The Temptation of Lady Serena (31 page)

Serena tugged the bell pull, took the lady by the arm, and walked her out of the room. “Ah, Frank, please take this lady back to the main hall or escort her to her room. She got lost.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Serena met Lady Elling’s eyes squarely. “You might want to restrict your wanderings to the main areas of the Hall. You may also mention to any other interested parties that Lord Beaumont is no longer available.”

Serena returned to their study and locked the door.

Robert was standing, his face flushed and hands clenched. She wrapped her arms around him. His body radiated anger. His muscles bunched. She’d never seen him so enraged.

“Robert, my love, take me. Here. Now.”

Robert lifted his eyes to hers. “I can’t. How can I after that whore was here, sullying our room?”

“Because she was here, saying what she did. We need to take the room back. Reclaim it as our sanctuary. I want you, Robert.”

Serena grabbed his hand and tugged him to the desk. “Show me how much you want me.” She shoved aside the files and raised her skirts.

Robert growled and lifted her onto their massive partner’s desk. He claimed her lips and took all she willingly gave. Their tongues tangled. He tilted his head and devoured her. Serena struggled to keep up. She speared her fingers through his soft curls, pressed her breasts into his chest, and moaned when he claimed them as well. Pure lust lanced through her. She reached down to unfasten his buttons, and his erection sprang into her ready hand.

Serena caressed the soft skin. “This is mine. You are mine.”

Robert pressed her back onto the desk. No sooner had she spread her legs then his hard shaft nudged against her entrance.

“Now!”

He held her hips and with one hard thrust buried himself deep within her. Serena wrapped her legs tightly around him and urged him on. Never had their mating been so fraught with primitive need. Serena gasped and fought for control.

“Serena, my love, I never thought to bring this to you. Forgive me.”

Her voice was low and fierce, her possessiveness showing. “There’s nothing to forgive. You are mine now, and I won’t let you go.”

Robert plunged into her again and again. “Promise me.”

She arched up, trying to take him deeper. “I promise. No other woman will ever have you.”

Elation roared through him. He tightened his grip on her hips. Holding her, he thrust harder and deeper, faster. “Never?”

“Never. Never. Oh, Robert, now!”

He held her close as she shattered, convulsing around him, bringing him with her.

Sometime later, Serena could barely lift her heavy lids. She and Robert were on the floor, a thick Turkey carpet beneath them. Robert lay on top of her, his head next to hers, and they were still joined. She didn’t spend time wondering how they got there. Serena wrapped her legs around him and rocked her hips up. Robert grew hard again. She increased her motion, moaning and kissing his ear—the only part of him she could reach.

He lifted his head. Serena’s lips brushed against his and she ran her tongue across them. His mouth opened, and she surged in and captured him.

Robert seized control of the reins, claiming her as she’d claimed him, thrusting into her. Serena took his face in her hands, kissing him ravenously. Robert was as close to losing his wits as he’d ever been. Her love and possession radiated through him. Equals, they were finally equals in this sphere as well. Serena rolled to the side. He obeyed her and flipped them over so she was on top.

Serena lifted and plunged down on him so strongly he gasped. Her hair had loosened, wantonly and long, curling auburn tendrils brushed his face. Her skin was dewed and her breath came in short pants. Robert rose to kiss her, saw her breasts straining against her bodice, and took her lips as he began to knead.

She was struggling to reach the pinnacle, the one she couldn’t quite achieve, when he found her pearl and circled it, rubbing slowly. Serena arched back and cried out as tremors shook her body; he joined her in release.

R
obert didn’t know how long they’d been in the study. No one had knocked. He lifted his head, bringing his eyes into focus, and groaned as he looked at the clock. It was past time to dress for dinner and she was still on top of him.

“Serena, my love, we have to get up.”

“Mmm.”

Nothing pleased him more than to see her unable to move because of him, but they must go. “Come, we must dress for dinner.”

She opened her eyes slowly and blinked. “How long have we been here?”

“Long enough for people to know we are missing.”

“Well, there’s nothing for it then.” Serena closed her eyes. “I’ll just go back to sleep.”

Robert’s shoulders shook as he tried not to dissolve into laughter. “Come, my lady, I’ll carry you to your chamber.”

He picked her up and opened the door. A footman stood at the entrance of the corridor leading to the main rooms.

Serena was just coming round as Robert closed the door to her chamber and placed her carefully down on the bed. He tugged the bell pull. Mary appeared almost immediately.

“Where have you been, and what’s happened to my lady?”

He struggled not to smile. “She overexerted herself and needs a few minutes.”

Mary glared at him suspiciously.

Robert gave her his most charming smile.

Mary rounded on him, advancing. “Could ye not have waited till the marrow? Only the Good Lord knows how I’m to put her ladyship together now.”

Robert quickly opened the door and made his escape. A few long strides had him safely in his room. He closed the door and laughed. Never, even in his career as a rake, had he been chased from a room by an enraged dresser.

