“Ah, most ladies would not be aware of the process.”
“I am certainly happy that you are.”
Redgrave stood and, after returning the supplies to the tinderbox, rested his forearm on the mantle, staring at the fire as it grew in size and warmed the room. Mary moved a few steps toward the fire, extending her hands. “It feels very nice.”
“I’m wondering if we would have been better off riding back to the house, no matter how wet we became.”
“Why?”
He dropped his arm and faced her. “We are here, alone, half undressed, and all I can think about is making love to you.”
“Oh.”
“Yes. Oh.” The fire crackled and snapped as he regarded her, his eyes turning the darkest shade of blue she’d ever seen. He held out his hand. “Come here, love.”
His silky voice was more a command. As if he clasped a string attached to her, she took the few steps separating them, knowing in her heart she was making a decision. If she were smart she would step back, grab her wet clothes, and race to the door. Away from him and the feelings he aroused in her.
She’d already made a huge mistake allowing herself to be alone with Claremont. The fear of that incident made her draw back.
“What is it, sweetheart?” Redgrave smoothed her hair back. “Are you frightened?”
“No… Yes.” She shook her head. “I don’t know. This could be such a mistake.”
His stare burned into her. “The time has come to end this frustration between us. Do you have any idea what you do to me? How much I think about you, dream about you? Imagine you naked and flat on your back on my bed?”
She gasped. “Do not say such things.”
“Why not? They are true. I have no idea where we can go from here, if your brother will call me out tomorrow or allow me to offer for you. One thing I do know. I am falling in love with you, Lady Mary Lacey.”
Mary sucked in a deep breath. Love. What a frightening proposition. Could she allow him to make love to her with the memory of Claremont’s actions and the terror it had left her with still fresh in her mind, after all these years?
Almost as if he’d read her mind, he cupped her cheeks. “I am not Claremont. I will not force you.” He tugged her back and wrapped his arms around her. “If at any time you are at all uncomfortable, just let me know and we will stop. I give you my word.” That promise echoed in her ears as he bent his head and took her mouth in a gentle kiss.
Surrounded by his warmth and strength, all her fears faded, and she melted into him. With so little clothing between them, she felt every muscle, every corded sinew, as he shifted his body, then plundered her lips. He nibbled, sucked, licked, then entered her mouth, sweeping over all the parts he seemed to know would inflame her.
She threaded her fingers into his damp hair, hanging on, lest all these feelings flooding her body caused her knees to buckle. The warmth of the fire at her back, the scent of wood, leather, horse, and man engulfed her, bombarded her senses.
With a low groan, Redgrave swept her into his arms and strode through the door near the fireplace. “This room will not be as warm, but I promise you will not notice.” He laid her gently on a blue and brown counterpane and followed her down onto the bed, his hands on either side of her shoulders.
Gently, almost as if he was unwrapping a precious gift, he pulled her chemise from her shoulders, baring her breasts. She instinctively moved her hands to cover herself from his intense scrutiny. He gripped her wrists. “No. Let me look at you. I’ve dreamed of this moment for weeks.” He bent and slowly circled her tightened nipple with his tongue. “You are so beautiful.”
And that was precisely how she felt.
This…this was not what she’d had with Claremont. This was something different—and wonderful. Perhaps this was not such a huge mistake after all.
Chapter Nineteen
Redgrave closed his eyes and drew her breast into his mouth. He continued to tease the nipple as his fingers played with her other breast. She was silk, so soft and warm. The tantalizing scent of flowers and lemon drifted to his nostrils from her skin. He raised his head and looked at her. Her eyes were shuttered, her face flushed with passion.
He could stand it no longer. He had to see all of her, touch her in places that would bring them both excitement and satisfaction. He unfastened her petticoat from around her waist and slid it down her long legs. Gently, he eased her over onto her belly and quickly undid her stays, which came off along with her chemise, leaving her bare to his eyes.
