by Emma Brady
The movements of her hands on his chest became flurried. The white dress shirt he wore beneath his open jacket ripped open. Buttons flew off the expensive garment, but Sinclair was too desperate to touch his hot flesh. Her fingers splayed against the hard muscle of his chest and he reveled in the feel of it.
He let his hands slide up her sides, one resting on her hip and the other continued up to cup her breast through the soft fabric. She arched forward, pressing herself into his hand. The neck of her gown was cut low to expose a luscious amount of delicate skin. Slipping his hand under the velvet, he released one of her breasts to the cool night air. He was pleased to feel the nipple harden beneath his thumb. She groaned in his mouth and he drank it in.
Lucas could feel his manhood throbbing hard against the confines of his trousers. The heat from between her legs drove him mad. He wanted so badly to touch her there, but feared it would be his undoing. Instead he leaned in so she could feel the length of his arousal. Her gasp signaled she could feel him pressing into her.
Breaking free from her mouth, Lucas bent down to take the tiny peak in his mouth. Flicking his tongue across it, he felt her squirm against him. When he started gently suckling, her muffled cry was heard.
“I think she is over here.”
It was the duke’s voice and it sounded like he was close to where they where standing. Thinking quickly, Lucas knew he needed to try to save her from the situation. Quickly, he placed her firmly on the ground and her dress back in order. She looked like a ruffled dream with the leaves in her hair and the blush on her cheeks. The rips and tears in her dress would be impossible to ignore and indicated something had happened in the garden.
“I cannot imagine why the girl would run off,” Davonport said, turning the corner.
He stopped when he spotted the viscount lying in the grass. Glancing up at the earl, he raised one eyebrow. Before her grandfather could speak he was joined by many others from the party.
“Sinclair, we were so worried about you,” cried Lillith, rushing towards her granddaughter.
Only a few steps away from Sinclair, Lillith lost her footing and fell ungracefully onto the grass. Rubbing her hip slightly, the duchess lifted a tiny silver button and held it up for everyone to see.
“It seems the earl has lost his buttons.”
Chapter 17
Nothing Sinclair said made a difference after that moment. She was swept up by the frenzy around her. Her grandmother had quickly helped her adjust her dress back into place, but there was no saving Lucas from sitting there with his shirt open. Enough people from the party had noticed she was missing and she couldn’t go back to them looking the way she did.
Everyone seemed to agree on only one thing, she must marry the earl to save her reputation. Even Lucas agreed, though he admitted to it grudgingly. Sinclair couldn’t believe how easily her life was decided for her. She couldn’t accept that without a fight.
“It was nothing,” she pleaded from the edge of her seat. “This is just a misunderstanding.”
After escorting the now tittering guests back to the house, Sinclair and her grandparents had retired to the parlor with the earl. He stood silently, leaning against a windowsill. His silent resignation to everything infuriated her. This was his fault anyway.
“Darling, everyone saw you with the earl in a state of undress. That is hardly what could be called nothing.” said Lillith.
“Your grandmother is right. It puts your reputation at risk.” added James.
“What do I care about a silly reputation? I’m in no hurry to marry.”
Lillith let out a tired sigh. Sinclair knew she was proving to be more stubborn than anyone had expected. Still, she had a right to protest to their deciding her future without her.
“You might not wish to marry, but someday you will want children and this stigma would prevent it,” her grandmother said.
“I wouldn’t want a man who could be frightened away by a little gossip.”
“In London, gossip means more than the truth.” It was the first time since entering the house that Lucas had spoken. He was still staring out the window, a frown cutting across his face. The gap in his shirt still showed, mocking them both.
“I will not lock myself into a marriage that no one wants.” Sinclair would still continue to fight them on it.
“You would rather become an outcast to society?” asked Lillith.
“If those are my only options, yes.”
“Do not be ridiculous!” Lucas shouted.
She watched him stalk across the room to sit in the seat beside her. Frustrated, he raked his hands through the dark locks of hair. The tiny lines around his eyes wrinkled as he drew his hand down his face. Those green eyes were intense as they focused on her face before speaking.
“I am not any happier about this, but I will not run from my responsibility.” Lucas spoke slowly and it was difficult to tell what he felt. “This is the right thing to do.’
“You would marry out of responsibility?”
“Naturally, I am a gentleman.”
Sinclair felt as though she were sinking into quicksand, with no escape. Staring hard at him she tried to read any kind of emotion she might find, but he was completely composed. She felt hurt by his cold demeanor after what had happened only hours before. It clearly hadn’t been as passionate for him as it was for her.
“I’m not the kind of woman you wanted to marry.” she insisted.
“True, you do not have temperament I would have preferred.” He leaned back in his seat to stretch one arm out across the back of the sofa, “But you are a lady of good breeding and sizable income. Not to mention, you are quite attractive.”
She glared at him and his forced compliment. He appeared more arrogant now than she had ever seen before. His words cut deeply into her pride.
“Why would you settle for something you didn’t want?” she asked.
“To avoid a scandal that could ruin my sister’s chances at a good marriage.”
