The Bet

Chapter 15: Small Wing, Brent Castle

Marcus took Frances' arm and walked her to his study. He wanted to apologize for his mother's behaviour, his behaviour, for hearing about his mistress. But he did not know where to start.

Frances being Frances brought that up, 'Is opera singer Carmella one of your mistresses?' He didn't want to lie to her, but he couldn't tell anything. He winced not knowing what to do.

Frances continued, 'Can you get me an autograph when you visit her next time, Anne likes her.'

Marcus' mouth fell open. Marcus asked, 'Do you know what a mistress means?'

To which Frances replied, 'Yes , mama told men go to the mistress for pleasure, as we all go to the theater or a musical.'

Marcus almost groaned. Frances was too innocent. That's what set her apart from the rest. There was no one like Frances. Marcus looked at Frances in fascination. He wanted to apologize for everything.

She was examining his writing table, 'You got an ink spill.'

Marcus walked to her and hugged her from behind and mumbled, 'I'm sorry.'

Frances tensed a little but relaxed. Marcus rested his head on her shoulder. She placed her finger on his cheeks and said, 'You haven't done anything that needs apology.'

Frances could feel the heat of Marcus' body sweeping through her clothes. Frances gasped as she felt something hard, pressed on her back and it seemed to be moving, no! growing. When she turned and told Marcus that, he just smiled sheepishly at her. She was frustrated, something was in Marcus' breeches, when she asked him to check, all he did was smile at her.

Marcus pulled her closer and kissed her. He was not as gentle as the last time, it was hot with passion. Marcus pulled Frances close, his mouth moved from her lips to her neck, she arched her neck giving him greater access.

Marcus' hands were everywhere cupping her, squeezing her, and stroking her. Frances squealed 'Marcus.'

He stopped, but did not take his arms off her. He asked, 'Do you want me to stop?'

Frances didn't know what Marcus was doing, she felt a strange sensation but it was a pleasantly strange sensation.

Marcus asked again 'Do you want me to stop?'

She said 'No, don't stop'. It sounded like a plea to her.

Marcus carried her to his bedchamber and showed her what exactly was hard and growing in his breeches. Marcus made her feel things, things she never felt and he was very good. Both were panting heavily when Marcus slid from her top to lie near her.

Frances asked in wonder, 'What did you do to me Marcus?'

Marcus chuckled at her question. He pulled her closer and said, 'I made love to you.'

She blushed and buried her face in his chest. Hugging, both feel asleep.

Frances woke up to find Marcus reading a book sitting next to her.

'Wake up, sleepy head,' Marcus said.

'Almost, what time is it?' enquired Frances.

'Half past one.'

Frances got up, let out a squeal and hid behind the blanket. She turned her head and saw a pile of her clothes in a chair.

'You should wait out,' said Frances blushing.

Marcus chuckled but left the room, closing the door behind him. Frances got up and dressed, mercifully she didn't wear a dress that had buttons in the back.

Indicating to the lunch tray 'I rang for lunch,' said Marcus as Frances entered his study.

'Both your parents are lovely, I like them very much,' said Frances.

Marcus winced, but Frances was busy with lunch and didn't notice. They ate in companionable silence.

Frances wanted to bid her farewell in person to Marcus' parents. However, Marcus insisted she leave a note behind. So she penned letters for Lady Martha and Lord Winston thanking both for their hospitality.

Marcus accompanied her to Chestnut house. When they reached, Marcus pulled her in his arms and kissed her deeply.

'I have an engagement tomorrow, will call on you in two days' said Marcus as farewell.

Frances was aglow as she recounted her meeting with Lady Martha and Lord Winston to her mother and Aunt Mary. She didn't tell the part about Marcus and her, it felt more private, it was their moment.

Mrs. Sophia Hill had tears as she hugged Frances and said 'I am so proud of you Frances; you got another royal invitation.'

Frances took the invitation with trepidation, what were they thinking inviting her? Maybe they wanted to demolish some other room. She didn't want to spend another day in those hoops. She opened the letter. It was from Princess Charlotte inviting her for riding in Richmond Park.