Wickedly Wanton: A Ménage Regency Tale (14 page)

Sabine walked along the gardens, cloak pulled tight against the cold autumn breeze. Aiden was gone, to where he did not say, but he'd left three days ago claiming urgent business but promised to be back by today. He'd sent no word, and she worried.

The weather had just changed seemingly overnight, or maybe it was her mind-set. Last night Faith had asked her if, once she was married to Reddick, Sabine would find another woman to join in their bed.

Sabine had said no, of course not. But now, alone with her thoughts, she wondered. Would she? She loved Faith, wanted her on a sexual level that much was true, but cared for her as both a friend and lover.

No, Faith couldn't be replaced.

But when she and Aiden traveled, and if they found a woman Sabine was attracted to, would she invite her to their bed? Trust was an issue. If such an understanding were to be reached, it would have to be kept strictly private. The scandal would be—

She stopped that line of thought. No need to think of scandal or another woman. Sabine had never honestly thought of a woman as she did Faith.

Now she had other problems to think of. When Reddick discovered Faith was not a virgin, would he beat her? Or would he cast her out? Sabine reverently hoped for the latter. When she proposed Aiden taking Faith's virginity, they both believed Reddick would be furious enough to not want Faith.

Failing that, at least the initial pain and discomfort would be gone from her marriage night.

What did Aiden do? Where was he? He'd promised to try to discover a way out for Faith, but the wedding was tomorrow morning.

Turning for the house, too restless to be alone with her thoughts, she went to find Faith. If this was to be their last night together, Sabine didn't want to waste any time.

* * * *

It had been a while since Aiden last visited Eddington, Lord Walsford, former Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy. They'd been great friends at the London Club some years ago, and even though Lord Walsford was of advancing age, eighty-one currently if he counted right, he'd been quite the libertine.

Walsford's estate was impressive, even by English peer standards. Well over one hundred thousand acres, the main house stood just up a short hill overlooking the expanse of the property. As Aiden recalled, Walsford had one son and two grandsons, both currently married. His hereditary title was secure well into the future.

The carriage pulled up to the front of the main house and two liveried footman stood at the ready to assist Severn should he require it. Within just a few minutes, Aiden was shown to Lord Walsford, who stood on the back lawn, holding his rifle and ordering the fowl he'd obviously just shot collected and brought to the kitchens.

“A hunter to the last,” Aiden commented as he approached.

“A vicious habit, Severn. I do not recommend you take it up. It will consume your every waking moment. Plotting and planning the correct move, the cleverest approach to take down your prey,” Walsford shot back in a hardy voice.

“I'm afraid, Walsford,” Aiden said as he bowed in greeting to the older man, “that social life is quite the same.”

Laughing, Walsford handed his rifle to a waiting servant. “I do suppose you're correct there, Severn. But I'd much rather release my frustration by aiming a shot and actually firing my weapon than launching into battle with Lady Jersey or Lady
whatever her title is
in the London ballrooms.”

“Even I,” Aiden added as they walked along the lawn, “would not willing enter into battle with them.”

“Now, Severn,” Walsford asked as the servants scattered to do their master's bidding, “what brings you across county lines to my hunting grounds? Or are you just here for a free bird for your table?”

“I have a problem in my household, Walsford,” Aiden admitted, “and I hoped you could assist me with it.”

Aiden and Walsford strolled down the lawn toward the wood, ensured privacy by his servants and the sheer expanse of property. Still, even with valued servants, Aiden didn't wish this conversation overheard.

“Why, that little wife of yours is just a delight,” Walsford said, and Aiden knew he truly meant it. He'd met Sabine in Brighton, and while they'd conversed over the course of only one meal, Walsford had been utterly charmed.

“Don't tell me,” the old man added with a glare, “you're already sticking your cock in some unpleasant pussy?”

“No,” Aiden answered and tried not to show his surprise. He knew what Walsford was like but hadn't expected such forthright observations. “Not precisely. You see, my household is a bit…well, let's just say we're following the libertine ways.”

“And your wife accepts this?” Walsford asked with great curiosity.

“She relishes it,” Aiden admitted.

They stood on the edge of the lawn, the shaded wood before them, the house behind them. Servants hovered well out of earshot. He was running out of time and knew it, but Aiden had to try convincing Reddick first. But the other man couldn't be swayed, and now this was his last hope to save Faith from a life with that bastard.

“Ah,” Walsford said with a wistful smile. “What I would've done to have such a wife.”

Before Walsford could delve into memory—of either his wives or his mistresses—Aiden interrupted.

“That's not what I need your help with.”

“Then what, Severn,” Walsford asked, “caused your trip out here?”

Taking care to keep the anger from his voice, Aiden told Walsford the majority of the story: Reddick, his role in both Sabine's life and Faith's, and this latest twist to the story. Walsford, for his part, nodded in complete understanding.

Maybe this wasn't so crazy a plan, after all.

* * * *

Sabine stood next to Faith and listened to the vicar invoke the holy rites of matrimony. Aiden had returned only a couple of hours ago with the aged and charming Lord Walsford. When he'd explained his mad plan, Sabine at first hadn't believed it.

