Montgomery Family 01 - Lost Pleasures Found (27 page)

“Melody, I have always loved your delectable body, and you’re getting those luscious curves back again! Don’t ever think that you are too plump. I love every beautiful inch of your body. Your breasts have the prettiest nipples: all rosy and puckered up ready for my touch. They look like tight little rosebuds.” And he bent down, took her nipple into his mouth, and suckled on it. His hand was gently twisting her other nipple. “I could feast on your breasts all night, and your sweet aroma of lemons arouses my desire to fever pitch. I’ve always loved the smell of lemons, and your own special essence just drives me insane!”

Henry caressed her belly, and soon his finger slid down to her golden curls. He touched her sweet spot, and Melody began to writhe. She pushed her pelvis against his hand as his fingers found her entrance and slid home. Melody could feel her passion escalating higher and higher, and soon she was falling off the edge into ecstasy. He pushed her thighs wide apart, moved in between them, and thrust into her hot sweet passage. “Oh my darling! It feels like heaven to be inside you like this! I … can’t hold out … much longer. Oh god!” He began to move in and out, over and over again, and Melody felt her body responding. Before she knew it, wild sensations rolled over her as Henry thrust one more time and then let out a shout, “Melody, my sweet!” just as he emptied his seed into her. He rolled to his side, taking Melody with him, and they lay there in peaceful surrender as they fell fast asleep.

Melody woke up, just as dawn was breaking and looked at his face. He looked so young and peaceful. She knew then that she could never live without him. There would be no legal separation. She would make him love her again. Surely, if they could feel this level of passion, there must be some love left in his heart for her. All she needed was just a small piece, and she would make it grow.

As he opened his eyes, he smiled at her as he said, “Good morning. Did you sleep all right? This was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in over three years. It’s so nice waking up to your smiling face.”

Melody stretched and sighed as she replied, “It was the best night’s sleep for me also. I’ve missed waking up in your arms. Those first months after I thought you had died were excruciating. My sleep was constantly tormented with images of us making love. I burned for your touch, and most nights, I ended up crying myself to sleep.”

“Well, going forward, we’ll just have to make sure we do this, every night. As much as I would like to lie in bed all day, I have to meet with Stallings early this morning. We’re going over the harvest figures, and the yields were much better than expected. God, I hate to get out of this bed.” Henry leaned over and gave her a quick kiss, got out of bed, and left to go get ready to face his day. She noticed that he had a bigger smile on his face than he had had in a long time.

After that night, Henry came to her bed every night. After they would make love, they would sleep in each other’s arms all night. He did not bring up her marriage to Brandon, so Melody left well enough alone. She sensed that he still struggled with the thought of her being with Brandon, and he had not accepted that she had done no wrong by marrying again after his reported death, but she hoped he would soon.

Throughout the fall, they settled into a pattern. They went riding whenever the weather permitted, and then Henry would spend an hour with Mary Elizabeth. She was finally warming up to Henry, and she had even allowed him to give her some hugs. They spent their evenings together either playing chess or cards in the drawing room. Some evenings they would read to each other in the library. Henry’s mother kept to herself and made no more derogatory comments. Melody actually felt sorry for her, because she had to be a very lonely woman. She tried reaching out to the duchess, but she was always rebuffed. Melody spent quite a bit of time with Helen and Kathryn. They would go into the village a couple of times a week, and even got Mary to come occasionally. Mary was beginning to get over her intense grief. Every time they took the children out to play, Melody saw joy in Mary’s eyes as she played with her children.

Melody was now overseeing the management of the household. Henry had insisted that his mother turn everything over to her. Henry and his mother got into a heated argument, but he persevered, and Melody got the keys. It would have been so much easier on her if the duchess had been willing to help, but the housekeeper Mrs. Milton had been invaluable to Melody. Everyday, she would meet with her and decide on the agenda for the day, along with reviewing the menus that Cook had suggested. Running the household was very enjoyable to Melody, and she found it much less daunting than she had expected. She was concerned about taking her place in society as the Duchess of Sanderford. Here in the country, she had not found it difficult, but she knew it would be quite different with the ton. She had been corresponding with Susan and looked forward to having at least one friend when they went to town in the spring. Aunt Miriam had returned from the continent, so she would be there to help Melody navigate through society. Overall, she was fairly content. If Henry would only show more emotion, then she would be much happier. He was still holding a piece of himself apart from her. Their lovemaking was incredible, but Melody needed his love, and she was beginning to feel that it was not going to happen.

