A Duchess Enraged (9 page)

Once inside she sat
in silence as her maid undid her elaborate coiffeur, and removed her cosmetics.
The stiff gold dress was lifted over her head, and her underdress with its
tight stomacher and corset were unlaced and put aside.

“You’re very quiet,
my lady,” said Merriwether.

“I was so surprised
to learn that we are off to Gravesmere in the morning,” Allegra replied
discreetly. “I am thinking of the notes that must be written to my
acquaintance.”

Merriwether knelt to
undo Allegra’s garters and roll down the beautifully clocked silk stocking
Allegra wore “All your beautiful gowns going to waste her in London, while we
rusticate during the middle of the Season,” she sniffed. “Seems a shame,”
Merriwether continued as she draped a thin negligee foaming with Valenciennes
lace over Allegra’s chemise and went to get her a night dress.

The door to the
Duke’s suite opened just then, and Allegra started, her jaw dropping, before
she hastily snapped it shut. She glanced at the Duke, who, without his wig,
evening coat, and lace cravat, and looking less than complaisant, seemed a very
different creature.

She turned to her
uncertain maid, and said “That will be all, Merriwether.” She watched the maid
leave then lifted her eyebrows and in spite of her qualms baldly inquired “What
are you doing here?”

“Perhaps I am seeking
a moment for a private conversation with my wife,” Adam remarked sarcastically.
He paced around the room watching Allegra and went on, “It seems that you are
only alone when everyone else is abed.”  He couldn’t help noticing the
sheerness of her garments, and how enticing she looked with her hair over her
shoulders, the lace framing her youthful bosom, and the clinging silk of the
negligee outlining her figure. He felt a distinct tightening in his breeches.

Allegra glared at him
and unwisely remarked “Perhaps I would rather be alone now as well, if you are
determined to be unpleasant as well as jealous.”

“Jealous, madam?” he
snapped, “Rather, I expect that you will behave as required by your station,
with discretion.”

“You are like a dog
with a bone you don’t want, but guarding it anyway,” Allegra cried, “I will not
be so constrained by one who seeks his pleasures as he will.”

“Very well, madam, if
I am not to seek my pleasures elsewhere, I should most certainly sample those available
to me in my home,” he snarled.

 Before she realized
he was moving, Adam was standing before Allegra at her dressing table, pulling
her into his arms. He was strong as well as quick, she noted, as his muscular
arms wrapped around her, pulling her close to his body. One hand slid down her
back to press her hips against the alarmingly large bulge in his breeches, as
he squeezed her bottom. Allegra felt an unbidden thrill as a sudden jolt of
pleasure rippled through her. She pushed unavailingly at his firm chest, and
felt the warmth and muscles beneath her palms as she tried to break free. A
tiny, traitorous wish to run her hands across that chest whispered to her. Adam
for his part was astonished by how fast his anger turned to a fire of desire.
He pushed his hips against her pelvis, and the gentle feminine swell of her
belly and wondered how his fury had transformed instantly to this rampant lust.

Allegra, confused by
the unfamiliar sensations gripping her, moaned in response, her eyelids nearly
shut as she trembled, stricken by her first real taste of sexual yearning. She
instinctively rubbed against him, hitching her hips up to find more contact,
and Adam nipped at her ear before taking her lips in a kiss. Allegra’s
untutored mouth remained closed, but he teased her with his tongue, while the
hand not pressing her hips to his crept up her ribs to lift her breast under
the waterfall of lace. As his clever fingers stroked her responsive breast,
Allegra gasped beneath his lips and his tongue swept into her mouth. Clearly
disoriented by the sudden surge of excitement rushing through her, the pleasure
flooding her breast and the clenching desire gripping her, she sagged against
his arm.

Adam pivoted with her
and walked Allegra the few steps to her bed, with its lace covers and gold
embroidered hangings, and put her down on it. Her legs hung down and Adam
stepped between them lifting her feet to the edge of the bed. In one movement,
he took Allegra’s hands and placed them above her head, pinning them to the
coverlet, and with the other he swept aside the thin chemise with the drifts of
lace that covered her breasts, and nipped at the delicate pink tips that were
thus exposed. He watched the aureoles pucker, and saw the nipples extend,
growing longer and harder as he licked and sucked. Allegra rolled her head back
and forth, and struggled feebly to free her hands, but she also bucked her
hips, seeking the contact that would satisfy her.

