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Chapter 26
After the horse ride to Remmington, Athena had thoroughly stamped down her feelings towards Felix. Oliver's letter and party planning had given her more than enough distraction.
She had also ridden Tempest over to Lord McDonald's estate regularly to take tea with Lady Louisa. She had become something of a mother figure, always interested in the projects progress and her opinions on the latest news.
These pleasant afternoons with Lady Louisa had yielded a prospect for more work. Lord and Lady Trimble had a country estate that they used as a summer residence when not in London and they wanted to get her perspective. Her latest letter from Lord Trimbles estate manager suggested it best she visit in person to compose her proposal. Lady McDonald assured her they were a respectable family, the Lord and Lady around fifty yea
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The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 27
The following morning Athena woke to a grimy, cloudy sky that fit her mood exactly. She packed her portfolio and drawing book strapping them to the saddled sides of Tempest. The black mare seemed to read Athena’s downbeat mood, nuzzling her shoulder and behaving impeccably as she prepared. Thomas Mellor had offered her the other horses but Athena begged the use of Tempest. Her temperament was no longer frightening, it was a reflection of their bond and she adored the black eyes that shone out of her shiny black coat like something from another world. The ride to Paven Hall was twelve miles and by the time she arrived at the house her optimistic energy had resurfaced. Determined to put her best foot forward she shook off Felix’s warnings. In all the gossip rags she had ever cast her eye over or parties attended she had never notic
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 28
Sometime later Athena woke to find Tempest gently nuzzling her cheek. The grey clouds made it difficult to trace the time of day but the available shadows suggested she had been knocked out for at least a couple of hours. Back on her feet she examined herself for injury and found apart from a very sore head and aching shoulders where she had landed and rolled, she was largely uninjured but poor Tempest had a slight limp. Athena petted and caressed the strong neck of the beautiful mare. She could not be ridden but was able to walk alongside Athena. She estimated they had another six miles back to Fairfax Manor. Taking the reins in her hand and planting a kiss on Tempest's soft black nose the pair started walking. Another hour passed of gentle rambling and a worry about being out alone in the dark as dusk started to arise.
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 29
Athena was forced to remain in her room for several days after the visit to Lord Trimble. The doctor ascertained she had suffered a mild concussion. Oliver sent gifts of chocolates, fresh flowers and funny notes. Lily was a never-ending supply of tea, biscuits and blankets and Athena felt herself turning into an old woman as she quietly rested by the fire.There was no word from Felix, not that she expected anything seeing as she had shouted at him yet again. She was more convinced than ever that her future lay away from the rigid manners of rich men and their properties. His whisper "I am afraid...of you" she dare not trust as a memory as it formed a part of the black haze of her faint.Craig visited, somehow always at the same time as Lily but she decided not to tease them about their secret affection for each other. His eyes and s
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 30
"Excuse me?" "Are you in love or in a relationship with Oliver? I need to know." His voice was flat and severe, demanding an answer from her. The statement caused her soft pink lips to drop open slightly in shock and a hand to clasp to her chest. "I cannot believe you would ask that of me," she replied in a hurt tone, "I have absolutely no interest in your brother apart from as my client and it has been that way since the day we met. I think I har best bid you goodnight, Sir." She turned her face away from his and started to retreat from the study in anger. In the flickering shadows of the darkened room, she seemed to glow with energy. Suddenly he grabbed her hand and pulled her round to meet his huge frame.
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 31
Athena's begging gasps seemed to send Felix into overdrive. He sped up his touching, rubbing her swollen nub faster, swirling, teasing it alongside her breasts whilst a storm of emotion built up within Athena. An overwhelming wave was about to break down upon her as the ecstasy grew too much to bear. "Felix...oh...I cannot stand...survive...oh," as he gently built her to a peak. She quivered and gently moaned under his touch. He continued to adore her body and lavish kisses and touches upon her as she slowly came back down to earth. In the crook of his arm, she panted and looked up into his dark eyes as their heads rested on the pillow. They were shining and lively, all trace of stern-faced cruelty vanished. She delicately trailed a hand across his jaw and marvelled at his good looks.
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 32
While Oliver was away again Craig fully intended to talk to Athena. He was aware they only had two short weeks left at Fairfax Manor but despite his best intentions, Lily had stolen her way into his heart. After their first kiss by the bench, he found himself hurrying through the morning to see her for lunch. He started surreptitiously taking flower cuttings and other sweet gestures which the men pretended not to notice. Lily gave him gifts of pies and baked goods which were just as joyously received. Lily had made it very clear that although she adored Craig she did not want an affair or anything outside of marriage. Craig respected her wishes and so kisses and close embraces remained their level. Craig found it increasingly hard to resist asking her to visit his lodge, especially as he knew she might say yes. Just once, t
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 33
It was now Saturday, a week before the party and time was passing agonisingly slow for Lily. She spent yet another day completing her chores, bored without Sophie’s company. Craig had not been able to see her since his soaking and a day without seeing his dashing smile and tumbling blonde locks made her heartache. Fiona, one of the scullery maids had agreed to handle the dinner preparations for Baron Felix tonight. He was unlikely to notice a change in servant but even so, she was nervous. Lily enjoyed her job and had never done anything to risk it, until today. As the clock slowly wound its way around to dusk Lily tingled with excitement, she knew Craig would be in his lodge alone. He kept to himself once the working day was completed. The atmosphere of the manor hous
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 34
As Lily stepped into the lodge a shiver of goosebumps trailed up her arms and spine. Everything screamed Craig. The front door opened straight into the parlour sitting room. His heavy working coats were slung over a chair, designs and drawings scattered over a heavy wooden table. The fire was down to embers surrounded by a sturdy black fireplace. There was no art on the wall but some hunting paintings and brasses. There was a small kitchen, with an untouched oven that made Lily's heart ache. He had not been eating regularly at all, no wonder he had been wolfing down her pies. She cursed herself for not enquiring more as to his loss of weight. Her hand trailed softly along the rugged wooden workspace leading to an empty pantry. She dare not explore beyond the parlour room and kitchen as beyond another door lay his bedroom. I
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