Love's Justice (Entangled Scandalous) (15 page)

Chapter Thirty-Four

Dinner was served in the formal dining room. It had been decorated for the holidays and reflected the exquisite taste of its owners. The table had been set with fine Limoges china and gold flatware. The four place settings had been pulled together at one end of the beautiful table to give the large table a certain intimacy.

“I do hope you don’t mind being crowded together like this, but I hate to have to raise my voice to simply communicate.” Edith was helped to her chair by her husband.

Henry kissed his wife on the cheek before taking his own chair at the head of the table. “It is just the four of us, my dear. I won’t tell if they don’t.”

Victoria and Hugh sat beside each other across from Edith.

“I am thinking about installing a telephone in the house. The Duke of Westminster has done so and said it’s damned convenient.”

“Henry, please.” Edith warmly reprimanded her husband’s language.

“They’ve established a telephone exchange and everyone will have one in the next few years,” Henry said, ignoring the rebuke.

“Do you really think they will be used by anyone other than those who are interested in new technology?” Edith asked.

“I think Henry is probably right. The possibilities are very promising. How convenient it must be to pick up a telephone and almost immediately confer with someone.” Hugh supported his friend’s notion. “In America, as well as England, they have made great strides in this area.” He looked to Victoria for confirmation.

“I have to agree. I think in the next decade we will find them in many homes.”

Edith shook her head in dismissal. “Well, I don’t see that they are that much better than a telegraph or simply a note.”

The food arrived. First a lovely bisque, followed by goose and more than a half-dozen side dishes. Despite the formality of the dining room, Edith made sure the evening wasn’t tedious. “You’ll have to excuse us this evening. Several of the servants are away to visit their families for the holiday. Since it was just the four of us, I thought we could manage quite nicely ourselves.”

“It’s all very lovely,” Victoria commented. “I’m sure the servants will appreciate it. I’ve let mine go as well this evening, along with tomorrow and Boxing Day. I couldn’t bear to have them miss their families to stay and wait on just one person. The cook prepared food for me before she left.”

Edith nodded her agreement.

“Monty, what do you think of the Reverend Blackley’s proposal to establish some kind of old-age pension?” Henry asked seriously.

“I think we have to acknowledge that life is very different for those who don’t belong to our social class. Hardships abound. Despair is much more common. There is no reason why men and women should suffer needlessly in our country. We must change not just our laws but our minds.”

“Certainly there are organizations to care for those who need help. Who was that pawnbroker who organized the…?” He searched for the words. The Salvation Army, I believe they call themselves.”

“William Booth?”

“Yes, Booth. Isn’t it the place of our charitable institutions to take upon themselves those who lack the forethought to set aside enough for their later years?”

“I think when you are living in such a mean state during your working years, it is difficult, if not impossible, to set aside a few pennies for the future.”

“My God, Monty, you sound like a confounded socialist.” Henry laughed.

“I’m afraid I don’t deserve and haven’t earned that title. But certainly there must be something better than what we have. Something other than a reality that relegates a great part of our population to live their lives in hard labor without promise of relief. The same can be said about women. Perhaps their plight is even more difficult. Our laws cast them outside of our working government without even a say in how they are governed.”

“Ah, now you have touched upon an interesting subject. No doubt Victoria has an opinion or two on that.” Edith smiled warmly.

“I’m afraid I have made my views abundantly clear to Lord Montgomery. Perhaps I have shown a lack of discretion in doing so…” Victoria said.

“No, please no, Victoria. My friend here is nothing but a man of honor and duty. He would not let himself be swayed by anything but the cold, hard truth and the laws of England. Isn’t that so, Monty?” Henry further goaded. “The earl is a very forward thinking man. I think he would let women vote if it were in his power.”

“Enough, enough politics.” It was Edith who put an end to it. “It is Christmas Eve, and I shall forbid any more of this talk.”

