by Lucy Langton
Kitty lowered her arms as she sat on Hugh’s lap, his member still throbbing inside of her as she leaned back against his chest. Hugh wrapped his arms around her, keeping her still as their chests heaved for air. She would never grow tire of feeling Hugh inside of her and the love he conveyed to her every time they were intimate together.
After a few more minutes of simply being together and remaining connected that way, Hugh helped Kitty off his lap, and she did her best to fix her gown and hair while Hugh buttoned up his trousers once more.
“It seems that we finished up just in time,” Hugh said as the carriage came to a stop. She could only giggle as the footman opened up the carriage. Hugh stepped out first before turning back to help her down. The fresh air felt marvellous on her skin, and she smiled up at Hugh, wondering where else they would end up making love.
Chapter 25
The wedding reception was as enjoyable as the ceremony itself, Hugh thought as he walked through all that had gathered to celebrate this day with him and Kitty. The ballroom had been elegantly designed in shades of white, blue, and silver fabric as everyone sipped on glasses of sherry and brandy. A small bottle of champagne had been brought in from France as a wedding gift the Royal Magistrate. It had been enjoyed by family members only and had been the perfect drink to such a fantastic day.
Their little adventure in the carriage had only caused Hugh’s desire for his beloved to heighten. He knew that this evening would be their first night together in their own bedchamber, and the idea of waking up next to Kitty in the morning made him eager to whisk her away to their home so he could spend the entire night exploring their heights of passion.
When they weren’t dancing together, he and Kitty walked amongst the many guests, thanking everyone for coming to the celebration of their wedding. Many gave them both sound advice on what it took to have a long-lasting relationship. Both he and Kitty kept their composure when it was suggested that they take lovers on occasion to keep things cordial between them. Hugh was privy to the knowledge that many married couples considered this practice as a way to have a happy marriage, but Hugh knew with certainty that no other woman could ever tempt him like Kitty did.
“My goodness, I certainly wasn’t expecting that,” Kitty whispered to him as they continued through the gathering. Hugh chuckled as he patted Kitty’s hand as it rested on his arm.
“Did you not know that it was a common practice?” Hugh asked in a hushed voice. Kitty looked up at him, her eyes wide as she shook her head. Hugh had to remind himself that Kitty was both younger than him and inexperienced in the ways of intimacy. He was proud to be Kitty’s first and only, but it seemed that he had to teach Kitty more than just the passions of the flesh.
“You must remember, my dear, that most marriages are arranged in elite society,” Hugh stated. “Therefore, both the man and the woman will often take lovers when love isn’t sparked between the match.” Kitty looked away from him and gazed at all the married couples in the room. Hugh wondered if she was trying to determine which ones had lovers instead of being faithful to their spouses.
“Do you think that will happen to us one day?” Kitty asked, worry on her face. He smiled at her, trying to put every ounce of reassurance from his eyes into her body.
“Unlike most, my dear, we are truly in love,” Hugh said with every fibre of his body. “There is no reason for me to ever take a lover when you satisfy every part of me.” The bright smile that came across Kitty’s face showed Hugh that she not only believed him but also felt the same way about him.
“Excuse me, Your Grace,” came a man’s voice from behind them. They turned and were soon greeted by the Marquess of Grindleton, Lord Miller. Hugh had not known the gentleman would be attending the celebration today and felt put on the spot to be approached by him.
“Greetings, Lord Miller,” Kitty spoke up when Hugh had failed to greet the man, becoming speechless because he hadn’t found a solution to the pineapple situation.
“Greetings, Duchess,” Lord Miller said as he bowed to Kitty. “I hate to disturb you on such a grand day, Your Grace. But I was hoping I could speak to you concerning a certain incident.”
“Of course, Lord Miller,” Hugh said as he cleared his throat.
“Since I long to partake of the pineapple that were ruined at my ball, I was hoping you’d consider agreeing to the terms of supplying them to my ball for the next Season,” Lord Miller explained as he wrung his hands together. Hugh could tell the man was nervous to speak to him about this matter since there was such a large separation in their ranks. But he knew that he had a responsibility to do what was right in this situation.
“I’d be happy to provide the pineapple for your ball next Season,” Hugh agreed with a dip of his head. “And I will do my best to supply them to your family for this holiday season as well.” Hugh did his best to keep his composure as the Marquess’ eyes lit up with delight. It was like watching a child become excited on Christmas morning as they opened their present, and Hugh found it very comical to see the same expression on an older gentleman’s face.
“Thank you so very much, Your Grace,” Lord Miller said with much enthusiasm. “I can’t wait to let my dear wife know the good news.” Lord Miller bowed before turning and leaving their presence. Only when the Marquess was clearly on the other side of the room did Hugh allow himself to laugh as though Kitty had just told him a good joke.
