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

  Grace allowed her hands to rest against Owen’s hard, muscled chest as she lost herself in their heated kiss. Warmth consumed her. Her legs trembled as their tongues entwined and Owen gathered her in his embrace, pulling her even closer against him. Her body molded against his hard, muscled frame. The fire in her belly grew and there was that curious feeling between her legs again, an ache. Grace whimpered softly when Owen drew his head up. She looked into his dark blue eyes.

  “Grace, please have mercy on me and set my mind at ease. Promise me you’ll wait for me to return from Italy.”

  “Yes, Owen,” she nodded, a happy smile turning up the corners of her mouth, “I promise I will wait for you. I want to wait for you.”

  Owen grinned, “Grace, you’ve made me very happy!” Owen kissed her again, deeply. He pulled away. Dipping his head, he allowed his lips to travel along the curve of her slender neck then across her shoulder. He moved upward again and nibbled on her earlobe. He paused to inhale the tantalizing scent of lilies. Remembering he should remain a gentleman, he pulled away, albeit reluctantly. “Grace,” he sighed against her ear before he straightened fully.

  He kept her hand in his as they continued along the path. They talked and laughed, their fingers remaining entwined. They were both relaxed and easy in one another’s company.

  Grace could never remember being happier.

  Neither could Owen.

  They had taken tea with her father and now Grace and Owen raced across the moorland near Radley and Roseland. Owen rode a large bay while Grace rode her sweet-tempered chestnut mare.

  Grinning, Owen pointed to a dense wood across the moor. “Let’s go in that direction, there’s something I want to show you.”

  They slowed as they neared the wood. When they reached the tree line, Owen stopped and dismounted. He was surprised but thankful the Squire did not sent a groom along with them. He came immediately to Grace’s side. He reached up and placed his hands about her slim waist, his fingers splayed against the gentle swell of her hips. He let her slide against his body as he set her on her feet. Lord, but her soft, warm curves felt like heaven against him. His hands remained at her waist. He bent and brushed his lips against hers before leaving her side to tie the horses up.

  Owen returned to Grace and smiled as he took her hand in his. “Come, I want to show you my favorite place, Grace.” He gave her a playful tug and drew her up beside him.

  They walked along a narrow path surrounded by a dense copse of trees and thick undergrowth.

  “I love this spot, Grace. I come here often. I think you will like it too.”

  Grace smiled. “I am eager to see it, Owen.” As they neared what appeared to be a small clearing, she could already hear the splash of water. She sucked in her breath, quite in awe of what she saw as they stepped off the path. Some of the undergrowth gave way to ferns and she saw a still pool before them fed by a stream that splashed over several tiers of moss-slickened rocks into the basin. The stream continued to meander on at the far side of the pool after forming a small waterfall over a myriad of rocks. Large ferns surrounded the pool.

  “Oh, Owen it’s lovely. Like a fairy land! I’ve lived all my life but a few miles away and never knew it existed,” Grace said with obvious delight. “Thank you, for sharing it with me.”

  “I’ve always thought of this as my special place. I’ve never shared it with anyone before Grace…until you.”

  Grace saw his eyes darken. She found Owen to be so handsome. His eyes were a deep, vivid blue and were framed by dark lashes. His features were strong, angled and almost harsh, yet when he smiled the hardness of his features softened. His hair, so dark brown it at times appeared to be black, had a bit of wave to it. Grace longed to run her hands through those dark waves. As for his sensual lips, every time she studied them she ached for him to kiss her. She blushed as she thought of kissing him.

  Owen stepped closer. He wanted to kiss her but they just arrived. He no longer trusted himself when it came to kissing Grace. He longed to do so much more than kissing where she was concerned.

  “You do not wear jewelry, Grace. Why is that?” he asked softly. His hand rested on her shoulder. It slid downward as he gave her upper arm a slow caress.

