Lord Greyton's Fall From Grace (Lords of Avalon Novella Series)

by K. R. Richards

Alone in the carriage with Grace, he moved to sit beside her. He took her hand in his and smiled down at her. “Did you enjoy your day, Grace.”

  “Oh yes, Owen, I truly did!” She beamed at him. Grace had felt a part of something. A part of Owen’s family even. She treasured the experience.

  “I can’t wait for the day you take your place at Roseland as my wife, Grace,” he whispered huskily as he dipped his head to taste the delicate skin of her neck.

  “I am eager to become your wife, Owen.” Grace’s hand moved to caress his cheek. She leaned forward to kiss him.

  Owen responded to her kiss hungrily. He had scarcely been able to make physical contact with her the entire day. They kissed and caressed one another until the carriage turned onto the lane leading to Radley.

  “Grace, will you join us again tomorrow?”

  “Yes, Owen, I would love to!” Grace smiled up at him. She wanted to spend every possible minute with Owen before he left for Italy.

  “I will pick you up at ten tomorrow morning.” Owen grinned.

  Their party was smaller the next morning. Lord and Lady Burrow were not in attendance and Lord St. Erth was taking care of some business matters before returning to Cornwall the next day. Mrs. Bell and Meg were absent as well. The Inwoods, the Darringtons, and Grace were joined by Matthias Halfknight, Lord Sinclair and his five year old daughter, Rachel.

  Owen was finding it more difficult with each passing day not to touch Grace the way he longed to. Even their kisses, increasing in passion, could not put out the fire that raged within him at times. So when Matthias, Charlie, and his sisters lingered in Roseland’s garden with little Rachel, Owen pulled Grace onward. They entered Lady’s Wood. Owen pulled her farther into the trees.

  “What’s the hurry, Owen?” Grace asked him curiously.

  “You remember the Summer House?”

  Grace had forgotten, but she did remember the Summer House. They used to play near it and in it when they were children. “I do.”

  “I’m taking you there, Grace. We’ll have a few minutes of privacy, and I can kiss you as I’ve longed to do all morning.”

  Shivers of anticipation raced through her.

  When they stepped onto the porch of the Summer House, Owen pushed open the door and pulled her inside and against his hard chest. His arms closed around her and his mouth sought and found hers. Grace moaned softly as he kissed her deeply. They kissed for long minutes, their hands roaming over one another. Owen’s lips left hers and trailed down her neck, to her collarbone and continued downward, stopping at the upper swell of her breasts showing above the creamy lace trimming the décolleté of her light green gown. Owens hands gently cupped the undersides of her breasts as he placed warm, lingering kisses on the exposed swells. He longed to untie her bodice and taste her breasts, but there wasn’t time. There was never time! He lifted his head and smiled down at his love. “We must get back, our presence will be missed.” He said with a sigh.

  Grace was still so overcome by the sensation of Owen cupping and kissing the exposed parts of her breasts, she could only nod at first. She managed a whispered, “If we must.”

  Owen placed a tender kiss to her lips. “I am afraid we should.” Though he longed to lay her on the daybed, remove her clothing and bury himself deep inside her.

  He shook his head slightly to clear his mind of such thoughts. He would be leaving for Italy in five days. He could not treat Grace thus and leave her for three months. Owen placed his lady’s hand on his arm and led her outside. They walked back down the woodland path toward the gardens, where they rejoined their party.

  Once again, near midnight, Owen escorted his love home in the carriage. His hands immediately went to her beautiful breasts that fit his hands perfectly. He could not help himself. He kissed her possessively and passionately, leaving them both flushed and breathless as he bid her goodnight.

  “I will see you at one o’clock tomorrow, Grace?”

  “Yes, Owen, one is fine.”

  Owen called at one for the next two days. They spent fifteen to twenty minutes alone on the woodland path, kissing, hugging and caressing while Jenny waited on the bench in the garden. Owen joined Grace and her father for tea both days, and stayed for dinner the second.

  The following day, Grace seemed nervous as she strolled by his side through Radley’s garden. Her maid took her place on the bench in the rear of the garden.

