Once Upon A Time: Passional and Fanciful Historical Romances

By Paola Secondin

Dear readers, I am not Jane Austen, I am not inspired by her and I do not write like her. My historical romance novels are not traditional, since the plots of my stories have a historical setting but a "modern" imprint, being lively, carefree and very passionate, as well as imaginative. Even the characters, despite being nobles, behave and speak with a freedom of action and thought atypical for their epoch, be it the Regency, Victorian and Middle Age eras. This is very different from Jane Austen's impeccable and realistic style. My historical novels are spicy and enjoyable love tales suitable for a relaxing weekend of reading or a disengaged and pleasant daily break.
Here are the novels contained in this ebook: Inseparable, Love wedding for Aidan and Grace, The promised bride, Lady Johanna, Light of my eyes, The English Captain, A forbidden love, The gardener's daughter, Lessons of art and passion, The King who came from the sea, My Princess, A wife for Christmas, A perfect husband, Love found again.
In short, a summary of the plots: Two noble families who hate each other, and their respective heirs who secretly love each other, planning a secret wedding. - A hastily celebrated marriage of convenience that turns out to be a true marriage of love and passion. - A young woman betrothed for money who runs away from the wedding but is caught by her charming future husband. - A bizarre and scandalous young lady who loses her head for an irresistible duke and allows herself to be seduced. - An almost blind noble man with a quarrelsome character who finds comfort and the desire to return to life in the arms of a country pastry chef. - An English captain wounded in Waterloo who is saved by a beautiful Belgian tavern maid and decides to change his life so as not to return to his homeland and not inherit his late father's title. - The forbidden love between two noble gay boys who, after being discovered together, separated and harshly punished, find each other again as adults after many years and abandon themselves to the purest passion. - The humble and beautiful daughter of a gardener who manages to win the heart of the heir of the mansion in which she lives by sparking a fiery and irrepressible relationship. - A renowned Scottish artist famous for being a libertine is seduced by a young Italian woman of rank who asks him to give her painting lessons, winning him over with her innocent seduction. - A king coming from far away who takes a plebeian nymph as his wife despite having a secret relationship with his trusted first knight, who, however, cannot resist the charm of the new bride and gives life to a dangerous love interlude. - A young Native American brought to English soil and transformed into a lady who is not accepted by society and finds a gentleman willing to take her place among the nobility. - A snowstorm a few days before Christmas forces a lord and a horse breeder to stay closed for days in the same inn, where the two consummate a sudden and burning passion. - An almost spinster lady throws herself into the arms of the first man who asks for her hand in marriage and, however reckless, the choice of her groom turns out to be perfect. - The love and passion between a Tuscan artist and a young English noble girl who renounces her family and social status just to be with him, while a Venetian gentleman would like her all for himself as a lover and wife.
Dear readers, I hope you will appreciate my stories and I wish you a very pleasant read.
With sympathy, Paola Secondin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paola Secondin
• Release date: Feb 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223008362

Book preview

Author's Note For Readers

Dear readers, first of all, I would like to point out that I am not Jane Austen, I am not inspired by her, and above all I do not write like her. My historical romance novels are not traditional, since the plots of my stories have a historical setting but a modern imprint, being lively and very passionate, as well as imaginative. Even the characters, despite being nobles, behave and speak with a liveliness and freedom atypical for their era, be it the Middle Age, the Regency or Victorian eras. This is very different from Jane Austen's impeccable neoclassical style, which is why I don't write in a similar way to her. My novels are spicy historical love tales, suitable for the modern book series of Avon Books - HarperCollins, and are very popular with young female audiences fond of the Bridgerton saga. Secondly, I am Italian, and I write for fun, not as a profession, so I take several liberties in my way of writing, which is carefree and frivolous. Italian readers don't like me much as an author, they often criticize me, on the contrary, foreign readers appreciate my style, which is why I created this collection of novels in English. The translation was carried out by a freelance translator of Babelcube site, but the result could be imperfect, with some errors scattered here and there, so I apologize to you readers if you come across the aforementioned translation errors during reading. After all, Italian is a difficult language to translate into English. I also apologize for any formatting errors in the ePub, even if I use the best formatting program sometimes the result is imperfect. Having said that, I leave you to read my spicy and untraditional novels with the hope that you will find them pleasant, suitable for a relaxing weekend of reading or a disengaged and light daily break.

With love and sympathy, Paola Secondin.

Inseparable

Chapter 1

Exchange of letters between Countess Emma Carswell and her trusted friend and Duchess Anna Winkler.

