by Linda Daly
Anticipation increased while he gingerly slid his fingers inside the waist of her pantaloons and slowly eased himself downward following the garment over her thighs until it was free from her body. Still grasping onto his shoulders for balance, Elise stepped free of them one leg at a time, while Joshua traced her frame with his fingers, sending pulsating longing through her.
Shifting her head while arching her back, slightly exposing her complete nakedness to Joshua freely, she drank in the pleasure of his caress on her naked thighs and midriff, moaning, never experiencing such pleasure. As his hands trailed up her body, he paused and tenderly kissed her abdomen, which sent immediate aching to her loins. “Joshua …”
Responding by lifting her into his arms, he tenderly lay her on the bed, while gazing wontedly at her creamy white skin. No longer was Elise concerned of pleasing him. Her urgency and desires increased as she watched him quickly remove his clothing. The sounds of their rapid breathing filled the room, until Elise gasped at seeing his masculine physique and enlarged manhood.
With one knee planted firmly on the edge of the bed, he leaned over and tenderly kissed her scared knee and thigh while huskily saying, “My poor darling. No one will ever hurt you again.”
Knowing his bride was a virgin, and that their first encounter together may be painful, he softly whispered, “Not even me. I’ll try, my darling, to be as gentle as I can.”
Touched by his concern for her at such a moment of intense yearning, she reached for him. “Oh Joshua, please come love me.” As his body slid next to hers, feeling his firm nakedness on her skin sent new longings through her.
Huskily he whispered, “I do love you, Mrs. Carmidy.” While cupping his hands around her face, he tenderly began kissing her. As their fervor increased, so did the intensity of his kiss, while his hand inched down her neck to her pert rounded breasts, causing her to moan softly again. Especially aroused by how Elise responded so readily to his touch, Joshua then began gently kissing her bare skin where his hands had just been and she stirred beside him, her breathing increased, moaning his name softly. “Oh Joshua, Joshua.”
Feeling his tongue glide across her ribs and down to her navel sparked a fervor inside her that she had never experienced before. Softly moaning under her breath, her head moving from side to side, taking in the full pleasure that Joshua was bringing to her, she gasped, feeling his fingers slide inside the moist crevice of her body.
Never had she experienced such pulsating pleasures, and instinctively, Elise grasped his shoulders as he began sucking her nipples. Breathlessly, she pleaded with him, “Oh please Joshua, please … Come to me… .”
Certain she was completely aroused and would be able to accept his full erection, Joshua kissed her stomach as he removed his fingers from inside her, while gently raising his body over hers. Tenderly he edged his enlarged manhood between her legs and slowly, while kissing Elise tenderly, Joshua entered her.
Feeling their bodies being joined, they both gasped as Elise wrapped her arms around his neck. Slowly Joshua inched himself further inside until she gradually accepted all of him, while softly groaning. Feverishly she pushed her body up to his until she lost control and let her desires release as she called out his name.
Feeling her tighten up around him, Joshua, no longer able to hold back his desires, matched Elise’s urgency and exploded in a fiery raw passion of ecstasy, as they climaxed together. Their bodies erupted in the culmination of the pent-up longings for over four years and they clung one to the other, breathlessly, kissing each other frantically.
Elise, overwhelmed by her love for Joshua, began to tremble as she softly wept in his arms. Aware of her tears, Joshua began to pull from her, but Elise grasped his neck tighter.
Unsure what to say at a moment as this, she whispered, “No Joshua, please don’t leave me. You’re not hurting me, honest. Just let me feel us like this a little longer. I love you so much, it hurts …”
Tenderly he wiped her tears, and kissed her eyelids. “I love you so much Elise, it scares me. More than you could ever imagine, even more than I had ever dreamt possible.”
Feeling his desire mounting again, Joshua lowered his head and eagerly Elise parted her lips as his mouth came crushing down on hers. As their passions became more urgent, the two of them again fulfilled their needs in the rapture of their love.
