by Jane Charles
“Please leave so I can finish dressing.”
“Why here?” He glanced around to the dusty room. There was one chair, table and mirror, nothing to offer comfort.
“I can’t very well parade around in my riding clothes before Mr. Slaine’s employees, now can I?”
She did have a point. Not only would they be salivating in her presence but they also wouldn’t be able to get a bit of work done in the process. “You have a good point.”
“Now,” she pointed to the door. “Would you please leave so I can finish dressing?”
Instead of leaving he took a step in her direction. They were alone in a cottage, she was already half undressed. What harm would there being in tasting her lips and those lush breasts.
She took a step back and held out a hand to stop him. “Out.”
Jordan sighed. It wasn’t the best place for a seduction any way. But in time, he would know how those globes felt in his hands and the peaks against his tongue. “Very well.” With reluctance he turned around and returned outside. The more he was with her the more he knew he had to have her. What he just witnessed inside the cottage only confirmed that fact.
Audrey emerged a few moments later, completely dressed much to his disappointment. She untied the reins and began leading the horse back to the road that led to the stables. Jordan walked along at her side. His horse would need to be wiped down before they returned to London.
Audrey kept her head down, the bonnet shielding her face. She was all that was demure and feminine. If he hadn’t just spent the afternoon with her teaching him how to race he would have never believed it if someone had told him what an excellent horsewoman she was. She rode better than any gentleman he knew and Jordan suspected the only people who rode better than she was the professional jockeys.
“How long have you been racing?”
“My father says I was born in a saddle,” she sighed. “Had I been a man, I could ride and race and never have to worry about anyone seeing me.”
“I, for one, am very glad you are a female.”
She gave him a slight smile but it didn’t quite meet her eyes. Perhaps she was simply tired. Jordan knew he was, yet there was a musical he was to attend this evening. He usually did not enjoy those types of entertainments but he had it on good authority that Miss Montgomery was to be present and where she was, he intended to be until they finally lived in the same house and did not have to go anywhere so he could be with her.
“You didn’t answer my question. When did you start racing?”
A melancholy look washed over her face. “I was twelve.”
Good God, she could have been killed. “Isn’t that a bit young?”
She simply chuckled. “I had been riding since I could remember. Father let me be with him and watch when the horses were being trained and I started riding as the jockeys did. Papa saw me galloping across a field one day and called me to his library later.” Audrey glanced up at Jordan. “I thought I was in trouble, but he was actually proud. Of course, I had to swear not to tell my mother.”
Having met Mrs. Montgomery, Jordon suspected the woman did not support her daughter’s interests. Hadn’t she claimed whenever Mrs. Montgomery found her breeches they were burned?
“Papa let me spend time with the horses that were being trained and they responded to me.”
Jordan could well understand. With a simple flick of her wrist or pressure of her thigh he would do anything she wanted. He longed for the day when the pressure of her thighs urged him on.
The night in the garden flashed across his mind of Audrey kneeing Everton in the bullocks. It wasn’t a half delivered feminine kick but one she used all of her strength in. After witnessing the strength of her legs it was a wonder Everton’s bullocks were not in his throat. As it was, Jordan would be surprised if the man would be able to father a child. Not that it bothered Jordan any. Everton deserved what happened. Had he not come along and Audrey not been taught how to defend herself, Jordan had no doubt Everton would have raped her.
The entire situation sickened him. Why would Lady Lydell make such a suggestion? Wasn’t Audrey supposed to be her friend?
Jordan didn’t want to think about the ugliness of the night before and returned to the topic at hand. “You can tell if a horse will be a good racer?”
“I suppose.” She shrugged. “I can just feel it in them when I ride. I can tell if they have the drive and the passion and the love for a hard run.”
Could she read the passion in him as well?
As they neared the stables Mr. Slaine stepped out to greet them. “How did she do?”
Audrey gave the man the most beautiful smile and Jordan wished she would look at him the way she did when she thought about racing horses. “She was magnificent. I want you to promise to let me know when you race her.”
One of the workers ran forward to take the reins from her. Another did the same for Jordan’s horse. He wasn’t going to let go. He needed to see to the horse and then return to London.
“Louis will see that your horse is patted down. Come inside before you return to London.”
With reluctance Jordan let the lad take his horse and followed the two toward the three story manor.
“Who is going to place your bet?” Slaine asked Audrey with a laugh.
“I am sure I can find someone.” She glanced back over her shoulder toward Jordan. This was promising if she thought she could count on him to place a bet for her since ladies did not bet on horses. Or at least they didn’t under their own name.
“I am not sure she will be ready by June.”
“Newmarket in October should be plenty of time.”
Slaine nodded and rubbed his chin.
That was months away and Audrey thought they would be in a situation in which he could place a bet for her then the future did look promising.
Mr. Slaine led them into a small parlor and a maid appeared moments later with tea and cakes. Jordan hadn’t realized he was so famished until the refreshments were placed before them.
“I just saw your father at Newmarket,” Slaine said after taking a sip of tea.