19 April 1815, London

My dearest Anna,

I finally have news from you! I am immensely happy to have received your letter, I was eagerly waiting to read how you are doing. It fills my heart with joy to know that your marriage to the Austrian Duke Markus Winkler is progressing wonderfully, I always thought he was a loving gentleman who would be perfect as a husband for you. Heartfelt congratulations on your first pregnancy! I wish you with all my heart that the baby is born healthy and that the birth will not be too difficult. I'm sure the unborn child will be beautiful, will have your delicate London features and Markus' aristocratic appearance. How I envy you, Anna! I also want to become a mother, it must be a unique and wonderful experience, you are really lucky... Your long description of Vienna and its artistic beauties has enchanted me, I hope to find the right opportunity to come and visit you and spend some days in your company. I miss you very much, since you left for Vienna there hasn't been a single day in which I haven't wanted to have you back here by my side, my dear and close friend. Without you I sometimes feel lost, your wisdom and advice would have helped me in this last period... London is still the same, the ball season has begun, my wardrobe has three fabulous new dresses, and although I am no longer a young debutante, taking part in dance evenings is always exciting. But I will tell you about this topic later, first I want to let you know that I followed your suggestion of taking art lessons from a real master of painting, Mister James Scott, who is teaching me the secrets and tricks of his trade, and the results begin to see each other. My early predilection for charcoal drawing and oil painting is rapidly evolving into an artistic talent I didn't know I possessed, and in Mister Scott's opinion my artistic abilities are high. My days pass happily in the family cottage, sometimes I paint for hours without getting tired and my technique improves day after day. I'm dabbling with landscapes and still lifes, but soon I'll start practicing with portraits too, assuming I find living subjects willing to pose for me... This new passion for art certainly hasn't distracted me from my musical evenings in Covent Garden, in fact I have already performed two piano concerts at the Theater Royal in London, enjoying considerable success. I continue to perform under the name of Miss Angelique, following the wishes of my father, who as you well know does not approve of a young countess lowering herself to the role of pianist. Being the daughter of Count Victor Carswell is not easy at all, this noble label prevents me from coming out and performing in public with my real name, Emma Carswell, and the more time passes the more I feel suffocated by the rigid rules imposed by society. What harm is there in being a countess gifted with the talent of a pianist? I am a twenty-five year old woman, no longer a young debutante... Oh Anna, my heart has been in such turmoil lately... I must immediately tell you what I put off at the beginning of the letter! I already know that you will be shocked by what I am about to confess to you, but please don't judge me, the heart is not in control and you know it very well. Well, I met a man, a charming, wonderful man. It happened two weeks ago, at a dance in Covent Garden. It was a masquerade ball, and everyone wore a black mask over their upper faces. I was waiting to be invited to dance when a tall, dark man with green eyes and a sensual mouth took me by the hand and, without even introducing himself, dragged me to the center of the room. There was something mysterious and familiar about him at the same time, and I let myself be won over by his irresistible charisma. After all, it was a masquerade ball, and having fun was the rule dictated by the organizers. We danced together all evening, without exchanging a single word, looking into each other's eyes the entire time. And then, as the evening was coming to an end, we went out onto the patio of the building, and he had the audacity to kiss me on the mouth. What a kiss! It stole my breath, it made me shiver from head to toe, it set my blood on fire! It was an intense, wonderful, unforgettable kiss... And when it was over, he took the mask off his face revealing his identity to me. Believe me Anna, for a moment I felt faint, because in front of me I had the Marquis Dominick Sinclair, he, the eldest son of the Sinclair family! And he knew very well that I was Emma Carswell, he recognized me despite the mask I was wearing. What an embarrassing moment! I should have slapped him, yet I wasn't able to. I have always had a soft spot for Dominick, since the day of my debut in society, when he proposed himself as my knight. Of course, at the time I was only eighteen years old, I was much more immature than I am now, and he too was less charming than now, yet something immediately clicked between us... It's a shame that the sad events that happened later separated us, suffocating our newborn feeling... How I wish my brother Andrew had never got involved between Gabriel Sinclair and Johanna Linden! If Andrew had not dared to court Johanna knowing full well that she was betrothed to Gabriel, there would not have been any furious argument, and Gabriel would not have fallen from the balcony of his palace and broken his neck. What a horrible misfortune! Because of Andrew and his arrogance, a young life was broken, and from that day the Carswell and Sinclair families have become bitter enemies. My father's numerous apologies to the Marquis Douglas Sinclair were of no avail, nor was the punishment inflicted on Andrew, who was repudiated and expelled from our family. The hatred and resentment are still present, dividing our families, and Dominick knows it as much as I do. Yet in him there is no longer any trace of anger at the death of his brother Gabriel, nor contempt for Andrew, guilty of having inadvertently pushed him over the balcony, causing his early death. Dominick is a thirty-year-old man who knew how to bury the past and move forward, and on the night of the masquerade ball, when he saw me and recognized me, the old feeling he felt for me was rekindled in him, sealed by that kiss that was stolen from me on the patio of the palace of the Dukes of Ashford. Luckily no one saw us, we were in the dark, under the starry night sky. Our unexpected meeting at the masquerade ball was only the beginning of an assiduous acquaintance that continues today. Dominick and I are having a love affair that no one knows about, I only confess it to you Anna right now. My artist's cottage has become our secret love alcove, in just two weeks we went from kissing to making love so quickly as to amaze both of us, we are pervaded by the fire of passion, our feeling is true and deep, he says he loves me, and I... Oh Anna, I fell madly in love with him! We are so good when we are together, we laugh, we joke, we talk about everything, we are a perfect couple... I will never give up Dominick just to indulge the Sinclairs' hatred for the Carswells, come what may I will live this love and face the consequences. You may think I'm a fool, or that I've lost my mind, but I can't suppress what I feel for Dominick, I don't intend to. Rather than give up on him, I am willing to date him in secret for the rest of my life, even if the Marquess Edward Harlings were to knock on the door of our house tomorrow to ask for my hand and I were forced to marry him. I will not love any other man except Dominick, we will become lovers if necessary. He also doesn't want to give up on me, and his position is even more difficult than mine, because he has already asked for the hand of Countess Tess Mallory and he won't be able to postpone his wedding with that woman for long. We are both aware of being trapped in a forbidden and scandalous love game, but this does not worry us, we love each other madly, we live day by day in the fire of desire, and nothing can separate us. Please, Anna, reply to this letter of mine quickly, and if you can, give me wise advice, but don't write to me to retrace my steps and leave Dominick because I wouldn't do it... I can't. He is the man of my life. Maybe it always has been, since our first meeting six years ago, at the debutante ball. We have the whole world against us, but we will fight for our love, no matter what the cost. Now I say goodbye, my dear friend, write to me as soon as possible!

I hug you with deep affection.

