Sample Chapter

Canton Estate, Devonshire 1833

Penelope Adkins tried her very best not to breathe as she tried to stand impossibly still at the altar the day of her wedding. The late autumn sun had been unseasonably warm, but Penelope had barely noticed. Even now, as the beams filtered through the stained glass windows casting the chapel in brilliant blues, reds, and golds, she couldn't take her mind off remaining perfectly still.

How often had she dreamed of this day? Too many times to count and yet here she was, scared out of her wits, marrying a man she hardly knew and didn't love because propriety all but ordered her to do her duty.

"My child?" the minister said, his voice uncertain, pulling her away from her thoughts. So far, he had given an incredibly solemn sermon and, had it been any other person's wedding, Penelope would have had trouble stopping herself from falling into a fit of giggles. What sort of minister thought it was decent to mention Hell and damnation so much on a wedding day? Truly, it would have been comical if she wasn't the bride.

"Yes?" she barely whispered.

"Yes, indeed. And do you, Edward Christopher Derek Powell, take Penelope Eugenia Adkins…"

Yes. She blinked. She had said yes. Of course, she said yes, but she hadn't even realized that she was answering the minister's question, to have and to hold in sickness and in health for as long as they both shall live.

"Yes," a deep, masculine voice spoke to her right, shaking her out of her own thoughts once again, a bad habit of hers.

For the first time that morning she gathered what little courage she had and looked up into the Earl of Canton's face. He was taller than she by at least four inches which made looking at him rather obvious. His dark brown hair had been brushed back in a devil-may-care sort of way, as was the style to look unwilling put together. He had a strong nose that some might describe as large, but to Penelope it fit his face, making him look rather lowbrow compared to some other peers, with their weak chins and smaller features. All together he was rather dashing looking, not that a handsome husband would make her life any easier.

He had a stoic look about him that morning that she hadn't seen before. He had been rather playful in the three whole meetings they had shared before he had proposed, but today he seemed so serious and it unnerved her. Was this his true nature? How could she have agreed to marry a man whose nature she wasn't sure of?

Of course, it hadn't been much of a choice. Since her father's death two months ago, Penelope had been under the care of her older brother Harold and his new bride Winifred and they hadn't been quiet in their want to have her out from under their roof.

She had been summoned, informed of her need to marry, and dismissed in a matter of minutes, along with all the hopes and dreams she had ever had, not that Harold had known. Not that anyone had known. Penelope had always kept those parts of herself secret, for who in her life could understand the notion of falling in love? Not her father nor her brother. She had once wondered what her mother had been like, if she had been as strait-laced as the rest of her family, but she had died during childbirth, a fact that had haunted Penelope, for if her mother had died in childbirth, wouldn't it be likely that she would, too?

Regardless, Penelope had never been able to confide her feelings about anything in anyone and of the handful of men Penelope had been allowed to accept a proposal from, the earl had been the first to show interest, so when he proposed she had accepted.

She had met the earl once at a house party on her father's estate, then once again at her home in London. He had invited her for a carriage ride through Hyde Park for their third meeting before asking for her hand in marriage. He was desperate for money, as most of London knew, since his father had been heavily in debt upon his death. Their coupling was obvious to the entire ton, he a penniless peer, she a moneyed daughter of a textile merchant. It was a pairing that was repeating itself all over London as of late—rich young ladies of less than noble birth marrying the debt-ridden blue bloods—and yet Penelope couldn't help but feel as if she was watching her life happen from a seat in a theatre, as it was being acted out before her very eyes. Still, the earl seemed to be even tempered and genuine which had made swallowing this whole ordeal a little easier. Her engagement ring was a beautiful rose cut diamond set in a circle of tiny sapphires which had belonged to the earl's mother. Penelope had been moved by the gesture, though there was no love behind it. This was a marriage of convenience and she would have to remember that.

