The Best Man's Bridesmaid Read online

  “What?” He nipped her wrist. “Explain.” That faint prick reminded her of other nips and stings in other places. She felt her body tighten with desire.

  “Eleven. Be there.” Caroline swayed a little. “Oh my lord, I feel a little faint.” It was not a total lie; she did feel as if her breath had been taken from her. “Please excuse me for a moment.” Without waiting for an answer, she repaired to the ladies room and washed her hands before she pressed her cold fingers to her cheeks. Now she was ready for whatever the next round may bring.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Caroline rejoined the receiving line as the first guests appeared. Charlie touched her arm. “Do you still feel faint?” he asked worriedly.

  She shook her head. “I never did,” she replied in a low voice, “but thought I’d better change my perfume.” He raised one eyebrow in query. “From Essence De Charlie to Essence of Roses. Ah, Lady Dagenham.” She curtsied to the dowager in front of her. “Yes, such a lovely service.”

  He went hot and then cold. As Charlie followed her lead in speaking to all those who passed in front of them, his mind whirled. He hadn’t thought of her scent on him. He fashioned a cough and on the pretext of covering his mouth, surreptitiously smelt his hand. Nothing. Good.

  Caroline watched him; a smile played around her lips. “Do you need water, my lord?” she asked all solicitous. “Shall I summon a servant?”

  His smile was fixed. Minx. She knew exactly what was going on. “Not at present, thank you. I think a whiskey might be more beneficial, and I fear I will need to wait for that.”

  Harry, who stood nearby, caught the last few words. “No need to wait any longer.” He took Amanda’s arm. “We can now be seated for breakfast, though why we say breakfast at two thirty in the afternoon, I have no idea. I have arranged for the whiskey to be waiting. Oh, and Madeira for the ladies.”

  Two voices spoke as one. “Oh, but I prefer whiskey.”

  Harry laughed. “Then whiskey it shall be. Perhaps I should have said Madeira for those lades who prefer it. Prepare yourselves for the tabbies to be scandalized.”

  “It matters not,” Charlie replied, as he ignored the surprised look on Harry’s face. He knew Harry thought him rather a stickler for propriety. “Amanda is your wife, and you are happy, Caroline, is my affianced, and I am happy. So fustian to them!”

  By the time they watched Amanda and Harry leave, covered in rose petals, Charlie was once again in an uncomfortable state of arousal. It seemed that Caroline had taken every possible opportunity to rub against him, on the face of it in all innocence. Charlie knew better, and as they stood and watched the newlyweds depart, he decided it was payback time.

  As if by accident, he maneuvered her to stand in front of him. And then pressed forward.

  He heard her soft intake of breath as his cock pressed into the cleft of her arse, which was felt with ease through the silk of her dress. What now? He wondered. It was not long before he found out. Caroline gave a deep-throated chuckle, and he was aware of her pressing back firmly into him. She wriggled her softness securely around his arousal.

  “Don’t,” he muttered under his breath. “Or your red gown will turn maroon.” Gradually, with regret, he eased her forward. Why had he started this? For now the tables were turned on him, and he was once more in great pain.

  Caroline twisted to face him, and one lowered one eyelid in so brief a move he could almost have imagined it.

  “Another time, maybe?” she queried. “I look forward to it, my lord. Now, be ready to look surprised.”

  He stared at her in confusion. Ever since he had noticed her earlier in the day, he was in a continual state of surprise. She gave him a brief smile. “Don’t forget, 11:00 p.m.” As he waited for her to explain her comments, she slipped boneless to the floor, touching his body with thoroughness as she slid.

  There were gasps, as smelling salts were produced in haste. With an inward grin, he noticed Caroline give an involuntary grimace. Charlie was tempted to leave her to smell the vile things but decided it would be in his own best interest to intervene.

