In Pursuit of a Scottish Lady (Moonstone Magic Book 2)

by Hunt, Brenda

  “Lili, let me explain,” began Worth, speaking calmly as he took several steps toward her.

  She held up her hand to stop his advance. “Are you a Duke, the Duke of Worthingston to be precise?” she demanded.

  Worth sighed in frustration. “Yes, Lili.” He continued to walk towards her. His title had always been something he used to his advantage. Now, he found it to be a burden when dealing with Lili.

  Lili held her other hand up to further stop him. “Damn you! You lied to me! All this time, you lied to me. Why, Colin? I want to know why?” She wanted Colin Wells not the Duke of Worthingston.

  Worth sighed again in resignation. He always knew there would come a time he would have to explain himself. He knew she was hurt, confused and afraid. He just never thought Lili would react in this manner when she found out. But then, he had always thought he would be the one to inform her.

  “I know, I should have told you.”

  “Then why didn’t you?” interrupted Lili. She didn’t understand. There had been so many times when he could have told her. Why did he let her believe this lie? She brought her clenched fists to her lips.

  “When I first came to the keep, I was looking for someone.” Worth said, as he slowly walked to her. “I did not want anyone to know who I was.”

  Lili looked at his with skepticism. “Who were you looking for?”

  Worth needed all these secrets out in the open. “I was looking for the highwayman, I mean the highway woman who had robbed me several nights before.” He watched the color drain from her face, her hands drop to her sides.

  Lili took in a deep breath when she realized what he was talking about. He was the one she had robbed that night. He knew what she had done. She bit her bottom lip. Another thing he kept from her. What more had he not told her?

  “How long have you known?” she asked.

  “From the time I entered the stables and saw Athena in her stall. I had not gotten a good look at the robber except to believe she was female. But I saw the horse she rode, you rode.”

  Lili closed her eyes. He had seen her at her worst. He knew what she had done, the terrible thing she had been forced to do, to keep food on the table. And he had known it, all along. The guilt she felt grew within her, bringing her such shame. But even so, if she had to do it again, she would not hesitate. For the sake of her family, she would do whatever she needed to.

  Worth continued on. “It didn’t take me long to realize why you had done it. By then, I was determined to make certain, you never took to the road again. My God, Lili just the thought of what could have happened makes my blood run cold,” said Worth. The mere thought harrowed his soul. He had walked slowly to her side. He touched her shoulder.

  Lili pulled away when she felt his touch. She opened her eyes and stared at him. Who was this man who stood before her? Gone was the Colin of Glendenning, the plain linen shirt and dark brown pants, who worked side by side with Rab. The one who taught the twins their studies. The one who taught her physical love could destroy the demons of the past and make her feel she could one day be deserving of a man’s caring, this man’s caring.

  Instead, before her stood the Duke of Worthingston, in all his finery, dark jacket and dark pants with the perfectly tied lace cravat, the perfect example of what Lili imagined to be a member of the ton. The power that exuded from him, she had always felt to some extent. Now, it was all encompassing. Before her stood one of the most elite of the ton with all the rules that governed their society. A society, she could no more be a part of, than Colin could be a part of Glendenning again. The fact was, she could no longer see this Colin being any part of Glendenning. She was already mourning the loss.

  “Lili?” questioned Worth. He had felt her withdrawal, only he was uncertain as to why. “I’m aware you have been through a great deal these last few days, but nothing has truly changed.”

  Lili looked at him in amazement. How could he say such a thing? Everything had changed. “I don’t know anymore.” Her emotions had been in such an upheaval for so many days now, she couldn’t trust her feelings.

  “I have everything taken care of. You need not worry about anything any longer.” Worth tried to reassure her.

  “Edward?” she questioned. He was a biggest worry, her biggest fear. Would he be coming after her again?

  “No, Edward will never again bother you.”

  The anger in his voice concerned her. “You didn’t kill him, did you?” Lili asked. She almost wished he had, after all he had done.

