As I often do, I was lying in bed, half asleep, and thinking about my characters. Percy and Niamh, specifically. I previously shared a snippet I write where Percy explains how he is asexual (not in those words) and hinted that Niamh has had some very rough interactions with men, so isn't necessarily keen on doing anything with Percy herself.
This bit takes place quite a bit after that, so there are a lot of things I'll need to explore in the interim eventually. But for now, all you will need to know is that Percy is also autistic and that comes into play here.
Please let me know what you think and if you would like to be tagged in any other bits of my writing. I am desperately trying to get myself into a groove to do more writing and finish all of these stories I have floating around in my head.
Percy rolled to his side to look at Niamh in the dark. Tentatively, he rested his hand on the side of her face. She smiled and moved closer.
“You make me feel so safe, Percy,” she whispered.
“I’m glad I could be that for you.” He slowly moved his hand to the back of her head and moved closer to her.
Niamh’s arm wrapped around his back and he didn’t shy away.
Percy’s hand fell to her back and pulled her the rest of the way to his chest. Their feet tangled together. “I usually don’t like people to touch me. I don’t know what it is, but it makes my skin crawl. I can hug my mother and father. My siblings. But it has to be on my terms and in ways that are comfortable to me. And they know this, so they always ask before taking my hand or giving me an embrace. But with you…” He rested his forehead against hers. “I can’t get enough of you. I want you to touch me all the time. And I want to touch you and hold you and never let you go.”
She ran her fingers up his spine. “Does this change at all what you told me on the night we married?”
“I’m not sure yet. But I do know I would really like to kiss you. If you’ll let me, that is.”
“I’d really like a kiss.”
Percy softly pressed his lips to Niamh’s. Her hand gathered up the fabric of his night shirt and she pressed herself against him. He moved his hand lower, resting at the small of her back. She let in a soft gasp.
He pulled back. “I’m sorry.”
“No, it wasn’t a bad gasp. You’re making me feel really good right now.” She lifted her hand and threaded her fingers in his hair. “Will you open your mouth?”
“Open my mouth?”
“For the kiss. I need to kiss you deeper. If you’ll let me.”
He hesitated a moment before he opened his mouth over hers. She slid her tongue into his mouth and softly brushed it along his. He let out a little groan and fisted her nightgown. This was far more than he had ever imagined. He wanted more. God, did he want it!
Niamh’s hand moved to his hip and squeezed. She broke the kiss. “Follow how I’m doing with my hands.”
Percy obeyed as she covered his mouth with hers again, moving his hand to her hip and then around to her bottom as she did it to his. He was just gathering her nightgown in his hand when a cry ran out through the house.
“Mama!” It was Jemima.
Niamh jumped out of the bed and didn’t bother getting her robe as she ran out the door and across the hall.
Percy rolled to his back and covered his face with his hands. He’d never felt that good. He’d never wanted that much. God, he was hard. And it wasn’t an annoying thing. He wanted to relieve it. He wanted her to relieve it.
But that went far against any of the things he’d ever believed for himself. His head was loud. Too loud. He wanted to scream, but he knew that wasn’t something he could do. His body was on fire. He didn’t like the feeling of all the sensations, especially without Niamh beside him to pass the sensations on.
“Just a nightmare,” Niamh’s soft voice said, barely breaking through the cacophony running through his brain. “Percy? Are you all right?”
The bed shifted and he could feel everything about to burst free from him. The tears came, as they often did when he felt like this.
She slid an arm over his chest. “Can you look at me? Can you talk to me?”
He shook his head as the sobs started shaking his body.
“Roll over.” She gently nudged his shoulder and slipped her arm under his neck. As he made it to his side, she stretched out behind him and wrapped her other arm around him. She took hold of his hands and pressed them to his chest. “I’m here. You’re safe with me.”
The sobs slowly subsided, but he was still shaking. “Tighter.”
She tightened her embrace and pressed a kiss to his shoulder. “You’re safe with me,” she repeated.
“I know I am.” He squeezed her hands and leaned back into her. He wasn’t shaking as much. “Everything gets too much in my mind sometimes. I don’t know what happened.”
“You don’t have to try.” She kissed his shoulder again. “I would have thought it was me that fell apart like that.”
“I would have, too.” He removed his hands from hers and rolled over to face her. “Are you all right?”
