Then he joined her, and for a moment, she couldn’t see how this would proceed, but the sensation overtook and all she could do was feel as that hardness pressed into her. “This will hurt a little,” he said softly.
“I know,” she said. She’d heard about that too, but she was ready.
It stung a little, but that was it. Slightly warm, but nothing more than that. She’d been expecting much worse. And then he was inside her and it felt curious and full. Her body wanted to move as she had before. But he moved and sensation overwhelmed her. All she could do was hang on. He kissed her again and more sensation assaulted her. She didn’t know where to focus, as if she was being drawn in different directions. It intensified with each stroke which grew harder and harder, and she clutched onto his shoulders with her arms.
Entirely unexpected, explosions of pleasure followed. How could this be so utterly marvelous? She held him as tightly as she could as he groaned deeply again and again before exhaustion seemed to claim him. Had this hurt him in some way? Or were there explosions of wondrousness for him too?
As she finally cooled, snuggling tightly with him felt wonderful. In fact, she wasn’t sure she’d ever felt this wonderful. In her heart, she knew this was perfect, and that this had been worth fighting for. There was no doubt in her mind.
“Your brothers will come looking for you if you stay any longer,” he said and kissed her on the cheek. This was so cozy, so wonderful, she didn’t want to leave, but yes, he was right, the longer she stayed here, the higher the risk of awkward questions. Not that she minded, she wanted everyone to know the good news.
“Alright,” she said, tearing herself away. For a moment, she just watched him, how beautiful he was. This was to be her husband, and she was beyond happy about it.
Grabbing her things, she dressed quickly. Had it been entirely unexpected that her dress had come off? Well, she’d been open to it happening, if the circumstances were right. She didn’t regret it, and really, she was more enthusiastic than she’d ever been about the idea of marrying. There was this lovely togetherness to be had.
Fortescue was dressed by the time she was ready to do up the buttons on her dress, and he helped her. “I think I’ll endeavor to make your cheeks so rosy every single day,” he said and kissed her on the nape of her neck. Lucious feelings rose up her again, but she pushed them away. Hopefully she would have the opportunity to spend some time alone with him again. Surely she didn’t have to wait until the wedding to do this again? It was just so lovely.
Lastly, she pulled on her hooded cloak.
“I’ll leave for Denham Hall immediately,” he said. “I hope your father will not be unduly surprised. We did quarrel quite a bit when we were there.”
“I honestly don’t know. Perhaps he’ll simply be relieved that I’ve finally found someone I’m willing to marry.”
“I should be honored then,” he said with a smile.
“Yes, you should. I’m quite a catch,” she said teasingly. All she wanted was to kiss him again, but if she did, she’d get stuck here for probably quite a while longer. Would it be so terrible? They were engaged.
“Go. I have to pack,” he said.
“Alright, fine,” she said and let him as he urged her out the door. Without looking around, she rushed away from the house and practically ran all the way home.
Somehow, it felt as though everything had changed, but she was let into the house without much fanfare. Mr. James took her cloak and didn’t ask any questions about her choice of outerwear. Eliza was coming out of the library carrying a book.
“Oh, there you are? Have you been out?”
“Yes,” Octavia said and followed her into the salon. “I went to see Fortescue.”
“On your own? Did you take Mary with you?” Eliza said with concern. Granted, she was right to be upset about something like that.
“No, but it’s alright,” Octavia said beamingly, even as Eliza didn’t look impressed. “We had words and now we’re engaged.”
“Oh?” Eliza said. “That’s wonderful.”
“Then he deflowered me, and—”
Eliza’s hand covered Octavia’s mouth in a flash. “Do not let Caius hear that,” Eliza warned. Octavia mumbled until Eliza finally pulled her hand away.
“It was wonderful,” Octavia whispered.
Eliza softened. “I’m very glad you feel that way. But really, if your brothers find out, it will be pistols at dawn.”
“We are engaged.”
“Yes, but don’t forget yourself. Brothers are still protective of their sisters.”
“Pfft,” Octavia said dismissively. “Anyway, Fortescue said he'll leave for Denham Hall this very afternoon to speak to my father.”
“Oh, I can’t believe it,” Eliza said. “No, I can. It’s perfect. He’s a good man. I think you’ll be very happy together.” There was nothing but delight on Eliza’s face. “And maybe my baby will have a cousin of quite close age.”
“I hope not too soon,” Octavia said.
“Then you had better rein in doing the things you should not be doing,” Eliza warned, and then she shook her head. “But then I’m not sure it’s worth telling you to do anything you don’t want to do, or to try to stop you doing what you want to do. Just be very careful, and restrain yourself. A mere month is not the end of the world. There is no need to be in such a great rush.”
Octavia didn’t
