Nicholas’ lips moved to the base of her throat, where he pressed hot, lingering kisses that caused Ashleigh's head to reel in pleasure. She clutched his shoulders as his hands pushed aside her chemise and his lips fastened upon an impudent coral-colored peak. She writhed beneath him, wanting more. When eventually he lifted his head, his gaze, sensual and seductive, locked with hers.
“Ashleigh…”
Suddenly, the carriage jolted sharply to the right and it was only Nicholas’ quick reflexes that kept them from being toppled onto the floorboards as the carriage slowed, and then lurched to a stop along the side of the road. Cursing under his breath, Nicholas managed to untangle his limbs from Ashleigh's clinging skirts as they heard the coachman climb down from his perch. With a rueful grin at his disheveled wife, Nicholas reached out and adjusted her bodice, covering the delightful charms that he himself had uncovered just moments ago.
Ashleigh blushed furiously and attempted to straighten her rumpled clothing as Nicholas stepped out of the carriage to discern the trouble. He reappeared moments later, just as she finished securing the buttons on her bodice.
“I am afraid that you will have to step out for a moment Ashleigh. It seems that we have damaged a wheel.”
As Nicholas extended his hand to assist her, Ashleigh self-consciously lifted a hand to her mussed hair. As she stepped down, she noticed the two outriders knowing grins as they took in her disheveled appearance. Her face flamed and she cast her eyes downward in mortification as she reached the ground.
Observing Ashleigh’s obvious embarrassment, Nicholas sent the outriders scurrying to assist the driver with one meaningful glance.
While the wheel was being repaired, Nicholas took Ashleigh's hand and led her to the second carriage where Millie, one of the young scullery maids from Thorn Hill was seated with their luggage. She was accompanying them on their return home to visit her mother, who worked in the kitchens at Sethe Manor. “Why don't you sit with Millie until we are ready to get underway? It is much too cold for you to be standing outside.”
“Don't be silly Nicholas; it is a marvelous day, besides I need to stretch my legs a bit. I will wait outside with you.”
“Ashleigh,” Nicholas began patiently, “Dr. Ainsley warned you about catching cold. Do you wish to have a relapse?”
“Nicholas for heaven's sake, would you please stop treating me like a child,” she said, despite the very unchildlike behavior they had been engaged in just a few minutes earlier. “I will be fine.”
“If you do not wish to be treated like a child, then perhaps you should stop acting like one,” Nicholas responded in exasperation. “It is freezing out here.” She was so damnably stubborn; didn't she realize he was only concerned for her health.
“Nicholas I…”
“Inside Ashleigh.” He cut off whatever she had been about to say as he gripped her elbow and turned her in the direction of the second vehicle. Without another word, he walked her to the carriage door, lowered the step, opened the door and then abruptly turned around and walked back toward where the men were repairing the wheel.
Ashleigh stamped her booted foot in anger, her ire increasing with every step Nicholas took away from her. Before she had time to change her mind, she bent down and scooped up a handful of snow.
Nicholas stopped dead in his tracks as a small white missile flew past his right ear, and then smashed harmlessly against a nearby tree.
Incredulously, he turned back toward Ashleigh and saw that she stood facing him unabashed, hands on hips, one eyebrow cocked, an undeniable challenge evident in her taunting gaze.
Any anger he might have felt vanished in an instant as he gazed at the proud beauty before him. God she was magnificent when she was riled.
Ashleigh boldly stood her ground as she waited for Nicholas' reaction. She was stunned when he threw back his head and laughed.
“All right you little vixen, you asked for it,” Nicholas threatened, once he’d recovered himself.
As Ashleigh watched in surprised delight, Nicholas bent and reached toward the nearest snow bank. She shrieked in feigned alarm as he lightly packed a handful of snow and then advanced in her direction. She darted behind the carriage just as he released the snowball, which landed exactly where she had been standing the second before. Quickly she grabbed a handful of snow and dashed around to the front of the carriage, lifting a finger to her lips as she passed the amused coachmen, who grinned and nodded in silence.
