Heroes of Honor: Historical Romance Collection

by Laurel O'Donnell

  Lydia lowered her gaze to the ground. She felt her cheeks warm but knew it wasn’t because of the mid-day sun, or the role she played as the blushing bride, but fear. Some underlying tension passed between the two men. Something she didn’t understand, but instinctively knew to be wary of it.

  She prayed the French captain’s interest in them would fade, but it didn’t. The questions continued, and every new inquiry increased the risk that they would be found out. Only Gabriel seemed at ease, as if he didn’t notice the danger LeBrouche posed.

  LeBrouche suggested museums they should be sure to visit, excellent places to eat, the latest entertainment. And with each comment, he threw in an inquiring question or two. With each answer Gabriel gave, the French captain’s curiosity in Gabriel seemed to intensify.

  Some of the questions he asked were so innocent she didn’t think Gabriel even noticed how intrigued he was with him. Some were so blatant she couldn’t believe Gabriel could answer them with such ease. But he did. The man posing as her husband stayed as composed as if he were among friends and family, while her knees trembled beneath her.

  “Forgive me, Lord Talbot, but is it possible we have met before?”

  Lydia’s heart flipped in her chest. She must have moved because Gabriel’s hand tightened around her waist. She forced herself to relax and take in one breath after another.

  “It could be, Captain,” he answered pleasantly. “Did you happen to attend our wedding? I don’t think there was anyone in all of England who wasn’t there. There were so many that I didn’t meet even half of them.”

  “No, I’m afraid I did not have the pleasure.” His gaze narrowed. “Were you perhaps in the Crimea? I feel as if we have met before but can’t place where it might have been.”

  Lydia sensed a charge in the air. Gabriel slowly lifted his cane. “I was there for a short while early in the war. But I’m afraid the injury to my leg forced me to leave my fellow countrymen to fight for me.”

  “You were injured in the war?”

  “Yes.”

  “It is possible that is where we met,” the captain said. “Perhaps it will come to me later.”

  “Yes. Perhaps it will.” Gabriel turned his gaze to the scores of soldiers searching the Silver Star. “Is it customary for each ship entering France to be given such close attention?”

  The look in LeBrouche’s eyes sharpened. “These are very unsettling times, Lord Talbot. We find it necessary to do everything humanly possible to make sure nothing happens that might be harmful to our government or our people.”

  “You have had problems?” Gabriel’s tone hinted at disbelief.

  “Minor problems always surface,” LeBrouche added, “but we take swift action to arrest those who brazenly disregard our laws and threaten our government.”

  “You have apprehended such criminals?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. Several men were rounded up on suspicion of inciting against our government. They have all undergone intense questioning and interrogation. It is our intention to make sure we arrest those who so brazenly infiltrate our country and cause such an uproar. I am happy to report that the first of the executions will begin on Monday. I hope to be able to go to Paris for the hanging.”

  “There has been a trial?”

  “Fortunately, first-hand accounts of the rabble-rousers’ activities were provided to our government by loyal French citizens. We hardly need to waste time with a trial when guilt is already established.”

  “You say these men will be executed?” Lydia asked. A heavy weight lodged in the pit of her stomach and she felt uncommonly weak. “How ghastly.”

  “Try not to think about it, my dear.” Gabriel kept his hold around her waist, then turned back to LeBrouche. “Where will the executions be held?” Gabriel asked, his voice sounding unnaturally calm.

  LeBrouche frowned. “Do they hold some interest for you, Lord Talbot?”

  “Good gracious, no! Only that as my wife and I will be touring your magnificent city in the upcoming days, for my wife’s sake, I will want to avoid going anywhere close to such a horrendous sight.”

  “Of course. Do not worry then. The prisoners are all being kept at Mont-Valérien. It’s where the crown keeps all prisoners awaiting execution.”

  Lydia wanted to be gone from here. She knew if she thought about Austin chained in a prison one more minute she was going to lose her composure. Thankfully, Gabriel realized her desperation.

