0 comments/ 42187 views/ 8 favorites Desiring Devona By: JuliaHarringsford Chapter One Lord Richard Mansfield pressed his heels into the horse’s flanks, goading it viciously back into a gallop. After a moment, he let the beast slow slightly. He shouldn’t be taking his frustration out on Storm. It wasn’t the stallion’s fault, after all, that Richard couldn’t get the brown waves of Devona Montbatten’s hair out of his mind. Try as he might to restrain them, his thoughts insisted on wondering whether the same gold highlights were strewn through the hair between her thighs. He felt his groin tighten at the very idea. “Calm down, Richard,” he told himself. “Just one more day.” After tomorrow morning, he would be married to Devona and then this ridiculous abstinence would come to an end. He was still amazed at the entire situation. The Montbatten girls, especially the two elder sisters, were quite well known in society for their lack of scruples when it came to entertaining their admirers. Out of the three of them, they had no doubt bedded half the aristocracy. Devona, unlike the other two, was at least discreet in her affairs. No one, to Richard’s recollection, had publicly claimed to have had her. She had held out against Richard a long time. She was still holding out. No doubt she had seen her sisters’ fate and knew she had to marry before the same reputation caught up with her. All he had ever managed was a few brief kisses, after which she had ruthlessly pushed him away. It was a very intelligent thing to do. After a few weeks, Richard had been yearning for her. He had thought when they were engaged, she would relent, but she had not. Now, the day before his last chance of escape, he was on fire, and had no thought of struggling. Devona’s slightly plump body would provide many, many nights, even years, of pleasure. She had a keen mind as well, which would fill those days not taken up with even more lovemaking. And unlike Rose and Lily, she might make a decent mother when it was time to produce an heir. Yes, all things considered, she wasn’t a bad choice at all. She would be faithful too. At least, she would if he had anything to do with it. He’d tie her to the bed, if he had to. He felt a stirring at that idea, as well. Damn it! Would the day never end? He had to hold out until tomorrow. The wedding would be over by noon at the latest, and he would take her immediately to bed and not leave for a week. He was swiftly earning himself an uncomfortable erection. He turned the horse toward home. Why was he even waiting? Surely she knew she had snagged him. They were to be married in the morning. He resolved immediately. He would drop by to see if he could get her out of her house. Perhaps to Vauxhall Gardens. The secluded paths there would be perfect for a hasty pre-nuptial coupling. Then he could relax and make it through the ceremony without exploding. It might be hard to get her mother to let her come alone. Unlike her daughters, Mrs. Edwina Montbatten was as frigid as the grave. Perhaps he could find some companions to lend at least a veneer of respectability. Harry Turbell, he knew, was shagging Rose and would be happy for an opportunity to see her. That would solve everything. He would go straight to the Montbattens’ and arrange to pick them up this evening. Richard let out a heavy breath, shifting in the saddle. He felt a little better already. * Hearing the drawing room door open, I looked up from my book. The parlourmaid curtsied and announced, “Lord Richard Mansfield.” I smiled as my eyes met those of my husband to be. Setting the book aside, I rose from my chair to greet him. He deposited a brief kiss onto my cheek, gave my older sisters, Rose and Lily, a brief nod, which they returned with flirtatious smiles, then moved to take my mother’s hand in greeting. Mama, setting aside the needlework she was performing on my veil, looked quite pleased with herself, as she always did when she thought of my impending marriage. Our family was poor and without rank; the advantage of the match was entirely on my side. “I understand you must be busy with plans for tomorrow’s ceremony.” Richard told Mama, smiling. “But I was hoping for the company of you and your daughters at Vauxhall Gardens this evening, if you can find the time. I was thinking of organizing a small party.” Mama smiled in return. “I’m afraid I have simply too much work to do, and I’ve made Lily promise to help, but I’m sure Devona and Rose would be pleased to join your group.” Richard glanced at me. “Excellent. I have a few things left to arrange, if you’ll excuse me.” “Of course.” Richard crossed back to me and bent to kiss my cheek. This time, however, his mouth also touched my neck as his hand found my waist, then slid deliberately down to my hip. “Until tonight,” he whispered thickly. Bowing to my sisters and mother, he quickly took his leave. Mama looked carefully at the door for a long time after it had closed behind him, then shot a glance to my sisters. “Lily, Rose, I want to talk to your sister alone.” Years of experience with Mama ushered my sisters out the door. Mama set aside my veil, smoothing it once or twice. She didn’t look at me as she began quietly, “I intended to have this discussion with you tomorrow morning, but I suppose it’s best to get it over with.” With a few clinical words, she described what would be “expected” of me after the ceremony, or rather this evening, if Richard’s behaviour was indicative of his plans. Though I knew more than Mama seemed to assume, it was still disconcerting to hear the act I had occasionally read of described in such plain terms. Was that really what would happen? I shuddered at the thought of the pain she described. “...but he’ll want to think you’re enjoying it. So you must pant and sigh, as if you take pleasure in all of this.” She looked up at me. My face felt deathly pale. The concern flooded her eyes. “Just lie still darling, and it will be over quickly.” She reached over and patted my knee. “Now go put on a pretty frock for your fiancé.” Trying to control the trembling in my knees, I moved up to my room. Sitting on the bed, I put my head into my hands. Until this moment, I had always seen my future with Richard as a kind of higher friendship, only vaguely aware of the physical aspect. Now, it had rushed in on me, shaking my very foundations. I had always assumed he employed a mistress for such things. But of course, Richard would want an heir to continue the line. It was silly of me not to think of it earlier. The few times he had kissed me, I had been unable to do anything but nervously push him back. Thankfully, he hadn’t pressed, but now his patience had run out. Wrapping my arms around my chest, I faced the facts. Tonight, I would be forced to lie with man. With Richard. A vision of my fiancé rose up before me, intimidating, nearly frightening: half a foot taller than me, with broad shoulders and strong arms that could crush me easily, Richard was not a man to be denied. I must have sat with my thoughts for over an hour, for the next thing I knew, Rose had knocked on the door and slipped inside. She was dressed in a provocatively low-cut blue gown. A scarlet domino cape was draped over her arm, and she held her loo-mask in her hand. Rose had been to Vauxhall Gardens several times, and claimed to know the secluded walks blindfolded. Catching sight of me, she