Her heart swelled. Were they mere words, or did he truly think her beautiful? It was not how she had ever thought of herself: Stepmama had lamented her plainness often enough. But this was Alex—never a man to pay lip service—although she did recognise he meant all of her, not only her appearance. Even so, a warm glow of contentment radiated through her at the realisation he did, indeed, think her beautiful. She opened her arms and he snuggled into her, his breathing already softening and slowing as one hand drifted across to cup her breast and one leg settled between hers. He sighed. An upwelling of tenderness brought tears to Jane’s eyes as she stroked his hair back and feathered a kiss to his forehead.
‘’Night, Janey,’ he murmured.
Before long his limbs grew heavy and slack and he fell asleep. Jane’s eyelids soon drifted shut and she, too, slept.
Chapter Eight
Alex roused, floating up from the depths of a long, dreamless sleep, his brain scrambling to catch up with his slowly awakening body. Gradually, the events of the night before formed coherent images and he smiled, a deep sense of satisfaction pervading him as he became aware his body was folded around another and his right hand loosely clasped a shapely breast.
Jane! His wife...and now they were married in every sense of the word.
He cranked open one eyelid and blinked, surprised by how light the room was, despite the drawn curtains. He frowned. Morning. It was morning. And he had slept right through. He tried hard to ignore the quickening of his blood and his growing arousal as he struggled to make sense of the time—what had happened to his nightmares? He searched his memory. No. There was no bad dream; no restless thrashing about to recall—merely a deep sense of peace and a burgeoning need to sink into his wife’s welcoming heat. His arm tightened, drawing Jane closer to him, and he flexed his hips, pressing his erection against her bottom.
She stirred and murmured, her arm moving to lie over his, her hand covering his, her fingers closing to encourage him to caress her breast.
‘Mmm... Good morning, Husband.’ She turned and pressed her mouth to his.
Maybe—and his spirits rose at this last coherent thought before passion took control—this was the answer to those nightmares that had plagued him ever since he had witnessed Pikeford’s assault on Jane. Make love to his wife every night and sleep in her arms.
* * *
Some time later Alex relaxed back against the pillows, Jane sprawled across his chest. He sighed, tightening his hold. She raised her head, propped her chin on her clasped hands and fixed him with a direct look.
He bit back a smile...that look was very ‘Jane’. People often thought because she was quiet, it meant she was shy, but Alex knew different. She was something of a rarity among females, in his experience—never one for small talk or gossip, but unafraid to speak her mind and, the more he thought about it, the more he realised he couldn’t have picked a better wife if he’d tried. Jane, his best-ever female friend, who was revealing herself to be a far more sensual being than he could ever have imagined. He felt happier and more hopeful than he had for a very long time as he contemplated their future together.
‘Thank you,’ she said.
He frowned. ‘For what?’
‘For being patient with me.’
He laughed. ‘Me? Patient? Hmm... My family and friends would stare to hear my name and that quality in the same breath.’ He hooked his hands under her arms and slid her up his body so he could kiss her. ‘But there’s always a first time, I suppose. And don’t they say patience has its own reward?’
He nipped her earlobe and nibbled his way down her neck.
‘I think—’ she tilted her head back to allow him better access ‘—the saying is “patience is its own reward”!’
Alex shrugged, distracted by the fluttering pulse in her throat.
‘I like my version better,’ he murmured, laving that pulse.
His hand wandered down her back to cup one delicious buttock. The blood rushed to his groin and, with reluctance, he rolled her off his chest.
‘Alex...?’
The doubt in that one word was underlined by the worry in her lovely brown eyes. She might not be shy, but he knew only too well the toll her stepmother’s constant criticism had taken on her self-confidence. He couldn’t bear her to think he was rejecting her. He smiled reassuringly.
‘You are new to this, my sweet—I don’t want you to get sore. Besides...’ he brushed her lips with his ‘...I need to recoup my strength.’
He reared up and flipped her over on to her back—making her giggle—before kissing her very thoroughly indeed.
‘Now, my lady, it is time we got up.’ He swung his legs out of bed before he could be tempted to take things further again. ‘Have you an idea of what would you like to do today?’ He stood up, turned to face her and bowed with a flourish. ‘I am entirely at your service.’
She laughed up at him—a glint of mischief in her eyes—and reached out, but he stepped back before her hand could close around him.
‘Good grief.’ He shook his head at her. ‘You are making it difficult to act the responsible and caring spouse, you wanton minx, you.’
She dimpled at him, her head tilted. ‘You shouldn’t be so hard to resist, you handsome devil.’
He laughed and grabbed her hands, hauling her from the bed and into his arms.
‘Well? Would you like to make a start on Pearl’s education?’
Her eyes lit up, but then a fine groove appeared between her eyebrows and she blushed. ‘I think I might prefer to wait a day or so.’
He bit back his grin of pure male satisfaction. ‘Of course,’ he said gravely. ‘Maybe later I will drive you around the area so you can get your bearings. Come on.’ He released her, gave her a gentle push and swatted her backside playfully. ‘Get moving. The day’s half over already! I’ll go to my room and get dressed and I’ll see you in the parlour for breakfast.’