Your devoted friend,

Emma Carswell

Vienna, 8 May 1815

Dear Emma,

how much fervor in your letter! Marquis Dominick Sinclair has literally won you over it seems, you spoke to me about him with so much passion! I remember our debut dance very well, and if I hadn't already been in love with Markus, I guarantee you that I would have let myself be seduced by Dominick! But that evening he chose you among all the debutantes present at the ball, and I doubt it was a coincidence... Dominick Sinclair is a good match, a captivating and gallant man at the same time, I advise you to follow your heart and live the your love story with the Marquis leaving reason aside. Don't miss it! And don't be influenced by the past and the resentment that divides your respective families. True love caresses a woman's heart only once in a lifetime, if you give it up you will no longer love with the same intensity, so don't give up your feelings, my dear Emma, live them! I am sure that Marquess Edward Harlings and Countess Tess Mallory will not hinder your relationship with Dominick Sinclair, after all they are just marriage proposals, Dominick is free to withdraw his just as you can refuse Marquis Harlings's... Of course, it is a situation complicated, but you are so fearless my dear, and Dominick is a sensible man... You will find a way to love each other openly, if you really want to continue your relationship and make it blossom into a future marriage. I wish you all the best, Emma, and may good fortune accompany you! Don't stop painting and playing the piano, cultivate your skills, they are a precious gift... If I could I would come and visit you with pleasure, but my pregnancy is in an advanced stage and the family doctor advised me not to overdo it. Facing a stressful journey in my current condition would be risky for the baby, so I will have to wait until it is born to see you again... Unless you want to join me when the time comes for the birth, scheduled for the end of June... I think I will try a little girl's world, you know? My sixth sense tells me it will be a girl. For Markus it makes no difference, he is so excited that the sex of the unborn child is irrelevant to him, he just wants to become a father and have at least three more children, so sooner or later I will also conceive a boy. My eight month belly is really huge, you should see me, I'm so clumsy that no dress fits me well! But it's so beautiful to feel the baby I'm carrying move and kick inside me, it's a beautiful feeling that you too will feel one day, becoming a mother is an exhilarating experience... I conclude my letter with the hope of being able to hug each other again soon and with the wish that all your dreams come true. Good luck with Dominick Sinclair! May heaven protect you and may God bless you.

Your most affectionate,

Anna Winkler

Chapter 2

London, 22 May 1815

You're late, Dominick.

A good two hours. Emma had counted every single minute of waiting as she distracted herself with colors and brushes inside the small family cottage illuminated by the spring sun that filtered through the muslin curtains hanging on the windows.

Forgive me, Emma. I had a mishap, apologized Marquis Dominick Sinclair, closing the cottage door behind him.

Emma put down the brush she was holding in her fingers and hurried to reach the man she loved.

You are forgiven. Whatever unforeseen event has kept you away from me until this hour.

Smiling joyfully at him, Emma flew into his arms, and he held her to him in a strong and delicate embrace at the same time.

Emma… My beautiful Emma, Dominick whispered, looking at her with his sweet green eyes and touching the red skin of her cheek with the back of his hand. I couldn't sleep last night. The thought of you kept me awake until dawn. I couldn't wait for the sun to rise so I could rush here and hug you. You're driving me crazy, you know that?

Emma caressed his broad shoulders with her hands and then laced her fingers behind his neck.

Now you're here, the wait is over, let's enjoy the time we steal from life to be together.

Dominick smiled at her, and his gaze fell on the modestly styled oil-painted cotton dress that Emma wore whenever she set out to paint.

Did I ever tell you that you look awfully hot in this dress that smells like turpentine?

Really? I was thinking of going to change into the blue silk dress that I keep in the bedroom wardrobe.

No, don't. I like you the way you are.

Dominick, I have hair coming out of the bun and paint on my hands, and this dress is a rag full of paint stains. I'm unwatchable, and then turpentine has an annoying smell, how can you appreciate me dressed like this?

I like the smell of turpentine, intense and pungent, and I love your natural and simple appearance, your red cheeks and your hair out of place, and also your hands dirty with colour. I like all of you, you're adorable.

So you don't want me to go over there and change my clothes?

No I do not want to. I prefer to undress you and make love to you right away, here on the landing if necessary.

Dominick, how impatient!, she reproached him, but she smiled at him, and the contact with the body of that tall and virile man aroused in her a sudden wave of desire.

I waited all night to see you again, I burn with the desire to take you and make myself mine.

Emma felt the tightening of his arms around her torso becoming bolder and a flush of heat rose to her face, turning her cheeks even more red.

I desire you equally, Dominick Sinclair. But we have time, let's not consume our carnal appetites too quickly. Let's have some fun before we roll around in the sheets together.

Emma, how impertinent you are today, he whispered to her in a velvety voice, making her shiver.

You're the one who makes me so sassy, she admitted, biting her lower lip. I deserve punishment, and I think a hot kiss would be a good start.

Dominick saw in her face that clear invitation to kiss her and without any hesitation he bent down to her face and took her lips between his in a greedy kiss, holding her tightly against him while their mouths merged into each other and her passion blazed within them like a fire that had barely been quelled. Emma sighed and moaned in Dominick's arms, she offered him her lips and tongue shamelessly, and he gave her a few moments of pure pleasure caressing her mouth with his soft lips and his wet, warm tongue. Their kiss lasted longer than it should have, and Emma pulled away before they both lost control.

My God, Dominick, you are so impetuous… Control yourself, my love, or you will end up driving me crazy too.

Dominick moved away too, letting her breathe, and licked his lips where her sweet taste remained.

Sorry, Emma. When I'm with you I can barely control my cravings. You have this effect on me.

Emma fluttered her long brown eyelashes and looked into the hazel green irises of her mischievous eyes.

I'm very happy about it. And by the way, know that I'm crazy about you too, I love you like I've never loved anyone else.

Dominick got lost in the languor of her gaze, in those blue eyes that reminded him so much of clear and boundless summer skies, and felt within himself that familiar fluttering sensation in the pit of his stomach.

My love for you is a hundred times stronger, Emma. If only I could imagine how I feel now...

Disconcerted? With a palpitating heart and butterflies in my belly?... I feel like this, and you?

He laughed. I feel the exact same feelings.

Emma slid her hands from his neck to his chest and said seriously:

Then we are both lovesick. And there is no medicine that can heal us. We are doomed.

Dominick laughed again, and Emma slipped out of his arms as lightly as a dragonfly.

Don't stand there in the doorway, go into the Dominick house. Do you want a drop of brandy? Or a sip of scotch?

The Marquis took his steps towards the main room of the cottage and unbuttoned his blue velvet frock coat and then placed it on the back of the sofa in the living room.

Thanks Emma, but I'm not thirsty. I was in town with Richard Garreth and we drank some port at Billing's .

