This story has been beta'd by The Duchess of Fanfiction Sunflower Fran. Now on to the show!
For those of you who read the one shot, this chapter is about ninety percent new.
Chapter 10
The Baron Cromwell
"Dear Lord, yes!" she yells out in pleasure as I continue my slaughter of her person.
She bites my lip hard, breaking blood and then sucking it into her mouth.
"You, Marchioness are a filthy whore," I say before I bite down on a pink nipple causing her to climax in pleasure.
She scratches down my chest leaving a mark. The pain brings me to completion and I pull out hastily spilling my seed on her stomach. I remove myself from her, walking over to the chamber pot.
"Thank you, Hunt. I know I am not an innocent for you to take your pleasure with, but I do enjoy our escapades," Jessica says standing from the bed.
We are in her rooms at her mother's townhome. She prefers to live here than with her husband who is a total bore to her.
"Any word from your mother concerning that oaf you married." I fall back onto the bed watching her.
"Mother has given him the terms, which he has agreed to but I'm not sure if I believe him. I will take matters into my own hands. I've allowed him this one pleasure and look how that turned out." She sits now dressed in a chemise.
"I dare say you are as wicked as I." I bow my head at her.
"Thank you, I like to think of myself as wicked, indeed. Pray, how is your hunt for Lady Isabella and her fifty thousand pounds going? You know The Duke has requested a special license, and they are to be married in a matter of days." She raises an eyebrow to me in challenge.
"I am aware, and that will never happen if I have anything to do with it. I have my spy at his home and I await word on anything I could bring to The Earl of Forkshire," I say punching the mattress in my frustration.
"If only there was a way that my little problem could be put on The Duke. The Earl would surely end the engagement." She sits up a dark look in her eye.
"Truly. McCarty will most certainly go to his cousin, and The Duke dare not deny is heir anything," I say wondering how this could work in my favor.
"He would not and when he accepts them both into his home, you could, perhaps get word to The Earl to ensure he knows the Duke has a mistress who is with child living with him. Once the engagement is off and Lady Isabella has been all but ruined, The Earl will surely accept your offer of marriage and I will get what I have always wanted. The Duke of Devonshire in my bed."
I pull her towards me tearing her chemise off her body. "My God, you are brilliant. Once I break my wife in and pay my debtors, I dare say we should enjoy her together."
"I would like nothing more than to taste the sweet Lady Isabella and inform The Duke of it," she says leaning in to ravish my mouth as she twists my member hard in her hand.
Jessica may not be a victim but she does know how to please me and in the end she will help me make the sweet Isabella and her fifty thousand pounds my wife.
I've had many women in my lifetime but none that enjoys my form of rough housing as she does. The Marchioness of Winchester is as vile as I am and therefore makes for a rather amusing bedfellow. Although, I must admit I much rather prefer the innocent ones, their fear stirs a passion within me like I've never felt.
First seeing the fire leave them when they realize that I've overpowered them. To hear their cries and pleas for mercy. There is no mercy. Sometimes I get carried away with my sport, when that happens and lives are lost. There have been a few casualties throughout the years but lately, I've been more careful especially after Masen practically ruined me.
Causing pain to the great Duke of Devonshire will bring me great pleasure; I will have what is his for my own. And when I do, I shall break her spirit so that he may know that she belongs to me every day of his life.
Bella
"Gorgeous!" My mother sighs.
"You look very stunning, my darling," Mother Es says.
"Sister! The Duke will indeed ravish you when he sees you in this gown!" Alice says causing my mother to glare at her.
"Alice! Please contain your newfound knowledge. Isabella is still a maiden." Mother chastises.
Since she is now a married lady, Alice has no issue saying scandalous things. It's quite shocking and I find myself wanting to ask her of her newfound knowledge, as I have no idea what to expect on my wedding night.
Alice has always been my confidant, and I shall take full advantage of that once we are alone. I do feel unprepared and every day that I spend in Edward's embrace introduces a new round of emotions that I am not sure what to do with.
"I do not know why it is okay for the gentleman to know everything, but I was not informed of anything until the night before. I did, however, have my own knowledge," Alice says not making eye contact with Mother.
"What knowledge would that be, Alice Claire?" My mother raises an eyebrow at her.
"Books, Aunt Renee. Simply books," Alice says feigning innocence.
Before my mother can question Alice further, Madam Beaumont comes into the dressing room smiling widely at me.
"Isabella! You look simply magnifique and very much a future Duchess." Madam starts walking circles around me adding pins here and there.
"It is absolutely perfect. Do you think you could tighten the bosom just a touch," Mother Es asks pulling at the material.
"Of course My Lady. How very observant of you," Madam says adding a pin to my bosom.
"The former Duchess of Devonshire was very fashionable indeed. She may have given me some of her fashion sensibility." Esme smiles over at Madam taking a step back.
"I hope that I am a proper Duchess. I must confess I have no idea what being a Duchess entails." I look around the small dressing room nervously.