“As I said, I feel safe with you.” Niamh brushed her fingers over his cheek. “I very much enjoyed the way you were touching me.”
“I liked it, too. But it was a lot. My whole body felt like it was electrically charged. Have you ever seen those demonstrations?”
“I have.”
“It felt the way that looks. Light crackling all through my body. And when we were touching, it felt like it was transferring to you. But you got up and it was all mine and my mind was yelling so many things and calling me a fraud. And then I couldn’t handle it.” He rested his hand on top of hers. “I would try again. But not tonight. I’m too spent from crying.”
Niamh brushed a kiss over his lips. “Can you hold me?”
“I’d like nothing less.” Percy wrapped his arms around her and rested his forehead against hers. “Is Jem okay?”
“She’s fine. Just a nightmare.”
“It will be better once we can get the others here.”
I was thinking about those people who make the deal, "If we're both not married by X, we get married." And then it all started coming together. I'll share some of it later on.
“I like being married to you.” Susan leaned her head on Anthony’s shoulder sipping her whiskey and holding her book up a little higher.
“Me, too.” He leaned his head against hers.
They sat in silence for a while, reading and drinking. After some time, Anthony put down his book.
“Should we discuss children?”
“Should we?” She continued reading.
“Well, we’ve been married a few months. My siblings have announced babies shortly after their marriages.”
She put her book down. “We have children. Three rambunctious children who take up a lot of our time. Especially Bartholomew’s education at this point. And the shop, of course.”
“You’re rambling. Is it because you don’t think we could even manage it or because you don’t want to even try.”
She sat up. “Do you?”
He sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. “I don’t think I could. But I would try. Because I… I don’t want my family to think I’m unable. Or for them to think about my arrest and know it wasn’t the mistake I allowed them all to think it was.”
Susan leaned forward and placed her glass on the table. Then she turned and took hold of Anthony’s hands. “I have told you about my mother. That my birth crippled her. What if I am taken by the same fate?”
He leaned his forehead against hers. “In nearly thirty years, medical advances have been made. You could have a baby in a maternity clinic. A doctor will be there for any complications.”
She took a deep breath. “I understand. And I would accept that. But even if we do want a baby, can you make it work?”
“I’d try.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and reclined on the sofa, pulling him down to rest on top of her, his head on her shoulder. She combed her fingers through his hair. “It doesn’t change any part of our family if we have a baby or not. You are already a father. Your parents and siblings aren’t us and we are not them. We don’t need to go to bed together and attempt something that might not even happen.”
He signed and threaded his fingers in hers, bringing them to his lips. “I love you, you know that?”
“I do. And I love you.” She kissed the top of his head.
They lay together for a long time before Anthony heaved a sigh and sat up. “I’m going up to bed.”
She followed him up off the sofa. “Can I sleep in your bed?”
He held out his hand. “Yes. I think I’d like that.”
“You don’t have to.” He moved to the sofa and motioned for her to sit down with him. “I know your past. You have told me everything about your past. The way so many men have used you. I won’t do that.” He stood and started pacing. “I also need you to know… I am not interested, even if I didn’t know.”
“Oh, I see.” She said softly. “You don’t like women. But you’re a man of God.”
“It’s not just women.” He sat down again. “I’m going to be very frank with you, but it’s the only way to explain this.”
She nodded. “Go on.”
“I feel arousal, like any man. But it is a nuisance to me. When it happens, I pray that it will go away. And when it doesn’t, and I must take care of it… Well, it’s just a chore for me. I would rather not have to. And the thought of doing it with someone else is repulsive. Not that I wouldn’t do it with you if we were both in agreement, but I never want you to feel obligated.”
Percy watched as Niamh’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank Christ.”
He chuckled and started to relax himself.
“I’ve always been an expectation for men. I’ve never enjoyed it with them. Though I have done it on my own.” He saw a small blush move up her neck. “And I do enjoy it on my own. I suppose if there had ever been a man who wanted to attend to my arousal more than his own, I would have enjoyed the time.”
“Well, I won’t deny your personal desires. I am not of the belief that it’s a sin. We all have needs and we wouldn’t be given them if God didn’t intend us to explore it.”
She nodded and twisted her fingers in her lap. “And what about our sleeping arrangements?”
He smiled. “I assumed you would want to stay with Jemima. But if you want to keep up appearances, we can share a room. We can get a squeeze a second bed in mine.”
“We could. But I do feel more comfortable staying with Jem for now.”
