Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Another maid,” she whispered.
“No,” I almost snarled. “You were never truly a maid. You were raised as a lady.”
“But not seen as such. Even if my father hadn’t reduced my life to that of a servant, I would only be a miss.”
I shook my head, not caring. “You are a lady now. My lady. My marchioness.” I smiled at her. “My beloved wife.”
She returned my smile, but I saw a touch of worry in it. I lifted our joined hands and kissed her knuckles. “The only woman I have ever truly loved. The only woman I will ever love.”
Her smile became bright again. “As I love you.”
Her stomach chose that moment to grumble, and I laughed. “I believe our child needs nourishment, my wife. Shall we go downstairs and see what Cook has made for you today?”
The domestics adored her, and my cook loved to spoil Maddie with treats and special meals. Now that she was feeling better, she loved breakfast and ate well most days.
“Yes,” she sighed happily. “I am hungry.”
“I have not upset you with my story?” I queried.
“No, Alexander. It is part of your life, and I want to know everything. I am sad to hear how your father treated you and of that woman’s careless disregard for your feelings, but I am pleased you told me.” She colored prettily again. “Especially since I know you love me as you do.”
I leaned forward and kissed her. “I do, my love. I do.”
CHAPTER 18
ALEXANDER
Afew days later, I sat across from my wife, breaking our fast. She wore a pretty morning gown in a pale blue, gathered under her breasts, the material flowing over the small mound of her belly. I loved touching it, cupping my hand over the growing swell, anxious to feel its movement, although Maddie had informed me it would be a while before that occurred. She looked further along than she was, due to her small stature, and I could only imagine how appealing she would be as she blossomed.
Her hair was up, tendrils escaping around her ears and neck, the small ringlets bright in the morning sun. I loved her curls, and when I heard her and Lydia bemoaning the fact that they could never get them to behave, I informed them I liked it when they escaped. I found them charming and beguiling.
Much like my wife.
She was eating slowly, methodically—the way she liked to do. Enjoying every morsel. I knew she’d been denied so much for so long, and I enjoyed watching her savor her food.
I simply liked watching her, if the truth be told.
She looked up, coloring slightly at my stare.
“Sir?” she asked, impertinent and demanding. “Might I ask what you are so boldly looking at?”
I smiled as I set down my cup. “You, my wife. I am boldly looking at you and enjoying your beauty. You are glowing this morning.” I refilled my cup, the aroma of the strong coffee I liked so much rich in my nose. “Perhaps you have had a good morning so far? I know I have enjoyed it immensely.”
Her eyes rounded, knowing I was referring to our earlier lovemaking. I had woken this morning to her mouth around me, pleasuring me in ways I had never fathomed she would. She had licked and sucked my length, taking me to the back of her throat before I had reluctantly cried surrender, wanting to be inside her cunny when I reached my crisis.
After, she had ridden me, finding her pleasure quickly, then again moments later as I spent inside her. She collapsed on my chest, exhausted and slipping back into sleep for a short time. I had held her, content to let her rest, pondering how quickly she had become paramount in my life.
She blinked, her cheeks darkening. “How imprudent you are,” she admonished with a smile playing on her lips.
“Only for you, my sweet.”
“I would think so,” she replied cheekily with a toss of her head, causing her curls to bounce.
“Would you enjoy a picnic today, Maddie mine?” I asked. “It is supposed to be fine all afternoon.”
“Do you have time?” she asked eagerly.
“I can make time for you. Perhaps by the brook again. I’ll have a footman take a comfortable chair down under the shade of the trees.” I winked at her. “Perhaps I can persuade you to swim with me today.”
She looked away, the color extending down her neck and to her ears. I had tried to convince her to shed her clothing and join me in the cool water of the brook once. She had looked scandalized, refusing my invitation, but I had a feeling she was curious. Perhaps today was the day I could coax her. I could show her how pleasurable the water could be.
“How brazen you are today,” she murmured primly, taking a small sip of her tea—but she did not refuse my idea.