by Aston, Alexa
He liked that about her. Not caring that either of them held on to their pasts. Only that they had now—and their futures together.
Reid bent and removed her stockings and slippers, leaving her with nothing on. His eyes roamed the pale, smooth flesh as his hands settled on her hips.
“This is how I like you best. How only I see you. Touch you. Taste you.”
Ashlyn looked over his shoulder and around the room. “I don’t see any valet here, Your Grace. I suppose I can return the favor.”
He kissed the tip of her perfect nose. “I wish you would, my lady.”
She took her time getting him from his clothes. Unbuttoning each button leisurely. Untying his cravat and sliding it from him. Reid wanted to set her aside and shuck off his clothes but then he saw that she moved deliberately, peeling away each layer with precision, building anticipation within him.
When at last they stood face to face, bare as the day they’d been born, he said, “I cannot wait to be inside you. To come inside you. I figure since we’re little more than a day away from our wedding that it’s safe to spill my seed within you.”
Ashlyn wrapped her arms about his waist. “Do you want a boy or a girl first?”
He cradled her face in his palms. “It doesn’t matter. I assume we’ll have plenty of both. I know I should say a boy so an heir is confirmed but all I see is a little girl with blond locks as her mother, twisting me about her little finger, making me dance to her tune.”
“Speaking of dancing . . . shall we go to bed?”
“Ah, my favorite type of dance to engage in. No wonder we are so well suited, Lady Dunwood. We favor the same kind of dancing.”
Reid scooped her into his arms and tossed her onto the bed, jumping next to her. Ashlyn giggled as he began touching her. But soon, the giggles turned to sighs and then whimpers. His fingers glided along her satin skin. His mouth feasted upon her breasts. Then he moved his lips down her belly and beyond, reaching the tuft of curls.
Her fingers pushed into his hair, forcing his head up. “What are you doing?”
“Making you mine,” he growled.
He removed her fingers from his hair and pushed them onto the bed next to her hips, gently holding her wrists in place.
“Reid,” she said, squirming.
“You’ve trusted me before, Ashlyn. Trust me now.”
“All right,” she agreed and stilled.
He released her wrists and reached for her ankles, pulling on them until her feet rested flat, her knees bent. He captured her wrists again lightly.
And ran his tongue along the seam of her sex.
“Reid!” she squealed. “That’s . . . sinful.”
“Then sinning never felt so good,” he replied—and did it again.
Within minutes, Ashlyn writhed on the bed as his tongue explored her. Her little gasps became big ones. Then moans. Then groans. Then she called his name several times as she orgasmed.
He worked his way back up her luscious body, taking his time until their lips met again. When they did, he placed his cock in position and then pushed inside her. Ashlyn called out something which was lost in their kiss and then he pumped into her with a mix of reverence and enthusiasm. For the first time, Reid came inside her and they clung to one another. He collapsed atop her and, conscious of his weight, quickly rolled to his back, bringing her with him.
He caught sight of the dazed look on her face, her eyes glazed in the aftermath of their lovemaking. He cupped her nape and pushed her head to his chest. She nestled her cheek against it, her breathing still as erratic as his. Together, they fell back to earth.
“I hope we made a baby,” she mumbled and then he heard her soft snores.
Kissing the top of her head, he said, “I hope so, too.”
Reid didn’t sleep. He couldn’t. He didn’t want to miss a moment of Ashlyn being in his arms. He supposed the newness of his love for her would pass but he couldn’t imagine a day—or night—when he wouldn’t crave this woman.
He let her sleep another hour and then awakened her.
“Time to return to your temporary bedchamber, Lady Dunwood.”
She looked at him sleepily. “Must I, Your Grace?”
“I think it wise. Then you can breakfast with our friends and we can go to church together. I’d like to confirm everything regarding tomorrow’s ceremony with the clergyman after this morning’s service.”
Reid tossed back the bedclothes and shrugged into his dressing gown. He helped Ashlyn into her layers of clothing and then walked with her to her bedchamber.
