An Affair of Honor (Rebel Hearts Book 2) (15 page)

She closed her eyes as he drew back, as if that action would deny the truth of what they had enjoyed together. When he’d spanked her bottom red last year, the quality and volume of her moans had tempted him to slip his hand between her legs. She’d been so wet with arousal that he’d rubbed her clitoris until she’d cried out in pleasure a few short minutes later. Some women truly enjoyed punishment, and he’d felt extremely proud he’d discovered Matilda’s secret delight and brought her fulfillment that day.

It had been a memorable moment with her, and he wanted more of that. When she was a servant he shouldn’t have done it again, but with her being his wife, they could indulge their passions in private as long as he remembered not to ruin her.

But only if she agreed.

“You didn’t ask me to stop; you didn’t ask to be released. You lay across my knee, moaning to every beat of my hand against your skin.” He captured her hand. “And when I judged the pain enough, I rewarded you with pleasure.”

Matilda trembled. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“I couldn’t have left you in such a state of arousal and not provided complete satisfaction. That would have been callous and unkind.”

A hot blush rose up her cheeks, warming her skin as much as it had been that day.

“You like it,” he whispered to her after a couple had passed them by. “There are many women who enjoy a strong hand and direction. There is nothing to be uncomfortable about. You like how I make you feel, and I like taking care of you.”

She shook her head. “I was innocent until that day.”

“You are innocent still, Matilda. I don’t intend to change that fact no matter how many times you spill across my knee. I can pleasure you without taking your virtue. I would like to touch you intimately very much.” He glanced ahead, noticing Miss Chudleigh’s carriage had somehow circled around the block very quickly to roll past them again. He set his arm about Matilda’s back and turned her toward the adjacent buildings so she did not notice the woman was watching their every move. She might find it as unnerving as he did. “Ah, here we are. The Duke of Rutherford’s London residence, Newberry House. What do you think?”

Matilda glanced ahead at the massive structure, but he could tell by the way her breath was rushed that she was fighting with herself, struggling not to be affected by their frank discussion of pleasure and pain, all while his arm remained curled about her body.

“Impressive,” she whispered.

“Yes, you are. The house also to a lesser extent.” He grinned when she spluttered in shock at his words. He might not always be a charming conversationalist, but when the time was right he could utter honest compliments. Matilda challenged him in a way he’d not expected. There was more to her than met his eager eyes. She had strength and courage, two traits utterly necessary for any real wife of his to possess.

She made him want to discover her depths, valleys, and limits. “We will discuss the matter of satisfying your desires at a later time when we can speak freely again. Agreed?”

She stared at him and then slowly nodded. “Yes, William.”

Ten

M
atilda held her breath as the announcement of their arrival was made to a full room. “Captain Ford and Mrs. William Ford.”

Her first ever ball.

Her first evening out as William’s wife.

Matilda’s heart began to pound in time with the thrumming of a dozen dancing feet as her husband led her into a room lit by a hundred candles at least. The light reflected off four enormous mirrors that hung on the four walls of the Cavendish ballroom and dazzled her eyes. The sparkling windows were shrouded by an abundance of heavy burgundy drapes, and gold braid held them back to reveal the darkness of night beyond.

She grew weary thinking of the work involved to keep this room clean, only to notice a heartbeat later how many disapproving stares were aimed in her direction.

A tall man of middle years swung around. “You’re late,” he complained to William. He held out his hand though. “I thought you would miss my ball altogether.”

“Forgive me, Cavendish.” William glanced her way. “I lost all track of time.”

The man—whom she finished cataloging at wearing three rings on each hand, one obscenely large ruby cravat pin, and gold-headed walking stick—glanced her way with a raised eyebrow. “You should speak to her about that.”

William muttered softly. “Later.”

“I would advise not to delay.”

“Matilda, darling.” William released her. “Might I present His Grace, the Duke of Cavendish?”

Matilda dipped a curtsy to their host, remembering William’s instructions on the length and depth that would be required for meeting this particular man. He was not of royal blood, but he was extremely important in society. William expressed a wish that of all the instructions, she must pay most attention to this one. “Your Grace. It is an honor to meet you.”

Apparently appeased, the man bowed. “Madam.” He clicked his fingers, and a younger but elegant gentleman appeared almost immediately. Not dressed as flamboyantly as the host but very impressive just the same. “Lord Fox. Captain Ford. I trust you remember each other.”

“I do indeed. A pleasure to see you again, my lord,” William said.

The younger man, much warmer in manner than their host, grinned widely. “Captain and Mrs. Ford. I have looked forward to this meeting most eagerly.”

The fellow took her hand and squeezed her fingers. “Welcome among us, my dear woman. I hope you will allow me to introduce you to my wife very soon.”

“I should be very pleased to make her acquaintance.” She eased closer to William. Such a warm greeting after the frost of their host was just a touch disconcerting.

“Fox, see that my guests are comfortable.” The duke moved away without waiting for a response.

Lord Fox drew them deeper into the room, signaling to a nearby waiter. After William had handed her a glass of punch, they drew closer together to speak. “Everyone is talking about the shock of your marriage,” Lord Fox said in a low tone that reached her ears too.

“Let them.” William scowled.

“I just wanted to warn you that Cavendish is very concerned you have made a grave error in judgment.” Lord Fox glanced her way, frowning. “You know how he feels about misalliances.”

William straightened, capturing Matilda’s arm to wrap about his. “I know what I’m doing.”

Fox appeared ready to say more but suddenly glanced around. He grinned, a look of pure joy crossing his features. “Ah, here comes my one and only to say hello.”

A voluptuous woman a little older than Matilda, eyes bright with excitement, approached and held out her hand to William. “Darling.”

