Page 17 of The Marquess Seeks His Muse (The Four Horsemen Fall…In Love #1)

The Courtship and Other Things Begin

Martin left the McDonnell house with such a beatific feeling. He corrected himself. Theirs was not a house, it was a home. In spite of their woes coming from all sides, they could still find joy in each other’s company. Yes, he had the four horsemen. They shared much with each other, they supported each other, and they stood together during times of personal strife. Yet it was hardly the same as what he experienced in the McDonnell home earlier this evening. It gave him pause.

It was late, in spite of that, he was not tired, so he decided he would stop by Venus, to see if Lords Blackwood and Aubyn were in their favorite spot. “My lords, is it scotch time?” Martin knew how to get their attention.

“Indubitably. Sit down, young man. We will endeavor to commiserate.” Blackwood seemed to be in an uplifting state of mind. “You must solicit the bar wench alias masseuse.” He was most amused at his own description of her. Martin waved his hands.

The bar wench slinked over. She put her arms around Martin. “A bottle of scotch; you know the brand, and bring me a glass.”

“Are you sure that is all you want. I have a lot more than scotch to offer.” Again, she attempted to slide her hand down to his fall.

He took her hand as if it was something foul and tossed it to the side. “I have not one modicum of doubt that is all I wish.”

She gave him a loud, “humph.” And walked away.

“Martin, she wants you in the worst way.” Aubyn chuckled his words.

“I believe it would be the worst way.” Martin retorted.

Blackwood slammed his hands on the table. “We finally arranged to pay a visit to Lady McDonnell. She is still as beautiful as she ever was. Has not aged at all. I would love to know her secret.”

Martin thought. “Blackwood, perhaps it was a happy marriage.”

Blackwood leaned back into his chair with the worst grimace. “Martin, you cut me to the quick. I would be as old as Father Time if I had to wait for a happy marriage.” Martin and Aubyn laughed at his expense. “What causes you to laugh, you old fool. You have no marriage.” Blackwood leaned forward and slammed his hands on the table once again. “That shut his bloody mouth.”

Aubyn made no reply, only sneered at his friend and nemesis.

The bar wench returned with the bottle and extra glass. She reached around Martin to avail him of her ample bosom, placed the glass, then reached to pour. Again, he took her hand with his two fingers and pushed them away from him. “That will be all. And yes, I’m sure.”

“Martin, you may want to give it a try. Lord Fredrick swears by her.” Blackwood cackled.

“I will leave her to Fredrick.” He poured himself a glassful of amber, then passed the bottle to Blackwood. “So tell me more about your visit with Lady Claymont.”

“Nothing more than that we had a lovely time. She said not one word about their financial situation and a part of me wished that she had. I would be more than happy to help her. I am most sincere on this. What else do I have to do with all my money.” Aubyn was so genuine. “If I go see her again, soon, she may confide in me.”

“Lady McDonnell is too proud to receive assistance from a peer. She would wither in shame. No, we need to get that money from Trenchard. Why has that not happened yet?” Blackwood, demanding answers .

“He has disappeared.” Martin ran his hand through his hair.

“He what? How is that possible?” Blackwood voice boomed.

“I have no idea; he has disappeared. I had the pleasure to speak with Trenchmouth at the Seymour ball. Told him to be at his office promptly at nine o’clock the following morning or my man, Mr. Stewart would break down the door. Mr. Stewart went by there at nine o’clock, the door was unlocked and the office had been ransacked.” Martin took a sip of his scotch, staring into the glass. “He then went to Trenchard’s flat and it was in the same condition. If he has gone into hiding, it does not explain the reason for both his office and flat being destroyed.”

“This is a bit more of a complex puzzle than we first thought.” Blackwood slammed his hands on the table. “What is the next step in this maze?”

“Sounds as if you are stuck unless you can find this idiot of a solicitor. What else can you do?” Aubyn asked.

“I’m unsure of anything as of now. Until Mr. Stewart finishes his investigation, we are sitting idle.” Martin was frustrated with the turn of events. He felt there was nothing more to do than to protect the McDonnell family until which time Trenchmouth showed himself. He gave a soft chortle.