  Owen led his lady love past the blue hydrangeas onto the woodland path. He watched as Grace turned to view her maid just before they reached the bend in the path. “What is it, Grace you seem distracted?”

  “Owen, my maid Jenny needs two hours today. It seems she quarreled with her young man and she must see him. She said she must have two hours to reach her destination, see him, and return. I do not know if it was a wise decision, but she seemed so very desperate. I allowed her to go, which is why I had the basket prepared, for our, ah, picnic.” Grace indicated the basket Owen carried for her. “I hope you do not mind spending two hours with me today.”

  “Two hours alone with you, Grace, I’m in heaven! I suggest we walk farther along the path and use the Summer House for our picnic. It will be more comfortable and we will have more privacy that way.” Two hours in the Summer House with the woman he loved. Where there was a day bed. Had he made a wise choice? Bloody hell, he’d have to use every bit of his restraint.

  Two hours completely alone with Grace…just the thought sent blood racing through his veins. Owen increased his pace. When he realized Grace struggled to keep up with his long stride, he slowed. “I’m sorry, Grace. I guess I’m anxious for us to get to the Summer House.” He smiled down at her. Her liquid brown eyes were darker than normal, her cheeks were flushed. Oh heaven help him, she anticipated their privacy too. Passion flamed easily between them. It was going to be difficult to restrain himself. He only hoped it didn’t prove to be impossible.

  Owen spread the quilt on the floor of the Summer House. Together he and Grace laid out the contents of the basket. Their luncheon consisted of wine, bread, cheese, apples, meat pies and peach tarts. They set about sampling the fare spread before them. They talked of whatever came to mind as they ate.

  Later, after he ate his fill, Owen reclined on his side and sipped his wine slowly as he watched Grace finish her meal. She sat with her legs tucked beneath her.

  “How many children shall we have Grace?” he asked her softly as he took in every nuance of her, committing it to memory so he could remember everything about her while he was gone.

  “No more than three or four, I’d say,” Grace answered after thinking for a moment. “Any more than that and it would be difficult to keep up with them, I’m afraid.”

  “Two sons and two daughters. It sounds perfect.” Owen picked up an apple slice and lifted it to her lips. He watched her smile and take a nibble. She licked her beautiful rosy lips after chewing. It was nearly Owen’s undoing.

  “That would be perfect, Owen.” Grace smiled happily at him.

  He reached out and put his hands about her upper arms. He gently urged her to bend to meet him. One hand moved to her nape to bring her the rest of the way so their lips met. “Grace, I love you so,” he whispered before he possessed her lips. They kissed, each one demanding response from the other, fanning the flames of passion that ignited between them even higher.

  When Owen realized she could not be comfortable bending over him, he sat up, rose to his full height and pulled her upward. His hands around her slim waist, he backed her toward the daybed; the very place he had been avoiding since they arrived at the Summer House. Caution had long been thrown to the wind. As always happened when they kissed, their passion flamed into a raging inferno. He burned.

  As the backs of her thighs brushed against the daybed, he pushed her gently so she fell back upon the heavily pillowed bed. Straddling her legs he eased himself over her. As their bodies molded to one another they both moaned softly.

  “Grace, dearest, Grace, you’re so so
ft and warm…” Owen whispered huskily as he kissed her eyes, her cheeks, her lips, her chin. His lips moved along her jawline to nibble upon her earlobe. He pressed a hot, open-mouthed kiss to the tender spot behind her ear. When he felt her light feathery kisses upon his neck, he nearly groaned with pleasure.

  His hands moved to her breasts. He gently caressed and fondled them through the fabric of her gown. He found her nipples and teased them into hardened pebbles. He had to taste her! “Grace, I want to see your breasts, may I untie your bodice?”

  Grace arched into his hands that still covered her breasts. She answered with a breathy, “yes.”

  Owen quickly untied her bodice and lowered the pale yellow muslin fabric. His eyes feasted on her full breasts straining against the sheer fabric of her chemise. He again touched her hardened nipples. He hurriedly untied the ribbon drawing the fine lawn together and loosened it so her breasts were bared to him. “Grace, you’re beautiful. Your breasts are perfection,” he murmured huskily before he dipped his head to take one hardened pebble into his mouth. His fingers lovingly worshipped her other breast as he suckled her.