I guess your lateness to our appointment is due to your meeting, then.

Exactly. We had a mutual business to complete, and we lingered in the pub wasting time in men's chatter.

I understand… I, on the other hand, got busy with this work. It's not over yet, but I would like your honest opinion.

Dominick followed Emma to the wooden easel placed in the center of the room illuminated by daylight, where a canvas depicting a glass vase overflowing with red roses was placed.

What do you think? Is it realistic enough?

Dominick looked at the painting carefully for a few seconds, then stated with evident appreciation:

Emma, it's very beautiful. The vase reflects the light beautifully and the roses are well defined, almost velvety looking. Congratulations, better every day.

Thanks Dominick, I'm glad you like it. I just have to touch it up in some places, to give the whole thing some little highlights.

Once it's finished, it will be a wonderful painting.

Emma's face lit up with satisfaction, and Dominick thought that her talent as a painter made her even more extraordinary. He knew that she was also an excellent pianist and hoped to be able to attend one of her solo concerts very soon. Emma Carswell was a beautiful, talented woman, and he wouldn't let her go for any reason in the world. She was as precious as a diamond, he loved her deeply, and although their love was threatened by the mutual hatred of their respective families, by the promise of marriage that he himself had made to Countess Tess Mallory, and by the danger that the Marquess Edward Harlings would ask Emma's hand from one day to the next, Dominick was ready to fight against all those adversities to be able to love Emma and make sure that she was his forever, only his. For now they were secret lovers, they met in secret and lived their love in the shadows, but he would do everything possible to improve the situation and break down all the obstacles.

Dominick, what are you thinking? You have such a serious expression… Is there a problem?, asked Emma, noticing his sudden silence.

He snapped out of his thoughts and reassured her instantly.

No, no problem, Emma. I was thinking to myself.

Emma didn't want to investigate further, and to distract him from his thoughts she made a risky proposal.

Dominick, would you like to pose for me? For a portrait?

His eyes widened, surprised.

Do you want me to pose for you? Now?

Yes, you understood very well. I want to try to make a portrait of you with charcoal!

Mmm… Will it take long? I hate sitting still in a chair staring into space.

You'll have to wade through me, not into the void. And it won't take long with charcoal, just an hour.

An hour?! Emma, can't we leave the portrait for another time? I have a mad desire for you, don't torture me, I beg you.

Dominick, it's early afternoon, we have until late at night to make love, let's indulge in this little entertainment, it will be fun.

I doubt it. I'll be bored out of my mind.

I promise you that won't happen. Come on, please me.

Dominick took a deep breath. Emma was looking at him with the pleading eyes of a puppy and he couldn't say no to her, he wouldn't be able to.

Okay, Emma. Tell me what to do.

She smiled excitedly and immediately ran to grab a chair from the dining table and bring it to the window.

Done. Come, sit here.

Dominick joined her and took a seat in the padded, red velvet chair.

I took off my frock coat, do you want me to wear it?, he asked, crossing one leg over the other.

No, you look great like this, with the elegantly knotted neckerchief and the tight waistcoat that highlights the shape of your torso. Sit comfortably, don't tense up, and above all don't move.

Dominick did exactly what Emma had told him and watched as she removed the painting with the vase of red roses from the easel and placed it against the wall of the room and then fixed a wooden board to the easel with a white card pinned on it with some pins. sewing. With a casual air she sat down on the painter's stool and rummaged through the box containing jars of oil paints and numerous brushes in search of some charcoal. When he had it in his hands, he smiled at him and said:

I'm ready. And you, Marquis Sinclair?

I am embalmed.

Emma burst out laughing, covering her mouth with one hand, then she became serious and placed the charcoal next to the immaculate sheet of paper.

Well, I'm about to get started. Hold the pose, you are perfect.

Is this your first portrait?

Yes, the very first. I can't guarantee it will be good, but I want to at least try.

I am sure you will portray me exactly as I am.

Oh, I hope so! Mister Scott will be proud of me if I do a good job. He says I'm talented, he has a lot of respect for me.

Emma, your teacher is not wrong. Your paintings are all very beautiful, you are really talented.

And you like this?

It makes you even more special in my eyes.

Emma smiled sweetly at him, and immediately afterwards her delicate hand began to outline on paper what must have been a first sketch of the portrait. Dominick watched her in silence for a few minutes, contemplating her eyes moving rapidly from the paper to her still figure, her expression focused and calm, the confident movement of the wrist that guided the hand over the paper. He remained stunned staring at her, letting his gaze slide first on the unruly blonde locks that escaped from her chignon to fall at the sides of her face and on her neck and then on the light cotton dress embroidered with small flowers stained with color that wrapped her body, highlighting her rounded shapes of lush breasts, thin waist, sinuous and generous hips. The skirt covered her legs, long and tapered, and black leather ankle boots peeking out from the hem of the dress, tightened around her slender ankles.

You're gorgeous, Emma, he whispered after that long contemplative pause. Watching you draw really excites me.

She gave him a pleased smile.

Did you see? I told you you wouldn't be bored.

Dominick Sinclair couldn't blame her. He stood calmly as time passed quickly and his portrait took shape on paper.

Chapter 3

Emma and Dominick stood in front of the easel with the wooden board on which the drawing board had been pinned, looking at the finished charcoal portrait signed by Emma.

He resembles me in a striking way, Dominick commented as he looked at the black and white copy of himself immortalized on paper. It's really me. I recognize myself in this man with such an aristocratic air.

Emma looked away from the portrait and onto Dominick's face.

Are you satisfied with the result? Do you really like it?, she asked him, doubting her work.

You couldn't portray me better than this. It's a masterpiece.

Yes, it actually turned out well, Emma admitted. I can't wait to show it to Mister Scott and hear his opinion.

The student is surpassing the master, Dominick told her, taking her hand with which she had blended the charcoal.

Careful! My fingertips are blackened with graphite, you don't want to get your clothes dirty.

Dominick kissed the back of her hand, then grabbed a rag damp with turpentine and wiped her fingers one after the other, rubbing the cloth against her fingertips.