He nodded. “So, how should we spend this evening? Do you like reading?”
“I know very little of reading and writing. Just enough to get by. I know how to write my name. And I know most of the letters and their sounds. But it wasn’t important to what I was expected to do in life, so that’s all I was every taught.”
“If you want, I can teach you.” He picked up a book from the table beside the sofa. “As the wife of a vicar, it probably is necessary for you to know.”
She smiled gratefully. “Yes, I would appreciate it. I always wanted to read new stories to Jem, but I only knew the same ones. I’m sure she is bored of them.”
“I can assure you that she isn’t.” He opened the book. “Shall we start now?”
She shook her head. “Would you just read aloud?”
“I can.” He started reading.
Niamh retrieved her crochet and started working as he spoke. She moved closer to him to peer over his shoulder at the words. She recognized some of the smaller ones, but he had moved on before she was able to sort them out.
She sat her crochet on her lap to let her fingers have a break. Without realizing it was happening, she dropped her head to Percy’s shoulder.
His reading faltered.
Niamh sat up, “I’m so sorry.” She put her crochet back in the basket and quickly retreated to the safety of Jemima’s room.
Percy closed the book and looked off into the distance. So many times he had shied away from being touched by anyone. The same for her in the few weeks he had known her. But the weight of her head on his shoulder was comforting. What could it mean?
Athena asked suddenly, “Is he going to marry her?”
“I’m sure he is.”
“And what do I do?”
“I don’t know, Thee.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Possibly marry again yourself?”
“I don’t have anything to offer a new husband. I have enough money for me and Charlotte. And I have the house. But I don’t have anything else. What man is going to want to marry a widow with a baby?”
“The right one.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze and then let go. “What was that?”
She heard the giggling then. They both moved forward to find Sebastian and Jessalyn behind a tree. Jess had her back leaned against it and Sebastian was close, twirling a bit of her hair around his finger.
“I don’t think so.” Alec stepped forward and took his brother by the arm. “You come with me.”
“Alec!” Jess protested.
Alec turned and pointed. “No, Jessalyn. This isn’t happening.” He turned and continued to drag Sebastian into the house.
Jess slouched against the tree.
Athena stepped forward and leaned against the side of the tree beside her. “I know what you’re feeling.”
“You don’t know a damned thing, Athena.” Jess crossed her arms.
“I do know. And I know you are just starting your marriage look. Any young man would be happy to marry you. You need to be careful, though. Sebastian is planning to join the navy. He cannot marry you if something happens.”
“Nothing can happen.”
Athena pushed away from the tree. “Has your mother spoken to you about intercourse?”
“She told me enough when I started my cycles.” Jess’s cheeks turned red. “I didn’t plan to go to bed with him.”
“Come with me.” She held out her hand and Jess took it.
This bit I am about to share is the precursor to something I have been planning for this story for a long time. I really hope it makes it into the final version.
As always, please let me know if you would like to be tagged in any updates. I am considering uploading full chapters, but still undecided on that front.
(Summary: Jessalyn Seymour-Wyndham had a small fling with Alxander Osborne's younger brother Sebastian and ended up getting pregnant. Due to Sebastian joining the navy, Alec and Jess decided to marry each other and allow Sebastian to follow his dream. This scene is from Alec and Jess's wedding night. The pair are playing backgammon in Jess's room.)
“I wish Sebastian could have stayed another day,” Alec said as they set up the board.
“Mm,” Jess said softly.
He paused. “It really was by your choice? And you enjoyed it with him? Tell me, Jess.”
“It was.” She sighed. “You say he spoke often of his conquests with you. Well, he spoke of them with me, too. And I asked if he wanted me to be one. So I was. And I was not entirely underwhelmed, but he was mostly concerned about himself. And I barely…” She turned an adorable shade of pink as she trailed off. “Well, it was decent.”
“Is that part of the reason you didn’t want to marry him? Mediocre sex for the rest of your life?”
She laughed. “No, not really. I would hope that it would improve with time together.” She shrugged. “It was mostly that I knew if we married, he wouldn’t be able to go right away. And he would resent me for that. And then, when he did leave and was gone for years, I would resent him. It wouldn’t be a happy marriage. No time for mediocre sex when there wouldn’t be any for years at a time.”
He laughed. “Well, I can tell you, it’s not always much better than mediocre. But, it is nice to think about trying new things with the same person. And doing the same things with them as well, if that’s what’s preferred.”