  “If you will excuse us, then, Captain. Unless you have need to detain us?”

  “No, no. Of course not. I can hardly suspect a woman as lovely as your wife of having any involvement in such activities.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” she answered, forcing a smile to her face.

  “You are most welcome, Lady Talbot.”

  “If there is nothing else then, I believe it’s time we left for Paris. It’s been a long trip and I’m anxious to get my wife to our lodgings.”

  “And where will you be staying, Lord Talbot?”

  “On the Rue de la Beaucaire. The Hotel de Marseilles.”

  “Excellent choice, Monsieur. It’s the most luxurious hotel in all of France. I’m sure you and your wife will be most happy there.”

  “I’m sure we will.” Gabriel turned from LeBrouche to Captain Faraday. “Thank you for bringing us safely to France, Captain. The trip was most enjoyable.”

  “Yes, most,” she added, trying to keep her knees from trembling beneath her. All she could think about was that they only had a few days to rescue Austin before he would be executed. And what was happening to him every minute he was in prison. A shiver raced up her spine and her flesh broke out in a cold sweat.

  “Are you ready, my dear?”

  She lifted her gaze. Gabriel gave her a look filled with confidence. She looped her arm through his and clung to him. She needed his strength to survive this. Powerful waves of assurance surged through her and she pasted a smile on her face. “Thank you, Captain Faraday.”

  “You’re most welcome.”

  “And Captain LeBrouche. It was a pleasure to meet you. You can’t imagine how reassuring it is to know men like you are keeping France a safe place to visit.”

  “The pleasure is mine, Lady Talbot. I hope you and your husband enjoy your stay in Paris. It is truly a most magnificent city.”

  “I can’t wait to see it. Good day.”

  On legs that trembled beneath her, she and Gabriel made their way down the gangway to where Hannah waited with their trunks.

  “Hold on a little longer,” he whispered. “We’re almost there.”

  She stiffened in his arms and he gathered her more securely against him. His limp was more noticeable now than it had been this morning, but she found if she matched her gait with his, stepping with the same foot as he, they could walk as one.

  It seemed to take forever to get far enough from the Silver Star that she felt safe. The minute they were out of LeBrouche’s sight, Gabriel draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her in front of him. She rested her cheek against his chest and gasped for air.

  “Breathe, Liddy. Stay calm and take slow and steady breaths.”

  He rubbed his hand up and down her spine and she nodded her head because she couldn’t speak. Finally she whispered, “I’m all right.”

  “I know.” He lowered his head to kiss her forehead. “Our ride is here. Hold on a little longer.”

  She looked up as a carriage rumbled closer, then stopped in front of them.

  “Do you require transportation, sir?” the man sitting atop the carriage asked.

  “Yes, to Paris, to the Hotel de Marseilles on the Rue de la Beaucaire.”

  The carriage driver’s face split into a wide grin before he jumped down from the seat. He waved to a man a short distance from them who rolled a wagon closer. “I will also provide transportation for your servants.” He pointed to a cart that followed him. “For you and the lady, I have brought my most elegant carriage.”

  “How co
nsiderate.” Gabriel helped her up the steps and into the conveyance. He waited until Morgan had the trunks loaded in the wagon before he climbed in beside Liddy.

  His movements were clumsy, and the minute he sank onto the seat, he clutched at his leg and rubbed his thigh.

  “It’s good to see you, my friend,” the driver said before he closed the door. “And you, mademoiselle.”

  “It’s good to see you, too, Jean-Paul. I’ll introduce you properly when we’re safely away from here, but right now we need to leave as quickly as possible. Before the good captain remembers why he’s so certain he knows me.”

  “It could be dangerous?”

  “Yes.”

  With a sharp nod, the man jumped atop the carriage and slapped the reins. The horses lurched forward and they headed away from the docks at Rouen and toward Paris, and Austin.

  As if he knew how badly she needed him to, Gabriel wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. She pressed her cheek against his chest and clung to him.