Six
Deceptions
The morning following Joshua and Elise’s wedding, Miranda, who had been offering her services at the Minority Orphanage during the past several years, returned to her daily activities. As soon as she entered the courtyard—just as she had in the past—a sense of solace and peace enfolded her.
The thought of Joseph’s tragic death never far from her mind and the role she played ending his life tormented her, yet here her guilt eased. By helping with the children, it gave her a sense that if she could just help one of them, then a part of Joseph lived on in their future.
“Good morning Miranda. What a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect to see you today with your father still in town. The children are attending early services so we have time for a cup of coffee, if you’d like.”
“I’ve had mine, but a nice chat would be welcome.”
“You look troubled. Is everything all right?” Felicity asked. “I suppose I’m being silly, it’s just that I was thinking about Elise and
Joshua’s wedding, which led me to wonder about my own future … or lack of one where men are concerned,” Miranda said hesitantly. Patting the bench beside her for Miranda to join her, Felicity said soothingly, “Surely you can’t mean that, considering that Joshua’s younger brother, Charles, and Tad couldn’t keep their eyes off you last evening.”
“I hardly think they are a testimony to my charms considering I was the only available female in attendance.”
“Oh come now, Miranda, you and I both know that was not the reason for their interest. What’s really bothering you?”
“I wish I knew. Seeing you and Benjamin, and Elise with Joshua made me wonder why I refuse the attention of men.”
“All men, or are you reconsidering Tad’s attentions by any chance?”
Shyly she smiled. “Am I that transparent, Felicity?”
“Not exactly. But considering that you’ve only met Charles, and that Tad has repeatedly exhibited affection toward you over the years, it was a pretty good guess.”
“Do you think … er … I mean, if I should begin taking his advancements more seriously, what if he feels it was out of desperation or worse that I’m a strumpet?”
““Desperation or a strumpet?” Felicity said, trying to mask her desire to chuckle. “Heavens no! Why on earth would you even think such a thing?”
“You said it yourself. For years I’ve ignored his advances. Yet now, after witnessing Elise’s wedding, I suddenly become interested. If that doesn’t appear desperate or the actions of a tart, then what does?”
Seeing her friend was serious, Felicity put her arm around her shoulder and hugged her fondly. “Dearest Miranda, if you ask me, you worry too much. If I know Tad, no thoughts will ever cross his mind. He’ll be so pleased that you finally are giving him a chance.”
“And what about Michael and Sarah?”
“Oh, you are being silly. I can’t think of anyone they would prefer a budding romance with their son, than you.”
Continuing to rest on Felicity’s shoulder, Miranda sighed, “Perhaps, but what if Tad and I didn’t work out. Can you imagine how awkward our relationship would be then? I just couldn’t bear having a strain between our families, especially with me living with them so much of the time. I owe Michael so much. If it weren’t for him helping my father, I shudder to think what would have come of him or me for that matter.”
“Sit up and look at me,” Felicity said softly. “My dear Aunt Gwen once told me to follow my heart. Under the circumstance, I think you would be wise to do the same. You trying to second-guess everything obviously has caused you more unhappines
s than if you and Tad were to make a go of it or not. Love isn’t planned, or can’t be forced upon two people. So why not try just letting your heart lead you for the time being and have faith in God that you will know what is right for you? However, before you can do either, perhaps you should ask yourself one question. Are you afraid to love someone?”
Defensively Miranda answered, “I’m not afraid to love. I just don’t love Tad. When I am with him, I feel he’s not truly being honest with me. It’s as if he is portraying the person he thinks I want him to be. Does that make sense? Always saying the right thing, exhibiting the finest mannerism of a perfect gentleman, yet I just feel there is something I should be leery of.”
“Surely you don’t think he’s sinister?”
“Of course not.” Miranda paused pensively gathering her thoughts before continuing. “It’s just that I think he’s learned to be a master of concealing his true feelings to please his grandmother. At times it’s as if he is suppressing something he is ashamed of from his father as well as the Honeycutt’s.”
