Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

" T hank you Mrs. Hayes. I shall get ready for dinner now," Eliza said and after Mrs. Hayes left her with a curtsy, she closed the door to her chambers.

She'd been quite tired that day; her responsibilities had taken the better half of her afternoon.

The truth was she had been sleeping in those past few days. And the reason was her insatiable husband. They'd been going at it like rabbits for days, so she had to make up for the lost sleep somehow.

Still, they slept separately; which, according to their agreement, she could mind. And yet, she remembered how comfortably she'd awoken at that coaching inn after their wedding, with Anthony's strong arms wrapping around her like the most comforting of blankets, his steady breath a soft lullaby…

But they'd set a boundaries—no emotions, just pleasure—and she had to respect them.

Just before she was about to sit on her boudoir to wait for her maid, a knock came from the door.

"Come in," she called out, expecting to see her maid.

But it was Anthony who crossed the threshold and closed the door behind him.

Eliza looked at him from her large mirror, and her heart swelled at the sight of his gaze fixed on her, his eyes filled with warmth and something deeper, something more primal.

"Duchess," he spoke quietly.

Eliza turned around, "My lord. What are you doing here?"

"Can I not visit my wife's bedchambers?" he smirked, and Eliza immediately understood his intentions.

"My maid's coming to help me prepare for dinner soon."

"No, she's not. I told Mrs. Hayes that you are not to be disturbed until further notice."

"Until further notice?"

"Oh yes. I wish to enjoy you without time constraints."

She'd only stood up a moment when Anthony sauntered towards her, and his lips found hers in a slow, tender kiss that quickly deepened, his tongue teasing hers as he backed her to the bed.

Eliza sighed into his mouth as she lay back, her fingers threading through his hair as he climbed on top of her, the weight of his body pressing her into the mattress in the most delicious way.

They removed their clothes in a hurry, and Anthony kissed her again, his member pressing right up against her stomach.

But then, to her surprise, Anthony pulled back, his eyes dark with desire as he gazed down at her.

"Sit up," he said softly, his voice low and commanding as he rolled off her and lied back down.

"Yes?" she quirked an eyebrow, confused as to what he wanted from her.

"Sit on it," he said nodding towards his throbbing member, "I wish to admire you as ride me."

Eliza gulped, and a flicker of hesitation flashed across her face. She had always been conscious of her curves, and though Anthony had never made her feel anything less than beautiful, the idea of being so exposed, of taking control, made her nerves flutter.

Anthony seemed to sense her hesitation. He cupped her cheek in his hand, his thumb brushing over her lips.

"What's the matter, darling?" he asked softly.

"I… Are you sure? I might be a bit—" she mumbled but he quickly cut her off.

"Nonsense. Now, obey your husband and ride my cock," he said, even more demanding this time, sending shivers down her spine.

She nodded, though the uncertainty still lingered. Slowly, she allowed him to guide her as she straddled his hips. She could feel the heat of him against her, and her breath hitched as he steadied her with his hands on her waist.

"Good. Now spit on it," he instructed with an excited smile dancing on his lips.

Eliza did exactly as he asked, coating his member liberally.

"Good girl. Just like this," Anthony murmured, his thumbs brushing over her sides reassuringly. "Take your time. Let me feel how incredible you are."

Eliza bit her lip as she lowered herself onto him, the sensation of him filling her so deeply making her gasp. Anthony's grip on her tightened, his breath coming out in a low groan as she took him in, her curves fitting perfectly against his strong frame.

"You feel so good," he whispered, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race.

Emboldened by his words, she began to move, her hands resting on his chest as she found a rhythm that made her moan in pleasure. Anthony's hands roamed over her body, caressing every inch of her, guiding her movements with gentle pressure.

Every touch, every word of encouragement, erased her doubts, leaving only the exhilarating friction of their bodies. Her confidence grew with each passing moment, the pleasure quickly building between them.

Anthony's eyes never left hers, his gaze filled with awe and hunger as he watched her.

"I love the view from down here," he said as he placed one hand on her breast and the other on her waist.

"And I love the view from up here," she countered and he chuckled in return.

"Perhaps I shall allow you to be charge every once in a while, my dear," he said and pulled her down, "but never forget who's truly got the reins here."

With that, he kissed her hungrily, and then flipped them over, placing him on top of Eliza once again.

"I would not dare to forget," she replied.

"That's what I like to hear," he said and claimed her lips one more time before continuing with the rest of her body.

