He remained inside her but didn't move until he felt her soften under him. When her breathing returned to something like normal, he began to move his hips. Emily felt his hardness filling her and she liked it. As he moved in and out of her, she felt it increasingly difficult to catch her breath.
Suddenly he stopped and pulled out of her. She grabbed him and tried to pull him back to her. She liked it and didn't want him to stop. She didn't realize he wanted to change positions. It took him several tries to get her to put her bottom in the air in just the right manner. On her hands and knees with him behind her, she felt open, vulnerable and quite uneasy. When he entered her again and began to thrust hard into her, her opinion of this position changed.
After fifteen minutes, Emily was exhausted. Masters had moved her at regular intervals and taken her in as many positions as he had in his repertoire. Back in the missionary position, Emily felt more comfortable, and she could again concentrate on the pleasure of their lovemaking.
As he pushed into her, she felt herself beginning to shake. Wave after wave of delight had started to flow from her wet center. Masters put his hands under her, raised her buttocks thrust into her harder. Now he was taking her like a man, and she loved it. He felt her nails dig into his arms as she pushed her pelvis up to meet him, her body willing him on. Her moans sped him forward, and she felt the muscles in his back begin to tighten. She realized he was at the peak, and the thought of him coming inside her pushed her over the edge. She rolled her eyes, arched her back and let out a low moan as she felt a jet of warm semen flowing into her.
Afterward, as they lay in each other’s arms, Emily began to cry. My love what on earth can be wrong? Did I hurt you?
No I liked it very much. It's just, I am afraid.
Why be afraid, I am here?
I am afraid I may lose you?
Dear Emily, please tell me why you would think that, especially after we have confirmed our need for one another, here in this bedchamber tonight.
I know about the auction you and the others are holding for the right to my hand. The thought you may not win is one that is too abominable to contemplate.
He looked at her sheepishly. Emily I wasn't thinking correctly when we made that stupid agreement. I hardly knew you. Now I am mortified I had anything to do with it. If I could change it, I would but I made an agreement, and I am bound by it.
Of course, Dear, and I wouldn't want you to go back on it. You have your reputation to think of. I have a proposal if you may allow me?”
Please, anything to get us out of this terrible predicament.
You must tell me after the fourth round of bids what your final bid shall be. I will use my womanly charms to persuade the others that your bid is much lower that it is. You will win me, and we can follow our hearts at last.
That is a splendid solution, he said.
Dear Mr. Carrington, please accept my apologies for interrupting your day, but I have some urgent business to attend to concerning Miss Emily Ashington.
She isn't ill is she? he asked, a genuine look of worry on his face.
No, but she is very concerned for her reputation.
Why would she be that? She has an excellent reputation; everyone thinks her divine.
The auction Mr. Carrington, Beatrice said, looking at him sternly.
Oh, he replied, not quite knowing what to say.
She knows about your scheme with the other two, and she is desperately worried that if it becomes common knowledge, her reputation will suffer. After all, I think you may understand if you give it some thought, that men, wagering money over a lady, is hardly good for her reputation. It is marginally akin to prostitution.
Oh, what a terrible situation. It was a silly agreement. I hardly knew Miss Emily then. We were in high spirits, and it all happened so quickly. I don't know what I am able to do about it. I cannot change it now. A gentleman's agreement is final.
Of course, Sir. Miss Emily fully understands your predicament. It is just; she needs your assistance. Of the three, she is most drawn toward you. She does understand, however, that because of your circumstances, there could never be a liaison between you. However, your actions have caused a danger to her reputation, and I must ask you to make amends.
Amends? How may I do that?
By stepping out with her until the whole sordid business is finished. If society sees her courting with a single man in a steady, proper manner, it will be much less inclined to call her reputation into dispute should your sordid agreement become public. They will think it a rumor when they look at the two of you.
But I am pauper and no use to her at all.
It is not common knowledge that you are a pauper. Indeed, it is only in your honesty toward Miss Emily, that you have revealed it to anyone. Society thinks you are the well to do son of the Earl of Rochester. You must make amends for you actions and step out with her until you and the others have concluded your actions.