“There, there, Lucy, it will be all right,” he whispered. “Everything will turn out all right. You’ll see.”
As soon as he spoke, Lucy crumbled. She buried her face in his coat and tears began to spill. When she opened her mouth to speak, a small sob escaped, and then she again fell silent. Derek held her even tighter, and an overpowering protectiveness surged through him. He hated to see her suffering and wished he could allay her fears. Even more than that, he hated that he couldn’t be honest with her, that he’d had to take the position of bargaining her into a marriage she didn’t want.
Feeling like a cad and not liking the feeling very much, he reminded himself that Lucy had brought this trouble on herself through her own scheming. But he found no comfort in that thought, not when she lay against him quietly weeping on her wedding day. Managing to extricate a handkerchief from his pocket, he set her back and began to gently wipe away her tears.
“Lucy, if you’ll be logical about this, you’ll see you’ve fared very well for yourself. You will be an independent, married woman of considerable means, able to do as you please, and you’ll have your beloved Stonecrest to manage. And as for the consummation of our marriage, you’ve been given a one-month reprieve, which I expect is more than any other young lady can boast.”
Lucy jerked upright at Derek’s mention of the dreaded consummation, her already fractured nerves fraying. Why she was suddenly so frightened of that, she didn’t know, but she supposed it was because up until this very day, she’d told herself it would never happen, that he would leave her well before the month was up. Even her uncle mentioned on his visit the week before that it was common knowledge the captain was leaving soon for a long journey, and his words had implied that Derek would not be back.
She had no doubt her uncle was right. By the time Derek left, he would surely have finished whatever business he had in England, and if there was something he wanted from her, he would undoubtedly have that as well. Still, it was her wedding day and she was worried the consummation might somehow take place, that he might somehow seduce her into it. She had, in fact, spent the entire night and morning fretting over it.
He seemed to guess at her thoughts for he stroked her hair saying, “Lucy, my sweet, you have nothing to be afraid of, certainly not me. I could never do anything to hurt you. Don’t you realize that?”
Lucy nodded, already feeling her fear abate in the face of his understanding. How could she be afraid of such a man? He’d treated her with nothing but benevolence when even she knew she didn’t deserve it after what she’d done. And now, on their wedding day, when another man would be furious with his bride for acting like a child, he held her, soothing away her fears.
She looked into his eyes, seeing only kindness there. Kindness and warmth. He was so very handsome and so wonderfully built. Any other woman would be thrilled to be in his arms like this, and she had to admit to herself that she was thrilled too. He always smelled so wonderful, and he was so strong and so smart. His eyes were so seductive, his jaw so firm and his lips so… so…
She reached up to touch his lips and then she was kissing him, not even knowing if she had begun it or if he had, but not caring because she wanted his kiss more than she’d wanted anything in her life. Aching with an intense longing, she touched her tongue to his lips and he shuddered, his lips parting against hers, and then his tongue was plunging and retreating, over and over, the sensation sending her into a whirling abyss of pleasure.
When he unfastened a tie at the top of her dress, she didn’t care, wanting to feel whatever came next, unable to stop even as she knew she must. His hand slid up to cup her bared breast and she leaned into him, silently begging for more. He dragged his lips away from hers and looked into her eyes, his expression one of dazed wonder, and then a moment later his mouth closed over her nipple, greedily sucking. She gasped at a feeling so exquisite she thought she would faint from the pleasure of it.
His lips burned a trail from her breast upward along her neck, and she shivered at his warm breath on her ear. Then he was kissing her again, deeply, his breathing as ragged as her own. A moment later he groaned and then stopped. He slowly raised his head, and though she was still in a daze, she knew it was over.
“Lucy… my dear, sweet, wonderful Lucy. You are a temptress,” he whispered heavily into her ear, “but I’ll not forget our purpose here.” His voice held a note of genuine regret, but he moved away from her and began to straighten her dress and retie the tapes.
