Chapter 19

"The Herbs ought to be distilled when they are in their greatest vigor, and so ought the Flowers also."

Nicholas Culpeper

Their kiss deepened, with a slow hunger of seeking tongues and breathless awe, before she slowly pulled away.

"You said … the other night—" Audrey halted, embarrassed to bring it up, but she had thought of it often. She needed to know. "—I was too inexperienced for where we were heading …?"

Julius said nothing, staring at her before reaching out to drag a solitary fingertip over her lower lip. The riot of tingling sensation he set off would have been fascinating if she had not been enthralled by the glow of his eyes which peered deep into her own.

"You liked that?" His whisper skimmed over her flushed skin, his lips quirking into a naughty smile as he studied her intently.

She bit her lip, drunk with longing, and nodded while a blush crept up her neck. "I did."

"What the lady asks for …" Julius toyed with the edge of her rail and trailed his fingertips over her collarbone with great concentration. Then he lowered one hand to rest it on the flare of her hip, using his restless fingers to gather her shift inch by inch so that her hem dragged up her thighs. Audrey grew agitated as he teased her with patient deliberation, before dropping his other hand. Taking hold of both sides, he drew the rail up, as his gaze found hers. He disappeared from sight as the garment was pulled up and over her head to be tossed aside.

She shivered, exposed to his gaze as he stepped back to look her over, flickering over her breasts before dipping to the shadowed cleft between her legs. Heat fired a path from her moistening folds and up through her belly as she pressed her thighs together to relieve the throbbing discomfort.

Julius licked his lips, stepping back again to shrug off his coat. To her amazement, he cast it aside without his usual scrupulous attention to his wardrobe's protection. He unwound the cravat from its elegant knot, dropping it, too, without heed. Next, his jacquard waistcoat hit the floor, his blazing eyes never leaving her as she watched him disrobe. With practiced ease, his boots and stockings were discarded and his hands went to the falls of his straining breeches.

Audrey watched as he undid the buttons with his long, blunt fingers. Trembling anticipation hitched her breath when Julius tugged the buckskins and small clothes off to reveal his length standing at rigid attention. There was just enough light in the room for her to observe what she had not the other night.

She gasped in pleased revelation as her gaze flew up to meet his. He quirked an eyebrow in curiosity. "Your … the … it is a different color from the …" She waved toward the crisp blond curls over his chest.

Julius chuckled, revealing a white slash of teeth in the dimness as he shook his head at her. "Ever the inquisitive physician. Perhaps I am not tempting you sufficiently if you are paying mind to my physiological … eccentricities?"

He flexed his shoulders, and she watched the muscles ripple beneath his bronzed skin, ratcheting the relentless pulsation at her core to searing heights. Noting the agitated shift of her hips, he strode back into her arms. She moaned as their naked skin came into contact, her head falling back in invitation.

Julius grazed a hand up to her breast, which he cupped to flicker his thumb over the turgid tip. His free hand grazed up higher, tipping her chin to steal a kiss. As his mouth brushed against hers, she panted with impatience, pressing closer so that her breasts were flattened against his hard form as she sought a deeper kiss. She could feel his hardened shaft against her, and she yearned for the sensation of him filling her aching emptiness. With great relief, she felt his large hands scraping down, down, down over her waist, her hips, until cupping her buttocks in a firm, kneading grip as he relented to her kiss. Their tongues melded together as he walked her back until she felt the bump of the cool wall against her heated skin.

She caressed with rough franticness over his back to his own firm buttocks until he turned his mouth to growl against her cheek. "Careful of the bandage, my sweet."

Audrey giggled, surprised at her ardor, hissing when his hands dipped lower, to just below the lower curve of her buttocks. He pulled her up, and Audrey raised her knees to straddle his hips as he pushed her up against the wall. His erection made contact with her swelling cleft to slide against her and brush over the throbbing pearl at the center of her pleasure. Her eyes flew up to meet his, at eye level because of how she was leveraged against the wall.

Julius pressed butterfly kisses across her cheek until he was whispering in her ear. "You have laid waste to my defenses, Audrey Gideon. Infiltrated my heart and soul, so there be not a solitary inch of me you have not pervaded with your bewitching presence."

She inhaled in tormented delight, the combination of his lean, muscled body against her, the union of their loins, and the beautiful words he whispered overwhelming her senses as she leaned her head against the painted surface. Gyrating her hips to feel the slide of his shaft again, she almost swooned from the heady delight.

A scholar of anatomy, Audrey knew it was her clitoris scraping over his penis that solicited such shooting excitement, but her academic knowledge had not prepared her for the exhilaration of the activity. Her hips bucked as she attempted to replicate the skimming contact.