“What is funny?” Aubyn queried.

“Fredrick, ever the wit, has renamed Mr. Trenchard. His new name is Trenchmouth.” Blackwood slammed his hands on the table, threw his head back, and howled with laughter.

“It was funny, Stephen; not that funny. Please try to live up to your station.” Aubyn enjoyed castigating Blackwood.

“Oh, bugger off, James. You have lived alone too long.” And Blackwood howled again. Martin had to laugh at the banter between the two of them.

“And you never know. I may marry yet.” Aubyn announced rather stiffly.

“What???” Both Blackwood and Martin said in unison.

“Well, I’m thinking about it.” Aubyn sat up a bit higher in the seat and pulled down on his waistcoat. “Only thinking.”

“Who is it this time?” Blackwood teased. “Last time it was the widow woman that worked at Hatchard’s.”

“And she was a lovely woman. She had a terrible habit of clicking her teeth. Rather disgusting after a while.” He raised a finger. “Now, there is a lovely lady that shops at Richard’s Circulating Library, every Wednesday and Friday.”

Martin smiled at Aubyn, trying to hold back a laugh. “I wish you well in your pursuit. I think I will be going. Much to do on the morrow. Business never stops, does it?” Martin stood, shot his cuffs, then noticed Crumb raising to stand from the table behind them. Crumb had his back to them so Martin and his cronies had not noticed his presence.

“Martin, my friend. I hear you are vying for the lovely Lady Muriel. I find her rather fetching myself.” He gave Martin a sarcastic look. “And what is this about Mr. Trenchard. I know the man. If you need any help with that, feel free to solicit my assistance. I may even be willing to help.”

“You stay away from Lady Muriel. You are not good enough to clean her shoes. Stay away. Do you understand me?” Martin grabbed his lapel.

“Certainly. You must consider her as you did the public road. But Martin, not everything belongs to you.”

“And you can mind your own business. How dare you rudely listen to our private conversations?

“You crawl back into the hole you came out of, Crumb.” Aubyn was unusually irked.

“You tell him, Aubyn. The man is no gentleman. His name fits his behavior.” Blackwood never did have anything to do with the heathen.

Martin pushed Crumb away from the table. “Keep your stench away from decent gentlemen, Crumb.” He turned to Blackwood and Aubyn. “My lords, I hope you can enjoy the rest of your evening.”

The courtship between Martin and Muriel continued with trips to the opera, accompanied by Muriel’s mother. Trips through the park, accompanied by Mama, many restaurant dinners, accompanied by Mama, almost everything they did, accompanied by Mama. On occasion, Mr. Davis would escort Mama. When Mr. Davis accompanied them, it was easier to sneak a kiss. Even when Lady McDonnell chaperoned without her escort, she was cognizant that Muriel and Martin should have a small amount of time together without her in attendance. Never long enough.

Christmas and New Year’s had come and gone. Martin had been more than generous for Christmas. He had wonderful gifts for everyone in the family. Curtis was home and he had a chance to get to know Martin. Curtis decidedly enjoyed Martin’s company. Martin had Curtis join him with one or two of the four horsemen when he went to A ngelo’s Fencing Academy or Jackson’s Pugilistic School. Martin included Curtis, giving Curtis the feeling of being ‘one of the boys,’

There was a ball for New Year’s but Martin and Mama had talked about inviting a few friends over, playing music, dancing in the music room, having hors d’oeuvres and champagne, celebrating the new year, toasting all around, then having a nice buffet before everyone wandered home. Mother invited the Maxwell’s, so David and Margaret came. Muriel convinced Mama to invite the Green’s. He graciously declined, but Helen came. Martin thought it would be nice to invite Frank Stewart, Lords Blackwood and Aubyn, Dr. Haynie and his wife, Carla. Lords Windham, Addams, and Herbert stopped by and all but John Herbert danced a few dances with the ladies. It was lively. Everyone sang and danced, drank champagne, made toasts to everything and everyone, and everyone kissed everyone at midnight. Martin told Fred and John that Blackwood had a cockstand when he kissed Lady McDonnell, Muriel’s mother. Everything was wonderful. But at midnight, Martin said everything, but. “I love you.”

