Lord Greyton's Fall From Grace (Lords of Avalon Novella Series) Read online

  Owen called promptly at two o’clock the next afternoon. The couple sat in the drawing room with Grace’s father for twenty minutes before they left for their drive.

  Owen’s phaeton was a smart new yellow and black conveyance pulled by a striking pair of blacks. Grace’s maid Jenny sat in the back. Grace sat next to Owen. He drove them toward Hartland Quay.

  “I will be leaving for Italy in less than two weeks, Grace. You remember I am a member of the Avalon Historical Society.”

  “I remember, Owen. Italy! How long will you be gone?” Grace asked, trying to hide her disappointment that he was leaving.

  “About three months, I’m afraid. Lord Wincanton, Lord Amesbury, Lord Elveston, Charlie and I have been commissioned to do some extensive research on some ruins recently discovered south of Rome. One ruin may even be a Temple. Now that you have returned, I must say I am sorry I shall be gone so long.” He smiled wistfully at Grace. He truly did not wish to leave Grace. He was now determined to woo her and marry her.

  The ribbons of her bonnet flapped in the breeze that grew stronger as they neared the quay. She captured them and held them against her breastbone. Grace returned his smile. “I wish you weren’t going to be gone for three months, Owen, but it sounds like a grand adventure, and I think you would be sorry to miss it.”

  Owen was torn. He wanted to go to Italy and had anticipated going until he saw Grace last evening. He longed to explore the ruins. The excavation in Italy was an incredible opportunity but he didn’t want to leave Grace. He had a peculiar feeling about going to Italy. Normally Owen trusted his feelings on matters; yet this time he told himself his hesitation was because what he and Grace had was so new. He reasoned he would have to make the remaining days before his departure count, to ensure Grace would be waiting for him upon his return. He reminded himself he made a commitment to go to Italy on behalf of the Avalon Historical Society.

  “I would miss the Italy trip, Grace, but I will also miss you while I am in Italy.” He winked at her.

  “I will have to make certain that you miss me terribly while you are there.” She grinned at him.

  He laughed. His tone grew serious as he said, “I already know I will miss you a great deal, Grace. You won’t have to try too hard.”

  Grace tingled all over when Owen’s eyes darkened. She noticed how sensuous his lips looked at that moment. Knowing all too well how his lips felt against hers, she realized she wanted him to kiss her again.

  Grace turned her attention to the view as they neared their destination. The roar of the relentless pounding of the waves against the large and jagged rocks far below the cliffs and the cry of the gulls soaring above filled her ears. The cliff tops and surrounding moorland were carpeted in summer green. The sun was shining, the breeze, though strong, was warm. It smelled fresh, salty and clean the way only the coast could. The ocean, dappled with sunlight, shimmered blue beyond. It was clear enough that the isle of Lundy could be seen off the coast. The day was lovely!

  Grace’s maid, Jenny, announced she would remain in the phaeton while they walked the path atop the cliffs. She confessed she was not much of a walker.

  Owen helped Grace from the phaeton. He placed her hand upon his arm.

  Grace inhaled the fresh sea air. “I so missed the sea. The view is still as beautiful as I remember.”

  “I find the view enchanting.” Owen grinned as he looked down into Grace’s eyes. He witnessed a pink blush stain her cheeks. Her eyes were bright, her lovely smile entranced him.

  “Does Libby still ride along the quay in the mornings?” Grace asked.

  “She does. I often join her. Before Father started feeling poorly, he rode with her occasionally. Libby loves her morning ride. I fear Aunt Priscilla will never understand Libby. My sister takes after Father and me, not only in her love of exercise, but in her quest for knowledge. She is a fine scholar. Do you read much, Grace?”

  “All of the time, Owen. There’s not much else to do at Radley. Father is often busy. I even managed to find time to read while I was in London. I grew so very tired of all the social affairs.”

  “I can only take London in small doses. I have to go several times a year out of necessity, but generally I do not tarry in Town long. I am a peace and solitude man, I’m sorry to say. I prefer the country, and to be at home, here in Devon, actually. I hope you do not find me too boring.”

