He was speaking of them as if they were two mischievous children and his mocking attitude was decidedly annoying. “Foolhardy, My Lord? What pray tell is so foolhardy about my learning to fence?” she demanded irately.
Nicholas regarded Ashleigh's pugnacious expression and instantly realized his mistake. He wisely remained silent, and then groaned inwardly at her next words.
“I happen to know that you were the one who instructed Brendon in the art of fencing. Therefore, I can only assume that you think it foolhardy that I would wish to learn, simply because I happen to be a female.”
Nicholas didn't miss the challenge in her voice and he couldn't help but admire her spirit. He knew that his young wife was a far cry from the typical English rose, and if he were to be completely honest with himself, he would have to admit that he was glad. “I apologize, I didn't mean to imply…”
“I am well aware of what you meant to imply,” Ashleigh interrupted, deliberately cutting off his apology. “But, if your apology is genuine,” she said, hesitating slightly, as if she doubted the sincerity of his atonement. “Perhaps we could put these to use,” she said, gesturing toward the rapiers still fastened securely to the wall. “As I said before, I would like to practice, and according to Brendon, you are an admirable opponent.” Ashleigh knew that Nicholas couldn't refuse without making himself look even more chauvinistic and hypocritical, and fought to restrain a smug grin.
When he didn't immediately refuse, Ashleigh knew she'd won. “Just give me fifteen minutes to change my clothes and then I shall meet you in the ballroom,” she said, already moving toward the door.
It took Nicholas several moments to fully comprehend the fact that Ashleigh had just challenged him to a duel. It took him even longer to come to terms with the fact that he hadn't instantly rejected her challenge. Damn, he thought with a slight shake of his head, the little minx was too clever for her own good. With grim resignation, he reached towards the rapiers.
Ashleigh quickly changed into the tan pair of breeches that she had packed into her case at the last minute, in the off chance she might have use of them. With a slight grimace, she noticed that her waist was indeed thickening, but aside from being a bit snug around her mid-section, the pants fit almost perfectly. Before Nicholas had time to change his mind, she tucked a crisp, white linen shirt into the waistband of her breeches and thrust her feet into a supple pair of brown leather boots. Not more than ten minutes had passed before she was bounding down the stairs and hurrying towards the ballroom, her green eyes alight with anticipation.
“Ashleigh, I am not sure that this is such a wise idea,” Nicholas said a few minutes later, thinking not only of her recent illness, but of the baby's health as well. They stood in the large ballroom at the rear of the house, facing each other, their hands resting atop the jeweled handles of the two rapiers Nicholas had easily extracted from their mountings, the same mountings that had caused Ashleigh such frustration.
“Don't be ridiculous Nicholas; Dr. Ainsley said that exercise is good for me. The only reason that he has forbidden me to ride is that there is always the risk of taking a nasty fall. However,” Ashleigh added with a touch of defiance, “I am sure that he greatly underestimated my riding abilities at the time.”
“I am quite certain that Dr. Ainsley had no intention of belittling your equestrian talents, my dear,” Nicholas assured his skeptical young wife. “He is merely doing his job and I am sure that he knows what is best for ladies in your condition.”
“Yes, well at any rate, as I see no danger of taking a dangerous spill here in the ballroom,” she began, with a wicked lift of her brows. “En garde!” She stepped back and lifted her rapier in a challenging stance.
Realizing that Ashleigh was bound and determined to proceed with their match, Nicholas too stepped back and raised his own blade, determined to end the contest as quickly as possible so that Ashleigh wouldn't overly tire herself.
“Prepare to defend yourself, sir,” Ashleigh bantered, lightly touching her blade to Nicholas’. Upon entering the room, she had noticed that Nicholas had removed his jacket and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt, revealing a small portion of his well-muscled chest. The sight had momentarily played havoc with her senses, but she had determinedly regained her focus and was now ready to demonstrate her newly acquired skills.