"How gallant of you… However, it will take a lot of soap and water to completely remove the graphite and color stains

and eliminate the smell of turpentine."

You don't want to take a bath, I hope.

It would be ideal. A nice bath full of perfumed essences before offering you my body.

No, we're not talking about it at all. I've already given you an hour to withdraw, now go to the bathroom and wash your hands with soap, and don't do anything else.

Dominick smacked her on the buttock and Emma pulled her hand away from his grip.

Impudent, he whispered, running away to sneak into the bathroom. Dominick followed her, stopping in the doorway while Emma rinsed her hands in a basin of water and scrubbed her fingers with a soapy boar bristle brush. When he was finished, he carefully dried himself with a cloth and made sure there was no trace of dirt on his well-groomed hands.

You have a black graphite smear right here, the Marquis pointed out, pointing to her right cheekbone. Let me take it off for you. She dipped her handkerchief into the water in the basin and passed it gently over Emma's cheek, removing the smear and wiping her pink skin with a clean flap. Done. No more smudges and clean hands. Now you're ready for me.

Without giving her time to reply, Dominick lifted her bodily off the ground holding her with his arms wrapped tightly around her thighs and Emma laughed amusedly as he carried her out of the bathroom and into the bedroom door.

What do you want to do to me, you scoundrel?

Dominick flipped her onto the bed and Emma stared into his green eyes that shone with desire.

I'm going to strip you from head to toe, for starters. After that, I'll get naked too, and when we're both without clothes we'll caress each other until we can't take it anymore. Then I will take you, and make you moan with pleasure very slowly.

I shouldn't let you do these things to me, I'm a good girl, a countess to boot, Emma joked, lifting the skirt of her dress to expose a portion of her leg sheathed in the silk stocking.

Oh, I don't question your moral integrity. I am the libertine who seduced you and forces you to do these forbidden and scandalous things.

Hell of a marquis…, she continued, lifting her skirt further, until her thighs were exposed. To take advantage of the virtue of a young noblewoman with such impunity… You should be ashamed.

Dominick grabbed her ankle and removed her black leather boot, then did the same thing with her other foot.

You are a temptation I can't resist, Emma Carswell. I've dreamed of you for years, and now you're finally mine.

His large, warm hands rested on the bare skin of Emma's thigh and his fingers pulled off first one stocking and then the other, freeing her legs from that thin silk veil. He looked at her with a lustful expression, and Emma teased him by stretching out one foot until it touched the visible bulge of his arousal hidden in his suede breeches.

And are you mine, Dominick Sinclair?

You already know the answer.

The Marquis climbed headlong onto the bed and impatiently fiddled with the long row of buttons that closed the bodice of Emma's dress from the circular neckline to the belly, where the skirt began.

I hate all these little buttons, they are worse than laces.

Unfastening them one by one is part of the game of pleasure.

The torture game, you mean.

Emma laughed, while Dominick was already well underway and the dress was opening revealing to his eyes the satin slip she was wearing underneath. A few moments later, his fingers grabbed the dress, tugging it downwards and Emma was almost completely undressed.

This is an enchanting sight, commented Dominick, in front of Emma's half-naked body.

It's the same view as yesterday, the other day, and the day before that… The same body you've been enjoying undressing for four weeks. Aren't you tired of it yet?

Never Emma. I will never get tired of you and your wonderful body. Only a fool would do that, and I'm certainly not one.

Before taking off her slip too, Dominick decided to take off his cream colored waistcoat by undoing the buttons and slipping it off with a shrug of his shoulders. The elegant handkerchief he had around his neck, carefully knotted in London fashion, came undone after he had grabbed one end of it, pulling it downwards, and let it fall to the floor and immediately moved on to his immaculate shirt, which reached the floor, exposing beautiful shows off her broad shoulders and her light-skinned chest shaded in the center of the sternum by sparse brown hair.

Now I'm the lucky one enjoying the show, Emma flirted, hurrying to remove the bobby pins holding her long hair in the bun. The blonde locks spread like a sunburst on the mattress, enticing Dominick to sink his hands into them to feel their silky softness. He hastily slipped off his shiny, below-the-knee black riding boots and suede breeches, giving Emma a view of his long, muscular thighs, then didn't hesitate to take off his underwear too, releasing the arousal from the fabric that oppressed her. Emma rested her eyes right there and a spasm contracted her belly, making her blush.

I should portray you as you are now, completely naked and excited, beautiful and irresistible.

Dominick climbed back onto the bed he had abandoned to take off his clothes and said:

It would be a highly scandalous portrait, especially if it were exhibited in an art gallery in Covent Garden.

Emma raised her arms above her head and allowed him to remove her slip, revealing to him the splendor of her body as a woman in the flower of her femininity.

Oh dear, yes, all the ladies would cover their eyes and shout Shame! Horror! Outrage of modesty!", and men would be stunned wondering why Mother Nature ever endowed you with such grace. You imagine

the whole scene?"

The mattress gave a little under the weight of Dominick's athletic body as he lay down next to Emma. He looked at her and answered her question.

A truly hilarious scene. The whole ton of London shocked and embarrassed in front of my portrait, shouts and mutterings spread through the air, wide eyes and maybe even some fainting.

An amused laugh shook Emma's body, and Dominick joined her in laughing heartily. Their eyes met, and the complicity between them made them feel part of each other, two kindred spirits who had found each other and together gave life to a single soul.

Oh, Dominick, you and I are so alike… The more we are together the more I realize how much we are alike.

You're right, Emma. We are both two rebels, two immoral people who are not ashamed of secretly loving each other in contravention of the rules of the noble class.

If our families knew we were together, all hell would break loose.

But they don't know. And we won't tell him.

What if they found out?...What would we do?

Dominick placed a hand on her naked body and caressed the round curve of her hip, moving down into the valley of her thin waist, moving up her chest and stopping on her chest, squeezing her soft, swollen breast between his fingers.

