The Wicked Baron

by Sarah Mallory

  A look passed between the two brothers; Carlotta saw it and a little voice in her head urged her to protest, to say that she was perfectly well enough for the short journey to the house. But it was a very little voice and easily silenced. James was already at the door.

  ‘Yes, of course. Come along, Woollatt. Come back to the Court with me. I have a fine cognac in my study that is just the thing for these occasions.’ He ushered Woollatt out of the door before him.

  ‘James!’

  ‘Yes, Luke?’

  ‘Do not rush to send the carriage back.’

  James looked towards Carlotta.

  She reached up to touch the dark locks curling over her shoulders. ‘It would be most unwise for me to venture out of doors with my hair still wet.’

  His knowing grin made her cheeks burn. ‘As you wish, then.’

  Carlotta did not move. She listened to the voices dying away, heard the outer door slam, then there was silence. At length Luke spoke to her.

  ‘You are very pale.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘If I pull a chair closer to the fire, will you sit down?’

  She nodded, and watched him drag a velvet-covered sofa to the very edge of the rug.

  ‘This might help.’ He went across to the side table and poured her a glass of wine from one of the open bottles. ‘The servants will not come in until it is light. We may as well make use of what is here.’ He came back and sat beside her, handing her the glass. ‘Now, drink it.’

  His arm was about her shoulders. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to lean back against him.

  ‘Your hair would dry quicker if you were to kneel before the fire again.’

  ‘But this is so much more comfortable.’ She took a sip from the glass. The wine was dark and warm and tasted of berries. ‘Do you think he will?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Introduce me to his mama next Season.’

  ‘Very likely, but you will be Lady Darvell by then.’

  Carlotta was in the act of taking another sip of wine and choked. She was obliged to hand the glass to Darvell, who placed it carefully down on the floor beside the sofa.

  ‘Are—are you asking me to marry you?’ she asked when she could command her voice.

  ‘No, my sweet life, I am informing you that we will be married, even if I have to drag you screaming to the altar.’

  Her lips twitched. ‘What about my—um—unfortunate birth?’

  ‘There is nothing unfortunate about your birth. Your father is a great artist. I only hope he will think me worthy of his daughter. I have very little fortune, as you have reminded me on several occasions.’

  She blushed at that. ‘It was very bad of me to throw that up at you. I am ashamed of myself.’

  His arm tightened around her. ‘I had hurt you. I did not understand how much.’

  ‘That day last summer…’ She began to play with the cord of her dressing gown. ‘Did you—were you going to propose to me?’

  ‘Yes, until I heard Broxted offer to take you away with him. I thought you deserved a taste of society.’

  A great wave of unhappiness rushed through her. She bowed her head. ‘I was so miserable! I d-did not wish to go and live with my uncle. I—I thought you did not l-love me.’

  With something very like a growl he gripped her shoulders, pulling her round to face him. ‘Not love you—do you know what it cost me to leave Malberry that day? I felt as though I was cutting out my own heart!’

  Carlotta looked up. His eyes scorched her; she trembled under the intensity of his look. She wanted to reach out to him, to pull him closer and feel his lips on hers but he continued to hold her at arm’s length, to subject her to that burning gaze. ‘I left Malberry and buried myself on my estates, taking charge of them as I should have done years ago. I wanted to be prepared, so that when Broxted brought you to town I would have something more to offer you than a mountain of debts. And I succeeded, too. Darvell Manor is beginning to pay its way, the land is in good heart, the tenants prospering—but all the time I was there I lived in dread that you might find someone else, that I would be too late.’

  Carlotta blinked rapidly, determined not to cry. ‘There was never anyone else,’ she said simply. She reached up and gently touched his cheek. ‘I have never loved anyone but you, Luke.’

  He turned his face towards her hand, pressing his lips to the palm, then in one swift movement, he gathered her into his arms and kissed her.

