Page 32 of The Earl's Heiress
They lay quietly panting in the aftermath with Arabella’s body sprawled limply on his. Arabella was intoxicating, and he hadn’t been with another woman who had this effect on him. He ought to be more cautious. His half-lidded eyes slid closed as he breathed her name.
CHAPTER 15
One month later
Mayfair, London
The Countess of Stanford was hosting the first ball of the season, and Arabella knew her mother was more excited about the event than she was. She had lost count of the number of times her mother said Mayfair was the most aristocratic neighborhood in London and the home of high society. Apparently, the mansions were well decorated and had every convenience, which made them the envy of all. An invitation to a Mayfair residence was key to entree to the most exclusive of circles which made Mama giddy with excitement. If only Mama knew what they said about her daughter behind her back.
Although Arabella knew she had to go to the ball, she wasn’t looking forward to mingling with thehaut tonagain. She needed to get over her fear of being ridiculed. Earlier today, she had pushed the titters and snide remarks from her mind, but now that they were in the carriage on the way to the ball, they resurfaced. Her heart was beating much faster than usual, andher hands were sweating in her gloves. She wished she could discard them.
She took a deep breath and chastised herself. She was never one to be cautious or hesitant. Quite the opposite. Independent and assertive are the words that are true to her character and the ones she would use to describe herself. She could tolerate criticism if it was justified, but maliciousness she had no patience for. She would hold her head high tonight and be herself. Thehaut tonwould either warm to her or they wouldn’t. Perhaps when they get to know her better, the barrier they erected would be taken down. She wouldn’t cower before them and must be brave enough to face down any disapproval she may encounter tonight.
Her thoughts went to Temple. She was longing to see him again as she hadn’t seen him since her family had returned to their lodgings to prepare for the trip to London. Crawling into bed with him had been the most daring thing she had ever done. Sadly, it was not to be repeated because the very next night, when she tried his door, it was firmly locked. She should have been shocked by her brazen actions, but she wasn’t. Her need for him was far greater than her bruised pride, although she was a bit miffed. Hopefully, she hadn’t scared him away with her wanton actions.
She missed his company. That night of stolen passion was seared in her memory, and as much as she tried to forget it, she couldn’t. She thought of Temple in the later hours of the night. Each night when he didn’t come filled her with frustration she had never experienced, yet every morning when she awoke, there was a sense of hope. Her emotions weren’t stable. They were even running wild, and she didn’t know what to make of it. When she recalled the way he had set her body on fire and brought her to unimaginable, she was euphoric. Then, at night, when she was alone in bed, her skin tingling and wetnessbetween her thighs, she tossed and turned until she fell into fitful sleep.
Another night had gone by without fulfillment. Why would he resist? After all, they would soon be married. Didn’t his heart flutter when he saw her? She had an unexplained affinity for Temple, and she could not explain it. Whenever she was in his presence, she could hardly tear her eyes away from him. The last night they had dinner, she caught his eyes for a fleeting moment before she dropped her gaze to her plate. Still, she felt him watching her with his smoldering gaze that caused her nipples to tighten in response. It was an aching fullness that reminded her of the sensation when he took a nipple in his mouth.Good heavens!
Arabella gently shook her head to dispel the memories. She realized she had overcome her apprehension about marrying Temple because they seemed to fit together perfectly as if they belonged together. Perhaps it was fate that brought them together during the storm. She believed it, but would he? Would he ever see her as more than the woman he married for her fortune?
They left the carriage and were admitted to a large ballroom in Temple’s townhouse. A sense of calmness settled over her, and she raised her chin. Arabella’s apprehension was replaced by confidence when the countess came forward to greet them.
“How delightful to see you again, my dear.”
Arabella greeted the countess with a warm smile while her eyes discretely searched the room for Temple. Finally, she saw him across the room. He was spectacularly handsome, and soon he would be her husband. She cared naught for the curious eyes that appraised her and the murmured whispers that reached her ears.
“ … and to think that she’s going to marry so well.”
She was conscious that she had gazed at Temple for a moment too long and quickly dropped her gaze. He was heading toward them, and a small ripple went through the crowd. Finally, he stood before her as pleasantries were exchanged. Words were being exchanged, but none above the rapid beating of her heart. Lips moved, yet there was no sound above the rush in her ears as she peered at him beneath her lashes. How she wished that everyone in the room could fade away so they could be alone and he could incite the wild feelings she wanted to capture once more.
Arabella felt her mother’s elbow gently jab her in her side, and it brought her thoughts back. Her mother’s and father’s eyes peered at her expectantly, but she had no notion why. It was then that Temple spoke and rescued her from their penetrating stare.
“Shall we dance?”
“I would enjoy that, my lord.”
“Please excuse us,” Temple said as he held out his arm to her.
Arabella placed her hand on his arm, and he steered her to the dance floor. He clasped her back, and her skin tingled as if there was no clothing between them. She longed to feel his hands touching her … everywhere. Arabella's gaze met his, dark and intense. She was a captive, not of his embrace but rather of her intense desire.
“You’ve outdone yourself, Miss Arabella. You’re the most beautiful woman in this room. You shouldn’t doubt it.” His sweet words caused color to rise to her cheeks which was quite ridiculous considering how much of each other they had explored.
“Thank you, my lord. It is kind of you to say so.” She was pleased she had taken a great deal of time with her appearance and the stylish blue silk gown. She had been foolish to think that he didn’t want her; she could see the longing in his beautifuleyes. His gaze stripped away her layers of her clothing, and she shivered in anticipation.
“Have you been making friends?”
“Acquaintances, perhaps. Only time will tell if they are to become friends.”
“I do believe that you will make friends. You have a kind heart, and I can hardly resist your charm.”
Arabella's gaze flickered over his face, seeking, before she quickly looked away at the other couples swirling around the dance floor. She was confused. He couldn’t resist her charm, yet he had not come to her. Couldn’t he tell how much she wanted him or that she was yearning for him?
“You may get the sense that you don't have enough of an interest in whatever the cornerstone of fitting in is, but I can assure you, you do. If you give the young ladies a chance, I’m sure you will find something of common interest.”
“I suppose you’re right. I may not fit into this social circle but it is the only one there is.”
“Have you considered what you would like to do as a countess? What causes would you like to champion? I will assist in whatever way I can.”
