Catherine’s face reddened. “If you will excuse me, ladies. The air in here is quite warm.” She turned to walk toward the terrace. Eliza would wager she had she been more insulted.
Eliza slipped in behind a curtain off one of the back terraces and opened the door. Air. That is what she needed. Her conversation with her daughter in law was pointless. Were it not for the fact her husband had arranged her income well in advance, she was sure that woman would have reduced her to a beggar.
She had barely a moment to herself when Evan joined her on the terrace.
“Why Lady Winston, why do you elude me so?”
“Elude you, no. Avoid stupid women and their gossip, always.”
“Dare I ask what has you so infuriated?” He plucked two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter.
“My daughter in law sought to lay aspersions of your history with Amelia and then thought it would make for pleasant conversation by including your sister’s unfortunate history with Wickham.”
He frowned. “I see. I must admit I overheard your entire defense, again. I would also like it noted that I made the same mistake with your stepson. Your stepson’s wife is not with child.”
Eliza felt her bottom lip drop, and gasped rather loudly.
He laughed. “Believe me, that final insult was perfect. I have never seen a woman so unraveled. I owe you more satisfaction for tonight for this evening’s entertainment.”
“Really, Evan, it was a terrible thing I said.”
“Yes, but the woman deserved it. Now if you have had enough of this crowd we can return to the inn.”
Yes. What she needed was a distraction from her embarrassment. She had no idea what possessed her to say such a foolish thing, much less to her daughter-in-law. Eliza could only imagine what would be said about her by morning, not that it mattered.
“We will leave, but we must thank our host first. If you leave the terrace first, I will follow along. I only need a moment.”
“Very well, love, but do not keep me waiting. I have so much planned for us tonight.”
Eliza smiled and watched as he left the balcony and vanished from sight. Before she left she would have words with her stepson and caution him on interfering with her life.
She left the terrace and did not have to venture further than a few meters when Aubrey found her.
“Lady Winston. I want to apologize for anything Catherine might have said.”
“Aubrey, you married her to spite your father. You then bring her to a ball where she maliciously set out to discredit my friend and his sister. Did your father not teach you no humility? Is it not enough to satisfy one’s thirst for social situations without reducing oneself to the lowest common denominator of meddling.”
“I am sorry if my wife has offended you, madam. It will not happen again.”
Eliza smiled. “Of course it will not. Laying aspersions at one’s front door without firsthand knowledge of those situations reduces one’s credibility. Good evening, Aubrey.”
She curtsied and strode toward the entrance never prouder in her entire life. She found Evan waiting on the front steps.
“At last,” he said. “I will not let you go again this evening.”
“No, my lord. You have my full attention.”
“Take my arm and let us return to the inn.”
Never had she been gladder to leave a gathering. She’d had her fill to last at least a year.
* * *
Evan closed the door to their room. He leaned against the door and watched the most beautiful woman in all of England. She sat at the edge of the bed slipping off her shoe. She tugged off her earrings.
“You were glorious tonight, my love. What did I do to deserve you?”
Pride swelled in his chest. This woman who he rescued and she took him to safety. She defended his honor and that of his sister’s. No words could describe his adoration for her. He was unworthy of her generous and caring soul.
She frowned. “Is there anything the matter, Evan? You are still by the door.”
“I am taking in the scenery is all, love.”
She smiled. “Since you are standing there doing nothing, the very least you can do is help me with my laces.”
“With pleasure, my lady.”
Evan crossed the room to her. This moment, a tiny fragment of time he had yearned for weeks now, finally came to fruition. He wanted to devour her like an insatiable beast, but would instead savor her like an exotic fruit, perfectly ripe and sweet.
He lifted her dress over her head and tossed it over a nearby chair, then he pulled on the laces one by one, eager, he was one step closer to licking the beautiful and pert peaks concealed beneath her corset. At last, he loosened the last bit of lace, then removed the corset and lay it on the chair with her dress. Next, a petticoat followed, then another. Damnation, how could women wear so many layers of clothing? Another layer left her standing in her chemise and stockings.
Eliza looked at him with uncertainty.
“What is the matter, love?”
“I should have had my servant come along.”
“Nonsense, love. As you can see, I am an apt lady’s maid.” He raked his gaze down her body. A beauty in the firelight in nothing but the muslin chemise, she was a goddess in the flesh.
“My God, Eliza,” he murmured, and with shaky hands lifted her chemise over hear head and dropped it on the floor.
Her delicate skin covered with goose flesh and she shivered as he traced his knuckles down her neck to back.
“I am honored to share this moment with you, love.”
Evan could not help himself and he pulled her in for a kiss. A long, head-spinning kiss. He cradled her head with one hand while his free hand caressed her breasts with gently kneaded the soft flesh and he flicked the tight rosy bud of her breast.
His manhood hardened and need coursed through hm ‘til his skin lit a flame. Evan pulled away quickly undressed.
“Love, lie back on the bed.”
She did as he requested and the moment his breeches were off, he knelt on the bed over her.
