A Bride by Arrangement (The Bride Series Book 2) Read online

  Her eyes glued to his member, she said, “Husband, I don’t believe we should try to…”

  Darren cut her off by placing a hot, scalding kiss against her lips. She could feel the desire burning in him and she knew that he was holding himself back. Picking her up, he placed her onto the bed. Coming down next to her, he kissed her deeply and passionately, caressing her everywhere. Her body loved his touch and she arched to meet him, gasping in delight as he caressed her.

  Darren moved between her thighs and slowly entered her, pushing forward until he was completely inside of her tight heat. Holding himself still, he looked down at her flushed face.

  “Justine, love. Tell me, do you feel any pain?” he asked.

  She shook her head at him, mindless to anything but the feel of him inside of her. “No, husband, I don’t feel any pain. But you must move now.”

  Breathing deeply, he chuckled and said, “Alright. If you insist.”

  Darren withdrew from her and thrust deeply inside of her. Justine wrapped herself around him and he let go of the control that he had been hanging onto. He thrust into her again and again, rocking her with the force of his thrusts. Justine chanted his name, encouraging him as he continued to drive her toward yet another climax. He brought his hand down to caress her pulsing core and within seconds she climaxed again. His own release tore through him as he shouted into her mouth and gave her his seed. Her inner walls milked every last drop from him.

  Rolling off of her, Darren pulled her hard against him. Justine lay on his chest, trying to catch her breath. She felt drained, but splendidly glorious.

  Just then, a knock came at the door. Darren kissed her forehead and said, “Wait here while I see to the meal.” He got out of the bed and put on his trousers and shirt. Going out into the hallway, he accepted the tray of food and brought it back inside the room.

  Darren picked up the package that had been discarded onto the floor during their lovemaking. Placing it on the bed, he said, “Here are some clothes for you. You will find a dressing gown inside.” He turned back to see about preparing breakfast for them.

  Justine untied the twine that was binding the brown paper wrapped package. Opening it from the top, she was delighted to find that the first thing on top was a beautiful, silky white dressing robe. Glad that Darren still had his back to her, she dropped the sheet that she was holding against her chest, and put on the robe.

  She had just finished tying the belt around her waist when Darren turned around. Surveying her, he smiled with male appreciation. He held out his arm to gesture to the small table. “Your dinner awaits, madam.”

  Justine moved forward and said, “Thank you for my clothing, husband. I am most grateful.”

  Darren smiled. “You are most welcome, love. They suit you well.”

  Justine’s face warmed at his compliment. He had called her “love” many times before. However, now that they were all alone in close proximity, she suddenly felt shy.

  To compensate for the awkwardness that she was suddenly feeling, she said, “I know that our journey was supposed to be to the coastline, but our current accommodations are quite lovely, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Darren laughed out loud. “Oh, yes,” he said, his brilliant green eyes sparkling at her. “If you don’t count the traumatic ordeal of kidnapping and a perilous rescue by the riverside, I do suppose that it has been a divine change of plans.”

  Seeing the humor of the situation, Justine laughed as well. “I do not believe I ever could have planned for an abduction by an uncouth band of men,” she said.

  “How does one plan for an abduction, I wonder?”

  Justine shook her head and said, “By avoiding it at all costs.”

  He nodded. “She does so by staying close to husband. Had we stuck to our original arrangements, I would have been well prepared to deal with any danger. Those fools had gotten lucky. If I had my pistol on me, they would not have succeeded in taking you.”

  Justine could not argue with him. Darren had proven to be a very capable man. She knew, if she stayed with him, no harm would come to her. She could clearly see the difference between her parent’s own rigid interactions, and the warm, companionable relationship that she was developing with her husband. Justine had no doubt that he could take care of her every need. She no longer harbored thoughts of leaving for her aunt’s home.

  Justine was determined to try her best to be a good wife to him. Darren delighted her in ways that she never expected possible. He was being a good husband to her. She would support him and her every effort would be based on doing what would be good for their marriage.

  “I agree, husband. It’s by your side that I will stay, from now on.”

  Darren nodded at her. “See that you do. Your safety and wellbeing is a top priority to me.”

  She had already known of his deep regard for her based on his actions. By saying the words aloud, he had warmed her very soul. “I promise that I will.” Sighing deeply now, she said, “I wonder how my papa will react when he hears of our endeavors.”

  Darren chuckled, knowing that the honorable General would have sent the entire military crashing down on them by now, if he had heard of today’s events. “He will never hear of it,” Darren said.

  Confused, Justine asked, “But you know how gossip spreads so rapidly. Surely, news of the heroic rescue made by the Duke’s has made its way out of town by now.”

  Darren grinned, and said, “They do not know me as ‘Darren Wellington’, here,” he said. “To the townsfolk, I am known as Sir Nightingale and you are known as Lady Nightingale, the woman who dressed as a man to travel safely on her own.”

  Justine’s face reddened, charming him greatly. “Oh! I had forgotten that I had secured this room with a false name. Oh, husband, how foolish they must think of me! Especially since I was taken in my costume, anyway.”

