by Dayna Quince
Obedience had her hands resting on his shoulders passively. Her head was swimming in a river of sensation and delight. More than anything, she wanted to push for more. The kiss had been so unexpected, but she was not going to miss a second of it by over analyzing it when it could possibly be the only one. Spurred by that thought, she slid her arms around his neck, bringing her body tightly against his in a wonderful fashion. It was fascinating the way her body felt against his, as if it were made exactly for this.
She should have been cold. The evening had grown chilly when they had left for dinner, but instead she felt tingling warmth from head to toe. Is this what happened when couples kissed? She honestly didn’t know, but she gave herself over to it, allowing her mind to slip away. She knew she would always be safe with him. Losing herself in the kiss, she let go of all restraint and sank into him. She angled her head as he did, and their tongues dueled until it was hard to breathe, and they pulled apart reluctantly.
“Oh my,” she panted. That kiss had been more enthralling than her wildest dreams. He smiled. It was a smile she had never seen before that sent pleasant chills down her spine.
“It’s getting late. I should get you home.” He still had his arms around her.
Her shoulders slumped in disappointment. “Can I ask one question?”
“No.” He grinned devilishly. “It will ruin the magic. Tomorrow there will be plenty to say. Will you come for tea?” He let go of her and took her hand, leading her back into the house.
“Yes.” She exhaled in an effort to calm her galloping heart. Questions burned inside her, but she understood that asking them would tarnish what was fast becoming her favorite memory. She would have to bide her time. Without his arms around her, she could feel the cold night air on her skin and shivered. The spell of the kiss was fading, and she was once again aware of all that had happened tonight, including her slippered hike through the countryside back to Willowton Park. She didn’t want to go home anymore.
He summoned a footman and instructed him to have the carriage brought around. Leaving her for a moment, he returned with a cloak for her to wear home.
“I really shouldn’t,” she said after she held it up and realized it was his. “What will my mother think?”
“I don’t give a damn what she thinks, Obedience. Just wear it. Don’t pretend you’re not cold. I can see the evidence of it on your arms.”
Obedience looked down at her arm and bit her lip. Those goose bumps weren’t from the cold but from him. He walked closer and swung the cloak around her shoulders. She looked up at him as he tied the strings, and forgot what it was she meant to say. She had dreaded this night, and yet it had ended better than she ever could have hoped. She desperately wanted him to kiss her again, or better yet have the nerve to kiss him. He met her eyes, and she wondered if her thoughts were patently obvious. He dipped his head to hers again and caught her lips. It was a quick kiss, but it warmed her considerably. He released her and she let him. Two kisses and she was losing her wits. This was rapidly becoming dangerous to her heart.
“Come now. The carriage should be out front.”
She nodded, her mind now scattered into a thousand pieces, and words were beyond her.
He escorted her to the front hall and down the steps. As he handed her into the carriage, she found her voice in time to say good night.
“Good night, Obedience,” he said in return, and he smiled that smile again that did things to her insides.
He closed the door, and Obedience sat back against the squabs and sighed. What was happening to her? Two kisses and her mind was turning to mush. What did it mean? She would have to wait until tomorrow to find out, and find out she would. She may be a novice, but she did not take kisses lightly, and he had to know that. They had a history together. She wasn’t just some girl at the ball to lure into dalliance for entertainment. But he knew that. Chance was the kindest person she knew. He would never play those kinds of games with her or anyone else for that matter. He had kissed her for a reason, and tomorrow he would reveal why. From now until then, she would be waiting on pins and needles.
Chapter 5
Chance woke, dressed, and joined his father in his room for breakfast. Over black coffee and kippers, he debated how to begin the conversation about his engagement to Obedience. He knew his father would be happy. The old man was always happy when he got his way, but what surprised Chance was his own sense of contentment. Marrying Obedience just made sense. The decision had been rather easy when he thought about it, and think about it he did.
After seeing her off, he had gone to collect his violin and retire to his room. After undressing and getting into bed, he laid back, arms folded behind his head, and thought about that kiss. It was more beguiling than he would have imagined. He knew he was visually attracted to her. Any man had to be blind not to be, but that kiss awakened a whole new attraction. A real appreciation for not just her beauty but the raw woman beneath it, the sensual being who lived inside her.
She excited him in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Instead of remaining cool and aloof as he usually did with paramours, keeping his heart and mind at a distance, he knew he could be much more open and honest with Obedience. There were no games to be played this time or rules to be followed. He wanted to dive right in, sweep her off her feet, and marry her. The thought made him smile. For once, he felt like a hot-blooded male, though his intentions were good. He couldn’t wait to show her what pleasure could be had between a man and a woman, to teach her and watch her bloom. That’s when he would rein himself in. It wasn’t like him to think with other parts of his anatomy instead of his brain. Obedience might need some convincing to get her to the altar. Once he succeeded, he would take things slowly. The wedding would already be rushed. Her introduction to intimacy should not be.
He returned to the present and took a sip of his coffee. His father was grumbling over the paper and mumbling about taxes and greedy bastards. Now was as good a time as any to bring up his impending nuptials.
