Chapter 26

twenty-six

E DITH’S MOTHER HAD fussed around her for the past few days, doing her best to make her comfortable, and she appreciated it. But Father had been busy at the hospital, leaving early and returning late. Aside from mundane chatter about her health and the weather, they hadn’t really talked, and she was eager to.

Mother hugged her the moment she stepped into Edith’s bedroom, barely giving her time to slip into her dressing gown. “Darling. How are you?”

“I’m all right.” She patted her mother’s back. “Father?”

“Still out, but he should be back soon.”

“Will you tell him I want to talk with him when he’s back?”

Mother nodded, caressing her cheek. “Let me help you dress.”

Edith winced when she walked to the sitting room. Her back was still a bit stiff, but the bruises were fading.

She was rearranging the books she needed to read—since she’d have more studying to do—when footsteps approached.

Her father appeared on the threshold. “Edith. Your mother told me you wanted to talk.”

“Father.” Her hand shook when she set aside an old book on human physiology.

He cleared his throat. “I trust you feel better.”

She shrugged. “Only a few scratches and a big fright.”

He walked in, his shoulders hunched. A sickening lump crawled in her throat in anticipation of his speech.

He let out a long exhale.

She cleared her voice. “What troubles you? The carriage accident or the fact I couldn’t enrol?”

His face transformed from tense to surprised to compassionate. “Oh, darling.” He crossed the room with two long strides to give her one of his bear hugs.

She’d forgotten how good it was to be held by her father. The combined scents of his bergamot cologne and disinfectant from the hospital lingered on his clothes, bringing her back to those years when she would listen to every word he said about his surgical procedures while Marianne and Mother were horrified.

“You did what I asked you. You passed the test with flying colours,” he said, his voice cracking as well. “The accident was an unfortunate affair, but in a way, it doesn’t matter. If you want to enrol in medical school next year, I’m sure everything will go well. I’m very proud of you.”

“Oh, Father.” She sobbed as he patted her back. It felt like coming back home after a long journey in the dark.

“Don’t worry. You kept your part of our deal. I’ll do my best to help your friend, Dr. York.” He wiped her tears with his handkerchief. His eyes were red as well. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too, Father.”

He released her, caressing her cheek. “Chin up. You’re going to be a surgeon.” He kissed her forehead, deleting the past years of solitude with it.

She kept smiling when he left the room, energised by the conversation.

She started to sort her books again when Marianne came as well. In a rich-brown afternoon dress, she looked every inch the viscountess.

“Fancy a walk?” she asked. “Unless you’re too sore.”

“The last time you asked me to go out for a walk, you delivered some bad news and got angry with me.”

She laughed. “Not this time. Our conversations have been tense as of late, but I just want to spend some time with you.” Her eyes shone suspiciously. “And we nearly lost you. That made me think.”

“It made me think as well.”

“Yes, I…oh, Edith.” Marianne rushed to hug her, enveloping her in a cloud of expensive perfume.

For the second time, emotion thickened Edith’s throat.

“I’m sorry for all the problems I caused you,” she whispered.

“Oh, shush.” Marianne wiped her eyes quickly.

“You literally paid for my mistakes. I’ll repay you.”

Marianne grinned and took Edith’s hand. “Let’s take a walk.”

“You know there’s a rumour about Perry and me circulating, don’t you?”

“Yes, a few ladies have been enthusiastic enough to inform me of the latest gossip.” Marianne lifted a shoulder. “We’ll discuss that.”

With a perfect blue sky and a warm breeze, the day was indeed a fine one, not merely from a weather point of view.

“The best way to kill gossip is to show yourself, not to disappear. If you disappear, people will make up more stories,” Marianne said as they promenaded in the park.

Marianne’s lady’s maid followed them as usual.

Marianne gave nods and polite smiles to other promenading ladies. “If you disappear, people will think the worst, and the gossip will become a certainty.” She winked. “It wouldn’t harm if you announced your engagement with Lord Ravenscroft, too.”

Edith’s face flamed as love warmed her chest. “The engagement isn’t official yet. But if we announce it, everyone will believe we’re engaged because of the scandalous rumours, not because we love each other.”

“Does it matter? Needless to say, you should be careful when talking to Daphne.”

“I haven’t seen her in a while, and I’m not planning to.”

Marianne leant closer. “A friend of mine told me Daphne is quite close to Lord Neville, which worries me. He’s openly against his nephew, and I can’t help but think that Daphne is working by his side, maybe to the point of being involved in the carriage accident.”

Edith came to a quick halt. “You’re right. Sir James told me he met her, and during their conversation, he mentioned to her I would take the medical test with him. Daphne must have told Neville. That’s how he knew where Perry and I were going.”

“Well, that doesn’t prove she’s involved in Lord Neville’s plan. Perhaps she mentioned the test to him in all innocence.”

