Treacherous Temptations(60)

Barbara noted that his response neither confirmed nor denied the rumors.

He added with a resigned shrug. “She was of a feeble constitution and would have made a poor breeder anyway. Sir Richard assures me that Miss Edwardes, on the contrary, is extraordinarily robust.”

“Nevertheless, I fear the girl will disappoint you, darling.”

“How so?” he asked.

“We have become quite intimate these past months…though perhaps not as intimate as I might like.” She pursed her lips meaningfully. “But well enough to know that she will be clueless how to please a gentleman of your particular…tastes. Sadly, I don’t believe you will be at all compatible in your conjugal union.”

His lip twitched. “Never fear on that score, for I shall be quite compatible with her fortune. As for the rest,” he shrugged, “she can be taught.”

“But she is headstrong, darling. Perhaps, you’ll enjoy her resistance for a time, but it will grow exceedingly tiresome.”

His gaze narrowed. “You think so? What do you suggest?”

“Mayhap she would benefit from someone knowledgeable to guide her…to show her the ropes.”

“Only the ropes?” He chuckled. “I assure you my repertoire is quite expanded.” His black eyes glittered like shattered glass now. “Do you also enjoy such games, Barbara? Do you have a desire to employ the cat in your guidance?”

“It may be useful…among other things,” she replied coyly.

“You intrigue me, my dear. How very much I would enjoy watching you.”

“I thought you might, my love.” Her eyes flicked to his crotch noting to her delight he was growing as aroused by the conversation as she.

His mouth curved meaningfully. “You indeed command my full attention. I would hear more of your thoughts on the proper training of my proposed bride.”

“I wonder, since she is untried, if perhaps we could manage her together?” She watched with growing excitement as her idea took root. The notion of being with both a man and a woman was wickedly titillating and one of the few things she had not yet tried. Her mind was already awhirl with lewd and lascivious imaginings, impulses she was dying to act upon. With Barnesley’s particular creativity in sex games, this could be a fascinating arrangement indeed.

“My dear countess,” Barnesley replied in a sultry voice. “I would be only too delighted to agree to such an accommodation. My estate at Oldham is in a very isolated location…a very private place. I would hate my young bride to become lonely. Perhaps I could persuade you to become her companion?”

“But how considerate you are. I would be enchanted to oblige…at least until she has borne you an heir. After that perhaps I will have grown bored.”

“Bored with me?” he scoffed. “Highly unlikely, my dear.”

“No, darling,” she laughed. “Bored with the arrangement. Sharing is only a novelty to me.”

“Is that so? Then let us deal with that eventuality when and how the situation merits.” He slid a hand through the folds of her dressing gown to cup her sex. “You are wet, Barbara. I can smell your desire. Is it the thought of pleasure or pain that excites you?”

“Both,” she boldly declared.

He stood her up, and came behind her. “Then if our business is concluded,” he breathed hotly into her ear, “I would like very much to bend you over this couch and take you in the arse.”

“But of course, darling,” she purred. “I thought you would never ask.”

…

At Lady Blanchard’s insistence, Nanette appeared later in the afternoon with cosmetics and another detestable wig. Mary endured the ritual of paint and powder with the same wordless stoicism she adopted to meet her proposed suitor. When she entered the countess’ chambers, a gentleman rose with an innate aristocratic grace to sweep her a formal bow.

“My lord,” Mary dipped into the obligatory curtsey as the countess made the introduction. “Miss Mary Edwardes, I make known to you Lord Frederick, Baron Barnesley of Oldham.”

Mary had expected many things, but Lord Barnesley surprised her with his dark eyes and classically chiseled features. Rather than old, stout, and bushy-browed as expected, he was surprisingly young, of medium height, slender build, and exceptionally handsome.

“I am enchanted, Miss Edwardes,” the baron spoke in a pleasingly soft baritone. He smiled at her, baring white, even teeth. His black eyes, assessing her with cool appraisal, reminded Mary of unlit coal, dark and glittering, and lacking warmth. “I am astounded that the countess has managed to keep such a lovely creature a secret. I count myself the most fortunate of men to have seen you first.” He then inclined his head to Lady Blanchard. “It was a most exquisite pleasure to renew our acquaintance, countess. You may rest assured I will be calling upon Sir Richard at once.”

“You do not stay for tea, my lord?” Mary asked when she sat and he remained standing.

“No, dear child. I find it an insipid drink. If you come to know me better, you will quickly learn that my tastes incline toward…the unusual.” He and the countess exchanged a look as if they shared some secret jest. Lady Blanchard accompanied him to the door where they exchanged a few private words before he took his departure.

“I daresay that you are now positioned to become the next Baroness Barnesley of Oldham. He is quite a handsome gentleman, don’t you think?”