  Grace threaded her fingers into Owens dark brown hair, moaning softly as his mouth teased her breast, “Owen.”

  His lady’s voice sounded sultry and smooth. He lifted his head to see her brown eyes dark and heavy-lidded, her lips parted and swollen from his kisses. His mouth moved to her other breast. She arched beneath him while her fingers dug into his shoulders. He allowed one hand to slip between the mattress and her bottom. He cupped the firm, rounded globe and pressed her against him. When his teeth nipped lightly at her nipple, she arched and ground herself against his hard cock, nearly driving him out of his mind.

  He tried to find the will to stop himself. Her passionate reactions to his touch and kisses were driving him over the edge. If this were not Grace, the woman he intended to marry beneath him, he’d have already buried himself deep inside her and would be pumping himself into her moist warm sheath.

  Grace writhed beneath him, overwhelmed at the ache and the need she felt, for what she didn’t truly know. She never wanted these wonderful sensations to end. “Owen!” She gasped as he sucked her breast into the warm cave of his mouth. “Owen I ache, I don’t understand. I need…something,” she pleaded desperately as his hand held her tightly against his groin. She could feel the hardness of him pressing into her. She arched and rubbed herself against him. “Owen, please,” she begged as his lips moved upward to claim hers in a searing kiss.

  “Oh Grace, I fear I’ve gone too far,” he whispered huskily into her ear. He raised himself above her to gaze upon her. He saw disappointment in her eyes.

  “Owen, please don’t stop! I need…I don’t know what I need.”

  “Shh, my love.” Owen placed a finger gently against her lips. He dipped his head to kiss her while he shifted to his side. His other hand began bunching up her skirts until he touched her thigh above her stockings. “I can give you some relief, my love. Would you like that?” His fingers slid up her silken thigh easily maneuvering the opening in her drawers. His fingers rested upon the coiled springy curls between her legs.

  “Please. Please?” Grace had never felt so desperate, so in need of anything.

  He began to explore and massage her. “Oh, Grace, you’re so wet, so warm,” Owen’s breathing was irregular, his voice sounded hoarse.

  As his fingers massaged her and found a particular place that sent jolts of pleasure coursing through her, and his mouth teased one breast and then the other, Grace could do naught but succumb to the wondrous feelings assaulting her. Her hips lifted of their own will. When she felt Owen’s fingers slip inside her, she pulled desperately at his shoulders as she arched her body against his.

  “Owen, oh my Lord, Owen!” She panted, writhed and moaned, fire burning inside her, as his fingers continued to stroke her. Then her abdomen tightened and something exploded deep within her. Wave upon wave of exquisite pleasure followed and moved throughout her body.

  She sighed as Owens fingers slipped out of her. She looked up to see him smiling down at her. She struggled to regulate her breathing.

  “Grace, my love, I can’t wait to make you truly mine,” he murmured against her ear then proceeded to place soft, feathery kisses along her neck. He kissed each pert nipple and paused to suckle her once again. “Did you enjoy your pleasure, my dearest?” he asked her, his voice deep and husky.

  “Oh my, yes!” she breathed. She smiled sweetly up at him while his finger moved along her jawline and feathered across her cheek. She heard his deep chuckle.

  “Now, my love, I must go outside for a moment.” He knew he must give himself release. It was imperative! He stood.

  Grace saw the unmistakable evidence of his desire straining against his trousers. She blushed.

  He removed his watch and looked at the time. “We’ve only twenty minutes to make ourselves presentable and get back to your maid in the garden. I’ll be back in just a few minutes.” Owen knew it wouldn’t take more than a couple of hand pumps before he came, he was that close.

  He bent and nipped at Grace’s nipple before he kissed her passionately. As her skirts were still hiked up, he allowed his hand to slide up her thigh. He brushed his fingers against her wetness and imagined what it would feel like to thrust inside her at that moment. The sensations such a fantasy brought had him straightening and hurrying outside. He walked to the side of the Summer House and quickly gave himself release.

