61
‘So, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our tour of Treweham Hall. Please feel free to take refreshments in the tearoom and thank you for visiting.’ A small round of applause followed. Megan gave a smile and bowed her head in thanks. Thank God that was over. The last tour of the summer season couldn’t come quick enough for her. It had been hard work having to balance being a tour guide and see to a baby. Tobias had been right, perhaps she had been too quick to return to work, but she’d been desperate to get back into a routine and she’d loved giving the tours last year. Now all she wanted was to relax with a cup of tea and put her feet up. She hoped Edward was ready for his afternoon nap. Climbing the stairs and heading towards their private quarters, she heard Tobias talking to a man from the maintenance team in the passageway.
‘Yes, Sir, they could easily be opened up and renovated.’
Tobias was pointing to two open doors at the bottom end of the corridor. ‘Good, then I want to start work immediately.’
‘Yes, Sir.’
‘But not a word of this to Dowager Cavendish-Blake.’
‘Of course, Sir, we’ll be discreet.’
Tobias turned to see Megan approaching and smiled widely. ‘All done?’ He opened his arm out and pulled her into his side.
‘Yes. I’m ready for a sit-down. Is Edward asleep?’
‘I left him with Mother – he’ll be fine. Come on, let’s have a drink.’ They entered their drawing room and Tobias poured himself a brandy. ‘You eaten yet?’ Megan shook her head. Tobias rang down to the kitchen and ordered tea and sandwiches. Megan was still getting used to being waited on, but when feeling as drained as she did, she was glad of the help.
‘What were you discussing in the corridor?’ she asked.
‘I’m having the rest of the wing restored.’
Megan frowned. Surely they had enough room. Tobias read her thoughts. ‘Not for us.’
‘Then who?’ she asked surprised.
‘I want Marcus and Finula to have a base here.’ He slung back his drink.
It did make sense for Marcus to have his own rooms at The Hall; after all, it was his family home too.
Tobias came and sat next to her. ‘Megan, you remember the commotion our wedding caused?’ His voice was gentle, as if pre-warning her.
‘Do I ever,’ she sighed. It had been one of the most traumatic times of her life. Nothing could have prepared her for the level of invasion they had encountered.
‘It’s going to happen again, Megan.’ He took her hand and kissed her lips. ‘But this time it’s Marcus who’s coming under the cosh. As soon as the documentary announces his parentage, they’ll be back.’
‘You mean the media?’
‘Yes, just like the wedding. Treweham will be crawling with reporters. I’m upping security. Marcus and Finula can’t stay in Shropshire alone.’
Megan digested the information. Part of her began to feel afraid. ‘Edward—’
‘Edward will be fine,’ he cut in immediately. The last thing he wanted was his wife afraid in her own home. ‘We may have to be extra vigilant. At least the tours are over now.’ Tobias wouldn’t have allowed them to run whilst the documentary was aired. He was also glad The Folly Players had now finished their production. He hated having to live like this, like they were prisoners. However, experience told him that time would pass and they would soon become yesterday’s news.
He looked into Megan’s anxious face and was keen to comfort her. Sometimes he almost felt guilty marrying her into his family and subjecting her to this attention. ‘Hey—’ he lifted her chin ‘—there’s no need to worry.’ He kissed her again.
She wrapped her arms round him, as if needing reassurance. She ran her hands through his hair and the kiss deepened. A fire sparked inside and he could feel a need surge through him. His fingers slowly pulled loose the fastening on her wraparound dress, to reveal her shapely body. A sharp intake of breath left him as his eyes devoured her full bosom bursting out of white lace cups. He groaned as he dipped his head to taste them, his tongue flicking at the rose pink nipples.
‘Tobias,’ Megan groaned, as if losing herself. She ran her hands up his shirt and over his back. He pressed hard against her, wanting more, but knowing their lunch would soon be arriving. To hell with it – urgently he unzipped his jeans and eased himself out. ‘Tobias… we can’t,’ whispered Megan faintly.
‘Oh yes we can.’ His voice was thick with lust as he gently edged down her lace knickers. Within moments he was inside her. Megan clutched his shoulders as his body thrust further into her in rapid movements. It was hot, fast and exciting, making him climax quickly.
Megan heard footsteps on the landing and quickly rewrapped her dress as Tobias adjusted his attire. Slightly out of breath he turned to the young girl carrying the tray. ‘Just leave it on the table, thanks.’
‘Certainly, Sir.’ She put it down and left the room.
‘That was close,’ Megan hissed, face flushed. Tobias winked and began pouring the tea.
