ROMANCE: PARANORMAL ROMANCE: Coveted by the Werewolves (Paranormal MMF Bisexual Menage Romance) (New Adult Shifter Romance Short Stories) (317 page)

“Why on earth not? I wouldn’t say it’s exclusive to the rich.”

“I suppose it’s not. But who could I take? It’s for couples and families. Plus I don’t know the difference between a custard cream and chocolate éclair. I’d look a right fool... or desperately sad.”

“I don’t think you have the fingers for bone china either.”

Edward laughed aloud. “I think I was built to lift pints in a pub?”

“Pubs... you’ll have to show me one day? I promise to take you to Lyon if you take me to a pub?”

“They’re not a place for women. Not unless they’re... you know.”

Isabel felt confused. “No I don’t. Enlighten me.”

“Paid to be there.”

“Ah, you mean a barmaid?”

Edward felt uncomfortable and began to sweat. “Those as well. But I meant a...”

“Cleaner?”

“I meant... a woman of the night.”

Isabel felt shocked and slapped Edward on his upper arm. “Oh...” Despite being annoyed she felt impressed by how solid his bicep felt. “Oh you dirty thing.”

“I don’t mess around with them. Haven’t the money.”

“But you would if you did?”

Edward tried to convince while rubbing his arm. “No, of course not... Honest.”

“I can tell you’re lying.”

“OK. But not in a long, long time.”

Isabel frowned with disgust. “Good Lord.” She felt surprised at the strength of her sense of betrayal. “I’m very disappointed Edward.”

“But I was single!”

“But still? No wonder you’re still single... dabbling in the shadows like a gutter dweller.” Isabel huffed, and then marched back towards the rear entrance of the mansion. She then froze as a powerful hand grasped her shoulder. She coldly peered over her shoulder at Edward. “... you touched me?”

“I’m sorry. I...”

“How dare you touch me?”

“I’m sorry, Ma’am. I was young and foolish back then. But now I’m a little wiser and don’t deal with such women. All I seek now is love. I have for a long time now. I promise.”

“Well good for you.” Isabel flashed a brief smile, before the sternness returned. “I must be going. Good day to you, Edward the Gutter Dweller.”

Chapter 4

The sun had barely broken over the horizon as the horses pulled the carriage along the shale road. Despite travelling this route countless times, the sheer grandeur of the gothic country mansion never failed to impress Edward.

Edward felt surprised to see a figure waiting on the steps of the colonnaded entrance. As the figure came into view it became clear to Edward that it was Isabel. “Shit. Now I’m in trouble.” He drew the carriage to a stop at the end of the wide phalanx of steps. “Good Morning, Ma’am. I apologise for my lateness.”

“Mr Eddie... I’ve been waiting.”

“The horses were in playful spirit this morning. It took me more than a while to calm them. It’s the joys of summer, you see.”

“It’s fine, I was a little late myself.”

Edward dismounted from the driver’s seat, and then opened the carriage door. “I was surprised to receive your telegram last night... I thought the postman had the wrong house.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Our little episode the other day had me worried that I had fallen foul of you. In fact feared for my job.”

Isabel snapped. “Don’t remind me of that sordid episode.” She decided to take a calmer tone. “Your job was never at risk.”

“But I was also surprised because Mr Crompton told me he wouldn’t need me until he gets back from his business in London.”

“Yes. Father told me to take this time to relax... A nice gesture one might think. But I know it’s because he doesn’t want me unsupervised at the office.”

“Father’s are fathers. Just wants to protect you.”

“One would think that he sees me as a harlot. Isabel fixed her summer hat. “Anyway, as the sun is shining I thought a trip to the seaside would be in order.” She looked over her shoulder at a huge hamper that sat at the top of the steps. “Do be a good man and bring the hamper along.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Poor Miss Black pulled a muscle in her back lifting it to the door... so do be careful. I told her to go and lie on the kitchen tiles until its better. She’s there now, reciting from the New Testament.”

Edward bent his knees and held the hamper with both his arms. He then lifted using his legs while taking the hamper into his chest. As he carefully climbed down the steps his voice quivered due to the stress. “If you don’t mind me asking... but... what’s in here?”

“Just the essentials for a day out at the beach.”

“That’s a lot of essentials.”

“Funny I didn’t have you down as difficult.”

Edward chuckled while walking towards the carriage. “Difficult?”

“You moan more than my father.”

“Sorry, but I’m a man. So where am I taking you? New Brighton?”

“West Kirby. I want to relax away from the crowds.”

Edward placed the hamper onto the floor of the carriage, causing the suspension to creak, before sliding it across to the far side. “And I thought coaling a ship’s bunker was hard work. Weighed a tonne.”

“I plan on a having a good day out. So stop moaning, you’re hard work is not in vain.”

“Come on, let’s get you in.” Edward offered his arm as support while Isabel climbed inside.

“Thank you.”

“Have you informed the house of your excursion?”

“Relax, Edward. It’s three miles up the road. I’d walk there if I didn’t have a carriage and a fine driver.”

“Thank you Ma’am. West Kirby it is.”

~

Edward whistled to himself as the two carthorses pulled the carriage at a leisurely trot along the forested track. The horses’ dark coat glistened under the rays of the sun that broke through the canopy of the oak woodland.

Isabel usually slept during carriage rides but her eyes remained open the entire journey as she daydreamed about the possibilities of the day ahead. She watched as the woodland gave way to open fields and the dirt road snaked down towards the quaint seaside villages cottages.

Upon hearing the laps of the waves, Isabel humped the roof of the carriage and shouted, “Stop the carriage Eddie. This is the place.”

“But West Kirby is a little further on.”

“No this looks fine.”

