Enticing Miss Eugenie Villaret (25 page)

Eugénie blushed charmingly as he brought her fingers to his lips. “I’m happy to be the first.”

And the last, if he had anything to say about it.

The bump of a boat against the
Song Bird
hailed Mr. Petherick’s arrival. Mr. Whitecliff went out to greet the vicar.

Mrs. Whitecliff glanced around the room. “I think everything is prepared.”

Andrew placed his betrothed’s hand on his arm. “We are ready.”

“That’s an understatement,” Cicely mumbled. “I’ve been ready.”

A few moments later, the vicar entered with Mr. Whitecliff. Dressed in a neat gray jacket, with a pearl and white waistcoat, black breeches, low pumps, and a plainly tied cravat, Will was pleased to note that, except for Mr. Petherick’s windblown appearance, he looked like any other man of the church.

“Will Mr. Whitecliff be giving away both of you ladies?”

“Yes. I will.”

Petherick bowed to the others. “Shall we begin?”

Eugénie took her place next to Will in his dark jacket and breeches. She had never seen him dressed quite so fine. Yet there was something else; she couldn’t put her finger on it, but he had never been more handsome. His warm gaze captured her eyes as he repeated his vows in a low, steady voice. Her heart thudded so hard, she thought he must have heard it. His hand held hers more securely as she promised to love, honor, and cherish him.

“Obey?” Will murmured to Mr. Petherick.

“I’ve found it doesn’t do much good. As long as you worship her, you’ll not have any problems.” He gave the ring he’d blessed to Will, and continued. “With this ring . . .”

Will slid the ring over the third finger of her left hand as he repeated the words. When the vicar pronounced them man and wife, Eugénie, Will, Cicely, and Andrew signed the register, then Cicely and Andrew were wed.

“My lady.” Mr. Whitecliff hugged her. “I wish you very happy on your wedding day and throughout your life.” He grinned at Will. “To you as well, my lord.” The older man eyed Will shrewdly. “But I don’t believe I have any reason to be concerned on that account.”

A few hours later, leaning against the ship’s railing, Andrew was joined by Will. Josh had been sent to fetch Mrs. Petherick so that she could join her husband at the wedding breakfast of sorts that was held as they sailed to Cane Garden Bay, where the ship would spend the night at anchor. Unfortunately, it turned out that the nearby plantation owner was having a house party, and the Whitecliffs knew the hosts and a few of the couples who were in attendance. There was, naturally, nothing for it but that the house party had to be invited as well, at least according to Andrew’s new mother-in-law.

An awning had been strung in front of the salon to provide a shaded area. Cicely was stuck doing the pretty with her mother’s guests.

“I’ve discovered,” Will said, “the bad part of having the wedding here.”

“And that would be?” Andrew was having the same thoughts. There must be some way for him to escape with his wife.

“One cannot whisk one’s new wife away.”

“True.” He rubbed the spot between his brows. “But at least we’re married.”

“Thank God for that!”

Eugénie cast Will such a look of longing before turning back and smiling at something Mrs. Whitecliff said, that he stood. “I think I’ll rescue my viscountess for a while.”

“I wish you more luck than I had.”

Will raised a brow, and Andrew grimaced. “You’d think I’d planned to steal Cicely off forever instead of residing at her family’s home until we leave for England.”

“Have you ever watched a dog cut sheep from a herd?”

“No, why?”

Will grinned. “I’m about to help you reclaim your bride. Be prepared to move as soon as I’ve engaged her mother.”

What the devil was he planning? Andrew followed and watched with appreciation as his friend insinuated his way into the conversation. As two of the ladies simpered over him, he took a step to one side, causing Cicely to step back.

Andrew grabbed her hand and swept them behind one of the masts. “Alone at last.”

Cicely giggled, but turned her face up to him for a kiss. He brought his lips to hers, teasing them before sliding his tongue into her mouth. He’d wanted her so desperately, but up till now this was all he’d allowed them to do. Now he slid his hands over her lush bottom.