She understood now why he was so willing to do this. The man cared deeply for Charlotte and was willing to do anything to protect her. The glint of determination in his eyes showed that he meant to do whatever it took to avoid a scandal.
“This is really the only thing we can do,” said Lillith, reaching out to take Sinclair’s hand in her own. “We must protect Charlotte. Even if you don’t have need of a reputation, she still does.”
If Sinclair had been the only one affected, she might have said no, but Charlotte was her friend and deserved better. She didn’t want her mistake to ruin her friend’s chance at happiness. She would have to agree to the marriage or risk Charlotte losing her future. Lucas had agreed to this because of responsibility, so she could do the same. Sinclair accepted her loss.
“I’ll be ready to wed in the morning.”
With slow and careful steps, she marched to the door like a prisoner. No one said anything, or moved to follow. She felt as alone as the day she lost her parents. With tears threatening to spill down her face, Sinclair rushed from the silent room.
On her way upstairs she ran into Frederick who waited outside her bedroom with a tray of tea. He knew what had happened and concern was etched on his face. His dark eyes searched hers for the right thing to say but nothing came from him. When she went inside her room, she found Charlotte waiting for her.
“Sinclair, your face!” Charlotte exclaimed, rushing to her friend.
“It looks worse than it feels.” Sinclair knew a lie would be better than the truth at making Charlotte feel better. There was no reason to make her friend worry.
Frederick followed her in with the refreshments, moving around the two women in silence. She didn’t like his quiet anymore than Charlotte’s tittering. Both of them were making her feel like an invalid.
“I can’t believe Viscount Andrews would do something like this and in your own house.” Charlotte pulled Sinclair to sit next to her on the edge of the bed. “I hope my brother gave him a thras
hing.”
“I didn’t know you were so bloodthirsty.” Sinclair smiled for the first time since the incident had happened.
“I agree with Lady Charlotte.” Frederick finally spoke. “He deserves as much pain as he can get.”
“Are you planning to confront him over my honor?” Sinclair asked, half joking and half hoping he wouldn’t think of it.
“No,” Frederick shook his head. “I heard Lord Westmore did a good enough job of it. Went quite savage on the man.”
“My brother has never been savage.” Charlotte had a bright pink in her cheeks. “He was being heroic.”
Being the only one who was there, Sinclair kept her opinion to herself. Her memory was that he appeared to be a little bit of both. Her two best friends appeared to be riled up by each other for no reason. Something about the two always seemed to spark a battle.
“He did what he should to protect a lady.” Frederick said. “But he did it with more relish than expected. I’m not saying he was wrong.”
“No but you make him sound like a common thug.”
“Being common is an insult?”
Sinclair was concerned that another incident might happen and she didn’t have the energy for it. If she would be getting married in the morning she would need rest.
“He rescued me.” said Sinclair. “That is the only thing that matters. Now it looks like he will be responsible for that for the rest of our lives.”
Charlotte and Frederick both looked guilty for being reminded who was the one caught in the situation.
“I heard some of the guests whispering about it when they left. They all said you two would have to be married now.” Charlotte cast her eyes away from Sinclair. “I know that was the last thing you wanted. Is there any way to avoid it?”
“No. I just spent time arguing about it with both my grandparents and your brother. They are all certain it must be done.” She didn’t want to go into the details, in case Charlotte would feel guilt over being the reason they all agreed.
Charlotte took her hands and smiled at her, but there were tears in her eyes. “I know it’s not what you wanted, but I’m going to love having you as a sister.”
Sinclair had to admit that there were going to be benefits to the marriage and Charlotte was one of them. It also meant she would no longer have to be paraded around by her grandparents. Glancing at Frederick, the only problem would be how to keep their secret after she was married. Lucas was smart and being in the same house would mean he was close enough to discover the truth. They would need to talk about that later.
THE SUN SHONE THE NEXT day as Lucas prepared for his wedding. It was amazing how quickly a special license could be obtained when enough money was used. The local priest was even now waiting in his parlor. The party would be small, only Sinclair and her grandparents. Word would still get out, but at least there wouldn’t be a lot of witnesses.
Lucas took his place in front of the priest, watching Charlotte sit beside Lillith. Both ladies were clutching lace handkerchiefs in their hands and had tears in their eyes. The duchess was beginning to sniffle. The collar around his neck felt like it tightened as the doors opened and Sinclair walked in.
The soft yellow gown she wore was made of sheer fabrics layered over one another. The hem swayed when she walked and a small bustle in back moved with each step. It must have been borrowed, because the sleeves and waist were too large. Her hair shone from the pile of curls on top of her head, one curl falling along her cheek. Everything gave the impression of a happy bride, except for her eyes. There Lucas saw her fear and apprehension.
“You do not look like a woman in love,” he whispered in her ear. “You look like a woman about to be shot.”
“If so, you hold the gun.” she whispered back.
“Such kind words from my bride.” Sinclair wasn’t the only one being forced into this, but she could try to make the best of it.
James kissed his granddaughter on the cheek and sat beside his blubbering wife. Sinclair turned to face the priest with a grim smile on her face. Guilt churned in his stomach, until Lucas couldn’t stand it anymore. He asked the priest to allow him a moment to speak to her in private and took her to a corner of the room.
