Miss Sophia's Spirited Spinster's Society

by Charlotte Stone

  “It is fortunate you came when you did. Come winter, the flowers will be gone but the trees here keep their leaves, sustaining all seasons.” He led her down and Sophia noticed Genie steer Rollo in another direction, their voices lowered and their heads together.

  “It must be beautiful during Christmas.” She imagined the trees covered in snow.

  “I imagine it will be beautiful at Dovehaven as well.”

  Sophia had almost forgotten the plan to have Christmas at her uncle’s estate. The brotherhood had been invited along with a few other members of Society. It was the first time Sophia would host such a large gathering of the ton. Her uncle’s wife had died and since he had no other children, he’d entrusted her to oversee it.

  The duke took Sophia along the stone walkway that led in the other direction.

  Sophia looked up at him. “Shouldn’t we be walking with Genie and Rollo?”

  Morris looked at her, though she wasn’t sure he’d ever stopped looking at her. “Isn’t it obvious that Genie wishes to be alone with him?”

  She turned back to Genie and stilled at finding she and Rollo had vanished somewhere, completely out of sight. “Doesn’t that bother you? What if Rollo steals her away?”

  “Rollo isn’t looking to marry quite yet.” He took her further down a row of hedges where a man seemed to be working in a flowerbed.

  She tried to ignore the way his words affected her. He seemed entirely confident that Genie would be his. No woman could resist him and she took little pleasure in recalling that she’d turned him down. How often had she thought of what life would be like if she’d told him yes at the engagement party? He’d told her he’d changed his mind, which was something she was certain the duke didn’t do often.

  What she’d given up struck her harder as she looked around the gardens. She could have had all this, not that she would have married him for his title or his wealth. She’d simply wanted him.

  They walked through a line of trees and Morris stopped. “You’ve not heard a word I’ve said.”

  Sophia caught his eyes. “What?” Her cheeks reddened. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were speaking to me.”

  He chuckled. “You know, I think you’re the only person in the world who ignores me.”

  She bit the inside of her lip but couldn’t stop the smile that came. “I didn’t mean to.”

  “Don’t apologize.” His bare hand touched her cheek, causing her to tremble. “It’s refreshing. You’re so different.”

  “Not truly.” Her voice was a low whisper and she glanced around to see they were alone.

  His voice was low. "You're very different from the women I know."

  She dared to dig deeper into what made Morris the man he was. "You mean different from your mother?"

  He grunted and stuck his hands into his pockets. "Every woman is different than my mother." He'd said the words as though he didn't care, but she could see in his eyes that he did. "I'm sure you've heard about her by now."

  "My father told me only about the rumors."

  "They're likely to all be true." He stared down at the gravel pathway as he went on. "She's never cared about rumors or my opinion.”

  She lifted a brow. "How does one not care about the opinion of a duke? Surely, you could make her care."

  He looked up. "Oh, there's much I could do, but she does what makes her happy and I suppose that after seeing to her duty as a duchess and bearing an heir, she's earned some happiness."

  Sophia smiled, seeing that he was not much different than herself in some ways. She wanted her father to be happy as well. He was not as selfish as she’d once believed. Setting his mother to rights would help him gain the position he sought, but instead he let his mother live the way she wished. She could admire a man like that.

  He cleared his throat.

  She helped return the conversation to where it had been. “What were you saying earlier?”

  “I said that I’d had a team of investigators look into a matter in London on Francis’ behalf.”

  Her eyes widened. “Francis needs investigators?”

  “If he’s going to end up with Genie, he’s going to need help. There are matters that I can’t tell you about but I know you can keep a secret, so I’m telling you this much.” His fingers trailed down her arms until she grabbed her hand.

  “Why?”

  He moved toward her, their bodies touching. “So, you know I’m not pursuing Genie anymore.”

  She closed her eyes as his mouth touched hers and took a deep breath. Her body moved toward his and her arms went around his shoulders. His hands moved to her waist and pulled her in until their bodies aligned from head to toe. Sophia couldn’t believe they were doing this but the pulling in her nipples and lower region told her they were. She moaned as his tongue plunged into her mouth and found herself rubbing against him like a cat.

  He groaned and ground himself against her with a force that shook her. “Oh, Sophia, how I’ve yearned for you.” He bit her lower lip.

  She trembled and felt his cock grow against her belly. Her hand slid between them and added pressure to his hardening member.

  He yanked her into the air and she felt them falling onto a bench. She straddled him, their mouths continuing to play as her womanhood came in contact with the front of his breeches. She began grinding against him, the scrape of his pants sending shocks through her body, her wet mound coating him. They were both too far gone to take the time to unbutton and release him.

  He grunted as he joined her in her efforts, his hands at her hips forcing her over his pulsing cock, the sodden fabric heightening the experience.

  Sophia broke from his mouth and her fingers dug into his shoulders as she came harder than ever before, keeping her cry of pleasure as quiet as possible. Morris let out a final grunt and buried his face in her bosom.

  He wrapped his arms around her back and held her close. “The next time I come, I plan to be inside you.”