“Dalinda is still using the bedchamber designated for the Duchess of Gilford. I’ll see that the servants move her things sometime today.”
“There’s no rush, Reid. I don’t want her to feel awkward about it.”
He kissed her. “She’ll understand. I’ll speak to her about it.”
He returned to his room and rang for Anderson. The valet appeared, jovial as ever.
“Good morning, Your Grace. Felicitations to you upon your engagement. Lady Dunwood is quite popular with the staff.”
“Thank you, Anderson. I find she’s very popular with me, as well. Could you bring hot water? I’ll dress afterward.”
“Certainly, Your Grace.”
His valet returned a short time later and once Reid was ready, he went downstairs. Both Gray and Burke were already present in the small breakfast room, their plates piled high.
“You look exhilarated,” Burke said. “I assume I know what you and Ashlyn were up to after the ball.”
He couldn’t keep the smile from his face. “We’re almost married. And we’re in love.”
“It doesn’t get old, my friend,” Gray shared. “Just when I don’t think I can love Charlotte any more than I do, my wonderful Miss Nott goes and does something or says something, and I find myself giddy with joy and bursting with love anew for her.”
Reid laughed as he filled a plate. “I’m glad I’m not the only one making a fool of myself.”
“The only fools are those who never admit love exists,” Burke declared. “We three are better men for doing so—and for wedding women even better than us.”
“Ashlyn does seem to get along well with Gemma and Charlotte,” he said. “That’s convenient.”
“Ashlyn could get along with a boulder sitting in a field,” Gemma declared as she entered the breakfast room. “I’m so glad you love her, Reid. She is immensely loveable.”
“She is,” he agreed pleasantly. “Every inch of her is loveable.” He grinned. “I know from experience.”
Gemma swatted him as she passed and took a seat. “Watch your tongue, Your Grace. Be glad you’re among friends.”
“I wouldn’t speak of her this way to anyone else,” he said. “I’m merely reeling with love.”
Ashlyn and Charlotte came in several minutes later, followed by Dalinda, and the group had a lively conversation before they left for church.
As they waited for the carriage, Reid drew Dalinda aside.
“Since Ashlyn and I are marrying tomorrow, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind vacating the suite of rooms you now use.”
“I am one step ahead of you, Reid,” Dalinda said. “I spoke to Mrs. Paul about it yesterday once Ashlyn informed us of your engagement. It will be taken care of today once everything having to do with the ball has been undone.”
“That was very thoughtful of you, Dalinda.”
She smiled. “I’m glad to see you this way, Reid. Your father would also have been happy that you’ve found love.” A shadow crossed her face. “I think it will be good for me to have new rooms. The old ones have too many memories in them.”
“I know you miss him.”
“I do. Rather, I miss the man I married and had for ten years. Once he became ill, he was very different. I suppose that helped me in the end, letting him go. He was a stranger by then.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Dalinda assured him. “I still have Art
hur and Harry. They are the best parts of him.”
“You know you’re still young. Barely older than I am. Perhaps you’ll wed again someday.”
“It’s possible. Who knows what lies in the future?”
After the Sunday service, Reid produced the special license and he and Ashlyn confirmed all of the details with Reverend Jackson. They set the time for ten o’clock the following morning.
The rest of the day was spent with their friends, though Gemma disappeared for an afternoon nap. Gray and Charlotte’s children joined them as they played lawn croquet and Jane turned up the surprise winner. They had an early dinner and then Ashlyn insisted on returning to her cottage. Reid walked her back, reluctant to leave her even for a few hours.
“I think it best if we spend our wedding eve apart,” she told him. “I’ve sent everything for tomorrow’s ceremony ahead to Gillingham. Mrs. Paul told me it will all be laid out and ready for me. I’ll come to the house early to bathe and dress.”
“I’ll come get you.”
“No, it’s bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the ceremony. The first time you see me tomorrow will be when I come down the aisle. Gray already offered to escort me to Gillingham tomorrow morning.”
