by Boom, Naomi
She avoided his eyes and said, “I will not call you by your given name, my lord.” She felt it was best to avoid the latter query.
“Would you care for some assistance?”
“No, my lord, I have everything quite under control.” She haughtily took a step into the water. “Bloody hell,” she muttered as her entire foot was submerged. The water was cold.
Lord Farris raised an astonished brow and kicked his horse into action. He plucked her from the water and settled her in his lap. “What a naughty mouth you have.”
“How dare you!” She had everything under control and would have been just fine walking across the brook. Also, her mouth was not naughty.
“Oh, do be quiet and settle down.” His tone sounded as if he was impatient with her.
Laura stopped her struggle. They were on the other side of the brook, so it was pointless, and truthfully, she appreciated the fact that she would not have to place any more of her person in the cold water. “Well then, thank you for your assistance. Now, please set me down, so I can continue on my way to the house.” She was very proud of herself for staying calm, despite being manhandled.
Gavin shifted her a little so he could start rubbing her feet. Laura gasped as he stroked first one foot and then the other. His touch sent shivers racing through her but was decidedly inappropriate. “My lord, stop your unwanted attentions this instant, and put me down.”
The wind captured a strand of her hair and sent it to her lips. His eyes followed, and Laura gulped. Much to Laura’s consternation, his lips descended on hers, and he kissed her lightly. His lips moved lower, and he nuzzled the sensitive spot right below her ear. Whispering, he said, “If I hear you call me my lord again, you will get more of the same.”
Surprise flitted through her expressive eyes. He had kissed her because she had called him my lord? She hardly thought the crime justified the punishment. Not that she minded his lips on hers, quite the contrary, but she would not accept his attentions. She gritted her teeth and gave in. “Fine. As you wish. Now please, put me down.” She would just avoid addressing him entirely.
“I am afraid I cannot do that until you say my name.” He caressed her foot and snatched her stockings from her hand. He slowly placed one on and then another.
Laura glanced heavenward and braced herself with a fortifying breath of fall air. “Lord Farris.”
“As you wish, Laura.” Once again his lips settled on hers. He administered a thoroughly intense kiss that left Laura wanting so much more. He brought his lips to hover right above hers, and demanded harshly, “Say my name.”
Laura was a bundle of nerves, with her mind having stopped working, coupled with an inability to move. The way his breath tickled her skin was almost more tantalizing than actually kissing him. She finally whispered against his sensuous, sinful mouth, “Gavin.”
He smiled in exultation. “Thank you.” He sealed his victory with a kiss.
Laura moaned. She was happy beyond words that she was already seated on him. Otherwise, she was certain she would have crawled on to him. Her body wriggled as she found herself yearning for more. With wanton abandon, Laura’s hands were soon intertwined in his hair, and she pressed his lips to hers more tightly.
The realization of her actions dawned on her, and she jolted away, breaking the kiss in an attempt to distance herself. She started to slide off the horse from her efforts and grimaced as she considered falling off two different horses in one day.
Gavin luckily stopped her descent and returned her to her former position as if nothing unusual had occurred. He began to calmly place her boots on her feet. He appeared unaffected by the exchange, which irritated Laura to no end.
Now that her boots were back on her feet, Laura saw no reason to stay atop the horse. She quickly propelled herself forward and slid to the ground before Lord Farris could react. Once her feet were safely planted, she determinedly started walking the remainder of the way to the house.
Laura only advanced a few steps before she was once again snatched from the ground and placed on his lap. “I would not try that again if I were you,” he suggested mildly. “You are not walking back to the house.”
Laura was imprisoned in his arms. She did not doubt what he said, but that did not mean she had to like it. She was seated sideways in front of him and chose to turn her head so she did not have to see him, even in her peripheral vision. Sitting with her back ramrod straight, she tried to make the ride as uncomfortable for him as it was for her.
He chuckled at her very obvious attempt to rebel. “You might as well relax, my dear. I have yet to hear a woman complain about riding with me.”
