After having tea, Michael and Owen left Radley alone with Charlotte. She was still fuming at his affectionate display in front of Owen. "I should stop trusting you after the way you just treated me," she said with heat glaring from her eyes.
"Everyone has accepted my affection for you, Charlotte. I saw no reason to hide it from them."
"You said you wished to court me. Have you? No. What you have managed is to kiss me at every opportunity. I know what you want. Your sister told me the pages are worn in that book because you've read it many times."
He hiked a single brow. "What book is that, my dear?"
"You know perfectly well what book she brought with her. After seeing it, I know exactly what kind of thoughts you are having," she said with her face drawn into a deep frown.
Without a penitent bone in his body, he threw his head back and laughed. When she tried to rise from her chair to storm from the room, he was quickly up on his feet to block her retreat. She tried to step around him, but he wrapped his arm around her waist and jerked her against him.
"That's what marriage entails, my dear," he said holding her tightly while she struggled to escape his hold. "You may be nervous about what's coming, but I promise you will love every minute of it."
Her body betrayed her anger at the very thought of him doing such things to her. His lips closed over the sensitive part of her neck and instead of a kiss, he sucked and her knees went weak. Thankfully, his hold kept her from falling to her knees.
The very fact he could do that to her was infuriating.
Brides were supposed to be innocent on their wedding night. That book and his boldness had ripped that away. "Radley Brighton, I want to be courted, not bedded."
"I could change your mind." He knew his mistake when she raised her knee to do him in. His reflexes had her hitting his knees instead of his jewels. He turned her to the side and landed the flat of his palm on her bottom. "If you ever try that again, I'll put you over my knee, throw those skirts over your head and spank that beautiful bottom of yours until you can't sit down. Do you understand me, Charlotte?"
She rubbed her bottom and glared at him. "I was protecting myself!"
"No, that was unnecessary, and you know it. I would never hurt you physically, unless it's to spank you for trying to hurt me for kissing you. Try it again and I won't be as easy on you. In case you've forgotten, Ben gave me permission to do exactly that. It seems he doesn't believe you can be controlled in any other way."
"May I go now?"
He wanted to spank that bottom until she... he wiped those sexual thoughts from his mind. I have an appointment to see a house, which you agreed to see with me. Afterwards, I thought to take you to experience the promenade at Hyde Park. That swat I gave you over layers of cloth, should not impede you from riding in a carriage.
"If you still wish to join me, Charlotte, collect your pelisse while I see to having the carriage brought around."
She was torn from her desire to go and not going with him because he had actually spanked her. But if she did marry him one day, she wanted the chance to help choose a house.
A shiver raced through her again at the very idea of spending her life with this domineering man who enjoyed calming her down with kisses and now punishment.
Her mother had taught her a few things about getting men to listen to reason, but Radley was nothing like her reasonable father. No, Radley had yet to bend to her will. So far, he controlled her except for rare occasions.
"I'll go with you."
He had stared at her waiting for her to decide. "Then I will meet you out back. Take too much time and I will think you have changed your mind."
"Won't you help me with my cape?"
Another small step to manipulate him and he knew it. He left the parlor and stepped into the hall. "Earnest, help your mistress with her cape. She seems to have regressed to being six years old again." He continued on his way hearing the growl of frustration coming from her.
A smile crept upon his lips. He never knew taming a shrew would be such a challenge.
Once he was outside, he was pleased the skies were still clear of rain. Earlier, he had wondered if it would rain and spoil his plans.
Thomas, the man who had seen to harnessing the horse to the chaise, drove out of the carriage house. As instructed, the top was down. He had the urge to step in and make Charlotte climb in by herself, but that would be taking things too far.
He heard the door open and turned to see her coming down the steps while breathing like a dragon. Fire shot from her eyes as well as her breath. To throw her off, he frowned and crossed his arms over his chest.
"If you plan to pout during this outing you can stay home," he warned. She stopped, started to turn and walk back inside. "Do it and I'll give those damn opera tickets to someone I see at the park. Best you make up your mind about me. I'm not the kind of man you can control, Charlotte."
Her hands balled into a fist but her face relaxed. "I will definitely take what you said to heart. Shall we go?"
In answer, he held his palm out to her to help her into the carriage. He was tempted to take a detour so she would have time to calm down. Not that he cared. He loved the fire in her.
After she made herself comfortable, arranged the skirt of her dress, he walked around and climbed in beside her. "The house is not far from here. It's walking distance, but the park isn't. By the message I received, the house is reasonably sized. There are modern bathing chambers, four bedrooms, and two parlors including an office."
He snapped the reins and watched her grab the metal armrest as the horse jolted forward. "I was warned the house needed simple repairs. We will have to see what can be done and other items postponed. I want access within a month or two at most. I plan to go to Maywood for a few weeks, perhaps a month. It needs my attention. Michael agreed to keep abreast of my business dealings and send me what I need."
Everything he'd said was news to her. "I thought you planned to stay with us."
