Chapter Fifty-one
…She was putty in his hands …
The flight to Charleston gave David some much-needed time to reflect and read. First of all, he took Fitzwilliam’s advice and picked up a copy of The Prince. He remembered it from his studies, and if he recalled correctly, many powerful men of Europe had taken this advice to heart, including some in his own family.
The theory in principle was a good one, but in practice, it was heartless and bloody. He also knew what his brother alluded to concerning their family in the Middle Ages. It had been brother against brother and cousin against cousin, but this wasn’t the Middle Ages. David thought for once, he might have to be the tempering force in his family. He’d have to wait and see.
After hours of reading, his thoughts inevitably turned to Cecilia Lawton. David wondered if she’d seen the December issue of GQ Magazine where he was on the cover, or if she would even notice it. He’d been featured in a full-length article as one of the most eligible bachelors and well-dressed international businessmen in the U.K. The interview had been one of the things he’d agreed to do in order to clean up his image, but the article was secretly dedicated to Cecilia. Although the dedication was privately held in his heart, there were enough subtle hints that he hoped she would notice.
~*~
Pemberley Two touched down in Charleston in the mid-afternoon. Cecilia waited in the terminal, and when he came through customs with his luggage, she greeted him, looking even better than the last time he’d seen her.
“David, don’t you look good, just like on the cover of Gentleman’s Quarterly,” she said reaching up to give him a quick kiss as they walked.
“You saw that, did you?”
“How could I miss it?! It was displayed in every checkout line I went through last week. Naturally I had to buy a copy, if for no other reason than to read about what the hottest bachelor of the year had to say. After all, every girl’s crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man, and I’m to spend a whole week with him.” She gave him an affectionate squeeze as they moved through the airport towards the door.
“So now you’re quoting ZZ Top, are you?”
“Well, it’s true, and besides, that’s what the journalist said, not me.” She laughed. “But seriously, David, you really are sexy, you know.”
“Cecilia, you’re such a flirt. Tell me truthfully, what did you think of the interview?”
“Well, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you have softened towards marriage, although I realize that’s not what you said. It was rather implied as some sort of tease, I’m sure, for all of us hopeful girls who swoon when you walk by.”
Glancing down, he mused … So she did get it…almost…
“Hah!” Amused, he continued as they walked through the airport door to the outside. “Cecilia, what are your plans for the week?”
With a quick glance, she replied, “We’re staying at the Lawton Townhouse for part of the week. I want to show you as much of Charleston as I can, and I want you to see Carlton Plantation, my family home, and then Lawton Hall, my Sea Island Cotton plantation on St. Helena Island.”
“I look forward to it. Anything else?”
“Yes. I’d like for you to learn a little bit about our culture and history, especially Charleston, so tomorrow I’m going to take you through the Downtown Historical District and to the Old Market Place. It’s been in operation for nearly three hundred years. People still bring their wares to sell each day, and fishermen bring their morning’s catch. My staff buys produce and fish there almost daily. In fact, we’re having She-Crab Chowder tonight from today’s catch. You’re going to get enough Charleston food to last a lifetime.” She giggled as they walked through the parking garage to where her car waited.
Rummaging through her purse, she pulled out the keys and tossed them to him.
Catching them in mid-air, he quickly opened the boot.
“It sounds like fun. What are we doing tonight?” he asked light-heartedly while loading his things into her car.
“We’re going to have a quiet dinner at home and rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day, so I thought we would watch a movie. I’ve chosen Gone with the Wind. Is that all right with you? It’s fitting for what we’ll be doing tomorrow.”
“I’m easy, and it’s been a while since I’ve seen it, so frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!” He winked as he slammed the boot shut.
“You tease!” She tapped his arm playfully at the sound of his rich laughter.
“Now, what about James Island? Will I get a chance to see your home there as well?”
“No,” she shifted nervously, “not this time. My friend that I told you about is staying there. She’s not been feeling well lately. I don’t want to disturb her, but next time, we’ll make a point of it.”
Changing the subject, she said, “David, you know where I live, so why don’t you drive?”
“All right, I don’t mind if I do,” he said as he walked around and opened her car door.
~*~
Walking into the townhouse, Cecilia addressed a servant, while handing him the keys, “John, take Mr. Darcy’s things up to the room that adjoins mine, and put the car in the garage.”
Strolling down the hall, they entered a room with large windows on two sides. “Well, David, we’re here. This is the sunroom—my favorite. Over there from that window, there’s a nice view of Charleston Harbor. Make yourself at home. I’m going into the kitchen to see how dinner is coming along. When I come back, I’ll give you a short tour of the house.”
“Take your time,” he said.
After Cecilia left, David moved to the far window and looked out over the harbor at the sailboats and large freighters slowly moving over the ocean. The moon was rising out of the east, casting a tranquil shadow over the still waters as the rising tide slapped against the barrier. A slight smile crossed his face. …I’ve one week to accomplish my goal… one week…and it begins tonight.
Engrossed in his thoughts, David didn’t notice Cecilia entering the room until she spoke. “Dinner is almost ready. Let me give you the tour before we eat.
