Pride and Fire (24 page)

The ride to her family’s estate promised to be an easy one. He crossed his legs and settled in the seat across from Michelle.

Another client had visited just two days past, irate over his ineffectual speech regarding the Navy’s lack of border supervision. Like Gorham, his points had been anticipated and ripped to shreds before he could do more than give them voice. Thank God the session had ceased. Paul didn’t think his reputation could withstand one more angry client. Maybe with time away Gorham and his ilk would regain their senses and come to rely on Paul’s expertise once again. He couldn’t think about it now. Not with Michelle’s recent behavior nearly matching his father’s in strangeness.

During dinner last evening he’d broached the subject of her cousin again. Michelle had looked guilty and angry in the same instant, a baffling reaction. He’d get to the bottom of the matter at Thomasham then. There he was certain he could observe them together and see why she bristled whenever Reggie’s name was mentioned.

“Oh, I can scarcely wait to arrive in Derbyshire,” Michelle said.

Paul smiled at her enthusiasm as he took in her appearance. She wore a travel dress of pale yellow dotted with tiny white flowers. She paired it with a short spencer made of gold velvet and she never looked lovelier. Her matching bonnet rested beside on the seat. She wore her lustrous hair caught up at her crown, with several golden-red curls floating about her face.

“I’m looking forward to getting away from Town, as well,” he said in absurd understatement.

She favored him with a smile. “You will adore Thomasham, Paul. My father extolled the hunting there.”

Paul nodded. “Derbyshire is most agreeable. Chester’s estate is but an hour’s ride from Thomasham on horseback, and we’ve hunted there often.”

Michelle suddenly got a twinkle in her eye. Paul arched a brow at her. “What are you thinking?”

Michelle giggled. “I hope my mother’s friends bring their daughters, Paul. With Lords Chester and Roberts in attendance, this extended visit could prove fruitful.”

Paul smiled crookedly. “You cannot expect those two to succumb to a lady’s charms as easily as I did, Michelle.”

She gave an unladylike snort. “Easily? You chilled me with your indifference at Kanewood.”

She referred to their meeting at Lord and Lady Kanewood’s estate last year. He’d been cold and indifferent, though it had all been a deception.

“Ah, Michelle,” he began. “I knew the danger you held for me even then.”

“Danger?”

He nodded, leaning forward to take her hands in his. “I knew with one kiss I’d fall hopelessly in love with you.”

She clicked her tongue and smiled. “My mother has all but taken over the planning of the ball. Well, it’s sure to be a success.”

“No doubt.”

“We should have a few days to ourselves before our guests arrive, I imagine.”

Paul was thoughtful for a moment. “How many rooms are there at Thomasham, wife?”

She looked at him in question. “Why do you ask?”

He flashed her a wicked grin.

She caught his meaning and gasped. “Paul, you can’t mean to … In my mother’s home!?”

“You can’t expect me to keep my hands off you for long.”

“But…”

“Don’t fret, love. I promise I’ll restrain myself.”

Her eyes sparkled with mirth. “Oh, please. Do no such thing, husband.”

His blood warmed at her invitation. He leaned his head back and regarded her through heavy-lidded eyes. “You’ll give me ideas again, wife.”

Her mouth was an O of surprise. “Don’t you dare. We’ll stop for lunch shortly, and I want to look presentable.”

He hid his smile.

They took lunch at a charming inn outside of Bedford, dining on cold ham, fresh salads, and crusty bread. Michelle had tea with her meal, while Paul couldn’t resist the lure of stout country ale.

Afterward, he assisted her into the carriage once more. Michelle removed her bonnet and fluffed the curls around her face. She leaned back, a deep sigh escaping her lips.

“Satisfied, love?” he teased.

“Oh, yes,” she said. “The meal was splendid. Just the thing.”

His eyes raked over her, thinking she was far more delectable than their meal had been. “The meal was pleasant, I suppose.”

She arched a brow at him. “Aren’t you satisfied, husband?”

He was certain his grin told her thoughts of food were far from his mind.

“Paul, what are you thinking?”

“Ah, Michelle, you know precisely what I am thinking.” He joined her on the seat and began to unbutton her spencer. He eased the jacket off of her shoulders, placing a tender kiss in the crook of her neck. “We have at least two hours before we reach Derbyshire, love.”

“Yes,” she breathed.