  He bent down and gathered her in his arms. “My fiancé needs air,” he said with a firmness no one associated with his usual languid attitude. He walked toward the door and requested his coach be brought round. He sat on a seat in the hall near the front door, with her ensconced firmly on his lap. “Not long now, dearest,” he said in a fond manner that was designed to make the dowagers sigh and his fiancé, he decided, try not to choke. “Benson will let your mama know you are in good hands.” He had settled on of the good hands in question firmly beneath her and was at that moment fondling her bottom. Caroline wriggled, not to dislodge it, but he fancied to try and make contact with his hardening cock. Charlie didn’t think he had ever spent so long in a state of arousal without coming. His hand tightened on one luscious globe, and Caroline moaned. Only he knew the reason.

  “Your coach, m’lud.”

  Charlie nodded his thanks and lifted Caroline without any effort as he stood and made his way to his coach. “Make sure Lady Caroline’s mother knows she is at my town house. My aunt will be there to chaperone.” He strode out before anyone realized there would be no chaperone in the coach as they made their way to his house. It might only take a few minutes, but that was long enough for the tabbies to get their claws out. However, it seemed no one had noticed their departure. The carriage rolled away without comment, much to Charlie’s relief.

  As soon as they had moved out of sight of the doorway, he gave Caroline a little shake. “You can un-swoon now,” he said in a dry voice. “We’re away.”

  She sat up with alacrity and shook out her skirts. “Thank goodness for that. Where are we?”

  “On the way to my house.”

  Caroline shook her head solemnly. “Oh no, my lord, that will never do. Think of my reputation.”

  “Why?” he asked, interested to hear her reply. “You seem not to.”

  She laughed; it reminded him of water flowing over pebbles, a glorious, tuneful sound. “Now that is where you err, my lord. I do think of it. Constantly. And I cannot go to your house un-chaperoned. That would never do. You had better ask the coachman to take me to my parents’ house.”

  “But you are coming to my house at eleven,” Charlie argued with due reason. “So what’s the difference?”

  “Well, about six hours or so for a start, “she pointed out. “And at 11:00 p.m., I will be unobserved. Now?” She shrugged.

  “Now, my dear,” he retorted, “My aunt will chaperone us. And to observe proprieties, you will stay long enough for a little refreshment, before I escort you home, fully recovered from your, er, weakness.”

  She fluttered her eyelashes at him and smiled, demureness personified. “Oh, my lord, you are sooo masterful. What would I do without your strength and superior knowledge?” He felt her run her hand up his arm. “So strong, so…” She bit her lip and broke into a giggle. Minx, she is teasing me. “Seriously, Charlie, thank you. For, shall we say everything?”

  “Yes, let’s,” he agreed. “I look forward to later this night.”

  “Oh, I do so hope you aren’t let down.” The innuendo, accompanied by a brief glance downward, was obvious.

  “Oh, I’m sure I won’t be, my love, on the contrary,” he retorted. “I fully expect the opposite during our exchange.”

  “Exchange?” She took his hand as he escorted her out of his carriage and into the house. “Of what?”

  Did she realize such an opening she had given him if he chose to use it? He decided not to, but to keep her out of kilter. He glanced at her to show he knew he had the upper hand. “Of pleasantries, of course. What else? Ah, Aunt,” he said with a warning glance at his companion as his aunt approached. “Caroline suffered from a spell of faintness earlier. She needs to relax and partake of some refreshment before I return her to her parents.”

  Sophia Gibson regarded her nephew with more knowledge than he appreciated, and he mentally squirmed under her p
iercing look. “Of course, my dear, I’ll get some Madeira and cake, shall I?”

  “That would be lovely,” Caroline said with what he could only describe as a charming smile. “I am now resigned to drinking the awful stuff,” she whispered to him and rolled her eyes.

  “Actually, Aunt, it brings her out in a rash.” Charlie winked at Caroline, making sure his aunt didn’t see him do so. “Better give her a whiskey. Shall I pour one for you as well?” For his aunt was also partial to a dram.

  “What a good idea, Charlie. Now although I will deny it, I’m taking mine with me to my room,” his aunt said with a wicked grin and a salacious wink. “I was about to dress for dinner. I’m going to Marion Rushworth’s for cards tonight.” With a wink at Caroline, she left the room.

  “Your aunt,” said Caroline with appreciation, “is in a class of her own. A one off.”