  His words should have bothered her but she wanted the same. Her head fell into his warm hair and she held him close. She wanted him inside her when she came. She wanted him, if only for a little while. Even with his pursuit of Genie being over, she knew it would only be a matter of time before he went after another lady. Thankfully, there were no more available ladies in the Spinster’s group. Alice was the daughter of a club owner and Maura the daughter of an explorer.

  She gasped and before she could push away from his body, Morris tightened his hold and lifted his head.

  “I never quite finished what I was saying earlier.” His arms locked around her. “While I had men assisting Francis, I also decided to have them look into another matter.”

  With any other position being awkward, she rested her hands on his shoulders. “And what matter would that be?”

  “Levi.” He grinned. “You and he are nothing more than friends. Even more, I found out he’s no longer in London. He’s in Italy.”

  Her heart raced. She’d told no one anything that Morris knew except for her father. “How do you know this?” She knew her father hadn’t betrayed her.

  “He wrote you.” His hands moved up and down her back. “He sends his best wishes and hopes his absence doesn’t interfere with the ones you had concerning the duke.” He chuckled.

  She stilled. Morris knew everything. She pushed at him but he wouldn’t let her go. “You read my private letter.”

  “I did but none of that matters. I already knew why Levi was in your life. I told you so the first day you made mention of him. There’s no need for you to be angry.” His face had turned to the glee of a happy child.

  She wanted to smack the smile from him. “Let me go.”

  “No. I like you here with me.” He kissed her neck. “It’s where you belong.”

  She closed her eyes, trying to tell her mind to reject what she already knew to be true. She did belong to him. Yet was it right to ask him to give up his dreams for her? The ton had their rules and opinions, duke or no
t, and one had to be appointed by the king in order to hold the position. She didn’t see herself being liked very much by the Crown.

  The sound of footsteps forced him to let her go and Sophia scrambled from his lap, her legs shaky from their earlier embrace.

  He chuckled, took her hand, and led her slowly back out of the trees and toward the pool.

  Before he could say something embarrassing, they caught sight of Rollo and Genie. Sophia wondered if either could smell the sex on them and was glad when no comment was made. No more was discussed about what would or wouldn’t happen in the future as the group returned to the house. Morris and Rollo left them in the parlor.

  Sophia felt conflicted and had a feeling it would not go away anytime soon. With Levi and Genie no longer between them and their need to be with one another ever growing, she knew it only a matter of time before she gave in, yet if she did, could she manage to give only her body? She knew what it was like to have a dream and didn’t dare crush his or anyone else’s. Not even for herself.

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  CHAPTER EIGHT

  An Intriguing Present

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  December 1813

  Sophia laughed as she watched a lord stumble and fall on the iced lake. The scene was crowded with laughing children, ladies, and gentlemen who’d all come to Dovehaven for her uncle’s Christmas party. So far, not only had the Spinsters and the Brotherhood arrived but some of the Nashwood men had brought their families. Amongst their guests were also six other families who were close friends with her uncle.

  She wrapped her coat more firmly around her and smiled as footmen took out cups of chocolate and coffee to those who’d gathered at the pond before heading inside to see to the evening menu. She entered the servants’ entrance and struck up a conversation with her uncle’s cook, going over the menu before heading up the main stairway. She made it to the second floor and only meant to peek into the viscount’s cabinet to see what her father was working on but the tailor lifted his eyes and caught her at the door.

  “Come in.”

  She moved quickly. “I’ve only a minute to spare.”

  “You’re working far too hard.” He walked around the beaver-colored dress, a calming gray-brown that on the right shade of skin would make the wearer glow. Her father used the color sparingly since most ladies chose more lively colors and detested the name but one never thought of a beaver when they were draped in Mr. Taylor’s clothes. Her father could make any color bolder than it was.

  And he’d done just that for a suit he’d had the honor of making for His Majesty a month ago. The king had been thrilled and her father had been far busier ever since. How he’d found time to make her a dress, she wasn’t sure.

  “It’s beautiful.” Sophia touched the bodice that had been completed with silver embroidery by one of the seamstresses he kept on hand. It made the dress more innocent and the cut was appropriate. Whoever the gown was for would look like a queen in winter.

  “I need you to try this on.” Her father moved to the office table that was littered with his sowing instruments.

  “I don’t have time.” Sophia took a chair and sighed at the release of pressure from her feet. “Besides, your buyers enjoy being the only lady to ever wear your dresses.”

  “I’m not selling this one.” He turned around, crossed his arms, and leaned against the table. “I’m making it for you.”

  Sophia looked over at the gown again. “For what?”

  “For Christmas, of course. You’ll wear it then.”

  She laughed and stood. “I can’t wear that. I’ll be afraid of getting it dirty all day. There will be so much to do when the actual holiday arrives.” Christmas was only a few days away.

  He walked over and took her shoulders. “The staff here has had two weeks of preparation. Let them take over for a few hours and enjoy yourself.”

  She smiled at him. “All right.”

  He smiled. “You’re only agreeing to make me happy.”

  She shrugged and asked, “And are you happy?”