D
ECEMBER WAS AN incredibly busy month, because they began preparing for the holiday season. They were going to have the annual Christmas party, but because they were still in mourning, none of the ton would be attending. All of Henry’s family would come, and most of them would need accommodations, since they would be staying for the entire Christmas season. She met with Mrs. Milton and discussed which bedchambers should be used, and Mrs. Milton even knew who should be placed where. Melody had Mrs. Milton see to cleaning all the rooms, so they would be ready for their houseguests. All the housemaids were very busy getting all the public rooms prepared. Simpson had the footmen cleaning the silver, which took several days. Everything was ready by December 18, and then it was time for Henry and his workers to gather the greenery and the Yule log that would be needed to decorate the house. Helen, Kathryn, and Mary helped out, but the dowager duchess refused to participate. Melody was saddened over this, because she remembered how much Henry’s mother had enjoyed the Christmas season. She tried to reach out to her, but again, she was rebuffed. By the day before the party was scheduled, the house was ready and it looked quite festive. Greenery and holly adorned all the mantles and the banisters. Wreaths hung above all the fireplaces, and mistletoe hung from the crystal chandeliers. Everyone had worked together decorating all the rooms, and it all looked splendid.

The houseguests began to arrive, and the first person to get there was Aunt Miriam. Melody was so pleased she was able to come that she started crying and rushed into her aunt’s loving arms. “Oh my darling girl, I’m so happy to see you again. It’s been far too long. My goodness, how slim you are! Have you been taking care of yourself?”

Melody was thrilled to see her aunt again. It had been far too long indeed. She smiled and said, “I lost quite a bit of weight when I was ill last spring, but believe me I’ve put enough of it back on again. I’m sure that by the time the Christmas holiday ends, I’ll have gained it all back! I’m so happy you were able to come. We must make time to catch up on everything, and I want to hear all about your travels. Come with me, and I’ll show you to your room, so you can freshen up.”

Melody took her aunt to the rose bedchamber but could not linger and chat, because other guests would be arriving soon. By the time Melody made it back downstairs, some of the family was already arriving. Thank goodness for Helen and Kathryn. They helped Melody with the names of all the family, since she had only met most of them once at Christmas four years ago. She did surprise herself, for she remembered them better than she expected. Henry was gracious as always and was a tremendous help. By teatime, most of the family had arrived that would be staying in residence.

Everyone met in the drawing room at four o’clock for tea. Melody was extremely nervous about serving tea to so many people, and Henry’s mother refused to help her. Once she got started, she was fine, and soon everyone was chatting and drinking their tea. The footmen were there to replenish the sandwiches and biscuits, so that they did not run out. Henry came over to her and kissed her on the cheek as he said, “My dear, I’m so proud of you. You’re every bit as gracious of a hostess as I knew you would be. Let me know if there’s anything you need me to do.” This thrilled Melody and helped to boost her sense of self greatly. After tea ended, everyone adjourned to his or her room to get ready for dinner.

Melody took Aunt Miriam up to the nursery so she could meet the children. This was the first time her aunt had ever seen them. The children were shy, but soon they had warmed up to her aunt, and she had them giggling and smiling in no time. Then Melody and Aunt Miriam went to her sitting room so they could talk.

As they took a seat, Aunt Miriam said, “I’ve never been to Sanderford Park before, and it’s simply beautiful. I’m sure you enjoy living here. I know that we’ve been writing to each other, but there’s only so much one can put in a letter. How are you doing?”

Melody smiled over at her aunt as she replied, “I know what you really want to know about … How is my relationship with Henry? We’re not as close as we were before he went away. Aunt Miriam, he was so hurt that I got married when I thought he was dead. I’m not sure he can ever get over it and completely move past it. He hasn’t told me he loves me since we got back together. I feel so confused about it all, and I’m not sure how to get through to him. It’s wretched to love and feel that your love is not returned.”

