PERFECTING SEDUCTION

By Sage Robertson ***** PUBLISHED BY Sage Robertson on Smashwords Perfecting Seduction Copyright 2013 by Sage Robertson Cover designed by Sage Robertson his eboo! is "icensed for your persona" en#oyment on"y$ his eboo! may not be re%so"d or given away to other peop"e$ &f you wou"d "i!e to share this boo! with another person' p"ease purchase an additiona" copy for each recipient$ &f you(re reading this boo! and did not purchase it' or it was not purchased for your use on"y' then p"ease return to Smashwords$com and purchase your own copy$ han! you for respecting the hard wor! of this author$ his boo! is a wor! of fiction and any simi"arities are coincidenta"$ )du"t Reading *ateria" To Bill, for your never ending support Table of Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter + Chapter , Chapter Chapter . Chapter / Chapter 0

Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 1+ Chapter 1, Chapter 1Chapter 1. Chapter 1/ Chapter 10 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 2+ Chapter 2, Chapter 2Chapter 2. Chapter 2/ 1pi"ogue )bout the )uthor Chapter 1 he mischievous "aughter f"oated above the fray and caught Ben#amin(s attention$ &t was the source of that "aughter' however' that captivated him$ Peering through the mu"titude of ma"es co""ected on the side of the room' Ben#amin saw a woman' or rather' an e23uisite "ady$ ) "ive"iness shone through her choco"ate brown eyes and invited the observer to share in the merriment$ 4espite the very fashionab"e sty"e of her chestnut hair' he had the sudden urge to undo the handiwor! and see her hair running wi"d down her creamy smooth bac!$ )"together' she e2hibited not an untouchab"e beauty' but an e2citing' irresistib"e magnificence$ 5udging by the scores of gent"emen around her' Ben#amin was not a"one in this assessment$ 6nfortunate"y' as an e2ceptiona""y p"ain man himse"f' he sighed and resigned himse"f to see! company e"sewhere$ he 7ardener(s ba"" was we"" !nown through%out 8inchester' however considering the fact that 8inchester was "arge"y un!nown' this amounted to "itt"e$ 9or what seemed "i!e the tenth time this evening' Ben#amin 3uestioned why he had "et 8a"ter drag him to this country shin%dig$ &t wasn(t that Ben#amin fe"t above the peop"e or activities' in fact he was often considered too wi""ing to disregard his c"ass' but rather that his so"e ac3uaintance of the "arge assemb"y was 8a"ter$ )nd at the present time' 8a"ter was nowhere to be found$ 7rimacing' Ben#amin ref"ected that his friend had actua""y been a"" too !een to abandon him on"y moments after arriving$ )t "east 8a"ter(s motives cou"d be traced to e2citement:of the "adies( presence' not his company$

7"ancing around the room' he saw many young be""es wistfu""y eyeing the dance f"oor$ he thought of ma!ing an approach and actua""y as!ing for one to dance' however' made his stomach "urch$ ;& swear the gir"s get prettier every year$ his was #ust what we needed after schoo"'< 8a"ter said' appearing behind Ben#amin$ &t seems he had fina""y torn himse"f away from some damse" to chec! on his friend$ ;=ou shou"d stop "ur!ing in the corner and try to en#oy yourse"f$ here are p"enty of "adies to choose from$ Seeing Ben#amin(s scow"' he continued' ;Come on' my man' cheer up$ & promise you it(s not that bad$< ;1asy for you to say' 8a"ter' you thrive on the attention$ 1ven in prison' you(d be happy if there was a "ady by your side$< ;8e""' as "ong as she(s wi""ing:< he said with a g"eam in his eye$ ;But tru"y' you(re in sore need of fema"e entertainment and &(m ma!ing it my persona" responsibi"ity to see that you get it$ & can(t have fun unti" & !now you(re en#oying yourse"f$< >aughing' Ben#amin countered' ;& thin! you(ve been en#oying yourse"f' or more accurate"y' the "adies' #ust fine$< ;*aybe some' but it does grieve me to see my best friend behaving as aw!ward"y as a new"y born co"t$ 4ance' ming"e' do it for my sa!e to spare me the pain?< 8a"ter p"eaded dramatica""y$ ;Come' &("" even introduce you to some prospective partners$< )s Ben#amin was turning to fo""ow 8a"ter' he co""ided with the beautifu" woman he had admired$ 6nfortunate"y' his hand he"d a g"ass of red wine' which spi""ed a"" over the "ady(s fancy gown$ ;@h' my dress?< she e2c"aimed$ She(s breathta!ing' he thought as shoc! seiAed his tongue$ Seeing her up c"ose' a"most over"oaded his senses$ &t too! severa" moments before he cou"d stutter' ;&:&(m:&(m terrib"y sorry$< Cursing himse"f for his inade3uate response and c"umsy introduction to such a stunning woman' he p"owed on$ ;&:& can c"ean the mess$< ;Bo' this stain wi"" not come out$ his is bri""iant' tru"y bri""iant'< she said$ Ben#amin was trying to gauge whether she was being sarcastic' but her tone seemed genuine$ ;*y feet are 3uite sore and & was "oo!ing for a way to escape$ & cou"dn(t have thought of a better e2cuse' than! you?< she continued$ 7iving him a bright smi"e' she turned and disappeared through the crowds$ ;8hat #ust happenedC< Ben#amin as!ed' facing 8a"ter$ 8a"ter grinned' ;8e"" done' & thin! you #ust became a hero$ =our wit and grace wi"" serve as an e2ce""ent e2amp"e to a"" men$< Dis grin e2panded into hearty "aughter$ ;& saw the "oo! in your eyes$ & wou"dn(t get any ideas if & were you' you("" never have a chance with Char"otte B"yth$< ;&(m we"" aware of that'< Ben#amin 3uiet"y muttered$ Chapter 2 ) deep sigh escaped Char"otte$ Sighing had been an activity she engaged in fre3uent"y of "ate' and she didn(t en#oy it' not one bit$ 6nfortunate"y' Char"otte cou"dn(t seem to stop' even though she !new the cause$ She had been deprived of her governess' *iss 7race Carter$ &n truth' 7race had ceased being her governess "ong ago' as Char"otte was approaching her twenty%second year$ 8ith her mother "ong dead' it had ta!en Char"otte "itt"e time before she had come view 7race in that stead$ )t some point a"ong the way' a deep friendship a"so deve"oped$

So when 7race married the town(s "atest resident' Sir Stuart 7i"bert severa" wee!s ago' Char"otte fe"t she "ost a"" of these things$ he in#ury was fe"t more !een"y sti""' due to an absence of any other friends in the neighborhood$ Char"otte had never 3uite understood why other gir"s seemed to spurn her' despite her friend"y manner and 7race(s he"p' but the !now"edge of her apparent inade3uacies was a heavy weight$ &t wasn(t that Char"otte wou"d never see 7race again' the 7i"berts were "iving in town at Dastings Da"" after a""$ &t was simp"y that things wou"d be so different$ Bo "onger wou"d Char"otte be ab"e to bring 7race on every e2cursion' or ta"! of fears into the evening hours$ 7race now had another responsibi"ity' or more accurate"y' she had a new partner' because Sir Stuart was one of those rare gent"eman who treated women as an e3ua"$ )nd Char"otte was who"ehearted"y p"eased at her friend(s happiness and e"evated status' she #ust wished her own suffering had not been the price$ Sti""' Char"otte did try to ma!e the best of the situation$ Rather than sit and g"ower' she tried to en#oy "ife(s opportunities' inc"uding a visit to her cousin in 8inchester$ he stay had been severa" months ago' at the beginning of 7race(s courtship$ Char"otte had suspected the outcome of Sir Stuart(s attentions and wanted to give her friend time for his company$ his a"so assured that 7race cou"d en#oy Sir Stuart without any gui"t of abandoning her charge$ )ware that returning home she might hear some bittersweet news of an engagement' Char"otte continued her 8inchester vacation with a determined cheerfu"ness$ 1ven the ba"" where she had been inundated with unwe"come ca""ers had been a p"easant distraction$ he c"oc! chimes began to sound' effective"y ending her reverie$ @ne o(c"oc! a"ready' now Char"otte had cause to smi"e$ oday' fina""y was the day she had p"anned to visit 7race$ Sure"y by now the new coup"e had had enough privacy and were ready for visitors$ )t any rate' that was Char"otte(s intention' if on"y to have a short reprieve for her "one"iness$ 7rasping the f"owers she had pic!ed that morning' Char"otte hurried off$ Chapter ;9ina""y you(ve come?< e2c"aimed 7race' wrapping Char"otte in a tight hug$ ;& had #ust been te""ing Stuart that if you didn(t visit soon' & was going to have to stea" you away from >angdon *anor myse"f$< he words great"y comforted Char"otte$ Bot that she thought 7race wou"d s"ow"y pu"" her affections away' but hearing this 3uashed any doubt$ ;)s you !now' & "ead an e2treme"y busy "ife' between readying father for the numerous engagements he never attends and deciding which "andscape to paint ne2t' it(s a wonder & even manage to eat'< Char"otte huffed' the twin!"e in her eye giving her away$ ;&(ve a"ready to"d you' #ust have your father te"" you what to paint' one can never have too many bow"s of fruit'< 7race teased bac!$ Der e2pression turned serious as she as!ed' ;8e"" my dear' #esting aside' how are you doingC< 7"ancing down to hide her "ow spirits' Char"otte smi"ed bright"y and then raised her eyes to meet 7race$ ;8onderfu"' of course$ Besides' & shou"d be as!ing how you are$ =ou(re the one who(s had a "ife%a"tering change$ )re you e2periencing marita" b"issC &s Sir Stuart doting on you hand and footC< ;De(s been e2ceeding"y !ind and caring$ )h Char"otte' & sti"" pinch myse"f to ensure &(m not in the midst of an incredib"e dream$ @f course if it was' & wou"dn(t want to wa!e up$ o thin! that a governess' at my age no "ess' cou"d be happi"y married to such an amaAing man$ &(ve

become a be"iever' in mirac"es'< 7race readi"y gushed$ his brought a "augh from Char"otte' because 7race was many things' but very rare"y was she one to gush$ ;So & am doing far better than we""' but & do worry about you$ )nd & fear that sometimes you may fee" a "itt"e "ess than wonderfu"$< Char"otte brushed 7race(s concern aside and after some trivia" conversation' 7race broached an entire"y new topic' one of some interest$ ;)s you !now' Stuart(s son Ben#amin wi"" be #oining us in another wee! or so and & had hoped to as! you a favor' my dear$< ;&t was a shame he cou"dn(t be present for the wedding'< Char"otte said$ ;=es we""' it was an honor for him to receive that scho"arship$ 8or!ing under the tute"age of 4r$ 5ames' even for a short time' wou"d be any scho"ar(s dream$ &t was unfortunate the pro#ect ended so 3uic!"y and of course that the wedding was a"ready schedu"ed$ Sti""' &(m e2cited to meet him$ Stuart te""s me such interesting things about Ben#amin' though & daresay he(s a bit biased$< 8ith an innocent g"ance at Char"otte' she continued' ;& thin! you may en#oy his company too$< 8hen Char"otte gave her a pointed "oo!' 7race 3uic!"y c"arified' ;Bo' you misunderstand me$ & mean that Ben#amin may prove to be a good friend' but perhaps not$ )t any rate' he("" be someone new to meet' and that doesn(t happen often in 7"oucester$< ;& do sti"" wonder that Sir Stuart ever ventured here in the first p"ace'< mused Char"otte$ ;)fter such a busy "ife' he wanted the so"itude of the countryside' which he certain"y achieved$ )nyway' bac! to the favor & had mentioned$ 8ith Ben#amin being new to 7"oucester' there wi"" be much for him to "earn$ Stuart and & wi"" of course show him around' however we don(t want to tie him down to such an o"d coup"e as ourse"ves$< Char"otte sent her a contradicting "oo!' but 7race seemed ob"ivious and went on' ;& wondered if you wou"d mind sharing some sites and information with him$< Char"otte tried to discern if her friend had an u"terior motive' but gui"e was not in 7race(s nature and she certain"y cou"dn(t concea" a "ie$ Seeing no signs to warrant this as anything but a friend"y re3uest' Char"otte fe"t re"ieved and as!ed' ;Dow o"d is heC< ;De(s two years younger than you' but he has a"ready done much$< 8ith a good%natured "augh' Char"otte responded' ;De(s nineteen? 8e"" sure"y & don(t mind p"aying at governess$ & a"ways en#oyed that game as a gir" and you provided a perfect e2amp"e on dea"ing with naughty chi"dren$< ;=ou were nothing but a de"ight *iss Char"otte B"yth$ =ou !now how much &(ve "oved every moment with you and how happy & am that our re"ationship has grown to such a wonderfu" friendship'< 7race warm"y answered$ ;)t nineteen' Ben#amin is certain"y a man' and he un"i!e many his age' happens to be very mature$ Stuart' as you !now' is a we"" trave""ed man and a"ways thought it important to e2pose his son to the wor"d$ )pparent"y' he(s something of a genius too' being one of the youngest men to enter co""ege$ =ou cou"d have some very interesting conversations with Ben#amin$ & wou"dn(t as!' of course' if & fe"t it wou"d be a burden$< Char"otte was 3uic! to assure her friend' ;Batura""y 7race' &(d do anything you as!$ &t wi"" be no troub"e at a"" and as you say' cou"d prove 3uite en#oyab"e$< Chapter ! &t was her? Ben#amin cou"d never have imagined that he wou"d encounter the beautifu" woman from the dance again' and certain"y not under these circumstances$ Dowever' there she stood' being presented to him by his father and new step%mother' no "ess$

