Moonlight and the Duke (Cherish and the Duke #2)

Chapter Fifteen

C onnor ended up getting nowhere near Eden that night because his own meddlesome mother put a guard at her door to protect his fiancée’s virtue. What difference did it make if he ravaged her luscious body tonight, since they would be married within a matter of hours?

Nor did any of the women allow him anywhere near Eden the following morning. Again, his meddlesome mother and Eden’s prevented him from approaching her when he returned from obtaining the marriage license. “Botheration,” he muttered when even Priscilla scolded him.

“Get yourself ready, Papa!” She had the audacity to wag her finger at him. “You have to get to the church before Eden does.”

“Why?”

He got no answer, just a little harrumph before she scampered back into Eden’s bedchamber and slammed the door in his face.

His little girl was going to be a bossy bit of goods.

But goodness, she looked so happy even as she excoriated him.

Standing in the hall was becoming dangerous, he realized as he was unceremoniously bumped out of the way while his mother’s maids rolled in a tub, another carried Eden’s gown, and yet another had Priscilla’s gown and flowers in her arms.

A score of other items were also brought into her bedchamber. Ladies were scurrying in and out.

Priscilla shouted at him again when he once more attempted to enter. “Papa! Delia is fixing Eden’s hair and then she is going to attend to mine. You have to keep out!”

He laughed and raised his hands in surrender. “All right. I give up.”

Eden was naturally beautiful, so he did not understand what all the fuss was about. Little was needed, or so he thought, to get her ready for the ceremony that was due to take place shortly before noon.

It was just after nine o’clock in the morning now. This gave Eden easily two hours to prepare.

It would not take him very long to get ready—a half an hour at most, since he had already shaved this morning before obtaining the license.

But he was persona non grata according to Eden’s helpers and his own daughter, and that was made quite clear to him.

He went upstairs to check on his boys.

His only regret in rushing the ceremony was that his dearest friends, Bromleigh and Camborne, would not be with him on his wedding day. Despite their reputations as confirmed bachelors and rakes, he knew this was not who they truly were. They were all hoping to find the love of a good woman, although Camborne was quite hopeless when it came to selecting women. The leather-tough Scot always chose the firebrands to take on as mistresses, although he’d given up on keeping a mistress ever again since that last debacle.

However, Camborne still escorted ladies of the demimonde around town, the indecent sort of women that matchmaking mamas disdained. This would ensure every sweet young thing with marriage on the brain stayed clear of him. Camborne lived hard and his breakups were always fiery.

Well, perhaps one day he would meet a woman who could tame him.

Bromleigh was another matter altogether. He had been burned in love in his younger days and never trusted any woman again. For this reason, he had resolved never to marry. He never wanted to give anyone the chance to break his heart again. No doubt, this was why he was so determined to see his nephew settled with the right young woman, one who was never going to deceive the lad or ever be unfaithful to him.

Connor shook out of thoughts of his friends as he looked in on his boys. Alex and Connor had just finished washing up and were about to begin dressing. His own valet, Holden, had made certain to lay out their finest attire, freshened and pressed, on their beds.

“Papa, you need to get ready!” Alex admonished him, wagging a finger.

What was with all the finger wagging?

When Holden rushed in, finger wagging at him too, he realized his own valet was the culprit. “Your Grace, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

Since his sons did not need his hovering over them as they prepared for the wedding, he returned to his chamber and readied himself with Holden’s assistance. Indeed, his valet was not letting him out of his chamber until he looked worthy of his ducal title.

He was met with admiring glances and approving looks as he strode downstairs a short while later.

He and his children took the first carriage to St. Matthew’s Church.

He was ready and waiting at the altar when Eden arrived. She was escorted by his mother and her parents, who were not fighting with each other for once. No doubt, his mother had threatened them with death if they ruined this day for Eden. Having plotted for years to match him with Eden, the determined dowager duchess was not going to let anything or anyone interfere with this happy day.

Connor could have told her not to worry, for nothing was going to keep him from exchanging vows with Eden.

His children ran up to her with cheers and squeals of glee. Eden had a big smile and a hug for each of them. Priscilla was beaming.

His heart tightened while he watched his little girl. She had been in such need of a mother’s care, and Eden had provided it to her these past few years. Just as Eden used to come crying to his mother, Priscilla would run into Eden’s arms whenever she was sad and crying.

