The Davonshire Series 2: Loving Words (16 page)

Vanity too, took a step backwards and wrapped her hands in her hair, looping it back up into a quick knot at the base of her neck. “And I far too free.  We’ll chalk it up to a long and weary day, Mr. Strathmore.”

“You can call me Nigel,” he said with a bit of a grin. She didn’t answer, but collected her hair pins and changed the subject.

 “I love this painting.  Is it Anne Boleyn?”

“Yes, she was a cousin who married my cousin,” he told her.

“Henry the Eighth was your cousin?”  Nigel only nodded as he allowed Willie to do the figuring.

One of the servants walked in.  “Excuse me, your Grace, your bath has been drawn.”  Nigel expected to hear a snappy comeback about his bath water, but instead, she went back to the painting, captivated by something she was seeing inside of it.

“I love that ring she’s wearing.  It’s so unique,” she said as the clock chimed.  “It’s late, I must get to bed.”

“What time do you normally go to bed, Ms. Devons?”

Each time the conversation turned personal, Willie would steer it back to business. “I rest when the day is done,” she told him, still focused on the painting.

Nigel pointed down the hall and led her to the stairs. “Your room is next to the one your brother is in, at the top of the stairs on the right.” He watched with some curiosity as she walked away.  “You are a tough woman to read, Vanity Devons.”

She began to make her way to her quarters or to find Wilfred.  “Not so much, Mr. Strathmore, you just have to understand the history to interpret the story.”

He gave her a mock bow to bid her Goodnight.  “To answer your earlier question, M’Lady, the fire is burning because no matter how much insulation I put in this place, it is a still a drafty castle.  I didn’t want you to catch a chill.  Goodnight, Ms. Devons.”  She remembered her manners and breeding and thanked him for a wonderful evening.

It only took her a few minutes to locate Wilfred’s room.  She slid into one of her brother’s T-shirts and slipped under the covers on the other side of the bed.  David often thought it odd that they would still sleep in the same bed, but they were twins and, to them, it really wasn’t so weird, especially in unfamiliar surroundings or with strangers around. It kept them both safe from predators.

It was a light breakfast and Willie still insisted they take her plane so they could head back to the US right after.  She loved the fabrics, she enjoyed the trip, and she found herself somewhat drawn to Nigel Strathmore.  But an issue had occurred with her plane and Chuck had to wait for a part.  They were stuck in Milan for two days at Nigel’s villa.

Wilfred watched with interest as Nigel scaled back all the things he would do and say to impress a woman, opting instead to have conversations with his sister about business, art, books, movies and the theater.  Sir Nigel seemed to be enjoying being able to talk to a woman who understood his business and the arts. He was truly impressed that she knew a good deal about wine.

Willie seemed reluctant to leave, but she was due in New York in the afternoon and they had to depart.  Wilfred had already boarded the jet and taken a seat by the window, keeping a close eye on his sister.  What he saw next shocked both he and Chuck.

“You are infamous for never wanting to cross the pond, Mr. Strathmore.”  She moved closer to him.

“After the time we’ve spent together, I would think you would at least reduce the formality and call me Nigel.”  He was looking at her eyes, her lips, and a strand of hair that had fallen from her ponytail.  He pushed it behind her ear.

She in turn removed the band that was holding the hair to allow the mass of tresses to fall and end at the base of her spine, right above her hips.  Wilfred saw Nigel’s pupils dilate from the inside the plane and if he was not mistaken, he also heard his intake of breath.

“Since we are being informal….” She grabbed him by the tie and pulled him closer.  She planted a full kiss on his lips, attempting to catch him off guard.  However, Nigel surprised her by lifting her off her feet with one arm and nibbling on her bottom lip, forcing her mouth to open.  He thrust his other hand into her hair as he pressed her body closer to his and began to explore her mouth with his tongue.  Wilfred stood up and headed towards the door of the plane only to bump into Chuck, who was trying to do the same thing.  As Wilfred reached the stairs, Nigel placed Willie back on her feet and kept his arms around her, allowing their cheeks to still touch.  He nodded his head to Wilfred and Chuck.