Adam pushed up the
hem of her chemise to expose her nest of curls, which were a golden copper
shade, somewhat darker than her hair. He smiled, and skimmed one hand lightly
over them pressing his hand on her lower abdomen, just above the mons. He bent
his head to hers and kissed her deeply again, then, satisfied she had no desire
to escape, he placed his other hand on her tender inner thigh and caressed it
as he moved it upward.

Allegra felt herself
melting inside from the heat that trailed from his fingertips as they moved
closer to each other and closer to what now felt like an aching furnace of
desire. She moved her head back and forth restlessly as Adam bent to her
breasts and again took a rosy pink nipple into his mouth, suckling firmly as he
continued to caress her tender thighs, fingers moving ever upward towards the
spot that seemed to her to be begging him to open it, open her to his touch.

She felt a dart of
excitement flash from her breast to her abdomen, tightening and twisting deep
in her pelvis with a pulsing rush of heat. She moaned, as Adam abandoned her
breast momentarily, only to blow on her moist nipple, stiffening it further,
before turning to provide the same thrilling stimulation to the other.

At last Allegra felt
his fingers tenderly open her feminine flesh, exposing the moist pink petals to
his stimulating touch. As his fingers lightly caressed her creamy and swollen
crease, the sudden wave of pleasure Allegra felt frightened her with its
intensity, abruptly snapping her back to awareness of the liberties he was
taking, and where they were surely leading her.

She struggled to
place her hands at her side and sat up, pushing him violently away, as she
attempted to cover her thighs with the lacy gown.

“Get out of here,
“she shrieked at him, “I’ll have no more of this vile attempt to seduce me into
forgetting your mistress and your habits of libertinism.”

Shocked by Allegra’s
sudden switch from a beguiled and beguiling Venus to a raging virago, Adam
responded “Seconds ago madam, you had no thought of anything besides how damned
good my attentions were making you feel. Let us have no more missish folly
about fulfilling your obligations as my wife. It seems quite clear that there
will be no hardship to you involved.” He smirked slightly.

Enraged by her own
weakness, and nearly hysterical with fury at his remarks, Allegra jumped up and
attempted to slap him before Adam realized her intent. He caught her hand and
pushed it down and behind her back, gently so as not to injure or hurt her, but
with enough strength to make her feel defenseless. Curiously, her desire rose
as he demonstrated his physical mastery over her.

“I will leave you,”
he muttered, “not because I have to, but because I have no need to force a
woman to my will; there are more than enough who would be flattered by my
invitation. Nor do I have a taste for the juvenile histrionics you are
displaying for my benefit as a follow up to behavior that can only be described
as welcoming my actions. Be good enough to let me know when you have made up
your mind.”

Allegra stood in
silence watching the door close, deep mortification rapidly replacing the
desire and fury that had seized her. She burst into tears, and then took to her
bed, where she had great difficulty finding the peace of sleep.

The next morning the
ornate Gravesmere traveling carriage left London with its cargo. Allegra and
Emily were ensconced in the carriage rumbling through the cobbled streets of
London; Adam was riding alongside, where he could nurse his temper in peace.
Both were rendered sullen by confusion and unsatisfied desire, while the Dowager
Duchess watched them sadly.

Sweet Hatred

Louisa
Manning relaxed in her exuberant pink and gold boudoir. She held in her fingers
a note from Adam which had been delivered that morning, explaining his
disappointment at his hasty departure from London. Even though it had been
followed by the delivery from one of London’s best jewelers of an exquisite
sapphire bracelet, a small frown marred her lovely features.

Louisa
glanced down at the note she held again. In a strong masculine hand, she read

“My
darling Louisa, I am obliged to travel to Gravesmere tomorrow and will not
return to Town for a few days. Please realize that nothing save my mother’s
entreaties, nay her command, could take me from your delightful side at this
time. I will think every moment of your beauty and kindness, as I languish in the
countryside without the charm of your company.”

She did
not need to fear his feelings had changed in any way she thought, and since it
went on
“I will not allow her to keep me at Gravesmere for more than a
week,”
it was hard to imagine that any serious alterations could occur in
such a short time. And yet, she was concerned. His marriage to Allegra was not
a success, but he spoke no word of separation. Indeed, at times Louisa feared
he admired his troublesome wife in some way. This would have to be stopped. If
Fate required a helping hand, then Lady Manning would be glad to be of
assistance.

Louisa
made a moue of distaste, but shrugged her shoulders. While she had access to
Adam's bank account, his actual presence was of little importance, although she
would miss his capabilities in her bed at night. Still there would be other men
about, and no chance of Adam discovering any indiscretions.

