Fenella J Miller Read online

  He took her hand in his, carrying it to his mouth. His eyes held hers, he kissed each finger in turn. A delicious warmth pooled deep inside. She couldn’t look away.

  He raised his head, his eyes glittering, keeping her left hand in his. “My love, we have much to talk about. First there’s something I must give you.” He reached into his waistcoat pocket and removed a small velvet box with gold filigree on the front. He flicked it open revealing a stunning diamond and emerald betrothal ring. “I love you, Eleanor, I want you to have the family ring.”

  Her fingers were trembling as he pushed it over her knuckle. “There, now you are a Bentley bride. As soon as you’re well enough I wish to make you my true wife.” The love in his eyes was almost her undoing. How could she bear to keep her secret from him? “Will I be welcome in your bedchamber, my darling?”

  She couldn’t answer; her throat was clogged with tears. Instead she nodded and that was all he needed. He gathered her close and the next ten minutes took her to a place she hadn’t known existed—where she was loved and could be herself.

  “I must stop, or I shall not be able to.” He was breathless, a hectic flush across his cheek bones and seemed reluctant to move away from her.

  “Alex, I am—”

  “I understand. This is a shock to me as well.” He claimed her hands, caressing her palm with his thumbs, sending shivers up and down her spine. He was so close, his words brushed her cheek.

  Then the light was blotted out. His hands cradled her face, his mouth covered hers and his kiss sent shock waves through her body. This was no gentle brush of the lips, but demanding, his mouth slanting hard across her lips. She was burning, pressing herself against him, knowing she wanted something more from him but not sure what it was she craved.

  Again he sighed and moved to the far end of the chaise longue. “This will not do, my love. I’m taking shameful advantage of you. But having discovered I’m in love with you I want to tutor you in the pleasures of the bedroom.”

  When her pulse returned to normal she swung her legs to the floor and stood up. “I’m as eager as you, my dear, to experience everything a wife should know. However, I believe these things are best done in the privacy of the bedroom and not in full view of the staff.”

  He chuckled. “Exactly so, you have a wise head on your shoulders. Now we must converse of something mundane, turn our minds away from these exciting things.”

  “There is something I wish to talk about, Alex. What happened on Lucy’s birthday? Was the party cancelled?”

  “Of course it was. The children were more concerned about you than anything else. The cake was cut and we gave Lucy her gifts. Alexander has his name day shortly, shall we hold the event on his anniversary instead?”

  Eleanor turned away, not wanting him to see that tears filled her eyes. Three weeks was a long time; would she still be his dearest love then?

  Chapter Sixteen

  The sound of gentle breathing on the pillow beside her told Eleanor she was not dreaming. Alex was sleeping there; he hadn’t returned to his bedchamber this time. She rolled on to her side in order to watch him.

  How she adored this man! After such an unpromising start this was now a true love match.

  A cockerel crowed in the distance; dawn would come soon. Her abigail knew better than to disturb her before being summoned. Reaching out, she brushed her fingers against his naked shoulder. Instantly his eyes opened and a lazy smile curled his lips.

  “Good morning, my darling. Is it time for me to go?”

  “Not yet, it’s scarcely light.”

  He yawned, watching her, his eyes reflecting that strange glitter she now recognized as passion. “Excellent, than I have time to return to the land of nod.”

  Two could play this game. She stretched, raising her hands above her head, making certain her breasts were visible through the thin cloth of her nightgown. “I had not realized; I am also fatigued.” Deliberately turning her back she made a pretence of settling into the pillows.

  How long before he reached for her? Her skin twitched in anticipation of his touch. A familiar warmth rippled through her.

  Waiting was unbearable.

  Why did he not make love to her? Surely he hadn’t gone back to sleep? Had she imagined the darkness in his eyes, the flush across his cheek bones? Unable to wait another second, she rolled back.