Lady Helton looked at Melody as she said, “Melody, I think you’re wrong. If you could see the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is watching, then you would know that he loves you very much. Have you asked him if he loves you?”

Melody shook her head and said, “No, I’m afraid of the answer. I couldn’t bear to have him tell me no. I couldn’t stay with him if I knew he didn’t love me. I had thought about seeking a legal separation once I gave him an heir, but then I decided that I would fight for his love.”

“Good for you. Don’t give up on him. Just give him more time and make sure that he remembers all the reasons why he fell in love with you, to begin with,” she said.

“I love him too much to quit trying to gain back his love. My goodness, look at the time. We need to get ready for dinner.” Melody kissed her aunt’s cheek and then Aunt Miriam left to go back to her room.

Dinner went well. Conversation flowed freely, and there was much laughing and joking. Every course was superb, and she would make sure she let Cook know how much everyone enjoyed the dinner. It seemed so strange to be sitting at the end of the table, but Henry had insisted that it was her right, because she was his duchess and deserved to be treated as such. Melody stood up and led all the ladies out of the dining room, so the men could enjoy their port and cigars.

The gentlemen did not spend very long over their port and cigars, because they soon entered the drawing room. Melody noticed that Mary was mingling with the family, and it pleased her. Finally, she seemed to be doing much better at handling her grief. After thirty minutes, Melody ordered tea, and soon everyone was drinking their tea and conversation continued.

Henry came over to her and said, “You’ve done a splendid job of organizing all of this. I always knew you would be an excellent duchess.”

“I have to admit, it isn’t as difficult as I had expected. Of course, this is only family, not the ton. We’ll see how I handle all those stuffy matrons and the dragons of the ton that lord it over everyone, when we go to London in the spring.” Then thinking of Kathryn, she asked, “Have you noticed how quiet Kathryn has been this evening? She seemed to be coming out of her shell, but she’s withdrawn again. What do you think has changed?”

Henry looked frustrated, and she knew he was worried about Kathryn as he said, “I’ll try to get her alone and ask her if something is bothering her. She’s been so excited about getting to go to town in the spring for her come out, that I’m surprised she has crawled back into her shell. She appears to be watching the door as if she expects someone to arrive, but all the family is here in this room, so that can’t be it … Wait a minute! Uncle Theodore didn’t make it here today. He’s due to arrive tomorrow. Do you think that could be what’s causing her to be anxious? You know she’s afraid of him.”

“That could be it, Henry. She detests the man, and I don’t blame her. He’s a thoroughly unpleasant individual, and I wish we didn’t have to invite him. I understand that he’s your mother’s brother, but, nonetheless, I still wish we could have excluded him,” she said with a worried expression on her sweet face.

Several of the young people came over to Melody and asked if they could go to the ballroom and dance, and since Melody did not see a problem with it, they all moved to the ballroom. Mary offered to play so that everyone could dance. Soon, everyone was dancing and having a marvelous time. Before they knew it, it was time to end the evening, and everyone went upstairs to their rooms.

Uncle Theodore showed up the next afternoon, just as everyone was going to the drawing room for tea. Melody watched Kathryn, and it was obvious that she was extremely nervous. As soon as she saw her uncle, she immediately stiffened her body as if she were afraid of an attack. Melody looked for Henry and spied him over by the mantle in a discussion with his cousin Harold. She tried to get his attention, but was unsuccessful. Helen walked by, and Melody asked her to get Henry for her. Henry came over and asked, “You wanted me, my dear? Is there something that you need?”

“Kathryn is very anxious. As soon as your uncle walked into the room, she looked frightened to death. Henry, do you think he’s continued to bother her?” she asked. “Neither one of us have been here to make sure he behaved himself. Do you think he might have hurt her in someway? I know she’s been having nightmares recently, and I even found her sleepwalking again the other evening. I didn’t say anything to you about it, because Kathryn begged me not to.”

Henry looked over at Kathryn and said, “Last evening, I asked her what was wrong, but she wouldn’t tell me. Maybe she’ll talk to you. I certainly hope he hasn’t done anything to her, because if he has hurt her in any way at all, he’s a dead man!”

