Madam Charlie Read online

  “And I’m making arrangements for the title to go to their firstborn without legal contest. I do remember his name. It’s John. He lost his breakfast on me last time I was there.”

  Charlie laughed, feeling another of the dark places within her unfurling to the warmth of his eyes.

  “The legalities are pretty simple, and because I’m leaving the country, there’ll be no argument, I believe.” He leaned back and stroked her breast softly, absently, with his hand. “I’ll be an Earl in name only, Charlie. Will you mind?”

  Charlie gazed at him, as her eyes filled with tears. This time around they were tears of joy. “The only thing I’d mind is being without you, Jordan. Earl or Colonel, aristocrat or boot boy, I don’t care. It’s not about your title, it’s about you. Which is why I don’t know if this will work…”

  His eyebrows rose in a look that said, “My plan is perfect. It can’t fail.”

  Sighing, Charlie began to point out the flaws. “Have you considered what will happen when someone finds out about me?”

  “They’ll think you’re an incredibly beautiful woman, and I’m an incredibly lucky man.”

  “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

  Jordan reached to the side table and grabbed a soft towel. He moistened it with water from the pitcher standing next to the bed, and began to cleanse her soft body. She jumped a little as the cool cloth touched her hot flesh.

  “I know what you meant. And I hate to break this to you, Charlie, but Madam Charlie of the Crescent will have to disappear. For good.”

  Charlie frowned, even while squirming delightedly under his gentle caresses. “How? I don’t see…”

  “Hush. Just listen.” He rinsed the cloth and cleansed himself absently as he talked.

  “Charlie is going to sell, transfer ownership, otherwise dispose of, the Crescent.”

  “She is?”

  “Yes. Be quiet.” He dried their bodies, rubbing briskly.

  “Sorry.”

  He tugged the blankets up over both of them, making sure Charlie was comfortable before he continued.

  “She will then retire to parts unknown. In the meantime, Colonel Lyndhurst is going to quietly announce his wedding to Miss Charlotte Avonleigh.”

  Charlie gasped. “You found out,” she sputtered.

  “Well of course. It was only a matter of time. I told you that you were a puzzle I would solve, Charlie. I just didn’t know how deeply I’d fall in love with you while I was doing it,” he grinned.

  Charlie shook her head, amazed once again at this man she held so tightly against her.

  “So, where was I? Oh yes, we’ve just announced our wedding, which will, of course, have already taken place.”

  “Of course.”

  She got a squeeze for her impertinence.

  “Also, we’ll be announcing that the happy couple has just embarked on the Silver Dawn, bound for the New World, where they will be making their home. That Geoffrey Lyndhurst-Tremont will be assuming the rights and obligations incumbent on the Calverton Estate, etc. etc.”

  “Oh my. Lyndhurst-Tremont?”

  “He had to add the Lyndhurst. Kept m’sister happy.”

  Her nipple was tweaked for her interruption. She liked it.

  “And the Crescent?”

  “Ah yes, the Crescent.” Jordan slid against her, encouraging her to sprawl across him and sliding his thigh between hers, slap up against her pussy. She wiggled around, enjoying the feeling.

  “Do you want to hear the rest of my incredible plan?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Well, stop squirming for a few minutes so I can finish it. Then we can move on to other things.”

  “Very well, Jordan,” she said respectfully, biting her lip and pressing her mound down on his rapidly hardening erection. His gasp rewarded her and she grinned. “Just hurry up, will you?”

  Jordan cleared his throat. “The Crescent,” he croaked. He cleared his throat again. “Matty has said she would be very happy to take over the Crescent, subject to your approval. I should also add that, to my surprise, she’s accepted Arthur’s offer of marriage.”

  Charlie stilled in surprise. “You’re joking.”

  “Certainly not. One doesn’t joke about something as serious as marriage. Apparently while you were not paying attention to me at Calver House, Matty was paying attention to Arthur. And vice versa.”

  “I was paying attention to you. Far too much attention, as I recall.”

  “Never too much, my love. Never too much,” grinned Jordan slipping his hands all over her body in a sensual massage that raised goosepimples on her skin.

  “So you’ve taken care of almost everything, haven’t you?” Charlie tried to absorb the enormous implications of this simple, but basically sound, plan. “You and I are pretty much going to cease to be who we are today, and become a simple married couple in the Colonies.”

  “Well, yes and no. We’re going to leave behind two rather annoyingly burdensome identities. We’re going to travel to a new life where we can be who we are not who we are titled. What will not change is you and me. This. What is between us. It’s forever, Charlie.”

  She sighed with pleasure as his hands continued to stroke her. “I know, Jordan. I think I knew the minute I saw you. I certainly knew that I wanted my hands on you, not Jane’s, that first night. I didn’t know why, and it scared me. But I knew.”