The evening from then on was punctuated by a wide ranging discussion of everything from Gilbert and Sullivan’s latest play,
H.M.S. Pinafore
, to a recent art exhibition that featured the works of the new Impressionists.

The food was delicious and the wine flowed freely. For Victoria, it was the first time she had felt comfortable in England. The first time the country felt almost like her home. She was just beginning to see the possibilities England offered, although things might change dramatically in the next few weeks. Would she, like dear Emily, be forced back to America in poverty?

She looked over to the man beside her, who was in an animated conversation with Henry. Would there be a reason to stay if Stanford was successful in his suit?

Chapter Thirty-Five

The men left the dining room to smoke and have a brandy. Edith led Victoria back into the sitting room. The fire had been stoked, and it burned vigorously, giving off wonderful warmth.

“You like him, don’t you?” Edith settled herself on the sofa.

“Yes,” Victoria answered honestly. “But for now, it is impossible. Perhaps later. After the trial.” She warmed herself before the fire, enjoying its soft glow.

Edith nodded. “We haven’t seen him this way for many, many years. He is relaxed and smiling. You, I believe, are the reason.”

“How can you be sure?”

Edith smiled. “Because we have known him for so long. Because Henry and I know what happiness love can bring. Life is so difficult, sometimes, people break. Hugh broke many years ago. He never recovered when Cathy died. He blamed himself for not acting sooner. Not marrying her despite his father’s wishes. It would take an exceptional woman to lure him out of his self-imposed exile.”

“And you think I have done that?” Victoria walked over to Edith and sat beside her.

“As an American, you have brought something new to the relationship. You are outspoken and opinionated. While other suitors might be turned away by such a challenge, I believe Hugh has found these traits the very things other women lacked.”

“What was she like?” Victoria asked.

“Cathy?” Edith questioned.

“She was a sweet girl. Open and honest. She lacked any guile whatsoever. I think that’s what attracted Hugh.”

Victoria considered her own attributes and came up wanting. “I’m afraid ‘sweet’ would never be a word to describe me.”

“Yes, but you have the honesty and a certain passion which I think is the key to why he finds you so attractive.”

Victoria laughed in a self-deprecating manner. “I never expected we would share so many views and opinions.”

“You are very much like him in that. It’s sad this mess with Lord Stanford stands between you. Be patient, my dear. Be patient.”

The men returned to join the ladies. Had their conversation taken a similar course to hers with Edith? Both men appeared somber.

“I’m sure you have much to do for the holidays.” Victoria rose to go. “Your children are very precious. I envy you.”

“Please, don’t feel you have to go,” Henry said.

“I think I should. You will have two very busy days ahead of you. Are you going to Syon House?”

“Yes, we will leave tomorrow morning and stay for Boxing Day. Their grandparents dote on the children,” Edith said.

“Well, have a wonderful holiday.” Victoria placed a kiss on her new friend’s cheek before rising.

Edith then rang for the maid, who brought Victoria’s cloak.

“Shall I arrange for your carriage?” Henry asked solicitously.

Victoria laughed. “No, I didn’t take it. I walked.”

“Well you simply can’t walk home alone at this hour.” Henry shook his head at the impropriety. “Monty, do you mind?”

“Not at all.” Hugh nodded at the maid, who then left to get his coat as well.

In the street, Hugh took Victoria’s arm. “I hope you don’t mind. Henry is sometimes overly cautious about these things. He is old world enough to be shocked that you walked.”

Victoria laughed. “In America, I used to walk a great deal of the time. I think it was looked at by some Americans as improper as well. I fear I have made myself a pariah in both in New York and London.”

She stopped for a moment and looked at Hugh. “The Percys are lovely people.”

“Yes, they are. Their match has been a good one. I believe they love each other deeply.”

“Well if children are any indication…” She laughed again.

They continued to walk. She liked the feel of him beside her, liked the idea of him beside her. She never would have guessed she would find herself caring more about this man’s regard than the fortune she could lose if Stanford succeeded in his suit.