 

Lady Elling returned to her bedchamber, angry and humiliated. Beaumont had been about to call her a whore and that chit he was marrying knew it. Or did she? Lady Serena had given no impression of having heard anything, though she obviously knew something was going on by the warning she gave. Robert had made no secret of the fact that he planned to marry for convenience. If that was the case, he’d expect his bride to be a virgin. What if her maidenhead was plucked by someone else before the wedding?

It wouldn’t even have to go that far.

Beaumont would be magnificently enraged if Lady Serena was put in a compromising position. He’d still have to marry her, yet it would forever drive a wedge between them.

But who to do the deed? Lady Elling tapped her fan against her fingers. She’d have to be careful in choosing her tool.

 

Due to the number of guests and the good weather, Serena had the tables set up on the terrace. They would dine alfresco. She was in a group talking with Phoebe and Anna when a footman walked up quietly to her and in a low voice informed her she was wanted in one of the parlors.

Serena excused herself to the others. “Who is it?”

“I don’t know, my lady. Shall I accompany you?”

Serena knitted her brow.

The footman looked concerned. “You don’t know who it is, my lady, and there are so many people here, you must be careful.”

“Very well then, come with me.”

He led her through a side door to one of the small back parlors and held the door open. Serena stepped in and he followed close behind.

She saw an elegantly dressed gentleman standing alone, with his back to the room, taking in the view out the window. He was one of the many guests with whom she had little acquaintance. But, thankfully, his name came to her.

“Lord Talbert, is it not? I was told you wished to speak with me.”

Turning, he smiled seductively and took a step forward. Lord Talbert glanced from Serena to her footman and frowned. “My lady, I was told you wanted to meet privately with me.”

Serena’s frown matched his. “Indeed? I have no wish to be rude to a guest, but why would I wish to be alone with you?”

They turned at the sound of footsteps. Robert burst into the room, followed by four London ladies. His gaze alighted on the footman and Serena. “What are you doing here, my love?”

Serena shrugged. “Frank here”—she indicated the footman—“was given a message that there was some sort of problem.”

Robert addressed his footman. “Who gave you the message?”

“I don’t know her name, my lord. One of the ladies’ maids.”

Robert swung to the women who had followed him into the room.

Serena placed her hand on his arm. “Allow me.” Serena raised a brow. “What brings you ladies here?”

“We were told Lord Beaumont would dash off, and we should follow him as something interesting would occur,” one of the ladies said.

She glanced at Robert who was struggling not to scowl. Something interesting would have occurred if Frank hadn’t insisted on accompanying her. “Who told you to follow him?”

“Why, Lady Elling, to be sure,” another lady said.

Robert moved, but Serena tightened her grip and smiled graciously. “Thank you for your concern. I really do not think there is anything for you to see, do you?”

“No, my lady. We’re sorry to have intruded.”

Frank followed them and closed the door.

“Lord Talbert, please tell me exactly what was said to you,” Serena said. “You obviously were not expecting to see me arrive with my footman.”

Talbert smiled ruefully. “No, anything but. I believe, Lady Serena, that Lady Elling tried to arrange a compromising circumstance. Fortunately, you had the presence of mind not to come alone. I received a note, purporting to come from you, asking me to meet you here.”

When Robert growled, Talbert gave a slight smile. “Had I known yours was a love match, I would not have come. I do try to avoid possessive husbands.” Lord Talbert bowed, walked to the door, and stopped. “I beg you won’t take it amiss, but if I happen to chance upon Lady Elling, I intend to warn her that she might want to leave your home before she runs into Beaumont. She doesn’t deserve it, but I have had a rather long acquaintance with her, and she does prove useful at times.”

Not understanding, Serena glanced at Robert.

He smiled humorlessly, his eyes hard as he returned Lord Talbert’s steady gaze. “Rather less expensive than the alternative, I take it?”

Lord Talbert smiled. “Just so. Elling can keep her in jewels and I can provide the . . . other.”

“Do as you see fit, but know that if I find her, I’ll have my footmen throw her out. You might also tell her”—Robert’s jaw clenched—“never to approach my wife again.”

Talbert’s smile widened. “I will mention it. I wish you a very happy day on the morrow. I don’t think I’ll be here to see you.”

Talbert hadn’t left the room before Robert drew Serena into his arms, nuzzled her hair, and kissed it. “I’m sorry, my love. You should not have had to be subjected to her sordidness. I thought I could promise you my past life wouldn’t touch you, but I can no longer be certain.”

Serena tried to move back a little to see his face. He held her tighter. “Robert, it doesn’t matter if fifty women try to lure you back to them. It’s taken me until to-day to understand that I can offer you more than they can. I know you are mine. I know I am yours. Together, we are a match for them and more.”

Robert sucked in a breath. “I don’t know how I was so lucky to catch you.”

Serena smiled. “Come, we’ve been gone long enough.”

By the time they reached the terrace, many of their guests had retired for the evening. Freddy and Lady Beaumont had acted as hostesses for the tea.

“You missed the excitement,” Freddy said as they strolled up.

“What excitement was that?” Robert asked.

“Well, apparently Lady Elling was called back to Town and had to leave immediately. Lord Talbert escorted her.”

Serena smiled. “I cannot think her absence will be a loss.”

Freddy glanced sharply at her.