“Father,” Chance started, “I’ve given it some thought, and I have decided that marriage to Obedience would be agreeable.”
His father lowered the paper slowly and stared at him. “That was quick.”
“Time isn’t exactly on our side, is it?”
“Only the devil knows, but I suppose ’tis better we not waste any of it. May I ask what changed your mind?” The duke set down his paper and looked at Chance with interest.
“No,” Chance said firmly.
The duke frowned. “I care for Obedience a great deal. If I am to let you marry her, I would like to know—”
“This was your idea, Father.” Chance cut him off in exasperation. “You asked me to marry Obedience, and I said I would consider it. I did, and now I am in agreement. Must there be anything more than that?”
“There damn well better be,” the duke rumbled. “This is the rest of your life, Chance—and the rest of her life. This isn’t a business arrangement for the sake of property or lineage. I love her like a daughter, and you, my son, are the best man for her. This I know in my bones. No one sees her the way you and I do. No one could love her like you and I do.”
Chance was caught off guard by his father’s words. “I...I don’t love her.”
“Not the way you ought to, no. But in time you will. In time, you will love her so much the sun will rise and set with her, and your every happiness will depend on hers, mark my words.”
“Father...” Chance didn’t know what to say. His father looked very determined, his brow set in that intimidating scowl that could stop a taproom brawl.
“I didn’t choose you for her simply because you are my son. I chose you because it is meant to be.”
“And what if she refuses?”
“She won’t refuse,” the duke said with certainty.
For the first time, Chance felt like he knew Obedience better than his father. He was certain Obedience would refuse, at first anyway. But he was confident he could be
very convincing. “I’m agreeing to marry because I care for her too, Father. I believe we will suit each other.”
The duke harrumphed. “Still sounds rather cold.”
“What would you like me to say? That I’m madly in love with her and seduced her last night? That she is carrying my child?”
“That would be splendid.” The duke chuckled. “When should we share the happy news? I shall send for a special license immediately.”
“Perhaps I should propose first?” Chance said sarcastically. “I invited her to tea today and thought I could speak to her then.”
“Wonderful. I can’t wait to hear her response.” The duke smiled.
“I think that we ought to be alone when I propose. Shouldn’t it be romantic or something?”
“Or something.” The duke chuckled again.
Chance shook his head in exasperation. “I’m not negotiating this. I will speak to her alone.”
He frowned with disappointment. “Do as you wish, but I will be the one to inform her family. After the debacle of last night, I don’t want her mother and sister getting in the way of things. If I had it within my power, I’d have them banished to the Outer Hebrides.” The duke opened his paper again and resumed reading.
Chance smiled. He finished his breakfast and left his father to his morning routine. He had his own plans to make and his own duties to attend.
After having lunch with his father’s secretary to go over crops and tenants that needed attention, he grew impatient and decided to ride over to Obedience’s home to see if she might like to go for a ride. There was no better privacy than open country miles away from prying eyes and ears.
Picking one of his father’s thoroughbreds, a muscular dappled gray, he rode toward Obedience’s home enjoying the freedom of riding at full gallop over hills and meadows. It had been so long since he had ridden with such freedom, he almost forgot how exhilarating it could be. Cresting the hillside, he was surprised to find a rider on the other side going full tilt right at him. He cut to the side, cursing the rider, and circled around to give chase.
The rider slowed at the top of the hill, looked back to see him gaining on him, and kicked his horse into motion again. Chance chased the rider over the hill and into the meadow. He bellowed to the rider to halt, but his shouts went unheard. It was up to him to ride him to the ground. He picked up speed, cursing the rider for his reckless cutting and darting across the meadow. The rider curved to the right and headed toward land dissected by low walls and hedges and more open. Chance continued to gain on him, but the rider kept his lead as they approached the first hedge. He wore a wide brimmed hat, white shirt, and blue breeches tucked into top boots. He had to be a boy given his size, and a reckless one at that, most likely a stable hand. He approached the first hedge, and without slowing, soared over it with ease. Chance followed, landing with a grunt as the boy put more distance between them. It had been years since Chance had done any jumping. He was going to feel it later.
The boy looked back briefly, and Chance saw an arrogant smile. The rest of his face was shadowed by the hat. Then the boy came off his rear, leaning over the neck of the horse and urging it faster. Chance began to do the same, but something caught his eye. It was the breeches. Specifically, the curve of the derriere in the breeches caught his eye.
“Damn it to hell.” He tried to see the legs of the horse, but they moved so quickly he couldn’t identify the markings. They were approaching a low wall. It looked like a relatively easy jump but if the rider in front of him was whom he suspected it to be, he was going to have a heart attack the moment she jumped it. Her head whipped back toward him again, and this time she gave him a teasing smile, and he was positive it was she. He waved at her to face forward. God damn it but she rode like a hellion, and in breeches no less.
She faced forward, coming at the wall again without slowing, and leaped over it in a graceful arc. Chance almost exhaled in relief before she hit the ground, but suddenly, she jerked to the side and dove off her horse.