“Wasn’t he quite excited by the news?” Kitty said as their mirth subsided. “I have never seen such excitement in a man.”
Hugh raised an eyebrow at Kitty as he said softly, “Then I shall have to prove to you that I can become quite more excited than that if you offer me a night of pleasure.” Kitty giggled in response as she continued forward, drawing him after her as she tugged his arm.
It was close to the meal being served when Hugh and Kitty were once more approached by a couple that had unfinished business with them. When Hugh saw Lord and Lady Talbot, he instantly froze as the couple approached him. As he glanced at Kitty, he could tell that she’d gone pale with fright. He wasn’t sure what the Earl wanted to say to him, but he hoped that any argument that might happen wouldn’t ruin the whole day for them.
“Your Grace,” Lord Talbot said as he bowed, and his wife curtsied at his side. “It was an honour to attend your wedding and these festivities in celebration of your marriage.” Hugh watched as Lord Talbot shifted his gaze to Kitty for a moment before refocusing on him. Hugh straightened his posture, ready for any verbal attack.
“My daughter’s trial is soon approaching,” Lord Talbot spoke next. “I am afraid she’ll be sentenced to the colony in Tasmania for life to endure hard labour for what she’s done. I’ve come to ask that you might petition for a full pardon for Miss Talbot since I am certain that death would be a kinder sentence.” Hugh was silent for a moment, wondering if he’d ever be willing to do such a thing. It was because of Miss Talbot that he and Kitty had suffered so much.
Hugh looked to his wife, curious to know her thoughts. She gave him a weak smile and nodded her head, allowing him to understand that if it was up to her, she’d choose to let Miss Talbot go. With a sigh, Hugh looked back to the Earl with a great decision to make.
“I’ll be honest, Lord Talbot. My first instinct is to tell you no,” Hugh said. He watched as both Lord and Lady Talbot stiffened. “I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive the woman for what she’d done to cause so much harm to others, but if you are certain that you two can be watchful guardians, I will do as you’ve asked.” Hugh saw how hope washed over the couple, and he truly hoped that he’d made the right decision.
“You have my word, Your Grace,” Lady Talbot spoke up for her husband. “We promise to do better by our daughter and see that she behaves herself and perhaps one day becomes a respectful member of society once more.” Hugh nodded his head, thinking that promise would suffice.
“I will then speak to the Royal Magistrate about the matter,” Hugh said. “I cannot make a gua
rantee of things, but I will make an effort.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. We’ll forever be indebted to you if you can help our Beatrice come home,” Lord Talbot said as he humbly bowed before him. Hugh dipped his head in return and then stood there as he watched the couple walk off.
“This day seems to be full of surprises,” Kitty said at his side, drawing his attention to her. He gave her a small smile, thinking that parts had been very unexpected. And as he remembered their little lovemaking session in the carriage, a true smile returned to his face.
“Well, let us go talk to the Royal Magistrate and lead everyone to the dining room,” Hugh said as he turned Kitty around and led her towards his godfather. “I don’t know about you, but I am ravenous.”
“Then perhaps you should save your appetite for tonight,” Kitty whispered to him with a wink. He chuckled as he hugged her arm, thinking his desire for her would never be fully satisfied.
~*~
The night was young as the carriage took Hugh and Kitty from the dancehall to their townhouse. Hugh kept reminding himself that it was no longer just his home, but Kitty’s too. He was excited to bring her home and enjoy being with her every day.
No longer did they need to worry about being separated and could look forward to the rest of their lives together. And if Hugh was being honest with himself, he was excited to take Kitty to bed with him.
“What a lovely long day,” Kitty said with her hand covering her mouth as she yawned.
“I do hope that you’re not too tired,” Hugh teased.
“I’m sure after a nice relaxing bath and a cup of hot tea I shall be fine,” Kitty said with a chuckle. “You won’t believe the advice Aunt Matilda gave me right before we left the dancehall.”
“What is that, my dear?” Hugh asked, his arms around her as he hugged her close to him during the carriage ride home.
“She told me to always make sure I bath before and after intimacy, and to use the chamber pot immediately afterwards to avoid discomfort,” Kitty explained, her laughter bubbling up from her chest as she relayed the older woman’s advice.
“Sounds like that advice has come from pure experience,” Hugh said as he joined in her laughter. “But when you have ordered for a bath to be drawn in the evening, I shall know that you are eager to explore the boundaries of pleasure.”
“Oh, Hugh. You are so intolerable,” Kitty teased. “I don’t think my lady-in-waiting will be pleased to draw a bath for me every night before and after our lovemaking.”
“But I do believe that Aunt Matilda may be right, in some aspect,” Hugh said. “She is a wise woman after all.”
