Realm 06 - A Touch of Love

by Regina Jeffers

  “Velvet does not suffer from more than an expanded waistline,” Lady Eleanor had grumbled when she heard the excuse. “My brother is foolish to permit the duchess her pettiness.” None of those in attendance to the conversation responded, but Carter recognized the consensus among his associates: Lady Eleanor spoke earnestly.

  “I am unclear as to Swenton’s absence,” Carter admitted. “The baron sent me a message prior to Christmastide saying he had been called to Vienna to tend an ill friend.”

  “His mother?” The marquis asked what they all assumed.

  Worthing cautioned, “None of us know for certain the woman John regularly visited was his mother.”

  Lexford suggested, “Swenton will share when he thinks the time right.” The viscount and Mercy Kimbolt had welcomed a son in December. The birth secured Kimbolt’s title, and the viscount had never been more relaxed.

  Carter caught a glimpse of Charleton’s coach through the bare trees. “Finally,” he murmured and turned for the door.

  “I suppose the baronet’s betrothed has arrived,” Crowden taunted.

  Carter called over his shoulder. “Even you cannot ruin my mood, Crowden.” He heard the women entering the main hall from an adjoining drawing room, but Carter did not slow down. He meant to enjoy Lucinda’s presence on his arm. To inhale her scent. To feel her skin beneath his lips. They would all greet her carriage, but Carter meant to be the first person she saw. When the coach came to a halt, Carter waved off Charleton’s footman to open the door and set the steps.

  “Sir Carter!” Simon called in excitement.

  He lifted the boy from the carriage and set him upon the ground. “I am pleased to see you,” he said as he ruffled the boy’s tight curls. “You have grown. I expect you to be taller than I.” The words brought a smile to the boy’s lips.

  “I have a pony, and Mr. Higgins has taught me to ride.”

  Carter caught the child’s shoulder in an encouraging grasp. “Then we must ride together soon.”

  He looked up to see Lucinda smiling lovingly upon the scene. Carter’s heart lurched before speeding up to double time. He stood there, transfixed, drinking in her beauty. “Assist your betrothed to the ground,” Worthing whispered with amusement before giving Carter a nudge with his elbow.

  Carter stumbled forward and extended his hand. “Mrs. Warren,” he said on a rasp.

  “Sir Carter,” she said sweetly. Carter made the mistake of looking into her eyes. Heaven help him. He wished to send everyone, but her, away.

  A clearing of Charleton’s throat forced their movement. Carter assisted Lucinda to the ground, placing her hand upon his arm. God! How he had missed the pressure of her palm against his forearm “Welcome, Lord Charleton,” he and Worthing said together.

  “Double my pleasure,” he grumbled as he took several stiff steps.

  Ladies Worthing and Linworth caught the earl’s arm. “Come in from the cold, my Lord,” Worthing’s mother said cordially. “It has been a most damp summer and now a like winter. I hope the weather changes to sunshine soon.”

  Carter permitted the others to precede them. He knew the serene mask upon Lucinda’s countenance hid her passion, as well as her anxiety. “I thought this day would never arrive,” he whispered into Lucinda’s ear.

  She blushed, but she tilted her chin upward. “I thought it a dream until I saw you waiting on Uncle’s carriage.”

  “This time tomorrow, you will be Lady Lowery, and I will be the happiest of men.”

  At ten of the clock, they had spoken their vows before family and friends. Lawrence had stood with Carter, while Lord Charleton had escorted Lucinda to the altar. She was beautiful in a light blue gown of silk–simple but elegant, and the sun for which Lady Linworth searched rose in Lucinda’s eyes–golden flecks of light radiating from deep within her soul. His heart filled with hope and his body with desire. In his need for perfection, Carter often second-guessed his decisions, but not the one to marry Lucinda.

  While Doctor Perry read from the Book of Common Prayer, Carter had reflected on how he had been the only one from his unit to have married by common license–to have waited a reasonable time to marry–to have honored his betrothed with the respect of not anticipating their vows nor had he teased Lucinda with more than several intimate kisses. He would never criticize the others, each of his friends had had his reasons for how he had conducted his courtship, but Carter had always known he would treat the woman, who would be his wife, with deep esteem.

