The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 29

Isobel decided to pay a visit to her future sister-in-law. Waverly's forthcoming marriage to her brother had been announced in The Times newspaper, the previous day, the second time Waverly's name had appeared in that paper.

Isobel had a copy with her when she arrived, the housekeeper showing her into the parlour. Waverly took the newspaper from her, reading the small entry, handing it back. "For someone getting married," Isobel said, "you do not appear all that excited."

Waverly forced a smile, pouring them tea. "I am. Truly," she replied, her voice lacking enthusiasm. "I am grateful to your brother."

"I must say, after I heard, I assumed James would have nothing more to do with you."

Waverly handed Isobel a cup, her hand shaking slightly. "I'm grateful he does."

"I mean, you and Nicole Haught. I'll agree she's beautiful and rather exotic. But, to think my future sister-in-law would be caught in bed with her."

Waverly had so many words she wanted to say, knowing Isobel had a wicked tongue, knowing she was looking to score an advantage from the situation. "It was an error of judgment on my part," she replied. "How are your wedding plans?"

"Were you really caught in bed with her? The article made no mention of the details. I assume they were too scandalous to print."

"I would rather not go into the details."

"Oh come now, I will be your sister-in-law in a few weeks. You have my utmost confidence. I'm dying to know what it was like. Was she naked?"

Waverly thought back to the night of the party, the memory of Nicole's sensuous touch still able to make her body respond. The moment Nicole had removed her nightgown, moonlight illuminating her naked body, Waverly's eyes feasting on her beautiful form, every curve and contour, every mountain and valley. She remembered how Nicole's hands gently coaxed her own nightgown above her head, allowing them to be free, unencumbered in a moment of vulnerability. She remembered how Nicole's fingers danced across her skin, each touch more exquisite than the last, building and building until she screamed out in ecstasy, unable to hold back, giving herself completely to her lover.

How could she explain that to anyone, let alone Isobel? How could she tell her Nicole made her feel things that night she never imagined could be felt? How could she tell her she was dying inside at the thought of never being with Nicole in that way ever again? Instead, she forced a smile, knowing what she experienced with her lover would remain between them forever. Her hand instinctively went to the soldier in her pocket, rubbing it, her only connection to the one person she most wanted to be with.

"I understand your mother has selected your dress," Isobel said, tearing Waverly from her thoughts. "Not too revealing I hope."

"I believe it is in keeping with the day," Waverly replied. "Mother has chosen her outfit too."

"I too have a completely new outfit for the day. James insisted I look my very best."

"You will, Isobel. You always look so refined."

"I understand the Haughts are not invited. As to be expected."

"As to be expected," Waverly parroted, her heart breaking as she sipped her tea.

Nicole waited for her mother to depart with her aunt on a shopping trip to the city. They invited her to join them, Nicole feigning tiredness and the start of a headache, her mother suggesting she stay with her. Nicole insisted she go, saying she would rest and hopefully join them on another trip in a few days.