The Temptation of Lady Serena (30 page)

“What about you? How do you feel about the prospect of so many guests?” he asked with concern.

Serena leaned her cheek against his broad chest and listened to his heart beat. “I’ll muddle through. I’m happy my family is here to help me. Now I’ll know how to go on when we return to London for the Little Season.”

Robert opened his mouth to speak.

“No, no, we must go. You know Uncle Henry expects you to take your place in the Lords, and really, my love, it’s your duty.”

They worked until reminded they needed to dress for dinner. Robert leaned back in his chair. “I would never have gotten through all of this alone.”

“Charles is a great help. We must go, or I shall be in Mary’s black book. She told me I need to bathe before I dress for dinner.”

“I wasn’t talking about Charles, I meant you. Without you I could not have done it.”

She slipped onto Robert’s lap. “Thank you.”

A gleam entered Robert’s eyes. “I’m sure I need to bathe as well. Perhaps I’ll help you.”

He escorted Serena to her room, went to his own, rang for Henley, and waited. He took so long arriving and preparing Robert for his bath, that by the time Robert entered the bathing chamber the only thing left of Serena was her scent. Disgusted, he climbed into the tub and gave Henley a black look for his efforts.

This evening he’d seduce her until she could think of nothing but wanting him.

As was his custom, he met Serena in the corridor between their chambers. He leaned against the wall, bringing her with him into a shadow. “I wish this were over.”

Serena drew his head back down. They kissed deeply. “Soon, my love. We need to go down.”

Robert kissed her one last time, running his hands over her. Her nipples hardened, and he smiled.

Serena’s body tingled at his touch. It was a good thing they were still in their area of the wing. She inhaled sharply. “Robert, you devil. Why did you do that?”

A wicked smile played on his well-molded lips and flames seemed to flicker in his moss-green eyes. “Because I wanted to.”

He was pure seduction and every part of her body took notice. “I shall never make it through dinner if you keep this up.” She tried to make her tone tart, but, even to her, it sounded low and breathy.

Robert caressed her derrière. His chuckle was deep, seductive. “I’m giving you something to think about.”

She gasped. “You’ll crush my gown.”

His hands skated over her body, sensitizing her skin and setting her alight. When he stroked between her legs, wetness pooled.

“That should do it.” He smiled wolfishly.

She knew that he’d spend the evening using small touches to keep her desire stoked. She would have to appear calm when every part of her body screamed for him to take her.

Serena’s skin was flushed as they descended the stairs. How the devil was she to get through this evening?

A
lthough she was able to maintain her outward calm, Serena trembled with his every touch. Even at dinner, when she’d glance down the increasingly larger table, she remembered what he’d done. Robert, the fiend, smiled and held up a wine glass to her before turning to respond to a remark Aunt Ester made.

Serena tried not to look at him or react to his gaze. Yet, his expression heated her. When his wicked, wicked eyes rested on her breasts or on her lips, her body longed for him. She prayed for immunity and turned to answer her uncle.

In the drawing room, he was worse. Without the table between them, he could caress her. Endlessly. Her hands, the small of her back, her neck.

His breath tickled her ear when he whispered, “You may dismiss your maid early, I’ll undress you tonight.”

Her mouth was so dry she couldn’t answer, and she hoped no one had heard him.

Once in her bedchamber, she flew into his arms before he’d closed the door. Desperate and needy, she took his head in her hands and claimed his lips, her tongue surging into his mouth as they struggled over who would lead. She tried to stay in control, but he waltzed her over to her dressing table and turned her to face it.

“Robert, what? I want you now. You’ve been playing with me all evening.”

He removed his jacket and shirt. “And I’m going to play some more. Look at me in the mirror.”

Serena met his gaze and shivered. He was darker and larger behind her. Like a silhouette for her body.

“Now watch.”

His mouth moved over her ear and down to her neck. She sighed and closed her eyes.

“No, keep them open.”

One hand caressed her jaw while the other loosened her bodice and stays.

His lips tilted up. “That was easy. You must have gotten this in France.”

Robert kissed her neck, running the tip of his tongue to her throat.

Serena shivered and followed his hands with her gaze as they roamed her body.

He lowered her bodice and tossed the stays aside. She wanted to close her eyes again when he lifted her breasts as if weighing them.

“Look. Watch me touch your breasts.”

Her mouth was so dry she couldn’t swallow. “Robert, why?”

“I want you to watch me possess you. Put your hands over mine. Feel how I knead your breasts.”

She did as he asked and marveled at the strength of his hands and how gently they touched her. Slowly, he lowered her gown until it finally slid to the floor. His hands made the journey back up her body, cleverly touching her in all the places that made her shiver. When she tried to sink against him, he held her up, chuckling.

“Not yet, sweetheart.”

