Page 120 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“I heard you and Lord James speaking. So I have been a revenge plan all along,.”

“That is not true Joane. That was only at the beginning,” he said.

“I thought you told me I wasn’t one. You lied to me,” Joane said.

Hot tears streamed down her eyes and she beat William on his chest rapidly. William grabbed hold of her hands, calming her down.

There was a loud noise from outside, towards the house but William did not pay attention.

Joane isn’t either, she doesn’t care.

“Lord James just reminded me how simple things were when that was my only plan, Joane. But it isn’t anymore. Along the way, I fell in love with you and I was powerless to control it. You are more than just revenge to me,” he said.

Joane didn’t stop shaking her head. The two streamlets of tears met and pooled at her chin, dropping like fat from roast on spit into the crevice between her creamy bosoms. William couldn’t rip his eyes off the trail of the salty water.

“Is that why you want to fight my father so much? So you can have your vengeance in two ways, through heart and sword.”

William moved in front of her and bent down. She was still crying but she was looking at him, listening to him.

“I am not fighting your father anymore. That was what the Duke said while we were in his room, he told me not to fight. I love you, Joane, more than anything I have. And I know our love will overcome, one way or another,” he said.

Joane shook her head. Her gown rippled where her bosom shook. She wiped her hand on her face, removing the tears and pulling down her lower lip in the process. William was suddenly hot.

How does the colour, pink, have so much effect on me?”

“I love you too, William. I love you with everything I have in me. I was scared that you had just been using me as a pawn in your master plan. That was why I ran,” she said.

William could hear commotion faintly, a lot of shouting, but he disregarded it. He held Joane’s hands once more.

“Any where you go, I will find you,” he said.

He pulled her closer and joined his lips with hers. There was a sweet, salty taste on her lips. William put his hand around her and pulled her closer, crushing her body into his. Her bosom pressed against his chest, the softness caressing his skin even though the layers of clothing. William removed his mouth from hers and started kissing downwards. There was a brief halt when his face got in between her taut breasts. Joane pulled at William, wrapping one hand around his buttock. William drew her gown down, causing one eager breast to jump out into the cold air. William feasted on the nipple, sucking and twirling it between his lips. Joane moaned gently; her lips were tightly pursed. William returned his mouth back to her lips but stopped abruptly. He drew back from her.

“What is it?” Joane asked, her eyes showing her surprise at withdrawal.

“Can you hear it, the ruckus?” he answered.

“What ruckus?” Joane asked.

William put his fingers on his lips to signify silence. They both kept quiet. The shouting became more obvious.

“Blimey, that is from my house,” Joane said.

She dressed up quickly and ran out of the room. William followed her. Immediately they came out of the shed, the cause of the noise and screams was clear. The house was burning.

Chapter 25

Fire and Bravery

William followed Joane through the back of the shed. They couldn’t pass through the house since most of it was burning

“We can’t go through. The fire might be inside too from downstairs, it might not have gotten outside,” he told her.

She led him around the back to the courtyard. The heat was incredible. Huge red flames licked up wood and every other fabric William could see, sending thick fumes through the open windows. William looked around; most people seemed to have gotten out. Joane walked to the head steward with William in tow.

“How did this happen?” she asked.

The man had dark patches on his skin. His hair looked singed. There was a smoky smell, coming off the man.