Montgomery Family 01 - Lost Pleasures Found (3 page)

The drive went by quickly and soon it was time to return home. Lord Montgomery turned his curricle around, and they headed back. When they arrived, he helped her down from his curricle, and when he touched her hand, she felt a warmth run through her entire arm. The way he was looking at her, gave her an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach—something she had never felt before. Lord Montgomery’s eyes darkened and he looked so intense that it sent chills up her spine. As she reached the ground, he reluctantly let go of her hand.

He turned to her and asked, “Would it be convenient for me to pick you up tomorrow at ten o’clock? I’d like for us to go riding. Do you ride? If you do, I’d like to do that tomorrow. I’d be happy to procure a horse for you, if you need me to.”

“I’ve been learning to ride since I arrived in London, and I enjoy it immensely. My aunt has several horses in her stable, so I’d be pleased to go riding with you, my lord.” The thought of riding with Lord Montgomery sent shivers throughout her entire body.

Henry escorted her inside, and took his leave from her and Lady Helton. Just as soon as he left, her aunt immediately started asking her questions about the time that they had spent together. As Melody removed her lace gloves, she turned to her aunt and said, “We had a delightful drive, and he has asked to see me as much as possible over the next few weeks, before I leave to go back home, and I told him that I would enjoy seeing him again.”

Miriam pulled her into her arms and hugged her as she said, “How absolutely marvelous! I just knew he was interested, and now he plans to court you. I’m so pleased for you, and he is such a nice young man. Melody, this is one you don’t want to let get away.”

Melody nervously twisted her hands and said, “Aunt Miriam, I’m scared. This is all moving so fast. How can I be sure that my feelings are real, when everything is happening so quickly? I think he is serious in his intent, but I just worry, because it’s so soon after we met. I don’t want to be hurt.”

Aunt Miriam patted her on the arm and said, “Melody, sometimes it only takes a moment to fall in love. That is how it happened for me with your uncle, and we had twenty-five wonderful years together, before I lost him. I’ve missed him everyday since his death, ten years ago. I’ve had opportunities to be with other men and even several marriage proposals, but there will never be anyone that can take your uncle’s place in my heart. All I can tell you is that sometimes, you just have to be brave and take a chance on love. See your young man as often as possible and just let nature take its course. All right, darling? I’m sure that you’ll be fine. I can tell by the way he looks at you that this is going to be an enduring attachment. I’m sure he returns your regard.”

M
ELODY AND HENRY spent time with each other everyday over the next few weeks. Each time they were together, they got to know each other a little better. The more time they spent together, the deeper their feelings grew. Each day, they would go for a drive in the park, ride their horses, or go on a picnic. In the evening, they would see each other at some of the parties that were still being held. Even though the season was almost over, some hostesses were still entertaining.

One evening, about a week after they had met, they went out onto the terrace to walk in the gardens. As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Henry could feel such a strong connection with Melody.

Henry gazed into her gorgeous sherry-colored eyes and said, “I’m so delighted that you came to the party tonight. I looked forward to seeing you this evening.”

“I wanted to see you too, my lord. Isn’t it a beautiful evening tonight? Just look at all the stars. Oh look, there’s a shooting star! I’ll have to make a wish!” Melody said.

She closed her eyes to make her wish, and Henry watched her and thought she was the most radiantly beautiful woman he had ever seen. “You’re so pretty with your lovely eyes shining so brightly in the moonlight. I think we have known each other long enough to use our given names, don’t you? May I call you Melody, and will you please call me Henry?”

Melody gazed into Henry’s crystal blue eyes and said, “Yes, I would like that very much, Henry. I agree we have known each other long enough to use our given names.”

Just hearing her say his name made him want to kiss her, so he stepped in closer, put his arms around her, and lowered his head. He felt her lips tremble, and he knew she was enjoying their kiss. As she closed her eyes, he gently stroked his lips across hers. They felt as soft as a rose petal, and he deepened the kiss, yet still keeping it gentle. Her untutored response excited him, because he sensed that this was her first kiss. He made a slight groan and lifted his lips from hers. He watched as she slowly opened her eyes and sweetly smiled at him. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that, but I don’t regret the kiss. Your lips looked so soft that I just couldn’t resist the temptation. Melody, I hold you in very high esteem, and I have the greatest respect for you. Please forgive my forwardness.” He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and he felt her hand tremble as he kissed her fingers, and desire ran through his body, stronger than he could ever remember feeling.

Melody softly whispered, “I’m not offended, and I enjoyed your kiss very much. That was the first kiss I have ever received, and I thought it was wonderful, Henry.”