She scowled. “Does this sort of thing happen often with you?”
“Laura…”
His voice held a warning, and Laura supposed she could comply. “Gavin.”
He smiled. “What did happen to your mount? Aren’t you the one that claimed to be an expert horsewoman?”
Laura tried to make her back even straighter, but it was apparently stretched to its limit. “It is not a claim, but the truth. Even an expert can have unfortunate moments.”
He began to nuzzle the back of her neck, which tickled and made Laura squirm. Rather than allow his attentions to continue, she swung her face toward his. Which was, unfortunately, mere inches from her own. “Stop that.” She growled angrily.
“Has anyone ever told you your eyes are like amethysts?”
Laura’s heart stopped beating. His grin was lopsided, and his eyes appeared almost…unguarded. She did not know how much more of this she could handle.
She could dissuade him though. “Yes. Frequently.”
Nothing she did seemed to break his unwavering façade. “Well then, my dear, has anyone ever told you that you smell like summer and taste like fall?”
She blinked. She could hardly say people told her she tasted of fall. “No.” She finally answered grudgingly. “I like nutmeg in my muffins. That must be why.”
His eyes drifted to her lips. “You know, I recently acquired a fondness for nutmeg, also. Would you care to share?”
“I am sure the cook will happily make extra muffins for you, my lord.”
A shiver ran through her as she realized her error. His eyes darkened dangerously and he sent her a sensuous smile. “My lord? You know the rules.”
Laura tried to whip her head around, but it was too late. His lips descended on hers in a conquering, all-encompassing manner. If she were honest with herself, she would admit she had purposefully turned her head too late. Instead, she kissed him back. Fully, and without reservation.
He drew away and whispered. “Why would I want muffins when you are so much more delectable?”
Irritated, she growled, “Oh, just leave me be already.”
His smirk grew knowingly. “As much as I wish to continue our session, I am afraid I must ask you to behave yourself. The manor is at hand.”
Laura swung her head around angrily. How could she help but be frustrated with him?
Once they reached the courtyard, Lord Farris whispered in her ear, “I do hope you call me my lord again. The consequences are most delightful.”
She gasped as he helped her slide from the horse. Turning to glare up at him, she could tell he was amused, despite the stony mask he always sported. She curtsied and coyly said, “Thank you, my lord.” Then she turned and started to make her way indoors. Unfortunately, she did not reach her goal as Mrs. Westfield came rushing out, clearly agitated.
“Oh Laura! Thank goodness, I had just been told your horse came back without you. What happened?”
Laura tried to answer soothingly. “Nothing. Just a minor fall. I am safe and sound.”
“A fall! Oh dear. You know I am always worried when you go out riding alone. However did you make it back?”
Hating to give him credit but seeing no way around it, she grudgingly stated, “Lord Farris found me and brought me home.”
Mrs. Westfield turned to Lord Farris with tears o
f gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, my lord, you have done us a tremendous service.”
Lord Farris bowed gallantly and replied, “It was no problem. I am always happy to be of service to one so lovely as Lady Laura.”
Laura wanted to smack him but instead turned to Mrs. Westfield. “I could really use some tea. Shall we go in, Mrs. Westfield?”
The door was almost in her reach when Lord Farris called out smugly, “Enjoy your tea, Lady Laura. I look forward to collecting on your debt.”
Laura ignored him and marched through the door with Mrs. Westfield on her heels. “What did he mean by that?” her chaperone asked.
“He was just making a joke. Do not worry about it.” She should be a bit nervous though, seeing as he was not going to forgive her jab of defiance when she had called him my lord again. She had an answer to her dilemma, which was to remain chaperoned at all times in the future.
****
Mrs. Westfield was kind enough to pour the tea this time. Per her chaperone’s orders, Laura was in bed resting. Well, getting as much rest as she could with Mrs. Westfield in the room with her. They had already discussed Laura’s fall, and even though she swore she was unharmed, Mrs. Westfield wanted her to be extra careful by staying in bed. If Laura was lucky, she might be able to go downstairs for dinner. She crossed her fingers and asked her chaperone hopefully, “Would you be willing to get me a book from the library?” Any genre would do for now, although Laura preferred an interesting romance novel to read.
