“Both you and Nugent, I suppose. We can inquire into a good modiste when we return to the hotel.”
She glanced shyly at him. “I don’t know how much money I have with me.”
He raised a brow. Her money was hers. He’d clothe her. “You do remember we’re married. It is perfectly proper for me to provide for you.”
A slow blush rose in her cheeks. “I haven’t forgotten. I just didn’t think of it in terms of gowns.”
He brought her closer. “If it makes you uncomfortable, then don’t think of it. We have time to figure it all out.” When she didn’t reply, he asked, “Would you like to continue on our outing or return?”
“I can go a little farther.”
Keeping a frown from his face, he wondered what was going on in her head. “Look at this shop. They seem to have a good assortment of woolens.”
She nodded. “So they do.”
After a few minutes of looking at the capes, coats, and other items, they turned back to the hotel, ambling down the other side of the street. Huntley noticed a bake shop and decided to visit it the next day. Surely he’d be able to find something containing chocolate for his wife.
By the time they arrived back in their chambers, Caro appeared tired and willingly accepted his help undressing and donning her nightgown. When he settled in next to her, rather than allowing him to gather her to him, she wrapped her arms around him and moved her lips against his.
Huntley grinned. “I thought you were worn-out.”
“I am, but this helps me sleep.”
It had the exact opposite effect on him. “I wouldn’t want to deny you a medicinal kiss.”
When she ran her tongue along his lips, he opened his, encouraging her to probe. She was getting very good at this. Knowing she needed rest, he tried to keep the heat low, but when her hands slipped behind his back and she pressed against him, flames licked at his skin, and he groaned.
He’d felt desire before but never a craving so deep it came from his soul. A need to possess her as he never had another woman. To make her completely his. He cupped her now swollen breast, then brushed and toyed with her nipples. Caro gave him a low moan and shivered. His shaft, which had stirred at the first touch of her lips on his, was ready to play. But not yet. How much longer he didn’t know.
His muscles tightened as he allowed her to lead. If he wanted to make love to her, she must understand she had a say as well. He ran his hands down her back and up again to her full, heavy breasts. He pulled the silk and rubbed it against her skin, all the time wondering how long he could last.
By the time Caro broke the kiss, her skin was flushed, and breaths came in gasps. Her eyes were warm as she gazed into his. “That was even better than before.”
He started to absently agree with her, but it struck him that he’d never kissed another woman as deeply or enjoyed it so much. His lips quirked up. “Yes. It was. Try to sleep. I’ll wake you for dinner.”
“Someday,” she said ruefully, “I’d like to be able to stay up long enough to have tea.”
“Maybe in a few days.” He’d consult with the hotel’s chef after he went to the bake shop.
They’d remain in Innsbruck until Caro’s health was restored, and by the time they left, she would be his wife in truth.
CHAPTER 16
T
he following morning, Huntley rose early and went in search of a chocolate confection for Caro. Though barely dawn, the streets of the old city were bustling with vendors and farmers in town for the market. After trying two bake shops, where he discovered only bread, he was directed to Café Munding at Kiebachgasse 16, a short walk from the hotel and close to Maria Theresien Strasse. There, he found a chocolate torte.
Yesterday afternoon, once Caro had rested, she’d been able to take dinner in the parlor. Just moving to Innsbruck seemed to make a difference. To-day they’d start shopping for sufficient clothing to make the rest of the trip. He’d take her to the café when they finished their errands.
Nugent was arranging Caro’s hair when he strode into their chamber. The dresser narrowed her eyes at him. “I’d appreciate it if you could leave it up for a while this time, my lord.”
His wife blushed, and he gave Nugent his most innocent look. “I will, at least until after luncheon. However, if her ladyship needs to rest, I don’t see how she can with all those pins sticking in her scalp.”
Caro choked and met his eyes in the mirror. Hers were twinkling with mirth. Nugent shook her head and left.
The day before, he’d incurred Nugent’s ire when he’d taken all the pins out of Caro’s hair so that she could rest more comfortably. Well, that’s what he told her maid. What he’d really wanted was to run his hands through her silken curls.
“If I’d said that to her,” Caro said, “she would have made me feel six again.”
He crossed the room and picked her up and headed for the bed. “Fortunately, only Collins has been with me long enough to do that, and he rarely does.” Huntley studied her face. “You look well. How are you feeling, and what are you doing up so early?”
She met his gaze a little shyly. “I awakened cold and could not go back to sleep. As a result I decided I may as well be up to greet you. Have your broken your fast yet?”
“No, I wanted to breakfast with you.” He set her down, drawing her close.
When she tilted her head up, he kissed her. That part was going well. Caro hadn’t objected to his continued sharing of the bed or their increasing physical closeness.
He glanced at her hair, and she chuckled. It was such a light, carefree sound, one he’d never heard from her before. His heart swelled. Feelings he’d never experienced, and couldn’t name, flooded him. He wanted to hear her laugh like that often.
