just the slightest whisper: “You see with your emotion, Emma. Your desire feeds me.”
The stroking became stronger, and Emma’s hand rose up Grace’s arm, catching the edge of the shift and sliding underneath towards her shoulder. Grace pulled back a little. Had she gone too far?
She stood and, in one swift movement, pulled the shift over her head and threw it onto the floor in a heap.
Emma gasped at her beauty. How many people have ever seen a naked ghost, she wondered? Grace turned back the sheet that covered Emma and sat back down. Her gaze was appraising but not judgemental. A finger traced a line from her lips down her chin and neck, between her breasts and down her stomach. Then it paused, before gliding softly between her legs.
Emma’s heart thundered with anticipation. There was an ache deep within her and she longed to open her legs and reveal the wetness she knew would have gathered. The kissing resumed, more passionate this time, and Emma reached out to touch the breasts she had been staring at for some moments.
Grace moved across the bed to lie next to her, keeping a hand between Emma’s legs and teasing them further apart. Her carefully placed fingers seemed to know every inch of her, reaching exactly the right spot. Emma was moaning and writhing in the sweet bliss of arousal. Her climax washed over her, bringing release and a sense of calm and peace.
When she opened her eyes, Grace was holding out a finger for her to taste. She licked slowly, savouring her own muskiness. It seemed a natural next step to reach out towards Grace and slide her hand down between her legs. The first sensation was of heat; the second was the soft hair, which parted easily to reveal the moist inner lips.
Emma looked up into Grace’s face, about to apologise for her clumsiness, but Grace put a finger to her lips and then said, “Do what you feel.” The whisper was barely audible, and her head tipped back in ecstasy.
It seemed Emma was doing the right thing. Grace was squirming around, her chest heaving as if breathless in the throes of passion. Her body twisted and contorted, hips bucking wildly, but Emma continued stroking. Grace held still for a moment then, and a breathless sigh escaped her lips. She relaxed in a heap and gazed longingly up at Emma.
Neither said anything for a few moments, but remained bathed in the light of the moon, which was dropping in the sky behind the trees. Grace leaned over and cradled Emma’s face in her hands. In the moonlight, Emma thought she could make out tears glistening in Grace’s eyes and a satisfied smile.
The kiss this time held an emotional connection. There was passion, but the overriding emotion was gratitude. They held hands for a while, staring into each other’s souls, until Emma found the most peaceful and restful sleep she had had in some time.
Chapter Fourteen
Autumn/winter 1784
Sunday, 5 September
The most beautiful ring I ever saw sits in a box in Pa’s room. Or at least it used to until today. Pa told me some years ago of its existence. He made it for Mama, but she died before it was finished, so she never wore it. He has kept it there until now.
So it sprang to my mind just the other day that it would make a perfect gift for my Suzanne, and she could wear it as a token of my affection.
She was a little nervous at first, but when I told her she could wear it on her right hand instead, she smiled and told me she would be proud to have it. I was never so happy as when I placed it on her finger. I know we can never be married but her acceptance of Mama’s ring is good enough for me to feel that we are forever in each other’s hearts..
Thursday, 9 September
Today I feel so dreadful. Suzanne has hurt me more than I have the words to describe.
We were sat over in the fields again, in the shade of our favourite tree, and she started talking about Lucy’s forthcoming wedding to James and how she will be looked after for the rest of
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