by Lucy Langton
“Do you refer at your time in the gentlemen’s clubs or the gambling halls, Lord Whetstone? You always amazed me at how scandalous you could often be,” Catherine said, her voice harsh. Marcus had never heard her speak in such a way and was surprised by the manner in which she spoke.
“Ah, I had forgotten how humorous you could be,” Lord Whetstone replied, his mirth dying away quite quickly. Marcus was confused by this banter and looked forward to the time when he could get Catherine by herself to ask her about this past relationship.
“I wanted to speak to you, Lady Kingston, about forgiving your brother of his debts to me at the card tables. I am sure we could arrange some sort of agreement. Perhaps tomorrow morning after breakfast we could speak of such terms,” Lord Whetstone then offered. Marcus knew of the rumours surrounding Lord Hall and his reputation at the card tables, based on what Lord Hunter had said to him. Though, he wasn’t aware of Lord Hall actually needing to pay back anyone of elite status.
“Any business you have with my brother is to remain between you and Lord Hall. I shall not be any part of his doings,” Catherine said, her chin raised high. She didn’t even bother with a reply as she turned from the man, dropping her hand from Marcus’ arm, and walked over to where Lady Evergreen was sitting.
Marcus was completely perplexed by her behaviour. If they weren’t in the middle of a dinner party, then he would have certainly demanded an explanation from his wife. In his mind, there was no need for such rudeness. However, he knew that Catherine did nothing unless it was with good reason. Therefore, Marcus took a deep breath and settled himself before looking back at Lord Whetstone.
“It seems marriage hasn’t tamed her wild spirit,” he commented.
“Tis one of the reasons I do love her,” Marcus said before he really considered the words. He was surprised by the declaration, wondering if he had said them to only support Catherine, or perhaps if he truly was falling in love with his wife.
“Then you are a lucky man to have married for love,” Lord Whetstone said as he dipped his head and turned from Marcus. He was then left standing alone as his mind raced, trying to contemplate what had just happened and if his declaration was true.
“That looked rather heated,” Lord Hunter said in a low voice as he came to Marcus’ side.
“Do you think many others noticed?” Marcus asked, knowing their reputation was at stake since this was her debut.
“No, I don’t believe so. I was simply curious if I was going to be able to steal your attention away to join our conversation, is all,” Lord Hunter explained.
“Why? What have you learned?” Marcus asked, turning his attention to his friend instead of to where Lord Whetstone had wandered off to in the room.
“Seems like Lord Hall is familiar with several of the gentlemen present this evening. There has been talk of card games and lots of money lost.” Marcus sighed and refrained from running his fingers through his hair. He knew that all eyes would be watching this evening, so he forced himself to remain composed at all times.
“Tis the reason why Lord Whetstone did approach us. Seems he has a history with the family. Particularly with Lady Kingston. He wanted to speak to her privately about her brother’s debts, and she denied him an audience swiftly,” Marcus explained.
“Must be a sour relationship if she had the courage to do such a thing publicly. Explains the scene I just witnessed,” Lord Hunter commented.
“I should return to her side and discover what I can,” Marcus said as he looked across the room and saw Catherine in conversation with Aunt Daniella and their friends. But as he saw the way she was smiling and laughing, he thought better of it.
“Your wife is enjoying herself now. Come, join the other gentlemen with our boring conversation of Town life and business,” Lord Hunter said with a chuckle. Marcus simply nodded and followed his friend, wishing instead he could remain at Catherine’s side. He wasn’t sure what had transpired between her and Lord Whetstone, but he would get to the bottom of such a story since he knew how uncomfortable she was with the earl near.
Chapter 14
Catherine was trying her best to focus on her breathing and the pleasant conversation that was happening around her. Once she had joined Lady Evergreen and her circle of friends, she felt able to relax once more. This was a safe and familiar situation, and therefore Catherine lost herself in conversation until dinner was announced.
Had she paid more attention to the guest list, and less on what Marcus had planned for them that evening, she would have spotted Lord Whetstone’s name and could have prepared better for this evening. But seeing him suddenly in the last place on earth she would have expected, in her new home, had been quite a startling sight.
Though she was participating in the conversation around her, the latest fashions in Town, the style of her own gown, and all the latest gossip, Catherine was also thinking about what Lord Whetstone was proposing. She was certain that he would forgive all of her brother’s debts if she was willing to give her body over to him. She would have hoped that the last time she had seen the man and embarrassed him at the last dinner party they had attended would have stopped the earl from approaching her any longer. But it seemed that the man still had intentions towards her, if he was going to be so bold as to speak to her and suggest that they speak together about such matters.
