Sandra Owens

by The Letter

  Blast. She darted a glance at Lady Suzanne. Was she aware of Michael’s affair? Did she like Lady Hartwell? There was no way to avoid the woman, and Diana hoped that with Lady Suzanne by her side, there would be no cutting remarks slipped between pleasantries.

  “Upon my word, Lady Daventry,” Lady Hartwell said, “it is such a delight to see you in Town. Will you be here long, or is your visit a short one? Oh, I do hope you shall call on me. I so enjoyed it when my dear Lord Daventry brought you for tea last you were here. You must ask him to do so again. I insist.”

  Witch. Diana had the urge to grab Lady Hartwell’s parasol away. That pale, perfect skin would surely be susceptible to freckling. Jamie scowled at the woman.

  Lady Suzanne sighed. “Oh dear, Lady Hartwell, I fear my time is spoken for on this visit. My dearest Diana has brought my nephew for a visit, and Daventry and I are busy keeping them entertained.”

  The witch turned to her. “Oh, Lady Brantley, so sorry, I didn’t notice you.”

  “It must be the eyes, my lady. Have you had a doctor examine them?” Heavens, there went her mouth again.

  The ghostly eyes narrowed. “Pardon?”

  She should stop speaking. She really, really should. “I read somewhere, I don’t remember where…though I wish I did so I could refer you to the exact assertion that people with ghost eyes don’t see very well. I’m sorry I can’t tell you more. If you wish, should I ever recall, I will send you a note so you may read it yourself.”

  “Why you—”

  “Lady Hartwell, what a surprise.”

  Startled, Diana yelped when Michael stepped past her. Taking Lady Hartwell by the elbow, he escorted her away. Did he have to disappear with the woman? “Whatever did he see in her?”

  Lady Suzanne chuckled. “We all make mistakes, my dear, but men just seem to make them bigger and better.”

  “You are aware then of their relationship?”

  Lady Suzanne shrugged as if it was of no importance.

  Jamie tugged on her hand. “Mama, I don’t think that lady liked us.”

  “The lady is of no concern to us, ma précieux.” Lady Suzanne took Jamie’s hand. “Come, shall we continue with our walk?”

  Diana followed, her enjoyment of the day stolen by a mean-spirited, beautiful woman. Was Michael even now staring into her pale blue eyes, or kissing those pink lips? What did it matter if he was? Diana didn’t want him, and even if she did, he wouldn’t want her. She glanced over her shoulder, but there was no sign of him.

  It truly didn’t matter.

  “Look, there’s Harry. Can I go see him, Mama?”

  Harry stood at the edge of the Serpentine, feeding bread to the ducks. Another boy sat on the ground, his hand busy drawing on a sketchpad. He must be Bensey, Harry’s twin. Lord Derebourne had said he was an artist. His lordship sat on a bench, his long legs stretched out in front of him. He appeared to be taking a nap.

  “You may, but stay out of the water, mind you.”

  Jamie looked at his boots. “Hansen polished my boots this morning. He wouldn’t like it if I got them wet.”

  “No, I daresay he wouldn’t.” She kept an eye on him as he ran to Harry.

  “He is such a lovely child.”

  Diana slipped her hand around Lady Suzanne’s arm. “Thank you. It is wonderful to see him learning how to be a boy. He’s never had the opportunity before now.”

  “My grandson will never return to such a life, nor will you.”

  She knew? “Did Michael tell you?”

  “Yes, he did. Come, let’s sit on that bench there. We can have a nice chat while we watch the children play with the ducks.”

  “How much did he tell you?” Diana asked once they settled on the bench.

  “I think everything, my dear. We all failed to comprehend the evil that lived in my nephew, and for that, I am so very sorry. It is still difficult to believe he would do such a thing.”

  “Yet, he did. It is only that Michael should have…he should have believed in me. I thought he knew me, but I was wrong.” She could tell herself all day she understood now she knew all, but it still hurt.