“Oooh, that’s nice.”

Andrew moved on to nibble her ear. “Just nice?”

Her breath quickened. “Well, perhaps a bit more.”

“I think we should find our cabin.”

She pulled back a bit, her eyes wide. “Mama wanted to have a talk with me before then.”

Aha, that’s why Cicely had been kept from him. “And I think, as your husband, it is my right and privilege to answer all your questions and teach you everything you need to know.”

She swallowed. “You do?”

“Absolutely.” He took her mouth again, bringing her body flush against his. “Shall we go?”

Cicely melted into him. “Yes.”

They made their way to the aft of the ship, through her parents’ cabin to the part where the staterooms were located. She opened the door to her room.

Andrew drew Cicely into a long kiss. “I can’t believe we’re finally alone.”

“Nor can I.” She reached up and began untying his cravat. “My love, I’m a bit nervous.”

He quickly unlaced her gown so that it gaped open, giving him a perfect view of the beautiful creamy mounds. His shaft hardened with anticipation. “I won’t lie to you. This may hurt some, but I’ll be as gentle as possible, and it will never hurt again.”

She threw his neckcloth down, applying herself to his waistcoat buttons. By the time she was done, her gown had slid down over her generous hips to the floor. He shrugged out of his waistcoat, then drew his shirt over his head.

Cicely gasped. “Oh, I didn’t know how well you look.” She placed her hand on his chest, spreading her fingers through his curls. “Umm, I like this.”

Good Lord, she’d be the death of him. He quickly removed the rest of their clothing, except for her shift. That would be gone soon enough, and he didn’t want to scare her. Swooping her up, he placed her in the middle of the bed and lay down next to her.

Her arms came around his neck, pulling him closer. “I want you to know I trust you.”

He claimed her lips, running his tongue over her teeth, exploring the soft, warm cavern of her mouth before kissing and licking his way to her already tight, pale pink nipples. He’d waited so long to taste her, and she was just as good as he’d thought she would be. Vanilla and coconut.

She moaned, arching into him. His member throbbed with need. God help him, he had to go slowly for her. Andrew attended to her other breast, burying his head in her softness as he moved a hand to her damp curls.

Cicely spread her legs as Andrew settled between them. Her breasts still ached with wanting him, yet now his lips had moved to her stomach and his fingers rubbed her most sensitive spot. Hot desire streaked through her like lightning, causing her to lift her hips to him. “I want . . .”

He chuckled. “You’re hot and wet. Soon.”

One finger entered her. “So strange.”

“Are you all right?” Andrew asked, concerned.

“Yes, more than all right. It—it’s wonderful.”

He grunted as his body grew as hard as a rock. Cicely pushed against his hand. “There is more.”

“Yes.”

He shifted over her, nudging his shaft where his finger had been. “Cicely, my love, hold on to me.”

She twined her arms around his neck as he thrust into her. She gave a small yelp as a sharp pain took her breath away, and he stopped.

“How are you?”

That was an interesting question. Her sheath throbbed a bit, but the pain was lessening. Soon all she would feel was him. In her and around her. This was what it meant to be one. “Full.” She wrapped her legs around him as Andrew began thrusting forward again. Soon pleasure spiraled through her, and her sheath clenched around him. He covered her lips with his, swallowing her cry, then shuddered and groaned.

“Cicely, my love, my wife.”

For the first time she truly felt married, part of a new family. “Andrew, I love you.”

He kissed her tenderly. “As I love you, now and forever.”

E
ugénie glanced at Will, sighed, and gave her head a slight shake as Mrs. Whitecliff’s friends and their daughters fawned over him. At first Eugénie hadn’t understood why he’d joined the ladies, then she saw Andrew and Cicely sneak away. Apparently it was now Will who needed rescuing. Goodness, if it was this bad here, how much worse would it be in England?

She slid her arm in his. “If you’ll excuse us, ladies, I must borrow my husband.”

“Oh, so sorry, my lady,” a woman with improbable blond curls said.