“Dearest, Tad surely can’t be faulted for suppressing his thoughts, considering you too have done the same. However, if you honestly feel he is acting strange to cover up something he is ashamed of, then perhaps you should discuss your feelings with Sarah or Michael.”
“And tell them what? I have nothing concrete on which to base my suspicions other than his peculiar behavior.”
“Well, perhaps if you tell me what it is that you find so peculiar, that will help?” Felicity asked sincerely.
Eager to confide in someone she trusted, Miranda asked, “Have you noticed when we are all together, how he frequently is looking at the clock and at the slightest provocation he’ll excuse himself to leave early? Where does he go? If you ask him, Tad cleverly avoids the question never giving a direct response. Careful not to be caught in a lie, I suspect. In addition, I find it particularly odd that he didn’t welcome the opportunity to move in with his father and Sarah considering Michael has been away for so long. Only after Alfred’s insistence did Tad agree. Now of course I understand he has a lot of resentment toward his father, but how can he hope to establish a relationship with Michael, if he remains with his grandparents? In truth, I think he doesn’t want to move in with them simply because Michael would know how late he returns every night.”
“I hadn’t realized Tad refused to move in with his father. How sad for Michael and Sarah. They both must feel just awful … Speaking of which, have they found a house yet? With all the excitement of the wedding yesterday, I forgot to ask either of them.”
“Oh I do wish you had, otherwise it’s as if I’m gossiping. However, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you knowing they purchased a vacant home near Elise and Joshua’s with the intent to move in by week’s end. In answer to your other comment—although I have never discussed it with either of them personally—I should think it must be devastating for both Sarah and Michael knowing Tad’s reluctance to join them. It truly saddens me, especially knowing what decent and loving people they are.”
Nodding, Felicity hastily added. “Never fear, I’ll not breathe a word of what we’ve discussed. I do have a question though. With your father now looking for a place of his own, where are you intending to stay? Surely, this must be awkward deciding where you should go. On one hand, you have a lifelong relationship with Sarah, yet on the other, the Honeycutt’s have been most generous allowing you to be a houseguest for so long. You must be torn.”
“Actually it wasn’t that hard a decision. You know what a special relationship I have with Alfred. Well, the dear asked me if I would be so kind to remain with him and Vivian. Of course, I agreed. Especially when Vivian seemed so eager for me to stay as well. Not that I believed for an instant that she really wanted me there. I suspect she had ulterior motives. With me around she’ll be free to come and go as she pleases without feeling guilty that Alfred is alone. Besides, Michael, Tad and Sarah need time to get to know one another, without any outsiders interfering.”
“I would hardly consider you an outsider, Miranda. However I agree, time alone with one another should improve their awkwardness if nothing else. As for Vivian, she does spend a lot of time with Lavinia, which could be hampered if Alfred were alone I suppose.”
“In truth, Lavinia Sterling was the only drawback of remaining at the Honeycutt’s.”
“Yes well, I can appreciate your sentiments regarding Lavinia. You know it’s odd, for a time there following Aunt Gwendolyn’s death, I honestly felt Vivian and I could be close. That was until she and Lavinia became such dear friends, of course. For the life of me, I simply cannot understand what those two women have in common, other than their husbands are in business together.”
Felicity paused for a moment to ponder such a thought then shook her head, and continued. “Oh never mind about that woman, the least said about Lavinia Sterling, the better I like it.”
“Yes indeed. However, it was rather enjoyable witnessing Elise beat Lavinia at her own game, while she kept her occupied so that we could avoid her nasty digs.”
“As shameful as this sounds, it was glorious. Yet now, thinking on it some, perhaps it would have been wiser if we allowed Lavinia her victory. From past experience I have learned that when Lavinia is denied, she will be hell-bent on getting revenge. Precisely why in part, Benjamin and I were thinking of begging off tonight. We still have so much to do after being in Washington for so long, and we were rather looking forward to a peaceful night alone together.”
“Oh no,” Miranda whined, disappointed. “Please reconsider. Don’t leave me to tend to her myself, it will be so awkward if you’re not there.”