  He was propped up on one elbow watching her, waiting to see if this time she would take the initiative. For the past four nights he had come to her, and each time they made love she had enjoyed it more. She was certain he shared her delight; it was so much harder for him to hold back then it was for her.

  “Are you fatigued, Alex, my love? I am inexperienced in these matters, I would not dream of asking you to overexert yourself. After all, you are a deal older than myself, I expect a man of your advanced years—”

  In one sinuous motion he was on top of her, his desire more than evident.

  “Baggage! Too old indeed? You shall be the one to call quits before I leave your bed.”

  What the servants thought of the fact they did not rise until noon bothered her not one jot. She rang the bell as soon as he closed the communicating door behind him. Sally appeared immediately.

  “Is my bath ready? Put out my habit, we are riding this morning.” Eleanor barely contained her giggles. By the time they reached the stables it would be afternoon.

  Downstairs, she met the housekeeper about her business. “Is everything ready for the arrival of Lady Thorrington and the children tomorrow?”

  “Yes, my lady. As requested I have put the children upstairs in the nursery wing, the governess in a chamber on the floor below. Lady Thorrington has the butterfly apartment; there is a small room for her maid there.”

  “Thank you, is Lord Bentley downstairs?”

  “Indeed I am. I have been waiting this age for you, my dear.” He spoke from directly behind her forcing her to stumble forwards in shock. His arms clasped her waist to steady her.

  Eleanor deliberately relaxed against him, knowing this would cause him to react in a most interesting way. She wondered how he would disguise his arousal in front of the housekeeper. She attempted to move away, leaving him exposed, but he tightened his grip, using her to hide his embarrassment.

  “Come along, we must not keep the horses waiting any longer.”

  She found herself whisked away to a side door and unceremoniously bundled outside. In full view of any gardener that might be lurking in the shrubbery he pinned her to the wall. “I had no idea you were insatiable, my love. I had thought your passion spent this morning.”

  He pressed himself closer. He was more than ready to continue their lovemaking but she certainly was not. How could he think she would wish to indulge in such a pastime outside, for heaven’s sake? “Let me go at once, Alex. I admit defeat. Now who is keeping the horses waiting?”

  His mouth found hers and she returned his kiss. She had not known physical love could be so addictive. Fortunately he reined in his passion and with a final tender embrace stepped back.

  “Sweetheart, you should know by now that I find you irresistible. Every moment we are apart I can think of nothing else. I’m like a green boy once more; you have given me back something I thought lost forever. I love you, Eleanor, promise me you will never leave me?”

  She thought he must be jesting, but his face was serious and her flippant answer remained unsaid. “I shall never leave you, Alex. I love you more than my own life. As I explained to you, that is why I disobeyed your orders and followed you into the village.”

  “Then I must be imagining you are holding something from me. I see such sadness in your eyes it breaks my heart. I wish you could share this dark secret with me, I am here to protect you. I give you my word, you shall never be unhappy again.”

  His kindness was almost too much to bear. She could never tell him her secret because then he would hate her and send her away. Foster had been wrong. The closer they became the more this t
errible deceit weighed on her soul. Whatever the outcome, in the New Year she would reveal everything to him.

  One Christmas with the children around them, then she would destroy both their lives. He might forgive her eventually for her lies. Keeping it from him was not an option, truth would always out. Already she knew him so well; for every month she deceived him he would hate her more. Her only chance of salvaging her happiness lay in honesty.

  But not yet. However wrong it was she had decided to give herself the remainder of the year to enjoy the bliss of being loved unconditionally. Alexander had his name day in two weeks and Elizabeth’s was two weeks later. She must not ruin any of these forthcoming celebrations. After all, had she not already spoilt Lucy’s party?

  Edward paced his study. Several days had passed with no news from Suffolk. Surely the deed was done by now? He must find out what had transpired. Why did his men not return and tell him?

