Only Marriage Will Do Page 21

  “Amiable. Oh, Amiable.” She threw herself into his arms and dissolved into tears.

  He glanced at Katarina.

  She replaced the smelling salts on the table and motioned to the men to follow her out of the room. “Give them some time alone together. She needs to tell him what happened. Then you need to stop him from murdering St. Cyr.”

  The door closed behind them, leaving Amiable alone once more with his wife.

  “Shh, love.” He clutched her to him and rubbed her back. “It will be all right. He will never touch you again. You are mine and no one will ever take you from me.”

  At these words, her sobs intensified and she shook as she clasped him with a frantic grip.

  He continued to stroke her back, her hair, croon soft endearments in her ear. Blast it, she must stop this weeping. It seemed to be escalating, rather than abating. “Juliet, love, you must stop. This cannot be good for our child.”

  He looked at the smelling salts. Should he use them again?

  She stilled, took a deep breath, and relaxed against him.

  Thank God. Carefully, he peeled her arms from around him and sat her back on the bed. She looked the very devil, eyes red, cheeks splotched, hair straggling around her face in woebegone wisps. Yet more beautiful than he had ever seen her. More precious than he had ever dreamed.

  “Are you all right now, sweetheart? Are you hurt at all or just frightened?”

  She shook her head, dashing away tears. “No. Not hurt. He didn’t hurt me, though I hated being so close to him. I’m just very glad you arrived when you did. If he had kissed me it would have been so disgusting I think I would have died.” She pursed her lips and frowned. “I have been afraid, though, Amiable.” A ragged breath and she covered her face with her hands. “Afraid you did not want me anymore. Did not love me anymore.”

  Damn his folly. He had waited too long to reconcile with her. As a result, he had caused her undue distress.

  He drew her back to him and enfolded her in his arms. “Hush, love. That is my fault. I am sorry I did not speak sooner. Of course, I love you. You are my life, Juliet. Please believe me.” He sighed and kissed the top of her head. “I know I hurt you when I left the Keep, but the shock of your revelation…I had to get away, sort things out.”

  She drew back to gaze into his face. “Did you sort them out, Amiable? I had hoped you would forgive me when Mr. Sutton confessed his feelings for Honoria. But you didn’t.” Tears spilled onto her cheeks.

  He sighed and captured the drops with his thumb. “I should have done, my love, but that day, when the situation resolved itself so neatly, I feared you still did not understand how grievous your actions had been. I determined not to reconcile with you until you did.” He kissed her forehead, her eyes. Tasted her sweet mouth.

  “I am so sorry, my dear.” He held her head so she could look into his face. “I love you, Juliet. I love our child. I am committed with my last breath to making a home for him or her, and any brothers or sisters, in which to grow up happy and healthy. With two loving parents. Just as I had.”

  “Truly?” Tears spilled over again.

  “Word of honor.”

  “Then you will stay with me?”

  “You won’t be able to get rid of me, sweetheart.” He smiled as her face lit up.

  She drew his head toward her.

  Eager, he met her, pressed his mouth to hers, soft and willing. Tensions eased throughout his body as he relaxed against her. Like a homecoming. Their noses bumped, their tongues clashed, and wetness appeared on his cheeks. He pressed her back onto the pillows.

  She slid her hand down, inside his pants, and wrapped it around his stiffening member.

  “Juliet.” He’d forgotten she could be so bold.

  She laughed and gave him a gentle squeeze. “It has been almost two months since we were last together. Is it really so surprising I have missed my husband’s attentions?” Her face sobered. “You taught me to love your body, Amiable. Your absence tore my very soul. Did you not feel the same?”

  He nuzzled her neck, his passion rising at the warmth of her hand. “Yes, my love. I did. I have missed your body and soul as well.” He began to unbutton his breeches then stopped, groaned. “Damn it.” He reached inside and regretfully pried her fingers from his flesh.

  “Amiable?”

  He sat up, rubbing the sudden tension in his neck. “I’m sorry, love, but nothing has been settled about this accursed proxy marriage. We still do not know which marriage is the valid one.”