  “And I knew too, in all honesty. I told myself I wanted to fuck you because you were beautiful and desirable and I wanted you. But within moments I knew there was something else going on. Something that made me want to hold you as well, wake up with you, touch you, love you…it shook my world, Charlie, this feeling I had for you.”

  Charlie’s heart swelled and the last little piece of pain splintered into nothingness. She nuzzled against Jordan, smelling his scent, inhaling him, taking him deep into her heart and her soul.

  His hands moved with more certainty, sweeping up from her thighs to her breasts and back.

  She rolled under him with a sigh of contentment. “And I can continue to walk up and down your back if you need treatment. Just think, Jordan, you’ll be getting a massage expert as well as a wife.”

  Jordan’s grin was a study of sensual delight.

  “Funny how I haven’t had a problem with my back since I met you. And did this to you…”

  And he slipped his hardened cock back into her wet heat, back into the place that seemed made just for his length. Charlie moved to give him greater access and pulled his body down to hers with a fierce surge of emotion.

  “I love you, Jordan Lyndhurst. Today, tomorrow, for all the tomorrows we’ll share. You are my life.”

  At that moment, Madam Charlie ceased to exist.

  Epilogue

  The Evening Gazette, Fleet Street, October 1815:

  “We note an Interesting Announcement made recently from Calver House. The Marriage between Jordan Lyndhurst, Seventh Earl of Calverton, and Miss Charlotte Avonleigh of the Hampshire Avonleigh-Huntsfords, took place quietly at the end of this Past Summer. It is said that an Unfortunate Loss in the Bride’s Family made a Large Wedding inappropriate. The former Miss Avonleigh is somewhat of a Mysterious Figure, for no one can claim Acquaintance with her, although her Permanent Residence in Hampshire does preclude the Possibility of her being known to the Ton. We at the Gazette certainly wish them well.

  The Earl’s Decision to leave for the Colonies and Relinquish all Rights and Claims to the Calverton Estate came as a Surprise on the heels of his Wedding Announcement.

  We wonder what can be happening to our Nobility? Are they tiring of the onerous task of managing the Grand Estates of this Country? Of dining from Gold Plate and drinking the finest wines and brandies?

  Should we prepare ourselves for Princess Esterhazy to purchase a Hotel and retire from her Public Life? Perhaps Lady Jersey might Prevail upon our Beloved Prince to forgo his Royal Duties and become a Simple Farmer. Although what Crops he m
ight elect to raise fill the Mind of the Observer with Dubious Questions.

  And speaking of the Demi-monde, Patrons of 14 Beaulieu Crescent have noticed yet another Change in Management recently. Departed forever from the Elegant Salons is its equally Elegant Owner, Madam Charlie, who has apparently retired from her Position as Hostess at the Crescent. Her Presence will be missed, although not by Sir J____ W____, who, we are reliably informed, has spent the last Seven Nights at the Crescent, enjoying the Charms of no less than four of its Residents.

  We wonder upon what he fuels his Inexhaustible Stamina.

  In other news about Town, the Return of one of the Season’s most Incomparable Beauties was greeted with Pleasure. Lady Elizabeth Wentworth is back amongst us, after a Summer spent, in her words, “traveling different paths”. Wherever these “paths” took her, they failed to quench her ever-present Desire for Pleasure, as she was seen at no less than three Balls in one night, and squired at each by a Different Gentleman.

  Is it possible that This will be the Year Lady Elizabeth Surrenders her Single State? Is there a Husband in the Offing for this Vivacious Darling of Society?

  That Other ‘Darling’, our own vaunted Byron, was discovered….”

  A pair of slim hands folded the paper and set it aside on the table. The soft clatter and rumble of carriages and sleighs making their careful way over the snow-covered Boston streets echoed outside the window of the snug room.

  A large mirror over the fireplace reflected the image of an elegant woman, golden of hair and large of stomach.

  The door opened and a gust of wind blew in a very handsome man, who was smiling from ear to ear.

  The handsome man bent and placed a cold and wet kiss on his wife’s warm neck.

  “Aaaargh! Jordan…you…you terror. Your nose is cold…”

  Charlie giggled as she shivered, and pulled his coat away from her husband’s shoulders.

  “I can think of at least a dozen places I could warm it,” he answered, waggling his eyebrows at her. “And not one of them would bother the babe,” he gave her swollen belly a gentle stroke.

  “Later, you reprobate. Molly is preparing something nice and warm for you. How was the meeting?”

  “Long, boring…meetings never change no matter what side of the Atlantic we’re on.” He nodded to the paper on the table as he pulled Charlie on to his knees and cuddled her and her precious cargo close to him. “Any news from London? “

  Charlie grinned. “Well, the paper is over three months old, but you’ll be pleased to know that we were married quietly because of a death in my family.”

  “Yes, poor Boots. I still miss him. Best barn cat we ever had, wasn’t he?”

