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“If they took me back, I’d be locked in an asylum. And you would have to find a new mistress.” Amy glanced up at him through her lashes. “I prefer my situation here.”
“I’ll remind you of that next time I’ve got you tied to the bed,” Nicholas whispered as he kissed her cheek.
“I look forward to it.” She smiled, and he ran his hand up her back.
“Go back to bed, Mia. You need rest. And I need to conclude some business before I get distracted by my beautiful wife.” Nicholas softened the order with a gentle kiss, as much for her benefit as his own. A couple of servants were lurking nearby, but he wanted them to know he had no intention of allowing disrespect for her.
Nicholas watched his wife walk back up the main staircase and let out a long sigh. Her father was going to be a problem—three of the roughnecks who’d arrived with Wicks had been carrying pistols. They simply hadn’t expected so many of Nicholas’s servants to be carrying too. Damn. I’m going to owe Markham another favor.
Chapter Nine - Amy
(Clarendel Manor. January 20, 1814)
Amy’s new life at Clarendel Manor took on a pleasant routine over the days and weeks after her arrival. Her husband was busy on the estate and dealing with a local election, while her sister-in-law began tutoring Amy in the running of the house, which Amy, in turn, requested Juliet assist with indefinitely, as the whole thing seemed far too much for one person. Nor did she want to risk Juliet feeling isolated or without purpose in the household. Amy had too much experience with enduring that to wish it on her new sister.
Every night, Nicholas came home, joining them for dinner or seeking Amy out if she wasn’t asleep in his bed. She always woke exhausted but ecstatic. After a few weeks, she could take his cock in her ass and squirm herself into an orgasm when he spanked her.
They even fought once, and she waited all day for the blows to land, but he greeted her with kisses that night.
“I’m never going to hit you in anger,” Nicholas whispered while she shivered in his arms after a long, slow seduction. “I meant that, Mia. I never want you to bear any marks from me that you didn’t enjoy getting.”
“Like that spanking the other day?” She hid her face in the crux of his neck.
He stroked her hair, holding her closer. “Mm. Letting me turn your backside bright pink was an excellent present.” His hand cupped her breast, squeezing until she gasped. “I love the way you give yourself to me.”
“I agreed to obedience, my lord.”
“I’m relieved you enjoy it.”
“You made a persuasive case from the start.”
That made him laugh, and he pinned her under him in a playful tussle that ended with her coming on his fingers.
****
Her cousin Portia managed to wrangle a forbidden visit on her way back to London from a mutual friend’s party—but it was more tears than joy. Baron Sunderland had forbidden any of the household from speaking of Amy.
“He’s sure his new wife will get with child soon. He ... he’s furious about losing your dowry. We’ve lost three kitchen maids and a footman to the beatings,” Portia whispered. “I’m not sure Mama will be able to find new servants if this keeps up.”
“Surely the new Lady Sunderland—”
“No.” Her cousin’s watery eyes closed. “I don’t think she understood the mistake she made until it was far too late. She has less sway than Mama. The way he treats her, Amy...”
“I can guess.” Amy hugged her cousin close. “I am so sorry you couldn’t come with me.”
“That’s all right.” Portia wiped her eyes. “I’ve got a few suitors. I’m sure I’ll convince one of them—”
“Don’t you dare,” Amy cut off. “No running off, Portia. You’ve no idea where you might land. I’m better off with Nicholas, but what if you saddle yourself with a handsome version of my wretched sire?”
“That’s certainly an argument to keep to the ugly ones.” Portia managed a smile, and Amy laughed despite the fear in her chest.
****
Nicholas found Amy in the library that evening, staring into a dying fire with an empty brandy snifter beside her on the couch. “Bad news, pet?” He took the glass and set it aside before sitting down. “Your father’s not doing well?”
“He’s fine. But no one else is.”
“Ah.” His arm snaked around her waist, and she let him haul her onto his lap. She laid her head on his shoulder and tried to keep her tears at bay Nicholas held her tighter, like he felt her struggles. “Nothing lasts forever, my love. Not even him.”