What wasn't convenient was how truly striking he looked now that she let herself observe him. Perhaps it was the setting of the church or maybe it was the action of being married. Even now as he looked at her, all proper and serious, she couldn't help but think his green eyes were really quite playful and wasn't that a lovey thought? To have a playful husband?

Don't be a fool, she silently scolded herself. Now was not the time to dream up any romantic notions about this man. He was a peer after all and if Penelope knew anything about the peerage, it was that gentlemen rarely loved their wives and she would have no part in loving a man who did not love her back.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Let what God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen."

A murmur of amens echoed throughout the chapel and before Penelope knew it, the Earl had leaned over and kissed her cheek. A chaste kiss, but one that made her blush, nonetheless. To be kissed so publicly, it felt more like a mark, some sort of brand.

She felt her cheeks heat up as she took Edmond's arm and was escorted down the aisle. The local townspeople who lived in the hamlet at the southwest corner of the Canton estate had all come to line up outside the church to cheer and throw flower petals at them as they walked back to Derwen House, as was a tradition.

The wedding breakfast was held in the dining room of Canton estate and, though the Earldom had suffered a lack of funds in recent history, it was an impressive room. Gold damask wallpaper seemed to glow around the dark mahogany outline of the room. The fireplace, the furniture, all dark and heavy pieces. A masterpiece of cherubs had been painted on the ceiling and the chandeliers had been lowered and lit, causing the whole room to practically glow.

It wasn't lost on her that in all the excitement of the wedding, with the hundreds of guests moving about, no one seemed to talk to her. There were the quick congratulations given to her before all attention was given to her husband. She knew that they all guessed that she was probably thrilled to be married, to an earl no less, but still no one asked and it gnawed at her. What a silly thing to be upset about, she thought. She didn't even enjoy talking with strangers and that's who all these people were. She should be grateful that the earl wasn't prodding her into conversations with every single person who wished them felicitations. She had almost made it through the entire episode with only saying ‘thank you' until that evening, when the earl's older sister, Catherine, followed by the youngest, Lydia, came to greet her. Catherine was newly married herself to an ancient baron who was not in attendance. It was not lost on Penelope that this young woman seemed years older than she, even though she had only been married a month or so herself.

The earl's sister was a beautiful young woman, though Penelope couldn't help but notice how terribly sad she looked, even when smiling.

"Run along, Lydia, I wish to speak to our new sister for a moment in private," Catherine said.

"But I wanted to talk, too!" Little Lydia whined.

"Later, dear," she said as the youngest Powell walked off, pouting. Catherine turned to Penelope. "How are you doing, Lady Penelope?" she asked softly.

"Very well, thank you." Penelope lied.

"I do hope so. If you don't mind my saying, you've seemed quite preoccupied this whole day."

Penelope's mouth fell a little open.

"I'm… I'm sorry—"

"Oh, no, don't be sorry. I suppose that was a terribly rude thing to say, but I think you misunderstand. Or perhaps I've misspoken. What I mean to say is you should have no worries regarding your marriage to Edward. He is a good man and I just thought to reassure you since I thought perhaps you might need to be reassured."

Catherine smiled hopefully and Penelope felt a little part of her heart break. She hadn't realized how much she actually needed to speak to someone and yet how could she? This was the earl's sister.

"Thank you," she tried, keeping her voice steady. "That's very kind of you."

"I hope that we might become friends in the coming months. Edward has spoken fondly of you. I hope you'll be patient with him, too. The dear has a bit of a control issue. Oh, I know it isn't my place, but I thought I'd warn you, though I'm sure you'll hold your own against him."

"He has mentioned me?" Penelope asked, practically ignoring every other word she had said.

Catherine smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"Of course."

"He barely knows me," Penelope spoke, her voice nearly a whisper. Quickly wishing she hadn't said anything when she saw Catherine's smile falter.

"Edward has always been a brilliant judge of character and I've no doubt you are just as lovely as he's said you are."

