Chapter Three #2
“Interesting facts about the angelica plant, which is a tall, perennial herb, actually. It’s known for its striking height and umbrella-like flowers. Every part of it is used in herbal medicine, but it sometimes mimics poisonous hemlock, so you might have a dangerous streak.”
“I didn’t know that. Thank you for telling me.”
He nodded. “The name also refers to the beautiful princess of Cathay in classic Italian epic poetry.” When he turned his head and met her gaze, she trembled. “However, to me, you represent an angel and have the looks of one as well.”
“Oh, goodness.” She wished she had her fan so she could encourage cooler air onto her face that burned with a blush. It was pure madness, having such a reaction due to a man’s compliment, especially at her age.
“If I might speak truthfully?” When she nodded, he continued. “I’ve admired you for years, Angelica. It’s pained me that you’ve been so unhappy with your life, and have been subjected to such horrors in it.”
So then he did know about the duke’s treatment. She couldn’t decide if she should feel relief or shame. “We can’t all have rainbows and crystal castles, Mr. Marsden.”
“Caleb.” He turned to her, stopped their movement, and took her hands in his as he peered down at her since he was a good several inches taller than she. “My name is Caleb. Please use it.”
In the sun-dappled orchards, where light and shadow played and reflected how life was, she gave him a smile, and his gaze dropped to her mouth.
Tingles moved through her lower belly, for a man had never blatantly desired her as much as he did in this moment.
“A heroic name to be sure… Caleb.” Heavens, but the word felt so lovely on her tongue.
For long moments he watched. “While life might not be ideal all the time, you certainly deserve every good thing.”
A shiver twisted down her spine. “I don’t see that ever happening. This life is my lot whether I wish it or not.” She couldn’t escape the truth.
“Then you should chase happiness wherever and whenever you can. There is nothing to say that you can’t… especially when Tittleford seems to do just that.”
A rush of annoyance went through her chest. “So, because he has no respect for anything, I should act the same?”
“No, of course not.” He squeezed her fingers. “But I am saying no one would blame you for walking a path that takes you away from him.”
Wasn’t that what she had just thought before coming upon him?
The feeling of her fingers clasped in his was quite remarkable, and she had already decided that she would separate from the duke to live life on her own terms. The longer she peered up at him, the more the urge to kiss him took hold.
After all, where was the harm? One little kiss.
Hadn’t she thought about it for years? Wondered what it must be like to have a man’s love, respect, and admiration?
“If only I knew where that path might lead, I might be more inclined to follow it.”
His expression sobered. “It will go wherever you will it to.” Briefly, he brushed her cheek with his gloved fingertips. “However, you’ll go nowhere until you take that first step.”
“Perhaps,” she managed to whisper as she trembled. Oh, dear, his eyes darkened with the same desire currently sailing through her veins. “I…”
“You only need to ask yourself if you are strong enough to leave that gilded prison.” He brought one of her hands to his lips then slowly, surely, he tugged her closer.
“You don’t need to go far right now, but at least that door is open and you can get out.
If you need further reassurance, I’ll be right beside you.
” Seconds later, he put a curled finger beneath her chin, lifted her head, and gently claimed her lips.
Dear heavens, it was every bit as wonderful as she’d imagined!
The gentle yet firm press of his warm lips against hers, the glide of his hand to the small of her back, the scent of his cologne or shaving soap that had crisp, clean notes of juniper, clover, and perhaps a hint of peppermint teasing her nose all worked at weaving a cocoon around her.
And what was more, a cloud of safety was imparted in that one chaste kiss that she’d never had in the whole of her married life.
When he pulled slightly away, he peered into her eyes, clearly letting her acclimate to that kiss.
It was everything the duke’s was not. In fact, when was the last time her husband kissed her?
Months, years? He’d certainly not visited her bed in at least five years, thank the Lord.
The times she found herself in his company for any length, he was in a temper, drunk or not, and he would rough handle her.
So she made certain she wasn’t in his company any longer if she could help.
They’d lived separate lives for at least five years unless he demanded she make a public appearance with him.
But the kiss with Caleb Marsden was glorious, hopeful even, and she wanted to experience it again.
“Do I need to beg your pardon?” he asked in a barely audible voice.
“No.”
“Good, then shall I continue?”
“Yes.” She gave him a slight nod as her heart beat out a frantic rhythm.
This time, Caleb took her fully into his arms and kissed her with more feeling and intent.
After a few seconds, she let herself melt into his embrace.
Then slowly, tentatively, she kissed him back.
As he moved over her lips, she did the same to him as she rested her palms on his hard chest. Despite how much she wanted to explore him, she refrained and concentrated on the feel of his mouth on hers, the tip of his tongue as he gently probed the seam of her lips, the way the world tilted around her the first time that organ trysted with hers.
It was everything she’d dreamed it might be. For the first time in twenty years, she felt… wanted, needed, desired.
And it was a powerful aphrodisiac.
With a sigh, she eased away and broke their connection. Whatever happened beyond this moment didn’t matter; for this one was perfect.