Note to readers: Thank you for your comments and suggestions. It is nice to see there is interest in my writing. To anyone who has been offended by my use of words such as "pussy" "cunt" or "cock", I humbly apologize, but what is a naughty girl to do?!? Just to clarify though, I am not attempting to write in historically accurate terms here. I write simply for fun, and I don't mean the good clean variety. So in the spirit of "good nasty fun" I will continue to use such terms.
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Leanna and Neville arrived at the Jenkins home to attend her annual winter ball. They entered were greeted by Mrs. Jenkins, their hostess. She had to be at least eighty years old, and she peered closely at Leanna through a pair of spectacles. "My goodness, Neville. Who is this lovely young woman you have brought?"
Neville executed a deep bow over the woman's hand and turned to make the introductions. "Mrs. Jenkins, may I present Miss Leanna Webster. She has only recently come over from England."
Mrs. Jenkins' gaze never wavered as it assessed Leanna slowly. "Indeed? Well never let it be said that the English do not know how to cultivate absolutely charming young ladies. I'm very pleased to meet you, my dear." She reached out a hand to Leanna, who grasped it and curtsied politely.
"Thank you," Leanna replied, giving her a winsome smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, madam."
Mrs. Jenkins laughed brightly and turned to give Neville a conspiratorial wink. "Well, I can see you are going to make everyone else hopelessly jealous, the ladies because they will never look so enchanting, and the men because they obviously have no chance to gain Leanna's favor with you hovering beside her."
Neville laughed. "You know what they say, finders keepers."
Mrs. Jenkins shooed them on, urging them to have a good time. Leanna was instantly aware of a multitude of eyes turned toward them. The men eyed her figure appreciatively, the women eyed her gown. There was a moment's hush before everyone began talking amongst themselves. Leanna knew that much of the talk was about them, and she felt a slight blush rising to her cheeks. However, she turned toward Neville and allowed him to lead her through the crowd to a table of refreshments.
Neville retrieved two glasses of light wine for them, and they sipped their wine and looked around with interest. Neville pointed out various individuals, telling Leanna bits about one person or another. She found herself relaxing as she listened to his funny stories, and soon the orchestra began to play a waltz.
Neville bowed slightly and gave her a wink. "Would you honor me with a dance?"
Leanna's smile was brilliant. "I would be delighted."
Neville swept her onto the floor, and they began twirling effortlessly to the music. Neville was an excellent dancer, and Leanna felt slightly breathless as he whirled her through a series of turns, using the opportunity to pull her closely against his chest. She was aware that he was holding her a bit closer than was necessary, but she felt no desire to protest. It was, in fact, quite pleasant being held in his strong arms with his warm palm against her bare back. She ignored the many people who were staring at them with interest, and smiled up at her escort as he continued to fill her in on the town's gossip.
The evening progressed smoothly, with Neville easily deflecting the interest of several other men in attendance. They soon realized that he had firmly staked his claim on this lovely young woman, and they reluctantly turned their attention to other, more available prospects. Leanna was equally aware of the many women who eyed Neville with longing in their eyes, but he seemed oblivious to their interest. It was clear that his attention was focused solely on her, and she couldn't deny the warm feeling that she got from that knowledge. It was nice to have a man's undivided interest for a change, especially when that man was as handsome and charming as Neville.
Leanna relaxed and began to thoroughly enjoy her evening. It was during yet another waltz, as she was gliding around the floor in Neville's arms, when she felt the first twinges of uneasiness. She had the distinct impression that she was being closely watched, but she tried to dismiss it. After all, people had been staring at them for most of the evening. However, this feeling was somehow different, and the hairs on the nape of her neck began to stand on end.
Just when she was about to say something to Neville, they collided with someone directly behind her. Neville started to apologize, and Leanna looked over her shoulder to see who they had run into. The smile on her face froze and her eyes opened wide with shock as she stared up into the murderous sapphire eyes of her husband! It was apparent from the way those eyes were flashing at her that he was thoroughly enraged, and she swallowed hard.
"Trevor!" She breathed the name in wonder. She had never thought he would bother to look for her, much less to actually come after her. She had thought that she had been successful at simply disappearing from his life. Her heart was thudding heavily in her chest, and she would have been lying if she had tried to deny the thrill she felt at seeing him again, no matter what the reason.
"Leanna," he growled in a voice so low and fraught with anger that it made her shudder nervously. Trevor turned his murderous gaze on Neville. "Take your hands off my wife." The words were spoken in the same low voice, but some nearby guests had overheard and whispers and gasps could be heard among the crowd.
Neville dropped his arms from around Leanna's waist, but he kept a hand at the small of her back as she turned to face her husband. The two men exchanged heated glares as if they were sizing each other up for battle, each trying to determine the other's strengths and weaknesses. Leanna glanced nervously at them both and at the guests who were watching the exchange with avid interest.
"Please, could we take this discussion outside?" she murmured. "We're gathering an audience in here."
Trevor grabbed her upper arm in a viselike grip that made her wince. "There isn't going to be a discussion. I'm taking you home." He turned and stalked out of the house, towing Leanna behind him like a naughty child.
She tried to pull her arm free, but Trevor's hand was like an iron band around her arm. She settled for trying to keep up with his fast pace so they wouldn't attract even more notice from the other guests at the ball. When they were outside, Trevor didn't pause, but began leading her to a nearby horse. Leanna yanked hard on her arm trying to get him to stop.
"Trevor, let me go, you're hurting my arm."