“Well, I’ll talk to Benjamin …” she said, hesitating as the sound of laughter filled the courtyard. “Oh dear, the younger children must have been released from church early, and I’ve not even had a chance to prepare any lessons for today. Where has the time run off to?” She stood up gathering her few belongings.
“It’s all my fault. Why don’t amuse I them for awhile so you can work on their lessons?” Miranda asked, helpfully.
“That sounds perfect. Thank you, dear friend.” Not waiting for a response, Felicity called out as she made her way to open the door of the small schoolhouse. Turning with a smile, she said, “We can talk later if you like.”
Nodding, Miranda rounded up the smaller children to play Maypole in the courtyard. From the corner of her eye, Miranda became distracted by a man delivering ice who was staring at them. Trying to appear cordial, she smiled at the gruff, handsome dark-haired man. Even from this distance, she was attracted to his green eyes.
“Good day, sir. May I help you?” Miranda asked shyly.
The man seemingly surprised that she would speak to him, said, “No, miss. I’m sorry for disturbin’ ya.”
Realizing he was about to leave and finding herself attracted to the stranger, Miranda boldly said, “Why, you’re not disturbing me at all.” A faint smile crossed the stranger’s lips and hoping to draw him into a conversation, she asked, “Are you Irish, sir?”
At once his smile faded and immediately Miranda regretted what she had asked and quickly added. “Forgive me for asking, but your accent is like that of some of the children here.”
“Well you’re a fine one to talk about accents lass, considering yer’s is different than the rest.”
“I’ve offended you. Oh please do accept my apology.” Walking toward the stranger, Miranda extended her hand. “My name is Miranda, Miranda Brown. So nice to meet your acquaintance, sir.”
“Missy, I’m not one of yer high falutin’ society friends that you need to be shaking hands with. So there be no need to be callin’ me sir, neither. I’m nothing but an ice deliverer and don’t think you’ll have much cause for exchanging names with the likes of me.”
Miranda stood horrified that not only had he not accepted her gesture of kindness, but she detected contempt for her in his eyes. Embarrassed, she felt her cheeks flush and lowered her
hand to her side. Sheepishly, she said, “There is no cause for you to be rude. I was only trying to be polite.”
Suddenly her embarrassment turned to outrage and Miranda, not giving the man a chance to speak, huffed, “You seemed like a nice man at first, but obvious I was mistaken. Good day to you, sir!”
Turning abruptly, she returned to the children as they sang “Ashes, Ashes we all fall down.” Seeing them fall and roll on the ground merrily laughing, Miranda clapped her hands. “Oh that was wonderful! Shall we do it again?” she called out to the eager children around her.
Cheers of delight erupted from the children, and at once they merrily held hands while skipping in a circle singing loudly, “Ring around the roses, a pocket full of posies …”
The man, still standing alongside the fence hailed to her. “Pst, Miss Brown is it?”
Hearing him, Miranda, still angered, turned slightly not looking at him, but keeping her eye on the children, and said, “Yes?”
“Gilbert O’Flaherty, is me name. I lost me senses fer a wee minute. It’s been a while since anyone, especially one so lovely as yerself has shown me kindness in this ‘great land of opportunity’ and I forgot me manners.”
Aware of the sarcasm in his voice referring to America, Miranda noted he had complimented her, and she glanced over at him. Immediately her heart began to race, seeing tenderness she had not expected as he gazed at her.
Never had Miranda met anyone who confused her more. At one moment he could appear kind and gentle, yet at a drop of a hat he seemed capable of displaying anger and resentment. Even his comment of her appearance seemed contrary and completely inappropriate for two people who had just met, and rather than continue with this obviously rude and unrefined man further, Miranda sharply responded, “Yes you did Mr. O’Flaherty! Forget your manners, that is.”
Expecting him to leave, Miranda was startled to see him remain where he stood with a devilish grin on his lips as if deliberately trying to annoy her further. Their eyes locked on one another’s and she firmly placed her hands on her hips.