Necessary papers had been shown, Lord Walsford had been willing, and once Faith accepted this rather sudden and drastic change in plan, they'd gone forward with the ceremony. Faith's parents stood to one side, mute in shock but wisely not objecting to Aiden's preparations. He'd had them brought up early from London, as they were quite unaware of Reddick's wedding plans, then immediately taken them into the library for a
discussion
. While Sabine hadn't been privy to the conversation, they'd come out agreeing to anything her husband said.

The only problem, so far as Sabine could see, was that
only
Aiden would be able to witness the livid look on Reddick's face when he heard about this wedding.

Lord Walsford was an incredibly powerful man, both in the business and parliament worlds, and not even Reddick would dare accuse him. No, Faith's future was secure.

* * * *

Aiden whistled as his carriage pulled up to Reddick's house. It was quite early the morning after Faith's marriage to Walsford, but Aiden wanted to ensure Reddick had enough time to stew in his anger, fume about being bested. Twice.

The ceremony was to take place at ten this morning, but even now, Faith and Walsford headed for Brighton for their honeymoon, while Sabine awaited his return before joining them. They planned on spending at least six weeks at the beachside resort; the town would be deserted with everyone in London for the start of the Season, but that suited their purposes just fine.

The carriage pulled to a halt and Aiden exited, walking briskly to the front door. A footman greeted him rather than Reddick, and Aiden refused the servant's offer of taking his belongings.

“Come to wish me good will and salutations?” Reddick asked as Aiden entered the decorated parlor.

Grinning widely, Aiden watched Reddick's eyes narrow. “But of course I come to wish you good will.” He was friendly enough, then, lowering his voice to a threat, said, “Much as you wished me the same before my wedding.”

Reddick smirked and offered a small laugh. “Come, make yourself comfortable. My guests will be arriving shortly, though I have to say I'm disappointed you didn't bring your delicious little wife.”

Aiden held himself in check, though he dearly wished to murder Reddick where the other man stood. One day, when they were not on Reddick's property, he'd see the other man received all he deserved.

“I intend to return to my lovely wife and friends shortly,” he said evenly. “I merely wished to extend neighborly politeness.”

Reddick said nothing, but Aiden knew he held his full attention. Smiling broadly, and not allowing visions of Reddick bloody before him to distract him, Aiden continued. “Your wedding will not go forward this day.”

Darkly scowling, Reddick took a menacing step closer. Grinning wider now, Aiden shook his head sadly at the other man.

“Miss Faith, for the last, oh,” Aiden made a show of looking at the mantle clock, “fourteen hours or so, is now Lady Walsford by the full consent of her parents and the church.”

All humor gone, he stood toe-to-toe with the other man. “There won't be a third time to disrupt my household, Reddick. Remember that.”

Stepping back, he tipped his hat at the man and left.

In the instant before the door closed behind him, he heard a very large crash. Smiling in satisfaction, Aiden climbed into his carriage.

Sabine kissed Walsford on the cheek as he graciously handed Faith over to her. It had taken Walsford less than a day to realize where Faith's desires lay. They'd been in Brighton for two weeks, and while she had no doubt Walsford wouldn't mind at least watching the three of them, she knew Aiden would never allow it. Which was perfectly fine with her.

“I promise to take very excellent care of her,” she whispered, caressing Faith's breasts through the gown.

Walsford laughed and eyed the pair of them appreciatively. “I'm an old man,” he whispered back, “but not dead yet. Don't tempt me.”

Sabine smiled up at him and took Faith's hand, leading her away. She'd asked him, after their first night, what he did while the three of them were together. Walsford confessed he played chess with his valet and drank the finest Madeira his ships could smuggle in from Portugal.

Aiden waited for them in their bedroom, already naked if Sabine knew her husband. Twining her fingers with Faith's, she led her to the bedroom. There, her trusted maid helped them quickly undress, slathering lavender-scented oil over their bodies. Impatient, Sabine dismissed the maid and took the oil jar.

Taking her time, she rubbed the scent over Faith's breasts, down her hips, up the insides of her thighs. Fingers slippery with the oil, they easily slid into her lover's body. Faith's breath caught, but Sabine didn't do more than tease her friend.

“Sabine,” Faith hissed, “please.”

“Your turn.” Sabine laughed, kissing Faith lightly on the lips.

Faith wasted no time in running her oil-slicked fingers over Sabine's body. Kneeling before her, Faith circled her nub until pleasure shot through her. Stepping back on legs that shook, she lifted Faith from her knees, body humming in arousal.

“Come on,” she said and helped Faith dress.

The thin gossamer shift floated around their legs, clinging to their breasts and hips, outlining their most private places. Pinching her aching nipples through the shift, Sabine shivered in anticipation and turned for the door. Opening it to the bedroom, she saw Aiden there.

His strong, naked back was to her, but when he heard the door, he turned. Sabine's breath caught at how handsome he looked. The light in his eyes as he ran his gaze over her body, the thickness of his cock, already hard for her.

Once more, she took Faith's hand and led her into the room. The three of them. Looking between the two, she smiled. Arousal thrummed through her veins, slicking her thighs, but her heart swelled with love and acceptance.

With the two of them, she had her happy home.

THE END