“Of course, dear, I will go once my tea is finished,” her chaperone cheerfully replied. “Can you believe we are almost halfway through the house party? Time is flying by. Of course, I have been especially busy monitoring Eleanor. You know Lord Collins’s reputation. I cannot leave them alone for one second.”
Laura wished her chaperone held the same zeal for herself. Much of her interactions with Lord Farris would have been different with a chaperone about. “Has Lord Collins done anything unseemly?”
“Oh no, but to tell the truth, he is not actually the one I am worried about. You see, I believe Eleanor would stop at nothing to secure a good marriage, and Lord Collins would be more than willing to oblige her.”
Laura was in shock. She had never heard Mrs. Westfield say a disparaging thing about Eleanor. She was a bit vindicated that she was not the only one to see Eleanor’s mercenary side. “Who is watching her now?”
“Well, it is now the lunch hour, so I know she is surrounded by people. Otherwise I would be down there with them.” Sighing, she added, “The life of a chaperone is exhausting.”
Although Laura appreciated the company, she was a little miffed to know it was only because Eleanor was in a crowd. In a short while, Laura would be left alone. “If you do not mind, I will ring for a bath.”
“Oh, let me, dear. I will go fetch your book and be right back.” Mrs. Westfield stood, refilled Laura’s teacup, and departed the room.
“Thank you,” Laura sincerely said as her chaperone left. Maybe after her bath, she could escape out of her room for a walk. Unless she was provided excellent reading material, there was no way she would survive an entire afternoon in her room.
Mrs. Westfield eventually returned with a book and an apology. “I tried to hurry, but I ran into Miss Somers. She said she would stop by in a little bit to see how you are doing.”
Laura thanked her and accepted the book Mrs. Westfield offered her. With an inward groan, she could see it was an entirely proper book that would likely bore her to tears.
“Well, I am off to see to Eleanor. I hope you rest up and are back to your old self again in no time!” Mrs. Westfield exclaimed as she departed the room again.
Shortly after she left, the maid arrived to draw Laura’s bath. Laura particularly loved the smell of lemons and decided to add a bit extra lemon scent to her bath. Once the maid exited the room, Laura disrobed and stepped into the enveloping warmth of the water. “This is heaven,” she sighed as she breathed in the lemony vapor. Not quite as heavenly as riding in Gavin’s arms, but much safer.
She did not know what to do at this point. She had resolved to avoid him yet still found herself in his arms. Her quandary was off-putting, to say the least. Her feelings continued to grow with each kind gesture that Lord Farris made and each smile he bestowed on her. How, then, was she to fight him off, when internally she wished to welcome him with open arms?
Deciding that relaxing was the best answer at the moment, Laura sank further into the tub and let her mind clear, except it refused to behave as she wished it to. Lord Farris was not exactly helpful in her plight, either. She wanted to spend time with him, but he would never marry her. So why had her heart chosen him? She cringed slightly when she remembered his previous admonishment. He had already admitted she was simply a diversion to him. As a result, shouldn’t her heart have guarded itself against him?
Laura could not dwell on Lord Farris any longer, or else she might end up in tears. She reached for her book and read the title. It was a book on etiquette, which seemed most appropriate, considering her actions lately. Why had Mrs. Westfield chosen that book out of all the options in the library? Laura stepped from the tub, toweled off, dressed, and decided to fetch herself a replacement book.
Once suitably attired, she left her room and walked into the library. So this was where Eleanor spent her time. Her cousin was seated pleasantly with Mrs. Westfield and Lord Collins. Laura performed a quick curtsy to Lord Collins and said, “My lord, Eleanor, Mrs. Westfield, how is everyone?”
Eleanor was the first to answer. “Oh, we are doing very well. I heard about your fall this morning. I trust you are better?”