As she rounded the front of the vehicle, she saw Nicholas walking toward the rear. With only a moment's hesitation, she threw the snowball, and then watched in satisfaction as it hit Nicholas in the dead center of his back. When he whirled around, his black garrick whipping about his calves, his look of surprise was so genuine that Ashleigh couldn't contain her lighthearted laughter.
“Now you are really in trouble,” Nicholas said, his tone deceptively fierce as he stalked toward her once again.
After several more minutes of their lighthearted play, Ashleigh began to tire and Nicholas finally convinced her to rest in the second carriage. Feeling happier than she could have ever dreamed, she gave Nicholas a dazzling smile as she brushed the last bits of snow from her cloak and then settled herself within the carriage, content now to chat with Millie.
As much as she tried, Ashleigh couldn't stifle a yawn as Nicholas led her back to their carriage roughly ten minutes later.
“It has been a long morning,” Nicholas remarked, as he noted Ashleigh's fatigue. “Perhaps you should try to sleep.”
“I do not know what's wrong with me lately,” Ashleigh replied. “It seems that I tire so easily these days.”
“I have heard that excess fatigue is quite common for women in your condition Ashleigh, it is nothing to be ashamed of,” he assured her. “And I am afraid that it is entirely my fault that you did not get to rest earlier.”
“I didn’t mind,” Ashleigh replied, her voice whisper soft as she looked longingly into Nicholas’ eyes.
Nicholas read the open invitation in Ashleigh’s eyes, but when they entered the carriage, he merely settled her against him and ordered her to get the rest he had deprived her of earlier. Although he wanted nothing more than to finish what he had so recklessly begun earlier, he chose to act the gentleman. Besides, even though he and Ashleigh’s relationship had progressed a great deal in the past week, lingering doubts still lurked within the depths of his mind. He had already allowed Ashleigh closer than he had ever intended and knew that if they were to become intimate, she might very well gain a power over him that he was loath to yield.
Although Ashleigh was disappointed that Nicholas had decided not to initiate any further intimacy between them during the duration of their journey, she couldn’t help but be pleased at the progress they seemed to be making. Perhaps if she was patient, Nicholas would eventually realize that their marriage could be for the better, rather than the worse.
Chapter 22
Seated before her dressing table mirror, Ashleigh removed the last of the pins from her hair. Then, reaching for her brush, she picked it up and began to pull it through her curls in long leisurely strokes. As she sat there idly brushing her hair, she realized that nearly two weeks had passed since she and Nicholas had returned from Thorn Hill. And though he had remained charming and solicitous since their return, unfortunately her husband had made no attempt to seek out her bed, or to further their physical relationship in any way. She knew that he desired her, for at times she could almost see the hunger in his eyes when he looked at her, and considering what had happened in the carriage, he had to know that she would be receptive. But even so he held back, and each night she remained alone in her bed.
Tonight would be yet another night spent alone, for Nicholas had been gone for the past two days, called away to London by an urgent message from one of his solicitors, or so he had told her. Rising from her seat, she walked to the nightstand beside her bed and picked up the book she had been reading earlier. It was still re
latively early, and she feared she wasn’t tired enough for sleep to claim her just yet.
As she moved to the upholstered chaise that sat near the fire, she couldn’t help but wonder if Nicholas’ trip to London had merely been an excuse to see another woman. She knew enough about his previous behavior to recognize that he was a man well accustomed to sexual excess, for he certainly hadn’t earned his prior reputation as a rake for nothing. Was he in bed with Isabelle Taryton, or perhaps some other woman at that very moment? She prayed that he wasn’t, for the notion made her feel sick to her core.
Fortunately her thoughts were diverted when Annie knocked softly upon her door and then entered the room, breathless, almost as if she had been running.
“Goodness, Annie, are you alright?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” she said, holding out a small white envelope for Ashleigh to take.