looked immediately concern. “Devona, what is it?” she asked, coming across the room to put her arms around me. “Are you ill?” I wanted desperately to confide in my sister, but I knew she wouldn’t understand. I shook my head. “I’m just nervous about tomorrow.” “Is that all? Don’t worry, I’ll see you’re all right. For tonight you should just enjoy yourself. Lord Richard is going to be here in less than a quarter of an hour. What are you going to wear?” I shrugged. “Well, you’re not going to get very far with that attitude. Come, we’ll find something.” Rose crossed to my wardrobe and quickly sorted through the dresses. She returned to me holding a dark green silk. I had tried it on once, when Mother had first brought it from the dressmaker’s, then banished it to the back of the wardrobe. “This one,” Rose said decisively. “But, Rose –” “No arguments, Devona. You’re wearing this one.” Unable to protest, I meekly allowed myself to be pulled into the gown. Standing before the glass, I felt positively naked. My full breasts nearly spilled from the low-cut neckline and the flimsy fabric clung to my waist and legs, leaving little to the imagination. Rose allowed me to wear a fichu to fill in part of the neckline, but insisted on arranging it low enough to allow a healthy view of my breasts. Standing at my shoulder she smiled at me in the glass and kissed my cheek. “Richard won’t be able to resist you.” That was exactly what I was afraid of, but I was silent as Rose arranged my dark brown hair for me. She was twisting the last curls over my neck when we heard the bell ring. Richard had arrived. With a deep breath to fortify myself, I moved toward the stairs, snatching up my domino and mask as I went. He was standing in the vestibule and looked up as Rose and I descended. I felt myself blush, but managed to reach the base of the stairs without tripping over my train. When I reached him, he took up both my hands, turned them over, and laid a soft kiss in each palm. There was a dangerous glitter in his eyes as his gaze raked over me, making me feel suddenly naked. * Her dress was positively seductive. Richard was immediately pleased that he had taken the initiative this evening. In an hour or so, this burning hunger would be over, or at least slightly appeased. Sitting beside her in the carriage, Richard allowed his gaze to wander blatantly over the expanse of chest revealed by her fichu. A tinge of red slowly spread from her face down over the creamy flesh. Richard smiled. A minx who could still blush. She was enticing indeed. Halfway to the Gardens, Harry and Rose were already ignoring them, engaged in a little tete-a-tete between themselves. Richard reached out to pull Devona to him. She pulled away, blushing again. Richard didn’t let the motion deter him in the least. He took Devona’s hand from her lap and, turning it over, brushed his mouth against the inside of her wrist, his tongue darting out to touch her pulse. He felt her inhale sharply. He allowed his mouth to drift up her forearm, pulling it across him, turning her body toward him. She smelled wonderful. There was no heavy perfume, just the faintest hint of soap tinging the scent of Devona herself. He wanted to bury his face between her breasts and live on the scent. His lips had reached her shoulder and he was pulling aside the tiny froth of sleeve when the carriage jerked to a halt. Devona pulled her arm away as the driver opened the door. Rose and Harry descended first, laughing. Richard stepped out, then reached back to assist Devona in descending. Her hand was shaking harshly as she put it into his. She stumbled as she stepped down, falling awkwardly against him. Unable to resist, he held her close for a moment. His hand, of its own volition, wandered over her backside, finding it plump and firm. “Well,” Harry said with a smile. “Shall we claim a box and find these girls some champagne?” “Oh yes, please!” Rose said eagerly. Devona seemed willing to be pulled along with the rest. Richard wanted to take her into the darkened garden paths immediately, but even in Vauxhall, proprieties had to be observed. The quickly found an empty box overlooking the courtyard and edge of the gardens and tipped the doorman to ensure its use for the evening. Glasses of champagne were provided to the girls. Devona made a slight face at her first sip, but when Rose gave her an encouraging look, she quickly downed half the glass. If asked, Richard could not have recalled a single word of the conversation that passed over the next quarter hour. He was too busy watching Devona, thinking of what he would do to her when they were finally alone. Imagining how those delicious breasts would look once freed from the fabric of her dress, he became painfully aware of his cock straining against his breeches. “Miss Devona,” he said, nearly laughing at the formal tone of his voice. “Would you care to accompany me for a walk in the gardens?” For a long, dreadful moment, she was silent. Richard felt his heart lurch. What if she didn’t agree? Thankfully, she placed her hand in his and nodded shyly. “I would be pleased to, Lord Richard.” Richard took up her hand and tucked it into his arm. Rose and Harry rose as well, but at the doorway of the box, they skipped away, disappearing into the hedged paths of the gardens. Richard led Devona at a more sedate pace to another section of the moonlit paths. * I started as Lord Richard made a quick turn down one of the narrower paths, pulling me with him. The trees were too close for us to walk side by side and leave any kind of respectable distance. Richard put his arm around my waist, pulling me tight against him. I shivered at the feeling of his hard body next to mine. Richard caressed my hip and murmured, “It’s all right. Just come with me a moment.” He quickly led me to a small clearing in the trees, just off one of the paths. With a sudden jerk on my arm, he pulled me against him. His arms were like a vice around me as his mouth came down on my neck. “W-what are you doing?” He chuckled, his mouth coming up to pull on my earlobe. “I’m going to make love to you, sweet Devona. What did you think?” * “H-here?” I stammered. “On the ground?” He smiled and, taking off his domino cape, he spread it over the grass at our feet. I stared at it. He took my wrist and pulled me into his arms. As he ran his hands over my tense body, I shivered. His smirk slowly disappeared. “Devona,” he said slowly, “you’ve done this before, haven’t you?” I shook my head fiercely. “No,” I whispered. Richard slowly, perhaps reluctantly, released me. