The following days were a rush of excitement. Michelle and Edward acted as chaperones to keep their outings respectable and Anna was glad to have Michelle there to keep her from yielding to a growing temptation. The time she spent with Justin seemed to be the most exciting days she had spent since her early days with Chase. She felt as if she had returned to her youth, when she had looked forward to being married, as well as having the joy of being in the society she had always wished to be a part of.
Justin was well known all over Brighton. He was greeted by name--at the theater, the Royal Pavilion, everywhere they went. This was a taste of the life Anna had expected to live with Chase. The days slipped by all too quickly. Anna believed Michelle enjoyed herself in the company of Edward. She was happy for her maid as well.
Before Anna knew it, Friday came. Saturday afternoon she would return to Southampton. Her thoughts turned to staying. Chase would never miss her, she thought. She would be pleased to continue in the company of Justin, at least for a while longer. It was only a dream, she knew, a fantasy, but a fantasy was something Chase could not ruin. Justin became the main focus of those sinful thoughts. Dangerous thoughts. Anna hadn't smiled as much in the past few years as in the past four days. Chase was right. This time away did her a world of good.
* * * *
Walking along the beach was Anna's favorite experience. Each morning, she and Justin walked close to the water, while Edward and Michelle, on the boardwalk or strolling on the pier, would watch them. They walked along in full view, yet they talked without being overheard. These were probably the most dangerous times as Justin was very candid about his desires. Anna feared voicing what she felt, knowing it was best to keep her fantasy to herself.
Friday morning, she dressed in a plain lavender dress as she prepared for their walk. The cotton dress had a scoop neck and short sleeves, just right for the warm summer day. Anna and Michelle came down to the foyer expecting to walk to the beach as they had the past few days only to find Justin waiting in an open carriage outside the entrance. Edward was in the driver’s box. He hopped down as the women exited into the warm morning sunlight.
"Ladies," Justin called, "your carriage awaits you." He stood. He was dressed in dark brown trousers with a cream-colored shirt and vest. The day was already too warm for his jacket, which he had draped on the seat. His sleeves were rolled up to just above his elbows, very casual. Anna was glad, fearful she had dressed too casually.
Justin stepped down from the carriage, offered his hand, and helped Anna up. Michelle stepped forward but Justin halted her.
"Don't you suppose you would be more comfortable beside Edward, Miss Michelle?"
"Oh," Michelle pressed her fingers to her lips. "Do you think it would be acceptable?"
Anna rolled her eyes. "Michelle," she interjected, "nothing we have done this week is considered acceptable. We are on holiday, so shouldn't we be having an enjoyable time?" The comment brought a smile to Michelle's face, as well as a glint to Justin's eyes.
Edward stepped down, and helped her into the seat before he climbed up beside her. Anna didn't think she'd ever seen Michelle glow with such happiness as during the past few days.
"So, where are we going?" Anna asked as Edward urged the horse forward.
"I thought you might enjoy our walk along a more private stretch of sand. There is a nice area a bit north. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not. I enjoy our walks. It will be nice to have a change of scenery this morning. I don't know if we will have time to walk tomorrow. I'm leaving for home, you know." The thought of returning to Chase was not a pleasant one. There was nothing she could do about it except put the thought aside for now and enjoy the time she had left with Justin.
"I know. I want you to know having you here has been a dream come true, Anna. I've enjoyed it so very much." Justin stretched his legs out, slouched in the seat, and made himself comfortable as they rode out of the town.
"I would be lying if I said I was happy about returning home. This is the best thing Chase has given me in years."
"Do you think sending him a thank you card would be the proper thing to do?" Justin said, quite seriously.
"Don't you dare, Mr. Waring." A nervous laugh escaped her lips. "What could you possibly write in it?"
Justin leaned his head back and closed his eyes. "Umm—how about this," he began. "My dearest Mr. Trent. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for sending your wife, unaccompanied, to Brighton. We were able to spend many wonderful days together. The absence of your dismal presence served to keep our days from being long and tedious. I further wish to thank you for the use of your wife in a manner of which I don't believe you would approve. As I am a gentleman, the details of our activities, of course, are none of your business."
