He was breathing hard at this point, growing frustrated and wondering suspiciously why she was toying with him. If you dont mind, he said tautly, taking her head between his hands, I need more than that. And cupping her head with one hand, he pressed downward, grasped his cock in his other hand, and brought her mouth on target.
Fighting his hold, she looked up, wide-eyed. Am I supposed to put this huge thing in my mouth?
The little vixen
was
toying with him. And fuck if it wasnt working; his cock increased sizeably. Its no bigger than it was last night, he said, and shoved her head back down.
Oh yes it is.
But the last of her words were muffled as her lips closed over his cock.
He gasped at the initial contact and then he shut his eyes against the agonizing pleasure as she slowly drew him in, and when his cock bumped the back of her throat, he softly groaned.
He had no idea why her mouth was any different than any other womans mouth, but it was. Nor did he understand why her tongue licking the flanges of the crest of his cock and gliding down the shaft made him break into a cold sweat, made him think of words like
nirvana
and
everlasting bliss
. Made him consider coming in two seconds like a green adolescent. But he didnt because he knew how good it would feel if he repressed that impulsea lesson learned long agoand he let the lady continue.
He couldnt know of course that Rosalind had other plans. Devious, selfish plans, shed learned yesterday, worked well. Wanting what she wanted, she thought with an inner smile, like Groveland. And she rather thought shed be successful because his observations about her receptivity aside, she knew her body rather better than he. Or at least since shed met the darling of every lady in London shed come to know her bodyand the creamy droplets running down her thighs meant shed have him.
When the dukes breathing grew labored, when she felt his penis begin to twitch, she quickly lifted her head and said to his astonished gaze, Dont move, and a second later was straddling his thighs.
He said, No, but with little conviction this near orgasm.
Oh yes, she said in her prim schoolmistress voice that under other circumstances might have been grating but now sounded like the Hallelujah Chorus to his ears, and before he could take another labored breath, she was sliding down his cock.
Not easily, but so incredibly and exquisitely snugly, he thought his head would explode from the rapturous friction.
He didnt move; he didnt so much as twitch a muscle, not wishing to hurt herand even more, not wanting her to stop. And when she finally did, when she was impaled well and good on his cock, he decided life couldnt get any better than this.
But she slowly raised herself and settled back down again and life got considerably better. And in the following few minutes as she moved up and down he saw the world in vivid colors previously obscured, heard birdsong with fresh clarity, felt a soul-stirring delirium warm his senses.
He held her gently when she finally climaxed, and only after she raised her head from his shoulder and kissed his cheek, did he lift her away and come himself.
He wondered afterward as he silently wiped himself dry with his shirt whether their adversarial roles in the Monckton Row project somehow accentuated his passions. Whether hostility in one arena turned to violent feeling in another? Because hed never felt this mad hysteria and impatience, the raging lust as he did with the delectable Mrs. St. Vincent.
When Fitz hadnt spoken for some time, Rosalind quietly said, Are you angry with me?
No, God no, he said, quickly refocusing his attention. Far from it.
Oh good. I wouldnt want you to think me a conniving female.
He laughed. Hardly. Youre enchanting.
His urbane reply reminded her of what he was. A virtuoso at this game while she was a tyro. And perhaps in a libertines world, shed outstayed her welcome. I should be getting home, she said, offering him an opportunity to conclude her visit.
Why dont we go inside? Its cooling off.
You neednt be polite.
More than cursory politeness after sex wasnt his strong suit, but then nothing about Mrs. St. Vincent fit his normal pattern. Im not being polite. I enjoy your company.
The sex you mean.
Very well, the sex. He smiled and began buttoning his trousers. Come inside anyway.
Id love to.
Youre a refreshing little puss. No pretense. I like that.
Brushing her skirt back down, she said with a sweet smile, You know what I like about you.
NEITHER ONE SLEPT much that night. Neither was willing to forego the pleasure. Both considered such chimerical, high-flying sensations fleeting and best savored in the here and now.
She shouldnt want him so.
He shouldnt crave her with such rash disregard for their strategic differences.
But she did and he did and reason took a holiday that summer night at Mertenside. He ordered them a snack long after midnight, his kitchen willingly obliged him, and they ate on the balcony outside his bedroom, lying side by side on a chaise meant for one. He found she giggled and adored it when hed never liked women who giggled. And he further endeared himself to her by reciting wholesale her favorite poem, Byrons The Destruction of Sennacherib.
