Authors: Nichole Matthews
She swallowed thickly, shutting her eyes, struggling to recover her dazed senses. She was unsettled by the disturbing sensations he aroused so readily in her. At night she lay in her bed, imagining his hands touching her, his lips caressing hers, it was all so very real now. Her every fantasy standing before her watching, waiting for her to answer. She didn’t know why she was hesitating. She had enjoyed his kisses last night. She reached up to gently touch his cheek.
What the hell!
Surging to her toes she pressed her mouth lightly to his; wrapping her arms around his neck, her fingers sinking into the soft golden curls at his nape.
She kissed him. She gave herself to him. No restrictions. No demands.
Sweet God in heaven
! A soft moan escaped him, as his mouth opened against hers, coaxing her lips apart.
She moaned with pleasure, the blood rushing to her head, as he erotically nibbled on her bottom lip, then thrust his tongue into her mouth, tangling his with her own.
He growled as he pulled her flush against the hard length of him. He couldn’t stop his hands from roaming over her back. Deep arousal rushed through him at their body to body contact. Her firm, yet softly rounded body plastered against him was too much and this was definitely not the time and the place for a full out assault.
He finally found the strength to extract his lips from hers, he blinked at her, and her eyes sought his. She was amazed to find a look of stunned surprise there amidst the lingering desire that was burning in his amber eyes.
Her hands shook as she raised them to her lips, tilting her head, her eyes still on his. “I will be with Lord Perceval’s party tonight at Vauxhall.” Her attempt at indifference fell flat to her own ears. She could hear the desperation in her voice.
“
Is that so,” he murmured with a meaningful look at her damp pink lips, his hunger for her only amplified by their brief encounter.
“
Yes, my lord,” she whispered, smiling up at him, hiding her trembling hands in the folds of her skirts.
Backing away, he placed his index finger over her lips. “Then even angels could not keep me away.”
“
Don’t you mean demons, my lord?” Her breath swirled moist around his finger as she gazed deeply into his darkened eyes.
“
Neither heaven nor hell.’” On impulse he raised her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss on her wrist; her pulse fluttering wildly beneath his lips.
She tipped her head to one side, as if considering his words. “I’m so glad we met again this morning.”
“
As am I,” he replied huskily. Lowering his head he took her mouth. Predatory hunger and possession in one soul-searching kiss.
She kissed him back with everything in her being, holding nothing back.
He finally drew back, breathing heavily; her innocent enthusiasm only enhanced his arousal.
“
Oh, my stars!” Piper exclaimed. She glanced down at the gold watch pinned to her bodice when she noticed how high the sun was. “My lord, I must return home at once; I’m promised to my sister this afternoon.”
“
Ah, so His Grace the Duke of Hawksley has finally arrived in Town then.” He grinned, studying her face; his voice low and rough.
“
Yes, they arrived yesterday.” She smiled at him, her dimple peeking out. “I have no intention of being even a minute late; I’ve missed her terribly.”
“
How fortunate you are to not only be blessed with a sister, but also a dear friend.” He cupped his hands, tossing her up onto her saddle.
“
I agree one hundred percent, my lord.” With a smile she turned and rode towards Ashford House.
…………………………………
She was still thinking about him as she and Annabelle ambled home, which must have been how her brother was able to surprise her. Turning about she nearly jumped out of her skin when she spied Peyton leaning against a stall on the opposite side of the isle.
“
Well, well, well, my naughty little sister,” Peyton drawled with a wicked grin. “Where are you sneaking in from?” He looked at her for a long moment, and she met his gaze daringly.
“
I will have you know, my dear brother, that I often go for long morning rides.” Piper raised one eyebrow. “I’ve not seen you near the stables this early in a long while.”
“
You misunderstand,” he said in a lazy tone, brushing dust from the rumpled sleeve of his coat. “I’m not leaving, I’m coming home,” he said with a slight slur to his words.
Piper planted her hands on her hips, her voice indignant, “Peyton Peregrine!”
“
I know, I know.” Peyton held up his hands in surrender. “I need to curb my more licentious behavior when I am in the presence of a lady.” He brought his booted foot down to the ground. His typically shiny black Hessians were presently covered with a light coating of dirt.
“
What is this I hear about you and a particular gentleman?” His voice teasing, his arms crossed smugly over his chest. “Should I be congratulating you?”
Instead of answering, Piper asked a question of her own. “What is this I hear about you and your orgies in Kent?”
He cleared his throat. “Um.” A slight flush spread across his cheeks. “Why is everyone so fascinated with orgies all the sudden?” He threw up his hands in exasperation.
Piper was pleased to see how distressed her brother was with her question. “Obviously enough chattering ladies have found this bit of information entertaining enough for it to be circulating quite rapidly throughout the rumor mill,” she pointed out, her voice tinged with humor
“
You know those dragons greatly exaggerate even the most insignificant of rumors.” He smiled crookedly placing his hand on the small of her back; he guided her out of the stable and pushed her towards the terraced entrance to the breakfast parlor.
“
Come now Peyton, even I’ve heard of your carousing in the dives of London.”
“
Parker was correct,” he said with a cynical smile.
Piper halted without warning. “About what exactly?” she questioned, pivoting.
“
I must warn you, that you will more than likely find what I’m about so say quite offensive due to your progressive ideas.” He paused, giving her a measured look.
“
Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she muttered.
“
Parker is adamant that we need to find you a husband and rather quickly.”
Piper spun quickly and hit Peyton on the arm. “I cannot believe that you both have been discussing my future with no concern of my opinion.”
“
What is so difficult to believe?” Peyton’s brow furrowed. “‘Tis the duty of the head of household to see his sister’s settled advantageously.”
