Taken by You

by Connie Mason

  Unable to wait a second longer, Morgan nudged Luca’s legs apart, flexed his hips, and thrust deeply. The moment he felt her slick heat surround him he gave up his dark thoughts and let pleasure overwhelm him. The kind of pleasure only Luca could give him. He lowered his head and sucked her nipples.

  Luca gasped and cried out, wanting desperately to be more to Morgan than a warm body. Then her thoughts scattered. The race toward ecstasy was too compelling as she exploded in violent climax. When he had coaxed everything from her she had to give, he grasped her bottom and thrust wildly. His own explosion was no less turbulent than Luca’s.

  Luca came to her senses slowly, feeling thoroughly sated. She glanced at Morgan and saw that he appeared as overcome as she.

  “Morgan…”

  His eyes opened slowly, dark with confusion, as if the very structure of his life had crumbled and he had learned something too disturbing to share. “Bloody Hell!” He leaped from bed, staring at her as if his world had been torn apart. “I’ve got to get the Hell out of here! You’ve sucked the soul from my body. I don’t even know myself anymore!”

  “Morgan, what is it?”

  “I’m leaving, Luca, now. I’ll keep in touch by messenger.” He shoved his fingers through his tousled blond hair and turned away, muttering something beneath his breath about witchcraft and wives. He left the way he had come, through the dressing room, slamming doors behind him.

  A short time later Luca heard the brisk tattoo of footsteps on the stairs and realized Morgan had been serious. He actually did intend to leave in the dead of night regardless of highwaymen and other dangers awaiting him on the road to London. Dios!

  It was as if he’d glimpsed Hell and was fleeing for his life.

  Luca slept late the next morning. She had remained awake for hours in hopes that Morgan might change his mind and return, but eventually sleep overcame her. A weak morning sun was streaming through the windows when Daisy roused her abruptly from a deep sleep. “The captain is gone,” Daisy charged reproachfully. “‘Tis strange that a bridgroom would leave his new bride so soon ‘Tis obvious you do not please him.” The smug smile died on her lips and her eyes widened when she spotted Luca’s torn shift lying on the floor beside the bed. She tried to hide her surprise as she picked up the torn garment and tossed it over her arm. “Do you want this mended?”

  Luca gasped in outrage. “You are brazenly disrespectful.” If she couldn’t put the impudent Daisy in her place now she’d never be able to control any of the servants. “Of course I want the garment mended. And see that it is returned within the hour.”

  “You’ll have to speak more clearly,” Daisy taunted, “your English is difficult to understand.” She sauntered out the door, hips swaying jauntily.

  Luca fumed in impotent rage. Never had she been so insulted, and by English heretics, no less. And adding insult to injury, Daisy made her wait over two hours for her crudely mended chemise. After breakfast the dressmaker arrived with the first of her dresses. When Luca met with Morgan’s steward later, she looked quite fetching in a deep red velvet gown that accentuated the slim curves of her elegant form.

  Clyde Withers was not what Luca expected. He was quite young, not much older than Morgan, and he had been hired by Morgan shortly after Morgan’s return to London after his years of captivity. The queen had returned Morgan’s estates almost immediately, and he needed someone to run them while he was off plundering Spanish galleons. Withers was an intense man, large and capable, with ruddy good looks and a serious nature. He appeared to be all business as he conferred with Luca in the library, the only room besides her bedchamber in which she felt comfortable.

  “Your husband presented me with specific instructions before he left, Lady Scott,” Withers said with a hint of embarrassment. “If you need anything, you’re to come to me and I’ll take care of it.”

  “Did my husband say how long he’d be in London?” It stung to have to ask a stranger what she should have learned from Morgan.

  “No, but he promised to keep in touch by messenger. I’m sure he’s told you all this. The captain rarely remains in the country when he’s in England. The queen is a demanding monarch who insists her courtiers lavish her with their attention”.

  “So I’ve heard,” Luca said sourly. “Is there anything else I should know, Mr. Withers?”

  Clyde Withers felt a pang of pity for the lovely Spanish woman whom Morgan Scott had married. He was aware of gossip circulating among the servants. It was rumored that Morgan was a reluctant bridegroom, but after finally meeting Morgan’s bride he could well understand his master’s fascination with the sultry beauty. He very much doubted Morgan would take a Spanish wife unless he truly wanted to. Yet he sensed in Luca an innate sadness, as if she hovered close to a breaking point. She appeared fragile and vulnerable. Something was desperately wrong in her marriage, Withers deduced.