He felt greatly honored that she had allowed him to be the first man to touch her delectable lips. Her plump lower lip had enticed him beyond endurance, and it pleased him that no other man had experienced her soft sweet lips. He stepped back and said, “As much as I enjoyed your kiss, we need to return to the ballroom, before anyone notices us missing.”

They walked back through the French doors. Both of them were feeling as if something remarkable had just happened. Henry noticed his best friend walking toward them. He turned to Melody and said, “Let me introduce you to my friend Bryan Willingham, the Earl of Weston.”

Weston stopped in front of Henry and asked, “Montgomery, are you ready to leave yet? Who is this lovely young lady with you? Would you please introduce us?”

Henry smiled and said, “Hello, Weston, please let me introduce you to Miss Canterfield-Smyth. She’s from Lincolnshire, and she’s visiting her aunt, Lady Helton.”

Weston elegantly bowed and then said, “Henry has spoken of you on several occasions, and now I understand why. You’re very lovely. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Melody curtsied and said, “Thank you, my lord. Lord Montgomery has mentioned you to me also. He speaks very highly of you, and I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Henry turned to Melody and raised her hand to his lips as he said, “Let me take you back to your aunt. Weston and I are leaving to go meet some of our friends. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon. I’ll pick you up at four o’clock so we can take our ride in the park. Oh, here’s your aunt coming now.”

Lady Helton smiled at Lord Weston as she said, “Hello, Lord Weston. It’s so nice to see you again. How is your mother? I haven’t seen her this season.”

“Thank you for asking about my mother. Her health has been poor, so she decided to remain at our country estate rather than coming to town this year,” Lord Weston replied.

“Please tell her I asked about her. I’ve always enjoyed your mother’s company. I hope she gets to feeling better soon.” Lady Helton turned to Melody and said, “Melody, I’m ready to leave. We promised to stop by Lady Bradford’s musicale this evening, so we need to be leaving if we are going to get there in time.”

“All right, Aunt Miriam, I’m ready.” Melody turned to Henry and said, “Lord Montgomery, I look forward to our ride tomorrow.” Then she looked over at Lord Weston and added, “It was very nice meeting you, Lord Weston.”

Melody and her aunt turned and walked away. Henry turned to Lord Weston and asked, “Is she not as lovely as I told you she was?”

Weston glanced over at Henry, then he said, “Yes, she is, and she also seems very nice, if a little shy. I can see why you’re so besotted with her!”

Henry grinned as he replied, “Well, I don’t know that I would call myself besotted, however I do enjoy her company greatly. Let’s leave and go meet our friends at White’s.”

The following day, Henry picked Melody up, and they went for a ride in Hyde Park, along Rotten Row. It was obvious that their horses were biting at the bit and wanted a good run. “Why don’t we have a little race to that tree over there? I’ll give you a head start, all right?”

Melody agreed, and she took off before Henry even had a chance to say go. She was halfway to the tree before he got his horse turned around. Once he did, he sped after her, but there was no way he could catch her. When he caught up with her, he said, “You’ve really improved lately. Have you been practicing in the morning?”

Melody threw her head back and laughed as she said, “I’ve been riding almost every morning, and I just beat you, so what do you think of that!”

Laughter was shining in Henry’s eyes as he replied, “I guess I’d better watch out, and next time, I won’t give you a head start, because you don’t need it.” Melody merrily smiled at Henry, and they continued on their ride.

Melody’s heart swelled with love for Henry, and she wished he would kiss her again as he had last evening at the party. “Henry, I’m so pleased that we have become such good friends. In many ways, I feel as if I’ve known you for a long time.”

As their horses approached a wooded area of the park, Henry asked, “Why don’t we walk a bit?” Melody agreed, and he helped her down from her horse. They held hands as they walked along the path as their horses trailed behind them. It was as if they were the only people in the world. The sunlight filtered through the trees, and Melody felt a huge sense of contentment. She glanced over at Henry, and her heart accelerated because his eyes were darkened to a deep blue, and she thought he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted to kiss him. Henry stopped walking and pulled her into his arms as he lowered his head and softly touched his lips to hers. Sweet vibrations ran through her body, and she sighed when she felt Henry’s tongue slide across her lips. As Melody gasped, he slid his tongue into her mouth. It was the most amazing feeling, and she tentatively met his tongue with her own. Henry pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. Melody wound her arms up around his neck, and as he continued to kiss her, she ran her fingers through his thick red gold curls. They were pressed closely together from chest to thigh, and she felt something hard and firm against her belly.

Henry let out a groan and said, “Melody, we had better stop. I find you extremely attractive, and your kisses are sweeter than candy, but I don’t want to do anything to offend you.” He let her go and stepped back, but did not release her hand.

