by HELEN HARDT
He had courted Lady Rose Jamison for a couple of months. She had been the epitome of what he thought he wanted—socially adept, from a good family of peers, beautiful, intelligent, soft, and gentle. Alexandra might be beautiful and intelligent, but she certainly didn’t fit in any of the other categories he’d thought were so important to him.
None of it mattered now anyway. She had proven what kind of person she was.
He was done.
Done or not, though, he did need to speak to her. He had to make sure she didn’t go running to Mummy and new Daddy crying rape. He slipped on his robe and poured himself a brandy. Rather than sipping, he swallowed the amber liquid quickly, burning his throat.
He walked out of his suite and down the staircase to the second floor. The hallways were dark, and he hadn’t brought a candle with him, but he knew this place like the back of his hand. Alexandra was probably sleeping, but he didn’t care. They needed to talk. When he got to her room, he knocked gently.
No response.
He knocked harder. Still no response. “Alexandra?” He knocked again.
Still nothing.
He inched open her door a bit. “Alexandra?” he said again.
He walked through the sitting area and stood at the doorway into her bedchamber. He knocked again. Still nothing.
This had gone far enough. He opened the door and walked in. “Alexandra,” he said, “I need to speak with you.”
He lit a lamp on her bed table.
No!
She was not there. His heart beat rapidly and his breathing accelerated. He looked around the chamber. A small piece of parchment lay on her pillow. He unfolded it.
Sophie,
I rose early and decided to spend the day out-of-doors. I packed a small luncheon and plan to be gone with a good book most of the day. Please do not worry.
Ally
That little minx! Evan knew very well where she had gone—London.
No chance of sleeping for him this night. He’d have to go after her.
A half an hour later, after interrogating the servants, he found out that one of them had been paid off to get Alexandra to Bath tonight. His business would have to wait. Evan promptly dismissed the man in question and rode his stallion, Leopold, into Bath. After checking the inns and rooming houses, he located Alexandra, ironically, at the same hotel where he’d spent the previous night. Rather than abducting her and taking her back to the estate, he booked a room himself. He would deal with this in the morning.
And he would deal with it in London. Forcing her to go back to the estate would be futile. She would only run again. The woman was determined to go, so rather than trying to stop her, he would simply follow her.
* * *
Alexandra woke early the next morning, her backache increased from sleeping in a bed she was not used to. She rang for a hot tub, bathed quickly, dressed in her traveling clothes, ate a light breakfast, and walked to the railway station.
Freedom! Within days she would be a married woman, and her freedom would be limited. However, her purse would not be limited. Still, she would relish these last few days of liberty. She inhaled the summer breeze on the sunny July day.
Big mistake. She was no longer in the country. In the city, the aroma was vile. Clearly not everyone had indoor plumbing in Bath. She wrinkled her nose. London would likely be no better.
But London was where her future lay. She reached the railway station, purchased her ticket to London, and sat down to await her train. She gazed around at all the people. Other women her age appeared to be riding the train alone, so she didn’t feel too out of place. Despite what her stepbrother might think, young women of an age frequently traveled alone. People from all walks of life gathered at the station—young women like herself, many young businessmen, families with small children, and older couples as well. She looked back toward the ticket booth. A man stood, his back to her, purchasing a ticket. With broad shoulders and a shock of wheat-blond hair, he could have been Evan. But of course Evan had no idea where she was. She turned her head and gazed in the other direction. She had bigger fish to catch.
The train ride was rickety, and she’d purchased an inexpensive ticket, so her seat was lumpy and uncomfortable. She hadn’t packed a lunch, so by the time they reached London she was quite famished. She disembarked and found a small café near the station where she took a repast. Then she hired a coach and asked him to take her to the Brighton townhome.
When she knocked on the door, an older gentleman opened it.
“Yes, madam, may I help you?”
“Yes, you may. I am Lady Alexandra MacIntyre, the earl’s new stepdaughter. I will be staying here for a few days while I visit a good friend in town.”
“Of course, my lady. I am Forrest Clay, the caretaker. I will summon the butler at once. We have been expecting you. We were so sorry to hear about the accident that you and Lord Evan were involved in. Is he with you?”
“No, I’m afraid he could not make it this time. He had some business that could not be avoided.”
A throat cleared behind her. “Lady Alexandra is mistaken. I am here, and I will be acting as her chaperone.”
Alexandra’s neck heated. She turned to face Evan’s angry glare. “What are you doing here?” How had he found her? Drat, he would ruin everything.
“I live here, Alexandra.” His lips were pursed into a thin line.
“Very well, then.” Alexandra entered.
Another man appeared, dressed formally. “Lord Evan, it is wonderful to see you.” The man took Evan’s valise.
“May I present my stepsister, Lady Alexandra MacIntyre. Alexandra, this is our butler, Woods.”
“A pleasure, my lady.” He took her satchel as well. “Lord Evan knows where his chamber is, but let me escort you to yours.”
