The Lady's Adventure

The Lady's Adventure Although Lady Faith Lovejoy is betrothed to staid and steady Viscount Bostwick, she is restless. She wants passion. Excitement. Cousin Adolfo blames her family for the poverty that led his mother into prostitution, and he is out to destroy Faith. He knows her penchant for adventure and convinces her to delay the wedding until she experiences all the sensual thrills available. After impetuously breaking her betrothal contract, she realizes a viscount must marry a virgin with an impeccable reputation. Bostwick decides he can indeed marry a soiled dove—if he does the soiling. He must win back the headstrong woman he loves by stealth and trickery and giving her the adventure she craves. Disguised as a dashing highwayman, he captures the imagination of every woman around, Faith included. She is ready to accept the adventure the highwayman offers—a ménage a trios—when Adolfo interferes again. Genre: Historical, Ménage a Trois/Quatre Length: 30,729 words

THE LADY’S ADVENTURE

Tish Domenick

MENAGE AND MORE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage and More

THE LADY’S ADVENTURE Copyright © 2011 by Tish Domenick E-book ISBN: 1-61034-644-0 First E-book Publication: August 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of The Lady’s Adventure by Tish Domenick from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Tish Domenick’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Domenick’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION This story is dedicated to all adventurous women hoping to meet a Ram, and to all the men searching for Faith. May they find each other.

THE LADY’S ADVENTURE TISH DOMENICK Copyright © 2011

Chapter One As he watched Faith Lovejoy pace the courtyard, he rested his booted foot on a bench and drummed his fingers on the adjacent stone cherub. With a grin on his face and in his voice, Ramsey Keith, Viscount Bostwick, sole heir to the Earldom of Bostwick, chided her. “Faith, my love and my joy, have you not yet worn yourself out?” The pun he oft made of her last name usually made her laugh, not so this afternoon. She seemed a rabbit facing a fox, rather than a woman facing her fiancé. He’d normally take delight in her graceful sauntering of the circle walk in the garden’s center. At this moment, her gait seemed choppy and a bit unbalanced. As her skirts passed over them, round, broad plates of colored glass caught sun rays and sent light flashes to match those shooting from her violet eyes. Even June’s display of pinks and roses appeared more thorny than delicate. “I ne’er thought marriage to me would cause you distress.” In fact, he had evidence otherwise. Whenever he held her in his arms, she returned his kisses with the same enthusiasm as he delivered them. The buds of her breasts pebbled against his chest each and every time. “You do love me, do you not?” “I love you. I also love the kittens recently born in the stable, yet I do not wish to entrust my life to them.” She dug at a small stone with

The Lady’s Adventure

9

her toe and flipped it into the air. With a lowered head and raised eyebrow, she shot him a sultry look. “Of course, I shall enjoy having you in my bed and petting you as I do them.” Her luscious lips turned down. She stomped her foot. “’Tis not enough.” Ram had had more than enough. In one stride, he reached her and pulled her into his arms. “You compare me to a kitten? Give me but a chance and I shall show how my claws can nick you.” “Do not be vulgar.” She pulled away. “As my wife, I assure you, every experience you wish shall be possible.” “Experience, posh. I have traveled, I have been presented at court. Queen Elizabeth smiled at me and patted my cheek when I was but a child. I have danced with princes and dined with duchesses.” She swirled and resumed her pacing. “I have a hunger for…for…Oh, I don’t know what. I only know ’tis not enough to go from being controlled by my father to being controlled by a husband and to being saddled by a brood of babes.” She kicked up more pebbles. “I will love my babes, someday, just not now, not yet.” Ram gathered her in his arms once more. “The only thing you shall be saddled by is me, at least for a very long time. And that is something you shall enjoy. Do you not enjoy this?” He bruised her mouth with his and slipped a hand into her bodice. Instantly, coral buds hardened as did his shaft. He let her feel the fullness of his manhood by grinding his hips into hers. He released her to now stand on wobbly legs. “Do you not wish to feel the whole of me inside you, feel my caresses everywhere on your body?” She grasped his arm to steady herself. “Certainly, I do. Yet I know not why I cannot have that and more without becoming a haggard married woman. Men are able to dip their wick wherever and into whomever they wish.” She adjusted her bodice and examined the gravel on the garden path. “Please, Ram, release me from our

10

Tish Domenick

marriage contract. After I have lived, had some real adventures, perhaps we may revisit the idea.” Ram had to walk a few steps away to hide his shock. He coughed to suppress the temper that threatened to consume him and the bile that threatened to choke him. “Madam, I shall not force an unwanted alliance upon you. Do but realize at the advanced age of twenty-one, not much time is left to you for forming an advantageous match. I, of course, cannot marry you once you have been tumbled by others. I have a duty not to bring scandal or any hint of impropriety to the Earldom I will soon inherit.” He hated himself for lashing out at her, the woman he would love forever, but he was afraid of what she was planning to do, and he had no doubt she would do exactly what she wished. She always had. Faith paled but sucked in a breath and stood her ground. “I may be a bit older than some women who look to wed. I may be foolish to let you go. Yet, I feel too young, too inexperienced to become a faithful wife and mother without having tasted more—more—oh, just more.” The restlessness in her nature, so endearing to Ram when Faith was a child, had become a third person, a wedge between them. He had to do something to rein it in, but what? She turned at the end of the path, seeming to be lost in thought. God’s teeth, she was beautiful. Golden curls with a mere touch of cinnamon cascaded past her shoulders into her décolletage. Eyes, softer now, signaled a bit of temper and confusion and mayhap a bit of regret. “What do you want, Faith?” “Unrestrained passion of every kind,” she whispered. “Not the forever love and affection enjoyed between husband and wife, but wild, abandoned passion. In my chaperoned, virginal life, I have never acted without self-control.” With determined steps, she whooshed past him towards the orangery door. “I cannot—nay.” She turned to him. “I will not marry you. I shall have my fill of intense, overpowering desire before I wed, and you shall not want as sullied a bride as I fully intend to be.”

The Lady’s Adventure

11

She disappeared before he could find his voice. Naturally, he wanted a virgin on his wedding night. Yet, he had loved Faith since he was a boy of twelve. To marry another was unfathomable. To imagine his Faith in the throes of passion with another was abominable. He could not force her to marry him, and he could not marry her after her escapades were deemed “enough” by her stubborn mind. Being the son of an earl had its responsibilities. It meant duty came before all, even love. He must erase her from his mind. Completely, unreservedly, he must erase her from his mind. Ram was in more of a lather than the galloping Sir Lancelot, his gelding. They reached The Blind Pig, a full quarter hour before such a distance required. He roared into the taproom calling for ale and smashed one stool before slamming down onto another. The barmaid leaned into him as she placed a tankard before him. He waved her away. This was the sort of woman he should lust after, yet he couldn’t bring himself to have e’en a slight interest. He downed the ale and called for another, downing that one as well before a voice boomed in his ear. “Saints preserve us, ’tis my good friend the Right Honorable Earl of Bostwick.” “Cassius, you are a bit previous with the title. Father was in excellent health last I viewed his miserable countenance.” The clap on Ram’s shoulder near knocked him to the floor. “I see you are the brooder you always were. Wench, more ale here.” Cassius waved Ram’s empty tankard at the barmaid. “Tell Uncle Cash all about your troubles, my lad.” He sat with elbows propping his chin and stared unblinkingly at his friend. “Stop it. You are but a year my elder and certainly never my uncle.” Ram accepted ale from the buxom lass who leaned onto Cassius’s shoulder this time.

12

Tish Domenick

Cash patted her rear and with a wink shooed her away before turning back to Ram. “Ah, yet I am years your senior in wit. Now, why do you look as if you’d just been gelded?” “Because, in truth, I have been.” He took a long draught from his ale. “Lady Lovejoy and I have agreed to dissolve our marriage contract.” “Is that all? She has put you off for years. You will win her again, or talk to her father, and he will see she follows through. He is a strange sort but not without sense.” “No, in the past I understood she was too young to settle her life upon a marriage, and I was willing to wait.” He gulped bitter ale. “You haven’t yet heard the worst of it.” Ram finished off the ale and slammed the pewter vessel on the table hard enough to cause Cash’s untouched drink to slosh over his hand. “My God, I cannot yet take it all in.” With an annoyed frown, Cash wiped his hand on his breeches. “Out with it. What has the lass done now? And why of a sudden does it vex you when heretofore you have excused her every escapade?” “Because this time she wants passion…” He passed a hand over his face. “And not with me. She wants to ‘live’ before she weds.” “Whoa, by ‘live,’ does she mean what I think?” “Exactly.” “Then we must do something bold to halt her intensions.” “Do what? How?” “Look at you, man. You are the model of propriety in your finery complete with ruff. Your face is smooth as glass and appears as fragile. A real woman such as Faith Lovejoy wants a scoundrel, someone who can sweep her off her feet in a naughty way. No woman looking at your patrician features can experience the thrill of fear to melt her bones and cream her cuny.” “I can do naught about my looks or my reputation.” “You are in error, my friend. Together, we can and will do much about both.”

The Lady’s Adventure

13

**** Faith leaned her forehead against the wooden door. Ram had never spoken harshly to her before. The coldness of his response, his refusal to consider her fit for him once she’d been had by another, had taken her unawares. She’d assumed his love for her would weather anything she proposed. She merely wanted to find what life was all about before being relegated to matron’s status. She and Ram had talked hours about what the future held and what they wanted to do before they left this earth. Hadn’t he agreed with her that poor Aunt Helene, wed at sixteen to a man twenty years her senior, startlingly deteriorated each year after? She’d always told him she wanted to sample all life had to offer. Faith grappled with the door latch. Perhaps she should call him back. Perhaps she had not thought this matter through to its logical conclusion. Of course, an earl could not marry a fallen woman. And wouldn’t her Aunt Helene be away nursing a sick friend at the precise moment Faith needed her advice most? No. Helene would tell her to call his bluff. He’d come back no matter what she did. He always had before. With a shake of her skirts to rid them of dust from the garden and to rid herself of remorse, she headed for the kitchen. She’d wed another if Ram didn’t want her, and she’d marry well. Or she might not marry at all. Mayhap she’d go to Italy or France and have dozens of lovers. Men did such things all the time, and no one thought less of them. Why must a woman conform to rules men ignored? She raised her head and squared her shoulders. She had done it. She’d cancelled her engagement. Aunt Helene would be best pleased. “Do not end like me,” her aunt had exclaimed to Faith more than once. “I married young before I knew what marriage meant, and he died too soon, yet not soon enough. I never tasted the fleshly pursuits enjoyed by younger widowers. I pray thee, do not end without having

14

Tish Domenick

begun.” Then, one day, Helene had showed Faith the book of illustrations that so stirred her libido. The book convinced Faith she must sample passion’s pleasures firsthand. Yes, Helene would be pleased. On the other hand, father would be furious, but he’d rant and rave and in the end let her have her way as he always had done. With arms outstretched to encompass the world of freedom before her, she pirouetted into the kitchen. “Martha, I am ravenous. What treats do you have?” The hefty older woman wiped her hands on her apron. “I have biscuits warming on the shelf and some fresh apple butter.” “Mmm. Two please.” “I’ll give you one. Your cousin has been sampling them already, and you know his appetite.” Faith made a moue. “I know all his appetites are voracious.” Martha tsk-tsked her into silence as she served her an oat cake. “A lady shouldn’t know such things, let alone speak of them about a relative.” “He is so far removed a cousin, he hardly counts as a relative. You know that.” She drizzled apple butter on the biscuit and nibbled the edges, saving the middle for last. Her hunger was not assuaged, but then it rarely was—for anything. **** Adolfo watched from the archway as his “cousin” devoured the cake. Her appetite matched his. He had no doubt she’d prove it in bed if he could but entice her to join him there. Step one had gone as planned. He’d ingratiated himself into the good graces of Helene. It only took a suggestion to that gullible lady. What a shame if Faith were to marry without having been duly tumbled by a man or two for comparison’s sake, he’d said. Helene soon persuaded her niece how truly woeful it would be if she did not experience the fruits of sensual

The Lady’s Adventure

15

love before tying herself to one man for life... Helene had surprised him by showing her niece a portfolio of drawings that would cause proper ladies to swoon. His plan had worked. Faith dismissed her would-be husband and now became fair game. Not that he had any intention of playing fair. Of course, he’d realized what she hadn’t wanted to believe. The heir to an Earldom could never marry a sullied woman. And sullied she’d be. He’d see to it. As Faith stood and stretched, arms overhead, her breasts strained the fabric of her bodice. He dreamed of the things he would do to her and have her do to him. First, he would show her what an orgasm felt like by punishing her teats until she cried, then licking her cunt to calm her. He would suck the juices out of her. Later, after more play with her naked body, he would teach her to mouth him. He would not ask her to swallow that first time. Only after he entered her, slaked himself on her, would he need more stimulation to raise his cock again. A woman slurping up his seed always did it for him. He’d be up and in her in seconds after watching the spoiled Lady Lovejoy with his cum dripping down her bruised and swollen lips. He groaned thinking of it. Unfortunately, she heard and turned with an engaging smile on those plump lips. “Adolfo, I did it. I’m free.” She ran into his arms and kissed his cheek. He pulled her into him as far as he dared and enjoyed the feel of her breasts pressed against his shirt. “You are a brave girl. Now we must plan the passionate adventures we’ve spoken of so many times.” She stepped out of his embrace and clapped her hands as a child would do. “What shall we do first?” “First you must become a woman. A masked ball will be just the thing. You shall lose your virginity in anonymity to a man of your choosing.” Of course, he would contrive to be the chosen one. “We’ve been invited to such a ball at Butcher Manor a mere two weeks from Saturday. The theme is mythology, I believe.”

16

Tish Domenick

**** Ram awoke in one of Cash’s guest rooms. His head throbbed and his mouth felt like a regiment of hussars had camped out there. He discovered he was naked. “Oh, ho. He awakens at last.” Cash stood in the doorway, tray in hand. He deposited it on the bed’s footboard table. “Where’s my clothes?” “Good morn to you, too.” “All right, Cash, what has become of my…” He pressed a hand to his forehead as he raised himself to a sitting position. “God’s blood, how much did I drink last night?” “You mean two nights ago.” Ram moaned. “And your capacity for ale astounded all at the tavern. I’d have stopped you, but I had to quit the inn to put my plans in motion, and by the time I returned, the damage was done.” “Plans? What devilment are you conjuring now?” He rose on wobbly legs and immediately sank back onto the feather bed. “If I live, I shall return home and eschew any plans you have concocted.” “Have you forgotten your quest for Lady Lovejoy’s hand in marriage? Are you giving it over?” Head in hands, Ram mumbled, “For a while I had forgotten her wish to have…forgotten everything.” “Do we do this thing or not?” “We do it.” “Then you must give me the reins.” With a hand rubbing his chin, he studied his friend’s face from all sides as if assessing a precious work of art. “Hmm, you have a good two days’ growth, and the mustache and beard should fill in nicely by the time of the masked ball we shall be attending. Must e’en your facial hair be so blasted blond?” He stepped back. “Some boot black should amend that

The Lady’s Adventure

17

condition.” He tousled Ram’s hair. “A little through your locks will no doubt be necessary.” “Boot black? Good god.” “My man, Baines, has brewed some ghastly herb drink he says will cure what ails you, so bottoms up.” He handed Ram a tall tankard from the tray. “The tailor will be here soon with your new persona, and we must decide which carriage to rob tonight.” **** With a hand at her waist, Adolfo escorted Faith to her room. “You shall want some instruction before entering into the life of a besmirched woman.” Oh, this was rich. He gave himself a mental pat on the back for possessing a quick and devious mind. How far could he go with her before she balked? Hmm, he’d have to wait and see. “Instruction? Are you certain?” “Quite certain. Much will be expected of you besides looking deliciously beautiful.” “My poor departed mama told me such things come naturally once a woman has taken a husband.” She stopped at the door to her boudoir and turned to face him. God’s eyes, did she actually expect to lie back and do naught, then deem it an adventure? “Ah, but you shall not be instructed by a husband aware of a lady’s sensibilities. The rogue you seek will expect you to know how to perform.” She briefly pressed a hand to her lips. “Of course you are correct as usual. He will suppose that I am also a rogue, n’est-ce pas?” “Certainement.” “I believe cousin Terese is the one to go to for advice. She is young and vivacious and French and far wiser in these matters than my other young friends.” “You cannot possibly tell Terese about your adventure-seeking. She would run to your father, and you should be barred from leaving

18

Tish Domenick

your room.” He tapped a finger on his chin in the guise of deep thought. “I, however, am capable of revealing a few tricks for you to master.” He opened her door and guided her inside. Faith pushed back against his hand to halt forward movement. “This is not proper. What if someone should see you in here?” “We are cousins discussing the latest novel.” She closed the door with a conspiratorial smile. “You are correct yet again, though I do not think we are close enough cousins to count as kin. How shall we begin?” “Have you ever seen the male member? Have you fondled it? Do you know how to bring it to fruition with a mere touch?” With a pout of her ripe lips, she stomped a daintily slippered foot. “The answer is ‘no’ to each of those things, as you are well aware. Do not tease me. Unlace your breeches at once and demonstrate.” Adolfo had to turn away so as not to reveal his grin. This was like tutoring a robin in song. “You will need to sit on the edge of the bed.” Faith plopped down and bounced. “All right, show me.” In unlacing his breeches, Adolfo surprised himself by remaining calm and in control. He took note of Faith’s expectant expression and was able to display, for her perusal, a semi-flaccid cock. As long as she sat three feet away, he could keep it that way. “So, that’s what it looks like.” She hopped off her perch and closed in to view his prick from one side then the other. “I cannot imagine how…” Dammit to hell, he was losing control. Hands clasped together between her knees, she bent in front of him, her nose inches from his dawning erection. “Oh, my, it’s moving.” She stood and backed away. “And growing.” Faith circled him, laughing uproariously. “This is great. I needed to know these things.” Again she stooped to examine her prey. “May I touch it?” Before he could unclench his teeth to deny her access, she stroked him with one finger, then grabbed him in a gentle fist. “It’s smoother

The Lady’s Adventure

19

than it looks. What do you call this portion of your anatomy?” She stood. He was able to relax enough to choke out an answer. “Technically, a penis, but it is often referred to as a prick or a cock.” “A cock? It does not resemble a rooster, but I like that name. Cock, can you crow for me?” Adolfo quickly turned his back and returned the fowl in question to its rightful place before it did indeed crow. Another minute and all his plans would have ended. He’d have lost control and tossed her onto the bed and barreled into her pulsating love pocket. His pullet must wait, but it would certainly have its time to show what damage it could do. Faith went to the ewer on a shelf near the bed, and fortunately, far from him, to wash her hands. While drying them with a damask cloth, she returned to examine his crotch with concern. “I am grateful for the lesson, cousin, but most happy it is over. I am stirred inside and shall find the wait until the ball a tedious waste of time.” “You mean to forge ahead with your quest then?” “E’en more so now I have seen what I will face. It is intriguing and more animated than I thought. I would see it yet again if you would be good enough to comply.” **** “Rob? Carriage? Are you mad, or do I continue to be less than conscious?” Ram downed the brew Cash handed him. “Good God, what was that?” With a grimace and evil glare at the offensive vessel, Ram repeated his query. “Rob? Carriage?” “Have I acquired a parrot this morn? Yes, we shall become highwaymen. How better to catch the imagination of a lass bent on an adventuresome life?” “We can’t do it. I can’t steal from innocent people and hope to live with myself.” Surely Cash wouldn’t actually turn him into a thief.

