by Jane Charles
“Unfortunately, I have to agree with you.”
After entering the house, Eleanor begged off for the rest of the day to return home. Not only did she need to see to the children, but she had much to think on. Lord Bentley was a contradiction. What she had seen today was the complete opposite of what she had witnessed in London, especially his treatment of her. She could feel herself softening toward the man and she could not afford to think kindly of him. Hadn’t he once offered her a position as his mistress?
Had he been concerned with her virtue, he would have waited for a maid to accompany them, though they were in an open conveyance instead of a closed carriage. Her error had been not considering the option until it was too late.
Why should she? She didn’t have a maid and it wasn’t as if she ever accompanied a gentleman anywhere in the country, other than Drake, but he didn’t count. Everyone knew they were more like brother and sister than anything else.
Eleanor needed to be home with her family, seeing to the chores and putting her mind into the right perspective. She did not need to be around Bentley, enjoying the house party where she might forget who she is and where she truly belonged.
Chapter 13
Would he ever get Miss Westin alone again? From the moment she entered the parlor earlier in the day, she had stayed with one group of young ladies or another. Whenever he approached, she moved on to a separate gathering. It was enough to drive him bloody mad. Was she intentionally trying to avoid him? They had made headway yesterday so what had transpired in the interim?
Her group moved through the double doors out into the gardens. Clay pulled away from the wall and stopped inside, looking out the window. The ladies settled in chairs beneath a tree and continued their conversation. Eleanor nodded her head and walked away. Clay waited to see where she went. Would she return to the house, or move further into the gardens.
When she disappeared, lost in the shrubbery, he waited a few moments. It would not do to bring attention by going after her immediately. First, he did not wish to ruin her reputation amongst Acker’s friends and second, he didn’t wish to become a topic of the many gossipmongers.
Slowly he strolled down the steps and nodded to the young women and continued on. It was an effort, but he kept his pace slow and casual, glancing around as if he had no other purpose than a walk through the gardens. The moment Clay entered the same path as Miss Westin and no longer in sight of those seated, he straightened, stopped and looked around. Where had she gone? A few feet in front of him the path forked. Which way did she go? Each path would take him along either side of a small inlet of the lake. To the right was where the boats were docked. To the left, a small summer house overlooked the water, which he noticed when they were out on the lake the other day. He continued on the path that would take him away from the boats.
The summer house was set upon a small hill beneath a canopy of trees. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves and dotted the ground and structure. The windows were opened toward the lake to catch the breeze and light curtains danced in the wind. It was a pleasant place to recline in the heat of the day. Clay walked up the two steps and inside the building. A bed was placed against a far wall. On the opposite, a chaise lounge, two chairs and a small table were arranged for conversation. Eleanor reclined on the chaise, her eyes closed, arm resting against her forehead. Was she ill?
His foot scraped against the floor and Eleanor’s head jerked up, eyes open, alarm etched on her brow. Her features softened when she recognized him and she sat forward, bringing her feet to the floor.
“What are you doing here?”
“I followed you.” He grinned.
She straightened and stood. “What if someone would have seen you?”
Clay stepped forward. He was not about to let her escape him. “I was careful in my timing so that nobody would be suspicious.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.
“After our encounter in London, do you think I wish to trap you?”
Eleanor crossed her arms over her ample breasts. “That still doesn’t explain why you followed me.”
“I’ve barely been given the opportunity to speak with you today.”
“There are plenty of others to offer entertainment.”
“We promised Acker we would be nice to one another.”
“That does not mean I must go out of my way to converse with you.”
What would it take to make her want him as much as he wanted her? Of course, perhaps she did want him, but was better at denying those needs. Still, why didn’t she wish to spend time with him when all he could think about was being with her? “You are the only person at this gathering who interests me.”
She arched a brow and the corner of her mouth tipped as if she didn’t believe him.
“It is the truth.” Clay placed a hand over his heart. “How many times do I need to apologize?”
Eleanor shook her head and sank back down onto the chaise. “It is not necessary. It is behind us.”
Clay sighed and sauntered forward before he settled next to her. Eleanor stiffened.
“I do like you and find you extremely attractive. So much so I think of little else.”
“I do find your words hard to believe.”
As anything he could say wouldn’t convince her, Clay chose action instead. Clasping her chin gently, he held her in place and took her lips with his. They were alone out here and in the perfect setting for seduction.
*
Eleanor relaxed, enjoying his attention. Why not take something for herself? It wasn’t as if she would ever marry. Not that she had any intention of giving up her virtue, but she was entitled to some enjoyment, even pleasure.
Clay traced the seam of her lips and Eleanor opened for him. He plunged and desire shot through her body. On their own accord, Eleanor’s arms snaked around his neck and held him close, taking all he had to give. When she touched her tongue to his, he moaned and his kiss became harder and his hand moved to the back of her head while the other clasped her waist. Elle was barely aware of falling backwards until she was reclined against the cushioned arm. Clay’s lips didn’t let up. Her pulse raged in her ears and her heart beat a frantic tattoo. If this was her reaction to one kiss, what could happen to her if she experienced any of the other unknown pleasures men and women shared together?