“He better not take his time,” Reid grumbled. “I don’t want to wait any longer than necessary.”
They reached the cottage and he said, “Since I won’t see you until tomorrow, I suppose I should give this to you now.” He pulled something sparkling from his pocket and opened his palm.
Ashlyn saw a diamond bracelet resting there. “Oh, Reid, it’s beautiful.”
He slipped it onto her wrist and she admired it.
“I’ll certainly wear this tomorrow. I’ve never owned anything so fine.”
“Until you received this.” He reached into a different pocket and extracted a matching necklace.
Her eyes widened. “It’s incredible.”
He placed the necklace around her neck and fastened the clasp. She touched it with her fingers, in awe of the piece.
“As Duchess of Gilford, you will have access to many jewels—but know this, Ashlyn—you are the most valuable jewel of all.”
Reid kissed her tenderly and Ashlyn felt treasured in that moment. She was marrying a good man and knew he would always keep her safe.
He broke the kiss and opened the cottage door.
“This is as far as you go, Your Grace,” she told him. “I will see you in the chapel tomorrow morning.”
Reid gave her a soft, sweet kiss. “Until tomorrow, Lady Dunwood.”
She sighed. “I do love you.”
“I love you more,” he replied. He kissed her again and then said, “Goodnight, my lady. You realize when I say that this time tomorrow, I will be speaking to Lady Gilford, my wife.” His eyes twinkled at her. “I like the sound of that. Goodnight, Your Grace,” he tried out. “Yes, that sounds right.”
Ashlyn laughed softly. “It most certainly does.”
With that, she closed the door.
Reid whistled the entire way back to Gillingham.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Ashlyn leaned against the door, smiling to herself, fingering the new necklace she wore.
This time tomorrow, she would be Her Grace, the Duchess of Gilford.
The title she could do without but what she could never be without was Reid. He had made such a difference in her life. She would have a second chance at marriage. At having children. And it was her first and only time to fall in love. Her circumstances almost overwhelmed her.
She thought back to his idea of opening a girls’ school, a companion to the boys, and decided she liked that quite a bit. She still wanted to keep Dunwood Academy small, servicing no more than a dozen or so boys. Having an equal number of girls would nicely balance things. It would be good for the genders to mix in a few activities, such as riding and dancing lessons. Perhaps music, as well. The thought of her own sons and daughters attending Dunwood Academy made her swell with pride. Ashlyn would look into the matter over the summer break, knowing that Reid would give her good counsel. The idea of them working together in creating a new school made her very happy.
As did the idea of them having children. She placed a hand on her belly, wondering if even now Reid’s child might be growing inside her. She hoped she was still fertile. It had taken only one coupling between her and Daniel to produce Gregory. Possibly by this time next year, she and Reid would already have the first of what she hoped would be many offspring.
Ashlyn picked up the lamp to light her way into the other room, grateful that Mrs. Paul always made sure this small gesture was taken care of. She looked forward to getting to know the housekeeper and all of Reid’s servants better.
She took a few steps and froze, her mind not quite understanding what lay before her as a disheveled Eden Martin stepped from the darkened bedchamber. She was covered in dust from the road and the hem of her gown and one sleeve were torn. Half her hair had fallen from its elaborate coil, giving her a lopsided appearance. Her eyes darted about like a wild animal that had been cornered.
But what frightened Ashlyn most was the pistol in Eden’s hand—aimed directly at Ashlyn.
Drawing from wells of strength she hoped wouldn’t disappear, she calmly said, “I’m surprised to see you here, Lady Eden.”
The younger woman looked perplexed, as if Ashlyn spoke to her in some foreign tongue. Ashlyn wanted to run. To scream. To hide. Any of those might get her killed. Instead, she held her ground and tried to look upon the intruder benignly, not wanting Eden to feel threatened.
“He doesn’t love you,” Eden said, her voice breathy. “I heard him tell you that. But he loves me. And I love him. I have ever since I was a girl.” She paused, her eyes glassy. “I decided then I would marry him. That I would become the Duchess of Gilford one day.”