* * *
‘Well?’ Later, after they had eaten, Alex eyed Jane over the rim of his coffee cup. ‘Have you any further thoughts about how we might spend the day? I’m completely at your disposal... I’ve already sent word to the stables I won’t be available until tomorrow.’
‘Well, first I must check on the kittens. Peg promised to feed them first thing this morning, but I can’t expect her to take on the whole burden of caring for them. And I must consult with Mrs Kent on household matters and the new staff we need. And then—’
Alex held up his hand. ‘Are you telling me you have no need of me today? You’ve had your wicked way with me and now I am de trop until it’s bedtime?’
‘No! Oh, Alex, I did not mean...’ She stared at him, and pouted. ‘You utter wretch! You are teasing me.’
‘Of course I am, Janey.’ He winked at her. ‘Well, while you feed the kittens, and you and Mrs Kent make plans, I dare say I ought to attend to my ledgers and correspondence. So I shall be in my business room should you have need of me.’
Jane pursed her mouth, shaking her head. ‘Now I see why you were so keen to spend the day with me—anything is preferable to completing ledgers and writing letters.’ She stood, and rounded the table. ‘You never did care for studying and lessons, I recall.’
A dark shadow nudged at his memory. A time when he had skipped lessons with his tutor...the summer house by the lake... He thrust the memory away and forced a smile.
‘You caught me out! But now, because my wife is too conscientious, I have no excuse.’
She laid her hand on his shoulder. ‘Give me time to get accustomed to the routine of the house and I will help you. I always used to help Papa... I often wrote letters for him and ledgers hold no fears for me.’
Alex didn’t need to force his smile this time. He shoved his chair back from the table, grabbed Jane around the waist and pulled her on to his knee.
‘I knew I was right to ma
rry you.’ He nuzzled her ear. ‘It is the best thing I have ever done. We will make a wonderful team.’
He believed every word. This marriage was going to work out far better than he could ever have hoped. After her reaction on their wedding night he’d wondered if Jane would find it hard to banish the memories of Pikeford, but she had surprised him with her determination to conquer her fear. Although...maybe he shouldn’t be surprised, knowing Jane. She had never been one to buckle under one setback—she was a quietly determined soul who got things done.
Life looked rosy indeed, with Jane by his side.
‘I’ll be in the business room if you have need of me.’ If Jane was to help him in future he should at least present her with up-to-date records from the start. He pressed a light kiss to her mouth and lifted her from his knee as he stood up. ‘I shall see you later.’
He left the parlour with a spring in his stride.
* * *
Later, while Jane changed her gown, Alex headed for the stable yard to collect his curricle and pair, ordered ready for two o’clock. Sure enough, the feisty pair of chestnuts were ready-harnessed.
‘They’re lively, milord,’ Lilley remarked as Alex leapt into the vehicle.
‘I’d be disappointed if they weren’t. They’ll soon settle once we get moving.’
He drove to the front door, where Jane waited for him, clad in a flattering cornflower-blue pelisse over a white carriage dress with deep blonde flounces and a matching broad-brimmed, feather-trimmed bonnet. The day was fresh and bright—a bit like the horses—and, as they set off at a spanking trot, Alex couldn’t keep the proud smile from his face.
They drove to Malton, which boasted a church and the adjacent vicarage, an inn, a general store and post office, a bakery and a smithy. Alex had never mingled much with his neighbours, but today, when he saw a familiar face, he stopped to introduce Jane, accepting their hearty congratulations with a smile and a glow of pride. Mrs Phillips, the wife of the local vicar, was especially welcoming and she invited Jane to take tea with her one day. Jane accepted the invitation, her pleasure clear. As they drove on, Alex hid his happiness behind a grumble.
‘No doubt we shall be plagued by a never-ending stream of visitors, all keen to make your better acquaintance and to invite us to all manner of entertainments.’
She tipped her head to one side. ‘Should you object if we socialise with them?’
Would it be so bad? Getting wed had changed his outlook. Even though he’d never had any intention of leaving Foxbourne, somehow it seemed more settled...more permanent...now.
‘I suppose not, if it makes you happy,’ he muttered in a purposely grudging tone, then bit back his laugh when Jane’s lips quirked into a knowing, but fond, smile. She could always tell when he was fudging the truth to hide his true feelings.
He saw they were about to pass the blacksmith’s forge and reined the horses to a halt.
‘I almost forgot; I have a message for the farrier from Lilley—one of the lads is bringing a horse down to be shod tomorrow. I warn you in advance, though—Benson does love to gossip.’
‘Then I hope to learn even more about my new neighbours, but I am surprised you don’t have your own farrier at Foxbourne.’
‘Sir William always used Benson, so I carried on.’ Alex handed her the reins. ‘Are you happy holding the horses? They’ve had the fidgets worked out of them.’
‘Of course.’
He jumped down as Benson emerged into the sunlight, wiping his glistening forehead with a grimy rag before tucking it behind the bib of his leather apron. His face creased in a smile as he recognised Alex and his eyes brightened when he noticed Jane seated in the curricle.
Alex relayed Lilley’s message and then introduced Benson to Jane.
