To Tempt a Dashing Lord

by Lucy Langton

  “I have something for you,” Marcus said once he noticed her. He reached into his pocket and removed a brooch, which he then held out to her. Catherine accepted the gift and looked down at the pearl encrusted silver that shone in the sunlight.

  “It’s beautiful, thank you,” Catherine said as she looked back up into Marcus’ beautiful brown eyes.

  “I was thinking that we should host a ball to introduce you as my countess. I hope you will consider wearing this brooch at the event,” Marcus said, then looked down at his fingers as he fiddled with them.

  “I think a ball would be a suitable idea. I’m sure there are many amiable families in the neighbourhood who would like to attend,” Catherine said, thinking a ball would be lovely. She would enjoy seeing if Marcus was a good dancer or not.

  “I would also invite a few families from Town as well as since the Season soon comes to an end. There will be more families in the country when it ends, and I’m sure Aunt Daniella wouldn’t mind visiting as well. You could invite your brother as well,” Marcus said, seeming to ramble a bit. She could tell that he was taking her opinion very seriously, and she couldn’t help but smile at his consideration of her as his wife.

  Catherine took his hands in hers to force him to settle and look into each other’s eyes. She smiled up at him, wanting Marcus to be reassured that his idea was well accepted by her.

  “I look forward to planning this event together. You honour me with such an idea,” Catherine said as she closed the distance between them. She guided his hands to her waist so she could then reach up and place her arms around his shoulders. They stood like that for several moments, their eyes locked on one another as though to determine if this was suitable for the other.

  “I’m going to kiss you now,” Marcus said as he wet his lips with his tongue, the sight sparking her desire for him. She nodded once and tilted her head back to allow Marcus to lower his lips to hers. This kiss was filled with a raging passion as Marcus wrapped his arms around Catherine’s waist, pulling her close to his body as their tongues danced together. Catherine was pleasantly surprised by his eagerness and continued to encourage him until she could feel his manhood pressing into her stomach.

  “Catherine, I won’t pressure you into doing anything that you don’t want right now,” Marcus said as he moved his lips from hers and began to plant kisses on her neck while he spoke. “But you must know how much I desire you.”

  A feeling of heat and moisture sprang between her legs at the sound of his words. Catherine had never known a feeling like this and was eager to find a release to something she wasn’t sure of. She allowed him to continue to kiss her, to feel his hands roaming over her back and then down to her bottom where he squeezed the flesh there while pulling her hips against his.

  Was she ready to finally be intimate with Marcus? Her body was telling her that she was ready, and it was clear that Marcus did desire her as well. But without the feelings of great love, could she really make love to Marcus?

  Seeming to sense her hesitation, Marcus returned his hands to her waist and leaned back to look into her eyes. Catherine saw how his normally honey coloured brown eyes had turned a shade darker with desire. They were both breathing heavily as Catherine tried to come up with suitable words to describe her hesitation.

  “Forgive me if I’ve been too forward too soon,” Marcus said as he dropped his hands from her waist, and she let go of his shoulders with the brooch still in her hands.

  “It isn’t that, Marcus. I very much have enjoyed your affections and desire you a great deal. I suppose that there is a part of me that is still afraid,” Catherine admitted.

  “Then perhaps we need to go about this another way,” he said with a smirk.

  “What do you propose?” Catherine asked, very curious.

  “I will plan an evening for us that will help you and I become more comfortable with one another. We shall discuss the details of the ball over dinner, and this evening will be just for us,” Marcus said, his smile seeming to grow larger.

  “Very well. I am eager to see what plans you have in mind,” Catherine agreed.

  “Then, my dear, I shall see you for dinner,” Marcus said as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek before allowing her to be in the garden. She turned and watched him stroll inside the house, excitement coursing through her body as she wondered what Marcus had planned for them. She liked this side of Marcus, of how bold and daring he had become since they had spent the last few weeks together.

  Catherine looked down at the brooch in her hand, honoured to receive such a gift from Marcus. She thought of hosting a ball with him and thought it would be rather lovely to spend the night dancing with him and visiting with other amiable families. It was the sort of thing she dreamed of when she was a child, and having never debuted in Town for a Season, she thought she was finally getting the ball she’d always wanted.

  However, when she thought about the idea of inviting her brother, much like Marcus had suggested, all her excitement for the evening died away. The last thing Catherine wanted to do was invite her brother to her new home. He was bound to start trouble or ask her for money. Catherine didn’t want to be haunted by her past any longer and hoped that she could think of a way to avoid such things. But, if she didn’t invite her brother to the ball, Marcus would ask questions and she would be forced to tell the truth. Not wanting her brother’s poor reputation to affect her any longer, Catherine made her way inside to hopefully think of the best solution to her problems.