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. “I suppose I should have known, but, with your sisters, I thought – God! Are all Englishmen fools?” “You’re disappointed.” He shook his head. “No. Just caught off guard.” He smirked again, playfully this time, his gaze raking over me. “I’ve never bedded a virtuous woman before,” he murmured. He approached me slowly, backing me up against a nearby tree. I opened my mouth to protest, but he stopped me by settling his mouth over mine. It was a kiss like I had never felt before. He pushed his tongue into my open mouth, making me gasp. His hands drifted over my clothing and toyed briefly with the buttons of my dress as his tongue slowly explored the inside of my mouth. Finally, my weak protests made him pull back. “What was that?” I asked, my voice shaking. “What was what?” “You put your tongue – ” He smirked. “You can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.” He kissed me again, this time stroking his tongue deep into my mouth. For some reason, this caused my knees to turn to water. Richard held me close against him and slowly lowered me to lie on his cape. He kissed me ardently, shifting his body so he was half on top of me. There was a hardness in the front of his breeches pressing against my thigh. Mama’s description was enough for me to guess what it was. Richard released my mouth and gently bent his head to nibble at my neck. I suddenly felt so very warm. When he reached the edge of my fichu, he pulled it quickly away with one hand. I suddenly felt the cold open air of the gardens on my skin. “Lord Richard – I – ” His mouth was already trailing over the newly exposed flesh, quickly counteracting the cool environment. My protests melted away. His fingers gently manipulated the buttons on my dress. I only held my breath. But when his hands actually slipped into my bodice and touched my breast, I couldn’t help but give a nervous shudder. His hand dropped away and he met my eyes again. “You don’t like that?” I could feel myself blush. “I – Well, no one’s ever – ” He smiled. His teeth looked white in the dim light, like a wolf. Not breaking eye contact, he raised his hand again. I felt him slide gently under the fabric, his hand warm against my breast. His fingers curled to cup the flesh against his palm while his thumb played lightly against the nipple. I couldn’t move or breathe. He glanced down at the rounded globe, pulling it gently free of my bodice. His eyes looked up, full of mischief, as he lowered his head and actually took the little nub into his mouth. His tongue, probing against it, was hot against my skin. My body involuntarily relaxed, shivering with delight as I exhaled audibly. Richard released my breast with a low laugh. “I think you like it, don’t you?” “It’s l-lovely.” He pulled my other breast free of the bodice, then put his mouth on me again, sucking hard at my nipple. His knee slipped between my legs, gently spreading them apart, then he pressed even closer, shifting over me, his hips in line with mine. His mouth found mine again as he firmly tilted his hips against mine, pressing that hardness against the apex of my thighs. Slowly, the feeling of his body, rubbing up and down against mine, began to create a well of heat just below my abdomen. My mouth opened in a warm gasp. Richard reacted with a rough sound, pushing himself up from the ground. Walking a few steps away, he leaned against a nearby tree, breathing heavily. Turning back, he glanced down at my exposed breasts, then deliberately found my gaze and held it. “I think I’d better take you home. Or you’ll end this evening considerably less virtuous than you started.” I was at a loss to explain the strange sense of disappointment that flooded through me. Pushing myself up on my elbows, I asked, “I – I thought that’s why you brought me here.” Richard gave me a scolding glance. A moment later it softened as he said gently, “It was, originally. But I am not going to take your maidenhead like this.” His eyes, for a moment, wandered down, then shifted suddenly to my face. “I think you’d better cover up.” Embarrassed, I sat up, struggling to cover my exposed breasts. As I buttoned my bodice, Richard knelt beside me. His fingers slid under my chin, tilting my gaze up to his. “My poor Devona. I’m confusing the hell out of you, aren’t I?” He kissed me briefly, then pulled me to my feet. He said nothing else. Taking up his cape, he grasped my hand and we turned our steps back toward the main paths. My breasts ached beneath the tight fabric of my bodice. I tried to adjust it, but that only seemed to make it worse. I gave up as we stepped onto one of the lighted paths. * She was a virgin. Richard could scarcely believe it, but there it was. Despite growing up with two wanton sisters in a promiscuous society, she was untouched. She had never even so much as kissed another man. The pieces all fell together. Her shyness at his caresses. The lack of rumours featuring her specifically. How could he not have known it? How could he be so blind? She was a virgin! Nevertheless, Richard reminded himself, she was most obviously a passionate woman. Her reaction in the garden had shown that much. Her only trouble was that she didn’t know what to do with her hands. Or her tongue, for that matter. Well, he could teach her that. With great pleasure. With his valet’s help, Richard quickly stripped off his outer garments. Dismissing the servant, he sat on the bed a moment. Tomorrow, he would finally bed Devona. He would be the first man inside that delectable body, sheathed in her soft, wet heat. He took a deep breath, stripping off his breeches and climbing into bed. A nagging fear tugged at the back of his mind. He had heard, even from his own partners, of how painful sex was during a woman’s first time. He only hoped that if he was slow and gentle with her, he could bring her some pleasure. Richard leaned back on the pillows, recalling the sight of Devona in the moonlight, her breasts spilling from the open bodice of her dress. They had been silky yet firm under his hands, the nipples pleasantly hard against his palms. Desiring Devona He had barely been able to force himself away from her. But it was, after all, one thing for a woman to have a quick coupling in a public place, and quite another to lose a maidenhead with her skirts over her head, like a Whitechapel whore. Plenty of time to act out torrid fantasies later, when she was used to his cock plowing into her nightly. And perhaps daily as well. His thoughts had made him nearly mad with need. With a guilty feeling, he reached down and gripped his cock. Filling his mind with images of Devona’s body, in his arms, in his bed, he stroked himself into a frenzy. Tomorrow was his wedding day. Tomorrow, he would have her. Tomorrow...tomorrow.... Richard rolled over in the bed, away from the stain he had created, and drifted off to sleep. Chapter Two Richard watched his new bride as she fiddled with the ring on her left hand. The ceremony had been little more than a blur. The one clear moment was when Devona had pledged to be his wife. She was his. Finally his. She had worn yellow for the ceremony, the fashionable colour for brides. It suited her wonderfully. A ring of honeysuckle blossoms topped her brown locks, making her look even younger than her eighteen years. They had danced before their guests and were sitting now at the head table of the wedding breakfast. The morning was dragging interminably. There was a bed waiting for them in his townhouse, if only this interminable meal would be over. He reached over and covered Devona’s hand with his own. Giving it a squeeze, he kissed the back of her hand. He allowed her hand to fall, where it rested naturally on his thigh. For a glorious moment, she didn’t move it. Then, with a sharp blush, she jerked it away. Enough was enough, Richard decided. Taking up her hand again, he stood, gathering the attention of the guests. “Ladies and gentlemen, our friends. Thank you for coming to celebrate this day with us. Lady Mansfield – ” He paused to savour the name for a moment. “ – and I appreciate all you’ve done to make this day a joy for us, but regretfully, the time has come for us