How dare he! He thought she was declining because she wasn’t capable! Even though the voice in her head was practically screaming that this was not a good idea, when she opened her mouth she said, “I assure you that I am more than capable. Since you seem to need it so quickly, please leave it and I will begin the translation.”
Merrick became serious, “I’m afraid that is not possible. It is the only evidence in a sensitive manner, and it must remain with me. Besides, there are pictures of a certain nature that I do not believe suitable for a lady.” Now that Merrick had her agreeing, he really was not sure he should have her pursue it. He kept imagining Catherine in some of the pictures.
Catherine rolled her eyes, dropping her shoulders with a sigh of frustration. Now he was arguing to not give it to her? “As I stated in our prior acquaintance I am hardly some ingénue Lord Sinclair. I’ve assisted my cousin with several translations. I am well versed in Roman and Greek sculpture, and have even viewed some mosaics from Pompeii. I assure you my interest is both academic and professional, I promise not to faint at some sketches of Greek statues.”
Catherine thought it sounded good. But she did omit that she had snuck the look at the mosaics, and that even Travis, who was rather liberal and lenient, would have apoplexy if he knew she had that book from India. But this was just a pamphlet, it was not antique, and he was probably worried about her seeing a few ankles and bare-chested men. Besides, now she was bound and determined to show him she could translate.
Merrick paused. Despite his misgivings, the information could be helpful, and time was a factor. He was already here, there was no guarantee someone at the museum would be readily available, and he would know soon enough if she had any skill. If not, or if she was offended, well, she couldn’t say he hadn’t warned her. With a bemused smile, Merrick handed her the pamphlet.
Catherine took it and curiously looked it over. It was partially burned and had no cover. The feel of the paper told her it was not antique. The top page was blank. She opened it up and scanned the page. There was some Greek, but it was interspersed with what appeared to be ancient Assyrian, and the phrasing was confusing. It seemed to be some type of organization or society manual. There were sections for rituals, rules, and something about a governing body. This was not going to translate as quickly as she thought. Making it more difficult; was that someone had added symbols embedded here and there in the phrasing. Some seemed familiar, but she did not recognize them right away.
Catherine turned to the next page and began reading the initial statements. It was a type of invocation or call to worship. She frowned and reread a portion more slowly. This couldn’t be right. It seemed they were agreeing to worship male genitalia, but she could not believe that was correct.
Catherine sat down at the desk to use the afternoon light. Merrick came to stand slightly behind her. It was a habit she usually abhorred, and her back stiffened, but not with annoyance. Awareness trickled down her spine. To hide it, she spoke.
“It is arranged as a type of instruction manual for an organization, similar to one you might find for the Masons or another group. There are some references to some… rituals.” Catherine continued to scan and turn the pages while she spoke. This translation could not be right, but she was not going to admit that to him. She needed to stall for time.
It did not help that her body continued to respond to the man standing behind her. Her bodice became tight as her breasts swelled and strained against the material. The sensitive nipples were so hard she was sure they could be seen through the fabrics of her dress and chemise. Catherine closed her eyes. Her hands clenched involuntarily and the area between her legs began to ache and tingle. It was hard to breath. Catherine swallowed and hastily opened her eyes as wanton images appeared in her head. She flipped ahead several pages in frustration. However, she stopped breathing altogether at the illustration before her.
There was a man with a fully erect, incredibly large penis poised to penetrate a female from behind. The girl's breasts hung down as she leaned over something, which turned out to be yet another man. Her heavy-lidded eyes and open mouthed look clearly communicated the state of her arousal, as well as her desire to have the man take her. Catherine believed she knew exactly how this woman felt, as she could easily imagine the large male currently behind her in the same position. Neither moved, and the air was thick with sexual tension. Barely an inch separated their bodies, and Catherine imagined she could feel the heat radiating from him.
It was a little too late for her to pretend shock and maidenly modesty, besides she had assured him she was professional and worldly. So she forced herself to focus on the text beneath the picture, and it slowly began to make sense. She cleared her throat and attempted to provide the information in a cool detached manner, but her voice sounded a little strained to her ears.
“This is Priapus, one of the lesser known Greek gods. He was the son of Aphrodite, and the progeny of one of her many affairs, fathered by either Hermes or Dionysus depending on the version you choose.” Catherine waved her hand vaguely over the page, “from all of the wine in the picture, and the mention of it in the rituals, it appears they chose the Dionysus connection. He was a rustic fertility god and generally guarded over livestock, gardens, and,” she swallowed, “male genitalia.”
She turned the page and breathed a sigh of relief that there were only words, and some more of those strange symbols. . Catherine paused to lick her lips. She could hardly believe she got all of that out in a somewhat detached, academic tone; which was quite a feat considering she could feel his erection at her shoulder. A picture from the India book popped in her head and she stifled an inappropriate giggle. What would his reaction be if I spun around and initiated a similar act?
