The bluestocking brides, p.8
The Bluestocking Brides, page 8
Yours, Nicholas.
She could hardly read the last line. The words blurred with her tears and several plopped down onto the paper. Amelia sucked in a lungful of air to try to steady herself. Was this real? Was this some dream? She tried to blink away the tears to look at him but they refused to budge.
Nicholas closed the gap between them and swiped away several tears with a thumb. His warm palm cupped her face.
“Why do you cry?”
“Because I cannot believe it.”
“What can I do to convince you?”
She swallowed. “How long have you known?”
Nicholas glanced back at the open doors and took her hand to lead her deeper into the garden. They ducked around behind the tall hedgerow and he led her into a gazebo. Open to the night air but lit with two lamps inside, it offered a cozy escape for them.
He urged her to sit on the cushioned bench and he sat next to her.
“How long have I known I loved you or how long have I known you were A. Hardwick?”
“I—” She frowned. “Both I suppose.”
“I had an inkling after the river.”
“You said something then. Something about not seeing me before.”
“Yes.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles then held it in both hands. “It was as though the curtain had fallen away. I saw you for who you are and I realized I had seen that woman before, but I had chosen not to notice.”
“And the letters?”
“I recognized you.”
Amelia pressed a hand to her forehead. “Oh no. Julia said I made a perfect delivery boy.”
“Well, Julia perhaps did not count on my recognizing your delectable rear in those trousers.”
Warmth spilled into her cheeks. She should be scandalized but the fact he had noticed sent a frisson of excitement through her.
“So as soon as you read the letters, you knew it was me?”
He nodded. “There were enough hints for me to figure it out. After that, I read through any of your books I could get my hands on. Turns out my mother is quite a fan of yours.”
“Goodness.”
“Why did you not want me to read them, Amelia?”
“It was embarrassing. Besides, no one could know I was A. Hardwick. The whole family would be scandalized and it’s hard enough for my sisters to be Chadwicks as it is.”
“They seem to be doing a fine job of it. Did you really think I would reveal all?”
“It was not a chance I could take.” Amelia swallowed the knot in her throat. “Why did you not say something?”
“I did not know if you still harbored those feelings. And I wanted to be certain of my own feelings. I would not hurt you for all the world. Seeing you tiptoeing along that bridge told me all I needed to know.”
Looking into his eyes, she straightened her spine, bracing herself for the question that would hurt the most. “What of Lavinia? Everyone thought you still loved her.”
His smile twisted. “I may...have been wrong about Lavinia.”
“Wrong?”
“I thought I loved her, to be sure, but what sort of life would we have had together? Lavinia was never meant to be the bride of someone who rode too fast and fought too hard. I think she knew that better than I did.” He leaned in and cupped her face with both hands, forcing her gaze to remain on his. “I was wrong about Lavinia. I had suspected that for a while but I knew for certain when I finally saw you. Whatever I felt for her pales in comparison.”
All the air vanished from her chest. She could find no words. She, who wrote for a living, had nothing to say. Could this really be happening? Did she really deserve so much joy?
“Do you understand? It pales in comparison to what I feel for you, my sweet, lovely, naughty Amelia.”
She parted her lips and searched his face. Pressing her hand to his where he cupped her face, she gave the back of his hand a little pinch.
“Ouch, what was that for?” He kept his hands on her face.
“I was checking this was real.”
“You are meant to pinch yourself.” He grinned. “It’s real. I promise.”
Amelia gazed into his eyes, recalling all those times when he’d seemed to look through her. How she’d yearned for him to finally realize what was in front of him.
“So will you answer my letter?” he pressed.
“You shall have to wait a few days for a response,” she replied primly, though not feeling at all prim with the way he started leaning in. His breath brushed her lips and smelled of warm brandy. Tingles raced through her.
“Wait?” he murmured. “Why must I wait?”
“You kept me waiting long enough,” she said with a grin.
