Romance: In Love With A Beast (Paranormal BBW Panther Shifter Romance) (Shapeshifter Mystery Alpha Werebear Romance Short Stories) (10 page)

“Indeed M’lady. But it may be necessary for me to give you advice sooner rather than later. As you are a married woman and I’m a gentleman, I do not believe it would be considered too improper for me to call on you tomorrow evening. That is if I may be of any assistance to you. And, of course, if only you and I are here then who is to know?”

“You are very kind sir. I think assistance is what I need. It is a while since I have had any assistance.”

She lowered her eyes in mock subservience. It wasn’t lost on him.

Chapter Three

Sir Reginald’s business problems were not the only thoughts that entered her mind as she waited for sleep to take her. The memories of Richard making love to her in the straw and in the room over the Pantiles kept up her spirits. Nearly two years had passed since he sailed for India. She prayed that he was safe and would make his fortune so that he could come back and claim her.

In the meantime, she wondered if she really would go through with seducing the Lieutenant in order to have a protector when she had to leave her home. What if he just ploughed her without any commitment? She would have to make sure she had her hooks firmly into him to prevent his escape.

Diana’s thoughts descended into fantasy, dreaming that she lay in bed while the Lieutenant ploughed her. Her passions had been awakened by Richard but he was gone and she had not experienced such bliss since. However much trouble her husband Sir Reginald was in, she desperately wanted to taste the forbidden fruit of sex with a real man again rather than the Thursday night ritual grunt and groan with her husband. She had to admit to herself that it wasn’t only a quest for a protector for herself and her son; she craved the caresses and intimacy from someone who could handle her desires and satisfy them. There had been no candidates since Richard, but the Lieutenant seemed to be a possibility.

****

Diana dismounted her grey mare, Penelope, and dropped the reins.

“But M’lady, I don’t need to take the night off and where would I go?” said Miller as he took the reins and led the horse to the stables.

“As I said, you have all been working so hard and as grateful thanks for what you were prepared to do yesterday I have arranged a dinner and accommodation at the Dog and Duck over in Downhurst village. All the staff are to be there. It is my present to you all.”

“Yes, M’lady.”

“And when you are ready, please take Jane and Michael over to Tunbridge Wells for him to stay with his friend George. It is all arranged.”

“Yes, M’lady but I’m worried about leaving you here in this big house without any of us to protect you.”

“I’ll lock the door and keep a shotgun ready. I can look after myself, but I appreciate your concern.”

“Yes, M’lady. May I say how sorry I am for your troubles. Sir Reginald ought…”

“That’s enough. Thank you but I’ll manage and I’ll do everything I can to ensure that you and all the staff do not lose out because of my husband’s greed and stupidity.”

***

Diana spent an hour soaking in a warm bath full of bubbles and two hours getting herself dressed. She’d gone over and over what her plan was for tonight and as she pulled up her silk stockings she wondered if it would work and if it would be worth the sacrifice. She’d shared Sir Reginald’s bed; the Lieutenant was far more wholesome than he. She could do it.She’d have to do it. And it made her blush when she realised she wanted to do it.

She stood in front of her full-length mirror wearing only the stockings. Diana mused that the blond nest between her legs would soon be locked with the blond forest that the Lieutenant must surely have since she had seen the hair under his wig.

Diana dithered whether to put on her underwear or remain bare under her dress. She decided the thrill of removing it would please the Lieutenant more than finding her open so easily. It would excite her too when he pulled the garment down. The white silk knickers with lace edges she chose with an increased beating of her heart. Pulling them up her shaved legs they felt sensuous and cool. She imagined the scene where they would be taken from her.

Next she slipped her white silk Empire style dress up from her feet and eased her bosom over the high line. A pink turban like scarf finished the dressing and a pair of pearl earrings and matching necklace added extra glamour. She was very pleased with what she saw in the full-length mirror.

Mrs Marshall had left a cold collation for one in the kitchen. Diana added to it and found a bottle of wine. She carried it all through to the dining room.

In the corner of the dining room, she heard the grandfather clock strike seven. He would be there shortly.