Im impressed, she whispered, kissing him afterward. Thats a very long poem. She wanted to say,
Did you learn it for a woman?
but didnt so as not to shatter the affectionate mood.
My governess liked it, he said, scrupulously refraining from adding more, the evening and company more agreeable than any in memory.
Comforted and disburdened of her jealousy, she gently touched his cheek. You bring me enormous pleasure, darling Fitz.
I havent felt this good since . . . He shrugged.
Since you last came?
He laughed. Tart.
And glad of it.
Not as much as I, darling. Would you like to try a bed in another bedroom for variety?
I thought youd never ask . . .
When morning came, they repeated the bland courtesies of the previous morning but without the argument this time. And after a delightful bath and an early breakfast, Fitz had them driven back into the city. They parted at Bruton Street Books with well-bred politesse. Both were careful not to speak of future meetings, but they were careful as well, not to rule them out.
It had been a night of memorable pleasure.
Chapter 20
GOOD MORNING, YOUR Grace.
Good morning, Mallory. Quite a nice day in the making out there, Fitz cheerfully said as he entered Groveland House. Bring me coffee in the study. It was too early for his mother to be out of bed; he neednt play host yet.
For a fraction of a second Mallory debated ruining the dukes good mood, the staff protective of the young masteras they called him in private, the term of endearment impervious to the passage of time. The majordomo glanced at the envelope on a silver salver set on a table in the center of the entrance hall and understanding what was required of him, cleared his throat. Mr. Hutchinson sent a message early this morning, Your Grace. He moved to the table and picked up the envelope. Hutchinsons man said it was urgent.
Theyve found something.
His pulse rate quickening, Fitz took the envelope held out to him, ripped it open, and pulled out the card enough to read the single line:
The search was productive.
Glancing up, Fitz said, Send some bacon and toast with the coffee. And tell the duchess when she wakes that my schedule will be uncertain today. Shoving the note into his jacket pocket, he set off across the grand baroque entrance hall transported from Rome by some long-ago ancestor.
While not yet in full possession of the facts, but knowing that Edward St. Vincent had been involved in illegal activities, Fitz experienced a moment of triumph. Not that hed seriously considered failure. With enough money, one could always find capable people willing to perform a service. The bromide
The end justifies the means
was a respected business practice for the industrialists, financiers, and wealthy landowners who ruled Britannia.
Fitz was no exception; he played the game his way with his rules. Within the law, of course. But then thats why Hutchinson was on permanent retainerto distinguish the legal nuances. Not that Fitz felt hed stepped over the line in regard to Mrs. St. Vincent. She would be handsomely paid for her property. Very handsomely indeed.
As for his small niggling unease undermining a sense of total victory, he reminded himself that Rosalind would soon be a woman of no small wealth. Her life would be considerably altered for the better because of his purchase. She could even buy herself some new furniture, and if she didnt, he would.
By the time he reached his study, hed rationalized away all the disquieting issues having to do with pretense and evasion and dispatched the lot to perdition. Coffee arrived practically on his heels and in short order, he was enjoying the morning paper with his breakfast.
As he was reading the latest reports on the civil unrest in South Africa, Stanley appeared in the doorway. I apologize for interrupting, Your Grace, but theres a rather... delicate matter . . .
No need to apologize. Come in, Fitz offered, immune to delicate matters after all the scandals in his past. He set aside the paper. Would you like coffee?
No thank you, Your Grace.
Sit down. Fitz waved him to a chair. What can I do for you?
Ordinarily I wouldnt bother you about the matter, Your Grace, since you instructed me to handle these, er, situations myself. But, the thing is, Stanley went on, sitting on the edge of his chair, Lady Buckley has been most persistent and . . . well, that is . . . Im at a loss how to deal with her demands.
Fitz grinned. Cant tell a peeress to go the hell, you mean.
Stanley sighed. Im not sure even that would help. She doesnt take no for an answer. Yesterday, she sent three notes, then dispatched her personal maid with a further message in which she threatened to descend on Groveland House herself if you didnt reply. I had to make clear to her maid that you literally were
not
at home; I wasnt simply respecting your privacy. Your mother didnt even know where youd gone, I said. Lady Buckleys maid finally accepted my explanation. He grimaced. It was most disturbing.
