My beta has not seen this one, sorry for any mistakes. Enjoy.
SHOW ME THE WAY TO LOVE
CHAPTER 37 - Castle of Dreams
John looked over the guest list and was rather impressed with Erik's plan of action. In the three days that Erik and Christine would be gone, it would be quite easy to distribute the invitations and make the arrangements.
It had only taken a blink of his vivid green eyes for Erik to know what to do; and John was eager to carry out the details. Katherine was doing her part, designing the invitations and now they were all headed into town to have them printed. The courier had already been hired and they would be hand delivered tomorrow.
"This is a brilliant idea, John." Katherine noted; satisfaction in her voice.
The children sat quietly at the quaint table and ate their lunch. The family had decided to spend the whole day together, eating lunch and then visiting the museum while the invitations were printed. It was obvious to John and Katherine that Erik's name and rank held a great deal of sway with the businesses in town; it seemed he was not only a national hero, but he gave generously to the small businesses of the city and they appreciated his patronage and support.
"It was essentially Erik's idea, but I was quite eager to help him iron out the details. It should prove to be a rewarding experience…" John smiled mischievously, "…at least for Erik and Christine."
Katherine knew that look; John was going over each element in his mind and knew there would be some angry individuals after the truth was finally told and the sins of the past were revealed. However, the injustice had gone on for far too long already, and Erik deserved to have his life back.
"Are we going to be invited?" Katherine asked, unable to hide the excited lilt in her voice.
John laughed, enjoying the reappearance of his saucy and intelligent wife. She had been a glorious addition to his own keen intelligence when they had married and he had missed this side of her. When they left the States, John was afraid she would somehow get lost in the normalcy of British life and forget one of the attributes that had first attracted him to her.
"I do believe Erik is counting on us to be there." The glint in his eyes said that he was looking forward to watching the plan unfold in front of him. "It is only a week away…and I do believe you need a new evening gown for the occasion."
Katherine had not had any new clothes for over a year and the clothing she possessed was rather threadbare, especially after the trip across the ocean in the murky, mildew-infested, under-cabin of a ship. Most of them were worn looking and not fit for such an event.
After they picked up the invitations, the dress shop was still open and John enjoyed watching his wife try on several gowns that he considered quite lovely. They finally decided on a satin, yellow gown with ruffles around the sleeves and hem; a scoop neckline and a matching, elegantly decorated fan to accent it. She looked like a ray of sunshine with her blond hair and cornflower-blue eyes; and John was blessed to be the one man she had chosen above all others.
The courier met up with them in the park just as the sun was setting and John gave him the instructions, paid him his fee, and expected word back by Tuesday concerning attendance. However, he knew everyone would be there; curiosity was a strong human instinct and few could resist it.
They stopped by the Dorset Square Hotel to finalize the arrangements and make sure that Erik's instructions were being carried out, and then they headed home. The day had been event filled and exhausting, but everyone looked forward to what was to come.
◄▼►
Neither of them realized how sated and weary they were until they were awakened by the sudden stop of the carriage. Luckily, they had had the foresight to dress completely before curling up on the seat and falling asleep.
Erik had hired Humphries Hackney Services to drive the carriage; Frank Humphries was an old friend whose son had served with Erik during the war…regrettably, Liam had not come home. Erik had been shocked to find out about the poverty the boy had come from and had done everything to help Frank overcome the depression that Liam's death had caused. It had not taken long for Erik to discover that Frank had always wanted to own his own Taxi service; and Erik had made it happen.
Christine fussed with her dress, making sure it did not appear rumpled; at least not more so than just sleeping in it would have done. Erik watched her fiddle with the material with amusement playing all over his features, and when her eyes locked with his, he could not help but laugh
"Frank will not care that your dress looks like you threw it on as an after thought and that you are a lovely shade of satisfied female as though you have been thoroughly ravished."
She continued to stare at him, carefully going over the items in the cabin – wondering if any of them would make a good projectile. She finally got her hands on her fan and tossed it at him, skillfully whacking him on the shoulder.
"Do not look so smug, lover…if I recall correctly, 'twas I who seduced you."
He shrugged his broad shoulders – rubbing the area where the fan hit him - and grinned innocently, "Technicality, my dear…Frank will believe whatever I tell him."
She gasped at his ludicrous threat just as Frank knocked on the carriage door to inform them that they had arrived. She pointed at him and squinted her eyes in what she hoped was an intimidating manner, "You will tell him nothing, Commodore Worthington, nothing at all…" Christine warned, emphasizing Commodore, hoping to rile him, "…the poor man will not be able to take it."
Frank opened the door upon Erik's word, but they were both laughing uncontrollably as they emerged from the carriage and cast their eyes upon Sorn Castle for the first time. The large fortress looked impenetrable and impressive against the backdrop of the late morning sky.
The rolling Scottish countryside surrounding the manor only added to the wealth and beauty of the property, and both Erik and Christine were impressed with the gardens and the overall perfection of the place.
"Erik…it is stunning!" Christine breathed, hardly able to take in everything around her.
Erik pulled her into a warm, tender embrace and placed a kiss to her forehead, "Yes it is, but not as stunning as you are, my bride."
"Welcome to Sorn Castle, Commodore Worthington, it is an honor to have a national hero, such as yourself, choose to spend his honeymoon with us."
Both Erik and Christine smiled at the little man with the strong Scottish brogue; even though he had interrupted their moment of affection. Erik inclined his head, eager to put aside the man's obvious admiration and get on with the honeymoon.
As a young servant boy was enlisted to get their luggage, Christine noticed his unease, hugged his arm, and whispered, "Let them do what they can to honor you, Erik…you deserve it." At his doubting look and the slight shake of his head, Christine leaned in to say, "We have discussed this before…you are a reluctant hero, but a hero nonetheless."