20

Tish Domenick

Was he accurate in his assumption Faith would go for someone dark and dangerous? “Ease yourself. This small community has so few carriages, we know each owner. Only the wealthy posses such niceties, and we shall choose the meanest of them. Tonight, I believe your own esteemed sire will be availing himself of his coach to visit your sister, Lenore.” “This will not do—” “We will return the booty in time, do not worry. Now, don a robe. We go to the drawing room where my tailor shall certainly be waiting. I have ordered your highwayman costume sized to the clothes I peeled from your body days ago.” Ram caught the garment Cash tossed him. Broader of shoulder and taller than his friend, Ram had to squeeze into Cash’s robe. The constant throbbing in his head didn’t help as he staggered down the hall. Two hours later, Ram viewed himself in the full-length crystal pier glass. The chap staring back at him was no one he was remotely acquainted with. A black, billowy shirt topped black breeches, his hands were encased in black gloves, his feet in black boots. The whole was covered by a black cloak with a stand-up collar to hide the only white part of him showing, his neck. His facial hair, his mane, and his eyebrows had been darkened, and a black hat and half face mask completed the destruction of a peer of the realm. “I look a scoundrel.” “You do indeed. I dub thee Baron of Blackthorn. I am a genius if I do say so myself.” “Baron Blackthorn? I have been demoted from viscount to baron?” “As well you should be.” Cash, similarly dressed, patted Ram on the back. “My father’s dueling pistols are being readied by Baines. He is the only other person to know of our plans. He will keep the other staff busy whilst we exit and will do the same upon our return.”

The Lady’s Adventure

21

“In truth, do you mean for us to rob my father?” Ram turned from his image, still a bit dazed by the idea of turning into a highwayman. “No man more worthy of insult, I’d say.” Cash tried to maneuver Ram out into the hall by applying pressure to a shoulder. Ram stood his ground. “Yes, but mother will most certainly accompany him on a visit to Lenore.” “That’s what makes tonight ideal. He will offer little resistance so as not to alarm your mother and delay their visit with a daughter who, I understand, is with child.” He pushed and Ram progressed toward the doorway. “Will not mother spot me as her son right off?” “We will allow her to remain seated inside the coach. Now, stop worrying.” Baines led them to a secret tunnel, handed over the pistols, and whisked them out an ivy-covered outer door impossible to notice from the outside. In a half-daze, Ram followed Cash to a copse of fir trees and bushes to await their victims. Only no wait was needed. The coach appeared as if it had awaited them. “Stop and stand down,” Cash called out as he emerged on foot from the bushes. Ram couldn’t believe they were truly doing this thing. He’d thought Cash would change his mind, and they’d give it up once the time neared and they’d go to the public house for ale and a hearty laugh at the folly. The carriage halted. The coachman reached for his pistol, but when Cash brandished his own weapon and ordered him to hand his over, he complied quickly. Ram, on Cash’s black stallion, rode up to the door. With a rasp in his voice to disguise it, he called out, “Alight, my good man.” Earl Bostwick jumped down. “Empty your purse into this bag.” He threw a satchel at his father. It hit him in the gut causing him to double over. Then Ram saw it was but a ruse. “Go for that knife in your boot, and you will be buried headless.” His mother gasped.

22

Tish Domenick

With a hand to his hat brim, he bowed to her. “Do not fret, ma’am. No one will be hurt if our directions are precisely followed.” To his father, he said, “Timepiece and rings also go in the bag.” Cash leaned into the coach. “And, ma’am, I’ll take that necklace.” Ram nearly dropped the satchel his father handed over. What was Cash doing robbing mother? “Outrageous,” his mother spit out but handed over the choker dripping with emeralds. His father growled and returned to his seat to pat her shoulder. Cash bowed. “You have now had the pleasure of being robbed by Baron Blackthorn and Sir Wolsey Cynhard. Thank you kindly. Sir, ma’am, you may continue on your way.” Both men bowed and waved to the coachman. By a circuitous route, Cash and Ram returned to Cash’s manor house. “Wolsey Cynhard? Where on earth did your warped mind spew that from?” “Simply came to me. Wolsey from the Cardinal, of course, and I believe Cynhard is the name of a cousin twice removed. He says it means ‘bold.’” “And it also sounds like an appraisal of your character—sin hard.” “It does, doesn’t it? Ah, good old Baines awaits us at the secret door.” “Whatever do we do with this stuff? And how did you have the gall to divest mother of her prized necklace?” “Ah, me. Will you never understand women? The lovely matron of Bostwick actually winked back at me as she handed over her jewels.” Stunned into immobility, Ram stopped short. Baines had to tug Ram’s arm to pull him out of his shock and into the manor. ****

The Lady’s Adventure

23

At the door of their daughter’s home, Lady Anne mentally rehearsed the tale of the robbery with which she’d regale her daughter. This would be such fun and so good for Lenore to forget about herself for a few moments. The Earl of Bostwick turned to his wife. “Perhaps, Anne, we should not trouble Lenore with our little adventure. In her condition, I mean.” “Don’t be a bore, Cecil. She has not been out of the house in weeks. The story will sustain her until her lying-in. She will love it and proclaim it to her friends, all out of proportion, of course.” Anne would infuse the telling with enough excitement to force Lenore out of the house. “Our darling daughter never could resist being the bearer of a juicy story.” “That, my dear, is what I fear. We shall be made to look the fools.” The door opened, not by the housekeeper, but by Lenore herself. “Mother, Father. How lovely of you to visit your poor invalid daughter on so warm and humid a night.” “You are not an invalid.” Anne had no patience for unwarranted indulgence. Lenore was but six months along and healthy as the Goddess Diana at the hunt. She rapidly changed the subject without comment. “Wait until you hear what happened to us on the way here. The account will cheer you.” Anne took her daughter’s arm and led her toward the drawing room. The earl followed in their wake. “Baron Claymore and Lady Faith have arrived already, and they have brought Faith’s friend and cousin, Terese LaPierre.” She sighed loudly. “Although I have not had the energy of a slug, for days I have tried all avenues to inform your son of the dinner party with no success.” “A male in his prime does not always wish to be located,” Lord Cecil whispered to his daughter so the other guests could not hear. He boomed over his wife and daughter’s heads, “Claymore, good to see you, Lady Faith, Terese, what a pleasure.”

24

Tish Domenick

Faith and her father rose as one. Baron Claymore extended a hand. “Good evening, Earl. I am delighted to be included in this family gathering.” “Nonsense, you are soon to be a part of clan Keith.” He chucked Faith under the chin. “As soon as your lovely young lass decides on the date.” **** Faith, head bowed, slumped onto a tapestry side chair. She had hoped Ram would be here, and they could announce the dissolution of the marriage contract tonight, together. Her father would not make a fuss in this company. Other than Adolfo, the only person she’d told was Terese. She slipped a mournful gaze her cousin’s way. Terese clasped her hand. Faith wondered if her cousin and friend would give such support if she knew the whole of the truth. Although she did not believe her good friend would run to her father with the sordid details of what Faith was about to do, she had heeded Adolfo’s advice to keep her counsel on the matter of becoming a fallen woman. Lenore, clutching a constantly fluttering fan, waved everyone to a seat and draped herself on a settle. “Please keep us in suspense no longer about your news, Mother.” Lady Anne nudged her daughter to make room for herself on the settle. “Lenore, are you up to our scheduled visit with Duchess Mowbry tomorrow?” “I suppose we must go. Since becoming a widower, she is certainly the sin qua non of gossips. We do not dare offend her, lest we become this season’s subjects of derision.” “Quite right, my dear. And I shall have the best of her this time.” She paused, patted her eyes with a bit of lace. “We have borne a bitter blow this evening.” All questioning visages turned her way. Anne tilted her head in recognition of their attention.

The Lady’s Adventure

25

Lord Cecil Keith, Earl of Bostwick, emitted a most ungentlemanly groan. Faith covered her grin with a gloved hand. Ram’s mother tended toward the dramatic. Lady Anne glared at her husband before continuing. “I must relate a disturbing adventure we have lived through this night. Two nefarious, yet dashing, young scalawags accosted us on the road.” She acknowledged each gasp with a head nod and proceeded to recount the tale with what Faith believed to be much embellishment. Faith, again, covered her mouth. The event must have been horrifying, and she really did sympathize, but the couple seemed unhurt and unaffected by the encounter. Lady Anne’s telling of it, however, was worthy of a star in one of Mr. Shakespeare’s productions. “And, as if I hadn’t borne enough injustice, the blackguard who ripped my emeralds from ’round my neck stole more than my jewels. He, he—” She whimpered. “He kissed me most rudely and intimately.” “I didn’t see—” “Hush, husband, I am relating the event.” She sighed loudly. “Yes, he pressed the kiss upon me and would have done more had not the other footpad called him away.” Terese leaned forward in her chair, fairly pouncing on Lady Anne’s words. “And the other padder? What was he like?” “Oh, big and dark, very, very dark. Hair, clothes, boots, e’en his horse, all black as if dipped in the coal bin.” She snatched Lenore’s fan from her hand and fanned herself. “And the most remarkable thing is…” She resumed in hushed tones. “The most strange thing is that he is a baron. The Baron of Blackthorn.” Terese scooted to the edge of her chair. “The Baron of Blackthorn.” She mimicked Lady Anne’s whispered effect. “A nobleman come upon hard times which forced him to thievery to feed his starving family. Oh, my. What hardships the man must have

26

Tish Domenick

endured to be reduced to this as his only recourse to begging or debtor’s prison. You don’t suppose he will be so desperate as to strike again tonight? We have a long ride home with but the baron for protection. Why, he could—” The baron broke off his niece’s thought. “That is quite enough idle conjecture, my dear. We must not distress Lenore further on this matter.” “My distress is enough. The curs took fifty pounds and my best timepiece off me.” Lord Bostwick narrowed his eyes at Terese. Lenore laughed for the first time that evening. “I am not in the least distressed, Baron. I haven’t had so much fun since my wedding day. Yet, I must see what keeps dinner on delay. When Robert is absent the house, the servants cannot be properly controlled.” Anne assisted Lenore from the settle, and they both left the room. Through dinner and cakes and ale, Faith had difficulty curbing Terese’s talk of the highwaymen. Once they were safely in her rooms at Claymore manor, she could no longer contain the outburst. “Can you imagine anything more exciting than being kissed by a rogue?” Terese fairly leapt in her excitement. While bouncing on the feather mattress, Terese extolled the excitement of being accosted by highwaymen. Faith readied for bed and attempted to convince herself she was not as frivolous as Terese, but failed. If truth be told, Lady Anne’s account of the robbery had titillated her as much as it had her cousin. The Baron of Blackthorn, a fictitious label she supposed. More likely, a villain recently released from prison pretending to be of noble birth. “Faith, do you never listen to me?” Terese pouted and began her own ablutions in preparation for sleep. “I don’t know why I bother with you. You never share your intimate thoughts.” “My thoughts on the cads who robbed the Keiths? No doubt two rascals have found a ready way to thrift.”

The Lady’s Adventure

27

“You have no romance, no adventure in your soul. I don’t yet know the cause of your dissolving your engagement to Ramsey Keith.” Hands on hips, Faith regarded her cousin. “No romance, no adventure? Ha!” Adolfo had said Terese couldn’t be trusted. Surely she wouldn’t run to her father with the tale of what Faith was about to do. “Actually, my dear Terese, I’d like more than a mere kiss from the Baron of Blackthorn—much more. And from the other highwayman as well.” The comment froze Terese where she stood in front of the wash basin. “M–More? From both?” “Cousin, you have traveled to us from France. Do you not perceive my meaning?” “But you would not… I mean you could not, being a maiden.” “Why do you suppose I terminated my alliance with Viscount Bostwick?” “Be–Because you no longer love him?” “Of course I love him. Yet, I want to experience all the passions of the flesh before I am married, and he cannot wed a woman of dubious repute. Alas, there was nothing for it but to part.” “I am stunned. We have talked of affairs, but I thought that came after marriage, after we were broken in, so to speak.” “Did you not see what a slave to marriage Aunt Helene became? Do you believe me to be the sort to accept being dominated by a husband before I’ve practiced all she regrets missing?” “N–no, but…” “Come with me to Helene’s apartments. I’ve something to show you to make you understand what I want.”

28

Tish Domenick

Chapter Two Faith took Terese by the hand to the third floor and directly to the wardrobe in Aunt Helene’s room. “Here it is under this box of shoes. This will be a revelation to end your innocence.” They sat on the bed, and Faith opened the volume with a flourish. “First we have the man in full engorgement, mounting his paramour. Very tame as are the next several pages which depict the various positions available to them. I shall skip those for now.” “Skip? Why? I would see them.” Terese pouted. “Later. The next page I want you to see is this. The same man being slid onto by the same woman while another man caresses her bosoms and backside.” Faith let Terese digest the idea of two men with one woman before turning the page. “Here, one man enters her from behind while she offers the other her bosoms for his open mouth.” “Stop, cousin. I cannot believe this sort of thing really happens.” “Both Helene and Adolfo have assured me it is indeed quite commonplace and delightful.” “Aunt Helene has done these things? Mon dieu.” “She has and says having two men at once is an experience not to be missed. She declares to be too old to entice men into her bed since marriage stole her youthful glow. That is why I must try now, before I vow to be true to one man. When, and if, I make such a vow, I will keep it. Will you see more, or are you too repulsed?” “I would see it all.” “This is the next picture.”

The Lady’s Adventure

29

“Oh, my. The men are each nursing a breast. And one has his fingers deep inside her. Oh, my, I might enjoy this.” “She seems to, judging by the rapt expression on her face.” Faith turned the page. “This drawing, I was skeptical of, but they tell me it is done quite often.” Terese clasped her cousin’s shoulders. “No, he has his mouth on her nether region, and she has the other man’s member in her own. What are they doing?” “Adolfo has some long names for the practices, but essentially, she is sucking on his cock as if drawing soup through a hollow reed, and he is licking a certain nub within her. They derive great pleasure doing this.” “I don’t believe I would like to do this.” Terese made a face and hugged herself. “Do you suppose Aunt Helene has put a man’s protuberance in her mouth?” “She says she has. I mulled this particular performance over for a long time and decided I should try it before determining whether or not it is pleasing to me. I have practiced.” “Mon dieu! Practiced?” “Adolfo advised me to do this as it requires some dexterity to keep the tongue over the lower teeth and lip over the top teeth so as not to hurt the gentleman’s delicate flesh.” “Practiced? How?” “Certain fruit and vegetables can be sculpted to mimic a man’s member.” Faith lifted her cousin’s chin with one finger to close her gaping mouth. “And here is the last of the drawings. It is my favorite.” “This one seems harmless compared with the others. The men are lying on either side of her cuddling her like a litter of newborn puppies.” “Ah, look closer.” Faith brought the candle to Terese’s side of the tome.

30

Tish Domenick

“They are in rather unique positions with all those pillows arranged so.” Terese leaned close to the page. “And her rump is raised uncomfortably high it seems to me.” “Do you not comprehend what they are doing? Each man has his member inside her.” “At the same time? ’Twould not fit.” “At the same time, but not in the same place. Two orifices are used here.” “He has thrust inside—there?” “Yes, and if you bend nearer, you will see the shadow of a third man leaning over her and her mouth open to receive his swollen appendage.” “Mon dieu, three men have her now?” “Yes, is it not amazingly delicious?” “I am tingling all over.” Terese passed a hand over her own breasts. “My bosom aches and my nipples are pebbled. Here, feel them.” Faith ran her fingers across her cousin’s bodice. “Adolfo says when the tips of a woman’s breasts harden, it means the woman is ready for lovemaking.” “I believe he is correct in this. I am fairly in agony to have my needs brought to fruition.” Faith dropped her hand and her jaw. Terese was affected by the book much as she had been when Aunt Helene had first revealed it. Terese grasped Faith’s hand. “Cousin, do you recall where the man’s fingers were in that one picture?” Faith grinned. Recall it? She had the entire book etched upon her mind. “Of course. I have done that to myself. Have you not?” “I was caught at it by my uncle in France. One evening, he walked into my boudoir unannounced. I bolted up and he bade me not to stop. He said he would love to watch me, but I could not continue. So, he did it for me. It is so much more pleasurable when another does it for

The Lady’s Adventure

31

you. After that night, he did it for me many times. I desired it and would find excuses to visit him when my aunt was not home.” “Did your uncle not want something in return?” “He said he took out his needs with gusto on my aunt nights when I had been with him during the day.” “And he asked no more of you than to touch you—uh, there?” “He deemed ‘there’ to be my honey spot and would look at it as he fingered me. Only once did he ask for more. He wished me to pull down my bodice so he could caress my teats. I let him that one time. I was afraid he would expand his requests to include more each time. When he asked again to touch my naked bosom, I refused and left his house. He never asked after that. Although, I let him massage my breasts through my clothes because I liked it, the only nude flesh he was allowed access was where he inserted his fingers.” Terese pinched her own breasts and wriggled her bottom. “Oh, to have such a friend, here in England. Perhaps Adolfo…” “No, I would not ask him. His exploits are legend and, though he would not assault me, I know not how he would behave with such an invitation from you.” Terese flopped back on the bed, taking Faith’s hand with her. “Then you must help me. Lift my skirts if you love me. After all, you showed me that book, and now I need to have that feeling again. It has been far too long since I’ve seen my uncle. It is not nearly as satisfying when self-administered.” With shaky hands, Faith scrunched up Terese’s nightshirt. She was indeed responsible for her cousin’s distress, and this could be construed as the first part of her adventurous life. She inserted one finger. “More. Search for the button. You will know when you come to it.” Faith groped inside Terese with two fingers. Small wonder men loved this. It felt warm and wet and mysterious. “Oh, I seem to have found the hardened flesh.”