When Muriel attended the ball, they would travel in Martin’s coach, accompanied by either Mama or Lady Maxwell, Lady Margaret, and Lady Helen. Martin never complained. In fact, more often than not, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying himself. Every time they met, Martin had a rose, a book, a perfume blend that had the scent of sugar, gloves, a bonnet, whatever he fancied that was socially acceptable was bought and brought as a gift. He continued to implore her to marry him. He continued to tell her his amatory feelings were taking over his sangfroid. He was respectful, caring, sensitive to her needs, omitting overtures of love or the deepest of affection. The more time they spent together, the more difficult it was for her to sever the relationship. The most important thing she wanted from Martin was the one thing he seemed to be unable to give her, and she would not settle for less.

Six weeks had flown by. A mutual decision resulted with the outside guards and footmen being pulled. Martin had insisted on keeping one guardsman to travel with them, however, Lady McDonnell insisted it was too costly. Martin had already spent too much on their protection. They had seen nothing of the scruffy oaf. No one had seen or heard from Mr. Trenchmouth. Mr. Stewart assumed that he may have left the country. Perhaps having created a ruse with his ransacked office and flat. Martin had a feeling that was not the case, though without proof, any conjecture was as likely as the next .

The Benefactor continued to send gifts. More clothes for Rosa and Muriel. Now the gifts had extended to Amina and Mama. New dresses, a new gown for Mama, and bonnets for Amina and Rosa. The gifts were no longer limited to clothing. Now they were receiving staples; flour, sugar, cream, bread, beef, venison, and fowl. Every week or two, the Benefactor bestowed the family with gifts. Not knowing where to send the ‘thank-you’ letters, Muriel insisted they should continue to give them to Miss Christopher. She would be able to redirect them. With each note Muriel wrote, she invited the Benefactor to please come to their home to introduce himself, themselves, or herself, although all in the house decided that it had to be a male. It felt as a holiday every time the gifts arrived.

Muriel was pleased with the continuation of gifts, even more so with the decision she had made. “Muriel, you don’t have to do this. Give him a bit more time. Men are peculiar creatures. If you recall, he told you he had never seen a loving relationship. His parents were not a happy couple. I suppose he worries about that.” Rosa was trying to talk her out of her decision. She could see it. They loved each other. “Perhaps he is incapable of recognizing it.”

“No, I think not. It hardly matters at this point. He would have at least hinted of a deep affection by now. All he tells me is that he wants me to marry him and that he desires me; oh, yes, and that he likes me a lot. That may be enough for some women, but I saw Mama and Papa. I want that. If I can’t have that kind of marriage, I want no marriage.” She had tears as she spoke in her bedchamber with Rosa sitting next to her on the bed. “You and I can become ole maids together. With any luck at all, we will, at long last, have our inheritance and will be able to live comfortably. We will all move back to Willow Bend, we will care for Mama and Amina, then Curtis will take care of us until we end our days and go the way of your papa, mine, Mama, and Amina. Then we will be a family again.” She teared through her little soliloquy.

Rosa held her hand. “Muriel, it does not have to be that way. You love him. I know you do. And he loves you. I can tell. You must talk to him. Please.”

“Rosa, I appreciate your advice. I have tried. I have. If it goes on any longer, the ton will practically demand a marriage. Then he would be trapped forever in a loveless marriage. I could not suffer that.” Rosa wiped the tears off Muriel’s face, handed her a kerchief, and sat with her while she watched Muriel’s wheels turning. “What shall I do? Write him a letter? Yes, I think that would be the best way.”

“And writing a letter would be much easier than telling him. Looking him in the face. It seems to me, if you were adamant about ending this relationship, you would not fear facing him. I would ponder that before you do anything.” She squeezed Muriel’s hand. “Promise me you will think over this, thoroughly first.”

“I will. I promise.” Rosa lifted herself off the bed, turned to Muriel and kissed her on the cheek.

As she walked toward the dressing area that separated their bedchambers, Muriel called out to her. “Rosa.”

“Yes, my dear sister.”

“If I wanted to go home, to Willow Bend, would you come with me? Please?”