Turning, he smiled. “Let’s go.”
Leading him down the hall and to the right, she opened the first door they came to. “This is my office. I do most of my work for the Charleston Historical Society here, and those are my collection of history books and journals.” She gestured to the oak bookcases that lined the four walls.
David walked into the room, studying it carefully, getting a feel for the lady who owned it. Strolling over to one of the bookcases, he pulled out a copy of A Defense of Virginia and the South by Robert L. Dabney. Opening the book, he read a few paragraphs and smiled… interesting.
“Come on, and I’ll show you the library.”
Placing the book back in its place, he turned to follow her.
Walking down to the next room, she opened another door. “This is the family library where we have an extensive collection of classical works dating back three hundred years. Every generation has contributed to it.”
Glancing around, David was reminded of his own family’s library at Darcy House and Pemberley. His family also had contributed books to their libraries throughout the generations. Walking over to the closest shelf, he ran his fingers over the selections. There were leather-bound copies of Henry Fielding, Daniel Defoe, Edward Gibbon, and Plutarch.
Placing her hand on his shoulder, she nudged. “Now, if you’ll follow me, we’ll see the front parlor and family room. They overlook the park across the street. You saw the parlor when you were here last, but not the family room.” She led him through a wide opening leading into a beautifully decorated room.
As they walked into the room, he noticed two sofas facing one another with a small table in between sitting in a little ways from a large bay window. A pair of wingback chairs faced one another across a chess table. Persian rugs, heavy silk curtains, lamps, vases, and various tables graced the room—all from the antebellum period. Impressed by her
taste, he smiled.
Continuing to glance about, he spied a substantial fireplace covering one entire wall decorated with a large family portrait hanging above it, probably from the 1800s. The woman resembled Cecilia—blonde with the same violet-blue eyes. He strolled over and stood in front of the painting.
“Who is that woman?” he asked, pointing to the work of art above the mantelpiece.
“That is Cecilia Sabina Lawton, my ancestral grandmother from the Civil War Era.” She glanced between David and the portrait. “You see the resemblance, don’t you?”
“Yes, she looks very much like you.” He tore his eyes away and looked at Cecilia. “Your home is very beautiful, very tastefully decorated.”
“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “Downstairs there’s a bathroom and the servants’ quarters, and I’ll show you where the breakfast room and kitchen are located. After that, we’ll eat and tour the upstairs later.”
~*~
After dinner and touring the second and third levels, they retired to the entertainment room where they planned to watch Gone with the Wind, and maybe, if time allowed, Scarlett. Lying on the chaise lounge, David held her close as he slipped his hand under her sweater and cupped her breast, gently caressing and stroking. While he supported her against his body, Cecilia rested her head on his shoulder just under his chin, comfortable and content.
Turning in his arms, she nestled closer and breathed in his spicy masculine scent. God help her. He was getting to her. Unable to resist, she reached up and guided his mouth to hers. The gentle caress of his hand, the closeness of his body, and the comfortable coziness of him being with her was more than she’d expected. Somehow this felt natural and right. He snuggled her closer. Cecilia looked up at him and briefly stared. She was right. David was very much like Rhett—confident, sure of himself, and just as handsome. She softly shook her head and returned to the film.
Once the movie ended, they both realized the hour had grown late and decided to forgo Scarlett until tomorrow. As they walked up the stairs, Cecilia turned to David.
“I’ve given you the room next to mine. The two rooms are separated by a common dressing room and sitting area. When you’re ready, meet me in my room, and we’ll shower together.”
David squeezed her waist. “You know, I’ve never showered with anyone before.”
She chuckled. “Really? Well, you’re in for a new experience, then, aren’t you? Next time we’ll take a bubble bath. I bet you haven’t done that either.”
“I’m always up to new experiences.”
“I bet!”
As they reached the landing, she put her arm around his waist and led him into the family wing. “Well, this is it. This is my room, and yours is one door down. Meet me when you’re ready.” Without even realizing it, she found herself kissing him. Breaking away, he smiled and tapped her nose, then left for his room.
Ten minutes later David entered her room dressed in nothing but a robe and carrying a bottle of champagne with two long-stemmed flutes and a bag.
“What’s that?”
“It’s for you. I bought it in London.” He handed her the bag. “The candle is Sensual Orchid. When I smelled it, I thought of you. The CD is Santana’s Abraxas. It’s a favorite of mine.”
“David, this is so sweet of you. Sensual Orchid is one of my favorite scents.” She smiled. “Come. I’ve prepared something for you, too.”
There by the bed on a round side-table set a bowl of strawberries, a bowl of chocolate fondue, and a bottle of wine with two wine glasses. She took David’s champagne and flutes and set them with the wine.
“When I left you in the sunroom, I arranged for this surprise to be set up while we watched the movie.”
She walked over to the entertainment cabinet and placed the candle next to the sound system. After putting the CD in, she lit the candle.
As David inspected the wine, Cecilia said. “Let’s have the champagne tonight. We’ll have the wine another time.”
A small smile curled his lips. Setting the wine down, he opened the bottle of champagne and poured two glasses.