“We didn’t mean to take up so much of his time,” another woman in a purple bonnet added.

One of the younger women tittered. Really, you’d think they would have some sense of pride. The women curtseyed, and Eugénie almost returned the gesture, then remembered to incline her head graciously as she gave a light tug on William’s arm.

“Ladies, my wife calls.” He slipped his arm around her as they headed to the salon. “Thank you,” he said in a low, heartfelt tone. “When I couldn’t use the excuses I normally do, I found myself stuck.”

“Oh, so you do know how to extricate yourself.” Eugénie hadn’t meant to sound like a shrew, but . . .

She felt rather than saw him smile. Of course he’d think it was funny.

“Oho, my lady. I didn’t know you had a jealous streak.”

“I don’t.” Drat the man. “It is only that I . . . well . . .”

He swung her around, kissing her soundly. “I promise you’ll never have cause to worry. Drag me away from as many women as you please.”

Warmth crept into her face. “I did not
drag
you away.”

“Non?”
He raked the pads of his thumbs over her nipples. “I plan on dragging you to our cabin and showing you how attached I am to you.”

Eugénie’s blood raced, and her throat dried. Dear Lord, William was wicked. “Attached?”

“Joined, shall we say?” His tone gave her no doubt of his meaning.

“I think that’s an excellent idea.”

“Good.” He swung her into his arms, turned sideways, and walked down the passageway to the cabins.

When they entered what had been her stateroom alone, William slid her down the length of his hard body, letting her feel his need. He shrugged out of his coat, untied his cravat, and toed off his shoes. It was still day-light and this was the first time she’d have a good look at him. Unable to help herself, Eugénie licked her lips.

The beast chuckled. “That is exactly the reaction I want from you. Would you like to help?”

Hands trembling, she reached up to unfasten his shirt. This was ridiculous. She’d lain with him three times already. Finally the button came undone. “I don’t know what is wrong with me.”

His eyes simmered as he gazed at her. “Desire combined with inexperience. Don’t let it worry you, my love. Take all the time you need.”

Taking a breath, she went to work on the rest of the buttons on his shirt and waistcoat. When his garments were lying on the floor, Eugénie stared at her husband. The curls covering his chest were lighter than she’d thought. She ran her palms over his hard muscles, and William groaned. Encouraged, she allowed her fingers to travel down to his breeches, tracing the width of his taut stomach to the buttons on his fall. His breathing quickened as she undid first one then the others, exposing his already rigid shaft.

Before she could touch it, William pulled his breeches and his stockings down, kicking them aside.

He turned her around. “Now it’s your turn.”

The back of her neck tingled as he fluttered kisses down her spine to the laces her modiste insisted upon using rather than tapes. As her gown loosened, he kissed each newly exposed place. Her chemise fell with her gown and stays. If nothing else, William was efficient.

He lifted her out of the puddle of clothing on the floor, then draped her clothes over a chair. She reached up to unhook her necklace.

“Leave it.”

Staring at him, she dropped her hands.

“I want to see you wearing nothing but the pearls.”

Eugénie stood before him wide-eyed, and a little nervous. Well she should be. Though she’d been nude with him the first time, she’d been in bed, not standing exposed before him. Will sucked in a breath. She was even lovelier now than in candlelight.

With one finger he traced from her neck, over her generous breasts, the deep pink nipples now tightly budded, to her small waist, then over the gentle swell of her hips. God, he’d never seen a more beautiful woman. The pearls looped around her neck set off her golden skin. Eugénie’s pink stockings drew his gaze to the dark curls hiding her mons. The stockings would go next, but he’d peel them down slowly. To-day was the time to savor every inch of his wife.

Will lifted Eugénie, placing her on the bed. He untied the ribbons of her sandals, then poured them both a glass of the champagne he’d had Tidwell attend to earlier. “To you, my love.”

She gazed into his eyes, and he was captured all over again. “To us, my husband.”

A gull screeched, but other than that, all was quiet. Will found he could barely speak. “Eugénie.”