32

Tish Domenick

Terese moaned. “You have indeed. Now stroke it in circles, slowly at first, then gradually press harder and massage it thoroughly. And do not stop when I cry out. That is the most crucial part. If you stop, I will lose it and shall become inconsolable. Keep up the massage until I tell you to stop.” Terese closed her eyes, but Faith kept hers wide open, curious to see the effect as she used the pads of her fingertips to make circular motions on the flesh inside Terese’s nether lips. “Yes, Faith, oh yes.” Terese wiggled her fanny and rose a bit to meet Faith’s hand. This was an exciting and powerful feeling. Liquid flowed over her fingers making it easier to caress the button of Terese’s sex. When Terese moaned and squirmed, Faith increased the force, pinching, massaging, rubbing. “Ah, ah, ah. Don’t stop. That’s it. That’s it.” Terese let out a scream seeming to go on forever. She took Faith’s hand and pushed it against her mons as she quieted. “Thank you, thank you. My uncle did not do it any better.” Faith withdrew her fingers. Shy now, she couldn’t look into Terese’s eyes. “If you like, I will do the same for you.” Terese rose to a sitting position and kissed her cousin on the lips. “It is truly amazing, Faith. You will like it.” “I think I shall wait for a man to do it for me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have broken with Ram so precipitously. I should have waited until I had prospects at least.” “You will have no difficulty in that department.” Terese caressed Faith’s breasts. “If you change your mind in the middle of the night, wake me and we will play.” No, Faith would store her hungers for men the night of the masked ball. “We’d best hurry downstairs before papa comes to check on us.” Faith returned the book to its hiding place and led the way back to her room.

The Lady’s Adventure

33

**** Ram awoke with a dark cloud of doubt hovering over him. Had he actually robbed his father and stolen his mother’s emeralds? At least he had no headache and wouldn’t need to imbibe the brew Baines concocted for him yestermorn. He dressed in his own clothes and felt nearly normal except for this nagging dread about to strangle him with guilt. Baines arrived in time to tie a fashionable knot in his neck cloth before escorting him downstairs. The sunny yellow of the winter parlor walls did nothing to improve his mood, neither did Cash’s smiling visage as he dipped a piece of bread in wine. “Good morn, Blackthorn.” Cash broke into gales of laughter. “Catchy rhyme—morn, Blackthorn. Drag a stool to the table and have some wine or ale.” “Don’t call me that name, the servants might hear. And I want no wine or ale.” Ram couldn’t yet face spirits of any kind since his recent binge. He called for chocolate which was quickly served to him in a cup with hot pepper. He mindlessly swallowed a bit of last evening’s venison pie, hoping it would improve his disposition. It didn’t. Cash stood. “I’m finished here and go to hear the local gossip of who’s likely to be out and about to be our night’s victim. What is your plan for the day? “I shall pay a visit to my beloved.” “To Faith? Angry as you are at her future plans, will you be able to face her with your equilibrium intact?” “I must speak with her father for propriety’s sake. Then I must determine if she has heard of the scoundrel who divested my sire and dam of their wares last eve. We are doing this for her benefit, let our deeds not go unregarded.” “You are right, of course.” With a frown, Ram nodded.

34

Tish Domenick

Cash swept from the room with his usual aplomb. Ram downed the chocolate and called for his horse. He had to be done with this visit before he thought more about the finality of it. On the rather long ride to Claymore, since he went around the stream instead of through it, a light mist cleared his head, and he was able to make decisions. At the manor door, he hesitated, hand on the knocker, and inhaled the scent of rosemary. Many years ago, the baron, whose love of rosemary was legendary, had the shrubs planted along the front walls. Now, they very nearly covered the honeycolored stone. He recalled his first visit to the manor when he was eleven and the plants reached only to his knees. His grandmamma dragged him, under protest, to visit The Baron of Claymore, his wife, and the yearold babe they’d named Faith. When the child was thrust onto his lap, he’d been appalled at the scents of powder and lotion wafting into the air. His stiff knees did not deter the squirming ball of blankets. She’d latched onto his finger and gurgled up at him in a toothless grin that melted his heart. For her formative years, he’d thought her a pest. Miraculously, one day she emerged from the chrysalis of childhood and became the delicate butterfly he could not imagine his life without. He wanted to see her. He dreaded seeing her. The brass knocker felt like a cudgel as he lifted and released it. Moments later, Stutz, the new steward of the manor, opened the door and ushered him into the library. Faith, in the center of the room, turned from Terese to face him. His jaw loosened and his heart lifted. E’en with but faint light streaming through floor-length windows, Faith’s hair sizzled golden sparks, her eyes reflected the fire in the grate across the room. In a plain day gown of brown, she managed to look a queen. “Thank you, Stutz.” The tall, slim man stiffly bowed from the waist. “Anything else, milady?”

The Lady’s Adventure

35

“No, you may leave and please order small ale and cakes.” With a smile and a wave, Faith dismissed the man. “I did not expect you, Lord Keith. How nice of you to come by. Father will be down shortly. You know my cousin, Terese.” Terese curtsied and drifted to the back of the room. She made a none-too-convincing show of choosing a book from the shelves. “Are we going to stand on ceremony from now on, Faith?” “Of course not. We shall continue to be friends. You are always welcome at Claymore.” “Will you walk in the covered garden with me while waiting for the baron?” “If you wish to discuss our situation, or lack thereof, we may do it here. I have no secrets from Terese.” “Might we sit?” “Please. The settle is quite comfortable, and I will take the desk chair.” Ram took the seat as requested. “You require a physical barrier as well as a mental one?” “Nothing of the sort.” She came around the desk and sat instead on a pillowed chair across from the settle. “Are you yet determined to follow the course outlined to me a few days ago?” “I am.” Terese coughed and they both looked her way. “Sorry, rainy days make my throat dry.” Ram slid a look out of the window at the sunny day and held back a smirk. Terese returned to her perusal of the books. “Do stop mincing around back there and come sit with us, cousin. Perhaps Lord Keith would enjoy hearing of our supper with his parents last eve.” “Yes, I would. How are my parents and sister?” Terese bounced on the settle next to Ram. “Have you not spoken to your family this morn?”

36

Tish Domenick

“No, I have not been home for several days.” With hand gestures and many animated facial expressions, Terese related how two handsome blackguards stole money and dignity from Ram’s parents. “And do you image what the worst scoundrel did to Lady Anne?” “I imagine he stole my mother’s emerald choker. She rarely leaves the house without it.” “Oh, he did more than that.” Terese leaned close. “He kissed her—on the mouth.” “He did not…I mean no one would take liberties with Lady Anne Keith, never say so.” “’Tis true, she bespoke it to us, did she not, Faith?” “Indeed. Lady Anne related the injustice to us all. She and Lenore will visit Duchess Mowbry today, and by eve, the entire town will know of it.” Ram suppressed a groan. Although this is exactly what he and Cash had hoped would happen, gossip never sat well with him. “And you two? Have you no fear the rascals may accost you on your rounds today?” Terese lowered her eyes. “Of course we wouldn’t wish that, yet they were such handsome devils, I believe Lady Anne didn’t mind the kiss so much. I would have fainted, I’m sure.” “Oh, cousin, you are fabricating. You would no doubt kiss back.” Ram, struggling to maintain a sober visage, kept his voice low. “Mother must have been thoroughly mortified.” Whatever had possessed Lady Anne to tell such a blatant falsehood? He looked around to find another topic of conversation. For the first time since they met, he was at a loss as to how to speak to Faith. They had been friends for far too long to feel this strain. Her tightly clasped hands and rigid jaw revealed she felt it as acutely as he. Fortunately, the baron came storming into the room followed by Adolfo. “Stutz informed me of your arrival, Viscount. I suppose you’ve come to see my daughter, not me.”

The Lady’s Adventure

37

Ram stood. “On the contrary, Faith and I have something to explain to you. Before we begin, please know this is her wish and not at all what I prefer.” “Good morn, Viscount, Terese, Cousin Faith.” Adolfo took a position behind Faith’s chair and gently kneaded her shoulders. Ram’s first inclination was to demand he unhand her, his second to deliver a blow to his jaw. He managed to tamp down his anger. She was not his any longer. The logic did not quell the roiling in his gut nor stop the explosion of hatred behind his eyelids. Cousin or not, Adolfo’s touch seemed much too intimate. He’d better finish his business and quit the room before he made a total fool of himself. “Baron, Faith has requested to be released from our marriage contract, and I have reluctantly granted her wish. As you no doubt know, I love your daughter and desire to see her happy.” He stared pointedly at Faith, who did not react. “I, however, must provide the Earldom with an heir and shall be searching for a suitable match elsewhere.” He noted the baron was the only person present to be surprised by the news. “I am astonished. Daughter, what have you done?” “Before you speak with your family, Baron, I will take my leave. I imagine my presence here is making everyone a bit uncomfortable.” It occurred to him on the ride to Claymore that shuffling between two personas would be perilous. He’d devised a plan. “I am off to Italy tomorrow eve, and you will not see me for several months.” He made a perfunctory bow. Adolfo was the only one to speak. The others appeared stunned. “Yes, I suppose Italy to be much the better course for a jilted gentleman to find solace than England. As I was brought up there, I highly recommend it.” He leaned close to Faith’s ear and whispered something Ram could not hear. Ramsey did not wait to be shown out but strode directly to the library doorway and barreled out of the manor on his own.

38

Tish Domenick

The long route to Cash’s manor proved not long enough this time to abate Ram’s anger. Lovejoy was too trusting. Inviting sweet Helene to live with them was one thing, but no one had ever heard of Adolfo before he showed up with a letter from some distant relative proclaiming him to be a cousin thrice removed. The lewd leer on Adolfo’s face as he caressed Faith’s shoulders had set Ram’s teeth on edge. Since the day the supposed cousin had arrived at Claymore, Ram had been wary of the man’s motives. He’d looked into Adolfo’s background and learned the man’s father had lost most of his estate in some shady business deal shortly before his demise. No hard evidence could be discovered to link Adolfo himself to any disgrace, making it impossible for Ram to warn the baron against him. Innuendos had abounded. Both father and son were said to be lecherous gamblers, and much else, if rumors were to be believed. And Ram believed every one of them. By the time he’d finished caring for Sir Lancelot himself, since he didn’t trust the stable lads here, Ram had calmed a bit. He searched the manor for Cash and found him exercising his legs in the gallery. Ram strode along the hundred-foot covered passageway beside Cash. He’d enjoyed the gallery many times in the past for masques, games, and music. He was not enjoying it this day. “As you said, women are intrigued by dangerous cads. Faith and her cousin were exceedingly interested in the ‘dashing’ highwaymen. I have become a believer and now enter into the escapade most wholeheartedly.” Cash placed an arm across his shoulders. “You shall win the woman yet.” “I informed her father of the severing of our engagement. I hope he attributed the untidiness of my growth of beard to my distraught feelings. I also informed them, Adolfo and Terese were present, that I will be traveling to Italy and will be absent from the country for months.”

The Lady’s Adventure

39

“Good thinking, yet you will not need months. The gossip is already afoot, and I have found the perfect coach to rob next. Our reputation will be sealed after today.” “Today? You mean to rob someone in the light of day?” They strolled up to a dark, scowling portrait of one of Cash’s ancestors. “Perhaps you come from a family of reprobates.” “You may be correct. Old Harry, here, did not always trod the heavenly side of the road. I have heard stories. As to plying our new trade in sunlight, look at the knot garden below these double windows. Today’s clouds are filled with rain. They shall provide cover enough.” Ram passed two more ancestors’ portraits to gaze out through the double window at the darkening day. “The landscape does appear dismal. Who are our victims this day?” “Along with your mother and sister, Duchess Mowbry’s orphaned nieces are attending her this afternoon. They have been visiting another relative and return home to the duchess today. They ride with one chaperone and a single elderly coachman who will give us no trouble. It will be effortless charming them into giving up their jewels.” As they neared the end of the solar, Ram nudged an elbow into his friend’s side. “Perhaps we will honor the lasses with a kiss or two.” “Ah, Viscount, you have certainly entered the fray. A very good thought. A kiss will seal our every deal from now on. My thanks for your ingenuity.” “Do not thank me, thank my mother. Lady Anne informed last night’s party that you kissed her ‘most intimately’ and would have done more had I not stopped you.” “Your illustrious parent is a gem.” “That she is and I shall return her gems immediately. She adores those emeralds.” “Do not think it. We will be discovered and hanged before we can explain our purpose.”

40

Tish Domenick

“Your manor is not the only one with secret doors. Nor are you the only one who can be devious. Worry not.” Cash had run the show long enough. Now Ram understood his role, he would fashion it his way. Baines met them before they reached Cash’s sleeping chamber. “M’lords, the garments and such for this day’s outing are in the anteroom to the exit you will be using.” “Excellent, my man. Is the way cleared? I wish not to inform any of the other staff of its existence.” Baines nodded and led his master and Ram through a maze of rooms and hallways to their destination. Once dressed with blackened hair, Ram brandished a short sword. “I shall lead the charge as I am the Baron of Blackthorn and you but a commoner, Wolsey.” “My, my, aren’t you the ambitious one today, reverting to your former arrogance. Have you lost your ardor for the lovely Faith Lovejoy?” “Not a bit, but I noted the spark of excitement in her eye when her cousin, Terese, told the tale of my parents’ run-in with highwaymen, especially the part about my mother’s kiss.” Baines surveyed the grounds, then waved to them, but Cash pushed Ram back into the anteroom. “Before we go further, I must be assured you know the consequence of this plot.” “Of course I do. I seduce Lady Lovejoy as Baron Blackthorn, and she falls deeply in love with me as Ramsey Keith and we marry.” Was his friend backing down on him? Ram would go it alone if necessary. “Yes, but do not forget we must afford her the adventure and passion she desires before she learns your true identity. Once she realizes you are Blackthorn, the experience will not stir her in quite the same way.” “Indeed. I will make certain she believes she lies with the nefarious highwayman. Any other warnings?”

The Lady’s Adventure

41

“Yes. She may want more than the illicit affair with a blackguard. We may both need to have the lady for her to be assured she has had an adventure. Perhaps on more than one night if she so wishes.” The statement stopped Ram cold. He leaned against the damp stone wall, took in a ragged breath, and ran a hand across his face. “I hadn’t wanted to think on that. Is there no other way? Can she not occupy you with hands or mouth and lie only with me?” “If that will slake her lust for the unknown.” Cash clapped him on the back. “Come, we will deal with the problem when and if it arises. We must catch the coach at the advantageous place I have predetermined. Remember this is me, Cash. Although the lady has never formerly been introduced to me and has seen me only from crowded ballrooms, would you have it be someone else who plunders your beloved?” “You, rather than someone else, if it must be.” They mounted and rode in silence to a hillside copse of fir trees where they could wait unseen. Ram’s enthusiasm for the project had dimmed, but he decided he must give Faith what she wants, even if it meant sharing her. A happy wife was preferable to one he’d be forced to marry by his father and did not love. Cash would use her well, but not harshly. The coach, pumpkin-shaped as was his father’s, rumbled around a gentle curve. The Mowbry twins were indeed inside, and he gave his full attention to the task before him. He directed Cash’s black stallion to the middle of the road. “Halt, my good man. Drop the reins and alight from your seat with no fuss if you wish to remain in one piece.” The coachman pulled up and jumped down, his face stricken with fear. “Very good. Now hold the horses steady while I divest the ladies of their valuables.” Ram cut a glance at Cash. He stayed astride with his pistol aimed at the coachman while Ram dismounted and climbed into the coach. He sat next to the older woman and across from her two charges. “Good day, ladies. I am Baron Blackthorn. May I trouble you for your valuables, your necklaces, and rings?”

42

Tish Domenick

The elderly chaperone reached to her throat for her only adornment. “Uh, not you, ma’am. Wolsey and I only rob those who can afford to give to the poor. Ladies? Move quickly please.” The girls, much younger than he’d expected, were wide-eyed and gaping as they removed necklaces and broaches and deposited them into the bag held by Ram. He set it on the floor and took one girl’s hand to slowly and gently remove her ring. She turned crimson as he kissed her palm. The other girl looked him boldly in the eye and leaned forward, hands behind her back. Her décolletage was much too low for a girl her age. “See anything of mine you’d like, sir?” Ram traced the line of her jaw with his thumb, trailed his fingers along her shoulder and down her arm to tug her hand out from the folds of her skirt. The ring was tight, so he sucked the finger into his mouth to moisten and thus loosen it. Her sharp intake of breath was audible. The other twin giggled as he slipped off the jewel and placed it on his pinkie. He gave each female, including the chaperone, a peck on the cheek and jumped down from the coach with the sack of jewelry. Cash gave the coachman instructions to race the horses down the road to their destination and not look back. He and Ram watched from the curtain of trees as the man did as he was told, but the twins craned their necks out of the carriage until dust kicked up by the horses precluded their seeing anything. **** Faith paced the guest sleeping chamber and tried to tune out Terese’s constant talk of the afternoon’s visit with Duchess Mowbry. Would her cousin never stop extolling the wonders of being kissed by the Blackthorn gang? Finally, she’d had enough. “Terese, do be still for five minutes before I lose my wits entirely. These were highwaymen, not swains come a-courting.”