  All Carlotta’s pent-up longing of the past twelve months was released. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him back hungrily, responding to the demands of his mouth, her lips parting willingly to allow his tongue to explore ever deeper. Her body pressed itself against him and they slid from the sofa until they were kneeling together on the rug. Luke broke away, but only to ease her down on to her back, all the time holding her gaze, mesmerising, willing her to trust him. She answered him with a tremulous smile and he kissed her again, but this time it was slow and languorous, melting away the tensions in her body. His teeth grazed her bottom lip and she almost groaned at the intense, sweet desire that welled up inside her.

  Luke tugged at the cord around her waist and the dressing gown fell free. She trembled as he touched her naked waist. Gently he moved his hand upwards, smoothing over her ribs and on until he was cupping her breast, which tightened beneath his fingers. His thumb began to circle the nipple, and a wave of pure heat began to build within her. Her bones seemed to melt as she arched her back, offering herself up to him. He kissed her chin, then her throat, his tongue leaving a burning line on her skin as it trailed downwards. His hand was still fondling one breast, and when his mouth fastened over the other she gasped at the unexpected surge of pleasure. His tongue circled the taut bud at its peak, causing the wave of heat that had been building inside her to grow stronger, threatening to overwhelm her. So intoxicating were the sensations he was awaking in her that as she felt his hand moving down over her belly she felt only growing excitement. Her eyes flew open as his fingers moved between her legs, easing her apart. She was very hot down there, and moist. Her body was pulsing, opening to receive him. She had never felt so out of control before, but there was no panic; Luke was holding her, his hand gently stroking her; and her body responded of its own accord to the rhythm of his caresses.

  Sighing deeply, Carlotta opened her eyes for a moment. She looked up at the painted walls of the room. Suddenly the pictures made sense to her, the men and women touching each other, pleasuring each other. Her eyes dwelled on one particular couple: the woman was crouched between the man’s legs, her head bowed over him while he lay with his head thrown back in ecstasy at her touch. Gently Carlotta pulled Luke’s head from her breast. Immediately those pleasuring fingers on her body stilled and he looked at her, a question in his eyes.

  ‘You are still dressed, sir.’ Was this her voice she could hear? It was unfamiliar, deeper, richer. An exultant wave of wanton happiness bubbled up inside her. She tugged at his shirt, helping him to pull it over his head, then with eager hands she unbuttoned the fall flap of his breeches.

  Luke gave a shaky laugh. ‘Careful, sweetheart. There is no rush.’

  Oh, but there is, she thought, her groin aching for him to touch her again with those magic fingers. As he slipped off the rest of his clothes she struggled free of the brocade dressing gown, wondering at her daring as she lay before him, naked. Luke was on his knees, staring down at her.

  ‘Is—is anything wrong, my lord?’ A little doubt shook her.

  ‘Nothing is wrong, sweetheart. You are so very beautiful.’

  She reached out for him, but he caught her hands.

  ‘If you want me to stop, if you want to wait until our wedding night for our first full union, you must tell me now.’ He added with an attempt at humour, ‘I can cool off in the plunge pool.’

  His voice was unsteady and Carlotta’s heart swelled with love at his concern for her. She pulled one hand free and reached up to pl
ace her palm on his smooth cheek. ‘You held back once before and I almost lost you,’ she said softly.

  Still he did not move. ‘After this there will be no going back,’ he warned her. ‘You will be mine, body and soul.’

  ‘And will that be the same for you, my lord?’

  ‘I am already yours, Carlotta.’

  His slow smile reassured her and, when she saw how aroused he was, her desire returned to fever pitch. She pulled him down to her and kissed him, but even as he leaned into her she twisted around, pushing him on to his back. The surprise in his eyes gave her another rush of pleasure. She began to kiss him, her hands caressing his body, then, remembering his effect on her, she began to work her way downwards, planting gentle kisses on his throat and the hard smooth skin of his chest. His long, slow sigh made her feel all-powerful. She revelled in the taste of his flesh, the enticing mixture of spicy, aromatic fragrance and clean male skin that inflamed her senses. She explored him with her hands and her eyes, marvelling at this male body that was as beautiful, exciting and strange to her as a foreign land. The crisp hair below his navel tickled her as she kissed his flat stomach while her hands continued to caress him. She heard Luke gasp. He gave a little groan and with an exultant laugh she glanced up again at the wall-painting. She ran her tongue around her lips. It was only fair that she should give Luke as much pleasure as he had given her.