  Chapter 9

  Married life seemed to suit Marcus. He was able to carry out his duties as normal, his niece seemed to be growing strong each day, and the woman he had married continued to stir his desires for her every time they were together.

  The last few weeks had been comfortable enough since they had arrived from Town, but after his time with Catherine in the garden and the passionate kiss they had shared, Marcus knew that he was ready to give into his desires for his wife and help her to do the same.

  When Marcus had kissed Catherine, he could feel the heat in her body as he held her tight. The way she had first kissed him while they sat together, her arms guiding his to support little Beth, that kiss had been an opening to Marcus to finally give in to what he had been feeling for Catherine. He understood that these feelings were just carnal and not stemming from a place of love. But he truly respected Catherine and thought highly of her. And since they were officially married, he was ready to enjoy their intimate times together.

  That evening, Marcus requested a special dinner for him and Catherine. Normally they dined on whatever Cook had planned or what Catherine had decided for the day. But this time, he had Mr. Burg put in a special request for him with Cook.

  He wanted this evening to be perfect to really woo Catherine and help her feel comfortable with the idea of them spending the night together in bed. Just the thought caused desire to course with Marcus as he planned the wonderful evening.

  When Catherine came into the drawing room in preparation for dinner, he was seated at a small table with several sheets of writing paper before him. His quill had just been dipped in the bottle of ink when he looked up to see her entering the room.

  His cheeks coloured as she came in wearing a pink gown that looked rather sheer. It was obvious that the design required several under layers, but with the warmth of the days seeping into the night, it appeared that Catherine had decided not to go with the under layers. The curves of her body were rather apparent and included her round breasts that Marcus couldn’t help but stare at as she neared him.

  “I’ve gathered some writing paper so we can discuss the details of the ball,” Marcus forced himself to say as she settled into a chair next to him. She leaned over the table to see what he was working on, giving Marcus another clear view of her cleavage. Marcus had a suspicion that she was doing all of this on purpose and enjoyed teasing him.

  “Has the date been settled upon?” Catherine asked.

 
“I reasoned that a month’s time would be enough. Invitations could be sent out in the morning and families would reply in due time. Those traveling from Town would certainly be able to make arrangements. And with the manor so large, many families could stay here after the event,” Marcus said. He tried to explain his trail of thought on the date, but all he could really focus on was her luscious lips and how dearly he wanted to kiss her.

  “That sounds all very well. It will give me enough time to have a proper ball gown designed and made by then,” Catherine replied. “Have you started on the guest list then?”

  “Yes, of course,” Marcus said, taking his eyes from her and showing her the sheet of paper he’d started to write a list of names on. “Do you suggest any?”

  “Perhaps a few that I know Lady Evergreen is fond of. I would like her to enjoy the event as well,” Catherine said. Together, they spoke about amiable families of Town and some close acquaintances. Catherine really focused on the families she had been introduced to since becoming a companion and did not speak of any families that she knew from her parents or brother’s connections.

  “I have made sure to include your brother’s name as well,” Marcus said. “Though, I am not sure what estate he is currently occupying.”

  “Fear not. I shall write to him personally,” Catherine said as she smiled up at him. He could tell it was one of Catherine’s forced smiles. Marcus wanted to ask her about it but decided that tonight wouldn’t be the best of times. After all, he wanted Catherine to feel all sorts of pleasure, and not any pain about her brother.

  Eventually, dinner was announced, and Marcus took his time leading Catherine to the dining room. He held her hand in his in a very informal way instead of leading her by the arm. Marcus laced his fingers with hers, even bringing her hand up to his lips to kiss the back of her hand before helping her to sit at the table. Marcus noticed the way she blushed and knew that he was having the desired effects on her.

  The dinner went exactly as planned. They were all cold dishes made from savoury and sweet ingredients. The fruit was fresh, and the meats were salted perfectly. With the weather only growing warmer, he wanted Catherine to feel refreshed from their dinner. With that, and with the plans he had for the evening, he wanted her to feel as relaxed as possible.

  “What a splendid meal,” Catherine said after the last course. “I believe Cook really outdid herself today.”

  “I wanted this meal to be special for you,” Marcus admitted. “We have so much to celebrate.”

  “We do?” Catherine asked as she finished drinking her white wine.

  “I think we do. With this ball, it will really finalise everything we’ve done together these last few weeks. It may not have all been what we were expecting in life, but I honestly can say that I have nothing to complain about,” Marcus said.