“Possible. Besides, I’m not sure what she would gain from the incident.”

“If she hopes to become the next Countess of Ravenscroft by marrying Lord Neville, then she has a good reason to help him. Her father is eager for her to marry a lord.”

Speaking of the devil. Daphne was walking with another woman towards them. The moment Daphne saw Edith, she sped up, the ribbons in her hat flapping.

“Careful,” Marianne whispered. “Whatever happens, don’t make a scene. It’ll make things worse.”

“Edith, Lady Lancaster.” Daphne bobbed a curtsy to Marianne. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m so sorry for what happened to you, the carriage accident, I mean.” She sounded honest.

“Daphne,” Edith said, “I don’t wish ill on you, but it’d be better if we avoided each other.”

Marianne gave a nod of appreciation. “Have a good day, Miss Ferguson.”

They started to sidestep Daphne, but she touched Edith’s arm.

“Wait, please. I know I did wrong to you, but I’m here to make amends.” Daphne closed her parasol.

“May I ask how?” Marianne lowered her voice. “Every time my sister gets involved with you, something unpleasant happens.”

Well, if Edith had to be honest, she was partly to blame, too. Daphne had never forced her to go out partying. Edith had followed her willingly.

Daphne bobbed another curtsy. “I understand your sentiment, my lady, but see, Lady Upchurch is giving a party next week to celebrate the end of the renovation of her manor. Her husband is friends with my father, and I was invited. Lady Upchurch was kind enough to allow me to extend the invitations to some friends, and I thought of Edith. Likely, you, Lady Lancaster, will receive an invitation soon.”

No, Edith was done with the balls and parties suggested by Daphne. “Thank you, Daphne, but I’m not interested.”

“Wait.” Marianne took her arm. “Please excuse us, Miss Ferguson. I need to have a private word with my sister.”

“Of course,” Daphne said.

Marianne led Edith out of earshot, close to a tree. “I think you should go.”

“But we just agreed that Daphne was trouble.”

“Yes, but Lady Upchurch is very well known and loved in society. Her parties are always the event of the year with extraordinary performances of acrobats, famous opera singers, and the most famous Drury Lane actors. The renovation of her mansion took five years. This is the first big event she’s given in a long time. Showing yourself at her party will greatly increase your popularity. Besides, what could Daphne ever do at that party? It’s not one of the seedy gatherings she lured you into. It’s a more than valid social event usually with high-ranking peers and foreign dignitaries.” She whispered, “Even the princesses attend Lady Upchurch’s parties, most of the time incognito, but still, it’s an opportunity you can’t miss. I’m sure Lord Ravenscroft will be invited as well.”

“If you think it’s a good idea, then I’ll go.”

As they walked back to Daphne, the usual nagging voice warned her not to go, but she didn’t listen.

A week after the carriage incident, Perry could finally breathe in relief.

Edith’s health had improved, and he’d found a promising private detective who was following with discretion the case of the saboteur. He had only one complaint.

“Not another bloody party!”

The invitation to Lady Upchurch’s event had arrived at his desk a few minutes before Edith. The invitation was printed on a fancy blue card with golden letters that changed colours whenever he tilted the piece of paper—one of the many unnecessary extravagances of Lady Upchurch.

“Back in the days before the incident, I attended a few of Lady Upchurch’s parties,” he said. “They’re as grandiose as ridiculous.”

“Like what?” Edith sat on the chair next to him.

“Once, she gave an ancient Egyptian-themed party. Sarcophaguses everywhere with real corpses inside, bandaged like mummies. I didn’t ask where they came from and didn’t care. You would’ve loved it.” He huffed. “Another time, an argument started between a French aristocrat and a lord, threatening to start another Hundred Years’ War. She usually invites no less than two hundred guests. Ridiculous. But I agree with your sister. An appearance at Lady Upchurch’s party will benefit your reputation.”

“Which will benefit yours.” She snuggled closer to him and rested her head on his chest.

Since the carriage accident, she’d done that a lot.

Holding her, he moved her to his lap. They’d spent the past afternoons like that, holding each other and whispering words of comfort.

“You’re very quiet,” he said. “I thought the invitation would cheer you up.”

“I’m just worried about the fact someone tried to kill us.”

“Only me.” He kissed her forehead. The bruise had faded from her cheek, but her pallor remained. “Not us.”

“Neville… do you think it was him?”

“Who else?” He caressed her breasts through the fabric of her shirt, smiling as she breathed faster. “He sent me a message to tell me how sorry he was about the incident. Liar. Meanwhile, the police didn’t catch the stable hand, but they said they’re optimistic, whatever it means.”

“Aren’t you worried?” She kissed a bruise on his neck.

“For me, no. For you, yes. Tell me the truth. You must be very disappointed about missing your chance to enrol in school, especially after doing so well on the test. I didn’t want to upset you by asking.”