  “Madame de Lafayette, wise in the ways of love, wrote, ‘L'on est bien faible quand on est amoureux.’ It is truer for men.”

  “One is very weak when one is in love?”

  “Absolument. The scene was so very shocking, and Michael was in a terrible rage. He was in such pain because of what he saw, it made him weak, or stupid if you prefer.”

  “I do.”

  “Do you think you can ever find it in your heart to forgive him?”

  Diana turned from watching the boys. “I already have. Shall we collect your grandson and return home?” Home. She no longer knew where that was. Where would she go if she did not marry Michael? No, when she did not marry him? She glanced around the park, but there was no sign of him. He was probably still with the witch. Stupid man. The woman would make his life miserable if he married her.

  ****

  Michael handed his mother a stack of invitations. “Choose the ones I should accept. It is time to begin Diana’s return to the ton.”

  She browsed through them. “Are you sure about this? It is going to revive the scandal. She’s had a terribly difficult time as it is, and now you’re asking her to walk into a ballroom where everyone will be staring at her.”

  “I will be by her side at all times, and to the devil with them all. Besides, I have a plan.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You always have a plan, mon fils. You inherited that from your father, you know, certainly not from me. It must be an English trait.”

  “Papa liked to make plans?”

  “Mon Dieu, always.”

  It pleased him to know this. He grinned. “Then I’m in good company.”

  Her eyes watered. “Yes, the best. So, what does this plan involve?”

  “I plan to bring in the cavalry.”

  “Meaning?”

  “I will tell you when I’m certain I can make it happen. Do you think Diana is feeling better? Perhaps you should check and make sure she ate the dinner that was sent up.”

  “I think her absence from the table had more to do with you disappearing with that disagreeable woman.”

  She glared at him, and he shifted uncomfortably. “I think it was fortunate I appeared when I did. It looked as if things were about to get out of hand.”

  “You had best make her go away.”

  “Believe me, I’m trying.” He wasn’t sure what to do about Serena. She refused to accept their relationship was over. Trouble was brewing there, and he feared things were going to get ugly. He had warned her today to leave Lady Brantley alone, but worried all he’d done was stir the pot.

  She handed him an invitation. “Here is one you should accept. Actually, I think this is the first ball you should take her to.”

  He glanced at the name. “Excellent. I will call on Lady Marcus-Holmes tomorrow and personally accept. If you recall, they were close friends with Diana’s parents, and I hope to recruit Lady Marcus-Holmes to our side.”

  She separated five other invitations from the stack. “These two balls and three musicales for certain. Once we see how everything goes, we can decide on more.”

  “I will have Johnston send our acceptances.” He set them aside. “In addition to these, I plan to take her to the theatre and opera.” He shuddered. “God help me.”

  “A night or two at the opera won’t harm you.”

  “So you say, but I have my doubts. Tomorrow, I will be out making calls, so do not wait luncheon on me. You would be wise to spend the day relaxing. As Diana’s chaperone, you are about to become a busy woman.”

  “We might do a bit of shopping. She needs gloves, bonnets, and such. We won’t overdo it.”

  “Do not concern yourself over the cost.”

  Her eyes gleamed with obvious amusement. “Silly man. Have I ever worried about the cost? I meant we would not tire ourselves shopping.”

  “Indeed
, what was I thinking?” He rose when she stood. “Thank you, Mother. I’m well aware you prefer the country over Town, and I hope you know how much I appreciate your sacrifice.”

  “Spending time with the three of you is far from a sacrifice. Good night, Michael.”

  He spent an hour making a list of what he hoped to accomplish tomorrow, along with a brief outline of the direction he wanted the conversations to go during his various visits. Once he had his plans for the day organized, he extinguished the lamps and left for his chamber.

  In the upstairs hallway, he spied the reason for all his planning entering Jamie’s room. He had not talked to her since she declared he would find her unappealing. It was time to start proving her wrong. He leaned against the wall and waited. After about five minutes, she came out, closing the door behind her.

