Invitation to Passion

by Bronwen Evans

  His kiss quickened every part of her body, shortening her breath and spiraling desire through her. It was intimate and sexually arousing, but most of all it was different. His lips moved possessively over her, his tongue stroking the inside of her mouth as if he couldn’t get enough of her taste.

  It kindled a hunger for more, and blew the defenses around her heart wide open. She loved this man. And he was hers. Her arms tightened around his neck and she clung to him.

  No one would take him from her and she’d never give up on winning his heart. The prize for doing so would be worth any sacrifice.

  When finally he left off, it was to whisper, “We’re here. The carriage has stopped moving. I feel inclined to order James to turn around so I can take you back to bed.”

  “I don’t think I’d mind if you did.”

  “That would be selfish of me,” he whispered huskily. “You’d die of boredom if I left for Newmarket and you had no horse to ride.”

  “Let’s hurry then. I’ve decided I’ve something more desirable to ride this afternoon,” and she flashed him a seductive look as James helped her from the carriage, and laughed with delight when Richard groaned and called, “Unfair, minx.”

  Tattersalls was not so busy today. Monday was the main auction day, with Thursday being the secondary day. A few men began to protest her presence until they learned of her identity, then she found herself surrounded by men wanting tips on Rufus’s up and coming thoroughbreds.

  If he didn’t rescue his wife, they’d be here all afternoon.

  They finally found a temperate six-year-old gelding named Woodstock. He had a responsive mouth and good legs. His hooves were in excellent condition. It was obvious he’d been well cared for, and as well he had an intelligent countenance and a twinkle in his eye. Woodstock seemed to take to Maddy immediately.

  “I can’t believe you’re suggesting I buy Woodstock.” She planted a kiss on his nose. “I’m not insulting you, my fine boy, but really.” She turned on her husband. “I’ll never win any race on him.”

  “Life is not about winning every race. There are some things which are more important.”

  Maddy snorted. “Then why are you not riding such a docile beast? I’m just as good a rider as you. As my friend, you’ve never before forced me to ignore a fine beast like the grey stallion in the stall over there.”

  She pointed to a formidable, but exciting horse that he admitted he’d eyed with anticipation. Trust Maddy to spot the finest piece of horseflesh available for sale today.

  He gritted his teeth—friend? “As your husband, I feel a duty to be more cautious.”

  She raised a dainty eyebrow. “I see.” She continued to walk around Woodstock, stroking his coat. “When did husband and friend become mutually exclusive?”

  He was not going to back down. There was too much at stake. He could lose her, and he desperately wanted the chance to win her heart. No grey, prancing stallion was going to take that from him.

  “When I realized that I had more to lose.”

  They stood staring at each other, silent in their communication. He knew exactly what Maddy was thinking. He was being over protective. Indeed he was, most definitely. The tension rose and stretched between them. The stubborn wench was not backing down either.

  He moved to her side and bent down and whispered in her ear. “Don’t you think your racing like a heathen days are over?” He placed his hand on her stomach. “What if you are already with child? I want both of you to be safe.”

  Richard watched the smile break over her face and knew he’d won his point, if not the match.

  Quietly she uttered, “I hadn’t considered that scenario. We haven’t talked about a family but I suppose it’s more than likely given you can’t keep your hands off me.”

  “Are you complaining, my love?” he teased.

  Her face reddened delightfully. “No, I’m definitely not complaining.” Her breathless words saw his body tightening. She sighed and looked longingly over at the stallion, then back at Woodstock who stood patiently beside her. “I want a family. A large family.”

  “So do I. I also want you safe. Will you humor me?”

  She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You’re right.” She patted Woodstock’s nose. “You, my pretty boy, will be most suitable.”

  An inward sigh of relief filtered through him. Thank God. He thought he’d have a terrible job convincing Maddy to take the more subdued horse.

  Maddy relented and agreed to ride Woodstock round the auction ring to try him out and, thankfully, she decided they would suit each other well.

  Richard left her with Woodstock and the gelding’s groom while he took care of the paper work.

  “My, my, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a fine filly at Tattersalls before.”

  Her head jerked round to face the speaker. The horse is a gelding, silly man. It took her several moments to understand that the gentleman standing before her was talking about her.

  “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” he intoned.

  When she ignored him, his friend offered, “Lord North, I’ve been told she’s the Earl of Hascombe’s sister, Mrs. Richard Craven.”

  “Ah, I see. Mr. Craven has left you here on your own. Can I be of assistance?”

  She demurely shook her head.

  “Craven? I thought he was sniffing after Wrentham’s wife.” He looked her over as if inspecting one of his horses. “Timid wee thing, ain’t you, gal? You need to understand that a man likes a bit of spirit in his filly.” Under his breath he added, “Hence, why Craven is dallying with the Wrentham woman.”

  Her head lifted. The man wanted spirit. She’d give him spirit; still seeing Lady Wrentham indeed! The pain of Sarah’s constant presence in their lives was enough to see her forget she was a lady.

  Hidden from Lord North’s view, she pulled on Woodstock’s bridle and forced the gelding to move so that Woodstock’s behind was in Lord North’s face. To her immeasurable pleasure, Woodstock lifted his tail and broke wind directly in Lord North’s face.

