“Marc?” Amy said.
“My brother didn’t acquire the nickname Hawk until after our father’s death.”
She was silent a moment. “You must have felt torn between your brother and father.”
He shrugged. “It happened a long time ago. There’s nothing to be done about it now.”
Amy suspected the events had affected him far more than he wanted to let on.
“Do you remember seeing Brandon at my brother’s wedding?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, your cousin,” she said.
“He’s not my cousin; he’s Marc’s son.”
Amy inhaled on a sharp breath.
“I didn’t know until last summer,” he said.
Amy was more than a little stunned. Apparently, his family had hushed up the scandal. Now she and Will had brought more problems into their lives. “At least you and your brother are closer now.”
“He’s six years older, and I haven’t spent much time at home.”
Amy wondered if he had traveled for so long to avoid his family and all that they left unsaid. “Your new position will bring you closer to your brother.”
“Marc is the head of the family. He tries to be fair to everyone, but that never works.”
“I think you have a wonderful family, imperfect as all families are,” she said. “Your sisters were very sweet to me. I look forward to knowing them better.”
He sat up. “Be careful of my sisters, Patience in particular.”
“What do you mean?” She sat up as well.
“Patience tries to rule over everyone. She seems to think that it’s her duty to tell others how to live their lives, and she’s not subtle at all about it.”
“She’s the eldest sister, so it’s probably just a habit,” Amy said.
He shook his head. “I’m serious, Amy. My family could come between us if you’re not careful.”
“Will, surely you exaggerate.”
“You don’t understand. If they get wind of something they don’t approve of, they hold family meetings. Hawk as the head of the family brings up the subject, and everyone confronts the problem family member. It’s like the Inquisition.”
“Will, are you not mistaking genuine concern for meddling?”
“The point is they will nose into our affairs if you give them an inch, and I really want a bit of distance from them. I don’t want them interfering, so we won’t be spending a great deal of time with them.”
Her smile faded as the disappointment set in. “I really want to know your family better.”
“Amy, they will intrude if we allow it, and no matter how well-meaning they are, they can cause problems. I want to keep what happens in our marriage as private as possible.”
“Of course I will keep our private life private.” Did he think she would reveal their intimate conversations?
He released a loud sigh. “I did not mean to insinuate that you would tell them things that should be private. I mean to warn you to be cautious when speaking about us. I think my sisters expect me to mistreat you. They’re looking to pounce, so don’t inadvertently give them any ammunition.”
She thought about what he’d said for several minutes, and then something occurred to her. Amy hesitated to bring up the matter, but after hearing about the way his family ignored problems, she decided to be honest. “You probably will be angry when I say this, but haven’t you given your family cause to expect trouble?”
He shot out of bed. “I can see where your loyalties lie.”
She threw back the covers, hopped off the bed, and marched around it until she stood before him. “This has nothing to do with loyalty. You are angry because I spoke the truth.”
“I’m angry because you’re not taking me seriously. I told you about my family because I don’t want them to come between us. God knows, we’ve got enough problems without adding their fuel to the fire.”
“Lower your voice,” she said. “I won’t let you shout at me.”
“Never mind. This isn’t going to work tonight.” He turned round and stalked over to the door.
“You can’t resolve problems by sweeping them under the carpet.”
He turned toward her, breathing audibly. For a moment, she was a little intimidated, but if she didn’t stand up to him now, he would conclude he could run roughshod over her to get his way. On the other hand, she must not forget his pride. “Will, I understand what you are saying about your family. You are right. I don’t know them well.”
“Obviously,” he said.
She’d been honest with him when she’d said he’d given his family reason to be suspicious. He’d accused her of being disloyal, and now she realized that she’d wounded him.
Amy approached him. “I always wanted brothers and sisters, so to me your family seems wonderful. But you are my husband, and you will always come first. Always. And if anyone ever criticizes you in my presence, I will defend you.”
He threw his arms round her and held her tightly. She wondered if anyone had ever defended him before. Amy sensed there was more beneath the surface. His sisters had laughed while telling her about Will running away when he was young. At the time, Amy had seen it as a childish prank, but now she wondered if there had been a reason for it. She would not probe again tonight. He needed the comfort she’d sworn to give him.
She kissed his cheek. “Come back to bed with me. I promised you a first course.”
He kissed her neck and inhaled. “I think you should design prettier nightclothes for ladies—something sheer.”
“I’m sure others would view it as scandalous.” She wondered if his paramours had donned sheer night rails, but she decided never to discuss the women of his past, especially in the bedchamber. No good would come of that subject, and she was better off not knowing the particulars.
“I have a request,” he said. “Will you be offended if I remove my trousers? I’m wearing drawers.”
“I suppose the drawers count as an article of clothing,” she said.
He chuckled and walked with her to the bed. Then he grasped her waist, picked her up, and set her on the mattress. She scrambled beneath the covers, turned on her side, and watched him unbutton the falls of his trousers. He shucked the trousers, kicked them up with his foot, and threw them on the chaise. A ribbon tied his loose-fitting drawers, and he was clearly already aroused.