  “Captain Scott mentioned that you might have problems with the servants. Sometimes they can be uppity with foreigners.” Suddenly he flushed, realizing what he said. “I’m sorry, Lady Scott, I didn’t mean… I’d be happy to handle any difficulties you might encounter.”

  Luca gave a deprecating laugh. “No offense taken, Mr. Withers, I’m accustomed to it by now. By your standards I am a foreigner. I appreciate knowing that I can count on you, but I must learn to handle the servants on my own.”

  Withers’s admiration for Luca grew in leaps and bounds. He wondered how Morgan could abandon such a compelling woman, who appeared fragile yet exuded confidence.

  “I would be grateful if you’d inform me each time a messenger arrives from London with word from my husband.”

  “Of course,” Withers agreed. “Oh, I almost forgot. Captain Scott left the coach for your convenience. Let me know if you wish to go to the village or visit the crofters, and I will see that it is made ready for you.”

  The interview ended on that note, and Luca was almost sorry to see the affable man leave. So far, he had been the only person in the entire household to exhibit kindness or offer the respect due her as Morgan’s wife.

  During the following days Luca learned her way about the hall. She knew instinctively that the house had been much loved by its former occupants. There was little, if anything, she would change. The rooms were large, airy, and filled with ghosts of the happy family who had once roamed the lofty halls. She sensed that there had been much laughter in this home. But, above all, she felt sad because she could never truly belong to this house, or to the man who now owned it.

  Luca missed Morgan desperately. Though she had received no personal message from him, she knew he kept in touch with Clyde Withers, for he dutifully informed her whenever a message was received. He appeared embarrassed when he was forced to admit that no personal message had been included for Luca. Christmas arrived with little fanfare. Luca ordered the house decorated in hopes that Morgan would come home for the holidays. Instead, he sent a messenger with a gift.

  A gift! Of what use was a gift when it was Morgan she wanted? She eyed the expensive emerald necklace dispassionately and promptly put it away. He hadn’t even had the courtesy to include a note of greeting with the gift.

  Early in January a messenger arrived with a thick packet of papers for Withers. Luca waited anxiously for Withers to tell her if Morgan had included a message for her. Of course he hadn’t, and her disappointment was a bitter pill to swallow. She decided to disregard her pride and question the messenger, hoping he could tell her what besides the queen, was occupying Morgan’s time. A hot-blooded man like Morgan wasn’t likely to deny himself a woman’s comfort and the thought of Morgan in another woman’s arms shattered her.

  She found the messenger in the kitchen surrounded by the household servants. Luca heard them talking and gossiping among themselves and paused in the hall outside the door when she heard organ’s name mentioned. Cracking the door open, she peered inside. The messenger was sitting at the table holding court What he was telling them must have been fascin
ating, for he had their rapt attention.

  “The captain is the most popular man at court with the ladies,” the messenger bragged between bites of bread and cheese “They fairly swoon over him.”

  “Tell us more, Tom,” the cook encouraged, bribing him with a thick slice of roast beef. “Which ladybird does our captain fancy?”

  “He fancies them all,” Tom said importantly. “But when he’s not with the queen he’s seen most in the company of young Lady Jane Carey. A toothsome morsel, all eyes and tits. And an heiress to boot. Old Bess throws them together every chance she gets, and our captain ain’t one to pass up an opportunity, if ye catch my meaning.” He guffawed.

  Chuckles and knowing smiles were exchanged all around while Tom tore off a piece of succulent beef and chewed with obvious enjoyment.

  “Tell us what Bess said when she learned Captain Scott married without her approval?” Daisy asked eagerly.

  “Rumors has it she was furious,” Tom revealed. “Told him he could have the marriage annulled or seek a divorce, she did. Wanted to send the Spanish baggage packing and give him Lady Jane as a reward for his enriching her coffers with Spanish gold.” He cackled uproariously.

  “I knew it!” Daisy exulted. “We’ll soon be rid of the Spanish whore.”

  Luca rested her head weakly against the wall. Their heartless ridicule made her physically ill. Tears threatened to spill from the corners of her eyes, and bitter bile rose up in her throat It was no secret that Morgan had no use for her as his wife, and now she knew how little she meant to him. With Lady Jane waiting eagerly for Morgan to end his marriage, it would only be a matter of time before she was out of Morgan’s life for good. If she returned to Spain her father would dispatch her to Havana and Don Diego. She was nothing but a pawn in the hands of men. Stifling a cry, she turned and fled. Had she remained to hear what Tom said next, she would have been heartened.