“Yes, I would. It would be a good place to think about things, would it not?”

“Yes. I think that is what I need to do.”

“Sleep on it, Muriel. Whatever you decide, I will agree to.” Rosa blew out the taper she was holding. “Good night, Sis.”

“Good night, Sis.”

The next morning, Muriel continued to lecture herself on her stance regarding the lovely, handsome, caring, romantic Martin. How am I going to do this? I know in my aching heart that I love him. If he loves me not, how can I possibly continue this...charade? Maybe, if I tell him I can’t see him any longer, he will pour out his heart?? I have to be prepared that won’t happen. And strive to move on.

Today, she was resolved to tell him. They had planned to attend the big Valentine Day’s dance being held at the townhouse of Lord and Lady Williams. This would be another ball that every member of the ton traditionally attended. The custom was for couples to exchange handmade cards with handwritten verses. Muriel had not made one for Martin. She wondered if he would make one for her. That might be what solidified her decision. As Rosa picked out her gown and began on her hair. A thousand times, she volleyed between yearning to cleave to him and the determination that tonight would be the last for them. What would it matter that Martin did not love her? He was wonderful to her. He had an intuit regarding her every need. He had ingratiated himself into her entire family. She would never want for anything. Anything apart from his love. She finally came to the realization that it would be better to anguish over the loss of him now then to suffer the constant pain of living year after year after year with a man that would never love her.

It was a few minutes before nine o’clock. There was a knock at the door and Muriel knew it was Martin. Rosa went to the door. Muriel heard Rosa’s voice. She sounded delighted and wondered what sweet, generous thing he had tonight. She walked down the stairs and he stood at the bottom, looking at her as if she was the brightest star in the heavens. How could she not love him. He had one hand behind his back. She knew there was something in his hand. She stayed on the last step and he took her hand with his and kissed her, lightly, affectionately, meaningfully. And she had that sensation that started in her stomach, went to her head, then back again. It was almost like a swoon without the collapse. As they separated he brought his hand forward and had a large paper heart with writing in the center. ‘To the most beautiful lady in the universe. And she is all mine. OXOX’. “You made this yourself?”

“Yes, for you, my sweet.” He was swinging her arm with his as if they were children. “I brought something else for each of you ladies.” He walked her into the drawing room and saw four boxes with, Parmentier’s she maintains that tiny waist.” Rosa snarled at her. “I look at chocolate and the weight goes on.” Martin looked at her with a slight chuckle.

“Rosa, you look very good. And I have not noticed anything regarding your person, if I may be at liberty to say.” And Martin meant it.

“I appreciate your words; it is a shame they do nothing to take the weight off these hips.” Rosa took her hands and gave a pat to both sides of her hips.

“You are too hard on yourself, Rosa. Lord Claymont, she has always been that way. I tell her time and again how lovely she is; all I get in response is a ‘humph,’.” Muriel would only ever see Rosa as the most beautiful lady she was privileged to call her sister.

Before they could continue their conversation, Lady McDonnell came down the stairs. “Are we ready to go?”

“Mama, Lord Claymont has a Valentine’s day gift for you.” Muriel smiled up at Martin. He took her hand and brought it to his lips. Mama picked up her box.

“Oh, my goodness!” She looked at the name on the wrap. “ Parmentier’s. “ Lord Claymont, you spoil us.”

“Good. That is my goal. I’m happy that confections were such a hit.” He looked over at Rosa. “Now, you make sure Mrs. Morgan receives her box. No sneaking pieces.” He pointed at her with a stern face. Rosa gave Martin a firm ‘pshaw’.

As they rode to the ball, Martin and Lady McDonnell talked about her visit with Lords Blackwood and Aubyn. “I failed to recall how short Lord Aubyn was, and poor thing is losing his hair, even so, he continues to be the sweetest man.”

“I saw him some time ago and he stated that he was thinking about getting married. He refused to provide a name.”

‘Well, he should. And Lord Blackwood has remained such a handsome man.”

“He is not that old either. Under forty. And he is a very handsome and distinguished looking gentlemen of the peerage. Well respected.” Martin held Blackwood in high esteem.