I happened to speak to Lady Buckley last night at the Turner show at the National Gallery. I doubt shell bother you.
The young mans expression brightened. Perfect, sir. Then I shant be deluged with her ultimatums today.
Fitz half smiled. I cant fully guarantee that. I may have left Lady Buckley in a pet. But, look, my dear boy, should Clarissa come to the house, let her in. If Im home, Ill be happy to see her. And if Im not, shell soon realize shes wasting her time.
Stanley pursed his mouth. Its just that ladies dont as a rule call on gentlemen.
Clarissa rather overlooks the rules, Im afraid. Just do your best.
Stanley blew out a breath. Very well, Your Grace.
And consider, Stanley, if you can handle Clarissa, its good training for the machinations of Parliament. After youve worked for me for a time, Id be happy to sponsor you as an aide to any number of members I know. Mother said you had an interest in government.
Yes, sir. I do, sir. Id be most grateful for your sponsorship, the young man said with feeling, clearly overwhelmed by the prospect. Thank you so much, Your Grace.
Youre perfectly welcome. God knows we could use some intelligent men in government. Do what you can about Clarissa. But Im relatively indifferent to her tantrums so dont anguish over the situation.
I shall do my very best, sir.
Im sure you will. Fitz smiled. Is there anything more?
No, no, Your Grace. Stanley jumped up. Thank you for your advice and consideration.
Anytime, Stanley. Were quite informal at Groveland House, so if you ever have a question about anything, dont hesitate to ask.
Clarissa was going to be a problem, Fitz reflected as Stanley walked out. Not that he hadnt anticipated as much even before taking her to Green Grove. She was spoiled, impetuous, self-centered, and demanding. But she was also a hot little piece, which partially offset her volatile personality. Still, poor Stanley would have his hands full. Fitz glanced at the time, decided he still had leisure to go through his mail, and coming to his feet, walked to his desk. Stanley had stacked everything in neat piles, private correspondence, business documents that required his signature, the daily papers, magazines. Fitz quickly scanned the several notes and invitations Stanley understood required his perusal, even more quickly flipped through the business documents, pushed the papers aside, and sifted through the new periodicals.
If the cover of
Facts and Fantasy
hadnt prominently displayed the title
The Dukes Doxy
in a bold red font,
and
if an image of a scantily clad female with a peach in her hand hadnt appeared beneath the title, Fitz wouldnt have pulled the magazine from the pile and studied the cover with a frown. A frown that deepened as he turned to page ten and began reading the salacious account.
He swore under his breath several times as he read, and once finished, he leaned back in his chair and swore some more. The characters were clearly recognizable at least to him. With luck, not to others. He wasnt concerned with scandal so much as he was infuriated at the lurid level of detail. Bitch. Shed used him. Thats why shed asked so many questions that night. It wasnt naďveté; it was a damned cross-examination!
So much for his unease over forcing Mrs. St. Vincent to sell. She apparently had no compunction about using
him
for profit. Still, hadnt she made it clear from the start that it would be all-out war?
Sex asideor maybe not. Perhaps sex was just a skirmish of another kind. Whatever it was, he had no intention of relinquishing the field of battle until it was tactically useful. In other words, when hed had his fill of the lovely Mrs. St. Vincent.
THE BARRISTER WAS all smiles when Fitz walked into his office.
Good morning, Your Grace. I have excellent news.
Then we both do, Fitz replied. Your men apparently found something.
Indeed. Mrs. St. Vincent was out last evening, Hutchinson explained as Fitz took a seat across from him, so my men took the opportunity to search her apartment and discovered rather a lot. He smiled broadly. Enough to justify a raid, Your Grace. More than enough.
Fitz didnt mention hed been with Rosalind. Perfect, he said instead, brushing aside the slight prick of conscience that persisted despite his displeasure over her writing. Should Mrs. St. Vincent be jailed in the course of this raid, see that she is immediately released, he said, the state of Englands jails being what they were. Theres no need to have her traumatized.
It might be a little late for that once shes dragged off to jail
, thought Hutchinson, but ever the circumspect retainer, he politely said, Ill attend to it, Your Grace.
Tell me now, Fitz said, postponing his disclosure until hearing Hutchinsons account. What exactly did your men find?