  Edward’s temper became more fragile and his wife flinched every time he came near her. Of his children there was no sign, but then in a house this size it was perfectly possible to avoid meeting another resident if that was the desired objective. Miss Smithson’s presence meant he was obliged to keep his temper in check. No doubt a relief to his wife and staff.

  When Jane received a personal letter, he was tempted to remove it from her hand, but the governess was in the hall and he didn’t wish to appear brutal in front of her.

  “My lord, this is from Eleanor. She is so happy, it appears hers is a love match after all. She has invited myself and the children to visit, is that not kind of her?”

  “When was this letter written?”

  She blinked, obviously surprised by his abrupt question. “Yesterday, sir. Lord Bentley is obliged to go to Town on business for a few days, and he suggests the children and I go to Blakely Hall. Do I have your permission, my lord?”

  Bile rose in his throat. He nodded his consent, not trusting himself to speak. His well-laid plans had gone awry and yet he had employed the best he could find. The only explanation was that Hudson had turned traitor and vanished with his money.

  He sought refuge in his study, his mind in turmoil. He could do nothing more until quarter day when he received his rents, he had invested everything in this first venture. Next time he would go himself.

  He stopped.

  Hadn’t Jane just asked if she could visit Blakely Hall? The invitation hadn’t included him but they could hardly turn him away if he accompanied them.

  His world righted. He had no need to employ further unreliable minions; he would see to the matter himself. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to arrange a tragic accident to remove Bentley.

  It took all Alex’s willpower to restrain himself from making love to Eleanor right there. He had never felt this way about any other woman, not even Anna or Sarah. The first time he shared Eleanor’s bed had been a revelation.

  He kept his arm firmly around Eleanor’s waist as they resumed their walk to the stables. For all her protests he knew there was something she was hiding from him. He guessed it was concerning her life under her brother’s control. She would tell him in her own time, perhaps the visit of her sister-in-law and niece and nephews would provide the ideal opportunity.

  “Sweetheart, I can cancel my visit to Town. My lawyers could come down to me this time; I could also rearrange my appointment with the Minister. I promise I shall not be de trop; you shall have as much private time with your sister as you wish.” She stiffened, he was sure of it. Did she wish him away from home for some reason?

  “Please, Alex, do not discommode yourself in any way. Lady Thorrington is not the one I wish to spend time with. I can’t wait to see my niece and nephews for I’ve missed them desperately.”

  She looked up at him, and for a moment he thought he detected fear in her expression.

  “You will be gone little more than a week. When you return we shall have the house to ourselves again. My guests will have gone back to Colchester. Edward and Jonathan must depart for school after that. This is the last opportunity I’ll have to be with them. They will not wish to visit with me once they’re more independent.”

  “In which case, my love, I shall leave as planned tomorrow. However, I’ll not stay any longer than I have to.” His lips curved and in spite of his good intentions he lifted her from her feet in order to kiss her properly.

  Buckets clattering in the yard prevented the inevitable. Sliding her to the ground, his voice was constrained as he whispered in her ear. “We shall ride to the charcoal maker’s hut, it’s disused at the moment.”

  She was as breathless as him, her eyes dark with passion. She nodded her understanding and, leaving her hand in his, they hurried into the stable yard where

  Lucifer and Silver were waiting impatiently.

  Eleanor’s heart almost stopped when Alex suggested he not go to town. She couldn’t risk him being on the premises when the children arrived. They had seen what took place that dreadful day and might let the truth slip.

  She was being nonsensical. As far as everyone was concerned they and their nursemaid had been in the maze, and couldn’t have witnessed her attack on Alex. Why should anyone wish to question them about that event? Still, she would be more comfortable if the Thorringtons left Blakely Hall before he returned.

  She had only agreed to invite Jane and the children because she was certain Alex would be elsewhere. He had two urgent appointments to fulfil; one pertaining to the government, another with his lawyers. He was punctilious in his duties to the Crown, he would not come back until he had completed this task.

