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Click hereEli guided her through the steps with masculine grace. The waltz was simply enough. He led her and gently corrected her through the more complicated gavotte and tried to lead her along with imaginary partners through the dizzying quadrilles. Eli was gentle and patient but firm. He didn't hesitate to correct a misstep.
Devonny collapsed into the settee nearly three hours later. "If I don't have it now, Eli, I'm having trouble mustering up the enthusiasm to care." She leaned her head back, allowing her eyes to drift closed with a sigh.
Eli eased down beside her, leaned back and considered her silently, draping an arm over the back of the settee. She had taken off her cap and unbound her hair, dark curls spilling over her shoulders and framing her lovely face. His gaze traced her profile from her brow to the thick ebony fringe of lashes against her cheeks. Her nose was perfectly straight above full pink lips and a delicate chin.
He reached out without thinking and grasped a ringlet of curls between his fingers, marveling at its softness and the way it curled around his fingertip.
His gaze roved unbidden to her beasts as she breathed deeply. She had unbuttoned the high neck of her gown during their lesson and he could glimpse the smooth swell of her breasts above the lace of her shift.
Heat inflamed his loins, his breaches suddenly feeling far too tight. He stifled discomfited groan into a cough and swallowed hard, jerking his gaze back to her face when she turned her sweet smile on him.
"Thank you, Eli," she murmured. "You're always too good to me."
Eli returned the smile and released the lock of her hair from his grasp. "Anything for you, love."
Devonny grinned and stood. "Shall we move the furniture back?"
Eli waved his hand dismissively. "I've got it. You go ahead."
She beamed at him. "Goodnight, Eli."
Eli watched her go, admiring the swish of her skirts. He rubbed a hand of the days growth of stubble at his jaw, smiling vaguely. Whether she performed the steps perfectly or not, it was of little consequence. She was like a beam of sunlight breaking through the clouds on an overcast day. Any man would see it, damn the dance steps.
...conversation is so perfect and playful about the dance. Gabriel's encounter with her was steamy. Poor girl and poor Gabriel!
I love the closeness between the two, Elijah and Devonny. It's one of those weird brother sister relationships been friends where at random times one or both realize they are vaguely attracted to the other
Glad you're back and congratulations on your new life. Praying for your happiness. I enjoyed your stories and wanted to thank you for writing this. This is one of my favorite stories on Literotica.
And both Eli and Gabe sound heavenly. swoons!
Scorpmoon
Black folks had already entered the ranks of the aristocracy in England by this time. Google Queen Charlotte. She is Queen Elizabeth's greeeeeeaaaaat grandmother - and is a bw. The Portuguese royal family had a black branch to it, and she came from that family.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/secret/famous/royalfamily.html
Great Story :)
Lovely story! But dammit, get to the point! Is it going to be Eli or Gabe?
I always have such a stupid grin plastered to my face after reading your stories :]. Thank you, yet again, for another awesome chapter!
I am thriled that you updated this story. Your stories are awesome and I look for ward to each update!
JMO Gabriel is hot and cold and I am tired of waiting on him to wake up, can't you tell that I am projecting. I would like for Eli and Devonny to develop romantic feelings for each other. He has won me over and deserves Devonny. Plus, it would create lots of angst and I love a good triangle
Wonderful story!
Man up and damn the consequences! Sigh... I know it's not that simple but I wish he would just commit to her. They've got a ways to go before he's able to do that. I love this story. Love Devonny and Eli (though I'm not sure how to take his very unbrotherly attraction to her) and Gabriel, while frustratingly reserved, is steaming hot.
I had one question about the dowry. When Elizabeth mentions the dowry to Devonny, it's as if the dowry has already been established and it's common knowledge. But then Eli told Gabriel that he was planning on putting a dowry together. Does she have a dowry already or not? I was a bit confused at that point.
Other than that, I loved it. I love this story and Feral too! I'm not sure which of the two is my fave. I'm just very glad to have you back.
You're back! Woohoo! Congrats on the wedding! Hope to read more of this lovely story soon.
Have you guys been reading this story, gabriel cares about Devonny just as much if not more then Eli. Yeah a rich guy giving a poor girl clothing and money, sounds a bit like he's trying to buy her. Yet gabriel actually understands her as a person and sees her for what she is. One scene stands out in my mind, the library scene when Gabriel allowed her to use all his books. Now that alone is a powerful scene, he basically gave her the world but not in monetary value but intellectual value. That along with the wilber wilberforce book brings Gabriels true nature to the surface. He's not a racist or a classist but he's actually a prodigal son from a rich family. His happiness is not for the want of the family and the business.
Also not to beat on Eli, he is a great character but his thoughts are fueled by lust more so in him then in Gabriel(gabriel lust for mind body and soul). Nearly all Eli's comments are sexual and playful, more of a friend then a lover. Does Eli love Devonny? Of that so far i have no doubt. But does his love trumps Gabriel's? I doubt it, but it is a close second.
Now to review, this is a great series and i would love to read more from this or any pieces of work you come out with in the future. keep up the great work.
So glad this story is back. I really missed Devonny. It seems like Eli is falling in love with Devonny also.
I'm in the Eli camp. I recognise that Gabriel sees more in Devonny than sex but somehow Eli's tender, disguised affection is more endearing to me. It's that bittersweet drama of best friends falling in love that gets me every time! But obviously the chemistry between Gabe and Devonny is amazing, and he sounds hot as hell....
I just can't anticipate how you're going to resolve these dilemmas, which of course makes the story that much better. Keep it coming please!!!
I had to force myself to read this slowly. Your stories are to goof.
I love all the characters. I'm gonna find mr an Eli..,, lol