Mother Es takes me by the hand smiling broadly. "My darling girl just be yourself, that is what has Edward so in love with you and that shall never lead you wrong."
My breath catches at the thought of Edward loving me. We have never spoken the words but it is implied in every kiss, every touch.
Once Madam Beaumont adds her finishing touches on my gown, I change back into my regular attire with the help of Madam Beaumont's assistant, Shirley, and then meet the others up front.
Alice takes me by the arm sighing sadly. "Is something the matter, Alice?"
"I dare not speak of it," she whispers as Mother and Mother Es follow us out of the dress shop.
Before I can ask her what is amiss, someone takes me by the arm and a shiver of fear runs through my person.
"Lady Isabella, I dare say it is an honor. You look lovely. It is a shame that Masen has won your affection," The Baron Cromwell says not releasing my arm.
"Baron Cromwell, how nice to see you again." I give him a forced smile and try to remove my arm from his tight grip.
He pulls me closer to him by force and whispers. "You shall be mine-"
My heart stops and my blood runs cold at his words.
"James, release my daughter, now." Mother Es's loud voice rings out on the crowded street.
Her footman, having heard her voice steps down from her carriage and starts to take a step towards us. Baron Cromwell releases his hold of my person and steps away at the menacing figure.
"Isabella, I shall see you soon," James says before he marches away.
Once he is gone, my hand grips at my beating heart as I try to calm my nerves.
"Isabella? Are you well?" my mother asks rushing over to me.
"Let's get her into the carriage," Alice says taking a hold of my hand.
"I am fine. The Baron just gave me a fright that is all." I provide them with a forced smile.
Mother Es and I share a brief look and that is when I know she knows the Baron's true nature. He is, indeed, not a gentleman and I fear he has plans for me.
Edward
The days leading up to our nuptials have been stressful indeed. I have not heard hide or hair of McCarty, until this morning. I received a note stating that he was coming in from the country and would arrive for the wedding and needs to speak to me urgently.
I sit sipping my brandy, preparing myself for what is to come at White's where I am to meet Carlisle, Whit, and Charles for a drink saying goodbye to the Bachelor Duke.
It should be a sad occasion no longer being a bachelor, but I, however, am the happiest of gentlemen. Every visit with Bella, every kiss, every conversation solidifies my feelings for her.
I love her.
I plan to confess my love on our wedding night here at our London home, and then I shall usher my wife to Chatsworth where we will spend the remainder of the season and the rest of our lives.
"Sir, your mother is here." I turn from my musings to find Mother Es entering the room.
Jenks is very familiar with Mother Es as he was with my mother and father, having served my father since before I was born.
"Mother Es, what a pleasure. Unfortunately, I was off to White's for the last drink of my bachelorhood. Your husband insists I have one," I tell her pecking her cheek.
"This will be very quick indeed my dear boy. I would like to discuss James and Isabella," she says taking a seat on the chaise lounge.
"There is no James and Isabella, Mother Es and I will not have that vermin's name mentioned in the same breath as my love.
"Calm yourself darling. I dare say I believe James has a peculiar interest in Isabella. We were leaving the dress shop the other day for her final fitting and he was there-"
I jump out of my chair before she can finish her statement. "If he harmed her in anyway."
"He did not harm her. He did, however, give her a fright, and I fear he has plans in store for the both of you," she says taking a deep breath. "Please just be aware of James. Once he sets his mind on a person, as he did you so many years ago, it is difficult for one to escape him."
"I shall not be caught unaware. I am aware that Hunter has a peculiar obsession with Bella but I had hoped it would end at her acceptance of my proposal." I take a breath trying to control my anger.
"It has not and we both know that James is dangerous. I do not want you or Isabella to suffer because of him. You are finally happy and in love, and that brings me great joy," she says smiling as she reaches over and takes me by the hand.
"I am indeed in love. I can barely believe it myself." I smile widely at the thought of my love for Bella.
"Of course, you are! How could you not be with such a darling girl as Isabella! I have something that I wish to bestow on you, in hopes that you present it to your wife." She smiles gently sitting.
Mother Es takes out something wrapped in delicate tissue. She hands me the item and I unwrap it. It is a beautiful hair comb with an intricate design. It is not as expensive as some of my mother's other possessions.
"Upon her deathbed, your mother made me promise that I would give this to you for your wife. It was her prized possession; her mother gave it to her. She loved it as dearly as she loved you. She would be so happy for you Edward." Mother Es dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Thank you, for giving Isabella this and for telling me how much my mother loved me." I smile bending down to kiss her hand.
A/N: My dear ladies! I have been very ill with a viral infection and have been traveling home from York. I do apologize as I enjoy delivering to you all every sennight. At last here we are! We have a Baron POV and it is most shocking indeed! I have also sent the next chapter off to my beta and shall post it a little earlier if the stars allow me! Thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews all the time. I do try to reply to all of them! (Love you all! Mean it!)