He groaned and ran his palms over the curves and dips of her beautiful body. “Even more beautiful than I imagined.” His whispered words brought small bumps to her skin. “Are you cold again?”
Mary shivered. “Yes, a bit. Why am I the only one with no clothes?” Her shy grin tugged at his heart.
“Don’t go anywhere,” he said as he hopped from the bed. Mary drew the counterpane over her. If he didn’t hurry, he would probably lose the ground he’d covered already. Within seconds he was free of everything except his drawers, and joined her on the bed.
“Never hide yourself from me. You are a beautiful woman, Mary. And the sight of you spread out before me is like a feast.” He smoothed her hair back and kissed her eyelids, her nose, her jaw, then took her mouth in a kiss that demanded surrender.
He eased down until his lips were level with her beautiful breasts. He teased the nipple with his tongue, then scraped his teeth over the pouting bud, bringing a gasp from Mary. “Do you like that? Shall I do it again?”
“Yes, and yes.” Her fingers gripped his hair, and she began to squirm. He gave proper attention to her breasts and then moved farther down, dipping his tongue into her belly button. Her legs moved restlessly, and the sound of her shallow breathing filled the room.
They would not leave this bed until she was completely satisfied and glowing with contentment. Whatever it took, he would wipe the memory of Claremont’s rough handling of her. With a woman as responsive as Mary, it would not be hard.
Moving back up, he partially covered her body, licking and kissing her collarbone. Based on her moans and restless shifting, his ministrations were effective. God, she was responsive, yet her reactions were still ingenuous. Truly a wonderful bed partner.
He allowed his hand to drift down her belly to the thatch of golden brown curls at the entrance to her heat. Slowly, his large hand covered her mound, moving back and forth, allowing her to become accustomed to his touch once more in her intimate spot. He kissed her, his mouth seeking the pleasure to be had there.
“Redgrave, I feel—strange—odd.”
“Darius,” he murmured against her lips.
“What?
“Say my name, love—Darius—not my title. I want to hear it on your lips.”
She whispered the word in his ear as his cock strained against his drawers, anxious to be free, to be in her warm, moist place. He needed to take a deep breath and use the control he had honed when married to Priscilla and she had paraded herself naked before him, trying to tempt him into a bed that had repulsed him.
Mary was an innocent, and if he moved too fast he would be no better than Claremont. He wanted her moaning her release, more than once, if possible, before he took his pleasure.
Her hands wandered over his back, kneading his muscles, down to his buttocks. “You’re so hard.”
He groaned, trying to forget how very hard he was. His fingers played with the moist, warm opening to her body, the scent of her arousal like perfume. She grew more restless, tossing her head back and forth. He slid one finger, then two, into her, pleased at how ready she was for him.
“Relax, love. Let me help you find your pleasure.” He nuzzled her neck, then moved down to her breast, licking the nipple, suckling hard. Mary’s hips lifted off the bed, and she let out a low keening sound as her muscles contracted around his fingers. He moved his thumb in a circle on the swollen nub at her center, wrenching every bit of satisfaction from her body.
She collapsed, her breathing erratic. Redgrave pushed his drawers down and off, then moved over her, nudging her legs apart with his knee. He settled himself between her legs and smoothed the damp hair on her forehead back. “I love watching you come apart in my arms.”
“That was wonderful.” She licked her dry lips and he bent to kiss her as he slowly entered her heat.
He gritted his teeth at how tight she was. “Sweetheart, this might hurt, but tell me if it does and I will stop until you get used to me.”
“It doesn’t hurt. It just feels—strange.”
Her eyes were soft, shuttered, the look of a woman who had been well-loved. If he had his way, he would keep that look on her face for the rest of their days. He inched farther into her, trying desperately to go slow, to stretch her. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” She cupped his cheeks and brought his mouth to hers.
