Chapter Twenty-Two
James
J ames took a deep breath as his mother breezed into the hallway. She didn’t look at him but scanned around with a slight frown. He had a deep sense of unease similar to how he’d felt when he’d watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a boy and the child catcher had sleazed onto the scene, trying to sniff out the hidden children. Sherri wasn’t that sinister, but her nose was just as tuned in, and he was sure she could smell Dagmar’s perfume, or she’d spied something amiss.
‘Mum, what are you doing here?’ He kept his voice level.
‘I’ve been worried about you.’ Sherri moved past him, still scanning around. ‘I noticed you’ve been out a lot. Where have you been and what are you up to?’
‘Really? It’s none of your business.’ He shut the door and followed her into the living room. ‘If I didn’t live here, you wouldn’t know one way or another where I was. We might have to reassess this arrangement. I’m not sure I want this kind of third degree every time I go out.’
Sherri glanced around again, and James ground his teeth. What did she hope to find? He guessed it wasn’t Victoria. That would have made her a lot happier, and right now, she didn’t look too amused. ‘I had a strange call from Jacinta Chattan-Blythe this morning. You know, Ophelia’s stepmother from—’
‘I know who she is.’ James’s stomach tightened. Like he couldn’t guess why she’d called. She was a renowned gossip and a busybody who liked to stir up trouble and drama. ‘I didn’t think the two of you were that friendly.’
‘We’re not exactly best friends, but we got to know each other quite well when you and Ophelia were…’ She pulled a face, knowing, of course, that he and Ophelia had never really been anything.
‘Just get to the point, Mum.’
‘I am. So, she was asking if you were still interested in Victoria, which, naturally, I told her you were—’
‘Why did you tell her that? When I told you we’re not.’
‘I’d like to think you’re not going to give up that easily. Your father has set so much on this. You promised him, James. I don’t want to hold that promise to your head like a gun, but really, giving up so quickly seems silly to me. Though I think I know what’s really happened.’
James folded his arms and raised his eyebrow. ‘Oh yeah?’
Sherri pulled a face like this was deeply unpleasant. ‘Jacinta said she thought their stable girl was trying to get her claws into you.’
James couldn’t hold back his eye roll. Bloody nosey parkers. Couldn’t they just mind their own business?
‘What stable girl? The stable girls are kids.’.
‘Some woman called Dagmar.’
‘Dagmar is the yard manager.’ If his mother wanted to accuse her, she could at least get her title correct.
‘Isn’t she the one who won all the events at the horse trials? I think someone mentioned her working at Glenvorneth. But it dawned on me I’d heard that name before. Didn’t you go to primary school with a Dagmar? It’s not a name I’ve heard very often.’
James ground his teeth. ‘Yes, the woman who works at the stables is the same Dagmar I was at school with and the same one who won all the competitions. She’s the woman who has been teaching me to ride.’
‘Really? It is actually her?’ Sherri raised an eyebrow.
‘I needed the best rider in the area to teach me, so it made sense to approach her.’
‘She was a strange child.’ Sherri picked absently on her nail. ‘But not as odd as her mother. Dotty. That’s what everyone called her. Not sure it was her real name though. Suited her. Dotty by name, Dotty by nature.’ She laughed.
A surge of irritation raced through him. ‘Dotty’s actually a nice woman.’
‘I wouldn’t have thought you could even remember her. You were only about seven when we moved away.’
‘Yeah, but I ended up at the same high school as Dagmar too. And Dotty owns the Cosy Bean Café. She’s a nice lady.’
Sherri’s eyes narrowed, and she watched him for a moment. ‘The Cosy Bean Café? The place that’s on the list of community projects.’
‘The very same.’
Sherri pouted, then narrowed her eyes. ‘And this is all above board?’
‘In what way?’
‘You and this Dagmar woman aren’t doing anything you shouldn’t be, are you?’
‘Such as?’
‘Did you put the café on the list in return for… Well, favours?’