His lips moved from her mouth and trailed across her jaw, to her neck and down to her collar bone. A moment ago her dress was confining, too tight, but suddenly it felt loose. Had he undone the back? Did it matter? It was much too hot to remain clothed.
She should stop this.
It felt too wonderful. I will stop him in a minute.
The sleeve of her gown was slid down her arm until her gown was below her breasts with only her chemise to cover her nakedness.
Yes, she should stop him before this went too far, but what would he do next?
Clay’s mouth bent and took one puckered nipple into his mouth. Pure desire and longing shot to her private areas. She began to throb and that area became warm, damp and achy. What was he doing to her?
While his mouth devoured one breast the other pushed her chemise down, exposing her completely to him. Clay sat back and moved the material so that both breasts were exposed. Heat infused her face and Eleanor wanted to cover herself. The admiration and desire she saw in his eyes stopped her.
“More beautiful than I imagined.”
Before she could respond, Clay lowered his head and took the other bud in his mouth, nipping and sucking until Eleanor thought she would scream from the pleasure.
This was not right. She should stop him now before it was too late, if it wasn’t already. He didn’t believe her chaste and he would never believe her after allowing him these liberties, but Elle couldn’t find the will to stop him.
Her body pulsed with need and desire and Elle fought the current to reality. This had to stop now before someone came across them and before she was completely ruined.
Cla
y moved a hand down her leg and began pulling her dress up, inch by inch. She ached to be touched in her most private area, but she couldn’t allow it. No. She had to stop.
Pushing against his shoulders she fought for control and breath.
Clay lifted up and looked at her.
“I can’t. Please. No.”
Clay stilled all motion and stared at her. His eyes, a deeper green than before stared into hers. “I want you, Eleanor.”
His voice was rough with need and sent delicious chills down her spine.
She wanted him too, she wanted to scream. “I can’t.” It was all she could manage through her closed throat.
Clay sighed and smoothed her dress back down her legs. When he moved away, Eleanor sat up and pulled her chemise and dress so that it covered her body before presenting her back to Clay. He fastened her dress quickly then moved his arms about her belly and pulled her back against him before he kissed her neck. Elle groaned and let her head fall forward.
“This is wrong.” She removed his hands from around her waist and stood.
Clay came to his feet. “Is it so wrong with two people who want each other as badly as we?”
There was no mistaking the bulge in his breeches and for a moment, Elle was tempted to find out exactly what it looked like and how it felt. Her face burned with the thought and she whipped away from him.
“It is wrong, as well you know.”
He came up from behind and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I want you, and right or wrong does not change that.”
“It matters to me.”
Without a backward glance she moved to the door.
“Think on what we could be to each other. Think about the passion we’ve barely scraped the surface of.”
Eleanor paused at the door but did not look back. She would go mad if she relived what happened. It would only make her long for more. If Clayton were honorable in his attentions she would throw caution to the wind. But, she knew better than to think he had a change of heart or found respect for her. He wanted her as his mistress for however long it lasted and would never consider her for a more permanent role in his life.
This reminder helped cooled her heated veins. She may die never knowing a man’s touch or the beauty of what could be shared between a man and a woman, but she would rather die a virgin than be any man’s mistress.
“Good day, Lord Bentley.”
Eleanor stepped outside and turned for home. She couldn’t return to the party. No doubt her hair was mussed. She glanced down to note the several wrinkles in her gown. If she returned now there would be too much speculation on what she had been about. Besides, she needed to get away from here. Away from Bentley. She had to remember how he had treated her in London and never allow herself to be alone with him again.
Stepping onto the path she turned toward home. It was not far, and actually much shorter than taking the road. In a few moments she would be inside her house and safe from the likes of Lord Bentley.
*
Clay stepped outside and watched her walk away. He couldn’t return to the party yet. Not until his body had relaxed. He had been so close to making Elle his, and he knew with a few well-placed kisses and touches she would have succumbed. But, she told him no and he had to honor her wishes. Hopefully she was in the same state as he. One could not be heated with need and not find release. Perhaps only a few more seductions and then she would be his.
He turned toward the main house instead of following her. With any luck, he would be ready to escort her back inside when she emerged on the opposite path.
Another group of gentlemen and ladies were seated outside when he returned. He took a vacant seat and attempted to participate in the conversation. As the minutes turned into an hour, Elle had not returned.
Was she lost?
No, she grew up in the area.
Was she avoiding him?
Perhaps.
As the sky darkened he tried not to worry but he had half a mind to go find her.
“Has anyone seen Miss Westin?” Acker asked as he came outside.