;Ben#amin' &(d "i!e you to meet my very good friend' *iss Char"otte B"yth'< 7race introduced$ ;&t is a p"easure to forma""y ma!e your ac3uaintance$ & don(t see a g"ass in your hand' so & suppose my dress is safe'< Char"otte teased$ Ben#amin(s face turned a deep scar"et co"or' ;@h' you two have met beforeC< Sir Stuart as!ed$ ;@nce' at a ba"" we were both attending in 8inchester not "ong ago'< she was on"y too happy to share' much to Ben#amin(s chagrin$ De !new what he(d hear ne2t$ ;& was being e2treme"y care"ess and !noc!ed right into Ben#amin' causing him to "ose his drin!$ &t was very rude of me' especia""y as & thin! bac! on it' & never offered to rep"ace your g"ass$ P"ease forgive me'< she addressed him with a twin!"e in her eyes$ Surprise fi""ed him at her se"f%deprecating account and it was a moment before he cou"d respond$ ;&t is & who must beg your forgiveness for my c"umsiness and of course for ruining your "ove"y gown$ & wou"d be on"y too happy to rep"ace it$< She dismissed the thought' ;&t was getting worn' so you saved me the troub"e of storing it$ Bow *r$ 7i"bert' 7race has as!ed me to better ac3uaint you with 7"oucester$ e"" me' what have you a"ready seenC< ;P"ease' ca"" me Ben#amin' and than! you for ta!ing the time to show me around$ 8hen & arrived the other night' it was 3uite dar!' so & didn(t ta!e in the "andscape' or much e"se for that matter$ *y father and 7race have been !ind enough to give a tour of the estate and we did visit the parsonage and a few neighbors$< ;8e were hoping you might show him the town s3uare and a few pictures3ue "andscapes as Ben#amin(s 3uite a painter'< 7race offered$ Char"otte nodded' ;@f course' we cou"d wa"! to town now' if you "i!e$< Ben#amin 3uic!"y agreed and the two said farewe"" to Sir Stuart and 7race before heading out$ Daving more time to admire her' he rea"iAed she was even more stunning than his initia" impression at the ba""$ &nward"y sighing' he prayed not to ma!e himse"f into anymore of a bumb"ing foo"$ Chapter " Char"otte tried to secret"y study her companion$ De was certain"y ta""' probab"y one of the ta""est men she had met' but that was the on"y remar!ab"e thing about him' e2cept perhaps his eyes$ hey were a "ight b"ue and seemed !ind$ hough she wou"d never ca"" him handsome' Ben#amin was assured"y not home"y$ De was #ust an ordinary man' or rather boy$ hough Char"otte was a mere two years o"der' it was enough to ma!e her fee" they were decades apart$ 1ver protective of her good friend' she wanted to !now his thoughts on 7race$ rying for subt"y' she as!ed' ;)re you finding yourse"f we"" sett"ed at Dastings Da""C< ;@h yes' it(s very grand$ Some of the architecture reminds me of our ear"ier home in Co"chester$ )nd of course it(s wonderfu" to see father again' after such a "ong time away'< he answered$ She was in the midst of forming another de"icate 3uestion to address her rea" concern when he continued'< &t(s especia""y wonderfu" to see him so happy with 7race$ &t(s been a "ong time since my mother passed away and it wounded us both great"y$< Dis voice grew soft as he spo!e of his mother' but with more conviction he said' ;De deserves the best and & be"ieve he(s

found it with 7race$ She(s e2treme"y !ind and sincere$ hough &(ve a"ready had an amaAing mother' & fee" doub"y fortunate to have another$< Re"ief f"ooded Char"otte$ 6nderstanding the situation cou"d easi"y become difficu"t for both 7race and Ben#amin if they harbored i"" fee"ings' she was comforted to discover this wou"d probab"y not be the case$ ;Dow about yourse"fC Dave you a"ways "ived in 7"oucesterC 4o you have any sib"ingsC< he 3uestioned$ ;& am indeed a 7"oucester native and unfortunate"y' &(m an on"y chi"d$ & used to dream of having an o"der sister' though$ She wou"d indu"ge me and p"ay a"" day' teach me how to do my hair' and of course hand a"" of her c"othes down'< she mused$ ;&t(s funny' & a"ways thought of 7race as a mother figure' & too "ost mine' though & don(t remember her' but & suppose in many ways' 7race was a"so the o"der sister & never had$< ;=ou must miss her a great dea"' now that she is at Dastings Da""'< Ben#amin 3ueried' his eyes softening$ Something about his understanding voice undid her$ She cou"dn(t hide it$ oo "ong had she tried to deny the truth to everyone' inc"uding herse"f$ Enowing her features weren(t even trying to cooperate' Char"otte gave up and admitted her pain$ ;Fery much:< but she didn(t trust herse"f to go on$ ;8hen she(s not avai"ab"e' what do you turn toC< ;&(m not sure what you mean$< ;8hat or who' & shou"d say$ 4o you "ose yourse"f in a boo!' or need"epointC &s it a cousin or friend you spend more time withC< he c"arified$ She sighed' ; he truth is' though &(ve "ived here my who"e "ife' 7race is my on"y companion$ &t(s a"ways been a mystery$ Boo!s' or painting prove to be decent distractions' though$< ;)h' painting is a passion of mine too$ &t is interesting' though' about friends$ Dave you ever discussed it with 7raceC< ;@f course' she(s tried to he"p' but unfortunate"y to no avai"$ & suppose you have an ideaC< she "aughed$ De was beginning to wonder what' e2act"y he was trying to prove' but there was no retreating now$ ;@ne theory is that perhaps' these potentia" friends are #ea"ous'< he 3uic!"y said$ ;5ea"ousC 8hat e2act"y wou"d they be #ea"ous ofC< Der voice was definite"y raising' but he cou"dn(t te"" if it was out of wonder' or anger$ &t was their second meeting and a"ready he was ma!ing a mess of things' again$ ; here is of course your status' inte""igence and !indness' which 7race had to"d me of and:we"":your beauty'< he finished in a rush$ hough Char"otte had not spent any time previous"y imagining this encounter with Ben#amin' had she' it never wou"d have been "i!e this$ Dow had he managed to bring the discussion to her' or more accurate"y' her suffering and insecurities$ )nd the things he said' the neighbors #ea"ous of herC rue she had heard comp"iments often enough on the attributes he had mentioned' but it was a"ways from biased "oved ones' "i!e her father and 7race$ &f she were fu""y honest with herse"f' she cou"d admit that there was some truth to her beauty' but sure"y peop"e wou"dn(t discriminate based on thatC 8hen she had never been anything but friend"y' wou"d they spurn her because she was competitionC 8as it possib"eC Char"otte decided to contemp"ate his theory at a "ater time$ 9ocusing on her mission' she pointed out severa" "ocations that she had often used when painting "andscapes$ )s they

continued towards town' she "earned 3uite a bit about his trave"s and studies after p"ying him with many 3uestions$ Dis bac!ground and phi"osophies proved very intriguing and !ept her so engrossed in conversation' time passed rapid"y$ )t the conc"usion of the day' Char"otte was surprised to rea"iAe she had thorough"y en#oyed herse"f and readi"y agreed to meet with him the fo""owing day$ Chapter # 8ithout any de"iberate intention' Char"otte found herse"f spending much of her time with Ben#amin$ >eaving off one day "eft too many unfinished p"ans or discussions and it became easy to pic! up again the ne2t$ &t was one such day that found them in Char"otte(s studio' "oo!ing through her paintings$ Sharing artwor! was deep"y persona"$ Bot that her content was intimate' but opening herse"f up to #udgment of techni3ue and sty"e made her fee" vu"nerab"e' particu"ar"y since everyone c"aimed Ben#amin was a great artist and she had yet to see his wor!$ Sti""' everything with him was so natura" and when he had as!ed to see her studio' she had fe"t comfortab"e enough to agree$ )t the time' she had shown him her favorite p"ace and mentioned it was a"so her favorite painting$ Ben#amin had stared for 3uite some time at the vista and than!ed her for sharing such a specia" p"ace$ 8hen he had gone on to say he(d "ove to see it through her eyes' she cou"dn(t say no$ Bow' of course' Char"otte was beginning to fee" shy about her s!i""$ Ben#amin studied the painting in si"ence' which caused her to fee" even more insecure$ 1ventua""y' he 3uiet"y said' ;8ere you upset when you did thisC< his was not e2act"y what Char"otte e2pected to hear and she wasn(t even sure how to interpret it$ ;8e""' & didn(t spend as much time correcting the detai"s as & shou"d have$ )ctua""y' & was "oo!ing at the scene more than my canvas' so it cou"d certain"y use improvement'< she hasti"y said$ ;Bo' & thin! you misunderstand me$ he co"ors seem a "itt"e dar!er' sadder than the vista' even the grass has a shade of b"ue$ )nd you say you didn(t "oo! at the canvas much' but the brushstro!es "oo! "i!e you spent a "ot of time in certain spots$ & wou"dn(t change a thing' & #ust wonder what was going through your mind as you "ost yourse"f in the view$< Dis gaAed shifted from the painting to "oo! her straight in the eyes as he ta"!ed$ She seemed to get "ost in the current view' snared by the b"ue depths of his eyes and his perceptive words$ Sha!ing herse"f' she s"ow"y admitted' ;& was thin!ing of my mother$ *y father to"d me she used to wa"! that way a "ot$< >oo!ing down at her hands' she whispered' ;& wondered if she ever sat and admired it as & do$< Brief"y' Ben#amin reached over and s3ueeAed her hand$ Guic!"y "etting go' he said ;*aybe she did and wondered if her daughter wou"d do the same one day$< >oo!ing up' Char"otte shot him a smi"e$ 8hen he as!ed to see some of her other wor!' she ac3uiesced and they spent 3uite some time poring through the many canvases$ )s she was reaching for one in the bac! of the stac!' she heard Ben#amin whist"e' ;8e"" now' what do we have hereC H)nd she made him sit by p"acing her hee" to his chest$ hen she proceeded to undo her corset and teased him by touching herse"f$ 8hen he tried to stand or run his hands up her thigh' she moved her hee" "ower to his crotch' warning that if tried to p"easure her before she was ready' he(d pay$(< 8hen Char"otte turned around to face him' she saw a

sma"" worn boo! in his hand and his eyebrows arched in disbe"ief$ ;&s this what you spend your time readingC< She b"anched and wished fervent"y the ground wou"d swa""ow her who"e$ Bare"y ab"e to spea! the words' she managed' ;=ou:you won(t te"" anyone' wi"" youC< Dis face changed from shoc! to a wide grin$ ;Bo' *iss B"yth' & won(t te"" anyone$< >oo!ing down' he continued "ess confident"y' ;actua""y' when you finish' perhaps & cou"d borrow itC< Re"ief f"ooded her and she "aughed at the une2pected 3uestion$ Ben#amin was proving to be 3uite the unusua" man$ ;Certain"y' you can ta!e that one' &(ve actua""y read it before$ )nd you(re we"come to borrow my others$< ;Dow on earth did you come by themC< ;&n a simi"ar way to you'< she smi"ed' ;& stumb"ed upon a maid reading one and since then' have had her buy me severa"$< ;So this is a sub#ect that ho"ds your interestC< he as!ed$ B"ushing' Char"otte didn(t waver' ;&(m curious$ Fery curious$ &t seems unfair that men are ab"e to not on"y discuss' but satiate their curiosity whi"e women must not even thin! of it$< Dis response of' ;Fery true'< surprised her$ *ost men wou"d thin! such !now"edge wou"d taint a woman' but she was p"eased to "earn Ben#amin was not one of them$ ;)s much as & wou"d "ove to continue this conversation' it(s getting "ate and & had promised to meet my father and 7race for dinner$ han! you for showing your wonderfu" paintings:and of course the en"ightening discussion'< he smir!ed$ ;)re you sti"" p"anning on pic!ing me up for our wa"! tomorrowC< she 3uestioned$ ;@f course' &("" see you at noon$< Poc!eting the boo!' he said goodbye and "eft$ Chapter $ Ben#amin sti"" cou"d not be"ieve the events of the "ast day$ 4iscovering that Char"otte' a perfect "ady in every sense' had a deep seated desire to "earn more about' we""' desire' e2cited him in ways he !new weren(t proper$ 8a"!ing with her through the twisting path' he wished he cou"d find a way to bring the matter up' but seemed at a "oss$ 9rom nowhere' Char"otte sudden"y as!ed' ;8hat(s it "i!eC< hin!ing over their recent conversation to determine what she meant' he came up empty' ;8hat do you meanC< ;=ou !now' to ma!e "ove'< she prodded as if this were everyday conversation$ Ben#amin gasped$ )pparent"y' her train of thought was the same as him$ ;8e""' & wou"dn(t !now'< he answered$ ;P"ease' you don(t e2pect me to be"ieve men don(t engage in "ovema!ing "ong before marriage$ & !now a"" about brothe"s$ Sure"y you(ve been to one$< *omentari"y at a "oss for words' he paused$ 9ina""y he shared' ; ruthfu""y' & have been$ )t schoo"' friends were eager to debauch the Hyoungest c"assmate$( Dowever' & cou"dn(t stomach the thought of being with someone because & paid her and that hundreds of others had been to$ So after what seemed "i!e a reasonab"e time' & "eft$ hough & have been bac! many times since' to many different:women'< seeing her eyebrows raised in 3uestion' he 3uic!"y continued' ;to draw them$ )s an artist' studying the human figure is important$ *any famous artists do it as

