Chapter One

He shouldn’t be here,
as if a man of his background would ever marry a lowly school teacher. If he was discreet, he would get away with this roomed cottage, a hundred yards or so away from the school house. It stood on the edge of town, convenient for his clandestine, nocturnal visits.
The door swung open and there she stood, blonde hair tied back with a blue ribbon that matched her high collared demure gown. Once a Quaker always a Quaker. Her background made her all the more desirable. The allure of forbidden fruit had always appealed to him. His groin tightened in anticipation.
“George Partridge, what brings you here?” Her eyes shone, her smile of pleasure lit up her beautiful face. Rachael stepped back into the cottage and he followed.
“I had to see you one more time before I leave for New York tomorrow.” He dragged her into his arms and ravished her mouth. He wasn’t a gentle lover; he saw no reason to be. Women were there to satisfy his lust. Releasing her, he stepped back a pace so he could shrug out of his coat.
She turned reproachful eyes on him. “You hurt me.”
“I have suchneedofyou it makes me inpatient. I love you so much, and I don’t have much time. I need to return to the office to catch up on a few things before I leave.”
“I love you too. Why can’t we announce our betrothal? I hate keeping it secret. It makes things seem, well, sordid.”
His face flushed with indignation. “Don’t you think I want to let the whole of Boston know that the beautiful school teacher, Rachael Fairchild, has consented to be my wife? It wouldn’t do, not until you meet my parents. The moment I return, I’ll arrange it. A large party I think, a hundred or more guests.”
She sighed. “I’d prefer something smaller. I know you’re an important man but…”
He putafingeron her mouth to quiet her. How gullible and foolish women were. “Not now, my sweet.” He reached for her again, and she offered no resistance.
Within a short time, they were both naked on the bed. Once his need was appeased, he dressed, kissed her quivering lips and left as abruptly as he’d arrived. dalliance for as long as he wanted. Discretion had got him to the position he was in today, and he intended to make it stay that way. derision, his wedding a few days away, but before he left he wanted another taste of Rachael, his little Quaker whore. Once he returned from his honeymoon he had every intention of resuming their affair. Giving Rachael an engagement ring was a master stroke, lulled her into thinking they had a future together. His lips curled with withBoston – 1870’s
He removed his soft kid gloves and knocked on the door ofnotthetwo