“She walked down the path hours ago,” a young lady offered.
Acker frowned. “Did anyone else see her?”
Clay looked around and those in the group simply shook their head or shrugged their shoulders. “I came across her while I was out. She was by the summer house, walking away.”
Acker narrowed his eyes on Clay. “Did she say anything?”
She said plenty, but Clay knew better than to relay the conversation to Acker, especially in front of a group of gossips. “I had the impression she didn’t wish to talk.”
“She must have gone on home. I will send someone to make sure.”
“Home, from there?” Another questioned.
“Our land joins not far from the summer house. It is a very short walk from there if that is what she decided to do.”
Clay knew instinctively Elle had gone home and would not be back until tomorrow. He had driven her away. Or perhaps, frightened her? Was she alarmed by their passion or trying to gain control? He would learn soon enough tomorrow. And if luck were his, he would be given another opportunity at seduction. How many times would it take before she allowed herself to become his?
Hopefully not long. The party would end in four days and Clay would not leave without having completely and thoroughly seduced Eleanor.
Chapter 14
Elle was humming as she washed the breakfast dishes. The day was sunny and warm. Soon she would be leaving for Acker Hall. She was actually looking forward to seeing Bentley and the thought brought a chuckle. A week ago the mere thought of him made her irrationally angry. Would he attempt to kiss her today? She would let him, of course. They were too enjoyable to turn down. She may even allow him other liberties. After all, this may be the only chance she ever has to experience such attention from a gentleman. However, he would not get all that he hoped for.
She wasn’t a fool. Even though he had not come out and said anything, the man was set on seduction. He still believed her to be an unwed mother and free to pursue for his own pleasure. She would let him. He could use all the charm he possessed but in the end, he would leave having gained nothing. It wasn’t any less than he deserved. Even if she was what he believed her to be, that didn’t give him the right to assume she was available to become his mistress. Yes, it was nice to have a little revenge on the mighty Bentley, especially when she enjoyed it so much.
“Elle,” Leigh called form the doorway. “Mr. Barnes is here and would like to speak with you.”
Eleanor dried her hands on a towel and made her way to the front parlor.
“Mr. Barnes, it is a pleasure to see you,” Elle stated as she entered the room. Hosea Barnes was one of the wealthiest men in the area and Eleanor couldn’t imagine why he was calling, especially so early.
Mr. Barnes stood as she entered, holding his hat in hands.
“Miss Westin,” he acknowledged and cleared his throat. “I realize this is a delicate matter but my wife insisted I finally call on you.”
“What is the matter?” Fear built in her belly. Had the boys been into mischief again? She hadn’t been around enough lately to watch them.
“You have paid off the creditors, you see, and my wife and I were wondering when we would be paid.”
Eleanor stiffened. “I wasn’t aware my step-father owed you as well.”
The man seemed to be relieved that she had not ignored the debt.
“I loaned James funds over the years. As collateral, he put up the deed to this house.” The man withdrew documents from his pocket to hand to her.
Eleanor took them, afraid to read the words.
“A list of the loans is attached to the back, all signed by your step-father.”
She flipped to the back page, read the figures and sank into the chair. One thousand pounds.
“I don’t have this much money.” She finally looked up at him.
“You got the money for your other de
bts. I am sure your grandfather will give you more.”
“I don’t believe he will.” She had let everyone assume her money had been part of her inheritance. The truth was too humiliating. She never dreamed the ruse would come back on her. What was she to do now? There was no inheritance.
“Well, I hope you are wrong. Mrs. Barnes insists on payment.”
Eleanor felt herself grow pale. “When?”
“I am allowed to give you one month or you will need to vacate the property.”
“One month?” It wasn’t enough time.
“I’m sorry, but these debts have been carried a very long time. I didn’t even charge interest.” Mr. Barnes explained.
“I understand.” Eleanor stood. “I’ll do my best to obtain the funds in time.”
She waited until she heard the front door close and sank back down into the chair. Where was she going to get the rest of the money? She only had five hundred saved. She could write her grandfather, but she had written before, several times, and he wouldn’t part with a shilling if it were to help the family. His answers were always the same. “Let Adam Culver worry about them. They are his niece and nephew and his responsibility.” In his opinion, Elle should live at the family estate where she belonged and make a good marriage. That had been his answer for the past two years and she didn’t expect it to change now. She should just be thankful he didn’t make her live there. As her guardian, he had every right to pull her from her family and force her to reside with him. Thank goodness his interest in her was limited and fleeting.
Eleanor straightened when there was another knock at the door. Her stomach clenched. What if this was another creditor? What if her step-fathered owed even more than she was aware? She thought these days were behind them.
Relief shot through her at the sound of Drake’s voice. He walked into the parlor and stopped short. “Elle, what is wrong. You are quite pale. Are you feeling well?”
Eleanor offered a smile, but she knew it was weak. “Mr. Barnes just left.”