“Open your budgets, you two,” his grandmother said. “What do you know that the rest of us don’t?”

When Robert and Serena related a rather abbreviated version of the tricks Lady Elling had played that day, Lady Beaumont chuckled. “I always thought old Elling had lost his head when he married her. If he ever does have an heir, it will be none of his. Serves him right marrying a girl forty years younger than him, and a widow at that.”

Lady Beaumont turned to Serena. “My girl, you need to be going to your chamber soon.” The older lady turned a sapient eye on Robert. “Alone.”

Serena blushed. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Robert?”

He sighed. “Yes, Grandmama.”

“I need a few moments with Serena, privately.”

After he left, Lady Beaumont asked a footman to find Serena’s female relatives, then took her aside. “I’ve not had a chance to talk to you alone, my dear. Though you’re handling Robert well, I think you should know that his parents’ marriage was not happy. It was my son’s fault. He fell in love with a young woman who had no more sense than a peagoose. She couldn’t stand up to him, and he made her life a misery.”

This had been what was missing in Serena’s knowledge of Robert. “I’ve heard that Robert is not as bad as his father.”

“No, but I believe that is your influence.”

Serena smiled. Freddy had been right that morning when she said it was in his blood, but Serena knew Robert wanted to work with her. She would make sure he did. “Thank you for telling me.”

Phoebe, her sisters, and Anna arrived. Phoebe grinned and led Serena to the corridor outside her bedchamber, where Robert waited.

“You may have a few minutes to say good night,” Phoebe said, before retreating to the grand staircase.

Serena put her hands on his shoulders. “I have no idea what they are doing.”

“Nor do I, but I don’t think I’m going to like it.”

“Nor I.”

Robert touched his lips to hers. She opened them and he entered. She tasted like wine and honey, with maybe a touch of orange. “I love you more than my life.”

Serena pulled him closer. “I love you too. You are my life.”

Robert groaned. “This is going to be the longest night of my existence. I swear to you—I give you my solemn oath—I will never spend another night away from you.”

Serena chuckled. “Never is a long time, my lord.”

He made a low guttural sound. “Nevertheless, never it is. No more talking.”

He took her face in his hands and plundered. Serena met his tongue stroke for stroke. He reached down to cup her derriere.

“That’s enough, Robert,” Phoebe said.

Serena was gently taken away from him. They held their hands until even the tips of their fingers were parted and the door to her chamber closed.

He turned to find Marcus waiting for him.

“Billiards?”

Robert glanced back at Serena’s door.

Marcus shook his head. “It’s no use. They’ll never let you close to her until the wedding to-morrow.”

Robert sighed. “No, I suppose not. Billiards it is. It’s going to be a long night, isn’t it?”

“I’m afraid it is.” Marcus took his arm and led him down the staircase, where they were greeted by more of his soon-to-be-relatives.

 

When Serena woke, the cots her cousins and Anna had slept in were empty, and Mary had laid the table for breakfast. She went out into the corridor and returned with a large tray.

Serena watched curiously as Mary set the tray down, and returned to the corridor. A whispered conversation took place. Mary returned and set up breakfast.

That was no surprise.

Phoebe and her sisters had told Serena last night she could not leave her chamber until Uncle Henry came for her.

Before they’d settled down to sleep, they’d had a light repast of fruit and cheese with wine, accompanied by a very enlightening conversation about men and women and their desires.

After Serena finished her tea, another knock came. Mary went out and returned with a basket. She slipped through the dressing-room door. Serena followed.

Mary jumped. “Oh, my lady, you shouldn’t be sneaking up on a person like that. You like to have given me a start.”

“Mary, what
are
you doing?”

“Following my orders, my lady.”

Serena shook her head. “Is my bath ready?”

“No, not just yet. You go back in your room, and I’ll come fetch you.”

This was all very strange. “Very well.”

Mary came to get her a few minutes later. Serena sniffed and looked down at the tub. Lavender heads and rose petals floated in the water. “What in heaven’s name is all this?”

“It’s what Lady St. Eth said was to go in your bath water.” Mary took Serena’s nightgown and wrapper. “You just get in and relax. I’ll get the rest prepared and come back for you.”

Serena sank into the hot water, breathing in the myriad calming scents.

Mary came back just as the water was cooling, handed Serena a towel, and placed a jar of cream on the stool.

Serena glanced at her dresser.

“I was told you are to rub it on you. Like a salve.”

“Where?”

“All over you.”

Serena did and her skin was no longer tight.

“Well?” Mary asked.

“I like it. You’ll have to get the recipe. It makes my skin so smooth.”

Mary smiled. “Well, that’s what I was told it would do. Come now, you need to start getting ready. The ladies will be here shortly.”

Serena donned the new chemise Mary handed to her. Obviously from Paris, it was almost translucent and soft as the finest silk. “Mary, where are my stays?”

“You don’t need them with your gown.”

“Of course I do, don’t you remember I decided to wear my yellow silk?”

Mary looked down and shuffled her feet before she raised her head and looked at something over Serena’s shoulder. “Well, you see, my lady . . .”

“What she means to say is we arranged your wedding gown.” Aunt Ester entered.