They played without conversation for several minutes before she asked, “So do you have a mistress? Or is it all just conquests for you, too?”
“I’ve never had a mistress. I have had a decent amount of sex with a small number of women. Some of them for months at a time, some just once was enough.”
“So you know a thing or two?”
He chuckled. “A thing or two, yes.”
She swallowed. “What is your favorite thing?”
Alec could feel his cheeks heating up. Why was that? He kept his eyes on the game as he said, “I quite enjoy taking a woman from behind.”
“Hm.” Jess was quiet again.
He lifted his eyes to watch her. She bit her lip. That was adorable. He wanted to kiss her again in that moment. Pull her across his lap and—
“That sounds very impersonal, though. Can’t see in each other’s eyes.”
“It’s easier to rub the woman’s pleasure spot while thrusting.”
She cleared her throat. “Well, then. I suppose that would make sense. Is that something that helps the man as well?”
“Yes.” His voice was husky.
They finished the game in silence and Alec quickly excused himself.
I got to a point in book one where it felt perfect for an overlap to happen. So events in books 1 and 2 are on a very close similar timeline. Books 3 and 4 may also end up that way, but I'll have to figure that one out when I get there.
Please feel free to share. Let me know if you would like to be tagged in any updates.
Chapter One
One Year Later
"I don't want to leave you, my little love." Athena pressed a kiss to ber baby girl's face. "But I made a promise to your great-aunt that I would watch over Jessalyn at her first ball." She kissed her again and handed her to her nanny. "As soon as I get home, I will come see her."
"Yes, ma'am, of course," Sophie said.
Athena went to her room where she donned her gown for the night. It was deep shades of grey with deep purple trimmings. It was not quite a ball gown, but nice enough that she wouldn't completely stand out like a sore thumb. She was there to chaperone.
Alec met her at the bottom of the stairs. He wore a dark red coat over a grey waistcoat patterned with roses. His breeches were the same shade of grey as his waistcoat.
"Just because we're twins doesn't mean we need to match," She said as he helped her into her wrap.
"Excuse me, my coat is red. If I was going to match you, I would have chosen the purple. And I look hideous in purple." He held out his arm. "Besides that, I just got this waistcoat and purple wouldn't have done well with the roses."
"Well, you look quite handsome. All the ladies will be falling over themselves to dance with you."
"I promised the waltz to Jess yesterday." He helped her up into the carriage. "She said she was still too nervous with that one to dance with anyone else."
"Don't let her fall in love with you," Athena teased.
Alec laughed, "Wouldn't dream of it."
"The dress is light pink," Jessalyn explained to Charlie. "The sleeves puff at the shoulders. The skirt has roses embroidered around the hem."
"I assume you are wearing a matching bonnet and carrying the complementing fan."
"I am." Charlie smiled, "It sounds quite pretty. Especially they way Mama was bustling around you." He paused a moment. "Are you as worried for her as I am?"
She placed a hand on his arm. "Mama has done this twice already. She'll be fine."
"But this one is more dangerous. Papa is staying close." "She said he did that with both of us. Stop worrying. You're supposed to loosen up and charm some ladies."
"Can't charm ladies who prefer to dance rather than talk." She poked his side. "There will be someone, Chip. Just smile and relax."
He turned to her and gave her his most dazzling smile. "Good enough."
She brushed a lock of hair off his forehead. "Perfect. I do have a few friends who would be interested, you know? I will introduce you."
"Thank you." They sat in silence through the rest of the carriage ride.
Once it stopped, Charlie made his way out and held out his hand for Jess. Once out of the carriage, she slipped her arm through his and started chattering about the sights around them as she led them to the receiving line. He adored how much she described things to him. She'd picked it up from their parents from the time she could start to talk. Alec and Athena did as well. But Jess did it with such enthusiasm that Charlie owed to her artistic mind.
"Chip!" Alec called. A moment later his friend clapped him on the shoulder. "Thee and I have been waiting for you." He purposely took Jess's arm from Charlie's.
There was a moment of silence in which Charlie was sure the twins were speaking to each other with their gestures.
Then Athena's gardenia scent overwhelmed his senses as she slipped her arm into Charlie's. "You look quite handsome tonight," Athena said softly.
"Thank you. I assume you look quite pretty, even in half mourning."
