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Chapter 22
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 23
Satisfied with Lady Cawley’s disgrace, Edmund continued my supposed birthday fun at the Tarrick Gallery. Though I had never known her socially the image of her stayed with me instead of the shop wares. Fitz followed behind, his eyes burning into the nape of my neck. Disguised as a birthday present this outing was Edmund's reminder to the good and great of the town that he was Duke of Tarrick. The richest landowner for fifty miles and nearly everyone's landlord. Wearing a charcoal grey suit with a pearl waistcoat, he looked distinguished, if frail. I was his trinket. The sapphire brooch drawing gasps from onlookers as I reluctantly modelled his wealth. “Happy birthday Vanessa!” Kitty cried, waiting for us outside the entrance. “Your Grace,” was my mothers cordial greeting, a cold kiss on the cheek my sole greeting. Edmund took my mothers arm to guide her around the new landscape collection, I held Kitty’s. “So, who is the new livery!” she whispered. “I have never seen such a man bef
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 24
When I woke the petals were clenched tightly in my hand. I had not shut my heavy velvet curtains after Fitz’s late night scramble to my window meaning I woke with the hazy autumn dawn. Before Marie could enter I quickly pressed the petals back into the leaves of my book. To leave such affectionate tokens lying about would be foolish, no matter how kind she seemed of late. Everything seemed brighter, more optimistic. The fallen leaves of yesterday which reminded me of mud and decay now seemed like a golden carpet, a pure feast for the eyes. Because he loves me. "Did you both sleep well?" I enquired at breakfast lightly noticing the dark circles under Kitty's eyes. I was dressed in a pale lilac cotton gown, simpler than yesterday, tied with a deep purple ribbon under my bosom. "I never sleep well away from home," she muttered sulkily, earning a brisk reprimand from my mother. "Tsk Kitty you must get accustomed to such grand suites and bedrooms!" Edmund's eyes were a similarly d
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 25
What was I thinking, to be so bold as to declare to Fitz I was heading to his room tonight. He may well have his door locked after the thunderous slap I gave him. Of course Edmund inevitably appeared. I made sure I looked ill-tempered and flustered, fanning myself by the hearth as he hobbled into my sunny parlour. "Are you well Vanessa" he said quietly, not fully entering the room. By leaning against the door frame he became an audience, studying my performance within the parlour with his thin face. "To tell the truth I have just rowed with Mr Fitz..he has not been at the stables recently so I thought it pleasant to feed Amber some apples. He was there and he, oh he was not proper!" "What was said?" "He…he was crude." "Vanessa I want you to tell me what was said-" "Edmund please do not ask that of me. I confess I slapped him but it was deserved!" Dropping my voice for fear of servants or the ever-present Doctor Farrers I kept my eyes to the floor. "I am doing what you asked.
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 26
I melted against him, the yearning and heat between my legs undeniable. Had there been any light in the room I was certain my inner thighs would have glistened sinfully. Instead, as clouds stole the limited moonlight, there was only blackness. To not observe his variety of expressions and bask in those green eyes was truly frustrating. I was forced to rely on the sound and tone of his husky voice and then his heartbeat. It made every touch more precious, every noise eagerly savoured. “How…how are you going to make me see stars?” I replied nervously. His kisses dropped from my lips to my neck, a rumble of appreciation from him with each cooing trill that escaped. He kept switching locations, with his hands and lips. Each time a little firmer, a little more daring. First his fingers stroked my spine, then my ribcage, trailing up towards my breasts. “Vanessa, there are so many ways, it is discovering what your senses delight in.” I cried out in pleasure as his warm, bare hand fin
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 27
***FTIZ POV*** After she leaves, I simply watch the sun come up. There is no use in trying to sleep for my heart is racing. I already miss her presence. Not just the lustful, moaning sensual goddess that unfurled before me in the dark. I adore the witty, teasing clever little fox who at every turn has a ready answer or a tart little tone to her voice. She has so much spirit that I do not have the first idea of how she survived here for three years in such isolation. Pulling some white cotton drawers on I open my small window and inhale the fresh air. Another hour and dawn will arrive. I rest my arms on the sill, the cold air tingling at the scratches and nips my darling lavished on me. War wounds and battle scars I shall tease her, when really, they are a trophy. To have enraptured her senses so thoroughly she clawed into me for survival makes me grin like the worst kind of devious rogue as rest my chin on my arms. Edmund is to go to Bath. I must see my brother in London. Damni
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 28
Trying to disguise my dishevelled state meant I managed no sleep before dawn. Splashing my face with water, trying to clean between my legs, I heard the carriages pulling. With a heavy dread I knew I had to be downstairs promptly to bid Edmund farewell. "Goodness Your Grace what has happened to you!" Marie chided as she entered my bedroom. She almost dropped the tea tray as she stared at the livid dark bruise on my collar bone. "Your hair, you are injured, is everything quite alright?" "I fell out of the bed, I am supposed you did not hear my great thump," I replied, rubbing the corner of the bedside table. "I shall request some arnica to put on that bruise if you do not mind Your Grace." I nodded and tried to stifle a yawn. Of course it was a mark from Fitz and his caresses, along with my raw nipples, aching thighs and torso. I needed sleep and a warm bath. Yet I received a tightly laced corset and a dark blue day gown with a white ribbon. With an almost viciously firm han
