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15: Next morning
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2022-09-08 16:37:53Related chapters
Promised to the father, married to the son 16: Awkward breakfast
*Ben* When she had awoken with that soft moan, it had taken everything within me not to pounce on the bed and take her then and there. It didn't matter that my face was lathered in showing foam or that she had distracted me to such an extent that I very nearly sliced open his jugular. I can think of worse ways to go than with that luscious sound ringing in my ears. How can a woman be so gloriously sensual upon awakening ? Standing at the window in the library, watching as the fog begins to dissipate, I have to admit that I don’t have any paperwork I need to see to. I just wanted to give her time to bathe and perhaps join me for breakfast. I could have also delayed going to the mines, but being within reach of her without touching her would have tested my sanity. While she had offered herself during the day, we made a bargain I intend to keep. The day is hers; the night is mine. One exception would place us on a slippery slope, and she might decide I shouldn’t have all the nights
Last Updated : 2022-09-12Promised to the father, married to the son 17: Testing his restraint
*Skye* I have to take such care in answering his questions that it is trying beyond measure. There has never been a husband. I am not a widow. But there had been a love, what I thought was a grand love. What a fool I had been. I am not going to make the mistake of falling in love again. He has no interest in it and neither do I. Which should have made us perfect for each other. Instead it serves to tie my stomach into knots. I could have compelled the old man into caring for me. I do not stand a chance of doing that with his obstinate son. Yet I feel this insane urge to be as honest as I can with him. If he ever discovers the full truth, he will at least see that I had limited my deception as much as I was able to. Of course, if he discovers the full truth, it would all be moot, as he is likely to kill me anyway. Put those strong hands of his about my neck and choke the very life from me. But I can’t worry about the future. I have to concentrate on the present. And presently he is
Last Updated : 2022-09-23Promised to the father, married to the son 18: Her special place
*Skye* With my money nestled in my pocket, I spent half an hour in the library looking over the books, striving to find something to read, to occupy my time. But it isn’t the assortment of literature I want to explore. It is the residence itself, even if it is nothing more than a series of Locked doors. Except that the locks have keys. I make my way down to the kitchens and find Mrs. Barney rocking in a chair in her office, sipping a cup of tea. “Mrs. Barney”. I say. The older woman’s eyes widened, and she shoves herself to her feet, her bones creaking along the way. “Mrs Archer”. “Mrs. Barney, I would like to borrow your keys for a spell”. I say. Much as she had the day before the housekeeper slaps her hand against the large ring. “They’re my responsibility”. “Yes, I know. And I will return them before the day is done”. I promise. She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Mrs Archer, but I can’t give them to you”. “Oh, I believe you can”. I say. Seriously living in this house is almo
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Promised to the father, married to the son 19: Spiders and boots
*Ben* It is late afternoon by the time I, covered in sweat and grime, stride into the kitchen. I don’t know why I believe that if I work in the mines alongside the miners that fortune is more likely to smile on them and they will discover a tin-rich vein after two years of nothing. It had made the men uncomfortable when I first began digging beside them. I am their boss, the CEO of the company, born into the rich upper class. It had taken them a while to accept my help, my determination. But I enjoy stretching my muscles, pushing myself to the limit of near physical exhaustion. It keeps my mind from traveling the path of despair. Today it has kept me from breaking my promise to my wife that the day belongs to her. I shouldn’t have kissed her before I walked out, because her taste stayed with me far too long, it kept my body tense and in need until I went down into the pits where there is always a danger that I will not come out. So perhaps my father has the right of it. I really
Last Updated : 2022-10-16Promised to the father, married to the son 20: Showing his trust
*Skye* As he escorts me from the room, I am a bit surprised … based upon the way his eyes had darkened as he had rubbed my chin … that he hadn’t tossed me on a nearby sofa and pulled up my skirt. Once outside, I lock the door, already dreading the encounter I will have with Mrs. Barney regarding the keys in the morning. I am going to reclaim the room whether Ben likes it or not. When he isn’t around, I will entertain myself by playing the piano. I understand it is his house and his rules, but some rules are in need of breaking. Carrying on down the hallway, I become very aware of my uneven gait, my slipper whispering along the floor, his boot clomping. “How are you managing to keep my boot on ?” He asks. “I stuffed newspaper into the toe and around the sides, filling up the space around my foot. A trick I learned from my mother, who always bought our shoes a bit large so we could grow into them and they would last longer”. I explain. He looks surprised. “Our shoes ? You had sib
Last Updated : 2022-10-23Promised to the father, married to the son 21: Teasing him
*Ben* She is going to drive me mad. i am fairly certain of it as I sip my scotch, staring out the window of the library into the darkness, and wait for her arrival. After hauling up the tub and water, I had been incredibly tempted to lounge against the wall and watch as she removed her clothes, as she stepped into the bath, as she dribbled water over her skin. But if I had stayed, I doubt that she would get so much as her tiniest toe wet before I had her on her back. I yearn for her with a fierceness I do not want to acknowledge. Never before has any woman affected me as she does. So I had walked out simply to prove … more to myself than to her … that I could. I never would have expected to find Sky on her hands and knees cleaning. Granted, Mrs. Barneyis no spring chicken and her efforts yesterday with the parlor had been sadly lacking, but she had made the room habitable. And she is the housekeeper. It is her job to keep the house. But Sky has begun seeing to the things herself,
