Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, page 49
"I hope you will not mind," Mrs. Humphreys said with a hint of impatience, "but there are many others who wish to commend my daughter's performance this evening."
"It would be selfish of us to prevent them from doing so," Desmond said.
"Indeed," Lorelei added. "Thank you once again. It is an evening I shall never forget."
They moved away, allowing the young woman and her mother to continue to hold court with her admirers. When they were finally in the corridor, Desmond glanced about, trying to determine which of the doors might be the best choice for the kisses they meant to share.
He finally picked one that he remembered as a small parlor, and peeked inside. He sighed with relief that it was empty, pulling Lorelei in with him and closing the door.
He leaned against the door and drew her into his embrace. She linked her arms behind his neck, and despite the slightly darkened interior, he could see the amusement in her expression.
"I feared the musical performance might have dampened your ardor," she teased. "But it seems it has increased."
He placed his lips on hers, treasuring the softness, as well as the way she leaned into the kiss. He whispered against her mouth. "You can take all the credit for my ardor, Lorelei. Nothing is capable of dampening it."
"That is quite a declaration." She dotted kisses against his lips, exploring him slowly, as he had done with her hand earlier. "I am glad it is impossible to diminish. After all, we have a multitude of mistletoe berries in my reticule, and it may take quite some time to utilize each one."
He grinned and kissed the tip of her nose. "I am too impatient to have you withdraw a berry for each kiss. Could you estimate how many are contained there? We can count them off as we go along."
"An excellent plan. I counted easily a hundred, but there could be more. I had to halt in order to ensure we were not late this evening."
"A hundred?" He nodded as if considering the information. He kissed the shell of her ear, enjoying how she made the most delightful murmur of enjoyment. "We had best begin if we are to accomplish that number."
He wrapped his arms more tightly around her, pulling her into his very willing body, and kissed her with all the passion he possessed.
It was not long before they were both breathless and wanting more. Lorelei began to walk slowly backwards, his arms around her preventing a disastrous tumble. They bumped against the back of a settee.
Lorelei chuckled. "We could make better use of this if we were on the other side."
An unexpected male voice replied, "I hope you will allow me to make my exit first."
Lorelei gasped and then buried a laugh in Desmond's chest. Desmond kept his arms wrapped around her as the gentleman on the sofa slowly sat up, and then rose to his feet to greet them.
"My apologies," he said. "I had nipped in here for a brief respite. My daughter's singing—"
"Is unlike anything we have ever experienced," Desmond answered smoothly, hoping it sounded more like a compliment than it did to his own ears.
Lorelei spun around. "Truly," she added in a solemn voice.
The man grinned. "I love her dearly but the poor mite screeches like a mouse caught in a trap. I know nothing about music, however, so perhaps I am unable to appreciate it the way my wife does."
Once again, Desmond was at a loss how to answer, and Lorelei seemingly had nothing to offer either. Broad smiles were the best they could manage.
The man laughed as he headed for the door. "I shall not interrupt you further with my ramblings. I leave happy in the knowledge my daughter's musical abilities have inspired you."
"Indeed they have," Lorelei said, grinning.
The gentleman left, closing the door quietly behind him.
"Before we utilize any more of those berries," Desmond said, "we should survey the room, to ensure we are quite alone this time."
He took Lorelei's hand in his. They did not make much progress before the door opened once more, displaying another couple looking for a place to be alone.
"Oh, apologies," the young man said. He backed out of the doorway and closed it.
"It seems tonight's musical performance has inspired everyone to new heights," Lorelei said.
"Unfortunately it seems that is the case." He gave her nose a quick kiss. "I hope that mistletoe can last a bit longer, for I am wary of trying to utilize it tonight."
"As am I. What do you suggest?"
Chapter Five
Lorelei fought off a yawn. She did her best to hide it but her sister saw it and chuckled.
"I cannot imagine why you could not sleep last night. You spent it alone, not with a handsome man—"
"Shh!" Lorelei said with a laugh, glancing towards Caroline and Henry. They were not listening, embroiled as they were with sorting paper strips that would be used soon, once Desmond arrived.
"Cannot a woman enjoy the anticipation of a new affair?" Lorelei continued. "There is no need to rush through it, especially when it merely makes the end arrive even sooner."
Beatrice rolled her eyes. Lorelei knew well her sister's disdain for Lorelei's philosophy about affairs. She wished she could believe the way Beatrice did, but her own experience made it difficult.
"Anticipation is not meant to be a long-term state," Beatrice said. "It is a part of the cycle of passion, which ends with both of you thoroughly sated, and then, if he is a good lover, it commences anew. Once more you anticipate, but with the knowledge of what awaits you." She grinned. "I know I am not divulging any secrets here."
Lorelei gave her sister a warning look, but a smile peeked out, ruining the effect. "You had best not tease me in this fashion when he arrives."
"I shall do my best to refrain. Though if he appears as drawn as you are, I may suggest the two of you hie off to an inn together. Merely as a medicinal remedy."
Lorelei did not have a chance to retort, for Desmond was being shown into the room. She could feel her stomach bouncing around with excitement, and her heart decided to add its own erratic rhythm. It was a wonder she could speak with any measure of calmness.