“He wrote that his horses made a good showing.”
She turned to Jordan. “The reason Papa doesn’t attend the Season is because he must see to the horses and make sure they are prepared for the races. In May he will be in York, then Ascot in June. Sometimes he goes to Manchester, Liverpool and Chester. He never misses the races at Newcastle.”
Jordan simply nodded. He knew all the names and that races were held during the spring and early summer months but he had attended very few. He had never really had time. But, if Audrey was to be his wife, he should become familiar with the racing world and perhaps invest in a few horses of his own. He might even need to look into the Jockey Club. He had heard much about it but wasn’t sure what the requirements were for membership.
Life would be interesting with Audrey.
“Thank you for allowing me to ride today,” Audrey said with complete sincerity to Mr. Slaine. “I haven’t been able to really ride in well over a month. “
“There are places to ride in London,” Mr. Slaine pointed out.
“As long as one uses a sidesaddle.” She scrunched her face in disgust.
Shadows filtered into the room and Jordan stood and stuck out his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Slaine, but I must head back to London. It is growing late.”
Audrey and Mr. Slaine stood as well. “I’ll have Audrey’s carriage brought around.” He tilted his head toward Jordan. “You did not bring another horse with you, or a carriage.”
It hadn’t occurred to him to do so and he shook his head.
“Do you think it is wise to ride him all the way back to London after working him so hard this afternoon?”
Damn, he hadn’t even considered, but he had little choice now. He certainly wasn’t going to walk back to London.
“Why don’t you ride with Audrey?” The man nodded to the young woman. “I’ll see that your h
orse is delivered tomorrow. I need to be in town to visit Hawmarket.”
An hour, alone with Audrey, in a closed carriage? He could think of no more pleasurable ways to spend the late afternoon. “I think that is an excellent idea.”
“He can’t,” Audrey protested. “I didn’t bring my maid. What will people think?”
Slaine frowned. “You didn’t travel with a companion or chaperone? ”
“I saw no need.”
“Then I insist you take Trent with you.”
“I will be perfectly fine,” she insisted.
“What if you are set upon? It is growing dark.”
She laughed. “There have not been highwaymen here in quite some time. I am sure I will arrive in London unharmed.”
“I insist,” Jordan found himself saying.
Audrey rolled her eyes. “I do not need a protector.”
“I also insist,” Slaine added in a firm tone. “If you do not take Trent with you for protection then I will not allow you to return and ride when you choose.”
Her mouth popped open in shock. “What if someone sees me? I can’t travel alone with a gentleman.”
“Your carriage is closed, black and with no markings to indicate that it belongs to your uncle.” He turned and guided them toward the entry. “Keep out of sight when you enter London and make sure you are not seen when Trent is dropped at his home and you will have nothing to worry about.”
Slaine turned to look at Jordan. “I have heard of you reputation and if you so much as touch a hair on her head, you will hear from me and then her father.”
“Really…” Audrey began.
“I will preserve your reputation and honor,” Jordan interrupted. At least he hoped. Perhaps being alone with Audrey for so long wasn’t a wise idea. Her reputation would always be protected as they would marry, however he might find himself seducing her before that day.
He quickly dismissed the idea. He was going to court her as a gentleman. He would not seduce her and he would not take her virtue until they were married. Even if it killed him.
Audrey scrunched into the corner of the seat, practically hugging the wall of the carriage. The scent of horses filled the air and she was certain it came from both of them. What may be offensive to some was comforting to her. The smell reminded her of home. His sandalwood scent was mixed with the aroma and made the air all the more sweeter. This was the worst idea. She couldn’t ride all the way back to London with Trent. Not like this. Not sitting this close to his person.
Audrey sighed and looked out the window. It had been a long day and as invigorated as she had been earlier while riding, her body grew tired in the comfort of the conveyance. It had been too long since she had exercised with horses. “I think I am going to stay home and avoid the musicale tonight.”
“Then I am free as well.”
What did he mean by that? Audrey turned looked over to Trent. Surely he hadn’t planned on attending. Few men attended musicals, much to the disappointment of mothers with debutants everywhere, and never gentlemen with Mr. Trent’s reputation. That was one of the reasons she had planned on attending. When she had accepted the invitation it was because she knew it would be a place Trent would not be present and thought the break of seeing him at balls would be a relief.
“I was only going because you were going to be in attendance.”
Audrey simply shook her head and glanced out the window again. He was the most confusing gentleman alive. “I don’t see that it matters what events I attend. You are free to go where you wish.”
A low chuckle rumbled from his side of the carriage and she snuck a look at him from beneath her lashes.
“I only wish to be where you are.”
She laughed this time. If that were the case then he would not have been at a brothel the evening before or spent two nights with Lady Rothsbury. Were the young ladies of the ton so gullible that they believed such lies told to them?
Mr. Trent reached over and grasped her hand in his. Oh, why hadn’t she remembered to put her gloves back on? His warm skin against hers was far too intimate for her state of mind, especially in an enclosed carriage.