She took one long drink before setting the glass down. “William.”

Dear Lord, he wasn’t going to last. Slow would have to come later. He tossed off his wine, as she held out her arms. The glass slipped from his fingers and he rolled onto the bed.

“Love me.”

“I do, sweetheart, I do.”

He touched between her legs, to find her already wet. Eugénie arched up to meet him as he slid into her. Eugénie’s legs wrapped around him, holding him tight, and he knew she was his home.

When Will awakened, it was dark. He’d never get used to the rapidity with which the sun went down here. He lit the oil lamps and was gazing at a sleeping Eugénie when a knock sounded on the door.

“My lord?”

“Give me a moment, Tidwell.” Will made sure Eugénie was covered and threw on his dressing gown before opening the door. Tidwell averted his gaze from the bed as he carried in a large tray that he placed on a table.

Marisole followed holding a large pitcher and a bottle of wine. “The water is for drinking, milord. I shall bring more for washing later.”

She busied herself picking up Will’s garments and shaking them out. Tidwell’s face turned an interesting shade of pink, but before Will could comment, Marisole said, “Teedwell, there is no need for embarrassment, they are married, no?”

A giggle, which turned quickly into a coughing fit, came from the bed. Eugénie buried her face in a pillow.

The maid helped Tidwell set out the rest of the plates, then led him out of the cabin. Before closing the door, she turned. “Milady, it is for me an immense joy you are wed. I have always wanted to be maid to a great lady.”

Eugénie waved her hand in front of her face, clearly in an attempt to stop laughing. “Thank you, Marisole. I am very glad as well.”

“
Bon
. Milord, you must forgive Teedwell, he will accustom himself. ” She curtseyed and left.

His wife gave herself over to the laughter. “My lord, I believe your valet is a Puritan.”

“No, a Methodist. Almost as bad.” Will started to chuckle. “Teedwell?”

“She
is
French.”

As was his wife. “Come, my lady-wife. Let’s eat.” Will gave her his best lecherous look. “You’ll need your strength.”

“Ah, my lord, so will you.”

The following morning, Eugénie awoke in William’s arms. She glanced out the port window, where she saw a bit of spray shoot up. It was barely light. What were they doing under sail already?

Will stirred, pulling her closer to him. This was an aspect of marriage she already loved.

Marisole crept into the cabin with the wash water.

“Why have we left so early?”

“Weather.” She shrugged. “The captain said he saw the first signs of a storm and wishes to return to St. Thomas immediately.”

Eugénie nodded. They had been fortunate so far this season to only get heavy rains, which filled their cisterns. The gulls had not yet left, so whatever storm was bearing down on them should not be so bad on land. Still, one wouldn’t want to be caught in it out on a ship. “Are we expected in the salon for breakfast?”

A smile dawned on her maid’s face. “No one said anything about you, but Miss . . . Mrs. Grayson was told to be present.”

“Oh dear, that doesn’t sound good. I suppose we’d better be there in support.”

Marisole placed a hand bell on the dressing table. “Ring if you need assistance dressing.”

“I shall.” Eugénie glanced down at William. Was he as good at tying laces as untying them?

He yawned. “What is it?”

Eugénie watched him for a moment, enjoying his tousled hair. His eyes seemed bluer in the morning. “We have a storm approaching, and the captain has already weighed anchor. Also, Mrs. Whitecliff has requested Cicely and Andrew join them in the salon for breakfast. I think we should be there as well.”

William pulled her down to him. “You are such a splendid wife that I have a present for you.”

She grinned as his shaft nudged her. “Do you indeed?”

“Mmm.”

His love-making was slow and tender. A change from yesterday and last night when she thought they would burn to cinders. Eugénie had never felt so loved and cherished. She shuddered. To think that at one point she had actually considered a marriage of convenience.

An hour and three gowns later, she rang for Marisole. William, she had discovered, became much too easily distracted to actually dress her. The farthest he’d got was tying the laces half-way up before the temptation to unlace them overcame him. She’d washed for the fourth time when Marisole knocked, then entered.