  Her composure fully restored, she smiled. The glitter in his eyes caused her to miss her step. The way the grooms avoided eye contact made it perfectly clear their misbehaviour had already been relayed to the stables by an unseen watcher. Nothing happened at Blakely without it being observed by someone or other.

  Alex tossed her onto the saddle and adjusted the stirrup leather himself. His long fingers lingered unnecessarily on her ankle, stroking her stockinged calf before releasing her.

  If someone had said to her three months ago she would be as wanton as a courtesan where her husband was concerned, she would have thought them fit for Bedlam. She had no idea of the whereabouts of this empty cottage; no doubt he would lead the way.

  They clattered under the arch and trotted decorously through the formal garden, turning left down one of the gravelled rides and heading into the park. Lucifer was barely jogging but Silver was obliged to trot in order to keep up. She called across to Alex.

  “It would seem your stallion has taken quite a liking to my mare. He seems quite content to adjust his pace to hers.”

  His wicked grin made her stomach somersault. “As I am to yours, my love. Now, shall we gallop to the woods? You take the lead, I will give you a three-minute start.”

  This was the normal practice on their outings. Silver knew what was expected of her, and as soon as the reins slackened and Eleanor transferred her weight forward, the animal’s muscles bunched. Silver moved smoothly into a gallop. On more than one occasion these past few days, her hat had come loose and vanished over the horizon. On the previous occasion, considerable time had been spent recovering the errant item and her hair had to be repinned before they dared to return.

  Crouching over the horse’s withers, she laughed from the exhilaration. Lucifer could overtake them even if he remained stationary for ten minutes, let alone three. The black nose reached her boot, edged easily ahead until they were galloping side by side. She glanced across, Alex was restraining his mount with one gloved hand, the other, the one adjacent to her, he kept free. He was ready to snatch her to safety if ever she was in danger of slipping from the saddle.

  The return journey was almost as exciting as their race to reach their destination. She glowed from head to toe from their illicit love-making on the floor of the empty hut. How much she had changed since her arrival a few weeks ago. She looked sideways; he had changed as well. Over the
weeks they had been together, the frown that had been perpetually upon his forehead had vanished; his mouth had an upward tilt instead of down. He laughed easily, played freely with the children, in fact was perfect in every way.

  They were in the Grand Hall, several servants busy about the place, when he asked her playfully, “My darling, did you enjoy our ride?” He raised his eyebrows slightly. She blushed scarlet.

  “I did, thank you, sir. If you will excuse me, I must change out of my habit. You look quite flushed yourself, perhaps you overexerted itself during our outing. I would not wish you to do yourself harm on my account.” His laughter followed her up the stairs. She had promised to take the children down to the lake that afternoon. There was a section roped off where even Alexander could enter without fear of drowning.

  That evening they dined outside again. This was an innovation she had suggested the night before. The table was laid on the terrace as formally as if in the grand dining room. They sat side by side in front of the damask-covered table; crystal sparkling, silver cutlery shining and the candelabra waiting to be lit if they should care to remain outside at dusk.

  “I love this view, Alex. The sunlight dancing on the lake, the trees dipping down their branches as if to drink from it. I have never seen anything so lovely.”

  “The park is spectacular, sweetheart. But there are other places to equal it. Far too late this year, but next spring I shall take you on a wedding trip. I have a yacht, I use it mainly when I travel on government business, but I shall have it refitted for you this winter. We shall sail to the Mediterranean where I will show you the wonders of the Parthenon, the Acropolis and the temples and churches of Rome.”

  She tried to keep her smile intact. She would not be here next spring; she would have been sent away forever because he would know her dreadful secret.

  That night their lovemaking was sweeter, more tender than anything that had gone before. She was desolate at the thought of him leaving in the morning and could not bear to let him go. Eventually they fell into a deep, satisfied slumber a few hours before dawn. When she woke she was alone, but there was a note on the pillow where he had laid his head.