AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pussy pretended outrage. “Prince George, how can you offer me such an insult?”
“Please don’t call me Prince George, Pussykins. And I do not offer you insult, I offer you honor. I would honor you with my body,” he whispered, pressing close and capturing her hands.
“That is in the marriage ceremony. Pray do not mock marriage, Sire.”
“I do not mock marriage, Maria. I would make you my wife if that were possible.”
Maria’s heart soared. “Alas, Sire, it is not. It grows late, I must go in.”
“Don’t call me Sire, Pussycat. Have you no pity in your heart? If you will not take me into Marble Hill, at least stay here with me awhile.”
“A little while,” she conceded. “What would you like me to call you? I cannot simply use your Christian name, it shows no respect.”
“Pussy, I don’t want your respect, I want your heart,” he said fervently, slipping his arm about her waist, allowing his fingers to graze the underside of her tempting breast.
“May I call you Prinny?” Maria suggested.
“Yes, yes, that is perfect. Pussy and Prinny! I have a little gift for you.” He pulled out the locket, wishing it were jewels. “Forgive me my sentimental nature, darling Pussy, but you know you hold my heart in your hands. Wear this golden symbol to show me you will treat it kindly.”
“You do me more honor than I deserve.” She lifted her lovely golden locks so that he might fasten the little heart about her neck and he groaned as his fingers came in contact with her warm flesh. His strong hands could not be stayed. He unbuttoned the front of her gown and buried his face against her swelling globes. Maria knew she could not make a scene. If the carriage driver and the postilions became privy to what she did in the coach, she would be branded a strumpet.
“Prinny, you mustn’t!” she whispered.
“Pussy, I must!” he murmured thickly, pressing her back against the squabs as his hands filled with the glory of her and his mouth came down on hers demanding entrance.
Maria came up for air realizing that her body was not immune to his lovemaking. She was becoming aroused and it was a pleasurable novelty for her.
“Darling Pussy, I am in agony, only see what you do to me.” He drew her hand to his male center.
Maria was astounded at its hardness. She tried to give it a little squeeze, but it was as solid as marble. Suddenly she withdrew her hand. In another minute he would have her skirts over her head, and this was not in Maria’s plans at all. She buttoned the front of her gown and began to cry. “I have allowed you such liberties, the blush will never leave my cheek. I am such a wanton, you will have a disgust of me.”
“Sweetest Pussy, don’t cry, you will break my heart. There is nothing wanton about you, beloved. ’tis I who am wicked and lecherous,”
She allowed him to brush the tears from her cheeks and to kiss her good-night. And it had been a good night, she decided. A very good night.
In contrast Tony Lamb was having a bad night. She sat in the bathtub washing black coal dust from her hands and face. She bit her lip as she recalled how gently Savage had carried Angela and Dolly. He treated trollops like ladies, yet she was a real lady and he treated her like a lackey. The thing that really rankled was his accusation of snobbery. It was a totally unfair charge, and the cause of it had been that swine Bernard Lamb. He was evil. In her heart she knew he had sabotaged theSeagulland caused Anthony to drown.
Tony wiped away tears, managed to get soap in her eyes, and swore a blue streak. She hoped Bernard died tonight of his injuries. The bastard deserved to die. She indulged in a fantasy that removed the threat of the dreaded Bernard Lamb from her life. She could go back to being a lady … well, perhaps not exactly a lady, she’d been exposed to too many worldly things to be a lady, but she could be a woman. Wasn’t that a thousand times better than being a lady?
Tony blushed, then lifted her chin. If Adam Savage fell at her feet, she’d step over him! Well, she might as well stop dreaming. Her hated cousin wasn’t going to expire from a broken rib. If she wanted him dead, she would have to kill him. A duel! That was the answer. She’d challenge him to a duel and shoot him!
She shuddered and climbed from the cooling water. She would avenge her twin! Even the Bible approved an eye for an eye.
Adam Savage pondered what to do about Tony. At least the virginity thing would be taken care of with Dolly on the job. He again shook his head at the sheer crust of the young devil taking his thoroughbreds and racing them to Richmond. And winning, no less!
The lad was right about one thing. It had taken guts. It was definitely time to channel some of those high spirits along more productive lines. Savage decided to take him along on his voyage to the Continent.
Tony could select and buy his cargo for the Indies. It would be a perfect cover for the smuggling operation he himself was about to set up. He could pick up some art treasures for Edenwood, and if he wasn’t mistaken the Carnival of Venice would be taking place shortly. It was the epitome of decadence, where masked men and women roamed the streets seeking liaisons. He’d seen it from the deck of a ship once. A week-long spectacle of music, lights, and fantastic costumes never to be forgotten. This time he would take part.
While theFlying Dragonwas being readied, there would be enough time to hold Edenwood’s housewarming. The house would display his wealth to London’s nobility and show his neighbors who would control the entire district. He had bought his seat in the House of Commons, but when election time came around later in the year, he would need votes to keep the seat. Savage wasn’t worried. He could win a majority by the simple expedient of promising five shillings to everyone who voted for him.
By the time the sun rose the next morning, Savage was on the London docks hiring his crew. He even signed on a couple of lascars who had crewed for him years back on the China runs.
By breakfasttime he was giving Sloane the guest list so he could issue invitations for the weekend at Edenwood. By eleven he was in Curzon Street inviting Lady Randolph to Edenwood and handing Tony a long list of furnishings that were still needed for the guest bedchambers.
Tony was amazed that he harbored no ill feelings for what had taken place yesterday, and flattered he had enough confidence in her taste to give her the responsibility of furnishing his beloved Edenwood.
“Why don’t you go down to Gravesend a couple of days early? John Bull would welcome your suggestions for the party. This is his first effort at entertaining the English and the first time I’ve seen him a bit overwhelmed.”
