“Gone to London to await trial. Alex has presented all the evidence, it should be just a formality.”
Lizzie closed her eyes. “How long have I been asleep?”
“A day,” he answered. She heard him cross the room. His chair squeaked as he sat down.
“A day?” she choked. “Where is May?”
“Safe. She’s with Barrett and Alex. They’ve been catering to her every whim and I fear that while she seems fully recovered, she may also be spoiled beyond repair.” He brushed her hair away from her face.
Opening her eyes a tiny bit, she raised her hand to clasp his. “Thank you for coming. I don’t know what--”
“Don’t thank me.” He squeezed her hand and then let it go, a pained expression clouding his face. “It shouldn’t have happened. I should have protected you.”
“You can’t be with me every second of the day. You can’t erase every hurt.”
He grabbed both her hands and leaned toward her. His eyes intense as they looked into hers. “I can’t lose you. When my parents died I was adrift. I didn’t allow anyone in, I closed my heart. Now that’s it open…” His face contorted in pain.
A knock sounded at the door and a woman carried in a bowl of broth. “So glad yer awake.” A jolly older woman set the broth next to the bed. “Let me know if you need anything else, Lady Rothenberg.”
“Thank you,” she replied to the woman all the while looking at Chris.
“Yer welcome,” replied the woman as she exited the room.
“Lady Rothenberg?” she asked as Chris picked up the broth and brought it to her lips. The warm liquid sliding down her throat further eased her headache and soothed her weak body.
“A formality, if you’ll still have me.” He looked away as he set the cup down.
“If… how can you even say that? I just told you. You can’t be every--”
“I failed you. I should have kept you safe. I would understand if you didn’t want me anymore. I can’t leave you, Lizzie, but I will go away if you ask it of me.” His shoulders hunched and he rested his head in his hands.
“Don’t be absurd. You’ll make an honest woman of me and help me undo all the damage Alex and Barrett are doing to May.” She gave him a weak smile but her insides fluttered with nerves. Somehow it seemed a bad sign that he was talking about leaving. She needed and wanted him in her life always.
“Of course I would make an honest woman of you.” But he said little else as he brought the broth to her lips again.
15
It took Lizzie two days to recover enough to travel and two more for them to return home. Chris was painfully attentive, meeting her every need before she had a chance to even express it. And yet, he seemed to grow further away with each passing day. He barely looked in her eye, his conversation was stiff and formal. He touched her only when necessary.
Lizzie nearly sighed with relief when they arrived back to Roselington Manor. Surely, once tucked safely in the house, Chris would relax and things would return to normal.
Rose and Piper awaited them when they pulled up the drive, the staff just behind them. Tears sprang to her eyes to see her friends. They would know how to help her with Chris.
“You’re back,” Piper cried as they exited the carriages. Lizzie and May raced toward their friends as Piper and Rose rushed to greet them.
Rose was just behind her and she glowed with happiness. “I was so worried.”
Both women embraced Lizzie and May into a hug.
“I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you again,” Lizzie replied.
After one more hug, Rose and Piper went to greet their husbands. Their warm embraces filled Lizzie with a pang of jealousy. She was happy for them, she truly was. But she wanted Chris to hold her with the same tenderness.
She was encouraged when, once the staff had greeted them, Chris headed for his office. “I must write to the priest and see how soon he can perform the ceremony.”
“Oh that is wonderful,” Lizzie replied but he was gone before she could finish.
Turning back to the group, she was met by four sets of concerned eyes. Everyone had noticed Chris’s cold treatment.
“Is everything all right?” Rose bit her lip.
“I don’t know.” Tears sprang to Lizzie’s eyes.
Piper called for the nanny, who took May to the nursery with the other children.
Alex ushered the rest of them to the nearest sitting room. It only made Lizzie want to cry more. It was the very same room, Chris had brought her on the first day.
“He chased you like the devil was nipping at his heels. Why is he so withdrawn now?” Alex’s gaze penetrated hers.