  He concealed his expression with a laugh and bit his lip. “I’m happy if you’re happy.”

  She stepped out of his hold as her emotions threatened to take her. “Then be happy, for I am happy.”

  “Sophia.”

  She turned to him and caught the sadness in his eyes.

  “What would you like for Christmas?” he asked.

  She pressed her lips together. “Isn’t the dress enough?” It had to be enough.

  “I can do better than the dress.” His voice was just above a whisper.

  Sophia shook her head. Nothing her father did would be enough because she could never have what her heart truly desired. “The dress will do.” She left and took the servant staircase toward the main hall. She didn’t wish to run into anyone she knew and once there, she stopped and took a few breaths. When she felt more composed, she looked up to find Morris starting down the staircase.

  A hesitant smile spread on her face as she saw he was dressed in hunting attire. A few of the men had gone out earlier and apparently, they’d returned. Others remained in the parlor for cards while Sophia had also managed to ensure a great selection of books had been brought from London and placed in the library. “One would think that with your sudden appearances whenever I am alone that you were following me.”

  “One would be right.” He stopped before her, pressed her against the wall, and stole a kiss that made her heart melt. He broke away quickly but the effect was the same. She was warm with wanting. They’d done nothing more than kiss in the last few weeks as Sophia had avoided situations that would cause them to be alone. Also, with a house full of nearly fifty people, it was nearly impossible for her to get away.

  He leaned away and crossed his arms. “You’ve done this before, haven’t you?”

  “I’ve done what? Kissed men in servants’ stairways?” They parted when a maid went past them, then moved back together when she was gone.

  He smiled. “No, I mean you’ve hosted parties before. I’ve watched you over the last few months but this is impressive.”

  “I used to host parties for the working class at my father’s house. It’s not so much different than those, I suppose.”

  “Ah, but lords and ladies expect to always have their needs met. You’ve done very well to appease them. Nearly everyone is happy.”

  His compliment made her chest warm. “Do you suppose your mother will be happy once she arrives?”

  His smile fell away. “With all the men present, it’s easy to imagine she will. All she’ll have to do is give a man a look for him to fall under her spell. She’s like a siren, leading men to their deaths. Don’t be surprised if one of your guests goes missing once she arrives.” The duchess or rather, the Grand Lynx, was to arrive later that day.

  “She manages to lure men away with a single look, you say?” She smiled as she looked him over. “I’ve heard the same about you.”

  He glared. “I’m nothing like her.”

  “And yet here we are. I seem to remember telling you that I had no wishes for us to be together and yet I allowed you to steal kisses from me.”

  His smile was predatory. “Stolen? I believe you participate in every one.”

  She did and she all but encouraged him along the way.

  He took her hand back as two footmen rushed down the stairway. This time, Morris pulled her in his direction and allowed the men to go past them. Once they were in the kitchen, she turned to him. “You better leave. We’ll be caught here.”

  He grabbed her chin. “I barely see you.”

  She smiled. “You see me at every meal.”

  “It’s not enough.” He kissed her again and this time didn’t break. Their meetings were growing more reckless by the day and Sophia was finding it harder to not yield to him. He positioned a kn
ee between her legs and she planted herself against him, shamelessly relaxing in his arms.

  “Come to my room,” he beckoned.

  Sophia called on the last ounce of her self-preservation and pushed him away. She stumbled up a step and he yanked her against the wall and crushed his mouth over hers. His kiss was bruising and savage. Her skin burst with heat and her hands went to his head, locking into his hair.

  “Sophia?”

  She turned and paused at the sight of Genie. Fear gripped her. She tried to scramble from Morris’ arms but he wouldn’t let her go, not even when she glared at him. Did he wish them to be caught? She turned back to Genie. “Not a word.”

  Genie nodded but a very naughty grin spread on her lips.

  Morris eventually released her and Sophia fled without looking back at him, her heart racing as quickly as her feet, trying to avoid the other feet that followed her.

  “Sophia, you shameless girl.”

  She turned and glared at Genie, who broke into laughter. Genie covered her mouth but her pale green eyes were merry.

  “It was nothing.”

  “Oh?” Genie straightened. “Then why keep it a secret? Just how many times have you and Morris kissed one another?”

  Sophia tried to do a count in her head but shook it. There was no use. The number was too grand. She started for the second flight of stairs that led to the family residence. That was the side of the house that the Spinsters were sleeping in.

  “How long has this been going on?” Genie followed right behind her.

  “Nothing is going on.” When she reached the landing, she’d barely taken another step before Genie cut in front of her.

  Genie stilled and stared at her. “I told you everything about me and Francis.”

  “Only after I caught you sniffing his pillow.” The incident had happened the same day Sophia had toured Morris’ gardens. Genie had later revealed that she and Francis had been seeing one another in secret because of some oath he’d made to her father many years ago that prevented him from being with her. Now, it seemed Francis was not only no longer obliged to Genie’s father’s oath but he was also no longer impoverished. Morris and a few others had uncovered a conspiracy that now made Francis one of the wealthiest men in London by being controlling owner of a large import company.