  “I have heard it said every dog has its day. This must be mine because here you are.”

  She gave a little squeak. “Michael, what are you doing?”

  “Waiting for you.” He pushed away from the wall. “Is our son snugly tucked into his bed?”

  “Yes, did you wish to tell him good night?”

  She crossed her arms over her chest, a clear signal to keep away. He ignored her signal and crossed the width of the hall, stopping in front of her. “No, I bade him a good night after dinner, the one you did not attend. Hiding, were you?”

  “Don’t be silly. I sent word I wasn’t well.”

  He sighed. “Why do the women in my life insist on calling me silly? You are the second tonight to make the claim. Is it my attire, my speech, my looks? I would truly like to know so I can rectify whatever it is. ”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, did Miss Perfect hurt your manly feelings? Go ask her your stupid questions.” She tried to slip past him.

  Ah, she meant Serena. His mother had been right. “Come with me, and I’ll tell you all about Miss Perfect.” He clasped her hand and took her to the end of the hall, to the window seat. “In with you.” Once they were inside, he pulled the curtains closed. The moon was nearly full, providing plenty of light through the window. Michael turned, put a foot on the seat, his knee up, and said, “Now, what all do you want to know about my mother?”

  “What?”

  Good, he had her confused. He liked her confused. It was easier to steal a kiss, and he fully intended to. “Weren’t you referring to Mother? She’s the only perfect woman I know, even if she does call me silly, which she did earlier. However, as my mother, she is allowed certain liberties. Still, I don’t know why either one of you would think me silly. Handsome I could credit, or wise, perhaps dashing. Any one of those will do. Truth be told, I’m partial to dashing. Do you think I am?”

  “I think you are mad.” She pressed her lips together.

  The minx was trying not to smile. “There’s another thing. You have accused me of being mad at least three times as I recall. I imagine there are other instances that have slipped my mind, but you are beginning to worry me, my dear. Listen. You cannot go around disparaging a peer of the realm. It simply isn’t done.” He held out his hand. “Come here.”

  She lifted her gaze to his. “Why?”

  He didn’t answer, just waited. When she put her hand in his, he gave it a little tug. “Turn around and lean back on my chest.”

  “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “I disagree. I think it is a marvelous idea. Come here and I will show you why.”

  After mumbling something, she scooted back against him and stretched out her legs on the seat.

  He danced his fingers down her arm. “What was that? Did you just say something about a brick wall?”

  “Yes. I’ve been coming up against them lately. One in particular.”

  “Surely, you are not referring to me?”

  She gave a delicate little snort. “I might be.”

  “Saucy wench.” He slid his arms around her waist and lowered his nose to her hair. Lemons. Not his favorite, but still very nice. “Are you ready for me to show you why this is a marvelous idea?”

  She tilted her head and looked back at him. “I suppose you aren’t going to be satisfied until I say yes.”

  Satisfied and yes, two fine words there. He put a finger under her chin to keep her head tilted and lowered his mouth to hers. While he lost himself in the taste of her, he traced the curve of her breast, careful to not touch her scar.

  Sweet Jesus, all he had to do was touch her and he was ready to explode. He walked his fingers down to her mons and cupped her. Someday soon, he would do this with no material between their skin. Her breath hitched when he rubbed her little nub with his thumb.

  “Michael, we can’t—”

  “Hush. Let me do this for you.”

  Her eyes slid closed, and her head fell back on his shoulder. Michael took that as permission and stroked her until her lips parted on a moan, until she came for him, watching her face as passion took her to the stars.

  He lowered his mouth to her ear. “So exquisite, so very desirable you are at this moment. I want to be the one to give you your pleasure for the rest of your days, to watch you each time the little death takes you to another world. I want to be the one to catch you when you fall back to earth.”

  She turned toward the window, hiding her face. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

  “You keep saying that, but I assure you, I most certainly do. Move over, I want to show you something.” As if eager to put distance between them, she readily complied. Taking her hand, he pressed it over his erection. “He wants you.”