Heavens , she wished they would never, ever leave that bed.

"Go on, Eliza! Show Violet how it's done!" William, the Viscount of Rutherford, cheered.

Eliza shot him a grin. "I think Violet might be beating me at my own game. She's quite the prodigy!"

The lush gardens and manicured lawns of Rutherford Hall were bustling with activity as Eliza and Violet, Anthony's eight-year-old niece, competed in a lively game of croquet.

Ever since his sister Phoebe had invited them for a visit at Rutherford Hall, which was only a couple of hours away from Redfern, Eliza had been quite restless, telling Anthony how nervous she was to finally meet his niece.

Anthony had reassured her multiple times, as he was certain she'd get along with little Violet.

Anthony glanced at William, who stood by, occasionally offering encouragement and light-hearted jabs at both players.

Eliza laughed as she tapped the croquet ball with precision, sending it through the wicket with a satisfying clink.

Violet, equally determined, pouted in concentration as she lined up her next shot.

Violet beamed at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I've been practicing! Papa says I'm getting very good."

Meanwhile, in a shaded alcove not far from the croquet lawn, Phoebe and Anthony stood engaged in a quiet conversation.

Phoebe watched the game with an indulgent smile.

"So, how have you been faring since the season began?" Phoebe inquired, "There's still quite a stir about you and your wedding."

Anthony's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Indeed? I suspect the ton finds any scandal to be a welcome diversion from their own mundane lives."

Phoebe laughed lightly. "Oh, Anthony, you always did have a rather cynical view of society. But surely, not all the attention has been unwelcome."

Anthony's eyes narrowed. "Some of it is. I prefer to keep my affairs private, away from prying eyes."

"I am aware of that," Phoebe said. "But sometimes, it's difficult to avoid the scrutiny when one's life changes so drastically."

Anthony sighed. "True enough. And speaking of changes, how is Violet faring? I trust she's still as spirited as ever?"

Phoebe's face softened with maternal pride. "She's grown so much, and her spirit is as vibrant as ever. She adores her games and her lessons. It's a joy to see her so full of life."

As if on cue, Violet scampered over to the shaded alcove, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Mama! Uncle Anthony! Look! Eliza and I are having such fun!"

Phoebe's eyes twinkled. "It sounds like you're having a splendid time."

Violet nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Eliza is very good at croquet. You have chosen well, Uncle Anthony."

"I am happy that you enjoy her company, Violet," Anthony replied.

"Yes, I do! I have to run along now, we must continue the game!" the little girl said and ran back to her father and Eliza, eager to go on playing.

Under normal circumstances, Anthony would be amused by the way with which Violet spoke to him, but this time, it was a bit difficult.

Phoebe glanced at Anthony, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "I must say, Anthony, seeing you here with Eliza, it's clear how well you've settled into your new life."

Anthony's gaze was distant as he watched Eliza and Violet. "Yes, well, one must adapt to circumstances."

"Come on, little brother," Phoebe began, her tone teasing, "You can be honest with me."

"What do you mean?"

"I see the way with which you look at Eliza."

Anthony's gaze remained fixed on the croquet game, but a subtle tension crept into his posture.

"Phoebe, please. Let us not delve into such matters," he said coolly.

The implication that he felt something about Eliza, or worse, that it was evident , made his chest tighten. He'd told himself multiple times, ever since he'd claimed Eliza on that table of his library back at Redfern, that it was all to quell his lust. They never even slept in the same bed, apart from that time at the coaching inn. Perhaps they weren't the firmest of boundaries, but they were still boundaries.

"Oh, come now. I hope it's not about her aunt's interference again. It's obvious to anyone who looks," she persisted, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The way you both interact… It's quite charming, really."

No . Anthony had placed his boundaries. He'd kept his distance. Despite his sister's good intentions, he could not deal with her teasing.

Anthony's jaw tightened. "Affection? We have a practical arrangement, Phoebe. Nothing more."

Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her expression softening with genuine concern. "Anthony. Please tell me you are not still angry about the wedding."

Anthony's gaze hardened, his patience wearing thin. "I am not here to discuss my personal feelings. Or lack thereof."

Phoebe frowned for a moment, "Very well, brother. Just remember, it's often the unexpected that becomes the most cherished."

Before he could respond, Eliza approached them, her cheeks flushed from the sun and exertion, a satisfied smile on her lips.

"Is everything all right?" she asked, her voice light and cheerful. "I hope we didn't disturb you."