we""$ &(ve drawn some men' but women are the most accessib"e' because of brothe"s$< De ris!ed a g"ance at her$ ;So in a"" your time there' you never did a thingC Bot even a !issC< she as!ed incredu"ous"y$ ;Bo' &(ve never !issed a prostitute' but & have !issed before'< now he "oo!ed at anywhere' but Char"otte$ ;& did "earn some things' though$ )s & drew' & as!ed many 3uestions since &(m a"so curious$< ;Dmmm'< she contemp"ated a"oud' ;Dave you ever thought of practicing certain:s!i""sC So that when the right person comes a"ong' you can ho"d your ownC< his discussion was becoming more and more surprising$ Bot sure e2act"y what Char"otte was thin!ing' he answered' ;Bo' not rea""y$ & mean it wou"d be nice to impress whomever that may be' but as & said' & have some e2perience$ Sure"y with a"" of your admirers' you have a "itt"eC< Sighing' she admitted' ;Bone$ @f course &(ve had opportunities' but none of the men rea""y appea"ed to me' or & #ust didn(t trust them$ & was a"ways afraid they wou"d misunderstand and then it cou"d become 3uite a mess$ &(m #ust an2ious to see what it fee"s "i!e and not ma!e a comp"ete foo" of myse"f to my future husband$< )fraid to as!' Ben#amin did nonethe"ess' ;)nd how do you envision this future husbandC Dandsome' charming' rich' and tit"edC< >oo!ing wistfu"' she responded' ;)mong other things$< ;@ther thingsC< he prompted$ ;8e""' a"" of that is nothing without !indness and humor$< Enowing he didn(t measure up to those 3ua"ities' Ben#amin sighed inward"y$ @f course he had a"ways !nown he cou"d never be enough for Char"otte' sti""' hearing it was painfu"$ ;=ou cou"d he"p me to practice'< she murmured' "oo!ing up at him$ Cou"d she rea""y be imp"ying what he suspectedC ;&n what wayC< he in3uired$ ;=ou cou"d !iss me' as practice$< Seeing his dubious e2pression' she 3uic!"y added' ;Bot if it wou"d bring you discomfort' though$< So' he cou"d fina""y "earn how it fe"t to have those "ips on his' but on"y in preparation for some other man$ She didn(t have any fee"ings for him' she(d made that perfect"y c"ear$ 8ou"d it be right to !iss with their conf"icting emotionsC 8as it right' for that matter' to even !iss someone under the pretenses of practiceC 4uring his interna" debate' she peered up at him with a 3uestioning "oo!$ &f he said no to this' she might go in search of some other partner' one who cou"d ta!e advantage$ Besides' he reasoned' the entire scheme was her idea:and this was sure"y the on"y way he(d ever get to !iss Char"otte B"yth$ ;& have no 3ua"ms if it(s tru"y your wish'< he fina""y answered$ She beamed up at him' ;Perfect$ >et(s step off the path' in case someone comes by$< ;=ou mean to do it nowC< he wondered$ ;8hy notC 6n"ess you have reservations about !issing in the woodsC< she teased$ 8eaving their way through the trees' they found a spot far enough not to be seen from the trai"$ 9acing him' Char"otte tentative"y put her hands on his shou"ders' and "oo!ed e2pectant"y into his eyes$ ;&(m waiting'< she whispered$ 9o""owing her e2amp"e' he gent"y p"aced his hands on her waist and s"ow"y drew her c"oser$ &f he(d been intimated by her beauty from afar' this pro2imity "eft him speech"ess$ a!ing everything in' inc"uding her enticing scent' he c"osed his eyes' then s"ow"y brought his "ips to rest

on hers$ hey fe"t so soft and tasted so sweet he didn(t want to stop' but he eventua""y drew bac! with an in3uiring "oo!$ )fter a moment she opened her eyes and f"ashed him a bright smi"e$ ; hat was 3uite nice' but & want to try the other !issing:you !now' the !ind with our mouths open$< 8ith a searching "oo!' she as!ed' ;have you !issed that way beforeC< De chuc!"ed' ;=es$ )s you wish' *iss B"yth$< Dis moc!ing transformed into seriousness as he bent down again c"aiming her mouth' on"y this time' he ran his tongue over her "ips$ 8hen she sighed' he s"ow"y e2p"ored his way into her mouth$ 9inding her tongue' they entered into a s"ow sensua" dance$ rying to maintain some contro"' Ben#amin drew bac!' sha!i"y this time$ 8hen Char"otte fai"ed to respond' he said' ;4id that satisfyC< ;@h yes'< she answered after a moment' ;But &("" need to practice much more$ )nd perhaps move my hands' rightC hey shou"dn(t #ust stay in one p"aceC< Ben#amin was starting to be"ieve this was going to be the end of him$ ;& thin! you(re over thin!ing$ 5ust do what fee"s most natura"' there(s no wrong way$ Dowever' you have my permission to "et your hands roam anywhere$< his time' he pu""ed her so c"ose' the fu"" "ength of their bodies was touching$ hen he !issed her deep"y again$ 9o""owing his own advice' he "et his fingers trace over her chee! moving down to caress her nec!$ Stro!ing her sides' he stopped #ust shy of her breast and heard her moan$ )t first' he fe"t her hands mimic some of his movements$ 8ith increasing bo"dness' she fo""owed these by severa" of her own$ Sudden"y her hands were everywhere' on his arms' his bac!' twisted in his hair' causing him to moan$ Der urgency spurred him on and soon he fe"t "ost in their passion$ 12cept' maybe it was on"y his passion$ his thought came unbidden' causing him to step bac!$ Dis une2pected withdrawa" caused her to sway and he reached out a hand to steady her$ ;8e""' now you won(t fee" so ine2perienced'< he 3uic!"y said' "oo!ing beyond her$ ; hat was:wonderfu"? & can understand why everyone gets so caught up in it a""'< she gushed$ )fter a pause' she as!ed' concerned' ;Cou"d you te"" it was my first timeC 8as & terrib"y bad at !issingC< >aughing' Ben#amin answered' ;=ou did an e2ce""ent #ob for your first time$< ;Dmm' He2ce""ent:for my first time'( not simp"y e2ce""ent$ & be"ieve that means & have much more practice to do'< she reasoned$ ;Bo' you misunderstand' it tru"y was e2ceptiona"$ =ou have no need to improve'< he tried again$ Char"otte remained unconvinced' ;(Bo need to improveC( hat means & can improve$ &(m sorry Ben#amin' but & must as! you to he"p me a "itt"e "onger$< Chapter % ;Stop ma!ing that face?< Char"otte "aughing"y chided$ Sitting across from each other' with on"y canvas between them' Char"otte was ab"e to open"y study every one of Ben#amin(s features$ &n fact' she was trying to in earnest' so his portrait wou"d have some accuracy$ his was proving to be rather difficu"t' however' because he was studying her with e3ua" intensity as he wor!ed on her portrait$ )ttention a"ways made her fee" uncomfortab"e and Ben#amin(s steady gaAe was more than a "itt"e unnerving$ 8orse sti""' his si""iness' whi"e fun' was causing her to despair of capturing any respectab"e "i!eness$

Stri!ing a wounded e2pression' he teased' ;But this is how & "oo!$ & can(t change that?< )fter a pause' he continued' ;&t(s starting to get "ate' sha"" we see each other(s progress and begin homeC< ;Certain"y not? Since you were so bent on ma!ing me "augh' my painting is dep"orab"e$< aunting"y' he rep"ied' ;8e"" then you won(t be ab"e to view my handiwor!$< ;9ine' but as & said' it(s 3uite bad"y done'< she sighed$ ; hat(s #ust it' though' it(s not done$ )nd artwor! shou"d never be #udged before comp"etion$< Coming around to view his "i!eness' he e2c"aimed' ; here now' it(s a so"id start and we"" on its way to a masterpiece$< 7igg"ing' Char"otte countered' ;Spo!en "i!e a true po"itician$ Bow' "et(s see what you(ve done$< )s she approached' her eyes trave"ed towards his canvas and then froAe$ Bot on"y was her portrait impeccab"e' he had somehow managed to capture so much emotion$ &t was tru"y stunning and she "oo!ed tru"y stunning in it$ Speech"essness passed and she managed to croa! out' ;Dow:did you do this in such a short amount of timeC< >oo!ing a "itt"e bashfu"' he answered' ;&(ve had a "ot of practice$ )ctua""y' there(s sti"" more & had p"anned to do with it' so "i!e yours' don(t #udge it yet$< ; his is a draftC< she as!ed' incredu"ous"y$ ;& had no idea of your ta"ent' because you(ve been so mysterious about your studio$ 8hat you must have thought of mine$ Dad & !nown you were this good' & don(t thin! & cou"d have bared to share my amateurish attempts$< ;P"ease don(t fee" "i!e that$ & "oved seeing what you created and &(m so happy you fe"t safe enough to share it with me$ =ou shou"d never fee" ashamed or compare something you(ve made' because it(s uni3ue and specia"' #ust "i!e its creator$ Perhaps that sounds f"owery' but it(s the truth$< She sent him a wide smi"e$ ;=ou(re right' it does sound f"owery$ But & suppose you(re a"so right about art$ Sti""' &("" need to warm up to the idea of being in the presence of greatness'< she teased$ ; here was one g"aring inaccuracy in the portrait' though$ &(m not near"y as beautifu" in "ife$< ;Bo' you aren(t$ =ou(re far more beautifu" in person' & #ust cou"dn(t capture it in paint'< Ben#amin admitted$ Char"otte cou"dn(t agree$ )fter a f"eeting thought contemp"ating Ben#amin(s opinion on her "oo!s' she 3uic!"y dismissed the who"e matter$ Chapter & 8hy did he a"ways find himse"f at a dance:a"one$ Char"otte was here' in an e"egant green gown emphasiAing a"" of the right p"aces' but she was once again surrounded by men vying for her attention' or being twir"ed in the arms of one b"o!e after another on the dance f"oor$ 4espite what she said about the "oca" townsfo"! spurning her' she hadn(t had a moment a"one$ )nd Ben#amin !new' because he had been watching her most of the night$ Re#ection was c"ear"y not a prob"em from the ma"e 3uarter of 7"oucester' supporting the theory he had shared with her that first day together$ Repeating the words ;she(s too good for you< in his head count"ess times this evening did not "essen the #ea"ousy that reared up every time some gent"eman made her "augh' or put his arms on hers whi"e dancing$ Sighing' Ben#amin decided to ta!e a brea! in the sma"" corner sitting area he had discovered not "ong ago$ 8ith the screen separating the space' he wou"dn(t have to

continue watching her whi"e suffering inside$ 12cept' of course' for the times he heard her infectious gigg"e across the room$ &t wasn(t "ong after ta!ing a seat near the entrance of the a"cove' he heard someone approaching$ Rather than seeing a face' however' he saw the rear side of a gown as the "ady bac!ed her way into the corner$ 1verything happened 3uic!"y and before he !new it' the woman bac!ed herse"f right into Ben#amin(s chair' "ost her ba"ance' and "anded sitting right on his "ap$ ;Char"otte' what on earth are you doingC< he as!ed' as his arms automatica""y tightening around her when she "anded$ De cou"dn(t he"p but register the fact that she fe"t wonderfu" sitting against him$ Stea"ing a 3uic! g"ace around to ensure they were a"one' she 3uic!"y wrapped her arms around his nec! and gave him a "ight !iss on his "ips$ ;Dere you are'< she e2c"aimed$ hen whispering' she as!ed' ;8hy are you hidingC< 1ver since they had first ;practiced< !issing' Char"otte had insisted on an end"ess amount of training sessions and conse3uent"y' was over"y fami"iar with touching:and a "itt"e more$ Bot that Ben#amin minded' but he didn(t en#oy that it was under the guise of friendship$ @f course' there was a"so the issue of protecting her reputation' but he seemed to be more concerned with that than her$ ;Char"otte' p"ease' anyone cou"d come bac! here and see us' especia""y your entourage'< he finished a "itt"e bitter"y$ ;8hy do you thin! & was bac!ing inC & made sure no one was "oo!ing'< she smi"ed mischievous"y at him' remaining on his "ap$ ;)ren(t you supposed to be dancingC< he prodded$ &t wasn(t that he wanted her to go' and certain"y not bac! to the throng of men' but she sti"" had her arms around his nec!$ 1very time his eyes wandered down he was hit with a revea"ing view of her c"eavage and that topp"ed with the pro2imity was ma!ing it difficu"t to !eep his body from responding$ ;@h' p"ease don(t remind me' the who"e ordea" has been so tedious'< she sighed$ 8ith twin!"ing eyes' she continued' ;)ctua""y' though' there was this one rather i""usive man' whom &(ve desperate"y wanted to ta"! with a"" night$ &n fact' he(s on my dance card for the ne2t three dances$< 1nvy coursed through Ben#amin unti" he rea"iAed she was spea!ing of him$ ;& see you(ve ta!en the "iberty to sign my name$ hree dances' no "ess$ & must say' that(s 3uite scanda"ous *iss B"yth$ 8hat wi"" the townspeop"e thin!C )nything more than two dances and they("" be e2pecting to hear an engagement announcement'< he taunted$ ;>et them ta"!$ Come' dance with me'< and with that' she stood tugging him to his feet$ Chapter 1' )s the carriage #ost"ed over the rough road' Ben#amin(s entire "eft side co""ided with Char"otte(s right$ @ne wou"dn(t ordinari"y thin! that arms and "egs constant"y bumping into each other in the tight confines of a carriage wou"d be intimate' but it fe"t e2traordinari"y so to him$ Dis senses were heightened by the interaction' but Char"otte appeared unphased as she ta"!ed animated"y with 7race and his father who sat on the opposite bench$ ;Dow o"d is >ady Constance(s cast"eC< she as!ed Sir Stuart$ ;&t dates bac! to the si2teenth century'< he answered$ ; he origina" "ord who bui"t it was very wea"thy' as we"" as pecu"iar$ &t seems he "ived in constant fear of being overta!en' so besides being a grand estate' it(s fi""ed with count"ess secret passageways$ & be"ieve you("" 3uite