“Minx.” His lips brushed hers, soft and warm. A sigh escaped her. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”
“Perhaps.”
His lips skimmed hers again but his patience did not last long. He used his mouth to coax hers open and his tongue met hers. The hot, itchy feeling pervaded through her—that feeling of needing more. So much more.
Nicholas kissed her deeply with long, luxurious strokes that left her in no doubt this was real. When he pulled away, she felt wanting and empty.
“Changed your mind yet?”
His smug smile made her want to smack his shoulder or kiss him again. Kissing was probably the best idea. She grinned. “Very well then.”
“Very well then what?”
“I shall marry you.”
His smile grew triumphant. “You will not regret it, Amelia, I swear. I will spend the rest of my years making up for being so blind.”
“You could start now.” She toyed with the fabric of his cravat.
“I could,” he agreed.
His hand slid up her neck, cupping just under the curls. She tilted her head into the touch. Nicholas used the movement to his advantage and pressed his lips to her exposed skin. Shivers trailed their fingers up and down her spine. He put a hand to her waist and pulled her closer still. Their thighs touched. She was aware of every part of her body and yet she was utterly lost to him.
“I read about the adventures of Anna and Nathaniel,” he said against her skin, leaving lingering words against her neck and down to the crook of her shoulder and collarbone. “Lots of kissing in shadowing corners.” He skimmed the hand on her waist up and brushed the edge of her breast. Her nipples ached in response. Even through the layers of her stays and gown, she could feel every little thing he did. “You have quite the imagination, Amelia.”
“Mmm hmm,” she agreed and twined her fingers into his hair to coax him where she needed him most.
He must have taken it as his permission as he palmed one breast and coaxed it up and out of her stays. The cool air against her nipple made her gasp but not as much as when he put his warm mouth about it. He drew her nipple between his teeth and nibbled and sucked on it. Amelia arched into him and he pressed a hand to her back to hold her against him.
“Were there things you did not write about? Things that would scandalize even the most open-minded of readers?”
She smiled to the night air. He really did know her so well. “Of course.”
Not even her sisters realized how vivid and naughty her imagination could be. They might have read her books but they saw it as a romance story and nothing more. But to her mind, there had always been more to Anna and Nathaniel’s tale.
So much more.
He looked up at her. “Were there ever moments like this?”
She shook her head.
Any eyebrow arched. “No?”
“No. Even my imagination is not this bold.”
“But are you, Amelia?” He hauled her close and kissed the corner of her mouth. “Now I have you, I do not want to let you go. I want you fully and completely.”
It was her turn to cup his face and lean back to look in his eyes. “I’ve waited a long time for you, Nicholas. I do not want to wait any longer.”
“Good.” He kissed her until her limbs were like oil.
Her breaths were heated and frantic. Strains of a country dance whispered over them as he coaxed her to lie on the cushion. Her curls crushed under her head and her skirts had ridden up to reveal her stockings. Anyone could come across them at any moment. The thought made her stomach flutter with exhilaration.
Nicholas shucked off his jacket and flung it aside somewhere. She laughed at his careless manner. He popped the buttons of his waistcoat and leaned over her. Nibbling at her earlobe, he let his breath tickle the shell of her ear. She gripped his shoulders.
“Beautiful, naughty, scandalous, Amelia. Wait until I have you in our marriage bed. We shall live out all your fantasies and more.”
“Oh Lord,” she said to the roof of the gazebo.
He pushed down the shoulder of her gown and bit her there, suckling until it left a mark. A mark that would be hidden under her dress but they would both know it was there.
Then he pressed up her skirts until she was bared to him. His fingers found her sex and the first touch made her jolt. She forced herself to take a breath and he watched her face while he toyed with her there. His fingers worked a magic she had not even known was possible. Her own explorations were like her writing. Fun and exciting but nothing like the real thing.
“That’s it,” he encouraged as she gave herself up to him.