Everything was so complicated. They would just have to wait. There was no reason to pursue the relationship now. It would only serve to arm Lord Stanford with more ammunition that could be used against her.

…

Hugh was more than aware of her presence beside him. His whole body was alert to the fact. He railed against the feelings that threatened to overcome him. He would be a fool to engage in any behavior that would call his impartiality into question. And yet a fear of losing her, as he had Cathy before her, threatened to dismantle his good sense.

Just a moment before, standing and looking at her as the snowflakes embedded themselves in the soft fur around her throat and licked her long dark eyelashes, he had envied them their closeness to her. She had made him feel that way from the first time he had seen her. And knowing her as he did now made him contemplate the impossible. He was a gentleman and didn’t ravish a woman whom he was expected to walk safely home.

“Did you enjoy yourself this evening?”

“Yes, very much. The children are delightful, and Henry and Edith seem very devoted parents.”

“They are. Do you ever see yourself with children some day?’

She stopped again amid the snowflakes and looked at him. “Do you think because I believe women should have rights that I eschew children?” When he didn’t answer she continued, “I would think these two things are not incompatible if certain other things were true.”

He smiled. “And what would those things be?” He brushed a renegade snowflake away from her eyelash.

“That she were married to a man who shared her conviction. That her husband deem parenting a mutual undertaking not strictly a woman’s occupation.”

“Have you met many men like this?”

She laughed. “I do think them a rather rare breed. And most I’ve met already have previous attachments, I’m afraid.”

“Have you given up hope then?”

“You know me better than that. I do not give up on things easily. And this is one thing I am determined to pursue at all costs.”

“I admire your determination.”

“And you, my lord? What do you seek in a wife? Or would you prefer a mistress?”

“A wife, I think. And several children. Although I have no wish to challenge the Percy brood.”

They had reached her door. She searched in her reticule for the key.

“I’m afraid I am on my own tonight since I excused the staff for the holiday.” She struggled with the unfamiliar door.

“Let me.” He took the key from her bare hand, and the touch was electric.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Hugh fumbled with the door. She would think him an idiot. Finally, the lock gave and the door opened into darkness.

He stepped in first and then offered her a hand. It was a mistake.

He drew her into the darkened room until he could cup her face in his hands. With his thumbs he offered a gentle caress. She closed her eyes, capitulating, and he knew it would not end wisely.

With his leg, he closed the door, and it shut just as his lips met hers. It was an exclamation point to the intimate impact. He took his time. The kiss was excruciatingly painful and held the promise of so much more.

It was she now who held his lips against hers. He folded her in an embrace so passionate that he knew he could not let her go. Not tonight, not ever.

He offered multiple kisses down her neck, and she purred. The sound made him hard. So hard it was both pain and pleasure. He slipped off her cloak, baring her shoulders. He trailed kisses from shoulder to shoulder and fought with the dress that kept him from trailing them still further.

She took the initiative then and helped him shed his overcoat. She still had not said a word. He waited. Looking for direction from her.

…

The darkness and the empty house proved too enticing. Victoria wanted more. She didn’t care if it was unwise. Didn’t care about anything but the man who stood mere inches from her. She could feel his heat, comprehend his need, for the same need had risen up in her.

If nothing else, they could have this night. This magical night.

She was incomplete. She wanted more. She should stop him. It was a great risk. One that could destroy them both. But the feeling was so new, so overpowering nothing but death itself could come between them.

She understood now his frustration and despair at the loss of his fiancée. To see in someone else the traits that would complete you and make you whole was a heady aphrodisiac.

She took his hand and led him up the darkened stairs to her bedroom. She lit a lamp and turned to him, not knowing what she expected from him.

The fire and longing in his eyes was overwhelming. He waited, as if seeking her approval. If his feelings were near to hers, his patience was admirable. She smiled.