  The carriage finally reached the peaceful quiet of the French countryside but Liddy couldn’t bring herself to pull out of Gabe’s arms. Even though holding him—having him hold her—didn’t mean anything special, she needed his strength and comfort right now.

  They rode in peaceful silence, neither of them willing to release the other. It was as if Gabe knew, as she did, that it was too late for there to be anything between them, anything except the help each could offer the other to save Austin.

  By the time they reached the small auberge, the inn where they’d spend the night, Liddy was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. Gabe took care of the rooms and she was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

  They were back on the road early the next morning, but Liddy didn’t mind. The sooner they reached Paris, the sooner they could free Austin.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Welcome to the Hotel de Chandliere,” their driver announced.

  They’d made good time, only stopping once to water the horses. It was still early afternoon and the sun was high in the sky.

  Jean-Paul swung open their carriage door and stepped back to let them alight.

  A broad smile lit his face and Liddy suddenly felt safe. No wonder Gabriel put so much trust in him.

  “I regret it is not quite as luxurious as the Hotel de Marseilles, but it does have its advantages.”

  Gabriel slid to the edge of the seat then maneuvered his way out of the carriage. He was in pain. It was written on his face and made even more evident by the vacant look in his eyes. When he landed on the ground a little harder than normal, his grimace confirmed her suspicion.

  For a moment he stood motionless, as if he needed an extra second or two to steady himself. Then, he turned to help her from the carriage.

  “We’re here. You did fine, Liddy.”

  Her heart shifted at his words and she reached for his proffered hand, knowing his touch would send waves of heat spreading through her. Knowing she’d feel safe as long as she held on to him.

  His strong, callused palm pressed against hers like a firebrand, but she tried to tell herself that her heightened awareness stemmed from the danger they’d already survived and the risks that were ahead of them. Except she knew the heat pulsing through her was caused from something different, something she had to ignore.

  She stepped out into a narrow Paris alley and looked up. The sun shone brightly, casting a clean tint to the row of three-storied brick buildings, one butted against the other. The only opening near where they’d stopped was a weather-worn door with a wooden barrel for slop sitting to one side and a stack of crates on the other. The place where they would stay was perfect. There was nothing about it that would draw attention.

  “Quickly, Mademoiselle,” their driver said when the door opened and a very attractive young girl appeared. “Follow Jennie inside. It is best that no one sees you.”

  The heat from Gabriel’s hand pressed against her back as he ushered her into the building.

  They followed the girl down a dimly lit hallway and up one flight of stairs and then another. Stale smoke and ale assaulted her nose, and jovial laughter echoed below them.

  Lydia knew they must be above an inn because the boisterous voices they’d heard when they first entered gradually faded the farther they climbed.

  When they reached the top floor, Jennie led them down a long, narrow hallway, lighted only by the sun streaming through two half-draped windows at either end.

  “Here, my lady,” she said, opening a door on the right. “I’ve prepared this room for you. Your lady’s maid will have the room next to you. And you, monsieur. You will sleep here.” She pointed to a door across the hall.

  Gabriel nodded.

  “Thank you,” Lydia said, stepping in front of the girl and into the room. Gabriel stepped in behind her.

  The room was plain, but neat and clean, with a hand-sewn quilt atop the bed and a thick comforter at the foot. Besides the bed, there was a fireplace on one wall and a small chest and a table with an oval mirror on the other. A cushioned chair sat beneath the room’s only window and another chair, a straight-backed, wooden chair, sat on the other side of the bed. The furniture was roughly hewn and plain, but sturdy and serviceable.

  Beside the bed was a small table with a jar of fresh flowers in the center. The thoughtful gesture caused a lump to form in Lydia’s throat. In this very chaotic and dangerous world she’d entered, she suddenly found something that was normal.

  “Are you all right?” Gabriel asked from behind her.

  She turned to face him. “Yes, fine.”

  She smiled when the expression on his face relaxed.

  “Would you like some tea?” Jennie asked, still standing in the doorway.

