Infernal Vices (Resurrectionist #3)

CHAPTER 27

PLANS

Thursday 7th April 1898

Benjamin joined us for breakfast on the morning of Maundy Thursday. His complexion appeared far ruddier than when we’d arrived the day before. I’d slept well, and sent a covert look to Mr. Fairfax who was loading his plate with a hearty breakfast.

Sebastian had indeed crept into my room during the night. I’d startled when I felt the covers lift and a weight on the mattress, especially after the unwelcome ransacking of my truck earlier, but as soon as his warm body pressed to my back and his arm pulled me into an embrace, I knew it was my beloved and let out a breath, relaxing into his comforting form. I’d missed the simple intimacy of laying in bed with the man I loved. As an owl hooted in the woods outside, and its mate responded, I’d pushed my pyjama trousers down to my knees and we coupled Oxford style, Sebastian pushing his turgid length between my closed thighs and thrusting. He pushed his face into my curls, inhaling my scent, and then kissed and bit at my nape, sending shivers of desire thrumming through every nerve. He whispered unspeakably erotic words into my ear, telling me what he wanted to do to me, how he would take me, own me, and ruin me for any other man, while his long fingers frigged me to completion. I’d slept soundly after that, and woke alone, alert and with a hearty appetite.

“I’m damnably sorry to have missed last night’s dinner, chaps. I heard the music and laughter while I lay retching and feeling sorry for myself,” Cavendish said between shoveling scrambled eggs into his mouth.

“It was a delightful evening. Your daughters are a credit to you, Benjamin. Such beautiful singing voices,” I said as I buttered a slice of toast.

“Ja. I very much enjoyed the company of your daughters, Benjamin. Why did it take so long for us to meet? You should have introduced to the girls before! You know how I love music and to dance, Liebechen ,” Leo whined as he sliced into the kipper on his plate. Cavendish scowled at the use of the affectionate name. How curious that Leo had been kept at Seabourn for months last year, and yet was never introduced to the Cavendish girls. I was alert to the atmosphere in the breakfast room and noted there was a great deal of loaded eye contact occurring at the table. I saw how fondly Leo gazed at Nissa, and then sheepishly looked back at Cavendish. Benjamin grimaced with displeasure because it appeared his toy had developed a fond friendship with our Nissa. Wasn’t that a good thing? Gods, I could not work the man out? Whether or not Nissa truly returned Leo’s friendship was unknown to me, but it seemed to me that Cavendish, a grown man, was jealous. I would need to have a chat with our princess and tell her to watch her back!

“What entertainments do we have today?” Nissa asked brightly as she refilled her teacup.

“Our lands are vast. There are some good horse rides and walks in the grounds. The woods to the east have a pathway through to Littleden , a small hamlet that has an inn and a tea room. It’s rather quaint. We also have garden games, I’d like to set up an archery contest for the ladies, maybe mixed croquette this afternoon?” Cordelia Cavendish suggested. Her daughters clapped with delight.

I rested my teacup on the saucer and spoke up then,

“I’ve been meaning to ask. Where’s the nearest C of E church? I would like to attend morning service on Good Friday and Easter Sunday?”

“We attend St Edith’s, down in Abbotsham . I’ll ensure the stable master is informed to prepare several carriages for those of you who would like to attend the service with us,” Benjamin said. “But for today we gentlemen have other plans,” he announced decisively. “ I say we leave the ladies to their games and we men shall take a brisk walk up the hill to get the old tickers pumping, aye? I can show you the extent of my lands. The view from the top of the hill is spectacular.”

“British history and places of worship do fascinate me,” Lawrence Blake drawled. “I’d like to see the old church.”

“Yes, it’s a nice day. What better way to blow away the cobwebs than taking an uphill jog,” Charles agreed. “You up for it chaps? Leo? Arthur?” he cajoled the younger men of our party.

“As long as we make a wager, first to the top of the hill!” Spencer suggested and the other men at the table laughed.

“Excellent!” Cavendish cheered. “We shall meet in the front courtyard at half-past ten.”

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