Melody glowingly replied, “Henry, you haven’t offended me. I wanted you to kiss me. Your kisses are very enticing, but you’re right. We do need to stop before someone comes along and sees us.” Henry helped Melody mount her horse, and they continued on their ride. He escorted Melody back to her aunt’s house, and they parted with promises to meet at one o’clock the next day.

On the following day, they went on a picnic. When they arrived at Hyde Park, Henry picked out a spot next to the Serpentine, and spread out a blanket he had brought with him. He had gone to Gunter’s for their luncheon. There were shaved ham sandwiches and several kinds of fruit with a jug of lemonade. Henry filled a plate for Melody and handed it to her. Then he proceeded to fill his plate with all the food that remained. They sat there eating and enjoying the lovely warm afternoon when Henry asked, “What’s Lincolnshire like? I haven’t been there before. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“No, I’m an only child. My parents had me when they were in their late thirties. They tried to have a child for a long time, so when I was born, they were overjoyed. They call me their little gift from God and have said many times that I’m a true blessing to them. You know that my father is the vicar of Little Smythington parish, and we live in a very small village where everyone knows everybody’s business. I had several friends while growing up, and we would always play together. You’ve met Susan. We’ve been friends since we were small children. I have another friend who lives next door to me. He and I used to go fishing, and he taught me how to skip rocks. We were constantly together while I was growing up. Brandon has recently gotten married, and his wife is expecting their first child at Christmas. I’m looking forward to seeing them when I get home. What about you? What was it like growing up as the son of a duke?” she asked.

Henry stretched out beside her as he replied, “You already know I have an elder brother. Nelson and I were best friends growing up, which is surprising, because he’s seven years older than I am. I have two sisters. Helen is seventeen, and Kathryn is thirteen. Our parents didn’t spend much time with us while we were growing up. They spent most of their time in London. Nelson looked after us and made sure that we were well cared for. Sanderford Park was a great place to grow up in, with lots of trees to climb and a big lake to swim in. We had everything that money could buy, but all we really wanted was our parents’ love. From what you have shared, I envy you, because it’s obvious that your parents love you very much.”

Melody gave Henry a sympathetic smile and said, “You’re right. I realize that I’m very fortunate to have such loving parents, and not everyone is so lucky. Susan lost her father when she was about ten years old, and my father has tried to fulfill a father’s role for her, which she has appreciated very much, but it’s not the same as having her own father. Tell me more about your childhood.”

As he absently pulled at a blade of grass, he said, “You met my friend Weston. We met when I went away to school at eleven. I went to Eton, because that’s where all the men in my family have gone. I enjoyed school tremendously and had quite a few friends, but Weston was my best friend. Weston couldn’t join the army because he was an only child. It disappointed him greatly that he couldn’t, especially when I left to go to the continent.”

Melody glanced over at Henry and said, “I enjoyed meeting your friend. It’s important to have close friends. Can you tell more about being in the army? Oh, and you still haven’t told me what it’s like having a father who’s a duke. I can’t imagine what that would be like.”

“I would really rather not be a duke’s son, but we don’t always get what we wish for. I hated being treated differently just because my father was a duke. It took me longer to make friends, because all the other fellows expected me to be all stiff and proper like my father. You already know that I went into the army when I was eighteen, so that makes me four and twenty. I’ve loved the army, and I don’t really want to leave it. But since the war is over, I would eventually be sent to India, and I’m not so sure that I would want to go there. Once I get my men situated, I’ll sell my commission. I have a small estate that my grandmother left me, so I plan to live there. The estate is in Yorkshire, and that isn’t too far from where you live. That’s enough about me. Why don’t we eat some of those delicious strawberries?” he asked.

The strawberries were delicious, and Henry made a game out of eating them. First, he would eat one, and then he would feed one to Melody. His eyes would darken when she opened her lips to take the strawberry into her mouth, and then he would lick the strawberry juice off his fingers as he looked deeply into her eyes. Melody knew Henry desired her, and it excited her even though she did not fully understand about desire. After they finished eating, they went for a walk along the Serpentine. They watched all the little children, with their nursemaids, playing by the riverbank. Melody told him how much she enjoyed her work with the orphanage and that she would some day like to be able to help in a more significant way. They shared more about themselves, and Melody knew that she had found someone very special in Henry.

On their last outing together, before she was due to leave for Lincolnshire, Henry turned to Melody and asked, “I would like to spend more time with you. Would your parents mind if I came to visit you this fall?”

As they rode along in his curricle, she said, “Henry, I’d love for you to come for a visit. I’m sure my parents would be delighted to meet you. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time together, and I would be just as pleased if you came to see me.”