He kissed her lightly, and her eyelids fluttered. “Must I get up?” She rolled to her side, and he held her close to keep her from falling off the chaise longue.
“I’m afraid so.” He moved his hands over her skin, feeling more content than he’d been in a long time.
Lily sat up, and against the firelight, he drank in the sight of her. Her brown hair held a slight hint of red in the golden light, and he marveled at her beauty. She stood up and walked toward the table of food, breaking off a piece of cheese.
He came up behind her, kissing her throat. His body responded to her sensual form, and he drew her close, pressing his hardened shaft to her hips. He could not stop himself from cupping her breasts, his body rigid with need.
But she surprised him when she parted her legs and bent over the table. The invitation was unmistakable, and he stroked her erect nipples. The sight of her exposed opening was too much to bear, and he guided his shaft to her entrance. She gasped, but welcomed him into her body. He slid inside her easily, and the new position allowed him to go deeper. He clasped her hips, rocking inside her as he plunged and withdrew.
She gripped the edge of the table, backing against him in counterpoint.
He felt the pressure building within, the need to claim her as his own. Lily laid her head down and whispered, “I want you, Matthew.”
He gave in to his dark desires, intensifying the rhythm. She squeezed him tightly as he thrust, letting the reckless storm take them. Lily convulsed against him, her breathing harsh as she panted against him. Her cries grew higher pitched, and when she seized around him, he erupted within her, spilling his seed. A guttural cry tore from him, and she shuddered with her own pleasure.
He held her close, and Lily rested her cheek against the table, before at last he raised up.
“I should be apologizing for that,” he said, withdrawing from her body. “But I cannot be sorry.” He caressed her bottom, and then slid his hands up to cup her breasts. She sighed when he stroked her nipples, and he slid his arms around her waist. “And I cannot wait to marry you.”
She turned to him and kissed him. His tongue mingled with hers, and she smiled. “I will marry you whenever you wish, Matthew.”
He kissed her hard, their bodies skin to skin, until she grew breathless. At last, he broke away, and she tried to calm herself. “As much as I love being here with you, we should probably get dressed. Heaven only knows when Lady Castledon will send someone to let us out.”
She returned to the other basket and pulled out the clean blue gown from inside. Beneath it, she saw a corset and chemise, both made from sapphire silk. “I’ve never seen undergarments like these before,” she admitted. “They’re from Aphrodite’s Unmentionables, don’t you suppose?”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Cousin Amelia and her sisters had created the business over thirty years ago. Evangeline’s mother, Margaret Sinclair, was now the owner. Their fortunes had been built upon an empire of scandalous corsets and chemises.
“Do you need my help?” Matthew offered. Though he knew little about helping with a corset, he guessed he could figure it out.
Lily pulled the blue silk chemise over her head and drew the corset around her waist, holding it in place. “Will you lace me up?”
He did, though he was afraid to lace it tightly for fear of hurting her. Then she stepped aside to pull on her pantalettes and petticoats. At last, she put on the blue gown. It was a plain muslin fabric, but it fit her beautifully, revealing the dip of her slender waist. Matthew came up behind her and gave her the silver chain with his ring upon it.
“I will get you a ring of your own soon,” he promised. “Do you prefer silver or gold?”
She turned to him, fingering the heavy ring. “I would wear a bent horseshoe nail if it meant being with you, Matthew.”
Her words warmed him, and he kissed her again. “Perhaps we will marry by Christmastide, if that will suit you.”
She smiled. “Perhaps.” Then she bent down and picked up her damp riding habit. When she went to peer inside the basket, she frowned. “Matthew, do you know what this is for?” In her hand, she held up a sponge. “It’s too small for washing.”
He choked back a laugh. “It’s for. . .preventing the conception of a child.” Feeling awkward, he explained about the sponge and vinegar.
Lily blushed and remarked, “I suppose it’s too late for that, isn’t it?”
“So it is.” But he hardly cared. The idea of Lily becoming pregnant with their baby was a welcome vision. She would make a beautiful mother, and he wouldn’t mind having a daughter with her smile.