  Luke moaned softly as she applied her mouth to him. She heard his endearments, little words of instruction. Suddenly he was pulling her away, rolling her over on to her back. ‘No more for me,’ he murmured thickly. ‘We will finish this together.’

  Luke’s mouth captured her lips again and once again his fingers slid down to find that magic spot. Her hips tilted up to meet him, welcoming his touch. He eased himself over her and she opened for him, eager now to receive him. She gave a little gasp as he entered her and he moved with slow, steady movements, stroking her gently. He watched her closely until she began to move with him. He restrained himself, curbing his own desires until she was gasping, her body arching, beyond her control. Carlotta threw back her head, her lips parted slightly as she clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders. Only then did Luke allow himself to give the final push, to drive into her, uttering her name as they clung together for a final moment of intense, shuddering ecstasy. They collapsed together on the rug, breathing heavily. The fire had died back to a golden, glowing mass, enveloping them in its comforting warmth. Luke rolled onto his back beside her. He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers.

  ‘I never expected anything so wonderful,’ he murmured.

  ‘Was I…did I please you?’

  He raised himself on one elbow and looked into her eyes, his own glowing. ‘You were…magnificent.’

  He kissed her, but when he broke away she chuckled. ‘I followed the paintings.’ She pointed to the walls.

  ‘The devil you did!’ Luke laughed and kissed her again. ‘Perhaps your father will paint these scenes in our bedroom at Darvell Manor. Would you object to that?’

  ‘If it is what you want, my lord.’

  He ran a finger over her lips and trailed it gently down between her breasts. ‘No, I want only you, night after night!’ He grinned at her. ‘We must be married by special licence, as soon as possible. I cannot bear to sleep alone after this.’

  She touched his cheek. ‘Nor I, my lord.’

  He kissed her gently, his naked body hardening as it rested against hers. ‘You see the effect you have on me?’ he murmured, nibbling her ear. ‘After tonight your aunt and uncle will keep you well away from me.’

  She put her hand down to caress him and felt a soaring elation as he responded to her touch. She drew him closer. ‘Then let us not waste a moment, my lord,’ she whispered.

  Chapter Eighteen

  On a bright, spring morning, Lord Darvell’s elegant travelling carriage swept through the gates of Malberry Court. Unable to contain herself, Carlotta leaned out of the window.

  ‘We should be able to see the house soon…There it is! Can you see it, Luke?’

  ‘I see something I like much better.’ He caught her around the waist and pulled her back.

  She collapsed onto his lap, laughing. ‘Behave yourself, my lord.’

  He kissed her, causing a bolt of excitement to shoot through her. Would she ever become immune to his touch? Carlotta hoped not.

  ‘How can I behave myself, my lady, when you look so adorable?’

  Carlotta settled herself back beside him and made her voice suitably severe. ‘Well, you must try, Luke. Your brother will not think us respectable enough to be godparents for little James.’

  Luke gave a mock scowl, but as the carriage pulled up at the steps of Malberry Court he jumped out and turned to help her alight, every inch the respectable husband, as James came hurrying out to meet them.

  ‘You have made good time,’ he said, gripping his brother’s hand. He turned to greet Carlotta, kissing her cheek and giving her an admiring glance. ‘You are looking very well, my dear. Am I to take it my wicked brother is looking after you?’

  ‘Alas, sir, he abuses me quite dreadfully.’

  ‘Baggage!’ Luke grinned. ‘Tell me truthfully, James—does she look like a neglected wife?’

  ‘No. In fact, you both look very pleased with yourselves! Have you been to town yet?’

  ‘No. As you know we went to Rome directly after the wedding—my father-in-law wanted to show me off to all his relatives!’

  ‘And why not?’ declared Carlotta. ‘He is very proud of his new son—a baron, no less!’

  Luke grinned at her and kissed her hand. ‘Since then we have been at Darvell Manor. I now take my responsibilities as a landowner very seriously.’