  She could not contain her giggle.

  Lord North lifted his arm intending to strike at her horse, but before she could protest, Richard was there, gripping the man’s arm.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, North. The lady is very fond of the animal, and I’m very fond of her. If she asked me to beat you to a pulp for the insult, I would gladly oblige.”

  North stood bristling with indignation before finally uttering, “Perhaps she’s a spirited filly after all.” Turning to Richard, he added, “You seem to be collecting a fine stable of fillies. I might pay the recently widowed Lady Wrentham a visit if you have bowed out.” He smiled at Maddy before turning back to Richard and saying, “Seems you’ve got your hands full there.”

  Maddy gasped and she watched Richard’s hands curl into fists. “I will ask you to remember you are a gentleman.”

  “Of course, apologies, my dear.” He gave a small bow. “Still, you do seem to change fillies at an alarming rate. I had no idea you were looking at marrying. Still, since you lost out to Wrentham, best to get back on the horse so to speak.” North turned and leered at her. “Men are very fickle when it comes to the heart, none more so than your husband. It would seem as though he has recovered rather well from his loss to Wrentham.” He raked her from head to toe most indecently. “Once he grows tied of you, let me know. I’d be happy to play stallion to your filly.”

  Maddy had to hold Richard back. “Don’t let him goad you into making a spectacle.” The men were staring at Richard as he stood there heaving with suppressed rage and barely controlled hatred. She placed her hand on his arm and he gave a start, finally looking at her as if she were a stranger.

  “See that Woodstock is delivered to my home,” he barked at the groom.

  The carriage ride home was tense and strained. Gone was the playful banter of earlier.

  “When will you talk to me about Sarah? Even when she’s not in our actual presen
ce, she is a constant visitor.” Richard didn’t say anything. He simply sat staring out the window. When they reached the house, Maddy spoke again before descending the carriage, “At some point we are going to have to discuss your feelings for her. I’m tired of there being three of us in this marriage.”

  With that, she swept into their home and left him sitting in the carriage.

  Richard sat staring into space. He was such a coward. He knew she was correct. Their marriage could not move forward until they had discussed his relationship with Sarah, but by doing so, he would have to reveal his true self, that of a man with a vacillating heart. He would have to confess that to love him was a risk, for he could not guarantee how long his affections would last. The reason he hadn’t called North out was because he’d been speaking the truth. He did have a fickle heart.

  Most rakes took great pains to ensure their paramours knew love was not involved in their relationships. He had never done so. He had always professed to be in love and had relished the warmth and joy he had received from giving himself to only one woman. He had also relished the feeling that in the past, he and his current paramour were the only two people in the world who had mattered. And he’d always vowed to be there for them.

  That is why, unlike most men, he did not take more than one lover at a time. He threw himself into each and every relationship, thinking this was the one. Invariably, it never had been.

  Would it be different with Maddy?

  Of course, it had to be. She was his wife. He couldn’t leave her and she could not leave him. That’s what made it so frightening. To let her believe he loved her and then take that away from her...She deserved better than that from him.

  In truth, he hoped he would never grow tired of her. He hoped they would share a wonderful life together, and he prayed he would not feel the urge to stray from his marriage vows.

  But forever, with just the one woman, was a long, long time, and he didn’t know if he had it in him to love her forever. He took courage and hope from his twin. He noted and approved of the change in Anthony. The most infamous rake in society was now content and very much in love with his wife, and they had had a child to seal their bliss. Anthony’s affections had not waned. However, Anthony was so different from him most didn’t even pick them as brothers, let alone twins.

  He walked slowly into his house. At least he had an excuse for some time alone due the need to head to Newmarket for a few days. Perhaps he would understand his heart by then. All he knew for sure was that Madeline was his wife, and would always be his, forever. Surely, he’d not feel so possessive of her if he didn’t want the forever?

  Chapter Twelve

  Miss Madeline Strathmore,

  Thank you for the wonderful birthday gift. The handkerchief is always in my pocket and has come in very handy already. My initials are perfectly embroidered; your needlework is indeed very fine. However, I can’t imagine you sitting still long enough to complete the task. I’m honored at such a sacrifice.

  You’ll have to forgive my twin. He, like you, has not had an easy upbringing. I suspect my brother is right. It is not the done thing for a bachelor to correspond directly with a young lady. If you are concerned, I will not be offended if you decide I am too much of a risk to your reputation.

  Your friend,

  The Honorable Mr. Craven.

  The dawn didn’t see Maddy’s mood improve. Richard had not come to her bed last night, and she refused to be the first to offer an olive branch. He had to discuss his feelings with her if they were to be more than friends. Friends-she was beginning to hate the word. Her husband’s silence was ominous. He obviously still had feelings for Sarah and didn’t want to hurt her by discussing them.

  She couldn’t stop the gnawing fear churning in her stomach. She lay in bed staring at the ceiling; furious that yesterday had started out with such promise, but had ended with silence and secrets.

  A ride on Woodstock would help clear the worry from her mind and since Richard did not appear to want her company, there was no point staying in bed waiting for him to have the decency to face her.