We will fight together to make sure they don't separate us. We are not two silly kids like Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , we will not allow our families to ruin our love, we will force them to lay down the hatchet and let us live in peace. That's what we're going to do.

Emma nodded, patting his shoulder and then his arm.

Right. We will fight for our happiness. Together. But how will we solve the problem of Marquis Edward Harlings and Countess Tess Mallory? The marquis will ask for my hand soon, I'm sure, and you have already declared yourself to the countess a few months ago, you won't be able to make her wait any longer.

Dominick played with one of Emma's nipples, making it swell and his fingers brushed her collarbone and then her neck, going up to her temple and sinking into the silky mass of her hair.

You are not forced to get engaged to a man you don't love, you are stubborn enough to refuse the proposal of the Marquis Edward Harlings, and I can always change my mind and cancel the wedding with Tess Mallory to marry another woman.

Emma caressed his cheek and traced the outline of his lips with her index finger.

You may think I'm reckless, but do you know what would save us from this complicated situation?

What, Emma? Tell me.

She looked into his eyes and smiled.

A son, he said tenderly. A little Sinclair born out of a Carswell. A grandson who with his innocence could reconcile our families once and for all, and who would obviously cancel our obligations towards the Marquis and the Countess.

Dominick silently considered Emma's words.

A son, he repeated, toying with the idea of becoming a father. He was still young to be a parent, and a child was a big responsibility, but sooner or later it would have to happen. He was a marquis, he needed an heir to whom he could leave the Sinclair landholdings and all their possessions in the future. A child with Emma would have been the easiest way to solve all their problems. They loved each other, they could have raised a child with love, restoring peace between the Sinclair and Carswell families and canceling their impediments made up of the Marquis Harlings and Countess Mallory.

Do you think my idea is wrong? Emma asked, seeing that he was slow to respond. Don't you want to have children? Don't you feel ready?

Dominick snapped out of his thoughts and gave her the sweetest look Emma had ever seen on his face before that moment.

Emma, having a child with you would be the best thing that could happen to me. It's not a bad idea at all, on the contrary. I would love our baby immensely, and his arrival could truly solve all our problems and free us from the scandal of our secret love. I had never thought about this possibility. No man is ever truly ready to become a father until he holds his newborn child in his arms.

Emma smiled, relieved and happy.

So do you think we should have a baby?

Dominick cupped her face in his hands.

Emma, I'm surprised that after four weeks of relationship you're not already pregnant.

Emma blinked rapidly and admitted:

I was very careful. I wasn't sure if you were ready for fatherhood and I was afraid that a child would ruin our relationship.

Dominick stroked her hair and nodded.

I understand you… But you shouldn't have feared that I might leave you if you got pregnant. I wouldn't leave you for any reason in the world, least of all because of an unexpected pregnancy. Believe me Emma, I love you so much that nothing could separate me from you.

He leaned over her, and kissed her lips tenderly, touching her mouth with his own. Emma responded to the kiss with passion, greedy for him and his taste, and their tongues caressed each other with the same frenzy as on the evening of their first meeting, when Dominick had kissed her on the patio of the palace of the Dukes of Ashford in the darkness of night with only the stars looking down on them from the sky. Breaking the kiss for a brief moment, Dominick whispered mischievously to her:

We're really having a baby, Emma. A little Sinclair.

Are you sure you really want this?

Yes. I'm sure.

Then make love to me, Dominick, and fill my womb with your seed, so our baby will come soon. Or maybe, a little girl.

"A male heir would be preferable for inheritance matters, but a female will also be welcomed with love.

I will treat her like a little princess."

Dominick, my love…

Emma's voice was drowned out by a new kiss from Dominick, who rolled on top of her, covering her with his body. Emma spread her legs and he nestled between her legs with immense pleasure. Alice arched against him, offering her body to him to receive the caresses of his gentle hands, savoring his touch on her firm breasts, generous hips and thighs. She pulled him to her to feel him adhere to her skin, she slipped her fingers into his dark hair, and she abandoned herself to the exquisite sensations that he was able to give her every time they made love. She shivered with pleasure when his fingers descended into the heart of her intimacy to touch her deeply, tearing a moan from her and making her shiver from head to toe in an explosion of pure and blinding ecstasy that invaded her lower abdomen. Her body continued to throb even after Dominick stopped touching her between her thighs, gripping her shoulders with his hands, letting them slide along the shapely muscles of her arms, tracing the deep groove in the middle of her back, tightening his fingers around the her firm buttocks. Dominick drove her crazy by peppering her neck, sternum and breasts with kisses, sucking on her nipples and licking the skin around her navel. In response, she scratched his shoulder with a bite, then reached between their bodies to stroke his hard, erect member. She felt the involuntary contraction of his muscles against her palm and felt him hold his breath as she touched him.

Emma…

Dominick…

The Marquis took possession of her mouth again as she wrapped her legs around his hips to welcome him inside her. Dominick slid inside her, filling her completely, and together they moved in that dance as old as the world that united a man and a woman in a single pulsating and vibrant being, leading them towards the highest peaks of ecstasy. Emma moaned loudly as the orgasm shook her all over, and Dominick uttered her name against her lips as the embrace reached its climax, making him tremble in his lover's arms. Emma held him close to her, preventing him from leaving her womb, and felt the liquid heat of his seed invading her all over. They remained like that, hugging tightly and fused into one body, until Dominick's erection went limp, and then Emma let him go, and he, as always, surrounded her with his arms and body as if he wanted to protect her from the whole world. . Emma savored the sensation of his warm breath tickling her hair and neck and the possessive grasp of his large hands around her breasts, the vitality of that solid and virile body that prevented her own from cooling down and losing the rosy splendor of freshly consummated love. When, shortly after, he sought her mouth to start all over again, Emma sighed happily and her heart danced with joy in her chest, she rolled on top of him and Dominick held her by the hips, guiding her into a new shocking embrace, and the passion that burned in them without ever dying out made everything around them vanish, even canceling time.

