She rose and moved around the table to take his offered hand. “Then by all means let us retire, Master.”
Together, they walked upstairs to their rooms, separating at their doors without a word.
Max knew what she was expecting. That he would take her again, perhaps spank or tease her to her heights and then fuck her, the way he had done last night.
What she didn’t realize was that he was a Master who deplored the predictable.
So when she tapped on his door, he summoned her to enter. And her eyes widened.
He was in bed, the candles low, the room warm and the other side of the quilts turned down.
She blinked. “Max?”
He patted the bed. “Come, Kitty. It has been a day beyond belief for both of us. I am tired, and find my desire for you burns still, but my body needs rest at this moment.”
She hesitated at the end of the bed, as if unsure of what to do.
“Kitty, come.” He motioned again. “Remove your robe and come here beside me.”
She did as he bid. “I don’t understand, Max. You puzzle me.”
“It’s simple, my dear. Tonight I don’t need a mistress.” He turned to her, encouraged her to turn on her side, and tucked her bottom into his body as his arms enclosed her and brought her up against his chest. “I need…”
“What?” She whispered, settling into his embrace.
“You.”
~~~~*
In spite of the awful events of the previous day, Kitty awoke to the realization that she’d just enjoyed one of the best nights’ sleep she’d had in quite some time.
She might have put it down to the deliciously soft and comfortable bed, or the cosiness of the room, or the slight fragrance of lavender emanating from the linens. But she was nothing if not honest.
It was Max.
Having a warm body next to her, feet she could touch if she stretched out her own just a smidgen, and arms that reached for her, surrounded her even in sleep—it was all those things. And as the light crept through the tiny breaks in the curtains, indicating the dawn of a new day, she accepted that even if she could change things, she would not give up this moment for the world.
Then she thought of her sister, and sighed. Today they should get at least a message from Ridlington; she hoped so, and prayed with all her heart that the journey had gone smoothly with no further detriment to Hecate. Lying there, snug beneath a warm quilt, with Max’s rhythmic snuffling a soft background to her thoughts, Kitty spared a moment to ponder the future.
The die had been cast, without doubt. She was now a “fallen woman”, having accepted the protection of a man, assumedly in return for sexual favors. Her body tingled at that particular thought, but best leave that for the time being. She had no control over Max and their physical lovemaking. Quite the reverse…he had control over her.
And he’d given no indication that he would buy her a house of her own, where he could visit at his whim. So it would seem that for the time being, she’d be here at Mowbray House.
A pressing need made itself known, and she sighed as she slowly and silently slipped from the bed. Max grunted, snuffled and shifted, but slept on, giving her chance to pick up her robe and make her way back to her room. The new day was here…time to get on with it.
The household staff were efficient, and seemingly non-judgmental, since a maid appeared at her door with a light tap, bearing a day dress for Kitty to try on. It was at the master’s request, she was told.
“It’s lovely,” said Kitty, staring at herself in the mirror. “Does this belong to Mr. Seton-Mowbray’s sister?”
“I don’t think so, Miss,” answered the maid. “There were clothes and things delivered yesterday. They’re in the bureau and the closet here.” She crossed the room and opened a cupboard door, revealing several other dresses. “This one needed a quick iron, which is why I brought it up. And it’s warm too. Bit chilly outside today.”
Kitty glanced out the window to see grey clouds threatening rain. “In that case, it’s an excellent choice. Thank you.” She smiled at the maid.
“My pleasure, Miss. Glad to help.” She bobbed a curtsey. “You’ll find breakfast in the small salon, so you go right in and make yourself comfortable. Mr. Deery says you’re to eat, because yesterday was a bit topsy turvy.”
“Mr. Deery is very kind,” nodded Kitty. “I do have a sharp appetite this morning.” She picked up her shawl. “I don’t suppose there have been any messages yet?”
“No, Miss,” said the maid. “’Tis early, as you said. But don’t you worry. We’re all praying for your sister.”
Touched, Kitty swallowed down a gulp of emotion. “I…thank you. Everyone. Please tell them how much I appreciate those thoughts.”
“I will, Miss. Now you go right on down. Small parlor. Second door on the left.”
She opened the door and Kitty walked through with a grateful smile, knowing the girl would now clean the room and have it perfect before Kitty returned.
The scent of food lured her to the small parlor where there was indeed a lovely breakfast ready for the eating. Deery stood next to the silver-domed serving dishes.
“Good morning, Miss Ridlington.” He bowed. “I trust you slept well in spite of yesterday’s chaos?”
“I did, Deery, thank you for asking.” She allowed him to seat her at the table.
“Tea, Miss?”
Kitty paused. “Oh yes, if that’s all right. I’m not sure if I should wait for Mr. Seton-Mowbray…”
“No need,” a voice hailed them from the doorway. “I’m here. Tea for me too, please, Deery. And fill plates for both Miss Ridlington and myself. We’re like to starve without sustenance.”
Deery obeyed, presenting them both with tea and casting a wry look at his master. “The likelihood of your wasting away is remote, sir, I’m glad to say. However, your use of hyperbole is distressing, especially at this hour of the morning.”
Max grinned. “Extra bacon, you old curmudgeon,” he called as he unfurled his napkin. “And make sure Miss Ridlington gets some of that blackberry jam for her toast.”
She watched in fascination as a large plate of food appeared in front of her, along with toast and the aforementioned blackberry jam. “Good lord. I won’t be able to move if I eat all this.”
“I’m not sure you should.”
“What, eat this or move?”
Max sipped his tea. “Move. As in leave the house today.”
She sobered. “You’re serious?”
“Until we know what’s going on, Kitty, a measure of caution is well-advised. For both of us. I have business in town that I cannot afford to delay or miss, so I’ll be gone for most of the day. But I am taking two armed footmen with me, rather than riding alone.”
“Well, that makes sense,” she approved.
Deery bowed to Max. “Will there be anything else, sir?”
Max shook his head. “This will do. Thank you Deery. We’ll ring if we need anything.”
“Very good sir.” Deery took himself off.
Max returned to his conversation. “For my peace of mind, Kitty, I would appreciate your remaining indoors while I’m gone.”
She looked outside to see rain starting. “Not a hardship, Max. As long as I have permission to use your library…”