Last Updated : 2022-11-11Promised to the father, married to the son 22: An interesting dinner
*Skye* Montie had been attracted to me, and had wanted me. He had made that clear the evening he introduced himself at a charity event. But he never looked at me with the smoldering intensity thatZ ac does. While he sits across from me, several feet away, I am acutely aware of the desire thrumming off him as the wine is poured. Although desire seems too tame a word. He had wanted to spread me out on the desk and have his way with me. I had seen it in his eyes. I don’t know whether to be flattered or insulted that he managed to keep his urges under control. I would be smart not to taunt him so brazenly, not to give the impression that I am somewhat of a wanton, but I need the marriage consummated before the sun rises again. It is the only way to ensure this arrangement can’t be easily undone, is the only way to guarantee a measure of protection should Montie discover where I am hiding. I had been careful, never using my name during my trip here, never using the main system of tra
Last Updated : 2022-12-05Promised to the father, married to the son 23: Their goodnights
*Ben* She licks the pudding from her spoon, slowly, provocatively, all the while making little moaning sounds that cause me to harden, my skin to tighten and my breath to hitch. I have no doubt that she knows precisely how much she is tormenting me and is taking delight in doing so. I want to throttle her. I want to kiss every inch of her. I want to laugh, a large boisterous guffaw that will echo through every corner of the manor. I can’t remember a time when I had enjoyed a woman so much … and I have yet to enjoy her fully. My own pudding remains untouched. “Perhaps you would care to finish my dessert too”. I offer when she finally sets her spoon aside. “Don’t you like pudding ?” She asks. “I don’t have much fondness for sweets, which must be why I like you. You’re so tart”. I tell her. Surprise washes over her features. “You like me ?” Had I said that ? Damn it all to hell, I had. Without thinking of the repercussions or how she might interpret the words. That she might find
Last Updated : 2022-12-09
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Promised to the father, married to the son Epilogue
*Skye* Standing on the landing at the top of the stairs with my husband behind me, his arms circling me just below my breasts, and Marsden beside me, I couldn't be more pleased. "What do you think, Father?" I ask."Beautiful, my dear. It’s just as it was the last time that Linnie and I held a Christmas ball here. Of course, we had an abundance of guests then."I saved the tidying of the ballroom for last, and this is my gift to Marsden. Every room in the manor is now absent cobwebs and dust; every room has been set to rights."Will you host a ball here?" he asks."We thought in the new year, if you've no objections.""You're the lady of the manor. It’s your decision.""If you're not comfortable with so many people.""It'll be good to see old friends. Will you dance with me now?"I smile at him. "We don't have an orchestra."He pats his chest. "The music is here. You don't mind, do you, son?""Not as long as I get the last dance.""Will you dance with me, Papa?" Maddie asks from her
Promised to the father, married to the son Maddie
*Skye* We stayed in New York until the end of the Season. No rumors about my past circulated. Occasionally, I caught a glimpse of Beaumont, but he kept his distance. It seems to me that he always looks rather sad. I do hope that happiness is in his future. But happiness is certainly in my present. I am glad to be back at the country estate. Sitting on the terrace with Marsden, sipping my afternoon tea while he drinks scotch, I don't know why I ever thought this place was desolate. "I love it here," I say on a sigh. "It's not for everyone," he tells me. I look over at him. "It's for me, though." And it will be for my children. Here, they will know only happiness. They might climb trees, but it won't be because they are afraid of receiving an unjust punishment. I know my husband will be returning soon. He is spending less time at the mines these days. He still goes down into them, he can't seem to refrain from accepting the challenge of it. But he doesn't go as often, or so he tell
Promised to the father, married to the son Together again
*Ben* As soon as the car takes off, I drag her onto my lap, latching my mouth onto the soft skin at her throat, suckling, nipping, journeying up and down the long column, while she moans, drops her head back, gasps short breaths. "If you ever leave me again, without so much as a word of warning..." "What will you do? Spank me? Lock me in my room? There is little point in running away if you warn the person ahead of time or leave a message stating where you are." Threading my fingers through her hair, I bring her head level with mine, holding her gaze. "Never leave me again." "I did it for you. To spare you." "The agony of losing you nearly killed me." Something I'd never admit to another soul, but to her, I suddenly feel that I can admit anything. "How did you find me?" "Not as easily or as quickly as I should have. I went to see your parents." Her eyes widen. Wanting to drink in the whiskey, I wish it wasn't dark, that we weren't ensconced in shadows. "I told you I was dead t
Promised to the father, married to the son Finding her
*Skye* I hated parting with the pearls, but I didn't have any other choice. Unfortunately, they didn't bring in as much money as I had hoped, but it was enough for me to feel confident going to my solicitor, knowing that I could pay his fee. Turns out, he didn't charge me for his advice, as there was nothing he could do for me. "I can't divorce him," I say, pacing in front of the fireplace in my temporary bedchamber. "I thought infidelity was a justifiable reason for getting a divorce," Sophie says. "Yes, but I can't divorce him because I committed adultery. Only he can divorce me for my transgressions." "You can divorce him if he commits adultery, so let's say he did." Shaking my head, I stop pacing. "No. I won't have some woman he might wish to marry questioning his faithfulness. He is loyal. Besides, it's not enough for him to be an adulterer. He must desert me for two years. Yet I don't have to desert him. There are different laws applied to men than to women, which makes it
Promised to the father, married to the son Has he seen her?