As she took the envelope into her hand she was confused, for there was nothing written on it, not even her name. She looked to Annie with questioning eyes, “What is this?”
“Well, I am not exactly sure. You see, I was out in the garden looking for Mrs. Gregson’s cat, when this man suddenly stepped out from behind a tree. Why I nearly screamed, he startled me so,” Annie declared. “I didn’t recognize him, so I asked him who he was and what he was doing there, but he just held out this envelope and asked me to give it to you. Then he turned and walked away. At first I thought he might be a prowler, but he was well-dressed and ever so polite, and he spoke like a gentlemen. And well…I’m sure that I have never heard of a prowler looking like him before.”
“What do you mean?” Ashleigh asked. “What did he look like?”
“He was devilishly handsome, tall with dark hair, and he had green eyes I think, and like I said, he was dressed impeccably. Do you have any idea who he might be, Your Grace?” Annie asked curiously. “Do you think I should ask Hawthorne to send some of the footmen to investigate?”
“No Annie, I do not think that will be necessary,” Ashleigh said, already suspecting who the mystery man might be. When she was a child, she and her Uncle James had played a special game whenever he had come to Glenbrooke to visit. Instead of presenting himself at the front door, he would send a note to Ashleigh through one of the servants. He would then hide somewhere on the grounds until Ashleigh found him. Her prize for finding him had been whatever present he had brought back for her from his latest travels.
Due to his position with government, James traveled all over the world, and whenever he returned from an extended trip he brought a special gift back for her, usually something foreign and exotic. Although she had been telling him for the past few years that she was getting much too old for such a childish game, she secretly loved it, as her Uncle James knew quite well.
Quickly she tore open the envelope and scanned the brief note inside. With a small shriek of delight she dropped the note onto the top of her vanity and then dashed to the armoire to grab one of her heavy wool shawls. “Everything is fine Annie,” she said smiling, then grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the door. “There is no need for concern.”
When Ashleigh entered the dimly lit garden, her eyes eagerly scanned the surrounding area. Not seeing anyone, she moved toward the large fountain that sat near the rear terrace and peeked behind it, but there was no one there. Walking a bit further down the gravel path, she came to a small clearing, softly lit by the moon's faint glow. Suddenly she sensed another presence, and before she could make a sound two large hands gently covered her eyes from behind. “Guess who?” a familiar masculine voice whispered in her ear. Ashleigh instantly turned and threw her arms around her uncle's neck, hugging him with unrestrained joy. She hadn’t seen him in well over six months, and she had missed him terribly.
“Uncle James, I cannot believe that it is really you,” she cried, stepping back to get a better look at him. “You have been away so long.”
“I know my darling and I am truly sorry. However, I hardly expected to return and find out that you had gotten married in my absence, and to the Duke of Sethe no less.”
“I guess that means you received my letter,” she said somewhat sheepishly.
“When I arrived at my townhouse earlier this afternoon I discovered it straightaway,” he replied.
“Please don’t be angry.”
“That might be less difficult if I weren’t aware of the man’s reputation,” he said tersely.
“It’s not what you think,” Ashleigh said.
“Isn’t it?”
She looked up and met his gaze head on. “No Uncle James, it isn’t.”
Her uncle sighed heavily. “Do you love him?”
“Yes, I do,” she answered honestly. “Very much.”
“Well then…I guess I cannot kill the bastard,” he muttered, his voice a mixture of teasing and subtle hostility.
“Uncle James!”
“Sorry,” he said, pulling her into his arms for a hug. “How about congratulations then.”
“Much better, thank you.”
“I take it your grandfather hasn’t yet returned.”
“No, not yet.”
“Well, when he does, I am quite certain that your new husband will have more than enough to deal with without my interference.”
“I am quite certain you are correct,” she said with a slight grimace. “So now that that's settled, and more importantly, what did you bring me?”