"My dear, only until we left for Kendal. Ben invited us there for a visit, then we are to travel to visit your parents. If I am not mistaken, the idea is to intervene if my father wishes to start trouble. There is a possibility I will ride ahead to Maywood to see if the staff has made the house livable, then meet all of you at Ben's manor house. After today's display, you may prefer to see me gone sooner. Which I may consider."
"Do as you wish," she said with a hiss.
"I usually do, my dear. Though, I will change my mind with enough incentive or reason to do so. You must face the fact that I am not a boy that can be wrapped around your finger. I have businesses I see to, people in my employ, and properties that support families. Those responsibilities don't create an indecisive personality. Not to mention my rank as a peer of the realm. If you desire a man who treats you like a queen, bow before you, then I am not that man."
He wasn't sure why he was being so demanding. He was tired of her games concerning their relationship. It was time she came to a decision and he was going to push her into it. If she couldn't commit to him, continued to throw up obstacles, it would be best to slam that door shut and consider her Vivian's sister-in-law, not marriage material.
They hadn't spent much time together. His investment into this relationship was young. Regardless of the fact he loved her, he'd survive. He damn sure didn't want a woman who didn't love him back. That would lead to a life of hell. He didn't believe in a woman learning to love her husband. It either happened because of sexual interest and compatibility, or it never happened.
He felt her eyes on him, so he glanced her way. "What?"
"You're very quiet."
"Yes. I don't mean to be, but I have some decisions to make. Ones that give me little choice."
She picked at her dress. "Do they concern facing your father?"
"In part, yes. I'm finding myself discontent. It is not in my disposition to wallow in problems. I attack them and change my direction. The house we're looking at will help do that." He also knew she wouldn't have to be a part of his life for his new residence to help him let go of more things than just his location.
He pulled the carriage up to a house and tied the reins to the frame before stepping down. He moved to her side and helped her down then stood to stare at the house. It was a two-story red brick with white shutters. Ivy grew on one end and he knew those plants could damage mortar. That would be something he'd check, as well as the foundation. From what he could tell, the shingled roof was in good condition, though he knew fired clay would last longer and were not the fire hazard.
"What do you think of it, Charlotte?"
"It looks like many houses. I'd paint the shutters. The front door is pretty. I like that it has a half moon window at the top and the wood has carvings."
He nodded and took her hand to pull her by his side as they approached the house. The knocker was black iron. He used it and knew he'd do something different, eventually.
The door opened and a tall thin man smiled and opened the door wide. "I'm Lewis, Milord. Shall I show you around, or would you like to see it on your own?"
Radley stepped inside and examined the wood floor covering the entrance. It appeared to be in good shape and recently varnished. The double width staircase hugged the far wall with a banister that matched the wood floor. Thick curved spindles looked solid. He walked up to it and gave it a hard shake. It failed to move and brought a nod to his head.
Because Radley hadn't answered the man, Lewis kept his distance but waited to answer any questions the Earl may have.
Charlotte followed him, gave him ideas as to what was needed and helped him hunt for any damages. The longer they were in the house, the more relaxed she became. The first floor had two parlors, an office, two dining areas, and a large kitchen that would handle dinner parties.
The second floor she saw as needing work. The bathing rooms were acceptable, but the bedrooms smelled of must and the wallpaper needed to be stripped. He climbed the attic steps to check for leaks. He found a treasure of fine old furniture, tapestries, rugs, and silver candlesticks. After speaking to Lewis, he learned everything in the house stayed with the sale.
The back yard had a garden, a stable that would hold ten horses, and a large carriage house. An alley went between the houses and gave the house a back entrance.
As they walked back to the house, he asked her, "What say you about the house. Would a woman like living here?"
"Depends upon the woman. The house may not be fancy with tile floors, but it can be comfortable to live in. With a bit of money, it will shine like a copper penny."
Her answer would have given him doubts but he had seen and heard so many suggestions of what it could be, he was convinced the house would fill his needs—with or without her in his life.
He nodded and took her hand. "If we tarry much longer, Hyde Park will be winding down and you won't get an opportunity to see the parade of carriages with the elite dressed in their finest."
She looked down at her dress, which was already two years old and hesitated. "Will I not embarrass you?"
He was stunned hearing such a remark from her. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Few would notice what you wore. Nothing about you would ever embarrass me, except perhaps misbehavior. You do not plan on raising your skirts and racing away from me do you?"
She giggled shaking her head. "I promise that such a thing will not happen."
He was pleased to see her smiling with sincerity.
I have managed to write the next four chapters. This one is vital to what's ahead. Let me know what impression it gives you so that I will know if I'm successful.
I'm finally showing the dominant side of Radley and why that would be natural of a man of his station. It also shows what Charlotte is up against. He's definitely ready to challenge her.
To this point he has tried different techniques to woo her. The chapters to come show his upper hand.
Remember to vote. Spread the word, and help others know this book is here. I can use your help.
A big thank you for sticking with me as I write this book. We're getting closer to discovering Lord Brighton's behavior upon learning his plans never stood a chance.