Already His (The Caversham Chronicles - Book Two) (33 page)

“And you do not?”

“No. When I am with him, when he touches me, I feel as if my very body is on fire with want for him.”

“That is as it should be when you are in love. Any other man’s touch would not be the same.”

She shivered involuntarily, and not because of the breeze coming in from the open balcony doors. Elise couldn’t envision herself in anyone else’s arms but Michael’s. And it had nothing to do with the infatuation she’d held for him. This was different, a deeper sensation and truer emotion—for a relationship she instinctively knew was meant to be.

“You are right! When Sinclair touched me, my flesh crawled. He is nice enough, sometimes nice to the point of annoying. But I didn’t feel with him or with Captain Wilson that same desire to be as close as I possibly can, the way I do when I am with Michael.” She sighed. “I understand Michael’s family is in mourning, but now that we are as good as betrothed it is not uncommon to share certain intimacies. Except he wants to wait, and I do not.”

“Men. Would that we could share a part of our brain with them,” Lia lamented with a sigh. “Though some of what he asks has merit. No. Listen,” she said as Elise started to interrupt her. “He has a family of females he must consider. If it is perceived that they are not properly observing the correct period of mourning, they will be thought heathens, or worse, be shunned. He has to think of all the young girls in his family who must eventually be presented at court. Also, I heard Michael tell Ren it is his wish that you wait until they are out of mourning to publicly announce the betrothal, partly because he wants
you
to be sure of your feelings for him.”

“How could he doubt....”

“It’s not that he doubts, Elise. I think he wants you to be certain that there is no one that will turn your feelings from him. Marriage is for life. He’s had years out in society, where if he’d fallen in love before now he’d have settled down. He hasn’t, so obviously he’s not met that person yet.

“You, on the other hand, are in your first season,” Lia said. “I believe he’s giving you these weeks to decide that there
is
no one else for you.”

“I’ve told him there has never been anyone else for me. Why does he doubt that?”

“Because, even though he’s a man, he has feelings too. They just don’t show them as we do. Imagine someone as proud as Michael being made a fool by an unfaithful wife. Not that you would do such a thing, but I think that plays into his fears. And, of course, the story of his uncle’s failed marriage still reverberates with his mother.”

“I would never—” Elise attempted to argue, but Lia held up her hand, still defending Michael’s desire to wait.

“There is also the chance that you might get with-child before the announcement was made. If that happened people might shun you—perhaps only until you are wed, or until the next scandal occurs and their heads are turned to some other titillating bit of gossip. In my experience, the matrons most likely to cause that type of trouble in our society have very long memories and loose tongues when you take the best catch off the market.”

Lia held Elise’s hands, leaned in closer, then added, “I am not telling you what to do, just that you should be aware of the consequences and decide for yourself. If you are willing to accept the consequences of your
actions
, then by all means, seduce the man. Take him to bed.”

T
he day after her brother and sister-in-law left for Haldenwood, Elise spent the hours after luncheon in the Library, once again going over the previous earl’s extensive notes and breeding charts. He had copious writings on the development of this carriage horse he’d been breeding, noting physical characteristics handed down by which mares and sires. She admired the man’s dedication to his breeding program.

She placed a lemon wedge in a glass and poured herself more water, then turned the page in the ledger book. The sound of the door opening and closing behind her didn’t cause her to lift her head. She and her grandmother were the only two in the house aside from the servants. All the other ladies had gone into the village to shop for ribbons and lace, and Michael and Lawrence out touring the fields with the estate manager.

“Did you have a good nap, Gram?” Elise slid into the affectionate term for her grandmother. After their light repast an hour ago, the older woman had begged off of the shopping trip to rest a while as they’d all spent the previous night playing card games until the wee hours. “You could not have slept long,” she said as she turned to see Lady Richard coming toward her.

Michael’s mother was beautiful, with delicately graying brown hair and brown eyes. She looked like Sabrina and Michael—only older. She smiled at Lady Richard, wondering as she neared why she didn’t return the gesture. Her brain spun like a top.
What could be wrong?

“I’m certain your grandmother is resting well. Woodhenge is a peaceful estate. It’s why my brother-in-law Edward rarely left it. His years fighting in the colonies left him averse to loud noises and crowds of people. Here, he was able to relax and be himself.”

Elise nodded, and went to the door to ask the footman to bring them fresh tea. She went to sit opposite Lady Richard near the open terrace doors. “Michael has taken me throughout the property on horseback, and on a walking tour of the old abbey. It is a lovely home, and I would be fortunate to be her mistress.”

“It has been a long time since there has been a lady in charge here.” Lady Richard stared out on the lawn and garden in the distance. “It is an enormous responsibility. Do you think you are ready?”

“I might be lacking in some household managerial skills, but I am confident I can learn. Admittedly, I have spent more time in barns and know more about managing livestock and kennels than a home. Know that I will do whatever pleases Michael, and if he wishes it, I shall take a more active role in the home, though he knows I shall never abandon my love for my horses.” When Lady Richard didn’t seem pleased with her response, Elise added, “My horses do not consume so much of my day that I cannot manage a home as well.”

The tea cart arrived and after the maid poured and left. “Ma’am? What troubles you?” When Elise got no response, she continued, “Is it that he’s asked
me
to marry him?”

Lady Richard stirred her tea and seemed to consider her reply. When she spoke it was without judgment or reservation. “You have had this infatuation with my son since you were a child, I have to wonder if you are marrying him because like a dog you don’t want to quit the chase. Or if you are truly ready for marriage, Elise. Please understand, I am not disapproving of the engagement. It is a good match by
ton
standards. But, your tender age and... some of your habits lend themselves to... an image of young lady not ready for such a serious commitment.”