He lifted her hand, studying the palm before he ran his thumb over her callouses. Few people knew they existed and they had lessened over the month because she had not been riding. Audrey wanted to yank her hand away. Young ladies in society were to have smooth skin, even on their palms. Her hands hadn’t been without callouses since she was twelve.
Trent lifted it higher and much to her horror kissed each one on her palm at the base of the fingers. Heat ignited within. He was a wicked man.
She had to gain control of the situation or who knew what he would attempt in this hour they were alone together and Trent hadn’t been above kissing her senseless before. What else would he try given the opportunity?
A part of her wanted to know but thankfully the sensible part of her won out and she yanked her hand away.
“Why did you do that?”
“I wished to.” He smiled and that blasted dimple peeked out at her.
“Do you do everything you wish to do?”
His grin widened. “No, but I will in time.”
What did he mean by that? “I see no purpose in you kissing my hand so please do not do so again.”
He had her flustered and that was a state she could not afford to be in while with Trent.
He scooted closer to her and their thighs touched. It didn’t matter that there were layers of clothing between them because she could still feel the heat and hard length of his leg. Her breath hitched.
Trent brought a hand up and smoothed his thumb along her cheek. “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?”
Oh dear, this was not good and how did one answer such a question?
Before she could think of a response his lips were on hers and Audrey knew she was lost. She had sworn she would never let him kiss her again, but how could she deny herself the pleasure. His breath mingled with hers and she smiled against his kiss.
Trent pulled back and looked at her, a bit confused.
“Cake. You taste like cake.” She found herself laughing but it didn’t last long because he was kissing her again. A hand at her back kept her upright as his mouth plundered hers, delving and taking. Audrey grasped his shoulders to find purchase so she didn’t fly away from the pleasure of his mouth.
His tongue mated with hers and Audrey mimicked his actions wondering if he would find it as enjoyable. Trent only groaned and pulled her tighter. Oh goodness. If he kissed her all the way to London she would expire before they arrived.
Trent’s hand smoothed up her side, slipping beneath her jacket, burning her skin with only the chemise and top between his fingers and her flesh. Her breasts tingled, grew heavy and began to ache. What was happening to her? His hand slipped further up until his palm lifted one of the globes as if testing the weight before a thumb smoothed across a nipple. She was going to expire long before they reached Town.
His lips moved from her mouth and trailed a blaze across her cheek, jaw and down her neck until they skimmed the sensitive skin above her chemise. Audrey’s eyes flew open. When and how had he opened her jacked and loosened her shirt. She was almost unclothed and hadn’t uttered one word of objection. He was turning her into a wanton and part of her didn’t care.
She should make him stop, but the heat flowing in her veins was an altogether new experience. Her skin was so sensitive and her breasts wanted more of his attention. Was this passion?
Trent’s lips closed around a nipple through her chemise and Audrey groaned as his tongue circled, his teeth nipped and he suckled. No wonder women wanted him. Is this how he made Lady Rothsbury and Angelique feel?
The thought of those two women had the same effect as ice through her veins. Audrey straightened and pushed at his shoulders. “Stop.”
He did instantly and looked up at her. “Are you not enjoying yourself?”
“I will not be another conquest.” Sh
e quickly pulled her shirt back into place and started to button her jacket.
“Conquest?”
“I will not be another lady in your line of lovers, if that is what you call them.”
Trent pulled back and studied her. “I’ve never viewed you as a conquest, nor any lady for the matter.”
Of course he didn’t. He simply charmed whoever caught his attention at the moment into allowing him whichever liberties he wished to take.
Trent grabbed her hand again and Audrey yanked it away.
“Why are you doing this? What purpose does it serve in kissing me?”
“I want to kiss you and I am courting you.” He said the words slowly as if explaining to a child, or because he was confused.
“Courting me?” She had wanted him to do so, and on a few occasions it appeared as if he were, but he hadn’t spoken to her uncle to gain permission and then there were the other women.
“Yes, what did you think I was doing?”
“I don’t know but certainly not that, nor do I wish you to.”
Trent stilled. “You don’t want me.” Hurt flashed in his eyes and his jaw tensed as if he was taken completely by surprise.
“I don’t wish any gentlemen to court me who also remain with widows through the night and visits brothels on a regular basis.”
He opened his mouth up as if he was going to speak but Audrey held up her hand.
“I assume when a gentlemen is courting a lady it is for the purpose of marriage.”
Trent nodded.
“If a gentleman continues taking lovers through the courtship who is to say he will not do the same after marriage. I will not be treated in the same manner in which Millicent treats Lydell.”
“I can explain.”
Audrey cut him off. “I’ve listen to married ladies complain about their husbands being with other women and I simply won’t allow it.”
“There was a very good reason I visited Lady Rothsbury at such a time.”
Audrey crossed her arms across her chest. It was purely to keep her defenses up. No doubt Trent had a ready excuse for situations such as these and she was not going to be that gullible innocent lady who ended up ruined because of a silver-tongued devil.