Still he didn’t move. She walked slowly over to him. His eyes followed her every move. She raised her hands and began to untie his cravat. The silk scarf careened smoothly over her fingers, and she relished the touch.

“Are you sure?” he asked her.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” she answered.

He cradled her face once more in his hands. Victoria closed her eyes, anticipating his kiss and so much more.

His lips, when they came, were soft and tempting. He kissed her forehead and teased the corners of her mouth before pulling her to him and kissing her deeply, so deeply she found herself drawn into his exploration. A new frisson of passion passed between them. It ignited something more powerful than she had expected. There was a new urgency to their interchanges.

He slid his hands down her neck and across the bare shoulders of her gown. He moved the peach silk off her shoulders and down her arms. His kisses trailed after his hands.

He kissed her cheek and her ears, his breath warm on both. The fine hairs on her neck rose with her shiver of anticipation. His kisses traced the low neckline and found a home between her breasts. Only her clothing stopped his further perusal.

She pressed a soft kiss into his hair and then raised her face back up to his. His eyes bore a question.

In response, she offered him the back of her dress. There was a pause before he kissed the back of her neck. She could feel his hands deftly working the small buttons of her gown. He released her bodice and then her skirt and crinoline. He lifted her out of them and carried her to the bed. He slipped off her shoes and placed them beside the bed.

He finished then what she had started. He removed his shirt and vest. His chest was broad and well muscled. He sat beside her and removed his boots.

When he was done, he rose. His manhood erect and his body magnificent. The distance between them was begging to be closed. She slipped off her drawers and left only her shift on, suddenly shy.

He lowered himself over her. She could feel his warmth as he closed the space between them. It enveloped her and left her more than eager to meld their two bodies. She wanted him to devour her. He knelt with his legs on either side of her hips and pulled her chemise up and over her head. He descended on her warm breasts voraciously, kissing and licking and sucking until her nipples were as erect as his throbbing manhood, warm against her thighs. She was becoming more and more needy. Desperate for his warmth, incomplete.

She reached down and touched him. A shudder ran through him. She was happy to return the pleasure.

She was swollen and wet in places she had never known before.

When she released him, he moved down. With a whimper she communicated her dismay. She did not want him to move away. The chill of the night air sent a ripple through her body.

His tongue was down between the soft folds of flesh at the apex of her legs, and she gasped with pleasure.

He kept up his kisses, licking and pleasuring her until she could bear no more. It took only one more invasion of his tongue and she shuddered violently. He moved up and covered her with his body.

His lips sought out her ear. He whispered, “You are truly extraordinary.”

“Please.” She didn’t know what she was asking, only that she needed to be completed and he obliged.

He slipped inside her, stopping only briefly. “This may hurt.”

She put her hands on his buttocks and encouraged him. He drove into her then, rupturing her hymen and filling her with himself.

She thought there could be no better feeling. And then he moved and her passion increased once more. He moved slowly at first. Every thrust holding back just a little.

“Please,” she said again, giving him permission to find the pleasure he sought.

And he did, driving into her at an ever-increasing pace. She rose with him until they both shuddered and he lay back along her length. Easing his weight with his forearms.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked.

“No, no.” She shook her head to make her point.

He slowly slipped out of her and lay beside her, pulling her to him.

They lay quietly for a long time. Neither speaking, lost in the pleasure and terror of the moment.

Finally it was Victoria who spoke first.

“Was this a mistake?” she asked quietly.

He didn’t answer right away. He took a moment. Then he answered her honestly. “Probably.”

He pulled her closer to him even as he acknowledged this.

She lay there relishing the feel of his warm body next to hers. Accepting the fact that his answer was truthful. She just needed to know one more thing.

“Do you regret it?” More than aware that his answer might determine her fate.

This time there was no pause. No moment to think. He responded quickly and strongly.

“No.” He kissed the top of her head.

It was all she needed to hear.