He eased his way in until he hit her barrier. She lifted her hips and pressed her hands on his lower back signaling him to continue. He shoved the rest of the way in, until his hips met hers. She gasped and he stopped and closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her under him and surrounding him, naked, supple, warm.
Bracing on his elbows, he took a moment to study her, she who had resurrected his chance at love with a woman. Who made him realize that happiness could be his. A second chance for a marriage that could be all he ever wanted, and never thought he would have, never thought he deserved.
Slowly, he began the age-old dance of lovers, moving in and out, watching her as once again her breathing hitched. It didn’t take her long to match his movements. Leaning on his elbows, he gripped her hands and intertwined their fingers as he captured her mouth in a searing kiss.
No woman had ever affected him as she did. She was everything he could ever want, all he ever needed. “How does that feel, love?”
“Full. I feel…full.” She smiled at him, and he was lost, and knew he wouldn’t last much longer.
He picked up the rhythm and moved his hand between them so he could help her along. The sound of their breathing, the feel of slick skin against slick skin had him straining to hold back. He whispered words of encouragement into her ear until he felt the ripples of her body around his cock, milking it, just as he let go and spilled his seed deep inside her, too late realizing that until things were settled between them, he should have pulled out.
With one intense breath, he collapsed on top of her, then quickly moved to the side, pulling her against him. They lay together, their hearts pounding against each other, their breathing slowly returning to normal. When Mary shivered, he drew the counterpane around them and kissed the top of her head. He drew lazy circles on her arm, then after a few minutes, said, “I would love to stay here for the rest of the day, but we should probably get dressed and return to the house.”
“Has it stopped raining?”
He glanced out the window. “Yes. The others will be wondering where we are.” He shifted his body and bent his elbow to rest his head on his hand. “We do not want to cause a problem with your reputation.”
“Where shall we say we have been during the storm?”
“Under trees.” He shrugged. “There are places here with enough foliage where we could’ve stayed relatively dry.”
Mary stretched like a cat napping in the sun. The counterpane slipped a bit, revealing two perfect breasts.
He stared at her, feeling his cock already rising. “If we don’t get up right now we will be here for another hour, and that won’t do.”
They both left the bed, gathering their discarded clothing from the floor. He helped her with her stays and buttoning her shirt. She attempted to tie his cravat and gave up after several attempts and plenty of laughter.
Hand in hand they left the hunting lodge and retrieved their horses. They took a slow ride back to Chadwick Manor, neither one wanting to let go of the time they’d spent together and face whatever challenges awaited them.
…
The next morning Mary awoke with the sun streaming through the bedchamber window. She winced at the pain between her legs, then smiled as she recalled why she hurt in that particular spot.
Redgrave. No, Darius.
She rolled onto her stomach and propped her head on her fist. After they’d returned from their ride yesterday, there were a few raised eyebrows, but more sympathy than anything else for them being caught in a rainstorm.
The rest of the day and evening had passed uneventfully, with conversation among the guests and entertainment from Chadwick’s daughter and other young ladies who’d played the pianoforte. She and Redgrave hadn’t any more time alone, but goose bumps had arisen on her arms whenever she had looked in his direction and found him staring at her. It had been as if there was no one else in the room, just the two of them.
She flipped over and studied the canopy, her arms crossed over her stomach. They would have to discuss their situation soon. She could very well be carrying his child! She smiled tenderly, imagining a young boy with Redgrave’s piercing blue eyes, or a young girl with her golden brown curls.
How her brother—or Abigail for that matter—would take all of this needed to be dealt with very soon. The door to the bedchamber opened, and Alice entered. “Are you ready to dress, my lady?”
“Yes. It is truly a lovely day, is it not?”
Alice placed the bowl of warm water in her hand on the dressing table. “My. Someone is quite cheerful today. Once you have headed down to breakfast, I will begin packing. I believe all the guests are departing after luncheon today.”