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 29
***FITZ POV*** I am teetering on the edge of ruining everything. Thank God we are returning soon. The pair of them are nothing but loathsome gargoyles. Neither of them fit to be called gentlemen. How Vanessa remains safe under a roof with them is a mystery. I have borne witness to the worst excesses. If Edmund returns miraculously cured it won't be through the hot spring waters of Bath. It will be through the power of port and whores. Three nights of debauchery, tonight is the fourth. Watching Doctor Farrers, if the man is even qualified to call himself such a thing, ply the arrogant Duke with ever stronger draughts of opioids is concerning. Each night his pupils were black holes, empty voids as I carried him to his room. Somehow every morning he was somehow dressed and plied into the carriage. I suspect the good Doctor is supplying him with an alternative medication for the mornings, to ensure he is sprightly and energetic. Almost manic as he chatters his way through the papers a
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 30
The absence of Fitz has been intolerable. I swing between elation at Edmund’s departure and heartsick despair. I allow myself one cry. Straight after the they left, exhausted from my night in Fitz’s room and overcome with the shock of his leaving I gave in to despair. With the door locked the servants knew not to approach. My eyes were red and puffy, cheeks sore from wiping away tears but then I came to back to myself. Observing from the sash windows I tried to think clearly. Fitz believed me to be an intelligent, capable woman. Alongside a dozen other things which made me blush and smile just to remember. I could not remember a time before where Tarrick Hall had been at my disposal. What could I use this situation for? I must push the idea of Edmund insisting on being present in the room to the rear of my mind. Otherwise my hands tremble and nausea overwhelm. Instead I pace the parlour, my gown swishing as I grow more frustrated. I remember the things Edmund forbade me from over
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Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 60
The honeymoon period only extended, month after month. Summer ebbed leading to autumnal nights. The darkness outside and roaring fire saw many a night spent on the large sofa close together. I would lay with my head on his lap reading as he did the same. Without judgement or expectations of others we were able to find our own ebb and flow. We did not live in constant contact. I adored my riding, Fitz loved to fix and engineer solutions to anything. He was quite the hero in the local town. He was seen as the local engineer rather than the landlord and out-of-towner. We purposely did not communicate with the outside world. I knew Marie would be anxious for a letter but it was too great a risk. Someone like Henley, still working for Edmund could chance to manipulate Marie into giving information. It was better to vanish entirely. Fitz had not heard from his brother since returning northwards to claim me, however they had agreed between them for him to visit at Christmas. They did not
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 59
The next month was utterly blissful. We soon fell into a happy routine. I shrieked with joy when Fitz showed me the manor had a stable attached. A young local lad named Jacob, only twelve, was in charge of looking after our horses. We had one each and a tiny fell pony for Eleanor when she grew older.My mare was similar to Amber and very sweet in temperament. I called her Felicity and soon adopted a habit of taking myself for long windswept rides. After feeding Eleanor in the morning the summer meadows beckoned me forth. I would leave father and daughter content in the gardens, and examining flowers. Fitz talked to her as if she was a small adult, explaining in great, exaggerated detail the differences between tulips and posies. She babbled back, as though fully understanding as I arrived back red-faced and delighted with the world.The riding and continued feeding somehow aided my recovery from childbirth. The strength required by my body to trot and gallop across the winding meadow
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 58
I gasped and my head tilted upwards. He lavished kisses upon my bare skin, all whilst his single finger gently, sweetly probed me. As he released a torrent of wetness he let his own deep groan of desire. His finger circling my most sensitive little mound, sent urgent jolts of pleasure throughout my body.“Fitz, I have missed you, I have missed us,” I murmured, gripping his hair and breathing into his chest. “If this hurts you must say and I shall stop,” he rasped as his finger slid inside my most private place. It did not hurt much, only different. It still felt like the most natural, perfect sensation on earth. Shuddering in his grasp he gently caressed me into a quivering high. Drawing me out like teasing wool, his touch and swirling, circular motion had me whimpering into his body. My fingers clutched at his buttons, trying to open his shirt so that I could kiss and adore his bare flesh. His constant touch and affection left me gasping for breath, relentless pleasure searching eve
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 57