"Easy," Julius purred, his face still pressed against her cheek. One of his hands slid from her buttock over the curve of her thigh to slide between her legs. A fingertip flickered over the pleading nub she attempted to assuage, circling in practiced undulation while she panted and cried in dismay at the escalation of feeling. Gyrating in rhythm with his motion, she scaled the dizzying heights until she buried her face into his neck to muffle her scream of white-hot release.

They both eased off their frantic pressures, Julius leaning down to take a hardened nipple into his warm mouth to lather the yearning tip.

Julius was ravenous,his manhood rigid and impatient as he lathered Audrey's spiked nipple with his questing tongue. He wanted to drive his cock deep into her honeyed sheath, but his pride made him wait until he could wrestle his lust under control. Audrey was curious, responsive, and bold. A heady combination as he savored the scent of her womanly essence and the silky hair near to where his face was pressed. He harnessed control over his rampaging passion; the seconds ticked by until he knew he had hold of the reins.

Shifting the hand that had brought her to climax, he took hold of his member to guide it to her dripping entrance. Tensing, he plunged into her tight channel with a growl. Her naked thighs wrapped around his hips in a tight embrace, and her soft breasts pushed against him so that the turgid points of her flushed nipples dug into his chest as if to provoke him to new highs.

The sensation of her tight channel clenching his cock was overpowering. Even more so because he did not have one of those damn frock coats on to spoil the fun. Now that they were betrothed, they could dispense with such annoyances and enjoy the full experience.

Lowering his hand back to her rounded derrière, he hoisted her back up the wall to seek the right angle, then withdrew to lunge back into her sweet warmth. He wanted to howl, but they had to be mindful that the sound of their passion did not escape the recesses of her room.

Audrey was right—he could be his own man. Flippant, adventurous, and averse to traveling. He simply had a lovely new companion, and he was growing fond of that prospect.

He had not planned to make love to her tonight, willing to wait until the nuptials, but her shy invitation had been too much to resist. That as her husband he could bed her frequently was exciting beyond words. He would enjoy introducing her to many facets of carnal relations.

The thought of her beneath him, or on her knees, riding him from above, was almost too much. He was forced to pause the rush of sensation, letting his passion recede until he took up the rhythmic thrusting again. He wanted to bring her to her peak in order to feel her pulsing her release around his length.

Grabbing hold of her hands, he raised them above her head to press them to the wall, causing her back to arch so that her pelvis tilted just so. It would allow for the delicious rubbing of her tender nub against his loins as he buried his face in her neck to stroke his tongue over the elegant length, Audrey bucking her hips as a fresh wave of sensation hit her from the new position. Nipping gently at the taut flesh, he growled in satisfaction when she keened her raptures. Julius was relentless, his throbbing length driving into her again and again as his mouth explored her throat and her delicate shoulder hungrily.

Using one hand to clasp hers, he lowered the free one to cup a rounded buttock to drive into her with wild abandon as sweat beaded on his skin. He knew she was close from the frantic pull of her lungs; her face contorted and her eyes shut tight as he brought her ever closer to the brink with driving ambition until she cried out and he could feel her pulsing as she summited to her second climax.

Groaning in triumph, he continued his lunging, pleasure accumulating at the base of his spine as he drove into her, his passion thrusting her ever higher against the wall behind her back. She was glorious, and hot, and soft, and his!

Julius was mindless with craving, pounding his ravishing companion until he peaked, arching with one deep plunge forward as he spilled his seed into her tight hug with a growl of primal passion.

They remained wrapped around each other, both panting from the vigors of their lovemaking as they gradually recovered their senses. Julius backed up so she could slide down his length onto her dainty feet, but he did not let her go. He held her head to his shoulder, and her arms found their way around his waist as they leaned into each other.

"You were right," she commented, tickling him with the exhalation of her whisper.

Julius did not respond for several seconds, just enjoying the feel of her soft curves pressed to him. "About what?"

"I was too inexperienced to do that the first night," Audrey replied in an awed tone.

Julius huffed a half laugh, leaning down to lift her into his arms and walk over to her crumpled bed. "Give me a few minutes and I might show you … more."

Her silver eyes flared in wonder. "There is more?"

Julius grinned. "There is much, much more," he purred, thinking of all the positions they could try and which she might enjoy the most based on their previous encounters. He was going to enjoy schooling her far more in the practical applications of carnal relations than the theoretical tutelage he had provided his other chum for his wedding night.

Which made him think of their wedding night, and what he might do to make it special.

