ROMANCE: His Reluctant Heart (Historical Western Victorian Romance) (Historical Mail Order Bride Romance Fantasy Short Stories)

by Jane Prescott

  Tristan feathered delicate kisses down her neck, smiling inwardly as he felt her body shudder. This encouraged him to allow his hand to wander down under her riding coat, and onto her bodice. He firmly squeezed the plump mounds of her breasts. Bridget moaned quietly into his mouth and wantonly arched her back, pushing her breasts into his hand.

  He desperately needed to feel her soft and voluptuous skin, but the fastenings on the bodice were proving almost impossible to undo. Finally, the buttons gave way, but her breasts were still covered by further layers of clothing. Good grief, he thought to himself, how does a woman manage to move with all this clothing. Giving up on the thought of caressing her naked breasts, his hands trailed over her stomach, towards the place on her body that desired his touch the most.

  “Ohhh, Tristan,” she moaned lightly, pulling her face away from his, and taking gulps of air.

  The passion had reached a fever point and she desperately needed to feel him inside of her. Bridget abandoned all restraint and reached down to help, hitching up her dress and petty coats, and exposing her pantaloons that she wore when riding. She felt a shiver of naughtiness rush through her, and it only increased her desire - a desire that was growing tenfold as she felt his hands on her inner thighs. At the same time, Tristan pressed his stiffness against her leg. Deftly, Tristan undid the ties holding the pantaloons together, and soon his hand was caressing her naked skin. He ran his fingers along the top of her leg, moving it along to the edge of her feminine mound. His fingers hovering around her sensitive area. The teasing was too much for Bridget, and she pushed her pelvis upwards forcing his hand so he was forced to touch her mons pubis. This caused her to cry out in ecstasy as his fingers brushed against her moist region.

  Tristan was amazed at how she had completely abandoned her demure attitude, and was now wantonly thrusting her hips up to meet his hand. Her passion and promiscuousness was only increasing his own desires. He felt his member stiffen so rigid that it hurt to be confined. Reaching down, he pulled down the waistband of his pants and freed his stiff erection. Bridget could feel his hardness as the bare skin of his erection rested against her leg. She pushed back on it, marveling at its firmness, it felt like a bar of iron against her thigh.

  Spreading her legs, Tristan climbed between them, positioning himself so that the very tip of his erection was lightly touching her wetness.

  “Are you ready for me, my Lady?” Tristan said, paying particular emphasis on the word “Lady.”

  He was enjoying playing the role of the hired help, satisfying the Lady of the house, and from the way that Bridget was moaning lightly, he believed that she did too.

  Unable to contain himself any further, he plunged his erection all the way into her, until he could go no further. Their bodies crushed together, her wetness completely enveloping him. Bridget had waited with anticipation as he hovered above her, his erection lightly brushing her quim, longing to feel him inside of her. But, when he thrust into her, it had taken her by surprise. He was so thick and long, that her first sensation was almost painful. She felt as if he were splitting her in two. Soon the pain subsided, only to be replaced by pleasure. He easily slipped between her wet vulva, and together they rode a rhythm of passion as he pounded into her. She responded by thrusting up to him.

  She began to feel an unfamiliar feeling deep inside. Something she had never felt when making love to her husband. It was a buildup of intense pleasure, wild animalistic urges pushing her further and further over the edge. It seemed to be reaching a crescendo as Tristan increased his thrusting, and soon an unbelievable sensation swept through her body. A tidal wave of pleasure coursed through her, and she screamed out her ecstasy. Her body was flooded with erotic sensations. Despite being lost in the throes of passion, she could feel Tristan’s erection grow even thicker as he emanated deep growls from his chest. Suddenly, she felt herself being filled with his warm stickiness. One long grunt from Tristan and then he collapsed on top of her, pinning her to the forest floor. His weight was heavy, but comforting, and she did not object as they lay there together, basking in their mutual satisfaction.

  Eventually, he rolled off her and lay on his back, by her side. She pulled down her skirt to hide her modesty. They lay together in the heat of the sun, turning their heads inwards so they could look into one another’s eyes.

  “Any regrets, Lady?” he asked her, lifting his finger to stroke her soft cheek.

  “None, Tristan, and when we’re alone, please call me Bridget,” she whispered back at him. “After all, I want you as much you desire me, so we are equals.”

  “Well, Bridget,” he emphasized her name, softly. “I think we’d better be on our separate ways,” he suggested.

  “Do we have to?” she said, regretfully. “I would love to just run away with you, take a boat overseas and grow old together,” she smiled, leaning over and kissing him lightly on his cheek.

  “Me too, but then I’m not the one losing out on anything. You have everything to lose.” he reminded her. “Now come, let me help you mount your horse, before Lord Hexley sends out a search party for you.”

  Reluctantly, she rearranged her clothing and packed together the picnic they had eaten. Taking her hand, he helped her mount the horse, and watched longingly after her as she rode away down the forest path, not once turning to look back.

