by Vikki Vaught
On and on he moved until her muscles tightened around his engorged cock. Reaching down, he touched her and sent her soaring. When she cried out, he captured it with his kiss. After she found her release, he used powerful vigorous strokes until he joined her in a state of euphoria as his essence flooded her passage. He groaned, then slumped over her, his arms no longer strong enough to hold him up.
Then realizing that while he might not have an extra ounce of fat on him, he was still a huge man, much too heavy for her small frame. He rolled off her and pulled her into his arms. “Darlin’, now that’s the way to greet the mornin’,” he murmured in her ear.
Her cheeks flamed a deep rose as she asked, “Do you think anyone heard me? I don’t know what came over me.”
Smothering a laugh, he said, “Sweetheart, that’s music to my ears. To know I brought you that much pleasure is deeply satisfyin’. To answer your question though, I think I muffled most of it with my kiss.” Then sighing, he added, “As much as I enjoy the thought of spending the day in bed with you, I’m sure Harry and Melanie have big plans for us today.” Turning serious, he inquired, “Have you been feeling well? I hope your mornin’ sickness is better.”
“It bothers me in the morning, but as long as I stick to dry toast and tea, it passes. I feel fine the rest of the day. Can’t you tell? I have gained at least half a stone.”
“Good. You’re supposed to gain when you’re having a babe. Now up with you, my darlin’, let’s get some dry toast in you.” Tossing back his covers, he went behind the screen and took care of his daily needs. He heard Anissa fumbling around for her night rail and smiled. For such a vixen in bed, she sure was a modest woman.
Chuckling to himself, he quickly shaved and dressed. “I’m going downstairs to breakfast. I’ll make sure Mrs. A has your toast and tea ready when you come down.” Then with a swift kiss on the end of her nose, he left the room.
* * * *
Once breakfast ended, Alex and the two women gathered up the children and headed to Harrison’s pond. Harry pranced along beside him, showing off his new riding skills, and his daughter rode along on his other side. After arriving at the pond, the children tore off their clothes and jumped in the pond, making a huge splash, sending a screaming Anissa and Kathleen further back from the water’s edge. Once Alex joined Melanie and Harry, they had him throw them in the air and let them fall, sending great spouts of water into the air. Both children crawled on his shoulders and tried to dunk him. He pretended to slip, and the youngsters roared with their success. While Anissa and Kathleen joined them, they stayed well away, laughing at their antics. After frolicking for a couple hours, and even though none of them were ready to return to the house, they climbed out of the pond, packed up their picnic, mounted up, then made their way to Meadow Grove.
At supper that night, Alex had the children laughing so hard tears rolled down their faces as he told humorous stories of his childhood and of the time Kathleen had climbed up a big oak tree. “She grew scared and yelled my name at the top of her voice. I came running and found her stuck on one of the upper branches with her cat hissing. I climbed the tree and retrieved one scared little girl and a very angry cat. I sported scratches for at least a week.”
After supper ended, everyone went into the parlor, and leaving one candle burning, Alex told ghost stories well into the night.
Harry played the gallant when Melanie squeezed her eyes shut and covered her face. He put a brotherly arm around her shoulder and patted her back. It did his heart good to see the love blossoming between the two. He had to find a way to keep them together.
After everyone went to bed, he made love to his wife until from sheer exhaustion, they both slipped into the oblivion of sleep. The next morning, he again made sweet, slow passionate love to her, taking them both to new heights.
When they returned home from church, they shared a quick lunch and then after tearful goodbyes between the youngsters, he helped Kathleen and his daughter into the curricle.
Taking his wife’s hand, he murmured, “Darlin’, this has been one of the best weekends of my life. Please take care of yourself and send word if you need anything. If I hear more from Lord Howard, I’ll let you know right away. I’m not sure when I can return, but it should be no later than the weekend after next. Sea trials are starting soon for the new ship. I’d like to go out on her to see how she handles. Come here, I want one more kiss for the road.”