  “Of course I do not find you boring. Don’t ever apologize for wanting to stay in Devon over visiting London, Owen. I happen to agree with you. I did meet a few people who I can truly call friends while in London, but I must say, for the most part the ton is a harsh lot. There are many places I wished to be, Hartland being foremost in my mind, rather than attending the endless round of parties and social events with my Aunt. I wanted to return to Devon months ago,” Grace confessed with a smile.

  Owen laughed heartily and covered Grace’s hand with his. “It is so refreshing to hear that from you, Grace, for that is exactly how I feel about London.” Many marriage minded women of the ton desired to spend as much time in London among society as they could. It pleased him to find that Grace preferred to stay at home in Hartland over going to London. He realized how well-suited he and Grace truly were.

  They walked a long way along the path. They spoke of their favorite books, their favorite songs, their favorite games and pastimes. They recalled some of their antics when they played together as children. They laughed a great deal.

  Owen noted how far they had walked and reasoned they should turn back. He realized he and Grace were alone on the cliff top. There was not another soul in sight for miles around. The phaeton was out of view for they currently stood in a spot on the cliff that dipped lower than where he left his conveyance and Grace’s maid.

  “We best make our way back. Our chaperone is probably not happy with us for she can no longer see us.” Owen turned her about to face him. “May I call on you tomorrow, Grace?”

  “Of course, Owen, I would very much like to see you tomorrow.”

  “May I steal another kiss from you?” He cupped her chin in his hand and ran his thumb along her jaw.

  “I was hoping you would,” Grace said truthfully. Tingles of anticipation coursed through her.

  “I will.” Owen offered her a pleased grin and dipped his head. He brushed her lips with his several times before pulling her against him and deepening the kiss. Grace tasted so sweet. Holding Grace in his arms felt divine. Her soft, warm body molded against his. The faint scent of lilies emanated from her.

  He did not remember ever lusting after a woman as badly as he lusted for Grace. Yet, in truth, it was much more than lust, this he knew. He thought of making Grace his wife all last evening and the morning entire. He even thought of them having children and living at Roseland as man and wife, fantasizing what their daily life would be like, as well as their nights spent in his apartments. He dreamed of her! He woke that morning, not only disappointed to find Grace was not in his arms as she had been in his dream, but that his cock was rock hard.

  He allowed his hands to travel lightly up and down her back. They continued to kiss for long minutes. Passion flamed red-hot between them. Grace’s fingers curled around the lapels of his coat. Owen’s hands rested on her hips. He was about to pull her groin tighter against him when he realized he was already hard, she was a lady and he should be behaving as a gentleman!

  Owen removed his hands from her and lifted his head. He smiled down at his beauty. Her eyes were as dark as night, her breathing uneven, and her lips were rosy and swollen. He kissed the tip of her dainty nose. “Grace, I can’t help myself.

  When I kiss you, I become lost.” He smiled down at her.

  “I was quite lost myself, Owen,” she confessed as a blush colored her cheeks.

  “We must get back to the phaeton, Grace.” He grinned and added, “I do believe I shall be kissing you a great deal before I leave for Italy. I hope you do not mind!” He watched her as they began to walk back toward th
e phaeton.

  “I look forward to your kisses, Owen. I shall have something to remember all the months you are gone.”

  “I will have many memories as well, my beautiful Grace!” He caressed her hand where it rested on his arm.

  “I shall call on you at two tomorrow. We will walk in Lady’s Wood.”

  Grace beamed as she looked into his eyes. “That sounds delightful, Owen.”

  Chapter Two

  At ten o’clock the next morning, Meg came to call.

  Grace led her into the small morning parlour that she used. Meg seemed agitated. “Meg, what is the matter?” Grace asked in concern.

  “Charlie promised to call yesterday afternoon. He did not show, nor did he send his excuses.”

  “Oh Meg, perhaps he was busy.”

  “I think perhaps he was busy. With her!” Meg’s face twisted into a very unpleasant frown. Her tight yellow-gold curls bobbed as she paced along the colorful carpet.

  “Who, Meg?” Grace asked.

  “Truly Grace, who! Why, Catherine, of course!”