to leave you.” With that, Richard tucked Devona’s hand into his arm and began to lead her through the crowd to the front door where his carriage waited. Knowing looks, cat calls, and even a few coarse gestures followed them until they paused to bid farewell to Devona’s mother and sisters. The bride embraced each of them, her mother longest of all. “Come, Devona,” he said, trying to keep the longing from his voice. With another blush, Devona turned back to him and allowed herself to be led out to the carriage. * I nervously adjusted my skirts as Richard climbed into the coach beside me. I had been on edge all morning, remembering what had happened in Vauxhall Gardens last night. I was still very frightened of what was to come but now there was a strange anticipation as well. I could almost see the tethers that linked my body to Richard. I was uncomfortably aware of his proximity through the entire ceremony. It was worse now that we were alone. Though he was several feet away, I could feel the very heat of him. I nearly expected him to lunge at me at the carriage set into motion. My body was rigid with tension as he only watched me with a sly look on his face. I could feel myself growing warm under his gaze. Nervously I pulled the ring of honeysuckles out of my hair and, after toying with them for a moment I laid them on the seat beside me. We did not exchange a word until the carriage came to a halt. Richard let out a slow breath. “Home at last.” He gave me a reassuring smile. As I climbed down from the carriage, I heard the scuffling of many feet. I swallowed nervously as I saw the last few maids skitter into a rough line on the entrance steps. “It’s all right. I’ll take care of this,” Richard whispered. With a few polite words, he introduced me to the butler and housekeeper, then assured the rest that I would be happy to make their acquaintance when I had settled in. I blushed at the knowing looks, but thankfully, Richard quickly led me past the ranks of servants and upstairs. The bedroom where we soon found ourselves was dark, despite the fact that it was just past noon. The shades were drawn tightly over the windows and a couple of candles were lit, giving the room a soft, romantic glow. A wide bed dominated most of the room, the bedding pulled down. I was shaking as Richard turned the key with a soft click, but whether from anticipation or nerves, I couldn’t tell. Crossing to the fireplace, Richard lounged back in one of the chairs before it, folding his arms behind his head. “All right, my lady. I want them off.” “Them?” I asked. “Your clothes. All of them.” The blood rushed to my face, a familiar feeling. I could only stare at my new husband. Not an eyebrow twitched. He was serious. Instinctively, my arms crossed over my breasts, as if he could already see beneath my clothes. He leaned forward and grasped my skirt, pulling me so I stood between his spread legs. He ran his hands over the yellow fabric, pausing to caress my breasts carefully. He smirked up at me. “Take off your clothes, Devona. I want to see you. Really see you.” The deep sensual growl in his voice sent a shiver through my body. Before I realized it, my hand had wandered to the buttons of my dress and undone the first two. I stopped, frightened for a moment, but then reminded myself that there was no shame in this. I whispered the words, trying to convince myself. “Of course there isn’t,” Richard said gently. “You’re my wife. This being our wedding night, I intend to use your delicious little body for my wicked gratification. Nevertheless,” he smiled, running his hand down to my hip. “I promise to give you all the pleasure you deserve, pleasure you never thought possible.” My hand was still shaking, but I quickly undid three more buttons. Richard’s hand captured my wrist. “We’re taking our time tonight. Slowly.” “But – ” He smiled, slipping his other hand into my loosened bodice and finding my nipple. “‘But’ what?” “Can’t you do it quickly?” Richard tormented the nipple between his fingers, sending little shocks of pleasure through me. “I suppose we could do it quickly,” he said, “but it wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable.” “But Mama said – she said it would be easiest if I lie still and it’s over quickly.” Richard pulled me down so I sat on his lap. My leg brushed heavily against his erection, and I jerked away, but his strong arm kept me from falling. “If this is true,” he said quietly, “then I pity her, for she obviously knows nothing of the pleasures of the marriage bed.” At his words, I suddenly became aware that his hand had found its way under my skirt and between my thighs. His fingers gently touched the folds of my sex and I gasped sharply from the fire that flashed through me. His hand brushed the folds for a few moments before one of his fingers actually slipped inside my body. As he stroked it gently in and out, his thumb reached up and found a tiny spot just above my opening that convulsed with pleasure at the light contact. He touched it once or twice more, then pulled his hand away, resting his wet fingers lightly on my thigh. My body trembled, feeling strangely weak. “Now, Lady Mansfield,” he gently pushed me into a standing position again. “The clothes. Off.” Still shy, but a little reassured, I finished unbuttoning my dress. Holding the garment with one arm, I pulled the other out of it, revealing my bare shoulder. Looking down, I saw the nipple was visible through the thin fabric of my shift. A glance at Richard proved he noticed it too. His mouth was hanging slightly open as he stared at my body. Feeling exultation at the discovery of my power, I pulled my other arm from the dress, letting it fall. Lifting one foot from the floor I pulled off my slipper and nervously tossed it aside. Placing my foot between his legs, I lifted the hem of my petticoats and pulled off the ribbon of my garter, rolling the stocking slowly down to my toes. Tossing the stocking with my slipper, I similarly stripped the other leg. The tug of a few ribbons sent my petticoats to my feet. Taking a deep breath, I crossed my arms and grasped the hem of my chemise. With a quick motion, I pulled the last garment up over my head stood, naked, before my husband. I reached up to my hair and swiftly pulled out the pins. A shake of the head sent my hair tumbling down around my shoulders. The dark strands reached past my waist, tickling the skin of my backside as they swung. He stared at me without moving for a long time. I felt myself growing red again. As I blushed deeper and deeper, he only smiled. “I love that.” At my questioning look, he added, “How the colour goes right down to your breasts.” As my blush deepened, he took my arm and pulled me down onto his lap. He kissed me hard as his hands wandered hungrily over my body, lingering longest at my breasts. He seemed fascinated by them and spent more than a few minutes toying with the pink nipples before lowering his mouth to suckle them, making my back arch and my toes curl. I found my own hands wandering to his waistcoat buttons, but he pushed them away with a chuckle. “Not yet, little miss,” he said quietly giving my nipple a final, gentle tweak. He stood and held my nude body against his clothed one, then lead me by the arm toward the bed. “Lie down. On your back.” I trembled as I obeyed, more from anticipation than fear. He sat beside me, letting