“As you wish.” The carriage rocked to a stop and Edward dismounted. He then opened the door and smiled while helping Isabel out on to the dirt path.

“Please bring the basket for me.”

“Certainly.”

“It will be worth the effort.” Isabel grinned while watching Edward once more struggle with the hamper. “I have had the kitchen prepare me a fine picnic.”

“That feels like a lot of food... are you meeting your friends?”

“I hope you’ve not had a heavy breakfast, Eddie.”

Edward carefully followed Isabel down the narrow sandy path which cut through the marrow grass towards the wide golden beach. “Just a boiled egg and a round of brown bread. Why do you ask?”

“Because you’re joining me for lunch.”

“What about the horses?”

“Don’t you feed them?”

Edward’s began to pant while struggling to keep pace as he carried the heavy hamper. “I mean... where shall I keep them?”

“What do you usually do with them?”

Edward could feel the sweat beginning to gather on his forehead. “I have to be with the horses at all times... they’re thoroughbred.”

“Don’t ruin my plan, Edward.”

“I can leave them at a nearby inn, I suppose. There are several in the vicinity.”

“Good. Do that.” Isabel stopped and looked about at the stretch of beach which was shelter from the wind by nearby dunes. “Then come and join me here at once.”

“Straight away, Ma’am.”

“Oh... and you can now call me Isabel... when we’re in private that is.”

Edward placed the hamper in the sand. Despite his backache, he felt good. “I’ll be five minutes, Isabel.”

“Make it four... I’m hungry.”

~

The coastal breeze tickled Isabel’s skin and played with her hair as she licked the marmalade which had found its way onto her rouge lips. Sat on the red and white blanket, she felt amused as she studied Edward who seemed caught in a food induced trance. “So? Do I prepare a good picnic?”

“It’s not a picnic. It’s a feast.”

“Well it’s there to be eaten... not gawped at.” Isabel chuckled as she passed Edward a china plate. “Start with the crackers and French cheese, then move on to the cold meats. But remember to leave enough space because I’ve included plenty of cakes for you.”

“I must try not to be greedy or I risk making a fool of myself.”

“I was going to take you to Lyon’s tea rooms. But with the weather being as good as it is... plus I think I’ve done a better job. Don’t you?”

“I’m sure you have.”

Isabel felt a surge of excitement as Edward took a bite from a cracker topped with brie. “I hope you like it. What do you think?”

“A bit different to cheddar or Lancashire... I tell thee.”

“Different but nice... right?”

“Different.”

“It’s French. I have something else from across the channel too.” Isabel unwrapped a bottle of wine from a protective towel.  “Some Bordeaux, no less.”

Edward appeared like an excited child. “Pass it here. I’ll open that.”

~

Hidden in the tall marrow grass, a stray dog stalked the picnicking couple while sniffing the air with his damp nose. Edward didn’t notice the mutt as he gazed lovingly at Isabel who nibbled on a sugar coated biscuit. “I feel like I’m dreaming.”

“Probably a sugar rush. It happens to me sometimes.”

“Your generosity makes me wonder what I have done.”

“You didn’t have to do much. It’s more of a case of being in the right place at the right time.”

“Well I’m a very lucky man.”

Isabel shyly smiled. “But that’s not to say I don’t like you.”

“Like me? Thank you.”

“You see... I hardly see men. Only those my father lets me see. And his taste in men is worse than his preference of shoes.”

“I guess I am in a rather perilous position then.”

Isabel grimaced at seeing the sudden panic etched on Edward’s face. Despite her reluctance to ruin the mood, she felt it was best not to lie. “I wouldn’t use the word perilous.”

“Oh dear.”

“Please remain calm.”

“But I need this job.”

Isabel could see the colour drain from Edward’s face. Reaching across the picnic blanket, she placed a hand on Edward’s knee while pleading, “I am having the best time with you.”

“Me too. But...”

“I won’t let him do anything to you. I promise. Look. Even if you lose your position. I’d get you a new one... I have contacts, you see.”

“It would be rude to abandon a woman.” Edward quelled his nerves. He then picked a biscuit from an open tin. “Especially when the food is this good.” Forgetting his manners he talked with his mouth full of biscuit. “Almost as good as the company.”

“Father would never let me be alone. That’s why I know he’s lying about his business trip this weekend.”

“I thought it was strange how Mr Crompton hired a private carriage and gave me the weekend off.”

Isabel lifted her glass from the soft dry sand. “He is seeing another woman. But I don’t blame him.” She then delicately sipped from the rim of the crystal glass. “I don’t even know why he insists on keeping it secret. Mother passed over ten years ago. I wouldn’t begrudge him a second chance at love.”

“I guess he just feels awkward. But at least you have a little bit of freedom.”

“It doesn’t mean I’m unsupervised.” Irritation layered Isabel’s voice. “Miss Black, the matron is father’s eyes when he is away. But after much skilled diplomacy she allowed me a day out alone.”

“With me?”

“Of course not. Miss Black thinks I’m at the woman’s institute. I was actually supposed to go today... but once she hurt her back, I just had to take advantage.  It was a true stroke of luck when she pulled a muscle lifting the hamper this morning.”

“You shouldn’t say that.”

“That woman has caused me so much bother down the years.” The look of judgment on Edward’s face filled Isabel with guilt. “But I shouldn’t, you’re right. I hope she’ll be alright.”

“She’ll be fine... it happens to us all from time to time.” Edward began to untie his boot laces. “Let’s go for a paddle.”

“A paddle? You mean for a boat trip?”

“No... as in getting our feet wet.”

Isabel held her glass close to her face while looking out towards the gentle waves. “In the sea?”

“Of course, Isabel.”

“But the water looks so cold.”

“Don’t worry. We’re not going swimming. But only because I haven’t brought my swimsuit.”