  With her groom accompanying her, she made for Hyde Park. The ride did lift her spirits, and for at least half an hour she gave Woodstock a good canter and enjoyed the quiet of the early afternoon. She then decided to ride down toward the pond and sit in quiet contemplation while Woodstock grazed.

  What she should do about Richard was of course foremost in her mind. Should she push him to declare his feelings? What if she didn’t like what she heard? Could she stay sharing his bed if he wanted another? She knew this marriage would be difficult, but she’d had so much hope.

  The sun glinted off the surface of Serpentine Lake, and as the light sparkled across the wide stretches of grass, the leaves appeared like hung jewels on the trees lining the path. The park was filled with nannies supervising their young charges, and rambunctious boys frolicking with their dogs, but soon the park would become quiet and there would only be dedicated riders about. She liked the idea of being alone. No sooner had Madeline entertained that thought, than she spied a horseman cantering toward her. Bother. It was Mr. Hindsworth.

  What a terrible person you are, the man saved you. She straightened abruptly in her sidesaddle and forced the annoyance from her face. She didn’t really wish to have a conversation with anyone this morning. He would ask after her and remind her of her foolishness in Lady Pillsborough’s garden. He would wonder why Richard had not sought retribution. He’d take it as another sign of her husband’s low regard for her.

  When he reached her, Mr. Hindsworth slowed to a halt and gave a polite bow. He looked splendid in his exquisitely tailored black coat and buff breeches, which were tucked into gleaming top boots, making him quite the picture of a fashionable gentleman. He really was a handsome young man. Her eyes traveled over him. He was broad-shouldered, not overly tall, with his position on his stallion giving him the appearance of height. He had the lean physique of a young man not yet filled out. Despite his polite interest and elegant clothing, just as on the night he had saved her, she noted that there was something infinitely hard and cold, almost predatory about him, which he tried to hide under his deceptively angelic countenance.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Craven. I’m pleased to see you’ve recovered from the terrible indignities you suffered the other night.”

  She smiled. “Yes, I do owe you my sincere thanks. I’m trying to forget the unfortunate incidence. I’ll stick to well-lit ballrooms in future.”

  He looked around him. “I notice you are not with your husband this morning, is that wise after what happened?”

  “I have my groom with me,” and she pointed behind her.

  “Your husband has not accompanied you?” She hated the pity in his eyes.

  “No. He has business to attend to this morning." Madeline felt her face flush. She knew exactly what Mr. Hindsworth was thinking. Richard was allowing her to ride in the park without him, when she’d just been assaulted by Chesterton said a lot for how he must view their marriage.

  But not by even a mere a flicker of an eyelash did Mr. Hindsworth imply the true meaning behind his words. “I hope everything is all right. You know if you ever need a friend, I’m here for you to talk to. I know what is like to pine after something that you can never have.”

  She sat up straighter on her horse. “Mr. Hindsworth, I think you have forgotten yourself.”

  “I did not mean to offend you, my lady. Shall we talk of pleasanter things then?”

  “My husband mentioned that he had not had the good fortune of meeting you. Are you new to town?”

  Mr. Hindsworth nodded. “Yes, I’m recently from Spain. I’m in London to pursue personal and family interests. I’ve taken the lease on a townhouse in Mayfair.”

  “How long will you be staying in town?”

  He hesitated before answering. “I’m hoping not for long.”

  “And then you’ll return to Spain?”

  He leaned down and patted
his horse’s neck as if avoiding her stare. “I’m not sure. We shall see after my business is concluded.”

  “It sounds all very mysterious.” They sat in silence until Maddy looked round. “I do believe we are causing quite a stir in the park.”

  She looked over his head and saw members of the ton watching the pair together. He was a bachelor, young and handsome, while she was the newly married wife of a man who appeared to be in love with another. She knew very well what was going on within the heads of those who were glancing their way.

  “Mr. Hindsworth, people are watching. The gossip mill is beginning to wonder what our relationship is, or making it as they wish.”

  “They are not to know I’m in mourning still and always will be. But perhaps you are correct; it wouldn’t do to have people talk about us.”

  With a polite bow, he turned his horse around and rode away, leaving Madeline to face the stares of the crowd around her. Blast, she thought to herself, this is all I need. As if she hadn’t been fodder enough for society gossip already, now they would be talking about her newly blossoming relationship with Mr. Hindsworth.

  Her back straightened and her head lifted. She loathed how everyone watched her every move. It made her feel like she was a young girl again living under the shame of her father’s treason. She couldn’t wait to be able to return to Richard’s country Manor House near Portsmouth. He had a small estate on the cliffs overlooking the harbor, close to his ships. The quiet life in Hampshire, with their future children, couldn’t come soon enough for her.

  Madeline remained in the park far longer than usual, but had to leave in order to get ready for Wrentham’s memorial service. The funeral had been the day before. As she headed for home, she hoped she had stayed long enough for those looking on to assume she hadn’t organized a liaison with Mr. Hindsworth. Not only that, her stomach was full of butterflies as she wondered how this evening’s dinner at Anthony’s was going to go.