his hands run over my body. When his fingers slipped briefly back between my legs, I pushed my hips up from the bed, trying to keep the delicious contact. Richard climbed onto the bed, bracing himself over me. “It seems there may be a vixen in you, Lady Mansfield. You should bring her round sometime, I’d dearly love to meet her.” He kissed me before I could respond, not releasing me until I was nearly breathless. He trailed his mouth down my neck stroking his tongue over my skin. I shivered. His knee slipped between my thighs and pressed gently against my sex. There was a strange wetness at the spot he caressed, and a stranger heat spreading through my limbs. My hands slid though his hair, then to his strong shoulders and over his back. I revelled in the sensations he was sending through me. I gave myself up to him. Removing his knee, he slipped his hand into its place. As his mouth tenderly cared for my breasts, his fingers stroked and probed my sex, cool against the heat of my growing arousal. Carefully, he slipped one finger, then two, into my opening, sliding in and out in smooth motions. “Hot and wet, just as I thought you’d be,” he whispered. “Tell me what I’m doing to your body. How I make you feel.” I opened my mouth, but before I could speak, his fingers started assaulting my sex, pumping in and out of the sensitive flesh, faster and faster and faster, creating the most intense heat I’d ever felt. As the waves broke over me, I couldn’t form a single word. My mouth opened in a deep, visceral moan, “Oh!” I heard Richard chuckle, but his hand didn’t even hesitate in its ministrations. If anything the assault grew more intense as I felt the heat in my loins growing slowly toward something unknown, something mysterious, something.... I moaned and panted and arched my back, trying to grasp it, but it hovered just out of my reach. His mouth closed over mine, robbing me of air and his fingers searched deeper into me, one, twice.... Then, it happened. A strange, quivering culmination that shook my body to its core. My mouth broke away from Richard as I cried out. “Oh God!” It was too much! The pleasure ripped through me like lightening through a storm. When I opened my eyes again, Richard was brushing my hair away from my face. I pushed myself up onto my elbows. “What was that?” He kissed my nose. “That was an orgasm, sweet Devona. The first of many.” He smiled. “I don’t have to ask if you enjoyed it.” I gulped air, trying to catch my breath. “Wasn’t it supposed to hurt?” He looked seriously at me, shaking his head. “Not when it’s done like that, but it will hurt you the first time I....” My gaze was pulled inexorably to the crotch of his breeches, where the fabric strained against the large, hard mass within. He took hold of my chin and raised my eyes to meet his. “I wanted to be sure your first was painless.” He released my chin and my eyes drifted again to his breeches. Wanting know my fate, I reached for the fastenings. He made no effort to stop me. As I unbuttoned the garment, his manhood nearly sprang from within, hard and ready. I looked at it, registering only disbelief. Surely he couldn’t fit that terror into my body. There simply couldn’t be room! I felt Richard’s hand on my cheek. “It will hurt the first time, Devona. But you’ll love it, trust me.” I trembled at the thought. Summoning up all my courage, I whispered, “Can I touch it?” At Richard’s smiling nod, I reached out a tentative hand. It was warm against my palm. Deliciously warm. Slowly, I traced the veins that stood out like little ridges along its length, then touched the bit of moisture that glistened over a tiny slit in the tip. Hearing Richard suck in a harsh breath, I took my hand away. “Does that hurt you?” Richard shook his head. “On the contrary. Go on.” * She had small hands. Small, devilish hands that devastated his body. Her shy, inexpert strokes were more arousing than the touch of any number of trained courtesans. Richard panted, unable to think past the sensations travelling through his body. Through blurry vision, he watched her eyes. She knew what she was doing to him. Or did she? Roughly, he ripped open his coat, tossing it to the floor. Devona released him, grasping his shirt to pull it over his head. When he was naked to the waist, she crawled up beside him, pressing her breasts against his chest. He felt her mouth on his neck, her tongue on his skin. He shuddered with pleasure as her mouth slid up to tease his earlobe. Growling with need, he turned his head to capture her mouth. Kissing her deeply, he sculpted her flesh into his palms. He felt her hands wander down his back to explore his backside and thighs. He slowly lowered her back until they were lying on the bed. Gently nudging, he opened her legs, lying between them. She pulled her knees up, and Richard could feel the soft heat of her against the tip of his manhood. He was nearly mad with need. “Devona,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “I’ve waited for you longer than any other woman. I need to be inside you.” She nodded. He felt her stiffen in anticipation. Bracing his weight on his forearms, he shifted his hips slightly, wedging his tip into her. He saw her eyes grow wide; he was hurting her. “Devona, I – ” He started to pull out of her. “No. No. Don’t leave me! I need you!” Shaking, he leaned down to her ear. “Do you want me to go in slowly,” he panted, “or all at once?” “All at once,” she gasped. With one heavy thrust, he forced himself into her, feeling her tender flesh ripping apart. Devona closed her eyes and bit her lip. Braced above her, Richard held himself still, hoping that the pain would fade, that she would adjust. Finally, she opened her eyes and met his. He smiled, trying to reassure her, but he was trembling, needing release. She nodded to him. He slid nearly out of her, then thrust in again. He was still hurting her, but he couldn’t stop. He needed her too much. He pulled out and in, again and again, moaning at the feeling of her heat around his cock. Her legs tightened around his waist, pulling him deeper into her. Her eyes were closed, her mouth open, her breathing shallow. As Richard watched her face, she let out a deep, visceral moan. He wanted to weep with relief. He was giving her pleasure. “That’s good, Devona. Feel it. Feel me inside you.” She repeated the moan, calling his name. The ancient, pounding rhythm grew steadily stronger and faster. He needed to make her climax. He couldn’t let himself come until she did. She was so close. It hovered just out of reach. She moaned despairingly. “Ssh. Don’t fight it, Devona. Just let it happen.” Then it did. Her body quivered beneath him with joy, rapture and blissful sexual fulfilment. A moment later, Richard cried out with his own orgasm. His seed spurted deep into her. For a moment, he wondered if he was getting her with child. