Page 71 of Forever Her Bachelor

Burrowing his hand into the seat, his fingertips met crumbled parchment. Releasing a quick exhale, he pulled out the paper, his heart thundering loudly.

The sound of the paper unraveling pierced his ears, and his hands shook so much that he could hardly read the parchment.

St. Clara sat and stared at the words for what seemed like hours to him, but in the end, he had finally found what he was looking for.

Maggie Fitzpatrick. Two thousand pounds

Pippa walked around the large domed orangery, allowing the tangy smell of citrus to fill her senses. It was rich, and she wanted nothing more than to add the many ingredients that she discovered to her growing business.

Large paned windows surrounded the square building, and an open roof allowed the sunlight to enter, casting a light-orange glow. It was covered in plants of all varieties and filled with rows of orange trees. A small cluster of pineapples grew in pots, and Pippa bent down to touch one. She bounced happily, a smile pressing against her lips.

She stood and walked to the far side of the orangery. The view of the castle was glorious. The lush green grounds complimented the centuries-old structure. Pippa had loved it from the moment they arrived.

After spending two hours touring the grounds, she knew with all her heart that Archer Castle was meant to be her home.

As she twirled like a child who couldn’t hide her excitement, her gaze roamed the vast space, the fresh scent of plants filling her senses. Seeing an empty space in the corner, she ran to it, imagining it as the perfect place for her laboratory. Pippa could see herself spending the winter months making her scents, preparing for the Season.

Although she loved her laboratory at her aunt’s, she could admit that it was nothing but a shack. Having a space that she could call her own had always been a dream of hers. A dream she thought was lost after she lost Chauncey. Now, Pippa found herself suddenly planning for a future with her husband.

A sigh left her as she noted all the possibilities. There was a small part of her that knew she needed to return to London as there was work to be done, and she needed to get back to her aunt to face the repercussions of her elopement. However, Pippa loved everything about the old castle. It was beautiful and warm and felt like the home she longed to have.

After spending a few hours in the presence of the over-eager housekeeper, who had not had a duchess in over twenty years, Pippa only fell more in love with the old castle. They toured the east wing, the family wing, the duchess’s rooms, the day nursery, the night nursery, and the kitchens.

The kitchens had become Newton’s home after he found an abundant number of mice to occupy his time. Mrs. Morris had insisted that the willing Newt be positioned in there. Apparently the castle had a slight mouse problem, and there hadn’t been a cat for years. Pippa spied a very happy Newt standing guard outside a small hole in the wall like he was a member of the royal court.

Each room Pippa toured with Mrs. Morris gave her a sense of belonging, like she had finally found a home. It was the same sentiment she’d often felt with Chauncey when they were younger. One of acceptance and comfort, like she was no longer alone.

Pippa hadn’t had a home since her parents’ deaths. Although her aunt was always kind and accepting, her uncle and cousins had treated her like an outsider. However, at Archer Castle, Pippa was at ease.

The old housekeeper had kept Pippa so busy that she had no time to dwell on her own life. The argument she’d had with Chauncey and the discovery of the late duke’s nefarious actions were all difficult for her to process.

She wasn’t prepared for the anger and pain of learning that Chauncey was not the father of Maggie’s child. If only she had not believed the lies and deceit. She had been foolish and weak, and a part of her mourned the life she could’ve had.

Chauncey’s reaction to discovering Pippa had believed the lies that were presented to her broke her heart. They had lost years of being together, of being happy. A part of her was afraid to hope for happiness; she had not dared to hope before, and losing him had crushed her completely.

Standing in front of a small orange tree in the center of the space where her laboratory would go, Pippa took a small round fruit in her hand and rubbed her thumb over the rough orange skin. She couldn’t leave her husband after they were married a year. It had only been days, and Pippa wanted to spend the rest of her life in his arms because now, as a grown woman, she could finally recognize the emotion that had always existed between them.

“There you are.” Chauncey walked into the orangery, holding a crumbled piece of paper in his hand.

Pippa pivoted, her gaze traveling the length of his long, sinewy body. He was only wearing a waistcoat and a neck stocking, his shirtsleeves rolled up to reveal muscled forearms. He strolled through the plants, rendering her speechless by the sight of him. Licking her dry lips, she clenched her thighs together, trying to combat the memories from the morning away.

It was rather difficult not to think of their earlier activities now that he was in front of her. Strong, potent, and all male, she couldn’t stop replaying the images of him pleasing her,controlling her with his hard body. Pippa was suddenly hot all over, and though they should probably discuss more pressing issues, she had to admit she wanted him again.

“I searched the carriage and found what I was looking for. Then I spent the rest of the day speaking with the steward who felt the need to catch me up on the past twenty years.” Once he reached her, Chauncey set the papers down on the table before he wrapped his free arm around her waist, pulling her to his chest. “How was your day?” he asked, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose.

Pippa inhaled his scent, her stomach swirling madly like potassium in water. Releasing his hand, she ran her fingers through his hair, letting out a small smile when he groaned in pleasure.

What was he doing to her?

“Kitten, are you well?” He pressed his hand to her cheek, gently stroking her skin.

It felt phenomenal, and she wanted more. She wanted him everywhere. “Y-yes, I am quite well.” She squeezed his hand, removing it from her cheek but not releasing him.

“Why are you flushed?” Chauncey asked, his eyes roaming her person.

Pippa placed her hands around his neck, needing to be closer to him. There was one part of her that wanted him forever, and the other part was still that heartbroken little girl.

Pressing her lips to his, Pippa captured his mouth. There was only one thought in her mind as she plundered him thoroughly.