Chapter 40
1119words
Philip watched her blend in with the crowd, unless one was told, they would never believe she was a help, she looked like she belonged her, not socializing but sipping her wine and watching the crowd. He noticed Lord Comwell's son watching her all through the night, and although he was with his friends he glanced at her every minute.
Martha knew Lord Comwell's son watched her, she knew almost every man there wanted her attention, and she didn't care, she held her head high, glanced at each man slowly and then before they could muster any courage turned her eyes from them. Philip watched her as she acted just like his family members did, with the same pride and regalia, she was really his fathers' daughter. She didn't smile, she didn't give her attention to anyone but she knew they watched her and she basked in it. He was really the odd one out, and the fact that she was his half-sister frustrated him more. As he tuned to get a drink, he felt a hand tap him, inwardly he groaned but put on a charming smile, it was Lady Donatus.
A rich widow who never hid her taste for younger men. He smiled politely at her and held a conversation although uncomfortable with her lingering hands.
Mary watched the lady make her way to Philip but didn't care, then she noticed Lord Comwell's son make his way to her. "good evening my lady, I am Ezekiel, lord Comwell's son and I could not help but notice how bored you look". She looked him up and down, taking in details about him, he was good looking and although not as good as Philip he could hold his own. His coat was well tailored and his skin gave up his rich life, blond hair that fell down his face and blue eyes like the sky. With a smile he proceeded to ask
"If you do not have your dance list full, may I dance with you?". She took her time to reply, taking note of the envy in peoples faces she placed her hands in his stretched arms
"Yes of course" she said with her smile. Dancing with him was the most interesting thing that night, he was good company and she laughed at his words especially when he told her he would have enemies after steaking a dance with her that night. Mary knew she would too as she noticed the gaze of young ladies on her, as the dance ended, he held her hands a bit longer and squeezed it.
The auction started immediately after that, and the Chairman of the auction looked at the crowd with a glitter in his eyes, the same as the look on the Comwells faces. His loud voice rang out as he described the necklace that was being auctioned. He talked about how it was rare blood diamonds found in Africa, with only two of the necklaces ever made. One was owned by the Queen of England. He talked about how the necklace was made from the purest diamonds and the finishing from raw gold. "Its going for the price of five hundred thousand gold coins", with that, the crowd went wild, voices filled the air and the bidding started. Sitting beside Ezekiel, Mary watched the bidding then she heard a small whisper beside her,
"this would fit only your beautiful neck my lady" Ezekiel said with a smile before bidding
"six hundred thousand gold coins" he said. The crowd gasped and a very expected voice rang out "seven hundred thousand gold coins". It was Philip. Martha smiled inwardly; his jealousy had gotten the best of him. Ezekiel looked back before replying
"eight hundred thousand gold coins". The crowed was in awe, and then Philips voice rang out "a million gold coins". With that the crowd erupted into gasps. It was obvious he had won the bidding. "A million gold coins going once, twice, and its gone, sold to Mr. Philip Winston". The crowd erupted into an applause.
Ezekiel looked at her "I am sorry I want able to get it for you my lady, only you deserved such beauty". Martha smiled "seemed it didn't belong to my lowly neck". Seeing them together irritated Philip and ignoring the congratulations from everyone, he stormed out. Many wondered why he reacted like that but only Martha knew why, he was clearly irritated with her and Ezekiel.
Swallowing his distaste, Philip approached Martha and her new friends, with a nod to acknowledge the young man he said "We should leave now Mary, the carriage is here'. She didn't argue and although she enjoyed Ezekiel's company, she knew it was late. "My lady "Ezekiel said, "it was lovely spending time with you, I hope we do meet again soon". Martha smiled at him and said, "I enjoyed my time with you too. Do take care of yourself. The young man bowed at both of them, and excused himself.
The carriage ride was agonizing, both of them avoided contact with each other, and the tension could slice open a fruit. Before Martha could utter a word, Philip ordered the carriage rider to stop and gestured to the young man to excuse them. "why did we stop here Philip", he looked at her, a mixed of emotions in his eyes: lust, jealousy, anger. "Enough with the games Mary, you are mine, I need you". With that he crashed his lips to hers, she didn't fight back, she let him rub his body against hers. His hands found his way to her breasts, fondling them making a moan escape her lips.
"Do you know what you are doing Philip, do you know what this means", he looked at her, pure desire on his face,
"yes I do, and I have no regrets".
The next morning was a mix of feelings for her, nothing had happened the night before but the thought of how close she had come to it was surprising for her. They were to return home today, and she wasn't going back as just Mary, she was going back as Philip's Mary.