“Did he tell you that he came to Willow Bend several times and enjoyed himself. He is most unhappy. He has been for some time. It is a loveless marriage. Pitiable. He is smart, witty, and handsome. I met his wife several times as Blackwood and my husband were friends. She was…well, let me say, if you had to pick her or a cobra, you would immediately pick the cobra.” Lady McDonnell put her hand to cover her mouth and giggled.

“He has said disparaging things about her that I thought were exaggerated. Evidently, he spoke the truth. Poor Blackwood.” Martin was hardly surprised by Lady McDonnell’s additional information.

“He also intimated, not that he was divorcing, although I would never be surprised if that took place; he intimated that he was seriously thinking of pursuing a woman. He admitted that he cared for a lady and hoped she would accept his proposal to live together as husband and wife in all other aspects save for marriage.”

“I’m not at all surprised. He has a lot to give.” She leaned forward waving her hand. “Please don’t misinterpret my words. By my statement, ‘he has a lot to give,’ I meant his heart and soul. A very good man.”

They had arrived. Lady McDonnell quickly found her bosom bows. As friends were wont to do; her bosom bows saved her a seat. “You two go and enjoy yourselves.” She smiled at Martin giving him a squeeze of his hand as she reached for it for a mere moment.

“Shall we find the champagne? I would love to get a bottle, two glasses, and find a spot to share the bottle and each other. Does that sound like something you would be interested in?” He smiled down at her. He always had that wanton look in his eyes. It caused a throbbing between her legs.

“Yes, that sounds like a better plan than fighting this crowd to dance and wander the perimeter.”

“We will go together. I have yet to trust anyone with my angel. Someone is always attempting to snatch you away. I don’t like that.” He had her hand, and they began to walk through the crowd to get to the beverages.

“Are you jealous, Martin?” She gave him a coy look.

“I most certainly am. And possessive. Remember that.” He returned her look with passion in his eyes. Looking at those ebony eyes, she felt as if he was penetrating her. She had the most erotic thoughts and the longer they were together, the stronger her desires were for him. She wanted him and he had repeated to her many times from the first night they were together that he wanted her.

Martin pulled money out of his waistcoat, handed it to the footman working the bar, and the footman handed him a whole bottle of champagne and two glasses. “I think we should go up the back stairs and find a room to sit without people constantly running into us.” Martin was already heading toward the backstairs before she had a chance to respond. Even so, that is what she wished to do as well. She hoped tonight he would confess his feelings to her. It being Valentine’s seemed like the perfect milieu.

As they walked down the hall, Martin stopped to check for an unlocked door. Toward the very back was the unlocked door they had been searching for. He opened the door. Whispered to her. “Wait here. Let me see if anyone else is in here.” He disappeared into the room with the champagne bottle and glasses. Muriel kept looking down the hall for intruders. Martin pushed the door open. “It is for us, alone.”

She came into the room and looked around as Martin locked the door. It looked to be a cozy little reading room. A large divan that looked as if it was intentionally purchased with two people in mind.

On the opposite wall, there were two comfortable looking chairs with ottomans and a side table with a lamp between the two chairs. And there was one wall with books. That practically took up all the room. It was comfortable.

They sat down on the divan and Martin poured champagne into the glasses. “No flutes. I really have no appreciation for them anyway. These glasses hold much more and you can get your nose in the glass.”

“More bubbles to tickle your nose.” She was already giddy with anticipation.

Martin held out his glass. “To us.” She raised her glass, they clinked, they took a large sip, then Martin looked around. “We need a low table.” He looked around the little room and noticed an empty plant stand by the window. “This is perfect.” He brought it over, put his drink and the bottle down. “Give me your glass.” She handed it over easily. He put one hand around her waist and the other around the nape of her neck. “Kiss me, Muriel.”

“Gladly.” She put her arms around his neck and they could both feel the desire pulsing between them. The kiss was desperate, passionate, wanting. “Martin, I want that feeling again. Please.” He seemed to know what she meant.