  Chapter 10

  “I thought it was what you wanted, a trip to France?” Mathias questioned his wife, over breakfast. “When I learned you had turned my sister down, I was shocked, quite frankly.”

  “Mathias, let us stop pretending, I like Gertrude no more than she likes me,” Bridget would stick up for herself, whether her husband liked it or not. “Now, had it been Olivia, then I would have agreed, wholeheartedly. Olivia is kind and caring, unlike your older sister, Gertrude.”

  “I’m not happy with the way you are speaking about my family, Bridget. No matter, the family has gone now and you are still here at home. Perhaps there is something, or should I say someone that demands your attention here?”

  “What exactly are you trying to say, sir?” she reacted a little more dramatically than she had meant to, but how dare he? “Overseeing certain matters is expected of me, Mathias, I am merely ensuring things are done the way I want them to be done. If gossiping staff do not like that, then we should be rid of them. I cannot believe that you would listen to any nonsense.”

  “Nonetheless, I expect my wife to show some dignity when she is about her duties,” Mathias said, getting up to leave the table, anger written into his features. “Please refrain from being alone with the male staff, at any time.”

  With that he walked out of the room, leaving a shaking Bridget wondering at what exactly the gossip was about. She thought that she had been careful not to be alone in a compromising position with him. Although she may have spoken with him alone in the garden. Has it come to such a situation that she was unable to speak with her staff alone? Of course, things were out of hand and they went too far the other day, but no one should be aware of their little tryst in the woods. Deciding that discretion was the best course of action, she decided that she would go through his father, Malcolm the head gardener, if she had instructions for him. That should shut up the wagging tongues.

  She was aware that today Tristan would be putting the final touches to her water feature in the old pond, by the south facing verandah. It had been her intention to join him and oversee the final stages, but after her husband vocalizing his suspicion, she dare not join him, fearing she would stoke his wrath further. Going outside to him would be a mistake, unless his father was overseeing him, which was unlikely.

  Entering the library, she could see through the window that Tristan had already started and that the feature was almost complete. She could not get word to him that she would not be there, as the staff would most likely misinterpret the message. Instead, she stayed away from the window and watched him work. He was such a handsome man, strong physique with well-defined muscles, a tanne
d skin from the summer sun. He looked like a Greek god. She remembered those arms wrapped around her, and it made her long for more.

  “I thought I might find you in here,” her husband’s voice came from the door, as he entered. “Making eyes at the laboring staff.”

  “Mathias, do keep your voice down,” she reminded him.

  “Why? The entire household seems to know more than I do,” he replied, rather solemnly.

  “Mathias, I’m in here because you instructed me not be alone with the male staff. As it happens today I am having my water feature erected. As I cannot go out there, without fanning the flames of gossip that seems to have irked you so, I am merely checking from in here to ensure that the job is done to my satisfaction. I have wanted this water feature for a while, as you know, and I do not want shoddy workmanship,” Bridget said, rather bravely. “Where you are hearing such stories is beyond anything I can comprehend. I am the mistress of this house, and I will see an end to this wickedness.”

  “Unfortunately, Bridget, by the time gossip makes its way to the head of the house, it is usually well established. Do you deny any of this?” he asked.

  “I most certainly do not deny or admit to anything, Mathias. It is utter nonsense, and I will not dignify that question with a response. Really, you should know better than to be listening in to the paid staff’s conversations,” she knew this was a hurtful comment, but she had to make sure that Mathias was clear on her convictions. She had to make this out to be nonsense and she also needed to be more careful. It was a little hypocritical, chastising her husband, when in fact it was all true. The guilt was almost overpowering.

  “I am willing to put aside your rudeness, Bridget” Mathias said to her, much more calmly. “I suggest that you see to your staff and stop this maliciousness before my family hears of it, or anyone else for that matter. I would also advise that you start to behave like the Lady of the house, and not some lowly servant girl,” he said, sternly. Once again he walked away from her, leaving her alone in the room.

  She wanted to retort back to him, especially regarding the servant girl jibe, but her guilt held her tongue. She watched as he left the room, once she was certain that he was gone, she turned back to the window. She afforded herself another glance at her lover, just so she could look at something more pleasing to the eye than her husband’s furious features. She watched as he finalized the feature, adding the finishing touch. She would do nothing to gain his attention; it was best left alone for a few days. They clearly had been seen walking the grounds together. It was probably some jealous young maid who was filled with envy at him not having eyes for her. Hopefully, it would all die down and in a few days and she would speak to the butler, Mason. He, of all people, should help her to quash this silliness.

  Chapter 11

  Mathias knew he had given his younger wife too much freedom, allowing her to read anything she liked and letting her be over familiar with the staff. He would need to put a stop to this. Gossip among the staff was one thing, but if it spread to their peers, it would be intolerable. He couldn’t understand her brazen behaviour, she was from a good family, perhaps not a wealthy one, but he would not blame her upbringing. She had indicated none of these failings in their courtship, if she had, he would not have married her. Despite her shortcomings, he did love her, if only she could see this. Perhaps if they had a baby then all would be well, she would be far too engrossed in raising a child to be dallying with the male staff.