“Are you always this… amorous?” she said.
“I’m a good soldier and ready to salute you.”
She fell back on the mattress, laughing.
He eased inside the covers and lay on his side. “What are you serving for the first course, wife?”
“Kisses?” she said.
He pulled her against his body. She could feel his aroused sex against her stomach.
“Let me have a taste,” he said.
He gave her a lush tongue kiss, one that made her breathless and tingly all over. When she reciprocated, he made a rough male sound. “You taste so sweet.” He kissed her again. His muscular body emanated heat, and she felt him harden against her stomach.
She placed her palms on his chest and swirled her fingers through the hair there. Then she kissed him where his heart was pounding. She decided to experiment and licked one of his flat nipples.
He inhaled quickly.
She licked the other one.
“Lie back,” he said, pressing her into the mattress. Then he untied the drawstring of her night rail and pushed it down her shoulders. He helped her free her arms. Then he cupped her breasts and circled his thumbs over her nipples.
She inhaled on a trembling breath.
“You have sensitive nipples,” he said. “I’ll be gentle.”
She’d no idea what he meant until he bent his head and took her in his mouth. When he suckled her, the most indescribable pleasure flooded her veins. Her back bowed. She reached for his head and threaded her fingers through his thick hair.
He switched to her other breast, and she gave herself up to the heated sensa
tions. She realized she was panting, but she didn’t care about anything except the wondrous feelings coursing through her. Gradually, she became aware of dampness between her thighs. She didn’t understand what was happening to her body, but she felt hollow inside her most private place. A strange need to be filled engulfed her.
He drew on her nipple, and then he licked it. She opened her eyes to find him looking at her breasts, and once again, she wondered if he found her inadequate.
“Your breasts are beautiful,” he said. “They’re perfectly shaped.”
He could not know how happy he’d made her.
“I want to make love to you so badly,” he said. “By the time we do make love, we’ll probably burn down the bed.”
She laughed. “You say the funniest things.”
“Oh, I have plans for that eventful night—actually the entire week.”
She turned on her side. “If you win.”
“I will.”
“Tell me your plans,” she said.
He touched her nose. “No, it will be a surprise.”
“You already surprised me tonight. I didn’t know men suckled women.”
“Did you like it?”
“You know I did.”
He chuckled. “Ah, well, I’d love to stay, but I don’t trust myself.”
“I wish you would,” she said.
“Are you caving in?” he said in a hopeful tone.
“Absolutely not, but I would love to cuddle with you.”
“I won’t be able to sleep for wanting you,” he said. “And don’t think to trick me into losing this wager.”
“You still have to prove you’re reformed.”
He kissed her cheek and got out of bed. “Eighteen more days,” he said. “You’d better rest up now, before the weeklong bedding.”
She threw a pillow at him, and he dodged.
“Oops, I think you killed Laurence,” he said.
She laughed.
“Good night, sweetheart.”
She didn’t take his endearment to heart, but she did feel they had turned a corner tonight. He’d talked about his family and their issues. There was still much she needed to know about Will in order to fully understand him. But for the first time, she held real hope for their marriage.
All along, she’d been pessimistic, even when she’d vowed to see to his happiness and comfort. Tonight, however, she believed that she’d answered a need within him when she’d told him that he would always come first and that she would defend him.
He’d given her a gift as well, though he didn’t know it. She’d been so afraid that he would find her wanting, but he was pleased with her. While she believed that establishing an emotional bond with him was more important, she’d learned tonight that lovemaking was a part of that bond. She’d felt closer to him tonight. He’d given her pleasure and made her laugh.
She dared to hope that in time they might share tender feelings.
Chapter Ten
Amy approved the housekeeper’s accounts and met with Cook over the menu. Afterward, she retrieved her sketchbook and went to the parlor to draw additional designs. Yesterday morning, she’d received a letter from Madame DuPont. The dressmaker had congratulated her on her advantageous marriage and wished to know if Amy still intended to provide designs. Amy responded with an affirmative and promised to call with new designs next week.
Will strolled into the parlor. “I hoped you might like to go for a walk with me.”
“I will gladly take that walk with you. Let me get my spencer, and I’ll join you here in a few minutes.”
He squeezed her hand. “Take your time.”
She felt a bit guilty about agreeing to take her designs to Madame DuPont next week. She’d not even thought to check with Will first, but it felt silly to ask permission. She acknowledged that much of her guilt resulted from the secret she kept from him. The chances of Will discovering her secret were very small. Only Amy and Madame DuPont knew, and the modiste valued Amy’s designs too much to do anything that would put her in jeopardy.
As she walked upstairs, her conscience troubled her. Perhaps she ought to tell him about the compensation, but she ought to have confessed that earlier. Now he would wonder why she’d kept silent. How could she tell him that she didn’t trust him? For her, it was simply a matter of protecting herself in the event she found out that he was a wastrel. If he discovered that she’d deceived him, he would view her actions as a betrayal. The chance of that happening was minuscule. Madame DuPont would never say a word, and Amy knew the modiste had already benefitted from featuring her designs.