Matthew donned his clothing once again, hardly caring about the damp fabric. Then he joined Lily at the table where they feasted upon bread and butter, cold roasted beef, cheese, and a dish of blancmange. The gelatinous creamy dessert wobbled as he spooned up a bite and fed it to Lily.
“I can’t eat any more,” she protested. “Really, it’s enough.”
He was about to pour her wine when there came a sharp knock at the door. Lily’s face froze, and she stood. Matthew whispered, “Hide behind the drapes until I know who it is.”
She moved behind the curtains, but the knocking resounded again.
“What is it?” Matthew called out.
“It’s Amelia,” his cousin said. “I am so terribly sorry to interrupt, but I’ve just received word from Lady Arnsbury.”
A sudden coldness came over him, and he moved to the door. “Come in.”
The key turned in the lock, and then he saw his cousin. Amelia’s face had gone pale, and she handed him a note. “You need to return to London immediately, Matthew. Your mother is very ill.”
It felt as if her words had cut him off at the knees. Despite the secrets Charlotte had kept, despite his birthright or lack thereof, she was still his mother. He had been in denial of Sarah Carlisle’s claims, but he realized none of it mattered. Charlotte was, and always had been, his mother. Matthew would stand by her and their family legacy no matter what happened. He didn’t want to face the reality that she might die soon enough. She had been in good health until now, and he hoped it was nothing serious.
Yet if the worst came to pass, he did not want the past to stand between them.
A rustling noise sounded from behind him. Lily emerged from her hiding place, and she murmured, “Of course, you must go at once.”
He took her hand and squeezed it, thankful for her support. There was no question that she had to remain at Penford with her mother. But once matters were settled in London, he intended to marry Lily and retire to one of the more isolated estates.
“I will return as soon as I can,” he promised. He ventured a crooked smile at Amelia. “And you can tell Lady Wolcroft that you won the wager.”
After Matthew had gone, Lily returned to Penford, accompanied by her footman. All throughout the ride, she could hardly contain her scattered thoughts. Matthew wanted her to be his countess, and she believed they could now make a good marriage. The thought thrilled her. . .and yet, she felt a sense of worry for his sake. He had to rush back to London, and she prayed that his mother would be all right. Matthew had lost his father several years ago, and it would wound him deeply to lose Charlotte.
Lily wondered if she ought to follow him to London. Would he want her there? Or would her presence only invite gossip after her mother’s outburst, weeks ago? Her thoughts were a muddle right now, even more so, now that she had indulged in a wild liaison in Amelia’s library.
Her cheeks flamed at the memory. And no matter how she might try to justify it, the choice had been hers, and she did not regret loving him.
When she arrived home, she dismounted from her horse and gave her gloves and bonnet to the footman. As she walked into the house, she was startled to find her mother sitting in a corner of the hallway on the floor, shivering.
Lily sent a questioning look toward a servant, but he shook his head with regret. “It has been a difficult day for Lady Penford. Lord Penford said
it was best if we leave her be.”
She ignored him and walked slowly toward the corner so as not to frighten her mother. Iris was seated with her knees curled up beneath her gown. Her stare was glassy, and the sight of her made Lily want to weep. The mother she had loved all her life was trapped within a broken mind. No longer could Iris be the steadfast rock she could turn to. Instead, her mother was like a child again, in need of someone else to take care of her.
Lily lowered herself carefully to the floor, adjusting her skirts until she sat by her mother. For a moment, she said nothing, not wanting to frighten Iris.
When the older matron remained silent, Lily reached out and took her hand. Her mother’s skin was thin with soft veins protruding from her hand. Her fingers were cold, and Lily held them, still saying nothing.
After nearly five minutes, Iris squeezed her hand. The gesture of affection was enough to break down her control, and Lily let her tears flow freely over her cheeks. She knew now that her mother would never return to London. Iris could not attend a wedding in a large cathedral while Lily spoke her vows to Matthew.
