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Audrey hadn’t wanted a hen night and had resisted most strongly when Marjory had told her she was planning one. She only relented after Marjory promised it would only be the two of them and Mrs Poo, who would be there.
They held it at the lodge. Mrs Beecham had made all of Audrey’s favourite foods and there was plenty of champagne. As the evening went on, Marjory and Mrs Poo gave Audrey their gifts. A gold necklace from Mrs Poo and a white garter from Marjory.
Audrey had blushed as she had examined it, her mind conjuring up images of Richard taking it off of her in various ways.
The conversation had moved on to children and Mrs Poo had made it clear she was hoping for several grandchildren and as soon as possible. The champagne flowed, and so did the conversation between them. Mrs Poo even mentioned Mr Dawkins, a man from the village, whom she had grown close to.
Back at the Manor, Richard was relaxing in the drawing room and sipping a glass of whisky. He had found a collection of Audrey’s board games in a cupboard and was skimming through them when Brabinger appeared in the doorway.
“Oh Brabinger, just the man. Fancy a game of scrabble? Or is that not permitted for a Butler and his….. whatever I am?”
“You are the Master of the house, sir. And yes, it is unusual. But as I have played various board games with Mrs. fForbes-Hamilton before, I believe in this case it is permitted.”
They sat down and played Scrabble and while they did, Brabinger regaled Richard with tales of a young Audrey, much to his delight.
It was almost midnight when they heard a loud crash and the sound of giggling coming from the entrance hall.
“I believe that could be the return of my fiancé.” said Richard, rising and walking towards the hall, followed by Brabinger.
As they neared the hallway, they heard more laughter. Richard peered around the corner to see a very intoxicated Audrey sprawled on the floor laughing and an equally intoxicated Marjory trying to help her up, but landed next to her. His mother was sitting on the chair by the door chuckling to herself while sipping a glass of Sherry that she must have brought with her from the lodge.
Smiling at the sight of them, Richard cleared his throat to get their attention.
An excited smile broke across Audrey’s face as Richard stepped into view.
“There he is, my handsome future husband.” Audrey said, holding her arms up out to him.
“I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink, darling.” Richard said as he approached Audrey and helped her to stand up.
She hiccuped and stumbled, and Richard reached out to steady her.
“Maybe just a little.” She slurred, throwing her arms around Richard’s neck and resting her cheek against his. “Take me to bed, darling.” She whispered into his ear.
“Yes, I think I’d better.” He responded with a slight smirk.
He looked over his shoulder to see Brabinger helping Marjory to her feet.
“Will you be alright dealing with Marjory and my Mother Brabinger?”
Brabinger nodded. “Don’t worry about me, Sir. I’ll get the maid to help me.”
“Alright Brabinger. Thank you.”
He then gripped Audrey’s waist and assisted her towards the stairs.
It was a little difficult, as Audrey kept planting kisses on his face and neck.
“You really are very sexy, darling. I can’t wait for bed. Make love to me here.” She said before grabbing his head and kissing him hungrily.
Richard responded in kind, rubbing his hands up and down her back, but he didn’t want to take advantage of her in this state, especially not with his mother, Marjory and Brabinger, all looking, so he eased his lips back from hers.
“And you taste nice, too. Like whisky and chocolate.” She sighed, leaning in for another kiss.
Richard evaded her and scooped her up into his arms. Audrey squealed in delight and gripped his neck as he walked up the stairs.
“Come on Cinders, let’s get you to bed.”
“You really are my Prince Charming.” She whispered, kissing his neck.
Richard got her into their bedroom and kicked the door shut behind them. He placed her on the edge of the bed and bent down to remove her shoes, her arms still holding onto his neck.
He got her skirt and blouse off, leaving her in just her underwear. Her nightdress was lying on the bed and, with a bit of manoeuvring, he got it over her head.
Although they had made love before and he had seen her naked many times, he kept her covered as much as possible as he took her bra off and put her arms through her nightdress.
“Audrey…” He began, but stopped when he felt her biting at his neck.
“Call me darling. You know how much I love it. Please… say it...” she said, taking his earlobe into her mouth and sucking it.
Richard released a moan as Audrey’s teeth scraped over his ear. Her grip on his hair tightening before she lifted her head away. “Make love to me, Richie.”
“Richie?” Richard said with a raised eyebrow.
Her eyes twinkled mischievously at him. “I like it. I think I’ll call you it when we make love. Wouldn’t that be nice? It sounds so intimate.” She purred, running her finger along his jawline.
“You can call me whatever you want…. darling.” He smiled.
“Please make love to me now.” She said, sliding her hand under his shirt and started fondling his stomach before moving behind his back and pulling him on top of her.
“Darling, wait a minute… we can’t...” Richard moaned as he felt her hands running over his backside.
Audrey looked up at him with a pout. “Don’t you want me, darling?”
“Of course I want you. But darling, you’re very drunk right now.”
Audrey’s brow furrowed. “Am I?”
“Yes, you are.”
“I do feel a little woozy.”
The corners of Richard’s mouth turned up.
“Let’s get you into bed, then.”
He pushed himself up and helped Audrey settle beneath the covers before kissing her forehead tenderly. She turned her head towards him, smiling dreamily as he fluffed the pillows behind her and covered her with the blankets.
He sat down again beside her. “Go to sleep, darling.”
Audrey rubbed her eyes, closing then opening them several times. “Sleep with me.”
Richard smiled and nodded as he stood and undressed, then pulled on his pyjamas before getting into bed beside her.
As he lay down, Audrey curled up against his chest and threw her leg over him. She snuggled into him, breathing in his scent. He was warm and comfortable and she felt wonderful being held in his muscular arms.
When Audrey awoke the next morning, it was to a raging headache. She didn’t know what time it was, but could feel the warmth from the sunbeams as they shone through the window onto her face. The sounds of birds singing floated in to her consciousness as she opened her eyes and saw Richard sitting on the side of the bed, dressed and watching her.
“Good Morning darling. How are you feeling?” He asked, gently stroking the nape of her neck.
His touch felt good but did little to ease her throbbing head, “On darling, I feel awful.” Audrey grimaced.
“I’m not surprised. You were a little worse for wear when you got back last night.” He replied sympathetically as he studied her delicate features.
He picked up her hand to place a gentle kiss on her palm. “I’ve brought you aspirin and some water. It’s best to stay hydrated after drinking too much.”
Audrey smiled weakly at him, gratefully accepting the glass of water he handed to her. She took the aspirin and drank half of the water.
“Thank you, darling.” Audrey said, letting out a yawn. “I remember little about last night, but I remember falling asleep in your arms.”
“Yes, you did.”
“I did nothing embarrassing, did I?” she asked, placing her hand on his arm.
He shook his head. “No, apart from calling me Richie, and asking me to make love to you on the staircase in front of Marjory, my mother and Brabinger.”
Audrey looked horrified. Richard, not wanting her to feel bad, took her hands in his and smiled.
“I know you weren’t yourself when you suggested it, but I’m willing to try making love on the stairs sometime.” He said, winking at her playfully.
Audrey chuckled, unable to hide the blush creeping up her neck. The idea appealed to her, though.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She said smiling.