His boys looked quite handsome, he noted with pride.

As for Eden, she looked spectacular in a gown of cream silk and a simple circlet of flowers in her hair, which was done up in soft waves.

The church was soon packed to the rafters with house party guests, villagers, and Eden’s entire domestic staff, who all gasped in admiration when she walked down the aisle, a majestic faerie queen draped in a circle of light as the sun filtered through the stained-glass windows and seemed to follow her the entire way to his side.

He took her hand, breathing a quiet sigh of relief when her mother and his, as well as his children, took seats in the Lynton family pew to his right while her father took a seat in the Darrow family pew to his left. “You’re not wearing your spectacles,” he whispered.

“Your mother hid them from me,” she whispered back, laughing softly. “Apparently, she did not want your new wife to march down the aisle looking like an owl.”

The vicar, who was also noticeably relieved the Darrows were on their best behavior, cleared his throat to gain their attention and proceeded with the ceremony.

Although it was not commonly done, Connor held Eden’s hand throughout the ceremony and continued to hold it through their exchange of vows. He heard the joy in her words as she said, “I do.”

He felt a contentment such as he had never experienced before when his turn came, and he repeated, “I do.”

Cheers rang out the moment the vicar pronounced them husband and wife.

Ah, yes. Those were his little heathens hopping out of their seats and reveling like pagans in the aisles.

Connor led Eden out of the church and into the splendid sunshine. They remained in front of the church to accept well wishes from all in attendance. Everyone would now return to Lynton Grange for the wedding breakfast that was to include a feast, entertainments, and drinks flowing until all hours.

Everyone wished them well—even Persephone, who hadn’t taken long to put a tether on the Marquess of Rathburne’s son, Damien. The amiable dolt scurried forward on her command, offered congratulations on her command, and gave his arm to escort Persephone to the Lothmere’s waiting carriage—also on her command.

He appeared happy as a lark.

Yes, Persephone was perfect for that good-natured clot who did not have much going on between his ears.

Lord and Lady Lothmere approached them next to offer their good wishes. Lady Lothmere appeared quite sad as she said, “We would have welcomed you into our family, dear Eden. But I think you are exactly where you are meant to be. I only hope my son finds another such as you to love.”

Eden gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I also wish this same happiness for him.”

Sir Nero approached them next, appearing quite disgruntled as he stepped forward to offer his congratulations.

Eden noticed, too. “He will have to find someone else’s bottom to pinch now that I am your duchess and he fears you will cut off his hand if he dares try it again.”

Connor frowned. “I’ll do much worse if he ever dares.”

Eden gave his hand a light squeeze. “Completely unnecessary. Merely a fierce stare from you will do. See? Perfect. Just as you are staring at me now.”

He laughed. “I am staring at you with love. It isn’t at all the same thing.”

She stared back with her big hazel eyes shimmering.

The memory of that fishpond rescue came back to him. Her eyes. Those very same eyes that had touched his soul all those years ago.

Yes, he should have known they were bound together in that moment.

Later that evening, after all the feasting and dancing had ended and everyone had retired to their bedchambers, Connor led Eden into his ducal suite, where they would spend this first night together and all others to come.

He was already familiar with the exquisite feel of her body from his hapless attempt to undress her the other night. Tonight, he hoped to exhibit a bit more prowess. He had dismissed Holden for the evening, for Eden would assist him if required, although there was nothing he could not manage himself.

As for her, he was quite capable of assisting her out of her clothes. After all, was this not his reputation? And she was awake and willing this time, so there was that too.

She stood in the center of his large, elegantly appointed chamber with her hands clasped, uncertain what to do. “Eden, the duchess quarters are attached to mine, with an interior door between them. That suite of rooms is yours to settle in, for I’m sure you’ll prefer not having Holden rush in and out as you wash and dress. You’ll have your privacy and ample space for your entire wardrobe. But I hope that door will always remain open between us and that you will share my bed from here on out. Or I do not mind sharing yours, if that is your preference,” he said, motioning to the adjacent room.

“I won’t care which bed we share, as long as we are together.” She came to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Can you believe we are married?”

He nodded. “Yes, it is the fact that I took so long to ask you that has me shaking my head in dismay.”