Clothed only in tight breeches and a thin linen shirt, every one of Ashleigh’s enticing curves was revealed to Nicholas as they stood just a few feet apart. Reflexively, his thoughts flew back to the first time he had seen her, astride her mighty stallion racing across the countryside like a she-devil. From the very first moment he'd laid eyes on her, she had affected him as no woman ever had before. Incredibly, even now, he was affected simply by her nearness. In truth, despite all that had transpired, it seemed that he was drawn to her now more than ever, and not just physically. It was almost a relief to push the niggling thoughts aside as Ashleigh executed her first move and he was forced to concentrate on the matter at hand.
Nicholas was surprised by Ashleigh's quickness and agility with the blade, but although she was quite good, it was apparent that she was no match for him. However, in spite of his original intention to end the match quickly, he had no desire to belittle her skill by taking a swift victory. Tempering his movements, he allowed the match to continue, each thrust and parry carefully controlled by his steady hand.
If Ashleigh had thought that Brendon was an expert with the rapier, seeing Nicholas wield the deadly blade left little doubt in her mind as to who possessed the greater degree of skill. It soon became glaringly apparent that her husband was only toying with her. From her past experience with Brendon, Ashleigh knew that her small size and lack of upper body strength were her biggest weaknesses, and therefore her best defense was her speed and dexterity. As their foils clashed repeatedly, the echo of steel upon steel ringing throughout the room, Ashleigh fought valiantly, struggling to fend off Nicholas' attack, waiting for him to drop his guard for the briefest moment.
Unfortunately, Nicholas was in complete control and Ashleigh realized that drastic measures were called for if she intended to best him. His thrusts were becoming more threatening with each passing second and she could tell that he was about to take the victory. Deliberately, she took an awkward step, and then winced slightly as if she’d tweaked her ankle. Nicholas noted her slight grimace, and as she’d hoped his concentration faltered. With only the slightest bit of guilt, she lunged forward and pressed the button on the end of her blade to the center of her husband’s chest.
The look of complete surprise on Nicholas' face caused her to burst out laughing, for he appeared utterly astounded that she had tricked him, and even more astounded that he had fallen for her deception. “Another thing your brother taught me was to make use of every advantage, especially when one is hopelessly outmatched,” Ashleigh told him with a nod to his superior skill, once she had recovered from her laughter.
The remaining days at Thorn Hill passed in a blur of activity for Ashleigh. During the day, she stayed busy exploring the various wings of the house and familiarizing herself with the household staff. Then, late in the afternoons, she retired to her room to prepare for the evening meal, always wanting to look her best for Nicholas. Although he spent a great deal of time with the architect he'd hired to renovate the house, she and Nicholas ate most of their meals together and played chess nearly every evening. They kept their conversations light and deliberately refrained from bringing up any unpleasant memories. With each passing day, they grew more and more comfortable in each other’s company.
“If you feel up to braving the cold, I thought you might like to see the gazebo this morning,” Nicholas suggested during breakfast.
“Oh, I would love to!” Ashleigh exclaimed, eager to see what Nicholas and the architect had been working on for the past few days.
As they made their way to the gazebo less than a half-hour later, their booted feet left faint impressions in the light dustin
g of snow that covered the stone walkway. The air was frigid, but the sun warmed Ashleigh's uplifted cheeks and she gloried in the crisp, freshness that lingered in the air. Smiling, she gazed up into Nicholas' handsome face, feeling happier than she had in weeks. Deliberately, she pressed closer to Nicholas and tightened her grip on his arm.
“Are you cold?” Nicholas inquired, looking down upon Ashleigh’s upturned features with concern. “We could return to the house.”
“No, I am fine, truly,” Ashleigh assured him quickly. “I want to see the gazebo, and it's such a beautiful day, I do not wish to be cooped up indoors any longer. Although she still wasn't sure what had brought about the dramatic change in Nicholas’ attitude, she wasn't about to question it, and planned to continue enjoying every minute of his current affability.