Matilda stared at William in shock as he returned the affectionate greeting. “It is good to see you again, Lady Fox. I have missed our discussions.”

Coldness filled Matilda as she was introduced. The woman was exquisitely dressed and had a pampered air about her. She also knew William very well. Matilda managed an adequate curtsy. “My lady.”

Lady Fox glanced away to William. “So this is the woman who replaced me in your affections.”

William coughed, glancing at the still smiling Lord Fox. “You’ve been married many years, pet.”

She shuddered and pasted a smile on her face. “The happiest five years of my life, Billy.”

William’s entire body tensed at the nickname, and the pair engaged in a staring match. Matilda grew uncomfortable after a few moments, but Lord Fox only smiled.

Lady Fox was the first to break eye contact. She met Matilda’s gaze again. “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ford. I wish you both every happiness.”

“Thank you.”

William turned to Lord Fox. “How are your children?”

“Thriving,” Lord Fox exclaimed, then spoke expansively about his offspring for several minutes.

Lady Fox assessed Matilda again through narrowed eyes until Matilda shifted uncomfortably toward William. The corner of Lady Fox’s mouth quirked a little in response, which brought a blush to Matilda’s cheeks. She fought it, remembering William’s admonishment that she must behave like she belonged. Matilda did not like to be stared at. She did not feel comfortable around this woman or like the way she spoke to William so intimately. She never wished to meet the woman again.

“I am very pleased to hear it,” William replied. “Ah, I see my sisters. I had better go greet them before they make a mad dash along the length of the ballroom to reach us. I hope to see you again soon.”

“And you too.” Lady Fox nodded. “You must come to dinner, Billy. It shall be like old times.”

William nodded. “We look forward to it, pet.”

Steered across the room by William’s guiding hand beneath hers, Matilda silently fumed. The woman was outrageous. The pair had been flirting right under her nose. She would not go to any dinner that Lady Fox hosted or attended. She would plead a headache or any other nonsense just so she might never have to see her again.

“Sister dear,” Victoria gushed, embracing her gently. Matilda appreciated her caution. She liked this gown too much to wish it to be crushed so early in the evening. “You are stunning. William apparently does have good taste.”

“Of course I do.” He grumbled, then moved to greet a group of men nearby. Matilda noticed Mr. Cobb whispering in William’s ear again. Her husband shook his head firmly. “I cannot tonight.”

Audrey frowned at her brother. “We worried you were not coming.”

“I… ah,” she began. Being late was not exactly her fault. “I was not sure which jewels to wear, but William insisted on his first gift in the end,” she whispered.

“His mother’s pretty pendant has always looked very well on you,” Evelyn said softly.

Matilda covered the piece with her fingers. She had not known she was wearing a family heirloom. If she had, she would have insisted on not wearing it all the time. She would have given it back. “Did this belong to his late mother?”

“Oh, yes. William would never allow us to wear the piece, even though we begged him often,” Victoria said and then grinned widely. “He trusts you more than he ever did us.”

Musicians announced a dance, and William turned to her. “Will you dance with me, Mrs. Ford?”

“I’d be very happy to, Captain.”

He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. Out here among the other dancers, she was uncomfortable. It was as if she’d stepped onto the stage of a great performance. And perhaps it was. Tonight she was meant to be in love.

She met William’s eyes, placed her trust in him to guide her safely as they stepped off into her very first waltz before witnesses. At home, she’d feared she’d stumble, but with William’s hand firm on her back and his attention fixed on her, she soon became lost in his dark gaze.

Her pulse sped up with every turn, every brush of his legs against her gown. He was a very good dancer, his grip sure and comforting. He seemed very skilled to keep their spinning tightly controlled. When the dance came to an end, Matilda was so wrapped up in him that she barely registered they’d stopped moving. He smiled down at her a long moment. “Lovely. Thank you for the dance.”

“It was a pleasure, William.” She looked away from him when his eyes widened a little. Was that wrong? It had felt right to use his first name after such a dance.

He led her back to his grinning sisters and eased away a few moments later to return to his conversation with Cobb. She was glad he had such a good friend, but he shook his head so often she wondered of what they were speaking.

“They’ve been friends a long time,” Audrey said. “Thick as thieves. Of course, it is different now.”

“Why is that?”

“Well, William can hardly want to spend his every evening with Cobb as he did once. He has you to come home to. His own woman to devote his attention and love to.”

Matilda swallowed nervously. She did not want to come between William and his friends. Not when their marriage wasn’t going to last.

As she was about to remind Audrey of the real situation, the young woman’s eyes widened. “Oh look, there is Lady Rothwell. I did not know she was in town. I am so glad you will meet her tonight, Matilda. She is simply wonderful. So kind and funny. You must meet her now,” Audrey gushed, dragging Matilda up to William’s side for yet another introduction to be accomplished.

~ * ~

“I simply cannot get away,” William told Cobb for the third time that evening.

Cobb’s jaw jutted mulishly. “It’s been a year. Are you not feeling the restriction?”

He and Cobb had discovered a mutual affinity for dominance many years ago. They had frequented the same brothels as younger men until they’d found the perfect one. Discreet, clean, and it was a place they were assured of absolute secrecy for their evening of activities. Owing to his career, William had never attended quite as much as Cobb and had yet to indulge all his fantasies.

His friend had a very singular mindset and deep pockets. He attended on a weekly basis. He stinted himself no pleasure.

William checked his wife’s location before replying, making sure his sisters were keeping her amused and distracted from his conversation. There were some aspects of his life Matilda should remain unaware of. “Not a year. I went before I married. We’re not quite that similar either. I have often preferred the anticipation to the act.”