Pleasure flowed over her in waves, increasing in tempo until the storm crashed through her. She gripped his arm, closed her eyes, and cried out. Whether anyone could hear her, she did not care. It only added to the thrill.
As reality slipped in in fragments—the music, the lantern light, the touch of air on her heated skin—she smiled. Nicholas opened his breeches and she glanced at him. A pulse of desire ran through her. She wanted nothing more than to be filled by him, to be wholly his once and for all.
He pushed apart her legs and settled between them. “Hook your legs around me.”
She did as he bid and felt his erection touch her folds. “Oh Lord, Lord, Lord.”
“You can call me Nicholas,” he said with a grin.
Amelia had no witty response. Staring into her eyes, he inched into her bit by bit until they were fully joined. He gave her a few moments to get used to him inside her. It has no comparison. The swelling of love inside her now that they were connected as close as any two humans could connect made her want to burst.
“You and me, Amelia. Always. I will never be blind again.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“And you will never keep your feelings secret from me.” He gave her a serious look. “I mean it. No more secrets.” He smiled. “Though you may write me letters. As long as they are scandalous in content.”
“You have my word, my lord,” she said saucily. “They shall always be scandalous.”
“Excellent.” He slid back and pressed into her.
Her breath caught. “Always scandalous,” she promised again.
He carried her on the tide then, moving in and out, one, two, three, and more until she did not know if she was begging for more or for the peak.
The tempest broke. Nicholas groaned. She cried his name. He sagged against her, his weight a gentle reminder of all that was hers.
“I love you, my naughty Amelia.”
“I love you, Nicholas.”
Epilogue
“I knew you still loved him.” Catherine handed over Amelia’s bouquet of flowers and smiled smugly.
Julia rolled her eyes. “Well, everyone does now. It’s hardly a great secret. After all, they are getting married in front of over one hundred people.”
Catherine put hands to her hips. “Yes, but I knew it before everyone else. I was the one who caught them kissing.”
Amelia managed to control her blush at the thought of the many secretive kisses she and Nicholas had enjoyed since the announcement of their engagement. To be finally properly allowed to be affectionate with him would be wonderful.
“Shh about the kiss,” Emma hissed. “We do not need anyone to think we Chadwick girls are any more scandalous than we already are.”
Of course, Amelia’s sisters knew all about the kiss and some of the details of the proposal. Once their engagement had been announced at the ball, her sisters had pressed her for every tiny detail until her head spun with it all. It had been hard enough to believe it was actually happening without having to convey it all to them.
“Do you think Amelia’s marriage will make us a little more respectable?” Emma asked.
Catherine snorted. “Not likely. The old bats of the ton have long memories.” She thrust up her chin. “Besides, I have no intentions of bowing and scraping before them, do you?”
Julia laughed. “Old bats. Do not let mother hear you say that.”
“Well they are.” Catherine crossed her arms.
“You might not care for their opinion,” Amelia said, “but do try to be on your best behavior today. Nicholas has quite a few important friends here today.”
“Oh he won’t care.” Catherine waved a hand. “He will only have eyes for you.”
Emma gave a dreamy sigh. “I did not think love was that interesting but seeing how Nicholas looks as you, Amelia...well, perhaps love is not all that mad.”
Amelia smiled, her chest warm with love for her wonderful, silly sisters, and overflowing with it for her husband-to-be. All those years of waiting and hoping had come to fruition, and only Nicholas truly knew her. For most people, they would only ever know her through her books but behind closed doors, she could finally be something more than the sensible older sister.
“Love suits Amelia,” Julia agreed.
“Won’t find me falling in love,” Catherine stated. “Never, ever.”
“Ha, who would want to love you anyway?” Emma scoffed. “You are every man’s worst nightmare.”
“Emma,” Amelia scolded. “That was cruel.”
