Chapter 12

 

 

Three days later they were married at the small chapel on his estate. Miles kept to his word, staying at the dowager house while making his preparations. His mother had been rather cold towards him during that time, he assumed because he had won in the end and taught her a lesson about other people's feelings. Or maybe she had just reverted back to her usual self, considering her offspring a means to an end and nothing more.

 

During the days before his wedding, Miles wrote a letter to Bethany. He didn't know why he needed to do it, just that he did. He wanted to let her know that he was fine and happy. And most importantly, that he was happy for her and wished her and her husband well. Above all, he wanted to tell her thank you for making him a better man. It seemed it was the closure he needed to start this new leg of his life, one where he would be a faithful husband, and God willing, a doting father.

 

He had stolen moments with his bride during the preparations. It pained him that Natalie had no one close to her to help. Her family would obviously not attend. When asked, Natalie admitted that she had no close friends. All the friends from childhood had long since married and moved away, losing touch over time. Miles had considered contacting Bethany to come and help, but realized that would not be a possibility. Perhaps someday he would introduce her to Natalie, but right now, Bethany was where she needed to be.

 

The day of the wedding was beautiful. Warm, but not too hot, with clear blue skies dotted with clouds. The affair was small, with only a few members of local society attending. No ball would be held at this time, with his mother promising to throw them one during the season. There was just a simple breakfast after the ceremony, then the couple were whisked away to start their life together.

 

Natalie was in awe of it all. She'd attended large weddings before, where the couples had parties that lasted a over a period of days. But this was perfect. She'd never wanted anything ostentatious. Simple and elegant were good enough for her.

 

As she sat at her vanity in her new bedroom, Natalie was a little uncomfortable with the maid lavishing so much attention on her. During her bath, Constance, her new ladies maid, had washed her hair, combed it out and was now brushing it. She'd helped Natalie with her silky nightgown and was talking about this and that as though she were the one agitated about having a wedding night. The chatter was helping Natalie from becoming too nervous about what was to happen. She thought back to her mother talking to her before she died about her duties as a wife, but it was said in metaphors and references that Natalie had little idea of what was truly to happen.

 

Even all the books she'd read never came right out and said what occurred. Her maid, no more than eighteen herself, would not be a helpful source of information. Natalie remembered the few stolen moments that she and Miles had garnered over the last three days. She was never scared or apprehensive. She trusted him with all her heart. And that was how she would be that night.

 

The door adjoining their rooms opened and in walked her husband. He was casually dressed, in only his pants and shirt. He wore no coat or cravat and Natalie felt her heartbeat speed up at the sight of him. If seeing him in clothing could do this, she couldn't imagine how she would feel when he was naked.

 

Constance picked up a few pieces of clothing and exited through the adjoining door. Miles murmured a thank you to her before she left and the young maid curtsied and giggled. Turning toward his wife, she saw his smile at discomfiting the maid. Natalie would have to become accustomed to her husband being flirtatious. It didn't bother her, because she knew he only had eyes for her. If she'd had any doubts, they disappeared when he chose her above her cousin, a much prettier girl.

 

Natalie stood up and walked to stand in front of Miles. When he reached out and grabbed her face in his hand, she sighed softly against his palm. He smelled like rosemary soap and shaving powder. Before she could talk herself out of it, she reached up and ran her hands over his chest. The feel of his muscles and hair through his shirt was affecting Natalie deeply. She felt bolder, and more in control of her own destiny.

 

“I should like to see you without your shirt on, Miles.” Although whispered, Miles was pleased to see the little minx could be bold.

 

Without a word, Miles undid the buttons and pulled the shirt over his head. Throwing it to the side of the bed, he moved closer to his wife so she could inspect him further.

 

Natalie reached out, once again, and felt the soft hair on her fingertips. She was fascinated by the muscles and how the hair tapered down his stomach and disappeared under his pants. Pinching his nipples with her fingers, she smiled, wondering why men had nipples. She was so intent on her inspection, Natalie didn't notice how Miles' expression changed.

 

Finally unable to take anymore, he grabbed her hands and splayed them flat against his chest. “If you continue your exploration, my dear, this night shall end before it has begun.”

 

Natalie quirked her head to the side and gave her husband a curious look. “Did I do something wrong?” she asked, although she knew she hadn't hurt him.

 

“No. Nothing wrong. Perhaps it is time I saw a bit more of you.” Miles wasted no time untying her nightgown and lowering the sleeves down her shoulders. Slowly the material dropped, revealing her creamy, white skin. When the fabric was about to reveal her breasts, his skittish bride grabbed hold to keep herself covered.

 

Tsking his wife, Miles admonished, “Fair is fair, my dear. You got to see my chest. Tis only right for me to see yours.”