Her body still pulsing, she stared at him as she forced herself to think rather than feel. Taking a deep breath, she began to repair her appearance.
“Are you ready to become my wife?” he asked, his voice husky with emotion.
She said nothing, unable to push away the web of sensation that enveloped her. She had been so close, but close to what? To capitulating to him? She didn’t know, yet she knew he had not forced whatever she felt. It had come from deep within her, and it had been a yearning she could not decry. She had felt it keenly, as though there was nothing else for her in this life, nothing but her in his arms, and even now as she looked at him, at the sultry emotion in his gray eyes and the dark hair that dipped down almost to the shoulder of his wedding coat, even knowing that he was an American, a privateer, a man perhaps without conscience, she still wanted to begin again, wanted to lose herself in his kisses, lose herself to his demands.
She was deeply drawn to him and the realization saddened her. But she straightened herself and made ready to carry out her promise, knowing she had no choice.
Chapter 14
The ceremony was over before she knew it, and she was the wife of an American privateer.
The thought was shocking, but the deed was done, and she must convince her guests that everything was as it should be. She had married Derek for Stonecrest and for those who depended on the manor for their livelihoods, but if those people guessed that she’d set aside her own happiness to ensure theirs, well… they wouldn’t be happy at all. She knew they wanted the best for her, and the best included a loving marriage.
Besides, if she and Derek were to have any chance at quelling the gossip amongst the ton that they’d been forced to marry, they would have to appear to be in love. He knew it as well as she, and so they each played their part.
Lucy had no doubt of his thoughts. Every time she turned around he was there, caressing her with his eyes or his hands. He claimed her for every dance, moving as close as he could without bringing reproach. Seduction was in his voice, his eyes, his every touch. He even insisted they sneak out to the terrace for a kiss, claiming it was expected of a couple in love. And what a kiss… Lucy was under siege, unable to control her reaction to him.
She was appalled that the crudest gossips decreed him to be a plunderer, a thief, a defiler of innocents… and yet she longed for his touch. Surely that said nothing good of her, but his spell was too powerful to resist. Once they were alone, she would be unable to fight her feelings. Indeed, she had been willing to succumb to him in the carriage before they were even wed. If she couldn’t have time away from him to fortify herself, she was done for, and so she waited for a chance to escape.
Finally, as they stood with Lady Foxworth, trying to chat above the din of chatter, laughter, and music, Derek excused himself and left the room. A moment later she excused herself too, blushing at the knowing smile that played across Lady Foxworth’s lips, realizing her friend assumed she and Derek were slipping away for a lovers’ tryst. If Lady Foxworth only knew!
She hurried along the corridor leading to her bedchamber, just as another cheer for “the captain” went up amongst the guests. There had been as many cheers for Derek as there had been for her and their marital bliss, but rather than feeling happiness at knowing her tenants and the villagers held Derek in such high esteem, that knowledge caused bouts of anxiety. What would happen when he returned to America? These people—her people—already held him in high regard, and their obvious infatuation made her situa
tion more difficult.
She must resist his charm, even as she pretended otherwise. All she needed were a few moments alone to remind herself of the rumors that had circulated about him. Surely if she thought about all that horrid gossip in detail, she would be able to strengthen her willpower.
As she passed Derek’s door, it swung open and she froze, her discovery certain, but relief washed over her when the door remained ajar while the conversation within continued. Creeping by, she heard Derek say, a strong note of irritation in his voice, “What the devil is that supposed to mean?” and she shrank back against the wall, not meaning to eavesdrop, but too tempted to stop herself.
“How should I know?” replied Lord Aster in a low voice. “I’m only telling you what I heard, and I wouldn’t even be doing that if you weren’t so certain her family is somehow involved. Maybe her reputation has nothing to do with her uncle or her father. This gentleman, if he was one, could have been speaking of something else entirely. It probably has nothing to do with the other matter. What does the phrase not respectable mean in terms of a lady? Perhaps all he meant was that she’s not chaste. Would it be such a crime if she’d been seduced previously? She is almost twenty after all, past the age of first passion.”