Catherine shrugged. “She’s only being truthful. No man wants a woman like me—or any of us. And I do not care a fig.”
Amelia shook her head. Catherine did not care for men but she was only young. Once she turned twenty, she’d wager Catherine would care a lot more for men. As for her other sisters, Julia was too busy digging in the dirt or chasing animals to care about love. Emma was perhaps keener but then she was the second oldest. However, if Emma could not settle on a hobby, how could she expect to settle on a man?
“Nicholas wants Amelia,” Julia pointed out. “So much so that he procured a special license for them to wed.”
“Amelia is the exception, and far more deserving of love than any of us,” Emma said.
“That’s true,” Catherine agreed. “All those years of looking after us, you deserve happiness.”
Tears swelled in Amelia’s eyes. She had spent so many days worrying for her sisters, it was hard to believe she would not see them every day.
Emma darted forward with a handkerchief and dabbed Amelia’s eyes. “Now don’t you cry. You’ll set the rest of us off.”
Julia nodded and sniffed. All three of her sisters looked a little teary, even Catherine who kept her head slightly turned away so no one could see.
As Amelia opened her arms to her sisters, the vestry door pushed open. Amelia nearly dropped her flowers. “Lavinia!”
Lavinia swept into the room and embraced Amelia quickly. “I’m sorry I’m a mess.” She motioned up and down her spotless gown and perfect hair. “We travelled all night and I had no chance to change.”
“You look perfect,” Amelia said. “But we did not expect you to be able to come.”
“And miss out on my big sister’s wedding? Never.” Lavinia patted her hair. “I insisted we must come at once, even if I could not make the wedding, I had to see you all. It feels like it has been too long already.”
“It has,” Amelia agreed.
“I always knew he was destined for someone better, you know.” A twinkle appeared in Lavinia’s eyes.
Amelia scowled. “Better?”
“Oh yes, I would have bored Nicholas to death. Thank goodness he came to his senses. As soon as I heard of your engagement, I just knew you’d be perfect together. With your imagination and his adventurous spirit.”
Amelia knew that. She had known it for a while she supposed. But to hear her sister say as much, filled her with gratitude. Her vision grew misty again.
“Stop it.” Julia thrust the handkerchief back at her.
“I shall only be a few miles away,” Amelia reminded them all, sniffing. “You can see me every day.”
“Try and stop us,” Catherine declared.
Amelia opened her arms and her sisters flung themselves at her. The five of them laughed as Amelia nearly toppled backward from the weight of them all.
“Whatever the future holds,” she assured them. “We will always have each other.”
“Always,” they agreed.
THE END
Julia and the Duke
Chapter One
Blowing the curls from her face, Julia pushed up from her position and groaned. Spasms of pain rolled through her muscles.
“That’s what you get for sitting in one place for too long,” she scolded herself, mimicking the tone of her oldest sister Amelia.
Amelia would roll her eyes at the state of her. Her mother would probably have a fit. From her position lying flat on her belly, she eased her legs around and sat. Hands caked in dirt, and her skirts muddy and damp from the ground, Julia could imagine what her mother would think of her now.
She pushed her spectacles up her nose and grimaced when she left a muddy fingerprint on the glass. As she wiped them on a rare clean bit of fabric, she peered up and down the river then at the skies.
Julia huffed. She’d been here for a good four hours now and no sign of the otters. They were determined to lead her on a merry chase. How was she ever going to finish her research if she rarely got to see them? But it was getting late and if she did not return home soon, no doubt one of her sisters would be sent to find her.
She stood and gave one last hopeful glance up and down. And paused. There was movement along the riverbank. She held her breath. Could it be? The otters had reproduced in the spring and were cautious about moving their babies. Since then, she had rarely seen them. Her heart skipped a little and she scrutinized the spot where there had been movement. She dared not move in case they spotted her and vanished again but she was not really close enough for her to see much. Perhaps they would come nearer her position, she thought hopefully.