Anna could not help but laugh, though she wondered what he meant. He was certainly bold in his musings.
"Again, Mr. Trent," Justin continued, "if you should ever wish to send your lovely wife away again, be sure to inform me so I might make arrangements to be available when she arrives. We will be pleased to take up our relations where we left off. Sincerely, Justin Waring, Esquire."
"You wouldn't dare," Anna challenged, but wondered at the reaction the note would inspire from her husband. "You are too bold, Justin."
"Boldness is essential in my line of work. Look," he pulled himself to a sitting position, "we are nearly there."
Edward drove around a curve and a small stretch of sand appeared. He drove off of the path and pulled up at the edge of the sand. A large tree stood at the edge of a grassy area where it met the sand. Edward pulled up by a shady spot. Justin stood, and offered his hand after he stepped out onto the grass.
"M'lady." He waved his hand across the beach in presentation. "I give you the privacy of our personal seaside retreat. I hope you will enjoy your stay."
"It is very nice. There really is no one around, is there?" She scanned from one end of the deserted beach to the other.
The small stretch of shoreline disappeared at each end behind grassy knolls sculptured by centuries of incoming waves. A cluster of rocks stood in the water at the end of the left knoll as if they had been tossed there from the top of the hill. The dunes rose midway down the beach. Anna could see the incoming waves, but where they broke on shore was hidden behind the dunes. The grass, wrapped around in a curve, swept to the tree where they stood and continued around to the other knoll. The private beach appeared to be hemmed in by a ribbon of green. It was beautiful.
"Edward, keep an eye on Miss Michelle, won't you?" Justin ordered. "Mrs. Trent, I may be a bit out of line, but I would suggest you and your maid remove your shoes and stockings. The sand is quite fine and you would find it most enjoyable to walk in the water instead of beside it." Justin and Edward moved toward the water a few steps and looked out to sea.
Michelle gasped at the suggestion. Anna gave a shrug, kicked off her shoes and sat on the edge of the carriage to lift her skirt to remove her stockings. Michelle reluctantly followed her example. She collected her stockings and shoes, then Anna's, and placed them on the floor of the carriage.
"All right, gentlemen," Anna said when they were ready. As the women watched, both men removed their shoes and socks; Edward collected them and placed them beside the others. Edward came to Michelle and offered his arm, which she took. The two walked toward the dunes.
Justin and Anna watched them wander away before Justin offered his arm. They walked side by side, across the expanse of white sand to the water's edge where Justin protectively walked between her and the sea. The sand was warm on Anna's bare feet. It was a sensation she had not experienced since she was a child. Just to be with Justin made her feel young. Life with Chase had aged her considerably.
Justin rolled his trouser legs up and allowed the breaking waves to wash over his feet. Anna was a little intimidated by the feel of the sand as it was pulled from beneath her and tried to stay beyond the reach of the tide.
"Why are you not married?" Anna had thought about this several times in the last few days. "A man as attractive as you must have several women of prominence seeking your attention."
"There are several." Justin picked up a small shell as they strolled. He looked thoughtfully out to sea. "They are only interested in my money or the status it would give them to be Mrs. Waring." He shook his head. "No, I want something more when I seek a permanent relationship. Perhaps someday it will come."
"All right, then, why would a man like you be wasting your time here with a married woman like me?" Anna wondered aloud as she watched a seagull glide serenely across the bright mid-morning sky.
Justin gave her a sly sideways glance. He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes as he evaluated her worthiness to share his secret.
"No." He finally shook his head. "You would not understand now. Maybe I will tell you, but not yet." He pressed the white shell into her hand. It was perfectly fan-shaped and ridged, very pretty. Anna turned it over in her hand, and inspected it before she pushed it far into the pocket of her dress for safekeeping.