He still held her close, giving her a chance to gather herself while whispering in her ear, “If you are going to do anything, Vanity Devons, formal or otherwise, you have to give it all you have.”

She placed a business card in his lapel pocket.  “The name is Wilhelmina, but you can call me Willie.”  She turned towards the plane.

“See you soon,” she called over her shoulder as she entered the plane. Vanity didn’t look back as Chuck closed the plane’s door and prepped it for taxing.

“Not a word from you, Wilfred Earl Devonshire,” she said to her brother.

“That looked like a mighty big pillow there you were trying to hump.”  He laughed as she threw a crumpled piece of paper at him.

Once in New York, he touched base with Rod and said he would be back at the end of the week.  He spoke with Gianni each night, but avoided speaking with Elsie. He called her two days out, letting her know when he would be returning and the work he wanted to see.  There was no warmth in his voice and no familiarity. It was back to business. 

That was okay with her. 

He had vented and was coming back to get down to work. 

I can do this.

Wilfred returned to Green Gables Ranch on Friday – excited to be home, excited to be back in his bed and back to his life.  He also felt excited to see
her
.  Champ greeted him on the patio by dancing on his hind legs for a treat.  Gianni, in a rare show of emotion, hugged him, welcoming him back.  He gave the boy a bear hug and handed him a bag of goodies that Willie had sent, in addition to a few items from him.

Rod had met him at the plane.  He handed his COO the new leather satchel he had picked up in Milan.  He brought a little something for everyone in his office that he would take care of on Monday.  Gianni grabbed the bags Wilfred had given him and squirreled off to his bedroom to enjoy his goodies in private.

He entered the kitchen to find Elsie cooking a dinner of pork chops with green beans almandine and organic corn on the cob.  The kitchen smelled like heaven.  She handed him a cold beer.  “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”  She smiled and continued working.

After he washed and prepared himself for dinner, he was expecting a cold shoulder from her but it was just the opposite. Dinner was warm and friendly, and the conversation was about the ranch, the fall formal, and prepping for Lake Havasu the following week.

“Your parents invited me to join everyone, and I tried to explain that I was an employee….” she trailed off. 

He answered, “Nonsense, Gianni and I would love to have you along.  I was thinking of inviting Rod as well.”

Her smile was strained, but she maintained her good spirits.  She had missed him so much that she was taken aback at the emotion filling her up and threatening to overflow.  Wilfred sliced into the chop while telling her, “It’s a fun week at the lake with lots of swimming, fishing, jet skis, and the like.”  He bit into the pork chop and rolled his eyes upwards.  “This is so good, Elsie. Thank you for a wonderful dinner.”

After the meal, he helped her clear the dishes.  The kettle began to whistle and like clockwork, she poured her chamomile and headed for the patio.  Elsie sat in her normal spot, enjoying the evening feeling proud of herself for not acting like a scorned lover.  A few minutes later, he joined her.

“Did you enjoy your visit with your sister?” she asked, trying not to sound like she was prying.

“I did,” was his only answer.  Elsie did not push anymore.  He leaned over and placed a bag beside her.  “I brought you back a few things.”

Her eyes were large as she looked at the giant shopping bag.  She set her teacup on the small table as she reached into the bag and pulled out a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty.  There was also a three-dimensional puzzle of the Tower of London.  “I thought we could work on that one together,” he mumbled.

 Wilfred had chosen a calfskin leather purse and matching shoes for her when they were in Milan and had purchased half a bolt of silk from Nigel that was neatly folded in the bottom of the bag.  Willie had also sent a separate package for Elsie with a note to open in private.  She read the note and looked at him curiously. He shrugged his shoulders, indicating he had no idea of what it was or what to do with it.

“Thank you.  I love the bag and shoes.  How did you know what size?”  She draped the silk across her arm the same way his sister had and if Elsie pulled up her skirt to run it across her thigh, he was out of here! There was a motionlessness between them that was awkward and neither liked the feel of it.

“I asked Conchetta to check for me.”  She smiled as her finger ran across the soft leather.

Wilfred needed to clear the air between them.  “I had to get away to shake it off, but when I arrived, my sister needed me,” he told her in a kind of a confession.