Chapter 4

Emma was sleeping, her hair scattered on the pillow, her cheeks purple from the torpor of sleep. The lips, those soft pink petals so inviting, were slightly parted. Dominick leaned over and placed a light kiss on her forehead. At that contact, Emma let out a sigh and seemed to slowly wake up. Dominick watched as she put on the blue velvet frock coat he'd retrieved from the living room, and when Emma blinked and focused on him, a happy smile spread across his face.

Good morning, the Marquis greeted her, ready to start a new day.

Good morning to you, Emma replied, stretching under the sheets. Are you leaving?

Yes, I have to go, even if reluctantly. Richard Garreth is waiting for me in his office to define the final details of the deal we concluded yesterday.

Emma pretended to be sorry, but her perfect skin had all the splendor of a completely satisfied woman, which filled Dominick with pride.

What a shame… We could have given ourselves another dose of intense pleasure.

Dominick smiled mischievously. The previous night, after their first embrace, Emma had wanted another and he had been all too enthusiastic to please her. Then they indulged in a third embrace, and finally a fourth. If Emma had proven insatiable, he had behaved like a satyr.

You honestly wore me out, Emma. I would be very happy to oblige, but I need some time to recover my lost energy. I fear you have drained me of my manhood.

Oh, even!, she exclaimed, bursting out laughing.

Seriously, Emma, you are truly insatiable. Give me at least a half day break.

She raised herself a little, propping herself up on her elbows and admired him in all his pride.

How handsome you are, Dominick. You have just the refined appearance of a marquis, and your clothes look so good on you… Although I prefer you naked, I admit it.

You too are a splendid sight in your expensive silk and lace dresses, and even in a modest cotton dress stained with oil paint. But without veils you are even better, I love your sensual and soft body.

Emma moved on the mattress and the sheet slipped down from her chest, partially revealing her lush breasts. She did nothing to cover herself, on the contrary, she let Dominick rest his gaze on her and contemplate her with obvious interest.

Are you tempting me, Emma?

I would do anything to keep you here with me.

And I would be happy to stay. But duty calls me, I really have to escape.

He leaned over the bed and kissed her lips gently, then stood up and smiled at her.

When can I see you again, Emma?

Mmm… I have a busy day ahead of me today. I have to go to the suburbs of London to visit my brother Andrew. I haven't heard from him in a month and I want to make sure he's okay. Then I have to go back to town to pick up a new dress at Madame Roxanne 's shop . My father has decided to throw a dance party in our residence, so this evening I will be forced to do the honors of the house and dance with the counts and barons who received the invitation. I won't be free until tomorrow.

Dominick nodded his head, then ventured:

What if I crashed the party?

Emma raised a thin brown eyebrow.

You can't show up at my house with my father and mother present. They would throw you out on the spot.

I could go unnoticed with a good disguise.

What do you mean?

I have a trusted friend who works at the Theater Royal, he could easily get me a wig, a false mustache and beard, and a nice pair of intellectual glasses. Stage costumes. No one would recognize me, I promise you that.

Emma looked at him in surprise.

Do you really want to dress up to attend our dance party? It would be a big risk… And also our butler won't let you into the house because you're not on the guest list.

Add me to the list. Write the name of… Let me think… Mister Charles Dupont! Playwright. If your father asks you about it, tell him that you met me at the Theater Royal from your previous piano concerts. It will work, I'm sure. We will dance together all evening without your parents knowing who I really am. Do you feel like pushing your luck?

Emma shrugged.

Why not? It all sounds so exciting!

Very good. So… See you this evening, after eight.

It will be a pleasure, Mister Charles Dupont. I just hope I recognize you.

I will wear these same clothes, in addition to my camouflage of round glasses, wig, mustache and beard.

Are you going to be blond or dark-haired?

Blonde, obviously. And I will look very intellectual.

Emma slipped an arm out from under the sheets and stretched it towards Dominick. He clasped her hand in his and leaned forward to kiss the back of her hand.

See you this evening, Countess Carswell.

I will count the hours that separate us, Mister Dupont.

Letting go of Emma's hand, Dominick smiled at her and haughtily walked out of the bedroom. Emma listened to his footsteps cross the living room, then the sound of the front door opening and closing behind him. The day before Dominick had arrived from London driving his carriage, which he had parked in the garage at the back of the cottage, next to the carriage that she used every day to reach the cottage alone without the need to be accompanied by the family coachman. Emma waited to hear the clatter of the horse's hooves on the dirt road accompanied by the creak of the iron wheels of Dominick's carriage as it quickly left the Carswells' country property two miles away from the townhouse of Counts Victor and Sophia Carswell , in the heart of London. Left alone, Emma got out of bed and put on her damask satin night gown, walking barefoot to the kitchenette where she prepared a hot tea and two slices of bread sprinkled with orange jam. Afterwards, she treated herself to a lily-of-the-valley-scented bath in the tiled tub of the bathroom, and before the clock in the living room struck eleven in the morning, Emma put her hair up in a soft chignon and put on her yellow walking dress and a felt hat. and taffeta of the same color pinned on the head with some hairpins. He left the house under the warm spring sun, reached the garage that housed his carriage and headed into town to visit his brother and pick up his new suit for that evening's party.

§§§

The suburb of Southwark was located on the outskirts of London and was home to the humble red brick homes built during the Industrial Revolution to accommodate the textile workers who worked in London's factories. After being disinherited by his father Victor Carswell following the unfortunate accident that caused the premature death of Gabriel Sinclair, six years earlier, Andrew Carswell, Emma's older brother, had taken refuge in the suburb to lead a simple life and atone for his sins in complete solitude. Andrew was the same age as Dominick, thirty, and worked as a reporter for the Times , covering the politics and economics stories he wrote himself. That job allowed him to pay the rent and lead a discreet life, far from the comforts and splendor of the noble life that had been taken away from him as punishment. Emma felt a deep affection for Andrew, and tried to visit him at least once a month, to make sure he was well and to make him still feel like a member of the Carswell family. That day, when he knocked on her door, Andrew appeared on the doorstep in a linen shirt and moleskin breeches, his blond hair well combed and his eyes blue like his which immediately lit up with joy at the sight of Emma. After hugging her and kissing her cheeks, he invited her in and offered her to have lunch with him, making her sit at the kitchen table and handing her a plate of vegetable soup with croutons and a beef steak accompanied by red wine. Emma enjoyed lunch with her brother, and at the end of the meal they had the opportunity to chat amiably.