“I know this isn’t what either of us wanted,” he leaned in to whisper in her ear something for just the two of them. “I won’t pretend otherwise, but I’m willing to give it a chance. I will do everything I can to make you a happy woman.”
Staring into her eyes, he hoped that she knew he meant what he said. He would try to keep life for her comfortable and easy, unlike the life his mother hadled. He couldn’t risk loving her and becoming the monster his father was, but he would never stop taking care of her as his wife.
“Lucas, you don’t know how difficult that may be.”
“I know that I have never broken my word.”
At first, he worried that she might not believe him. Her eyes disappeared behind heavy eyelids. The darks lashes rested against her cheeks, fanning out against the rose color. He saw a tear slide down to fall off her chin. When she looked up at him her eye glistened, but her smile glimmered.
The wedding proceeded quickly. Everyone clapped when the priest declared them man and wife. Lucas gave Sinclair a chaste kiss on the lips as propriety dictated, but resisted anything more. He now felt the weight of his decision bearing down on him. He spent the rest of the day trying to pretend it was a joyful occasion for the benefit of everyone else. It was evening and time to take his new bride home.
It had not taken long for Sinclair to be ready. Without asking she had advised Frederick to pack as well. Lucas had known the watchdog would be coming so he made no mention when he saw the man sitting beside his driver in the coach. Another round of tears and hugs commenced until he was forced to usher the two women into the coach. His sister waved frantically out the window as they rolled off.
“I still do not understand what could be so important.” Charlotte said, falling back into her seat with a pout.
“Charlotte, there are a lot of thing you do not understand in the world.”
“My own brother is certainly a mystery to me.”
The glare she cast his direction didn’t affect him at all. It was the silence from Sinclair that worried him. In the weeks he’d known her, she’d never been this docile. Like a statue, her cold face stared blankly out the window. It was the longest ride of his life. When they reached the earl’s home, the sun was just beginning to set. Charlotte was tired so she excused herself to retire early.
“I think we should discuss a few things,” Sinclair told him after they were alone.
Exhausted, Lucas wanted nothing more than to just retire for the night. Still, the look on her face told him that he wouldn’t be able to rest until she said what she needed to. Sighing, he led the woman into his mother’s parlor.
“I feel that it is important we outline what is to be expected out of this marriage.” Said Sinclair.
“Such as?”
“For starters, I want to maintain my inheritance.”
He would have chuckled if he’d had the energy. The thought of her demanding her own money was absurd. “You are my wife and therefore everything you have is mine, but I will make sure you are well taken care of.”
Fuming, Sinclair sat rigidly on one of the soft, upholstered chairs. Lucas gladly took a seat across from her on the tiny sofa. He felt the piece wobble under his large weight.
“Then what of infidelity?” Sinclair asked.
“You mean to ask me if you may stray?”
“I only wish to know if you will be faithful. You told me once you would not.”
Lucas flinched at the reminder. “What I choose to do is none of your concern.”
“I am your wife now. I deserve to know what kind of man I married.”
“I am a man who would never invite scandal and that is all you need to know.” Lucas had no intention of being unfaithful, but this was not the time to mention it. She couldn’t be allowed to
hold all the cards this early.
“Then I have only one more thing to say.”
Lucas raised a dark eyebrow as she stood proudly. Not knowing what to expect from such a bold woman, he sat patiently, waiting for her to speak. Her face blushed with embarrassment before she found the courage to say anything.
“If this marriage is going to be simply one of convenience, then it shall be one in name only.”
“Meaning?” Now he began to be the irritated one.
“I will not be joining you in bed this night, or any other.”
Lucas had assumed the wedding night would be the simplest part of their marriage. After the passion she had shown in the garden, Sinclair should be more than willing to consummate their marriage. Knowing that she wanted nothing to do with him in that capacity, stung his pride deeply. Shocked, Lucas stood up, inches from his wife.
“You mean to tell me I will be denied by my own wife?”
“That is exactly what I mean.”
Lucas could feel his face tighten into an angry scowl. She didn’t even flinch in the face of his anger, but smiled at him with smug satisfaction. Frustrated, Lucas swept her up and over his shoulder.
“Don’t you dare!” He ignored her screams and the pounding of her fists on his back.
In long purposeful strides he headed to the upper floor, in the direction of his bedroom. Thankfully Charlotte slept so deeply that nothing could wake her and she wouldn’t hear Sinclair’s screaming. He wasn’t as lucky with Frederick.
“Sir, is there something I should know about?” the butler asked, stepping directly into his path.
“I am just carrying my wife to our room. She is tired after the trip.” Lucas didn’t want to fight with the help but knew Frederick wouldn’t hesitate if he thought Sinclair was in danger. “I promise she won’t be harmed.”
Frederick looked skeptical, but wisely kept his mouth shut and retreated. Once they reached his room, Lucas dropped her onto the large, mahogany bed. Floundering a bit in the soft bedding, Sinclair managed to sit upright and give him an angry look.