“Is this too much for your sensibilities?” Merrick leaned over and whispered in her ear. His breath was warm and sent a tingle from her neck all the way down through her toes. He purposefully infused the question with a taunt, and only felt only a moment of remorse. Her shoulders stiffened at his words, but she did not pull away. He knew better than to push this, but was inexplicably drawn to her. He knew he could not have her, and he was not in the habit of despoiling virgins. But he also knew, with her age, what type of suitors she would be encouraged to court; those older men with money, some on their second or third marriage. Not exactly a recipe for pleasure, so at least he could ensure she knew what to look for when she did wed. Although meant to rationalize his behavior, Merrick found that thought had a disturbingly dampening effect on his ardor and increased his irritability. So he shoved it aside and instead focused on the twin mounds of creamy flesh directly below him, straining to be released.
Merrick placed his hands on her shoulders and began massaging them lightly. Catherine yielded to the delicious sensation and leaned back against him. When his fingers grazed the tops of her breasts she thought she was going to pass out. She felt the stays of her gown loosen slightly, easing the binding, and was grateful that she could breathe a little easier. But she simultaneously realized that this gesture had nothing to do with altruism as he plunged his hands down her bodice to draw out her aching breasts. Any formation of words, much less a sentence, left her brain as her body was suffused with pleasure unlike any she had ever known. He caressed and fondled the heated flesh. Pinching her nipples brought pleasure so sharp it was almost painful. It was hard to comprehend how his attentions could fulfill one need, even while seeming to drive her desire toward something even bigger.
Her body trembled and she grasped the arms of the chair, biting her lip to keep from groaning out loud. Palming both breasts with one hand, Merrick began kissing the sensitive spot behind her ear and down her neck. He was kneeling next to her. Her body was singing with sensation and anticipation. Merrick skillfully drew her skirt up and stroked her creamy inner thigh. Instead of clenching shut at his touch, as even some more experienced women did in an attempt to appear coy and chaste, Catherine’s legs parted for him as she arched her back, pre
ssing her breasts more firmly into his hand. Merrick smiled to himself at her passionate, yet unconscious invitation. Soon his fingers found her slick folds. His own body was screaming for release and recognized a ready female. He was certain, that without his past experiences, he would have never been able to contain himself. His desire had not achieved this intensity for some time. Slowly inserting a finger into her passage, he felt her muscles contract and hold him.
Catherine knew she should make him stop, but she had no words to describe the sensations running riot through her body. He was on his knees beside the chair. There was too much going on to even register, it seemed he was everywhere at once. One hand remained on her breast, kneading, pinching, and caressing. His mouth and tongue were lavishing attention on the other. Catherine’s head lolled back and she gasped when she felt the light rake of his teeth. But the hand between her legs was what had her most occupied. An even stronger sensation seemed to be building there as his fingers explored and stroked. Catherine gripped the chair as his mouth reclaimed hers and smothered her involuntary cries as her core exploded with a shattering orgasm. Merrick continued to stroke her until she settled and came back to earth. Although his body was unaccustomed to being denied release, he maintained his control. Merrick settled back and waited, unsure at how she would respond.
Eventually, Catherine opened her eyes and gazed at him directly, saying the first coherent thing that popped in her head.
“Well, I can certainly appreciate your reputation.”
A stunned bark of laughter escaped him. He did not know what to expect, but it certainly had not been that. He offered her an amused smile.
“And that, my dear, is also why I must take my leave. I only have so much control, and you have tested me beyond my known limits.” Merrick rose, reluctantly, but unwilling to give other feelings further exploration.
Catherine thought she should feel embarrassed, but was not. The way he looked at her made her feel powerful and sensual. There was some pull, some connection between them, but if he felt it too, he gave no indication. She bit her lower lip in contemplation; they were fortunate not to have been caught, and Catherine again found herself in a position in which no amount of training or education in deportment and etiquette would suffice. She did not know what else to say, so she opted for what was becoming an uncomfortable silence.
The reality of what just happened hit Merrick hard as he read the uncertainty in her face. Had he taken complete leave of his senses? Appalled at his own behavior, and angry with himself for allowing it to get this far, he knew what he must do.
“Your help with the translation is appreciated. I’m sure my colleagues will be interested in what you discovered.”
Catherine cleared her throat and attempted to match the business-like tone of his voice. “I’m glad I could help, but there seems to be more to it. I would be happy to continue the translation and…”
He cut her off. “That won’t be necessary. Your involvement will be kept quiet for obvious reasons, and it could become too dangerous. I’ll send my man around to meet with your father. I’m sure we will come to an arrangement suitable for everyone. I would prefer a smaller affair.”
Catherine anticipated his refusal, and had been formulating her arguments to stay involved; it was not the first time a man doubted the ability of a woman to comprehend the importance of research and scientific issues. And what on earth could be dangerous about a pamphlet? Surely he did not think he had to protect her maidenly sensibilities at this point. But it was his last statements that weren’t making any sense, and the ones she chose to address.
“What are you talking about? Why would you have to discuss anything with my father?” Even as the words were coming out of her mouth, Catherine fought a rising panic that she knew exactly what he was going to say, and she was having none of it.