So, tell me how you are, Andrew.

I'm fine, Emma. You don't have to worry about me, I like this life, the pay from the Times is good, I have a roof over my head and I don't lack anything.

And health? Do you take care of yourself?

Certainly. I go to the doctor twice a year, I'm healthy as a fiddle and I haven't caught a cold since time immemorial. I'm fine, and I'm at peace.

Is everything okay at work too?

I am an excellent journalist. The editor of the Times appreciates my articles on the British economy and political scandals, and my colleagues respect me.

You have some friends?

Certain. Many friends. And also numerous women.

What kind of women? Respectable?

Textile workers, mostly. Women of humble origins who work hard to earn their living and go to church every Sunday. Some are very beautiful, you know? They don't have silk clothes and they don't paint their faces, but this fact doesn't make them any less attractive. They are simple women who are satisfied with very little.

Emma looked at her brother with loving eyes and caressed his hand placed on the table.

I miss you very much, Andrew. I would like you back in our house. That's your place. You are a count, don't forget that.

I stopped being an earl after our father disowned me and kicked me out of the house.

But your blood is noble, and always will be, even if father stripped you of the title of marquis. I will talk to him again, I will ask him to let you come home.

Emma, he won't listen to you. He hates me. He doesn't want me back within the walls of the Carswell mansion.

Don't talk nonsense. Our father is a proud and stubborn man, I recognize that, but you are still his son, his firstborn, his only male heir. All our possessions and monetary assets will be yours when he is no more. I will not accept becoming an heiress, you are a Carswell and one day you will get what is yours. This is not your life, you can aspire to have the best, you were born a count and you will be one again.

Don't you like how I live? Do you think he's too poor? That I don't like my job? Do you think I'm not happy?

No, Andrew, I didn't mean that. It's just not fair that you were stripped of your social status because of an incident that happened six years ago. You're not even guilty. I was there that evening, you know I saw everything. You pushed Gabriel Sinclair to dodge his punch, that's true, but if he had been sober he would have been able to remain standing. Instead he had drunk too much, and your push made him lose his balance. He fell from the balcony because he was drunk. Everyone saw that you tried to grab him by the waistcoat to keep him from falling down. It's not your fault that he died, you can't pay forever for something you didn't do. You will return to the Carswell house, if you have to argue furiously with dad to make him see sense. I promise, I'll talk to him.

Andrew smiled.

My little sister has become a stubborn woman.

Emma shrugged.

I'm no longer daddy's little doll . I have grown, I have strengthened my character, and I am ready to fight to get what I want.

I heard that a marquis would like to take you as his wife. Is it true or is it just talk?

Emma sighed and admitted that unpleasant reality.

Unfortunately it's true. Our father has convinced himself that Marquis Edward Harlings would be a good husband for me, but he did it all on his own, without asking me, and that Marquis is the kind of man I will never marry. I don't like him at all, he's full of freckles, with reddish hair and looks like a spineless guy. For charity! He hasn't asked for my hand yet, unofficially, and if he does I will decline his offer, I don't care if I cause a scandal.

Andrew shook her hand with which she had caressed him shortly before.

If I can give you some big brother advice, I suggest you don't marry any man who doesn't make your heart skip a beat with just one look.

At those words, the image of Dominick Sinclair instantly appeared before Emma's eyes.

I've already found that man, Andrew, he admitted, arousing his brother's curiosity.

Really? Are you in love?... Come on, tell me who he is, do I know him by any chance?

Emma blushed involuntarily.

Yes, I'm in love with him. He is a wonderful man, perfect for me. He loves me too, and I know he means it. He is a marquis, and you know him… He is Dominick Sinclair.

Andrew was silent, a surprised and incredulous expression at the same time painted on his handsome face with aristocratic features.

Are you dating Dominick Sinclair?… Gabriel's brother?… Emma, does our father know?

No one knows. I only confessed this to you and my dear friend Anna Winkler. I met Dominick by pure chance, it happened unexpectedly… And from a simple kiss we ended up spending almost every night in our family's cottage. We love each other very much, Andrew, our relationship is a serious matter, even if lived in the shadows.

Andrew ran a hand through his thick, slicked-back blonde hair and voiced his concerns.

Emma, you'll get in trouble like that. Dominick Sinclair… Why did you choose him?… Do you also want to be disinherited by our father?

Emma staunchly defended her feelings for Dominick.

I've always loved him, and you know it. He was my partner at the debutante ball, and I have thought of him with ardent longing ever since. When we met again, four weeks ago, passion broke out between us, and now we are a perfect couple, he makes me very happy.

Andrew shook his head doubtfully.

You will never get permission to marry him from our father. And Dominick won't have the approval of Douglas and Judith Sinclair. You are a Carswell, the Sinclairs will never accept you as their daughter-in-law. And then, sorry Emma, but Dominick is already busy, he proposed to Countess Mallory!

Andrew, I know this may seem crazy, and that our love blossomed at the wrong time. But I guarantee you that we are willing to do anything to stay together.

Concern crossed Andrew's clear eyes.

Aren't you going to run away together and get married in another country? You wouldn't be the first to do something like this.

Emma reassured him.

No, Andrew, we won't do anything like that. Dominick and I will resolve this whole situation another way.

What do you have in mind?... Come on, tell me.

Emma bit her lower lip before answering.

Well, we… We thought that… A child could be the solution to stop the Sinclairs and Carswells from continuing to hold grudges.

Andrew stared at her even more surprised than before.

Oh, Emma… Are you trying to have a child with him?

We both want this baby. It's a decision we made together.

Do you realize that a scandal will break out anyway? A child born before the wedding will cause quite a stir. And yours will be a shotgun wedding.

Emma shrugged.

"That's what people will think. But for us it will be different, the beginning of a life