  “No,” replied Worth tersely. “Just know I have taken care of the matter.”

  “Oh,” replied Lili. Whatever did he mean, she wondered, but as afraid to ask.

  “Mother told me, you are concerned about the twins. I spoke with them before I left. I assured them, I would be bringing you back. They seemed to understand. I left moneys with Elsbeth to make certain they would be fine.”

  He desperately needed to allay her fears. He knew her first concerns would be the twins and Elsbeth and Rab, that her own welfare would be her last concern. He must be the one to concern himself about her welfare.

  Lili felt all the anger drain from her. Her emotions were in a whirlwind and she couldn’t make heads or tails of her feelings. This feeling of uncertainty had been prevalent within her since before Edward’s abduction of her. She had never felt like this ever before. Having Colin close by, only made matters worse.

  “I came to escort you downstairs for supper. Mother and Lynden are waiting for us.” Worth offered her his arm.

  Lili looked at him and sighed in resignation. She could not fight him here. Here was his home, where he ruled. She felt like she was just a pawn in his game, whatever his game was. She would bid her time, for now. For the moment, he was in control. She would allow him that belief, until he made her aware of his plans. But she was certain, he would not be including her in any of them. She must remember, he is a duke.

  She placed her hand through his offered arm. When he patted her hand like he would a child, the urge to throw another glass at him was strong. Only this time, she did not want to miss. Instead, she followed him out of her room, grateful Marie had come in earlier and convinced her to dress for supper. Something else she was indebted to him for, the clothes she now wore.

  She walked into the drawing room on Worth’s arm. His mother sat on the soft green winged chair. Standing near her was a man slightly shorter but heavier than Worth, not fat just built heavier. The soft curls of brown hair touched his shoulders. Most women would have loved to have such curls, not that on him did it look the least bit feminine. It was the dark brown eyes that held her interest. The warmth she saw there was also reflected in his smile as though he find this all very amusing.

  “My sweet, you have met my mother earlier. This scoundrel by her side, is my best friend Marcus Halton, the Marquess of Lynden. Lynden this is the Lady Lilias McGowan.”

  Lynden smiled and took Lili’s hand and lightly kissed the top. “I am very pleased to formally meet you at last, my lady.”

  Lili looked at him a little confused.

  Worth saw her confusion and explained, “Lynden was with me when we rescued you.”

  Lili nodded. “I thank you, my lord.”

  “The pleasure was all mine, my lady.

  Worth scowled. Lili had not thanked him, yet here she was warming up to Lynden.

  Lynden saw the scowl and decided to make his friend jealous. From the looks he was receiving, it would not take very much.

  “My dear, would you like something to drink?” asked the Duchess.

  “No thank, you, your Grace,” answered Lili.

  The Duchess looked to Meyers who stood at the door. “I believe Meyers is here to say supper is served.”

  Meyers nodded. “Supper is served.”

  Lynden closest to Lili, brushed past Worth, and offered her his arm. “Allow me to escort you, Lady Lili? May I call you Lady Lili? I feel we are past formalities.”

  Lili smiled. She li
ked this friend of Colin’s. He made her feel comfortable. “Yes, please do. And how shall I call you?”

  Lynden chuckled. “My friends call me Lynden. I shall most honored if we can be friends.” Lynden gazed over his shoulder to see Worth escorting his mother with a frown on his face. The Duchess had a smug smile on her face.

  The Duchess sat at the head of the table and because it was such a small party, she had Worth sit at her right hand, Lili at her left across from Worth and Lynden at Lili’s side. The Duchess and Lynden kept Lili entertained with stories about Worth. She learned so much. They had her laughing often at Worth’s expense. She watched him carefully. Most of the time, he laughed at their stories but she did notice his frown every time, Lynden leaned over and touched her hand or her arm.