“I am disappointed and frustrated.” She coiled an arm around his waist. “I was so close. But then again, I passed the test. I can do it again.”

“I’m sure you can.” He scattered kisses on her face until she giggled.

She slipped a hand under his shirt. He sucked in a breath as her soft fingers stroked his chest.

“I missed being with you, Perry. I missed your touch, your lips, and all the wicked things you do to me.”

“You destroy me when you say that.” He captured her mouth in a savage kiss, or as savage as their still tender skin would allow. “Besides, you lost a bet.”

“Happily so.” She unfastened his waistcoat and shirt with deft movements until her soft hand touched his naked skin.

“I don’t think I ever asked you properly,” he whispered, scattering kisses on her lovely face.

“What?”

He stopped her hands. “Edith, I’d consider myself honoured if you’d become my countess, my wife, and my only one.”

“Yes.” She hugged him. “But only if you take me right now.”

“Say no more.” He opened the door and checked the corridor for wandering servants.

Empty.

He hauled her up and carried her to his bedroom. Under no circumstances would he take her in his parlour. After locking the door, he laid her on the bed and smiled when she laughed.

“My countess.”

He took his time removing her clothes and unbuttoning the shirt to reveal the swells of her breasts, one inch at a time. Once the corset was gone, her nipples pressed against the thin fabric of her chemise. The skirts pooled at her feet when he unfastened them. Her drawers slid off her legs with a soft swish, and then she was all for him.

He kissed her collarbone and breasts before rolling down the stockings. He paused only to caress a few offending bruises on her thighs.

“If my uncle is responsible for these bruises, I’ll see him punished.” He kissed each bruise until her breathing sped up.

He took care of the bruises on her arms as well, hating that she’d risked her life only because she’d been with him at the wrong time. She ran her fingers through his hair; it was a slow gesture that seduced him more than a kiss.

He closed his eyes, savouring the feeling of her delicate fingers on his scalp. The only good thing about the carriage accident was that it reinforced his determination to marry her.

He caressed the length of her legs, pausing on her inner thighs. Just brushing her delicate skin caused her to inhale deeply.

The candlelight agreed with her. It kissed her creamy skin, giving it a beautiful golden hue. He took his time stroking her breasts and teasing her pretty nipples. She arched her back as he ran his hand over her belly and thighs.

He lowered his head to let his lips follow the path of his fingers. Every inch of her was deliciously smooth skin, scented with jasmine. His body hardened to the point of aching for her. But he wouldn’t rush. This moment was meant to be savoured.

She moaned when he drew her nipple into his mouth and sucked hard while rolling the other between his fingers. Crimson flooded her cheeks and lips. Her nipples darkened, too. He went lower, brushing his lips over her belly.

“Oh, Perry!” She lurched when he kissed her intimately.

He was addicted to her sweetness, beauty, and fierce spirit. Her scent dampened the air, intoxicating him.

“I love you,” he said before kissing her again.

Her moans grew louder, but he didn’t speed up. He wanted to enjoy each little noise she made with the slow lashes of his tongue and tiny kisses.

When she panted and writhed under his lips, he propped himself on his elbows and kept rubbing her, watching her. She was a sight to behold, all flushed, lips and nipples glistening, and half-hooded eyes. Little pulses heralded her release. She muffled her scream with the pillow, but the sound reached his heart anyway.

He kept touching her just because he enjoyed it.

She widened her legs and gripped his buttocks, inviting him. “Take me.”

Her voice was deliciously husky, enchanting like a siren’s song.

“Wait.”

He left her side only to slide on a fresh sheath and kiss her again. She hooked her legs around him, pressing her heels against the small of his back.

“Please,” she begged.

He buried himself with one push and groaned deep in his throat. She gripped his shoulders and lifted her hips, taking him more deeply. It was a perfect moment with her wrapped like a vine around him and him sensing only her—her softness, her scent, her strength.

They remained still, staring into each other’s eyes and sharing their breaths. He traced the lovely curve of her cheek with his fingertip, thanking heaven for having sent an angel to him.

Then he began to move back and forth. When he moved, she moved with him, finding a slow rhythm both because he didn’t want to hurt her and because she had to be still sore.

When she sank her pearly teeth into her bottom lip, he shuddered, feeling that bite on his skin. His need for her bordered on physical pain. The slow pace allowed him to stroke her breasts, shoulders, and face, and he loved that she didn’t close her eyes but stared at him without an ounce of embarrassment. There was no room for that.

He sped up, and she matched his speed, following him. Their bodies moved together in the most ancient of the dances. He managed to steal a kiss before thrusting deeper.

Their heat and breath mingled, their chests touched, and they shouted at the same time. She sagged in the bed, wrapping her arms and legs around him, and he rested his head on her chest, panting.

Every moment in his life, even the darkest one, was worth it because it’d led him to the embrace of the most amazing woman he’d ever met.