He brought his lips close to hers. “I can think of no better way to pass the time.”

Michelle gave a soft moan of surrender and Paul was only too happy to accept her invitation.

When the carriage rolled into Derbyshire Michelle shot Paul a look of reproach as she brushed her hands over her hopelessly-wrinkled skirt. He merely shrugged and flashed her an grin as he tied his cravat.

“How much farther into the county is Thomasham, wife?”

“Not far.” She pulled on her spencer and peered out the window. “A half hour’s ride, perhaps.”

Paul nodded and donned his jacket.

“Well?” Michelle asked. “Do I look presentable?”

He ran his gaze over her. Her cheeks were rosy and flushed, her lips slightly swollen from his kisses. But her hair. It was a riot of curls, in delightful disarray. His blood warmed as he remembered how his fingers had tunneled through the fiery mass, twisting the strands in his fist as he held her tightly to him.

He hid his grin. “Wear your bonnet.”

Her eyes widened as she hurried to do just that.

The carriage rounded a bend in the road, and Paul saw the house. The late earl’s wealth and good taste was evident in both the grounds and the structure. Thomasham was impressive, with peaks and gables too numerous to count rising majestically to the skies. The building was of sand-colored stone, the color blending nicely with the foliage and manicured grounds.

Michelle turned to Paul, her eyes bright. “What do you think?”

The Earl of Thomasham had certainly used his investments wisely. If only his father had taken such care. Talbot Hall, Paul’s father’s estate, was as grand as Thomasham, but in some disrepair.

“Your father’s estate is beautiful, love,” he stated.

The carriage rolled over the long stone drive and rocked to a stop in front of the house. Paul alighted, assisting Michelle from the carriage. They climbed the wide stone steps and walked through the open entrance.

“Michelle!” Lady Helen rushed toward them. “Lord Leed!”

“Hello, Mother,” Michelle said, kissing her mother on the cheek.

Paul bowed to his mother-in-law. “Lady Thomas.”

Lady Helen smiled at the couple. “I’ve been waiting and waiting for your arrival,” she said. “Leed, what do you think of Thomasham?”

Paul looked about the entry, toward the drawing room visible through one arch. The furnishings were elegant, the decor superb. He smiled at his mother-in-law.

“Thomasham is lovely, Lady Helen,” he said. “Quite befitting the lady of the house.”

Lady Helen blushed at his praise. She linked her arm through Michelle’s and turned her toward the grand, winding staircase. Paul followed behind the pair.

“I had your belongings brought up to the Rose Room, Michelle,” she told her daughter.

Michelle gasped in obvious delight. “The Rose Room!”

“Why don’t you go upstairs and freshen up, dear?” Lady Helen said. “You must have had quite a journey.”

“Mother, why would you think…?” Michelle glanced down at her wrinkle dress and shot a look of pique at Paul before turning back to her mother. “I believe I shall freshen up.”

“I trust you’ll join me for tea?” her mother asked them.

Paul nodded with a smile. He turned and followed his wife up the grand staircase. They turned at the top of the stairs, bound for the guest rooms. Michelle grabbed his hand and tugged, pulling him down the hall with her.

“Oh, Paul,” she began, “wait until you see the Rose Room. It’s my absolute favorite.”

“I gathered as much, love.”

Michelle stopped in front of one door, a look of anticipation on her face. She turned the handle and pushed the door open, her face wearing a look of rapture. Paul threw a glance into the room his wife so loved. His brows arched as he took in the details. The polished floor was nearly covered with a finely-woven oriental carpet, a pattern of roses trailing over it. The walls were covered in rose-colored silk, the windows, with draperies bearing the room’s namesake. The large fireplace was wrapped with gilt, the golden tone warming the room.

Paul’s eyes fell on the large bed dominating the space. The four-poster was gilded as well, and was draped in fabric to match the walls and windows. How could he sleep on such a preposterous contraption? His opinion changed when Michelle perched herself on the edge of the magnificent bed. She’d removed her bonnet, and her hair fell in soft curls. It proved an enticing picture, his lovely wife surrounded by furnishings as beautiful as she. He felt desire stir within him. He crossed to the bed and sat beside her.

“Well, wife,” he said softly. “You finally got your wish.”

She arched a brow at him.

He laid back and placed his hands behind his head, thinking to enlighten her. “You finally have rose brocade draped over your bed.”