  “But if we live together as man and wife, we proclaim we believe our marriage to be the true one. If we do not live together, we give the impression we do not believe it is legally binding.”

  The beauty of her wisdom struck him dumb. By living apart, it might seem as though they believed their marriage not legitimate. So the best way to affirm they were married…Without a word he slid off the bed, stripped off his coat, and ripped the breeches from his body.

  “What are you doing?” She stared at him, eyes wide.

  “You convinced me, love.” He laughed and made quick work of the rest of his clothing. Once naked, he leaned over the bed, cupped her head in his hands, and kissed her again, longer and more thoroughly. He took his time, exploring all the secret places in her mouth he had missed for so long. She returned his attentions with like fervor, until both panted with a desire that bloomed like a cherry tree in the springtime. He pulled her off the bed and her clothes rained down upon the floor as from a whirlwind. Once she stood naked before him, he drank in the sight with silent gulps.

  He ran his hand along her neck, over a warm shoulder, and down to cup a breast fuller than he remembered.

  Her hands were busy also, caressing his shoulders, arms, and back with the sure, possessive hand of a wife.

  He knelt, facing her now well-rounded belly, and leaned his cheek against her. Rewarded with a firm thump from within, he grinned up at her.

  The love that shone in her eyes sent an ache straight to his groin. Impatient now, he grasped her around the waist, rose, and moved swiftly to the bed. He lay down on his back then positioned her on top of him, reveling in the feel of her warm skin all along his body. She propped herself up on his chest and stared into his eyes with twin pools of jeweled honey.

  “I have missed you so much, my love.”

  “And I you, beloved.” He caressed her cheek and pulled her mouth to his.

  His shaft rose, aching and insistent. Unwilling to release her, he rolled them until she lay beneath him. He slid into her eager channel as smoothly as though it had been an hour and not months since they were last so entwined.

  His dire need goaded him to thrust hard and vigorously, seeking a quick release for his pent-up passion. Head and heart reminded him his wife had hungers, too, and her pleasure must also be appeased. And there was a tiny babe to consider.

  He withdrew and thrust forward, careful and slow.

  Juliet moaned low and swayed her hips from side to side.

  His blood pounded, threatened to consume him. He groaned with his need but continued his steady rhythm within her, like the ebb and flow of the ocean. He leaned down to suck at her full breast, all the while forcing himself to keep up the slower tempo, building the tension that would spin them into heaven.

  She shivered and moaned louder, her hands restlessly stroking his back, his ribs, his arms, sending shock waves along his already taut nerves. Then she grasped his buttocks, urging him to quicker strokes. Her cries as she reached her peak propelled him into a frenzy. Deep within her the rhythmic clench and release around his hard shaft drove him to his own powerful release. He spilled himself seemingly forever into her warm, clinging depths before he sagged against her.

  Sated, engrossed in murmuring her name and words of love, it took him a moment to realize he could crush her and the child. He heaved himself to the side and gathered her to him, wrapping her in his arms. He would meld their flesh togethe
r if he could.

  “Never.” Eyes closed, he still panted from that incredible climax.

  “Never?” She rubbed her head catlike against his shoulder.

  “Never will I allow anyone or anything to part us again. You are mine. No matter the outcome of this proxy marriage, you are my wife. Forever and always.” He kissed the top of her head as she relaxed toward sleep. “Even if I have to kill that bastard St. Cyr,” he whispered then fell asleep.

  Chapter 29

  After the reconciliation, Juliet removed to Morehouse and settled down into a new routine that involved daily visits to Dunham House, paying calls with Kat, and learning to be mistress of her establishment. The latter activity took more time than she would have thought possible, given that she had assisted with the running of her brother’s home. The responsibility of supervising a household on her own, however, even one as efficient as her father-in-law’s, included a good bit of effort and patience. Therefore, she willingly relinquished her duties for a time each day to return to her old home.

