The Viscount and the Vixen: Wicked Desires Book 2 (Completed)

Chapter 5. 1865 

His soft and gentle voice had Sophia's toes curling. She swallowed hard, trying to regain some composure. "Good morning my Lord. I do hope you were comfortable sleeping on that chaise. I'm sorry that I didn't allow you to sleep in your own chamber."
Nathaniel smiled. "It's perfectly all right. I wasn't going to leave you. Besides, the chaise isn't that uncomfortable. More importantly, did you sleep well? I do hope you're not in any pain."
Sophia. "I do have a bit of a headache, but it's not severe. As for my ankle, I'm not sure if I can put pressure on it."
Nathaniel moved into a sitting position. "Dr. Martin said that you wouldn't be able to put pressure on your ankle for at least a week."
Sophia exhaled with relief. "I'm glad it's not broken. I was afraid it would be. Thankfully I don't have any other engagements this week."
Nathaniel moved from the chaise toward the bell pole, gently tugging on the silver chain to send for one of the servants. "What sort of engagements do you have?"
Sophia gave him a soft smile. "I am an opera singer."
Nathaniel's eyes widen. "Really? Do you perform at the London opera house?"
Sophia shook her head. "No I don't. I perform mostly for private gatherings. Quite frankly, I prefer private gatherings over a large stage. It's more intimate."
Nathaniel. "When is your next engagement? I would love to come and see you. I prefer private gatherings myself."
Sophia's stomach growled loudly just as the door to the chamber opened. She smiled. "I would love to have you as a guest. My next engagement is next week, at the home of the Marquis and Marquise of Sussex."
Nathaniel. "I will certainly be there."
They continued chatting while enjoying the delicious breakfast of scones and tea that one of the servants brought them. Sophia discovered that Nathaniel had gone through a terrible marriage himself, his lasting for two years. They discovered that they both had a love of music literature horseback riding and the arts. It was also discovered that they had both lost their siblings to a deadly illness. It was revealed that Nathaniel's father had died in a carriage accident and his mother died of a broken heart within a week of his death.
Nathaniel put his empty tea cup and saucer onto the silver tray. "At least I still have my grandmother. She wants to make sure that I become properly married and have a family before she dies."
Sophia. "I cannot believe your previous wife Madeline treated you so poorly. If she wanted you as her husband simply to gain the title of Viscountess and the wealth that came with it, why did she marry you?"
Nathaniel shook his head. "To this day I don't know. I thought she loved me, and I was beginning to develop feelings for her. However, those feelings didn't get reciprocated. Thankfully, we didn't have any children."
Sophia. "Alexander and I don't have any children either. And he is the last person I would ever want to have children with."
Nathaniel looked at her. "Does he withdraw during intimacy? Forgive me for asking, I would simply like to know."
Sophia bit down on her lower lip. "Alexander and I have not exactly made love during our marriage."
Nathaniel stared at her. "What do you mean?"
Sophia rubbed the back of her head. "Whenever we are intimate with one another, Alexander makes it a quick affair. He isn't slow and gentle, but rough and violent. He always makes sure that I am treated like a dog and not a human being."
Nathaniel's mouth dropped. "Do you mean to tell me that your husband takes you from behind?"
Sophia nodded slowly. "Yes my Lord. He makes it a point to begin between my legs and then flip me over and end in my backside."
Nathaniel was horrified at the information. Alexander Howard didn't want any children with his wife. He treated her as if she was a dog and not a human being. "But why does he do that to you?"
Sophia looked down. "On our wedding night, Alexander made it his mission to get me with child. After two months, and no success, he's treated me terribly. He's always yelling and shouting at me, telling me that I am worth nothing. He hits and slaps me as well."
Nathaniel gently tilted her chin up so their eyes met. "If he treats you so poorly, why not divorce him? Why not take your lady in waiting and leave?"
Tears cascaded down Sophia's cheeks. "I've tried my Lord, I've tried so many times to escape with Mabel. But Alexander has always found out, and he has told me that I belong to him and no one else."
Without even thinking, Nathaniel brought her close, careful not to hit her head or aggravate her ankle. He held her against him, running his hand through her curls and rubbing her back. He felt her body shake with sobs, and his arms tightened. This poor beautiful young woman was being treated like garbage by her husband.
Sophia. "I don't know what to do my Lord, I honestly feel as if my life is a living hell. I simply want to be loved and desired and cherished. To have a husband who is going to adore me and not use me for his own benefit. I want nothing more than to be a mother."
Nathaniel came away, taking her face between his hands. He stared deep into those beautiful blue green eyes and knew he needed to help her. His thumbs caressed her cheeks, wiping away the tears that continued falling. "I wish there was a way I could help."
Sophia sniffled. "I wish there was as well my Lord, but I'm sad to say that, at this point in time, there isn't anything you can do. "
Nathaniel felt his heart break into pieces. He was wanting to help this young woman, so badly. He had no idea what to do. He caressed her cheek gently. "I could be your friend. If that's all right."
Sophia smiled softly. "I would like that very much. "
They smiled at each other, their eyes locked in a magnetic gaze.  There was no denying that passion was blossoming between them. And, before long, that passion was going to burst into flames.