  “That would be wonderful, if it’s no trouble.”

  “Oh, no trouble at all.”

  The girl left the room as the man who’d conveyed them from the docks entered.

  “Gabriel, my friend. How good it is to see you in the flesh.”

  A wide grin brightened the Frenchman’s face and in a gesture that was unexpectedly personal, the man called Jean-Paul pulled Gabriel toward him. The two clasped in a heartwarming embrace that exemplified a true friendship. “The last report I received said you’d left the Crimea more dead than alive. I’m glad to see you decided to live.”

  “So am I, Jean-Paul.”

  The two friends took a step apart and Jean-Paul turned to face her. “Do you know I owe this man my life?”

  “I’m sure Lady Lydia isn’t interested in—”

  “But I am,” she interrupted. “Rumors of his heroic deeds have circulated throughout London, but not by anyone with firsthand knowledge. Please, continue.”

  “Jean-Paul…” Gabriel warned.

  “See how humble he is?” A glimmer of mischief brightened the Frenchman’s eyes. “Only a humble man is embarrassed by tales of his valor.”

  “Jean-Paul,” Gabe warned a second time, but she was glad his friend ignored him.

  “Yes, this fool saved me not once, but twice. The second time he saved me from an ambush and took the bullet that was intended for me. He is a very brave man, this courageous fool, and I would have hated for him to die before I could repay my debt.”

  Gabriel patted his friend on the shoulder. “I’m afraid when we’re finished, I’ll be the one who’s in your debt.”

  “No, my friend. I’m honored to help. But before we plan what we must do, please introduce me to this most beautiful lady.”

  Gabriel held out his hand and brought Lydia up next to him. “Jean-Paul, I’d like you to meet Lady Lydia Landwell. Lady Lydia, Jean-Paul Chandliere.”

  Jean-Paul bowed over Lydia’s hand. “Lady Lydia, it is a pleasure to meet you.” A frown deepened across Jean-Paul’s forehead. “Landwell? Are you by chance a relative of Captain Landwell?”

  “His sister.”

  “Ah, I should have realized. Bravery must run in the family. Otherwise I cannot
imagine a reason an English lady would choose to go anywhere with you.”

  “Lady Lydia is posing as my wife to help me get past the French soldiers. We’re on our honeymoon, you see.”

  “Brilliant!” A grin split Jean-Paul’s ruggedly handsome features. “What a remarkable plan. When I received your instructions, I feared you were attempting the impossible. French soldiers have every inch of coastline guarded. You wouldn’t have made it into France had you tried. Dozens of innocent people have already lost their lives because of the official order to shoot first and ask questions later.”

  “And I’ve put you in additional danger,” Gabe said.

  She heard the concern in Gabe’s voice and felt a twinge of guilt.

  “There is danger all the time, my friend. But who would suspect a simple innkeeper of anything but serving a tankard of ale and a passable meal?”

  She couldn’t help but be drawn to Gabriel’s friend. She guessed his age to be older than Gabriel by a dozen years or more, yet he was still enjoying the prime of life.

  A thousand questions popped into her mind, but before she could ask any of them, the door opened and Jennie returned with a tea tray filled with warm bread and cheese. Jean-Paul took the tray from the girl’s hands.

  “This is my daughter, Jeannette Louise,” he said proudly. “After her mama. We call her Jennie.”

  The young girl smiled and curtsied properly.

  “Jennie, bring another chair so we can all sit. Lady Lydia, would you pour, s’il vous plait? I see by the look on my friend’s face that he is about to fall to the floor. Is it your leg?”

  Gabriel sat in one of the chairs. “It’s fine. Just a little stiff from the ship.”

  Jean-Paul gave him a look that said he didn’t believe him, then sat in a chair opposite Gabriel.

  She poured, handed each man a cup, then sat in the chair beside Gabriel. “What do you know about my brother, Jean-Paul?” she asked before taking the first sip of her tea. She couldn’t wait any longer. If there was any news, she needed to know what it was.