She took in a sharp breath. "Alec says so. But I can't take his word for it, he's my brother."
They made their way through the receiving line to greet the hosts.
Once inside, the sound was disorienting. "Would you like to go to the games room?" Jess asked.
He gave her a withering look. "Aren't I supposed to meet your friends?"
"I can bring them in there," Jess said, slipping her arm into his empty one. "The crowd is smaller and the conversation less superficial."
He smiled down at his little sister. "I do appreciate how you attempt to take care of me. But I'll remain in here for now. Just steer me toward a corner." He looked between the ladies on his arms. "One or the other of you, at least."
"I will procure refreshment," Athena said, removing her arm from his. "Come along, baby brother."
"You're only older than me by four minutes," Alec argued as they walked away.
Jess found Charlie a spot near the terrace doors. He could smell the fresh air coming through them.
She guided him to a chair. "It's about ten steps to your right to get out."
"I can tell where the light changes, Jessie. Thank you, though."
She kissed his cheek and turned to speak to her group of friends who had found her. Their voices overlapped and then mingled with the rest of the crowd.
Part of Charlie wished he could dance. He did know the steps to all the dances, but of course without being able to see the others, he would make the biggest fool of himself. So he always sat at these balls. And waited for sympathetic people to introduce themselves or for someone desperate to introduce their daughter to any bachelor.
"This is my brother," Jess was saying. "Lord Charles Seymore-Wyndham, this is Miss Margaret Latham."
Charlie stood and held out his hand. She took it and he bent over it. "Lovely to meet you, Miss Latham."
"And you, Lord Charles." The young woman's voice was deeper than some of the other ladies he often was introduced to.
Jess cleared her throat at the awkward silence. "Margot, my brother is very fond of taking a turn about the room. I'm sure your mama wouldn't object as long as you stay within her eyesight."
"Yes, go on, Margot." This came from an older woman. "I shall be right here when you return."
"Jessalyn, where is Athena?" Charlie asked.
"I am here," Athena said. "Hello, Mrs. Latham. How lovely to see you and your daughter this evening."
"Lady Athena," the older woman said, "How is your baby?"
"Growing like a wild vine." Athena chuckled. "Oh, good evening, Margot."
"Good evening, Lady Athena."
Charlie held out his arm to Margaret. "Shall we take that turn about then?"
"Yes, of course." She slipped her arm into his.
He murmured, "I must ask you to please guide me around people and obstacles."
"Of course, it is no problem."
They walked in a comfortable silence for a while, greeting those they passed.
Once they were for sure out of earshot, Margaret broke the silence. "This is my fourth season," she said quickly. "No proposals. I think I scare men away when I start to tell them about my interest in plants. Especially flowers. Are you fond of flowers, Lord Charles?"
Charlie grinned, "I must admit I know very little about flowers. Please tell me your favorite."
She giggled. "Oh, it's difficult for me to name a favorite." She continued to talk about several different flowers, naming their scientific names as well as the common ones. She explained the different scents and shapes and other characteristics.
Charlie was glad of it. She had a kind voice and demeanor.
They arrived back where they started. "Thank you for listening, Lord Charles."
"Thank you for telling me about those flowers." He heard someone clear their throat and he was certain it was Jessalyn. "May I call tomorrow and you can show me your garden?"
I am determined to finish a story this year and work toward publishing!!
Anyway, here's the prologue:
Athena Osborne-Jones sat in the middle of the room as everyone milled about. Her black clothes and maternity corset hid her growing belly. No one was told officially yet other than her twin Alec and her dear friend Charles Seymore-Windham. Charlie.
She looked across the room where Charlie and Alec stood together chatting with one of Martin's brothers. He was the defacto heir until the baby was born. If it was a boy, that is. If she had a girl, the land and all titles went to Michael. She would still get a house in London, as would the child, boy or girl.
Charlie squinted around the room. He was mostly blind, but he could see enough to spot where he and Alec had left her. He touched Alec's arm and said something to him before slowly making his way toward where she sat.
"Do you need anything?" Charlie asked softly.
She shook her head.
"It's a little dark in this corner, Thee, I can't see getsures well."
"I don't need anything, Charlie." She took hold of his sleeve. "Just sit here a moment, please."
He took the chair she guided him toward and leaned closer. "Your brother-in-law is already talking about what he wants to change."