“I want you with a fierceness I have never experienced. I dream of you. You haunt my days. You do that to me, you little spectre. I know it is you.” He kissed her again, running his tongue along her lips and she opened to him. This time she knew what to do. As their tongues craved each other. He took hers and sucked it. She moaned. He reached the back of her dress and began to unbutton it to have access to her generous, beautiful breasts. She encouraged him as he pulled the top off her shoulders and down around her waist. “My God. They are perfect. The most beautiful I have ever seen.” The room was absent from all the chatter downstairs, but a faint sound of the music floated up to the second floor. He thought it was perfect. He would not take her here. He craved her like an addict craving laudanum. He could give her pleasure. He wasted no time. He caressed one nipple, softly, with his finger as he brought his mouth down on the other. He traced his tongue around the nipple, began to suckle as he moaned, then took more of her breast into his mouth. He had to look at her. He wanted to see her face as he teased her, building her need for him. He pinched and twisted the nipple of a breast and she arched into him. Those blue eyes had darkened to almost a royal blue. “Muriel, I want you. I have wanted you since the first moment I saw you.” He moved back up and kissed her neck, then the whorl of her ear. She shrugged and moaned. He continued to build her desire. She pulled him to her and he feasted on her mouth. They were both mad with passion. Martin slid down to her bosoms again. “They deserve equal time.” As he was suckling her, he was pulling her dress up. He had it up to her thighs when he moved his hand down to the treasure of his desire. “God, Muriel, you are so wet for me –all for me.” He slid down, nipped her waist, continued down until he was on his knees on the floor. He felt possessed; bewitched. Whatever it was, he was driven to have her. Without asking, he pulled her down to him. He was uncontrollable with such a sexual hunger. “Muriel, I’m going to eat you and suck your pearl, slide my fingers inside you until you come on my tongue, come on my face, come on my hand, come on my fingers. I want you to call out my name when you come. You belong to me. Say it.”

“I am yours. I am all yours. I…I – what are you going to – I –oooh, my God, Martin. Please.”

“I will, my sweet. I will.” He began to lick over her pearl then suck it. He put his entire mouth over her clitoris and licked and sucked and licked and sucked. He could feel her begin to tense. He knew she was ready to come. A few more strokes and she began to pulsate.

“Oh, Mar-tin. God.” Her orgasm was long and intense.

“I’m not done yet, my sweet.” He put a finger inside her. “Your cunny is so wet and tight.” The crassness of his words were so erotic. It renewed the throbbing between her legs.

“Please, Martin. Make me come again. Please.”

“I will, my sweet. I want to drive you mad.” He put his thumb on her engorged pearl and a finger inside her and began a rhythmic movement with his finger. “You will always and forever only want me.”

“Yes, Martin. Please.” Then he inserted a second finger. “Oh, God.” She moaned at him. He took one of his inserted fingers and bent it slightly to stroke the front wall of her wet cunny as he continued to stroke her clitoris with his mouth. Suddenly, Martin could feel her cunny clamp down on his fingers and he knew she was going to come again. A few more strokes and her orgasm was intense. She was convulsing. Her head rolled back. She was unable to speak. Martin walked back up her body and kissed her hard, wanting. He kissed so tensely. As if he was wanting to devour her.

“Is that me I taste?”

“Yes, it is. It tastes delicious. It tastes like you. I love it.” “Martin, please. I want you. Please.”

“Muriel, I want to wait. I don’t want to hurt you. This is not the place.”

“Please, Martin.”

“Muriel, we can’t. You will bleed all over this divan. That would not be good at all. I only wanted to please you. The peers would talk if they found blood on this.” Patting the divan .

“I want to pleasure you then. Please let me do that. Please, Martin. I want to make you come.”

“Oh, God, Muriel.” He was on top of her, looking into her eyes. “Your eyes change colors, Muriel. Now they look a cerulean blue. So beautiful.”

“Let me, Martin.” She pushed him to his side, slide down, and began to unbutton his fall. “Martin, I fear your thing won’t fit anyway.” God, he thought, he wished it was not quite so large. He did not want be the object or rather, ‘it’ to be the object of conversation. He decided to relent. He wanted her so badly, he thought he would not take long for him to spend. She sat up on one elbow and she unbuttoned the last two buttons. His cock was big, strong, and erect. “My God, Martin.” She took it in her hand and began to lick the tip. He moaned. She knew she was supposed to put it in her mouth. How could she. It was much too large to do that. She opened her mouth like she was putting a whole scoop of ice in her mouth. It tasted salty. It was easy as she sucked on it.