"A memento," he said, "a picture of my life. It is beautiful on the surface, yet empty inside."
"Is your life so empty? You are the happiest man I know."
"Yes, it is empty. But," he grinned, and suddenly grabbed her hand. "I do try to make the best of each moment."
"You deserve someone who—Justin! No!" Justin ran toward the sea, and pulled her along beside him. Anna screamed as they ran knee-deep into the water before they met the incoming wave, or, rather, it met them. Justin dove through the wave as Anna crouched down, engulfed. She was unable to stand as the strong tide ebbed away. Her feet were pulled out from under her and she felt herself slip down as she was pulled under by the weight of her saturated dress.
Anna held her breath as a second wave crashed over her. She hadn't been in the water since she was a young girl. She could not stay afloat with the added weight of her dress.
As the sea retreated once more taking her with it, Anna felt strong arms slip around her waist, and lift her upward. As her face met the warm air, she gasped. Then laughed. She laughed a long, tension-releasing laugh as Justin pulled her back against his chest. They floated in shallow water, half-submerged and breathless as several more waves broke over them. Each wave pushed them closer to shore before one threatened to pull Anna from Justin's grasp. The water equaled her emotions; she wavered between the freedom of the sea and the desire for Justin. He held her tight, his strong arms wrapped firmly around her. Never had she felt so secure.
Anna felt his heartbeat, and realized it echoed her own. As the sea pushed them onto firm sand like pieces of driftwood, she turned, and looked into his face. He was silent, serious.
Anna whispered, "What is it?"
Without a word, Justin pulled her upward, maneuvered her effortlessly until her face was inches from his, and her body situated on top of his. Silently, he drew her closer until his mouth met hers. Anna's hands pressed against his chest but she had neither the strength nor the desire to push him away. Several waves broke and washed around them, as she lay wrapped in his desire. They took no notice.
Untold minutes passed before the kiss ended and Anna opened her eyes. Tendrils of her hair clung to his neck and shoulders, no more willing to retreat from his touch than she was. The skirt of her dress washed upward, and exposed her legs to the warmth of the sun. The drenched material wound its way around them both to create a cocoon Anna was reluctant to emerge from.
Justin's gaze locked with Anna's. "You were saying?" His voice was deep with passion.
Anna rested her head on his shoulder, her hand on his chest, his vest cool against her warm cheek. Keeping one arm around her, he enveloped her hand in his. Gently he brought it to his lips, and placed kisses on her palm, her wrist. Anna found it increasingly difficult to think, let alone speak or breathe as she felt their bodies pressed against one another. Despite the sea that surrounded them, she swallowed hard against the dryness of her throat and pressed her lips together as she fought to maintain her last shred of resistance. How she managed to speak again, she couldn't tell.
"You—definitely should be—loved for who—you are." The sensations she was experiencing were electrifying.
Justin kissed her palm again then turned her hand to deliver small, slow kisses along her fingers. He whispered, "Who am I, Anna? Do you really know?" He gently laid her on her back on the wet sand, and hovered beside her. He moved his attention to her neck as she slipped her arms around him.
Desire enveloped her like a fog. Her eyes closed and she knew that if she didn't open them again she would faint. Her body cried for him—to hold her, to kiss her again.
"You—you are—Justin Waring," She struggled to speak the words as she savored the touch of his warm lips along the neckline of her dress.
"Yours for the asking, Anna." He slipped his arms beneath her shoulders, and lifted her back from the sand. Supporting her head in his hands, he locked his eyes on hers once more. "Please ask," he whispered, urgently. "Ask." Before she could answer, he pulled her once more into a kiss that broke all restraint for them both. Time no longer existed. Anna had no idea how long they lay entwined on the sand. Justin took his mouth ever so gently away. He held her tight, stroked her hair, and kissed her face, her eyes.
"Be my woman," he whispered, breathlessly. He held her to his chest as he rolled on his side. Somewhere overhead, a gull cried, and brought the reality of where they were. His request left Anna speechless.