His eyes immediately sought her out, as soon as he entered, and his face lit up the moment he saw her. She must have responded in the same way, judging by her sister's chuckle.
They barely had a chance to make their greetings before the children ran to his side, ready to commandeer him for the decorating project.
He chuckled at their enthusiastic greeting. "I have come bearing gifts." Desmond handed her sister a bottle. "It is a medicinal brandy, though it appears you are quite hale and hearty now."
"We will keep it in reserve, in case you are in need of restoration after an hour spent with my boisterous children."
"It might be needed sooner," Lorelei said with a chuckle.
"What is boisterous?" Caroline demanded.
"I don't know. What is that?" her brother chimed in.
"It is exactly what both of you are in this moment," their mother answered. "And what you seem to be the majority of the hours of each day."
The children grinned at each other with pride. All of a sudden, Caroline remembered Desmond had mentioned gifts.
"Did you bring us something?"
Beatrice started to apologize for the impertinent question, but Desmond merely grinned. "I brought some cakes I commissioned for you."
"What does commissioned mean?" Caroline asked.
"There are so many words I don't know today," Henry said with a frown.
Lorelei helped Desmond remove the cloth from the basket he carried. "It means he had these created specifically for you, and nobody else."
They peeked inside and oohed and ahhed at the delicate cakes with the intricate icing and decoration. They began to giggle with delight. "Mama, can we have one?"
"Just one. With your tea. And then we will need to start working on these paper chains."
The children ran to the table to seat themselves, while their mother poured their tea. Lorelei set the basket on the tablecloth.
"Thank you for your kindness to Henry and Caroline," she said.
"It was pure selfishness on my part. I was glad to see the joy it brought them."
Lorelei fought off the temptation to kiss him. It would not do to scandalize her own family. Yet it was difficult to keep her emotion to herself. There was a great deal about Desmond that she liked, and each moment with him merely increased those feelings.
"If we were in a more private setting, I would be kissing you," she confessed.
"I have spent every hour since our last meeting with thoughts of your kisses. In truth, I have become rather adept at imaginary kissing."
"I have as well," she laughed. "I wonder if we were indulging in this imaginary kissing at the same time."
"I would not be surprised." His eyes took on a devilish cast. "Based on the path my thoughts took afterwards—"
Lorelei tried to give him a warning look but failed. Her thoughts were on the same trajectory, based on the heated response of her body just then. She was tempted to make some sort of excuse so they might sneak away for a brief moment…
"Tea is ready," Beatrice announced, her eyes twinkling as if aware of what she had just interrupted.
They seated themselves at the table with the children. Lorelei wondered if it would prove to be too humble for Desmond, but he seemed as comfortable as if he had been a member of their family for ages.
"My mama is already married," the little girl told Desmond. "But Auntie Lorelei is not."
Lorelei nearly choked on the sip of tea she had just taken. Her sister merely shrugged, a smile flitting about her lips.
"I shall tuck that information in my pocket for safekeeping." Desmond made the gesture, pulling his waistcoat pocket out and peeking inside, and then patting it closed. The little pantomime set the child off into peals of laughter. "I will also know where to go for such valuable information in the future."
Henry, not wanting to be outdone, piped up with, "Auntie Lorelei smiles a lot more when she sees you."
"Does she? She certainly makes me smile every time I set eyes on her." Desmond displayed an exaggerated smile that had the children cackling.
Lorelei joined in the laughter. "It is impossible to have any secrets with these two divulging everything."
Desmond said, "I believe they are keen observers, and are merely relating what they see." He gave Lorelei a quick wink. "Another bit of information I shall tuck away to be used at a later date."
Beatrice urged the children to finish their cakes. "Do not forget we have decorations to make."
Soon the table had been cleared of teacups and plates, replaced with brightly colored strips of paper and pots of glue.
"It has been a long while since I have done this," Desmond said. "I hope you do not keep the secret of how it is done to yourselves."
"We can help you," Henry said solemnly.
Caroline nodded. "It is not too hard."
They commenced pasting the ends of the paper together, showing Desmond how to link the next piece of paper before sealing it closed. He watched avidly before attempting it, following their instructions.
"You did it!" the little girl said.
"I had excellent instruction," Desmond replied.
Her brother beamed at the praise.
Everyone joined in, Lorelei and her sister regaling the children with stories of how they had done the very same activity when they were younger.
"Do you remember how we made our own jewelry?" Lorelei asked. She circled her wrist with a strand.
"And a scarf." Her sister wrapped a strand around her neck and then preened for her children. "I am quite dashing, aren't I?"
Desmond pretended to pout. "I feel quite plain in comparison."
Caroline jumped down from her chair, trailing a long paper chain. She stood on her tiptoes next to Desmond. He tipped his head down so she could place the strand about his neck. Henry rushed over to help her arrange it.
"I shall have to give my valet the boot and replace him with this pair." He grinned at Lorelei. "I believe I have never appeared so festive in my life."
"You are indeed a sight to behold," she answered truthfully. His grin broadened.