"He said I'm lovely?"

"Why, yes."

Penelope felt suddenly ashamed that she had no idea how Edward felt about her. Her discomfort must have shown on her face because Catherine took her hand.

"This will be a great match," she said, squeezing her fingers. "I'm sure of it."

"I hope so," Penelope said quietly as Catherine squeezed her hand once again before letting go to turn back into the crowd.

The throngs of people began to leave then and before Penelope knew it, she had been bustled off by a housekeeper and a pair of young giggling maids upstairs to be undressed and then redressed into a very prim lace night rail. It had taken her maids nearly as much time putting her into this as it had her wedding dress. When the maids had gone, she waited in silence for a short time before the door to the adjoining room opened. Penelope stared straight ahead, terrified.

The door opened silently as Edward made his way into the room, pulling off his cravat as he did so. He gently kicked the door with the heel of his foot so that it closed with a soft thud and came confidently into the room until his eyes locked with Penelope's and his smile disappeared.

Oh Lord, she thought. This was it.

"My, do you look frightened," he said softly as he sat on the bed, abandoning his task to undress. "You needn't be. I won't hurt you." She couldn't speak, acutely aware of the depression his weight made in the bed. "Frightened the speech out of you? Oh, no, that will never do."

Suddenly he moved, which made Penelope all but jump up until her back was pressed against the headboard, hands clutched to her chest in an attempt to save her virtue. He had swung his legs on to the foot of the bed, bent his arms and placed them behind his head that rested on an overstuffed pillow that laid next to her, looking up at the canopy as if he was lying in a field and not on his wedding bed. Penelope's heart was beating in her throat as she stared at him. What in the world was he doing?

Moments passed and he didn't move. Eyes closed, he inhaled deeply, exhaling just as slow, never moving save for the rise and fall of his chest. They stayed in stillness for a while as Penelope's heartbeat began to steady, her eyes locked on the man she barely knew. Minutes rolled by and still he did not move and for a moment she wondered if he had perhaps fallen asleep.

Slowly, she leaned over him.

"Hello?" she whispered.

His eyes opened and she saw the same mischievous look dancing in the green depths as she had when he had courted her.

"Hello," he said softly.

"What are you doing?" She finally asked.

"Laying here," he answered.

"I see that. Why?"

"Because I'm tired from the day. I was married you know."

The first honest smile of the day passed over her lips.

"Yes, but why aren't you…"

"Why aren't I what? Ravishing you?" She turned pink. "Turning you over? Having my way? My love, I've no plans to ravish you tonight."

"Why not?" She said, unsure why she sounded disappointed. "I mean, why don't you have plans?"

"Saddened by my decision, love?" She just stared. "You're frightened to death. I don't wish for our coupling to ever scare or worry you, to bring you stress. So, I will just lay here tonight."

"Fully clothed? You'll sleep like that?"

"Ah, there it is. I will lay here, perfectly still or not," he spoke the word not with an added inflection. "Fully clothed, or not and do whatever you'd like me to do." He winked. "Or not. I am your humble servant."

"If I wanted you to sleep on the floor then, you would?" She asked, suddenly at ease in this game Edward had created.

"If that is your wish."

"And if I wish for you to undress completely and sit in the chair across the room, you would do it?"

He smiled.

"Daring little thing you are, aren't you? Yes, anything you want."

Penelope thought a moment as curiosity ate at her, while the fear abated.

"You will stay perfectly still?" she asked.

"Silent if you wish."

Leaning further over him so that her face hung above his, she stared into his green eyes. His smile faded a fraction and he seemed to hold his breath as he looked up at her. She didn't know what she was looking for, but for that moment she believed him.

"Are you an honest man?" she asked, not sure why she wanted to know.

"I am."

"Do you keep your promises?"

"I always try to," he said, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Why do you ask?"

"Do you truly promise not to move then?"