“She’s passionate all right, but I believe she’s also innocent,” Derek growled, “and I’ll let you know tomorrow, for I plan to have her tonight.”
“What? Going back on your word? That isn’t like you, Derek.”
“Never, my friend,” Derek replied. “But my word was only that I wouldn’t take her unwillingly. By the time I’m finished with my seduction tonight, she’ll be more than willing, I guarantee it.”
“Enough to place a wager on it?”
“Why not? How can I refuse taking your money when you are always so eager to give it?”
Lucy hardly knew how she made it to her bedchamber. Once there, she shut the door and sagged against it, her face burning with anger. Scores of unpleasant thoughts crowded her mind.
“Of all the arrogant, conceited, braggart things to say. How dare he discuss our private relationship with Lord Aster. He is a cad!” she fumed to her empty room. He had given his word, but obviously that meant little to him! And to brag that he could seduce her so easily…
Her so-called husband would pay for this, she vowed. No longer did she worry that she wouldn’t be able to resist his advances. Every time she thought of his conceited wager, a rage swept through her, leaving her weak. And to think she had considered him a sensitive, compassionate man in the carriage.
Oh, he would definitely pay. This would be a night he would remember, but not for the reasons he might think.
*****
The door opened to Lucy’s bedchamber and she forced her body to remain still. After celebrating their nuptials by dancing with every man present, she had declared herself to be exhausted and retired to her bedchamber.
She waited, hearing the door click shut. Next came the thud of shoes being kicked off and the rustle of clothing, sometimes accompanied by a soft grunt or sigh. He had not brought a valet with him upon his return, and she wondered if it was an American custom for a man, even a wealthy one, to dress himself, or if he had not bothered with a valet because he knew his stay at Stonecrest would be a short one. She hoped it was the latter, especially now as she lay fuming over his conversation with Lord Aster.
Finally, the bed sagged with his weight, and she breathed in the scent of his cologne as he edged closer to her. Then his hand was upon her, but only for an instant.
“What the devil do you mean sleeping in your gown?” he sputtered. The bed shook as he threw off the covers and sat up. “And a long-sleeved one at that? Get out of bed immediately and take that blasted thing off!”
“Ummm?” Lucy murmured as she rolled over onto her back. “Is something amiss?”
“Yes,” he said, his voice lowered this time. “I said get out of bed and take off that gown.”
“Cursing is not a good way to begin a marriage,” Lucy said, making her voice sound groggy with sleep. “Our agreement said nothing of attire.” She rolled back on her side, expecting an argument to ensue, but her words were greeted with silence. A very long silence.
Then she felt him slide back under the covers. He snuggled up to her. “As you wish, sweetheart. Just remember our bargain said nothing about caresses, either. I hope it won’t bother you that I prefer to sleep naked, curled up against your soft, warm body. I’m sure it will be very warm too, with all those layers wrapped around you.”
Lucy cringed when he settled himself against her more firmly, matching the length of his body to hers. She was furious with him and wanted more than anything to roll over and slap him in the face for the things he had said to Lord Aster. But she wouldn’t. She would exact her revenge, and it would be sweeter than any slap could ever be. He must be jealous from her flirtations, but that wasn’t enough. If she must spend an uncomfortable night, then so would he. She would tease him, let him think she couldn’t resist him. It would make his disappointment so much more keenly felt.
Wriggling, she let out a soft moan.
His reaction was immediate. He pulled her hard against him, his movements almost frantic. “Lucy, it’s no shame to desire your husband, and God knows, I want you. Let’s begin our marriage now, tonight. You won’t be sorry, I promise.”
Lucy’s anger rose and she gritted her teeth. Yes, he would like to begin the marriage tonight, wouldn’t he? She wondered exactly what the wager involved. Well, he wouldn’t win it in any event. She pressed against him, moaning a little more loudly this time, and was gratified to feel his instant response.
