“One of our tenants makes this soap, and some of the other things we’ve used. The rose oil, of course, the soaps, and she’s added a bit of it to some sweet almond oil. Says that just a touch will help hair look shiny and healthy. I’m to rub another tiny drop into your scalp, since she promises increased growth with regular use.”
“Goodness. Is she one of those herbal women?”
“No, just one with common sense, a family to feed and a very productive rose garden.”
Gabriel’s matter-of-fact announcement made Gwyneth chuckle. “I would like to meet her. It sounds as if she has both feet on the ground as far as business is concerned.”
“Quite a lot of our tenants do, my Lady.” Gabriel’s fingers were massaging her head and it was a truly luxurious experience.
“That must help with their rents, I suppose,” she mused.
“They do not pay rent, as I understand it,” he answered.
She frowned. “Tenants who do not pay rent? That sounds unlikely…”
Gabriel rinsed her hair. “I’m told that bartering is the way it all works here at Wolfbridge. The tenants maintain fields and livestock, and Wolfbridge receives produce in the way of meats and all kinds of vegetables, along with things like Mrs Smart’s rose soap and of course the jam gets shared with everyone when the berries come in.”
“Hmm.”
“Well, if you think about it,” he gave her head a quick rub with a cloth, then walked around to the side of the tub, “it’s a sensible solution. Wolfbridge doesn’t have to hire workers to maintain the estate, since the tenant farmers take care of it. Nor do we have to spend vast amounts of money on food.”
“With so few residents, that probably wouldn’t happen,” said Gwyneth. “But I understand your point.”
He picked up the soap and a smaller cloth, wetting them both and working up a modest lather. And then, lifting her arm, he began to wash her.
“As I understand it, and please remember I haven’t been here very long at all, Wolfbridge is an estate based on the idea that people working together are stronger—and more fulfilled—than people who work separately.”
“I see,” Gwyneth nodded, letting her lids droop as Gabriel’s soapy cloth drifted over her breasts.
“It’s all about doing good, helping each other. A true demonstration of altruism at work.”
His voice lowered to a whisper as he delicately washed her, the abrasion of his hands and the soap bringing her nipples to life; taut buds formed within the bubbles and she sighed as he rubbed gently across the sensitive peaks.
“You are so beautiful,” he murmured, reaching for her other arm and tending to that as well, managing to keep up his gentle touches while doing so.
“Uhh…” She was close to moaning, her body responding slowly to his touch. It had been many years since she’d even considered the idea of physical pleasure; in fact, she’d all but closed that door completely.
But this moment, here in the soothing warmth of a bathtub, naked in front of a handsome and gentle man who was caressing her with a soapy cloth…nature was taking its course and reminding Gwyneth that she was still a woman, no matter what.
Relieved in some ways and yet uncomfortable in others, she shifted, knowing these delicate brushes to her skin were arousing more than just her nipples. Some of her long dead parts began to heat, to liquify, to recall a time when she welcomed such sensations.
When she’d been young and innocent and so in love…
Her thighs parted of their own volition, and Gabriel used that movement to continue his thorough cleansing, slipping his hand between them and rubbing the sweet-scented soap over places that swelled in response to his touch.
She could not stop her eyelids drooping as she let herself enjoy the burgeoning sensations, the tender soft throb of desire, the urge to raise her hips…she licked her lips and exhaled as his ministrations continued.
“Are you all right?” he whispered.
“Yes,” she moaned. “Gabriel…what you’re doing…it’s…”
“It’s what, my sweet lady?”
“It’s…wonderful,” she breathed deeply, opening herself to his caress.
“I cannot tell…I don’t know what will please you,” he murmured next to her ear, one arm around her shoulders, the other stretched out beneath the water. “Take my hand. Show me…?”
A thrill of shocking excitement rippled through her as she shifted, paused…then threw caution to the winds and did as he suggested.
