This story has been beta'd by The Duchess of Fanfiction Sunflower Fran.
For those of you who've read the one shot, this chapter is completely new! I do believe we will be new going forward!
Baron Cromwell
I enter my townhome slamming the door behind me. My butler Felix rushes into the hall, looking frightened.
"Sir, is everything all right?" Felix asks.
"No, has Kathleen left as of yet?" I inquire after the maid.
If I didn't release this anger on someone, I would surely explode.
"No, sir. I believe she was packing the last of her things before she collected her wages."
"Go and fetch her," I command.
"Right away Sir." He turns to leave.
"Felix, I do not want to be disturbed, or it will cost you greatly," I tell him as I remove my waistcoat.
"Of course, Sir." He leaves the room.
I undo my neck cloth and then the top buttons of my shirt. Walking over to the hearth, I pick up the poker.
"This will do the job," I say to the empty room.
If I cannot have my pleasure with Isabella, I must take out my frustrations on another. I hear the door open as I stare into the fire.
"Sir? You, you wanted to see me?" Kathleen stutters.
The joy I feel from hearing the fear in her voice is nearly enough to lighten my mood. I turn to face her, she is trembling, her eyes downcast as if that will save her.
"Close the door."
Bella
Mother and Mother Es go over the wedding breakfast menu with cook while Alice and Angela are upstairs discussing what style _she thinks would go best with my gown. I sit at the desk in the small parlor responding to the missives I received earlier.
Dear Madam,
Thank you for your thoughts. I assure you I am well. I am indeed going to marry The Duke of Devonshire tomorrow. I understand you are unable to attend as you have better things that need your special attention.
Sincerely,
Isabella Swan
The future Duchess of Devonshire
I respond to each cruel and hateful letter in the same fashion, trimming the guest list of five guests and their significant others. If these ladies feel they can send me such nonsense and believe I will ignore it, they are sorely mistaken. I dare not surround what is going to be the happiest day of my life with anyone who would spread such foul rumors without first knowing the facts.
Once all five letters are written, I ring the bell for Thomas.
"Have you completed all the 'bugger off,' missives?" Mother Es asks, walking over to take a seat.
My mother leaves the room with cook, chatting excitedly about the cake, which should be arriving any second.
Thomas enters taking the missives out of my hand, and I give him a warm smile.
I walk over and sit beside her. "Yes, I also informed them that I understand they cannot attend."
"Well done, I am proud to call you my daughter," she says taking me by the hand.
"Thank you for everything, Mother Es. I am sorry for my behavior earlier." I apologize again.
"Nonsense. I understand completely. This was a test for you and Edward. You must be strong in stature to deal with our society." She squeezes my hand. "Especially now that you are a duchess."
"Indeed, today has been very difficult, but it has made me realize that I shall never give society the power over our lives ever again," I smile at her, grateful for the lesson that have been learned through this entire ordeal. "And I am not a duchess as of yet."
Mother Es leans over and pats my cheek affectionately. "You will be in a matter of hours, my darling girl."
I smile shyly at the thought of being Edward's wife in few hours time. I cannot wait to be his in every way imaginable. I am both afraid and giddy to be rid of my innocence once and for all.
Mother comes back into the parlor smiling. "Esme, will you be staying for dinner?"
"Thank you Ren, but I must be leaving to have dinner with my husband. He becomes very distraught if I leave him for extended periods of time." Mother Es stands to leave.
"Very well, but we shall see you bright and early. I can't believe my only daughter will be a duchess!" my mother says excitedly.
"She will be the most beautiful duchess there ever was." Edward's deep voice is heard from the doorway.
We all turn to face him. I give him a large smile wanting nothing more than to be alone with him. It has been far too long since I have felt my lips against his.
"Indeed, she will be, darling boy. I must go to Carlisle. I will see you both tomorrow!" she says before she turns to peck my cheek. "Ren, will you see me out. I dare say our children would like to do some reconnecting."
My mother leans in to whisper in my ear. "Please control yourself, darling, you only have a few hours. Then he can do all the breast kissing he likes."