‘’Tis an honour to meet you, milady, so it is. We was all agog to hear His Lordship had wed—it’s wonderful news, to be sure.’
Jane smiled at him but, before she could reply, Benson barrelled on, his eyes alight with the excitement of a juicy morsel of gossip.
‘Have you heard the latest news, milord?’
Alex caught Jane’s eye, saw laughter twinkling and he winked in response. It felt good to have someone to share a joke with.
‘No. I’m afraid you have the advantage of me there, Benson. What news?’
Benson beamed. ‘Halsdon Manor is let at last. You’ll have new neighbours by All Hallow’s Eve...my missus is hired on to help prepare the house.’ He switched his gaze to Jane. ‘It’s been empty these five years, milady, so it has. And even then, Mr Lascelles only lived there a short while before he disappeared back overseas.’
That name left a sour taste in Alex’s mouth—he’d almost forgotten Anthony Lascelles owned Halsdon Manor.
‘Quite the mystery, so it was,’ Benson continued. ‘After all, why would a man buy an estate and then leave the country without a word? I never did—’
His jaw snapped shut as he caught Alex’s expression.
‘Sorry, milord. I was forgetting Mr Lascelles was a relation. You probably know more about it than me.’
‘No. I don’t.’ Alex leapt into the curricle, taking the reins from Jane, but then paused, eyeing the blacksmith. ‘Do you have any idea who has leased the Manor, Benson?’
‘Nobody does, milord. We’s hoping Mrs Benson’ll find out more when she starts working up there.’
‘No doubt we’ll find out soon enough.’ Alex nodded at Benson. ‘Good day to you.’
As they drove out of the village, Jane said, ‘Who is Mr Lascelles? I have never heard of him. Is he a relative of yours?’
‘Black sheep of the family.’ Alex chuckled as Jane’s eyebrows rose. ‘And there was you, thinking I was the black sheep.’
‘Is he from your mother’s side?’
‘No.’ Alex’s throat tightened, as it always did at any mention of his mother. ‘Father’s, on the distaff side.’
‘He’s illegitimate?’
‘Yes. My great-uncle was the duke, but he never married. He had a long-standing affair with an actress and they had a son together.’
‘Mr Lascelles.’
‘Yes. And Great-Uncle still refused to contemplate an actress becoming Duchess of Cheriton so the title passed on to his brother, my grandfather, and then through him to my father.’
‘So he’s your father’s cousin?’
‘Yes. He hates Father, though. Uncle Vernon says he’s eaten up with jealousy because he believed he should rightfully be the duke. He’s...overseas now.’ The story of why he had quit Halsdon Manor so suddenly could wait. ‘He’s actually lived overseas for most of his life. I only met him for the first time in London five years ago.’
‘Perhaps he has returned and the house is being prepared for him?’
Lascelles would be a fool to return, given the way Alex’s father felt about what he had done. But it was strange it was suddenly let after all this time. ‘We shall soon find out, I have no doubt.’
* * *
Alex didn’t give the potential occupant of Halsdon Manor another thought as he and Jane settled into married life. He would never have guessed he could experience such contentment; if ever he’d thought about it, he would have said he could never tolerate living cheek by jowl with any other person, but he found himself increasingly seeking Jane out during the day simply because he enjoyed her company. He also appreciated the calm and comfortable home she provided for him, he enjoyed sharing his life and ideas with her and, for the first few nights, he slept right through, dreamless, with his wife held close, waking refreshed and blessing the day they had wed.
* * *
The dreams began again after a week or so. In them, he was walking around the lake at the Abbey, towards the summer house. The sound of a scuffle from among the trees lured him into the wood before he reached it. He invariably awoke just as he hauled Pikeford off J
ane and he would find himself in her arms, her cool fingers stroking his brow.
‘Shh... It’s a bad dream. I’m here. Sleep now.’
The images would disperse, leaving him thoroughly ashamed that Pikeford’s attack was haunting him while Jane had put it behind her, so he denied recalling any details of those dreams even as he puzzled over why they included the long-demolished summer house. He also had the sense someone was walking with him, which was nonsense; he could only assume it was his brain muddling together different memories, as often happened in dreams.
He was grateful Jane’s presence helped keep his old nightmares at bay and that he didn’t dream every night. Surely they would eventually stop, as his nightmares had done in the past.
The days fell into a comfortable rhythm and their nights were filled with a passion and a depth of feeling Alex had never before experienced. Jane seemed happy and contented. She had gained so much confidence, now she was out of reach of that old witch with her constant disapproval. Jane even at times instigated their lovemaking. There was so much more to the woman he had always thought of as a little sister...how had he failed to recognise this treasure under his nose his entire life?
As time passed, his habitual guard gradually lowered as he allowed Jane closer than he had ever let anyone, but it seemed as though the more contented his life became, the more frequently dreams disturbed his nights. They took a dark turn, with odd images flashing through them—images that filled him with a deep foreboding. Those nights, he would waken with his heart thumping, but unable to make any sense of those fleeting images.
But Jane was always there to soothe and to comfort and although she often asked about his nightmare in the morning he continued to fob her off, determined not to remind her of Pikeford.
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