  Amiable and Duncan were most often in attendance when she visited, odd behavior in males who were supposed to have clubs and races and sporting events to attend. This time of year normally meant hunting parties. Indeed, she knew of several invitations Amiable had turned down. Although glad he had not accepted them, she did not want to spoil his fun, either.

  “I want to remain here in London, sweet, in case Mr. Grimes hears anything,” he explained one day after dinner. “After Christmas perhaps we will retire to Cheswyck. I would like for our child to be born there if that’s all right?” He played idly with her hand.

  “Of course, my dear. As long as you are with me, I will be fine. Do you think Katarina might be with me also?” She leaned against his shoulder as they made their way to their chamber.

  “I have already spoken to Dalbury about the possibility, although if things go well with her, she will be brought to bed around the same time as you. I’d suspect, then, they will remove to his primary estate.” Amiable opened the door to their room.

  She entered, her spirits drooping at this unwelcome news. Kat was so strong and sensible she’d hoped to have her by her side during the rigors of childbirth.

  Amiable ran his finger across her brow. “Don’t frown, love. Most men prefer their heirs to be born on the land they will inherit. My sisters might attend you, if you like. They have enough children between them to be a fount of knowledge.”

  “Oh, I should like that.”

  Lady Ayrdmore and Lady Grelling had called on her soon after her move to Morehouse. Juliet had been pleasantly surprised by their warm reception, although Lord knew what they thought of the circumstances of their marriage. Juliet had been charmed by both ladies and informed Amiable after their call. Now it seemed they might be able to become closer through her child’s birth.

  “I think that would be lovely, Amiable. I do like your sisters very much, even though I have had the pleasure of their company but little.”

  Amiable gave her a rueful look as they settled into bed. “I am afraid that will change in the next few weeks, my love.”

  “How?”

  “Vee sent me a letter today, informing me that as we will be spending Christmas in town, she and Reni have decided to do so as well. They are planning a family celebration for Christmas Eve, in honor of our marriage. I told her under the circumstances, it might be prudent to wait.”

  “And her response?”

  Amiable shook his head. “That it was fortunate I had gotten out of the army if I had become such a Molly.” He blew out the light and lay back on the pillows.

  Juliet laughed and snuggled beside him. “So where is this grand entertainment to be held?”

  “In the downstairs ballroom here at Morehouse. For friends and family.” He made a face. “That list will stretch from here to Windsor Castle when we add in your relatives and friends.” He sighed and pulled her closer. “Even if only those in town for the holidays attend there will be no fewer than a hundred people.”

  “Will your father come, do you think?” The prospect of meeting her father-in-law filled her stomach with fluttering. Suddenly Cook’s delicious chyne of mutton did not set very well.

  “According to Vee, he will travel up to town for Christmas.” He cuddled her in his arms and the trembling ceased. “I am glad. He should not be alone this year, not at Cheswyck. Too many memories.” He kissed her temple, her cheek, and continued lower.

  Ah. The very opportunity she needed to broach a delicate subject. If he didn’t distract her. His lips tickled her neck. “Amiable.” She pulled her wits back before she abandoned them all together. “Have you thought about what we should name our child?”

  He left off kissing her and rose up on his elbow. “Please don’t tell me you are considering Romeo. I fear I would have to put my foot down.”

  She giggled. “No, that would be rather extraordinary, don’t you think?” She ran one finger over his lips. “I thought if it is a boy, we could name him Peaceable, after your brother. If you don’t think it would make your father sad.”

  “Ah, love.” He pulled her back to him. His mouth found hers in the darkness, claimed her with a passion more fierce than he had ever shown before. He possessed her, drove all thought from her mind until her world consisted of his weight upon her and his lips in the dark. Still, this kiss tasted sweeter than any she had ever had from him. He clung to her lips as though he could never let her go.

  As if she would let him.

  His kiss filled her with so much love she would remember it for a lifetime.

  He moved his mouth to her ear. “Thank you, love. You could not have made me happier.” He paused. “What if it’s a girl?”

  Still dazed from the power of his kiss, she shook herself. “I’ll have to think about a suitable girl’s name. Later.”