  Grace shrugged. “I do not have any really. My parents gave me some jewelry as gifts, but the style no longer suits me. Papa gave me my mother’s jewelry after she passed, but it is quite ornate, and I suppose I prefer simpler adornments. I never think to buy any the few times I do get to Town to shop. While I was in London I wore some of my aunt’s jewelry because she insisted.” In truth, Grace’s mother refused to buy her daughter what she called plain, ordinary jewelry. That’s what Grace preferred. Her father probably never even noticed she didn’t wear any. Truly, Grace only saw or conversed with her father during tea or their meals.

  “You are so beautiful, Grace, you don’t need jewelry,” Owen said softly as he thought he saw a glimmer of sadness creep into her eyes. “I asked because,” Owen reached into his pocket and removed something wrapped in deep red silk, “I found this Elizabethan pearl pendant many years ago when Jack, Micah, Charlie and I were poking through the ruins of an old Elizabethan manse about to be destroyed in Dorset, near Jack’s home. We discovered a false panel in the library and there were various jewelry items hidden in a forgotten priest hole. I was immediately drawn to this, and I’ve kept it all these years. I wish for you to have it Grace.” Owen opened the bag to reveal a large tear drop pearl pendant. At the top of the pearl were three fine, ornate gold acanthus leaves curling about the tip of the tear. Otherwise, the pendant was simple, yet elegant.

  Grace felt tears sting her eyes. “Owen, it’s lovely. But, it must be worth a fortune. Surely I should not accept such a gift!” Grace still looked longingly at the beautiful pearl lying upon the red silk bag in Owen’s hand. Unsure what to do, Grace looked into Owen’s eyes. She loved the pearl and was quite overwhelmed that Owen would give her such a gift, yet at the same time she knew propriety demanded that she not accept such from a man who was not her intended or her husband.

  “Grace, I tried to speak to your father about marriage today before you came downstairs, and he said he would hear nothing from me until I return from Italy. I can understand his hesitation because I will be gone for three months. I always intended to give this pendant to my future wife as a wedding present. But I wish to give it to you as testament that upon my return from Italy I will offer for you. I would have done so already if your father had allowed me to. I want to marry you, Grace, if you’ll have me.”

  “Oh! If that is a proposal, Owen, my answer is yes. I accept.” Grace nodded and smiled brilliantly. “I will marry you! For years I have dreamed that you would kiss me again, dance with me, court me and since that night you kissed me when I was eighteen, I always hoped the man I would marry would be you. Oh, please tell me this is not just a dream.”

  “It was a proposal.” He chuckled, “I believe I bungled it badly. Grace, I never knew you felt that way.” Owen smiled down at her in wonder. “I can assure you, dearest Grace, this is not a dream. I don’t know why this year is different than the last, perhaps I have matured and figured out what is important in life, I can’t exactly say. But I know, without a doubt, that I am madly in love with you Grace Brackenridge. I love you, Grace. I want you to be my wife. Will you wait the three months for me and marry me when I return from Italy?”

  “Yes, Owen, I will marry you. I love you too. Oh, this is wonderful!” Grace’s eyes glittered with happy tears. She swiped at her cheek as a tear escaped.

  “Here, my darling.” Owen produced his handkerchief. He teased her, “I hope those are not tears of sadness.”

  Grace giggled, “They are not and you know it.” She smiled up at him joyfully.

  Owen took the pearl and bag from her still outstretched hand and slipped it back in his pocket. “I have a chain for your pendant, I’ll put it on you later, Grace. Right now there is something else on my mind.” He pulled Grace ti
ghtly against him. He gathered her even closer to him. He kissed her eyelids, her nose, her cheek, then feathered his lips against each corner of her mouth. He raised his head again and gazed down at the beauty who would soon be his wife. “I love you, Grace.” He lowered his head and kissed her fully. His lips were demanding as they moved against hers. When she responded with equal fervor, his heart sang. He and Grace were well-matched in all ways, even passion.

  Their kiss deepened, their excitement increased. Both of them gave in to the hunger, the need licking at them like flames. Owen’s hands skimmed down her sides to her hips. He pulled her against him. He reveled in the feel of her against his awakening erection. Though they were not formally engaged, they pledged their love to one another, and for all practical purposes, he considered Grace his woman now. And though he knew he should remain a gentleman, there was another part of him that wanted what was his. He managed to shrug away his baser thoughts and just enjoyed kissing and holding Grace.