“You are as divine as a Goddess, and this evening I will worship you as you should always be.”
He plundered her mouth as she wrapped her arms around him. Her soft moans would escalate into squirming and cries of pleasure. He teased her mouth while he continued toying with her senses down her body. Such an exquisite piece of art; he licked, nipped, and kissed his way down her form until his lips reached the apex of her thighs.
“My love, you will enjoy this very much.”
She tensed. “Evan, you do not mean to…”
“I do. Close your eyes, just like in the carriage. I promise you will enjoy it.”
When she eased beneath him, he gently parted the folks shielding her sex and began to suck and lick. He savored her taste with every swipe of his tongue and then began to finger her in a tempo matching his licking. How he looked forward to many more nights like this one and the sensual practices he’d delight her with. This moment, the one and only he’d longed for now was suspended in time. He’d never forget this gift, this beautiful woman, or the passion they shared. He’d had plenty of women before, however, Eliza was different. Something more precious than life itself.
Her thighs tensed and he continued until she cried out. Evan lapped up her juices with pleasure until she settled into the haze of satisfaction.
As she stilled he rose onto his haunches, and quietly took in the moment as He wanted to plunge himself deep inside her but Eliza was at ease, probably the first time in a very long time. Evan would indulge himself in the morning but for now he would take care of the matter himself.
He began stroking himself. Eliza had fallen asleep and with every rise and fall of her chest he imagined it was her stroking him. Then she had taken him with her mouth; those incredibly pouty, full lips. Red with desire, sliding up and down his length. She would look up at him for approval and he would nod back.
Evan’s sac tightened and
his head hung back as the pleasure washed over him in waves. Warm spurts of pleasure landed on his belly and when they ceased, he quietly rose from the bed to clean himself off. He did not deserve her but he would never give her up, not even for King or country.
Evan cleaned himself at the wash basin. He tossed another log on the dying fire then climbed into bed next to her. He drew the blanket over them and pulled her close..
He lay there for an eternity before slumber took him. Loving the elusive Lady Winston was going to be the death of him. An exhausting endeavor that had him running all over the country side seeking her out. He would do it all over again and as many times as needed. He would do anything for the woman he was madly in love with.
Once his sister and Emberly were married, he would set in motion the necessary tasks to ensure he and Eliza were wed, as well. Eliza would be a lovely fit for their family and would change the usual coolness that shrouded their family for far too long.
The sun began to lift from the horizon. If he could manage at least two hours of sleep, he would rest in the carriage on his way home. He nuzzled Eliza finding comfort in her sweet feminine scent and finally dozed off.
Chapter Sixteen
A woman’s shriek brought Eliza upright in bed. She wildly scanned the room, but Evan was nowhere to be found. Her heart pounded. She leapt from bed and whirled, looking for her dress.
She found her chemise hanging haphazardly on a chair, and put it on. She donned two petticoats and had to forego the corset. She couldn’t manage it herself. As she dragged the dress over her head, the door swung open and slammed shut.
Evan stood against the door, carrying a tray of food. He looked as though a swarm of bees had attacked his face and his eye was puffy.
She stared. “What happened?”
“Amelia.” He growled. “I was on my way to have breakfast brought up for you, when I found her knocking on every door, looking for us. I dragged her outside. Oh, the scene she made.”
Eliza ran to him, took the tray and placed it on the table and pulled him into her arms. She loved him, but this affair could not continue if it placed him and his family at risk.
“You poor man, but how did you come to receive the black eye?”
“gentleman misunderstood the situation and thought to rescue her.”
Eliza pulled away. “We must leave at once, Evan. It is not safe for the two of us to be together.”
“We shall leave once you have eaten.”
Eliza hardly knew what to say. How could she remain calm in the face of scandal that would likely end with Evan arrested? The logical thing was to her affair with the earl—at least until Annabelle was married.
She shook her head. “I cannot possibly eat. You have been accosted, harassed, and are in danger of God knows what. Think of your sister and your mama. We must leave immediately. Pray tell, where is the wretch now?”
Evan frowned. “She is being held in the wood shed until the constable arrives to collect her.”
“Frankly, I would be happy if I never saw her again.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. Fate as it were would see that she would never be permitted happiness. Only for an instant did she know what true pleasure and love was.
Evan pulled her close. “Have you not enjoyed our time together?”
“Of course I have, but we cannot continue this affair.”
“What do you mean we cannot? Who said anything about this being an affair, or you being my mistress? Damn it, I want you for my wife, Eliza. I cannot do any of this without you.”
Eliza fell into his arms sobbing. How had this situation come beyond repair? They would never live a life of peace with that woman running around creating trouble.
Evan squeezed her and patted her back. She supposed he had not been accustomed to consoling women before, so she would forgive his silent manner.
She pulled away to finish fixing her hair and washed her face. It served her right for indulging in a night of sin. Never again. Never again would she leave herself open to terror.