en#oy it$ Ben#amin used to spend "ots of time e2p"oring different wings$ &(m sure he can give you a thorough tour$ &n fact' he probab"y !nows the p"ace better than anyone "iving' since my sister uses on"y a few rooms$< 1ver since being invited to )dwic! Cast"e' Ben#amin(s aunt(s home' Char"otte had been a bund"e of e2citement$ 8ith an unadventurous father' she had "itt"e e2perience with trave"' though she had confided to Ben#amin' she desperate"y "onged for it$ De tried to te"" her of a"" the e2otic and non%e2otic "ocations he had been to' and she had eager"y as!ed hundreds of 3uestions' trying to g"ean every "ast bit of information$ 9or this trip' he to"d her of the cast"e(s history and the sites she wou"d have to visit on the estate and in the town$ Bow that they were so c"ose' Ben#amin cou"d see her impatience at the "ong carriage ride and he hid a smi"e$ 4ar!ness began to overta!e the "andscape and he suggested she try to get some rest' as 7race and Sir Stuart had "ong since fa""en as"eep$ Comp"ying' she "eaned her head on his shou"der and as!ed' ;4o you mind being my pi""owC< 6sing her c"oa! to hide his inappropriateness' "est his parents wa!e' he wrapped his arm around her bac! pu""ing her even c"oser$ ;@f course not'< he answered' sighing inside$ Daving her rest against him fe"t right' but with that thought' he once again menta""y berated himse"f$ =awning' she said tired"y' ;& don(t thin! &("" s"eep' not with the bouncing and e2citement$< Dearing her breathing short"y after' however' Ben#amin cou"d discern that despite her words' she was fast as"eep$ Stro!ing her arm' he fervent"y hoped he wou"d be ab"e to find some re"ief in unconsciousness too$ Chapter 11 hey reached )dwic! Cast"e before midnight and were shown to their rooms$ Servants were 3uic! about sett"ing the guests with their be"ongings so that it wasn(t "ong after arriving that Ben#amin found himse"f c"imbing into bed' eager"y anticipating a peacefu" s"eep$ Sudden"y he heard a crea!ing sound fo""owed by' ;8hy he""o? &magine that' there(s a secret door between our rooms'< Char"otte e2c"aimed$ 8ith a p"ayfu" "oo!' she continued' ; hat cou"d prove to be usefu"$ & can(t wait to see more of this p"ace' you must show me tomorrow$< Staring at her' he inward"y groaned$ Cou"d she ma!e herse"f anymore temptingC 8ith brown cur"y hair wi"d"y cascading down her bac!' #ust as he(d imagined' she stood before him in nothing more than a white nightgown$ hough simp"e in sty"e' the gown(s top three ties were undone' giving him an easy view to the beginning curves of her amp"e breasts$ )s if that wasn(t enough' her nipp"es were c"ear"y defined through the a"most transparent materia"$ She appeared to be comp"ete"y ob"ivious' not on"y to her revea"ing s"eepwear' but a"so any sense of impropriety at being unchaperoned in his room$ ;Char"otte' you shou"dn(t be in here'< he chastised her$ ;)s if & don(t trust you$ Rea""y Ben#amin' the househo"d(s as"eep' there(s nothing to fear$ 6n"ess of course:< she g"anced s"y"y at him' ;you don(t trust meC< Chuc!"ing' he rep"ied' ;& thin! &(m safe from you$ hen again:maybe not$ Regard"ess' it(s "ate and time for bed for both of us$< hin!ing his 3uic!est escape was to end the conversation' he yawned and said' ;7oodnight' & hope you s"eep we""$< 8ith that' he pu""ed the sheets up and turned over$ Sighing' she answered' ;@h very we""$ 7oodnight Ben#amin$<

Chapter 12 ry as she might' Char"otte(s night proved rest"ess$ 8hen the sun pee!ed through the window' she !new she didn(t have to try 3uieting her whir"ing thoughts any "onger$ Sir Stuart had to"d her brea!fast was to be at / o(c"oc!' but that was sti"" a ways off$ empted to visit Ben#amin' she 3uic!"y decided against that notion$ De hadn(t seemed particu"ar"y p"eased to see her "ast evening' though she assumed it was due to fatigue$ Bo one had to"d her of any restrictions' so venturing through the cast"e' at "east this wing' seemed "i!e a capita" idea$ ) co""ection of state"y portraits and scenes hung a"ong the corridor and after studying many' Char"otte cou"dn(t he"p but wonder at the "ives these peop"e "ed$ )fter a "itt"e ways' she came across an open door' and upon further investigation' discovered a rather "arge "ibrary$ Browsing through the tit"es' it didn(t ta!e "ong before she was comp"ete"y absorbed in a nove"$ ;9ind anything of interestC< a deep voice as!ed her$ 8ith a gui"ty start' she "oo!ed up and found her eyes "oc!ed with the most handsome man she had ever encountered$ Dis dar! brown eyes he"d a hint of amusement and his ta"" frame "eaned casua""y against one of the she"ves$ )rms crossed his broad chest as he waited for her answer$ &f Char"otte were to dream up the perfect man' this was certain"y him$ B"ushing' she stammered' ;&:& apo"ogiAe$ & wasn(t ab"e to s"eep and needed to something to pass the time unti" brea!fast$< ;8hy cou"dn(t you s"eepC< his tone had a rather suggestive note to it$ She was beginning to find the situation unsett"ing' especia""y as she cou"dn(t refrain another b"ush$ ;8e""' ad#usting to a new setting is a"ways a cha""enge and of course' thin!ing about the cast"e and its history:& suppose & was #ust too e2cited$< Dis smi"e "ifted wic!ed"y' ;12citement has a tendency to !eep one up at night$< )pproaching her' he c"asped her hand and brought it to his "ips$ ;P"ease e2cuse the rudeness of withho"ding an introduction' m("ady$ & am Sebastian Pearce and it is a p"easure to ma!e your ac3uaintance$< >owering her hand away from the !iss' he didn(t "et go$ &t was an unfami"iar sensation' but she distinct"y noted her heart was f"uttering$ ;*y name is Char"otte B"yth$ )re you >ady Constance(s sonC< she as!ed' trying to p"ace him$ ;)"as no' though she is "i!e the mother & never had$ & am her nephew'< he smooth"y rep"ied$ ;)h' so you(re Ben#amin(s cousinC< ;Bo again$ *y unc"e married >ady Constance and she is Ben#amin(s true aunt$ But how is it' if you("" indu"ge me with an answer' that you find yourse"f hereC< Cursing herse"f for the redness that wou"d not "eave her chee!s' Char"otte responded' ;&(m a good friend of >ady 7race' Sir Stuart(s wife:and a friend of Ben#amin(s as we""$< ; hen they are most fortunate$< Straightening' he sighed' ;&(d "i!e nothing better than to stay here and !eep you to myse"f' sad"y however' it is now time for brea!fast$ Sha"" & escort youC< 7"ad"y assenting' she a""owed Sebastian to ta!e her arm and with his other hand gent"y pressing her bac!' he "ed them to the dining chamber$ Chapter 1

Ben#amin(s heart san! as soon as he saw Sebastian enter with Char"otte' especia""y when he registered Sebastian(s possessive ho"d and cha""enging stare sent his way$ De !new without a doubt that Sebastian was #ust the type of man to capture her fancy$ 8ith a commanding air' Sebastian said' ;*iss Char"otte B"yth' p"ease meet my aunt' >ady Constance and my sister' *iss Cassandra Pearce$< Char"otte po"ite"y curtsied to both women as the aunt bowed her head in ac!now"edgement and Cassandra returned the curtsy$ Cassandra shared the fine features of her brother' but with raven b"ac! hair and "arge dar! eyes$ )s a young beauty' she had an innocence about her$ ; han! you for having me' &(ve heard so many wonderfu" things about )dwic! Cast"e' and of course about yourse"f'< Char"otte said' smi"ing at >ady Constance$ ;&t is a p"easure to have you' my dear$ )ny friend of Stuart(s is most we"come'< the "ady answered$ )ddressing Sir Stuart and 7race' she went on to as! of their trip to Bath ta!en right after the wedding$ Since the younger group was seated at the other end of the tab"e' they struc! up their own conversation$ ;Congratu"ations on your scho"arship' Ben#amin' >ady Constance said it was a great honor'< Cassandra(s 3uiet voice spo!e as she peered up at him with bright eyes$ ;& do envy your freedom and e2perience with trave"ingI it must have been tremendous"y e2citing$< ; han! you *iss Pearce' it was more than & dared hope for' to wor! in the fie"d with a professiona" "i!e 4r$ 5ames'< he e2p"ained' trying to inconspicuous"y monitor the conversation occurring across the tab"e between Char"otte and Sebastian$ heir bodies were "eaning towards each other$ 8ith "oc!ed eyes and hushed voices they seemed to share a most intimate conversation$ Dis hands c"enched' Ben#amin resisted the urge to drag his ;cousin< away' but he !new Char"otte was a"ready "ost to him' maybe even as a friend$ 4espite the obviousness of their mutua" interest' Ben#amin suffered every time his eyes drifted towards the two$ 7igg"ing' Cassandra pu""ed him from his reverie' ;P"ease' you must stop ca""ing me that$ 8e(ve !nown each other since birth' & insist once and for a""' you ca"" me by my first name$< 7"ancing bac! at the raven%haired beauty he responded' ;)s you wish$< Chapter 1! &t had been a trying day$ Sebastian hadn(t "eft Char"otte(s side for a moment since "eaving the dining ha""$ 4uring the tour of the cast"e' estate' and the evening activities in the par"or' Ben#amin had to witness Sebastian(s b"atant seduction$ )ny ca"" for potentia" contact' his cousin had made the most of by ho"ding her hand' ta!ing her arm for a stro""' and "eaving his pa"m on her bac! for "onger than necessary$ 9ran!"y' Ben#amin was disgusted$ De had never been a fan of Sebastian' as the o"der boy had often teased and tormented him growing up' but the past pa"ed in comparison to this new "eve" of manipu"ation$ )nd Char"otte was caught up in it a""$ 4espairing of 3uieting these frustrations' as we"" as finding s"eep' he stared up at the cei"ing$ Dearing what sounded "i!e a muff"ed scream' fo""owed by scraping' he shot up in bed$ ) figure in white emerged from the hidden passage and rushed to his bed$ Char"otte c"imbed on top and !ne"t before him$ ;8hat happenedC )re you a"rightC< he as!ed hurried"y$

;@h Ben#amin' don(t thin! "ess of me' but there was a coc!roach in my room and it was terrifying$ & was "aying down and #ust spotted him out of the corner of my eye$ here was no way & cou"d stay in there with that:thing craw"ing around?< she breath"ess"y rep"ied$ Re"ief fi""ed him$ &t was then that he rea"iAed she wasn(t wearing the nightgown he had seen the night before' but a on"y bathrobe that bare"y concea"ed anything$ &t too was white and sheer' with the midd"e of the robe on"y "oose"y tied$ Showing a "arge F%shape of creamy s!in right down the midd"e of her chest' Ben#amin cou"d see the edges of her breasts and the trai" a"" the way down to her waist$ 1ven the few p"aces there was materia"' since it was a"most transparent it did nothing to concea" her hardened nipp"es$ Be"ow the be"t wasn(t much better$ Since her "egs were cur"ed up under her' his eyes fo""owed the way from her e2posed an!"e to thigh' to the dar!ness where the robe eventua""y converged under the tie$ Sha!ing himse"f' "est he get caught up in what "ay beyond the shadow at the top of her "egs' he 3uestioned' ;Char"otte' what on earth are you wearingC< B"ushing' the response came' ; hose boo!s$ 1ver since & started reading them' & became more curious' about myse"f too$ & started to s"eep with no c"othes:and it fe"t "iberating' and a "itt"e naughty'< she said with a mischievous "oo!$ ; he first night here' & was unsure whether to e2pect a servant in the morning' so & wore my nightgown in case$ Bone came' so tonight & wished to s"eep natura""y' but when that horrib"e bug came' & on"y had time to grab for this robe$ =ou wi"" go !i"" him for me' won(t youC< she finished by p"eading$ 4ragging his eyes away from her body and up to her eyes' he sighed and nodded$ >eaving her on his bed he headed into her room$ >ife p"aces the most irresistib"e woman' scanti"y c"ad' on his bed with no chaperones' and he has to "eave$ 7ranted this same woman doesn(t desire him in the "east' e2cept in the capacity of bug e2terminator$ Short"y after' he returned to his room with a beaten "oo!$ ;&(m very sorry Char"otte' but once & found the coc!roach' the "itt"e devi" retreated into a ho"e in the wa"" before & cou"d !i"" him$ & don(t thin! you have to worry' though$ De("" "eave you a"one tonight after that chase' and he(s harm"ess anyway$< ;@h no' &(m not returning when he(s sti"" free$< ;Stay here' &("" s"eep in your room'< he offered$ ;Bo Ben#amin$ 1ven in here' &("" sti"" thin! about him finding me:he cou"d craw" a"" over me as & s"eep$ &(m not s3ueamish about most things' but insects: they(re #ust awfu"$ here(s on"y one way &("" s"eep tonight'< she e2p"ained$ ;8hat' e2act"y' do you proposeC< >oo!ing down' she whispered' ;=ou stay with me$ &n here$ hat way' &("" fee" safe$< ;8e can(t do that' even these night"y meetings are bordering on indecency'< came his shoc!ed rep"y$ ;& trust you and we(re both adu"ts$ *y door is "oc!ed$ &f you "oc! yours' there(s nothing to fear' no one wi"" ever !now'< she said confident"y$ >oo!ing into his eyes' her fina"' ;P"ease'< was his undoing$ ) defeated sigh escaped him' ;9ine' but you need to wear your nightgown$ &("" go get it' where shou"d & "oo!C< Smi"ing victorious"y she answered' ;&t(s hanging on the bac! of the dressing screen$< 8hen he returned' he passed her the gown without meeting her eyes$ heir fingers touched as she accepted it and a thri"" shot through him before he s3uashed it down$ 8hi"e she undressed' he turned in the opposite direction' even though she was behind his dressing screen$ emptation to see her supp"e form fi""ed him$ )nd he wasn(t too sure she wou"dn(t try some