He patted the warm hand that held his heart, and gave his wife a warm smile, "You are a boost to my ego…now stop flattering me - for flattery will get you everything."
The ornery twinkle lighting the teal of his eyes made her heart skip a beat; he looked every bit the precarious, swashbuckling pirate complete with long, smoky-colored hair, a roguish patch over his eye which he used to hide the scar; sensual, cavalier lips that promised nights of heated kisses and endless other passions; and strong, sculptured muscles running the entire length of his tall frame.
Christine noticed that she was not the only one admiring her husband's obvious assets; there were several other female guests about, and every one of them swept appreciative, inviting eyes his way hoping to capture his interest. Thankfully – for their sake – Erik only had eyes for his wife and did not even notice the other women around him.
Deciding that it was a compliment to have other women desire her husband, Christine lifted a blithe smile his way and cocked her head to the side, looking flirtatious and far from innocent.
They walked arm in arm ahead of the servant boy and behind the host, enjoying the scenery around them and the different sights and smells that were not familiar to them…the next three days would be loaded with discovery.
The first glimpse of the inside of the castle was as through Christine had walked straight into the pages of a fairytale – pure white walls, glistening crystal chandeliers, intricate plaster work on the ceilings and baseboards of the grand entrance hall; and beautiful tapestries and paintings depicting family ancestors and other such works.
"It is so ethereal; I never knew that a castle really looked like this…" her eyes lit up like a child in a candy store and Erik could not keep from chuckling, "…I always pictured they looked like this when my father would read to me…but I never knew."
Her smile filled the room, "I felt like a princess when he read those wonderful stories to me; I used to sit perched on his lap while the pictures floated in front of me and his low, melodic voice filled my ears - my imagination went wild."
If there had been no one in the room, Erik would have kissed her upturned lips right then, but they had an audience, so he settled for a warm, engulfing smile, "You are a princess…at least in my eyes."
The toured the manor leisurely, enjoying the distinct personality of each room – colors, decorative themes, furniture – everything was designed to bring each place to life. They finally entered the large suite in which they would be spending the next three days; luscious reds, deep greens, and sensual blues – the suite was romantic and corporeal; and seemed to suit the couple perfectly.
Every piece of furniture was beautifully carved and Italian marble accented each piece as well as forming the majority of the stunning fireplace in the center of the inner wall. A delicately designed crystal chandelier lit the room; cherubs and various forms of angels were carved into the plaster accenting it and Christine could not seem to stop looking at it.
The bedroom was decorated in shades of red accented in yellow and, although the bed dominated the room, the other furniture was equally as impressive. Everything was expressive and costly, creating an ambiance of romance and passion, but also keeping the occupants wrapped in warmth and joy.
Erik loosened the staunch tie of his cravat and pulled it off, then swept his hands through the loose strand of his hair that playfully licked the sides of his face. He was stiff from sleeping in the carriage, but he smiled every time he thought about their passionate interlude and he grew increasingly interested in renewing such passion.
His bride came in to his arms, wrapping herself around him with gentle ease. "Are you hungry?"
He peered down at her through expressive eyes, knowing she had read his thoughts without any problem, "I am hungry…for many things."
His mouth gently claimed hers, taking what she eagerly gave. They teased each other for a time, nipping and tasting as though for the first time, but Erik deepened the kiss and Christine answered his invitation with a resplendent and resounding ardor – meeting his plunging tongue with an urgency that had them both peeling clothing off without care to growling stomachs or tired muscles.
Erik laid her down on the silky surface of the bed and ardently kissed every exposed inch of flesh he could before settling on her arching, throbbing breasts – bringing each one to heated, moist peaks with the skillful swipes of his warm tongue.
Christine pulled his head to her hungry mouth and danced with his tongue before rolling him over and sitting astride him.
"It is my turn, dark lover, allow me…" and she kissed her way down his body; teasing each manly peak on his chest, dipping her tongue into his naval, and finally, sensually tickling the dimples at his pelvic bone, relishing the softness of his receptive flesh.
His jutting erection jumped in anticipation of her touch, springing to life beneath the heated adoration of her eyes. Erik watched her wet the fullness of her lips with her tongue and his mind turned to pulp.
The first touch sent his eyes slamming shut and his hands to the silver thickness of her hair. The muscles of his abdomen tensed as he kept his climax in check, pulling it back within him – holding off until they could reach that pinnacle together.
She brazed the swollen head of his desire with suckling lips and sinewy tongue, only lifting from it to tease the rock-hard length of him every few moments. His already impressive mass seemed to swell and lengthen even more as she continued to motivate it with her exquisite talents.
Soft, indulgent noises indicated to him how much she enjoyed what she was doing and that pushed him even more to the edge, his body trembling with tethered need.
"Ride me, Christine, before I am wasted." His hoarse, raspy voice ran up her spine and increased her already burgeoning desire.
She did as he suggested and eased onto his rigid flesh with careful fervor; knowing her climax would come quickly and blindingly. She placed her hands over his pectoral muscles, feeling another heated rush in her womb at the hard muscles that tensed beneath her touch.
Slowly, maddeningly, Christine began her own rhythm – feeling him move within her and closing her eyes to the unique pleasure she felt with him beneath her. He bucked against her, pushing himself further into her with each thrust she made and it was not long before they were both approaching the peak.
Erik sat up and wrapped her in his arms as she straddled his hips, still pushing into her with agonizingly slow strokes. Christine locked her legs around his waist, placed her hands on his knees, and forced him to increase his strokes – powerfully meeting each one.
They cried out together as he poured into her, filling her with his seed before claiming her mouth in a heated kiss. They rode their passion until exhaustion claimed them, finding sleep in each others arms and awakening hours later to a shining new day.
TBC