Finally, all of the paper had been glued together, and numerous chains had been made, and it was time for Desmond to leave. Lorelei could see he was reluctant to depart. He began to unwrap the chain still hanging about his neck.
"No, you must take it with you," Caroline insisted.
"You are certain?"
Henry added his agreement. "We have plenty, thanks to your help."
"I must thank you for your assistance. And now I leave with a token of it."
The children grinned and made their farewells, imploring him to return so they might have tea again. Desmond insisted he would be on their doorstep before they had a chance to notice he was gone. Lorelei's sister also thanked him and then herded the children into the next room.
"I know she did so in order to give us a more private leave-taking," Desmond said. "I wonder if you might be amenable to a short stroll with me."
Lorelei glanced quickly from side to side, ensuring they were quite alone. She placed a quick kiss against his lips. "I would relish a stroll."
She went to fetch her pelisse and bonnet. It was no surprise that her sister was waiting, both items in hand, a grin on her face.
"You know he is perfect for you. I do not know how you continue to resist."
Lorelei donned the pelisse, fastening it quickly, and then ensured her bonnet was perfectly tied. "I am not resisting. I am merely enjoying this phase of the passion cycle, remember?"
Beatrice snorted, gently pushing Lorelei towards the door. "Hurry along. I am impatient for you to advance to the next stage."
Lorelei laughed and went to join Desmond.
Desmond rested his gloved hand atop Lorelei's. He enjoyed the feel of her hand nestled in the crook of his elbow.
"Are you certain you are warm enough?" she asked.
"Of course." He pointed to the paper chain still around his neck. "The scarf we made this afternoon is doing a formidable job."
She grinned. "I feared it was more decorative than utilitarian."
"An easy mistake to make."
Lorelei stopped, standing in front of him. "You quite made their afternoon. I am certain to hear about it endlessly for the days ahead."
"I enjoyed myself immensely. I have no brothers or sisters, so I did not have many of these occasions while growing up. Except when visiting Martin and his numerous siblings." He enjoyed watching the various emotions flitting across her face. "I rather envy you and your sister, and the easy camaraderie you have with the children."
"There were many times when I wished I did not have a sibling," she said with a laugh. "We are so close in age that it often seemed like a rivalry. Now it is hard to imagine we ever felt that way."
They continued strolling again, the crisp air circling them, frosting their breath as they exhaled. The sun was low in the sky but doing its best to emit as much light for the time it had left. Desmond would have been content, though, if it were nightfall or the midst of a blizzard.
Lorelei brightened his surroundings, and his outlook.
"There is a scarcity of mistletoe at the moment," she said playfully. "What do you suggest as a solution?"
Desmond pretended to ponder the notion. "I could give you an IOU, promising to repay you at a future date. Would that suffice?"
"I think it will work perfectly. Otherwise we would have to resort to imaginary kissing."
"No need for that when we are both available for actual kissing."
Lorelei raised up on her tiptoes and pressed a heated kiss to his lips. He responded instantly. He gathered her into his arms, but the paper chain bunched up, crackling in protest and hindering his ability to kiss Lorelei the way he wanted. She grinned and slowly unwound the length from his neck.
"Be careful not to crush it," he said. "I mean to wear it at my next visit."
Her expression softened at his words. Instead of replying, she kissed him tenderly, as if revealing emotions she did not wish to say aloud. He returned the kiss, his own heart feeling similarly. It was not long before the tenderness turned more passionate. Her body pressed against his, stirring more riotous emotions, making him wish they were right then at his hunting lodge.
"I hope to visit it soon," she replied.
"Ah, so I did say that aloud," he chuckled, kissing her once more.
"Does your lodge need decorating?" She held up the chain still in her hands.
He answered with another passionate kiss. "The only decoration it requires is you, Lorelei."
Chapter Six
Desmond adjusted the reins in his hands. He was thankful it had not snowed for quite some time. The roads were clear, and the cold temperatures had ensured they were not muddy. He stopped the carriage at the Goddard doorstep.
The children must have been watching for his arrival through the window. They bounded out the front door, filled with energy and enthusiasm, as always. Their eyes widened at the sight of the paper chain scarf he wore, a perfect match to the one adorning the horse's neck. He doffed his hat, giving them a ceremonious bow, which set them off into peals of laughter.
"Mama! Come quick!"
"Mr. Mayfield's horse is wearing a paper chain!"
Lorelei and her sister appeared on the doorstep, and Lorelei let loose that rich laugh he adored so much. Her eyes were once again filled with indulgence when she gazed at him. It was a prize like no other. He would go to any length to have her look at him like that every day of his life.
"I should reconsider my attire," she said. "I am not anywhere as decorative as you are."
"You are the ultimate in decoration." He assisted her into the carriage. "I hope you do not mind it being open. I thought we could enjoy the fresh air."
"It will keep you from overheating," Beatrice said mischievously. "Oh, I nearly forgot. I have a few things to send with you."
"I shall be returning before nightfall," Lorelei said, "and I am certain Mr. Mayfield has a cook who can prepare a meal if needed."
