The Viscount Returns

The

    Viscount

Returns

By

Eryn Black

Eight years away to seek his fortune, Lord Robert Edden, the Viscount of Carlton has returned to find his estate transformed and his young bride a grown woman. There is little he can confess to his wife of his years away as he demands answers from her for the misuse of his lands as he has been away. Robert had left as a young man eager for adventure, but he has returned to his wife a Viscount ready to claim everything, including his bride. After so much time passed, would she welcome him with open arms or cast him out of her bed? As master of the house would he find his place or seek the next shooting star to chase across the ocean?

Married at a young age and abandoned on her wedding night, Fiona has spent the last eight years working on the lands her husband had left behind with no expectation of his return. For eight years she had been haunted with the memories of that one night they had shared in her bed. With so much time passed is there hope that she could once again open herself up to the man who had abandoned her and would he be able to accept the consequences of their one night together?

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

The Viscount Returns

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2015 © Eryn Black

Published by Beau Coup Publishing

http://beaucoupllcpublishing.com

Print:

ISBN-13: 978-1512027211 

ISBN-10: 1512027219 

Cover by JRA Stevens

For Beau Coup Publishing

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.

1870

Nothing had changed in the eight years Robert had been gone. Fragranced with memories of his childhood romps, the roads and countrysides were bringing his boyhood adventures and dreams alive. When he’d last looked at these rolling hills and vast timber he had left his family birthright for his father to maintain them, but now returning home he was Lord Robert Edden, the Viscount of Carlton.

Too long had he gone without taking in the exotic perfume of mimosa that drifted up from the wild gardens surrounding the pond up ahead. This had been the swimming hole he frequented as a boy, dreaming of all the adventures he would one day have. It was still a good ride before he would have his first glimpse of the estate manor, but looking at the glimmering waters Robert could already say with confidence it was good to be home.

“Just beyond those trees is the mill started by my grandfather.” He pointed to his right, and Allen followed the direction with curiosity. “At one time the mill and our sheep farms used to be the stability of the estate as well as for the town we rode past. My grandfather had built up these lands, giving my father a strong start when he took the title…but now…” He had never approved of his father’s frivolous spending, living beyond his means to live the life of a titled gentleman while he still ruled over Robert with an iron fist. It had been left to Robert now to try and save the families who depended on this land, but he could see now that in his absence things had not fared well.

“Times have changed.” Allen jabbed.

Man, boy, aristocrat, or merchant, whatever his current incarnation, Robert was struggling to find the courage in facing his predestined responsibilities. A frightening truth that his friend knew all too well. The agonizing temptation to pull the reigns and turn their horses back to London where they could board a ship and sail away was hovering over his shoulder like a demon trying to lead him astray. Robert knew that despite his desperation to vanish into the westward winds he had to return home long enough to be received as the new Viscount and see to his wife’s needs before he rode off on the winds of adventure once again. 

The trials and tribulations of the Edden family for the last five hundred years had been the topic of conversation since they’d left New York harbor three weeks ago. In the last six years Allen had traveled at Robert’s side with no mention of who he had been or what life he had been escaping, other than their mutual upbringing in an aristocratic home that neither wished to be reminded of. Since the moment of their departure from Boston Harbor, the free living Robert that Allen had known for the past six years had become reserved, and he was entrapped by this stoic and foreboding man who rode beside him now. Much like he would one day experience in his own homecoming, Allen could feel the dread and fear burning in his friend. Now, as they drew closer to their destination, a new Robert began to emerge, born from childhood memories he saw in his family’s land.

Guiding their horses around a bend, the aroma of the wild gardens left Allen dizzy. He did not notice when Robert jumped from his slowly moving horse and pulled off his boots in haste. Allen turned his head in time to see the inviting nod directing him to do the same.

“When was the last time you were home?” Looking over the hillside at the country estate, Allen asked with warm interest.

“It was the last night I saw my bride,” Robert shamefully replied. “The night before I sailed for the Americas.”

“But I met you in Boston six years ago?” Allen laughed. “You mean to tell me that in all this time during your travels you never came home or visited with your bride?” He had not expected his friend to confirm his question with silence, but that was it and Allen had to expect no further answer for the time being.