No, the wedding would have to be here. And perhaps that was right and fitting if they held the ceremony in her mother’s garden.
“Would you like to join me for tea?” she whispered to her mother.
Iris didn’t answer, but when she put her arm around her waist, her mother stood up from the floor. Lily helped Iris into the sitting room and guided her into a chair. Then she rang for tea and refreshments. The footman agreed to send for them, but before he left, Lily inquired, “Where is my sister?”
“She is in her room resting,” he answered. “She was not feeling well today. Lord Ashton is with her.”
“Did my mother hear of this?” The news might have sent her mother into a decline if she was worried about her unborn grandchild.
“Unfortunately, Lady Penford did learn of it and was most upset. She feared Lady Rose would lose the baby.”
“And?” Lily raised her eyes to the servant who shook his head.
“Your sister will be fine. Lady Rose said it was merely dizziness and exhaustion.” He excused himself and went to fetch the tea.
Lily was relieved to hear it. Once the footman was gone, she pulled her chair closer to Iris. “Did you hear what he said, Mother? Rose is going to be fine. She’s only resting. The baby is fine, too.”
Iris clenched her hands together, squeezing them in her own rhythm. Her eyes remained clouded, as if she saw something off in the distance.
Lily tried another tack. She withdrew the chain and signet ring and held them out. “Matthew asked me to marry him. And I—I’ve said yes.”
She hoped to see a reaction from her mother, but there was still nothing. Even when the tea and refreshments arrived, Iris did not eat or drink.
But then her brother arrived. Lily breathed a sigh of relief and ran to hug James when he entered the room. “I’m so glad you’re here. I didn’t know what to do.”
“There’s no change?” he ventured, and she shook her head.
“Nothing I say seems to break through to her. Not even this.” She held up the ring and added, “I told her that I’ve agreed to marry Matthew.”
James eyed her with a sidelong look. “He never asked me for permission.”
“I am old enough to make my own decision.” She faced him with confidence, and her brother studied her.
“Matthew has improved, I will agree. But I still do not think it a wise match, Lily. He could hurt you without even meaning to.”
She fingered the heavy ring, ignoring his warning. “I have loved him for years, James. And it is my choice to wed him.”
“He loves her,” their mother interrupted. They both turned to Iris, startled that she had spoken. Her mother’s expression grew dreamy, and she added, “I would like to see them wedded.”
Lily exchanged a glance with James and smiled at her mother. “Then you shall have your wish.”
Matthew sat at his mother’s bedside, watching over Charlotte. Her face was pale, her eyes lined with shadows as if she hadn’t slept well.
“Matthew,” she murmured in her sleep.
“I am here.” He reached for her hand, bothered by how cold her skin was. It was hard to believe she had grown so ill this quickly.
She rolled to her side, and eventually her blue eyes opened. A smile warmed her face at the sight of him. “You’re here. I was so hoping you would come.”
“I came as soon as I heard you were ill.”
Charlotte sighed and squeezed his hand. “Dr. Fraser said I will get better. It was something to do with my heart. It was working too hard, he said.” She studied him for a time and admitted, “Sarah Carlisle came to see me.”
A tightness seized his gut, and he tried to hide his anger. “Did she? I told her already that I would not pay her anything further.”
“You may want to reconsider.” She released his hand and rolled back on her pillow. “She could cause a great deal of embarrassment to us.”
“Is she my mother?” he demanded. “Did Father have an affair with her?”
Charlotte’s expression dimmed. “No. He was always true to me.” She closed her eyes again as if wanting to avoid the subject.
“Do you know who my parents were?” he asked. Right now, he was searching for any answers she would give.
She nodded. “Let the past lie buried, Matthew. There is no need to dredge it up.” For whatever reason, she did not want him to know the truth. It was another invisible blow, knowing he was not fathered by the earl. It meant that he had no claim at all to the title, and it bothered him deeply.
“Why do I look like Sarah Carlisle?” he asked again. His mother didn’t answer but rolled over and closed her eyes. He prompted, “I know you aren’t sleeping.”