Chance reined in his horse, skidding to a stop just before the wall. He leaped from his horse and vaulted over the wall. “Obedience!” he shouted. Her horse was sliding through the mud, frantically trying to find footing.
“I’m here,” she said breathlessly.
He turned and found her on her side, lying in thick dark mud. He ran to her, skidding to kneel beside her. “Are you hurt? Tell me where it hurts?” His hands cradled her head.
“I’m fine, I think.” She tried to sit up.
“Don’t move,” he urged.
“I’m fine,” Obedience assured him. “Lost my breath a little at first, but really I’m fine, and this mud smells terrible.” She tried to sit up again, and he let her, his arm sliding behind her back.
“You’re lucky you didn’t break your neck, you careless minx. You ride like a madman.”
“I didn’t know the mud would be here. Had it not, my jump would have been flawless.”
Chance scowled. “Flawless or not, you nearly killed yourself.”
“I knew what to do. I chose to jump to save Tulip and me from injury.” Obedience looked at her hands in disgust. She was soaked in mud along her right side from shoulder to boot. Chance remained silent as she moved her limbs, checking for injuries. She wiggled her fingers at him. “See, I’m fine.”
“And the breeches?” he said without a trace of humor.
Obedience looked down at her muddied legs. “Nothing a good washing won’t fix.”
Chance cursed and stood, offering a hand to help her up. “That is not what I meant. What in the bloody blazes are you doing wearing breeches in the first place?”
“I’ve noticed you curse rather openly and frequently in front of me,” Obedience observed.
He brought his face close to hers. “What do you expect? You’re either jumping into creeks in nothing but a shift or leaping walls in breeches. You drive a sane man to curse.”
Obedience laughed. It wasn’t a compliment by any means, but for some reason she felt pleased. “I had no idea I had such power over you.”
“I fail to see the humor in this situation. If we are to marry, you can’t be so reckless,” Chance said angrily.
Obedience stepped back in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”
Chance frowned. “I didn’t mean it to come out like that.”
“Like what exactly? How else does one say the words ‘if we are to marry’?” she asked incredulously.
“What I meant was—ah hell.” He turned and walked away. He stopped by her mare, and resting his hand on her neck, he looked out over the field.
Obedience stared after him in a stupor, standing in ankle deep mud, and unable to look at anything but him. He was covered in mud from the knee down, his hands muddy, and yet somehow he still looked impeccable. Tulip, her mare, nuzzled his shoulder and he patted her nose. It was then that Obedience noticed she was favoring her right foreleg. She walked over to them and bent to examine it.
“I think she sprained it,” she said without looking at him.
Chance bent down and palpated the leg. Tulip nickered and nudged him. “Easy, girl.” He soothed her and finally looked up at Obedience. “I agree. She can't bear a rider now.” He put his hands on his hips in agitation. His face was set, his eyes far more serious than she was used to. “I wanted this moment to be different—better, but the heart of the matter is… I think we should marry.”
Obedience felt her heart thumping heavily in her chest. She wondered if this is what it felt like before one fainted. She placed her hand on Tulip’s neck to ground herself. “Because of the kiss?”
Chance looked away again, his eyes scanning their surroundings. “Yes and no. We should marry because I need a wife, and you deserve to be treated better than your family treats you. The kiss only affirmed that we would suit each other.”
As proposals went, it was god awful, even for someone as practical and unromantic as Obedience. She never daydreamed about falling in love and g
etting married the way other girls did. She had never given it much thought, except she did think about Chance, and she did dream about being in love with him, though she would never admit it to anyone. This moment was not a dream come true. It was a blow to her heart.
“That we would suit,” she murmured, more to herself than to him.
“It’s why I kissed you last night. I wanted to see if there could be any passion between us.”
She looked up at that. “You mean like an experiment? You kissed me as an experiment?” She turned and walked away, pulling Tulip by the reins behind her. She didn’t want to hear anything more, or she might do something embarrassing like cry. She could already feel her cheeks burning in humiliation.
“Obedience, wait.” Chance caught up with her and pulled her to face him. “I’m more charming than this I swear, ask anyone in town. I’m still trying to ask you to marry me. I’m failing miserably, but I’m still trying.”
“I have yet to hear you actually ask,” Obedience said in distress.
“I’m sorry.” He stepped in front of her so she couldn’t take another step. “I really meant this to be special, but I guess, well…” He went down on one knee before her, still holding her hand.
He looked ridiculous, they both did, and Obedience was tempted to laugh except... There was something earnest in his eyes, so she didn’t.
“Obedience, will you marry me?”
Her heart thumped excitedly. She would love to say yes, except he hadn’t said anything that convinced her she should. “No.” He didn’t look surprised that she refused. He knew her so well. He stood and let go of her hand.
“May I ask why?”
“You may.” She smiled. She was actually relieved that they got it over and done with.
He scowled at her. “Why won’t you marry me?”
“You don’t love me, not that way at least. Why on earth would we marry?” She could see his jaw clench.
“That is precisely why I kissed you last night, to prove that despite our not being in love, we could have a satisfying marriage and learn to love each other.”