“
Bonjour
, milady.”

“I need to dress quickly so that his lordship can make himself ready as well.”

In under a half hour, Eugénie was coiffed and wearing a pale yellow muslin day gown, embroidered with tiny coral-colored flowers. She smiled at Will, who’d watched with a small grin on his lips while she’d donned her gown. He was probably plotting how quickly he could remove it.

“Your turn, my love. I shall meet you in the salon.” She whisked out of the cabin before he could protest.

He heaved a sigh as the door shut then opened again to admit “Teedwell.” If his valet ever heard Will call him that, he’d probably resign. Throwing off the covers, Will stalked to the washbasin. “The buckskin breeches and light brown jacket for to-day. We’ll be on the ship for hours.”

Tidwell bowed, then set about laying out the rest of Will’s garments as Will washed.

Will and his wife had discussed moving into her apartment, but perhaps he could talk her into staying at the hotel for at least a few weeks. A honeymoon of sorts. One that wouldn’t include curious children and his aunt. Though he had to admit, once he and Eugénie had married, Sidonie had left them alone.

He strolled into the salon just in time to hear Cicely, who was in one corner of the room with her mother, say, “We
want
to spend our time together. We’ve been married less than a day. If we were in England, we’d be on our wedding trip.”

He glanced at Eugénie, who’d started to go to Cicely’s aid but was forestalled by her mother. The hotel looked better all the time. Andrew shook off Mr. Whitecliff’s arm, then strode over to his wife as Mrs. Whitecliff’s lips pressed in a thin line and she said, “Cicely, my dear, you cannot live in a gentleman’s pocket.”

“Ma’am.” Andrew took Cicely’s hand and drew her to him. “I believe I am the better judge of how my wife and I should go on.”

Eugénie sidled up next to Will, turning her head so that no one but he could hear. “That has been going on since Andrew and Cicely finished breakfast.”

“What does Mrs. Whitecliff think she’s doing? They’re married, for pity’s sake.”

She gave a slight shrug. “I think she was not ready to let go of Cicely yet.” Linking her arm with his, she led him to the dishes that had been set out. “Break your fast. We’ll be back in Charlotte Amalie before too long.”

“How is that possible? It took us hours to get to Tortola.”

“We left very early and the wind is with us sailing back to St. Thomas.” She helped him pile his plate with food and did the same to hers.

They sat at one of the small tables, and Josh brought a pot of tea, with milk and sugar. Will took a sip. “What do you think of us living at the hotel for a few weeks?”

“I have no objection.” Eugénie chewed thoughtfully. “When do you wish to return to England, and have you told Maman your plan to take her and the children with us?”

He grabbed a serviette to avoid spewing his tea over the table. “How did you know I’d do that?”

She glanced up and frowned. “I am positive you mentioned it. If not”—she raised one shoulder in one of her elegant and very French gestures—“it must be because that is what you
would
do. You must return, and it would not occur to you to leave Maman and the children behind.”

Will glanced around. “Where are our sisters?”

“In Maman’s cabin with Penny, doing their lessons.” His wife poured more tea into his cup. “The wind is so strong to-day, we thought it best if they were not on deck.”

“Thank God for that.” He didn’t relish trying to keep track of them on the journey home.

“I think being in England for Christmas would be the best.”

He searched her face. A small line had formed between her brows. “You do realize it will be much colder than here?”

“Yes, of course. We can have some warm clothing made before we leave, and the rest when we arrive.”

“Very well then.” He still worried about the transition for her. “If we depart at the end of October, we’ll arrive in good time and be spared the winter gales.”

Eugénie smiled at him, and it was as if he’d been given the sun, moon, and all the stars.

“Thank you.”

When he shrugged, she placed her small hand over his. “It is a large burden to take on.”

It would take a fair amount to get his aunt and cousins settled, but he and Eugénie would have help. Before they sailed, he’d write his friends and mother. Will grinned to himself. He supposed he should tell his parents he eloped with his father’s ward.