“You never spoke of your wife or any woman until the day we began this journey.” Cursing the obvious pain in his voice, Allen tried to forget the instant feeling of betrayal from that afternoon in Boston when Robert had sat in the tavern reading the belated correspondence from London.

In that tavern over a pint of stew, Robert’s fate was sealed in the correspondence telling him of his father’s passing four years prior, shackling him with the burden on the title and land. He had made travel plans that day and it wasn’t until they had set sail that he spoke of the bride he had left behind.

*  *  *

“Edden?” Looking around, Robert and Allen found a tall gangly dandy coming their way. His hand stretched out in greetings. He was clearly a friend or acquaintance of Robert’s. “Edden!” He continued with more determination until epiphany sparked in his eyes.

“Victor.” Robert ran up and eagerly shook the man’s hand. “My God, man, what are you doing here?”

“I came to escape the marriage traps of the season and have a little adventure.” Victor was too delicate to survive the adventure that Allen and Robert had lived through, and Allen choked on his strangled chuckle.

“Victor, I want you to meet a good friend of mine.” More formal than Allen had grown accustomed to, Robert ushered his friend forward and for the two men to exchange introductions.

That afternoon Allen had seen a new side to his friend. Though they both came from aristocracy, they had cast out all their rights and privileges in England, and here they had bathed themselves as common men who were now common men of means.

“Forgive me for misspeaking earlier, but I heard some time ago that you now hold the title of Robert Edden, the Viscount of Carlton.”

Robert was stunned to a stop hearing Victor make such a declaration. It was then that he discovered his father had been dead these past four years. That night Robert had sent word to his steward back in England that he would be returning as soon as passage could be booked and to expect him at the stronghold within the month.

That night Allen had seen a new man in his friend.

*  *  *

Lord Robert looked longingly at the gardens that surrounded the pond of his youth and was pained by what he had left behind. Their wedding night had not held the reserve he had hoped for from his father’s choice in his bride. He had resented his father for arranging the match without his consent. Intending on this forced marriage to father the necessary heir and spare before taking up residence in his own town house in London, Robert had planned that he would leave his bride to her own life of tea parties and country dances. Never had he imagined that his innocent bride could hide a passion with a flame that would still burn in his memories. There was something overpowering in their union that had scared him.

“Robert, if this is true perhaps it would be safer to ride back to London than to face the fire power of Lady Edden? I could find us passage in a fortnight or you could accompany me to my family’s estate.” He pulled against the reins, bringing his unsteady steed into obedience. “Or, perhaps it would be best if you arrived without me while I proceeded on to my own dreadful reunion?” Allen may have offered the honorable jester, but was not yet ready to bid his friend goodbye.

“Nonsense,” Robert commanded. “You are my guest and I have promised you a stay in my home for the night.”

“I could simply move on to my family’s home today. Scarborough is but two days’ journey from here.”

“I am the master here!” Sounding a bit more forceful than he had intended, Robert realized that in a brief moment he had channeled his own father through him. Taking a couple of clarifying breaths, he looked back at his friend, tight jawed and tense. “At least allow me the chance to give you a proper meal and a friendly send-off.” Curled up in a wicked grin, his lips bid his companion to stay on. “Come, there is some place I want to share with you before my bride runs you off my lands.” Dropping the forced half smile, Robert gave Allen a warm friendly smile before he turned toward the pond. “Quick, man! I have longed to show you my childhood refuge.” Robert laughed, tripping over himself as he struggled to remove his second boot.

“You have been all surprises.” Allen dismounted and ran to catch up with his friend.

The life and excitement of their youthful days reborn, they pulled at each other’s shirts in a wrestle. Dislodged and rumpled, they each fought for a prize. Victorious, Robert waved Allen’s cravat and shirtsleeves over his head, leaving the other to give chase. Their unfashionably tanned bodies ran over the grass, never paying a mind to the cold English weather. Waving the linen prizes over his head, Robert taunted Allen, who did not hesitate to charge for his friend, grabbing him by the waist and lifting the robust Viscount up and then turning to land him in the green tinged water of the pond.

“Now, how is that for a welcome home, Lord of the manor?” Holding his fists at his hips, Allen laughed out in pride. 