Eliza looked over at him. The bruising began to surface and the cuts had already been wiped clean. He would surely be happy once she was out of his carriage and he was on his way to the safety of his home.
“Evan, please see that the carriage is readied immediately. I have no desire to be here another moment.”
“As you wish, love.”
Eliza sat on the bed once more. The reality of his admission struck her. He wanted her to be his wife. How could that even be possible, when at every turn someone interfere din their affairs?
She loved Evan more than words could say. The idea of being with a man who worshipped her was as delightful as it was encouraging that not all men were like her first husband. Whilst she did not listen to idle gossip, what shame would she bring to this family if she became countess? The constant reminder of all their mistakes being tossed in their faces at every opportunity. How to fix the impression society had of them was an intrigue she did not feel she had the energy for?
Eliza rose from the bed and made haste to the carriage. Another moment wasted wallowing in her self-pity was not useful.
Evan waited for her at the carriage, his lips pursed and his eyes weary. “Are you ready, my love?”
“Yes, let us be on our way. I am sure you will need to have your physician examine you upon your return.”
Once he closed the door behind him, he slid onto the seat next to her. She grasped his hand. He held her hand in solitude for a bit and turned to face him.
“Evan. Last night was the most incredible night of my life. You bestowed me with the greatest gift I could ever have. I love you, but I do not think it is wise for us to marry.”
He gripped her and then held her cheek with the other. The love in his eyes spoke volumes. His beautiful lips and the hair that now cast shadows along his cheeks… This man had been hers for all of a fleeting moment.
“We will marry. Once I have discussed with the constable the matter regarding our safety and what course of actions he will take to ensure that wench will never bother us again, we will begin preparing.”
“Evan, my love, I do not think that woman will easily let this go.”
“Perhaps, which is why I propose that we handle my visits discreetly. I will come to see you and will send you additional servants so that you are protected at all costs.”
Eliza shook her head. “If that is what you wish, my lord.”
“Absolutely, my love. I will visit you discretely until Annabelle is married. Then we can marry.”
How could they possibly get married? Just as she was beginning to enjoy her newfound freedom. “We shall discuss this further once you and I have had more sleep.”
The carriage stopped at her cottage. She leaned into the earl and embraced him.
He lifted her chin until their gazes met. “I promise I will see you very soon with a surprise. Do not despair, my love, I shall put things right again.”
He kissed her so long and hard that her toes curled. Lord, how she loved when he swept her up in the moment. His kiss full of love and promises. Their future vague with unknowns. Fate would soon reveal their true destiny, for better or for worse. With an ounce of grace, the next few weeks would pass quickly and quietly.
Evan pulled away from her and stepped out of the carriage. She heard the gasp from her housekeeper.
“Mistress, what happened?” the older woman cried.
Eliza stepped out to find her housekeeper and manservant paled at the site of the earl.
“All will be fine, Bertha.”
“Shall I summon the doctor?” the housekeeper asked.
Evan smiled and held the woman’s hands in his. “I will be fine, madam. Nothing that a good rest cannot fix. Would you see Lady Winston is settled and resting please? It has been a long morning and noon has not yet arrived.”
“Yes, my lord. My lady, come along.”
Eliza looked back before the front door closed to find the earl leaving instructions with h
er manservant.
Good heavens! What could that man be planning now?
* * *
Evan walked in the door to catch Annabelle and Emberly embracing. They both stood there with their mouths gaping. He kept on walking until he reached his library and slammed the door shut, then rang for a servant.
He laid on his sofa and closed his eyes until a servant arrived.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Where is my valet? I need him immediately.”
The door opened again before the servant left. When he opened his eyes, Emberly hovered like a doting hen.
“Blimey, Radcliffe. What in the deuces happened to you?”
“Need you ask?”
“Yes! Who did this to you? I will call them out.”
“You will do no such thing. This was the result of a misunderstanding that Lady Amelia caused.”
The rage consuming him left him restless to the point he could barely remain laid down. He could not believe the lengths that woman went to make his life miserable. “The nerve of…” he began to sputter when mid-sentence his valet entered.
“You summoned me, my lord.”
“Yes, I need a bath readied. I would also like two of our strongest male servants and a maid to be posted at Briar Cottage in Devonshire until further notice. Lastly, you will send a footman to my solicitor immediately. I request his presence post haste.”
“Will that be all, sir?” His valet’s voice trembled. His voice never trembled.
“What is the matter? Why are you glaring at me?”
“I have never seen you angry, my lord.”
Evan shrugged and waved him off. “Bring something for my head. It is pounding something fierce.”
Evan rose and began pacing the room.
“Radcliffe! What can I do to aid you?”
He snorted, but then it struck him. He was irritated at how not once, but twice, Eliza wanted to end this…this courtship of sorts. She was frightened, a natural inclination given the circumstances.
“Emberly! You’ve given me an idea. I’ll answer your questions just once my solicitor arrives. How comfortable are you if we procure a special license for you to wed Annabelle immediately?”
The Elusive Lady Winston (Regency Rendezvous Book 5) Page 12