She put her arms around his neck. “Nugent will forget herself if you take it down now.”
“Um, I suppose you’re right.”
“We have a lot to accomplish after breakfast.”
“I expect not all of our errands will be completed this morning. We’ll do as much as we are able, and no more, so that you can regain your strength.”
He considered his wife’s soft, shining hair, and sighed. He would rather have it was down.
“I’m feeling better already,” she said. “Come, the city is already awake. Let’s eat.”
A half hour later, Caro’s hand was tucked in his arm as they made their way to the modiste. She’d glanced at him questioningly a few times as she considered her purchases, and he’d done his best to let her know he approved of them all. Still, he wished he knew what she was thinking. His wife was too good at keeping her own counsel.
Strolling through the vegetable market, they discussed what types of provisions they should carry with them and the best route to Nancy.
“It is getting colder,” Caro said. “We can take almost anything we want as long as we store it on the outside of the coach.”
“There are storage areas under the seats we can use as well.”
She looked at him. “Is that where you put the tiramisu?”
“Indeed.” Huntley looked around and found the street sign. “I think the quickest way is through the Fernpass.”
“Isn’t there also a route around the Bodensee on the Swiss side?” she asked.
He turned her down a side street. “I saw a book shop this morning. I think it’s down here.” He made another turn and was pleased to see he was right. “Now, let’s hope they have maps.”
A bell jingled as they entered the shop.
A middle-aged man greeted them in German. “Good morning. How may I help you?”
Huntley answered in the same language. “Good morning. We will be traveling to Nancy and need some maps to decide the best route to take.”
The shopkeeper brought the maps and told them snow had already fallen near the Swiss border. Though Huntley knew Caro would have liked to travel that way, she agreed the Fernpass was a better option.
“Thank you.” Huntley paid for the maps and gave the man his card. “Can you have them delivered to the Hotel Goldener Adler?”
“It would be my pleasure.” The shopkeeper bowed, and they took their leave.
When they had regained the street, Huntley glanced at Caro. She seemed to have more energy than the previous day. “How are you feeling? We can go back to the hotel if you wish.”
She took his arm. “I’m not tired.”
He grinned. “In that case, I have a surprise for you.”
She smiled as if she didn’t have a care in the world. “Will you tell me?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” He led her back to the market and down another small street to a square. “Here we are.”
Holding the door to the café open, Huntley followed her into a warm room trimmed in light wood. Paintings of nature scenes hung on white walls, giving the café a cozy feel. As a server came forward to greet Caro, she spied a large wooden cart with a curved glass cover. Centered on the top shelf was a round chocolate torte. This was what he’d been doing this morning. She was so glad she hadn’t taken him to task as she’d wanted to when she woke up alone. Her heart surged with joy. No one had ever treated her so well. As if her desires were foremost in his mind.
Tears pricked her eyes, and she turned to him, lifting her hand to his cheek. “Oh, Huntley. Thank you.”
He kissed her fingers and murmured, “Don’t cry. What’ll people think?”
She glanced around. The café was full of women. “They’ll understand.”
Huntley nodded to someone, and a woman in a plain gray gown with a white apron smiled and motioned for them to follow.
When they reached the small table in the corner, he helped her with her pelisse, and she started to try to untie her gloves. Whatever had possessed her to buy them? They were of soft black calf’s leather, lined with cashmere and very comfortable, but had ties that she could never manage to unfasten.
He took her arm and slowly released the six small bows, caressing her inner wrist as he drew them off. She shivered slightly. His lips quirked up as she caught her breath. Oh, he was a devil. The problem was she liked it a great deal too much and didn’t know how to pull back.
This morning, when he wasn’t beside her when she’d awakened, she had casually asked Nugent about his bedchamber and was told that he had no separate room. Before Caro had fallen ill, she would have insisted he find his own room. Yet now, she didn’t want him to leave her. She didn’t understand what was happening to her.
“Caro?”
She glanced up. Concern etched a line in his brow.
“Are you all right? I thought this would make you happy.”
Summoning a smile, she pushed her apprehensions aside. She would not ruin their outing by worrying. What was it Nugent always said? Don’t borrow trouble. “I am happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
The fine line went away, and he returned her smile. “Ah, here’s your cake.”
Picking up the fork, she cut off a small piece and tasted. It was so good she closed her eyes to savor it before taking another bite. “Mmm. Huntley, you must try it. It is heaven.” Opening her eyes, she was shocked to see he didn’t have a slice, but something else covered in a cream-colored sauce. “What is that?”
He gave her a wry smile. “I hope I haven’t disappointed you, but I have a weakness for apple strudel with vanilla sauce.”
“Oh.” She feigned sadness. “I suppose not everyone can like chocolate.”
“Minx.” He gazed at her, causing her cheeks to heat. “I eat considerably more than you, and you wouldn’t want me eating all of the torte.”