“You are still an impudent little minx, aren't you,” he admonished with a laugh. Reaching into his coat pocket, he pulled out a square velvet box. “I hope you like it,” he said, lifting the cover to reveal what lay inside.
Ashleigh gasped as she gazed upon the delicate, heart-shaped ivory box that rested within. Upon the lid, a full-blown rose was etched in startling detail. Each petal was a work of art, and each surrounding leaf a testament to the artist's skill. “It's so beautiful,” she breathed.
“I'm glad you like it. The minute I saw it I knew I had to get it for you, for it reminded me of your own delicate beauty, so much like your mother’s.”
“Thank you Uncle James, I will treasure it forever.” Standing up on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek. “Now let’s go inside so we can talk, I want to hear all about your latest adventure.”
“I'm sure you do,” he said with a laugh, for Ashleigh always wanted to hear every last detail of his travels, no matter how boring or mundane. “But I am afraid I haven't the time right now. I have to return to London tonight.”
“But you cannot leave yet. You only just got here.”
“I only came because of your letter. I had to see you, if only for a moment. However, it is imperative that I return to London immediately. I swear to you that I will return just as soon as I can, and then you can fill me in on all that's happened while I have been away.”
As Nicholas climbed the stairs to the second floor, he felt as if he were literally being pulled in the direction of Ashleigh's bedroom. After being gone for only two days, he was surprised to find that he was remarkably eager to see her. As he walked swiftly to her door, one would think that he had been away for two months rather than two days. However, in the short time that he’d been gone he had done a great deal of thinking, and finally he’d come to a decision. His prolonged celibacy was about to come to an end. Consequences be dammed, he was no longer going to fight the desire to take Ashleigh to his bed.
Stopping outside her door, he received no answer to his light knock. Gently he eased the door open, thinking she might have gone to sleep early. A brief glance around her bedchamber however, told him that she wasn't there. He was about to go back downstairs in search of her, when he noticed a piece of paper lying atop her dressing table. Curious, he reached for it and read the brief message:
Ashleigh,
I received your letter. You have no idea how much I have missed you. I shall be waiting for you in the rear garden. I cannot wait to see you my darling!
Love,
James
For a moment h
e couldn’t breathe. He read the note again, his head spinning. No, this couldn’t be happening, not again, he thought. Not her! The paper crumpled in his fingers and then fell to the floor as he fought the sudden pain that slashed at his heart and threatened to send him to his knees. Not her!
Still as a statue, he took several deep steadying breaths until gradually the pain began to lessen and he was once again in control of his emotions. With sickening clarity, he realized that Ashleigh had indeed been playing him for a fool all along. How could he have been so stupid? Despite everything he’d learned in the past and in spite of every internal warning that told him not to, he had slowly allowed her to worm her way into his heart, and now, once again he would pay the price. Only this time he feared the price would be more than he could bear.
Turning, he strode toward the French doors that led out onto the terrace overlooking the rear gardens and savagely jerked them open. Moving to the railing he looked down, searching the shadows until his gaze finally came to rest upon two figures clasped in an intimate embrace. It was true. Furious, he was about to turn away, intending to go downstairs and confront his traitorous wife and her lover, but just then the man pulled back. As he stood watching, the man quickly disappeared into the darkness as Ashleigh turned back toward the house.
With a degree of control he didn't know he possessed, he walked back into her bedchamber, pulling the doors closed behind him, and then sat down in one of the chairs before the fire. How many times would he play the fool? How many times would it take before his heart was finally ripped from his chest once and for all? He heard his father’s voice in his head. “Your whore of a mother is gone. Nothing was good enough for her, not even her own children.” He thought of Melissa telling him that she loved him, and then finding her in the arms of her lover. He remembered the night of the masquerade, “You may have been the first, but you certainly weren’t the last.” She’d obviously been telling the truth that night. Stupid, stupid fool, he thought, castigating himself. He had let his guard down once again, and now he would suffer the consequences.
Until You Page 26