  Charlie nodded. “She may have left us alone—though will deny it—but wouldn’t condone what I’d like to do with you at the moment. Or,” he said mendaciously, “I don’t think she would. With Aunt Sophia, one never knows.”

  Caroline peered at him from under her lashes as she sipped a very fine whiskey. “I hesitate to ask what that it is you wish to do, but I suggest you stop and think, my lord. Would I condone it?”

  “Well, you’d bloody well enjoy it,” he reposted. “And, by Gad, so would I!”

  “Mmm, what exciting thoughts that brings to mind. I shall definitely look forward to later. When later, remains to be seen.” She put down her empty glass. “Now, my lord, before you, er, spoil those oh-so-elegant pantaloons in any of several ways or I spill out of this rather form fitting bodice, I suggest you call for the carriage to take me home.” She gave a pointed look at Charlie’s once again rock-hard erection, which pushed against the fabric of his pantaloons, and then at her swollen breasts, threatening to spill over the top of her dress.

  As there was no chance of relieving any of the pressures on them, he agreed.

  ***

  As she entered her parents’ London town house the following evening, Caroline was prepared for an inquisition. The previous night, with the help of her parents’ major domo, a stanch supporter of hers, she had managed to evade them. With the servants help, she did not leave her bedchamber that morning until she knew each parent had departed the house. A picnic ride to Richmond had kept her busy all afternoon, and for a few hours she had forgotten her predicament to enjoy the company of the few true friends she had in the capital. At last, she conceded she had no option but to return to the house to prepare for the evening’s activities, and she braced herself for an inquisition. To her surprise, her parents were absent. “The countess is at Lady Croker’s, my lady, and your father at White’s. They hope you had a good day. Do you have any engagements this evening?” Her maid knew the answer as well as Caroline but observed the proprieties and helped her out of her gown and into a dressing wrap.

  “Primmy, you have been with me since forever,” Caroline retorted truthfully but ungrammatically. “You know as well as I do my social calendar. So, I am thankful, I have no engagement tonight, but I do need to slip out later. And it won’t be as easy here as at Chattels, so I will need your help.”

  “I thought you’d given up all that stuff since Lady Amanda became betrothed?” her maid said as she shook out Caroline’s gown before she put it over a chair to be tidied away later. She pursed her lips. “And now she is married, she’ll be too busy for any such nonsense, I’ll be bound. Surely you’re not carrying on that lark without her?”

  Caroline smiled and shook her head. “No, this is something else, but it needs to be done. Please, Primmy?”

  The older woman snorted.

  “You’ll be the death of me, young lady, how much longer do we need to keep up all this pretense? You’ll be exposed sooner or later, and then where will we be, eh?”

  Caroline giggled at her choice of words.

  Primmy shook her head. “You know what I mean. Is it all worth it?”

  Caroline sighed. The last few months had been very dull. “It was, and it is. Alas, it is now to all intents and purposes over, as well you know. We have so much perhaps to look forward to, but this is something else to be done.” Primmy’s scandalized look made her want to giggle again. Her maid was loyal, loving, and well able to curb any excesses Caroline may feel like exploring. “No, not that. Nothing too underhanded. I need to meet Charlie.”

  “Your fiancé? Why? Weren’t you with him all day?”

  “And a hundred others,” Caroline said in a voice she knew showed her frustration. “He is not at all as I remember him. Not in looks or personality. I need to understand more.” She forebode to mention the other times she had been aware of him, when there had not been a hundred others in close proximity and aware of every nuance, every word that passed between a couple. “I need to see him alone, and”—she grimaced and shrugged, her frustration uppermost—”I am now independent of my parents. Well provided for with my own home, my own fortune, albeit nowhere near as large as his. Therefore, I do not need to marry if I do not so desire. Primmy, I am three-and-twenty, an old maid almost. I missed my first two seasons, due to Eugenia not taking and then Grandmamma passing on. I had one season, during which I was told I would marry Charlie, and then…well, you know.”

  Primmy nodded. Caroline smiled. Primmy had been the recipient of many a bout of confidence and doubt.

  “So,” Caroline continued, as she was propelled into a chair and her hair brushed with long soothing strokes, “I declare, Primmy, I am not going to be coerced into something abhorrent to me.” Not that she thought marriage to Charlie would be abhorrent, but she needed time and encouragement to find out.