Her reasons were sound, but she was taking a risk, albeit a small one. The only way he would ever find out was if he incurred a large debt, and in that event, he would have no right to object. Why then did she feel so bad about it?
Because she’d developed a bit of a tendre for him.
He was doing more than making an effort to court her. She remembered how he’d shared a painful part of his life last night, and the way he’d hugged her when she’d told him he would always come first. Now she realized that it wasn’t entirely true, because she was putting the money she earned ahead of him.
As Anna helped her into the spencer, Amy told herself not to allow her developing feelings to interfere with her good sense. She must be practical until she knew him better. Even though she believed her decision was sound, she still felt a twinge of unease as she left her bedchamber.
She was halfway down the stairs when the bell rang. Will strode out of the parlor and frowned. “The mail came earlier. It seems we have callers. Deuce take it. You would think people would have the decency to leave us in peace.”
Voices sounded in the foyer. Amy stepped onto the marble floor and took Will’s arm. Then a familiar squeak drew their attention. Poppet ran across the marble floor and rubbed against Will’s legs.
“Poppet, where did you come from?” he said, lifting the kitten in his arms.
Hawk and Julianne walked inside.
“Sorry to disturb you,” Hawk said, looking a bit abashed. “Your cat cried for three nights in a row, so I thought we’d better bring her to you.”
Julianne hugged Amy. “Are you happy?” she said.
Amy couldn’t help blushing. “Yes, I am.” She’d uttered the words without thinking, but now she realized that it was true. In spite of her grave misgivings, he had been attentive and fair. Of course, she found him charming. He was at his most irresistible when he was jesting or teasing.
“We won’t disturb you any longer,” Hawk said.
“Nonsense,” Amy said. “At least have a cup of tea with us.”
“Are you certain?” Julianne said. “I feel as if we’re intruding.”
“I insist,” Amy said.
They sat in the parlor and Amy served tea.
Julianne grinned. “I know you haven’t heard the news, because Georgette’s mother thinks it’s indelicate to write letters to newlyweds.”
“What news?” Amy asked.
“Georgette and Beau are engaged.”
“I thought I’d never see the day.” Amy smiled. “Oh, I am so happy for her. I wish she and Beau would call.”
“Beau is traveling with Georgette and her parents to her aunt Marianne’s home in Bath,” Julianne said.
“Oh, no,” Amy said, laughing. She looked at Will. “Georgette’s aunt Marianne drinks vinegar thrice daily, complains constantly about her gout, and has a stinky old hound named Herbert.”
“Let us hope Lady Georgette warned Beaufort,” Will said.
“Julianne, how is little Emma?” Amy asked.
Julianne beamed. “She laughs now, especially at Marc.”
Hawk sighed. “Everyone laughs at me. I can’t imagine why.”
Poppet jumped on Will’s lap. “Ugh, your claws are digging into my trousers,” he said, sitting the cat beside him.
“Will, there is no rush,” Hawk said, “but when you’re ready, I’d like to discuss your duties.”<
br />
“Do take your time,” Julianne said. “You have a honeymoon only once.”
Amy exchanged a quick glance with Will. They had not consummated their marriage, and for some reason that fact suddenly loomed large in the room. But what they did or did not do in privacy was no one else’s concern.
“Take at least another fortnight,” Hawk said.
Amy saw an opportunity and leaped at it. “Actually, I have to take some sketches to the modiste next week. Will, perhaps that would be a good time for the two of you to meet.”
Will regarded her with raised brows. “Can’t you just have them delivered?”
“I need to consult with her about the fabrics,” Amy said. Oh, dear, she was getting deeper and deeper into her deception. The real reason she needed to visit the shop was to pick up the purse, but she could always do that later. “I’m sorry, Will. There’s no rush.”
He grinned. “You want to shop.”
Julianne laughed. “Oh, I think he already knows you too well, Amy.”
“I’m found out.” She found it difficult to meet Will’s eyes.
“Then it is decided,” Will said. “I will call on you next week, Hawk.”
“And I will go shopping with Amy,” Julianne said.
“That would be lovely,” Amy said. She would have to take Madame DuPont aside for the money exchange, and that made her uneasy.
“We had better leave the newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon,” Hawk said.
Amy and Will followed them to the door and waved good-bye.
After the carriage rolled away, Amy turned to Will. “I’m sorry. It was thoughtless of me to arrange to call on the modiste.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t think the meeting with Hawk will take long. I may meet my friends at the club while you’re shopping. That way, you won’t feel as if you must hurry.”
Why did it feel as if they were cutting their honeymoon short? She had no one else to blame but herself. If she’d not opened that invisible door, he wouldn’t be meeting his friends. That worried her more than a little, because they were undoubtedly rakes and might influence him.
Rain pattered the walkway. “I suppose we weren’t destined to walk today,” he said.
How to Ravish a Rake Page 19