“Oh yes, I feel marvelous. I just came down to exchange books before returning to my room again.” Laura added that information for Mrs. Westfield’s benefit. She did not want Mrs. Westfield to worry she had escaped from her room. Laura turned her back on the group and started to peruse the multitude of books lining the walls from floor to ceiling.
“I heard Lord Farris was there to rescue you. You certainly spend a good deal of time with him,” Eleanor said, as she unabashedly fished for a reaction.
Lord Collins jumped into the conversation before Laura could respond. “He did what? He had not mentioned his gallantry earlier when we ate lunch.” He paused, mumbled something Laura could not discern, and went back to the newspaper he had been reading.
Laura shrugged. “Yes, he did rescue me at a most opportune moment.” Her hand grasped a promising book, a novel that was not considered entirely appropriate for unmarried ladies, and Laura excused herself.
She glided out the door, wishing word had not spread about her rescue. It was beyond annoying that everyone had to hear of her fall. Laura ran into Allison outside of the library. “Hello!” Laura exclaimed, genuinely happy to see her friend.
“Oh, hello! I was just on my way up to see you. We have much to talk about.” She excitedly whispered, “Did you wish to go to your room, or would you prefer a change of venue?”
“If you promise not to tell on me to Mrs. Westfield, then I suggest we go for a walk.” Laura would dearly appreciate a vigorous walk outside to work off some energy.
Allison giggled and agreed readily. They departed the house to tour the gardens, not even bothering to grab a parasol or hat. The day had warmed up considerably from when Laura had been out, although the sky was beginning to darken with the promise of rain. Linking arms, the two ladies walked slowly while chatting.
“You did a marvelous job last night.” Allison was positively alight with love. “When Lord Deering returned, he asked me to take a turn around the parlor with him. He then told me he loves me and wants to be with me always. Our walk was in view of the assembled crowd; otherwise, I am sure we would have kissed!”
Laura could not help the bitter tide of envy that washed through her. That was how love was supposed to work. Not this one-sided misery she had. Why could she not be as lucky in love as Allison? “So are you two engaged to be marri
ed yet?” That was the ultimate goal that she felt was completely out of reach for her.
“Not yet. Brandon, that is, Lord Deering, wishes to speak to Father first. He is the very proper sort. I am sure we will have a very proper length of engagement, and then a hugely proper wedding.” She giggled. “Like I said, he is proper, but I find it absolutely adorable. I just cannot wait. Mother will be so happy when she finally learns of the news.”
“Well, I wish you both the best. You two are splendid together. I hope someday to be half so lucky.” Laura could not look at Allison, fearing her friend would see the sadness in her eyes.
“Of course you will, Laura,” Allison said reassuringly, and then once more became excited. “I heard Lord Farris rescued you today! How romantic. Are you sure you two will not be tying the knot soon?” She smiled archly. “I have seen the way you look at each other.”
Allison was only teasing, but it still felt painful to Laura. Laura laughed forcibly and said, “One does not marry a man like that. Not if she wants a happy marriage. But yes, he did rescue me today, but it was completely unnecessary.”
The ladies turned and entered the rose section of the flower garden. Some roses were still in bloom, which Laura was grateful for. Flowers always gave an uplifting boost to one’s mood. “How has Miss Cannis been getting on?”
“Oh, she is doing very well. She told me that your cousin has been asking some odd questions.”
“Interesting. What about?” Eleanor normally did not talk to ladies outside of family.
“Well, you know Miss Cannis grew up near to Lord Collins and Lord Farris.” Laura had not known that. “It seems Miss Ashford is very curious about Lord Farris’s sister, Miss Farris. Asking questions about her accomplishments, how she looks, and things of that nature.”
She had not even realized Lord Farris had a sister. Was it possible to truly love someone without knowing more about him? She mentally shook herself and returned her focus to Allison. “How old is Miss Farris?”
“I hear she is to have her come-out ball this season.” She paused and asked curiously, “Why would Eleanor care?”