by Jane Charles
“Yes, I noticed him ride off.” Drake shut the door behind him and walked to Eleanor’s side.
“I just learned he holds the mortgage to the house. My step-fathered owed him a thousand pounds and when I didn’t pay him, as I did everyone else, he came asking for the funds.” Tears sprang to her eyes and Eleanor sat down once again. Her legs were too weak to hold her. Where would she get the money?
“Do you have anything left from London?”
“Only five hundred, which I hoped to save for emergencies.”
Drake settled beside her. “I will give you the rest.”
Eleanor straightened and took his hand. “No. I cannot. I will not.”
“Elle, you can’t lose the house.”
She sighed. They would be in a worse pickle with nowhere to live. “He has given me a month. If I cannot find the funds in time, I will let you know.”
Drake squeezed her hand. “Very well.”
Eleanor could accept his offer, but she hated to be indebted to him and who knew when or if she would ever be able to pay him back. Her step-father borrowing from acquaintances was what brought her to this situation and she wasn’t about to repeat his mistakes, or have her family forever owing money to someone. Society may prefer to live in that state, and not care. But she could not. Drake always insisted that it was a gift. But Elle couldn’t take the charity. She would not have that between them. There had to be another way to come up with the money.
“Why are you here? You have a houseful of guests.”
“You left without a word yesterday. I was concerned. Bentley didn’t upset you did he?”
Eleanor glanced away when her face grew warm remembering those moments in the summer house. Bentley had certainly not upset her. “I grew tired and needed to come home.”
He clasped her hand. “Are you certain?”
Eleanor turned back to him and smiled. “Yes.”
*
Clay glanced at the clock beside the door. It was already four in the afternoon, yet Eleanor hadn’t made an appearance. Was she not going to show? Had yesterday upset her? No, she seemed to have enjoyed herself, and could have experienced even more if she would have only given in to her passion.
He turned away and stalked outside. Had her passion scared her? Maybe she hadn’t experienced it before. If she had been in love with Jamie’s father, engaged to be married, perhaps she allowed him the liberties, but found no joy in the mating. Eleanor deserved to know passion and experience blinding releases. If she would just give him a chance, he would show her how wonderful it could be.
But, she wasn’t here.
Maybe it was the children. Had one of them become ill or been injured? He dearly hoped that wasn’t the case. Eleanor had too much to worry about and carried far too much on her gentle shoulders. Eleanor needed someone to take care of her and he was offering just that. Who knew how long their relationship could last? Some men kept mistresses for years and after the taste he experienced yesterday, Clay was fairly certain he would not be tiring of Eleanor for a very long time.
Frustrated he stuck his hands in his pockets and paced, not sure what to do with himself. He could join the others getting ready to take a ride, but what if she arrived and he was not here? No, he couldn’t leave.
Some guests were going to walk to the lake and try their hand at fishing. While it kept him outside, what if she came down the other path? No, he couldn’t do anything that required him to be away from the house. Not until she arrived and he was assured all was well with her.
Damn! Where the hell was she?
Clay stopped and looked around. When had he become the type of gentleman who waited on a lady, or any woman for that matter? He had always laughed at the men who couldn’t stand to be parted from their wives, betrothed, or even mistress. They claimed to be in love, and Clay was certainly not in love. There was no such thing.
Lust. He was in lust and as soon as he bedded Miss Westin, his world would be set to rights again. So, where the hell was she?
Clay turned just in time to see Eleanor emerge from the path and relief shot through him. He took a step in her direction but was brought up short. Worry marred her brow and her face was pale, completely devoid of all color. What had happened?
He rushed forward and her eyes lifted to his. They were almost lifeless, as if she were defeated. This was not how his Elle should look.
“May I have a word with you?”
“Of course.” He offered her arm.
Eleanor took it and glanced around. “Where is everyone?”
“Fishing, riding, playing games.”
She simply nodded and they began to stroll toward the summer house. “How does it work?”
Clay hadn’t the foggiest of what she was talking about. “How does it work?”
“Being a mistress.” She glanced up at him. “I am assuming your offer still stands.”
Victory shot through him and his body began to harden with anticipation. Perhaps she was pale because she feared his reaction to her offer.
“You would be my lover, exclusively.”
She nodded.
“I would set you up in a townhouse in London, arrange for servants, a carriage, clothing and jewelry on occasion.”
Eleanor sighed and her shoulders slumped. “That won’t work.”
He just offered her an existence far more pleasant than the way she lived. What more could she want?
“I can’t be away from the children.”
“You could bring them with you.”
She bit her lower lip as if pondering the idea before she shook her head.
“I will not be your mistress and reside in the same house with the children. I would not shame them in that manner and ruin them as well as myself.”
Clay wanted to point out that the fact she had a child out of wedlock already brought censure to the family, but held his tongue.
She stopped and looked up at him again. “Perhaps an agreement, of short duration, while you are here.”
“That is only a few more days,” he argued. “But, I could stay on, though Acker will wonder.”