  “That’s very touching to hear,” Catherine said as she reached across the table and placed her hand on his.

  “I’m going to take you to my bedchamber tonight,” Marcus said as he set his empty cup aside. “As long as you are still keen on the idea?”

  A smile came to Catherine’s face as she said, “Yes, Marcus. I believe I am finally ready. I don’t want to deny the way I’ve been feeling for you any longer.” Her words caused a jolt of excitement to flood Marcus’ body. He was very eager to take her to bed, but with it being her first time, Marcus wanted it to be special.

  Rising from the table, Marcus took Catherine by the hand and led her from the room. They walked together all the way to his bedchamber, their hands locked together. Marcus could tell that Catherine was nervous, and he knew for certain that he would do his best to put her worries and fears to rest.

  As he opened his bedchamber door, he was pleased to see the large bathing tub set in the middle of the room, a light steam rising from the water to indicate that it was warm. Catherine shut the door behind them as he let go of her hand and he approached the tub, dipping his hand in it for a moment to ensure it was the perfect temperature.

  “I wasn’t expecting the bathtub,” Catherine said with a chuckle as Marcus turned back to her.

  “I’m sure there is much you are curious about, Catherine. I wish to put your worries to rest so that you may experience one of life’s most beautiful pleasures,” Marcus said, his voice soft as Catherine joined him.

  “I can assume you’ve been with a woman before,” Catherine said with a smirk upon her luscious lips.

  “I have. Yet, this is different. You are my wife, and I am not in a rush this evening. I want you to really enjoy yourself and see that there is nothing to fear. We both have strong desires and it’s only suitable that we act upon those desires,” Marcus explained. And without any other words, he turned Catherine around and began to unlace her gown. Once it was loose enough, he pushed it from her shoulders to where it fell to the ground. Underneath was only her shift, which he helped pull up over her head until she stood bare.

  Marcus turned her back towards him, to see her eyes filled with concern. He kept his eyes locked on hers as he smiled at her. Then, he eased her into the tub until she was sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest as though to hide her nakedness.

  “You are truly beautiful,” Marcus said as he began to undress himself. Catherine smiled as she folded her arms over her knees. Marcus watched as Catherine’s eyes travelled over him as more of his skin was revealed. He tossed his muslin shirt away and undid his trousers.

  He pulled off his boots and allowed his trousers to hit the floor. After kicking them away, he finished with pulling off his long underwear. It was then that Catherine’s eyes went to his manhood, which now stood erect and eager to be sunk deep inside of Catherine.

  Marcus then joined Catherine in the bathtub as he sat across from her. Their legs rubbed together as Marcus sat with his legs wide, tucking his feet behind her. Though she was still curled up, Marcus knew that this was a good way to help her relax and become more familiar with his anatomy.

  “I never thought married people bathed together,” Catherine admitted with a chuckle.

  “I’m sure those who are not attracted to each other don’t. But I knew this was a good way for you to become comfortable with the idea of being naked before one another because we both feel such a strong connection to one another,” Marcus explained. Carefully, Catherine untucked herself and placed her feet on other side of his hips as she stretched out herself and allowed her arms to rest on the edge of the brass tub. Marcus did the same and laced his fingers with hers as they simply sat and looked at one another.

  “I’m lucky to be married to such a considerate man. I think others wouldn’t have been so patient with me and would have wanted intimacy the night of the wedding,” Catherine said after a while.

  “My honour is really all that I have,” Marcus said. “One’s honour was very important in the Navy. It shall be something I carry with me the rest of my life.”

  “But you have so much more than that, Marcus. You have a family now. One that really cares about you,” Catherine pressed. Marcus thought about her words for a moment. She was the one that was nervous about intimacy while he was the one that was nervous about having a family. Perhaps they could work together to erase each other’s fears.

  When the water began to cool, Marcus slowly stood before pulling Catherine to her feet. Together they stepped out of the tub, and as Marcus gathered a linen towel in his hand, he went to Catherine and began to dry off her body. Her cheeks coloured a deep shade of red as he did so.

  He enjoyed feeling the curves of her body as he made his way down to her feet. The smell of her sex excited him, but he reminded himself to go slowly and be patient. They had all night, after all, to pleasure one another.

  “My turn,” Catherine said in a soft voice as she took the towel from him and returned the favour. Marcus was pleasantly surprised as she began to dry his body. When her hands came to his manhood, he could tell that she was being rather gentle, yet curious. He took it as a good sign that she was beco
ming more comfortable with the idea of them being naked together.