She took a deep breath. Chris had said that he had failed her but she couldn’t believe he actually thought that. He had dashingly rescued her. He must be regretting his choice. All this trouble for a simple country girl. He had told her from the beginning that he was a rake. Had he tired of her already? “He doesn’t want me anymore.” Her heart constricted with the words.
Protests poured from all of them.
“Absurd.”
“Preposterous.”
“He loves you. It’s as plain--”
But Barrett cut the other three off. “I know when a man is in love and Chris has it as bad as I’ve ever seen. He isn’t tired of you. He thinks he failed you.”
“Oh, of course.” Alex agreed. “I felt the same.”
“But he still plans on marrying you.” Rose nodded. “That gives you plenty of time and opportunity to convince him that he is wrong and that you belong together.”
“I suppose.” Lizzie twisted her hands together. He was so handsome, so strong and capable. It just wasn’t possible that Chris was suffering from insecurity.
Piper and Rose looked at their husbands. Piper spoke first, “The ladies need a few minutes.”
Alex crossed his arms over his chest. “We’re being removed?”
“Let them talk,” Barrett clapped his friend on the back. “This concerns things we wouldn’t want to hear anyway.”
Alex frowned but turned with Barrett and both men left the room. It was quiet as the women watched them leave, closing the door behind them with a soft click.
Piper turned to Lizzie, looking her up and down. “I know you struggle to believe this but Chris is in love with you. He isn’t bored, he’s afraid.”
“How could he be afraid?” Exasperation laced Lizzie’s voice. It was absurd to think a man like him would be frightened of her.
“Look at you, Lizzie. Really look,” Rose said as she began to circle her. “I don’t have near your endowments, they make you quite lush. In the proper dress, you’d take London by force.”
Piper began circling as well. “Your hair is the most luxurious I have seen, so glossy and full.” She tweaked a tiny curl. “And your face. You have a vulnerable, innocent beauty. I know it isn’t the typical ton beauty, but many men find that enticing. And to a man like Chris, who has seen the worst the world has to offer, your goodness and innocence are irresistible.”
“What he is most afraid of, I think,” Rose put her finger to her lips, “Is corrupting you. Or perhaps just not being worthy.”
“But he craves you, Lizzie,” Piper added. “You make him feel like he has a chance at life again.”
One by one their words reverberated through her. She could hear echoes of things that he had said to her. “How do you know that?”
“We married similar men.” Rose gave her a smile.
“Your job now is to convince him that he simply must give you all of himself.” Piper gave a wicked grin at her words. “In my pregnant state, I have very little negligées that will fit her, what about you Rose?”
“Oh yes, you can keep them. I won’t be needing them for much longer anyhow.”
“Won’t be needing them?” Lizzie raised her eyebrows.
“I’m with child, again.” Rose beamed with happiness.
A cry of joy left Lizzie’s lips and she reached for
Rose, giving her a hug. “That is wonderful news.”
“It is.” Rose hugged her back. “Both Barrett and Alex took convincing. We’ll do your hair, put you in something irresistible. This is important. Up till now, he’s been in charge. You must seduce him. Prove to him there is a little devil in you. Then make it clear, you cannot be without him.”
“I’ll try,” Lizzie said lifting her chin. “I can do this. I know that I can.”
“That’s the spirit, now let’s start with a bath.” Piper giggled as she grabbed Lizzie’s hand.
Piper grabbed the other and they began leading her down the hall.
* * *
TWO HOURS LATER, Lizzie was ready for dinner. One of Rose’s dresses had been altered to fit her. It was a beautiful shade of winter white that highlighted the natural pink tones in her skin. Lizzie was surprised to find that while the dress fit in the waist, it had to be let out in the hip and bust. It also showed a generous amount of her cleavage. As if it needed anymore highlighting, Piper clasped a sapphire around her neck that nestled just between the two mounds of flesh. Her hair was pinned back in loose waves and as Lizzie looked in the mirror, she was astounded by the woman who looked back at her. This woman looked like the belle of a ball and not a wallflower.
