Summary:

A change in the weather forces a change in their plans.

[excerpt]: Kylo laughed, the deep baritone of his voice reverberating through the din.
"You are mistaken in your presumption. I am Lord Ren, Earl of Alderaan. Miss Kenobi is my ward. Unfortunately, we were caught in the rain and are unable to make our way back home. We seek lodging for the night."

*explicit due to sexual content

~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~

Sex: the pleasure is momentary, the position ridiculous, and the expense damnable

-Lord Chesterfield

xx

"He's exquisite, Ren. He's got the makings of an amazing jumper."

It was a beautiful summer morning, the sweet fragrance of the alba roses and cuisse de nymph perfuming the air along with the smell of freshly baked goods. Hux took a bite of baked egg and the homemade bread, allowing himself to indulge in the tranquility of his surroundings. He would be missing this greatly as he was scheduled to return to London, a private carriage already on its way to pick him up at noon.

Caserta Hall had been bustling with the noise of activity since dawn. The cooks were milling about, heating the stoves, boiling the water and preparing a sumptuous breakfast. The chambermaids busied themselves with more menial tasks, changing the bed linens, drawing the curtains, and changing the chamber pots. Outdoors, the dairy maids were milking the cows and churning the butter, its sweet and creamy yellow blush contrasting with the white of the ironstone plates which sat on top of the breakfast table. Some of the groundskeepers were clipping the lines of hedges, maintaining their orderly and geometric shape, while others manipulated the topiaries into the forms of wild and mystical beasts. The gardeners tended to the greenhouse vegetables, picking the ones which hung heavily from their vines and with the most perfect flesh, as requested by the chefs.

Ren had also been occupied, having met with Mrs. Kanata and Dopheld in lieu of Leia's presence. He reviewed their plans for dinner, accounted for the payments for the milled flours and teas, and outlined his requirements for Rey's prospective tutors. He subsequently discussed the state of the pheasants and the fowling grounds with the gameskeeper in preparation for the upcoming hunts before heading off to the stables to meet Hux. Following their morning ride, Hux had checked out Ren's new acquisitions, including a prized Lipizzan stallion. The colt's black coat beginning to show the faintest of lightening, a hint of the dappled gray to come. He was a fine specimen, with eyes that were large and expressive, a broad chest and muscular withers, and a tail which was high and well set.

Kylo nodded proudly. "He will be larger than most, possibly approaching 16 hands. But he's nearly three. He'll have to learn how to take a rider, and soon."

Hux's looked thoughtful. "I know of someone with the expertise you seek. Colonel Dameron was a member of the 5th Regiment of Dragoon Guards under Lieutenant General Cotton. We fought together in Salamanca. His skill and fearlessness is unequaled as both a cavalry officer and a man. Perhaps I can convince him to join us for the Riding of the Hounds when I return to Caserta."

Ren nodded his assent. "I would greatly appreciate his assistance in this matter. Please let Colonel Dameron know that he would be welcome to stay with us at Caserta for the duration of the off-season should he choose to provide it."

Since this was their last meal together, Ren had requested that breakfast be brought outdoors. The servants had hauled the tables, chairs, and china near the gardens. The chafing dishes were filled with fresh meats, eggs, plum cake, and breads, to be consumed along with chocolate coffee, tea and freshly brewed ale or diluted wine. Rey was not accustomed to eating so much or at such a late hour, if at all. Typically, her hunger pangs would rouse her from her sleep; she would eat whatever scraps were available and head out to buz the streets with the other knuckles and rum divers. Those could be long days, and an unsuccessful one could mean a still-empty belly at night at best, or catching the displeasure of Plutt's fist at worst. Life at Caserta was a world apart from a pickpocket's life and the Plutts of the world.

Jessika had dressed her in a sensible morning gown made of sprigged muslin. Much to Ren's relief, its round form and high neck were much less revealing than the gown from the night before. He noticed that she appeared almost childlike, swallowed up in the excess of the material as well as the opulence of her surroundings. He found that he missed the determined and feisty girl who had the audacity to spar with him in the streets, and sympathy reared itself once more as he realized how lonely and out of place she must have felt.

He turned to her, the angles of his face softening as his lips curved into a gentle smile. "I was thinking of taking the curricle to meet with the seamstress this afternoon. It's a beautiful day. It would be a fun and pleasurable ride into town for the both of us."

Rey's heart jumped, delighted at his invitation. She had no idea what a curricle was, but with his smile he could have offered her a ride in a yarmouth-coach and she would have gladly accepted it.

Hux sensed her question. "A curricle is similar to one of your American runabouts, only it's drawn by two horses and has two wheels instead of four. It's fast, and it's fun. Despite it being driven by Ren, I would highly recommend it."

Ren's brow lifted at Hux's remark, but his retort was cut short as he saw Rey's eyes light at the prospect.