  He cautioned himself once, then a second time, he should end their kiss, but when he would try to pull away Grace would protest by moaning softly. The last time Grace cradled his face with both hands and guided his head back down so they could continue kissing.

  And kiss they did.

  His hands explored her lovely body, caressing her shoulders, arms, her sides and back. His fingers slid upward, over her ribs. His large hands cupped each one of her breasts. His thumbs and forefingers teased the hard pebbles straining against the fabric of her bodice. Grace arched against him instinctively.

  Grace felt his hardness against her belly. She trembled in his arms. She had never experienced such exquisite pleasure. She loved the feel of his hands on her, the sensations that jolted through her as he teased her breasts. She didn’t want it to end but knew it must.

  Owen was as hard as a rock. He knew he must stop now. It would be so easy to become carried a way in the euphoria of the moment. Reluctantly he softened his kisses and straightened. He captured both of Grace’s hands in his and brought her palms up to his lips, placing a tender kiss to each one. He smiled down at her. When she returned his smile, he felt his heart constrict. So, this was love.

  “I must get you back to Radley, Grace. I do not want your father to be displeased if we stay too long.”

  “I suppose we should.” She sighed heavily. “I hate to leave such a beautiful place.”

  “I shall bring you back before I leave for Italy, I promise.” He winked at her.

  Grace nodded. Owen started to lead her back down the path but stopped suddenly. “Ah, I nearly forgot your pendant.” He smiled as he removed the silk bag and a gold chain from his pocket. He slid the pendant onto the chain and moved behind Grace.

  The large pearl felt cool against her skin. After he fastened the chain, Owen’s fingers caressed her nape.

  “It’s so beautiful, Owen. I shall treasure it always!” Grace smiled up at him as he returned to her side.

  “I will treasure you always, Grace,” he said, his voice sounding deep and husky. He entwined his hand with hers and led her through the wood back to their horses.

  Once again racing across the moorland, Grace caught sight of a woman rider far ahead of them. When the woman met two male riders in the midst of the moor, Grace recognized one of them as Charlie. There was no mistaking his large black gelding which sported one solid white foreleg and a grayish mane and tail. The horse was aptly named Lucifer. “Look, there’s Charlie.”

  Owen nodded to her and slowed his pace. Grace followed suit.

  Owen had some idea of what was taking place when he recognized the man with Charlie as a fellow Avalon Society member. Charlie had called in St. Erth for assistance with a certain confidential matter involving Catherine.

  Charlie raised his hand in a friendly wave to them.

  Grace noted Charlie and Owen exchanged looks. At Charlie’s nod Owen led the way toward them. Grace followed. As they neared the trio she recognized Catherine.

  “Grace, how good to see you!” Catherine smiled and gave Grace a nod.

  “Catherine! It’s nice to see you. How is your mother’s health?”

  Catherine sighed. “In truth, she does quite poorly. I decided to take a ride to lift my spirits. I chanced upon Lord Silverley and Lord St. Erth.”

  Owen introduced Grace to the Earl of St. Erth.

  Grace thought Lord St. Erth appeared to be a dangerous sort of man. His hair was as black as a raven’s wing. His eyes were dark; in truth they appeared to be black. His features were sharp and angular. St. Erth was exceedingly tall, and in his finely tailored clothes, she could see he was solid muscle. He did not smile as he greeted her.

  “Miss Brackenridge,” he gave her a curt nod. His dark gaze moved to Owen. “Greyton. Good to see you.” Again he gave a nod.

  Though his words and tone seemed kind, again there was no sign of emotion on Lord St. Erth’s face as he greeted Owen. Grace thought it somewhat odd. Charlie was his usual kind and congenial self. He greeted her warmly.

  They conversed for a very short amount of time.

  “Well, I must return Grace to Radley, good day!” Owen moved forward. Grace followed him after saying her good-byes.