“Now if this doesn’t work, we will simply have to invite some other lords here to make him jealous.”
“That would surely do the trick.” Lizzie remembered how jealous Chris had gotten. A flush stained her cheeks. It was nice to be desired in such a way.
“But we shouldn’t have to resort to that. Since we have missed our Chrismastide celebration, let us make merry now.” Rose hugged her.
“And with any luck, later too.” Piper giggled.
The women waited till half past six. Piper said it was important the men already be there so that they could make a grand entrance. They made their way through the house, to the dining room. “When you are in London, we will all go to a ball,” Piper whispered. “All of London will fall in love with you.”
“I only need one man to fall in love,” Lizzie whispered back as Rose pushed open the doors.
“Don’t be silly,” Rose said loudly as they walked through. “You will love dancing with a parcel of men till the wee hours of the morning.”
Everyone’s heads snapped up and all eyes looked at Lizzie. Even Manly stared. The men rose from their seats.
Chris’ gaze was near black as he looked her up and down. “Why are you dressed like that?” he growled.
“This is our Christmastide celebration, is it not?” Lizzie asked, trying to ignore his dark glare.
“That dress is not--”
Rose leaned in to interrupt. “It’s mine. I thought it one of my most beautiful, which is why I brought it. But I think I’ll give it to Lizzie. It had to be let out in the hips and--”
“Rose,” Chris warned.
“Anyway, it’s ruined now. For me. But Lizzie should wear it every day, don’t you think?” Rose gave him an innocent smile.
“You’re medd--”
“I have an announcement.” Rose glided over to her husband, brushing past Chris. Piper followed leaving the two of them standing together. “I’m with child. We’re going to have another baby.”
Alex stood, knocking his chair back. His face splitting in a grin. He picked up his wife and spun her around. “What wonderful news!”
The children cheered. Chris made to turn away but Lizzie put her hand out. “Escort me to my chair.”
“Of course.” He offered his arm stiffly. He didn’t look at her and his posture spoke of his discomfort.
She took a breath. Slipping her hand into the crook of his arm, she allowed her hip to brush his upper leg as they walked. She heard his slight intake of breath. Her own body tightened. He still wanted her at the very least. “Did you hear back from the priest?”
He nodded, “We’ll be married tomorrow.”
“I’ll have to see if I can borrow another dress from Rose.” She brushed her hip against his, drawing the touch out for as long as she could.
“One of your dresses will be fine,” he gritted out.
“Don’t you like it?” She stopped by her chair to look up at him. His expression was that of a man starved. His eyes were wolfish, his cheekbones more pronounced, mouth drawn tight.
“I like the clothes you wear normally,” he said between gritted teeth.
She gave him her most innocent smile and then released his arm as he pulled her chair for her to sit. She had been placed at the opposite end of the table, as though she were the lady of the house already.
It did not give her the opportunity to touch him but as he sat at the other end of table, she leaned low several times to highlight her bust. He didn’t fail to notice. His eyes never left her and by the end of the meal, Lizzie had never felt more powerful.
They retired to the ballroom, where the children danced and May opened her presents that she had missed. “A new doll,” she squealed, holding the porcelain figure close.
Lizzie held the girl close. “I love you, always,” she whispered.
“Me too,” said May.
Lizzie could feel Chris watching them but he stayed away. Lizzie wanted to curse. Where had the man who couldn’t keep his hands off her gone? She missed him.
Rose sat at the pianoforte and began to play a delightful tune. Leaning over, Rose whispered to Alex, who was next to her. Immediately, he came over and held out his hand to Lizzie. “Shall we?”
A blush climbed her cheeks. She had learned to dance, of course, before she had left finishing school to care for her father. But she had yet to dance with a man since coming of age. Though Alex was more like family, it still made her nervous. She trembled as she took his hand.