The next morning, Melody went to Kathryn’s room to talk to her. “Are you all right, Kathryn? I noticed you became very anxious yesterday when Uncle Theodore arrived. Did he continue to bother you when Henry wasn’t here to protect you?”

Kathryn hesitantly answered, “It’s been difficult to be around him each year. The Christmas after Henry supposedly died, he started trying to bother me again. I was able to get away from him and I told Nelson what had transpired, so Nelson had it out with him, and he hasn’t bothered me since. I’m just afraid he’ll try something, so I’m constantly on my guard when he’s around. I don’t want you and Henry to worry about me. I’ll come to you immediately if he so much as looks at me the wrong way. Thank you for being concerned, but I’ll be fine. I’ll just make sure that I’m never alone with him.”

Melody found Henry in the library and told him what Kathryn had said. He wanted to confront his uncle, but Melody convinced him to leave well enough alone, since Kathryn said he hadn’t bothered her since Nelson had handled it for her.

The party went off beautifully. Everyone danced, laughed, and had a good time. Helen practiced flirting with all her male cousins. She told Melody that she had to keep her skills sharp, since they would be going to town for the season in the spring. The next several days were exceptionally busy. There were games and activities everyday to entertain their guests. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time, but Melody found it all very taxing on her nerves. Christmas day was enjoyable. Henry finally gave Melody the pearls, and she was thrilled with them. Melody turned around so Henry could put them on her, and they looked lovely against her creamy white skin. They had agreed to have another small party for New Years, just inviting a few of the neighbors along with the family.

The New Year’s party was a wonderful idea, and everyone was having a superb time as they all sang in the New Year together. Melody noticed that Kathryn was not in the room and went to look for her. She could not find her, so she asked Henry to look with her. They checked all the usual places downstairs, but she was not in any of those rooms. Melody had already checked to see if she had gone to her bedchamber, but she was not there either. They became very worried, especially when they realized that Uncle Theodore was also missing. They went upstairs to Theodore’s room, and as they approached, they heard what sounded like a muffled scream, and it was coming from Theodore’s room. Henry tried the door, but it was locked. He backed up and hit the door hard with all his weight and the door flew back. They rushed into the room and saw that Theodore had Kathryn pinned to the bed. Her gown was pushed up to her waist, and Theodore’s breeches were down around his ankles. Kathryn was trying to fight him off, but he was just too big. Henry grabbed his uncle and threw him against the wall. Theodore hit his head and fell to the floor. Kathryn was crying hysterically and shaking all over. Melody went to her and tried to help her cover up. Her gown had been ripped, shoved down to her waist, and her breasts were exposed. Henry grabbed his uncle and turned him over. He started to pound his fists into his face. Melody was afraid that Henry was going to kill him, so she yelled, “Henry, please stop. He’s not worth going to gaol over.” Through a blind haze of anger, Henry heard her and stopped hitting the bastard. Melody wrapped a blanket around Kathryn. Henry checked his uncle and found that he was still breathing. He walked out of the room, found a footman, and had him go get his cousin Harold, and then he walked back into the room. Harold arrived and could immediately see what had happened. He looked shocked, but agreed to make sure that Theodore did not try to leave. Henry gathered Kathryn in his arms and took her to her room. Melody went ahead and opened the door for him. He went into the room and lay Kathryn on her bed.

He turned to Melody and whispered, “Can you take care of Kathryn? I need to go back and make sure that bastard doesn’t get away.”

She nodded her head, and Henry left the room. Melody went over to the bed and sat down on the edge. Kathryn was sobbing, but she was no longer shaking. She placed her hand on Kathryn’s shoulder and asked, “Are you up to telling me what happened? How did he hurt you, Kathryn?”

Kathryn sat up and cried, “He … he … tried to rape me I think, but I kept kicking my legs, so I think … I kept him from doing it.”

Melody checked her for bruises, and she was mottled with them. They were all over her thighs, her breasts, and there were bruises on her arms, where it looked like he had grabbed her. Her nails were broken from where she had scratched at Theodore. There was no blood, so he had not penetrated her. She helped Kathryn take off her gown, found her night rail, and put it on her. She got Kathryn to lie down, and soon she cried herself to asleep. Henry returned, and Melody told him that his uncle had not finished the rape, because they had gotten there just in time.