A Matter of Convenience, page 19
They spoke their vows without hesitation, holding each other’s gazes until the minister declared they should kiss to seal their vows.
Anthony’s lips were warm and firm against hers and sent a flutter of anticipation through her. She couldn’t wait for the evening ahead when she would become his in every sense of the word.
After Anthony and Phoebe signed the register, they greeted their guests then at last stepped out of the church. The rest of the literary league members stood outside and cheered them as they passed along with several other acquaintances.
Anthony ushered her to his carriage and assisted her to step inside then joined her. He took her hand, his smile infectious. “My wife. My beautiful countess.” He lifted her hand and kissed the skin just above her glove.
“My husband.” Before she could say anything more, he kissed her with enough passion that she felt it to her toes.
They arrived at her house where an elaborate wedding breakfast awaited them. Silver trays of sausages and bacon, apple tarts, and bowls of eggs, stewed oysters, and a galantine along with a selection of fruit and champagne were served to the guests.
Phoebe only tasted a small portion of it. The meal seemed to take forever as toast after toast was made. But the one Phoebe’s father made nearly had her in tears.
“Phoebe, I am so pleased you found a man deserving of you. One you love and who loves you in return. I wish you both many happy years.”
Everyone cheered and lifted their glasses once again. The butler arrived with the frosted cake, and Phoebe rose to cut it with Anthony at her side. Suddenly, it was hard to believe that breakfast was nearly at end.
Anthony leaned close soon after they’d returned to their seats. “I believe the time has nearly come for us to depart.”
“Allow me to change and then I’ll be ready.” More than ready. She was so excited.
Amanda assisted Phoebe into a bright blue traveling gown with a modest bustle and fitted bodice that she’d wear for the train ride to Bath where they were to spend the first portion of their wedding trip. The latter part would be spent at Anthony’s country estate while the rest of his family remained in London.
Phoebe’s heartbeat quickened at the sight of Anthony waiting for her as she descended the stairs.
“Lovely.” He took her hand and tucked it under his arm, then they bid their family and guests one last farewell. His carriage took them directly to the train station, and anticipation filled Phoebe for the days ahead.
He’d rented a private car on the train, and they settled in for the two-hour journey, admiring the views in between sharing passionate kisses.
The hotel in Bath was beautiful and their well-appointed suite was a new experience for Phoebe.
“Shall we look around the city for a time?” Anthony asked.
“Perfect.” A bit of exercise would surely help to settle her nerves about the evening ahead.
She needn’t have worried as Anthony was beyond charming and entertaining as they strolled along the walkway, pausing to admire window displays and enjoy the fine day.
“It will take some getting used to not having a chaperone,” Phoebe said.
Anthony chuckled. “I feel almost guilty having you to myself.” He stopped before a bookshop and sent her a questioning look. “Shall we venture inside?”
“You know me too well.”
Phoebe selected a mystery she’d been wanting to read, and Anthony found a book as well.
The afternoon quickly passed into evening. They opted to dine in their suite before the cheerfully burning fire. Once their dinner of roasted pork and potatoes, a cheese soufflé, and warm dinner rolls with creamy butter was complete, the waiter brought citrus ice and a bottle of champagne as well as a selection of chocolates.
“I’m already full but I can’t resist a taste,” Phoebe said as she eyed the offerings while Anthony poured the champagne.
After dessert with glasses in hand, they settled onto the couch while the waiter cleared the table with quick efficiency.
At last, they were alone again, and Anthony shifted closer then tapped his glass against Phoebe’s. “You make me so happy, Phoebe.”
“Excellent,” she said with a grin. “Because you make me happy as well.”
They both drank then Anthony took her glass and set them aside to draw her into his arms. “What’s between us is not a matter of convenience, despite your proposal.”
“Oh?” Phoebe loved the teasing glint in his eyes.
“This is a matter of love. I love you with my heart and soul. From this day forward. Always and forever.”
“Oh, Anthony. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love you. You are my world. My everything.”
He kissed her, the champagne tasting decadent on his tongue. She ran her fingers over his hair and along his neck, wondering if she was brave enough to suggest they both wore too many clothes. Would he think her forward?
“Anthony,” she began when he pressed kisses along her neck, making it difficult to think.
“Yes, my sweet?” He tightened his hold on her waist but didn’t pause his kisses.
“Would you be so kind as to assist me out of my gown?”
He eased back, a smile coming over his face as he looked at her. “The pleasure would be mine.” He stood and reached for her hand, leading her to their bedroom where the covers had been turned down. A brightly burning fire and several candles on the small tables on either side of the bed lit the room.
“This is lovely,” she managed as butterflies returned.
“I wanted everything to be perfect.” He paused with her before the fire and kissed her again.
How was it that he knew exactly what to do to settle her nerves? She returned the kiss with fervor, wanting him to know how much he meant to her.
They slowly undressed each other. First, she helped to remove his jacket and waistcoat. Then he pulled the pins from her hair, running his fingers through it. Next, he unfastened the bodice of her gown all the while caressing and kissing each other.