“Sweet, please get up here or I am going to spend in your mouth.”

She began to stroke it as she moved back up to him. “Am I doing it right?”

“Oh, yes, my sweet. Must you be so wonderfully good at everything?” She bent over his beautiful face and kissed him. He grabbed her by the back of her head and licked her lips, sucked on them, then covered her mouth with his and pressed his tongue into her warm mouth. It felt like a cunny. He kept thinking of her pussy and began to move his pelvis. He moaned into her mouth. She started moving her hand faster, up and down the large, long shaft. She heard him saying into her mouth, “Oh, God–Muriel, God.” His cock was gyrating. His come went flying into the air. It was a big, long stream. He pulled her hand off his cock. “You can let go of it now. It is almost painful.”

“I’m sorry. It was no good?” She looked at him. He opened his eyes and looked at her in wonder. “I was no good?” She asked him again.

“Oh, my God, my sweet. It could not be any better. I have died and gone to heaven.” He gave out a bit of a laugh. “That makes sense. I’m lying here with an angel. My sweet, you can do that any time you want.” Muriel touched his face and smiled at him so lovingly.

“We had better get up and get dressed. Mama may be searching for us.” He nodded, He swung his legs off the divan, then stood and assisted Muriel up.

“We have to get you dressed. I will fix the tresses that are not to be hanging. Worry not, my sweet. I can do it.” He kissed her on the nose. “Turn around.” She turned and her back was too tempting to ignore. He kissed her around her neck and down. She moaned. God, he thought, she is the most passionate woman he has ever been with. It meant much more because this was all new to her. She was passionate for him.

“Martin, we need to go back downstairs. Please button me up or I will drag you back over to the divan.” He quickly had her buttoned. Turned her around and did a few things to get her hair back into place.

“You look beautiful.”

“Martin, what about your…you know…on the rug.”

Martin laughed. “It will dry.” He shrugged.

They left the room, sneaked down the back stairs then down the hall. “If your mother asks where we have been, we were on the terrace. If she says she looked, we went into a room and were talking with some friends of mine. Alright, my sweet?”

“Yes, good plan. Martin.”

She looked up at him. “I loved that. It was wonderful.”

He flicked her chin. “I thought so, too, my sweet.” He could still smell her pussy on his face. That would continue to keep him hard if he did not begin to think of other things. He led her over to her mother.

“Have you two been enjoying yourselves? I have not seen you dancing.” They were safe. Lady McDonnell would have had a completely different demeanor if she had suspected they had been doing anything close to what they had really done.

“The dance floor is too crowded. I did not want Lady Muriel getting knocked around out there.”

“Mama, are you ready to go? I’m suddenly tired. It would be nice to leave now. What do you think?”

“I’m a bit tired myself. Sitting gets dull after a while. I think this was about long enough. Yes, we can leave.” Martin held his hand out for her as she stood. “Thank you, Martin. You are a good boy.” Muriel rolled her eyes. Martin is gigantic and she calls him a boy.

The coach pulled up, the footman got Mama and Muriel in, then Martin entered and sat down next to Muriel. “I had a wonderful time.” Martin looked down at Muriel as he said that. She smiled back at him. She loved him.

When they made it to the McDonnell townhouse. The coachman assisted them out and Martin walked the two ladies to the door. “Would you like to come in for tea or coffee?” Lady McDonnell was inviting him in.

“No, my lady. I need to get home.”

“Well, I will leave you two alone for only a few minutes; to say good-night.”

“Good night, Lady McDonnell.” She stepped through the door, turned around and winked at Martin.

“Well, my sweet, I need to go. I need to go out of Town for a few days. I held that back until after the ball because I did not want to ruin the night. I will be back as soon as I can. It is business.”

“I understand. You have many businesses to run. Go and be safe.” Muriel thought this was a sign.

“I will miss you, my sweet. Kiss me.” He actually picked her up to kiss her. She wondered if she was going to be able to do this. Yes, she had to.