Love Sneaked In (Montgomery Family Trilogy) (45 page)

Matthew pulled her to her feet and hugged her close as he thanked God for bringing her into his life. Neither one of them had gone into this marriage planning on falling in love, but love sneaked in for both of them. Their love was born out of friendship and respect, and he knew he would cherish her forever.

Picking Helen up, Matthew carried her to his bed and gently laid her down, then climbed in beside her. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her. As he gently and tenderly made love to her, they let their passion sweep them away to that wonderful place where only lovers…can soar. They both realized that love…would always bind them together…forever…and beyond.

The End

- Excerpts from other works by Vikki Vaught -

Keep reading for excerpts from
Lost Pleasures Found
and
Turned Around By Love
, the first and third books in the Montgomery Family Trilogy, by Vikki Vaught.

Lost Pleasures Found - Chapter 1

Late July 1814

Glancing around the ballroom, Melody watched all the couples dancing and realized she was growing quite bored from all the balls, soirees, and garden parties she’d been attending. Thank goodness, the season was finally drawing to a close. She was grateful to her aunt for inviting her to visit, and she had met many lovely people, but she missed her parents desperately. Melody was more than ready to return to her home in Lincolnshire.

Melody felt as if she would expire from the stifling heat. When she brushed her hand across her forehead, she felt a faint sheen of perspiration on it, and she was also damp between her breasts. Between the scent of hundreds of beeswax candles in the crystal chandeliers, and the heavily perfumed guests, it was overpowering, and she had to escape.

While surreptitiously glancing around the ballroom for her aunt, Melody spied her across the room having a conversation with Lady Walton, so she slipped out of the ballroom and stepped outside. Breathing a sigh of relief, she felt the cool summer breeze blowing across the terrace. Her eyes landed on a myriad of gorgeous flowers in full bloom, and the scent of roses and hydrangea bushes filled the air.

Looking up at the star-studded sky, she stared at the cloudless night as the stars shimmered, and marveled at the glory of the bright full moon. Ah, at last, she felt her body begin to cool. Taking her fan, she lightly waved it in front of her face. It was a relief that she would be able to avoid dancing with some of the suitors Aunt Miriam had been parading in front of her all evening long. Melody knew Aunt Miriam meant well, but it was disappointing that, so far, none of the gentlemen her aunt had introduced her to had caught her eye.

A noise from behind startled her, and she turned around to see the most beautiful man she had ever seen. She didn’t usually think of men as beautiful, but this man definitely was. He was quite tall, at least six feet, with very broad shoulders. Unlike most of the gentlemen she’d met so far, he didn’t need to pad his dress coat. Allowing her eyes to roam further, she noticed he had a trim waistline and slim hips. While he reached up and adjusted his intricately tied cravat, which had a diamond stickpin in the folds, she caught her breath at the sheer masculine beauty of this man.

Melody lowered her flushed cheeks in embarrassment, realizing she’d been staring at this tall, muscular man in front of her, and she didn’t want him to think that she was too forward. While walking toward her, he straightened the cuff of his deep blue superfine dress coat, and then he stopped in front of her and gazed directly into her eyes.

“I know I shouldn’t be talking to you, but I have to ask…who are you? Why have I never seen you before?” Melody watched, mesmerized as he reached up and ran his fingers through his thick red-gold hair, which just brushed the collar of his dress coat. Then drawing closer, he murmured, “You look so lovely standing here against this glorious moonlit night. Your beauty…leaves me breathless.” His bright blue embroidered waistcoat glimmered in the moonlight, causing his piercing blue eyes to sparkle as brilliantly as the moon did. “I’m Henry Montgomery, by the way, and may I ask your name?”

Melody hesitantly met his gaze. “I’m Melody Centerfield-Smyth, but we haven’t been formally introduced, and as you’ve already stated, I shouldn’t be talking to you. I need to return to the ballroom now, before my aunt realizes I’m missing. Excuse me, sir.” Melody stepped around him and walked toward the French doors that led back to the ballroom.

He called after her, “Wait, who’s your aunt? How can I find you again?” However, before he’d even finished asking his questions, she hurried through the French doors and disappeared.

Entering the ballroom, Henry caught a glimpse of Melody. Standing in the doorway, he followed her with his eyes. He’d never imagined anyone could be so lovely. As Melody hurried around the perimeter of the dance floor, she tucked a lock of her beautiful honey blonde hair back into the curls that cascaded down to her shoulders.

While watching her, Henry realized her figure was just slightly plump, but in all the right places, just the type of woman who’d always attracted him. She had such an air of innocence about her that it made him want to protect her with his life. It surprised Henry that he was having such strong feelings for someone he’d just met. This was someone he definitely wanted to get to know better, so he decided to find someone who could formally introduce them.

Having lost sight of Melody in the crowd, Henry scanned the room looking for her. He found her standing with Lady Walton and walked over so she could handle the introduction for him.