  “It is time to depart,” he whispered. They had enjoyed the hospitality the Linworths had extended during the wedding breakfast. “The sky has darkened, and we will likely know snow.” Unlike Law and Bella’s wedding journey, Carter could not be away from London for months. He meant to leisurely escort Lucinda south to spend time at Huntingborne before he returned to his position in London.

  “Permit me to speak my farewells to my uncle and Simon. Mr. Watkins has placed my bags upon your coach.” She squeezed Carter’s hand. “I shan’t be long.”

  Carter turned first to his mother and the baron. “I will send word when Lady Lowery and I have arrived in Kent.”

  His mother kissed Carter’s cheek. “I am so proud of you,” she whispered softly. “No mother could ask for a better son. “

  “As am I,” the baron added brusquely. He extended his hand, and Carter willing clasped it. He and the baron would never know comfort in their opinions, but they would know love.

  “Thank you, Sir.” He caught his mother’s hand tightly. “Are you to Staffordshire and Field Hall when you depart from here?”

  “Your mother will travel on to be with Maria during your sister’s lying in,” the baron explained. “I will return to Blake’s Run with your brother and Lady Hellsman.”

  Carter chuckled. “It has been a season of momentous occasions for the Blakehells. First, Louisa presented McLauren with another daughter, followed closely by the appearance of Nicholas and the securing of the barony, and now my marriage to Lucinda. All remaining is Maria’s delivery of Sheffield’s second child.”

  His mother sighed wistfully. “We are blessed most assuredly.” A second kiss to her cheek bid the woman who was the family’s rock a farewell.

  He made his way about the room: his Realm friends, Law and Bella, as well as Delia and Viscount Duff. He expressed his gratitude to Worthing’s parents and to the wives of the Realm for their attention to the ceremony’s details.

  Finally, he found Pennington. “You may reach me at Huntingborne if you require my assistance,” he said privately.

  Pennington smiled easily. “The world will go on without you, Lowery. Enjoy your wife. Start a family. Know you are not indispensable.”

  Carter frowned. “Yours is not the most inspirational advice I have ever heard.”

  “Yet, it is the most honest advice. What makes the difference is what we leave behind. You should have a dozen children who will bring you joy and carry forth your name. That should be your destiny. What you do for England through the Home Office may be forgotten, but not what you teach your children. Change England through them.”

  Carter considered Pennington’s advice. The Realm’s leader had taught him everything Carter knew of intrigue and of responsibility. He nodded his gratitude. “Then I will rejoin you in London in a fortnight.”

  Despite the heavy snow, Mr. Watkins had managed to maneuver the coach well, but Carter had insisted they stop at the next available inn. He would not risk Lucinda’s life, that of his servants, nor of his animals.

  “Yes, Sir?” The rotund innkeeper asked as he rushed forward to greet them.

  Carter slid his calling card across the table. “Lady Lowery and I require one of your best rooms.”

  The innkeeper read the card and smiled broadly. “Of course, Sir. I imagine with the weather we will be quite crowded this evening, but you and your lady are early enough to claim your choice of rooms.”

  Carter shot Lucinda a quick glance, and his lovely wife blushed. �
��We will require privacy,” he said and slipped a coin across the table. “I trust your judgment.”

  “This way, Sir.” The innkeeper led them to a large room, which overlooked the back of the inn. Carter appreciated the lack of noise from the arriving carriages.

  “We will require a meal a bit later. Your lady’s best. Also your finest wine delivered immediately. My men will also require lodging from the storm.”

  “I will see to it personally, Sir Carter.” With that, he left them alone.

  They had spent time without chaperones previously–had traveled together– had seen each other at his worst, but this moment was different. She belonged to him, and the word mine tapped out a soft tattoo in his brain. “Come here, Wife,” he said with a seductive note.

  In the carriage, they had exchanged several heated kisses, and he had run his hand up her leg, dangerously close to her most private place, but her husband had showed great control; however, now he need not know restraint. He was the man she loved, and Lucinda had wanted to know Carter Lowery for what seemed forever, but at the moment, she could think only how she would likely disillusion him.

