Page 62 of Betting on a Duke
Chapter Twenty-Four
Ramsbury and Samuelexamined every horse in both stables. Mr. Harrington, the lead stable hand, explained that he had heard something outside the night before. Since he slept in the main stable where Ramsbury kept his horses and thoroughbreds, it was cause for vigilance.
“Nothing seems disturbed inside or out,” Ramsbury said as they walked the perimeter of both buildings, inspecting the dirt.
“I know,” Samuel replied. “There are footprints all over the place, but they could belong to anyone. With Zeus and Thunder racing yesterday, trainers, handlers, jockeys, and stable hands were all over this area.”
“In addition to extra stable hands, I’ll have several footmen watching tonight as well. If someone was snooping around, they might come back.”
“Good idea,” Samuel said as Greyson and Hunter approached.
Greyson spoke first, “Stanton, Lady Rutherford told us what happened, although we heard people talking about it at the Red Lion Inn. Anyone would be crazy to believe such nonsense.” He nodded to the baron. “Nice to see you, Ramsbury.”
“You, as well, Greyson,” Ramsbury said.
“Stanton, Ramsbury,” Hunter greeted them. “Have you heard anything from Kirkland or from the blackguard, Portsmouth?”
Samuel shook his head. “No. Nothing. I would’ve thought Portsmouth would want to gloat in my face.”
“How’s Lady Chesterfield taking it?” Greyson asked.
“She’s shocked and angry at her father. I wouldn’t want to be him when she catches up to him,” Samuel said.
Ramsbury said, “We should join the ladies in the drawing room. There’s nothing else we can do but wait.”
The rest of the day went by slower than slow, and Samuel thought he might lose his mind from boredom and worry. When afternoon tea concluded, Greyson, Hunter, and Lady Rutherford traveled back to the Red Lion Inn, promising to look for Kirkland and send word with any news.
Dinner was a somber affair. He noticed Clarice had very little appetite, as did he. Right after finishing eating, Clarice made it clear she was not leaving him until they had some answers, and they retired to his room. Anna kindly lent her a night rail, a robe, a chemise, and a day dress for the morning, as they were of similar size and height. Samuel appreciated how understanding Ramsbury and Anna were being about their unusual situation. He could never thank them enough for making Clarice feel welcome.
Samuel requested that a fire be lit in the room, since a chill had settled in the air or perhaps in his bones. He occupied one of the tufted chairs facing the hearth and pulled his robe tighter around his chest. Clarice, dressed in her night clothes, had a blanket on her lap and sat in the other chair.
“Is it just me, or is it cold?” he asked.
“It’s chilly,” she replied as she adjusted her blanket. “Do you want a blanket?”
“No. As soon as the fire warms me, I’m going to bed.” He sighed, letting his head fall back against the chair. “I’m fatigued. My body aches, and my mind hurts from thinking all day. I’m worried about Kirkland. We’ve heard nothing.”
She reached between the two chairs and rested her hand on his arm. “I’m exhausted, and I did nothing today. Worrying does take a toll on you. Let’s hope we receive word from Kirkland tomorrow.”
“Yes. Let’s hope.” He took her hand off his arm and held it. “Ready for bed?”
“Yes, but my legs are so tired I don’t think I can make it that far.”
Samuel, for the first time that day, felt a brief lightness in his chest, and he smiled. “I can carry you.”
By now, she was standing. “I can make it.”
They both discarded their robes and slipped under the coverlet. He lay on his back, one arm around Clarice, holding her close. Her head and hand rested on his chest, and one of her legs covered one of his, causing his body to awaken with desire. After the day they’d had, he was shocked.
The hand on his chest moved lower down, and lower still until she cupped him and he moaned. “Clarice, you little devil.” He laughed, then gasped when she wrapped her soft hand partly around his hard manhood and slid it up and down, gently at first, then harder and faster.
“Let me give you pleasure.” She removed her hand and slithered down his body. All the air in his lungs deserted him.
“What are you doing?” he croaked.
Her warm lips against his lower abdomen curved into a smile. “Come now, Samuel, use your imagination.”
“Christ,” Samuel’s body arched when she took him into her hot mouth. Then he forced himself to relax and enjoy Clarice’s mouth on him. One of her hands squeezed his bollocks. “Bloody hell, Clarice, I’m going to... Clarice...” he moaned. She didn’t stop, and he spilled his seed into her luscious mouth.