"I would love to, My Lord. It's been many years since I've been either on top of or in back of a horse. It's an activity which I greatly enjoyed as a child."

"Perhaps you can arrange a visit to the stables later in the week for Miss Kenobi, Ren." Hux turned to Rey, with a hint of mischievousness in his voice. "He is quite the horseman, both as an owner and a rider."

Ren replied carefully, drinking his coffee. "Perhaps. If you work hard and do well in your studies, Rey."

Rey shot Hux a grateful look, appreciative of his thoughtfulness. Her stomach clenched suddenly at the realization that he would be leaving, and that she would be without his friendly and comforting presence.

She stared down into the tea which swirled slowly within her cup. "How long will you be away, Lord Hux?"

"Two, perhaps three months. I have been asked to assist with the line infantry of the Chasseurs Britanniques."

"I wish for your safe and speedy return," Rey replied, her eyes showing a genuine concern for his well-being.

"I will be sure to do so, if only to see how far you have come under Ren's tutelage." Ren could almost hear the wink in Hux's voice with that statement.

Kylo was surprised at the slight flare of jealousy he felt as he noted their easy rapport. If he thought about it further, their behavior could even be construed as mildly flirtatious. Hux was his best friend, and if he had more than a casual interest in Rey, he shouldn't begrudge him the opportunity. Hux was a good and proper man, born into Irish aristocracy, who had inherited his father's coloring, charm and intelligence but who had luckily avoided his progenitor's cruel streak. Hux was a constant who, in their school days and even now, provided an emotional buttress against Kylo's unruliness and boldness. Any woman would consider herself lucky to be on the receiving end of his friend's affections.

Besides, Ren reminded himself, he himself had no personal interest in the girl beyond making sure that she was turned into a proper lady, to be married off and out of his life by the end of the Season.

Later that morning, Hux had clasped Kylo's hand when his carriage arrived, whispering a reminder laced with the mildest bit of reproach.

"Take care of our girl, Ren. She is your responsibility now."

Kylo noted the use of the word 'our,' and found that his feelings of jealousy and possessiveness remained unabated, even as Hux's carriage disappeared in the distance.

~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~

"No."

The modiste frowned. This was the fourth design which the young noble had flatly rejected.

She looked at Kylo, puzzled by the unreadable expression on his face and his response to the beautiful gowns which were brought out and modeled by the young woman in front of him. She had practically salivated when he first walked into her shop with his ward, immediately determining that the handsome male was a man of both great means and excellent taste. His clawhammer coat was exquisitely tailored, and his nanskin breeches were cut on the bias, snugly fitting the length of his leg. He obviously appreciated refinement in his dress and the ability to show off his considerable assets in the garments he wore. The girl would also be a delight to clothe, her natural beauty and slim figure providing an exquisite canvas for a designer's work.

Her years of experience in dealing with the aristocracy and her pride in her craft allowed her to challenge him, despite the look of annoyance which flit across his face at her mild impertinence.

"If I may, Lord Ren. Perhaps it would be more productive if you gave me an idea of the style of dress which you feel is most appropriate for Miss Kenobi instead?"

"The Viscountess of Onderon wore a delightful ensemble which was published in Ackermann's last month."

The seamstress nearly choked back her surprise. The Viscountess of Onderon was edging out of her sixties and had a persistent dour look on her face which also translated into her clothes.

"The Viscountess is—shall we say—of a much more matronly type. If she were in Ackermann's, I am certain that it was not as a fashion plate. A selection from La Belle Assembleé would be more au courant for someone of the young lady's age. Shorter hemlines and ruffling would enhance her femininity. With her face and the proper clothing, the Patronesses of Almack's would no doubt give her éclat for the upcoming Season."

Kylo glared. Having lived with two women for most of his life and having had plenty of experience in dealing with many others in various states of undress, he felt that he was a more than appropriate judge of the female aesthetic, clothing included.

Rey looked up at Kylo, pleading for some compromise, and he finally relented upon seeing her distress. While many of the dresses were bordering on the ridiculous with their overabundance of tassels and bows and heavy embroidery, he knew she deserved something of high quality which suited her sensibilities. Having lacked those things which would make her feel beautiful and desired for much of her life, he wanted to be the one to finally provide them for her. He turned to the dressmaker gruffly.

"Nothing with too much ornamentation which would threaten to overwhelm her delicate features. Aside from that stipulation, I leave the color and design choices between you and the young lady."

Several hours later, and with plans for fifteen dresses in hand, Kylo and Rey exited the store. The sky at that point had darkened ominously, with a thickness and the smell of an impending summer storm in the air.