“So you headed off to London,” she held up the bag and shoes.

“I picked these up in Milan,” he watched her rub the leather.

The silence was back and there were things she wanted and needed to say.  There were things
he
wanted and needed to say.

“Did you get a chance to vent?”

He sneered at the reference he had taught Gianni so that he would not use crass language.  The smile that came across his face garnered a frown from her, yet he remained honest.  “I spent three days venting my ass off.”

He started to laugh as he held up his hand as if in surrender, “To be fair, it had been several months, almost a year since the last time I vented, and I was way overdue.”  She was shocked at his blatant honesty.  “Elsie, as you see, I don’t get out much.”

“So, do you feel better?”

“Physically, I’m less stressed.”

She turned in the seat to face him.  “And mentally, how are you feeling?”

He frowned.  “Believe it or not, after about the first three, I was done and ready to come home
.”  Did I just admit that out loud?  Shit
. 
She’s going to pounce on me, thinking I am a pig – and I am
. 
Because I still want her.

Instead, she only asked, “How many did it take to make you realize that physical release was just that – a release?”

Elsie had banged the hammer straight on the nail.  He remained honest.  “There were enough to quench the need but not the thirst.”

Elsie was confused and waited for him to explain.

“My sister needed me to be at her side to get her through those two weeks.”  He paused.  “But I really wanted to get home to be with my friend.”  He turned in the seat to face her.  Her brown eyes called to him, almost touching his soul.  “You are safe in my home and you are safe with me.” 

She was quiet but then asked, “What about your thirst?”

He exhaled.  “My world has been dry and you have hydrated me. My thirstiness of your friendship and respect is what I want.  I cannot afford to damage either.”

Elsie was only half satisfied with his answer.  He had awakened something in her that she neither wanted nor needed to discuss right now, but the man knew how to string together words.  Hers were simple when she spoke, “I missed you, too,” she told him with a smile.

Elsie was uncertain how they were going to get all the luggage plus Rod, Jaelon, and Gianni in the town car, unless they were going to take both cars.  Under the portico was a black Suburban and Gianni had already climbed into the third row seat, inserted the headphones into his iPod, and gotten comfortable.  Rod and Jaelon slid into the backseat, which meant she was riding shotgun.  Wilfred handed her his iPod and said, “You’re on music, Elsie.”  It was a four-hour drive to Phoenix and four more to Lake Havasu.  “We’ll stay the night at my parents, and then drive on from there.”

Elsie was excited to see his parents again and to see where Wilfred had grown up.  The ride up was quiet and Wilfred was driven to distraction with Elsie sitting so close.

I lied to her and to myself.  I need more.  I want more.  I want her.
 

She had selected a song by Anthony Hamilton and was bobbing, completely offbeat to the music. 
Absolutely adorable
.  Her feeble attempts to snap her fingers only made him smirk.  She reminded him of a two-year-old trying to master the noisemaking effects of snapping her fingers. 
Adorable
. 

The rest of the ride was driven in a surreal calm as Wilfred wrestled with his approach to make her permanent in his life.

The family estate was in a gated community of only twenty or so families.  Wilfred pulled the vehicle in around the back next to the most beautiful gardens Elsie had ever seen.  It was a wonder how they managed to keep everything so verdant in the middle of the high desert. 

As they entered the kitchen, Jaelon headed straight for the fridge.  Wilfred had noticed her appetite had picked up and she was eating more, but he dismissed it. As she munched on a drumstick, she was texting Jordan to come over to the house and pick her up.

Elena was looking marvelous in a day dress and strappy sandals.  She opened her arms to Elsie, who immediately ran into them, embracing the woman full on.  Elena kissed Wilfred on the jaw, then moved among the small group to shake Rod’s hand, kiss her niece, and hug Gianni.  “Welcome to our home, Rod and Elsie.”

David Sr. came into the kitchen handing out bear hugs and looked at Wilfred.  “So was this whole photo shoot was your idea?”

Elsie eyed Rod.  “Photo shoot?”