Alexandra followed Woods up a winding staircase and down a hallway of doors. He stopped in front of one and opened it. “Here you are, my lady. I will send Mary to attend to you.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
The butler took his leave, and Alexandra looked around her chamber. It was a good size, though nothing like her chamber at the estate, which included a sitting room and a bath chamber. This would do nicely, however, and she was thrilled to be here. All except for that thorn in her side—Evan. Most likely he would insist upon accompanying her to the balls.
She chuckled to herself. Just days ago, when he had insisted upon accompanying her to London, she had thought it a splendid idea. Who better to catch her in the act with Mr. Landon? Now, given their past couple of days together, she wasn’t sure he was the right person at all. Nothing to be done about that. He was here, and he would be going to the balls.
Her maid, Mary, arrived shortly and helped her out of her traveling clothes.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, my lady?”
“Not at the moment, thank you. I believe I will take a short nap. I will be attending the ball this evening, so if you could be here later to help me prepare, I would appreciate it.”
“Of course, my lady.” Mary curtsied politely and left.
No sooner had Ally fallen asleep than another knock came on the door. “Drat!” she said. Who on earth could that be now? “Come in,” she called.
Mary entered again. “I’m so sorry to disturb you, my lady, but Lord Evan has requested that you ready yourself for dinner.”
Requested, had he? “You may tell Lord Evan that I will be skipping dinner this evening and napping until it is time to get ready for the evening’s festivities.”
“I’m sorry, my lady. Lord Evan is master of the manor when neither his father nor brother is present. I cannot tell him anything of the sort.”
Ally sat up and let out a heavy sigh. “That’s absolutely fine. I shall tell him myself. If you would, please select a gown for me and help me dress.”
“Yes, my lady.”
A while later, Ally walked down the hallway to Evan’s suite and knocked loudly. He ca
me to the door, looking as dashing as ever in his dinner clothes.
“Good evening, Alexandra.”
“I have come to tell you that I shall not be attending dinner this evening,” Alexandra said calmly.
“To the contrary”—Evan adjusted his cravat—“you will be attending dinner, and you will be ready to go within an hour and a half.”
Ally’s dander rose. “I have been traveling all day, as have you. I am still full from my repast after the trip. There is no reason for me to go to dinner with you.”
“There is every reason for you to go.”
“And what may I ask might that be?”
“Because I have said that it will be so.” He gave her a smirk.
Oh, he had a lot of nerve, this one. So determined to be controlling.
“You have no authority over me.” Her cheeks warmed. How she wished that were so. But her mother and stepfather had left Evan to look after her and Sophie. And Evan, being an honorable man, took his post seriously.
“Very well, then. You do not have to go to dinner. However, if you do not accompany me, I will place you under house arrest for the remainder of the evening, including the ball later. And don’t think you can pay any of these servants off. They have been in the Brighton employ for decades, and they are not so easily swayed. Besides, I have instructed Woods that you are not to be trusted.”
The nerve! She clenched her hands, grabbing fistfuls of her satin gown. “Does it make you feel like more than a second son to exercise such control over another human being?”
“Alexandra, none of this gives me any pleasure. If I had it my way, I would still be in Wiltshire at the estate, passing a pleasant and relaxing evening reading a good book in my bedchamber after having dealt with my business issues, which I’ve had to neglect due to your insolence. I have no use for the season or its balls. And I have no use for dining with the Earl of St. Clair and his wife this evening. However, his daughter is betrothed to my brother, and it would be bad form not to accept their invitation. As you are now the daughter of my father’s new countess, it would also be bad form for you not to attend when you are in town.”
“Well goodness, we would never want to have bad form, would we?”
“May I remind you that none of this is of my doing? It is because you ran off to London that I was forced to follow.”
“No one forced you to follow me. I would be perfectly happy being here alone.”
“Yes, yes, of course. Visiting with your friend Lady Hortense, if she indeed exists.”
“Who in the hell is Lady Hortense?” The man was obviously losing his mind.
“Whatever the name is you gave to your fictitious friend. I am not such a complete dolt that I didn’t see through that.”
“Oh.” Ally laughed nervously. “You are speaking of Miss Prudence Spofford. Of course, I plan to see her tomorrow.”
“Prudence, Hortense, whoever. I don’t for a moment believe that this person exists. However, if you insist upon keeping up the charade, fine. I would love to make Miss Spofford’s acquaintance tomorrow.”
“Absolutely. Perhaps you will find her to your liking. She’s rather stiff and conventional.” Now she had done it. She’d have to find someone to masquerade as Miss Spofford. Or she would just say that Miss Spofford had taken ill and couldn’t receive anyone. Yes, that would work.
“I look forward to it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must continue to prepare for dinner.” He looked her over. “Is that what you’re planning to wear?”
Ally looked down at her pale yellow satin gown. Not exactly appropriate for dinner. It was more of an afternoon dress. Pale yellow was not the best for any type of eating. She would have to change again for the ball later. Why should she change now? Just because Evan didn’t find her dress appropriate was no reason in her mind. “Yes, what of it?”
Evan nodded. “It is lovely and quite becoming. Please be waiting for me in the parlor in half an hour. We will take a coach to the St. Clair London residence.”