She removed his shirt with great pleasure, thrilled at the breadth of his shoulders, his muscled torso, and narrow hips. Dark hair spread across his chest and down to a narrow path that continued into the waist of his trousers. She looked her fill of his pleasing form, her heartbeat thudding faster and faster.
By the time she wore only her plain white linen chemise, Phoebe felt as if she were on fire, and he was the only one who could quench the flames.
Feeling brazen, she untied the ribbon holding the thin linen garment and stepped out of it, hoping Anthony didn’t mind the fullness of her figure.
“Phoebe. You are so beautiful.” His tone reverent, he reached out to touch her cheek before trailing his finger slowly downward. Along her neck. To the swell of her breast. Around her nipple. To her waist and onward to the flare of her hip.
There was no time to worry whether her body was to his liking. Not when his caresses suggested it was.
Phoebe shivered as liquid heat pooled deep inside her at the heat in his gaze. Then she reached for him, loving the feel of the coarse hair of his chest against her nipples. She lifted on her toes and kissed him, pouring all her desire into the moment.
Anthony ran his hands over her and then down to cup her bottom, pressing her against his firm manhood. “Phoebe, I want you.”
“Yes. Please.”
He took her hand and drew her toward the bed then kissed her again. While she sank onto the bed, he took off his trousers and joined her, his body firm and hot against hers.
“I love you so much,” he whispered.
“And I love you.”
Then her thoughts fell away as he roamed her body, finding sensitive places she hadn’t realized were there. His gentle touch made her feel beautiful, special. And loved.
He lowered his head to kiss the swell of her breasts, his hands tracing small circles along her skin before at last touching the very tip. When he took her nipple into his mouth, she arched with a gasp, amazed at how the sensation speared to her very center. “Oh, my.”
“So beautiful.” His hand swept over her thigh, the back of her knee, then moved toward the curls at the apex of her thighs. She shivered again, her breath catching, as he touched her intimately. He slowly stroked her center, and her hips rocked toward him.
“Anthony,” she murmured, her body humming with need.
She wanted him to feel like this—burning with passion. Her hands moved along the same path his had taken on her body. From his chest to the flat plane of his stomach and lower still to his hard staff.
He moaned as she took hold of him. The velvety smoothness had her moving her fingers along its length with curiosity. He slowly thrust his manhood into her hand. “Phoebe. You’ll have me finishing before we start.”
“I thought we had already started.” She closed her eyes as they caressed each other, stunned by the building need deep inside her.
“Indeed, we have.” He pulled her hand from his staff and blew out a breath as if trying to regain some semblance of control.
That was something to which she could relate. But she wasn’t ready to regain hers. Not until she had found a way to assuage the pressure.
As if reading her thoughts, Anthony shifted on top of her, his weight welcome, helping to anchor her. His knee nudged apart her legs and he settled between them, keeping his weight on his elbows. The feel of his manhood pressed against her opening had her lifting her hips, eager to be his. The romantic tales she’d read hadn’t done this part justice.
“Yes, Anthony. Please.”
He eased inside her, kissing her yet again. “Phoebe, hold tight to me.”
She frowned, confused by his request even as she did as he’d told her. Then he thrust into her in one smooth motion. The pain was sharp but brief, enough to bring her down from the clouds on which she’d hovered.
He held still, kissing her cheek and forehead. Just when she was about to ask if the deed was done, he moved slightly, then a little more.
“Oh.” The pain was gone, and in its place, a feeling of completeness took hold, along with desire.
“You feel so good, Phoebe. So perfect.” He moved quicker still, setting a pace that had Phoebe responding in kind.
Then he shifted to reach between them, caressing her slick folds again. His touch sent her flying higher than the clouds, her body tightening as the strange force within her built.
“Let go, my love.” Anthony kissed her briefly then eased back to watch her face.
She didn’t understand what he meant until suddenly she burst into a thousand pieces of light. Her body convulsed beneath his in the most amazing way.
It took only another few thrusts for Anthony to find his own release, his expression taut as his body shuddered.
The moment had Phoebe’s heart turning over in her chest. She was filled with such love for this man. Her husband.
“Phoebe,” he said on a moan as he kissed her once again. “My darling wife.”
She cupped his cheek, smiling. “My darling husband.”
“I’m so lucky you picked me,” he whispered.
“And I’m keeping you. Forever and always.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, my beautiful countess.” Then he kissed her once again.
Epilogue
20 Years Later...
“Excellent hit,” Anthony called to their sixteen-year-old daughter, Christina. “Well done.”
She grinned saucily at her father then strolled to where she’d struck the croquet ball.
“Now Thomas will try to outdo her,” Phoebe chided. Even as she spoke, their son of eighteen years took aim at his ball.
“I do believe Christina gets her talent for croquet from you, Phoebe,” Amanda said.
The summer day was a fine one. They were celebrating Phoebe and Anthony’s twentieth wedding anniversary with a house party at their country estate. All four of their children were there, along with both Phoebe and Anthony’s families and several long-time friends.