*Beaumont* I've never had as much luck playing cards as I'm having this evening at the Twin Dragons. From the moment I sat down half an hour earlier, I've taken every hand. This latest one will be no exception. Fortune is smiling so brightly on me. "I need a word." Christ, I nearly jump out of my skin at the low rasp near my ear. I recognize the owner's tone as one that doesn't bode well. I snap my head around, my gaze slamming into Killian Archer's, the hazel eyes indicating a high price will be paid for any disobedience. But I'm known for my stubbornness. "I'm otherwise occupied." Do I have to sound as though my heart is lodged in my throat? Archer grabs my cards, tosses them down. "He's out." "See here." I swing back around to glare at him. There is a tenseness, a danger, to him that has no doubt led to his surviving his treks into the wilds. Not even the king of the jungle would want to tangle with a man who looks as though he'd take great delight in devouring his prey for
Promised to the father, married to the son Her parents
*Ben* I've ridden my motorbike like a madman all through the day and into the evening in order to catch up with the bus. When I finally do reach it, I discover she's disembarked in the first village at which it has stopped. Naturally, by the time I return there, she is nowhere to be found. So where the bloody hell has she gone? She isn't going to return to the country estate. Of that, I'm fairly certain. In no mood to explain the situation to my father, I've sent the cars and servants back to New York while I carry on to her childhood home. I think it's unlikely that she would seek out her parents for help, but I'm hopeful they can shed some light on where she might seek refuge. Having attended a couple of balls at Beaumont's country estate, I'm familiar with the area and seek out the parsonage near the church. After knocking on the door, I glance around, my chest tightening as I study the towering oak that brushes up against a window on the uppermost level. I imagine Skye bold, b
Promised to the father, married to the son Seaking shelter
*Skye* It's the very worst place I could come, but I have nowhere else to go. Knocking on the servants' door, I hold my breath, striving not to think about what might have gone through Ben's head other than a great deal of pain considering how much he'd imbibed when he awoke this morning to find me gone. Would he have even cared or would he have thought good riddance? A servant opens the door, blinks at me, furrows his brow, and I know he's trying to place me. "I'm here to see Miss Sophie." "What is the nature of your business?" "It's personal." In my bag, I have several calling cards that Ben had given me when we arrived in New York, in the event I made morning calls. He had such faith in me garnering the love and respect of Society, of being welcomed, of being accepted as his wife. Instead, I've merely managed to ruin his life. And I'll ruin it further if I hand over a calling card and anyone discovers that Mrs. Archer is very familiar with Mistress Row. "Just inform her that
Promised to the father, married to the son A missing wife
*Ben* I awaken with my head feeling as heavy as my heart. I rather wish that I hadn't asked Skye about her history with Beaumont because I have a strong need to go find him and pummel the man to within an inch of his life. I have catched glimpses of her innocence when she kills spiders, falls into the arms of a waiting servants, and laughs, dancing her fingers over the piano keys. I wish I had known her before Beaumont tore away her guilelessness, although I recognize that I would have considered her too pure for the likes of me, giving her little thought because she would have been likable and the last thing I wanted was a woman I could fancy. How ironic then that I ended up with one I could love. I shouldn't have come to her, should have resisted, but where she is concerned, I had no resistance from the moment I opened the door to her. I curse her for bringing a loneliness to my life that I had never before experienced. I never had any trouble sleeping alone, and now I despise
Promised to the father, married to the son Her whole story
*Skye* I lie on my side beneath the covers, staring at the pale moonlight filtering in through the windows. My life has been a series of escapes, of running away, each one leading to something worse than what had come before. Reading the gossip Magazines, I never considered the rich to be very noble. The men are womanizers; the ladies are silly chits who care only about gowns, money, and dance partners. None of them have real troubles or concerns. Through Montie, I havd learned they are a selfish lot concerned only with their own wants and needs. The other mistresses I have known saw the upper crust of society as a means to an end. Nice residence, fancy clothes, fine jewelry. And if it means giving up one's good name and reputation, they think it worth it for all they gain to be spoiled and pampered, even if it means indulging the whims of a specific gentleman anytime day or night. To be his bird in a gilded cage, to sing when prompted, to keep silent otherwise. Mistresses mistaken