Somehow she had the feeling he wasn’t talking about the torte. She swallowed another bite, her fork still suspended over the cake. “You may have a point I’d not considered. Please, enjoy your strudel.”
After they’d finished and were once again on the pavement, she leaned on him, just a little, as they strolled and took in the scenes painted on the buildings and the colorfully trimmed wooden porches. “This is a very lovely town. All the buildings are decorated so beautifully.”
“It is.” He glanced down at her. “I’d like to spend more time here.”
“But you are worried about the snow?”
“Indeed,” he said. “If it wasn’t for our commitment, I’d winter here.”
“I would have liked that.” This town could have become their special world. Where no one knew Caro, and Huntley would not allow anyone to threaten her.
“If you’re feeling up to it,” he said, “we’ll plan to see the sights after we’ve accomplished all our tasks.”
“I’d like that. I would hate to leave after seeing only the market.”
She was feeling much stronger. The air here was not thin as it had been in the mountains. Even though it was only their second day in Innsbruck, the walks were already helping her regain her strength. When they returned to their chambers, Huntley ordered a hearty soup for luncheon, which consisted of tomatoes, beef, and peppers. Caro was surprised she ate it all.
She felt him studying her closely and glanced up. “What is it?”
He placed his serviette on the table and rose. “You seem a little tired.”
She hid her smile. “I am just a bit.”
“If you rest now, we can dine together.”
Rising, she gave him a sidelong glance. “Yes, of course, and Nugent would have to re-dress my hair before dinner in any event.”
He came around the table and swooped her up into his arms. “I wouldn’t want you to overtax yourself by walking to the bed.”
She was content, more so than she’d ever been in her life. He deposited her on the upholstered stool in front of the dressing table, and she watched as he slowly took out one pin at a time, letting them drop to the floor. As the tendrils fell, he teased them out or twisted them around his fingers. Each one received special attention until her hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back.
Huntley leaned over, placing kisses on her neck. Her gown and stays loosened, and fell away. After she rose, he drew her garments off her arms and slowly pushed the gown over her hips. When she was clad in nothing but her chemise, he took her in his arms and carried her to the bed, holding her against him as he climbed in.
But when he rose over her, Caro’s throat constricted, and her heart raced as panic gripped her.
Huntley backed away and leaned against the pillows. His fingers caressed her jaw as he studied her. “Tell me how he hurt you.”
Fear threatened to strangle her as it had before. “I—I don’t like to think about it. When I do, I have bad dreams.”
He slid one arm beneath her. “If we want to have any kind of marriage, we need to be rid of him.” He whispered against her ear, “Tell me what he did, and I’ll replace those memories with new ones.”
When he’d kissed her the last time she’d had a bad dream, it had helped. Could he help with the rest of it? Her chest tightened in fear as she gazed up at him. His face was calm, his eyes reflected his concern. Most importantly, Caro knew that if she said no, he would stop. “I’ll try.”
He touched his lips to her hair. “When you’re ready.”
Closing her eyes, she swallowed. “My father made the match, but I couldn’t go through with it. When I told him I didn’t want to marry him, he tried to kiss me. It was horrible. His lips were wet and slimy.”
Huntley fluttered kisses on her lips before he tilted his head and lightly ran the tip of his tongue across the seam. She opened her mouth and touched her tongue with his. The caress heated her and sent tiny flames flickering through her body.
Raising his head, he asked, “Like that?”
The knot in her stomach started to uncoil. “No. Not at all like that.”
“Look at me,” he said.
She met his eyes. They were gentle, but there was something else as well. A determination she didn’t understand.
“Then what did he do?”
“He—” She shuddered. Huntley stroked her back until she was ready to go on. Caro sobbed and tried to blink back the tears. “He grabbed my breast and twisted it.”
Huntley’s hand closed over her breast and kneaded lightly. His thumb caressed her nipple and it formed a tight bud. A warm need filled her where the fear had been.
“Like this?” he asked again.
She shook her head. “No.”
“What did you do?”
Keeping her eyes on his, she replied, “I tried to scream, but nothing came out.”
Without moving his gaze from hers, his hands roamed down her body, touching her softly and intimately, leaving a trail of flames. “Do you want to scream now?”
Moaning, she tried to move closer to him. “No.”
“The next time you scream,” he whispered, “I promise you, it will be with pleasure.”
The golden flecks in his eyes burned brighter. She caught her breath. “And then he hit me, and held me down, and hurt me.”
His voice turned grave. “Where did he hit you?”
She touched the side of her mouth, and he lightly caressed the spot before kissing it.
He ran the tip of his tongue down her neck and back up to her jaw. “Caro, let me make love to you.”
His gaze was warm and kind. It was time for her to try to put her demons away. “Yes.”
His fingers caressed her mons and a breathy sigh escaped as he slipped one finger in her and caressed. With each stroke, the tension in her core rose. She didn’t understand what she was feeling, but her legs opened to encourage him, and a primitive need clamored to have him inside her.