  Darren shook his head. “The townsfolk are in a forgiving mood, now that we have rid them of their immediate worry.”

  Justine was thankful for that. She certainly did not want to deal with the wrath of her father after their earlier ordeal. Thankful to be avoiding a scene, she folded her hands over her waist contentedly, and said, “Now, what are we to do with the rest of our time?”

  Darren smiled suggestively at her and wagged his eyebrows. “I do believe I have some ideas that will keep us occupied.”

  Justine laughed and rose from her chair. Backing away from the table, she said, “You’ve already had me once this evening, husband.”

  “I find that I must have you again.” He rose and started to pursue her.

  Justine laughed as she tried to evade him. She didn’t get very far.

  Chapter 9

  Darren and Justine strolled down the main street in town, enjoying their walk. People smiled and waved at them as they made their way through the center of the pretty town. After a night of passionate lovemaking, they had woken up starving. They had washed, dressed, and dined on a delicious breakfast of eggs, toast, and ham in the dining hall of the inn.

  Darren felt pride as he looked down at his new wife. The pretty lavender dress she was wearing added to the loveliness of her beautiful features. He had requested this color to the innkeeper’s wife the day before, when she had paid a visit to the boutique on his behalf. It was the color that he had first seen Justine wearing. He still found her to be highly enchanting. Darren had known from the first time he saw her that she was special. Since that time, he had grown to care for her a great deal.

  While he did want to develop an intimate relationship with his wife, Darren knew that he had to remain focused on his work at Campbell-Wellington Industries. Thankful that he had an income and now a manor to maintain, he would take every step necessary to ensure that his home was not taken away from him again. Darren shuddered as the thought back to that night on his home in the Americas.

  Having felt his shudder, Justine asked, “What is it, husband?”

  He broke from h
is thoughts to gaze down at her, “Just an old memory coming back to haunt me, love.”

  She squeezed his arm. “You can tell me your memory, if you like,” she said. “It is my duty as your wife to help you work through all of your troubles.”

  Darren chuckled at her enthusiasm. He was pleased that she was now taking an interest in his life. He supposed he should tell her about the raid. She was bound to find out sooner, or later.

  “On the night that we met, I had only just returned from the Americas,” he said.

  Justine nodded. “Did you not like it there?”

  Darren shrugged. “What I liked was the possibility of making my own way. With some help, I built my own cabin, barn, and farm. I plowed the fields and planted seeds. I hired farm hands who lived in the area. It was a nice life.” Looking down, he said, “It is also a country that is recovering from war, and in many ways, is still at war. I had known the dangers. The local government, the soldiers, the Natives. However, the opportunity that I might make it through called to me.” He paused.

  Justine patted his arm reassuringly. “I don’t blame you for following your calling.”

  He nodded. “It was a great adventure in a beautiful territory. The sense of freedom that I experienced was like nothing that I had ever known. Until one night, after we had all retired for the evening, we were attacked by a group of savages that had been watching the farm. I managed to escape to the woods, hidden by the smoke from my burning cabin. Unable to stop them, I watched as they destroyed everything I had work to build and they took everything else with them.”

  “Oh, Darren!” Justine gasped in complete dismay. She squeezed her hand in his and gazed up at him, her concern for him clear on her face. “What a terrifying experience to live through,” she said.

  Darren nodded. “Unfortunately, that experience marked the end of it for me. I couldn’t justify rebuilding everything, only to have it all violently ripped away from me once more. I had enjoyed the experience for as long as it had lasted. I dug up my savings where I had it hidden in the ground beneath my cabin and bought a passage back home the next day.”

  Justine lay her head against his arm. “I am so sorry for what you went through.” Lifting her head off of his shoulder, she said, “However, I am most pleased that you have returned and are now my husband.”

  Darren smiled. “And for that, I feel like the luckiest man in the world.”

  “You are enormously lucky,” his wife replied. “I was determined not to marry you.”

  Wrapping his arm around her waist, Darren pulled her close to him and squeezed. “There was no great obstacle, really,” Darren said. “Once I had looked at you, I was determined to make you mine.” He smiled at his wife’s shocked gasp. “And now here we are,” he teased.

  Justine swatted at him, “Oh, I just knew you were arrogant! That is why I never liked you to begin with,” she said.

  Darren stopped walking and turned her to face him. Lifting her face up to his, he gazed into her twinkling blue eyes. “In truth, do you like me now?”

  She gazed up at him with everything that she was feeling in her eyes. “Yes, husband. I believe that I do like you well enough, now.”

  He leaned down and kissed her softly, sweetly on her lips. “That is a good thing.” He murmured against her lips. Kissing her once more, he said, “Because you are going to be with me for a very, very long time.”

  Justine shivered in pleasure at his melting kisses. Leaning into him, she said, “I am look forward to it, husband.”

  Their carriage ride home the following day was a short one. Justine could barely contain her excitement at seeing her new home. She was to be the mistress there for all her remaining days. Having never seen the property, she didn’t know what to expect. “I am most excited to see our home, Darren. Is it quite large?”

  He chuckled. “Our home, Hawley Manor, is a rather large property. Although it is not as grand as my brother’s estate, it is the largest manor on Wellington land.”