tric! to entice him$ )s she c"imbed onto the bed moments "ater' he saw the gown covered "itt"e more than the robe' but at "east it wou"dn(t come open in the midd"e of the night$ ) fu"" moon cast everything in a soft g"ow after Ben#amin b"ew out the cand"e$ ;7oodnight'< he said soft"y turning to Char"otte$ She sid"ed up ne2t to him in bed' her body stretched out touching the front of his$ ; han! you Ben#amin$ 7oodnight'< she whispered and then soft"y pressed her "ips to his in a "ight !iss$ &t caught him off guard' as did the fact that she didn(t "et go and seemed fu""y prepared to s"eep in a cudd"ing embrace$ ;Char"otte' this isn(t right' we shou"dn(t be this c"ose$< BuAA"ing his nec!' she murmured' ;& need to distract myse"f from the coc!roach so & can s"eep$ Besides' this fee"s a"right to me$ 4o you not "i!e itC< ;& never said that' & #ust don(t thin! this is wise$ =ou must protect your reputation$< ;=ou(re a true gent"eman$ ouching is harm"ess$ Perhaps & shou"d distract you from your conscience$< She then proceeded to rain down severa" !isses' each one with more urgency unti" it deepened and her tongue began to e2p"ore his "ips' then his mouth$ De fina""y "et go of his restraint and matched her probing tongue with his own e2p"orations$ She began to untie his dress shirt and run her hands across his smooth chest' causing him to moan$ Der fingers then began to fidd"e with the !not at the top of his pants$ ) moment of c"arity hit him and he bro!e off the !iss$ ;8hat are you doingC Bo' stop?< Char"otte turned her big choco"ate brown eyes on him' ; here(s on"y one thing we can(t do' Ben#amin' but you and & both !now there are so many other things we can$ Peop"e do them and more a"" the time behind c"osed doors' and ours are "oc!ed$ 8hen wi"" we ever get another chance "i!e this to:p"ayC< ;5ust because we can doesn(t mean we shou"d$ & respect you too much to ris! your virtue'< he countered$ ;& remember your views on our #udgmenta" society a"" too we""' Ben#amin 7i"bert$ =ou a"ways preach of other cu"tures and countries where peop"e weren(t ru"ed by popu"ar thought and yet here you are' becoming caught up in it$ Fery we""' &("" simp"y ma!e it my mission to remind you of your "ibera" convictions'< she cha""enged$ ;7oodnight Char"otte'< he said' pu""ing away as doAens of sensuous scenes f"itted through his mind' trying to imagine how Char"otte wou"d prove her point$ Chapter 1" 9ee"ing we"" rested' Char"otte opened her eyes to see Ben#amin(s nec! in front of her$ 4uring the night' she had managed to snugg"e bac! against his body and his arms had automatica""y embraced her in his s"eepy state$ )fter their brief moment of passion fo""owed by the disagreement' he had neg"ected to put his shirt bac! on$ So Char"otte "et her eyes ta!e in his surprising"y we""%defined musc"es and tan s!in$ She wou"dn(t have e2pected her very p"ain friend to have such an e2traordinary chest' but it proved more than p"easing to the eye$ a!ing advantage of his unconsciousness' she g"anced up towards his face$ De had a strong #aw and "arge fu"" "ips' which did remar!ab"e things' as she a"ready !new$ ) fine straight nose and "arge !ind eyes a"" added up to what shou"d have been a very fine face' but somehow #ust combined into an ordinary visage$ Sti""' !nowing him as she did' Char"otte often sought out his very dear form and e3ua""y often' found entire conversations passing between their eyes despite distance and distractions$

Ben#amin had proved to be the best of friends' !nowing her even more intimate"y than 7race' but she sti"" cou"dn(t e2p"ain why she fe"t drawn to discover carna" de"ights with him$ 8as it simp"y pent up desires erupting in the presence of a safe manC 8hy did she fee" the need to disregard his concernsC )nd then there was Sebastian$ Sebastian seemed to be everything Ben#amin was not$ Dow wou"d his "ips fee" against hersC 1ven with the introduction of SebastianJ the seeming"y idea" gent"eman' Char"otte sti"" had the urge to do inappropriate things to Ben#amin$ )nd he certain"y didn(t seem to mind' we"" his body didn(t' at any rate$ Perhaps she was sti"" unsure of her own prowess and was ta!ing every opportunity to achieve perfection$ =es' that must be why she cou"dn(t "eave him be$ 4eciding to "isten to the most current craving' she "owered her mouth to his nipp"e and began to suc!' trying to emu"ate her readings$ 7roaning' Ben#amin began to awa!en' "oo!ing down at the top of Char"otte(s head$ rying a few other tric!s with her tongue' she smi"ed when she heard more moans and then fe"t a hardness po!ing against her$ &ntrigued' she wanted to investigate' but decided proceeding with caution was best' "est she upset him$ &nstead' she finished her ministrations with a 3uic! !iss and smi"ed up into Ben#amin(s passion g"aAed eyes$ ;& want you to do that to me tonight'< she said with a hungry "oo!$ 8hen he responded with' ;=ou are a very' very naughty gir"' *iss B"yth'< a thri"" shot through Char"otte as she grinned wic!ed"y$ Chapter 1# Ben#amin sti"" cou"dn(t be"ieve the situation he was in$ Dere he was' desperate"y wanting Char"otte' probab"y even "oving her' and she admitted she wanted him:to suc!"e her breast$ 8hi"e he was pondering what it wou"d fee" "i!e' or even taste "i!e' she was f"irting with the man he ca""ed cousin$ @f course Sebastian wou"dn(t deign to ca"" him cousin in return' refusing to ac!now"edge the connection by marriage$ he more he considered Char"otte' the more baff"ed he became$ 6nderstanding why she wou"d go to such "engths to ensure being the perfect wife' in bed' was beyond Ben#amin$ )"though' her entreaties that women deserved to en#oy their se2ua" side #ust as men did' e2p"ained some of the behavior$ But witnessing her and Sebastian(s mutua" infatuation "eft him fee"ing nauseous$ )t "east Cassandra was there' re"iab"y there' to provide some distraction$ he years since he had "ast seen her had turned the shy' aw!ward chi"d into a beautifu"' gracefu" "ady$ )nd she seemed so interested in himJ his trave"s' co""ege stories' hobbies' everything$ hey had been sharing many of these conversations the "ast two days and were in the midst of yet another discussion about Ben#amin(s favorite c"ass$ ;=ou !now' Cassandra' & be"ieve you(re as!ing a"" of these 3uestions #ust so you don(t have to ta"! about yourse"f'< he teased with twin!"ing eyes$ B"ushing deep"y' she 3uiet"y rep"ied' ;=ou "ive such an interesting "ife' that(s a""' &(m curious$ Besides' my "ife doesn(t "end much to discussion$< ;& find that hard to be"ieve$ 8hy' >ady Constance was spea!ing of your many fine accomp"ishments on"y this morning'< Der eyes widened and the b"ush increased' which Ben#amin wou"d not have thought possib"e$ &t didn(t ta!e much to embarrass her' he noted$ Sti""' he found her innocence and

modesty very charming$ ;1very "ady undergoes the same tedious training' &(m afraid$ here(s nothing specia" or interesting about it'< she said dismissive"y$ ;@h' & disagree$ Bot everyone e2ce"s in each area$ Bo two "adies paint 3uite the same picture or sing with the same sweet voice as you did "ast night$ e"" me' what(s your favorite songC< he as!ed curious"y$ a!ing a moment to compose herse"f' Cassandra answered' ; he Be""s of )berdovey$< ; hat(s a beautifu" song' perhaps you("" sing it tonightC< he re3uested$ ;&(m sure everyone wou"d much rather hear *iss B"yth sing' she has a "ove"y voice$ & on"y sing because >ady Constance insists$ Daving an audience on"y ma!es it more difficu"t'< was her timid response$ ;Bot that & wish you discomfort' but &(m happy we have the p"easure of hearing you sing'< he warm"y shared$ >oo!ing about' he rea"iAed the distance from the rest of the party$ ;&t seems we need to catch up' sha"" weC< he as!ed' ho"ding his e"bow out$ Chapter 1$ Char"otte was so engrossed in her conversation with Sebastian she had tuned everyone e"se out$ hey were a"" stro""ing through the "ane$ 7race and Sir Stuart had managed to convince >ady Constance to #oin in' but Char"otte was on"y dim"y aware of them$ Sebastian(s presence' or sheer man"iness' fu""y captivated her attention$ ;>ady 7race te""s me that you(re an avid reader$ e"" me' what types of boo!s do you most en#oyC< Sebastian as!ed' with an improper g"eam in his eyes$ &t seemed to Char"otte "i!e everything he said or as!ed had doub"e%meaning and surprising"y' this "eft her uncomfortab"e$ Perhaps it was on"y that she !new him such a short time$ hin!ing of her true genre of choice' she stif"ed a "augh$ ;)"" !inds of boo!s$ Poetry' adventure' history' things &(m sure you(d find e2ceptiona""y boring$< ;Come now *iss B"yth' you don(t e2pect me to be"ieve that' especia""y when you "oo!ed so amused a moment ago$ Sure"y' you(re drawn to torrid romances most popu"ar with the "adiesJ where the irresistib"e hero seems so unattainab"e to the e2ceptiona""y p"ain heroine$ hey have encounters where the s"ightest attention or touch sends her into a frenAy$ 5ust when she can no "onger continue this insufferab"e e2istence' the god"y hero' rea"iAing she(s his true "ove' as!s her hand in marriage' despite a"" manner of barriers$ Bow that is a sub#ect & cou"d find interesting'< he smir!s$ 4isconcerted by how c"ose he(s come to the truth' she sha!es her head in denia"' s"ow"y rea"iAing Ben#amin and Cassandra have #ust #oined them$ ;8hat are you two in deep discussion aboutC< Cassandra 3uestioned$ Sebastian 3uic!"y answered before Char"otte can get a word in' ;@h' we(re spea!ing of the many merits of romance nove"s$ Char"otte' however' is being difficu"t$ She denies she reads any$< She shoots Ben#amin a 3uic! g"ance to find his eyes a"ready on her$ )s so often happens between them' they have a si"ent e2change and she !nows he("" come to her rescue$ o support her c"aim' he says' ;&(m sorry to say cousin' &(ve caught her reading many a time' and it(s never been a romance$< Doping to catch her in a "ie' Sebastian prompt"y as!s' ;8hat' then' so attracts our dear *iss B"ythC< with yet another doub"e entendre$

;*ost often history$ Sorry to burst your theory'< Ben#amin answers' not "oo!ing the "east bit remorsefu"$ ;Donest"y Sebastian' *iss B"yth is going to "oc! herse"f in her room if you carry on "i!e that'< Cassandra soft"y reprimands$ 8ith a smug "oo!' Sebastian says for her ears on"y' ;& high"y doubt that$< Chapter 1% onight' she was going to seduce him' thought Char"otte$ 1ver since her taunt this morning' her breasts were aching to fee" Ben#amin(s mouth "ic!' nibb"e and tease her sense"ess$ 8ith her body aching"y aware of her ne2t door neighbor' however' Char"otte decided to ta!e some edge off herse"f$ Sitting in the tub' she watched the suds race down her body$ She !new she was fortunate' because it was an e2ceptiona" body' so the many ma"e stares she received confirmed$ )"though no man had ever seen her na!ed' she sti"" fe"t sure they wou"d appreciate her fine curves' s"ender "imbs' and "arge firm breasts$ She fe"t sure Ben#amin too' wou"d en#oy her many physica" gifts$ hin!ing of him' she cupped her breasts and s3ueeAed enough to fee" arousa" be"ow$ )s she imagined his hands on her touching a"" over and drin!ing her in with his eyes' a "oud moan escaped her$ She saw her hands as his' as they f"ic!ed her nipp"es and ravished her breasts$ She wanted him' bad"y' and continued to pretend it was his hand ma!ing its way down to her nether regions' sighing and ca""ing out a"" the whi"e$ 4espite being in the bath' she cou"d fee" her own stic!y wetness a"" a"ong her fo"ds as she stro!ed' s3ueeAed and tugged in a"ternating speeds with her cries esca"ating in vo"ume$ Chapter 1& Ben#amin wanted to avoid Char"otte tonight$ )fter her enticing threats this morning and then seeing her fawn a"" over Sebastian' he wanted no contact$ &f he were honest with himse"f' however' he(d concede that he wanted nothing but contact' fu"" na!ed bodied contact$ )"though' this was not meant to be$ )s if his thoughts con#ured her up' he heard her ca""ing out$ &t sounded "i!e indecipherab"e cries getting "ouder' but then he c"ear"y heard his name$ hin!ing she was in troub"e' he rushed through the hidden passage to he"p$ )cting pure"y on instinct' Ben#amin hadn(t considered what he might be encountering' however' if he had' it certain"y wou"dn(t be the rea"ity he faced$ &n the midst of bathing' he saw Char"otte with her face contorted in pure rapture$ he top swe""s of her breasts were visib"e above the bathwater and as she moved to the throes of passion' he saw a hint of the red among a"" that creamy white s!in$ @ne of her hands was touching first one breast' then the other$ 9o""owing the path of her arm' he 3uic!"y comprehended it was her other hand creating the p"easure as it must be touching: Sha!ing himse"f he became conscious that his presence was not re3uired' nor be"onged to such an intimate moment$ rying to rip his fascinated gaAe away' he saw Char"otte had a"ready spied him$ >oo!ing down at his arousa"' he rea"iAed what e"se her eyes absorbed$ B"ushing furious"y' he stammered' ;&:&(m sorry$ & heard your cries and thought you needed assistance$<

