for love. He doesn't want to rush." Gilles assured her.
"He's told you this?" She asked dubiously.
"Yes. He says he wants what I have." Gilles' voice softened as he watched Elise laugh and swat Lucien's shoulder. He smiled.
"Well, that's encouraging. I just hope he doesn't feel like he needs to meet every young lady in England before he makes up his mind." They revolved around the room.
Just as the waltz was coming to a close, Gilles scanned the floor for Elise. He couldn't see her. He looked back at where maman had been sitting. She wasn't there. He pulled away from Madeline and looked over the crowd. Where was she? He felt his heart start beating wildly.
"Gilles? What's the matter?" Madeline asked as he started pushing through the crowd.
"Where is she?" He asked loudly. Gilles was shoving past people now as Madeline tried to keep up. "I can't see her!" He stood in the center of the floor and turned, frantically searching. Madeline caught up and grabbed his arm.
"Gilles, look at me!" She ordered.
He stared at her wildly, trying to hear over the pounding of his heart.
"She's there, with Lucien!" She pointed towards the orchestra. Gilles turned to see Lucien staring at him, confusion and concern filled his features. Elise stood next to him, relaxed and smiling. Alastair was with her and was staring at him. "The toast, Gilles. We need to get over there." She looked at him, her eyes swept his face, sad and understanding.
Gilles felt the tension leave him. He apologized and led Madeline forward. He breathed slowly and smiled as he passed well wishers. By the time he reached Elise he'd regained control of himself, he placed her hand on his sleeve as he lowered his lips to her ear. He took a de
ep breath and let her fill his senses as he discreetly kissed her throat. She shivered and whispered his name. Maman and Mirabelle joined them and stood next Elise
The room turned it's attention to the group gathered in front of the orchestra as flutes of champagne were distributed by an army of footmen. Once everyone had a drink and the room was quiet, Lucien stepped forward.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for joining us at Clerendon House. Tonight we celebrate Family. There is much to be said for being born into a good family." Lucien paused and smiled at Madeline while the room broke out in laughter. He gave them a moment. "While you might assume I'm referring to the wealth and privilege, you would be wrong. While it is certainly a blessing, it is not what matters most to me. I was born to loving parents that saw me as a beloved child first and an heir second. For that, I am eternally grateful." Lucien swept his mother an elegant bow and she smiled at him lovingly. "There is also much to be said about the family we choose." He turned towards the whole Spencer family. "All of the cherished moments of my life were shared with these people. My earliest memory is of chasing Gilles through the halls of Spencer Place. We may not share the same blood but we have shared our lives and he could not be more of a brother to me. So, it was one of the greatest joys of my life to stand next to him when he married his Elise." Lucien looked towards Elise and bowed his head. Gilles squeezed her hand as he looked at her. She was smiling and tears stood in her eyes. "Lady Elise Spencer is as intelligent, kind and brave as she is beautiful and it gives me tremendous pride to welcome her to our family as a beloved sister. My mother and I invite you to raise a glass and share in our delight as we congratulate Lord and Lady Cambroke on their marriage and welcome Lady Elise to our family. To Lord and Lady Cambroke!" Lucien raised his glass and the room exploded with cheers as every glass was raised.
"A kiss!" Someone yelled and eventually the call echoed around the room.
Gilles smiled rakishly as he placed his finger under Elise's chin. She raised her lips to his as a blush stained her cheeks. He lowered his mouth to hers. He'd intended to only touch lips but hers parted on a gasp and his tongue slid in and caressed hers. Elise leaned into him, nervous and unsure. Gilles felt his hand curl around her neck as he deepened the kiss. Cheers and whistles filled the air, Elise pulled back and hid her face against his chest. He flashed a knowing grin at the crowd. The orchestra played the opening strains of a waltz. Gilles handed Elise's flute to Mirabelle who gulped it greedily as he led Elise back to the dance floor.
Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 29