‘No… Not what you’re thinking anyway. I suggested it on its own merit, but I admit, I wanted to sway Dagmar into helping me.’
‘You shouldn’t have done that.’
‘Look. Dad and Henry both agreed it was a good idea before I approached Dagmar. I would have suggested it anyway, whether she helped me or not. And now Dagmar is a friend. She’s helped me a lot with the riding, which is exactly what you and Dad wanted.’
Sherri let out a sigh. ‘Yes… We did. So you and Victoria could get together. But it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now.’
‘That’s because I want to have the freedom to decide for myself.’
‘How do you mean?’
He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. ‘All these women are people you’ve chosen for me. That’s why nothing ever comes of them. I need to choose for myself.’
‘So, what are you saying? That you won’t choose Victoria just because your father and I think she’s right?’
Up until now, he’d gone along with all their schemes and believed one of their matches would suit him and be exactly what he needed. That was before Dagmar. Now she was upstairs, in his bedroom, waiting for him. All he really wanted was to go to her and stay with her. Would it really be so bad if he chose her? Would she choose him?
‘James.’ His mother glared at him. ‘Are you going to answer me?’
‘I don’t think Victoria and I are right for each other.’
She let out a sigh. ‘Then you need to tell your father. He sees this as the chance of a lifetime. A chance to be related to the Earl of Dairvin and Duchan Fayre will have links to the best family in the area. Our legacy will be preserved forever. You have a chance to be a father to children who’ll be part of the aristocracy.’
‘Listen, Mum. I don’t really care about any of that. Duchan Fayre can exist without a big family name behind it. Our family name is good enough. You and Dad didn’t use to judge people on their titles or how much money they had. What about their other qualities? What about trusting me and Eloise to carry on the family legacy in our own way?’
Sherri swallowed. ‘I hear what you’re saying, darling. I agree, and maybe I’ve been blinded by money. Your father won’t be so easily swayed, and I’d rather you told him this than me.’ She patted his upper arm and placed a kiss on his cheek. ‘I’m not trying to force anyone on you, but Victoria always looked so happy when she was with you. I suppose I don’t want her to be disappointed, but if you don’t like her, then there’s no point.’
‘I like her… I just don’t love her. And I don’t think I ever could. Dad thinks a marriage can be like a business arrangement, but I don’t. Is that really what your marriage has been like?’
His mum shook her head. ‘No. I suppose some of it maybe. I mean, all relationships need compromise. Your father is very good at making comparisons… Even when there aren’t any.’
‘Yeah. Well…’
‘Will you speak to him?’
‘Yes. But not now. I’m actually right in the middle of something, but I will speak to him as soon as I can.’ He escorted her out of the house, mainly to make sure she actually went.
As soon as he was sure she was gone, he locked the door. Taking the stairs two at a time, he returned to Dagmar.
The bedroom door was open, and Dagmar stood just inside, twisting her fingers.
‘Did you hear any of that?’ James tried to gauge her expression. She had her competition face on. The one that gave nothing away.
She bit down on her lower lip, glancing away for a moment before meeting his eyes. ‘I heard most of it. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but…’ She took a deep breath. ‘I couldn’t help myself.’
‘It’s fine. I don’t mind if you heard. My parents are such meddlers. I’m truly sorry about what she said about your mum though. That was out of order.’
‘I’m sure it’s nothing she hasn’t heard before. People have always called her strange. Mostly ones who don’t know her.’
‘My mother is such a snob. Both my parents are. Maybe I’ve been guilty of it too, and I’m sorry.’
‘Listen, I’m a bit worried about what she said about the café. Do you think she’ll stop the money going through?’
‘I’ll speak to my father about it. It wouldn’t look good for the company to go back on its word, so I don’t think he’ll stop it. I can go now if you want, but nothing will get done over the weekend.’
‘Stay here then.’ She opened her arms. ‘I think I need a hug.’
‘Me too. This has all got messy. But I need to talk to my father about other things too.’
‘Such as?’
‘Us.’
She pulled back a little. ‘Is there an us?’