;4on(t go$ 8atch me' it("" ma!e it better'< she said demure"y$ hen shy"y she added' ;& was thin!ing of you anyway$< Ben#amin stood rooted to the spot as she continued where she "eft off$ ;=ou !now you can touch yourse"f too'< she said through "owered "ids$ 6nab"e to resist' he s"ow"y brought his hand to the front of his pants$ hrough his c"othes' he stro!ed himse"f' matching her rhythm$ Staring at each other' their bodies came c"oser and c"oser unti" fina""y she cried out in c"ima2$ Ben#amin fo""owed on"y seconds behind with one of the most powerfu" orgasms he(d ever fe"t$ Beither said a word as they "u2uriated in the immediate afterg"ow$ 9ina""y Char"otte s"ow"y began to stand up$ )s much as he wanted to see her na!ed' he fe"t the need for space again' especia""y after what had #ust transpired$ De sti"" cou"dn(t be"ieve they had both #ust p"easured themse"ves in front of each other$ 8ith a sha!ey' ;& shou"d "et you get ready for bed'< he rushed out before she cou"d say a word$ Chapter 2' Char"otte !ept smi"ing as she re"ived the "ast hour$ &t had a"" been so very Herotic(' to 3uote the words in one of her nove"s$ )s intense as the encounter had been' and as refreshing the c"ima2' she sti"" fe"t it was "ac!ing$ @ne thing was becoming abundant"y c"earJ Char"otte was e2ceptiona""y aroused' had been' in fact' for 3uite some time and she saw Ben#amin as her re"ease$ he cha""enge' however' was to bypass his anti3uated mora" code$ 12posing herse"f immediate"y might be her best approach' rather than give him a chance to say no$ he shoc! of seeing her supp"e breasts might #ust distract him enough to give in to his desiresI at "east that was what she was hoping$ 8earing on"y her robe' tied "oose"y' Char"otte snuc! through the passage connecting their rooms$ She "et her hands run a"ong the coo" wa""s in an attempt to bring her burning temperature down' at "east some$ But it was no use' the more she thought of Ben#amin(s na!ed body rubbing against hers' the more heat surged through her$ Doping to wa"! in on him in the midst of changing' she curbed her disappointment when she saw him a"ready in bed$ De had gone so far as to pretend to be s"eeping' but Char"otte !new he was fu""y awa!e and aware of her entrance$ Bice try' she thought$ Enowing he was as interested as she in carna" de"ights' she pushed on$ ;Ben#amin'< she whispered' ;wi"" you he"p me with somethingC< 8hen he didn(t respond she shoo! him and tried again' ;Ben#amin' it(s urgent' & need your he"p$< =awning' he feigned wa!ing up and then his concerned eyes "oo!ed her up and down$ ;8hat(s wrong Char"otte'< he as!ed worried"y$ ) 3uic! g"ance at his growing arousa" revea"ed that he was en#oying his view$ 8ith a !nowing smi"e' she untied the robe and "et it s"ide to her feet$ Shoc! overtoo! his face and his erection now bu"ged out even further$ Char"otte was "oo!ing forward to e2p"oring that' especia""y since from a"" appearances' Ben#amin was 3uite "arge$ Seeing his undisguised "ust' she fe"t powerfu" in her na!edness' much more than she had anticipated$ BraAen"y' she wa"!ed towards him and his eyes never "eft her "arge firm breasts$ ;8hat:are you doingC< his wavering voice as!ed$ ;Seducing you' can(t you te""C< she teased as she c"imbed onto his bed$

;8hyC< he whispered ;Ben#amin' you have no idea how aroused & am$ & want' no' & need to be ravished$ P"ease do this for me'< she begged$ Craw"ing c"oser to him' she reached for his hand and s"ow"y drew it towards the dampness between her "egs$ Dis fingers too! over and began to stro!e sending piercing ting"es coursing through her$ She shuddered' ;=ou fee" how wet & amC P"ease:don(t stop$< Dis tight"y contro""ed restraint snapped and sudden"y he was !issing her as never before$ Do"ding nothing bac!' his tongue p"unged into her mouth' then wor!ed its way frantica""y a"ong her chee!bone' down the side of her nec!$ Dis other hand touched her breast and s"id up to her hardened nipp"e' pinching it between his fingers$ Char"otte reared bac! and moaned$ Before she rea"iAed it' his mouth 3uic!"y fo""owed where his hands "eft off and he ran his tongue the around the curve of her breast' then a"ternate"y suc!ed and nibb"ed on her nipp"e$ &t was more than she had fantasiAed$ Der nai"s ran down his bac! and the need between her "egs became so intense' she thought she might burst$ )fter ta!ing his sweet torturous time with her breasts' his trai"ed !isses down her stomach to the warmth between her "egs$ S"ow"y g"ancing up' he "oc!ed eyes with her' never brea!ing the ho"d even as he dipped his tongue be"ow$ Comp"ete"y unprepared for the massive p"easure his tongue brought' her chest #er!ed up causing her bac! to arch$ 8ith his eyes sti"" watching her every movement as he tasted her #uices' she fe"t everything had become so de"icious"y sensua"$ Ben#amin(s hus!y voice reached her sending her further on the brin!' ;*y dear Char"otte' you taste so sweet$< 6nab"e to ta!e any more' her body shoo! as she came to an earth shattering re"ease$ 9ina""y spent' she watched as his fingers s"ow"y stro!ed their way bac! up her "ength$ Resting ne2t to her' he then wrapped his arms around in a warm embrace$ Eissing her "ight"y' Char"otte cou"d taste herse"f on his "ips$ Guiet"y' he as!ed' ;)re you a"rightC< Rousing herse"f from her b"iss induced haAe' she answered' ;=ou have no idea$< ;&(m so sorry' & #ust "ost contro"$ & never shou"d have ta!en advantage$< Dis eyes c"osed' as if in pain$ ;Ben#amin' honest"y' if anyone too! advantage' it was me$ & wanted you to do a"" of those wonderfu" things that(s why & disrobed$ & don(t want you to be sorry' it was too beautifu" and utter"y amaAing$< ;But your husband shou"d be the one to p"easure you$< ;& wanted you to$ 8as it so unen#oyab"e to you that you on"y see it with regretC< she countered$ ;@f course not$< Boting his sti"" present arousa"' she continued' ;)"though' to be fair' & shou"d repay you for your !indness$ 8hy don(t we remove some of your c"othesC< B"ushing' he responded' ;& don(t thin! that(s such a good idea$< ;Shy are youC< she teased$ ;& won one batt"e tonight$ 1ventua""y &("" have you without any inhibitions$< 7rinning' he as!ed' ;So you want me to become a ra!eC *other(s wi"" hide their daughters away whi"e & hope"ess"y f"irt behind their bac!s$ &("" have a score of mistresses' two for every day of the wee!$ &t sounds fabu"ous' p"ease' teach me$< Swatting his arm' she rep"ied' ;Bo' of course not' you(re a gent"eman$ hat(s one of your endearing 3ua"ities and & don(t want that to change$ 8hi"e & can persona""y attest to the fact that

you have an e2ceptiona" amount of:s!i"" in the bedroom' & don(t want to set you "oose on the innocent$ &(m honing your confidence for me and me a"one$< Dis eyebrows raised at that' but he said' ;So & was good' hmmmC< as he nuAA"ed her ear$ Bow was her turn to b"ush' ;9ar better than good$ 8i"" you ho"d me as we s"eepC< she as!ed sweet"y$ >oo!ing up and down her na!ed body again' his arms tightened around her as he answered' ;&n for a penny' in for a pound$< Chapter 21 he pace at )dwic! Cast"e wou"d have been du"" had the four young peop"e not had each other(s company$ Sti""' it wasn(t "ong before the suggestion of a dance was mentioned and short"y after' Sebastian became so enamored with the idea that it became a rea"ity$ Ben#amin mused at Sebastian(s motives as he watched the c"ose p"anning conversations between both he and Char"otte$ 1ven the norma""y reserved Cassandra was e2cited"y offering suggestions$ Dis aunt indu"gent"y ob"iged a"" of their re3uests and made short wor! directing her "arge househo"d staff$ &n no time' )dwic! Cast"e was festooned with gar"ands' ribbons' and count"ess f"ora" arrangements$ Sighing' Ben#amin re"uctant"y got ready for yet another dance$ De wasn(t "oo!ing forward to watching Sebastian whis! Char"otte a"" around the dance f"oor' not to mention the town(s most e"igib"e gent"emen$ Dearing the te""ta"e passage door open' he turned and gaped at Char"otte$ 8earing a midnight b"ue gown that accentuated her curves' and e2posed a few' she "oo!ed stunning$ Co""ecting himse"f' he said' ;=ou "oo! beautifu" in that gown' Char"otte$< Smi"ing' she teased' ;8hat about without the dressC< ;Breathta!ing' of course'< he chuc!"ed$ ;)re you going to su"! in a corner tonight' or wi"" you dance with meC< she as!ed$ Pretending to thin!' he rep"ied' ;& suppose & can spare a dance or two$< Swatting his arm' she went on' ;Sha"" & #ust wa"! myse"f' or do you thin! you cou"d manage to escort meC< ;&(m in a charitab"e mood tonight$ &("" meet you out the front door in a moment$< Chapter 22 4espite it being a spontaneous dance' one wou"dn(t guess it from the number of guests and carefu""y constructed decorations$ Char"otte was e2treme"y p"eased that everyone(s hard wor!' though 3uic!"y done' produced such a successfu" evening$ 5udging by the p"eased faces a"" around' she !new she wasn(t a"one in that assessment$ )fter ma!ing the rounds to greet friends and ma!e introductions' the music began$ Der first dance was promised to Sebastian and when she had a"most given up in finding him' she fe"t a hand s"ide across her waist from behind$ Surprised' she #er!ed away and turned$ ;Sebastian' you start"ed me$ & wasn(t e2pecting that !ind of approach from a gent"eman'< she chastised$ De grinned' ;Pardon me' my dear' & #ust cou"dn(t resist' especia""y with you in that de"ectab"e dress$<

B"ushing' she motioned to the dancing coup"es' ; hey(ve a"ready begun$ & suggest we save the discussion for "ater$< 7rasping her hands' Sebastian "ed her through the steps$ here was no doubt he was a masterfu" dancer$ She wondered if his grace and suaveness trans"ated into more sensua" s!i""s$ 7uessing the answer was yes' she b"ushed an even deeper crimson$ ;& do so wonder what is going on in that pretty head of yours'< he whispered as the dance brought him c"oser$ )t every opportunity' he "et his hands "inger' sometimes even trying to discreet"y brush against forbidden p"aces$ 9or some reason' she recoi"ed$ 8hat was her prob"emC &n many ways' she was drawn to Sebastian$ De reminded her of the heroes in her nove"s' with the se2ua" confidence ooAing from every pore$ Dandsome' e2citing' it a"" amounted to an enticing pac!age that Char"otte wanted$ )nd sometimes she fe"t that want intense"y with him$ =et other times' "i!e now' she pu""ed away$ *aybe she was sti"" ad#usting to the newness of Sebastian(s bo"dness$ Perhaps she #ust needed time to give him a chance she reasoned$ Sti""' when the dance ended' it was a re"ief to meet her new partner$ Snea!ing away from the dance f"oor after some time' she "ocated 7race watching the coup"es wa"tA$ ;)re you en#oying yourse"fC< she as!ed her friend$ ;&mmense"y$ he dancing is so gracefu"? )nd then of course' there(s the me"odrama'< she said smi"ing conspiratoria""y$ Curious' Char"otte as!ed ;)nything of interestC< 8ith a mischievous "oo!' 7race said' ;8e""' of course there are the warm "oo!s between yourse"f and Sebastian$ Dowever that(s been going on for wee!s$ )nything you(d care to share' my dearC< 9"ustered at her obviousness' Char"otte confessed' ;Bo' & mean & don(t !now$ &n many ways & fancy him' but there(s something that ho"ds me bac!$< ;Dow soC< ;8e"" &("" often want to be with Sebastian and want his:attention' but sometimes & fee" it(s too much and & don(t want him c"ose'< she threw her arms up in frustration$ ; o be honest' 7race' &(m sti"" confused about the who"e affair$ & need to figure out my thoughts$< ;& be"ieve it(s your fee"ings that need to be sorted$ >ove isn(t an inte""ectua" pursuit'< 7race soft"y rep"ied$ ;&(m sure given time &("" "ose any reservations about him'< she said' more confident"y than she fe"t$ 8ith a thoughtfu" "oo!' 7race responded' ;Dmm' yes time wi"" certain"y te""$< 1ager to shift attention from herse"f' Char"otte as!ed' ;)ny other budding romancesC< >aughing' 7race answered' ;& can(t say for sure' but Ben#amin and Cassandra seem to be en#oying each other 3uite a bit$ 9or awhi"e now' & !eep spying them together and "oo! at them on the dance f"oor$ Ben#amin usua""y avoids it at a"" costs' so &(m to"d$< 9o""owing the direction of 7race(s hand' Char"otte saw the two$ Smi"es were wide on both faces and they seemed ob"ivious to a"" e"se$ She fe"t a pang in her chest$ 4uring the entire stay at )dwic! Cast"e' she had had no in!"ing of their attraction$ he surprise at facing it now pa"ed on"y in comparison to rea"iAing her reactionJ #ea"ousy$ &t was an unusua" e2perience' as Char"otte wou"d not consider herse"f a #ea"ous person and had' in fact' never had much cause for the emotion$ But staring at the two' she fe"t it' in spades$ Ben#amin was her friend' so she had no right to fee" that way$ &n fact' she shou"d be happy to see him find "ove$ 9or some reason' however' she cou"dn(t thin! of it with any p"easure$