Athena sighed. "Of course he is. He never liked how I decorated the house. Nor that Martin allowed me to do so in the first place."
"I don't like him."
She snorted a soft laugh and then started sobbing again. "This is the worst thing that could have ever happened."
He reached out a hand to pat her arm, but missed and his hand touched her stomach.
She let out a soft sound and he pulled his hand away quickly. "Apologies, my lady," Charlie said softly.
"Don't do that," Athena scolded. She wiped at her eyes. "I need to be alone." She got up and walked quickly out of the room.
--
Charlie listened as her feet hurried out of the room and up the stairs. No doubt to her room. Would everyone still be here much longer? The immediate family had been here for the last several days and planned to stay for another week as Athena settled in. Alec promised to stay as long as Athena needed. He had brought with him all the legal documents they needed to go over.
He stood and found his way out the back door and into the garden. He slowly walked around the path that led to the little rose garden in the middle. The bench was warm from the summer day. Charlie closed his eyes and lifted his face toward the sun.
Alec found him a short time later. "What did you say to her?"
"I accidentally touched her stomach. But I don't think that's what sent her off."
Alec sighed and sat down beside Charlie. "What bullshit, eh?"
Charlie looked toward him. "How long do you think you'll stay?"
"Through the end of her confinement at least." Alec swiped up Charlie's cane. "Will you stay, too?"
"I don't think Matthews and Andrews will allow both of us to be gone for the next several months."
Alec took the cane and ballanced it on his finger. "I'm not going to be here the whole time. I'll return for all the trials and for meetings. It's just an hour into London from here. But I won't leave her completely alone."
Charlie stood and tried to swipe the cane out of his hand. He missed and stumbled into the rosebush, slicing up his face on the thorns.
"Fuck!" Alec exclaimed, pulling him up out of the plant. "I'm sorry, Chip. Let's go get you cleaned up."
--
"What in the world were you doing?" Athena asked sharply as she cleaned out the cuts on Charlie's face.
"Alec stole my cane," Charlie said.
"I was bored," Alec protested.
"Right into my rosebushes." Athena finished. "At least it was enough to send the extras home when you came in bleeding all over my carpet."
"I didn't bleed that much," Charlie pointed out.
"There's a fair number of scratches, though." This came from his father Horace as he walked back into the drawing room followed by Audrey, Sarah, and Wulfric.
"I figured." Charlie looked to Athena. "Are you done yet?"
"Yes, I am, you baby." She picked up her things and headed out of the room.
"Talking of babies..." Sarah trailed off.
Athena nodded. "Yes. In about four months."
She walked out of the room to deposit the bloody cloths and her bag of medical supplies in the hall. She turned to find her mother and aunt standing there waiting for her. She motioned for them to follow and she turned to Martin's study.
Sarah wrapped her arms around her daughter and held her close.
Folded into her mother's arms, Athena started sobbing again. How could she still be crying? How could there still be tears? She's been doing so for over a week.
When she finally pulled away, Audrey handed her a cup of tea. "You are entering a very important club."
"But I don't want to be. Not without him. Life isn't fair. And I can't help but think..." She trailed off.
"About Charlie," Audrey finished for her.
Athena sipped her tea. "Is this punishment, do you think?"
Sarah squeezed her hand. "Audrey and I advised you toward this. If it is wrong, it's our fault. But we all worked out that Martin was the better choice at the time."
"And I broke Charlie's heart. I would never have broken Martin's." She put her tea cup down and walked toward the desk. She trailed her fingers over the papers left exactly how Martin had left them. "What would have happened if I had rejected Martin's offer?"
"He would have died alone. He would have had to give everything to his brother sooner. Just pray the baby is a boy and that Michael doesn't take everything from under you before then."
In Richard's room, Vick took hold of the front of his shirt and pulled him in for a deep kiss. She loosened all the buttons and pushed it off his shoulders. He allowed her to take charge, not touching her until he was in just his pants.
Then he took hold of her hips and guided her toward the bed. He slowly untied her dressing gown and then pulled it away. "Are you wearing any knickers under that nightgown?"
She shook her head with a wicked grin.
"Glorious." He pulled the gown up slowly as he took charge of the kiss once more. His fingers finally brushed against her bare skin and he grasped tightly. "You already feel fantastic. I can't wait to be inside you."
"Slow down, young man. We have quite a way to go before that happens."
He let out a growl. "I like you reminding me you're older than me. Does it make you experienced, Victoria?"