  Gertrude, his older sister, was not around to advise him, and Olivia, his younger sister, liked Bridget far too much to be impartial. He would need to sort this conundrum out, all by himself. Women were such complicated creatures and he did struggle to understand them. It was one of the reasons he had married so late in life, he simply could not find a woman he was comfortable with. Bridget had seemed like a breath of fresh air when he had first met her.

  He recalled how she came dashing into her father’s drawing room with a bunch of herbs in a basket from their garden, her hair in such a mess as if she had been running. She had rosy cheeks and her laugh was a ray of sunshine. He had been instantly entranced by her. The visit to her father had been for business, as he was selling a London property, but that was soon forgotten once he laid eyes on his daughter. Instead of buying the house he had asked for permission to court Bridget, and it had been granted.

  Now, he wondered if her father ever managed to sell that property. Perhaps he would buy it for Bridget, so she could have familiar surroundings whenever she visited London, instead of going to the large house they had there. Yes, he would look into this and make it her project; she could re-organize the whole house, which should keep her busy. Though it had been three years ago, it was probably no longer available, but he would buy her another house in London. One more fitting to her needs, smaller perhaps, she was always complaining that the house was too big and empty.

  Once Mathias had calmed down, he decided to go for a ride. He understood his wife’s love of riding, it was one of the few things they had in common. Yet, he hated the thought of her alone and vulnerable, he wished she would ride with him more often. He headed towards the stable, even though it was short notice and they would not be expecting him. It should not take the stable boys long to ready a horse for him.

  As he approached the stable door he could hear two stable boys arguing.

  “I heard that Lady Hexley is going to elope with one of the servants,” Mathias heard one of the stable hands, as he spoke to another.

  “Really? Which servant is that then?” the other boy asked, incredulously. “Personally, I think it’s all hogwash, that’s what I think.”

  “I don’t know who it was, but it’s all the gossip in the kitchen,” the other retorted. “I wish it were me, I’d run off wiv ‘er like a shot.”

  “Have you boys nothing better to do other than listen to house gossip?” the stable master had arrived and flicked at each of the ears of the boys, painfully.

  Both boys yelped in pain, just as Mathias entered the stables.

  “Which of you two boys used the word ‘hogwash’?” the Master of the house asked them.

  “Well, lads, speak up,” the stable master flicked their ears again. “You ‘ave plenty to say when you thinks no one’s listenin’, so now’s your chance to speak up. Answer the Master.”

  “Twas me, Sir,” one boy slowly put his hand up in the air, bravely admitting his offending word.

  “What exactly does that word mean, boy?” Mathias asked him.

  “Well, I don’t rightly know, Sir, but I thinks it means that it’s rubbish, and only fit for pigswill, Sir,” he said, nervously, knowing he was in deep trouble.

  “What’s your name boy?” Mathias asked.

  “Toby, sir. Am I in trouble?”

  “No, Toby, you are not. In fact, exactly the opposite. Here’s a coin boy,” Mathias said, watching the boy’s face light up at such riches.

  “A whole thrupenny bit, for me, Sir?”

  “Yes, you deserve it for defending the honor of the Mistress of the house, and by putting this gossip where it belongs, in the rubbish pile,” his Lordship praised him.

  The other boy looked on in sheepishly as his Lordship spoke, hoping he would not be punished for his comments. It was not unusual for the stable master to use the riding crop on the backside of a troublesome boy. It was with relief when the stable master simply ordered them to saddle a horse for his Lordship.

  “That was very generous of you, My Lord, if I say so,” the stable master said.

  “The boy was being loyal to his employees, and I always reward loyalty,” Mathias replied.

  “And rightly so, Sir, rightly so,” agreed the stable master, leaving his Lordship while he hurried the lads on, with the horse. He did not like to keep the Master of the house waiting.

  Chapter 12

  For Bridget, the week following her illicit liaison in the forest with Tristan, was the unhappiest week of her life. Mathias was becoming more and m
ore suspicious and had her watched constantly. He demanded that someone accompany her on rides, and it was impossible to even speak with Tristan, never mind meet together in private. She had been completely swept off her feet by the whirlwind romance and pined for him whenever they were apart. Today, all that would change; Mathias was away for the day and would not return until the evening. They had arranged to meet at the gardener’s cottage. He was also away for the day, buying plants at the market. It was risky, but she could not resist the opportunity to be alone with her love.

  When she awoke that morning, Bridget felt in the best mood ever, in anticipation of their meeting. She arranged for her breakfast to be served on a tray, in bed, rather than eating with Mathias before he left. She felt overwhelmed with guilt whenever in his company, and could not bear to look him in the eye. She knew it was unfair on him. Mathias was a kind and loving man, but her passion for Tristan was all consuming.

  Her maid, Sally, opened up the curtains, allowing the sun’s rays to flood into the room, lighting up her mood even more. She sat up and stretched as Sally put the breakfast tray on her bed. Her personal maid, Jayne knocked and entered, when instructed, and queried after her mistresses day and what she wished to wear.