After another bout of lovemaking, Julius had mercy on his tender betrothed. He held her in his arms in what he supposed was a cuddle—an activity he was not well familiar with—listening to the sound of her sleeping. Their athletic endeavors had exhausted Audrey. She dozed off in the crook of his arm with her head resting on his shoulder. He should leave, but he wanted to stay a little longer to appreciate this night the way he should.

That she had welcomed him back with little complaint, and was amenable to arranging a future together, was the sweetest relief. He had not wished to approach her empty-handed, but he had reached a point earlier in the evening when he thought he might be required to. The first three physicians on his list had been, in his opinion, disappointing. They had some merits, but they were not as adamant in their beliefs as Audrey had been. His perception was they were afraid to rock the boat and would not stick to their principles, so he had not even offered them a peek at Dr. Gideon's notes.

Frustrated, he had driven himself to do one last visit despite believing it would be a waste. But meeting Dr. Hawley had been perfection. The physician had left his family dinner to take a meeting with Julius, and it had been instantly clear he differed from the others. Hawley had been intrigued by what he had to say, asking permission to inspect his injury and reading through the journal with fervent interest. Julius looked forward to introducing Hawley to Audrey so she could converse with someone who understood her passions. He himself would learn about her interests, but he could never be an expert like she was, and he wanted her to fulfill her goals.

One aggravation which needed to be dealt with was the need to have the Johns accompany him everywhere he went. Julius was willing to share his adventures with Audrey but not sullen guards, who were the leering grotesques mounted on the eaves of an ominous chateau in the woods. He was feeling like a fated hero from a melodramatic gothic novel, and he wanted his freedoms to be returned.

The mere thought of his current restrictions made him roll his eyes.

Shifting his head, he buried his face in the flaxen locks of Audrey's hair to inhale deeply of her herbal scent. It cleared his mind to recall what he was gaining by letting go of a few of his frivolous liberties.

Eventually, with reluctance, Julius rolled her onto her back. Gathering his clothes with a grimace—he should have folded them properly, but his desire to bury himself in Audrey's soft heat had overtaken his usual impeccable habits—he quietly left the room.

Soon they would be wed, and he would no longer need to keep up appearances for the servants or his family. He would spend every night in her bed. Would they live here, in his father's townhouse? He supposed that would be something for him and Audrey to discuss. They had numerous details to discuss about their mutual future, but he was rather excited at the prospect.

It was time he embarked on a new chapter in his life, and Audrey was his cure to the ennui that had overtaken him these past few years and the key to his future interests.

Audrey rose before dawn to inspect her room before any servants appeared. She tidied away the evidence of her night of passion with Julius. Then, noting she was still fatigued from the activities of the night before, she pulled her crumpled night rail back on and climbed back into bed to fall asleep once more.

Much later, she woke again. Checking the timepiece beside her bed, she learned it was nearly noon. Not the habits of the country girl she was at heart, but she would repeat the night a thousand times and never weary of hearing Julius declare his esteem. She stretched out and turned to sniff the pillow where he had lain. It smelled like spice and leather and … man.

Rolling out of bed, she began to prepare for the day, standing by the washstand to clean herself with the cold water when she heard a low knock on her door. She located her robe, and pattered in her bare feet to see who it was.

When she swung the door open, she found Julius leaning against the opposite wall. He grinned when he saw her, waving up a folded document in a teasing gesture. "Would you care to say your vows?"

Her mouth fell open in pleased amazement. "The license?"

"It is. Are you ready?"

Audrey snorted, gesturing at the night things she was wearing. "I think not."

He dropped his gaze to skim over her form, a lustful expression on his face. "I do not see the problem, but if you wish to change, do you have something pretty in that wardrobe of yours?"

Audrey looked back at the mahogany wardrobe and pulled a face. "There is nothing but mourning garments in there," she admitted.

"Then my mother will be along to assist you. Between her and Penelope there should be a French gown that will suit."

She nodded her agreement. "What of a vicar?"

Julius smiled. "The Reverend E. Stone is enjoying a repast in the breakfast room while we dawdle upstairs."

"Mr. Stone! You confirmed he had an alibi, then?"

"We did. He is in the clear and was most flattered to be invited to conduct the nuptials for such an illustrious family. He was the first person I thought of when the special license was delivered this morning."

Audrey found she was pleased. The vicar seemed a jovial sort. "Then send your mother!"

