by Lucy Langton
“Well, I could always return to my own home in the country,” Aunt Matilda said. Kitty thought she looked very uncertain as she said that and perhaps a little sad as well.
“I’m sure Hugh wouldn’t mind if you came to stay with us,” Kitty spoke up. “And with William returning, you’ll have company here if you decide to remain in town.” Aunt Matilda looked at her with hopeful eyes even though she fidgeted with her cane.
“I wouldn’t want to impose on your and Hugh,” Aunt Matilda said. “And I’m not sure if William will want to stay in Town for long.”
“Well, I don’t think Hugh would consider you staying with us as imposing,” Kitty said as she reached out and took her aunt’s hand in hers. “After all, I think you’d like to be there when the children start to come.” Aunt Matilda laughed then as she nodded her head.
“I do long for the time when I shall hear the laughter of small children again,” Aunt Matilda admitted with a keen smile. “Well, we have dinner with the Italian composure tonight. I think I shall rest for a short time.” Kitty let go of her aunt’s hand then and watched as she made her way slowly from the sitting room. Kitty knew that she and Hugh should have children soon so that Aunt Matilda might be able to see the children before she passed. Though her aunt was strong spirited, Kitty still worried about her.
~*~
“Miss Worthington. You grace us with your presence,” Pietro Generali said as she and Aunt Matilda were welcomed into the composer’s small home in Town.
“Thank you, Pietro Generali, for having us this evening,” Kitty replied with a curtsey. “May I introduce you to my aunt and guardian, Lady Winthrop.”
“Ah, Lady Winthrop. A pleasure to meet you,” Pietro Generali said as he took Aunt Matilda’s hand and bowed before it. “Thank you both for joining me and my family for dinner this evening.”
“The pleasure is all ours,” Aunt Matilda replied as she folded her hands before her. Pietro Generali then led them into the parlour where he introduced his wife and two small children.
“What a charming family you have,” Aunt Matilda commented as they were seated. “You are blessed to have two beautiful young men.” Pietro Generali and his wife Gabriella chuckled as they tried to have the children sit with them. But they were more concerned with playing with their wooden blocks and toy soldiers on the floor.
“Do you have any children, Lady Winthrop?” Pietro Generali asked with a kind smile.
“Alas, I was not blessed with such a position on this Earth,” Aunt Matilda replied with a melancholy sigh. “But with the recent engagement of my niece, I hope she will allow me to be a godmother to her children.” Kitty squeezed her aunt’s hand as she nodded her head in agreement.
“You shall make the most wonderful godmother,” Kitty said.
“There was much talk about what had happened, Miss Worthington,” Pietro Generali spoke up. “I am glad to see that you are recovered from the incident and will soon be happily married.” Kitty knew that this might come up in conversation, and she was prepared to finally speak about what she went through.
“It was terrible what Lord Harding did to so many people,” Kitty said. “I am simply glad to be alive and to have fallen in love with a wonderful gentleman such as Lord Blackmore.” Kitty almost used Hugh’s informal name and had to remind herself to use his proper name in public conversation.
“Miss Worthington, my husband tells me you have a beautiful singing voice,” Mrs Generali said then. “Would you care to join me for a musical piece or two?” Kitty was so surprised by the offer, and after receiving some encouragement from her aunt, she agreed to accompany the woman. At least it would be better than having to talk about what she recently went through.
Kitty wasn’t sure what to expect when singing with the wife of an Italian composure. She was certain that Gabriella would have a wonderful singing voice as well, and together they would be able to create some beautiful music together.
Kitty allowed Mrs Generali to pick the music, and together they sang a familiar piece. As their voices rose together, even the young boys stopped their play to listen to them sing. It had felt like ages since Kitty had sung such a beautiful song, and as her voice filled the room with the other woman’s, she felt whole once more.
When their song came to an end, they were quickly applauded. Kitty smiled, pleased to have impressed both Pietro Generali and her aunt. Singing never ceased to bring her joy and to share that joy with others was what really made Kitty appreciate the simpler things in life. Her thoughts turned to Hugh as she realised how much she appreciated his love and wished he could have been here tonight to hear her sing.
“Bravo, Miss Worthington. It was beautiful to hear you sing with my beloved wife,” Pietro Generali said as he took Gabriella’s hands in his. “I’ve been wanting to have someone sing some of my new songs that I’ve begun to write in English. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind working with me and my wife for these new songs.” Kitty was stunned by the offer. To her, it was like a dream come true.
“It would be my greatest honour to get to work with such a famous composer,” Kitty said while she tried to keep her excitement at bay. “You let me know when my assistance is needed, and I will ensure that I am available for you.”
“Grazie, Miss Worthington. I appreciate your willingness to assist in my creative process,” Pietro Generali said in return.
