I ease, resting my head on the back of the sofa, catching my breath, feeling the moisture on my skin. He’s rising, cleansing himself and re-buttoning his breeches. Then he surprises me by coming to stand in front of me and taking my hand…the one I use on myself. He raises it to his lips and licks it clean. Then bows, turns and takes his leave.
Perhaps there are still some surprises that await me. Sir Stern was one of them.”
Evan closed the book and looked at Adalyn. “Well?”
She swallowed. “That was…um…fascinating is the best word to describe it.” She wanted to wriggle, to shift her legs, to touch the moisture that the story had brought to life between her thighs.
He smiled and rose. “I’m happy you liked it. Will you be able to sleep now?”
“I think so,” she answered.
“Good.” He neared the bed, leaned over and took her chin in his hands. “Rest, my dear Adalyn. Let your thoughts be happy ones.” He kissed her, slowly, tenderly and with obvious relish. Then he leaned even closer. “Remember, Sir Stern may not be the only man who likes to watch a woman pleasure herself.”
And he was gone, leaving Adalyn in a state of aroused confusion.
Dear Diary,
I confess myself surprised to be waking well-rested, given recent events. Of course, Sir Amery Fairhurst’s death was of major import, and watching it happen stunned me. So dreadful and so sad. My thoughts are with poor Judith today. Perhaps I will send a message of condolence and see if there is aught I can do to help…it would be a kind gesture and one a good mistress of Wolfbridge should encourage.
I will admit—and only to you, dear Diary—Sir Amery unsettled me. I couldn’t help thinking that here was a man who would not rest until his desires were met. I didn’t like the look in his eyes that said I might be next on that list of desires, or that Wolfbridge might also be there. However, no man, regardless of disposition or manner, deserves to die like that.
Perhaps we shall know soon the cause of his passing. I confess it will put my mind at rest to learn he suffered some kind of seizure, but I must wait for the official word.
I scarce imagined I would sleep at all last night, but after having all the gentlemen in my room, helping me evaluate the happenings at Fivetrees…well it was so very comforting. And I will allow myself a moment’s amusement at the looks on their faces when I suggested it might be worth looking into purchasing the estate if there were no heirs. I am determined to be a good landowner. To see that I leave Wolfbridge, whenever that may be, in better heart than I found it. To leave my mark here, on this place which has given me so much, where I have found such comfort and a new lease on life.
I have to laugh when I consider that our carefully planned stratagem of my accidental fall and consequent sprained ankle were all for naught. But it served its purpose. And I must remember not to heal too quickly, for that would undo all our hard work.
Which brings me to more confessions of a more shocking nature. Truly, I believe I am fast becoming a wanton and dreadful woman, since I am learning of things that, up until now, have remained a mystery to me. I have discovered the joys of kissing—something that was never part of my marriage—and also the pleasure of a man’s hands touching my…dare I write the word…breasts. Such thrills of exquisite sensation flooded through me as Jeremy caressed me so tenderly and when he helped me off with my stocking – I admit to yearning for more of his touch.
I had cherished a tiny hope it might progress even further, but the events at Fivetrees pushed such things temporarily aside. I say ‘temporarily’ since when all was said and done, Evan stayed behind to make sure I was comfortable and ready for sleep.
He brought a book with him, but this was no relaxing novel, or educational essay. This was…well, most lascivious in nature. Dare I confess I enjoyed it? That I trembled with every word, every sensual detail? That the erotic pictures it painted in my mind blinded me?
Evan knew, I think. Perhaps he heard me draw breath at some of the actions the heroine took to satisfy herself and her gentleman. Or perhaps he saw the flush I felt cover my cheeks with fire. I can only say his kiss was warm, tender and affectionate, his tongue finding mine and touching it with delight.
I wanted to hold him, keep his face where it was, and explore more of these pleasurable feelings. But once again, he drew back and bid me goodnight. I was left in a state of confusion, and I will be very honest—arousal. With the story still afire in my thoughts, I pretended that I was the heroine, a woman of self-confidence, of unabashed determination, a woman who could do such things not only with ease, but in front of a man.
I pretended I was being watched, although I dared not remove my covers. I saw four sets of eyes, my four gentlemen watching my hand…and oh my goodness. I shattered into a million little pieces, dear Diary. Something magnificent happened as a wave of spasms so surprising and exquisite swept over my body, billowing from my sex to my earlobes. I was lost for long moments in a place where there was only blind bliss. Shocking, stunning and wonderful.
I slept quite soundly afterward.
So here I am, starting a new day, and with events around and within Wolfbridge developing in many ways. I wonder what will be next?
Chapter Thirteen
Wolfbridge was subdued; it was the weekend, so there were some bookkeeping chores to be completed, and accounts rendered into some kind of order. In addition, Adalyn had discovered that she enjoyed taking time to work up suggested menus for the next week, although Evan would have the final say on the ones she produced.
She was doing her best to grow into the role of mistress of Wolfbridge, and it was a happy coincidence that everyone encouraged her to do so. Daniel had turned over quite a bit of the housekeeping business to her with a relieved smile, and Evan welcomed her input on meals, enjoying their discussions about what might be in season and how best to make use of it.
The following day, however, she and Giles had determined that she should begin attending the local church.
“It has been long enough, my Lady,” he said over breakfast. “The eleven o’clock service is well attended, and it’s time the Wolfbridge pew is used once more.”
She looked at him. “Will I have to attend alone?”
“Not at all,” he smiled. “It will be my honour to escort you, and sit with you in that particular pew. This is a long-standing tradition, ensuring the Lady of Wolfbridge always has a companion at her side. The Fairhursts are seated on the other side of the aisle.” He paused. “Although I doubt you’ll see Miss Judith there today.”
“I trust she is well,” said Adalyn. “There was no reply to my note?”