The Lady’s Adventure

43

“I know, but why do the Mowbry twins have all the luck? We shall never know the thrill of having a ring sucked from our finger or—” “Terese, please.” “All right, all right. You needn’t snap at me. Do you wish to discuss the latest fashions or the meal the duchess served?” “Of course not. I am as jealous as you are of those girls. Nothing so exciting has happened to me in ages. My whole body has been a bundle of smoldering kindling since they told us the ring story. One good puff of wind in my direction would set off flames to burn all in their path.” “Oh, I know exactly how you feel. Too bad you’ve alienated Ram. You and he could have fun whilst you await your great adventure.” Faith swirled to face her cousin. “You are correct and I am truly a dunce. I don’t suppose he’ll be calling at Claymore before he goes to Italy.” “Mayhap you could go to him to say Godspeed and give him a parting gift.” “You are brilliant. Thank you, thank you. ” After a night of erotic dreams she blushed to recall, Faith stumbled to the morning room to find her father already at his ale. “You shall pretty yourself up a bit and as soon as she arises, set Terese packing for home on the next available vessel.” “Send Terese home, whatever for?” A cup of dark chocolate was set before her. “Thank you, Stutz.” “Why must Terese leave us when she arranged to stay another month? I shall have no one to talk with. Adolfo has been much too preoccupied in the village doing lord knows what. I shall perish from boredom.” She formed her prettiest pout and cast sad eyes at her father. “Do not wheedle, Faith. I am too angry at your dissolving your engagement to be swayed. I am of the belief that Terese’s frivolous notions have sent you down the wrong path. At any rate, you will be

44

Tish Domenick

amply occupied today. The viscount is visiting to tender his farewells. Mayhap you can persuade him to stay.” Faith jumped up and ran to hug her father. “This is marvelous. I wished to bid him adieu before he left for Italy.” She sat on the baron’s lap. “But do not send Terese away. I promise she had nothing to do with my decision. Indeed, she is as baffled by it as you. We had planned to spend the morn at the milliner’s and dine with the Mowbry twins. I shall beg off and she will be gone until evening tide.” “All right, as long as she will not be in the way today. You always win. Do dress in some frock other than the plain muslin you now wear.” “Of course.” Faith kissed her father’s cheek and rushed from the room. She could see right through her father’s plan. He was trying to arrange a compromising situation whereby she’d be forced to marry Ram. He did not realize how little she cared for her reputation, but she would go along with his plot—up to a point—and use it to her own ends. She searched for Terese and made her excuses for deserting her that afternoon. Then, in her own room, she searched for the dress with the lowest décolletage. The yellow moiré silk was perfect. It needed the least voluminous farthingale of all her clothes. She wanted to sit as close to Ram as could be managed. The swirls in the fabric as she moved echoed the swirls of colors in her hair. An underskirt of tawny brocade completed the illusion. Luzette, her lady’s maid, was called into service to do up the hooks and eyes. Instead of the coldness of jewels, Faith tied a lavender ribbon of velvet around her throat. It added the warmth she wanted Ram to feel and brought out the color of her eyes. No fancy upsweep today, another lavender velvet ribbon to pull back the sides of her hair was all she would allow Luzette to fashion. Curls cascading down her back to her waist always fascinated Ram, and she wanted him fascinated and aroused enough to go beyond innocent petting. Would it be a sin if she fantasized he was the highwayman making love to her?

The Lady’s Adventure

45

When Stutz informed her of Ram’s arrival, she instructed him to see the viscount into the private sitting room not used since her mother’s death. Unfortunately, as she was about to enter the room, Adolfo stopped her. “Where are you going, cousin? You look most ravishing.” “Thank you, sir.” She gave him a quick curtsy. “Isn’t this your mama’s favorite drawing room? I thought it was always kept locked except for cleaning and airing?” Faith hoped the flush of embarrassment heating her cheeks did not show. She brushed it away and recovered her wits. He could not possibly know Ram was waiting for her inside. “I sometimes desire to walk among my mother’s things to try to recapture her memory.” “Mind if I join you? I would know more of the baroness.” “Were you not going into the village today?” The man did show up at the oddest times. “Yes, but I can spare a moment to visit your mama’s mementos.” “I do not wish to seem rude, but I prefer to have this time alone.” “Certainly, I quite understand.” He stared as if to ask another question but shook his head instead. “Au revoir then.” Faith waited until he was out of sight before making her grand entrance into what she hoped would be a love bower for the next hour or so.

46

Tish Domenick

Chapter Three Ram sucked in a breath as Faith swept into the room. With her hair loosely flowing down her back, he was transported to her first ball when he knew for certain he would make her his wife. Childlike and playful, yet sultry and desirable in all the carnal ways he wished to pursue, she stepped to his side and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I’m most happy to see you, darling.” She pressed her lips to his other cheek. What was this now? Yesterday she’d received him like the frost come to wilt the last bloom. “Your leaving for Italy has made me sentimental with remembrances of all our past joys together.” She led him to the chaise longue last used by her mother. “It is my fond hope you will think on those happy times and forego your present course of becoming an adventuress.” Instead of sitting by his side, she slid onto his lap. “Perhaps we should have an adventure of our own before you depart.” The shock of her next move, wrapping her arms about his neck and with a hand behind his head bending it to hers, caused him to hesitate in his response. Not until she pressed into the kiss did he emerge from his stunned state to take part in the embrace. Although he couldn’t comprehend what she was about, he was not going to balk at such a lovely offer. But what was she offering, and how far would she take it? He inserted a hand into her bodice and fondled a nipple. She sighed and pulled his head down to her breast. He was able to lift one precious globe from its shield and lave it with a swipe of his

The Lady’s Adventure

47

tongue. She pulled his head closer, and he drew the pink bud into his mouth. As yet no refusal from her. “Ooh, that feels good.” She lowered her gown to liberate the other breast, and he complied with the obvious request by transferring his attention to it for delicious seconds. He paused only to lean back to enjoy the sight he’d never been privileged to view before today. Good god, she was magnificent. Her rounded flesh was plump with sweet pink areoles and nipples. He couldn’t keep his hands off her. He kneaded the silky-smooth flesh and swirled the nipples between thumb and forefinger, all the while watching the rapturous expression on her face. Then he had to taste them again. “Is it possible to keep doing that to me while you tend to my honey pot?” Ram sat up straight and pushed her away. “Honey pot? Where did you hear such talk? Who has been filling your ear with–with smut? Is it Adolfo? I’ll kill him.” “No, no. Terese told me about the honey pot.” “Terese? Is she not an innocent?” “Yes, of course she is, but she’s also French.” “And what exactly did she say about the honey pot?” “She said it was nice if a man touched and rubbed his fingers down there. I don’t think you’d mind it much if you wished to try it on me. And I am certain I would adore it.” As furious as he was, Ram became hotter with every word she uttered. His breeches were about to burst when Faith lifted her rump and pulled up her gown. He could establish her motives later. Now, he could not resist exploring with fingers the place he longed to enter with his cock. He inserted two fingers into her vulva and she sighed. He searched until he found the crucial bead much closer to the edge than he’d imagined it would be. When he flicked it, a warm gush of liquid bathed his hand. No longer able to take the pressure of his breeches, he unlaced the placket and set his throbbing cock free. To his surprise,

48

Tish Domenick

Faith gently fisted and fondled it. He was too stunned to stop the flow of his seed onto her dress. “Oh, my. I didn’t know this would happen so fast.” She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and sopped up the liquid. Mortified beyond words that he had lost control, he wished he were indeed going to Italy. He wished he could be transported there this second. To salvage what little pride he had left, he knelt and placed his lips where his fingers had been. She gasped, but he did not pause. He sucked and licked her cuny which indeed did seem to be laced with honey. “Oh my, how wicked and how clever of you to think of this. More, please.” “Come for me, love. Give me everything you’ve stored inside that delectable cuny for all these years.” “Please don’t talk. Put your mouth back where it was. I love those little bites along my inner lips. Ah, yes, like that. Keeping doing that.” He made love to her nether lips, drinking in the essence of her juices while laving her with a most anxious tongue. “You are sending dozens of magic spear pricks inside me and I am floating above the earth with thrilling sensations.” While her words of praise for his ingenuity spurred him on, her orgasm pulsed against his tongue, long and strong. She cried out and he raised himself to hold her tight until she stopped shaking. When he pulled back to watch her face, her eyes were closed, her head lolling against the chaise. The door handle, unused to being turned, creaked. Her eyes flew open, he strode to the window, keeping his back to the door as he retied the laces on his breeches. Bloody hell. **** Faith expected to see her father come through the door. He hadn’t entered this room since her mother died. She’d been certain they were

The Lady’s Adventure

49

safe in here. She lowered her skirts but was not quick enough to adjust her bodice before Adolfo appeared and closed the door behind him. He raised an appreciative eyebrow at her exposed breasts. “Quite nice, cousin.” With a head bow, he turned away as she covered herself. “I came to warn you your father is raging because he cannot find you and Viscount Bostwick. He actually has the vicar with him.” “I thank you for that,” Ram said from the window. “Oh, you’ll do more than thank me, for I could easily convince him of that which I saw upon entering this room and provide much embellishment, of course.” “Why, you bounder. If not for the sensibilities of Lady Lovejoy, I’d have your head.” “We shall talk later. For now, I will divert the baron as you exit into the baroness’s private garden through the balcony doors. Then stroll into the manor as if you’d been out there the entire time. Unless I am forced into revealing the shocking scene I witnessed, I will pretend to believe the lies you two are about to tell.” He spun and left them to ponder his words. Faith didn’t miss the anger and hatred in Ram’s eyes. Because of her, and not for the first time, he would be persecuted. Nothing for it now but to be certain she enjoyed the adventures she’d won at such a cost. “Sweeting, what meant he by his innuendo? What will he expect from us?” “I know not. Adolfo has ever been on my side until now. Only the lord can derive meaning from his words this day.” “I fear to leave you in this house with such a rogue.” Ram took her in his arms. She pulled away. “He will not harm me. I have no doubt of that. But hurry, we must do as he suggests and slip out into my mother’s garden. Though ’tis overgrown now with weeds, it winds its way around to the main courtyard. We can make our way to the topiary

50

Tish Domenick

garden and enter the manor as if we had been strolling there this whole time.” **** Adolfo examined his fingernails for several seconds as he stood outside the late baroness’s private sitting room. He’d have to examine the room more closely at another time. Several important pieces were languishing there, and perhaps some jewelry would be hidden among the many tarnished silver boxes on stools and shelves. He waited for the close of the terrace doors, counted ten, then left to find the baron. He’d move quickly to redeem his favor from Ramsey. He simply wanted money before the viscount left the country. Faith was another matter. With her he’d tread more slowly but surely to exact his price. Keeping her and, by extension, her father from being embroiled in scandal would mean a personal sacrifice from her. He traced the baron and the vicar to a second-floor guest room. “No luck in finding them, Uncle?” Baron Claymore lifted a hand in greeting. “Ah, I fear my daughter is too clever for me. I’ll send to the stables. They may have ridden out to talk, in which case no compromising position is probable.” He turned to the vicar. “You may as well return to your duties. There’ll be no marriage today.” Adolfo lowered his head to hide his grin. No, no marriage ever to Viscount Ramsey Bostwick and no compromising situation either. The only person Faith Lovejoy would find herself compromised with, and therefore forced to marry, would be Adolfo, former embezzler, former pad pocket, present distant relative. He didn’t follow the baron down to the main hall. He would have enjoyed giving in to his urges and secreting himself in his rooms to take in hand the problem seeing the luscious breasts of Lady Faith had caused. Instead, he rushed to the stables and ordered a horse saddled.

The Lady’s Adventure

51

The search for the right men to debauch his delicious cousin was in play. At this very minute, two blokes awaited him at the Cock and Bull. One whose services he had already secured and another he must interview. His borrowed steed made quick of the ride to the tavern. The lads were seated, spruced up, and not in their cups when he arrived. The one he’d previously engaged stood in greeting. His slight build, pretty voice, and fine facial features would fool e’en the most hardened of females into wanting to mother him. Yet, looking closely, a trace of wickedness lurked in his white, even-toothed smile and a hardness could be detected in his very active eyes. Sodom’s delights were his raison d’etre in both active and passive forms. Adolfo referred to him as “Bottom after a Shakespearian character. Bottom gestured to the other, a swarthy gentleman, to rise from his stool. The man stood and tilted his head. “Milord, I am—” “No names, please. Let us first see if you may be worthy of the title, Sir Tutor. Ale for all, barkeep.” The trio sat and immediately tankards were set before them. “Now, sir, we are about to educate a young noblewoman, a virgin, in the ways of licentiousness. Are you any good at such lessons?” “Does the lady wish to be instructed?” “Does that matter?” The dark man’s laugh was as large and brash as he was. “Prefer it if they don’t. Without bein’ a braggart, I can say not a better teacher will be found in the British Isles. I likes ’em young but can deflower any old hag and enjoy it, ’specially if they fight me.” “Do you do men, sir?” Bottom’s eyes shone with anticipation. “Been known to.” “Bottom, do shut up.” Adolfo glared and turned back to conclude the interview. “This is not a simple matter of deflowering. I shall play that part myself. What I want from you two is to see to it that all principles of virtue are withered within her. I want her debauched, perverted, and completely degraded by the end of the night. She must

52

Tish Domenick

truly believe herself unfit for and unworthy of any kind treatment from a gentleman. Are you willing and able?” “Most willing and very, very able.” “Excellent. You shall be known from now on as Sir Tutor.” Bottom’s voice was timid. “Milord, may I ask a question now?” “Certainly.” “How do we gain the lady’s cooperation without knocking her senseless?” “You will lure her by a most carefully thought-out script I will draft, and once in our prepared room, we shall feed her aniseed sweets.” “They will quiet her?” “They will inflame her since their sugar will have been soaked with Spanish fly extract.” Both Bottom and Tutor raised their drinks in salute. **** Faith and Ram entered the main hall after the vicar departed. Baron Claymore met them at the terrace door. Faith could not suppress a smile. “Father, we must see about the gardener’s work habits. Trees and lawn are in need of trimming.” “I shall speak to Stutz about it immediately. Good morn, Lord Bostwick.” “Good morn and Godspeed, Baron. I must take my leave to prepare for this night’s trip. I believe my ship departs at eight.” “Then, you two did not resolve your problems during your visit?” Faith avoided Ram’s gaze and answered for him. “No, we did not. The viscount has been most understanding.” She turned to kiss Ram’s cheek. “Thank you, and Godspeed.” She fairly flew up the stairs to her apartments, barely taking in a breath until she closed the door behind her. She wanted to savor the experience in her mother’s sitting room for a long, long time. Terese would turn green when she told her

The Lady’s Adventure

53

what Ramsey had done. It was exhilarating and frightening all at the same time. She pressed her hand to the still pulsing spot, wishing she could do it again right now. She twirled her way to the bed, sorry Terese was not home. She dressed in riding clothes and went to the stables for her horse, Muffin. A gallop would do them both good. The ride was exhilarating but did not clear her head of erotic thoughts. She handed the reins to the village lad aiding the Master of Horse and looked around for a confidant. She needed to tell someone what Ram had done. Fortuitously, Adolfo entered the stables at the same time as she was about to leave. He took her to an empty stall out of earshot of the stable lads. “Cousin, are you all right? The viscount did not hurt you, did he?” “No, of course not. He did something very enlightening, however. Something pictured in Aunt Helene’s book that I had no inkling of until it was done to me.” She closed her eyes and swayed against the stall’s half door. “He did something quite divine in a prurient way, of course.” Through her clothes, she again pressed her fingers to the spot. “Really, Adolfo, it was most marvelous. With no garments as barrier, he placed his mouth on me, here, and sucked and licked until I…until I…” “Exploded in rapture?” “Yes, yes. Exactly that. Do you know how it’s done?” “I’ve performed the feat many times, my dear.” “Do you suppose you might do it for Terese? She will be most anxious to try it when I explain the results to her.” “I am quite able and willing if she will but reciprocate. I would not be left high and dry.” “Oh, dear. You realize she is untried and cannot, cannot…” “I would not violate her, but if I use my mouth on her, she must do the same for me.” “I do not suppose she will be willing to do it. She intimated when viewing the book that such an act seemed repugnant to her.”