  ‘Aye, and about time, too! Come along in—Adele is in her room with the baby, but she has instructed me to bring you both to her.’

  ‘How is she?’ asked Carlotta as James led them through the hall.

  ‘In good health. You will remember I was a trifle anxious when she decided she would not have a wet nurse for the baby, but you will see that they are both thriving.’ He led them up the stairs and into the main bedchamber. ‘Here you are, my love, I have brought them straight up to you, as you see—they have not even had the chance to put off their coats.’

  Adele was reclining on a daybed, wearing a blue satin wrap and gently rocking the cradle at her side. She smiled and held out her hands to them.

  ‘Carlotta, my love—and Luke! Come and see your little godson. Is he not beautiful?’

  Luke glanced at the little bundle lying in the cradle and murmured indistinctly.

  Carlotta met Adele’s eyes and giggled. ‘He is adorable,’ she said, pushing Luke out of the way. ‘I hope he is a good baby?’

  ‘He sleeps a great deal, but when he is awake he is very demanding, just like his father,’ replied Adele, her eyes twinkling. ‘And everyone says he has the Ainslowe look.’

  ‘Dashed if I can see it,’ muttered James. ‘We have had so many visitors I am beginning to wish we had turned the morning room into Adele’s bedchamber; Lord and Lady Broxted called on us yesterday and Mr and Mrs Price the day before that. They are on their way to town to order Julia’s bride clothes.’

  ‘Ah, yes, she marries Viscount Fairbridge this summer.’ Carlotta nodded. ‘I am glad; I think they are well suited.’ She paused. ‘And what news of Mr Woollatt?’

  Adele’s eyes brimmed with merriment. ‘My spies tell me that his mama has found him a very suitable bride—excellent breeding, reasonable fortune and from a very respectable family.’

  ‘Sounds exceedingly dull,’ said Luke. ‘But then Woollatt is a very dull dog.’ He pulled Carlotta into his arms. ‘You are much better off with me, you know.’

  Carlotta blushed, then giggled as James grimaced at this open display of affection. A snuffling cry from the cradle brought their attention back to the baby. Adele began to rock the cradle again and James moved over to gaze at his s
on.

  ‘I was very much afraid I should not see this day,’ he said, reaching down to stroke the sleeping baby’s fat cheek. ‘When the gig overturned, I was afraid I should lose you both.’

  Adele reached out her hand, smiling fondly at him. ‘You knew when we married that I come from tough yeoman stock, my love. It would take more than a little tumble to hurt me.’

  ‘Nevertheless, I was never closer to doing a man harm than when I found out it was Reed who tampered with that wheel. I am glad he was sentenced to hard labour—any lesser punishment and I should have been tempted to take the law into my own hands.’ He scowled at the memory.

  ‘And Mattingwood—is he still awaiting transportation?’ asked Luke. ‘He was the bigger villain; Reed was working on his orders, after all.’

  ‘He was transported for life soon after you left for the Continent.’

  They were silent for a moment, then little James set up a cry and broke the spell. With infinite care, James lifted the baby and handed him to Adele, who rocked him gently in her arms until he settled back to sleep. James watched them for a few moments, then turned back to his brother.

  ‘And is Durini to paint Darvell Manor for you?

  ‘Devil a bit! He is far too busy. They have taken a house in Brighton for the summer; he is working at a certain royal palace at present.’ His laughing eyes flickered towards Carlotta. ‘However, he has promised me that he will paint our new bathhouse. Which reminds me, James…we would like to make use of yours while we are here—I want to teach Carlotta to swim.’

  It was said blandly, but Carlotta felt Adele’s eyes upon her and could not prevent the blush stealing into her cheeks.

  ‘What an excellent idea. Once the baby is weaned, I think we should do the same, James. I believe the exercise would be very beneficial.’

  ‘Well, perhaps, perhaps,’ said James, looking flustered. ‘We shall have to wait and see.’

  ‘You know, my love, I am quite as aware as Carlotta of the wall paintings in the bathhouse,’ said Adele, choosing a bonbon from the little dish on the table beside her. ‘We peeped into the warm room, you see, when we were walking in the grounds last summer.’