Phoebe's eyes twinkled with an unreadable glint as she looked between the two of them. "Not at all, dear. We were just discussing how lovely it is to see you both so happy."

Anthony's expression darkened slightly, and he forced a polite smile. "Eliza, shall we join the others for some refreshments?"

Eliza, slightly taken aback by his sudden shift in demeanor, nodded. "Of course."

As they moved towards the refreshments table, Anthony could almost feel the awkwardness between them. Good, perhaps that would be an appropriate distance for their… arrangement.

"Anthony, is everything all right?" Eliza touched his arm lightly as they reached the refreshments table.

Anthony flinched away, despite the warmth that had spread over him the moment he'd felt her hand.

"Yes, yes. Quite all right," he mumbled, looking away.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, I am quite certain."

"All right then," Eliza's smile faltered slightly as she poured herself a glass of lemonade. "The game was quite invigorating. Violet's skills have certainly improved."

"Yes," Anthony replied curtly, picking at the delicate pastries on the table. "She seems to have a natural talent for it."

The conversation at the table was lively. Violet, animated from the game, chattered excitedly with William about the new tactics she had learned.

"Papa, did you see how I almost got the ball through the last wicket?" Violet's eyes were alight with excitement.

"Yes, Violet. You did splendidly," William replied with a grin, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Eliza tried to engage Anthony in conversation. "It's wonderful to see Violet so happy. Phoebe must be very proud."

Anthony's gaze shifted briefly to Eliza before returning to the table. "Indeed. Phoebe is always pleased when Violet excels at something."

Eliza tried once more to reach out. "Anthony, would you care for another pastry? These are quite delightful."

"No, thank you," he replied tersely, his hand closing around his own glass of lemonade. "I've had enough."

Eliza's smile faltered further, but she managed to maintain her composure. "Very well."

As she turned her attention back to Violet and William, Anthony glanced at Phoebe, who was observing them with her sisterly concern.

Phoebe caught Anthony's eye and gave him a small, knowing smile. "Perhaps we should consider a game of cards this evening? It would be a lovely way to wind down."

Anthony's response was curt. "Yes, that sounds acceptable."

Phoebe's gaze softened as she looked at Eliza. "Would you be interested in joining us, Eliza? It might be a nice way to relax after the day's activities."

Eliza nodded gratefully, though her expression was tinged with uncertainty. "I would be delighted. Thank you, Phoebe."

After a final round of croquet and the promise of a game of cards later, Anthony and Eliza prepared to take their leave.

As they said their goodbyes, Phoebe pulled Anthony aside for a brief, private conversation.

"Anthony," Phoebe said quietly, "I'm afraid I may have pushed too hard earlier. It was not my intention to cause distress."

Anthony shook his head, "No distress was caused, sister."

Phoebe's eyes were filled with sympathy. "I can see that what I said has rattled you, but you can't deny what's right before you. Eliza cares for you deeply."

"I cannot have this discussion right now, Phoebe," Anthony replied tersely.

Phoebe sighed, "I only wish for you both to find happiness."

Anthony's gaze softened momentarily, but he quickly masked it with a more determined expression. "We all want that, Phoebe. But it isn't that simple."

As he exited the Rutherford estate with Eliza, the ride home was marked by an uncomfortable silence.

Anthony stared out of the carriage window, trying to avoid Eliza's gaze as much as possible. But she was too clever for that.

"Anthony," she ventured quietly, "is something troubling you?"

Anthony turned his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Nothing of import," he replied curtly. "Just a long day."

"Did I do anything wrong?" she asked.

He instantly twisted his head in her direction, meeting her sparkling, round eyes. God, she looked like a sad puppy.

"No, not at all. I am simply preoccupied with estate matters," he said, not wishing to cause her any more worry.

"I see," she muttered, looking down.

When she lifted her eyes back up at him, a coy smile played on her lips.

"Is there any way I can alleviate your burdens, my lord?" she asked playfully.

Anthony bit the inside of his mouth, trying to fight the jolt of desire that her lustful gaze evoked in him.

There should be more distance between us , he told himself.

"Thank you for the offer, but I am feeling rather tired," he said steadily, his gut wrenching as he saw the disappointment rise in her face.

"I understand. Like you said, it's been a long day," she replied softly.

Not knowing how else to end their conversation, Anthony simply nodded, and returned his attention to the landscape outside.

It's best this way. For both our sakes.