The rest of the evening went by in a casual manner as Pietro Generali spoke about the type of music he was currently writing. He explained a bit about his creative process as he worked with different musicians and singers to discover the perfect tune and words to go along with the melody.
Kitty was fascinated by all the wonderful details she was learning about how music was created and found that this had been one of the more enjoyable dinner parties of her life.
“Well, Miss Worthington. Lady Winthrop. Thank you both for gracing my humble abode with your presence this evening. I hope we can recreate this night again in the near future,” Pietro Generali said gracefully as he escorted them to the front door. Mrs Generali had taken her sons up to bed after saying their parting words.
“I very much look forward to it,” Kitty replied as she curtsied to Pietro Generali’s bow. She followed her aunt down the stairs to their waiting phaeton, feeling like she was walking on thin air.
“What a marvellous night,” Kitty said to her aunt as she helped the woman up into the vehicle.
“It seems like all your dreams are coming true,” Aunt Matilda commented as they were both settled in the phaeton. The coachman flicked the reins and sent the horses off into a trot.
“What do you mean, Aunt Matilda?” Kitty asked. She took deep breaths of the night’s air, feeling it refresh her and cool her skin. She had grown warm during the evening due to her excitement and enjoyment of the conversation.
“Well, you are marrying a very wonderful gentleman,” Aunt Matilda said as she patted her hand. “And you are getting to continue your career as a singer.” Kitty giggled, thinking it was quite ridiculous that she would be given the title of singer.
“Oh, I don’t think I am a singer,” Kitty said when her mirth had subsided. “I simply enjoy singing and would love to work with a songwriter to create new music.”
“My dear, never sell yourself short. You might not get paid to sing, yet,” Aunt Matilda said as she pointed her finger at Kitty. “But you are a singer my dear. Your voice is well sought after and now it has landed you with the opportunity to even create music.”
“Well, I will take this all in stride,” Kitty reasoned. “But I do appreciate your compliment.”
“Good. Now let us be home and retire for the night. If I remember correctly, there shall be another dinner party tomorrow evening,” Aunt Matilda said with a sigh. Kitty observed her aunt, thinking that the idea of going out again did not settle well with her. Then, a brilliant idea came to mind.
“Why don’t I attend the dinner party with Hugh? He is my intended after all and
would be a decent enough escort,” Kitty suggested. “And I’m sure Portlock wouldn’t mind keeping you company while we’re gone.” Kitty watched her aunt closely and noticed how a grin came onto her face. She was starting to suspect that her aunt had taken a liking to the older butler.
“I suppose that will have to do,” Aunt Matilda replied. “But as long as you two promise to be on your best behaviour.” Kitty chuckled as she nodded her head.
“I promise, Aunty,” Kitty reassured.
Chapter 20
Kitty tossed and turned that night, her mind wandering. Sometimes her dreams would show her terrifying images of being trapped inside the crushed carriage once more as she tried to scream for help but couldn’t breathe in enough air to do so.
Other times, she’d see memories of her childhood with Hugh and she would be calmed once more. But it was when someone pressed their hand into her shoulder that she startled awake and quickly swung her open palm towards the person beside her.
Hugh caught her hand before she could make contact with his face. Kitty was panting as her mind cleared and she was able to see Hugh clearly. She looked around and saw that she was still in her room. But then why was Hugh in her bedchamber?
“What is wrong?” Kitty asked as she lowered her hand. “And I’m sorry for trying to strike at you. I wasn’t sleeping very well.” She knew she was rambling but couldn’t help it since it was the middle of the night and she was awfully tired.
“I couldn’t sleep and wanted to see you,” Hugh explained. “So, I snuck into your house and came up to your bedchamber.” A wicked grin crossed his face as he leaned down and kissed her on the lips. She returned the wonderful kiss but thought this was all too risky. She pushed him back by the shoulders and looked up into his beautiful green eyes.
“Hugh, you shouldn’t be here. This is very risky, and it’s unsightly to think you snuck into my house,” Kitty said. She tried to talk in a stern voice but couldn’t help grinning as she looked at him. He looked so devilishly handsome in his muslin shirt that was opened at the top, allowing her to peek at his bare chest. She remembered quickly what it had felt like to have him bare above her, their hot flesh brushing up against each other.
“You might say that now, Kitty. But when I get done with you, you’ll be begging me to sneak back into your room every night,” Hugh said in a husky voice, sending shivers up and down her body. She felt her core becoming wet and knew her body was responding quickly to his words.
“Oh, Hugh. You can’t be serious,” Kitty said in a soft whisper. Her eyes kept dropping to his plump lips, and she desperately wanted to feel those lips all over her body.