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he uncoupled them and gathered her against him. She nuzzled against his chest, her legs tangling with his. Lifting her chin on his fingers, he smiled at her. “Well, what did you think?” His tone was light, but he was afraid he had hurt her after all. She burrowed even closer to him. “Mmm. Nice.” He chuckled. Nice. What a word for it! “Can we do it again?” she asked softly. “Now?” She yawned. “Not now, I’m too sleepy. But later?” “Certainly, Devona. Anytime you like.” He kissed her hair. “There are many games we have to play,” he added mischievously. * Tired as I was, I didn’t sleep immediately. I felt terribly sore, but also satisfied in a way I had never been before. Mama had been only partly right. It had hurt dreadfully at first, but there had been no need for me to feign pleasure. None of the descriptions I had read or heard could compare with Richard’s hot hardness pumping into my body. Or the shivering ecstasy that had come of it. Labouriously, I pushed myself up on one elbow. Richard’s arms slipped down on my body; he was already asleep. What had he meant by ‘games’? I pushed away the temptation to wake him up and ask him. There would be plenty of time for games. Lowering myself back down against him, I inhaled the lingering, heady scent of our coupling. Chapter Three I awoke to the smell of coffee, cream and scones. By the small clock on the bedside table, I had slept through the afternoon and most of the evening. Sitting up, I realized I was in the bed alone. Frowning, I looked about the room and noticed the sitting room door was open. I put one foot on the floor, then the soreness of my body reminded me that I was naked beneath the sheets. Luckily, Richard chose that moment to appear in the doorway, wrapped in a dressing gown. “Good morning, sweetheart. The servants will be gone in a moment.” He crossed to me and kissed me. Unhappy with his performance, he perched on the bed and we kissed again until we were interrupted by a loudly closing door. “Ah. They’re gone. Time to get up, Lady Mansfield. Then, after supper, we can get back to bed,” he added with a wink. I looked around for a dressing gown, but there was none in sight. “Don’t bother looking for clothes, my lady. You won’t be needing any for quite a while.” I blushed. Getting up, I tried to wrap one of the blankets around my body, but Richard snapped it out of my hand. Pulling the rest of the blankets back sharply, he commanded, “Up!” Blushing deeper, I slipped my sore legs out of the bed. I was about to pass him when he grasped my arm. Looking back, I saw he was staring at the splash of dried blood on the sheets. He pressed my body to his. “Did I hurt you badly?” he asked, his voice tight. I smiled to myself. Hurt me? Compared to the other sensations experience in his bed, the pain was a fleeting ghost of a memory. “Hardly at all,” I told him, knowing if I denied it completely, he would never believe me. He kissed my forehead again. “Come.” In the sitting room were two beautiful sights. A small table with a hot meal for two, and a hip bath, filling with steaming water. “Which first?” he asked. My growling stomach answered the question, making us laugh. Desiring Devona “You’ll need your strength,” he said wickedly. “Come on.” I sat across from him as we ate in silence. But for the moments when looked at me as if he would devour me whole, I was surprisingly at ease, being naked before Richard. I had never thought of my body as beautiful before, but that’s exactly how he made me feel. Beautiful. Sensual....Wanted. Though we lingered over our meal, the bath water was still hot as I gratefully sank into it. There was a piece of flannel and a cake of soap beside the tub. When I reached for them, however, Richard brushed my hand away. “Just lie back,” he instructed. * She leaned back in the water, closing her eyes. Wetting the piece of flannel, Richard slowly looked her over. In the heat of his passion last night he had only been aware of a piece of her at a time, her breasts, her hips, her hair, the slippery wetness of her sex. Now, she lay displayed before him. His eyes drank her in. She was small-breasted compared to others he had known, but the pretty mounds rode high on her chest. The pink nipples, slightly darker than the surrounding areolas, made his mouth water to suckle them again. The flat plain of her stomach led down to the patch of curly, brown hair between her thighs. Hair that was, as he had hoped, faintly tinged with gold. She was utterly beautiful. Starting at her delicate feet, he slowly lathered her body. He smiled as he found the first one. The little places that drew gasps from her throat. He lingering slowly in them, memorizing them, enjoying the variety and frequency of those little inhalations of air. She really was a responsive little thing. Last night, despite the pain and fear, she had taken pleasure in his bed. Richard knew in his heart that it had not been feigned, could not have been feigned; she was too innocent. Had she been experienced, he might never have known for sure. He looked her over again. His sweet wife. His virgin wife, as least until last night. He had been the only man inside this sweet, carnal, responsive woman. He reached for a towel as she stood before him to be dried. The droplets of water clung to her, sliding slowly down over her skin, hovering on her breasts, gathering in her sweet little mound. With a sudden motion, Richard threw down the towel and, scooping up her wet body, moved with long strides back to the bedroom. She laughed wickedly as he dumped her unceremoniously onto the bed. Crawling up beside her, he put his mouth on her skin, licking up the water that clung to her. Along with the taste of her was the faintest hint of soap. His mouth closed over her nipple, feeling the hardness against his tongue. He felt her gasp as his teeth came down lightly on the little nub. She responded with an eager hand on his cock, chaffing it in her hand until he growled with need. Did she even have an inkling of how much he wanted her? He wanted to plow into her until she screamed. “Are you ready for me, Devona?” His fingers searched briefly inside her. She was slick and wet. Ready. “Invite me inside, Devona.” She spread her legs open. “Come inside,” she breathed, “Come inside me, Richard.” He entered her with a deep sigh and began to thrust. He loved her hard and deep, riding her with intense, sensual groans as she wrapped her legs around him, rocking into the bed with each powerful plunge of his pelvis. He tried to extend her pleasure, but he had not gauged his own need well enough. Far too soon, his groin tightened and he exploded inside her. After a few desperate thrusts, Richard collapsed onto her chest, then rolled off of her, mumbling an apology. “W-why are you sorry?” she asked timidly. He raised himself on his elbow and brushed a strand of hair from her face. Did she really know so little? “You didn’t orgasm,” he said gently. With a fierce blush, she murmured, “That’s alright.” Richard took her face between his hands, frowning down on her. “That is never, ever alright. You hear me!” His wife would know her rights, he would be sure of that. “This is about your pleasure as much as mine.” Slowly, a smile began to play on her lips. “If that’s true, you’ll have to make it up to me.” “Oh, you’re taking that line, are you?” “Yes,” she said with a half-smile. “I want another – another – what was that word you used?” “Another orgasm?” Richard asked. “Orgasm,” she breathed. “Make me orgasm.” * He stroked his hands slowly over me. Pulling my nipple into his mouth, he sucked it until I groaned. “Well, I could give it a shot,” he murmured, “if you’re really desperate.” He continued to play with my breasts, suckling one, then the other, back and forth, as his hands roved over my skin, stroking my hips, then the backs of my knees, then coming up to