 

Natalie smiled at his playfulness. Taking a deep breath to steel her courage, she removed her hands and let the material fall to the ground. Gulping loudly, Natalie's gaze turned toward the ceiling. She felt her blush rise from her chest, to her neck and ultimately to her cheeks.

 

When nothing happened, Natalie dropped her gaze and saw that her husband looked in awe. He stared at her body as if he were a dying man and she was his savior. Her breathing deepened and the warmth came back, pooling in her stomach and making her feel beautiful.

 

As if reading her mind, Miles looked her in the eye and said, “I have never seen a more beautiful sight. Promise that you will never cover up. I shall like to see you this way very often.”

 

Natalie laughed. Before she could respond, Miles had her in his arms and was laying her on the bed. This would finally be it for her. She would finally understand all the innuendos she heard the old ladies speak of at balls.

 

Miles came to lay next to her, running his hand up her leg, then her stomach, finally settling on her breast. Bringing his mouth to hers, he kissed her as his hand played with her perky nipple. He felt her hand caress his arm and settle on the back of his neck. Even though his wife was inexperienced, she was brave and willing.

 

His mouth moved on its own volition, down her neck and to her breast. While suckling her nipple, Natalie ran her fingers through his short hair, playing with his earlobes. Her body responded with warmth and wetness between her legs.

 

Finally, Miles allowed his fingers to reach between her, opening her folds and feeling her desire. Using his thumb to rub a circular motion around her nub, Miles slowly inserted his finger into his wife. He watched her expression turn from curiosity to shock to hunger. He slowly withdrew, only to re-enter her again. Natalie's head fell back against the bed and he could hear her moan.

 

Determined to give her satisfaction before he had to hurt her, Miles continued his ministrations, pushing in and pulling out. First with one finger, then with two, so that his naive wife had little time to be scared over his invasion. When he saw her flush, panting, he murmured, “Let it happen, my dear. La petit morte.”

 

Natalie had no idea what he was talking about, but suddenly her body shuddered. Pleasure, like she'd never felt before, came bursting from between her legs, up her body, leaving her boneless and satisfied. Languid from the feeling, she stared at her husband as if he could conquer the world.

 

Miles stood up and removed his pants. Before he could rejoin her on the bed, she stopped him. Unable to sit up, she moved her body to her side and got her first look at a man's genitalia. His penis was long and swollen and jutting out like a soldier saluting. When he climbed on the bed, her hand automatically reached out and began to stroke him. This was what she'd felt in the garden and it fascinated her.

 

Regaining some strength, Natalie pushed her husband down onto the bed, so he was propped up on the pillows at the head of the bed. Still lying on her side, she used her hand to feel his erection. It was hard as steel, but the skin was soft. Using her fingers, she rubbed the appendage up and down softly. Without realizing what she was doing, Natalie leaned over and put her lips to the head, kissing it softly.

 

Before she could continue, Miles had her flat on her back, with him on top of her. Chuckling, he said, “Someday, my dear. Just not tonight. It has been a long time for me and your mouth would be too tempting.”

 

Natalie didn't fully understand, but allowed her husband to open her legs and place his erection in between. Slowly, he entered her and she felt her body stretching to accommodate him. The pressure wasn't uncomfortable, but it was not pleasurable to her either. Suddenly, Miles pushed all the way in and she felt a sharp pain inside her.

 

The pain was intense, but through it, she heard Miles cooing softly to her. He told her it would be better in a moment and how sorry he was to do it. Natalie hated that a tear escaped her eye before she could stop it. Miles looked devastated, so she set out to reassure him.

 

“Tis not so bad now, Miles. Please do not look so concerned.”

 

Seeing the sweat on his brow, she reached up and wiped it away. Then she felt something happen. Miles rocked slowly back and forth, producing the same friction as when he used his fingers. Determined, Miles moved languidly, trying to recreate his wife's first orgasm. When he saw her eyes flutter, he knew she was close once again.

 

Natalie nearly screamed out her pleasure, which drove Miles one last time for his own release. He could feel the walls of her closing around him, adding to his own orgasm. As his seed spilled within her, he thought of his wife pregnant with his son, which made his release even more fulfilling.

 

Moving to lay beside her, Miles gathered her up in his arms and kissed her forehead. Before he could think or stop the words, he said, “I think I may be falling in love with you, my dear. I hope that does not scare you so.”

 

Taking a deep breath of what must surely be the sweetest air, Natalie responded, “Maybe a little, your grace, but I shall learn to live with it.”

 

Miles laughed, deep from his chest. His little minx once again surprised him, pleasantly so. This was what he could never have had with Bethany and what he knew he deserved. Taking his wife with him, he surrounded her with the bed clothes and allowed her to fall asleep against his chest.

 

Only when she finally succumbed to sleep did Miles allow himself go as well, knowing full well that he would awaken her again and again that night. This was where he should be, where he wanted to be. And nothing could make him happier.