Chapter Fourteen
Arthur was finishing his correspondence at his desk in his London study when he heard the door open. He knew it was his wife. She had been very clear when they arrived a few hours ago that she would join him once she got Sam settled and changed from her traveling attire.
“Everything all right?” he asked as she came across the room.
She had changed into a lavender day dress with a shawl pulled tightly around her for extra warmth.
She took his breath away every time he saw her.
He had plans for them as soon as he finished the missive he was writing. Arthur hoped she remembered.
“Yes, Sam is in the small parlor. It’ll be easy to keep it warm enough for him.”
“I was going to suggest the parlor. It should be perfect for Sam.”
She smiled at him, poking her small pink tongue out to moisten her lips. It was all he could do not to groan. She knew the effect she had on him and seemed to love teasing him. “Did you lock the door when you entered?”
“Yes, but I don’t understand why you want the door locked.”
Clearing his throat, Arthur shut his eyes for a second. “Because I don’t think you are going to want anyone walking in on us.”
“Are we going to be naughty?”
“Oh, yes. Very much so,” he replied.
Daphne crossed the room in quick steps and rounded the desk, placing her firm, round bottom on her husband’s lap. His arm went around her waist as their lips met for a long, passionate kiss.
Arthur felt as though he’d explode if he couldn’t have her.
As much as he wanted to tease her and watch her face as she came to her pleasure, he knew he wouldn’t last that long.
Instead, he lowered her skirts he’d lifted and had begun to trail his hand to her cunny.
He stood her to her feet and unfolded her long frame from his chair.
He led her to the far edge of the desk and placed her facing the desk and spread her legs with his boot.
Unfastening his trousers and smalls, he lifted her skirts to her waist. Taking himself in hand, he plunged into her hot, wet passage.
He heard her moan as he seated her, one hand finding its way to help her.
The moment he began to place his fingers on her, she began to buck, making it harder for him to contain himself as he pounded in and out.
Feeling her muscles wrap around his cock, he groaned and spilled his seed within her just as she shuddered from her own orgasm.
He draped himself over her as he recovered.
“I have no control when I’m making love to you,” he said hoarsely. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Arthur. I never thought being with a man would bring so much pleasure.”
“I assume your mother and married friends don’t have the same feelings as you?”
“My mother told me to just lie there and let you have your pleasure. One or two of my friends dread their husbands coming to them at night. I’m sure their mothers taught them sex is for one thing and one thing only. Producing children.”
He kissed the side of her neck. “I’m so thankful we’re not like them.”
“As am I. I enjoyed what we just did.”
“I’m glad you did,” he replied.
Arthur stood behind her and fastened his clothing before taking her hand and helping her to right herself.
It dawned on him she hadn’t had on any undergarments.
What else might she surprise him with? He took her hand and led her to a leather couch placed in front of the fire.
Wrapping his arm around her, they sat there silently, enjoying the other’s company.
Finally he asked, “What do you plan to do tomorrow while I’m away?”
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
He chuckled. “You’re answering a question with a question?”
“I thought I might go by the dressmaker. If that’s all right with you?”
“Of course it is. I’d like to have a couple of new suits made if I can find time to go to my tailor.”
“Yes, you need to find time. You’re going to take your father’s place in Parliament, so you need to look handsome.”
“And you’re a duchess and need to update your wardrobe to fit your new place in the ton.”
She giggled. It was something he adored hearing her do. “I promise not to go too crazy.”
“Somehow, I can’t see you doing that. I think you’re very sensible.”
“I try to be,” she replied.
After a few minutes of quiet, Arthur felt himself falling asleep. He nudged Daphne. “I’m falling asleep. Why don’t we go check on Sam and see how he’s adapting?”
“I was falling asleep, too. Yes, let’s check Sam. He makes enough noise to waken anyone.”
Entering the parlor, they found the parrot on top of his cage. He appeared to be sleeping, but at the sound of Daphne’s voice, the squawking began. With that, he began to use his colorful language for all to hear as he moved atop the cage.
“Why don’t you order us tea?” Daphne asked.
Arthur nodded and walked to the pull. Moments later, the butler entered and listened to what Arthur wanted. When the man left, Arthur walked to the hearth to warm himself. “He’s being rather quiet.”
“Don’t let his silence fool you. He’s very much taking everything in.”
“I think when you’re ready to invite some of the ladies for tea, you leave Sam in the room. I think it would be quite interesting. Especially if he mimics over the course of the tea.”
“That is a horrid idea, but I must admit I love the thought of Sam cussing at one or more of them.”
“I’d love to be a fly on the wall when that happens.”
“True, but I’d have to remove him from the room. For the ladies’ sake,” Daphne said.
“Of course,” Arthur replied before breaking out into a fit of laughter. His action wasn’t lost on the parrot, who in turn began bobbing his head.
“Shite, shite, shite,” Sam chanted walking the top of his cage and bobbing his head. “Wanker head.”
“He needs some new words,” Arthur said.
A knock on the door and the tea tray was rolled into the room.
Once the footman left, Daphne looked at the cakes and sandwiches which had been brought.
She poured both herself and Arthur a cup of tea.