“I have always appreciated your croquet skills,” Anthony said with a grin and a wiggle of his brow.
Phoebe laughed, remembering a certain afternoon long ago when Anthony had tossed her ball into the trees to gain them a few minutes alone. She was delighted that their marriage hadn’t changed his determination to kiss her whenever he had the chance. Oh, how she loved this man.
“What don’t I know?” Amanda asked with narrowed eyes.
“Nothing.” Phoebe dismissed the question with a wave of her hand. “Husbands.” She shook her head as she shared a look with her sister. “You know how they are.”
“How are we?” Amanda’s husband, Richard, raised a brow.
They all laughed, catching the attention of their children who continued to play croquet.
Amanda leaned close to Phoebe. “I think we can now laugh about the time you and Anthony were caught in the Garwood Conservatory. Do you remember that?”
“How could I forget?” Phoebe smiled at Anthony. “I was quite worried.”
“I wasn’t.” The tenderness in Anthony’s gaze squeezed Phoebe’s heart. “After all, you’d already proposed.”
“And you refused,” Phoebe reminded him. “Of course, I was worried. I thought you didn’t want me.”
Anthony shifted to take her hand in his. “I soon corrected your assumption.” He kissed her knuckles, his heated gaze suggesting he wished they could take this further.
How was it that one look from this man still had the power to bring forth such passion from her? “Yes, you did.”
“Thank goodness for the Mayfair Literary League and the For Better or Worse agenda,” he teased. “But I’ve always told you this was never a matter of convenience.”
“You’re right,” she agreed. “It’s a matter of love.”
“Always and forever.” Despite their interested audience, Anthony kissed her, earning a groan from their children.
Phoebe chuckled. “I hope one day they’ll find a love like ours.”
“If they’re lucky, they will,” he whispered against her lips. Then he kissed her again.
JOIN THE OTHER MEMBERS of The Mayfair Literary League as they pursue their own happily ever afters! Up next is Lady Tabitha Malton in A Pretend Betrothal.
A Pretend Betrothal, Book 2
Can she reclaim her childhood best friend AND convince him to love her?
Lady Tabitha Malton spends her days caring for her mother who feigns illness to keep Tibby at her side. Tibby can’t bring herself to protest until The Mayfair Literary League proposes a new agenda—perform a bold act to catch the notice of their secret crush.
Michael Shaw isn’t the same man who left England’s shores a decade ago to serve in the military, but his well-meaning mother doesn’t seem to understand. Her insistence that he take a wife is driving him mad. How can he consider marriage when he feels broken and battered inside?
A pretend betrothal might be the perfect solution for them both.
Tibby isn’t the same person either. She’s grown into a beautiful woman whose intelligence and grace intrigues him at every turn. A “pretend” kiss upends his world until he’s no longer certain what he wants with one exception—her.
Tibby knows she’s in over her head and has already lost her heart to the handsome captain. Will her bold move lead to love or heartache?
Buy A Pretend Betrothal today!
Other Books by Lana Williams
The Mayfair Literary League:
A Matter of Convenience, Book 1
A Pretend Betrothal, Book 2
A Mistaken Identity, Book 3
The Duke’s Lost Treasures:
Once Upon a Duke’s Wish, Book 1
A Kiss from the Marquess, Book 2
If Not for the Duke, Book 3
The Rogue Chronicles
Romancing the Rogue, Book 1
A Rogue’s Reputation, a Christmas Novella, Book 2
A Rogue No More, Book 3
A Rogue to the Rescue, Book 4
A Rogue and Some Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book 5
To Dare A Rogue, Book 6
A Rogue Meets His Match, Book 7
A Rogue’s Autumn Bride, Book 8
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss, Book 9
A Rogue’s Redemption, Book 10
A Match Made in the Highlands, a Novella
THE SEVEN CURSES OF London Series:
Trusting the Wolfe, a Novella, Book .5
Loving the Hawke, Book I
Charming the Scholar, Book II
Rescuing the Earl, Book III
Dancing Under the Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book IV
Tempting the Scoundrel, a Novella, Book V
Falling For the Viscount, Book VI
Daring the Duke, Book VII
Wishing Upon A Christmas Star, a Novella, Book VIII
Ruby’s Gamble, a Novella
Gambling for the Governess, Book IX
Redeeming the Lady, Book X
Enchanting the Duke, Book XI
The Secret Trilogy:
Unraveling Secrets, Book I - Kobo
Passionate Secrets, Book II - Kobo
Shattered Secrets, Book III - Kobo
Medieval Romances:
Falling for A Knight Series:
A Knight’s Christmas Wish, Novella, Book .5 - Kobo
A Knight’s Quest, Book 1 - Kobo (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Temptation, Book 2 - Kobo (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Captive, Book 3 - Kobo (Also available in Audio)
The Vengeance Trilogy:
A Vow To Keep, Book I - Kobo
A Knight’s Kiss, Novella, Book 1.5 - Kobo
Trust In Me, Book II - Kobo
Believe In Me, Book III - Kobo
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCES:
Yours for the Weekend, a Novella
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