Ally’s cheeks heated, and the top of her breasts were rosy pink when she looked down. How his words affected her. She tingled all over and suppressed a shudder. Before she could respond, Evan dismissed her by closing his door.
* * *
Evan slacked against his door and loosened his cravat, which suddenly seemed to be cutting off the air in his throat. This woman would surely send him to an early grave. He was certain there was no such person as Miss Spofford, and tomorrow he would set out to prove that. Tonight he had to go to the St. Clair residence and make nice with his brother’s future in-laws. They were perfectly fine people, and he didn’t mind their company, but he was not in the mood to socialize. Perhaps it was best that he was not the heir to the Brighton estate. His brother, Jacob, was good at this sort of thing and even enjoyed it. But not Evan. He was happy tending to his businesses, or riding Leopold, or writing poetry in his journal, or reading a good book.
If Alexandra hadn’t run away to London, none of this would be happening. And he still needed to talk to her about her behavior yesterday. He did not truly think she would accuse him of rape. He believed she had spoken in haste and on impulse. However, her words had been cruel, and he needed to resolve the issue with her.
He let out a sigh, and then jerked away from the door when a knock vibrated through him. He turned and opened the door. Woods stood before him.
“Yes?” Evan said.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, my lord, but we have a bit of an…issue.”
Confessions of Lady Prudence
by Madame O
Poor Lars’s face was red as a ripe tomato. He covered his eyes with his hand. “I beg your pardon, my lady. Please forgive my intrusion.”
I ambled toward Lars and shut the door to the parlor, locking it. I gently removed his hand from his eyes and squeezed it. “No need to apologize. And no need to cover your eyes. Please, look upon me.”
If possible, he reddened even further.
“Does the sight of me naked please you?”
“I… Er…” Lars’s voice cracked.
“Oh, how rude of me. May I present my art instructor, Monsieur Christophe Bertrand.”
Lars shifted his gaze to Christophe, who was still fully clothed. “Sir, please let me apologize…”
“If Lady Prudence is not upset by your presence, far be it for me to take offense,” Christophe said.
“I am far from offended,” said I. “In fact, I would take it as a great compliment if you would see fit to join us.”
“Oh… I…”
I thrust my hand outward and grasped the bulge in his trousers. “I see the sight of me does please you. Come, please suck on my nipples while Christophe fucks me.”
“My lady, I am new in your aunt’s employ. I cannot take the chance of losing my post.”
“Whatever makes you think you will lose your post? Would it not be more likely that you would lose your post if you did not please me, her niece?” I held up my breasts. “Tell me, Lars, do you like my pretty titties? Do you not want to nibble on them?”
“My lady, they are quite…beautiful, and I would be lying if I said you were not enticing.”
I grasped the back of his head, weaving my fingers through his silky copper hair, and pulled him downward to my breast. “Then kiss my nipple, Lars. Please.”
He bent to obey. His firm lips clamped around the tight bud, and shudders ripped through me.
“Christophe, please come and suck the other one. Never before have I experienced two sets of lips pleasuring my diddeys.”
Oh, Amelia, I can hardly describe the sensation! Christophe’s lips were firm and demanding while Lars’s were soft and timid. It was wonderful, and I nearly thought I might reach climax from the stimulation alone. Before I could, though, Christophe reached to my pussy and started stroking my tight button. Oh, I must have been dripping wet with cream! What euphoria! His fingers circled my opening, and as they both tugged on my nipples, my climax built within me. Jus
t when I thought I would burst, Christophe removed his hand.
“Christophe! Please! I was ready to come.”
“Yes, my lady, I know. But I thought it only polite to give our newcomer a chance to taste the glory that is you first.”
Chapter 13
An issue? Evan rubbed his jawline. Was it Alexandra? Had something befallen her? His heart stampeded at the thought of her being in any type of peril. But of course not. She had left him only a moment ago. “What type of issue, Woods?”
Woods cleared his throat. “Somewhat of a delicate nature, I’m afraid.”
“Is anyone hurt?”
“No. Everyone is fine. It’s just that…”
“Out with it, Woods. What is going on?”
“We found some…er…literature…outside the front door. I am wondering if it belongs to you. Perhaps it fell out of your valise?”
“I don’t recall bringing any literature with me,” Evan said.
“I can’t imagine that it belongs to Lady Alexandra.”
“What exactly is this literature of which you are speaking?”
Woods cleared his throat again. “It is of an…erotic nature.” He pulled some crumpled papers out of his pocket and handed them to Evan. “I found these right outside the front door.”
Evan held back his gasp. The Ruby. And there, of course, was the seal of his business. Well, these couldn’t possibly belong to Alexandra. “Has anyone else been by today?”
“Not that I’m aware of. The house has been closed as you know.”
“I doubt this is anything to worry about. They probably fell out of someone’s pocket, and the wind blew them onto our property. Just dispose of them.”
Evan readied to hand the papers back to Woods when a something caught his eye.
“Lady Prudence, this is my good friend, Mr. Joshua Peck. Josh, Lady Prudence Spofford.”