Page 4 of The Duke of her Dreams

The lady’s maid smiled behind her and set to work as Helen started reading the book. A deliciousness flooded her veins as she soaked up the words of sweetness and romance. When Sonya closed the door behind her, Helen suddenly felt aware of every part of her body. The slight swell of her breasts, the fiery rampage in her veins. It was beautiful, and she wanted more of it.

Helen moved over to the heavy lace and velvet curtains and pulled them together. She wanted time for herself, time to enjoy the deliciousness that every romance she bought had to offer. Pulling the petticoats and letting them slide to the floor, Helen walked to the bed slowly while reading the book. Fantasies came alive in her head as she read on, soaking the dark ink like a sponge. She held the book in one hand and caressed her body with the other hand.

“Oh!” Helen moaned as she tickled a rose-colored nipple. Soft gasps escaped her lips as she ran slim fingers through her blond hair. Desire streaked through Helen’s body like wildfire. She could feel her heart thumping softly, and she closed her eyes to imagine the man from the book.

“Jack,” she whispered and laid on the bed, letting her imaginative lover attend to her needs.

His brown hair and green eyes flashed behind her closed eyes as she caressed the smooth skin of her thighs. Wantonly, she fell into the rhythm, feeling Jack’s imaginative kisses all over her body. Helen shuddered, her senses reeling as she plundered her body. She gasped under the thrall of Jack’s fantasy, rubbing her aroused nipples with excitement. She seduced herself slowly, feeling the muscles in her thighs shift restlessly.

The sensation was addictive like the champagne she tasted once at the last ball in the Beaumont Estate. She continued, letting the book fall from her hands. She tried to fight the tide of passion that welled up in her loins, the heaviness in her head. But she could not. Instead, Helen gave in to everything she felt: the deliciousness, the ecstasy, the excitement that throbbed in her veins.

Slowly, Helen slid one finger into herself. Another soft moan escaped her lips as she imagined Jack easing himself into her. She imagined his muscles all around her and his scent of apples and whiskey. It was more than beautiful. It was like a storm, filling her with electricity and water.

Her finger eased into a slow stroke, filling Helen’s body with heat. Her breasts swelled as pleasure cascaded down her back. She shivered, drawing forth a gamut of sensations that her mind unfurled like a rose petal.

Helen felt her head swell as her body shuddered one last time in an overwhelming pulse. Light burst behind her eyelids as climax overpowered her like a bull. It felt like every bone in her body melted with each shudder. Her lips shook, and her breath was ragged as she eased her fingers out.

It was blissful, and her body was still filled with so much energy. Helen sank into the silk sheets, wanting to read all about Jack Whitticombe’s handsome grin and his way with the ladies.

Helen thought about having the experience before she got married off to some boring, lifelong gentleman. She reflected on the joy of having Jack in her arms or another rake who desired her. The thought made her giddy. And Helen opened the book once again and started to read.

* * *

Helen walked down the stairs to the drawing-room at Erbury House with the perfect step and poise, just like Miss Harrington — the Governess — taught her. It helped to keep her aunt’s spiteful remarks at bay and also helped to distract the fine men of the Season. She was really hoping that her fantasies would come true soon. That her Jack Whitticombe would carry her in his arms and into the silk sheets and brocade blankets.

“You look pristine, Helen,” Kate Williams said, gushing over Helen's new dress. “What's the occasion?”

It was the same French Coutil corset with cream-colored petticoats and a large powder blue gown. This time, there was a crinoline under the swathes of silk and cotton that made the gown fan out rather beautifully. The soft blue lace made her feel even more like a flower — an unopened blue rose.

“The first ball of the Season, Kate. Has being in the country for so long made you oblivious to all the traditions?” Helen asked her best friend with a frown on her face.

Kate smirked, a haughty smile that Helen knew too well. “Of course, I know about the Season’s first ball. Do you recall that my goal is to get engaged first?”

Helen turned around, showing off her gown to her best friend. “Then, you know who the honor goes to. All the eligible bachelors and rakes will be there.”

Kate's smirk turned into a genuine smile that reached her eyes. “The Dowager Duchess of Wallington’s ballroom will be packed with people, Helen. The finest men in all of London!”

“Stop squealing, Kate,” Helen insisted, holding a finger to her painted lips. “Straight as a twig, Helen,” Helen's father said and took his seat on the chair beside the pianoforte.

The Earl of Erbury was dressed in the finest black velvet which was embroidered with gold. Under the lights from the crystal chandelier, his clothes seemed to glow. His hands were gloved in satin, and his balding hair was slicked back. His riding breeches were on tight — white silk — just as he liked them.

“Papa,” Helen groaned. “You are wearing your riding breeches?”

“I might go riding with the other earls. Maybe Moffat and Surrey. They have some of the best horses in London.”

“I do not care about your horses, Papa,” Helen huffed and hitched her skirt a little to take her seat. “You are supposed to be my chaperone for the night.”

The Earl looked aghast. He had totally forgotten about the ball and even the Season in general. After acknowledging an invitation from the Earl of Surrey, he could not back down now, even with his deteriorating health. Also, he never wanted to meet those mamas again, looking through the ballroom like some lost puppy.

“Do not tell me you forgot, Papa?” Helen asked, a little too sweetly. Her father’s face got clammy all of a sudden. His daughter was going to get married soon, and the ball was her first chance to get engaged to an eligible bachelor.

“I will find someone to chaperone, Helen. I am very sure that your aunt will look after you.”

“But Papa -”

“Letting down Surrey is not the best thing to do right now, Helen. Remember that the house has three sons that are eligible this Season. I am sure any one of them might catch your fancy.”

Helen groaned when her father rose from his seat and bade them goodbye. She waited until the wheels of the carriage reached her ears before she turned back to Kate.

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