“Lady Kingston, do you believe it’s acceptable for young ladies to attend the theatre without a chaperone?” asked one of the other women who had a young daughter. If she remembered correctly, the daughter had requested such permission during the beginning of the Season.
“From a young lady’s perspective, a public setting such as a theatre might feel safe enough. After all, if we are to be honest with one another, we only attend the theatre to be seen,” Catherine said, the women chuckling in response to her comment. “Even so, a young lady should never travel on her own. Even if it’s just to the park to enjoy a bit of fresh air. You just never know what might happen in the most unlikely of places.”
“See, that was my point as well. I am certain, Lady Kingston, that you will make an excellent mother, should you have a daughter as well,” the woman replied with an approving smile.
“Thank you. I appreciate the compliment,” Catherine replied. She took a deep breath as the conversation turned from her. She was only grateful that she had been paying enough attention to the conversation to be able to comment worthily.
Though her words would have disheartened any young lady, she knew her place in society and what rules society had placed on her gender and age. If it was in her control, she would uphold her reputation in society.
That line of thinking brought her back to her brother’s troubles. She liked to think that he had paid back everyone he owed money to with what he was able to get from the money lenders. But if there was any truth to Lord Whetstone’s words, perhaps even the amount that had been lent to him wasn’t enough to pay back everyone. How much could a man truly lose at the card tables?
As Catherine snuck a look at her husband, she watched his face to see he looked rather intense and concentrated on whatever was being discussed with the other gentlemen. She could only assume it was matters of business, for that was all gentlemen tended to talk about in the presence of women. She thought how the expression on Marcus’ face wasn’t fitting, because rarely was he that serious around her.
Catherine’s heart began to soften as she considered her husband. She desperately wanted to confide in her husband about her matters but knew that it would be foolish. Her brother’s issues were her own to bear.
He had already experienced so much in a short time with the death of his brother, and a complete life change, followed by a quick marriage to cover up the fact that he now had a child to raise. And to think she might burden him with her family’s money issues? She couldn’t bear to do such a thing to such a kind man.
She looked about the room to spot her brother, and in the process came into eye contact with Lord Whetsto
ne. She saw the way he smiled at her, even being as bold as to raise his hand slightly to wave at her. Catherine quickly turned her head away, her anger rising once more at such a ridiculous man. She was married, after all. And this was her home. He was far too much, and she wished she could have Mr. Burg turn him out right away. However, she’d have to speak to Marcus before she did such a thing. It was both their reputations now. For now, she would be forced to endure his presence for the next few days until the festivities were over.
Marcus came to Catherine’s side not too long afterwards to lead her to dinner. She smiled at him, not wanting him to think that anything was wrong or that she was uncomfortable. After all, he had planned all of this for her.
She gladly took his arm, walking rather close to him as they led the procession to the dining room for the evening meal. Though her intention was to pretend that they were happily married, like any newly-wed couple would be, she found it rather easy to do when she did truly care about Marcus. And she knew in return that he cared about her as well.
Chapter 15
Marcus and Catherine were the only ones left in the drawing room, having waited up until the last guests had retired for the evening so as to ensure they were dutiful hosts. However, by the time it was finally go up to bed, Marcus was exhausted from the evening’s conversations. It had been a very long time since he had attended a dinner party, and this was the first time he had hosted one as well.
“Shall we go up for the night?” Marcus asked as he stood from the settee and extended his hand towards Catherine. She nodded as she placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her to her feet.
“What a night,” she commented as he laced his fingers with hers and simply held her hand as they walked together from the drawing room.
“Did you enjoy yourself, at least?” he asked.
“I did enjoy spending time with Auntie once more. And she does keep delightful company,” Catherine said.
“I didn’t see you frequent your brother’s side,” Marcus said then, hoping to pull some sort of information from Catherine about her brother.
“We have been strangers for such a time that I don’t find it pertinent to keep company with him now. We both have our own lives now,” Catherine said, her voice becoming stern then. Knowing that they both were very much exhausted, he didn’t want to upset her with his question so he decided to tread water for a moment.
“I felt the same way with my brother after our parents passed away. He became earl, and my only focus was the Navy. The only thing I wish I had done differently is keep in touch with him more. I felt like I wasted the time I had on shore during the years he was earl.”
“Do you miss your brother?” Catherine asked, looking up at him as they walked together up the stairs.
“I do. I feel as though I miss my entire family now that I have you and Beth in my life. I wish I could share this with them as well,” Marcus explained.