"Mother!" I say embarrassed, hoping Edward did not hear her.
Mother Es, who is standing next to us, gives a very un-lady like snort, and they both giggle like schoolgirls. Edward raises an eyebrow at their behavior, but they ignore him by practically running out of the room with their heads pressed together in confidence.
After closing the door behind our giggling mothers, Edward walks over to me with a fire in his gaze. He does not stop until his arms are around me, and his lips are firmly pressed against mine.
He sighs against my lips, both his hands cradle my face as our lips mold together in the sweetest parts of heaven.
His tongue teases my bottom lip, and I allow him entrance, twining my tongue to his. Edward lets out a primitive groan as he frees one hand to bring me closer to him. I whimper in pleasure at the feel of his body pressed up against my own.
My fingers glide through his silky tresses enjoying the feel of them against my fingertips. Soft lips leave mine and travel to the sensitive area of my neck. My arms tighten around him, and I pull painfully on his hair.
"Edward!" I call as a delicious feeling runs through my very being.
"My darling … " His lips attach to a sensitive patch of skin on my neck.
He sucks it into his waiting mouth while his hands travel up my sides, covering my breasts, the warmth causing shivers up my spine. The sensations are a combination of both pain and pleasure, and I find myself craving for him to be nearer.
"Oh!" My voice comes out deep and needy.
Edward's lips travel to my own kissing me deeply. I lose myself and wrap my arms around his neck; he picks me up off the ground carrying me over to the chaise lounge lying me down so that I am spread out as an offering to him. Our lips never part as his hands roam my body lighting a fire in me everywhere he touches. His movements are desperate as if he is checking that I am indeed here in the flesh.
The weight of his body against mine is an exhilarating feeling. His lips travel to the plump flesh of my exposed breasts kissing from one to the other as if his very life depended on it. I shiver as a thrill spirals down my back. Never before had I thought about what feelings could arise from physical pleasure between a man and woman.
I can feel the heat rise through my person as Edward's grasp on one of my breasts increases to the point where it is nearly falling out of my gown. My hands grip his hair, and my lips press against his forehead.
I am possessed with a boldness I was not aware lived inside of me. I have not been with Edward since the talk with Mother and Mother Es. My mind is no longer innocent as the rest of me, and I am fully aware of what my body craves from his. Pulling on his hair, I force him to leave my breasts as I hungrily attack his lips. I can feel his member pressed against my leg, hard and ready.
"Oh my darling, I love you so fiercely," he whispers against my lips as he stares into my eyes.
"And I you, my love, with all my heart." I press my lips to his.
There is a knock on the door and Edward quickly removes himself from my person. He helps me up to a sitting position, and I immediately start to straighten my dress.
Once I am presentable, Edward tells the intruder to enter.
Thomas enters as if he did not notice the delay in our answering. I do love his loyalty to our family, especially Alice and myself. He's been like a grandfather to us, always watching over us and sneaking us treats.
"Your Grace, My Lady, your presence is requested in the dining room. Dinner is served," he says before he leaves the room.
Once we are alone, Edward turns to me and pulls me to him.
"Tomorrow cannot come soon enough. I plan to start our journey to Chatsworth after the wedding breakfast. We shall stop at the best Inns on our way, and it will be our wedding trip." He pecks my lips.
I give him a broad smile. "It sounds wonderful, Edward, but perhaps we should not away to Chatsworth until things are more settled with the Marquis and Rosalie."
"Bella, I do not wish to stay in London any longer, especially with the Baron as a threat to you and the gossipers." He has a very somber look on his face.
"Edward, we cannot run from the ton or The Baron any longer." I stare into his eyes.
"It is not running, Bella. I am protecting my wife. I will not delay our trip," he says closing the subject.
I take a deep breath, calming myself before I quarrel with him. "Have you made arrangements for Angela to travel with us as well?"
"Yes, of course. She will ride in the second carriage with Ben, he is the only member of my staff that travels back and forth between Derbyshire and London." He offers me his arm.
I look down at my person to assure that everything is in its place.
"Am I presentable, Your Grace?" I ask batting my eyelashes at him.