“I understand your concerns, ma’am, I do. Please believe me when I say I would never do anything to hurt Michael, or humiliate him. I love him. Have loved him for many years.”

“Are you prepared to give him children?”

“As many as Michael wants and God gives us.” This seemed to pacify Lady Richard. Elise couldn’t believe she was actually having this conversation. Did the woman really think she would marry and not wish to do her duty by her husband?

“His uncle was married to a woman who claimed to love him as well. The minute his back was turned, so were her affections—by the first rake who paid a little attention to her. She died trying to give birth to that other man’s child. But Edward loved her until his last breath. He refused to believe his wife was at fault, instead believing she was lured into the salacious affair by someone skilled at flirtation. Someone who knew exactly what to say to a lonely young girl who’s husband was away doing the King’s business. It doesn’t matter what she told my brother-in-law. He was on the continent when the babe was conceived, so everyone knew the child she carried could not possibly be his.”

“Michael told me.” Elise also remembered what Lia said about it before she left.

Lady Richard nodded. “We have discussed the importance of making a wise decision in selecting his countess. He has known of his uncle’s heartbreak for most of his life. It would upset me greatly to see my son hurt in a similar manner.”

The older woman set her cup on the saucer, rose and left the room. Elise had a great deal think about these next days. Most importantly, was how she might prove to Lady Richard she was worthy of being Michael’s Countess.

E
lise spent two more days at Woodhenge with Michael and his relatives. Early on the third morning, with his coaches packed in the pre-dawn hours, she, her grandmother, and Michael left. He’d said he’d been away from work long enough and must return to his office. She was happy to be getting back as well, needing desperately to talk to Beverly.

She required Beverly’s assistance in coming up with a plan of seduction now—something she was unable to do when she was cooped up in the country with his family, and hers, all around. In London, with only her grandmother to chaperon her, she stood a better chance at seducing him. To bring Michael to realize he wanted her as much she wanted him. To accomplish this she would need something to spur him along, and as she planned her strategy, she decided she couldn’t go wrong with a few new dresses. Perhaps a more daring dress, one made for a woman who wants to entice her lover to her bed.

Elise wanted to insure that Michael’s desire to wait to consummate their relationship was as painful for him as it was for her. She also wanted to make sure it didn’t last any longer than those two remaining months she agreed to.

While her grandmother slept on the seat next to her, Elise and Michael both read. She’d brought charts and ledgers from the Woodhenge library, and Michael studied papers that had arrived the day before by courier from his offices. After one stop to stretch their legs, drowsiness set in and Elise struggled to keep her eyes open. When she realized she’d read the same sentence several times, she finally she gave in and leaned against the corner of the coach.

She looked across to Michael who raised his eyes from his work, then looked at her softly snoring grandmother. “I’m afraid sleepiness is contagious with me. Would you mind if I napped as well?”

“Not at all.” Michael moved his paperwork and patted the seat next to him, a slight smile on his handsome face. “Sit over here, and lean on me. I promise it will be more comfortable.”

Elise moved into the crook of his arm and nestled into his side, curling her feet beneath her. His sandalwood and spice scent was so intoxicating to her she wanted to turn her face up and ask for a kiss, and if not for her grandmother’s presence she would have. She yawned and closed her eyes instead. Inhaling deeply, she sighed. “I’m happy Michael.”

She felt his arm pull her closer. “So am I, my sweet.”

Elise smiled in her half-sleep state, before finally succumbing. Before she knew it, the clattering of the wheels and shod hooves on cobblestone woke her.

“Good afternoon sleepyhead,” Michael said softly, brushing her hair from her forehead.

“Where are we?”

“Believe it or not, the outskirts of London.”

B
ridget entered Elise’s rooms the next afternoon followed by Madame Fuichard and her two assistants. Beverly had arrived first thing that morning with her folio and pencils, sketched some ideas for possible gowns, and now Elise wanted to ask Madame if these creations were possible. Especially considering her tall, less curvy form. So as they sat and waited for Madame’s critique, Beverly chewed her lower lip, and Elise drummed her fingers on the padded arm of the chair in which she sat.

Going over each drawing, Madame praised Beverly’s talent for design and attention to detail. “Oui, oui. These are not just possible, but....” The modiste studied the sketches and lifted her gaze to Elise. Madame smiled at Beverly, causing her to blush. “They will be magnifique! You have a very good eye, my lady.”

She then gave Beverly pointers on design which her friend absorbed eagerly. Since early spring Beverly had been sketching dress designs for herself and Elise, and with Madame’s help bringing the designs to life, the two of them had unwittingly become the leading trend setters of the season. Madame commented on the number of women and girls coming into her shop wanting to duplicate her exquisite creations.

“Your designs, my dear,” Madame said to Beverly, “are more fitting to the natural form of a woman, bringing the bodice and waistline down closer to its natural curve. I never did like this fashion of hiding a woman’s curves behind that empire waistline.”

“Yes, Madame,” Elise said. “I have very little curve to speak of and need all the help I can get.”

“This is why your friend’s designs are so suited to your form, my lady” she replied. “They showcase what you do have, instead of hiding what you do not.”

Elise spent the next hour selecting fabrics with Madame’s assistance, colors, and the various trims for the new gowns. Beverly also selected a few for herself as she was on a similar mission. Earlier that morning she’d confided in Elise that she and Lord Huddleston, were all but betrothed now, though no announcement had been made.

After Madame left, Beverly continued to work on sketches of future dresses at the desk in Elise’s suite. Elise sat next to her on her dressing table stool, watching her friend’s skill with the charcoal pencil on the sheet of paper before her. “Why has Huddleston not publicly announced his intent for your hand?” Elise asked. “He’s already sought approval from your father and received it, did he not?”