Flashing her a brilliant smile, which showed his straight white teeth, he said, “Lady Walton, it’s so good to see you tonight. Thank you for inviting me this evening. I hope I find you in good health?” Henry boldly looked over at Melody, then glancing back at Lady Walton, he asked, “Could you please introduce me to your lovely companion?”

Simpering with pleasure, Lady Walton met his gaze. “I’m pleased you could attend this evening, my lord, and I’m in very good health. Thank you for asking. I’d be happy to introduce you. Lord Henry, this is Miss Centerfield-Smyth from Lincolnshire, and she’s visiting her aunt, Lady Helton, for the season.” Then smiling at Melody, she added, “Miss Centerfield-Smyth, this is Lord Henry Montgomery. He’s one of the Duke of Sanderford’s sons.”

Melody curtsied, and while gazing up at him, she said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord.”

“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. Would you have a dance available for me on your dance card?” The thought of holding her in his arms, as they danced, tantalized him. He certainly hoped she would say yes.

“It just so happens that this dance is available, and it would be my pleasure, my lord.”

Henry took Melody’s small white hand in his, and immediately felt a connection to her, stronger than he’d ever felt before. Leading her out onto the dance floor, the orchestra started playing the early strains of a waltz. Putting his arm around her waist as she placed her hand on his shoulder, they began to move to the music. Floating across the floor, they gazed into each other’s eyes, and everyone else on the dance floor disappeared because he had eyes only for her.

Realizing that he was staring at Melody, Henry cleared his throat. “You’re as lovely in candlelight as you were in the moonlight.” While holding her in his arms, he looked down at her beautiful heart-shaped face and felt his loins tighten with desire. Disconcerted, because he could usually control his impulses better, he continued saying, “I’m glad you were free for this dance, and may I say, you dance divinely.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Melody replied, shyly glancing away as she looked at all the other dancers, moving gracefully around the room. “I’m enjoying our dance too.”

Smoothly executing the turn as they danced, he continued to engage her in conversation. “Miss Centerfield-Smyth, I’ve recently returned from the war on the continent, and I’m on an extended leave from my regiment. It’s too bad that the season is almost over, because I’d certainly like to get to know you better. Would you be free tomorrow afternoon around four o’clock? I’d like to take you for a drive in my curricle.”

Melody looked up, and met his gaze. “I’d be delighted to go, and four o’clock would work well for me. Do you know my aunt, Lady Helton? She lives on Upper Brook Street.”

“I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting Lady Helton, but I know where she lives.” When the dance ended, Henry escorted her over to Lady Walton, who was standing with another woman of middle years.

Melody glanced up at him and whispered, “Let me introduce you to my aunt so you can get her permission for our drive tomorrow.”

Stopping in front of the woman standing next to Lady Walton, Melody said, “Hello, Aunt Miriam. I’d like to introduce you to Lord Montgomery. He’s asked me to go driving with him tomorrow.” Turning to Henry, she added, “My lord, this is my aunt, Lady Helton.”

Lady Helton replied, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord. I’ve met your parents on several occasions throughout the years. I’m sure my niece will be in good hands on your drive tomorrow.”

Henry bowed low over Lady Helton’s hand. “I’m pleased to meet you. I promise I’ll take good care of your niece tomorrow on our drive, Lady Helton.”

They stood there chatting for a few minutes, then Henry turned to Melody, and bowing, he raised her hand to his lips, and kissed her delicate fingers. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Centerfield-Smyth. I look forward to our drive tomorrow afternoon. If you will excuse me, I’m due to meet some friends of mine in the card room. I shall take my leave now.” Then with a smile, he turned and left the ballroom.

While Melody stood by her aunt, barely listening to her conversation with Lady Walton, she thought about her dance with Lord Henry. Melody couldn’t get over how handsome he was. She felt an odd flutter in her stomach, something she’d never experienced before.

Aunt Miriam excitedly turned to Melody. “I do believe you’ve caught Lord Henry’s eye. He appears to be very interested in you, my dear. It would be wonderful if you’ve truly captured his attention. This would be an excellent match for you.”

With an exasperated expression on her face, Melody said, “It’s too soon to be speaking of a match, since we’ve only just met. The heat’s stifling in here. Do you think we could leave? I’m ready to go home, if that’s all right with you?”

“Of course, darling, I’m ready to leave also. I’ll have my coach brought ‘round while you go get your wrap.” While Melody made her way through the crowd and left the ballroom, Miriam turned to Lady Walton and asked, “How did they meet? Do you know?”

Lady Walton smiled as she nodded her head. “Lord Henry asked me to introduce them, and since I knew you’d approve, I did.”

“This is a very interesting turn of events. Well, I’d better hurry. I need to get my dear girl home so she can dream of her new beau!” Miriam laughed. “Good night, Lady Walton. I’ll see you tomorrow for tea, as usual.”

Melody was very quiet on their way back home. Gazing fondly over at Melody, Aunt Miriam asked, “You seem distracted. Is it because you’re excited over meeting Lord Henry? He’s such an attractive young man.”