  “He only thinks he does.”

  “He doesn’t have the brains required to think, love, he only knows. Now give me a kiss and then go find your bed. I think Mother has a day of shopping planned for you tomorrow, and you will fall asleep in the middle of trying on bonnets if you don’t get some rest.”

  She shook her head. “You have done enough already. I don’t need any more clothes and such.”

  “That is a discussion you need to have with Mother, but I would advise you to concede the battle before you begin. Above all things, shopping is her favorite activity, be it for herself or others.” He leaned over and kissed her, forcing himself to make it brief. “Allow her to have her fun, Diana. Even better, allow yourself to enjoy shopping for a new bonnet or two. Hell, buy twenty if you wish.”

  Her eyes finally met his, and she grinned. “I just might do that.”

  “Excellent.”

  He escorted her to her room, stole a quick kiss and then went to his chamber. After changing and sending Hansen away, he took his brandy and a book to a chair in front of the fire. He tried to read, but could not stop thinking about the woman in the chamber next to his and the way she had looked when he brought her to release.

  The book forgotten, he closed his eyes and visualized removing each piece of her clothing. First to come off would be the gown, and then the petticoat, leaving her clad in only a chemise, corset and stockings. He would torture her with how slowly he removed each of those items. By the time he finished peeling away a layer, kissing every inch of her body as he did so, she would be begging him to hurry.

  He opened his eyes, stared into the fire and watched the sensual dance of the flames. Sweet Jesus, he ached for her. He pushed his dressing gown aside and wrapped his hand around his cock.

  Closing his eyes again, he imagined sliding his palms slowly up her legs, under the chemise and cupping her bottom while he pressed his mouth against her. He wanted her chemise gone, but didn’t want to remove his hands or lift his face. Since this was his illusion, he could have magic in it. He willed the garment away.

  Ah, yes, now his face was against her cleft and he felt her shivers when he licked her. He moved his hand faster, and pressure built as he neared his release.

  “Michael?”

  Yes, my love, I’m almost there. It was as if she were in the room with him. He pumped harder.

  “Michael?”

  He opened his eyes. She was
real. Diana stared at his cock, and he didn’t mistake the desire in her eyes. Her tongue swept across her bottom lip, and if he didn’t think she would panic and run, he would pull her onto his lap and bury himself deep inside her. Yet, she seemed fascinated so he didn’t stop, didn’t think he could.

  He had never pleasured himself in front of a woman before, but having her watch was astonishingly erotic. He pumped faster and then squeezed his shaft and groaned when his seed spurted. He exhaled the breath he had been holding and wiped his hand on his dressing gown.

  “I didn’t know.” Her voice sounded breathless.

  “Didn’t know what, my love?”

  “That a man could do that for himself.”

  “As can a woman.”

  “Truly?”

  He swallowed a smile at the surprise in her eyes. “Yes, truly. I will teach you some day. Why are you here, Diana?”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “I came to say good night.” Diana turned and fled.

  She closed the connecting door firmly behind her and leaned against it. She had gone to his chamber to show him her body, to make him understand why he wouldn’t want her, but seeing him pleasuring himself…oh, God, she should have knocked.

  Watching him set fire to her blood. She wanted to crawl onto his lap, burrow into his body and have his strong arms wrap around her. Never had she thought to want a man’s hands on her again, but Michael was tearing down her defensive walls block by block.

  If they married, could she pleasure him and keep him happy without allowing him to see her? He wants you. She could not get Michael’s words out of her head. It seemed like he desired her, but would it last if he did not love her?

  Suppose she asked him to keep the room dark, or never to remove her nightdress, would he agree? He had honored her request at Wyburne, extinguishing the candles and leaving her clothed.

  Why was she even considering it? If they married, some day he would see her. Ever he decided he wanted to view her naked body there would be no stopping him. And what would he see?