"I've been with my fair share of men. I know what I'm doing." She slipped her hand down his pants and started rubbing him.
He lifted her hand away. "As you said, not yet." Richard pulled the nightgown over Victoria's head and dropped it to the side on top of her robe.
"Get on the bed," she ordered.
He pushed his pants to the ground and did as she commanded.
She followed. Hands and mouths roamed. Victoria felt herself growing more and more aroused, but she also sensed something was holding Richard back.
She cupped her hand over his face and looked at him. "Is something wrong?"
He sighed. "I've been struggling with impotence."
She trailed her thumb over his lips and then kissed him. "This isn't a problem. Perhaps it will all work out of we give it a bit more time."
"And then perhaps not." He slipped his hand between them. "I can at least help you. If you want."
"I do want." She moved closer and draped her leg over his hip.
His fingers gently rubbed over the hard nub as he kissed her. She ground her hips against him. He slipped his fingers inside her and pressed his palm against her clit.
"God, that's nice." Her voice came out in a pant. "So nice."
"Tell me, are you close?"
"So close." She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her nails into him. "Richard," she moaned and then pressed her mouth into his to stifle her groan as she came.
"You're late!" Beryl said to Rich as he walked into the drawing room the next morning.
"Please don't shout." He dropped into the closest chair and accepted the cup of tea sat at his elbow a moment later.
"You stayed out drinking all night with your friends again?" She scolded.
"I did. And then came here afterward, of course." He sipped the tea. "I'm going to go to bed and sleep until the ball." He looked up at a comotion at the door. There was a familiar-looking woman just a little older than him. In his foggy brain, he remembered who she was. "Victoria Osborne?" She looked at him a moment and then smiled.
"Little Dickie!" He groaned.
"Sir Richard, if you please." He stood, rubbing his head. "I will see you both this evening." He walked out of the room, but turned slightly as he walked past Victoria to examine her figure.
Beryl Dyer was Victoria Osborne's oldest and dearest friend. They had been playmates for as long as Vick could remember. It was a little stab every time one of her friends married or had a child, but it was an assault when Beryl announced her own engagement.
Vick smiled and hugged Beryl and told her how happy she was for her. But deep down she was having a crisis. The pair of them had each respectively celebrated their 25th birthdays. The biggest difference was that Beryl was always surrounded by interesting men, but Vick rarely was. Sure, there were plenty that were attreacted to her and paid calls, but she never felt anything beyond friendly with most of them.
Sometimes, when she was feeling particularly petty, she blamed other members of her family. Susan, Anthony, and Zoe lived very comfortably together in their modest home. No one ever said aloud that her brother and sister shared their relationship with Susan, but every wione knew. And Anthony had been arrested for indecency when he was found in a compromising position with another man. This had been long before Victoria was born, but if she knew about it, then so did all of London.
Then there was Jason and his wife. Or rather, his husband, she supposed. But that was a slightly better secret than Anthony's past. Though there was plenty of talk about the man who had moved into the house Jason and his wife had once shared. And they way Michael treated Phillip, it was easy to see that there was more to the man than one first saw.
Beryl brought the invitation in person as the summer started to set in. It was a pretty cream with gold lettering.
"You are cordially invited to the nuptuals…."
Vick smiled, "A country wedding?"
Beryl laughed, "Yes. I know it sounds quaint, but Mama insisted we show hospitality and do somwthing out of the ordinary. Besides, Rupert's family actually owns the neighboring estate, so we've decided to make quite thr show of it. Your mother is invited, too, of course. We wouldn't dream of leaving her out so soon after your father's passing. And Mama has offered to be her companion the whole time she isn't fretting over the wedding. She also thinks your mother will have plenty of insight to the final preparations with how many of you there were."
Vick gave a laugh that she didn't entirely feel. "I'll make sure to pass this along to Mama. But unofficially we accept the invitation."
"That's just grand!" Beryl gave Vick a warm embrace and then sat back. "And don't you worry, Rupert and I are putting our heads together about all the elegiable men from both our guest lists and will introduce you to as many of them as we can at all the festivities leading up. Perhaps you can find your prince." She leaned in close, "Or at least find someone to have a memorable affair with."
Victoria felt her cheeks turning red. "Either way, I will do my best to be a good sport about it, but please leave it to a minimum."