Then it occurred to him that his true parents might still be living. Was she trying to protect them?
“Why did my father pay Sarah for her silence?” he asked. “I doubt if anyone would listen to her, even if she did spread rumors.”
“He didn’t want to take the chance of anyone casting a scandal upon our family name. It’s a nuisance, easily avoided by a small payment. She has no one to support her, and it was a charity worth offering.”
It frustrated him to no end that Charlotte refused to give him any answers. But pressing her would not help her health to improve. For that reason, he let the matter go. He might have better success confronting Sarah Carlisle.
“How is Iris feeling?” Charlotte asked. “Did you see her at all?”
“Lady Penford had more bad days than good ones,” he answered honestly. “I do not think she will be able to return to London any time soon.”
“That will be difficult for the family.”
“Indeed.” But he decided to offer her some better news to cheer her up. “But you will be glad to hear that Lily has agreed to marry me.”
As he’d hoped, Charlotte turned to him, and her face lit up with joy. “Oh, my dear. I am so pleased for you both.”
He nodded, and his mother went on about wedding plans and asking when the ceremony would be. “I have to ask Lily and consult with her on her wishes.”
“Right you are.” But it did seem that his news had brightened her day, and he was glad of it. His mother patted his hand, and soon enough, he heard a knock at the door.
Matthew went to answer it and saw Dr. Fraser had arrived. The doctor carried a black bag, and his face held a somber expression as he entered the room. “It’s glad I am that you’ve come, lad. I know your visit has done your mother good. She has pined for you for several weeks now.”
Matthew lowered his voice. “Will she improve?”
The doctor sobered. “I believe so, yes. But she must rest and not go out for some time. Excitement would do her more harm than good. Her heart troubles came about by a shock of some kind. The servants found her in a faint.”
Likely from news of Sarah Carlisle, Matthew thought. “Is Cousin Juliette with you?�
� he asked.
“Aye, she’s downstairs. I asked her to wait until I’d examined Charlotte, and she would come up afterward. I know she would enjoy your company.”
“I’ll go and speak with her,” he offered. To his mother, he said, “I’ll let Dr. Fraser examine you and will return shortly.”
He walked down the stairs and found his cousin in the library. She was studying the rows of books, and her face lit up when she saw him.
“Why, Matthew! I am so glad you’ve come home.” She embraced him, and he returned the hug. “Tell me all the news.”
He did, but after he revealed his engagement, it occurred to him that his cousin might have heard stories about what had happened so long ago with Sarah Carlisle. Juliette was in her midfifties and had likely been a young lady when Charlotte had gone into her confinement.
Juliette continued to gush on about the impending wedding and then broke off with a thoughtful expression. “You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, have you?”
“Forgive me, but no,” he admitted. “I’ve other things on my mind just now.”
“Is something the matter? Don’t you want to marry Lily?” Juliette bade him to sit down, and her green eyes held worry. His cousin studied him, waiting for him to speak.
“My distraction has nothing to do with the wedding. It’s more about my mother.” He wondered how to begin with a secret that Charlotte would not want him to share. Perhaps it was better to cast hints and see if his cousin knew anything.
“I’m certain she will heal in time,” Juliette reassured him. “Paul will see to it.”
“She had a visit from a woman named Sarah Carlisle,” he said.
His cousin’s expression grew stricken and pale. Her reaction struck him as odd, for how would she even know the woman? Though Juliette tried to gather command of herself, he saw that her hands were shaking.
He didn’t know what to think, but he had a feeling she would avoid all questions about Miss Carlisle. Instead, he tried a different tactic. “I think you know why it upset my mother.”
Juliette didn’t speak at all. Her eyes remained frozen with fear, and tears gleamed within them. Her reaction was so swift, so visceral, it felt as if he lost any ability to breathe. She never voiced a single word, but her silent tears cut him to the bone.
What the Earl Needs Now (The Earls Next Door Book 2) Page 21