Montgomery Family 01 - Lost Pleasures Found (6 page)

With tears in her eyes, she answered, “Yes … oh yes … I’ll marry you. I love you very much … It would be a great honor to be your wife.”

Henry helped Melody to her feet and put his arms around her, pulled her close, and kissed her. He could hear Melody catch her breath, and he knew she was overcome because he could see the emotion in her lovely face. He had asked her to marry him, and it was the happiest moment of his life. Henry deepened their kiss and gently pulled her close. He did not want to scare her, so he concentrated on keeping his desires in check, but it was very difficult, because it felt so wonderful to have her in his arms. As he released her, he gave a slight groan. Melody opened her eyes and gave Henry one of her beautiful smiles. The joy was shining brightly in her lovely eyes.

“Your father gave me permission to marry you, and I hope we can marry soon. Please tell me you don’t want a long engagement, because I don’t think I can wait very long for you to be my wife!” Henry said as he gazed into her eyes.

With tears of joy rolling down her pretty face, she said, “I would marry you today, if that were possible. However, I think it will take at least three weeks, since it takes that long for the banns to be read. I don’t care about a big wedding. I just want to be your wife!”

Melody and her mother hurriedly put together the plans for a small wedding. The wedding date was set for Saturday, October 22, which was only three weeks away.

While Henry and Melody were talking about whom to invite to the wedding, he said, “I just want you to be my wife as soon as possible. Whoever you want to be there is fine with me. Since my family will probably give us some kind of reception later, it isn’t necessary for them to be here. I don’t want anything to delay our marriage, and waiting for them to travel all the way up here would take too long. They would bring an entire entourage with them, so it would probably take them several weeks to even start the trip. The only person I want at our wedding is my friend Weston. He can travel fast and be here in plenty of time for our wedding.”

Two days after Henry proposed, Melody took him around the village, introducing him to all her dear friends. As they walked and held hands, Melody’s heart was bursting with pride and joy. Henry was so courteous to everyone, and all the villagers went out of their way to welcome him. When they arrived at Brandon’s house, she said, “Remember when I told you about my friend Brandon? This is where he and his wife, Lily, live. I want you to meet them. I know you’re going to like both of them tremendously.”

Melody and Henry walked up the path and knocked on the door. A pretty young woman, who was obviously with child, answered the door, and when she saw Melody, she gave her a hug and said, “We were wondering when you would bring your friend for a visit.” She looked back behind her and said, “Brandon, please come here. Melody and her friend have come for a visit.”

A tall, thin young man with light brown hair and gray eyes came to the door, and when he saw Melody, he grinned and said, “It’s about time you came over here! We understand that congratulations are in order. Please come in. We’re happy you’ve stopped by. I’m Brandon, by the way, and this is my wife, Lily.” Brandon opened the door wide, and they went into their parlor. “Please take a seat. Lily, why don’t you get some tea for our guests?”

Melody laughed and said, “Brandon, wait! I haven’t even introduced you to Henry. Brandon, Lily, this is my fiancé Lord Henry Montgomery. I’ve told Henry all about both of you. Lily, please don’t go to any trouble for us. We just had luncheon, so we don’t need any tea. Let’s just sit here and talk.”

Lily smiled, took a seat by Brandon, and said, “It wouldn’t have been a bother, Melody. We’re just glad you finally brought Lord Montgomery over to meet us.” Lily looked over at Henry and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord. Melody has told us all about you. I know Brandon offered you congratulations, but I want to tell you how pleased we are that Melody has found you. I hope you’ll be as blessed in your marriage as Brandon and I have been.”

Henry gazed at Melody with joy in his bright blue eyes as he replied, “I know we’ll be happy. I’m the most fortunate of men that Melody has agreed to marry me. I’m glad to finally meet both of you. Please, call me Henry. Any friend of Melody’s is a friend of mine.”

They stayed for about thirty minutes, and by the time they were ready to take their leave, Henry was laughing and joking with Brandon as if they had been friends for years. This pleased Melody so much since Brandon and Lily were so special to her.

As they walked back to the vicarage, Melody and Henry held hands, and she asked, “What did you think of Brandon and Lily? Aren’t they wonderful?”