Merrick frowned at her question, impatient to have this done now that he made a decision. “I need to discuss the particulars of the settlement of course, and work the date around some business I have to attend to.” He suddenly thought he understood. “Ahh. You don’t need to worry that I will mention this afternoon. I will explain that you meet my requirements for a wife and are simply suitable.”
“Simply suitable?” Catherine was aghast! Of all the high-handed, presumptuous, fools! She realized he continued to ready himself to depart and expected her to docilely accept his decision. Perhaps I am also supposed to stay ten paces behind him. Suitable? Catherine attempted to compose herself before she spoke.
“I’m sorry. I know things happened rather rapidly this afternoon, but I don’t recall you asking me to marry you, nor do I recall agreeing to any such thing.”
The overly cool and courteous tone should have been a warning. A warning he chose to ignore when he felt his temper begin to rise.
Merrick didn’t have time for this. She did not seriously expect him to go on bended knee to propose. Besides, she certainly did not look like she wanted him to propose. As a matter of fact, she looked like she wanted him to go to the devil. He really did not want to deal with feminine hysterics, and needed to take control of the situation now. “I think we could both agree this was not planned. But my behavior has been inexcusable. We are only fortunate no scandal will proceed us to the alter.”
“What makes you think this is exclusively your decision?” Catherine was now angry. Spots of color appeared high on her cheeks, but she kept her tone even.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m the man, the one with the experience to make better decisions, and therefore, the consequences become my responsibility.”
Catherine couldn’t believe she was having this conversation. No one in society, much less her family, would argue with his logic, or the outcome. It was the way things were done, and she was here for the season to find a husband. But this did not feel right, and she was determined to have a voice.
“As you have pointed out, there is no scandal, so I see no reason for the alter. Furthermore, I release you from any sense of obligation. It is of no consequence.”
Merrick fixed her with a hard stare and raised his brow, he found himself somewhat at a loss. “I must attend to other business, but this conversation is not over. As you stated earlier, I am capable of finding my way out. I thank you again for your assistance and a most… pleasurable afternoon.” He turned and strode out of the library. Merrick had not expected her to be overjoyed, but neither had he expected this reticence. Truth be told he was a little put out. Surely there wasn’t another suitor. He found he was not pleased at the thought.
Catherine’s heart was racing and she unclenched her hands from the arms of the chair as he left. But she registered what seemed like loss and regret as the door closed behind him. He was thanking her for a pleasurable afternoon? She snorted in half amusement. She knew he had not found the same release he had given her. She should have thanked him. Despite her anger, Catherine found she had also been left even more curious about the feelings he awakened, and wanted more. Why not marry him? said the voice in her head. He was doing the “right thing.” Given her age and position in society it was not completely beyond belief that he could make a legitimate offer for her. The only reason she was not panicked was that she knew her father was out of town, and would not be returning for two weeks. Catherine saw no reason to give Merrick that information, he would find out soon enough. She planned to use that time to convince him to not make an offer. Catherine continued to try to formulate arguments to counter what she knew was a perfectly reasonable expectation on his part, but without much success. Feeling tired, she rose and turned to go up to her room, but stopped when a slip of paper caught her eye. Picking it up, Catherine examined it and saw it was only a partial page; the rest had been burned. She recognized some of the same symbols embedded in the pamphlet text were also on this page. Merrick took the pamphlet with him, so it must have slipped out. Intrigued, she started toward the desk, but stopped as she heard the bell for dinner. Surprised at how much time had passed, Ca
therine reluctantly slipped the paper in her dress pocket. It would have to wait until later.
Ten
True to his word, Merrick’s man of affairs came the next day, only to be told her father was not in residence. Fortunately, her mother was not there at the time either, or she was certain an urgent message would have been dispatched calling her father home. Catherine continued to review the scrap of paper, and was convinced she recognized some of the symbols; she just wasn’t sure from where. She knew she needed to send the paper to Merrick; and already made her own copy, but told herself she did not want to risk what could be important information to a messenger. That was true, but she also did not want to acknowledge the nagging voice that maybe she just wanted to see him in private again, mainly to test herself. She was sure her earlier responses to him had been due to her inexperience. Now that passion was not such a mystery, she was certain he would not continue to have the same effect on her, and she would be in a better position to convince him they would not suit, and therefore did not need to marry her.
Catherine glanced toward the entrance to the ballroom again, and forced herself to look away. Over the past days Merrick continued to appear at balls, teas, the opera, wherever she went, he seemed to be there. As he typically did not attend these functions, people took notice, and at first, Catherine was alarmed and wary. However, he did not give any indication that there was anything but a casual acquaintance with her, and gave her no more, or no less, attention than he did any other female. Catherine was wondering if maybe he changed his mind, and not knowing was excruciating. There had been no privacy to discuss the paper she still had, much less how she viewed the proposal. Initially, she held on to her anger, and managed to feel rather righteous about it. Now, much to her dismay, it took some effort to maintain that level of anger, and she hated to admit she was attracted to him. However, she was determined to not think about him, except to continue to be angry at how he tried to ‘handle’ her. Catherine knew if she presented her arguments in a logical manner, he too would conclude they would not suit.
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