A Hairsbreadth Away

 

In the end, and much to her granddaughter’s delight, Mrs. Fromer agreed to keep the dog. Ashton felt a twinge of disappointment at the decision. He owed the beastie a debt. He was quite sure he wouldn’t have discovered the depth of Ella’s feelings otherwise, or at least, not so quickly.

Mrs. Pitt and Ella chatted the entire return trip, over what, Ashton couldn’t say. His thoughts whirled over ways to convince the bankers to part with the greatest amount of coin for the least bit of land.

The sun hovered low on the horizon as he handed the women down from the carriage in Kinnettles’ drive.

“I’m weary to the bone.” Mrs. Pitt sighed as she rubbed her neck. “I’ll take my dinner in my room tonight.”

Ashton let his gaze wander appreciatively over Ella’s tempting figure as he followed her inside. Alas, he wouldn’t have the luxury of sharing dinner with her in his rooms.

“Ashton? Is that you?” his grandmother called from the top of the stairs. “Make haste. Dinner is served.”

“As you wish,” he murmured.

He watched Ella hurry up the stairs and then followed to change.

* * *

 “You’re leaving? Tomorrow?” His grandmother’s brows descended in disapproval.

Ashton set his dessert spoon aside, keenly aware of Ella’s surprise and Duncan’s smug grin. Of course, Duncan would be pleased. Damn, he hated leaving Ella at his mercy. Perhaps he should take her with him.

He focused on his grandmother. “Aye. The damage to the estate was extensive. Two days, perhaps three. Surely you understand?” He was surprised to realize he genuinely wanted her understanding.

 “I shall be here, Grandmother.” Duncan swirled the wine in his goblet. He offered an ingratiating smile. “I wouldn’t dream of endangering my inheritance for the sake of a farm.”

A farm. How quaint. His father’s estate was much larger than a farm. Out of respect for their grandmother, Ashton ignored the man.

The countess levelled Duncan a look then turned to Ella. “What of you? You can’t go with him, my dear. You’ve dresses to finish. Indeed, I must have some kind of bait to entice him back.”

Bait to entice him back? Something in her voice gave him pause. Desperation?

“Bait?” Ella’s laugh intruded upon his thoughts. “I am no worm on a hook.” Her cheeks took on a rosy hue.

“Nor am I a fish,” Ashton added, curious to gauge his grandmother’s response.

“Perhaps you’re thinking of the wrong kind of creature,” Duncan said. “A rat comes to mind.”

Ashton shifted his gaze to his cousin, but before he could reply, his grandmother tapped her goblet with a spoon. “Enough, Duncan. Though, I find it strange you’d think of that animal first.”

Duncan blinked. “Pardon?”

She pursed her lips and rose. Angel emerged from beneath her skirts as Ashton and Duncan stood, as well.

 “I am tired,” she said. “I shall retire. There will be no cards in the drawing room tonight.” She scooped Angel up in her arms, then paused. “Travel safely, Ashton. I expect you back in Kinnettles posthaste.”

 “Aye,” he promised, stunned by the ease of her acceptance.

“Then, I bid you good night.”

She’d no sooner left than Duncan dropped to his seat and took up his wine glass. “Safe travels.” He lifted his glass in salute, then drained the contents.

Ashton ignored him and rounded the table to Ella’s side. “Shall we?”

She nodded, and he led her from the dining room in silence.

When they reached their chamber door, Ella asked, “You will return soon?”

Ashton studied her blue eyes, so filled with emotion. She stood but inches from him, but the contract that separated them might as well have been a wall.

“I will return as quickly as I can, lass,” he replied.

She nodded then opened the door and faced him.

He knew better than to follow. “Good night, and farewell. I leave at dawn.”

“Travel safely, my lord.” She faced him and dropped a curtsey.

He longed to pull her close and bury his face in her hair, but instead, he cupped her cheek. “Stay safe,” he murmured. “Keep your distance from Duncan.”

She tensed under his touch and nodded once.

Ashton allowed his hand to fall back to his side, then forced his feet to turn away before his blood could heat. Somehow, he ended up in the library once again. Was it wishful thinking that she might pay him a visit?

He coaxed the handful of coals on the hearth back into life, then dropped onto the couch and stretched out his long legs. As a rule, he slept little, but of late, it was proving nigh impossible to sleep at all.