Her eyes widened. “He can never, ever suspect.”
“Very well.”
He patted her hand and they continued on the path.
“If you remained for a week or two and I visited with you each night, what would, I mean, how would it benefit me?”
Her face turned a lovely shade of red. If she were an experienced courtesan, the topic of payment would not be so uncomfortable. He liked that she was new to the game and he would be her first true lover. She may have been bedded, but Clay was willing to bet she had not been shown pleasure. Her reactions were too innocent yesterday for there to have been much experience. “I would be very generous. And, the more pleased I am, the more generous I could be.”
Eleanor went back to biting her lip. In truth, he wasn’t sure how much he would pay for a week or two. When one was considering a mistress, one thought in months or possibly a year. Not in days.
*
Eleanor wished he would name a price but she couldn’t bring herself to come out and ask. She could only pray generous meant enough to get them out of debt. Or, enough that added to five hundred she had saved it would satisfy Mr. Barnes until she could raise the rest.
They continued in silence and Eleanor once again mentally went over her other options. There was nothing left of value in the house to sell. She had scoured it from top to bottom this morning and asking Drake was her absolutely last option. His friendship meant more to her than anything outside of her family and she would not have debt between them.
“What if you remained for a month?” Surely that would be plenty of time to raise most of what she needed.
“I can’t remain here that long. I have an estate to run.”
She had forgotten. Clayton did have obligations, though most in the ton didn’t behave as if they did.
“But, we could take a week and visit my home. There we could continue to
be lovers.”
“I couldn’t leave the children?”
“Not even for a week? I am sure Acker would see to them.”
“And how would I explain where I was going.” Drake must never learn of this. She wouldn’t be able to face his disappointment. This could likely ruin their friendship much quicker than borrowing the funds.
Clayton stopped and turned her toward him. “Why don’t we see how we get on and take it one week at a time?”
Eleanor studied him. He did have a point. What if he tired of her that quickly?
No, she squashed the thought. She had to keep him well-pleasured until he left and pray that he was generous. If only she knew what to do to keep him satisfied. Her stomach churned. She had no idea what to do and hopefully he wouldn’t complain about her lack of experience.
“Very well. A week and we shall see what happens.”
Clayton grinned and pulled her close. “You have no idea how badly I want you.”
His lips found hers and despite her nervous and worried state, Eleanor melted into him. Clay had a way of making her want to forget there were troubles or that she was a virtuous young woman. However, after tonight, she would no longer have that claim.
He pulled away for the moment. “Shall I come to you tonight?”
“Not my house.” Goodness. What would her siblings think? The boys were too young to understand, but Leigh was not.
“Where? My room?”
That was worse. What if Drake or anyone else saw her going in and leaving his room? “The summer house?”
He grinned. “When? Now?”
Eleanor’s face heated. “Not now,” she hissed. “Tonight, around nine. After I have put the boys to bed.”
“Tonight it is.” He bent and kissed her once again, searing her soul. The very one she would lose tonight.
Chapter 15
Eleanor pulled the hood of her cape up over her head, picked up the satchel and stepped from the back of her house. What was she doing? Her stomach knotted, making her almost ill. What if he were disappointed? What if she gave the only thing left of value tonight and he wished not to continue?
Thank goodness she had not told him the truth. If he had even suspected her virgin state, Bentley would never have agreed. Or, she assumed he wouldn’t have. Prior to his accusations about Jamie, he had behaved the gentleman.
Rude, but a gentleman none-the-less. His belief of her fallen state changed all of that.
The full moon dappled the path through the leaves of the trees lining the path. With each step her pulse increased and her hands shook. One would think she was going to the gallows instead of sacrificing her maidenhead.
Ahead of her the summer house came into sight. It was dark against the backdrop of the forest. A sigh of relief escaped. She intentionally told him thirty minutes later than when she planned to arrive. Elle wanted those few precious moments to prepare for what was to come. Not that she knew specifically what to prepare for.
She placed the satchel on the floor just inside the door and removed her cloak. The cool breeze pinpricked her skin. She wore nothing but a nightgown beneath her cloak. It was one of the five her grandmother ordered after seeing her threadbare night rails when she arrived in London. She had slept in these gowns while in Town, but they had been put away upon her return to the country. There was no need to sleep in such fine, soft linen. Nor were the adornments of ribbons and lace necessary for a goodnight’s sleep. Yet, after making her decision to become Bentley’s mistress, she had pulled the gowns from the trunk to air them for the nights to come.
Her room in London had been warm and she hadn’t realized how impractical this material was until she stood in the center of a breezy summer house. Then again, the purpose for being here wasn’t to wear the gown at all. Thank goodness it was night or one could be able to see directly through the thin material. Yet, there was enough light from the moon that she could make out the furniture. Perhaps she would not light the candles. Were they necessary? The encounter would be certainly less embarrassing in the dark. Bentley was not as familiar with the summer house. She and Drake had spent a number of hours here to escape the heat of the summer and she could negotiate the room easy enough without the light. But as much as she may wish for darkness, it was not fair to Bentley. It would do her no good if he were injured.