toy with my nipples as his mouth moved to my earlobe. By this time I was shaking, and he hadn’t even touched my sex. With a low chuckle, he did just that. He touched me softly, gently, teasing the tender flesh. His fingertips drifted over my entrance, but, though I arced my hips invitingly, they did not penetrate. His mouth left a blazing trail of kisses down my body, then feathered them over my inner thighs. He hadn’t shaved and the slight stubble of his beard tantalizingly grated the soft skin. He pulled himself up my body and began the entire process again, beginning with his mouth on my breasts. I ached for him, my channel empty. “I’m ready, Richard,” I whispered, hoping this was the signal he was waiting for. “I know you are,” he replied as he slowly continued teasing my body. His hand had reached my sex again. He gave it one light stroke before abandoning it. “Richard, I’m ready. I need you.” He chuckled. “You need me?” he asked innocently. “I need you – inside me.” “Do you?” “Oh, yes.” His hand slipped briefly into my sex, again only stroking once before moving on. I whimpered shamefully. “Oh, you’re going to have to do better than that,” he teased. “Beg me, Devona. I won’t make you come until you beg me.” I felt embarrassment flood my face as I whispered, “Please, Richard.” “‘Please’, what?” he prompted. I stumbled over the words. “Please – put yourself in me. I want you – so badly.” Richard’s hand came down and started to play with my sex, teasing around the sensitive little nub. I felt an orgasm start to build, but his hand drifted away and it disappeared. “Beg me, Devona.” He touched me again. A wave of heat moved through me, only to dissipate immediately. Richard did this time and again until I was whimpering and begging, heedless of how wanton I sounded. “Please, Richard. My body’s so hot. I need you inside me! Oh, please, Richard. I want you! I need you! Oh, God, please! Please!” Then suddenly he was there, filling me, stretching me, rocking my body with his. My hands glided to clasp his firm buttocks, trying to pull him deeper inside me. The orgasm started slowly, then built and built as Richard pushed into me, grunting with effort. When it finally came, my climax left me weak and panting, but Richard was far from finished. His thrusts continued with almost wild ferocity. As he kept driving into me, I was amazed to feel another climax building. I cried out my husband’s name, trying to thank him for the bliss he was sending through my body. Gasping, I let it wash over me as Richard finally allowed himself to release. He rolled off me, both of us panting. When I was able to speak, I whispered fervently, “Thank you Richard. Oh, that was beautiful. Thank you so much!” “My wife.” He gathered me against him. “God, I love you!” he whispered thickly. I froze. I could hardly believe what I had heard. “Do you?” He pulled me close. “I love you, Devona, my dear wife.” We lay silent for a moment. “Well? This is where you say you love me, too.” “I love you, Richard. So much.” He kissed me, deeply and ardently. “Thank you, Devona.” We settled back against each other. A nagging thought tugged at my mind. “Richard?” “Yes?” he responded sleepily. “What did you mean before. About ‘games’?” Awake again, he pushed himself up on an elbow and smiled at me. “Are you interested in a game, my little Devona?” “It depends,” I said evasively. “Why don’t you suggest one?” “How about a little play? Have you heard of mouth play?” I felt my brows come together in confusion. “Like kissing?” “Yes,” he said, pressing his lips to my neck. “And no.” There was another kiss between my breasts. “I’ll show you.” He trailed his mouth down to my navel, flicking his tongue briefly inside. He quickly continued down the matted nest of curls between my thighs. I struggled slightly as I realized his intentions. “Shh,” he said firmly. “Or I’ll choose a different game and you’ll find yourself tied to the bed.” He gently spread my sex with his hand and touched his tongue once, just once, to the heated flesh. I whimpered. “You taste so good, Devona my love. Like honeyed nectar. Did you know that?” I felt the flat of his tongue stroke me and I shook again. He played with my body a few moments, then set to work in earnest. Grasping my hips to hold them steady, he thrust his tongue into my entrance. As the spasms in my body began, I threaded my fingers into his hair, moaning quietly. Richard responded energetically to the sounds, playing mercilessly with my body, controlling its reactions. He would stop now and again to gently slurp up the liquid I could feel running from my sex, then resume violating me with his tongue. This went on and on until I lost all track of time. Eventually, he pulled away slightly. I thought this was the end of it, but instead he moved his target barely an inch. As he attacked the little nub above my entrance, I nearly fainted with the pleasure. He teased and licked the little spot until I felt I could stand no more. His fingers slid back into me as the assault of his mouth continued. I could feel the heat building again. “Richard,” I gasped, moving my hands in his hair, arching my hips, trying to pull his mouth even closer against me. “Richard, it’s coming.” He said nothing. Instead, he tilted his mouth slightly and covered the spot. His mouth sucked powerfully at me, sending the sparks of pleasure careening through my body. It built and built until I thought I would die, then released me in a final explosion. My body went limp. I was only vaguely aware of Richard, crawling over me, trapping me with his weight. He smiled down at me a moment, then lowered his head and kissed me. I could taste my own arousal on his lips. “Do you like mouth play, Devona?” “Y-yes,” I stammered, still trying to recover. “Enough to return the favour?” he asked lightly, rolling onto his back and propping his back against the headboard. I looked down at his manhood, standing stiffly out from his body. No. I couldn’t do that. * Richard saw the frightened look in her eyes and realized it was too soon. He longed to have that sweet mouth sucking hard at his cock, but she had to be comfortable first. He touched a hand to her cheek. “It’s alright. You don’t have to.” “No. I-I want to. I just – I don’t want to do it wrong.” Richard laughed, making her blush. Wrong? “My dear Devona. It is very, very hard to do this wrong. Kiss it. Start with that.” She slowly bent her head toward his cock. Her hair came forward, hiding her face. She lightly kissed the tip, then raised her head again. Richard slipped his hands into her silky hair, pulling her head gently back down. She took the hint, laying kisses over the length of the shaft, hardening him into full arousal. Reaching beside him, he found her hand and guided it to his testicles. She played lightly with the spheres as her tongue began to peek from between her lips, flicking over the little ridges on his cock. Richard closed his eyes. “Take it in your mouth, Devona. Suck on it.” She slid her lips around the very tip of his cock and suckled gently. “That feels good, Devona,” he said encouragingly. “Try taking it deeper.” Her mouth covered another half-inch of his shaft. He slid his hands into her hair again. Guiding, not forcing, he pulled her head lower. She meekly took the length into her mouth until he hit the back of her throat and she gagged. Raising her head slightly, he