Duty to Love (6 page)

If he could bring himself to apologize to Arthur.

And
if, knowing James had gone behind his back, Arthur could forgive him.

The
carriage pulling into the coach-house startled James out of his thoughts. He
smiled as he climbed out and headed for the house. Some things never changed,
only if guests were present would Griggs stop directly outside the house for
them to alight. Family could walk back a few hundred yards.

The
walk was good, for he'd had too little opportunity to stretch his legs
today.
 
A bath would be even better and
would help clear some of the stench of travel from him. He'd not even thought
of how he must appear to Amelia fresh from the saddle. He doubted it would have
made a difference though. Amelia clearly had feelings for Arthur. Was there any
point in trying to fit with them? However much he wanted Amelia, the best part
of him didn't want to come between the two of them.

Ah
well, Arthur deserved an apology anyway. It would be best to part on speaking
terms. This time he'd get clean first.

****

James
stepped gingerly into the water of his bath. He'd asked for it to be filled hot,
and clearly had been taken seriously, for tendrils of steam danced up from the
water's surface. The shock to his skin as the feeling of intense heat quickly
radiated upwards was worth it. Baths were a rare luxury, and James intended to
immerse himself as long as possible, get as clean as possible, and rouse some
feeling in his body.

The
water rose to cover his lower ribs as he submerged himself, bending his knees
to get as much of his body in the water as possible before resting his head
back against the copper rim. It was an effort to relax, to let go some of the
tension that made part of him feel frozen despite the heat.

He
took himself in hand, a familiar action these last few years, a habit when he
found himself hard. Gripping tightly he jerked his hand back and forth, no
smooth giving in to pleasure, rather a rough pursuit of relief.

He'd
had enough of using his hand for pleasure, had enough of it being the outlet
for his sexual energy, his actions constantly fueled by fantasies of Amelia.
Even when she married Arthur, Amelia would undoubtedly consume his thoughts,
prompting his body to betray him into seeking a physical gratification
ultimately denied him.

Seeing
her in the flesh again was only going to make matters worse for him. She was
even more beautiful, physically alluring. Her body had filled out, gracing her
frame with glorious curves. Curves that James wanted to squeeze and wallow in.

Thoughts
of Arthur being the first to explore her body would fuel both his fantasies and
his torment. If it were him he'd
unwrap
her slowly,
touching and kissing her skin as he went, teasing her senses. He'd see if she'd
let him keep the candles lit. Arthur he imagined working in the dark, learning
Amelia by touch, pressed close into all her softness.

Faster
and faster his right hand moved as thoughts of Amelia's rising passion worked
through his mind. Would she squirm and wriggle as she approached the moment of
climax?
Her hips rising to the hand on her pussy.
 
His cock bucked in his hand as he imagined
Amelia's features contorting in ecstasy; it pulsed with the imagined sound of
soft cries and panting breath.

His
own climax was approaching, balls drawing tight with the need to expel his
seed. James reached his left hand down to cup their heavy weight. It was the
final touch needed to send waves of ecstasy crashing over him. He grunted
before moaning, “Amelia, Amelia, Amelia.”

His
body shuddered as he prolonged the moment as long as possible picturing the hot
jets of his seed splashing onto Amelia's lush breasts, droplets decorating her
nipples like delicate crystals.

In
reality his seed fell into the water around him. It was time to get out.

He
quickly reached for the bar of soap, lathering his body with quick strokes. As
he rinsed it off, sluicing his body with large handfuls of water, the contents
of the bath became milky. A good thing, James decided, as it helped obscure his
actions. The servants might be discreet, but even so.
  

Chapter Four

Poppies,
cornflowers, and daisies made up the bouquet Amelia clutched in her hands.
She'd raced out to pick them that morning, needing a moment to herself and
fresh air to breathe before the suffocating pressure of being made to look
perfect.

As
she'd been made ready she'd had to mentally will
herself
to stand still at least every thirty seconds. Any time she felt a twitch in her
toes she'd glance at the clock and focus on the regular, monotonous movement of
the second hand until she felt it safe to look away. That was how she knew it
look seventeen minutes to lace her corset.

She
allowed herself to be pulled and prodded, her dress poured onto her, her hair
teased into order.

Even
once prepared she had to stand, fear of creases causing her mother to
constantly steer her away from chairs.

It
was almost enough to make her feel like a Countess.
 
When she stood in front of the looking glass
she took pleasure in her appearance. Most days it wasn't something she gave a
great deal of consideration to, but now she was glad that she scrubbed up well,
especially if it would give Arthur pleasure to look at her.
 

The
gown she wore was simple yet elegant, a pale pink gossamer silk delicately
layered over rich cream satin. Tiny pink rosebuds edged with a hint of green
stem were embroidered around the neckline, hem, sleeves, and even the waist
forming sash. With a crown of pink flowers also adorning her hair she felt like
a gift of nature. She smiled at herself for being fanciful.

Her
mother, obviously thinking the smile was directed at her, gave a rare smile
back. “Oh you do look handsome, Amelia. I warrant no other bride could match
you even if she were standing in St George’s.”

Pride
actually shone in her father's eyes, just as it had when the engagement had
been announced in the papers.