“Oh, Paul.” She turned and stretched out beside him, placing her hands on his chest. “I only want you draped over my bed.”

Michelle had deftly turned his words back on him. She kissed him lightly, teasingly, and climbed off of the bed.

“Michelle,” Paul began. “What are you about?”

She closed the door and faced him. Slowly she began to unbutton her spencer. He guessed her intent and his desire flared. He sat on the edge of the bed and quickly removed his boots. When he glanced up once more, Michelle had stripped down to her chemise and petticoat. He ran his eyes over her as he shrugged out of his jacket. She removed her undergarments as he watched. He stood and tore off his waistcoat and shirt, wild to feel her naked body pressed against his. When she crossed over to him, he wore only his breeches. He wrapped his arms around her and stared down at her, in his mind’s eye already inside her. She ran her hands over his chest and leaned up to kiss him once more. Her hand trailed down to the front of his breeches, her fingers lightly stroking him. He closed his eyes and moaned as he felt himself grow even harder.

“Paul?” she whispered as she worked the buttons free.

“Yes?” he answered, his voice hoarse.

“Make love to me,” she requested.

“God, yes,” he rasped, lifting her in his arms.

He laid her in the center of the rose-draped bed, peeled off his breeches and joined her. He held himself above her, drinking in the enticing picture she made with her glorious hair fanned out around her face.

“I love you, Michelle.”

“I love you.”

“Tell me what you want.”

“You, Paul. I want you. Inside me.”

He bowed to his wife’s wishes. After making love to her, Paul kissed her once more and rolled over onto his back. Michelle cuddled up beside him and sighed in contentment. She placed a light kiss on his chest.

“My mother expects us for tea,” she said with regret.

He nodded and gave her a quick squeeze. He slid away from her and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “We’d better get dressed then.”

He stood and crossed over to the dressing room which now contained their belongings. When he stepped out a few minutes later, he laughed to find Michelle still in bed.

“Come now, love,” he urged with a smile.

She turned to face him, a lazy smile curving her lips. Paul let his eyes roam over her, taking in the slight flush to her skin, the soft look in her eyes.

“If you don’t rise, Michelle, I’ll join you in that pretty bed and your mother will have no doubt of what kept us.”

His comment got the desired response. Michelle sat up immediately, her mouth agape. She hurried into the dressing room to ready herself for tea. Paul chuckled as he donned his waistcoat and jacket. Yes, this visit to the country could be just what he needed to forget his troubles in Town. Pity Reggie Thomas would soon arrive.

Chapter 23

When they joined Lady Helen in the elegantly decorated parlor, Michelle wore a dress of blue. Her hair was upswept, curls left to frame her face and brush her nape, and Paul wanted to drop a kiss on that sensitive spot. His own clothes appeared a bit rumpled, but thankfully his mother-in-law didn’t seem to notice.

“There you are, my dears,” Lady Helen said in greeting. “The tea is getting cold.”

Paul shot Michelle a knowing look and she blushed.

The tea tray was set up near the fireplace, which was flanked by two settees. Paul and Michelle sat on the one opposite Lady Helen.

“A guest arrived shortly after you two,” Lady Helen said as she poured the tea.

“Mother, who—?”

Michelle’s voice caught as Reggie stepped through the doorway.

“Hello, cousin,” Reggie said.

“Reggie,” she said, dropping her gaze to her lap.

Paul watched the exchange closely, noting his wife’s discomfort. The sight of the fop confirmed Paul’s suspicion of strain between Michelle and her cousin. His eyes narrowed, his senses on full alert.

“Leed,” Reggie said, bowing his head in Paul’s direction.

Paul returned the man’s greeting with a curt nod. “Thomas.”

Reggie turned to Lady Helen. “My dear Aunt! How beautiful Thomasham appears when you round the drive.”

“Doesn’t it?” Lady Helen beamed. “The flowers are still in bloom, thanks to our wonderful gardeners.”

Reggie nodded, sitting himself beside Lady Helen. And directly opposite Michelle. Reggie raked his eyes over her and Paul felt Michelle’s leg tremble against his. He looked at her and once more saw that confusing mixture of guilt and anger. Her lips were tight, her brows drawn together.

He turned his gaze to Reggie who preened himself, running his slender fingers over the sleeves of his blood-red jacket. “How are you, cousin?”