Page 63 of Wickedly Yours
“Red. The land is part of Marianne’s dowry, which her husband will control once she is wed.”
Rowan’s mind examined the information, sliding the pieces around in his mind, marveling at the absolute brilliance of his wife.
“Come here,” he growled.
Arabella stood and walked to him, her luscious plump mouth pursing in annoyance. “You aren’t listening. I’m about to get to the best part.”
“Don’t let me stop you.” He bent and lifted her skirts, finding the slit in her drawers. God she was wet. Slick. He couldn’t wait to sink himself into her. “Why hasn’t Tidwell accepted Longstreet’s suit for his daughter?”
Arabella gasped and clutched the lapels of his coat while his fingers slid into her warmth. “He has no means.” A small whimper left her mouth. “Tidwell wishes Longstreet to distinguish himself and prove he can provide for Marianne. Which I find rather petty, considering Tidwell is quite wealthy and could easily support them.”
“Longstreet must prove himself. But,” he pulled her close and brushed her lips with his, “how does this information help me? Do you wish me to purchase the man a commission in the army?” The young man didn’t look the type who would enjoy the military.
“Yes,” she panted, pushing against his hand. “But not the type of commission you are thinking of. He’s a painter. An artist. He needs a large commission and a wealthy patron to prove to Tidwell he can support Marianne. If he can do so, Tidwell has promised his blessing.” Her fingers slid through his hair. “Longstreet will be here within the hour to introduce himself and begin your portrait.”
Rowan spun Arabella around and pressed her down atop his desk, not caring that his papers spilled to the floor. He tugged at his trousers until his cock sprang free and thrust into her, watching the way her eyelashes fluttered against the rise of her cheeks. She arched against him whispering, “Longstreet is dull as dishwater, but he will give you access to the property or sell it outright once he is wed.”
“How long will such a thing take?” Rowan took Arabella’s hands and held them over her head lacing their fingers together. She was far more intelligent than even he had given her credit for. Were she a man, Arabella would be a master of business and industry.
“Not long. Marianne grows impatient and I suspect Longstreet has already ruined her.” The sentence ended on a whimper as his hips rocked against hers. She cried out, her body clasping his and Rowan groaned at the intensity.
Arabella gasped as the inkwell rolled off the desk to stain the expensive rug covering the floor. “The rug.”
“It doesn’t matter.” As Rowan struggled to bring his breathing back to normal he bent his lips to hers, all the while thinking that of all the assets he possessed, Arabella was the most valuable.
36
An invitation had finally arrived. Actually, two. The first was to attend the nuptials of Mr. Longstreet and Miss Marianne Tidwell. Rowan had embraced his patronage of Mr. Longstreet but instead of having his own portrait painted, he had asked the young man to paint Arabella. She sent their regrets along with a lovely gift.
The second invitation was not nearly as welcome. She and Rowan had been invited to dine at the home of Rowan’s parents, Lord and Lady Marsh. Arabella wished to send her regrets to Lady Marsh as well. She considered taking to her bed and pretending illness but decided against such subterfuge.
As the carriage rolled towards the Marsh home, Arabella hoped Lady Marsh wouldn’t resort to poisoning her soup.
Arabella had not seen her new in-laws since the wedding, nor did Lady Marsh call on her. The last fact, in particular, caused much gossip within theton. At a luncheon for Soldiers’ Widows, of which Arabella was a large contributor, several ladies bantered about the words ‘annulment’ and ‘divorce’ when whispering of Arabella’s marriage. Lady Gwendolyn had apparently made her opinion on the situation clear at a musicale the night before saying she would not ‘look askance’ at a man for his past mistakes.
Arabella, careful to keep a polite smile on her face while overhearing the attendees of the luncheon wager on the demise of her marriage, longed to point out an annulment would require a public declaration that Rowan could not perform his husbandly duties. She doubted Lord Marsh would wish his son’s ability to father an heir questioned. The option of divorce was patently ridiculous. Such a thing required an act of Parliament, a tedious and lengthy process. And she would have to agree.
“You’re frowning, my love.” Rowan’s lips curved into an amused smile. “No, wait, I feel certain it’s actually a sneer.” He leaned over to kiss her, stopping the sharp retort forming on her lips. The green and gold of his eyes glinted as he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Bella, for not coming down with a mysterious illness at the last moment.”
“Would you have accepted such an excuse? If so, there is still time for me to leap from the carriage.” The entire evening had her feeling rather cowardly. Especially after tolerating the speculation of her marriage at the charity luncheon earlier today.
He picked up her hand and pressed a kiss against her pulse. “I will reward your sacrifice most handsomely.”
Arabella shivered in pleasure as his teeth grazed her skin. “The carriage ride is not long enough for such nonsense, my lord.”
“Nonsense? I see I will have to change your mind once we return home.” He pulled her close. “You are a stubborn woman and I find I must continue to explain the nature of our marriage to you.”
She giggled at his teasing, wishing they were already home.
“Your laughter is a lovely sound. My favorite in all of the world.” His finger traced the line of her jaw before he kissed her soundly again.
The words sent her heart fluttering. How did he do that? With the merest touch or casual word, Arabella’s entire being glowed from the inside out.
Rowan exited the carriage and held out his hand, large and warm. His fingers wrapped around hers. “Courage, Bella.”
* * *
Rowan’sfirst inclination was to decline his mother’s invitation to dine, but he didn’t want to be estranged from his family no matter their poor behavior. He hoped the invitation meant a loosening of his parent’s disapproval of Arabella.