Henry pulled her close to his side and said, “I enjoyed meeting both of them. I can see why you like them. They’re very friendly people. How long have they been married? They both seem very young, Melody.”

As they continued down the path, Melody said, “They’ve only been married for eight months. Brandon is one and twenty, and Lily is nineteen. Brandon met Lily when she was sixteen and immediately fell in love with her. Of course, Brandon had to finish school before they could marry. He’s the schoolmaster at the local village school. Brandon has always wanted to teach, for as long as I can remember. I’m so pleased you liked them.”

“Darling, as much as I enjoyed meeting them, I’d rather take advantage of this time we have alone to kiss you!” Henry took her into his arms and kissed her passionately, and Melody ardently returned his kiss. Soon they were both breathing heavily, and Henry’s hands were roaming down her back. He cupped her bottom and pulled her closer to him. Melody could feel his manhood against her belly, and she felt a fierce wash of pleasure stronger than she had ever felt before. Henry slipped his hand inside Melody’s dress and gently squeezed her nipple. Desire wove its spell, and soon, Melody was trembling from excitement.

Henry released her lips and murmured, “Oh my darling, I want you so badly, but we must stop. I love you too much for your first time to be hurried. As much as it pains me, I want to wait for our wedding night.”

Melody smiled up at Henry and said, “I love you Henry, I know that when we finally make love, it will be beyond my wildest imagination. I’m glad you stopped before we got too carried away. Anyone could have come along this path and seen us. We need to get back because it’s almost time for tea.”

T
HE DAYS STARTED to fly by, and before Melody realized it, her wedding day had arrived. Melody chose to wear an ecru gown with Belgian lace on the bodice and flounced around the bottom. Once she was dressed, she looked in her cheval mirror and admired how well the silk fabric gently draped her body. The style was very becoming to her and showed off her voluptuous figure. There were tears in her mother’s eyes as Melody turned around and faced her. When Melody saw her tears, she said, “Oh, Mother, please don’t cry on my wedding day. I truly love Henry, and I know we’re going to have a wonderful life.”

Melody’s mother smiled as she replied, “I know you are, darling. I’m just a little overwhelmed seeing you all grown up and ready to start your new life. I promise they’re happy tears. You have grown up to be a wonderful daughter. Your father and I are so very proud of the woman you have become. Now, we need to go downstairs. It’s time to leave for the church.”

The small church was simply gorgeous. Her mother had decorated the church with gold chrysanthemums and yellow mums. There must have been a hundred candles lit all around the church. White and gold tulle bows decorated the pews. As Melody stood at the entrance and listened to the music swell, she looked up at the altar and saw Henry standing there with her father and Lord Weston. As Melody walked up the aisle toward Henry, her knees were shaking, and her hands were trembling so badly that she could barely hold her flower bouquet.

The walk down the aisle seemed to take forever, but finally, she was standing by Henry, and her father started the Mass. They turned toward each other as they repeated their vows to love, honor, and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. Each word took on a new meaning for her. Henry’s voice was strong and sure, and Melody’s was soft but steady. As Henry slid an incredibly beautiful emerald and diamond ring on her third finger, she was overcome by the love she felt for him. Then her father said, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I now pronounce that you are man and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. You may now kiss your bride.” Henry raised her veil and softly kissed her lips, with reverence. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm, and they walked back down the aisle to the rear of the church, where they signed the church registry. They were married at last.

They walked back to Melody’s house, where the small wedding breakfast was being held for them. Lord Weston made the first toast, wishing Melody and Henry many years of happiness. Then Brandon offered his toast, wishing them all the happiness in the world and hoping that they would be as happy as he and Lily were. Melody’s stomach was jumping with excitement, so she was not able to eat anything, but she did manage a bite of the incredibly beautiful wedding cake that her mother had made for them. The sugar roses were so lovely that it seemed a shame to eat them. Soon it was time for her to change into her traveling dress, and she went upstairs with her mother.

Her mother looked at her with love and pride shining in her eyes as she said, “Melody, you’re a beautiful bride. I’m so happy you have found someone to love. Henry is a very nice young man, and I know he’ll take good care of you. We’ll miss you terribly, but your father and I won’t be sad, because we know you’ll be happy. Besides, you’re going to eventually be living in Doncaster, which isn’t too terribly far away. I probably should have asked you this earlier, but do you have any questions you would like to ask me about the wedding night before you go back downstairs?”