  “Come here, Wife,” he said seductively. Lucinda tentatively extended her hand in his direction. He caught her fingers and gave a little tug. She went willingly into his embrace. “I will not hurt you, Lucinda,” he whispered as he kissed her temple. An aching desire spread through her loins.

  Her husband lifted her into his arms, cradling her upon his lap as he sat in a nearby chair. Carter’s mouth claimed hers, and Lucinda melted into him. The months apart had brought her great apprehension. More than once she had asked herself, “What if Sir Carter realizes he has made a mistake?” But he had showed no signs of a lessening of his desire for her. To fill her days in Lancashire, Lucinda had read numerous books regarding England’s historical and political past. She meant to make Sir Carter a worthy mate–to speak with confidence. She had also sneaked her uncle’s books dealing with the intimacy between a man and a woman. Those books she had devoured and had returned to several times. In addition to pleasing Carter by supporting his career, Lucinda meant to please him in bed also.

  “I love you,” he whispered as their lips parted.

  Carter meant to know her slowly–to teach Lucinda of intimacies. “I love you,” he whispered. “I am your husband, not your master.” He peppered her cheek and neck with nips and kisses. “We must live our lives as partners.” His tongue circled the soft indentation at the base of Lucinda’s neck. Her breath hitched, and white-hot passion shot through his veins. He set her from him where he could look upon her countenance. His finger traced the delicate line of her jaw and the silky cream of her skin. “Do you understand my hopes for us, Lucinda?”

  Her eyes held her growing desire: She shook her head in the negative. “Not in the least,” she murmured before laying her head upon his chest.

  Carter chuckled. “I planned this great speech on how we must learn to trust each other–to please each other–how this first time may not be perfect.” His words might have made more sense if his wife had not run her tongue around his ear and down his neck.

  “Carter,” she murmured. “Bella warned me you plan every detail of every day, but you should know I learn best by doing.”

  A cold sweat broke upon his brow. “You are the most…the most…tempting woman…” Carter could not finish his thoughts; Lucinda’s softly swollen lips were too enticing.

  His heart lurched. A tremor of desire shot through him. “Lucinda, I mean to carry you to the bed. If you are not prepared for my attentions, say so now.”

  Carter had thought she might balk–might beg for more time. Instead, Lucinda pulled herself closer, pressing her breasts to the plane of his chest, and then she kissed him deeply. “Make me yours forever, Carter,” she murmured.

  He hardened completely, his erection straining against his breeches. Without another word, Carter lifted her to him to stand. Lucinda buried her face into the crook of his neck, her warm breath tantalizing Carter’s skin. His wife meant freely to give herself over to him–to do what he desired: to trust him. Blood pumping boldly through his veins, Carter carried her to the bed. He thought to ask her if she wished to undress in private, but one glance to Lucinda’s glazed expression said otherwise.

  I learn best by doing, she had declared. In that case, Carter would teach her not to fear his intimacies. He set her feet upon the floor before him. As he kissed her forehead, Carter worked the small pearl buttons, which ran down the front of her gown. Her eyes followed his hands’ movements, and she blushed, but she did not turn away.

  Carter spread the cloth to expose her corset, which lifted her globes higher. Carter could not remove his eyes from the possibilities. He draped the cloth over first one shoulder and then the other to permit her gown to pool at her feet. Lucinda’s breath quickened, and Carter grew uncomfortably harder. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered hoarsely. She stood before him, the gauzy silk of her gown barely covering her luscious curves.

  He stripped away his jacket and waistcoat before sending his cravat flying. Thankfully, Lucinda did not appear shocked. Of course, she had viewed men’s bodies when she had tended soldiers during the war. Perhaps he had prepared himself for a reaction she would not portray. Lucinda was an innocent, but a woman with experience most ladies of the ton would never know. It was a confusing reality. Thusly, Carter abandoned all his preconceived ideas regarding his wife. Tugging his shirttail free, he pulled the cloth over his head to stand before her partially clothed.