54

Tish Domenick

“If she wants the experience you have had, she will do it, believe me.” “I shall leave it to you then. As for me, I shall languish in my room relishing my afternoon with Ram until Terese returns from her jaunts. Did you go to town once again?” “Yes.” “What do you do there day after day?” “I pursue business opportunities. I cannot live on your sire’s largess much longer.” “Don’t be silly. Father thinks not a thing of it.” “Still, I am a prideful man. Those are my requirements. Good day, cousin.” He kissed her cheek and left. **** Ram didn’t need long to figure out the puzzle of this morning’s events at Claymore. The baron had requested his presence for the express purpose of ensnaring him in a compromising situation with Faith. Forced marriage was a result Ram could not accept. He wanted Faith to want him as much as he did her. No other result would do. He reached Bostwick’s land quickly. It lay across a shallow stream from Claymore, and he didn’t bother to travel around the normal road. Sir Lancelot always enjoyed a romp through the cool water and that way lessened the distance by an hour. He left the steed with a stable lad and strode into the manor to find his mother. Lady Anne busied herself each late afternoon in her herb garden, which made things easier. Ram crept up the stairs to her room and draped the emeralds around the base of an oil lamp with a note saying he wished to redeem the rumored kiss at some later date. Then he stole back downstairs, left by a side terrace, and entered once more through the front. He sauntered directly to his father’s study. “So, the heir to my Earldom finally deigned to grace us with his presence. To what do we owe that singular honor?” The earl rose but

The Lady’s Adventure

55

did not come around his massive desk to embrace Ram or clasp his hand. Ram clenched his jaw at the less than warm welcome and stalked to a stool laden with tankards and ale. He poured a large portion for himself and a smaller amount for his father. “I have been visiting with Cassius. We work on a project, and I shall return there again tonight. I merely stopped to see if you and mother were in fine form after the ordeal you suffered at the hands of highwaymen.” “’Twas not much of an ordeal.” The earl sat as he accepted the libation. “Had I been alone I would have bested the cads, but Lady Anne rode with me, and I would not have her frightened. She regrets the loss of her necklace but has been compensated by the telling of the event to her many friends. Indeed, I believe she has acquired several dozen invitations from women she hardly knows. At any rate, the jewels were hers before we met and no part of my estate.” “And you?” “I lost a bit of money, quite a bit. Mostly I am irked by being bested by a duo of ne’er-do-wells who most likely never earned an honest pence in their sorry lives.” He riffled some papers on his desk. “If I should discover their identities, they will pay most dearly for the aggravation they have caused me.” He downed his ale in one gulp. “Anything I may do for you, Ram? I have business to attend. Gone are my halcyon days when I could wench and gamble my father’s funds at leisure as you at your advanced age continue to do.” “Nothing I need from you, sire. I will speak with mother ere I depart.” He barged toward the door, but before he reached it, his father spoke once more. “And that Lovejoy chit, has she yet set the date for the nuptials?” Ram halted without turning. “I must inform you and mother, Lady Faith has asked to be released from our marriage contract, and I have consented.” “What nonsense is this?” The earl’s chair tumbled to the floor as he made his way to grasp his son’s shoulder. He turned his progeny to

56

Tish Domenick

face him. “Has Baron Claymore gone round the bend letting his daughter do such a thing? The match is much to their advantage. This is not acceptable. If she will not have you, then I shall choose a suitable match to enhance our confers and position in society. Should have done, years ago. Fool that I am, I let your mother dissuade me, let you choose the woman you preferred. This delay has gone on far too long for propriety.” He strode to his desk and righted his chair. “I will arrange matters, myself and will brook no protest from you or your mother this time.” With narrowed eyes and his breath coming in short pants, Ram propelled himself out of his father’s sight before he did something unforgiveable. After a brief slouch against the wall to regain his equilibrium, he proceeded to find Lady Anne in the herb garden. “Mother, can you find time for a wayward son?” She dropped her trowel and gardening gloves where she stood and ran to embrace him. “Always, my love. Where have you been keeping yourself? With Cassius, I’ll wager.” “Yes, I have spent the time in his company and shall do so for a few more days, if you’ll forgive me.” “Certainly. You must release all your wild yearnings before the coming wedding. I spent quite a lovely evening with your bride to be and your in-laws recently. Such a sweet girl.” “I have heard of that evening and the loss of your emeralds. You seem to have recovered nicely.” “From the robbery you mean? I do despair the loss of my choker, but the event itself was the most exciting thing to happen to me since your birth.” “Come, tell me about it, and I also have news.” Ram led her to the solar, the sunniest place in the manor. She would be upset, and he hoped the brightness would mitigate her sadness at the loss of Faith as a daughter. They sat together on a bench, and he took her hand. “Faith and I have decided to dissolve our marriage contract.”

The Lady’s Adventure

57

His mother’s gasp stopped his words. “Son, do not say so. You love her and she loves you. Have you hurt her in some way? I shall throttle you if you have.” “Calm yourself, please. In truth, it was Faith’s wish.” “She is enamored of another? Win her from him. How can any woman in her right mind not succumb to your charms should you choose to use them?” “I believe she continues her affections for me.” “Then what is the cause?” Ram stood and walked to a floor-to-ceiling window, keeping his back to the room. “I cannot divulge her reasons. They are her own to tell. She wishes to have her freedom, and I have granted it.” He could not tell more to such a woman as Lady Anne. Should he indeed win Faith back, his mother would never see her in the same sweet light again. Better to say no more. The burden of knowing Faith’s wish for “adventures” must remain his and Cassius’s secret. He felt a tap on his sleeve. “You are suffering, son. I can see it and I deplore it. Yet, Faith is not a cruel sort. She may change her mind. It is quite mercurial as you well know. Have hope and do not give up the chase.” He turned to pat her hand. “Lady Anne Bostwick, you are quite a woman.” **** Anne walked Ram out to the stables and kissed her son’s cheek before he mounted Sir Lancelot. The usual sadness bordering on panic gripped her as she watched him ride away. “We can’t keep them forever,” she told the stately columns reinforcing the entryway to the manor as she approached. A sudden lethargy sank her mood further, and she retired to her chambers. At her request, her lady’s maid brought her jewel box. She couldn’t enjoy a lie-down with rings and bracelets strangling her. The

58

Tish Domenick

maid gasped on her way to the chamber door. “Madam, your emeralds. What are they doing here?” She unwound them from their nest and placed them on a shelf beside the jewel box. With a shrug, she retreated. Anne fingered the precious neckpiece, stunned at its reappearance. She lifted the choker to her cheek. Her mother’s essence remained among the stones. She opened the box slowly and divested fingers, neck, and hands of their baubles. About to close the case, she riffled through the many frivolous trinkets she’d once thought important. She glanced at the door, then at the necklace, and knew the truth of it. Her adored son had become a highway thief. She slid the emeralds to the bottom of the pile, slammed the case’s lid, and locked it. She backed by slow steps to the bed and dropped onto it. Her laughter would have sent nesting wrens to flight and children at play home to hide trembling behind their nanas’ skirts. Several minutes passed before Lady Anne could control her spasms and collect her thoughts. Cash had to be behind this. Although Ram was clever, he was less worldly than his friend. Ram revered women and they flocked to him as if supplicants to Zeus. Before he’d decided on Faith, he’d never had to worry about what women wanted. They obviously wanted him. A plot this nefarious had to be conceived by a man who’d had to wheedle his way into a woman’s affections, a man wise to the secret decadence of women. **** Dusk arrived before Terese. In the meantime, Faith had attempted to read. Mostly, though, she relived her excitement with what Ram had done to her and thought about Adolfo’s agreement to do the same to Terese. Her two cousins were worlds apart in social status and temperament and sexual experience. Mayhap she should not mention the offer to Terese. Terese could be sorely offended.

The Lady’s Adventure

59

Upon her worries, Terese swept into the library. “Oh, Faith, you must attend with me tomorrow at the twins’ sewing circle. We must plan our costumes for the party on Saturday. Tomorrow morn, their mama has arranged a consult with her dressmaker.” “Fine, fine, but I also have a tale to tell. Ram was here.” With a smirk, Faith pranced about the room examining a painting, arranging a brush and comb upon a shelf. “If you don’t stop your wandering and tell me all this very second, I will begin throwing things.” Terese, hands on hips, planted herself in Faith’s path. Faith giggled and took her cousin’s hand. They sat on the bed’s edge. “I led him into my mother’s room where we would not be disturbed. We sat close and we kissed, heated, mind-stealing kisses. He lowered my—no, I believe I did that myself.” She tapped her chin and gazed at the ceiling in thought. Terese shook her shoulders. “Tell.” “My bodice was down to my waist, and he sucked each nipple as if expecting mother’s milk to flow. Then he lifted my skirts and— and…” “And?” Terese was bouncing now. “And?” “Do you recall the book in my aunt’s chambers?” “Of course I do.” “The one where the man had his head between her legs?” “Oh, yes, and she had the other man’s organ in her mouth. Had Ram brought a friend?” “Alas, no. I was not quite that fortunate. Ram put his mouth down there”—she indicated the spot—“and licked until the most amazing explosion came over me and I cried out.” “What happened next? Do tell me all. I am shaking.” Faith stood and shrugged. “Adolfo interrupted.” “No. He does pop up in the strangest places. Do explain further about what Ram did. What was it like? How did you feel afterward?” “Do you truly wish to know?”

60

Tish Domenick

“Don’t be a dolt. I wish to know every minute’s detail, especially how it felt.” “Then you shall have it done to you.” “Eek, by Ram?” “No, silly. Adolfo has agreed to perform the act upon you.” “Hmm, that could be—” Now, Terese ambled around the room. “I really want it, but Adolfo? He is certainly comely enough, but things could be strained between us after.” “No matter. Your stay is drawing to a close. You shall return to France, and he will remain at Claymore.” Terese clapped her hands. “Yes, yes. I want it done to me.” Faith turned away. “He made one small stipulation, however.” “And what was it?” “You must use your mouth upon him in similar fashion.” “You are the one who said you’d like to try that, not I. I could never.” “’Course you can.” “Adolfo makes my nerves go awry when he merely looks at me.” “He will make more than your nerves quicken during this. You must sample the delight. Really, you must. I assure you it will make your uncle’s ministrations seem dull by comparison. We can practice what you must do in return if you wish, though there’s no need. I believe these talents come naturally to women. Aunt Helene says they do.” Terese, hand over heart, took in some audible breaths. Faith held hers waiting for the answer. “Call Adolfo. I am anxious to experience whatever it was you did with Ram. As to the other, I shall brave it.”

The Lady’s Adventure

61

Chapter Four Both women wore their nightshirts when Adolfo entered the chamber. Would his control remain steadfast under this feminine assault to his senses? An uncontrollable itch to ravish them both caused him to pause in the doorway and take in several gulps of air. Never had he imagined they would be anxious enough to disrobe before he arrived. Alas, he had to remain calm and follow his plan. He would introduce Terese to this new delight and receive his promised payment: her lips around his cock. Then he would return to his room without doing anything further. Not as yet. This would be but an appetizer leaving them craving more. Within the month, he would be fucking them both until they were sore. “Ladies.” He bowed his head. “I understand my services are required.” Faith bounced to his side, took his arm, and led him to the settle where Terese languished as if awaiting Morpheus to claim her. “Terese has agreed to do as you wish but will need much instruction as she is unaware of the practice. We are both eager to learn, I, for my upcoming adventures, she, for a marriage she hopes will soon be arranged.” This was like leading lemmings into rushing water. Adolfo graced the women with an avuncular smile. “You are both wise to prepare for future events. Most ladies do not and disappoint their husbands or paramours, forcing them into other alliances. The fortunate gentlemen who win you two will be delighted with your foreknowledge, providing you convince them it came instinctively to you and not from prior experience.” He covered the ground to Terese’s side.

62

Tish Domenick

“Shall we begin, my dear?” He sat beside her and reached for her breasts, brushing each one lightly with his thumb while gazing into her eyes. Terese flinched. “Is this part of it?” “A most necessary part. Do you wish to change your mind?” He continued toying with the lovely globes until nipples protruded. With bent head, he sucked through the linen, on one, then the other. “I wish to continue.” Her raspy breath came in short pants. Faith giggled and sat on her bed without speaking. Adolfo was not going to do this without viewing the banquet before him. He slipped the gown down to Terese’s waist. She gasped but didn’t protest since he immediately resumed his laving of the nipples. When he’d looked and felt his fill, he knelt and lifted her nightshirt to toy with her maiden’s hair, separating it as much as he could from the lips. In a quick motion, he pressed his tongue to the slit between them. Next, he covered her cunt with his mouth, letting the warmth seep into her. He felt the tension recede from her body and licked and sucked and nibbled until she writhed. He stopped abruptly. “Is that all?” “Oh, no, my dear. That is merely the beginning.” He ran his fingers up and down the insides of her cunt as he spoke. It was wet from her juices as well as from his tongue. His pride swelled at his domination over this supposed grand lady. “Not that I believe you would be dishonest and refuse to perform the second part of our bargain, but I feel the need for you to complete your half before I conclude mine.” “Oh, dear. What must I do? I really cannot imagine how this works.” “We will take it a step at a time.” He sat beside her on the settle. “Go to your knees at my feet.” He scooted more squarely on the settle’s edge as Terese knelt. “Faith, come closer so you will also benefit from the lesson. Kneel beside your lovely cousin.” He wanted

The Lady’s Adventure

63

her to be a party to this degradation as he had had to be to his mother’s humiliation long ago. He unlaced his breeches and let them pool at his ankles as his erection popped free. “I appear to be ready. Now, Terese, cover your teeth with your lips and place them around my shaft. You needn’t be gentle as it is already quite hard. There may be times, however, when you must waken a slumbering cock this way. We shall discuss the matter another day.” He pushed her head into position, and she obediently encircled him with warm, lush lips. He held his breath and savored the moment while playing with her breasts, but she neither moved nor sucked him. With light pinches to her nipples, he urged her to explore. “Use your tongue to moisten my cock so it will slip easily in and out of your lips. That’s very good. Now, grasp my root with one hand while moving your mouth up and down. Ah, that’s the way. Now suck in as if extracting the juice from a ripe cherry. Don’t stop the movement—up, down, up, down.” He pressed on her head to be sure she took as much of him inside the warmth as possible. Good, she did not protest or gag. “Now, my dear, mimic the motion with your hand. Good, very good.” He had to grind his teeth to get the words out. “Are you able to protrude your tongue and run it along the seam on the underside of my rod at the same time?” She managed the tongue slide but stopped all other movement. He allowed her to practice for a few seconds. “My dear, if you can learn to coordinate all these ministrations at one time, your husband will be the happiest of men.” Once again she began sliding hand and mouth with long, languid strokes down his shaft. This time her tongue worked the seam. This was heaven. No courtesan could do better. He made love to her breasts with more fervor, and her motions mimicked his increased pace. This one was destined to become a much-in-demand whore. He shoved his pulsating prick ever deeper into her mouth and expected her to cough or protest at every point. Instead, she took it all and sucked harder, pressed her hand tighter. He could hold back no more.

64

Tish Domenick

As much as he wanted to punish the supercilious brat by coming into her mouth or all over her face, he foresaw other nights like this and pulled away to spill his seed into his handkerchief. Terese sat back on her heels. “That was not as bad as I’d feared. It was quite fun, really.” She turned to Faith. “You were right. Never condemn an act until you’ve tried it.” Both women watched Adolfo clean himself, but leave his breeches undone. He gave his warmest smile. “Terese, if you practice, you shall conquer the rhythm and rival the most sought-after women in France.” He lifted her to his seat, taking care to press her breasts with his palms. He knelt. “As reward for your diligence, your turn will be more special than I’d planned. Position yourself against the corner pillows with your legs dangling over the edge, and I will perform for your pleasure.” She did as requested. He couldn’t ask for a more obedient student. He considered stripping the flimsy night rail from her but decided it was revealing enough to satisfy his libido. He’d save her nakedness for another day. “Sit next to her, Faith. I may require your assistance.” “Really?” She plopped onto the settle. “What shall I do?” “Say nothing, do nothing until asked.” He concentrated on Terese, who was anything but relaxed. One arm lay across her still uncovered bosom, the other gripped a pillow slip. He began by rubbing her feet, pressing his thumbs deep into her instep. With a sigh, she moved the arm covering her assets to drape it along the back of the settle. He placed one of her bent knees over his shoulder while covering it with kisses. The other leg received similar treatment. In turns, he kissed and nipped soft flesh until reaching her soft and furry pouch. He brushed downy blonde hair aside and inserted his tongue into her cunt. She stiffened. “Faith, caress her breasts, gently.” His cousin was also very obedient. Terese relaxed, whether from being shocked into distraction or from pleasure, he didn’t know or care. He bent to his task and licked the waiting lips, sucking them into his mouth, releasing them,

The Lady’s Adventure

65

then pulling them in again. He tongued into her until finding the nub and sucked it until she writhed. “Faith, tug on her nipples.” Terese’s bottom rose to meet his tongue, and she moaned and cried until he gave her the correct amount of pressure to cause her to spill her juices. He lapped them as if they contained the nectar of the gods. Perhaps they did. If only he’d led a different life he might have been worthy of a lady like this. Faith and Adolfo sat on the bed while Terese cried silently into a lace hanky. “Are you all right, cousin?” Faith shot Adolfo a worried look. “She’s fine,” he whispered. He had an insane desire to comfort her. No one had ever comforted his mother after such a session. His father had never tried. Turned on by his wife’s lewd contact with another man, his sire had often taken her himself and none too gently. At such times, his lust could not be sated until she’d blown him up again and again so he could use not only her cunt but also her arse. Her cries for mercy merely inflamed him to use her even more harshly. His mother learned to take him in silence in whatever orifice he fancied at the moment. “Tha–that was sinful and wonderful, and all I can think is I want to do it again. I’m a sinful girl, doomed to perdition.” Terese cried harder. Faith went to her and patted her back. Adolfo smiled and left the room. No doubt they would be calling on him again. He would do them both next time, and they would do for him. Ah, yes, they would do much for him. Their shame would be down payment on the revenge he would exact on the family that could have rescued his mother and him but did not. **** The next day, Faith and Terese joined the twin nieces of Duchess Mowbry to plan costumes for the masked ball on Saturday next.

66

Tish Domenick

“I shall be Cleopatra,” Terese avowed as she pranced about the sewing room. “You cannot be Cleopatra. She was a real person, not a myth, and an Egyptian, although I do believe of Greek birth.” Faith, standing near the fire, sighed at her cousin’s lack of education. What did they teach young girls in France besides how to snare a husband? “Oh, then who shall I be? I want to wear something scandalous.” “I choose Athena before anyone else has a chance.” The boldest Mowbry twin spoke first. The other twin, seated next to her on the settle, pouted. “I wanted to be her.” She broke into a grin. “I shall be Diana, or Artemis, if we are keeping with the Greek. I shall hunt you down and perhaps shoot you with an arrow.” “Artemis would never shoot her sister goddess.” “Don’t start, ladies, I shall develop an incapacitating headache and need to return home forthwith.” Faith collapsed onto a cushioned chair. “Let us help Terese. What mood are you in, cousin? Do you prefer a water nymph? Perhaps Queen Hera would do for you?” Terese screwed up her face in thought. “I like the idea of being a queen, but she would have to wear lots of robes and things. On the other hand, a water nymph would have very little to wear but no jewelry, and I was so counting on lots of bracelets and rings.” The twin who had chosen Artemis stood to comfort Terese with an arm across her shoulders. “This is difficult, I know. How about Hera removing her robe as the room is warm? She can display much color in costume, be ostentatious with gems yet drape herself in a formfitting, briefly cut garment.” “That’s perfect. I shall be Hera then. How about you, Faith?” “Since this is to be a night of love for me, I must be Aphrodite and hope my Eros attends.” “A night of love?” the twins shouted in unison. “What? How? Tell!” They sputtered one after the other.