He pressed his knowing fingers into her wet curls. Serena struggled to stand. She caught his gaze in the mirror. His face was all lean, hard planes. Nothing soft. No hint of the
tonnish
gentleman. This was a lord used to ruling. His muscles flexed against her back. Serena’s breath hitched. She finally understood the man behind the charming demeanor and how much power he’d ceded to her. She wanted to weep with joy.

When the understanding of what he wanted to show her dawned in Serena’s eyes, he used his foot to move the stool closer to her. “Place one foot on it.”

He held her gaze as she did as he asked. He nudged the stool out a little, then released his shaft, lifted her, and, placing it at the entrance of her body, he slowly entered her.

“What do you see, my love?”

“I see my lord taking me, making me his.”

Robert plunged deeply into her, his soul exposed to the one woman who had finally seen and understood him and loved him.

Serena shuddered in ecstasy and her knees gave way.

Robert laughed, sweeping her into his arms. “That’s further than I thought we’d get. Your legs must be getting stronger.”

He lowered them onto the bed and shifted her under him. Robert groaned as she took him into her body—and into her heart.

 

“Mrs. Norton, here are the details of the guests arriving this afternoon and their room assignments.” Serena gave her housekeeper one of the many lists on her desk. “Please ask Mr. Mariville and Finster to attend me. I need to go over the dining room seating.”

“Yes, my lady. Will there be anything else for now?”

Serena pursed her lips. “Has all the new linen arrived?”

“Yes, my lady. Got in the day before yesterday, as well as the new soaps and the like. Addie’s got a way with the flowers. We’ll have fresh ones in every room. Don’t you worry yourself about any of that. You’ve got enough on your hands with the fine London guests coming. I know how persnickety they can be. We haven’t had a crowd like that in many a year, but we’re ready for ’em.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Norton.”

Mrs. Norton bobbed a curtsey, and left to soon be replaced by Charles and Finster. “Charles, what have we for a seating plan?”

“We’re only concerned about the dinner this evening?”

Serena nodded. “Yes, to-morrow we’ll dine in small groups and the wedding breakfast will be set up on the terrace.”

“I’ll have the list to you for your review in a few minutes.” He sat down at the desk.

“Finster, the footmen?” she asked.

“All ready. Even the under footmen are on their best behavior.”

Good
. There had been a slight battle for position the other day. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Charles handed her the seating chart and she perused it. “Please make a copy of this and give it to Finster.”

“Yes, my lady. Once that’s completed, is there anything else you’d like me to do?”

“I am sure there will be something. It seems there always is.”

Serena was in a back corridor when someone’s arm grabbed her around the waist. She let out a shriek as she was pulled into a room and roughly kissed. “Robert?”

“I’d better be the only one kissing you, my lady.”

She would dearly love to enjoy one of their short interludes. “Here?”

“Not that I haven’t thought about it. Unfortunately there’s no time and little privacy. How are you doing?”

“I am fine. All I am doing is organizing. I could do that in my sleep. It’s this evening that has me in a quake. I’ve resolved not to think about it.”

“Very well, call me when the first guests get here. We’ll greet them together.” He kissed her again and left.

The London guests arrived and were directed to the drawing room with a view to the lake and encouraged to take a short stroll while their luggage was taken to their rooms. If anyone thought it odd to be welcomed by Serena and Robert, rather than Lady Beaumont, not a widened eye betrayed them.

After all the guests were ensconced and had the opportunity to wash off the dust of their travel, Serena had tea served.

 

Mary fumed. “I’ll tell you, Mr. Henley, I have never met with such impertinence. One of the ladies’ maids had the gall to ask
me
if her ladyship was sharing his lordship’s bed. I told her I would not stoop to gossip about my mistress and for her information, my lady has not seen the inside of his lordship’s bedchamber!”

“It’s worse than that, Miss Mac Duff,” Mr. Henley responded. “One of the tweenies was approached by a servant and offered a bribe. She reported it to Mrs. Norton, who gave the servant an earful. The
ton
thrives on gossip of the most vicious sort. I assure you, Miss Mac Duff, none of our staff will encourage this type of curiosity.”

“I have been very impressed by the loyalty of all our household staff, Mr. Henley,” Mary said.

“If you will permit me to say, Miss Mac Duff, you have integrated into the staff quite as well as her ladyship has into the Hall.”

“Thank you. It is very kind of you to say so.” Mary blushed.

“Perhaps, once the wedding is over, you would consider taking a walk in the garden with me?”

Mary smiled shyly. “Why, Mr. Henley, nothing would please me more.”

 

Serena left her chamber wearing a gown of gold tissue over a Pomona green underskirt embroidered in gold thread. The bodice was cut low and square. An old filigree necklace set with emeralds and pearls adorned her neck. Curls danced from the knot at the back of her head. One lay on her breast.

Robert caught his breath and slowly reached out. Touching the curl, he twined it around his fingers and kissed her. “This enticing curl and your eyes haunted me.”

Her lips lingered on his, before she said, “For me it always was your eyes.”