  “Oh, I was not expecting a massive estate, husband.” She didn’t want him to think that she was overly materialistic. “However, is it still… remarkable?” she asked, wanting to know what was waiting for them.

  Darren smiled at her attempt to hide her rapid curiosity about the size of their new home. “It is quite impressive. The manor has not been used for quite some time. During our three month engagement, the building was treated to some badly needed repairs. The entire manor has been scrubbed from top to bottom and all the curtains and linens have been washed and pressed. The yard looks immaculate and the property is being maintained by our new staff.”

  “I am most excited to meet them all, husband.” Justine said. She dearly hoped that she would have a good relationship with her staff. She wanted to make sure that everything in the home ran as smoothly as possible.

  “Yes,” Darren said, “They are highly anticipating meeting you, as well.”

  Just then, Darren’s carriage pulled into a drive. Looking out the window, Justine’s breath caught in her throat. Her new home, Hawley Manor, was incredibly elegant. The freshly painted white building gleamed in the sunlight. The grand building had beautiful white columns supporting the structure in the front of the manor. Surely this splendid property could not be their new home? Justine glanced at Darren for confirmation.

  Justine saw the pride in his eyes as he said, “Welcome to Hawley Manor, my love.”

  “Oh Darren, it is the most extraordinary property I could have ever dreamed of! I cannot believe that this is to be our new home,” she said, excitedly.

  Laughing, Darren said, “It is indeed our new home, entirely prepared for our lives as newlyweds.”

  “I cannot wait to see the inside!” Justine said enthusiastically.

  “Well then, I shall give you a tour of the property,” Darren said.

  “I would like that very much, indeed,” Justine said, glowing.

  The carriage stopped in front of the main entry way. When the driver opened the door, Darren jumped out of the carriage. He turned around to assist Justine out of it, as well. There were four people standing outside if the home. Darren led his wife over to them and made the introductions.

  “Good morning, staff. May I introduce my new wife, Lady Justine Wellington. Justine, this is Eddison, my steward,” he said pointing to a man in a fine suit.

  The man nodded to her and said, “It is my honor to meet you, Milady.”

  “Likewise, Eddison,” Justine said, nodding to him.

  Darren continued, “Next is our master of the property, Fenton, and our maidservants, Miss Jenny and Mrs. Tindle.

  The two women curtsied to Justine, and she nodded to them, as well, “A pleasure to meet you both,” she said, smiling at them.

  “Oh, is she indeed lovely, master!” Mrs. Tindle gushed, rushing over to greet them. “I am so deeply happy to be at your service, my dear. You just tell me what you need, and it would be my pleasure to bring it to you.”

  Justine was grateful that the woman who would be helping her to run her home was so kind. “Thank you, Mrs. Tindle. I am looking forward to getting to know you.”

  “As am I, my dear,” she said. Ushering them inside, she said, “Eddison will take your things inside. Come now and see your new home.”

  Darren and Mrs. Tindle showed Justine around the property, starting with the manor. If the outside of the home was impressive, the inside was extraordinary. All the rooms were furnished with comfortable seating, but the décor of the place was still elegant. Someone with a tasteful eye had carefully chosen the best pieces for the room and arranged them in the utmost charming way.

  Utterly delighted with the design of the rooms, she said, “Who arranged all these fixtures in such an astonishingly charming way?”

  “That would be my mother,” Darren said. “She did have an eye for decoration.”

  Justine certainly agreed. There was nothing in the home that she would change. Everything
was placed exactly where it ought to be.

  Walking down to the property, Fenton accompanied them on their tour. Justine was awed by the beautiful shrubbery and floral arrangements around the property. “Your talent for gardening is most impressive, Mr. Fenton,” she said.

  Pleased by her praise, he answered, “I’m so glad you like it, missus.”

  They walked to the barn, which contained five horses. One of them was her beloved white mare, Clementine. Her father had arranged for the horse to be send to Hawley Manor while they were on their honeymoon. Justine rushed over to Clementine to greet her. She took an apple that was off to the side and gave it to the horse.

  Darren watched her petting her horse. “I am so pleased that you ride. I would like to accompany you, sometime. Perhaps I can give you a tour of the entire property, soon.”

  “That would be most wonderful, husband,” Justine said. She looked forward to spending as much time with him as possible.

  Making their way back into the home, Darren asked, “Does this home please you, wife?”

  Justine was so happy with their new home, that she felt like she could burst. “Oh yes, husband. It pleases me very much.”

  Darren pulled her in close to him. Gazing down into her eyes with his heated stare, he growled low in his throat and said, “You please me,” a split second before his mouth descended to hers for a pleasurable kiss that left her shaking.

  Mrs. Tindle walked into the room. Straightening, Darren said, “Mrs. Tindle, please work with your mistress to plan dinner for this evening. I will go and speak to Eddison about our affairs.”

  The kindly servant nodded, “Yes Sir, Lord Darren.” Gesturing to the kitchen, she said, “Come now, Milady. You and I will work with Jenny to arrange for a most scrumptious meal to celebrate your first day in your new home.”