Alex spun her easily around the room and Piper and Barrett joined them. “You look lovely this evening.” Alex smiled easily at her and she returned the look of affection.
As he went to twirl her again, he stopped in his tracks. She turned her head to see Chris standing next to them. “May I cut in?”
“Of course,” Alex winked at her and stepped aside.
Chris grabbed her waist and began the steps but his gait was faster, rougher. He didn’t speak, which was a blessing because she was soon breathless from the pace and the tension between them.
Once the dance ended, Chris stepped back, bowing. With the heat of his body removed, her skin prickled with coolness. He offered his arm, and hope rose in her chest, but he escorted her to the side next to Rose. Then he turned and walked away.
Piper began to collect her children. “Time for bed, my little ones.”
Rose scooped her son from the nanny and Lizzie grabbed May’s hand. “You too, May.”
Walking her to the door, she gave the girl a kiss. Piper and Rose, along with the nannies, began to usher the children upstairs. “We’ll be back shortly,” Rose called.
Lizzie went to turn back but a large body stood in her way.
“I need to speak with you.” Chris seized her arm, dragging her down the hall.
“Wh-what about,” she asked, suddenly a little nervous. She had been attempting to tempt him with passion not anger him beyond reason.
“First,” he turned down another hall. “Why are you wearing that dress?”
“What is wrong with this dress?” Her own anger was growing now and she stamped her foot, pulling away from him. “I thought you would like it. I’m so plain. I thought if I were more like--”
Grabbing her, his lips crashed down on hers in a kiss that melted her very bones. He broke away just as suddenly leaving her spinning with confusion before he grabbed her hand and dragged her the rest of the way to his study.
Crashing the door closed behind him, his lips captured hers again as his hand touched every part of her body. He was moving her backwards, to where she didn’t know, until her legs bumped into the back of the settee. Before she knew what was happening, he had crashed them both down on the piece of furniture, his hands under
her skirt.
She groaned as need built inside her. Rose had given her silken pantaloons to wear with the dress and Lizzie distinctly noted the sound of the delicate fabric ripping as Chris made his way to her most intimate area.
“Chris,” she protested. She had never had such fine clothing and she didn’t want it ruined now.
“I’ll get you new ones,” he groaned as his hand found her heat and he slipped a finger inside.
“Oh,” she moaned, and her retort that they needed to be silk was forgotten. He fumbled with his breeches until, pushing her skirts up further, he settled between her legs.
She was nearly covered in silk and lace and could barely see his face. She made to protest as he removed his fingers though whether she was protesting tupping in the study or the loss of his digit, she couldn’t say. But as he replaced his finger with a much larger member all protest was forgotten as he moved inside of her.
Fast and hot they came together, their frustration making them voracious. The tempo reached dizzying heights until Lizzie knew she would shatter. The rhythm nearly gone, Chris moved as though possessed and his groans told her he was about to join her.
They shattered together, Lizzie crying his name. As the spasms ended, Chris collapsed on top her, crushing fabric in her face. She reached her hands up to brush it aside, swatting at the layers.
“Damn dress,” he mumbled, pulling them both up to sitting. He smoothed out the layers, then crushed her against his chest. He was still wearing his dinner jacket. “Why are you wearing this infernal thing?”
She stuck out her lip. “I thought you’d like it. You’ve been so distant. I thought--” She stopped, realizing what she had been about to reveal.
“What did you think?” He tilted her head back so he could look into her eyes.
Lizzie hesitated. “I will answer honestly if you promise to as well.”
She saw his weariness but then he nodded.
Taking a breath, she said, “I thought that if I looked like those other ladies in London, that you would want me again. And it worked, by the by.”
“Oh Lizzie. I don’t want you to look like them. I want you just as you are. Though, I suppose you’re right. The sight of your cleavage has driven me near mad this evening.” He brushed it idly with his fingers, fishing out the sapphire. “I have been acting as I have because, you shouldn’t want me.”
Taming a Rake into a Lord: Taming the Heart Series Page 11