‘I’d like to think so. We deserve a shot, don’t you think? But I made a promise to my father some time ago and I hate breaking my word.’
‘A promise to marry Victoria?’
‘Not exactly. But when my dad was very ill a few years ago, I promised I’d marry into a big-name family to ensure the future of Duchan Fayre. But even in those few years, Duchan has come so far and I don’t think that’s necessary now. It shouldn’t ever have been, but that’s how my father thinks.’
James kissed the top of her head, then she reached up and met his lips. The heat of her drew him in, and his insides burned. She stiffened for a moment, then melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck. ‘I just want you. Nothing else.’ He breathed the words onto her neck.
She kissed him again, their bodies pressing closer as the tension between them ignited. Warm desire flooded his veins, and his hands roamed her back, pulling her even tighter. Dagmar’s fingers tangled in his hair, her breath quickening.
Their lips parted briefly, both of them gasping for air. James looked into her eyes, his heartrate picking up.
‘I can’t think about anything else right now but you.’
She looked up, her eyes wide and searching. ‘Same.’
James kissed her again, more urgently this time. The world outside faded away. The intensity of the connection was raw and unbridled, and they clung to each other.
James pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. ‘Time for your riding lesson for the day, I think.’ He raised an eyebrow.
‘That sounds so crude.’ Dagmar stroked his hair absently, her breath warm against his skin. ‘But I’m ready.’
‘Good.’ Slowly he undressed her, taking his time, giving her all the attention she needed. She’d grown brave, urging him to take off his shirt, then removing his belt and exploring inside his jeans with her fingers, until he had to stop her.
‘Not too much yet.’ He smiled, catching her eye.
When they were fully naked, he laid her on the huge bed, her hair billowing across it. Now she was laid bare for him to worship with his lips until she was quivering around him. Such a delicious pleasure. Then he lay alongside her, kissing her and running his fingers through her hair.
‘Still ok?’ he asked through kisses.
‘Yes.’
He lay on his back, reaching for a condom and rolling it on. She sized him up for a moment, then straddled him. Their eyes met as she lowered herself slowly onto him. The sight made his breath catch.
She smiled, leaning forward and rocking. Hot sparks of pleasure darted through him. Her cute little breasts peaked as she increased the tempo and her eyes closed.
He pushed himself up, so he was sitting, bringing him closer to her, and wrapped his arms about her. Pressing his lips to hers, he groaned, and gently thrust, allowing the hot intimacy of the moment to percolate into every cell. Their tongues met, heightening the sensations coursing through their linked bodies. The friction and erotic energy were so powerful James couldn’t remember anything except how to give and receive pleasure.
‘Dagmar,’ he whispered, sliding his hand into her hair. ‘Open your eyes. Look at me.’
She did, and their gazes connected. Keeping his eyes on her, he thrust a little harder, her hips answering him, until she raced ahead, chasing the final jump like her life depended on it. He captured her breasts, rolling his palms over them. Like he’d hit a magic switch, she cried out, shuddering, still looking at him, her eyes wide and bright, almost fearful. But she had nothing to be scared of. She deserved this pleasure. He held her as she panted and gasped for air, but his own release was close. Nestling his forehead in the crook of her neck, he took a few deliberate breaths before looking back at her.
This was what being in love felt like. None of the fake stuff he’d been exposed to so far.
She smiled, and his hunger intensified. He pounded into her, his body supercharged, his mind desperate. She slipped her delicate arms around his neck to brace herself, the dreamy smile still etched on her face.
‘Christ. Oh. Dagmar.’ The words came out in stilted breaths as his climax hit. A few aftershocks made him twitch, and he held tight to her, his skin suddenly hypersensitive. She kissed his neck, and he smiled as it tickled him, then he turned to her and joined the kiss. It was warm and wholesome, affirming everything they’d just done, and begging to be done again and again. Which he would in a heartbeat. Except an unpleasant obstacle shaped like his father stood in the way. If he and Dagmar were going anywhere, he had to sort that out.