Not that she would wish injury on him regardless. Elle was feeling a bit selfish at the moment and now that she had decided to take this drastic step, he needed to be in a position to cooperate.
Bending, she grasped the handle of the satchel and moved it to a chair before she withdrew candles and flint. Elle moved about the room placing them on tables so that the room would be fully illuminated when Bentley arrived. When she was finished, Elle looked to the bed and her stomach clenched once again. Should she turn it down or wait?
Before she could make a decision she heard the scrape of a boot on the wooden step and Elle forced a fist against her mouth to keep from vomiting. Surely brides didn’t feel this way on their wedding night so why was she so frightened?
*
The summer house came into view and more candles were lit as he drew near. Eleanor had beaten him here. Had that been her intention? Did she wish to prepare the place? It wasn’t necessary. All they really needed was a comfortable bed, or even the chaise would do if it had been necessary.
All evening his nerves had been on edge in anticipation. He had hoped to arrive before her, and prepare the place to bring her the most comfort. Had that been her intent as well? It didn’t matter. This first encounter could possibly be awkward, as most first meetings were, but soon enough they would be comfortable with the other.
He pushed the door open and stepped into the room. The air left his lungs in one swoosh he hardened at the sight of her. Even in his most fanciful fantasies Eleanor did not look this delicious. Her dark curls cascaded down her back and over one shoulder. A full breast strained against her gown, nipple hard. Was she cold or already anticipating their mating? The night rail fell to the floor, but was thin enough that he could make out the indent of her waist and dark triangle at her thighs. Delicate toes peeked out from beneath the white material.
He had thought to move slowly, enjoy this first encounter, but Clay wasn’t sure how much his body could withstand before he exploded. He hadn’t been this close to release, without physical contact with a woman since he was a lad of ten and five. If he didn’t get control over his body now, it could end quite embarrassingly for him.
Clay took a step forward, his eyes took in her body once again. “You are more beautiful than I imagined.”
She sighed and her shoulders relaxed. Had she feared he would reject her? As it was, Clay wasn’t sure he would ever get enough of her.
As he continued forward, he removed his coat and tossed it somewhere on the floor. Next he loosened his neck clothe and dragged it over his head. His clothing was much too confining and he needed to be free so he could feel her skin next to his.
He paused and settled into a chair and lifted his foot. Before he could remove his boot, Eleanor rushed forward and knelt before him. “Let me.”
She took one, pulled and set it aside. Clay offered the other and glimpsed down the gape in the neck of her gown, his mouth salivating, wanting to feast on one bud and then the next. Eleanor placed the boot next to the other and stood. He stood and worked the buttons of his waistcoat before opening it, and pulling it from his shoulders. He tugged the shirt from his breeches and pulled it over his head, tossing it so it landed near the vicinity of his other clothing. Or at least he assumed it did, as he was not looking. His eyes were too busy feasting on Eleanor.
Her deep brown eyes lifted to his, wide and unsure. She had nothing to worry about. Already she was more than he anticipated. With a groan, Clay pulled her tight against his body and bent to devour her lips with his. Eleanor relaxed and grasped his shoulders, kissing him back with as much passion as he felt. His breeches became more uncomfortable with each pas
sing moment and he scooped Eleanor up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Once he had her gown off of her glorious body, he would not want to wait. Turning his back, he loosened and pulled down his breeches before kicking them aside and sat back down on the bed and drawing her into his arms. He would go out of his mind if he wasn’t in her soon.
Clay pushed the sleeves over her shoulders and freed her arms while he trailed kisses along her jaw and neck. Her breaths were little pants and she arched into him as one hand grasped and molded her perfect globe. His mouth continued kissing, licking and nipping until he came to an erect peak and gently sucked it into his mouth while pushing the gown down and free from her body. Now she was as naked as he and they could enjoy one another to their heart’s content.
Her nails bit into his shoulders and her moans became more frequent each time he moved from one breast to the other. If she was this responsive now, how would she react when he touched her lower? A grinned pulled at his lips. Or kissed her there?
Clay shifted, moving further down her body, one hand caressing her inner thigh, circling higher until her curls brushed the top of his fingers and he moved to settle between her shapely legs. Eleanor stiffened and seemed to hold her breath. Did she think he would take her now? Had it been so unpleasant before that she thought to prepare herself? Clay slipped his fingers between the folds, damp with anticipation. He tried to push through her opening with one finger, but she was tighter than any woman he had ever encountered. To take her now would bring her no pleasure and possibly pain. Whoever had lain with Eleanor before had done her a great disservice by terrifying her. All the more reason to bring her to climax before he had his own pleasure.
Shifting, he moved lower and placed his hands under her buttocks, and brought her to his mouth.
“What are you doing?”
Clay glanced up and winked. “Relax and enjoy. I want to taste you.”