The Rakehell Regency(75)
"Not too stunned, I hope," he said with a light, teasing smile.
"No, indeed. In fact, I believe the prospect is becoming quite a delightful one when you look at me like that."
"Like what?" he asked softly, his blue eyes glowing.
She gave a little shrug. "As if you admire me."
"No if about it, my dear. You are lovely. But tired. So if you will permit me one more kiss with Dr. Gold safely outside the door, I shall leave you to your slumbers."
Vanessa didn't wait for their chaperon. She launched herself into his arms, kissing him ardently, her unbound breasts pressing against his chest through the thin fabric of her gown. She rubbed herself against him, and deepened the kiss until Clifford felt as though he was going to swoon. Vanessa was sure she had.
He dragged his mouth away with superhuman effort. "Thank you, my treasure. That was truly remarkable. And hopefully a sign that we belong together. That what we share is special, unique. A gift."
"Mmm, yes," she said, smiling up at him in stunned surprise. "That's exactly what it is, a gift."
"You can have as many little presents as you like once we're safely wed. Go on, back under the covers. I shall see you later."
He tucked her in once more, kissed her on the cheek, and turned to leave.
"Clifford?"
"Yes, love?" he said, turning quickly.
"Thank you for making me forget all about my horrible aunt and cousins. One kiss from you and the whole cruel world falls away."
"And won't be coming back to disturb you ever again, I give you my word."
"And I believe it. I'll see you later."
"Sweet dreams, darling."
Vanessa snuggled under the covers, and summoned up a picture in her mind of a golden knight, his armor as bright as the sun. As she sank blissfully into somnolence, she couldn't help but notice that the glorious warrior bore Clifford's face.
He would slay all her dragons, she was sure. She just had to believe that he could dispel the shadows threatening her. That the fairy tale ending she longed for with all her heart truly could be hers.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
After three more days of convalescence at Dr. Gold's house, the Jerome sisters removed Vanessa to their home, Jerome Manor. The doctor's abode had been more than comfortable, but they could not prevail upon him indefinitely in his snug bachelor's establishment.
By contrast with the doctor's solid eighteenth-century stone house, Jerome Manor was quite modern in the new Gothic style, with several small crenellated towers and high vaulted ceilings. The ground floor was a veritable maze of public rooms, from the grand hall and drawing room, to the ballroom and chapel. Vanessa thought it was something straight out of Mr. Walpole's or Mrs. Radcliffe's novels, but the room furnishings were lighter brocades and muslins, so the feel was one of comfort and fashion rather than oppression.
Vanessa was given a sunny room with her own bath and dressing room, situated on the first floor and overlooking the topiary gardens. The décor was peacock blue and gold, and Vanessa considered it one of the most splendid rooms she had ever seen.
The Jeromes' elderly mama and papa were the souls of kindness, taking her in like a long-lost daughter, and never asking any awkward questions. Like the rest of the friends in Clifford's set, they minded their own business, nor did they gossip about anyone in the district.
There were three younger Jerome siblings, including the sixteen-year-old heir Alfred, and Ellen and Georgina Jerome, fourteen and thirteen respectively, high-spirited and showing every indication of being real beauties when they grew up. There was also a cousin visiting from Barton, a tall dashing army officer introduced to her as Samuel Jerome. He had eyes only for Claire Branson, but she seemed completely oblivious to his interest.
Vanessa chose to say nothing, since it was certainly not her right to play matchmaker. But she could find nothing objectionable about the man except that as he admitted himself, he was actually the youngest of seven sons, and thus not as good a catch for a woman as his elder siblings in terms of worldly considerations.
Vanessa knew that would make no difference to a woman who truly loved him. But Claire had told her that her heart belonged to Mr. Grayson the vicar, so the young Jerome cousin, worthy though he was, was bound to be disappointed.
Samuel's other brothers popped in and out every so often from their own home in Barton, and were all so similar in appearance Vanessa soon gave up trying to distinguish between them. They were all sober and respectable, and seemed particularly intent upon plans for a family ball at their home, to which Vanessa was invited. She was not sure of the occasion, but the Jeromes were always in such a constant state of frenetic activity that it was easy to see they loved to entertain.