  Charlie giggled. “And Sir J W somebody was known to be spending large amounts of time at the Crescent with…” she leaned forward to whisper in Jordan’s ear, “…four women at once.”

  “I’ll bet Arthur showed him how.”

  Charlie gasped, and looked daggers at Jordan. “I don’t want to know, thank you.”

  Jordan held her tight. “I love you, Mrs. Lyndhurst. Little Lyndhurst been kicking around again?” He let Charlie pull his hand over her belly and place it slightly off to one side. A grin spread over his face as he felt the flutterings of their child within her.

  “Anyway,” continued Charlie, unperturbed at this parental bonding over her navel, “Elizabeth was mentioned. She appeared back in town last October, according to that…” She nodded at the paper. “I wonder if Spencer Marchwood was there too. I had thought that perhaps they might…”

  She blushed a little, remembering a night of pleasure and exotic joys she’d shared with the other couple.

  “If it’s meant, they’ll find a way. One thing I can assure you,” Jordan leaned down and rested his head against her stomach. “Spencer Marchwood is a determined man. He’ll brook no interference between him and his objective, once he sets his mind to it.”

  “Yes, but Elizabeth is so…so…strong, so assured. She’s got a very well developed mind of her own, you know, Jordan.”

  “I know,” grinned Jordan. “But as I said, if it’s meant to be…”

  “Like we were?”

  “Just like we were.”

  And Jordan Lyndhurst cuddled his wife and their soon-to-be-born babe before his very comfortable fire in the New World, and let their warmth flood through his body and his heart.

  Life was very good indeed.

  THE END

  About Sahara Kelly

  Born and raised in Great Britain, Sahara Kelly now makes her home in New England, appreciating the often-ironic symmetry of her life. Writing has always been a part of it, although being a wife and mother left her little free time until several years ago. With over three dozen novels now available at Ellora's Cave, Sahara has rediscovered the creative joy of telling her stories, crossing the genres of erotic romance from the past to the future and touching on just about everything in between. She firmly believes everyone should have fantasies and is thrilled to share hers with her readers.

  Sahara welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

  Tell Us What You Think

  We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email the author directly or you can email us at [email protected] (when contacting Customer Service, be sure to state the book title and author).

  Also by Sahara Kelly

  All Night Videos: At Cross Purposes

  All Night Videos: For Research Purposes Only

  Anasazi Lassie

  Beating Level Nine

  Coming Attractions with S.L. Carpenter

  Detour with S.L. Carpenter

  Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis II anthology

  Ellora’s Cavemen: Legendary Tails III anthology

  Ellora’s Cavemen: Tales from the Temple I anthology

  Hansell and Gretty

  Lady Elizabeth’s Choice

  Lady Luck with S.L. Carpenter

  Magnus Ravynne and Mistress Swann

  Partners in Passion 1: Eleanor and Justin with S.L. Carpenter

  Partners in Passion 2: No Limits with S.L. Carpenter

  Partners in Passion 3: Pure Sin with S.L. Carpenter

  Perfect Whore

  Rogue’s Diamond

  Sexplorations 1: Legal Briefs

  Sexplorations 3: My Fishnet Fetish

  Sexplorations 5: Touch Me

  Sir Philip Ashton’s Eyes

  Sizzle

  Tales of the Beau Monde 1: Inside Lady Miranda

  Tales of the Beau Monde 2: Miss Beatrice’s Bottom

  Tales of the Beau Monde 3: Lying with Louisa

  Tales of the Beau Monde 4: Pleasuring Miss Poppy

  The Glass Stripper

  The Gypsy Lovers

  The Knights Elemental

  Print books by Sahara Kelly

  All Night Videos 1 & 2

  Chocolate and High Heels

  Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis II anthology

  Ellora’s Cavemen: Legendary Tails III anthology

  Ellora’s Cavemen: Tales From the Temple I anthology

  Fabulous Knights

  Lady Jaided’s Virile Vampires anthology

  Madam Charlie

  Outside the Box anthology

  Partners in Passsion 3: Pure Sin with S.L. Carpenter

  Tales of the Beau Monde 1, 2 & 3

  The Gypsy Lovers

  Ellora’s Cave Publishing

  www.ellorascave.com

  Madam Charlie

  ISBN 97814199

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Madam Charlie Copyright © 2003 Sahara Kelly

  Edited by Briana St. James

  Cover design by Syneca

  Photo: Fotolia.com

  Electronic book publication April 2003

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of
quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book.

  The publisher does not have any control over, and does not assume any responsibility for, author or third-party websites or their content.

  Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com to find erotic reading experiences that will leave you breathless. You can also find our books at all the major e-tailers (Barnes & Noble, Amazon Kindle, Sony, Kobo, Google, Apple iBookstore, All Romance eBooks, and others).

  www.ellorascave.com