A knock at the door sent butterflies around her tummy. She glided to the front door and opened it.

Lieutenant Phillips stood looking handsome but serious. “Good evening, M’lady. I hope I am not intruding. I have disagreeable news of your husband.”

“Indeed sir. Then please will you enter. I must apologise, my staff have the evening off. Does your horse need accommodation?

“That would be a boon M’lady. Pray direct me to your stables.”

“Please, follow me sir.”

Diana led the way round the side of the house to the stables where the Lieutenant coaxed it into a box. All the while he could hardly take his eyes of Diana and she knew it.

“Would you not be needing to unsaddle the horse sir?”

“I’m afraid that may not be necessary, M’lady, when I have divested myself of the news that I bear.”

He placed a bucket of water in front of the horse.

“Please, follow me sir.”

Diana led him into the dining room.The long table was set for two with a cold collation and wine. Candles added to the light that still filtered in from the summer’s evening.

“My apologies. But as I said, the staff including the cook are away this evening.”

“I am concerned M’lady that you are unprotected here.”

“From what or whom may I need protection sir?”

“I do not wish to alarm you M’lady. It has been known for footpads and mountebanks to operate in the Kentish countryside.”

“I have a shotgun sir, and I know how to use it. Please, would you care to be seated.”

Instead of sitting down he drew himself up straight as a ramrod and looked at her.

“It may be more appropriate if I deliver my news standing up M’lady but I would be greatly obliged if you would take a seat.”

“Indeed sir? I must own that your demeanour troubles me.”

The Lieutenant held the back of a chair as Diana sat down.

His manner unsettled her. Her plan to seduce him had been fairly obvious, but he seemed restrained and hesitant. Diana thought that the moment had passed, but she would persevere.

“If I may M’lady, I need to divest myself of some bad news for you. This will undoubtedly affect you and the evening, but you can be assured that I shall be here to render what assistance I may be allowed to offer.”

“Then please sir, give me your disagreeable news.”

“M’lady it is with deep regret that I have to inform you that your husband, Sir Reginald, collapsed and died this afternoon while being questioned by the Magistrate in Maidstone.”

Diana thought about her husband. She knew she didn’t hate him. She didn’t like him much with his disgusting manners, boorish behaviour and penchant for actresses. His slave trading offended her morality, but he had always been generous with his money towards her and her parents. His passing did not bring her joy. It did bring a little sadness but not grief. And she thought he would have preferred this end rather than be dragged through the courts and incarcerated for a long sentence.

“That is indeed disagreeable sir. May I ask what caused his death?”

“It is believed that he had a heart attack, M’lady.”

“I do not find that surprising, sir. He has looked most unwell recently and has been under considerable strain.”

“Indeed M’lady. A very sad business indeed. I have come here tonight not only as the bearer of sad news but also to explain the legal position to you. Sir Reginald was under investigation because one of his ships was intercepted carrying contraband, slaves, as you know. The authorities are still sifting through the documents we removed from your house yesterday. He had not yet been charged nor had he appeared before the court. This means that the case against him died with him.”

“Yes, I understand that, sir. Please, will you sit down and take a little sustenance?”

Lieutenant Phillips breathed a sigh of relief and seated himself at the head of the table.

She fixed her eyes on his. He looked back.

“The ship involved in the slave trading will be confiscated but as there is no possibility of charges being brought against your husband, that will be the end of the matter.”

“Sir, are you telling me that my son and I will not lose this estate and Sir Reginald’s business?”

“That is indeed the case, M’lady.”

“I believed, sir, that my husband would be in gaol and his property sequestered. We are to be spared that ignominy, sir?”

“By the Grace of God, that is so, M’lady.”

“It is very kind of you to bring this news to me at this late hour, sir.”

“I am concerned about leaving you undefended M’lady until your servants return. In the circumstances, I shall take myself off to the stables and spend the night there where I may defend you without compromising your position. And in view of the news that must have brought considerable grief to your heart, I do not wish to impose myself on your hospitality at such a time as this.”