Beryl Dyer was Victoria Osborne's oldest and dearest friend. They had been playmates for as long as Vick could remember. It was a little stab every time one of her friends married or had a child, but it was an assault when Beryl announced her own engagement.
Vick smiled and hugged Beryl and told her how happy she was for her. But deep down she was having a crisis. The pair of them had each respectively celebrated their 25th birthdays. The biggest difference was that Beryl was always surrounded by interesting men, but Vick rarely was. Sure, there were plenty that were attreacted to her and paid calls, but she never felt anything beyond friendly with most of them.
Sometimes, when she was feeling particularly petty, she blamed other members of her family. Susan, Anthony, and Zoe lived very comfortably together in their modest home. No one ever said aloud that her brother and sister shared their relationship with Susan, but every wione knew. And Anthony had been arrested for indecency when he was found in a compromising position with another man. This had been long before Victoria was born, but if she knew about it, then so did all of London.
Then there was Jason and his wife. Or rather, his husband, she supposed. But that was a slightly better secret than Anthony's past. Though there was plenty of talk about the man who had moved into the house Jason and his wife had once shared. And they way Michael treated Phillip, it was easy to see that there was more to the man than one first saw.
Beryl brought the invitation in person as the summer started to set in. It was a pretty cream with gold lettering.
"You are cordially invited to the nuptuals…."
Vick smiled, "A country wedding?"
Beryl laughed, "Yes. I know it sounds quaint, but Mama insisted we show hospitality and do somwthing out of the ordinary. Besides, Rupert's family actually owns the neighboring estate, so we've decided to make quite thr show of it. Your mother is invited, too, of course. We wouldn't dream of leaving her out so soon after your father's passing. And Mama has offered to be her companion the whole time she isn't fretting over the wedding. She also thinks your mother will have plenty of insight to the final preparations with how many of you there were."
Vick gave a laugh that she didn't entirely feel. "I'll make sure to pass this along to Mama. But unofficially we accept the invitation."
"That's just grand!" Beryl gave Vick a warm embrace and then sat back. "And don't you worry, Rupert and I are putting our heads together about all the elegiable men from both our guest lists and will introduce you to as many of them as we can at all the festivities leading up. Perhaps you can find your prince." She leaned in close, "Or at least find someone to have a memorable affair with."
Victoria felt her cheeks turning red. "Either way, I will do my best to be a good sport about it, but please leave it to a minimum."
But, folks, it's almost National Novel Writing Month!!!!
So I will share on my writing blog @daniwritessometimes through the month.
The last few years have been a bust, but I'm going to really try to win this year. I am going to work on an Osborne (Love Never Fails) Series book that has age gap where the leading lady is older than the leading man. I don't have many other details sorted because I'm a pamtser when it comes to writing. It will take place at the LM's country home as the LL is besties with his sister and has invited LL to the home for a few weeks after her initial mourning period for her father.
Main romantic characters are Victoria (Tori/Torey/Vick-haven't fully decided on her nickname as I have an employee named Tori and I'm not sure I want that name or spelling) and Richard (Little Dickie). The others will have names at least by November 1st, even as place holders.
I would appreciate any and all support with this. If you want to follow along, follow the writer blog tagged above.
I'm Back! With another snippet from Love Never Fails series!!
They walked up the stairs in silence, switching off lights as they went. They hesitated just outside the doors to their rooms before Anthony tugged her into his.
They kissed again once inside the room and then walked to the bed.
"Do you have a side you prefer?" Susan asked.
Anthony laughed. "I always sleep directly in the middle."
"Not tonight." She shed her clothes as she walked to the far side of the bed and climbed under the blanket.
He swallowed. "Do you often sleep naked?"
"Yes. But I can be dressed if you prefer."
He shook his head. "No, that's all right." He hesitated before he pulled his shirt off over his head. "Would you mind looking away a moment?"
He waited until she faced the other direction before he shucked his trousers and slid into the other side of the bed.
She rolled over and smiled. "Can I hold you?"
"How?"
"How do you usually sleep?"
"On my stomach."
She sat up and gestured. "Get yourself comfortable, then."
Anthony rolled to his stomach and settled with his hands under the pillow. A moment later, Susan wrapped her arm around his back and slid her hand into one of his under the pillow. She kissed his cheek and then settled her head against his.
"Is this all right?" She asked softly.
"Yes." He yawned and closed his eyes. He easily fell asleep in her arms.