After handing her husband the cup, she brought a plate and set it on the table.
Spying a slice of seedcake, she broke off a piece and took it over to Sam.
“What do you say?” she asked, holding it just out of reach.
“Bloody hell!”
Daphne shook her head. “No, that’s not the right one. You know. I taught it to you Sam.”
The bird walked around the top of his cage before stopping in front of Daphne. “Thank you.”
She offered the seedcake, which Sam snatched quickly. “You see, that wasn’t so hard.”
“Not hard, not hard. Sam know.”
Turning back to Arthur, she smiled triumphantly. “He does know words that aren’t bad. It’s just a matter of enforcing them.”
“I guess we need to be careful when talking around him.”
“Yes, it can’t hurt. He mimics everything he hears,” Daphne said. She picked up her cup of tea and took a sip.
“He does that.” Arthur picked up a piece of the seedcake and bit into it without the help of a plate or fork. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see his wife giving him a disapproving look. He decided to ignore and feign ignorance should she say something.
“If the trial doesn’t start until day after tomorrow, who are you meeting with tomorrow?”
He licked his fingers clean of the seedcake stuck on them. “The crown prosecutors wish to see me and I’m going to see my solicitor to make sure what the prosecutors tell me is how he understands the trial to begin.”
“Are the prosecutors going to want you to testify? Or do they wish for you to be there solely to represent the victims’ family?”
“I am assuming both. I’m not sure how my testimony will help, but I’ll find out tomorrow,” he replied.
“I could go and sit with the other ladies up in the gallery.”
Arthur smiled at her. “I appreciate you wanting to support me, but it isn’t necessary.”
“If you change your mind, I can always reschedule my day,” she replied.
“Enjoy your day. I’m going to have the carriage take me to the crown prosecutor’s office, and then have it returned so you can use it.”
“You’re sure? I can always take a hackney.”
He shook his head. “My duchess is not using a hack to get around town.”
“Very well.”
Hoping she wasn’t going to defy him and ignore his instructions, he tried to study her face for any significant signs of how she was truly feeling. It was no use. Daphne was far too good at masking her feelings. Hopefully that would change the more they got to know each other.
*
Daphne was meeting with the housekeeper and cook regarding menus for the time they were in London when the carriage returned from taking Arthur to his meetings.
“I believe that’s all,” she said. “I appreciate your help in guiding me to what His Grace likes.”
“You’re welcome, Your Grace,” the cook said.
“If you ladies will excuse me, I have an appointment to get to.”
The two women left, and she quit the room as well in search of her wrap.
She always loved going to a dressmaker. Being able to see what was and wasn’t in style, what the ladies were wearing in Paris.
It was always fascinating to her, and more so now that she’d become a duchess.
It gave her an opening to things others might not be privy to.
While she needed to order an entire new wardrobe to reflect her new position, she decided it might be in her best interest not to purchase a new wardrobe all at once but order it and have it delivered in sections.
That way Arthur wouldn’t be overwhelmed by what she purchased.
Men, even those like her husband, didn’t understand what it took for a lady to look her best.
After leaving the dressmaker’s, she walked down the street, looking into store windows. The carriage didn’t move, but a footman followed a discreet distance behind. Needing some new gloves, she went into a shop she and her mother frequented when in London and came out with several pairs.
She climbed into the carriage and told the driver where she wanted to go a few blocks away. The sky was becoming overcast, and she knew she needed to hurry before rain started.
The shop carried canvas for embroidery and a large selection of threads.
It had been ages since she’d attempted anything, but she needed something to occupy her time when Arthur was engaged elsewhere, and on days like this.
She picked a large variety of the very best threads and needles along with a frame for her to keep her work taut while she worked on it.
When she finally arrived home, it was getting darker, and a light rain had started.
She walked up the stairs to her rooms to inform her maid what she’d purchased and when other things would arrive.
While in her dressing room, Daphne picked up a novel she’d brought along with her, knowing she would have time on her own while Arthur was busy with the trial.
She passed the butler on her way to the parlor and ordered tea. Though the rain had barely begun, the weather was leaving a chill in the air.
Opening the door to the parlor, she found Sam walking around the room on the floor.
She approached him and squatted down so he could jump up on her forearm.
Sam complied and Daphne slowly stood, talking to the parrot as she did.
She walked to his cage and placed him on a tree branch attached to the cage top.
Then she sat down on an overstuffed gold damask chair within reach of the bird cage.
Tea arrived, and she fixed herself a cup, placing it on a table in front of her chair.
She opened the book she’d brought with her and tried her best to focus on the words in front of her to no avail.
Closing the book, she found her teacup and took a sip.
Her eyes were heavy. Maybe if she took a nap for a few minutes, she would be able to read.
After all, she’d been on the go since early in the morning.
She wasn’t expecting anyone, and she wasn’t entirely sure when Arthur would return.
Taking another sip of tea, she returned the cup to the table and closed her eyes. Sam was making bird noises from deep in his throat. It meant he was content and happy.
Her life had certainly gone full circle. From having a love-hate relationship with Arthur, to becoming his wife and duchess. It was nothing she planned, and she wouldn’t trade it for the world.