Kylo looked at Rey. "We need to find some lodging quickly, as well as protection for the horses. Although the two are a good six-mile-an-hour pair, we will not be able to reach Caserta before the storm overtakes us." He didn't add that his calculations only applied if the horses were to remain on a smooth road. The path to town included many uneven and rutted sections which would muddy further with the rain, placing the single axle vehicle and its occupants at risk and making them fodder for the gangs of highwaymen who hid in the woodlands.

Rey looked up and placed a gloved hand on his arm to reassure him of his decision. "Whatever you feel is best, My Lord." A drop of water landed on her cheek, fat and heavy, wetting her lashes. She whooped and laughed as the sky opened up its floodgates, the deluge falling furiously in the warmth of the late summer afternoon.

The heat of her touch and her joyousness caused Kylo's pulse to quicken, inflaming him. After successfully finding shelter for the horses, he and Rey ran through the streets, seeking occasional cover from under the trees and in the vestibules of various shops as the rain pelted down, seemingly to hit them from above and below. Rey hiked up her skirt as the material began to cling heavily along her legs, and Kylo failed in his attempt to avoid looking at them lecherously as he used the height and breadth of his body to provide at least a minimal amount of coverage for her as they ran. By the time they reached an inn, their clothes were in a bedraggled and dismal state, their faces flushed with their efforts.

Mrs. Sykes, a plump and rubicund woman who prided herself in upholding a certain moral standard in her husband's inn despite its oftentimes motley clientele, stared at the couple suspiciously. Kylo's hair hung long and wet against his face, a bluish black in the light. He looked no less threatening as he pushed the dripping locks aside, unveiling his scarred complexion. Rey herself was in a state of dishabille, every line and curve of her body highlighted by the weight of the sodden garments and their improper fit.

The older woman shook her head as she eyed the bedraggled couple, pursing her lips as she saw Kylo's hand lingering inappropriately on Rey's arm.

"I am sorry, sir," she said, her look belying her words. "But I am a supouch, not a lady abbess. We run an honest establishment here."

Kylo laughed, the deep baritone of his voice reverberating through the din.

"You are mistaken in your presumption. I am Lord Ren, Earl of Alderaan. Miss Kenobi is my ward. Unfortunately, we were caught in the rain and are unable to make our way back home. We seek lodging for the night."

Kylo couldn't resist needing the older woman as her face reddened. "You may provide us with a bundling board, or a bag, if that would make you feel more comfortable with our circumstances."

Mr. Sykes, twice as plump as his wife, waddled forward. He cleared his throat, throwing an angry look at her in the process.

"Now, now, My Lord. That will be entirely unnecessary. Please accept our deepest apologies." He handed a key to a man with an unobtrusive but dull face and a personality to match. "We have one room remaining, one of our finest. My son James will show you the way."

Rey turned to follow. A young woman was staring unabashedly at Kylo, an unmistakable look of desire in her eyes. She was fresh faced and buxom, her hands not yet roughened by years of hard work.

James spoke to the entranced girl, exasperation in his tone. "Come now, don't dawdle." He whispered to Kylo. "My wife. She is a fair-roe-buck and a damned good piece, but unfortunately a bit of a blank."

One of Mr. Sykes' 'finest rooms' turned out to be one which was modestly furnished, with a small table and a double bed which looked to be too short for Kylo's tall frame. A threadbare couch was positioned near the fireplace, which looked quite pleasant as the layers of damp clothing gave way to a chill against their skin.

The proprietor's son angled his head down the hallway. "There is private area with a pot at the end, or the gentleman may prefer to use the outhouse instead." He left the key on the table and let himself out.

Kylo and Rey enjoyed a surprisingly satisfying meal of harrico of mutton and goose with apples and prunes before retiring for the night. They hung their jackets and outergarments near the fire to dry, Rey remaining in her chemise and petticoat and Kylo in his short drawers. An awkward silence fell over them.

Kylo cleared his throat. His eyes raked over her form which was visible under her thin chemise, her nipples straining against the transparent fabric. "I will take to the floor to sleep, if you'd prefer."

Rey shook her head, forcing herself to look away. His arms were huge, his chest broad, and his stomach muscles defined. He was bluff and well-formed, looking more like someone who toiled in the fields rather than one of the gentry cove.

"I don't mind sharing the bed, My Lord. I am used to cramped and crowded conditions and the need to share a space. I have often slept four or five deep, for bodily warmth or just to have a place to slumber."

Kylo looked grateful as he climbed in next to her. The mattress, stuffed with wool flocking and feathers, sank down under his weight, straining the latticework of rope on which it sat. The shifting pallet forced his body against hers, her warmth and softness making his cock stir in response.