She
folded Adam's letter impatiently and picked up the bracelet, holding it up to
the light. It was a pity, she reflected, that the stones were not a bit larger
and thus more valuable if resold, but they sparkled with a deep inner glow, and
she gave a tiny laugh of delight. Her jewelry collection had certainly expanded
since she had met Adam. She laid the stones against the top of her
nearly-exposed breast, enjoying their coolness against her heated skin, and the
security that they represented.

There was
a quiet knock at the door, and she looked up, annoyed. "What is it?"
she snapped.

The door
opened and Thomas, her footman appeared. Louisa looked at him hungrily, her
senses inflamed by the jewels and the footman's wide shoulders. She had hired
him for his looks and athleticism, and he hadn't disappointed her.

"There's
a gentleman to see you, ma'am," he said as his eyes raked over her.

Louisa
smiled lasciviously. "Tell him to go away. I'm not in the mood for
visitors."

"I
don't think that's a very good idea, Louisa. I suggest you see me."
Tristan appeared behind Thomas, his face reflecting amusement as he regarded
the two of them.

"Damn
you, Tristan!" Louisa sat up, attempting to draw her flimsy robe around
her. "Who said you could come upstairs?"

"I
gave myself permission. I didn't think that such old friends as ourselves
should stand on ceremony." He cocked an eyebrow at the footman. "Do
you require an audience?"

Louisa
glared at him. "You may go, Thomas," she snarled. The footman bowed
and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Louisa to glower at Tristan. He
walked into the room and looked around appreciatively.

"What
a handsome house. It's amazing what you've done with Gravesmere's money."
He picked up a jeweled comb from the dressing table and inspected it closely.
"Lovely. And very valuable."

"At
least I have something worth owning," sneered Louisa. "I suppose
you're still barely scraping by."

"Oddly
enough, I'm doing quite well. I won a fortune a young man in Munich, and I
haven't managed to lose it yet. I have all the money I can use." Tristan
leaned against the dressing table, his arms folded, and watched her intently.

"I'm
amazed. But I don't suppose you came here to tell me about your good fortune.
Would you mind telling me why I'm blessed with this visit?"

Tristan
shrugged. "Why would I possibly be here except to worship at your feet?
And very pretty ones they are, too."

Louisa
frowned. "Stop being ridiculous. Tell me what you want and then get out of
here."

"How
rude you are." Tristan shook his head. "Very well, I've heard rumors
that Gravesmere and his pretty little wife are off to the country for a stay. I
thought you could perhaps enlighten me further.”

"Why
would I want to do that?"

"Because
of your affection for me, of course." Tristan stood up and stepped closer.
"And because you think that my plans might help your own."

"I
have no idea what you're talking about." Louisa felt a tiny thrill of
fear. Tristan was clearly furious about Allegra slipping from his grasp. She
remembered his moods well, and she could sense the frustration and anger
simmering under his calm surface.

"Don't
try to play me for a fool, Louisa. I always win eventually." Tristan sat
down on the chaise next to her, and she flushed slightly, his nearness
reminding her of their shared past. He laughed.

"I
know little more than you do. Adam claims that business calls and his mother
wants to get away from the city. They'll be back in a week." Louisa waved
her hand dismissively.

"And
you believe him? Business? In the middle of the Season?" Tristan shook his
head. "No doubt his mother is hatching a plot to bring them together. I
wish I had known. I would have found a way to stop it."

"As
though you could have prevented them from going. I tried my best, you fool, and
nothing would keep him here,” Louisa taunted him.

Tristan
smirked. "And I know how good your best is, my dear. Still, there are
other ways of convincing people. You lack my subtlety, I fear."

"Your
plotting will get you nowhere, Tristan. Why don't you go back to the Continent
and leave me in peace?"

"But
then who will seduce the little Duchess for you?" Tristan chuckled at the
look on her face. "You need me, Louisa. I know you think you can out
maneuver me, but I wouldn't recommend trying it. I'll beat you in the end as
well."

Louisa
grimaced. "You make me ill."

"Do
I? I seem to remember a time when you couldn't get enough of me. Don't you
remember sneaking around behind de Valene's back when he was keeping you? We
were wild for each other. I recall vividly a cloakroom at a ball, and having to
be very quiet so that no one could hear us." Tristan leaned forward and
Louisa sidled away, her back coming up against the pillows heaped on the
chaise.

"Leave
me alone," she ground out. "I gave you the information you wanted.
Isn't that enough for you?"