Edward kisses my nose playfully. "You are breathtaking, My Duchess."
I can feel the heat on my cheeks, and a wide smile takes over my features. I indeed will be his Duchess by this time tomorrow.
I cannot help but to count down the hours.
Edward
Dinner with my new family is very entertaining indeed. Since it is only the immediate family, we give way to propriety, and I am allowed to sit by Bella's side. This pleases me very much as I am able to rest one of my hands on her thigh, and make circles on the outside of her gown. Although I cannot feel her skin in the flesh, the heat from her body is causing my own to stir.
Bella takes a sip of her wine, and then reaches over to grasp my thigh. She is very close to my hard member, and I swallow my own wine trying to control myself.
"Edward, what will happen to The Marquis and Rosalie while you are at Chatsworth?" Charles asks.
I sit up straight and remove my hand from his daughter's person.
"I plan to allow them to stay at my townhome until he is healed. Most of Emmett's income comes from his mother-in-law as my father's brother squandered their fortune. I plan to gift him a large sum of his inheritance early." I nod towards him.
"His inheritance?" Charles asks.
"Yes, Emmett is my heir being my next of kin. I plan to give him a large sum of money in hopes that he and Rosalie can perhaps escape his wife and mother-in-law." I take a sip of my soup.
"You will have a true heir soon enough and I for one cannot wait!" Lady Renee says excitedly.
Bella stiffens next to me her wide eyes on her mother. "Mother, please contain yourself."
"Whatever for? You will be a married woman tomorrow, and I expect my green-eyed grandchildren no later than two years time. Es and I have been discussing names. I have always loved the name Lavinia for a girl." Lady Renee smiles wistfully to herself and I feel Bella shutter next to me.
"Renee darling, grandchildren will come soon enough. I cannot wait either, but we must get these two wed first." Charles smiles at his wife.
"Very true Charles. Plus, Alice and Jasper will most likely beat them to it. They were wed first. A child with little blonde curls will just be so delightful." Lady Renee claps her hands excitedly.
Jasper turns two shades of pink as Alice closes her eyes tightly.
Clearing his throat, Jasper looks up at me. "Edward, I shall pay close attention to the situation with Emmett and The Baron for you. Do you plan to return back to town?"
"I believe we shall stay at Chatsworth. The season is coming to an end in a month, so I see no reason to return." I grasp Bella's hand under the table.
The staff removes our empty soup bowls, and we await the next course.
"Perhaps everyone will be able to visit Chatsworth at the end of the season?" Bella asks smiling over at me.
"That is a splendid idea, indeed, Sweetheart. You would have settled in as mistress by then." I kiss her hand smiling widely at her.
Charles ignores our affection. It seems with the wedding on the horizon, he is more accepting of our growing intimacy.
I kiss her hand one last time before I release it. It pleases me very much that Bella is comfortable enough with me to suggest that our families come for a visit.
After dinner, I bid goodbye to Bella in the foyer. My lips are firmly pressed against hers; her body flush against my own.
I pull away gazing into her eyes. "Tomorrow you will be mine forever, my love."
Her fingers run through my hair as she lifts herself up on her toes. "I cannot wait a second longer."
"Oh, darling. I love you, dearly. Until tomorrow." My lips find hers, and I kiss her one last time.
My forehead presses against hers. "Until tomorrow," she says before I depart.
I enter Whit and Alice's carriage with a broad smile on my face. Whit has agreed to accompany me to my townhome to inquire after Emmett once we see that Alice is home safely.
~TBD~
Once we enter my townhome, we are met by a rather vexing scene in the parlor. Rosalie is comforting a very distraught Lydia. The girl's head is buried in Rosalie's skirt as her body shakes with grief.
"Rosalie, is everything all right?" I ask concerned.
When Lydia sees Whit and me she rises and rushes over to me. "Your Grace, please forgive me for what I've done, but you must assist my sister!"
Lydia falls at my feet, and I stumble back in alarm. Rosalie rises with difficulty and then walks over to where we are standing.