  “Why would he be with Catherine? She is married, Meg,” Grace asked in confusion.

  “Grace! I thought perhaps your time in London would remove some of your prudishness,” Meg snapped at her.

  “I –I am sorry, Meg, I am truly at a loss. I’ve no idea what you are talking about,” Grace said. She was bewildered. She had never seen Meg so agitated, nor did she have any idea why Charlie would be spending time with Catherine.

  A smile replaced Meg’s scowl. She seemed to become more like her usual self. She sat and accepted the cup of tea Grace handed her. “I’m sorry, Grace. I did not mean to snap at you. I can’t truly be angry with Charlie, for you see; he and I are merely friends. He specifically told me he has no intention of marrying anytime soon.”

  “But weren’t you kissing him in the garden the night of the Ball?”

  “Grace, please do not think ill of me. Even though Charlie and I are just friends we kiss and do things…together.”

  Grace managed a smile after she took a sip of her tea. What could she say? “Why do you think he went to see Catherine instead of you?”

  “Grace you never heard the rumors three years ago before she married the Marquess?”

  “No, Meg, and I daresay I never believe rumors. I find they are generally false.”

  “Charlie and Catherine were deeply in love! Her father forbade her to see him, for he had already made an agreement with the Marquess for her hand. Surely you heard about that?”

  Grace shook her head. “No, but if you’ll remember, Meg, mother was ill at that time, and I was kept very busy here at Radley. I did not attend Catherine’s wedding due to the fact I was in mourning.”

  “I had forgotten, Grace. I am sorry,” Meg apologized.

  “Catherine is married, and she seemed very happy at the Ball. Charlie seems his kind congenial self for the years Catherine has been married. It doesn’t appear they were broken-hearted. I can’t imagine why they would meet with one another.”

  Meg shook her head in frustration and sighed heavily. She took a biscuit from the plate and munched on it. “I don’t know what to think, Grace.” Meg frowned. “Charlie better not throw me aside for her is all I can say or I’ll never let him-” Meg stopped abruptly then smiled as she added, “kiss me again!”

  “There, there, Meg. Everything will work out as it should. It always does.” Grace tried to comfort her friend.

  “So tell me of you and Owen, Grace. You two seem very interested in one another.” Meg gave her a knowing smile.

  “Yes, he has asked to court me. He leaves for Italy next week and will be gone three months, but he has led me to believe he wishes for me to wait for him,” Grace beamed as she told her friend her news.

  “Wonderful! So have the two of you only kissed, or have you done more?’ Meg whispered.

  Grace blushed. “He has kissed me.”

  “That’s all?” Meg sounded disappointed. When Grace answered her with a nod she said, “I would have expected more from Owen, he’s so…manly. I daresay there’s not a man as fine of form on the Hartland Peninsula.”

  “Owen is a respectable gentleman, Meg. He is a Viscount and heir to an Earldom. One could not expect any less from such a fine gentleman,” Grace blushed as she quickly came to Owen’s defense.

  “A Viscount and heir to an Earldom, as is Charlie,” Meg said pointedly. “I hope Owen doesn’t find you boring, Grace. Else he may forget all about you while he is in Italy. I’ve heard the Italian women are very passionate and quite good at pleasing their men.”

  “Meg! How do you know such things?” Grace blushed again.

  “Nevermind how I know, Grace. The point is that I do. I fear if you do not interest him in a passionate way, he may change his mind while he is gone.”

  Grace didn’t want to believe Meg. Yet she felt compelled to ask her for she did have some fears because she knew very little of what truly happened between a man and woman. “Exactly how would I do that, Meg?”

  “Does he kiss you with his tongue?”

  Grace blushed again. She could only nod.

  “That’s good. Has he touched your breasts?”

  Grace nearly spit out the sip of tea she had just taken. “N-no.”

  “You must press your breasts against his chest when he kisses you. It’s good to let your hands touch him on his chest and his arms. And let him touch you wherever he wants to. I would think he would at least have fondled your breasts by now.” Meg rolled her eyes. “Charlie was very quick to do that as well as lift my skirts.”

  “You shouldn’t be telling me such things, Meg!” Grace hurriedly set down her tea cup.