The Lady’s Adventure

67

Terese stood, hands on hips. “You have secrets from me after— after all we’ve shared?” “No secret.” Faith went to her cousin and gentled her onto the settle once again. “Since all shall be masked at the ball, it is the perfect time for me to become the adventuress I wish to be. I have mentioned my desire for escapades and explorations many times, have I not?” “Do you mean to be wild this one night and be done with it?” Terese’s voice was soft and a bit shaky. Faith patted her hand and nestled close to her. “Of course not. I mean my adventures to become legend, examples for other young women who do not wish to be always under a man’s control.” “You will be found out and ostracized,” the timid twin volunteered. Her sister clapped vigorously. “You shall become a heroine to all of us who have no say in planning the course of our lives.” “You care nothing of your reputation then?” Terese said. “No. I do care for yours, however. Thus, I will be discreet and begin my fallen status wearing a mask. After the ball, when you have returned to France, I shall openly defy convention, and you will not be tainted by me.” After several moments of complete silence, the Athenian twin jumped up. “In such case, you must have a superlative costume, surpassing all others. I have paper and quill here in the desk. We shall each sketch our ideas and take them to auntie’s dressmaker. They are presently in consult in her chambers about her own outfit.” Although the seamstress submitted each garment for her approval, Duchess Mowbry, too distracted about her own attire, paid little attention and did not refuse to sanction any of the girls’ sketches. Faith directed hers to be gauzy with little under it except a slithery silk sheath. The boot maker was summoned to further indulge the girls’ fancies.

68

Tish Domenick

The twins had an entire second-floor wing of the Mowbry mansion to themselves. The duchess’s rooms were on the opposite side of the manor with an open courtyard separating them. The duchess adored her nieces but did not intend to hear squeals and squabbles to disturb her rest. She’d had lovers to keep secret when the girls were but babes. Now she desired only peace and quiet. Talk of costumes devoured the remainder of the day, and Faith and Terese were encouraged to sup with the duchess and her nieces. The Lovejoy coach was dispatched home to inform the earl. At the meal’s end, the Mowbry coachman was called upon to return Terese and Faith to Claymore in the duchess’s own rig. A burly guard had been hired after the highwaymen incident, and he rode atop the carriage with the driver. After vigorous waving to the twins from the slow-moving coach, Terese whispered to Faith, “Do you not think the duchess is much too lenient with her nieces? I cannot believe she ordered all those garments just as we instructed.” “She didn’t raise an eyebrow at anything we suggested. Father would have insisted on less sheer material and raised necklines. We shall indeed be topics of conversation for weeks thereafter.” “Yes, I know. Mon Dieu, isn’t it delicious?” **** Cash threw his cards on the garden table and walked to the water’s edge. “How am I supposed to live in the style I wish if you continue to strip me of all the available monies my parents left behind? They shan’t be home to replenish my coffers until the last of August.” “Come, I shall give you another chance to recoup.” Ram shuffled the cards. “No, I’m bored with primero.”

The Lady’s Adventure

69

“Bowls then? Or falconry or fencing or perhaps something you can actually win, like Blind Man’s Bluff?” Cash scowled at Ram and turned to his steward. “Baines, do you know of anyone going about tonight who is rich enough for us to rob?” He shaded his eyes with one hand to peer across the narrow lake. “Faith and her cousin had a morning visit to the Mowbry twins, but they will be long home from the duchess’s by this hour.” Baines gathered tankards and cards onto a silver tray. “Are you quite sure the duchess does not have an evening appointment or assignation? I swear that is her coach crawling down the hill opposite the lake.” “It would surprise me, as she does not venture out without a great deal of commotion which I should have heard about.” He put down the tray and swept the brace of candles lighting the table over to where Cash stood. “Why, I do believe you are correct, milord. That appears to be the Mowbry coach and going at such a miserable pace you could overtake it easily by fording the stream instead of taking the road. That is, if we are able to bootblack Lord Bostwick quickly enough.” Ram groaned. “Have we not proven ourselves to be curs enough times? I have no stomach for stealing e’en if we shall eventually return every pence.” Cash rushed to his friend and grasped his shoulders. “Come, the duchess will love the adventure, and I will gain funds instead of losing them.” Baines and Cash each took an arm and muscled Ram to the secret doorway and into the chamber readied with clothes, masks, and bootblack. They were on their way across the lake in minutes. Steeds used to hearty gallops overtook the lumbering coach and passed it, allowing Ram and Cash to find adequate foliage to secrete themselves.

70

Tish Domenick

Until they realized who actually occupied the vehicle, Ram had planned to stay astride and guard the driver. Without speaking, they indicated a change of plans. Ram, anxious to see Faith and judge her reaction to him, climbed into the coach as soon as Cash halted it. With his blackened facial hair and hat brim tipped low on his forehead, he sat across from the squealing women. At least one squealing woman, and one whose eyes flashed and face flushed with heightened temper. “If you think I shall give up my valuables to you, you are sorely mistaken, sir. Gainful employment awaits at many venues not far from here. You have no reason to terrorize people.” Ram divested her of both earbobs and stuffed them in the pouch tied around his waist. “You have no need of adornments to enhance your beauty, my dear.” Faith’s eyes widened and her lips gaped as if she could not believe he disregarded her command. Ram massaged each of her earlobes, then slid his hands around her throat. “Such luminous flesh has no need for jewels to make it shine.” He unclasped her necklace, dragging his hand down her bodice before depositing the gems into his pouch. “Why you blackguard, you unprincipled scoundrel.” She swung at him, but he caught her hand before it reached his cheek. He held her hand and her gaze. She tugged, but he didn’t release her. She stopped struggling, yet neither blinked nor glanced away. “What sort of lady are you to engage in fisticuffs?” Ram smirked as he spoke. Terese giggled. “Quiet,” Ram and Faith yelled in unison without breaking eye contact with each other. “Sorry.” Terese offered a handful of her jewelry, dangling it under his chin. “Keep it.” Ram was busy rubbing circles over Faith’s palm with his thumb. Faith swiped her tongue over her lips and leaned toward him. He closed the distance and while plundering Faith’s mouth, pulled her onto his side of the coach. She tumbled backward and lay

The Lady’s Adventure

71

prone, half beneath him. His hands roamed her body as his tongue roamed her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer, but he separated from her just enough to ogle the breasts spilling from her bodice. He left her mouth to suck her nipples. Her arms loosened, giving him free access to her body. He did not miss the opportunity. He slid his hand under her skirts and fondled her bottom while continuing to nip and suck at her breasts. In seconds, his fingers were in her, causing her to moan and writhe. More than anything in the world, he wanted to finish what he’d begun but could not with Terese’s gaze hot on his back and Cash’s calls for him to hurry. After one last nip at a creamy breast, Ram saluted her with a tip of his hat and a kiss on her palm. “Until we meet again.” He stumbled from the carriage and stood watching as Cash released the driver and guard. The coach wound its way down the lane much faster than its previous pace. Cash lifted the pouch from Ram. “Let’s see what treasures we’ve won today.” He rooted through the leather, then turned to Ram. “This is all?” He held the necklace and earbobs between two fingers as if they were cow dung. “What were you about in there so long?” **** Opposite her now, Faith sat blankly perusing her cousin’s face. “Did that just happen?” Terese riffled the jewelry in her lap. “I think so.” “Do all kisses taste and feel alike?” Terese pouted. “However should I know?” “Right. I suppose neither of us does. I have only kissed Ram and– and now the–the cad.” She pressed her lace-gloved fingers to her lips. “I fully enjoyed both, but this was a bit more exciting and dangerous. I always knew Ram’s intensions. I had no idea what this scoundrel would do next and, truthfully, I wanted to find out.”

72

Tish Domenick

“Were the kisses the same?” “Not entirely. This was more–more—oh, everything.”

just more of

**** After a week of endlessly relating the story of the robbery, Faith had had enough. “I shall be too exhausted to attend the costume ball if we must continue going to every dinner, late supper party, and sewing circle in the area.” Faith peeled off her gloves and threw them onto the silver tray containing the “at home” cards from the day’s visitors. The cards flew onto and under the entryway table. “Mon Dieu, there are some good ones here.” Terese knelt along with Stutz to rescue the invites. “Heavens, haven’t you told the story of our hold-up enough this past week?” In truth, she needn’t have asked. Her cousin never tired of relating the tale of how they’d thwarted the highwaymen and she’d kept her jewels. Thankfully, Terese had modified Faith’s assault by the rogue. She reported the wild kisses but left out Faith’s too eager response and the tumble on the coach seat. Faith had to explain her plans in detail to her cousin or the ball at Butcher Manor could become a disaster. Terese must not give her away by being too concerned at her actions. “Come to my chamber, I must make my strategy for the ball clear to you.” She raised a brow in the direction of Stutz, who stood listening. Terese took the cards, gave the valet a quick curtsey, and followed in Faith’s wake. “My lady’s maid awaits. Once out of this tortuous regalia of ties, hooks, and farthingale, I will come to you.” Faith waited impatiently, snapping at Luzette to hurry. Finally alone, she fretted. She had to be tactful in the telling. Terese must not be concerned so much she’d try to stop her. Yet, directness was always the best policy, and Terese was no prude.

The Lady’s Adventure

73

Terese pranced in before Faith was fully prepared. “What have you to say about the masked ball we haven’t previously discussed?” “I may not be with you the entire evening. You must attach yourself to one of the other parties of young women as soon as we arrive at Butcher Manor. The Mowbry twins would be the thing since they will know you by your dress.” “Whatever shall you be doing and where shall you be?” “I am not certain. Once I decide upon the man for my first adventure, I may go off someplace with him. This is to be my coming-out party, so to speak.” “Mon Dieu. You mean you shall embark upon your adventures so soon? You will miss the unmasking?” “Of course I cannot unmask after what I purport to do. Eventually the ton will discover my indiscretions, but not at first blush.” “You do truly intend to become a fallen woman then? You are certain this is what is best for you?” “I am. I must taste everything passion has to offer. I could not consider my life worthwhile if I hadn’t tried all the delights life’s banquet affords.” “You are thinking of Aunt Helene and her picture book. I would know all within it also. Alas, I am not brave enough to do so before I marry. Can you not wait until you are safely wed to seek other pleasures?” “Ah, well, that is the way in France and sometimes here also. Yet, I do not want to cuckold my husband. If I do marry, I will do my wifely duty to my husband, but I intend to devote most of my energy to my children. I must teach them they are masters of their own fates and should never succumb to being controlled by another. Thus, I must have my lovers first. As it now stands, you have already had more adventure than I, first with your uncle and now with Adolfo.” “I did enjoy my session with your other houseguest. What he did to me was exhilarating. At first I shuddered when I had to place my mouth on him, but gradually I grew to like it. I enjoyed the power I

74

Tish Domenick

had and the taste was not unpleasant. I hope my husband will condone these practices. If not, I will indeed find others who will.” “I notice you wear silk and not the customary cotton nightshirt. Is it for Adolfo that you preen?” Terese blushed. “He is coming to me tonight. Do you join us?” “I had better. I do not trust either of you to control your urges unless I am there. Let us go to your rooms and be ready for him.” **** Adolfo watched his cousin and her friend parade down the hall like grand ladies. Frauds. They were no better than the whores who lurked about the streets of Rome. The streets his beloved mother had been forced to trod because she wasn’t good enough to inherit e’en a tiny bit of the Claymore fortune. He’d lost count of the many letters filled with pleas for help his mama had sent to Faith’s mother, pleas that had gone unheeded. Oh, once or twice a draught came with a bit, but no real money, no trust fund for him. He’d had to watch as his beautiful mother was used by strangers. Some wanted to watch her strip and pleasure herself. Some wished to spew their seed onto her face and into her hair. Most merely wanted a quick fuck or suck. With a shudder, he recalled, as if it were yesterday, the worst ones who wanted a rear assault. His mother wasn’t able to accommodate them easily. For his sake, she tried to muffle her screams, but he heard from his curtained-off corner of the one room they inhabited. He never slept when the men were there. Then one day, his father returned, and his mother promised Adolfo everything would be better. His father had some money but quickly lost it in bad investments and turned his wife out into the streets again. That eight-year-old boy with no money was powerless. He vowed never to be powerless again.

The Lady’s Adventure

75

The daughter of the bitch who’d caused all this misery deserved to be used as his mother had been used. She deserved every punishment her miserly mother died too soon to experience firsthand or to witness being heaped upon her daughter. He strode to the door of Terese’s chamber.

76

Tish Domenick

Chapter Five Adolfo scratched at Terese’s door and it slowly opened. He held no malice toward this frivolous beauty. She was a pawn, as were all in his way. He contemplated fucking her tonight, perhaps even forcing her into marriage once she’d been sullied and had no choice. Then he spied Faith in the corner and knew he’d have to wait to take the innocent Terese and that marriage to such as her was out of the question. “Watching over us, cousin? For enjoyment or caution?” “A little of both. I like to see how things are done but must protect my friend.” Faith came to his side. “Would you prefer I observe from behind a screen, or may I watch the proceedings from a closer vantage point?” “It is entirely up to the lady of the moment. Terese?” Terese giggled. “Mon Dieu, I care not.” Faith sat on a tufted stool near the foot of the bed. Terese locked his gaze with hers and let the silken robe slither down her body and pool at her feet. Adolfo noted her nipples were already stiff and straining at the expensive cloth of her nightgown—also silk. Mayhap, she was richer than he’d thought. Mayhap, the idea of marriage to her held real merit. He’d have to learn more about her family’s wealth. But not now. Now was for his pleasure. He whipped the nightgown from her body in one motion. She gasped but did not move to cover herself. “The Lord has blessed you, my pet.” She really was the perfect little plaything. He made a slow circle around her, trailing a finger down her chest, around to her bottom cheeks, and back to circle each

The Lady’s Adventure

77

protruding nipple. He looked a few seconds longer while divesting himself of his breeches, then, with her hand in his, led her to the bed. She sat. He remained standing. “I believe I’ll have my release first.” He pressed her head to his growing cock, and she dutifully surrounded it with moist, warm lips. “You learn quickly, pet. Now try to coordinate licking and sucking. That’s it, but draw in with stronger energy. Ah, better.” He leaned into it. She was very good and did not need more instruction, but how could he keep her doing for him if he told her that. Oh, she was hitting all the right spots with her tongue. “Harder and faster now, my dear.” He could not help himself, he came into her mouth. She tried to back away, but he held her head there to enjoy the last throes of his orgasm while she slurped and swallowed his semen. When he let her go, to his amazement, she continued to lick all around his cock and sucked out a bit more juice from it. She dropped back onto the bed, legs spread for him, and he eagerly bent to the task. She deserved her reward. Neither of them stopped to bid Faith adieu as she slipped from the room. Later, with her nightgown back on and his breeches in place, Terese sat on his lap and let him caress her breasts as they laughed about how well she did. To Adolfo’s amazement, she professed to love sucking as much as being sucked. Ladies could act the whore when they had a mind to and were not forced into it as his wretched mother had been. Since Faith had left them alone, he could easily stick her. She might agree and not cry rape. Then again, she might tell Faith, and his ultimate target for abasement would chuck him out before achieving his revenge. “This is so much fun. May we do it again tomorrow?” “Yes, my pet.” He pulled on a nipple and she giggled. “We must let you have as much practice as possible before you return to France. Has your papa chosen a husband for you as yet?”

78

Tish Domenick

“He may have done. As he is e’en now aboard ship to collect me. I have not the latest news. As long as the man can perform, I shall not be unhappy to wed.” He chuckled. “Yes, I see you are ready to be plucked, my pet.” He gave her one more orgasm with his fingers before rising for his departure. “I shall leave you to pleasant dreams now.” He retired to his chambers still chortling under his breath. Women thought they controlled a man. His dear cousin would discover in two days’ time how wrong that assumption was. **** The family ate a heartier meal than usual the day of the masked ball since they would likely not sup again until midnight. Faith and Terese went immediately to their rooms to rest, bathe, and ready themselves for the party. About a quarter hour into her tossing and turning on her daybed, Faith heard a scratching on her door. At her summons, Terese bounced in the room. “Sorry to disturb you, yet I could not rest until I tried once more to dissuade you from your plans for tonight.” “You have troubled yourself in vain then, cousin. I fully intend to begin my adventure tonight.” She was certain she presented a composed image to Terese, although inside she was a mass of churning nerves. Could she entice someone not too despicable to join her in bed? Perhaps if she did not reveal her virgin status too soon. “You will not heed my warnings?” “No. My mind is quite made up on this point. Do sit down. I assume you cannot sleep either?” Terese pulled the stool from dressing table to bedside. “I cannot. I am worried about you. I am worried about leaving for home in two days’ time. I am worried about whom my father has chosen for my bridegroom. And something else hath disturbed my rest.”

The Lady’s Adventure

79

“What happened to disquiet you?” Faith leaned to take Terese’s hand in hers. “Nothing, really. Did you not hear a clatter out on the lawn a few moments ago?” “I heard nothing, so absorbed in my own thoughts have I been. What was it that garnered your attention?” “I looked out and two rather frightening men were demanding to gain admittance to the manor. Some stable lads and Stutz were trying, in vain, to evict them from the property when Adolfo stepped in and escorted them inside, and I gathered, to his chamber. I believe they are with him now.” “What of it? They may have delivered some part of his night’s costume.” “No, that was set days ago, he told me. You did not see these men, cousin. Mon Dieu, très misérables. They were disreputable sorts.” “Adolfo would not let unsavory characters in unless he had need of them and could handle them. He is from a mean part of Italy, remember. We need not fear for his welfare. Now, let us leave all worries for the morrow and turn to tonight’s activities. What design have you chosen for your hair?” “Luzette has already secured the goddess crown of my ensemble to a wig of curls. I shan’t have much to do to my own hair except sweep it back out of the way. Does your Venus not wear a crown?” “I choose not to wear it for expediency sake.” “Expediency?” “Don’t be a dolt. Expediency for later, for my adventure. How would I look if my crown tumbles as I am tumbled? I’d be naked with a cap covering all the hair on my head.” “Mon Dieu, I hadn’t thought…Mon Dieu.” “Luzette is now heating the rods to make sausage curls at the back of my head. The front will be wispy curls over a circlet of overlapping gold leaves.”