He held his arm out to her. “Come, my lady, let us brave the horde.”

The number of guests staying at the Hall required that the large reception rooms be opened, as well as the state dining room that hadn’t been used since Robert was a child.

A footman stopped with a tray full of champagne. Robert took two glasses and handed one to Serena. He stayed by her side as they mingled with their guests before dinner was announced.

“My love, you’ve done an excellent job, and I know this was your doing, not Phoebe’s or Lady St. Eth’s.”

“I won’t deny I did it. But it is too early to declare a success.”

“Who am I leading into dinner?”

“Aunt Ester is the most senior peeress. The Duke and Duchess of Huntington are with relatives and will drive over in the morning.”

Finster announced dinner. Robert watched St. Eth as he escorted Serena to the foot of the table. Soon she’d be his wife.

Later that night, after their houseguests had retired, he joined Serena and their families and the Rutherfords in the Ladies’ Morning Room.

“The dinner could not have gone better,” Ester said. “We are very proud of both of you.”

Lady Beaumont grinned. “I’ve never had an easier time hosting a dinner in honor of an engaged couple.”

“Indeed, Mama. The only finger I saw you lift was the one holding your wine glass.” Freddy’s lips curved up. “Serena, you did a wonderful job.”

“Thank you, Freddy. I do think it went well.”

Robert lifted his glass. “To my lovely affianced wife.”

“To Serena,” St. Eth added.

Rupert grinned. “Beaumont, I think you used that term just so you could say ‘wife.’ I’ve never seen a man so eager to marry.”

Freddy rose. “I think we shall go home. Don’t forget we must all be in church to-morrow.” She glanced at Edward. “Our first time as a married couple.”

“You’re right. I feel as if I’ve been married much longer than a few days.”

He caught her fingers as she went to pinch him. “Enough of that, my lady.”

Edward kissed the offending fingers and Freddy leaned against him.

Rupert smiled affectionately at them.

“Do that a lot, do they?” Lady Beaumont asked.

“Yes, ma’am. It’s no bad thing to see one’s parents so much in love. It gives me hope.”

“Watch who you say that around.”

“Yes, Grandmama.”

 

The next afternoon, Serena and Robert were called to greet Lord and Lady Elling, a tall, well-rounded woman who could not seem to stop her gaze from wandering over Robert.

“Lord Beaumont, how delightful to see you again,” she purred.

He bowed. “My lady.”

Lady Elling’s gaze seemed to covet Robert.

Serena tried to control her temper. She’d be very happy to relieve the woman of her eyes. She must be one of Robert’s old—old—whatever they were called. How was Serena supposed to compete with—that?

With great difficulty she maintained her countenance. “Lord Elling, Lady Elling, this footman will show you to your chambers. Please tell him if you require anything.”

Now the woman was staring at Robert’s groin, and Lord Elling didn’t even seem to notice. Serena dug her nails into her hands as the Ellings were escorted upstairs.

“My lord,” a footman said. “There are some gentlemen wishing to fish.”

“I’ll come now.” Robert turned to Serena. “I’ll return as soon as I’m able.”

She smiled and nodded. No hurry. Serena didn’t even want him in the same house with that woman. She’d seen bitches in heat act with more decorum.

 

Serena and Robert had greeted the last arrival almost an hour ago. She was in the main hall with Finster, going over the guest lists. “Lord and Lady Worthington were the last of them.”

“Yes, my lady. I do not think the Hall has ever been so full of people.”

She sighed. “Well I’m glad they’re all here and we can get on to other things. Do you know where his lordship is?”

“I last saw him go toward the study, my lady.”

“He’d better not be hiding,” Serena said tartly. Her tension level had risen with the number of guests arriving.

Finster’s lips twitched. “No, my lady.”

“I’ll fetch him. Our guests will be down soon for tea.”

Making her way down the corridor, she heard voices coming from behind the closed door of the study—their study—and froze as she recognized Lady Elling’s voice. Serena’s hands curled. She’d scratch the lady’s eyes out, then murder Robert. How could he? He’d promised!

As she put her hand on the latch, Robert spoke.

“
Leave now.
I have nothing to say to you. I cannot imagine what you hoped to accomplish by following me in here.”

“Can you not, Robert? A leopard does not change his spots.” The lady laughed. “Just because you’re marrying doesn’t mean we can’t pick up our love affair.”

“You are mistaken, my lady.” Robert’s voice had hardened. Even when they’d driven back from Merton, it was not so chilling, so deadly cold. “
We
did not have a
love affair.
I swived you and you returned the favor. Do you think I could ever want a wh . . . ?”

Serena quickly opened the door and made herself smile. “There you are, my love. Lady Bellamny is asking for you.” Serena stopped and turned as if she had just noticed Lady Elling. “Oh, you must be lost. This room is private, and I assure you there is
nothing
for you here. I shall have a footman guide you back to the main area of the house.”