Father and son headed to the family room while Elena gave Elsie and Rod a tour of the mini-mansion. There were six bedrooms upstairs and two down with special quarters for Cook and the housekeeper.  The master suite was located downstairs, as well, and Elsie nearly fainted at the sheer size of Elena’s closet.

Since her arrival at the ranch, Elsie had lost nearly 30 pounds and nothing she owned fit well.  A few trips to the mall to replace some key pieces still did not garner enough clothing to even cover the weekend. Elena realized the same and she started to outfit Elsie with three sundresses, a day dress, a large brimmed hat, three swimsuits, four pairs of sandals, two cocktail dresses, and a saucy jumpsuit. It was fortunate for Elsie that she wore the same size shoe as Elena.

She looked at Elsie’s hands and feet and realized a quick trip to the spa before dinner was necessary.  She hurried, gathering the clothing to put in one of the upstairs spare bedrooms, attempting to breeze by her husband and Wilfred.  “Elsie and I are heading out to for some girl time.” 

Wilfred’s brows were furrowed as he watched his mother’s body language.  “Mom, are you headed to the spa?”

She eyed her son, wondering where this line of questioning was headed.  “Yes, for a quick mani and  pedi.”  She looked at Elsie’s legs, which were in dire need of waxing, and thought that maybe the woman’s bikini line was in need of some attention, as well.

Now is as good of a time as any to make my first move.

Wilfred scowled.  “Hey, careful now…!”

Elsie shushed Wil.  “This is my time with your mom.  Ssh!”

Wilfred scowled. “Don’t ssh me.  She’s going to take you in for a waxing and stuff…!”  Elsie’s face turned beet red.  She could not even start to hide her embarrassment. 

“Will, shame on you.  Your parents are going to think we are doing something improper at your ranch!” she exclaimed.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of…”  He looked at his dad and winked.  “If I like full hedges, then leave the shrubbery alone.”  His dad choked on his beer. 

His mother walked over and pinched him.  “Stop being a filthy mouthed little bugger.”

“I’m not being filthy… I’m just telling you… my perspective…”  Elsie was beyond embarrassed at his forwardness and walked over and pinched him as well.

“Stop it! You’re embarrassing me with such inappropriate talk in front of your parents.”  Elsie was ashamed.  She apologized to his parents, but was uncertain where this subtle line of talk had come from. 

“Will, your parents are going to think I’m some loose woman that has been carrying on and conducting myself improperly in your home.”

Will spoke up as he moved closer to Elsie.  “Mom, Dad, nothing has occurred between Ms. Elsie and me.  She has conducted herself completely like a lady.”  He looked at Elsie and held up his hands, palms up, with his eyebrows arched like he was asking if she was satisfied with that answer.  She grinned at him, pleased at his response, but  her satisfaction as short lived.

“But if something was to happen between us, Ms. Elsie, I would probably start with this….”  He pulled her close and whispered his selections in her ear and her eyes got really wide.  With each sentence he whispered, her bottom jaw distended a bit further, almost resting on her chest when he was done.  She stepped back from him, just staring.  What he whispered was extremely erotic, damn near offensive, possibly painful, and sent her pulse racing.

“Good Lord, man, is that even legal?” she asked him with her mouth still wide. David Sr. choked again. “Wilfred, I think you can be arrested for doing that in Georgia!”

He was playing dirty like he did that night when he took off his shirt. And now, in front of his parents, no less! 
Not this time, buddy
. 
What is he doing?

Something must have gotten the better of her.  “Well, if that is what you’re thinking, then I would have no choice but to…” Elsie stepped forward and grabbed the front of his shirt and whispered something in his ear.  His eyes were closing as he savored her words.  His tongue snaked out as he licked his bottom lip.  He grabbed a pillow from the couch, covered his groin and sat down looking wide-eyed and crazed. 

Elsie patted him on the thigh. “Hold that thought be back in a few.”

David Sr. looked over at his son and just shook his head.  “Sad… son, you are just plain ole sad….”