“I would not stand there so prideful, my friend.” Robert swam to a shallow footing and stood to wave his prize in the warm, late summer air.

The wet cravat and shirtsleeves was a flag of war in Robert’s hands and his challenge was met as he had anticipated. Diving for Robert, Allen cut through the air and took his friend by the neck, hurtling them both under the water. Rolling and struggling, they were tangled limbs of muscle. Over and over again they rolled in the water, fighting for a quick breath and when they would surface it was only long enough to take a quick breath before they plunged back to the depths in laughter.

Jumping free from the water, Allen ran onto dry land with his recovered cravat and shirt in hand. Fighting for a breath in his laughter, he fell to his knees, crawling away until at last he collapsed onto his chest under the weight of Robert’s body.

“You won’t escape that easily, Mr. Allen.” He bit at Allen’s neck like a lion dominating its mate and was answered with a shattering moan. “Now!” he declared. “Need I tame you like a bucking wild steed?” he playfully threatened, sealing his threat with a slap to Allen’s rear.

Wrapping his arms tight about Robert, Allen turned to Robert and took command, capturing his friend under him with a carnal growl. Crushing his lips to Robert’s, he wasted no time, claiming his strong, masculine lips as a prize. Melting into each other, it was a hard, fierce kiss that burned Robert in heated passion.

Desires fought hard against the wet restraint of their second skin breeches and Allen shuddered from the hard press of Robert’s knee into his groin. Sliding his legs between Allen’s, Robert’s leg nuzzled his swollen sack, driving an uncontrollable shiver form his companion. Breaking free from the kiss, Allen threw his head back, crying out uncontrollably and opened himself up to Robert’s skillful tongue, licking trails over Allen’s exposed tanned neck. Forcefully Robert pulled Allen down on top of him, wrapping his arms around him in a vise and holding him close, licking around the side of his neck and up to that sensitive spot he knew so well. 

Planting his hands on either side of Robert’s head, Allen pushed himself up, never breaking the link between their eyes. His shoulders shook from the encaged sexual rage that was burning from his core. Sitting back, he grasped Robert by the shoulders and shifted his weight as he rolled the very willing Robert over onto his stomach. Laughing from the delight of feeling his lover’s desire, Robert did not resist or put up any fight, welcoming Allen’s skillful touch.

Reaching around Robert’s center, Allen freed his erection from the confines of his clothing and fought to pull the fabric down over Roberts’s round tanned backside and down to his knees. The muscular and firm behind that had ridden so far to come home reddened under a firm slap from Allen’s hand. Robert cringed and purred under the ministrations of Allen’s palm after two, three, four strikes that sent shivers through his body. Reaching around with one hand, Allen could feel the drops of pre-cum clinging to the tip of Robert’s cock. He wiped the tip clean and licked the salty delight from his fingers.

“Mmm, hours of sweaty horseback and you still taste just as delicious as you have stepping from a spring river bath.” Allen reached between their bodies and pulled himself free from the bindings of his own trousers. Holding his own erection with a firm grip, Allen stroked his half erect member into a stiff, strong staff that glistened from his own juices. 

“Quick!” Robert growled, urging him on. “I want to feel all I can of you.”

“I would not waste time risking our discovery.” He took a quick look around in warning. “Is it safe, do you think?”

“More than safe. I am the lord of the Manor now and here no one will keep me from what I desire and crave. Now waste no more time.” Reaching between his legs, he pulled Allen’s hand up and sucked in one of his rough, masculine fingers. His meaning was understood and received with a quick bite to his shoulder.

“The oil is in my saddle bags,” Allen groaned, but Robert did not flitch when Allen spit into his hand to slick his own member as he circled a finger around Robert’s puckered entrance, working his finger in and spreading Robert open for his pleasure.

No more hesitation, Allen eased himself home with tender care. Together their bodies molded and curved into one. Burying his face into the abandoned cravat shielding him from the rough scratchy grass covered earth, Robert bit the delicate linen. Swallowing back his groaning, he rocked back into Allen’s welcoming frame. Feeling the callused touch of Allen’s hand grip his shaft shook Robert into a convolution of pleasure.