“But I am, Kitty,” Hugh said right before he lowered his lips to hers once more. She gave up trying to talk reason to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her.
Kitty lost herself in his kisses, feeling the warmth from his lips seeping into her skin and running throughout her body. Hugh climbed on top of her then and Kitty was quickly wishing there were no clothes or blankets between them. She snaked her hands underneath his shirt and Hugh hissed against her mouth as she began to run her hands up his bare chest. His skin felt like it was on fire, and she desperately wanted to strip them both of their clothes.
Kitty darted her tongue between Hugh’s lips, tasting him as their tongues clashed together for control. She started to pull at his trousers, working on freeing the buttons and his erect manhood beneath them. Kitty was eager to feel him deep inside of her once more and thought she couldn’t be much more patient.
“I knew you wouldn’t mind me calling on you during such a late hour,” Hugh said in a low voice, a deep chuckle rumbling in his chest as he leaned back and pulled off his shirt. Her eyes stared at his bare chest, thinking she’d never see a more perfect specimen of a man ever in her life.
“I’m starting to think you have me convinced,” Kitty replied as she looked up into his eyes. He moved over on the side of the bed to shed the rest of his clothes, Kitty’s eyes taking in every inch of him. She then pushed back the blankets and pulled off her nightgown and tossed it onto the floor with the rest of Hugh’s clothes. She giggled as she did so, causing Hugh to chuckle as he climbed back on top of her and started to plant kisses down her body. She giggled as a few parts around her stomach tickled as he nibbled on her skin.
“I think you are enjoying what you are doing to me,” Kitty said as she took him by the shoulders and pulled him back up her body. She planted a passionate kiss to his mouth before rolling him onto his back and placing her legs on either side of him.
“Well, well. What a pleasant surprise,” Hugh said as he rubbed his hands up and down her sides. “I did not think you were such an assertive woman.”
“Like I said, darling,” Kitty said as she bent down and kissed his chest, causing him to moan. “When I want something, I can be very persuasive.” Kitty continued to place kisses all over his chest, and when she felt his manhood start to press against her wet centre, she lowered herself until her mouth was in line with the top of his manhood.
“Kitty, my dear. You don’t have to do that,” Hugh said as he looked up suddenly and realised what she was about to do. But as Kitty took the head of him into her mouth, all he could do was moan. Kitty found his taste interesting as she took more of his manhood into her mouth. This was only something she’d read about before and was curious about all the different ways she could pleasure a man. Though this action was considered reserved only for women in a brothel, she was certain Hugh would forgive her as she continued to taste him.
Hugh began to moan louder, and Kitty couldn’t help giggling as she listened to him. She never thought she’d be able to cause this type of reaction in him. When she had her fill of his manhood being licked by her tongue, she raised herself over him and positioned the head of his manhood directly over her wet core.
“You’re so beautiful,” Hugh said as his chest rose and fell quickly as he panted due to all the passion she was giving him. Kitty smiled at him, thinking that was one of the sweetest things Hugh had ever said to her. She slowly began to lower herself down onto his manhood, her inner walls clenching against his thick rod. Hugh let out a low, long moan as she buried his manhood in her wet core. His hands came up to hold onto her waist, keeping his still on his manhood as her inner core became accustomed to his girth.
When Kitty started to become impatient, she started to rock her hips forward, causing Hugh’s grip to tighten on her waist. But instead of holding her still he began to help her. He guided her hips up and down on his manhood and soon the room filled with the pleasant scent of their lovemaking. Kitty was instantly transferred into a haze of pleasure as her body was overwhelmed with the waves of love that came from Hugh. She would have never imagined that being intimate with the man she loved would ever feel like this. She was now grateful that Hugh had taken the time to come to her tonight because she couldn’t imagine spending her nights any other way anymore.
“Oh, Kitty. I don’t know how much longer I can resist,” Hugh said as Kitty began to bounce up and down on his manhood as fast as she could. She could feel the pressure building in her wet centre and knew she couldn’t hold out any longer. As her core began to spasm with pleasure, Hugh bucked his hips as hard as he could as he spilt his seed deep inside of her. Their moans of pleasure filled the air, and Kitty was certain they could be heard.
Kitty was panting hard as she lowered her body over Hugh, resting herself on his chest as they both fought hard to regain their breathing. It took a while for both of them to come down from that high, and Kitty wished that this night would never end.
Hugh started to run his fingers through her hair, and she thought it was the more pleasant feeling in the world. Kitty soon felt herself slowly drifting to sleeping, feeling safe and warm in the arms of her love.
~*~
Kitty startled awake, thinking she’d only been asleep for a moment. But as she felt around her, she realised that Hugh was now gone, and she’d
been left with her nightgown beside her. Kitty giggled to herself, thinking that Hugh was like a thief in the night.