"Your Grace, Lydia's sister has gone missing. She was going to meet Lydia once she left her employer, The Baron Cromwell." Rosalie gives me a concerned stare.
I know that The Baron has a reputation amongst women of her profession.
Whit assists me in helping Lydia off the floor. I lead her to the chaise lounge where Rosalie takes a seat next to her as Whit, and I stand.
"Lydia, please calm yourself. Now, let's start with why you seek His Grace's forgiveness?" Whit asks.
Lydia takes a few deep breaths as Rosalie rubs circles around her back.
"Baron Cromwell used my sister most horrendously while she was his employee. When he approached me to spy on you, I did not hesitate to accept so that he would release my sister from her bondage." She sobs into a handkerchief. "I informed him when Miss Rosalie came upon your door. It was under his direction that we spread the awful rumors about the two of you. Kathleen informed me that it was The Marchioness of Winchester who sent the men after Rosalie and The Marquis."
"Why would The Marchioness risk everything to join forces with the Baron?" I ask the anger bubbling up inside of me.
"I am not entirely sure, but it seems that The Marchioness of Winchester and The Baron are lovers. My sister has informed me of times when they would force her to join them." Her voice shakes in fear.
"My God!" Whit yells.
"Why in God's name did you allow Baron Cromwell to manipulate you as well? You should've informed me as soon as he approached!" I raise my voice causing her to shake in fear.
"You must understand Your Grace! The things he did to my sister are unthinkable. I had no other choice. He promised once I did his bidding that he would release her, but I have not heard from her! Please!" she begs as the grief takes over her body. "Last I saw my sister we agreed to meet at our parents' home in East London, but she never arrived!"
"Lydia, I will, of course, have someone look into your sister's disappearance," I tell her running my hands through my hair.
"Edward, I will look into this matter personally. You are to be wed tomorrow. I will go to the Magistrate's office this evening and insist they search the Baron's home. Lydia, I will need you to tell the Magistrate everything that you have spoken here tonight." Whit points his finger at her.
"Yes, of course. I will do anything to make sure Kathleen is safe."
Whit and Lydia leave for the Magistrate's Office, and I check on Emmett before I pack a bag to stay the night with Carlisle and Mother Es. It is best that I do not stay alone at my home while Rosalie is still here, even with Emmett. The ton is only aware that she is here.
Both Rosalie and I inform Emmett of his wife's betrayal with The Baron and of her sending the bandits after him.
"I cannot believe that Jessica would be so cruel! Our marriage is not a love match but to send men after a woman in Rose's condition is heartless!" He sits up and Rosalie rushes to him.
"Please calm yourself, Emmett," Rosalie says fluffing his pillow so that he may be comfortable.
"Whit will handle the matter directly. If all goes well, justice will be served to both The Baron and your wife." I walk over to McCarty. "I will stay with Mother Es tonight at their home and will then be away at Chatsworth after the wedding. You are welcome to stay here as long as you need. I will write my solicitor to inform him to grant you a large sum. You are welcomed at Chatsworth when you are well enough to travel."
"Your Grace, thank you for everything. Can you not stay in your home?" Rosalie asks me.
I bow to her. "Do not fret Rosalie. The Ton is in an uproar with gossip, and I would like to save Isabella from it as much as I can. I will be most comfortable at my mother's. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for the best day of my life. We shall stop by and visit after the wedding breakfast."
"Please do!" Rosalie says surprising me with a warm hug.
"Edward, thank you sincerely. I am proud to call you my cousin and my friend." Emmett shakes my hand, before I take my leave.
I spend the rest of the evening informing the staff to follow Emmett's instructions and to treat both he and Rosalie as they would myself.
I leave my townhome giddy as a child. I will marry the love of my life on the morrow.
I shall count down the hours until I can call Isabella Swan, Isabella Masen, The Duchess of Devonshire.
A/N: My dear ladies! I am very sorry for the delay. I had a number of unfortunate events happen this past week. At last here we are! I am aware you all are waiting patiently for a wedding and a wedding night, but you will have to wait until Chapter 16. Thank you all for your continue support and love for this story! I do love this period and hope I have done it some justice!