He bit back a groan as she turned and bid him good night, her breathing soon settling into a slow rhythm. He watched her sleeping form, tentatively raising his hand as if to place it over the swell of her hips before pulling back. He contented himself with looking at her face instead, her mouth parted like an invitation, and appeased his need for intimacy by gently brushing the strands of hair which fell over her face, tucking them behind her ear. He drew in his breath sharply as she sighed and smiled, leaning into his touch. He bent his head forward, listening closely to her soft inhalations, his mouth ghosting over her lips, fighting the temptation to taste their sweetness against his own.

~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~

The couple fell into the room, their voices muffled against the drunken laughter of the patrons outside as well as the rustling of their clothing and the busyness of their mouths. She ran her hands greedily up his chest, moaning at the taste of spirits on his tongue as well as the hardness in his crotch. She whispered in his ear, and he laughed wickedly as she pressed her hips against his before lowering herself slowly, kneeling in supplication at his feet. She fumbled with the opening of his pants, pulling down at his waistband, her lust growing upon seeing his size and length as she freed his swollen cock.

She ran her tongue gently along the tip as he groaned, taking a deep breath before bringing him fully into her mouth, reveling in his gasp of pleasure. She was skilled, nearly able to take all of him in, sheathing him in her warmth and wetness and he tilted his head back, eyes rolling upwards as he gave in to the filthy, sucking noises of her throat and the ministrations of her dextrous tongue.

He hadn't been able to sleep, the discomfort of lying on the small and well-worn bed worsened by the temptation of the body which lay beside him. Kylo had gone downstairs, proceeding to get bloody lushey on bragget and punch with some of the other male lodgers. James' wife had brought him his cups, making her intentions known with a brush of her hand or gentle bump of her hips. She had leaned over, proferring him a full view of her ample bosom before she whispered in his ear, begging him to help her forget where she was and who she was married to even if it was for just one night.

Rey stirred as she heard the muted sounds of giggling and pleasured sighs, squinting as she let her eyes adjust to the dark. She made out the silhouette of a man, the waves of his hair falling in front of his face, his hands gripping long, curly tresses which bobbed back and forth in a slow and sensual flow at his waist. The sounds and musky scent of the couple's sex filled the air, and Rey felt a heat unfurl in her groin and a flush suffuse her body as she experienced a stab of jealousy and desire at the pleasure unfolding in front of her.

She needed to assuage the ache between her legs. Rey brought down her hand tentatively in response as she continued to watch from the shadows, her fingers becoming slick with wetness as the man gritted out his next words.

"Bloody hell. You are a fine miss, aren't you? A dirty woman of pleasure, ready for anyone to dock?"

Rey recognized the dangerous timbre in Kylo's voice, the realization causing her to increase the pressure of her fingers against her mons, trying to rub at the ache which nearly caused her to gasp out loud. His words also had an effect on the other woman, as she removed her head from his leaking cock, her mouth swollen and reddened and wet as she moaned.

"Only for you, My Lord."

He growled, pulling her up to him roughly as she wound her arms around his neck. He tilted her head, his hand on her jaw, forcing it open to take his tongue, ravishing her with his need. He pulled down the front of her dress, the rough cotton fabric pooling around her waist as he lowered his head, kneading and suckling on her breasts. He took in those fleshy mounds, making obscene, slurping noises with his gorgeous mouth before grasping her nipple between his teeth, causing it to peak in a mixture of pleasure and pain.

Her eyes darkened as she watched his movements, and she panted as she rolled her hips, grinding up against him. His cock was aching, reacting to her movements and the whining noises which escaped her throat. He stood to his full height, hiking up her skirt and positioning her left leg around his waist. She was utterly debauched, dripping with her wantonness and need as she brought her hand down to him, pumping his shaft and guiding him to her entrance as she begged him to take her.

He grabbed her, supporting her against the wall as he gripped her hips, his large hands squeezing the cheeks of her ass. He positioned himself and she let out a mewling sound as he entered her with a grunt, sinking his entire length to the hilt. The sounds of their gyrating bodies filled the air, the slap of skin on skin and her moans causing him to lower his mouth over hers in an attempt to stifle her growing cries.

Rey's hand was moving faster and faster as the intensity of the pair's rutting increased. She circled her fingers downwards, feeling a clenching in her belly and a tightening in her legs as she pressed her back against the mattress in response to Kylo's increasingly frenzied movements. The couple was also edging towards their own release, the woman's pussy squeezing around Kylo's cock as he felt his balls pull up and tighten in response. He made a final push, letting out a strangled noise as he came. Her walls spasmed around him as he pumped into her, and she cried out and whimpered as she dropped her head against his shoulders, riding the waves of her own release. Rey's mouth fell open wordlessly as she gasped with her first orgasm, reveling in the flood of warmth as her muscles contracted and clenched, the pleasure and satisfaction rolling over her and leaving her dazed.

The three of them lay in the dark in the aftermath, their breathing slowly stilling and their bodies sweaty and satiated, but each with a lingering loneliness in their hearts.