  The meal was delicious, such a variety, the likes, she had not seen in a very long time, if ever. Several times, she wondered how well everyone at Glendenning was eating. It was another reminder of how different she and Colin were. How, why did he stay at Glendenning when he had all of this waiting for him here? She noticed how well-suited he was with all of this, how comfortable he was with all of it. This was where he belonged. But this was not her world. This was not where she belonged. Facing that truth, she knew what she needed to do.

  “Shall we retire to the drawing room for after dinner drinks and have the ladies accompany us?” suggested Worth, as they rose from the table.

  Lili looked at Worth. She had already drunk more wine than she was accustomed to. She was also strangely tired. “I think, I shall retire for the evening. I am still weary from all that happened.” She noticed everyone’s concern. “Please, I am well, just tired.”

  Worth was immediately at her side. “Come, I’ll escort you upstairs.”

  Lili shook her head. “No, please. I can find my way. Stay with your mother and your friend.”

  Worth looked at her for a long moment.

  Lili could not continue to look him in the eye. She dropped her gaze. “Please.” She desperately needed to be alone.

  Worth took her hand in his and kissed it. “Very well, Lili. The angels will keep thee safe,” he whispered.

  Lili looked up. Those eyes of his stared at her and she almost begged him to escort her to her room. She turned away before he saw the tears threatening in her eyes. She took a deep breath and faced Lynden and the Duchess. “Good night.”

  Lynden came to her side. “Goodnight, Lady Lili. It has been a most pleasant evening.”

  “Yes, dear, goodnight. Get your rest,” replied the Duchess.

  Lili turned and walk away. She could feel all of their eyes watch her as she left the room. Once away from their stares Lili hurried to her room. She closed the door to her room and leaned against it.

  Moments later there was a soft knock on her door. For a moment, she thought Colin had followed her after all.

  “It is Marie, m’lady. I’ve come to help you-------

  “Thank you, Marie,” interrupted Lili. “I can ready myself for bed. I will see you in the morning.” Lili did not want to talk with anyone more tonight.

  “Very well, m’lady.”

  Lili heard her walk away. She locked her door. She wanted no more visitors tonight. She changed to her night dress. It was the softest buttercream silk. She touched it with loving fingers. She had never owned anything so luxurious. She didn’t truly own this. It was something Colin had bought her. She stood at her window and looked out. She knew what she had to do.

  Chapter 18

  Yet he for him I grieve shall never know it;

  My tongue does not betray, nor my eyes show it;

  Not a sigh, nor a tear, my pain discloses

  But they fall silently, like dew on roses.

  Song from Sweet Love

  John Dryden

  Lili quietly opened her door. There were a few of the wall sconces lit. Parts of the hall were in shadows. Marie had explained to her where the duke’s chambers were earlier.

  Quietly, she approached the door. Slowly, she opened the door and quietly slipped inside the room. Only a small candle was lit by his bedside. She looked about the room until she found him standing at the window, his back to her. He had not heard her come in.

  For a moment, she hesitated. She was uncertain as to why she was here. All she could think of, was this would be the last time she would lay with him. She wanted a memory that would last her a lifetime.

  Colin stared into the night trying to decide whether to go to Lili’s room this late. Supper had been a torturous affair, watching Lynden flirt with Lili. He was aware Lynden was enjoying it all at his expense, but Lili was not used to such attention. She had handled it well. All he wanted to do was take her in his arms and make love to her. But he also wanted to wait, until he made everything legal.

  Sensing someone in the room, Colin turned. Lili stood near the side of his bed. The light from the candle behind her showed her silhouette. He could feel his manhood throb with the need of her. It had been several long weeks since he had felt her under him, around him. He had not realized how much he truly missed her, the feel of her, until this very moment.

  He walked until he stood before her bare chested. She cupped his face. Colin grabbed her hand and kissed the palm and teased the center with the tip of his tongue. He knew how it affected her. Lili’s indrawn breath told him, he had succeeded.