80

Tish Domenick

“Ah, they shall match those below your empire waistline and emphasize your assets in that area.” “Yes, I believe so. And I have had bands made of the same motif for around my wrists.” “I had no notion you had thought this out so well. What if no one catches your eye tonight? What if you—” “Stop. Whatever happens, I will handle it, and you must not bash your brain with it any longer. I am about to call to Luzette. Will you dress in here with me?” “I believe I shall. My maid has no talent for hair and makeup. Since Luzette is in your dressing room and must do double duty tonight, we may as well make her task easier.” “Mademoiselle? I heard voices. Are you ready to begin on your hair?” “Oui. Terese will dress in here. I believe her costume is in my dressing room. Not too much fuss with my hair and makeup, Luzette. I do not wish to have kohl lining my eyes, as you plan to do with Terese.” To Terese she whispered, “My activities this night must surely smudge any kohl and serve to make me a frightful-looking owl-like creature.” Luzette was quite proficient and did not need overlong to ready her charges. Faith and Terese were, thus, ready well ahead of time to leave for the ball. Terese smoothed the diagonal hem to the top of her two-piece gown and flicked a gold coin earbob dangling from her right lobe. “I am overanxious. Do you suppose your highwayman will attend?” “He is not my highwayman. And he may possibly be in attendance. We can only wait and see.” Faith tapped a finger on her chin and traveled slowly around her cousin. “I am jealous now that I hadn’t added color to my gown. I admire the way yours bleeds gradually to blue at the bottom edge of both dress and cloak.” “No, it wouldn’t do for you. The plunging neckline of your costume would look altogether too vulgar in color.”

The Lady’s Adventure

81

“But all white is so virginal for someone about to be—uh—you know.” “You are beyond alluring. Every man shall imagine he can see through that material and will not stop trying all evening. Besides, the innocent look of white will inspire more lascivious thoughts. Adolfo says men dream of deflowering the most fragile-looking specimens. Speaking of Adolfo, shall we go look in on him? I am worried those louts are up to no good. They shouted angry words at the servants.” “Hmm, you seem to have him on your mind often of late. Remember, your father is coming to collect you in two days’ time with news of your betrothal.” “Mon Dieu, what if he has chosen some ghastly old wheezing man with tons of money and not much else to recommend him?” “In that case, the older the better. Once married, you are free to carry on with a young man of your choice, and no one will fault you if you have been tied to an impotent grandfather.” “I shan’t think on it now. Come, let us slink down the hall and discover if Adolfo is now alone before we must don our masks. Those feathers threaten to make me sneeze, I would put off wearing it as long as possible.” “My mask covers me from brow to upper lip and is so warm I shudder to don it.” “Why not choose another? The solid gold makes a surreal image. It is off-putting to me, although I must admit is will cause a sensation. No one will guess ’tis you. E’en the Mowbrys do not know of it.” “I cannot take a chance of being recognized with my papa present. I am trying not to think overmuch, else nerves will best me. To put us both at ease, let us seek out Adolfo as you have suggested. Follow me and be quiet so we don’t arouse my father. He mustn’t see us until we are at the ball and I merge into the crowd undetected by him and it is too late to make you change.” They stole down the hall quickly, all the while turning their heads to be certain they were not observed.

82

Tish Domenick

“I hear voices. Do you suppose those men are holding him against his will?” “Terese, you are a goose. His valet is most likely fitting him into his clothes for the ball. What do you hear?” “Even with my ear pressed to the door, I cannot make out words, but it is not his valet. It is the gruff voices of the men I saw earlier. Adolfo’s words I hear quite clearly since he yells at them for not obeying his orders. Apparently they should not have come to Claymore.” “Hmm, he has been acting strangely of late. I don’t believe we shall announce our presence right away. I would know more of these men first. This chamber can be reached through a service room.” “How do we get there?” “We need to go around to the servants’ wing. Do you hear more talk?” “Some rattling of metal and growls from his guests. Perhaps we should call for help.” “Not unless we truly see the need. Now, hurry and keep up.” Faith led Terese downstairs and around to the servants’ quarters. “I hope to meet whomever he has invited into my home.” They took the servants’ stairs. “Here we are.” Faith opened the door upon a sparse maid or valet’s room with a truckle bed, stool, and a shelf holding a water basin. “Through that door is Adolfo’s dressing alcove.” She put her ear to the door. “Adolfo’s voice is quiet now. The door to the hall is being opened.” A frisson of fear rushed through her. Mayhap she did not want to meet such men. “Do you think it wise to burst in?” “Yes, now we’re here. I worry about him. ’Tis your home, you go first.” Faith slowly pushed open the door to Adolfo’s dressing chamber. Through the arch to the main sleeping room, she had a complete view of her cousin. Adolfo stood looking down the hallway. He turned and slammed the door when he heard them. A flash of anger, and perhaps

The Lady’s Adventure

83

fear, passed across his face. “Ah, Faith, Terese. You have found out my costume before the unmasking. No fair.” “Theseus who fought the minotaur? That chest piece with a scar and battle-torn section of armor is frightening.” Faith didn’t want to admit they’d been spying and hoped he’d offer the information as to the identities of his guests. “Were you leaving already?” “No. I was looking around the hallway to figure how I’d pass you and Terese without giving away my costume. But you have found me out. What think you?” What could he mean by telling such a fib? To reveal she knew different would brand her as a sneak and inhospitable host. She’d question him tomorrow. Tonight was a time for revelry. Terese bustled past Faith and viewed Adolfo from every angle. “You look scary. Do you expect many women will dance with you in such brutish garb?” “Not many, but those who do will be my kind of woman.” He donned armbands and gauntlets as he spoke. They all laughed and examined each other’s costumes until time to wrap themselves in cloaks so the baron wouldn’t see them before arriving at Butcher Manor. **** Ram, wearing a copper crown, was attired as Zeus in a gray tunic with a drape over one arm. He preceded Cash into the ballroom. His armguards and breastplate were adorned with lightning bolt symbols. Cash, in jest, had chosen to be Perseus, son of Zeus. He wore a white tunic with armor covering his shoulders. His metallic arm and shin guards clanged when he strode into the room. Gasps greeted them as more and more people recognized the highwaymen. None, however, chose to confront them. People merely glared and squinted and pointed. Who could tell, he and Cash reasoned, whether these were

84

Tish Domenick

noblemen on a lark or the real curs? Most would rather be robbed than look foolish by calling out the wrong villains. Ram spotted Faith immediately. E’en with a golden mask covering much of her face, he knew it to be her. Her stance, her every gesture, and her laugh were as familiar to him as his own. He made for her without a glance in any other direction. He offered her a courtly bow. “May I engage you for the next dance, Aphrodite? Or are you to be known as Venus tonight?” “Whatever is your pleasure as you are my esteemed parent it seems. Do I address you as Zeus or father?” “Papa. Not so formal as either of the other choices.” “Papa, it shall be. I have promised the dance to another, but as he is but one of your minions, I shall ask him to abdicate.” Ram hoped the dance would be a volte. Although in lively threequarter time, the partners were arm-in-arm, and he’d be able to place his hands on her waist to assist her in the leap. He itched to touch her. The music began, a pavonne, a dignified processional. Ah, but it would allow for easier conversation. A thin lad in a tunic and armored chest watched in confounded surprise as they walked off. “You’ve left a disappointed suitor scratching his head behind us.” “As I know not his name or station, and he does not know mine, how can I regret the loss?” “Heartless as befits a love goddess.” She raised a brow but did not repost. He supposed she must be concentrating on the measured steps of the dance as was he—two simple, a double, one forward. The music stopped and they bowed in preface to leaving the floor. They were not yet to the chairs when a galliard began. He could not let her go to another partner. He pressed an insistent hand to her back and led her back to the floor. She demurred but did not seriously protest. “Sir, this is most improper, two dances in a row. What shall the ton think?”

The Lady’s Adventure

85

“As they cannot see our faces and know not who we are, they can think what they wish.” He began the volte, the form of galliard he enjoyed. “You are extremely energetic, Papa.” “In all things, my dear. Do you care to discover more?” “Possibly. What are you implying?” “I think you know. We are masked. No next-day recriminations can be registered.” “We think alike, I am delighted to discover, and if my eyes do not deceive me, we have unfinished business from the duchess’s coach.” “You are not deceived. I have only to determine if you wish to continue what we began.” “I am interested. Yet, the night is young, and I must not be precipitous in my choice of adventurous companions for the evening.” “I warn you, my comrade may join us in our tryst. Is the prospect to your liking?” “Oh, yes. It indeed adds a plus to your side of the ledger.” “Do we have an assignation then?” “I shall let you know when I make my decision.” At the dance’s end, Ram took Faith’s hand. “Though your loveliness needs no adornment, I return these to your care.” He dropped the necklace and earbobs he’d stolen into her palm and folded her hand around them. **** Faith swiveled her head to take in the crowded floor. Had anyone seen him return her purloined jewelry? She had been partnered in two successive dances by a highwayman, and her pulse leapt with the secret. So her gasp and gape would not be noticed by the crowd, Faith led Baron Blackthorn out onto the balcony. She should scream and alert the company that a thief was dancing among them. At the very least, she should protest. She did neither.

86

Tish Domenick

In a dark corner, he backed her to a pillar and pressed the full length of his body against hers. His mouth covered hers before she could utter a word. A thrill of danger mixed with desire coursed through her whole body, settling in her most private area. Her response was to slide her tongue between his lips. He countered by letting his hands roam, plucking at nipples that protruded readily through the thin silk of her gown. She followed his lead and ran her fingers along his spine. The stiff cock thrusting upward gave her no pause as she ground her hips into it. He broke first. She couldn’t see his expression behind a mask that covered forehead, eyebrows, and nose. If he expected outrage, he was about to be disappointed. Meeting the handsome highwayman here fit right into her plans. Who better to begin her adventure with? She feigned coyness and delivered a mock rebuke. “You cad. You have the nerve to lure me with kisses yet again?” “I did return your valuables, did I not? Now what shall you do for me in return? What reward do I merit?” “You expect reward for returning what belongs to me? You accost me at a public ball?” “Not accost, proposition. If you are not adverse, you shall accompany me and my friend to his manor for a night of delights.” “I am not at all reluctant to embark on an adventure, but I must know the parameters before deciding.” Her knees were weak after his kiss, but she began to have second thoughts. This was the point of no return. “Your friend is the other highwayman?” Theseus traipsed out onto the balcony. She recognized Adolfo at once. “Venus, I have been searching for you. I wish to present you to some acquaintances of mine.” Faith noted some burly fellows in the shadows behind him. Could they be the gruff men Terese had seen at Claymore? Why would Adolfo wish her to meet them now when he had denied their existence earlier? She supposed he had good reason, and the

The Lady’s Adventure

87

interruption would give her time to decide on how to reply to Blackthorn’s proposition without seeming too eager. She turned to the highwayman. “Thank you for my gift.” She tossed the jewelry in her hand, then tucked it into her waistband. “I will ponder your invitation whilst visiting with Theseus and his friends.” In the ballroom once more with Adolfo in her wake, a heavy hand prodded her to the periphery and toward the door. Her pulse quickened. What was going on here? As she was about to chastise Adolfo’s friend, her cousin pinched her elbow, causing excruciating pain. By the time she recovered enough breath to speak, she had been shoved along a deserted hallway. “Adolfo, what does this mean? I do not believe I wish to meet your friends after all. And why are we leaving the ball?” “Hush, you wanted adventure, did you not?” “Yes, but I wished to do my own choosing as to the participants.” “No, an innocent like you cannot be trusted to decide these things.” He guided her rather roughly out an unguarded side door. “Unhand me and return me to the party at once.” “I’m afraid I cannot do that. Keep moving and keep a smile on your face under the mask, or this grip on your elbow will be e’en more painful.” He squeezed and she understood. “Ah, here is our carriage.” Faith skidded her sandals on the stones beneath her feet. “I shall not accompany you. I shall not budge an inch from this spot. I demand you desist as of this very second and return me to the ballroom.” One of the gruff men came to her side. “God’s groin, she sets me rod atwitchin’ when she talks like this. Can’t wait to get me cock up her bum.” He grasped her waist, Adolfo took an arm, and the other ruffian pushed from behind to lift her into the carriage. She screamed to no avail. As soon as the three men jumped into the coach, the driver whipped the horses to top speed.

88

Tish Domenick

Chapter Six In disbelief, Faith searched the faces of the men who were kidnapping her. Her gaze rested on her cousin. “What is wrong with you, Adolfo? This is not what I wanted for my adventure. You know that.” He pulled off his mask and grinned a wicked leer she had never seen before on a human face. “From here on out, what you want matters not at all.” “Aye, it’s what the three of us wants that will pass the time this eve. And we want it all. I be itchin’ to see a bit o’ what you got right now.” The smaller of Adolfo’s companions, sitting across from her and next to Adolfo, tugged at the vee of her neckline until he’d bared a shoulder and one breast. Faith tried to pull it up, but the bigger man clasped both her hands in his. “Let us have a look-see at the night’s merchandise.” He pulled her wrists until she faced him. “My, my. Never had anything so creamy afore. Never seen nips so pale, not red, not even pink. Like an angel’s blush they be. Not even me usual whore at the Silver Needle has skin like this, and I know she ain’t as old as the fifteen she claims.” He turned to Adolfo. “You done right by us, mate. Shame to accept pay fer the evening, but we will o’ course.” The men’s laughter rang in her ears as if miles away. She couldn’t faint. She had to keep her wits about her. They were her only protection. ****

The Lady’s Adventure

89

Ram watched from the balcony doorway as Faith was propelled out of the ballroom. Something was wrong. He rushed to follow as Cash caught up to him. “Problems, father Zeus?” “No time for levity. I’m afraid Faith is in trouble.” “Lady Lovejoy has always been trouble, usually the cause of it.” Cash emitted a scoffing groan but dogged Ram’s heels until they reached the road outside the manor. A coach sped down the wide lime-tree-lined lane leading from portico to the street beyond. Ram tugged Cash’s sleeve. “To the stables.” “We have now become horse thieves?” “Hurry, before we lose them.” “Lose whom?” “Faith and a man I believe to be her cousin, Adolfo, with two disreputable-looking henchmen.” Together, Cash and Ram saddled one horse themselves while shouting orders to the card-playing stable lads who sputtered but obeyed to saddle the second nag. “May I venture to ask,” Cash shouted as they exited the stables, “why you are worried if she is in company with her cousin?” “He’s a rogue. I don’t trust him, and I certainly do not trust the two men with him. I was speaking with Faith moments before the three of them came upon the scene, and she gave no indication she wished to leave the soiree. They pushed and practically dragged her out of the ballroom.” He reined up at the end of the lane. “Which way did they go?” “I cannot say for certain, but this way lies a busy village tavern, and to the left lies nothing but fields and a few random cottages.” “I fear for Faith’s life if we choose wrongly. For the nefarious deeds I imagine they have in mind, they would need a remote location, not a busy village with prying eyes. We go left.” Ram spurred his horse into the lead. “I believe I saw enough of the carriage to recognize it if we come upon it.”