First, it seems Mrs. St. Vincent sells erotica from a small back room in her shop. Such sales are relatively common, so courts may not take issue, but such sales
do
come within the purview of Britains obscenity statutes. Of more significance, however, were the several manuscripts found in an armoire and the partially finished manuscript discovered in a desk drawer. Theres no question about the erotic content of these stories.
A partial manuscript? Did it have a title?
Something about harems, I believe. It was in a different script than the manuscripts in the armoire. Hutchinson pursed his lips for a moment. My men concluded it was a womans hand. Very likely Mrs. St. Vincents.
I expect it was.
You must be referring to your news.
Fitz nodded and pulled the small periodical from his pocket. This weeks edition of
Facts and Fantasy
he said, sliding it across Hutchinsons desk. The cover story is an account of my first night with Mrs. St. Vincent. His brows rose. In considerable detail.
Hutchinson flipped through the magazine before setting it down. So theres no question the lady is involved in illegal publications.
None.
Then your ninety thousand is entirely safe.
Entirely. He should have felt more satisfaction. Instead, Fitz was discontent, Hutchinsons wretched Gustave Doré engraving of Londons teeming masses in a dark, brooding slumscape mirrored the sourness of Fitzs mood. I suppose since Mrs. St. Vincent appears to be the author of this unfinished manuscript, shes in more difficulty than if only her husbands manuscripts had come to light?
Yes, of course. In the latter case, she could plead ignorance. Naturally, that is not the case with her own work. Perhaps youd first like to apprise her of the facts, Hutchinson offered, recognizing a hesitancy in Groveland hed not seen before. Let her know you know, as it were, and if she still doesnt see the advantage of accepting your offer, then the possibility of a raid could be advanced to exert additional pressure. Unless youve changed your mind after, er . . . He stopped, about to say
after getting to know Mrs. St. Vincent better
. With the lady under surveillance, Hutchinson knew not only that Rosalind had gone to the National Gallery but also that shed left with Groveland.
No, not with ninety thousand at stake.
I wanted to be sure. Hutchinson should have known better with Grovelands penchant for discarding lovers. In that case, Ill begin the process required to execute a raid, although these things take time. Any number of bureaucrats are involved, the action is exceedingly rare these days, and that in itself requires genuflection to the right parties.
How long?
Ten days, perhaps a little more.
Fitz nodded. Get started.
Hutchinson had not won his preeminent position as a barrister by overlooking details. He asked one last time, Is there a possibility the ladys interests could be, shall we say, reconciled?
I doubt it.
Good God, Ill have to bring Hutchinson a less dismal engraving. That one could put you off your feed.
That hed not noticed the somber print before was testament to his present mood. On second thought, Fitz murmured, a brooding note in his voice, let me think about this for a short while. Not that you cant begin the due diligence, he added crisply.
I understand. With the operational snails pace of the bureaucracies, it cant hurt to at least begin some initial conversations.
Fitz was relieved to hear Hutchinson speak of a snails pace, when timing shouldnt have mattered one way or the other. When it wouldnt have in the past. When, in fact, he would have simply given Hutchinson the order to proceed without further thought. Ill decide soon, Fitz said. Ill be out of town for a day or so.
Very well. Ill wait to hear from you.
Id prefer that your contacts not mention any names until absolutely necessary. Is that possible?
It can be arranged.
Interesting
, thought Hutchinson.
Groveland doesnt want the lady exposed to scandal. At least for the moment.
Ill tell my sources wed like the names on the writs to remain anonymous until the papers are served.
Fitz smiled tightly. Thank you. He exhaled. That should do it then.
Yes, indeed.
Fitz came to his feet. Thank your men for their quick results.
I will. A pleasant journey, Your Grace.
Fitz looked at him blankly.
On your travels out of town, Your Grace.
Ah, yes. Thank you. Fitz smiled politely. Ill stop by on my return.
Ill have updates for you by then.
Excellent. Fitz turned to go and then swung back because he wasnt finished with Mrs. St. Vincent just yet. Business was business; sex was sex. I have another commission. Could you find a female doctorsomeone exceptionally well-qualifiedand have her pay a visit to Mrs. St. Vincent? Today preferably. Dont look at me like that. Its all quite innocent. Just make sure shes good.