"I
thought that was all I wanted. But now I see you like this and I find my mind
turning to other matters. Don't tell me you haven't guessed them; I can see it
in your eyes. And I would be so much more entertaining than a footman,
Louisa." Tristan wrapped one large hand around her naked calf.

"Damn
it, let go of me!" Louisa struggled to free her leg. "I'm not your
mistress anymore, Tristan."

"No,
you're not. And that makes it all the more exciting, doesn't it? You're
cheating on the man you're supposed to be true to, the man who pays for all
this, the man who owns you. Don't you feel that little tingle of danger? I know
you, Louisa. Don't try to lie to me." Tristan's hand slid further up her
leg, disappearing under the gossamer hem of her negligee.

"Go
to hell," answered Louisa, but the anger had faded from her voice, and she
stopped fighting him.

"Oh,
I will, my dear. And so shall you, I'm sure. Why don't we go together, just
this once?" Tristan hand stroked her thigh gently, persuasively.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten how good it was."

Louisa
gave a tiny moan in response, and Tristan shook his head. "You're so easy,
darling."

"I
don't recall you exercising your powers of restraint very often," muttered
Louisa peevishly.

"No,
neither of us is very good at denying our needs," agreed Tristan. He
reached up and undid the tiny ribbons that held the front of her gown together.
It fell open, and Louisa's extravagant breasts tumbled into view. "Has
Gravesmere been taking good care of you?"

"Very
good," answered Louisa, her breath catching in her throat.

"I'm
sure he has," agreed Tristan, taking a dark nipple between his fingers and
squeezing until Louisa gasped, while with his other hand, he slid a finger into
her moistness, touching her with practiced ease. "He's young and strong.
But he's probably far too considerate, too much of a gentleman. I doubt he
knows you as well as I do, Louisa. You want him to think that you're a
gently-bred lady, but I know the truth. I know a bit of rough trade is what you
really like, and what Gravesmere is too much the gentleman to give you."

Louisa
swore, and Tristan laughed. "Do you talk to Gravesmere that way?" He
stripped her gown from her with accomplished hands. "You look almost
feverish, my dear. We'll make this quick."

He stood
and unfastened his trousers while Louisa watched, her eyes half-closed, her
lips parted. Her eyes widened as his erection sprang free.

"You
see, there's nothing of Gravesmere's I can't have," said Tristan. He
grabbed Louisa by the waist and turned her so that she knelt with her back to
him. He stroked her bare buttocks gently for moment, and then pushed her
forward, seized her hips in both hands and rammed home in one swift movement.
Louisa gave a shout of pleasure.

"I
wonder how he'll feel when I tell him I've had you," said Tristan,
gripping her long dark hair and pulling Louisa’s head back as he pulled out of
her and plunged in again. “Watch me,” he said as he forced her to look over her
shoulder at him. She surged backwards in response, meeting him eagerly, her
lust overriding every other emotion. He continued to pound into her
rhythmically, listening with pleasure to her panting cries as the sound of his
flesh slapping against hers filled the room. "And of course, I'll take
that lovely wife of his as well. It would be marvelous if she was still a
virgin, as I suspect she is. She's quite amazing, you know. Not as ripe as you,
Louisa, but so exquisite, so delicate, and I suspect a fire under that
porcelain surface. I could teach her so much. Don't you agree?"

He smiled
at the stream of invective that fell from her lips. "What, you don't like
discussing other women? But there's no pretense between us, is there? You were
never faithful to me, were you Louisa? Of course not. And so now there's no
reason we can't enjoy ourselves, though you know this is just a brief
interlude." He let go of her hair, and reached around her to grab her
swaying breasts, tugging on her nipples fiercely. A smile of satisfaction
spread across his lips as she screamed and climaxed, her tremors tearing
through her until she shook all over. Only when she was done did he allow
himself release, pumping into her fiercely, a detached look on his face. He
relaxed his grip on her and withdrew, watching as she fell forward onto the
chaise.

"Really,
Louisa, you have so little self-control." Tristan drew a handkerchief out
of his pocket, wiped off his penis, and rearranged his clothing. He dropped the
soiled piece of cloth on her dressing table.

"I
despise you," said Louisa faintly, her face buried in the embroidered
pillows.

"I
despise you, too, darling." Tristan smacked her bare bottom hard, the
sound sharp in the frilly boudoir. "If you hear something else from
Gravesmere, please let me know. And remember, I'm watching you. Don't think you
can double cross me." He turned and left the room, shutting the door
quietly behind him.