Melody hesitantly asked, “Mother what … will happen tonight? I don’t know anything, and I’m a little … frightened. Please explain everything to me.”

“Henry will be gentle, and he will take care of everything. You don’t need to worry, because he’ll know what to do. The physical side of love is so beautiful when shared between two people who genuinely love each other. Just let your husband guide you,” she said.

“All right, Mother … I’ll put my trust in Henry. I’m sure you’re right. He’ll know what to do.” Then with fear in her voice, she said, “It’s just that I’ve heard …” Then she hurriedly finished saying, “It’s painful to lose your virginity.”

“Melody, there will be some mild discomfort, but it will be very fleeting, and then everything will be fine, so stop worrying. I understand your concerns because I felt the same way when your father and I were married. It’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive. I promise you’ll be fine, and tomorrow you’ll be so happy you won’t even remember you were scared. It’s time to go back downstairs to your handsome new husband. You have a long drive ahead of you, so you need to get started.”

Melody came down the stairs, and her eyes met Henry’s. He was looking at her with so much love that it brought tears to her eyes. He took her hand as she stepped down to the floor and said, “My love, it’s time for us to go. We have a long drive before we stop for the night. Come, my darling.”

As the carriage left Melody’s home, she looked back and watched as her parents grew smaller and smaller, until she could no longer see them. She felt the tears silently slip down her cheeks. Henry had a concerned expression on his face when he asked, “What’s wrong, my love? Why are you crying? Have I done anything to upset you?”

Melody was pleased by the concern he was showing, so she smiled through her tears and said, “No, Henry. I just realized that I’ll never live with my parents again, and I love them so much. I shall miss them terribly. I know that I’ll come back for visits, but it won’t be the same. I promise I’m not sad to be leaving with you, and I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful life together.”

“Thank goodness! You had me worried when I saw your tears. I promise we’ll have a happy life, and I’ll always love and protect you. I’m thrilled that we’re finally married … and that you’re now my bride. Is there anything else bothering you?” he asked.

Melody thought for a minute and then replied, “There is one thing that I’m concerned about. Your father is such a powerful man, and your parents move in the highest echelon of society. I wonder if they will be willing to accept me as your wife. Do you think they’ll like me?”

Henry looked uncomfortable as he answered, “Darling, it will take some time for them to adjust to the idea of our marriage, but I’m sure you can win them over with time. You’re right about them being high in the instep. My parents have expressed the opinion that I should marry to bring more prestige to the family. A person’s standing in life is more important to them than anything else. I need you to understand that my parents are cold and distant, but they’re like that with everyone, so I don’t want you to take anything they may say, personally. To be honest with you, they rarely like any of my friends, and you can’t let it bother you. As I said, just give it time. I’m sure they’ll come around eventually. Come over here and let me give you a hug. I need to hold you close to my heart. I’m so pleased to have you as my wife, and I’m the happiest of men.”

Melody smiled up at him with such a look of trust as she said, “I’m sure you’re right. I’m relieved you told me how they are, so I’ll know what to expect. I was so excited last night that I barely slept at all, so I’m going to lay here in your arms and take a short nap, if that is all right with you.”

Henry gazed at her with love glowing in his eyes and said reassuringly, “I’ll be happy to hold you while you sleep. Just rest your pretty head on my shoulder. I’ll wake you when we arrive at the inn.” Melody sighed as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

They traveled until dusk. He saw the coaching inn up ahead, where he planned to stop, so Henry gently woke her up. She looked enchanting as she slowly opened her eyes. She looked around and asked, “Are we there yet?”

“We’re arriving at the inn now. I’ve made arrangements for us to have a private dining parlor, and we’ll have adjoining bedchambers. We should be quite comfortable. Weston recommended this coaching inn, and he usually knows where the best places are.” When the carriage had stopped, Henry turned and helped Melody out of the carriage. He offered his arm, and they entered the inn. The innkeeper came forward and welcomed them to his inn, and then he led them to the private dining parlor. He assured them that dinner would be served shortly. Henry helped Melody remove her cloak and pulled out her chair; then he took his seat. The innkeeper returned with a serving girl, and they laid out the food on the table and then excused themselves. The food was excellent, but Melody was so nervous that she found it difficult to swallow. After they were through eating, he escorted her to her room. Henry told Melody that he would send up her maid, to help her get ready for bed, and he left her alone.