Ashlyn swallowed, unsure what to say. She decided to try to distract Eden.
“Your sister tells me you’ve made a brilliant come-out. That you have gentlemen calling on you left and right. She says you are the most popular girl making her debut this Season.”
Eden nodded. “I have many men interested in me.”
“I’m sure you do,” she encouraged. “Handsome men. Men with lofty titles and vast amounts of wealth. You’ll have your pick of whomever you choose to wed, Eden.”
“No!” the girl said, stamping her foot. “I want Gilford. No one else.” She paused. “He called you Ashlyn. It’s a pretty name.”
The compliment caught her off-guard. “Thank you, Eden. I like your name, as well.”
“My name means delight. Eden was a paradise. That is what Gilford and I will live in. Paradise. Just as Adam and Eve did.”
Ashlyn refrained from mentioning that Adam and Eve were thrust from paradise because they’d disobeyed God.
“Edith told me you were going to wed Gilford. I’m here to prevent that mistake,” the young woman continued, nervously swaying from side to side, the gun wavering in all directions. “Gilford will marry me instead. He thinks he wants you but he doesn’t. He doesn’t know me. He thinks I’m some silly little schoolgirl. He doesn’t understand how much I love him. I will do anything to be with him. Anything.”
Ashlyn’s mind raced, whirling with a thousand thoughts, none of them forming into a way to help her escape this creature.
“Perhaps we should go see His Grace,” she suggested, hoping that if they left the cottage, she might have a chance to escape the range of Eden’s pistol. She doubted the girl had ever fired a weapon. The likelihood of her missing, especially a moving target, was what Ashlyn clung to.
“No. I’ll go.”
She gripped the lamp she held. “Then I’ll stay here and wait for you.”
Eden quit moving and raised the gun, pointing it at Ashlyn. “No. I don’t want you here. If you’re here, you’d be a reminder to Gilford. I want you gone. Forever.”
“Then I’ll leave, Eden,” she quickly said. “Tell me where you w
ant me to go.”
An evil smile lit the girl’s face. “I want you to join your dead husband and dead son, Ashlyn.”
*
As Reid approached the house, he saw a carriage racing up the lane and went to see who might be calling at Gillingham at such a late hour. It startled him to see Ransom fling open the door and bound out. He handed Lady Edith down as Reid reached them.
“We went home to London today,” Lady Edith said, her agitation obvious as she wrung her hands together. “I told Papa of your engagement to Lady Dunwood. Eden overheard me. She became like a wild woman, Your Grace. She screamed obscenities. Shattered vases. Stormed from the room. Papa sent for the doctor but when he arrived, we couldn’t find her anywhere. He sent servants out but they came home without her.”
“We believe she may have come to Gillingham,” Ransom continued, wrapping his arm protectively around his fiancée. “A groom reported a horse missing from the stables.”
“Warn my servants,” Reid cried and took off, running back toward Ashlyn’s cottage. Fear gave him a burst of energy as he raced across the lawn.
Who knew what actions Eden Martin was capable of, especially with her demented mind? He had to reach Ashlyn in time. He couldn’t live his life without her. It had taken him almost thirty years to find someone to love. Someone he could trust. The woman he wanted to birth his children. The only one he wanted in his bed and by his side, now and forever.
The cottage appeared and Reid saw a faint light still glowed within. He didn’t know if that was a good sign or bad as he burst through the door.
He went cold as he caught sight of Eden Martin facing his direction, the pistol in her hands pointed at Ashlyn. Quickly, he leaped in front of Ashlyn, knowing his frame would block any bullet Eden attempted to fire.
“Move, Gilford. She can’t be part of our lives,” demanded Eden.
At that moment, he knew the young woman had slipped into madness. Reid needed to get Ashlyn safely from the cottage. To do so, he needed to feed the monster within Eden.
“I don’t want Ashlyn in our lives, Eden,” he said soothingly. “I just want her to be gone. Seeing you makes me realize that. You came all this way—because you love me.”