murmured, “Sorry.” He pulled her down again, careful not to go too far. “Ow. Watch the teeth, sweetheart,” he cajoled. She obeyed, pulling them back. He guided her mouth up and down over his length until she understood and took over the motions herself. Leaning back against the headboard, he allowed himself to enjoy the surprisingly good head his wife was giving him. She could use a little practice, but he wasn’t adverse to that chore. “Oh, that feels good. Harder, Devona. Suck harder.” She obeyed, pulling at his cock like a leech as she withdrew, gliding her tongue heavily against it as she moved down. “That’s good. Keep doing that.” He could feel the climax coming. Her tongue paused to circle his tip, making him shiver. “You’re beautiful,” he gasped. Before he could warn her, he quivered, then came hard in her mouth. She released him, choking and sputtering, as his seed spurted over her neck and breasts before stopping. Richard, with a great effort, reached to the bedside table and took up one of his handkerchiefs. Turning back, he was greeted with the sight of his wife timidly lifting his seed from her skin and placing it in her mouth. She swallowed, her hand reached down for a second taste. “If you tell me you like it,” he said with a chuckle, “I will worship at your feet forever.” Richard reached toward her and began cleaning her skin. “I need another bath, now,” she said with a smile. “You’ve made me all dirty again.” “No baths. I like you smelling of my seed.” * Richard wiped the last of the white liquid from my body, then tossed the handkerchief away. Caressing my face and hair, he whispered, “I didn’t think we’d come to that for weeks. You are a vixen, my little Devona.” I turned my face away, blushing. He caught my chin in his hand, leaning down for a kiss. “Don’t be embarrassed. You’re everything I dreamed of,” he whispered hoarsely. His hands cupped my face. I thought I saw his eyes shimmer, but he blinked and it was gone. “Devona, sweet Devona. My dirty little wife.” He paused to kiss my forehead. “I am dirty, aren’t I?” I whispered. “Me, little Devona Montbatten, just sucked on a – a manhood.” Richard smiled, putting a hand into my hair. “But you’re not Devona Montbatten, anymore. You’re Lady Mansfield. And Lady Mansfield, if I’m not mistaken, quite enjoyed sucking on my cock.” I nodded, blushing. “I like giving you pleasure.” “And you do it very well, m’dear. Very well, indeed. But perhaps I should let you sleep for a bit. I don’t want to wear you out.” He pulled me against him and we settled down into a comfortable position. I let my hands wandered over him. “Richard? Were you joking before? About tying me to the bed?” “Why? Does it excite you?” I looked away. “Yes. A little.” More than a little. Richard looked down at me, his smile positively wicked. “When it excites you a lot, then we’ll do it.” I burrowed closer to him. “More games tomorrow? Please?” “More games tomorrow, I promise. Sleep now.” Chapter Four The naked bodies twisted together in an orgy of wicked pleasure. I watched, fascinated, the tangled partners in quite unorthodox positions, listened to the cries of deep pleasure, and others of pain. Then, the hands and mouths were on my body, caressing my breasts and thighs and sex, driving me mad with longing. Teeth sank hard onto my nipple, making me cry out. Thick, invasive fingers spread my channel wide, then vanished. The teasing caresses drove me to tears. I begged for someone to fill my channel with beautiful hardness, but they only laughed, calling me a wanton slut. Desperate, I looked around the room. Richard sat in the corner, his arms crossed over his chest, scowling. “Richard!” I gasped. “Come to me! Come in me, Richard! Fill me! I need you! Please, make love to me!” * I woke with a start, my eyes falling immediately on the form of a maid standing at the foot of the bed. Her eyes were wide with shock. Had I spoken out loud? I pressed a hand to my mouth, feeling my face flood with colour. “L-lord Richard is down in the breakfast room,” the maid stammered, almost as red as I. “I’m to help you dress so you can join him, m’lady.” “Yes,” I murmured. “Yes, of course. What’s your name?” “Mary, m’lady.” “Would you fetch me a dressing gown, Mary?” The girl fled from the room. By the time she returned, we had both had a chance to recover ourselves and meet with equanimity. I slipped into the robe and followed her into the dressing room. It took Mary some time to get the knots out of my hair, but I was eventually made presentable and she led me down to the breakfast room. Richard was reading a copy of the London Times, but tossed it aside as I entered. “Hungry?” “Ravenous.” “Really?” he asked slyly. “Perhaps I should have kept you in the bedroom then. Or were you in need of a different kind of meal than I? There’s kidneys, scones. Or the cook could make you up an omelette, if you like.” “An omelette would be lovely. But I don’t want to put anyone out.” “Nonsense, Lady Mansfield. After you’ve eaten, I’ll show you about your new home.” He nodded to the servant waiting near the doorway, who quickly slipped out, leaving us alone. His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “Then perhaps I’ll take you back upstairs and fuck you again.” The coarse word flooded my face with colour. Richard leaned back in his chair, smiling at my consternation. “Don’t you want me to fuck you?” My blush deepened. I did. I really did. But how could I say it? * He loved to see her blush. It only took the smallest about of dirty talk to bring the colour to her face. Lord knew what would happen if he told her even half the things he wanted to do to her. She was such an innocent. Well, he’d find the vixen in her. It was there. He had already caught glimpses of it in his bed. The servant returned with her breakfast. Richard sipped at his coffee and watched her eat, mentally removing the multiple layers of her ensemble. What possessed women to wear so many clothes? Probably to extend the pleasure of taking them off. When she was finished eating, Richard set down his coffee cup. “Come. The grand tour.” He started by showing her the drawing room, dining room and parlour. “I’m going to get lost all the time,” she said with a smile as she wandered about yet another room, looking as if she had always belonged there. “No,” he answered. “Not here. But in Mansfield Park, yes. I’ll take you out there soon.” She looked a little daunted at the idea, but recovered in a moment. He led her to the library. The shelves took up most of the four walls. The rest of the space was taken up with the portrait of some old ancestress that he’d never bothered to take down. He smiled to see Devona’s eyes light up at the rows of books. This would be her favourite room, he had known that from the start. And he planned to make good use of her love of reading. He let her wander about the shelves for a few minutes, then said quietly, “Would you let me make a suggestion?” “Of course,” she smiled. “Good.” He walked directed to a certain shelf and pulled down a certain book. Tossing it to her, he let her examine it, waiting for her reaction. The title was deceptively innocent. She only realized what she had been given when she opened the cover and saw the illustration on the frontispiece. She looked twice, then gave a surprised choke. “Read it, Devona. And let me know if there’s anything there you’d like to try.”