“Though I suppose this would not have transpired if certain things hadn’t happened first,” Catherine said.
“No, I suppose you are right as well. How lucky am I that I married a woman with intelligence?” This caused Catherine to chuckle, and he was pleased with this reaction from his wife. He didn’t want her to be so upset, when this was supposed to be a time of celebration.
“After hearing from Lord Whetstone this evening, I think I am the luckiest man on earth to think he could have bested me in winning you over,” Marcus said then, trying to be easy with his questions while still wanting to know more about Catherine’s past.
“Trust me, Marcus. There is no competition there,” Catherine said flatly. Marcus only nodded, hoping she would say more. But as they came to their bedchambers, she had remained silent the whole time.
“Come with me,” Marcus said just as Catherine dropped her hand from his. “Stay with me tonight.”
Catherine turned towards him and looked up into his eyes with blue eyes filled with uncertainty. Marcus wanted to take her into his arms and find comfort there while pushing away all the thoughts and concerns surrounding Catherine and her brother. There were answers he sought, but perhaps just for tonight, he could find a much-needed distraction after all.
“I’m not sure,” Catherine said, her voice soft. Her lips were parted as a deep blush came to her cheeks. It only made his desire for her increase as he tried to wait patiently for her response.
“We both could use the relief,” Marcus urged, his voice thick with desire. Thankfully, Catherine nodded and allowed Marcus to lead her into his bedchamber, shutting the door quickly behind him and locking it tight. The last thing he wanted was for his valet to interrupt them.
Unlike the first time they had been intimate, this time seemed more needy and full of desire as Catherine quickly came into his open arms and pressed her lips against his, her hands tightening around his tailcoat. Marcus wrapped his arms around Catherine as he guided her back towards the bed. He loved the feeling of her satin dress in his hands as he guided her to the bed, their tongues dancing together as they both desperately wanted this desire to be fulfilled.
“Oh, Marcus,” Catherine moaned against his lips right before he broke their kiss and spun her around so he could begin undoing her dress. He found the processes painfully slow as he worked at the strings. The moment her gown dropped to the floor, his member was pressing painfully against his trousers. A few minutes later, he finally had Catherine undressed as she pulled her shift over her head and tossed it away before turning back to him and quickly helping him out of his clothes as well.
First went his cravat, followed by his tailcoat, waistcoat, and pressed shirt. Taking off the layers of clothing was like tossing away all his stress and worry. All that was left was his vulnerability as he bore his nakedness to his wife, a woman he was still learning about and hoping to fully trust with all of him.
“You are magnificent,” Catherine said as she let her hands roam across his bare chest, sending shivers throughout his body. Her touch seemed to undo him, as though it was a salve to his grief-filled soul.
“Not as lovely as you are,” Marcus replied as he lowered his lips to hers, loving the feeling of her moaning against his lips. He raised his hands to her hair, pulling down the pins that held her curls to the top of her head. As each pin dropped to the carpet floor, more of her luscious golden hair fell free, giving Marcus the ability to feel its silky texture in his hands.
“I want you, Marcus. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life,” Catherine said against his lips, her kisses trailing down his cheek to his neck. Marcus panted as he felt her sensual kisses upon his skin, his thoughts mimicking her words. His member was hard and eager to sink deep into her velvet core. But not wanting to rush Catherine, he allowed her to explore his body with her kisses and touch.
“Come, Catherine. Let us move to the bed,” Marcus said when he thought he’d become undone simply by feeling her kisses on his torso. She smiled at him as she turned and crawled onto his bed, her hips swaying from side to side in a seductive manner. He growled with desire as he was quick to follow her and place his hands upon her hips, stopping her from rolling onto her back.
“What are you doing, Marcus?” she asked as she looked over her shoulder at him, seeming to be confused by the position.
“There is more than one way to make love, my dear. I shall show you all sorts of positions to make love in,” Marcus promised. He grabbed the shaft of his member and guided the head of it towards her wet opening. She relaxed as he pressed his hips forward, pushing past her warm lips and further into her core.
“Oh, Marcus!” Catherine moaned, her voice growing louder the further he entered her from behind. He tightened his grip on her round bottom, loving the view she gave him as she arched her back and pressed her hips back onto him.
Marcus was breathing heavily as he finally sunk the full length of himself into her tightness. For a second, her inner walls clamped down on his shaft so hard that he was certain he’d lose his
seed right then and there. But eventually she relaxed, and he was able to start thrusting in and out of her slowly.