Then wrapping his arms around her, he tenderly kissed her sweet lips. Releasing her, he stepped back. Then he turned and climbed into the seat of the curricle. With a flick of his wrist, they were off. With an ache in his heart, he looked back one more time before turning the corner and lost sight of his wife.
He had wanted to tell her he loved her so badly, but he did not want to scare her away. Anissa had responded to his lovemaking with surprising fervor all weekend and never mentioned any of the issues they faced. This encouraged him. He prayed that soon his wife would return his feelings and then he could tell her he loved her. He needed to be patient and give her more time.
Melanie chattered on and on about how much fun she’d had while staying at Meadow Grove. His daughter needed a mother’s love, and he had never realized how much she had missed it. She started every sentence with Mama said this or Mama did that, until she yawned, then rubbed her sleepy eyes and laid her little blonde head on her aunt’s lap and fell asleep.
The eerie feeling he had on the trip to Meadow Grove had returned. He kept looking back over his shoulder, sure that someone followed behind them. Even though he searched, he never saw anyone. He tried to shrug it off. He would be glad when they made it home safely. Highway robbers roamed this stretch of the road, and he certainly did not want to run into them. He had his gun tucked into his belt for protection, but he did not want to use it, especially with Melanie and Kathleen with him.
The inky black, starless night sky that accompanied the last hour of the trip did not help. He breathed a sigh of relief when they finally made it home without mishap and he could let his guard down. His mother greeted them at the door, and she took Melanie from him and put her to bed. He had kept his body so tense the last hour of the trip, and his nerves strung as tight as a drum, that he felt completely wrung out. He went upstairs and climbed into his empty bed. The uneasy feeling still haunted him, and he could not relax enough to fall asleep. It was not like him to worry over something of this nature. After tossing and turning for a couple of hours, he eventually dozed off.
Chapter Eighteen
The empty house pulled at Anissa’s aching heart after Alex left with Melanie and Kathleen. Harry wandered through the corridors, tapping a stick against the walls and on the hard wood floor, acting like a lost puppy all afternoon and evening, missing his friend. He kept asking why Melanie and Alex had to leave, but as many times as she explained it to him, he did not understand. When that tactic did not work, he would ask why they could not go with them, and this was harder to explain, because she did not want to frighten him. Even though he knew they were in hiding, he was too young to understand what a threat his uncle was to them. She did not want Harry living in fear, so she could not tell him everything.
On Monday, Anissa had a visitor, so she did not take her son to the pond. Alice Nicholas came over, and she spent a pleasant afternoon with her. Her friend at last had a beau and wanted to tell her all about him. He sounded like a nice young man, and she hoped it worked out for her friend.
The next day, she went shopping with Melissa. Now that she did not have to worry over funds, she indulged and bought several new bonnets. Pretty bonnets had always been her downfall. They also went to Madame Francine’s shop, and she ordered several new day dresses to supplement her wardrobe.
When they finished shopping, they went back to her friend’s house for refreshments. After they took their seats in the parlor, Mary Lou handed her a cool glass of lemonade. “Did you enjoy your shopping expedition?”
“I did,” Anissa, laughed. “I found three
adorable bonnets and ordered several new gowns to add to my wardrobe. Since America is so much warmer than England, I needed some lighter clothing, so I don’t swelter in this heat.”
After taking a sip of her beverage, Mary Lou set it down and smiled. “I must say you’re glowing today. I do believe marriage agrees with you.”
“It does.” Then with a wistful note, she added, “I do wish Alex could be with me more, but of course he does still have a company to run.”
“Anissa,” her friend hesitated a moment, “you know I love having you here,” she told her, “but why haven’t you moved to Baltimore with Alex? That way he wouldn’t have to travel back and forth.”
Anissa blinked, not sure what to say, but then decided there was no harm in telling Mary Lou and Melissa of the threat to Harry. After all, they would never tell anyone. “I’m afraid I did not tell you the real reason I came to America. You must both promise to never repeat this to anyone.”