After a few silent minutes, Justin stirred. "Maybe we should return before Edward and Michelle become alarmed. From where they are, they can't see us. They may think we were swept away."
"We were," Anna observed, perfectly content to remain on the sand in his arms, not caring if Michelle discovered what she was engaged in. She saw Justin in a new light. He was no longer a man to be feared, but to be desired. Any loyalty she held for Chase winged its way to Southampton on the back of a screaming seagull.
Justin helped Anna to separate her skirt from his legs. He pulled her up, and helped her to walk as they waded carefully into the water to rinse the sand from their hair and clothing, mindful of the breaking waves. Once out of the water, they slowly walked toward Edward and Michelle who had, Anna had no doubt, witnessed the display of passion. The servants stood by the carriage. When Michelle turned, she gasped. She hurried down the beach, and Edward followed.
"Do you suppose she saw us?" Anna whispered.
"No, the dunes blocked her view. See how the beach dips down before the water’s edge?"
Anna turned back, and noted with relief it was true. She smiled as Michelle reached them.
"Madam! What happened?"
"It seems I was a little too close to the waves. I was pulled in. Mr. Waring was kind enough to help me out."
"Oh, sir," Michelle gushed with gratitude. "Thank you so much. She may have been washed away had it not been for you." She helped Anna to lift her skirts to walk easier.
"I came very close to being carried away, Michelle," Anna confided, her eyes on Justin.
"It was completely my pleasure to be of service." Justin bowed slightly to her. "Edward. Fetch the blanket from the carriage and spread it on the sand for Mrs. Trent to dry herself in the sun."
"Yes, sir," Edward called as he hurried up the beach. He returned shortly and Michelle helped him to spread the large blanket on the sand. Justin helped Anna to sit as Michelle spread the full skirt out around her to dry.
"Well, it’s a good thing it’s a warm day," Anna commented. "I should be dry in no time."
Justin seated himself on a corner of the blanket. "Edward, did you think to bring wine?"
"Of course, sir."
"Mrs. Trent may need a glass to fight off the shock of her experience."
"I might add, sir, you could probably use a touch as well." Edward noted how Justin was equally as wet. Justin removed his vest, and laid it in the sun. He opened his shirt several buttons, then raked his hair back with his fingers.
Anna could not help but smile and bite her lip to hide it as Michelle blushed. Justin's cream-colored shirt had become transparent and it clung to his muscular body. Michelle turned away, and followed Edward across the sand once more the carriage. When she was far enough away, Anna leaned toward Justin.
"You did this on purpose, didn't you?" She grinned.
"Did what?" Justin put on his innocent look again.
"You wore that shirt purposely and planned to pull me into the water. And now my poor young maid is awestruck by the display of your body in such a manner. She has probably never seen a man's body before, much less one like yours."
Justin looked down at himself then up at Anna. "Are you offended?"
"Not at all." She was well pleased with what she saw. She forced her eyes toward the sea once more, thoughtful. "But where do we go from here?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, what do we do now? Was one display of passion all we have or is there more?"
"I suppose it would depend on you. What do you want?"
Anna puzzled on how to answer such a delicate question. If she told him what she really felt, how would he react? The morning’s events changed her life. She made the decision to fully enjoy the time left with Justin and wanted to indulge in whatever he would offer. He wanted her when Chase did not. He was here. Chase was not. Hadn't Chase given her to him once before? Anna justified her feelings in her mind before she ventured ahead.
"I want you, Justin." She turned her gaze on him.
"Tonight." Justin whispered. His eyes flashed with something akin to triumph. His demeanor was serious, as a man determined to fulfill a promise. Anna felt her stomach tighten at the thought of the plans she had committed to. The taste of his kiss and the feel of his lips on her neck still fresh, she yearned for the evening, no matter the fear. For now, she had to content herself to sit by him respectfully, so Michelle and Edward would not suspect.
Michelle. What could she tell her? How could she get away without her for time with Justin? She would think of something.
