A Fateful Wind by Suzette Stone Page A

afraid of how close a relationship with a regular mistress could become. Emmeline may be a frigid spinster of a woman, but she is fiercely protective of how our marriage appears to other members of the aristocracy.”
    Jack nodded in agreement “True, a mistress could prove to be a saucy affair. You said Emmeline forbids two things, what is the other?”
    “Her personal servant.” Edwin took another tankard of whiskey. “Her personal servants have always been off limits, which is a shame considering the stunning beauty she has right now.” He beckoned over the busty redhead and, turning to Jack, pointed upstairs. “I am off to sow my seeds of lust, cousin.” He chuckled, a wicked gleam in his eye. “Now you behave and make sure you spend my money well.”
    Jack heaved a sigh of relief. So, Jenna was safe at least from the rampant hands of his cousin. He had been so worried, so anxious about it. The thought of any man’s hands upon her, let alone Edwin’s caused his blood to curse through his veins. To think she would soon be married to another man. It was a thought not worth bearing. He didn’t know why Jenna affected him so, but she did and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. All he could do was hope for the phase to pass. Either that or make her fall in love with him enough to break off her engagement, leave her family and come back to America with him. Maybe he could suggest that to her tomorrow. He felt foolish at wishing to bear his soul to her so quickly, reminding himself they only spent one afternoon together.
    His thoughts were interrupted by a petite brunette walking languidly toward him. Her long straight hair fell clear past her tint waist, accentuating the gentle curves of her hips. She smiled at him, enticing him with a playful pout. Perhaps I should indulge , he thought. It may help to rid myself of this lust I have. After all, it has been a while since I had my fill.
    He smiled back at the girl, sizing her up with his astute gaze. She was indeed attractive with full lips, white teeth, and almond eyes. She leisurely slid herself onto his lap, moving her hips down upon him, thrusting her small breasts against his face. He felt nothing. For the first time in his life, nothing stirred in his loins…no feeling of desire, no wish to feel the softness of a stranger’s skin against his. She winked at him, a coy look crossing her face and pointed her small finger toward the stairs, beckoning him up from his seat.
    Jack closed his eyes. There really isn’t any point , he thought. I’ve no desire. He shook his head kindly at the girl and pointed to his pocket watch. “I have to leave,” he mouthed, not wishing to hurt her feelings.
    She pouted saucily at him and stalked over to her next victim, a sailor who didn’t look more than sixteen. Lucky lad , he thought. Let her give him a night he won’t forget in a while.
    With a backward glance at the spectacle he was leaving, he exited the brothel, making his way back to the coach where Lord Edwin’s driver sat waiting. Seating himself in the quiet solitude of the carriage, he closed his eyes. His cousin would be sometime. He toyed with the idea of getting a room for the night, but judging from the decay and squalor of this area of Plymouth Docklands, he felt the carriage to be much more sanitary. Plus the peacefulness would give him time to think of Jenna and dream of what their next secret interlude would bring.
    He awoke from his dreams to the smell of whiskey next to him. The driver was loading a very drunk and tired Lord Edwin into the carriage. Jack pulled his watch from his pocket. Two a.m. It would be daylight before they got back to Penrose House. He sighed wearily. Helping Edwin lay down on the coach seat and seating himself back down opposite him, he settled in for the long ride home.

Chapter Nine
    “Where’s Jack” Lady Emmeline took a sip of wine from her chiseled crystal glass and surveyed the well spread dinner table in