Fitz, my perfect, deviously charming, amazing Fitz was as good as his word. After the revelatory breakfast, supplied with fresh horses we managed to travel another forty miles before changing horses once again. On the Liverpool road we stopped at an inn. Anyone who might notice us and fancy making a penny on our names in the papers would surely report we were headed for the docks. Perhaps fleeing to the Americas for a new start. However our rumbling carriage eventually headed down south, towards the Welsh border. The further we travelled the more remote and beautiful the landscape became. Rolling green hills and pastures greeted us, plentiful villages with children running freely. Exhaustion was soon catching upon us. We took it in turns to sleep and hold Eleanor as the carriage rattled and bounced its way along the road. Despite the uncomfortable journey we teased and laughed with each other. Everything felt lighter, the further away from Tarrick Hall the greater my joy.It was so
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 56
*** FITZ POV***I allowed myself a minute to revel in her arrival before necessity made us flee..“You came,” I whispered again, nuzzling my lips against her bare neck. She let out a little moan of pleasure as I gently stroked her arms and waist. Little Eleanor was between us as I struggled to contain my utter joy. I wanted to press her to me and back in her.“We must go, I shall tell you everything on the way,” and just as I began to pull away, she grabbed me once more. “Fitz, I love you,” she murmured, “I should have done this the moment I realised I loved you.” Vanessa’s lips sought mine with a hunger I had sorely missed. My body surged with desire, there was nothing I wanted more than to show her my adoration had not ebbed in the slightest.Almost a year parted but my love had only expanded.Finally she released me, her hands gripping onto my black greatcoat, her face flushed with passion. Even in the near darkness her blue eyes sparkled and left me short of breath. “Come, we must
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 55
Although mid-July the wind whipped viciously outside. As I strode along the huge corridors towards his suite I could still see the trees swaying from the windows. The driveway torchilights were slowly flickering, by the time midnight approached only a few would be left to guide my way.I felt my heart seize as I approached Edmund’s doorway. So many times I had imagined this scenario. Sometimes Fitz was there holding my hand, promising to keep me safe. Other times I had imagined leaving without a single trace. After our honeymoon and realisation I was a prisoner within this grey stone tomb I had fantasised about fleeing in the night almost daily.Tonight it is finally time to discard my chrysalis. The gowns and fripperies that made me a Duchess are not my true colours. They are the trappings of a prisoner, albeit shinier and more ornate. The plain navy gown and cornflower blue day dress I wear are my true wings. These naturally fitting, comfortable garments will suit my life as I navig
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 54
Waking with a start I worry everything was a dream. Eleanor was immediately upon me, mewling and fussing for another feed. Yet Fitz had vanished. My wounded lion, who made no fuss of his injuries despite clearly being in considerable pain. Drowsily I rang the bell hanging from its red velvet rope as Marie appeared.“You are well Your Grace?” as she quickly helped hold Eleanor for me whilst I unfastened my gown. “Marie, you helped…” failing to utter his name. I had never discussed my true feelings for him with anyone. It was too terrifying to make someone aware of the glass, fragile core of my heart.“I did. Only once I must add,” she replied, smiling down at the gurgling baby in her arms. “I gave him the money from your bureau.”Of course. He had been robbed. He has nothing and my soul aches at remembering his wounded face. He had done his best to wipe the blood away but he could not hide the bruising under his eyes. He confessed he has not made his fortune, as if that would deter me
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 53
*** Fitz POV ***Standing there waiting whilst Marie informed her was the greatest test of self-restraint I have ever faced. Knowing that behind that thick swaddling of damask fabric lay my newborn child and the brightest light of my life. I had almost forgotten the battered state of my body, the fact that twenty hours ago my nose had been broken and my ribs crushed under the boot of a thug. Nothing mattered now. As Marie offered to watch the door, it enabled me to finally break through the barrier. I heard her soft gasp at seeing my fingers threading through the material. By the time I ducked my head and body inside the curtain I was certain I could faint on sight. For there she lay, a glittering angel under candlelight. Her long brown curls were piled up high. A few chestnut tendrils snaked their way down her perfect, elegant neck. A white nightgown, buttoned high up to her neck gave her an angelic appearance. Her blue eyes were tired but they still had that captivating sparkle.
Her Honour for an Heir Chapter 52
Marie was by my side from the moment the hot fluid first appeared between my legs. She burst into the room before my second scream of panic, suggesting she had been incredibly close to the doorway the entire time. Edmund said nothing further, merely scowling as Marie suggested the staff send for Doctor Mathers.“Your Grace I am here, do not fret,” she soothed, grasping my hand to her chest as I surveyed the damp bedding in panic. We must move you, you will be quite safe, come along. I have a room prepared.”Walking quickly, aware that at every step more liquid was seeping from between my legs we headed into a guest room across the hallway. There were dozens of towels, linens and a hot tin bath waiting. Marie rang a bell three times sharply, within a minute half a dozen servant girls appeared.“Just as we have prepared ladies, I want this tub full and hot, I want the fire lighting and you are to fetch Doctor Mathers in here the instant he arrives.”They curtsied as I found myself reduce