Mary Lou reached over and patted her hand. “Of course, my dear. I’ll hold your confidence, I promise.”
Melissa chimed in as well. “I’ll keep your secret too.”
Relief flooded her system. She had so desperately wanted someone she could confide in. “My son is titled, actually he is a marquess, and his great-uncle wants him dead. I overheard him plotting to kill me and then poison Harry, and that is why I fled England.”
“Oh my, how horrible,” Mary Lou gasped, as she covered her mouth in astonishment. “But that still doesn’t explain why you can’t live in Baltimore.”
Sighing, she explained more of the situation to her friend. “Surely, you agree it is not safe for us there, now that you know everything. Since Meadow Grove is Georgia’s family home, it will be much more difficult for him to find us here. We hope he will give up once he finds no trace of us and return to England. However, until that happens, we must stay well away from Baltimore.”
“You poor thing,” she cooed, “You have certainly had a difficult time of it. I shall pray that this horrid man gives up soon and goes back to England. If your son is a marquess, then that means you’re a marchioness, does it not? Oh, dear, I should be addressing you as my lady, shouldn’t I?”
Alarmed, she shook her head. “Please, no. It is imperative that no one knows who my son is. I used an assumed name to protect him from Lord Howard.”
“Your secret is safe with us. Neither Melissa nor I will tell a soul.”
“I know. That is why I’m comfortable with telling you. As far as titles go, I know they are not important in America. I actually find I enjoy the lack of formality here. Everyone in America is much friendlier than in England. In my country, I rarely knew anyone well enough to relax my guard. Here, it’s more important who a person is individually than who their parents were.”
“I’m pleased you feel that way,” her friend replied, “I must say I never suspected you were a member of the aristocracy. I’ve had the occasion to meet a few lords and ladies in Washington City when they visited, and most of them seemed to look down their noses at Americans. You’re nothing like them.”
She placed her empty glass on the table and smiled at Mary Lou. “I shall accept that as a compliment. There is a reason for my attitude. I did not grow up a part of the aristocracy. My father was a simple country squire, which is, in essence, a farmer.”
Melissa spoke up. “That explains why you seem much more approachable than either of us would have expected.”
Mary Lou asked, “If you were not an aristocrat, how did you become a marchioness?”
“I was fortunate enough,” Anissa explained, “to have an aunt who moved about in society, and she offered to present me at court and give me a season. I met my first husband quite by chance at my coming out ball, and we fell in love. To be honest with you, his peers were appalled when he married me. However, we were so much in love we did not let it bother us.”
Melissa sighed and folded her hands against her breasts. “I’m sorry you lost your first husband, but how fortunate you are to have found true love again. It is obvious that you and the captain are in love.”
Not wanting to disillusion her young friend, she told her, “I am quite fortunate.” Then to change the direction of the conversation, she asked about their next bible study, and the conversation moved on to a safer topic. After several more minutes of conversation, she stood. “As pleasant as this afternoon has been, I must return to my son. I know he has felt neglected lately.”
“Of course, I understand. I had no idea it was getting so late. I look forward to seeing you at Alice’s house on Friday for our sewing group.”
Then with hugs and kisses, Anissa departed. Relieved by sharing her story with Mary Lou and Melissa, she hurried down the sidewalk. Lying had never sat well with her. It was such a shame she could not live in America, because she liked it here so much better than England. Most women in the ton were so superficial, while here they were much more sincere and down to earth. It felt good to cast off the façade she had worn at home. As much as she would enjoy it here, though, it was not to be. Harry’s needs must come first.
After her bible study on Wednesday, Lucy packed a picnic lunch, and before any company showed up, she took Harry and headed for the pond. The sun bore down, scorching the shrubs along the road, and rivulets of sweat ran down her back by the time they made it to the pond. When she jumped in, the deliciously refreshing water cooled her warm flesh.