  When they reached the lane leading to Radley, Grace turned to look back. The trio remained where they left them.

  Catherine’s head was bent, and Grace thought it looked like she held a handkerchief to her nose. She saw Charlie reach out and rub Catherine’s arm. She remembered Meg’s words regarding the rumors of forbidden love between Charlie and Catherine. She shook such thoughts away and decided the last person in the world she would believe would be Meg! Meg was no doubt the biggest gossip in the Hartland Peninsula.

  Owen walked Grace back to the house after they dismounted. He left her with a smile and a promise he would see her the next afternoon. Grace watched him ride away from where she stood at the parlour window. She smiled as her fingers touched the large, smooth pearl at her breastbone. She felt she must be happiest woman in the world at that moment. Owen loved her!

  Owen beamed as he joined his family at dinner that evening.

  “You look very happy, Owen.” Libby smiled at him as they sat at the dining room table.

  “I am, pet! I am very happy, indeed.”

  “I wonder if your recent euphoria has anything to do with your frequent visits to Radley of late,” Reginald Darrington, the Earl of Fitzlewis said, the corners of his mouth turning upward slightly.

  Owen gave his father a grin. “Perhaps.” He noted his Aunt Priscilla watched him keenly.

  “Grace is very lovely, and a dear person. I am happy she has returned to Devon. I missed her,” Libby provided with a knowing smile directed at her brother.

  “I am also very happy Miss Brackenridge returned to us here in Hartland,” Owen offered and set about eating his meal. He could feel his family’s eyes upon him. But he could say no more. He and Grace were not yet officially engaged.

  Owen and his father retired to his father’s study after the meal for a brandy. They rarely left the ladies of their household to their own company, but Reginald requested the presence of his son in his study.

  “Owen, do you have something to tell me?” Reginald peered from his spectacles at his son.

  “There is really nothing official to tell you, father. I can tell you I am in love with Grace Brackenridge. She returns my love. I have asked her to wait for me to return from Italy. She said she would. I would have already offered for her yet when I approached her father he said he would hear nothing until my return from Italy. I suppose I can understand his hesitation, I will be gone three months.”

  Reginald nodded. He frowned. He had never liked the Squire. He was a man not to be trusted. “Just make certain that your lady will wait for your return, son, and all will be well. I am happy for you, Owen. I was beginning to think you might never settle down.”

  Owen grinned. “I shall settle down with Grace, father. She is the one, I am certain. I am hoping to stay here at
Roseland. I do not wish to leave you and Libby alone.”

  “Of course, son, I would expect you to remain here. Someday Roseland shall be yours after all. Do you think the Viscount and Viscountess apartments will do? We can do some redecorating if your future Viscountess doesn’t approve of their current condition.”

  “I think the apartments will serve our needs well. When I bring Grace to Roseland as my bride I shall let her do what she wishes to our rooms.”

  Reginald nodded. “We’ll keep this between the two of us since there is no official engagement. Your Aunt Priscilla will be beside herself when the news is made official. Libby and I do not need to deal with Priscilla’s dictates and fanciful ideas on preparing Roseland for your bride. She would also start harping on the subject that Libby should marry. It would be three long months for your sister and me, I’m thinking!”

  Owen laughed. “I would not wish that on you or Libby, Father! Upon my return, I shall offer for Grace, and we shall be married as soon as the bans are read if at all possible.”

  “The sooner you marry, the better, where your Aunt Priscilla is concerned, my boy. If you give her enough time, she would turn your wedding into the largest spectacle Devon has ever seen!” Reginald chuckled then began coughing.

  When his father’s coughing fit subsided, Owen asked, “How are you feeling, Father?” His father had been in poor health for the last year.

  “I am feeling much better today, son.” He smiled at Owen.

  “Father, I think we must join Libby, you know I do not like to leave her alone with Aunt Priscilla for too long. Aunt will be scolding her for some erstwhile behavior she does not approve of.”

  Reginald grinned. “Let’s rescue my little lamb, shall we?”