When they reached the gazebo, Ashleigh was surprised to see that the entire structure was sealed off from the elements by large panes of glass. When she asked Nicholas about it, he explained to her that it had been specially designed so that the glass could be removed when the weather grew warm, thus allowing for a gentle breeze to blow through the openings. Then, in the winter, the panes could be replaced to keep out the icy winter wind, allowing the gazebo to be utilized year-round. Ashleigh thought the idea truly ingenious, for the lovely gazebo at Glenbrooke, one of her favorite places to spend a quiet afternoon with a book, had often gone unused throughout the long winter months.
As Nicholas escorted her through the beautiful, intricately carved wooden doorway, she noted that a large cushion-covered bench formed an inviting semi-circle along the rear of the structure. Looking at the plush, brightly colored cushions, she could only assume that they would be exceedingly comfortable to lie upon if an amorous and adventuresome couple chose to do so. Knowing Brendon, he would most assuredly make good use of the inviting little hideaway his brother had so thoughtfully provided, but hopefully not until after he was happily wed, for she had noted that several of the young housemaids at Thorn Hill were quite attractive.
Nicholas stood directly behind Ashleigh as she took in her surroundings, unconsciously inhaling the light, fragrant scent that always seemed to envelop her.
Not realizing that Nicholas stood so close behind her, Ashleigh turned around to express her admiration and found herself mere inches from Nicholas’ solid frame. Startled by his unexpected nearness, Ashleigh took a hasty step backward and then looked up at him with a shy smile. She was still a bit disconcerted by his radical change in temperament, and she still wasn't quite sure how to act around the new Nicholas. “It's wonderful,” she said simply.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Brendon will be amazed when he sees all the improvements you have made to Thorn Hill.”
“I hope so. I must admit, that like Grandmother, I would not mind if Brendon spent a bit less time at sea.”
“Brendon mentioned that the two of you were very close growing up.”
“Yes, we were.” He watched curiously as Ashleigh’s expression grew troubled.
“Nicholas, I want you to know how sorry I am for whatever discord that I have caused between the two of you. It was never my intention to cause strife between you and your brother. I hope you can believe that.”
“The conflict between Brendon and I was of my own doing Ashleigh, not yours. I do not blame you for it, not in the least.” It was true, for he knew that it was his own damnable jealousy and deeply ingrained cynicism that had caused him to misconstrue Brendon and Ashleigh’s relationship.
“I meant what I said before, when we first arrived at Thorn Hill. Brendon is very fortunate to have you for a brother.”
“Fortunately, like you, my brother has a forgiving nature.”
“Like me?”
He looked at her intently, knowing he owed her an apology for the things he’d said to his brother, the things she had unwittingly overheard that day in his study. In fact, it was an apology long overdue. “That you would even deign to speak to me after some of the things I’ve said, things I didn’t mean,” he shook his head slightly. “Clearly you are far more forgiving than I deserve.” Though he might never be able to give her what she truly wanted, at least he could give her that.
Ashleigh saw the contrition in his eyes, and her own widened in surprise.
“I am sorry Ashleigh.”
“Thank you,” she replied, her voice barely audible as she looked into his sapphire eyes.
When she looked at him like that, with her heart in her eyes, it was all he could do not to pull her into his arms. “Well,” he said, intentionally breaking the mood. “I think it’s time I get you back to the house. I wouldn’t want you to catch a chill, especially as we are returning to Sethe tomorrow. I assure you, I haven’t forgotten my grandmother’s threat about returning you safe and sound.” He injected a deliberate lightness into his tone as he held out his arm.
“Yes, I suppose we should go back, for I would hate for you to have to suffer the fury of Madeline’s wrath,” she replied teasingly, keeping her own voice light.
Chapter 21
When Ashleigh descended the stairs late the next morning, she saw that Nicholas awaited her below, ready to begin the trip back to Sethe. Reaching his side, he immediately assisted her into her heavy winter cloak, and then turned as Mrs. Barrows bustled into the foyer carrying a large covered basket, filled no doubt with numerous sugar-covered confections to ease her newly acquired sweet tooth during the long carriage ride ahead. They had eaten breakfast not more than two hours ago, but she eyed the basket covetously nonetheless.