  Carter looked his fill and permitted Lucinda the same privilege. Her skin pinked, but his wife’s eyes held the same hunger as his. “Touch me,” he said on a rasp.

  While her fingers trailed lines of fire across his chest, Carter removed the pins from her hair and permitted the mass of gold to drape over her shoulders and down her back. Her hair was not as heavy as Carter had expected, but it was much longer than he realized–hanging to well past her waist. He cupped her jaw and bent to kiss her tenderly. “I am blessed among men.” He kissed her a second time, more demanding. Lucinda’s palms stroked his bare chest and back. “I wish to see all of you,” he whispered close to her ear, and his wife nodded her agreement.

  Once again his hands returned to her clothing. He unlaced her corset and sent it in the direction of his cravat. Her breasts were full, her nipples standing pertly at attention beneath her chemise. Carter impatiently slipped the cloth over her shoulders and down her back. Except for her stockings and slippers, Lucinda stood before him, naked. He ran his hands over her skin, not touching her intimately, but claiming her as his. Then he cupped her hips and nudged her closer.

  “May I?” she asked quietly as she reached for the placket of his breeches. His wife was a bold one. Carter should have realized she would be so. Lucinda had rushed into danger to save him. How could he ever think of her as timid? Her courage brought him complete acceptance.

  “You may always touch me–anytime you desire.”

  Lucinda laughed self-consciously. “You do not think me odd?” The back of her hand brushed against his erection, and Carter closed his eyes to the pleasure.

  “I think you glorious,” he groaned, catching her hand and placing the palm over his throbbing manhood. His hips thrust into her palm while he held her against him. She was awkward, but it was exquisitely heady to have a wife willing to explore his body. He sculpted her arms, her back, and her hips.

  Carter caught her in his embrace and led her down to the counterpane. His mouth found hers–demanding her surrender. Their tongues dueled–breaths mingled–her heat becoming his.

  Sliding down her body, her tongue laved first one nipple and then the other. He captured each in his mouth to suck softly. His body afire. Carter meant to go slowly, but the images, which had tormented him over the past three months, set his blood to boiling. In his dreams, he had made love to Lucinda in every possible manner.

  Her passion grabbed him–thrust him into a tumult of yearni
ng. Carter returned to her mouth, his kiss hot and insistent. Raw need coursed through him. He hitched her leg about his waist so his tumefaction lay along the swell of her abdomen. She panted with anticipation.

  With each kiss, Lucinda rocked against him. Skin against skin, and Carter fought hard not to spill his seed. “I want you, Lindy,” he growled.

  Desire had invaded his brain. He slid his mouth over her neck–her shoulders–her breasts–her abdomen. Carter felt his world collapsing in upon this moment– this woman. Nothing in his life had prepared him for this need. No training. Only instincts. He listened to the sound of her breath sliding in and out of her chest. The sound of Lucinda’s heartbeat, so in tune with his.

  He raised himself on all fours where he might gaze upon her fully. She was all woman, and she was his. Her cheeks blushed red, but Lucinda did not turn her gaze from his. Instead, her eyes slid to his protruding sex, as if fascinated by his manhood. A shudder of raw need shook him to his core.

  “You are more beautiful than I ever imagined,” he confessed. Her nipples called to him. They strained against her flesh, and Carter lowered his forearm to the bed and took possession. He slid the other hand along her flesh, seeking Lucinda’s most private place. With his fist, he bumped her legs apart to open her to him. As he laved the ruched peak of her breast with his tongue, his fingers traced her wetness along the folds of her sex.

  His blood sizzled with desire, but he meant to prepare her for his entrance. Drawing her breast into his mouth, Carter suckled her while his thumb found her bud, massaging it gently–tantalizing her. He stroked her folds, separating them, before entering her with first one finger and then two. She clenched her internal muscles, as her hips rose to meet each of his thrusts. Along with his, Carter could feel her need rising, and then she was writhing, pushing against his palm, her inner muscles tightening around his fingers. Carter milked her response until she cried out his name.

  When she stilled, Carter crawled up her body to kiss her tenderly. “I hope you enjoyed your first taste of pleasure,” he whispered. “When it comes again, I mean to be inside you.”