“Then I shall keep her advice in mind,” Kitty reasoned.
As the carriage came up to the townhouse, Hugh felt waves of excitement wash over him. This was the first time he’d be taking Kitty into his house as his bride. He was proud to be her husband and wanted to celebrate every day of their marriage together.
When the carriage door was opened by the footman, he stepped out of the carriage and then helped Kitty down. Her gown and veil trailed after her, making her appear almost angelic in the night as he led her up to the front door.
Portlock must have been watching from the windows because he opened the door for them before Hugh needed to pull the cord on the door. He smiled brightly at them both, seeming to be especially happy to seem them.
“Welcome home, Your Grace. Duchess,” Portlock said with a bow as he opened the door wide for them. “You look lovely, Duchess.”
“Thank you, Portlock. I’m sorry you weren’t able to join us today,” Kitty said as Portlock closed the door.
“Seems I’m a bit under the weather but should be right as rain in a few days,” Portlock said as he pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his dripping nose. “But the Duchess’ things have been brought over and put away by Miss Morgan in her bedchamber.”
“Thank you, Portlock. I hope you will retire early for the evening,” Hugh said. “And please let Miss Morgan know that my wife would desire a hot bath and a tea tray.” It felt good to address Kitty as his wife, and he looked forward to doing so on every occasion.
“Yes, Your Grace. I shall make haste in doing so before I retire for the night,” Portlock agreed as he bowed once more before hurrying down the hallway.
“Well then. I think it’s time I show you to your bedchamber,” Hugh said as he took Kitty’s hand and laced his fingers with hers before leading her upstairs.
“I don’t think it shall take very long to ready myself,” Kitty said. “Shall I come to your bedchamber, or will you come to mine?”
“What do you prefer, my dear?” Hugh asked as they made it to the second floor.
“I think I shall come to yours and surprise you,” Kitty said with a smirk on her face. Hugh could tell that Kitty would enjoy being mischievous from time to time, but that it would be him that would probably surprise her time after time with the different ways to make love.
After Hugh showed Kitty to her bedchamber and her lady-in-waiting appeared to take care of her needs, Hugh went down the hallway to the next door. As he entered his bedchamber, he summoned his footman to help him prepare for bed, also asking for a bath to be brought up to him as well. He figured that washing thoroughly wouldn’t be a bad idea. After all, he planned to be up all night with his wife.
As Hugh soaked in the bath, a lovely scent of peppermint filling the air from the bath oils that had been used, Hugh grew excited at the idea of getting to hold Kitty in his arms and never having to let go as the morning approached.
They could honestly take their time and remain together without the worry of being discovered. He didn’t know how long Kitty would take, but as his member started to stiffen with anticipation, he hoped that it wouldn’t be much longer.
After reading for bed and having the tub dismissed, Hugh went over to the bedchamber window and peered out over the back gardens. Moonlight shone through the clouds overhead, casting moon rays all around. It was almost a mystical sight that seemed to transfix him for a moment. The spell was only broken when he heard his bedchamber door open and close again.
Turning around, Hugh’s mouth fell open at the sight of Kitty. Her long golden hair flowed down over her bare body, the ends resting on her soft breasts. He was surprised that she’d walked to his bedchamber with no clothing, the thought exciting him even more. Her blue eyes sparkled with desire in the candlelight, and as she came near to him, he quickly shed his house robe to showcase that he also wasn’t wearing any clothing.
“Good evening, Lord Blackmore,” she said in a husky voice as her arms came up and wrapped around his shoulders as she pressed her breasts to his bare chest. He growled with desire as he placed his hands on her bare hips, his hands sliding down her bottom before gripping each cheek in his hands and lifting her up so that her legs wrapped around his waist.
“Good evening, Lady Blackmore,” Hugh replied as he turned and pressed her body up against the wall, using it for support as he pinned her there, her legs wrapped around him as he began to kiss her passionately. Hugh’s hands settled on her bottom, holding her up against the wall as she held on with her arms around his neck, grinding her hips against his throbbing member. They moaned together as their tongues did a delightful dance. Hugh would never grow tired of tasting her essence or showing how much he adored her through passionately kissing her.
“Oh, Hugh. I love you so much,” Kitty said as she leaned her head back against the wall, trying to align her wet core with his throbbing member. When the head of his member disappeared into her wet core, Kitty let out a loud moan as he sunk deep inside of her.
Hugh never knew that it would feel this good to make love to his wife as he sank as far as he could into her wet core. Her inner walls tightened around him as he started to thrust in and out of her, using her bottom for support as he pinned her against the wall. With each thrust, her breasts bounced higher and higher till they started to slap against his chest. Kitty moved her body with him,
enjoying being penetrated as he controlled every aspect of her.