  With her free hand, she untied the ribbon at the neck of her gown and allowed it to slip off her body to puddle on the floor at her feet. Colin tried to say something but Lili placed her fingers over his lips and shook her head. She didn’t want any talk tonight. Talk meant lies and she didn’t want to hear any more lies. Tonight, she didn’t want to think. She just wanted to feel. Deep in her heart, she knew this night, these feelings were going to have to last her a lifetime. She prayed she was wrong but she did not think so.

  Lili trailed her fingers down his chest till they came to rest at his pants. Slowly, she undid them and eased them passed his hips till they fell at his feet. Lili smiled never breaking eye contact with him as she sat at the edge of the bed. She laid back upon the pillows her hand tugging on his encouraging him to follow her down.

  Colin smiled and stepped out his pants and followed her, just as she wanted. He didn’t know what she was about, but he as more than willing to go where she wanted to lead. After her reaction of earlier, he was pleased she was no longer angry with him.

  Lili pulled his head down and claimed his lips. The anger she had felt all afternoon turned to want, to need. Her entire body felt an aching fire, she knew he alone could quench. She turned off the thoughts that had been plaguing her mind all day. She only wanted to experience every feeling and imprint it on her heart, to remember it in the days to come.

  Colin’s kiss deepened, his tongue dancing a primal dance with hers. His hand cupped her breast and began to tease the hardened bud with his fingers. Had he forgotten the feel of her body in those days apart? Her breast seemed to fill his hand more than he remembered. He quickly dismissed the thoughts as her fingers teased his own nipples. The thought of almost losing her made him want to touch and taste every part of her. He trailed kisses down her neck, down to her breast and with his tongue traced circles around her nipple.

  Lili felt like was she melting into the mattress under her. Her breast felt so sensitive like every touch of his hand, his tongue was ready to send her over the edge. But she wasn’t ready to get to that point. She wanted that feeling, that ache, that need to last forever. She opened her legs to eagerly receive him. When he hesitated and kept him from her, she moaned with longing and tried desperately to capture him. He was there just out of her reach. She pushed her hips against his hips but to no avail. Her body was screaming with the need to have him inside her, to fill her as only he could.

  Lili grabbed his head, his hair and pulled it away from her breast till he looked at her. “Please.” She whispered desperately.

  Colin smiled and covered her mouth with his, his tongue striking at hers,
his hand cupped her breast and teased the nipple tugging at it, as he thrust deep and hard within her. No woman had ever felt so good around him. She took all of him.

  Lili felt his hard thrust fill her. For a moment, she thought she would go over the edge. The feeling was so intense. When he began to thrust in her, she met his every thrust wanting every thrust to fill her completely. She could feel the intensity building within her. She didn’t want the feeling to end but she didn’t know how much longer she could absorb this feeling before she burst into a thousand points of light. Her hands clenched the sheets at her sides. And then like the fireworks she had once seen, everything about her burst and she let out a whimper of pure pleasure.

  She felt when he went to withdraw from her as he usually did, but she grabbed his buttocks and held him deep inside of her. Even satiated she did not want to let any part of him go. She felt his shudder and release and knew she held a part of him. He collapsed atop her and she held him close. She could hear his raspy breathing in her ear, his heartbeat pounding against her chest. He was still inside of her. She was complete. Moments later, he rolled to his side. Even taking her with him, he slipped out of her. She nearly cried out for the loss.

  Colin rolled to his side and pulled Lili till she lay at his side against him. His breathing was labored. He had not pulled out like he had been doing. He remembered, except for that first time. It no longer mattered. She would be his legally soon. The feelings she created within him was more intense than anything he had ever experienced with any woman he had ever bedded. This was where he was meant to be. This was where Lili was meant to be at his side.

  “My sweet Lili, do you--------”

  Lili put her fingers over his lips again and shook her head. She wanted to remember this without words. She wanted to remember feelings. She wanted the memory emblazoned in her heart, in her mind.