Diana looked at the Lieutenant. She did feel a little sad but not much. Her weekly ordeal under Sir Reginald had been canceled for the past six months due to his ill health. She wondered whether it would be wrong to go ahead with her seduction after what she had just heard. She didn’t need a protector now. She had everything she needed except a lover. What would the Lieutenant think of her if she pressed her amorous needs upon on him?

There was only one way to find out. But Diana’s brain was already checking out the advantages and pitfalls of her new found position. Now she was a wealthy widow her position had changed from a hunter looking for a protector to a woman being hunted by men who would seek to take her fortune and that of her son. Diana resolved to find out more about Lieutenant Phillips before opening her legs to him.

“Tell me about your family Lieutenant.”

“I’m from the Devon Phillips. My family have an estate outside Plymouth. I’ve been in the Navy since I was thirteen.”

“Do you have any older brothers?”

“No, M’lady. I have a younger brother and sister.”

“And is there a Mrs Phillips residing at home?”

“Indeed there is M’lady. My mother.” He smiled.

“So in time you will inherit the estate, sir.”

“Indeed so, M’lady. I am the eldest son.”

“Then you are a man of substance and position. A wealthy widow has to be concerned for herself and her son, sir.”

“Indeed M’lady.

She took a piece of ham in her fingers, rolled it into a length and then put one end in her mouth and nibbled it down to half way.

“At a time such as this one often looks for distraction to ease one’s mind, sir. Perhaps a little food and wine will satisfy my needs.”

“Indeed so M’lady. If I may say, I had not relished the onerous task of bringing such sad tidings to your door. I feel in need of some distraction myself, M’lady.”

He reached for a peach, held it in his hand and twisted so it came apart to reveal the stone. He removed the stone and put the inside of the peach to his lips and with his tongue licked out the soft flesh.

She wiped her hands on her napkin and then ran her finger down her cheek to her neck and then her chest before letting it hover over her décolletage. “It’s rather warm for this time of year don’t you think, sir.”

He looked at her finger and her breasts only just covered by her dress. “Indeed M’lady, I do believe it is getting warmer all the time.”

He shuffled on his seat.

Diana could guess what caused his discomfort and smiled.

“Please, pour a glass of wine for me, sir.”

He filled his glass and then hers. He took a sip.

“A very agreeable wine M’lady if I may say.”

“Yes, rather full-bodied with just a hint of spice I would say, sir.”

“Absolutely M’lady. I must say I enjoy the full body when accompanied by a little spice.”

“Indeed sir. Sometimes it can be a little rough. I don’t mind that providing it is accompanied by a smooth and mellow component.”

“Yes, M’lady. Variety adds to the overall enjoyment, in my opinion.”

“I can hardly leave you to take brandy and a cigar alone, sir. Should you wish to smoke, I have no objection. Would you care for brandy?”

“Thank you, M’lady but I have no penchant for tobacco and this excellent wine satisfies my palette.”

“Is there anything else I may offer you sir; anything to further satisfy your needs? I must again apologise for the lack of a decent dinner but as I said, my staff are away and shall not return until late tomorrow morning.

“I am replete with regards to the food and wine M’lady; thank you.”

“Then perhaps we should repair to the drawing-room, sir.”

“Indeed so, M’lady.”

He stood and held her chair while she rose.

He followed her to the drawing-room.

Diana mulled over in her brain what to do next. She hoped he would take the initiative.

In the drawing room, she sat on a four-seater settee. He sat beside her but at a discreet distance.

A painting of a red-coated Huntsman on his horse with his hounds in full pursuit hung over the marble fireplace. “Do you ride to hounds, M’lady?”

She looked at him. Her eyes ran over his face, down his chest and down his legs. They returned to his face and she smiled. “I enjoy the chase, sir. It is what happens when the chase is over and the prey is at the mercy of the pursuer that I enjoy most. Of course, sir, it is not always clear who is the hunter and who is the prey.”

“Perhaps, M’lady, it is a symbiotic relationship that juxtaposes the position of ascendancy when required.”