She and her maid chatted amicably as Alice readied her for the day. The lemon yellow dress with deep green piping at the bodice and hem cheered her even more. She felt like sunshine today, and was anxious to return to London and move on with her life.
Her new life. One she hadn’t expected to ever have.
The breakfast room was busy with several men eating breakfast. As usual at most house parties, she was the only woman up and ready to eat. No lollygagging in bed, sipping chocolate and thinking of her outfit for the day. Like her sisters, she was an early riser and enjoyed a full breakfast each morning.
She glanced around the room. Redgrave was not there. Perhaps he had eaten earlier and went for a ride. She smiled at the memories of their ride yesterday, but before anyone questioned her, she quickly turned her face and headed to the sideboard to fill her plate.
Taking a bit of ham, eggs, and kippers, she sat between Lord Chadwick and his nephew and heir, Mr. Langston.
She was taking a sip of tea after having finished her breakfast when a footman came into the room. “Lady Mary. I have a note here for you.”
She frowned and took the missive from the man’s hand. It was sealed with Redgrave’s seal.
Dearest Mary,
I have been called away unexpectedly. I will see you in London.
R.
She froze, her mind in a whirl.
Dear God in heaven, it was happening again.
All the blood drained from her face, and she felt lightheaded.
Redgrave had used her and then abandoned her. The last time it had been her sister.
Though at least this time he’d left a note.
What had been Redgrave’s reason this time? He didn’t seem to be in need of her dowry, but he’d certainly enjoyed the connection of her family name to reinstate himself with the ton. With shaky hands she folded the missive and set it on her lap. She fought the nausea rising from her stomach, threatening to disgrace her.
“I say, Lady Mary, are you feeling all right? You seem to have gone quite pale.” Mr. Langston nodded at the paper in her lap. “Not bad news, I hope.”
She shook her head, unsure if she could even speak. Drawing in a deep breath to compose herself, she forced a smile. “Not at all. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I wish to see how my maid’s packing is progressing.”
They all stood as she left the room. Instead
of going upstairs, she made a sharp turn and headed to the door. She had to get out of the house. She felt the walls closing in on her and fought for every breath she took.
It was happening again.
Here she had gone and not only trusted Redgrave—with his history of running out on women—but allowed him to make love to her.
She hurried down the path to the rose garden. Her steps grew faster and faster until she was almost running. Then she slowed. This would never do. If anyone saw her they would think she had lost her mind.
No. Not her mind. Her pride, and possibly her heart.
She found a stone bench deep in the rose garden and sat there. Suddenly, she was taken with a chill and thought perhaps she was becoming ill from yesterday. No matter if she was indeed sick, she could not face the rest of the members of the party right now. Could not pretend all was fine in her world. If she had to stay here deep in the garden until the carriages rolled to the front of the house this afternoon to load the guests for their return home, she would do just that.
How could she have been so foolish? Did she not learn her lesson the first time? Had not Redgrave also abandoned her at Billingsley’s house party after she’d allowed him some intimacies?
No. Never again would she allow a man to get close to her, to have her feel wanted and safe. There was no safety when it came to her and men. She was done.
Once her heartbeat slowed down, though her stomach remained in knots, she left the stone bench and headed back to the house. Perhaps she could hurry Alice along, and convince Mother to leave before luncheon. Right now all she wanted was the safety of her room at Manchester House.
“Good morning, Lady Mary,” Lady Chadwick pronounced as Mary entered the drawing room, searching for her mother.
The woman sat on a stiff blue and white striped chair, a hoop of embroidery in her hand. “It seems we are the only two women up and about this early.”
“I was looking for my mother. Have you seen her this morning?”
Lady Chadwick took a delicate stitch in her work. “Not yet, dear. I’m sure she will be down soon. She seems to keep the same hours as yourself.” She motioned to the chair across from her. “Please take a seat. We can chat while we wait for the others to join us.”
The Earl's Return (Marriage Mart Mayhem) Page 18