He kissed her as he began to undo the ties and tapes to her gown. Having her awake and not about to topple if he dared release her allowed him to work at his leisure and soon have the gown and corset off her, leaving her in a sheer shift.

He smiled upon gazing at the softness of her body and feeling the silkiness of her skin. She sighed when he kissed her neck and moaned softly with pleasure as he began to suckle lightly on one of the tender pulses. “Your turn,” she whispered, shifting in his arms so that she faced him.

He had only removed his jacket, but now took off his waistcoat and cravat. Eden helped him with the cuff links, and soon his shirt was off, too. Her eyes widened as she took in the width and breadth of his shoulders, and the light spray of dark hair dusted with silver across the broad length of his chest. But she inhaled sharply upon noticing the jagged scar along his arm. “Connor! You said you were wounded in battle, but I never realized it was such a serious injury. You might have lost your arm.” She leaned closer to examine it and then lightly kiss it.

“It healed years ago, Eden. What I did not realize is that my heart had yet to fully recover. But it will now, with you by my side.”

They both disrobed completely, for they both felt this strong connection to each other. To reveal hearts, bodies, and minds was the only way they knew to be with each other. He was not bashful by nature, but Eden was. However, not with him, because she trusted him so profoundly. When he took her to bed and began to explore her body, she was eager to learn what to do. “Let me lead the way this time, love,” he said.

He took it slow with her—at first.

But it was not long before their passions were aroused. She responded to the flick of his tongue across the tips of her breasts, and the slide of his hand to the sensitive spot between her legs. She was ready for him when he entered her, wrapping her slender legs around his hips and impatiently lifting herself upward to take all of him in when he meant to use care this first time. “Eden, love,” he said with a groan, quickly shedding that plan and giving her the passion she desired.

He watched her beautiful face as she responded with awe and heightened arousal when he began this mating dance, moving in and out of her with primal confidence and an ease gained from experience. He knew when she was close to the edge, knew how to enhance her pleasure, and exactly when she tumbled to her release. He kissed her on the mouth as she cried out in ecstasy, feeling the waves of pleasure ripple through her body, and waiting for his turn to take his.

The look of her, with her wild red hair splayed across his pillows, her creamy breasts thrust into the air as she arched her back and felt the climax of her desire, did him in. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight. In two quick thrusts, he followed suit.

Afterward, as she rested in his arms while he stroked her hair, she asked him for a full report. “How was it for you, Connor? Was I terrible? It was only my first time.”

“Eden, sweetheart, do I look displeased?”

She glanced up at him and grinned. “No, you look quite smug and triumphant.”

He chuckled. “It was wonderful. Truly. Better than anything I’ve ever experienced before.”

“But you do have a lot of experience. Was I better than your worst? You do not have to be tactful about it. I’d rather know the truth.”

He wasn’t going to deny his years of experience. Nor did he intend to lie to her. There was no need, because he loved everything about her, down to the lovely scent of her skin that stirred him on a primal level.

Eden was perfect, and he told her so. “You were better than the best , Eden. There is not a one who can compare to you. I know you love your scientific studies, and there is no denying intimacy has an important biological aspect to it. But it is most of all about feelings, and not at all based on common sense or logic. How are you feeling about what we just did?”

“Very good,” she assured him. “I’m quite happy. Well satisfied.”

“Same for me, but…” He rolled her under him. “As for satisfied… I am certainly well pleased, but not yet done. I still crave you.”

She smiled at him, obviously delighted by his remark, and drew him closer.

He’d always loved the rich, dark-red earthen color of her hair that also had hints of gold in it. She was on the tall side of average in height, but this suited him fine because he was tall himself. She was the perfect shape, too. Full breasts, long and slender legs, and a smile that filled one’s heart with sunshine.

No one had a lovelier mouth or more beautiful eyes that held starlight in their irises.

At her encouragement, they made love again.

He wasn’t certain who was the more eager, her or him. They fit together like long-lost lovers who’d been searching through eternity for their mate and had now found each other. There was no holding back, and they were both grunting and laughing as they tumbled over the precipice of ardor together, each of them more deeply in love and more bonded in unity than when they started.

Eden had wanted her moonlight kiss.

He had wanted her .

Yes, he had wanted her and would always want her because she, he had finally come to realize, was his moonlight.