He nodded slightly and Penelope leaned closer. He was quite handsome she thought and perhaps she hadn't made a terrible mistake in marrying him, although she was far from revealing too much of herself to him. He was practically a stranger and yet, there was something that pulled her to him, something that seemed to hook her deep down in her sternum and tug her closer. What an odd sensation, she thought as she looked into his eyes. She was sure he would look away, but he held her gaze steadily until it was she that looked away.

"Hm," he said so quietly that she barely heard him. "I think I've just noticed something about you I hadn't before."

Her skin felt prickly and her heart began to beat faster.

"What is it?"

"I don't think I can put it into words just yet," he said as his expression changed. He spoke softly, but the seriousness of his tone was impressive. "Kiss me."

The command echoed through Penelope's soul, reverberating off the walls of a secret part of her heart she hadn't ever had the courage to explore. She went to press her mouth to his. He inhaled and closed his eyes as his tongue swept against her lips, causing her to open her mouth.

Penelope had been kissed once or twice, but never like this. This was imposing, invasive and was far more intense than she had intended it to be. For long moments she searched his mouth with her tongue, just as he was doing, until she felt his hands come up to her arms and she pulled back, gasping. His eyes were opened and the intensity she saw made her pulse thunder. He was breathing heavily, too.

"You said you wouldn't move."

A slow smile spread across his face.

"Plans to torture me then?" he said, his tone gruff, though his expression was playful again. What had changed him a few moments ago, she wondered. "A most cruel way to start this marriage."

"You wouldn't want to frighten me," she said.

"No, I wouldn't. I am yours to do with as you wish."

"Will you undress?" she asked so softly she was sure he couldn't hear her. How bold she had suddenly become. "I've never seen a naked man before."

"Never?" he asked as he stood.

"Well, in art perhaps but, oh."

Edward was quick with his undress, not with eagerness, but rather a confidence that Penelope couldn't quite understand. He tossed his coat and cravat on a floral pattern chaise lounge that was positioned in front of the fireplace. His shirtsleeves, boots, and pants were tossed on the floor until he was standing completely nude before her without a hint of shame. Penelope's eyes naturally followed down the smooth ripples of his chest and abdomen to the dark curls below and the part of him that stood at full attention, pointing at her.

"W-will you lay back down?"

He did, hands behind his head in the same position as he had just been in, eyes closed. Penelope was grateful, for she must have been an awful shade of red. She studied his body for long minutes before outstretching her hand and after a moment of hesitation, she touched his chest. His skin was warm and smooth, and she dragged her fingertips back and forth, lower towards his stomach. Slowly she made little circles until she grazed the curls and then the tip of him.

He inhaled with a hiss and she snatched her hand back.

"Was that wrong?" she asked breathlessly.

"No," he laughed, though his voice was huskier than before. "I'd like you to touch me more."

"Here?" She asked as she skimmed her fingertips at the base of him. He nodded as her fingers wrapped tightly around his shaft, searching him with an innocent curiosity. "Your breathing is shaky."

"Yours would be. too."

"Why?"

"Because you feel incredible. Torturous, but incredible."

"I don't know what you mean."

Edward opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Would you like to?" She nodded, eyes locked with his. "Then would you like to undress, too?" She shook her head and he laughed. "Well then, this will be a long night."

He seemed so relax that Penelope couldn't help but feel a little irritated.

"Why are you so calm?" she asked. "You seem too pleased when it's common knowledge that men are wildly out of control with themselves when it comes to, to, to, all this."

He smiled at her and she shivered.

"Control is something that I practice daily, in all aspects of my life, especially lovemaking."

"That's comforting to know."

He chuckled.

"Not when you understand me better, but we have a lifetime to get to know each other and I plan to take my time."

Penelope searched his face for understanding, but he just closed his eyes again, smiling as though he had a secret.

Perhaps this marriage wasn't going to be terrible after all.

End of sample chapter