  Grace retied her bodice and shook out her skirts. She was bending over placing the remnants of their lunch back into the basket when Owen entered.

  He took the time to appreciate the outline of her beautiful derrière outlined by the tightening of her pale yellow skirts. He could not stop himself; he reached out and caressed her hips as he stepped closer to her.

  Grace straightened. She whirled around to face him. “You’re back.” She gave him a sultry smile.

  Owen dipped his head and kissed her thoroughly. “I told you I would not be gone long.”

  “What did you do?” Grace asked curiously. She blushed.

  Owen tapped the tip of her beautiful nose with his finger. “I gave myself release, dearest. It was necessary.” He saw her cheeks redden. “I so enjoyed giving you pleasure, Grace.”

  Being a virgin, Grace truly had no idea exactly what Owen did or how. She merely nodded. “The basket is packed.”

  Owen placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her gently against him. He gave her a long, slow, tender kiss. “I love you Grace Brackenridge. I am counting down the days until I can make you my wife.”

  “I love you too, Owen. I hope these three months go by quickly.” Grace grinned up at him.

  “As I do. We need to get you back, my love.”

  They walked slowly back to Radley’s gardens. Before they left the woodland path, Owen asked her, “Grace would you like to go riding tomorrow? I thought we could go back to our special place, and enjoy the pool and waterfall in the clearing.” The idea had formed in his mind as they walked. They could be private again. After what happened between them today he shouldn’t tempt fate, but he wanted to touch her and kiss her…and so much more.

  “I’d like that very much, Owen. It was beautiful there.”

  Owen reached for and touched the pearl he gave her which hung around her neck. “I’m glad you like your pearl, Grace. You’ve worn it every day since I gave it to you.”

  Grace beamed. “I love it, Owen, just as I love you.”

  Once they reached the garden, Owen returned Grace’s hand to his arm. Jenny fell in behind them as they walked past the bench.

  Chapter Five

  “I hope you enjoyed Jenny’s charms, Marston?”

  “You were correct, Squire, the woman does have certain skills. She is eager to please.” Lord Marston gave the squire a rare smile.

  “I told you she has fine skills. She’ll have a place here at Radley as long as she’s willing to share her charms. She shall not b
e going with Grace when you wed her!”

  “I expect to hear good news after Greyton leaves for Italy.”

  “If you come to call next week, Marston, and stay the night, I could make certain Jenny is here to warm your bed.”

  “Perhaps.”

  The Squire thought he saw a glimmer in the man’s eyes. Lord Marston was a cool one. He had enjoyed Jenny’s skills much more than he let on.

  The squire planned to use Jenny for the afternoon, but Marston called and hinted he would like to sample her. So the Squire had to settle for Bess from the scullery, who although did not possess the skilled mouth of Jenny, did have large breasts and enjoyed a good forceful romp.

  They reached the front door as Lord Marston was exiting.

  “Oh, Miss Brackenridge, I am pleased to see you today.” Marston bowed. “Greyton.” He gave Owen a slight nod as he passed him.

  “Marston.” Owen’s eyes narrowed at the pleased grin Marston sported as he walked by them. He did not like that man. Something was not right about the way he looked at Grace or him for that matter. Owen shrugged off the feeling and greeted the Squire as he entered the house behind Grace.

  “And did you enjoy your picnic?” the Squire asked them as they sat in the parlor.

  “Yes, sir,” Owen offered.

  “Good. What are your plans for tomorrow? I must away for the day on business to Ilfracombe.”

  “Since you have plans for tomorrow, sir, I was planning to take Grace riding in the morning before it grows warm. And I could escort her to Roseland to spend the afternoon with my family after we ride.”

  “Very good, Greyton. I do not like to leave Grace here alone when I am not in residence. There is the chance that my business shall not be concluded until late. I might be forced to spend the night there. Since you’ve your sister and aunt in residence at Roseland, would it be possible for Grace to stay overnight as your guest tomorrow evening. I should be home by late afternoon the day after.”