Melody looked around the room and was pleased to see how clean and inviting everything was. As she walked around the room, she noticed the lovely lace curtains at the window. There was a comfortable-looking bed with a pretty homemade quilt and lots of pillows on it. There was a fire burning in the hearth, and the room felt invitingly warm. There was a knock on the door, and Melody went to see who it was. Since it was her maid, Millie, she let her in.

“Your husband sent me up to help you get ready for bed, my lady.” She immediately began pulling out Melody’s nightclothes. There was a beautiful, fine, lawn night rail with a matching dressing gown for the night. Melody smiled as she remembered how her mother had worked on it each night, making sure she would have something pretty to wear tonight. Millie helped her remove her traveling dress and then brushed her long hair until it was tangle free and shining. Melody left it loose because she knew that would be how Henry would want it. Finally, she was ready for bed, so she sent Millie away for the night.

Her nerves were on edge, and she was not sure what she should do.
Should
she
go
ahead
and
get
into
bed,
or
should
she
sit
in
the
chair
until
Henry
joined
her?
Her heart was beating rapidly, and her breathing was shallow; her hands were trembling because she was so nervous. Soon Henry would be coming through the door, and she was terrified, because she was not sure what would happen. She thought about what her mother had told her and tried to take comfort from her words.
Oh,
why
couldn’t
her
mother
have
been
more
forthcoming!
Melody decided she would go ahead and get into bed to wait for Henry. Soon, she heard a knock on the door from Henry’s room. As he opened the door, he came into the room and stopped when he saw her in bed. He had on a long, dark blue, silk dressing gown tied at the waist, and Melody could see that he did not have anything on underneath his robe.

Henry just stood there and gazed over at Melody.
How
lovely
she
looked
with
all
her
golden
hair
around
her
shoulders!
It was the first time he had ever seen Melody with her hair down. It fell almost to her waist, and he could just imagine losing himself in all that glorious hair. The scent of lemons filled the air, and Henry knew it was Melody’s special essence. His nostrils flared, and he had to stifle his raging desire to make her his own. The very thought that Melody was all his, had his senses aroused, and he felt very possessive. It was a powerful aphrodisiac to know that she had never been touched by another man. Henry walked over to the bed and smiled down at her. “Melody, you look so beautiful. I knew you had beautiful hair, but I had no idea how lovely it truly was. I’ve dreamed of burying my face in all your gorgeous hair. Your hair always smells like lemons, and I have always loved that scent. May I join you in our marriage bed?”

Melody did not speak, but she nodded her head as Henry turned down the bedside lamp. He pulled back the covers and got into bed. As he looked over at Melody, he held his arms open, and Melody went to him. He gazed deeply into her eyes and gently stroked her cheek. Her skin felt as soft as silk, and he could stroke her lovely skin all night. She looked up at Henry and then laid her head on his shoulder. Henry pulled her close, lifted her chin, and slowly lowered his head to kiss her. Melody was trembling, and Henry knew she was terrified.

“Do you know what will happen here tonight, in our marriage bed?” he asked. “You have nothing to fear. I promise I won’t do anything to hurt you. Just let me kiss and hold you, and if anything bothers you, let me know, all right?”

He kissed Melody again, and this time, he deepened the kiss as he pulled her closer to him. His desire was running hot, but he knew he had to control it so that he did not frighten her. As he kissed her, he nibbled at Melody’s luscious lips, and soon she sighed and parted them. He slid his tongue into her mouth and tasted her sweet essence. She hesitantly followed his lead and used her tongue as he did. The kisses grew firmer, and their breathing became heavier. He started rubbing Melody’s back and gently placed his other hand on her breast. He could feel her nipple grow taut as he lowered his head to kiss Melody on her slender neck. Then he nibbled his way down to the swell of her breasts. He could feel her quiver and knew she was experiencing her first real taste of passion, and he felt incredibly honored that he would be the first and only man to ever see her in the throes of passion.