woman. You can climax over and over, unless you are too tender to try.
“I should like to do it again, Andrew.”
“That’s my girl. I’ll make you come twice this time.”
“What?”
“Yet another euphemism for the orgasm.”
“Andrew, you must be making some of this up. Certainly there are not so many words for…”
“Say it.”
“Orgasm,” she whispered and then buried her flaming face in his neck. She was absolutely delectable and all his.
“Let me see, my friends and I made a thorough study of all things sexual while we were at Eton, don’t you know. My father’s money was well-spent.” He winked and laughed before continuing. “I believe that the definition of the verb to come actually originates from a seventeenth century bawdy song, not exactly one heard in the finest homes in England. Would you like for me to give it a go?”
Still blushing she nodded.
“If I recall it was called “Walking in a Meadow Greene” by one Bishop Percy and it went something like this:
They lay so close together, they made me much to wonder’
I know not which was whether, until I saw her under.
Then off he came (there’s your orgasm, sweet),
and blushed for shame so soon that he had end it;
Yet still she lies, and to him cries, “Push on lest I will rend it.”
Laughing uproariously they rolled and cuddled, kissed and caressed until their laughter passed and they were once again ready for each other. Never would she have thought that marital intimacy could be so much fun, especially while lying naked in the arms of her new husband that she had only known for a few days. She had to allow the courtesans and mistresses might be on to something. Little sleep was had that night as the newly wedded couple thoroughly explored the joys of their marriage bed.
Chapter Seven
T he following morning Andrew escorted a tired but contented Cici to the stables just as a groom was leading out a beautiful dun colored mare with white markings and a showy mane and tail. “This is Daisy. She’s only four, but quite well-behaved and energetic enough to give you a good trot and canter.”
He watched as Cici smiled and approached the mare properly, murmuring quietly and holding out a section of apple she had secreted away from the breakfast table. “Bribery will win the day, my dear,” he said laughingly as he patted Daisy’s neck.
“She’s beautiful Andrew. Is she truly mine?”
“Of course, I would never tease over a topic as important as horses. Now let’s get you mounted up.” His hands spanned her waist as he prepared to lift her to the sidesaddle. He paused as his hands felt the steel cage encasing his wife’s narrow waist. “Are you wearing a corset for riding?”
“Andrew, the stable boy will hear.” She whispered this in a shocked undertone. How could he discuss her undergarments in front of the others?
“William, walk Daisy for a bit and have Robbie hold before saddling Obsidian.” Guiding Cici with a firm hand he led her into the stable and to the tack room where he steered her inside. Immediately upon closing the door he began unbuttoning her jacket. Her hands flew up to stop him, “Andrew, whatever are you doing?”
“Hands down and hold still.” He brushed her hands aside and finished unbuttoning her riding jacket then pulled it off her shoulders and started on the blouse.
“Stuff and nonsense, husband,” she protested as her cheeks bloomed with heat and she became miffed at his behavior. “You can’t possibly strip me of my clothes here in the stable where anyone could walk in and see.”
“Watch your tone with me, wife. I’ve no intention of stripping you naked. I am merely removing this ridiculous corset. It's not safe to go riding in the countryside all trussed up like a Christmas turkey. I can’t imagine these contraptions do much for your health either what with your insides all compressed and squeezed.”
“But I can’t go without a corset, Andrew. It’s
Michael Connelly
Muriel Spark
Jon Sharpe
Pamela Warren
Andro Linklater
Gary Paulsen
Paulette Oakes
J. F. Freedman
Thomas B. Costain
C.M. Owens