“You survived,” she said softly. “And it’s the only thing that matters.”
“Will you marry me, Lily?” he asked. “I need you by my side.” He slid his hands down to her shoulders and then to her waist.
She smiled and kissed him. “I do want to marry you. More than anything else.”
Chapter Fifteen
The sky had darkened into evening, and Matthew lay with Lily sleeping atop him. Her skin was rosy, her body utterly pliant against his. He caressed her bare spine, his signet ring sliding over her skin. He needed to buy a new ring for her, a betrothal ring that would suit her.
He kissed her lightly, and her eyelids fluttered. “Must I get up?” She rolled to her side and he held her close to keep her from falling off the chaise longue.
“I’m afraid so.” He moved his hands over her skin, feeling more content than he’d been in a long time.
Lily sat up, and against the firelight, he drank in the sight of her. Her brown hair held a slight hint of red in the golden light, and he marveled at her beauty. She stood up and walked toward the table of food, breaking off a piece of cheese.
He came up behind her, kissing her throat. His body responded to her sensual form, and he drew her close, pressing his hardened shaft to her hips. He could not stop himself from cupping her breasts, his body rigid with need.
But she surprised him when she parted her legs and bent over the desk. The invitation was unmistakable, and he stroked her erect nipples. The sight of her body bared to him was even more arousing, and he guided his shaft to her entrance. She gasped, but welcomed him into her body. He slid inside her easily, and the new position allowed him to go deeper. He clasped her hips, rocking inside her as he plunged and withdrew.
She gripped the edge of the table, backing against him in counterpoint.
And he felt the pressure building within, the need to claim her as his own. Lily laid her head down and whispered, “I want you, Matthew.”
He gave in to his dark desires, intensifying the rhythm. She squeezed him tightly as he thrust, letting the reckless storm take them. Lily convulsed against him, her breathing harsh as she panted against him. Her cries grew higher pitched, and when she seized around him, he erupted within her, spilling his seed. A guttural cry tore from him, and she shuddered with her own pleasure.
He held her close, and Lily rested her cheek against the table, before at last he raised up.
“I should be apologizing for that,” he said, withdrawing from her body. “But I cannot be sorry.”
“There is no need, for I enjoyed it, too.” She turned to him and kissed him. His tongue mingled with hers, and she smiled. “But we should both get dressed. Heaven only knows when Lady Castledon will send someone to let us out.”
She returned to the other basket and pulled out the clean blue gown from inside. Beneath it, she saw a corset and chemise, both made from sapphire silk. “I’ve never seen undergarments like these before,” she admitted. “They’re from Aphrodite’s Unmentionables, don’t you suppose?”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Cousin Amelia and her sisters had created the business over thirty years ago. Evangeline’s mother, Margaret Sinclair, was now the owner. Their fortunes had been built upon an empire of scandalous corsets and chemises.
“Do you need my help?” Matthew offered. Though he knew little about helping with a corset, he guessed he could figure it out.
Lily pulled the blue silk chemise over her head and drew the corset around her waist, holding it in place. “Will you lace me up?”
He did, though he was afraid to lace it tightly for fear of hurting her. Then she pulled on her pantalettes and petticoats. At last, she put on the blue gown. It was a plain muslin fabric, but it fit her beautifully, revealing the dip of her slender waist. Matthew came up behind her and gave her the silver chain with his ring upon it.
“I will get you a ring of your own soon,” he promised. “Do you prefer silver or gold?”
She turned to him, fingering the heavy ring. “I would wear a bent horseshoe nail if it meant being with you, Matthew.”
Her words warmed him, and he kissed her again. “Perhaps we will marry by Christmastide, if that will suit you.”
She smiled. “Perhaps.” Then she bent down and picked up her damp riding habit. When she went to peer inside the basket, she frowned. “Matthew, do you know what this is for?” In her hand, she held up a sponge. “It’s too small for washing.”
He choked back a laugh. “It’s for…preventing the conception of a child.” Feeling awkward, he explained about the sponge and vinegar.
Lily blushed, and remarked, “I suppose it’s too late for that, isn’t it?”
“So it is.” But he hardly cared. The idea of Lily becoming pregnant with their baby was a welcome vision. She would makea beautiful mother, and he wouldn’t mind having a daughter with her smile.
Matthew donned his clothing once again, hardly caring about the damp fabric. Then he joined Lily at the table where they feasted upon bread and butter, cold roasted beef, cheese, and a dish of blancmange. The gelatinous creamy dessert wobbled as he spooned up a bite and fed it to Lily.
“I can’t eat any more,” she protested. “Really, it’s enough.”