  “Well, be careful, missy. You know it’s what both yours and his parents want. Think on, you don’t want to be alone for ever, now do you?” The caress of the brush as it moved with gentle precision through her locks was reassuring and familiar. Caroline gave into the almost sensual feelings the brush strokes evoked and considered Primmy’s words.

  “Yes, if it is the only option. Might it not be better to be alone, but happy and unafraid, not having to sacrifice my inner self for a man? I think so. What would you say to me?”

  Primmy shook her head.

  “I’m sure you’ll do exactly as you please, and I swear you’ll be the death of me. What your parents would ever do if they find out just what you’ve been up to this last while I shudder to think. To either of us. Turn me off without a penny or references, I have no doubt. We’ll just have to hope they don’t.” She sniffed. “All right. I’ll help as usual.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Charlie wasn’t sure how he felt. True, he knew he was aroused and interested, and why. However, apart from confused, his other emotions were indefinable. How had a shy, quiet, and yes, retiring young lady, who previously had difficulty looking him in the eye, never ventured an opinion of her own, and did not speak unless spoken to become a vibrant, glowing, sensual woman? One who was outgoing, outspoken, and he admitted with an inward grin, darn right outré? As he dismissed his valet and tried without much success to calm his jittery nerves, he wondered how much of it was for show and how much was true knowledge. He admitted to himself that although he had enjoyed their repartee, he wanted her not to know certain things—and he wasn’t really sure just what he meant by ‘things’—but to want to know them. And he was going to be the one to give her that knowledge. It was not good enough to be able to impart everything he desired in a wife and partner. To his mind, Caroline had to thirst for knowledge. He had to be the one to provide the where with all for her to imbibe it.

  As he poured a glass of brandy, he stood in front of the window and idly watched a few carriages wend their way around the square. Somehow he didn’t think Caroline would herald her arrival in such an obvious manner.

  He sipped the spirit and enjoyed the fiery taste as it slipped down his throat. The hints of apples and spice had a smoothness that never ceased to amaze him. He frow
ned as he tried to remember a comment Caroline had made earlier. What was it? Ah, yes, something about him being the only one there would be—or had been—for her. Had been? What the deuce did she mean by that? Well, at eleven o’clock he’d be sure to find that out. It was only one thing among many he had a need to discover. Like were her breasts as luscious as he imagined? How would they feel when he took them in his hands? What enticing noises would she make as he suckled each delectable nipple in turn? How would she react when he began to stroke those downy curls that showed the way into her warm honeypot? Even more, what irresistible moans and sighs would she give as his fingers delved farther? He groaned. Yet again, his staff had stiffened and was rock hard. There was nothing for it, he couldn’t stay in this state for the next few hours, or he would spill his seed like a randy schoolboy the minute he touched her. Resigned, Charlie walked with a stiff gait into his dressing room and took matters in hand.

  Later, he wondered once more just how she was to ensure she arrived at his home unseen. Or even manage to leave her parents’ house. Ah well, he would find out soon enough. Meanwhile, he arranged for champagne to be available with ease, told his valet not to wait up, and made sure the fires in the drawing room, his private sitting room, and his bedchamber were lit. Charlie intended to leave nothing to chance. By twenty minutes to the hour, he was pacing the drawing room. In deference to the fact she was a lady, he was almost fully dressed, all he had removed was his form-fitting coat, and discarded his cravat. Then, after careful considerations, he had used the jack to remove his boots. It had pained him to use it. His valet’s distress would be equal to his ire when he saw the scuff marks the jack has created. For not the first time he wondered why Stebbins opinion mattered more than his father’s? Perhaps, because he had a more honest relationship with Stebbins than he did with his parent? His valet certainly understood him better. Charlie looked once more at the clock; to his dismay a mere two more minutes had passed his last perusal. Idly he wondered whether to go into the games room and pot a few balls. The pictures conjured up by the words games and balls made him decide that wasn’t a good idea. Instead, he resumed his pacing as the grandfather clock in the hall struck the quarter hour. He hoped she wouldn’t be late.