Both
Amelia's mother and father had wanted the spectacle of a high society wedding,
but it wouldn't have been appropriate. Amelia had yet to come out to London
society. She was secretly glad that it would be a more private affair. The
speed at which everything was happening had some advantages. Walking down the
aisle of the church where she sat each Sunday would not be too nerve-racking,
and the Rev.
Timble's
familiar round face with ruddy
complexion would be reassuring.

At
present she had no visible nerves, though her thoughts were in turmoil. Marrying
Arthur did not consume her thoughts. The idea of marriage to him infused her
with a quiet excitement. It was thoughts of James that had kept her awake and
threatened her composure. Would she ever see him again? Would Arthur be
resentful that she'd come between them?

Her
mother fussing at her side drew Amelia from her reverie. “Is it time?”

“Yes, dear.
Come, Mary and Alice will hold your skirts as you settle in the
carriage. That should keep them as smooth as possible.”

If
she had a pocket watch Amelia guessed she'd know the greatest length of time it
could take to get three adults into a carriage, but at last they were underway.

The
streets intersecting on the two sides of the church facing the town and shops
were filled with clusters of people, children fidgeting excitedly and pulling
on hands to draw attention as the Whitmore carriage rolled past and through the
churchyard gates. Town was not normally so busy. They'd come to see her, Amelia
thought. Of course it was a momentous occasion the Earl of
Hentonbury
taking a Countess, a local lady at that, Amelia, someone many of them knew well
enough to take tea with. Even though they wouldn't be allowed in the church
they would see her in her dress, and they clearly hoped Arthur would throw
coins their way when they emerged as man and wife.

There
was no one Amelia would rather have be a part of her special day, than those who
walked the same paths she did whatever walk of life they came from. Amelia was
determined her rise in station would not change her affection for all people.
If she thought about it she was just amazed that she was so close to a beautiful
dream, not just her wedding day, but the future it heralded.

Amelia
had little time to take anything in but glimpses of faces outside and then
again once inside the church. There were some she recognized. A few local
families they dined with had been invited, and others must be guests of
Arthur's. Everyone had risen from their pews upon her entry into the church,
and despite looking to the front Amelia could not see Arthur. In order to
appear serene with a soft smile of happiness Amelia tried to keep her facial
muscles still, apart from a slight pull around her mouth. Really she wanted a
glimpse of reassurance in the form of Arthur. The events of yesterday and
having to walk past so many eyes at once were affecting her more than she had
anticipated.

Ah
there he was, standing tall, and elegant ... yet not as tall as the man next to
him. Amelia gasped in surprise to see James. She'd thought he would not come.
Or at least had not pictured him beside Arthur, willing to stand
witness.
She meant to smile at him, to let him know she was pleased to
see him, to will there to be no awkwardness between them. That had been her
plan when musing on their next encounter, but her gaze was transfixed by the
distinctive purple mark clearly showing on his jaw.

What
had happened yesterday after their parting? Had he and Arthur fought? She
looked Arthur over more carefully. He bore no signs of injury, and Amelia was
quite sure James could have landed a blow if he so desired. James might be the
younger brother, but he clearly had the advantage over Arthur in terms of sheer
size as well as time spent training.

She'd
have to question Arthur the first chance she got. Ladies might not normally
broach such subjects, but that wouldn't hold Amelia back. Surely there was
nothing she could not ask Arthur once they were married.

Luckily
her feet stopped moving without conscious direction from her mind when she drew
parallel to Arthur both of them turning to face the Rev.
Timble
.

“Let
us begin?”
The Reverend.
spoke
to the congregation, but he looked to Arthur and Amelia for non-verbal
confirmation that they were ready to begin. Arthur gave a slight nod of his
head.

“
Dearly
beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of
this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy
Matrimony...” Rev.
Timble
spoke the words familiar to
Amelia from the Book of Common Prayer. As young girls she and Francine had
played “weddings” more than a time or two. Francine had always been the bride,
Amelia being allowed to alternate between groom and priest.

“...Therefore if any man can
shew
any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined
together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.”

In their play there had often been an
interruption at this point in the service, a haughty relative dashing in to
declare the bride of poor breeding, a dashing knight coming to rescue the fair
maiden from an evil Lord. But only in child's play, or perhaps a story, could
such a thing happen.

Beside her Amelia felt Arthur move, a
subtle shift of balance. Did he turn his head to look at James?

“
I require
and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of
judgement
when the secrets of all hearts shall be
disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully
joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it.”

It was no secret to her future husband
that she had kissed his bother. Amelia had nothing to confess now, on this
earth. At the gates of heaven she might be judged, for surely there her
feelings as well actions would be known. Amelia wanted to be joined to Arthur.
She would never intentionally cause him pain or humiliation, but she couldn't
escape having feelings for James as well. Her body responded when he was near,
a smile, a skip of her heart, and, since his kiss, a roiling sensation in her
stomach.

Past the increased awareness of her body
Amelia dimly heard the Rev.
Timble
moving on to the
part of the service she needed to pay attention to.

“
Wilt
thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance
in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and
keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only
unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

“I will.” Arthur's voice rang clear.

“Wilt
thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after
God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve
him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all
others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”