He closed his eyes in the hopes he would drift off. He didn’t. As the clock chimed one, he gave up and wandered to the bookshelves in search of a book.

Ten minutes later, a soft knock sounded on the door.

“Please excuse the intrusion,” Ella’s muffled voice emanated from the other side of the door.

He held his breath.

China rattled. “Fiddlesticks. Could you get the door?”

Ashton hurried to the door and opened it. He stood aside as Ella entered with a tray that contained a teapot, two cups, and a plate of biscuits. Her auburn hair hung down her back in a loose braid and she wore a crimson satin dressing gown that had come untied. He drank in the view of her pert nipples poking through the lacy nightdress. Why had she joined him this late and dressed in such a manner? Did she know nothing of men?

She swept past him and set the tray down on the table between the two chairs. She poured tea into both cups. “I slept terribly during my father’s trial. Chamomile helps.”

His lips twitched in dry humor. “I fear there is not enough chamomile in all of Scotland to help.” Gallons of chamomile wouldn’t help when such a vixen did the brewing.

She smiled. “I had a suspicion that the troubling news about your estate might keep you awake. Come, now, taste this.” She handed him a teacup.

She’d retied her dressing gown. He eyed the sash, torn between disappointment, relief, and the desire to untie the bow. She made it so difficult to honor their contract.

“Do you play cards?” She pulled out a deck of cards he hadn’t seen nestled under the rim of the biscuit plate.

“Not often,” he replied.

“Then you’re in for a treat.” She set her teacup on the floor before the fire and sank down gracefully beside it. “Whist is my favorite,” she said as she began to shuffle the cards.

No wonder his grandmother found her charming.

He lowered himself beside her. “I know the game.”

“Two out of three?”

“What is the prize?” he rumbled.

Her lashes fluttered. “There’s a plate of biscuits on the tray,” she suggested with a smile.

Biscuits? He preferred sweets of quite a different sort—especially after that kiss on the beach.

She looked expectantly at him and he nodded. “Biscuits, then.”

They set about playing, but he couldn’t concentrate. He lost the first game, then the second.

“Are you sure you’ve played whist before?” She flipped her cards face up. “There are strategies—”

He caught her wrist.

She stilled.

 “I would claim my prize,” he said in a low voice.

“You lost, my lord,” she said.

Still, she didn’t attempt to break free. He stared down at her “Methinks the loser should receive a consolation prize.”

“What might that be?”

He answered by pulling her onto his lap. He didn’t give her time to think. He kissed her hard. Her tongue flicked his. His cock jerked. Every fiber of his being screamed mistake. He tightened his arms around her.

Her fingers crept up his arm. He caught her lip between his teeth and gently bit down. She gasped and melted against his chest. His cock thickened between them. Ashton drew her close and the exquisite pressure of her hip against his erection sent a wave of pleasure through him that threatened a quick and embarrassing climax. Blood pounded in his ears. He needed to squeeze her breasts and tease her nipples between his teeth. He slid his hands up along her ribs. She stiffened. With great effort, he pulled back.

Her eyes dropped to his swollen manhood straining against his breeches. Her eyes widened. Clearly, a hard cock pressed into her hip was a new experience. Carefully, he drew her closer. This time, he took her mouth gently and slowed his kiss to a tender exploration. She relaxed. If only he could make love to her. Here. Now. But she was a lady, and clearly, one untried. He swept his tongue over hers one last time and with a groan, lifted his mouth from hers.

“With a consolation prize such as that, a man has no will to win, my lady.” He nuzzled her ear.

Ella drew a long, shaky breath. “A biscuit pales in comparison, my lord.”

He chuckled and willed himself to release her. “You should go,” he whispered. “It’s too dangerous for you to stay.”

She didn’t ask why. She slid off his thighs. The sensation, and the sight of her kiss-swollen lips, caused his erection to strain more painfully against his breeches.

Her lashes fluttered, and she stared at his manhood. He remained still and allowed her to fully understand her effect on him.

At last, she tore her eyes away. “Travel safely, my lord.” Her cheeks pinked. “I will miss you.”

Her words sent a shiver racing down his back. “Less than I shall miss you,” he replied, never meaning the words more.