rying to tamp down her emotions' she p"astered what she hoped was a convincing smi"e on and feigning noncha"ance as!ed' ;8ho wou"d have guessed$ Das he mentioned his intentions to youC< ;@h no' he doesn(t !now me we"" enough for that$ Come to thin! of it' even if & were his rea" mother' he probab"y wou"dn(t confide in me'< 7race admitted$ ;Cassandra(s such a sweet and "ove"y gir"' though$ Stuart and & wou"d happi"y we"come her into the fami"y'< she beamed$ &gnoring her inner turmoi"' Char"otte sighed' ;She tru"y is sweet and "ove"y$< Chapter 2 he ne2t morning came ear"ier than Char"otte wou"d have "i!ed$ *aybe & can #ust stay in my room a"" day' she thought$ Bot having to see anyone was such an enticing idea that she contemp"ated how to achieve it for severa" minutes before fina""y deciding hiding wasn(t an option$ 1ven with her new reso"ve' she wasn(t an2ious to run into Ben#amin and tried "eaving her room ear"y to avoid the possibi"ity$ 6nfortunate"y as she c"osed her door' she heard his voice say' ;& was afraid & wou"d miss you' but it appears my timing was perfect$< &nward"y groaning' she assumed a cheery e2pression and faced him' ;=ou a"ways have impeccab"e timing$< @nce the words were out' she reca""ed his timing when catching her in the tub and b"ushed$ Catching her meaning and her pin! chee!s his face turned a simi"ar shade$ ;=es' & suppose & do'< he murmured$ ;Dowever' & was surprised to miss you twice "ast night$ =ou did ma!e me promise a dance' but & cou"dn(t find you when our turn came$ )nd then & was very surprised not to have a "ate night visit$< ;&(m sorry & missed our set$ & didn(t fee" my best' but & trust you had severa" other dancing partners'< she rep"ied with downcast eyes$ Bot wanting him to e"aborate' she hurried on' ;)nd with a"" of the activity it was a tiring night$ So & went straight to s"eep and thought you wou"d appreciate no disturbances for the opportunity to do the same$< De "oo!ed thoughtfu"' as though he doubted her words$ Raising his thumb to trace under her eyes' he whispered' ; hen why do you sti"" "oo! so tiredC< 7"ancing away again' she "aughed him off' ;Between dancing myse"f si""y and a fitfu" night(s s"eep' anyone wou"d "oo! tired$< ;)nd why was it a fitfu" nightC 8hat !ept you tossing and turningC< he pressed$ ;&t was the darnedest thing' & heard this noise outside the window' "i!e a bird of some sort'< she "ied$ ;9unny' & didn(t hear a thing$< ;8e"" that(s a b"essing' at "east one of us cou"d s"eep$< Guic! to redirect his attention' she as!ed' ;Sha"" we #oin everyone for brea!fastC< 7a""ant"y offering her his arm' Ben#amin said' ;)""ow me' *iss B"yth$< Chapter 2! 8hen they entered the dining ha""' Char"otte saw two o"der faces she didn(t recogniAe$ ; his is my nephew Ben#amin and his friend Char"otte B"yth'< >ady Constance said' introducing them to the coup"e$ ;)nd these are my friends' *r$ and *rs$ 1""iot'< she continued'

addressing Char"otte and Ben#amin$ ;& invited them to stay here after the dance' so they(d have more time to visit$< ;P"ease ca"" me Denry and my wife Beatrice'< the man said$ De had a !ind face and turned every so often to adoring"y pat his wife(s hand$ ;>ady Constance has to"d us you are new to our town' *iss B"yth' te"" me' what do you thin!C< he as!ed Char"otte$ ;@h' it(s "ove"y'< she gushed$ ; he countryside is breathta!ing and the townspeop"e are e2treme"y !ind$< ;&t is a specia" p"ace'< Denry said with pride$ ;Beatrice and & are both natives and despite trave"ing a"" over' there(s nowhere e"se we(d rather be$< Curious about the "oving coup"e' she 3uestioned' ;4id you a"ways !now each otherC< ;=es' we grew up together$ But Denry and & were friends for a "ong time before we rea"iAed our fee"ings'< Beatrice happi"y shared$ ;)ctua""y' & a"ways had a soft spot for him' but & daresay it too! Denry a "itt"e time before he saw me as anything other than his good friend'< she finished smi"ing into his face$ Char"otte marve"ed that even after a"" this time' they sti"" seemed as b"issfu""y in "ove as many new"y married coup"es$ )s she mused' Denry went on' ;She(s sti"" my c"osest and dearest friend' &(m #ust fortunate to a"so have her as my wife$< hin!ing of her own dearest friend' Char"otte 3uic!"y pee!ed at Ben#amin$ )fter watching the coup"e thoughtfu""y' his eyes "oc!ed with hers$ Chapter 2" 9inding the need for distance' Char"otte decided to wander through the gardens$ he rosebushes were magnificent and for a few b"issfu" moments' she "ost herse"f in admiration$ a!ing a more sec"uded path' she was surprised to come upon Cassandra who was in the midst of pic!ing f"owers$ rying to escape before she was noticed she stepped into the shadows' beating a hasty retreat$ ;Char"otteC< Cassandra ca""ed out$ )fter facing her' recognition shown in Cassandra(s face$ ;& thought that was you$ Dave you seen the dah"ias yetC hey(re especia""y beautifu"'< she as!ed' gesturing to the f"ower patch she was cutting from$ ;&ndeed they are'< Char"otte answered' agreeing with her$ ;)re you pic!ing them for your roomC< Smi"ing' Cassandra rep"ied' ;@h' no$ & was hoping to put a fresh arrangement in the dining ha"" and & was ma!ing another bou3uet for the )""ens down the "ane$< ;)re they good friends of yoursC< Char"otte as!ed' trying to be conversationa"$ ;Fery good friends'< she said happi"y$ hen with a reminiscent smi"e' she continued' ;& first began to visit them severa" years ago to bring food and some other odds and ends$ hey don(t have much' but they(re "ove"y peop"e$< Bot on"y was Cassandra beautifu" and innocent' she a"so had to be very !ind' Char"otte thought with a grimace$ Sti""' as much as she wanted to dis"i!e Cassandra' she cou"dn(t he"p but grudging"y admire her$ &f this was who Ben#amin chooses' then he wou"d indeed be happy$ )nd Char"otte' in turn' wou"d do her best to be happy for him' or at "east appear that way$ ;8e"" they(re very fortunate to have your friendship'< she responded with sincerity$ Rea"iAing distraction wou"d be her a""y' she as!ed' ;4o you need any he"pC<

; hat wou"d be wonderfu"'< Cassandra answered' grinning$ Searching for f"owers did in fact !eep her worries away$ )"so' 3uite une2pected"y' Cassandra proved to be an e2ce""ent companion$ Daving a gir" near in age to discuss a"" manner of topics was e2citing to Char"otte$ She cou"dn(t he"p but wish that Cassandra "ived c"oser$ Sti""' she(d en#oy the moments at hand$ heir time passed 3uic!"y with incessant chatting$ @n the way bac! to the cast"e' Sebastian met them$ 4ressed in a"" dar! co"ors that c"ose"y hugged his frame' Char"otte fe"t the fami"iar physica" pu""' ;So this is where you(ve been hiding$ *y dear sister has !ept you a"" to herse"f'< he said with a !nowing g"eam in his eyes$ ;Pray te""' #ust what activity !ept you occupied a"" afternoonC< 8ith a "ight "augh' Cassandra made short wor! to teasing"y chastise her brother$ ;Char"otte and & were having a wonderfu" time chatting and gathering f"owers$ 8e weren(t doing anything mischievous as you are so wrong"y insinuating$< 9eigning a wounded "oo!' Sebastian countered' ;& wou"d never suggest that my dear ange"ic sister and our most cherished guess cou"d ever do anything improper$< Dis eyes then sought Char"otte(s and smo"dered$ ;)ctua""y' & was hoping *iss B"yth wou"d do me the honor of ta!ing a wa"! down the "ane' if she hasn(t had too much of the outdoors that is$< here was something about Sebastian(s re3uest that made her a "itt"e nervous$ 4espite spending much time in each other(s company' there had a"most a"ways been someone nearby$ )s the wee!s passed' however' not on"y were they better ac3uainted' but each of Sebastian(s "oo!s and touches had become "onger and more intense$ 8here was it a"" "eadingC 4eciding to sta"" the inevitab"e' she rep"ied' ;& don(t thin! it(s possib"e to be outdoors too much' un"ess the weather is inc"ement of course$ & wou"d be happy to #oin you for a wa"!' but & was going to he"p your sister in ma!ing the f"ower arrangements$< ;@h' there(s no need$ & wou"d of course we"come your company' but p"ease go and en#oy a wa"!$ =ou(ve a"ready he"ped so much?< Cassandra gushed$ Sha!ing off her worries' Char"otte reasoned they wou"dn(t be far from the cast"e$ Danding Cassandra her f"owers' she turned to Sebastian' ;&n that case' *r$ Pearce' & accept your invitation$< Dand on his arm' she cou"dn(t miss the bu"ge of his musc"es underneath her fingers$ Dow unusua""y strong he is for a gent"eman' she thought$ hough uncommon' his we""%deve"oped physi3ue was certain"y not a drawbac!$ he sun continued to shine bright"y on their bac!s as they made their way down the "ane$ )fter some time' he as!ed' ;8e""' *iss B"yth' you(ve been at )dwic! Cast"e for some time now$ e"" me' have you en#oyed itC< ;&mmense"y? &t(s beautifu" here' as you we"" !now' but more than that the history is so rich and the peop"e very !ind$< >eve"ing her a heavy stare' he continued' ;8hat wou"d you say has been the most p"easurab"eC< hin!ing of her evening activities' she b"ushed$ Guic! to co""ect herse"f' she answered' ;& rea""y cou"dn(t say' everything has made this trip memorab"e$< ; here(s no one thing or person more memorab"e than the restC< he pressed$ ;&:no' as & said' everything big or sma"" has been wonderfu"'< she answered fee"ing f"ustered$ &mpatience shown c"ear in his face' ;Donest"y Char"otte:< De bro!e off on"y to grab her shou"ders and thrust her against a nearby tree$ 8rapping his arms around her bac!' he hurried"y

descended upon her "ips and !issed her rough"y$ De then drove his tongue into her mouth with a practiced ease as his hands ran a"ong her bac!' sett"ing on her bottom with a firm s3ueeAe$ Seduction was c"ear"y Sebastian(s forte and Char"otte automatica""y reacted$ 4espite the pure"y physica" thri"" shooting through her body' after the initia" shoc!' her mind maintained a string of conf"icting thoughts$ Ben#amin(s !isses gent"y probed' or when intense ignited an un3uenchab"e fire inside$ Dis hands moved over her "i!e they were an e2tension of her own body' "eaving burning p"easure in their wa!e' whereas Sebastian(s hand stirred the barest trace of her passion$ 8hy was it that Sebastian' with admitted"y more s!i"" and charm pa"ed into comparison to Ben#aminC Rea"iAation smac!ed Char"otte with fu"" force' causing her to brea! away from SebastianJ Ben#amin was the one she wanted' had a"ways wanted$ Der body had been te""ing her a"" a"ong' but she was too busy foo"ish"y ho"ding onto a ridicu"ous idea" of the man she shou"d want$ Bot on"y had her engrossment with Sebastian been f"aunted in Ben#amin(s face' but he now "oved the captivating Cassandra$ he co"d hard truth threatened to overwhe"m her and for once' she !new hiding away was the answer$ ;Pardon me'< she managed' ;but & #ust remembered & had promised 7race assistance$< 8incing inward"y at the wea!ness of her e2cuse' she f"ed from Sebastian before he cou"d stop her$ Chapter 2# rying to pass the time unti" dinner was served' Ben#amin was engaged in a high"y competitive bi""iards game' with himse"f$ Dearing a whist"e from the door' he caught the unwe"come sight of his cousin$ ;& say' this "oo!s "i!e a fierce game$ e"" me' do you thin! you("" win against you' or does you have the upper handC< Sebastian taunted' "aughing at his own #o!e$ ;Bo worries' &("" win'< he rep"ied' p"aying a"ong$ ;8hat do you say to a rea" game with actua" competitionC< Sebastian countered$ ;=ou(re on$< 8ith an evi" "oo!' Sebastian as!ed' ;Dmmm' and what sha"" we wager to ma!e it a "itt"e more funC< ;&(m rea""y not interested in betting on anything'< Ben#amin answered$ ;4on(t be a spoi"sport$ 8hat(s the prob"em' are you afraid you(re going to "oseC >et(s say "oser has to watch the winner ma!e a move on Char"otte'< Sebastian pressed on$ Dowever' Ben#amin refused to be baited' especia""y in anything concerning Char"otte B"yth$ ;&(m sorry to "et you down' but you can p"ay by yourse"f if you insist on any sta!es$< Boting the determination in Ben#amin(s face' Sebastian decided to p"ay nice' temporari"y$ ;& have to admit' she(s 3uite the pac!age' beauty' inte""igence' a de"ightfu" sense of:wic!edness and of course "et(s not forget the money'< he continued$ Ben#amin wanted to s"ug him' but made an effort to !eep his temper in chec!' ;She(s definite"y specia"'< was a"" he said$ ;& have to wonder how it fee"s to have !nown her for months with no other man in sight' had amp"e opportunity to ma!e her yours' and yet as soon as another man comes a"ong' "ose her instant"y'< Sebastian smir!ed$ ;@f course' "ac!ing any charm and "oo!ing "i!e a horse(s ass must have prepared you for "ife"ong re#ection with any of the fairer se2$< ) musc"e in Ben#amin(s #aw twitched as he tried to ca"m himse"f down$

;=our attachment is p"ain as day' but honest"y Ben#amin' did you rea""y thin! you ever stood a chance with the "i!es of Char"otteC< ;&(m not a foo"' Sebastian$< ;She("" never see you as anything but a pawn at best$ Bo' Char"otte is meant for a rea" man' "i!e myse"f$< Swa""owing his pride' Ben#amin voiced his one true concern' ;P"ease' #ust don(t hurt her' she doesn(t deserve it$ &f you do Sebastian:& swear &("" ma!e you pay$< >aughing hearti"y' Sebastian answered' ;8hat can you do to meC< 1yes g"eaming he continued' ;4on(t worry' Ben#amin' &("" be sure to put her beauty' wic!edness' and money to good use$< Chapter 2$ ;Breathe' #ust breathe'< Char"otte chanted over and over$ >ying in bed' she decided these four wa""s were going to be her on"y wor"dI she had no desire to go beyond them again$ &t had been hard enough to gather the strength after her inter"ude with Sebastian to even head to dinner' but overhearing him with Ben#amin in the bi""iards room had #ust about done her in$ Ree"ing from their conversation' she bare"y accomp"ished conveying to the maid her new ;i""ness< and absence from dinner$ Dow had she not seen Sebastian as the fraud he wasC )nd why had Ben#amin not to"d herC hose thoughts made her burn with anger$ )dded to that' was the a"" consuming grief as she contemp"ated the "oss of Ben#amin$ Sudden"y she wanted to be bac! in the safety of home' before 7race had "eft herJ away from Sebastian' away from this debac"e' and most of a""' away from Ben#amin$ Dow was she supposed to manage the ne2t few wee!sC Sebastian was an aggravation' but she was surprised by how much the discovery of his true character didn(t hurt$ Dim she cou"d hand"e$ But how wou"d she hide her pain as she watched Ben#amin whisper in Cassandra(s earC @r the "ight touches they wou"d share as he danced or escorted her$ he worst' however' was imagining them engaging in the intimate activities she and Ben#amin had a"ready done$ hose inevitab"e images made her #ea"ousy f"are white hot$ She "oved them both' but overcoming her own fee"ings to wish them happiness seemed impossib"e as we"" as tortuous$ Chapter 2% Dearing that Char"otte was i"" made Ben#amin want to rush up to her immediate"y$ Dowever' her message a"so said it wasn(t serious enough for a doctor' so he tried to reign in his impu"se for the sa!e of appearances$ he "ast thing he wanted to do was arouse suspicion by insisting he "oo! in on her' or worse' feign his own i""ness$ 1ven though the brea! from watching her and Sebastian f"irt shame"ess"y was refreshing' dinner was sti"" a "itt"e dimmer for her absence$ )s soon as decorum a""owed' he e2cused himse"f' c"aiming fatigue' and beat a hasty retreat to his room$ Bot sparing a moment to even remove his #ac!et' he rushed through the passage to see Char"otte$