  “Someone has to. Grace, do you wish to have Owen return and marry you?”

  “Of course, but I-“

  “You don’t have to let him have everything, Grace, but there are a few things you can do to encourage him, and make him really want you.”

  “Want me?” Grace asked with a blank look on her face.

  “Intercourse, Grace, to make love to you. I doubt things will progress that far before he leaves if he’s just kissing you still.” Meg stood and rolled her eyes. “But let me tell you a few things you can do to keep him interested.”

  Grace wasn’t certain why, but she listened to Meg. Many of the things Meg told her made her blush even more. After Meg left Grace was thankful she learned a bit more about what happened between a man and woman, but decided she would do best not to take any of Meg’s advice. The things she spoke about were all quite scandalous.

  “Father had business to tend to.” Grace explained when Owen was led into the small parlour. “It will just be you and I for tea.”

  Owen offered her a pleased grin. “I will not complain, Grace.”

  Grace smiled. Her thoughts kept wandering back to the conversation with Meg that morning. Grace had no intention of initiating any of the unladylike things Meg revealed to her, but she was now more aware of what to expect from the marriage bed. Up until that point she knew very little. Still she caught herself several times wondering what it might feel like to have Owen touch her breasts or other parts of her body. She dismissed such thoughts. She felt as warm and heated as she did when Owen kissed her. There was that peculiar feeling in her belly and even lower.

  “I received letters from my colleagues I will travel to Italy with this morning. We are friends more than colleagues, truly. We will meet at Roseland Abbey before departing for Italy. I hope they arrive early enough for you to meet them, Grace.”

  “I would very much like to meet your friends, Owen.”

  Grace looked lovely today. She wore a modestly cut and particularly well-fitting gown of olive green silk that had a gold sheen to it. On most women the color would have looked horrible, but with her rich golden brown hair, her liquid-brown eyes and her pale skin, she looked earthy. She reminded him of a woodland nymph. Her lips were the most perfect shade of deep rose. Her eyelashes were long and dark. Grac
e was a classic beauty with a lovely figure.

  They talked while they finished their tea and headed to the garden with Grace’s maid Jenny following behind them.

  Once they reached the back of the garden, Jenny stated she would sit upon the bench whilst they walked in the wood.

  They ambled along the woodland path that cut through the wood and eventually branched off to another path which led to Roseland Abbey. They had both used the path many times when they were children.

  “What will you do to occupy your time while I am gone, Grace?” Owen asked her as they walked along.

  “I shall read and walk. Perhaps ride some. And I daresay I shall eagerly await the post looking for your letters from Italy!” She smiled up at him.

  “You shall receive many letters from me, Grace, I assure you. You can always visit Libby at Roseland. I think sometimes she misses female company. Aunt Priscilla carries on rather one-sided conversations.” Owen grinned. He guessed Grace was often lonely at Radley. He sensed Squire Brackenridge didn’t give his daughter much attention. That would change in three months time! Once Owen returned and took Grace to wife, she’d have plenty of attention from her husband. The thought warmed him.

  Again Owen had that foreboding feeling that he should not go to Italy and leave Grace behind. He decided it was utter foolishness. He must be a fool in love!

  “I will visit Libby, Owen. I am so happy to be back at Hartland among true friends.”

  “I am happy you returned to us, Grace.” Owen removed her hand from his arm and entwined his fingers with hers. He liked the way her hand felt in his. He looked down to see her smiling up at him. Lord, but Grace was a beautiful woman. “So you mentioned earlier you ride. Would you like to ride with me tomorrow afternoon?”

  “I would love to, Owen. I do enjoy riding.”

  “Perfect. We shall ride tomorrow afternoon.”

  He stopped walking. Owen turned to Grace and placed his hands on her trim waist. He eased her against him and bent his head, touching his forehead to hers. “Oh Grace, I wish I didn’t have to leave you for three months,” he whispered. Owen feathered his lips against hers gently. Then covering her lips fully, he demanded entrance into her sweet mouth. Grace responded eagerly, and once again they both became lost in their kiss. Passion sparked and grew between them.