Nicholas cast an amused glance in Ashleigh’s direction, but with Mrs. Barrows’ sharp eyes upon him, he wisely refrained from making any teasing comments.
After bidding farewell to Mrs. Barrows and several other members of the household, Ashleigh and Nicholas were quickly seated within the confines of the awaiting coach. As the gently swaying vehicle began the journey down the long winding drive, she felt a bit sad that they were leaving Thorn Hill behind, for the time they had spent there had been much more pleasant than she could have imagined. It wasn’t long however, before Ashleigh’s thoughts began to drift and her eyelids started to droop. Dr. Ainsley had assured her that the unfamiliar lethargy that accompanied her advancing pregnancy would soon pass, and she hoped he was right.
Nicholas watched as Ashleigh’s eyes began to blink with more and more frequency, and then finally fluttered closed as her breathing became even and rhythmic. He watched her for several moments as she slept, captivated as always by her striking beauty. After a while, her head fell gently to the side, rousing her slightly as she sought to find a comfortable position against the velvet-covered seatback. Knowing that she couldn’t possibly get any decent rest in such a position, he waited until her breathing once again grew steady, and then took matters into his own hands.
Careful not to wake her, he reached out and gently lifted Ashleigh from her seat and onto his lap. He adjusted her so that her head was cradled against his shoulder, while his back was pressed comfortably against the corner of the coach, his legs stretched out in front of him along the seat. In her sleep, Ashleigh snuggled closer to the warm comfort of his body, her faint breath blowing softly against the base of his throat.
Soon however, Nicholas realized the folly of his action. He felt himself becoming aroused as he held her in his arms, her face only inches from his own, and had to fight back the urge to turn his head and press his lips against hers. What the hell had he been thinking to invite such temptation? He groaned internally, knowing that it was dangerous to leave her where she was, but she looked so peaceful that he didn't have the heart to move her back to the other side of the carriage.
Summoning every ounce of his willpower, Nicholas forced his thoughts to the upcoming renovations he was considering for Sethe Manor. After putting so much thought into the improvements at Thorn Hill, it had started him thinking about potential enhancements he could make to his own home. Unfortunately, just as he thought he might
have succeeded in diverting his thoughts from the luscious creature sprawled across his body, Ashleigh moaned softly and readjusted her position. The movement caused her thigh to brush lightly across Nicholas’ groin and he knew then that he had lost the internal battle. The temptation to touch her was simply too strong to resist. Hesitantly, he reached out to brush the back of his fingers across her petal-soft cheek. Ashleigh responded instantly to the feather-light touch, turning her head toward the warmth of his hand, and suddenly he was helpless against his raging desire.
Ashleigh awoke to the feel of Nicholas’ lips moving gently against her own, his tongue lightly tracing the outline of her parted lips. At first, assuming that she was lost to the glorious pleasures of a dream, she didn't think, she merely allowed herself to be carried along on the sensual journey of her fantasy. Still half asleep, she turned her body and pressed her breasts against Nicholas’ muscled torso as his lips became more demanding, his tongue plunging into the warm recesses of her mouth. She felt so wonderful; she wanted the dream to go on forever and ever. Then she felt the unmistakable swaying and bouncing of the carriage and the dream instantly became a reality. Nicholas was actually holding her in his arms, kissing her. She could scarcely believe it.
Nicholas knew the exact moment that Ashleigh became fully awake and wondered if she would pull away from him, outraged by his boldness. She didn’t. Instead, she raised her arms and twined them around his neck. Her fingers tightened in the thick, black waves at the base of his neck, holding him to her as she returned his passion with an intensity that nearly surpassed his own. Slowly, his lips never leaving hers, he unfastened her cloak and brushed it aside, then moved his hand to cup the underside of one breast. When Ashleigh moaned softly in response, his hand moved to the buttons of her bodice. With deft fingers he worked the buttons, and soon he was able to slide the material from her shoulders, her glorious body now hidden only by the thin silk of her chemise.
Until You Page 25