"Here we are, sir, madam." Edward’s voice broke Anna's thoughts and the hold Justin had on her eyes. He returned with a basket on one arm and Michelle on the other. He and Michelle quickly set out a bottle of wine, two glasses, cold chicken, cheese, and bread. Anna watched in silence as the servants finished their task.
"Thank you, Edward." Justin opened the wine, and filled the glasses. "Why don't you take Miss Michelle down by the water? Just be careful you don't lose her to the waves." Michelle looked to Anna in askance and she nodded.
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Edward led Michelle away by the arm.
"Very clever." Anna watched the light breeze ruffle Justin's shirt open as it dried. "Here we are, alone, Mr. Waring, and there is nothing we can do."
"Tonight will be worth waiting for, Mrs. Trent. I promise you."
Justin offered a glass of wine. She took it with trembling hand, and thought back to another time when a blanket and a glass of champagne punctuated a change in her life. Justin held her hand steady for a moment. He gave her a reassuring smile as he held up his glass.
"Tonight."
"Tonight," she repeated and took a long sip.
They engaged in small talk as they sampled the meat and cheese. Mostly, she indulged in the wine. She was anxious, excited, and terrified all in the same moment. She busied herself shaking out her skirt, and turned it in the sun as it dried.
After some time, it became too warm in the sun. Justin appeared fairly dry as well. His shirt no longer clung to his body, much to Anna's displeasure.
Anna fanned herself. "It’s getting warm, isn't it? Or is it the wine?" She put her hand to her forehead.
"It is getting a bit warm. Stand and I’ll pull the blanket to the shade." Anna stood, her balance slightly affected by the alcohol. Justin handed her his glass as he pulled the blanket, feast and all onto the grass under the tree. Anna followed along, a glass in each hand, sipping as she went.
Justin leaned against the tree and invited her to sit with her back to his chest. Handing him his glass, she leaned her head back and felt utterly relaxed, at ease. He leaned his cheek on her head as his arm found its way around her. What started as a fearful experience, she thought, couldn't have turned out better. Yes, it was the thrill of engaging in forbidden pleasures that so enticed Chase. Anna felt no guilt. It surprised and thrilled her. With these musings, she hardly heard Justin speak.
With his arm surrounding her, he quietly spoke. "I could stay like this forever." Anna turned, smiling, and he kissed her forehead. "But I think both your husband and Michelle would soon be looking for us, hmmm?"
"And what about Edward? Don't you think he would wonder what became of you?"
"No. Actually, he is used to my disappearances. He is dutiful and simply waits for me to return."
"Do you disappear often?" She wanted to know so much more about him.
"Only when business calls. Edward understands I can be called at any hour of the day or night."
"Just what business are you engaged in? I thought someone with degrees in business would be able to work normal daytime hours and have the evening to himself."
"Yes, but I delve into other pursuits you would not understand. I have other talents you have yet to discover. So, let us enjoy the day and our last night, as well." He kissed the top of her head again as she relaxed against him. "Speaking of the night, I have a request of Edward to ask you."
"What would that be?" She leaned forward to sip her wine.
"He wanted your permission to take Michelle out this evening. As it is our last night, could you see to it Michelle takes home a sweet memory of this trip? Edward could show her around Brighton without us to get in the way. I am sure Michelle would enjoy it."
"I will ask Michelle if she would enjoy it. Thank Edward for asking. Michelle is such a timid thing."
"Thank you, Anna. You will have dinner with me tonight, of course?"
"Of course," she concluded. "We can wonder what the servants are up to," she joked.
"We will have something infinitely more interesting to do." He squeezed her shoulder lightly. He guided the glass to her lips. "Drink up, Mrs. Trent. These moments are just a taste of pleasures to come."
As she drank, he emptied his glass and refilled it. He filled her glass as well and encouraged her to indulge in the deep red liquid.
To Be Continued...
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination, or are fictitiously used. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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© 2008 Jena Galifany/Marge Conrad
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