She was cur"ed up facing away from the hidden door and breathing "ight"y' as though as"eep$ ;Char"otte' are you o!ayC< he whispered$ 8hen she didn(t answer' he continued' ;& !now you(re awa!e' & can te"" by your breathing$< ;&(m fine' & #ust want to be a"one right now' Ben#amin'< came her sma"" voice$ 8a"!ing around the bed' he saw her face most"y obscured by her arms$ ;8e""' that(s too bad' because &(m not "eaving$< Seeing the hint of wetness on her face' he bent down and soft"y as!ed' ;8hat(s wrongC< ;Bothing' & to"d you &(m fine$ 5ust p"ease go$< 8ith determination in his voice' he said' ;&(m afraid & can(t "eave unti" & !now what(s going on$< hen' he c"imbed on the bed' "aid ne2t to her and pu""ed her' unprotesting' into his arms$ his simp"e act undid herJ she "et out a shuddering sigh and began to cry a"" over again$ Dis hands ran soothing"y up and down her bac! and he gent"y !issed around her tears$ ;P"ease te"" me what(s upsetting you'< he p"eaded$ Co""ecting herse"f somewhat' she managed to say' ;&:& overheard you and Sebastian tonight$< )s much as he despised Sebastian' Ben#amin wou"d rather Char"otte never witnessed that conversation' if she "oved his cousin$ Seeing her this distressed pained him$ ;&(m so sorry' Char"otte$ But Sebastian treats things he va"ues we""' and & be"ieve he va"ues you$< &n shoc!' she drew bac!$ hrough her tear%stained face' he cou"d see her indignation$ ;Dow can you even say thatC Dow cou"d you try to ta"! me into being with a cretinC< ;& on"y thought your "ove ran deep and if that(s the case' then because he is attracted to you' & thin! he wou"d be good to you'< he reasoned$ ;Donest"y' after the initia" shoc!' it is not Sebastian(s offensive character that(s troub"ing me$< Curious' he as!ed' ; hen whyC< Staring intent"y at him with her watery eyes' she sighed' ;Ben#amin' why did you never te"" me about himC 8hy wou"d you not warn me' do you care so "itt"eC )nd why wou"d you "et him treat you so i""C< ;Bo' of course & care$ oo much in fact'< he answered' e2asperated$ ; hat(s why & didn(t share my fears$ Sebastian was never a friend of mine' but & was afraid that my fee"ings for you may have co"ored my view of him$ & to"d myse"f & didn(t have a right to "et my pre#udices interfere with your future$< ; hey(re not pre#udices if they(re true$ he man rea""y is an ass$ )nd you didn(t answer me' why wou"d you "et him put you downC< she persisted$ ;& second guessed myse"f' wondering if my dis"i!e of him was for good reason$ & hadn(t seen him in years' so & was giving him the benefit of the doubt$ onight' of course' as you saw' & rea"iAed & my dis"i!e was not unfounded$< De gent"y "ifted a "oc! of her hair off her chee!' then continued$ )s to his attitude towards myse"f' & had "earned "ong ago that fighting with Sebastian on"y encouraged him$ Besides' he didn(t say anything that was untrue' about me anyway'< he finished' sudden"y not ab"e to meet her eyes$ ;1verything he said was untrue'< she countered' 3uiet"y trying to meet his gaAe$ Sighing again' she then turned away' ;8e""' it doesn(t matter now$ & have been remiss to congratu"ate you about Cassandra$< 8ith on"y a s"ight hitch' she continued' ;She tru"y is a wonderfu" gir"$< Confusion fi""ed him' ;8hat about CassandraC< ;@n your re"ationship of course'< she answered' starting to pu"" away$

hin!ing over their conversation' a tiny ray of hope began in his chest$ ;Char"otte' you said it wasn(t Sebastian that wounded you' is it #ust my "ac! of warning and cha""enging him that grieves youC @r is there something e"seC< ;&(m tired now' Ben#amin' and & #ust need some peace$ 8i"" you "et me restC< she as!ed' turning on her other side$ >eaning over her' he bent down to her ear and whispered enticing"y' ;>et me he"p you to rest$< Running his tongue around her ear he then nibb"ed on her "obe as his hands stro!ed a"ong her bac!$ ;=ou rea""y shou"dn(t be doing that' now you have Cassandra to thin! of'< she cho!ed out between moans$ ;&(m actua""y not thin!ing of her at a""' on"y you'< he said' as his hands started to roam to her breasts$ ;But te"" me' wou"d you honest"y be happy if & sett"ed down and & cou"dn(t do this anymoreC< he as!ed as his fingers reached down her nightgown and pinched her nipp"e$ )rching her bac! and she gasped out' ;Bo$< ;4o you wish me to e2p"ore every inch of your body' inside and out for a"" the fo""owing daysC< he 3uestioned' turning her bac! to face him$ hrough her sheer gown' he too! her nipp"e in his mouth and suc!ed with ferocity$ 8hen she moaned a yes' and continued' ;4o you want me to "ove and ma!e "ove to youC< ;=es'< she cried out' ecstasy bui"ding$ 1ach answer she gave made his heart beat harder$ 8as there a chance that Char"otte' who cou"d have any man' had fee"ings for himC ;Can you possib"y thin! &(d en#oy doing this:< he said' using his other hand to s"ide up her "eg and stro!e the wetness poo"ing between her "egs' ;with Cassandra more than youC< Caught between the p"easure and pain' she wea!"y said' ;*aybe$< 9ee"ing his doubt disso"ve' he raised her chin with his finger to "oo! her in the eyes$ ;=ou may not be aware' *iss Char"otte B"yth' but & have been mad for you since our first introduction$< Somewhat daAed by his reve"ation' she as!ed' ;8hat about CassandraC 7race said you both en#oyed each other$< ;8e do'< he answered matter%of%fact"y$ 8hen she "oo!ed down' he raised her chin again$ ;)s friends' my dear$ &t(s you that & "ove$ & #ust never thought you cou"d possib"y reciprocate my fee"ings$< hrough her drying tears' a massive smi"e fi""ed her face$ She beamed up at him as his words san! in$ hen with a serious "oo!' she said' ;& don(t understand how you cou"d thin! you(re unworthy of my "ove$ &f anyone is unworthy' it(s certain"y meJ c"oseted away with you whi"e f"irting with Sebastian:&(m so sorry if & hurt you$ &(ve been such a foo"' & didn(t rea"iAe unti" & thought it was too "ate that & "ove you too'< she e2p"ained$ ;& promise to ma!e it up to you$< BuAA"ing her nec!' he murmured' ;&t(s rea""y not necessary' however' if you insist' & can thin! of a few ways:< Dis hands started to trace their way up her "eg again' but she brushed them aside and stradd"ed him$ ;&(m supposed to ma!e it up to you' rememberC< she taunted' arching her brows warning"y$ 6nbuttoning his shirt' she !issed a trai" between his taut musc"es$ hen f"ic!ing her tongue out' she continued tracing the "ines defining his pectora"s as her hands undid his breeches$ Dis erection burst out in a"" its aroused g"ory$ Char"otte paused to stare at it as wonder fi""ed her face$ Bending her head down' she ran her tongue a"ong its "ength$

P"easure "i!e Ben#amin had never fe"t shot through him and he cou"dn(t contain a moan$ Running his fingers through her chestnut "oc!s' he managed to beg' ;P"ease te"" me it wi"" be a short engagement$ & don(t thin! & can wait to be inside you$< Der head "ifted and she caught his eyes' ;&s that your way of proposing to me' Ben#amin 7i"bertC< ;=es' dammit' don(t stop?< i"ting her head to one side' thoughtfu""y' she mused' ;8e"" you("" have to do better than that$ 8hat !ind of proposa" story wou"d that be for the chi"dren to hearC< Sighing' he too! her face in his hands and earnest"y said' ;& promise to give you the most romantic of proposa"s' but p"ease don(t stop$< Smi"ing wic!ed"y' she poised her mouth bac! over his throbbing manhood and sweet"y teased' ;Since we are to be married' and my answer is Hyes'( by the way' and since the engagement wi"" be 3uite short' there(s rea""y no need to wait'< her breathing was creating comp"ete havoc as it whispered over his sensitive tip$ ;=ou cou"d ta!e me now$< De ached to be inside of her and he had no doubt she was wet with arousa" too$ Dowever' as much as his body protested' he said' ;=ou have no idea how difficu"t it is for me not to ravish you right here' right now' but when & fu""y ma!e you mine' & want it to be on our wedding night$< 8ith a sigh' Char"otte conceded' ;& suppose the wait wi"" ma!e it a"" the sweeter$< 1ying his engorged manhood' she said' demure"y' ;)"though you have waited "ong enough$< She !issed the tip of his coc! and e2p"ored more with her tongue$ Suc!ing first one ba""' then another he thought he might e2p"ode$ 9ina""y' she !issed his tip again' and too! him in her mouth as her hand stro!ed the "ength she cou"dn(t fit$ 6nab"e to ho"d off any more' Ben#amin came in her mouth once' and then a second time as she suc!ed every "ast drop out$ ;*y dear' sweet Char"otte' you are beyond amaAing'< he said reaching for her$ She craw"ed up and "ay ne2t to him with a satisfied smi"e$ ;& be"ieve the same cou"d be said about you$< Eissing' they wrapped their arms tight"y around each other$ Ep(lo)*e Char"otte pinched herse"f again to ensure that today tru"y was happening$ )s she stepped out of the carriage' Ben#amin 3uic!"y swooped down and carried her in his arms$ 8hen an indecipherab"e e2c"amation escaped her' he teased' ;&t(s tradition' dar"ing' & must carry you across the thresho"d$< ;& dec"are' *r$ 7i"bert' you may #ust have some romance in you'< she taunting"y returned$ De carried her through their doors and p"aced her "oving"y on their new bed$ >eaving on"y for a moment to c"ose the door' he was bac! "ying ne2t to her in a f"ash$ ;8hy *rs$ 7i"bert' &(m going to romance you right out of that dress$< ) thri"" shot through her at being ca""ed *rs$ 7i"bert' but a"so as she contemp"ated what was to come$ Coming bac! from )dwic! Cast"e had been bittersweet$ 1scaping Sebastian and beginning their engagement was certain"y a b"essing' but it a"so came at great cost$ &n the months "eading up to their wedding' they no "onger had the benefit of ad#oining rooms$ So' sensua" interactions were "imited$ Sti""' it made tonight a"" the sweeter$ )s she fe"t his na!ed body rub against hers' a"" senses came to "ife$ Der nipp"es were aching for attention' her womanhood' burning for his touch' both of which' he more than satisfied as the night progressed$

)fter reac3uainting themse"ves with the other(s body' he pressed his erection between her "egs$ ;=ou(re so wet' my "ove' do you !now how bad"y & want youC< he whispered$ ;P"ease:p"ease come inside me'< she moaned$ )s he pushed further and further of inside her' she arched bac!$ @nce fu""y in' he "ay on top for her to ad#ust$ ;4oes it hurt'< he as!ed' concerned$ ;&(m fine now'< she insisted$ ;=ou can start moving:in fact' & need you too$< Bot waiting for him' she started to move her hips$ S"iding up and down his hardness was ma!ing her ting"e a"" over$ 8hen he began to move in the same rhythm' she near"y "ost it$ ;Char"otte' you fee" amaAing'< he gasped out as his body drove her on$ ota""y "ost in the p"easure and most"y incoherent' she cou"d on"y respond' ;=ou:a"so$< Dis thrusts became more intense and fina""y she "et go and came in a numbing c"ima2' crying out in ecstasy$ ) moment "ater' he fo""owed her' his musc"es tensing as he re"eased into her with a grunt and then co""apsed on top$ )fter "aying there together' bodies s"ic! with perspiration' he as!ed' ;8as that enough romanceC< ;*ore than enough:for now$ But &("" re3uire an e2tensive amount of practice every day' #ust so you(re aware'< she answered$ ;Bo more practice' everything now is the rea" thing'< he insisted$ ;&n that case' &("" need a "ot of rea" e2perienceI & fear &(m 3uite behind$< Eissing her gent"y' he rep"ied' ;&(m more than happy to ob"ige' *rs$ 7i"bert$< 1B4 Than+ ,o* so -*.h for ta+(n) the t(-e to rea/ -, eboo+00 9or more information and upcoming boo!s' p"ease visit my siteJ httpsJKKsites$goog"e$comKsiteKsagerobertson1K )ny feedbac! is great"y appreciated$ P"ease "eave a comment on my siteJ Sage Robertson @r emai" me atJ mai"toJsagerobertson1Lgmai"$com 1bo*t the 1*thor Sage Robertson is a "ibrarian by day and an artist' writer' dreamer Mhopefu""yN' by night$ She "oves romance and of course the Dappi"y 1ver )fter(s$ Perfecting Seduction is her first romance nove"' but she has many more up her s"eeve$ Stay tuned?