  “Think about it as you and my sisters prepare for the holidays.” His hand stole over her rounding abdomen and she could almost hear him smile. “We have plenty of time.”

  * * * *

  Juliet came to the conclusion that time was quite a relative thing as Glynis was putting the finishing touches on her appearance just before dinner on Christmas Eve. The pale blue robe à la française of silk satin brocade, intricately embellished with tiny flowers embroidered in gold, complemented her eyes and brought out the creamy tones of her fair skin. The maid finished twining seed pearls through her coiled braids, a soft pale blue silk bow studded with pearls adorning the back of her head.

  The month had inexplicably disappeared as she and her sisters-in-law had planned, ordered, purchased, and arranged everything for the celebration of the holiday. Juliet had grown content, reveling in her friendships with Amiable’s sisters, who petted and spoiled her as much as her husband did. They complimented her on her looks, her wit, her excellent taste. Both invited her and Amiable to dinners and entertainments with their families almost every week. As if in the midst of a fairy tale, she reveled in a social whirl planned solely for her.

  Tonight might be for her and Amiable, and she looked forward to the evening’s public celebration of the holiday, but she anticipated the private celebration of their first Christmas together even more. Her present to him would be a series of small gifts to be opened Christmas Day on the hour, every hour from morning until night, crowned by the final gift at eight o’clock in the evening. Katarina’s brother, Jack, would bring a new black stallion from his stables as a surprise. She couldn’t wait to see her husband’s face when he saw Cerberus standing in the lantern-lit courtyard.

  She smiled as Amiable appeared to escort her downstairs. Her smile vanished as her mouth dropped open. Her anticipation of a pleasant evening changed to primal hunger. His suit of russet uncut velvet, molded to his body in taut lines, made his shoulders and chest seem impossibly broad, his arms powerful and thick with muscles. The cream-colored silk waistcoat, embroidered with silver and gold, gave him a glittering richness she had se
ldom seen in his everyday clothes. She wanted to let her gaze linger on his dazzling tall form.

  Because he had been required to wear a wig for so long in the army, he now disdained them, preferring his natural hair. It lay in smooth, powdered elegance for this occasion and was clubbed back into a neat black bag.

  Glynis slipped away, shutting the door.

  “You are a vision, my lady.” He came forward to take Juliet’s hand and place a passionate kiss on the palm.

  A jolt shot through her body, straight to the apex of her thighs. “You look like a dream come true, my love.” She tingled with delicious desire. “Good enough to eat, in fact.”

  His eyes sparkled with mischief. “That can be arranged.”

  Now that sounded devilishly wicked. She licked her lips.

  He laughed at her. “Later. For now we will eat as the others do, at dinner.” He offered her his arm. “My lady.”

  She rose and took it, thrilling to the play of his hard muscles under the soft fabric. As always, she could not wait to once again have him all to herself.

  Dinner promised to be a noisy affair, with Kat and Duncan, Jack, Amiable’s sisters and their families, and his father in attendance. As they descended the staircase, Juliet trembled at the thought of meeting Lord Morley at last, wondering what he thought of their hasty marriage. He had come to town only that afternoon and had elected to stay with Vee rather than disrupt the final preparations. She wondered, too, if Amiable had indeed informed him of all their troubles.

  They reached the first floor, but instead of continuing to the formal dining room, Amiable steered her into the front reception room.

  “Where are we going?”

  “I want you to meet someone, love.”

  Her mouth flooded with a strange metallic taste. The moment she’d been dreading had arrived. She slowed her steps and stopped halfway into the room. Her husband’s hand at her back, however, propelled her forward.

  An imposing figure stood near the fireplace, staring into the flames with brows lowered. Taller than Amiable, and barrel-chested, he looked up and Juliet stopped. She couldn’t blame him for scowling. She had ensnared his only son and put him at risk of scandal. The dark eyes took her measure and she squirmed, wanting to find some place to hide. Instead, she remained before him, gaze dropped to the floor, shifting her weight like a repentant child.