90

Tish Domenick

They rode nearly a mile when Ram pulled up. “I see nothing ahead save farmland.” He let his horse prance in circles for a few seconds before slowly backtracking. He reined in at the entrance to the unmarked lane to their right. Dust was swirling into the air. “Cash, this way.” His heart beat in time to the horse’s hooves as he charged down the lane. Once the road curved, he could see a small cottage at its end. A black coach sat at the door. Empty. Cash drew up beside him. “How many men are we dealing with here?” “Two besides Adolfo, and they didn’t seem easy marks. Are you well-armed?” “Always. And you?” “Fully prepared.” “Do we rush them or sneak about first?” “No time for subtlety when Faith’s life is at stake. Follow me.” Ram dismounted and burst through the door. The room was ablaze with candlelight. Three startled glances bore holes in him. As he approached, they separated, and he could see what they were about. Faith lay spread-eagled on a bed of coarse linens. She was fully clothed, but her feet and one hand were tied to bedposts. A rope dangled from Adolfo’s clenched fist. After the moment of surprise, things sped into action. Adolfo pounced. By the time Ram recovered from the shock, he was on the ground with the rope around his neck. He tried to wedge his fingers between the rope and his windpipe, but it was too late. He’d fallen on his other arm and tried desperately to squeeze it out from under him before he lost consciousness from lack of air. Cash barreled into the room, distracting Adolfo and allowing Ram to dislodge his buried arm. With the dagger hidden in his waistband now in his hand, he slashed out at Adolfo’s arm. Adolfo yelped, dropped the rope, held up a blood-soaked hand, and rolled to the side. Ram pounced atop him and took precious seconds to survey the room’s logistics. Faith had freed herself and was staring wide-eyed at

The Lady’s Adventure

91

Cash’s struggle with one of the blackguards. The other, slighter-built man, stood to the side ready to enter the fray where he was needed. Adolfo’s fist connected with Ram’s jaw, and Ram slashed out again with the blade. He didn’t want to kill the man, only to subdue him. The cad was, after all, Faith’s relative. His hesitation cost him the dagger. It clattered to the stone floor with the force of another blow to his jaw. Somehow, the rope reappeared in Adolfo’s hand. Ram circled. Adolfo lashed out, but Ram evaded, waiting for the mistake most untrained fighters inevitably made, the lapse in attention that would spell doom for him. It came in an unexpected form, a yelp by the as yet engaged man in the corner. It was enough. Ram wrested the rope from Adolfo and delivered two quick jabs before the punch that sent Adolfo sprawling. Ram straddled him. “Are we done, or do you wish to continue?” Ram almost hoped the wretch would ask for more. With palms raised, Adolfo signaled he’d had enough. Ram tied his hands behind him. Faith held up her hand with reddened fingernails and shrugged. “My father taught me to go for the eyes.” Cash and Ram secured the last bounder, and Ram looked to Faith. “The two hired thugs will go immediately to prison, but it’s your decision as to Adolfo’s fate.” “I would speak with him before any word from me as to his fate.” Although he wanted to gut the man right there and then, Ram acquiesced and motioned Cash to escort the other brutes outside. He, however, was not leaving Faith alone with this monster. He moved to the far side of the hovel. **** Faith stood toe-to-toe with her once trusted cousin and searched his face for clues. Defiance, arrogance, and hatred were etched upon his visage, but naught else. “Why, Adolfo? Why? My father and I

92

Tish Domenick

have shown you kindness and comfort, would have done for the whole of your life. Why repay us this way?” She gestured to the bed with a shudder. “Why?” He spat on the floor at her feet. “To avenge my sweet mother who died a disease-ridden wretch because her wealthy aunt, your mother, wouldn’t send aid.” “My mother? My mother was bedridden since shortly after my birth. What could she possibly do to help your mother?” “Send for her. Take her out of the slums of Genoa, bring her to England. E’en if only to be scullery maid in the wealthy manor where you lived your life in luxury, mother would have been happy. But no, your mother, after having a few shillings delivered to us to aid her conscience, abandoned her niece to a life of whoring to feed her growing son.” “My mother couldn’t have known.” “Oh, she knew. She knew. I read the pleading letters written in desperation which received no answers.” Faith slapped his face, hard. “You don’t know anything. I was but a babe, but I’ve been told how my mother suffered. Her pain became too great to write or even read correspondence. Our aging steward at that time took care of such things. What he did with your parents’ missives, we shall never know since he has been in his grave for more than a decade. But for you to blame me for what happened to you is ludicrous.” She turned her back and he lunged for her, stopped by Ram’s quick movements. Ram held Adolfo in a choke hold. “I’ll have no qualms about breaking his neck if such is your wish, madam.” “Stay your hand. Let my family not be embroiled in scandal. I would have no one know of this night, if ’tis possible.” They let Adolfo go back to Claymore in the rented carriage. They gave him six hours to leave England and never return. The other two miscreants were ceremoniously deposited with the local constable. Faith showed the jewels she’d reported stolen days ago and recounted

The Lady’s Adventure

93

a tale of finding them in the roguish men’s possession when they kidnapped her hoping for more riches in ransom from her father. The proof in the form of the missing gems guaranteed they’d be off the streets for quite a while. She’d had to remove her mask for the testimony, but her father’s importance ensured discretion. She also was able to convince the constable not to disturb her father with details of the night’s encounter since all had been righted. Cash and Ram had refused to unmask, and the constable let it pass as rich men’s eccentricity. **** An energy unlike any she’d ever known coursed through Faith’s body as she settled into the highwayman’s coach. Her adventure had begun but wasn’t nearly satisfying enough as yet. She supposed she should be quaking in fear thinking back at the evening’s events, but she wasn’t. Not a tremor of anxiety disturbed her as the man who’d returned her jewelry, then saved her life, climbed into the seat across from her. Already her nipples were pebbles of need. She was certain he could see them through the sheer material of her costume. His leer confirmed her belief. “It is nigh onto midnight. Shall we take you to the ball for the unmasking?” “Since I am sans facial covering, it would seem belated.” “To Claymore manor then? I imagine you’ve had more than enough excitement for one night. “On the contrary, my bones and flesh are in a state of extreme unrest. I’ve no wish to return to my own bed before I can settle this churning deep inside me. Have you no suggestions?” “I have many, but a lady might not find them to her taste.” “And, then again, she might.” He coughed into his hand. “We did begin something the other day that was not completed.”

94

Tish Domenick

“Yes, I, too, have wondered what the final result may have been if we’d had more time. Alas, your friend chose to interrupt us instead of joining us.” The man paled beneath his mask, and his throat worked as if he were suddenly parched. Faith grinned. She had actually managed to discomfort a professional cad. “No response? Must I find some other gentlemen to accommodate my needs?” He leaned out of the uncovered window and shouted to the other masked highwayman some brief message she couldn’t hear over the rumbling of the coach’s wheels. “I believe Wolsey and I are at your service.” “How delightful. Have you a hideout nearby?” “No, I am the Baron of Blackthorn and thus have an estate to go with the name.” Faith, completely intrigued now, peered out the window to judge their direction. The darkness precluded seeing much of anything. Surprisingly, she had no qualms about not knowing where they were taking her. For some reason, she trusted these men, robbers though they were. He had returned her property, and when he’d taken them, he’d thrilled her with kisses she couldn’t forget. She wanted more. She’d given up Ram to become a woman of the world, to experience all life offered. She’d not turn coward. The coach jolted to a stop, and her heart seemed to begin a jumping game. She could run, call for help. Surely servants would be extensive in a place such as she saw before her. They would come to her aid. With a sly grin, she acknowledged the acceleration of her heart came not from fear, but from anticipation. She wanted this, her pulsating body confirmed it. Wolsey alighted from his perch and placed a stair at the door. Blackthorn handed her out and they escorted her to a secret door at the side of the manor. A servant handed each man a brace of candles and followed them up the stairs with one of his own. Too amazed at

The Lady’s Adventure

95

her own brazenness, Faith neither ran nor called out. She would have her adventure. After they entered a huge boudoir with sconces of lit candles everywhere, Wolsey whispered to the servant and the man left them. The bed itself, quite the widest she’d ever seen, was laden with pillows of every shape and size. Each of its four posters had an attached table. The nearest held a bowl stuffed with sheep’s bladders tied into rectangular bundles. She knew the purpose of those sheaths. Aunt Helene had taught her well. The image of what they would be stretched onto suffused her with warmth. Again, her telltale nipples announced her desire. Blackthorn ran a palm over them. The sensation sent intense heat through her. She closed her eyes and whimpered in response. God’s eyes, she needed this, and he knew it, she was sure. Wolsey came up behind her and caused Blackthorn to pause. Her body rebelled with cold shudders until each man grasped at the neckline of her dress and slid the silk from her shoulders to reveal her naked breasts. Blackthorn rolled a nipple between his fingers. Wolsey ministered to the other breast. “No need for preliminaries, I see. If you like we can have wine or ale sent in.” She shimmied to let her gown fall to her waist. “I’m sure we shall need some wine later to cool us. For now, I am anxious to test the mattress and your virility.” She pushed the silk slowly down her hips and let it pool at her ankles. Neither man moved a muscle, until she stepped out of the circle of material. They each kissed a hand and, holding her fingertips, led her up the steps to the bed. She snuggled into a provocative pose, arms behind her head against several downy pillows. The sheer undergarment hid nothing, but they ripped it off her to reveal everything. The men slowly removed their own clothes while ogling her nakedness. She petted one engorged shaft, then the other as they knelt on the bed on either side of her.

96

Tish Domenick

At first they took turns sucking on a nipple, stroking her belly and kissing her. Soon, Blackthorn monopolized her lips and breasts while Wolsey stroked her legs and played with the nest between her legs with probing fingers. This was what she’d been longing for, the sensual experience Aunt Helene had told her could be hers. With a sigh of contentment, she turned on her side to Blackthorn and kissed him deeply while exploring his chest with both hands. She ventured lower and encircled his engorged cock with one hand while lightly brushing the globes below with the fingertips of her other hand. Oh, this was stimulating. A steady, pulsing pressure was building in her. Wolsey, behind her now, caressed her ass and reached under it to massage inside her. “A lovely, warm cunt, milady.” Fluid gushed over his hand. “My cock is bursting to enter that sweet pudenda or to enter here.” In a flash, he moved his fingers to her bum and thrust them inside. She jerked. “Relax, milady. Relax and it will stretch.” He massaged the rim gently and she was able to let it open for his hand. She wanted to experience all of this even if it hurt a bit. “Ah, Blackthorn, I believe it is now my turn.” Blackthorn growled and rolled to his edge of the wide bed. Wolsey gently positioned her on her back. Faith drew in a breath and held it, expecting this to be the moment she’d lose her virginity, but he scrambled to the foot of the bed and ran a trail of kisses along the inside of her thigh. When he parted the down guarding her nether lips and continued his kisses there, she whimpered with pleasure. Faith found her release much too quickly, so stirred was she. Once recovered, she tugged Wolsey’s shoulders to raise him to her level. “I would do the same for you, sir.” She shot a glance at Blackthorn who looked to be perfectly miserable. “For both of you, of course.” She turned onto her tummy, halfway across Wolsey’s legs, and took his cock into her mouth. She remembered all her practice sessions with cucumbers and squash whittled into shape. She licked to wet him, then slurped the stiff cock into her mouth, letting her tongue roam the

The Lady’s Adventure

97

length of it along the seam. He moaned his pleasure which encouraged her. Her cheeks sank inward with the pressure and gusto she used to suck him. “Oh, yes, my dear, dear lady. Have at me, suck me dry.” He released as quickly as she had. She tasted some of his seed, but he pulled away and exited the bed to clean himself at the basin. Faith plumped pillows behind her head. “Shall you be next, Baron Blackthorn? That was exhilarating, gentlemen.” Blackthorn joined her on the pillows. He petted her and twirled her nipple between thumb and index finger. Finally he bent to nip it with his teeth. Together, they slithered off the pillows to a prone position. After many explorations of each other’s bodies, Blackthorn raised to his knees, straddling her. “Are you certain you wish to continue, madam?” He spoke softly as he sheathed himself. “Please do not spare me, milord.” He stared into her eyes for several seconds, then slid his prick slowly into her cunt. She felt every pulsating inch as the smooth, steady invasion opened her. He stopped, scanning her face, and she nodded her consent. His thrust was quick and thorough. She panicked for a moment as sharp pain rent her in two. She drew in a breath but swallowed the gasp which threatened to erupt. He remained quiet inside her, as she adjusted to the feel of his steel. The sensation proved to be quite pleasant once the initial shock was over. The hard fullness of his cock inside her was stimulating her more than she thought was possible. “Is this all?” “No, this is not nearly all.” He moved out of her and rammed back inside with a swift, fierce motion this time. He did it again and again. Her body quaked, yet welcomed each jab, craving the next assault as a drowning man craves air to breathe. Tension built within her and she cried out, searching for some elusiveness she couldn’t name. And then it came. And came. And came. He followed with a shout and they collapsed, side by side.

98

Tish Domenick

“Faith, my love and my joy, you are magnificent as I always knew you would be.” She couldn’t believe what she had heard. No one used the pun of her last name this way except—except…She sat up and pulled at his mask. “Ramsey? Ramsey Keith, is that you?” He helped her remove his mask. “It is. I’m sorry if I’ve spoiled your adventure, Faith.” “How could you do this, Ramsey?” In outrage, she jumped to the floor and glared at him. Not until she felt gooey liquid run down her thigh did she recall she was naked. A sound from the corner reminded her of the other man, the one she had recently had in her mouth. Nothing for it but to collapse onto the bed and attempt to hide her head with a pillow. “How can I ever face you again? How can you bear to look upon me?” The two men flanked her on the bed, holding her in strong arms. “I have loved you nearly from your birth. I shall continue to love you until the day I die. You are being silly. I wanted you to have your adventure, but I wished to be part of it. Do you blame me?” “Blame you? Of course not. The blame is all mine.” Wolsey chimed in. “No blame is on anyone’s head. We are all enjoying ourselves. We can think no less of you than you do of us. We are equal in our delight of actions most of the world would participate in if they could. Will you condemn us?” “N–no.” “Then how can we condemn you?” Wolsey drew the curtains around the bed and called for Baines. In minutes, steaming tubs of water were brought in. When the room was cleared of servants, they carried Faith to a tub and slid her into heavenly warm water. Ram took her face between his hands. “We can return you home, or we can continue to enjoy ourselves. What is your pleasure?” With but a fleeting thought of Aunt Helene, Faith kissed Ram’s forehead. “My pleasure is with you and whoever your friend is.” She

The Lady’s Adventure

99

spread her arms wide. “Do your worst, gentlemen. I am now a wanton woman in need of more servicing.” Between kisses and fingering her to completion twice more, they managed to clean her and themselves. The men took turns drying her before they came together once more on the bed. Ramsey was at her nipples again, and Wolsey couldn’t keep his fingers out from her ass and cunt. Both orifices seemed to delight him equally. “What shall we try next?” Faith spread her arms wide. Ram lifted his lips from her breast. “I would dearly love to fuck you again.” “Excellent. And I’d dearly love to suck on Wolsey as you do it.” They arranged themselves, Wolsey on his knees at her head as she lay prone, Ram above her. He entered her quickly this time in the same rhythm as she slurped Wolsey’s cock into her mouth. They were in synchronization until Wolsey cried out. “Suck me harder, please, dear lady.” She accommodated him and gave it her all. He would have spurted onto her face, except she held him in place with her lips and swallowed every morsel of his fluid, then licked the excess from his rod as he rose off the bed. Ram’s thrusts became frantic at the sight. She arched and rose to meet him. They rocked the bed. He squeezed her breasts, and she contracted the muscles around his cock. When he could take no more, he swore and let loose, and she joined him. Wolsey returned to the bed with a wet cloth to clean her thighs. He poured wine into three crystal glasses and they toasted. They fed her grapes and slices of melon and candied sweets. When they were revived, Wolsey kissed her long and hard. “All you’ve done for me was most satisfying, but my throbbing sword longs to be sheathed. Do you think you can stand a rear assault as Ramsey is fucking you?” She had drunk so much wine, she didn’t pause in her assent. “I would adore trying it, if indeed it can be accomplished.”

100

Tish Domenick

The men assured her they would make it work. Ram lay back on the edge of the bed with his feet on the floor and his flag flying hard and high. Elbows on the bed on either side of his head, Faith lay atop him and impaled herself onto his cock with a contented sigh. Wolsey caressed her rear as she pumped Ram. He lubricated her and slowly but firmly sank his enormous cock into her rear opening. “Tell me if it is too much for you to take.” The pressure from that end was a bit difficult to bear, but she was not going to admit it now. Be brave, Aunt Helene had told her. “You are not distressing me, dear sir. Do continue to enjoy me as I am enjoying both of you.” He and Ram thrust inside her as far as her body would allow. The pleasure and fullness of having two ramrods inside her gradually turned pain into delight as the two cocks maneuvered against her innermost recesses and against each other. They stretched her openings as they grew ever harder and their thrusts became ever more abandoned. “God’s teeth, this is heaven.” Wolsey withdrew and rammed her none too gently this time. She went with it and contracted hard against Ramsey’s cock. He groaned. “Yes, this is more than I ever dreamed. You threaten to maim me, darling Faith, and I love it.” Wolsey climaxed first and pulled out of her to go to the tub. This left her free to punish Ram’s cock with her muscles. Over and over, she slid to the end of his cock then back to the hilt of it with a crushing contraction. He begged for mercy, but she gave no quarter until she could not deny herself any longer and fell atop him with her release. He rolled out from under her and entered her from behind. When he came, he sagged to his knees on the floor. She laughed at his weakened state. While bathing, Faith wondered if Terese had covered for her with her father, then dismissed the thought. Terese was a much better dissembler than Faith could ever be. Wolsey gave one quick lave at

The Lady’s Adventure

101

Faith’s soapy breasts, then left for his own chamber, leaving Ram and Faith to theirs. They slept for a while and awoke to make love again. In the morning, Ramsey was not in sight. He arrived moments later with chocolate and cakes and clothes for Faith. One look at each other and he had her again. They tumbled onto the bed. She washed and prepared to dress, but he bent her over a stool and took her from behind. Once he allowed her to clothe herself, she settled on a stool to eat. Her mind was awhirl with questions about what would happen next. Did they part without ever mentioning this night again, without ever seeing each other again? Did they arrange a date for another evening such as this? “Do you wish to do this again at another date?” Ram had read her mind. He always could decipher her thoughts. “I believe I would. This has been most enjoyable, and I cannot imagine it to be the last time for such an experience.” “Do you wish to do it as a maiden or as a married woman?” “A married woman? Huh. Who would marry me with a condition to share me?” “Faith, I am asking you to be my wife as I have so many times in the past. I could never love another, and as long as we do this together, I shall be content to share you with my friend.” “Do you love me so very much, even after you’ve seen my true nature?” “I love your true nature. I enjoyed every moment of the night’s activities. I would not like any to enter you in the way I did. I must be certain any heirs are mine. If you agree to that one stipulation, I see no reason we can’t have these sessions whenever you wish.” He took her hand. “Will you be my wife as we have always planned?” She threw her arms around him. “Of course I will. I have had a wonderful adventure, and if we can arrange more nights such as we had, I shall be grateful. But it is no longer necessary for my happiness. My happiness depends only on you being at my side.”

102

Tish Domenick

Much to her surprise and delight, Baron Claymore never guessed Faith had been gone an entire night. After seeing Adolfo aboard ship, the baron was sore pressed to explain Adolfo’s hasty departure. Terese pumped her for every detail, but Faith gave mere generalizations. Aunt Helene, however, was to arrive back at the manor in a week’s time and for her Faith would leave no detail untold. Servants and tradesmen were rushed into marriage preparations by Baron Claymore, who was not taking any chances this time around. All victims of the highwaymen had their belongings returned, except a certain watch which Ram insisted he’d lost. Faith discovered Wolsey to be Ram’s friend, Cash, whom she had met briefly at various past functions. Everyone said she shone as a bride-to-be should do. But she glowed in anticipation of the next threesome planned for scant days before the wedding.

THE END WWW.TISHDOMENICK.WEBS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tish Domenick is first generation Italian-American. She has earned two University degrees, a BS (no, not that BS, Bachelor of Science—really) and an MA, and has many years experience in the health care field. Give her a bowl of pasta, a good red wine, a romantic novel, and life is good. She lives in Florida with her husband, who cooks the pasta and pours the wine and wonders how she researched those erotic scenes. She’ll never tell.

Also by Tish Domenick Ménage and More: The Lady Dares

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com