“
You two are driving me crazy.” She rolled her eyes heavenward walking past the glass paned door being held open by a waiting footman. “Why don’t you just send me an invitation when you have found my husband and have set the date so that I can be sure to arrive on schedule?”
Parker looked over his paper. “I’ve never known you to need assistance staying on schedule before, Piper.”
“
Now I know how all of those dreadful rumors are started,” Piper replied airily. “A bunch of silly men half listening to women.” She waited for her brother to react.
Parker looked at her for a long moment, and then shook his head exchanging a rueful glance with Peyton.
“
I must wash off the dust before I eat.”
Peyton turned from the sideboard, pausing from piling his plate high with food. “Please do. You smell strongly of horses.”
“
I would rather smell of horses, darling,” Piper replied sweetly. “Then of cheap perfume.” She turned, lifted her skirts and ran from the Breakfast Parlor. “Besides I believe I will break my fast in the quiet serenity of my rooms,” she called over her shoulder.
“
Brava! Brava! ” Peyton called after her. “I knew you had it in you!”
Before reaching the stairs, Piper turned and executed an elegant bow, one even the most trained actor would envy, blowing kisses to her adoring audience. “Thank you! Thank you!” she called, then giggling; she raced up the stairs to her room for a much needed reprieve.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Poppy arrived two days ago. She could not have reached Town at a more opportune time. I have need of a confidante who knows me like no other, who will also understand the multitude of emotions swirling through me. Chester’s incessant lecturing is starting to bore me to tears anyway. We are to go shopping today. I cannot wait. There is nothing to take your mind off of unwanted things, like shopping...
Piper’s journal
12 July
“
PIPER DEAR, DON’T SLOUCH,” MISS HARRIS REMINDED.
Scooting herself to a more upright position, Piper sighed loudly in the quiet room.
“
Whatever is the matter, darling?” Auntie Adele asked. “Is it that handsome gentleman, Rockwell?”
“
What would he have to do with me?” Piper asked innocently. She knew she wouldn’t be able to hide her encounter with Rockwell from her Aunt for too long. She was oh-so clever.
“
Why, I would have no idea, dear.” She grinned. “But he did seem awfully enchanted with you at the Wrothingham’s ball.”
“
My moods are not determined by Rockwell. I’m looking forward to seeing Poppy.” She attempted a cheerful smile, attempting to turn the conversation in a different direction. “I’ve just missed her terribly.”
“
Of course, my dear.”
Auntie Adele and Miss Harris exchanged worried glances. Both concerned because it was definitely not like Piper to dwell in the doldrums.
………………………………
“
Oh Poppy, you look so darling!” Piper grinned as she and her twin walked arm in arm down New Bond Street, a liveried footman walking discreetly behind them, prepared to carry what was sure to be a mountain of purchases. “You are positively glowing! Being
enceinte
agrees with you marvelously.”
Piper was older by a whole five minutes which she enjoyed lording over Poppy periodically. While Piper was more bookish and quiet, Poppy was sociable and some might even say a little flighty. She was now envied by most of Society’s matrons. She had managed to land a newly appointed duke over the summer. Young, attractive and wealthy, the most sought after kind.
“
I’m glad you think so,” she said, tenderly running her hand across her swollen belly covered discretely by her pelisse. “I on the other hand, feel like a giant pumpkin.”
Piper laughed. “Oh pooh,” She allowed her eyes to roam slowly over her sister, tapping her chin as in deep contemplation. “I wouldn’t recommend wearing
Coquelicot
or Pomona green. You might then look like a little round apple.”
Poppy rolled her eyes at Piper’s humor, stopping to glance at the window display. “Piper, look at that lovely chip straw bonnet with the cherries. Isn’t it darling?”
“
I thought we were out for ribbons and gloves today. Not bonnets.”
“
Well, what harm can there be in trying them on?” Poppy smiled fondly, steering her sister through the entryway, the bell above the door chiming cheerfully as they stepped into the charmingly appointed Millinery. “Besides, it is my duty as a lady of means to keep the shops in business.”
Piper made a most unladylike sound.
“
At least that is what Declan has advised me.” She smiled impishly. “Who am I to argue with a duke?”
Piper nodded mischievously. “Good advice. Never argue with a duke.”
“
Good Afternoon, my ladies,” the shopman greeted, watching as both ladies reached for the chip straw bonnet on display, then broke into giggles.
“
I thought you didn’t want to look like fruit?” Piper said with a smug smile as she removed her own bonnet trimmed with violet ribbons and lilacs.
“
I believe you misunderstood, Piper,” Poppy replied. “I said I looked round like a pumpkin, not that I didn’t want to look like a cherry. They are much smaller after all.”
“
Forgive me.” Piper giggled, modeling the bonnet. “What do you think?”
“
I believe it would look better perched atop my head.” Poppy snatched the bonnet off of Piper’s head and gently placed it atop her blonde curls. Turning in front of the mirror, Poppy said in a wistful voice, “Nothing looks good on me right now.”
At that moment the shopman interrupted, “But I believe this bonnet is quite flattering, my lady.” Reaching up she sat the hat at a jauntier angle and tied the ribbon under Poppy’s rounded chin. “Simply delightful!” she boasted.
Piper rolled her eyes.
“‘
Tis divine, Your Grace,” agreed an overly familiar, irritatingly grating voice from behind.
Piper froze, afraid to turn around before she schooled her features from reflecting the dislike rampant for this woman. The last person she wanted to speak to. “Lady Carleton, a pleasure. Are you in need of a new bonnet as well?”
Caroline threw a practiced look in Piper’s direction. “I have no need for a new bonnet, I have all that I truly need.” She reached up and fingered the artificial cherries atop the bonnet, charmingly propped upon Poppy’s golden curls. “But this particular confection was so charming I couldn’t deny myself a closer inspection.”