Lifting the flute to his lips, David took a small sip. “Drop your robe.”
Her breath caught in her lungs. The intense look in his dark eyes sent quivers coursing through her body. She set her glass aside. Slowly, she untied her robe and slipped it off her shoulders, dropping it to floor. His eyes caressed her body as the silky cotton fell. After a long, slow drink, he set his glass next to hers. Untying his own robe, he let it fall into a puddle beside hers.
Reaching over, he tenderly caressed her face with the tips of his fingers before cupping it in his hands. Leaning in slowly, he kissed her sensuously on the jaw.
She swallowed hard and closed her eyes as his lips made their way to hers, gently teasing her mouth open with his tongue. As he kissed her, his fingers slid into her hair while his thumbs softly caressed her temples.
Her arms slipped around his waist and traveled up his back, caressing him as she stepped into his form, slowly surrendering as his tongue slipped in and out of her mouth, making her body shudder.
Reluctantly breaking the kiss, she breathed deeply to recover her composure. “Let’s take a seat on the bed and listen to the music,” she whispered softly. “I’ve set it to auto replay. After a song or two, we’ll shower.”
Sitting across from him on the bed, Cecilia took a strawberry and dipped it in chocolate. “Here, have one.”
As she fed him, he turned and licked her finger, taking it into his mouth and suckling it.
Picking up a strawberry, he returned the gesture, accidentally smearing chocolate on her mouth. He smiled. “Here, let me get that.” Taking his finger, he wiped the chocolate from her mouth and teased her lips.
She turned and suckled his finger. “You remembered.”
“Lawton, I remember everything about you. That night you had me in such a state that, to coin a Southern phrase, ‘You turned me every which way, but loose.’”
“Ah,” she laughed, “but as I recall, I did turn you loose.”
He chuckled as he took another strawberry. “I remember it quite well. I wanted you so badly, I physically hurt. But it is a good thing the evening ended as it did, or I may not have taken notice of you on a deeper level,” he said with a soft smile. “I want you to know that no one has ever done that to me before.”
“I can imagine not, and it almost killed me to do it. I wanted you that night, too. It took every ounce of willpower I had to turn you away.”
“It worked out for the best, though, and here we are.”
“Yes, here we are.” She dipped another strawberry and put it to his mouth, and then took a sip of champagne. They continued to relax, sipping champagne and eating strawberries while they listened to the music.
“David, this is a side of you I would have never guessed existed, but since our dinner at the Woodlands and now this, well, I must say I am pleasantly impressed.” She arched one eyebrow as she raised her glass.
“Let it never be said that a Darcy wasn’t a gentleman.”
David set his glass down and took hers, placing it with his. “Umm… you smell good…jasmine and orange blossom…my favorite.” He slowly brushed his nose against her cheek. Taking her mouth in a slow, sensual kiss, David reached back and pulled her closer, slipping his tongue inside her mouth, dueling with hers and suckling her lips. Kissing his way down her neck, David gave her a playful bite as the tips of his fingers glided down her shoulder to her breast, lightly fondling it in a gentle caress.
His warm breath against her skin caused Cecilia to tremble violently. The scent of the candle, the mood set by the music, and the bubbles of the champagne all created an atmosphere she’d never shared with anyone. He could open the door to her soul with a simple kiss. She was confused. She was supposed to be the one seducing him. and yet she was falling prey to his every whim. She was putty in his hands.
Breathing heavily, she broke the kiss. “David, let’s shower f
irst, then we’ll go to bed.”
His lips curved. “Whatever you would like.”
She took him by the hand and led him to the shower where she turned on the water. When the temperature was right, she guided him inside, and they both allowed the water to wash over them.
Taking the shampoo from the shelf, David said, “Let me wash your hair.” Squeezing a small amount into his hand, he began to lather her hair, gently massaging her scalp. “Umm, this is not so difficult.” After a moment, David backed Cecilia into the stream of water and said, “Close your eyes, love. Can’t let the soap get in your beautiful eyes.”
He placed a generous amount of shower gel on a bath sponge and began to slowly wash her back, working his way down her bottom, her thighs, her calves, and feet. While kneeling down, he turned her around and began working his way back up. Dropping the sponge, David put some gel on his hands and began to massage between her thighs before returning to her breasts where he gently stroked, washing and caressing them.
Staring at Cecilia intently as she closed her eyes, he returned down her body, his hand finding its way to her center and his finger to the heart of her desire. She moaned in pleasure, falling into him. Cecilia shuddered violently, flushing with intense pleasure before breaking away. She could feel the heat of his gaze, but she couldn’t meet his stare—not yet.
He tipped her chin and asked with a boyish grin, “Are you all right?”
Finally composed, she returned his smile. “Yes, but now it’s your turn. Turnabout is fair play.” She raised an eyebrow and took the gel. When she came to his erection, she dropped the sponge and took him in her hands, stroking and watching him. He moaned, and she couldn’t tell if it was in pleasure or pain.
“Oh God, Cecilia, stop—stop now!”
The Cumberland Plateau Page 61