She shut the door and raced back to complete her ablutions before dressing in her stockings and shift. Then she took a seat at the dressing table to brush out her hair. Soon Lady Stirling arrived with her lady's maid who had several gowns folded over her arm. They chattered with good cheer while helping Audrey into her stays and one of the gowns which seemed most likely to fit, with its relaxed bodice to hug her full bosom and flowing skirts. It was a soft azure with indigo braiding at the waist and neck, with a froth of ivory lace down the bodice. Peering in the mirror, Audrey was pleased with her appearance. The lady's maid twisted her hair into a soft coif that allowed her blonde locks to billow and frame her face, and the dress accentuated the color of her eyes.

"You look beautiful, my dear." Lady Stirling was staring at her in the mirror, dabbing at tears with a lace handkerchief as she considered Audrey's reflection. She was unaccustomed to a motherly presence, but it was nice to share this with the countess.

Audrey grinned. It would do.

Shortly after, they left her room, Lady Stirling accompanying her to the drawing room that overlooked the street where they found several people gathered. Lord Stirling was sartorial perfection in a dark blue. Penelope was by his side, more cheerful than the night before.

Julius was chatting with Stone. In addition, Lord Filminster was in attendance with a diminutive young lady who must be the baroness. Her coloring was the same as her much taller brother, Lord Abbott who stood at a window with his bride—the lovely Lady Abbott who towered over the other women in the room. Julius came forward, offering his arm so he could walk her around for introductions.

Another couple entered while she and Stone conversed over the coming ceremony, and Julius drew them over.

"Miss Gideon, I would like to introduce my sometimes chum, Lord Saunton. Although it is his brother with whom I am closest."

Lord Saunton, a handsome nobleman, shook his head in grinning rebuke before dipping a bow to Audrey. "Pay Trafford no mind, Miss Gideon. We are never friends. I merely tolerate him for my brother's sake."

Audrey smiled, dropping a curtsy. "The honor is mine, my lord."

Julius turned to the earl's wife. "Lady Saunton, may I present my bride, Miss Audrey Gideon?"

Lady Saunton's expression was warm as she gave a nod of her head. "Miss Gideon, my cousins are most pleased that you saved Lord Trafford from himself. They have spoken of nothing else in days!"

The countess gestured to the tiny Lady Filminster and her towering brother, Lord Abbott. Audrey was relieved to have the connection clarified to help her recollect that Julius had mentioned the Sauntons before.

"Unfortunately, the duke is meeting with the Home Secretary this morning to discuss what has happened, so he and the duchess will not be joining us for the nuptials."

Audrey blinked in surprise, not having considered that a duke would feel the need to make his excuses. She had not known the duke even knew who she was, but she recollected that Julius had mentioned something in regard to the special license. It must have been His Grace who had had the documents delivered this morning. It was daunting to consider that she was marrying into such lofty circles and she had several peers in the room to witness her vows.

Soon she and Julius were standing in front of the vicar, and the ceremony was underway. Until their vows drew to a close and she was Lady Trafford, an honorary viscountess with an earl for a father-in-law and a beloved husband who had her arm tucked around his.

She peered up at Julius to see how he was responding to the loss of his bachelorhood, and he returned her gaze with a joyful smile before dropping his head to buss her cheek.

Much later, after a hearty wedding breakfast with their exuberant guests, Audrey pulled him aside as the ladies made their departures but the men remained behind.

"What of the investigation?"

"Montague is confirmed to have been at the physician for that terrible blistering treatment on the afternoon of the coronation. We are satisfied that he could not have been visiting the baron within a few hours, so the entire investigation has turned to unearthing evidence against Scott. That is what the duke is about this morning. He is having an informal discussion with Sir Robert about what we know without providing any names or details. The men will meet with my father later when the duke returns from the Home Office so we may determine how to move forward."

"So this matter is almost done?"

Julius leaned down, speaking in a low voice that sent shivers racing down her spine. "It is. And matters between us are just beginning."

Audrey was unable to respond, her heart overflowing with the knowledge that the elusive Julius Trafford was now her true husband, and best of all, he seemed more than content to assume the role.

His whisper skated over her cheek as he asked an unexpected question.

"Do you wish to visit my tailor with me in the morning?"

She squinted in confusion. "Do you mean a modiste?"

Julius grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his green-brown eyes. "Nay. My mother can accompany you to a modiste. I was thinking you might like some gentlemen's garments made to fit so we might visit some new places. Would you like to see the horse auctions at Tattersall's?"

Audrey's mouth fell open. "Yes!"

"You shall need clothing that conceals …" His hand brushed over her hip, his gaze growing heated as it fell to caress over her curves.

She licked her lips, recalling their previous evening in her bed and hoping that he would be free to join her soon. Very, very soon.