They frolicked in the water until her stomach rumbled. “Harry, it’s time for our picnic.” He looked ready to protest. “Come now, no grumbling.”
“All right, Mama,” he muttered, “I’m hungry anyway. Can we go back in after we have eaten?”
Smiling, she explained for what seemed like the hundredth time, “Harry, you know the rules. You must sit for at least thirty minutes before going back into the water. Once you have complied, we shall stay for another hour.”
As soon as her son finished his meal, she convinced him to lie on the blanket and rest while he waited for his food to settle. Of course, he fell asleep, as she suspected he would. Sitting under the shade of a large oak tree, she leaned back on her hands and looked out at the pond, watching fish jump and ducks dive as the water fowl tried to get at the trout. A much-needed breeze rippled the water and caressed her skin.
She stretched out beside her son, and her thoughts turned to Alex. Her love for him filled her soul. She was tired of bottling up her emotions and pushing her love deep inside. It was time for her to tell her husband she had fallen in love with him. While Alex had not told her he loved her, he was probably holding back as well, since she kept dwelling on their differences. That would come to an end when he returned this coming weekend.
Glancing over at her son’s peaceful face, she recalled the fun times he’d had with Alex over the weekend. Harry had enjoyed playing with her husband so much.
Without a doubt, he would make an excellent father for her son. He had already proven it with his daughter. Harry could learn some valuable life lessons from such a down-to-earth man. Alex could help him with the management of his estates until Harry reached his majority. As she spent more time with her husband, her belief in his integrity and honor grew stronger. Kendall would have felt the same way, if he had ever met Alex. Her late husband would have had no qualms with him having a hand in shaping their child as he matured into adulthood.
Perhaps they could stay in America, at least until Harry needed to return for school. They still needed to settle everything with Uncle Howard first though. What harm could it do if they lived here for a few years? It would benefit Harry to see a different side of life. It could help him be more in tune to the needs of his people. As far as his estates, Barrington would surely be willing to oversee them, making sure the properties prospered in their absence.
She wished she could tell Alex all her revelations right now, today, not when he returned on Friday. Her hand went to her stomach where new life grew. There was the babe to think of as well. This child woul
d be part American and would need to be a part of her husband’s life. No child could have a more loving or caring parent than Alex.
Much could happen in five years. She felt better about their situation and hope began to rise that they could overcome their differences. Her eyes grew heavy and she curled up next to her son, allowing sleep to slip in.
Startled from a sound sleep, she sat up and looked around. A tall man rushed toward her and Harry, while the man she had lived in fear of for months climbed from his horse. The sight sent her heart galloping. Bile rose to her throat as abject terror clawed at her very being. A blood-curdling scream pierced her ears, and she realized it came from her. Clutching Harry to her chest, she scrambled to her feet, the many yards of skirt slowing her progress. She tried to run, but the lithe man moved much faster.
He grabbed her by the waist with Harry clasped tight in her arms and pulled them against his muscular chest.
Uncle Howard sauntered over, laughing with every step he took. “You thought you could escape me, did you not? Your deceitful husband tried to steer me away, but I found you anyway. And now…you shall pay for making me chase you all over this god forsaken country.”
Anissa spit in his face as she struggled to get free. Her heart hammered so fast and hard that she felt as if it might break through the walls of her chest. He wiped her spittle off, then spoke to the man holding her. “Release the boy, Frank, but hold on to her. Remember what you are supposed to do, and when you get back to Baltimore I will pay you the rest of your fee.”
The man’s powerful arms loosened their tight grip on Harry, and she pushed her son to the side and yelled, “Run, Harry run!”
Lord Howard grabbed the back of her son’s shirt before he could get very far, quickly controlling the squirming child.
Harry screamed, “Let my mama go. Don’t you hurt her!”
He kicked his uncle in the shin, but her son was no match for the older man. Lord Howard overpowered him, even though Harry continued to struggle, twisting and turning, kicking, even trying to bite his uncle.