She turned a little on her back, giving him better access to her body and he took advantage of the opportunity, running his hands over her, kneading her breasts, or at least trying to. She congratulated herself for her idea of donning the extra clothes. Without the pantaloons, the chemise, the shift, the petticoat, and the dress she had bundled herself in, she would surely be doomed to fail at resisting his planned seduction, for as angry as she was about his wager, she was having a difficult time controlling her body’s response to his caresses and his increasing arousal.
And he was definitely very aroused. His breathing was heavy and ragged, his moans growing ever louder as he rubbed against her. He flipped her skirts up and a second later his hand slid between her thighs.
Enough was enough. She let out a long, sleepy sigh and turned over on her stomach. “I’ve let you caress me, but I’m exhausted and I really need to sleep. I have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow.”
There came a loud huff that was part groan, then silence.
Frustrated and disappointed, Derek let her words sink in. Lucy deserved to be exhausted after spending hour upon hour fluttering her eyelashes at every male between the ages of eighteen and eighty, including Stephen, who had found her behavior amusing. Derek knew his temper was stretched when he snapped at Stephen that he had no business laughing, that if Lucy’s behavior was any indication of her character, then Stephen would lose the bet. Stephen had replied with a smug smile, saying he wasn’t worried.
The implication of Stephen’s words, that Lucy might cavort with other men but not with Derek, irritated him prodigiously. He didn’t really care about winning the bet—not much, anyway—but he did care whether or not his wife was a virgin. If Lucy was with child now, that child would be his heir, heir to the dukedom and the Wentworth holdings as well.
Even if he discounted her flirtations, that fact alone more than justified his plan of seduction. This business of waiting a month for consummation was girlish silliness on her part or else calculated conniving. Either way, he had expected to have an easy time changing her mind. She was passionate and quickly aroused, and he knew how to stir that arousal.
Just now she had been close to succumbing; he was sure it. If only she hadn’t been wearing all those pieces of clothing. If only he’d been able to touch her bare skin, he could have seduced her. Damn her conniving—an
d damn those clothes!
His erection throbbed and his groin was heavy with the dull ache of unsatisfied lust. Since meeting Lucy, he seemed to spend most of his waking hours in a state of arousal, and with no release thus far. The situation couldn’t continue much longer. He couldn’t continue much longer. He must come up with a plan.
He rolled over onto his back. His engorged cock stood straight, rigid with arousal, making a ridiculous tent of the covers. He would never get to sleep now, not with her luscious body beside him. And he had lost the bet.
What a fine wedding night this had turned out to be!
Chapter 15
Lucy struggled to the edge of consciousness. The clothing had been unbearably hot and confining, and though she’d finally fallen asleep, she’d slept in fits and starts, tossing and turning throughout the night.
She peered out from beneath her lashes, wary of her situation. Finding herself alone in bed, she sat up with a groan but upon hearing Derek’s chuckle, she sank back against the pillows. “Could I please have some privacy?” she sniped. “I wish to dress.”
Derek chuckled again. “Why, Lucy, you’re already dressed. Why don’t we go on down to breakfast together?”
“You can’t expect me to go downstairs in this, and I need my maid to assist me with my morning toilette. So, if you don’t mind…”
“I do mind, my darling bride, but in this case I will acquiesce, as long as you promise to meet me downstairs for breakfast. I have something to discuss with you.”
Lucy glanced at him, disgruntled. “What can we possibly have to discuss already? We have only been married one day. If you think you are going back on your word…”
“You injure me, madam. I always keep my word. But I can see that last night’s sleeping arrangements will not work, and I’ve come up with an idea you might appreciate.”
He crossed the room to the door, his movements fluid and graceful. How dare he look so refreshed and contented when she barely had the strength to crawl out of bed. But of course, he hadn’t tried to sleep in several stifling layers of clothing.
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