Page 38 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Alexander reminisced on the time when he became aware of Elizabeth, the first time he felt that stirring within his belly, when she no longer wanted to be a boy and chase after them whenever he visited Barlow at Brampton Manor. He smiled at the memory. Alexander had his doubts that Barlow would have been pleased if he had shown interest in Elizabeth before she eloped. The turn of events meant he did not need to contend with any objection from one of his closest friends.
He used his fingers to run delicate circles in Elizabeth’s palms.
“You do jest and you do it well,” Alexander looked heavenward in contemplation. “You are spontaneous. I saw that last night.”
Elizabeth flushed and Alexander felt his cock start to harden when he thought of her straddling him. “You are certainly flirtatious.” His mind flashed back to their earlier encounter in the library.
“You were not afraid of standing in the window, of the rain or of getting wet.” Alexander gazed at her intently. He did not think that her cheeks could get brighter but they did when he said wet. Alexander was quite enjoying himself.
“You, my good sir, can be a hard man,” Elizabeth’s hand dropped to his crotch and he gave a start for he was not expecting it. He held himself still but he was sure she could feel his stiff cock. He was hard for her. Then just as quickly as she had dropped her hand, she pulled it away, but not before giving him another light, feathery touch. It could not have been more arousing than if she caressed his cock without the barrier of his garments.
Elizabeth continued, “I saw how decisive you were when you came to the inn. You were even more so than Barlow.” She placed her hand above his and encircled his waist and placed her head on his shoulders. He inhaled her hair which was a fresh scent of violet infused with the mild smell of roses, floral and delicate.
“You have a strong sense of honor for you quite strongly believe in doing the right thing. You are kind and all good things flow from kindness. I trust you to protect me and keep me safe. I would trust you with my life.”
“As you should, but I am pleased to hear you say it.”
Alexander’s heart swelled and he pulled Elizabeth closer until she was half way across his chest. His heart was thudding in his chest but he did not care if she heard it. He had to bring her closer. Neither of them spoke for a moment as he stroked her hair as they enjoyed the relative quietude.
Alexander broke the silence. “The fact that we married in a hurry has caused a whiff of a scandal. I do not think we should seclude ourselves in the country for the entire season. We should present you to society, my countess, and show that we have nothing to hide or to fear for that matter.”
Elizabeth raised her head and her face was just inches from his. He saw a flash of doubt there, “You really think we should?”
“I spoke to my mother about you this morning and I am sure the next time she sees you she will apologize.”
“I see.”
“She has suggested gracing a few drawing rooms to show that she espouses the marriage and that it is a happy one. We are a wealthy family and this would pave the way for you. I am sure you would be pleased to see your family and friends while in London.”
Elizabeth gazed deeply into his eyes. Her lips descended onto his in a searing kiss that made his breath catch. She raised her head and his tongue darted out to get the remnants of her taste from his lips.
“Alexander, I would love to go, truly. You are right. I do miss my family and my dear friends Eleanor and Amelia. I shall not hide away in the country and I can face thehaut tonwith you at my side.”
Alexander studied her. “Are you quite certain? I do not want you to go solely because you believe that I wish it.”
“I must admit that I am enjoying my time with my compelling, alluring and captivating husband in the country.”
“Alluring, you say.”
“Yes, alluring, my good sir. I would be pleased to remain with you for another week in the country before we depart for London.”
“That works perfectly. I will inform my mother of our decision and she will travel ahead of us.”
Elizabeth rested her head on his chest and he kissed the top of her head. His mother had better be right because he knew that he was willing to scorch the earth to protect Elizabeth. He hoped that he would not need to find out how far he was willing to go for her.
CHAPTER16
Library, Thornton town house, London
The next two weeks had gone by in the blink of an eye. During this time, he had gotten closer to Elizabeth as they settled into the normalcy that accompanied marriage. He was sure to spend time with her every day whether it be in the morning for a horseback ride or in the afternoon for a walk. On one of their more memorable jaunts, he had taken her further downstream where it branched into a larger river.
He and Elizabeth stood watching from the riverbank. The stream wound its merry way through the forest. Babbling and burbling as it sprung over the limestone rocks in its way. Pebbles whisked about in the under wash like pieces of glitter. He had often thought the river was the liquid soul of the forest, and on that day, it was glowing. Chords of soft light speared down from above, bathing its surface in gold. It was glinting with little sparkles, like a thousand diamonds blessed with an inner fire. A galaxy of dragonflies fizzed through the beams of light, wings a-glitter in the sun.
Elizabeth had gasped with delight at the scenery. He knew she would appreciate its beauty and she would be keen to capture it with her chalk and paper. It was a warm sunny day and they had brought along her art supplies. Alexander lay on a quilt with the large tree providing limited shade as the sun attempted to peak through its leaves. Elizabeth sat on a log and her hands moved purposely over each sheet of paper as she gazed at the images she wanted to capture.
As the morning wore on the humidity increased and the river appeared quite inviting to Alexander. He must cool down. He had long since discarded his frock coat. He removed his boots and placed them to the side of the quilt then stood as he started to remove his waistcoats, a fashion affectation seen more in French men’s wear than in Britain. His outer waistcoat was white trimmed in bright red, he unbuttoned it.
Elizabeth’s head jerked up. “What the devil are you doing?”