There was nothing Wilfred could say. He was gone. The drive up nearly drove him insane.  She was sitting so close for four hours.  The smell of her skin, those luscious real full breasts.  The generous, meaty hips.  His mind kept going back to that ratty gown that showed that mass of thick girl curls.  He wanted her in a way he had never felt for a woman and she knew it, and had just confirmed it. 
And those thighs!  Controlling such a powerful animal with just a squeeze
.

Elsie was safe from him, but he didn’t know how much longer.  He was pouting and sulking and his dad threw another pillow at him.  “Son, get a grip on yourself!”

Wilfred looked at him with newfound appreciation.  “Good idea– be back in fifteen.”  He was still holding the pillow as he took the stairs two by two.

His Dad yelled after him, “Don’t you get anything on that pillow either, with your nasty butt!”

They had lost two hours at the spa and it was now time for dinner.  Elena asked her to wear a royal blue wrap dress that came mid-calf.  Although she had been using the hair balm David had left her, her hair still needed some help.  With a couple of swipes of a flat iron, a few plucks of some wayward brow hairs, a tad bit of eye shadow and a lip glosser, Elsie looked amazing. Moreover, she felt pretty.  Elena gave her a few pointers on how to maintain the hairstyle before they headed downstairs for dinner.  The housekeeper was instructed to take Elsie’s things up to her room and to bring a measuring tape. 

Elena measured Elsie’s chest, waist, and hips.  She used her cell to call her daughter to outfit Elsie with new classic undergarments.  “Willie, it’s Mom.  I need to place an order.”  Elena stressed not to bring any of her “outlandish creations.”  There was no way to stop the flood of tears starting to fall down Elsie’s cheeks and Elena instructed her to stop the nonsense at once.  “You are going to ruin all of that beautiful makeup.”

Wilfred’s mother knew exactly what she was doing, as was evident all through dinner.  Her son could not keep his eyes of Elsie.  David Sr. only shook his head at the sad realization that his son was in love and did not want to admit nor give in to it.

It made for a very extremely uneventful meal and after dinner, Wilfred took Elsie on a walk through the gardens, explaining the number of years it took to get it to this state.  “David worked with several landscape architects to ensure their garden did not hog natural resources so that Mamí would have pretty plants to fawn over.”

“Will, it must have been wonderful growing up here in this house.  You and your parents are so close. It must be a nice feeling.”

He stopped and stared at the succulents that grew along the walk path.  “I grew up in a gated community. When my dad was on the bench, he took on some serious cases, and sometimes we had bodyguards. That is even weirder at a private school of rich conservatives and elitists.”

Wilfred was still a minute longer as he stared at the chicks and hens in the garden.  “My parents and I are close because in essence, I grew up in this house as an only child.  Willie got her modeling contract at 12, and she and David were gone most of the time.  He did make sure that she was home for holidays and our birthday.…”

Elsie saw the sadness creep into his eyes.  “But in the summer, I would travel with them.  I even did some modeling, a few movies, and a daytime soap opera.”  He looked at her and gave a forced smile.

“You must miss Willie a lot,” she asked him.

“Yes and no.  We have that whole twin connection thing, you know… extreme emotions we can feel, and we both still sleep best in close proximity to each other.” 

Elsie’s brows went up. 
That explains her sleeping in his room
.  “David thinks it’s weird, but doesn’t question it.  We find it makes us feel safe.  No one can climb into your bed and bother you if you aren’t sleeping alone.”

Elsie noticed the change in his eye color. 
That hit a nerve
. 
Change the subject, Elsie
.

In between the explanations and tour, he told her he loved the dress.  Over wine and war stories told by David Sr., Wilfred had moved close enough to whisper in her ear that he loved the hair. Elsie was feeling flushed.  Lately, each time he stood close to her, she was feeling a great number of things.  Uncertainty filled her gut as the smell of him begged her to touch him and feel the warmth of his skin.  She wanted to run her hands over those muscles she saw in the kitchen that night… then use her tongue….

“Elsie, are you okay? You have a strange look on your face.”

“I don’t know, you keep looking at me like you want to eat me or something,” she said as she lowered her eyelashes.

“I am not responding to that,” he said as he shook his head, backing away. “Seriously though, are you okay?”

“I’m okay, boss, just processing a few deep thoughts.  Please lead on,” she told him.