More from Lady Celina Knight of the Church

A bit more from Lady Celina Knight of the Church, available from Amazon

Once she couldn’t manage the stairs mother had a bed put in the old pantry for her.” After seeing Lily safely to her bedroom door, William returned and poured them both a drink as he said.

“I’ll bet this is the latest Lily's been up for years.” He looked at the clock. “Ten past ten and she’s only just to bed.” He settled down next to Jane, who cuddled up pushing under his arm and yawning.

“She’s not the only one ready for bed is she? Let’s finish our drinks, as the fire’s low and it’s getting cold.”

In the hall, William looking for the bags asked. “Where did you put the bags?”

“Yours is in your room, and mine is on the landing.” William picked up a candle, lighting it before blowing out the hall lamp. Then taking Jane’s hand he started up the stairs.

On the landing, he stopped to put the candle on a table, and turning to Jane he put his arms around her before planting a first kiss on her neck, and then with kisses working around to her lips. Jane felt something in her stir, as she returned his embrace and felt the warmth of his kisses.

One longer kiss; and what had only stirred was now fully awake. His lips met hers again. They were alone in the house for all practical purposes. ‘Should she, could she?’ It would be so easy. She didn’t need to lean to know that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. He broke away looking at her.

“It’s going to be cold tonight, your room in the attic…. well, it gets very cold,” he finished lamely.

”Does it?” Jane murmured, as butterflies wings started to flutter in her stomach. 

“I know a warmer place.” The butterflies took flight circling and dancing.

“Do you?” she whispered. Sudden doubts started entering her head as William took her hand.

On legs that had suddenly become weak and reluctant to walk, she was gently guided down the hall to his bedroom door. At the door, he put his arms first around and then under her; before lifting her off her feet, he carried her through into the bedroom.

Jane watched with her heart pounding. While fear, anticipation and want, all vied with her emotions, as the bed drew closer, and the bedroom door swung slowly closed, leaving the two of them in darkness.

Jane woke as usual at six of the clock, only to find that the stub of a candle was still alight in her room. This was followed by. ‘Why is Celina in bed with me?’ That thought was quickly swept away; it was not Celina, but William lying at her side. Memory came flooding back. ‘Yes, they’d done it.’

Looking to her right she saw William lying beside her still asleep, with his tousled hair resting on his pillow. She reached over and ran her fingers down the side of his face, feeling the stubble. It was as she did this that Jane remembered her bag was still on the landing, and not knowing Lily’s habits, Jane decided she had better move it promptly.

Getting out of bed and shivering in the chill morning air, she quietly opened the bedroom door. Then with a quick look over the banister to see that Lily wasn’t about to see her, she ran across the landing to retrieve her bag.

Dropping the bag just inside the bedroom door, Jane dived back into bed thankful for William’s warmth, as once more she snuggled up close to him. Jane felt him stir, and then an arm slid around her shoulders pulling her closer.

“We really ought to be up and about.” She murmured rather unconvincingly, as she attempted half heartedly to push William away, while her. “Before Lily comes looking for us.” Was smothered by his kiss. It was some time later as William lay there comfortably in the warmth of the bed watching her, that Jane was able to make her way to the washstand.

Missing her morning bath, Jane knew she was smelly and in need of soap and water. Reaching the washstand, Jane found to her dismay, that the pitcher was empty. William seeing Jane holding the pitcher slid out of bed saying. “I’ll go and get you some water.” Then putting on his housecoat, he gave her a kiss as he passed. Reaching the door, he turned. Returning for another much longer kiss before finally leaving the room altogether.

It was a busy morning for Jane, as Lily left shortly after a hearty breakfast. Leaving Jane with a kitchen that needed to be cleaned, and arrangements made for a proper meal ready for