  “Don’t count on gettin’ rid of yer mistress yet. Gossip has it that Captain Scott still hasn’t told the queen whether or not he will pursue an annulment. Can ye believe it? With him and Lady Jane so cozy everyone thought he’d jump at the chance to dump a woman everyone says he was forced to marry.”

  “Forced to marry!” Several voices joined in to voice their surprise.

  “Aye, that’s the rumor. Don’t know the details, but ye can bet they’re juicy.” He rose abruptly, patting his stomach and belching. “Well, it’s back to London.”

  Alone in her room, Luca paced the length of the floor and back. The lecherous bastard, she muttered beneath her breath. How dare Morgan cavort at court with another woman. How dare he make a laughingstock of her before his queen and all of England. She’d be damned if she’d stay in the country to be ridiculed and reviled by his servants. Oh, no, she vowed. She’d make Morgan Scott and his paramour sorry they frolicked behind her back.

  She knew exactly what she had to do, and she was angry enough to do it.

  Chapter 14

  It was mid-March before Luca was able to implement her plan. The weather these last weeks had been abysmal, making travel abroad over muddy, rutted roads all but impossible. She had been to the village several times during the winter, but the time hadn’t been right for her to leave for London.

  “You wish to go to the village again?” Forsythe asked frostily.

  “Sí. Please inform the coachman that I want the coach brought around at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.”

  “Is there a particular reason you wish to go to the village today?”

  Luca raised her brows and gave him the best condescending glare she could muster. “Do I need one?”

  “Of course not.” His hands fluttered helplessly at his sides. “Daisy will accompany you as usual.”

  “That won’t be necessary,” Luca said tightly. “Send along a footman if you think there is danger.”

  “Madam, I simply cannot allow you to leave the estate without a maid in attendance.”

  Luca eyed him coolly. “I do not care what is proper or not. Have the coach waiting at precisely ten o’clock tomorrow morning.” Turning abruptly, she left him standing with his mouth agape as she strode away.

  Later that day, when Clyde Withers arrived at the house, Luca resigned herself to another battle. Evidently Forsythe had enlisted the overseer’s help to dissuade her from going to the village without her maid.

  “How can I help you, Mr. Withers?” Luca asked when she met with the overseer in the library.

  Withers cleared his throat, obviously distressed at having to deal with so delicate a matter. “Forsythe informed me that you wished to go to the village. That is perfectly all right with me, but we cannot allow you to go alone. Tis not proper.”

  “I do not need a chaperon,” Luca insisted curtly. “None of the servants like me, and I do not care to spend my time with them.” If one of the servants tagged along, it would spoil all her plans.

  Withers’s face reddened. During the weeks and months Captain Scott had been in London, he’d not sent one personal message to his wife. Withers felt pity for the poor woman and couldn’t understand why his employer had married the Spanish beauty if he intended to neglect her. If the messenger from London could be believed, Captain Scott was having the time of his life in London wooing Lady Jane Carey and playing the courtier. He could tell that Captain Scott’s lady was lonely, but he was powerless to remedy the situation.

  “I have no objection to your outing,” Withers relented. “Is there anything else you’d like?”

  “I do not like to travel about with an empty purse,” Luca said, sending Withers a winsome smile.

  “You may charge whatever pleases you, as you did before.”

  “Did my husband make no provisions for a monthly allowance?”

  “He did say I was to give you whatever you needed.”

  “I need some coins for my purse.”

  Withers gave her an uncertain look, then shrugged and walked to the desk. Taking a key from his pocket, he unlocked one of the drawers and pulled out a small metal box. Luca heard the jingle of coins and walked closer to get a better look. The box was crammed full of silver and gold pieces. Withers counted out several silver coins and looked askance at Luca.

  “Perhaps one or two gold coins,” Luca suggested brightly. “Morgan would want me to have enough to buy myself a few geegaws without charging them to his account. Of course anything major will be billed to my husband.”

  Always a soft touch for a woman’s winsome smile, Withers readily acquiesced, handing Luca several gold, as well as silver, coins. He’d never known his employer to be a stingy man, so he doubted Morgan would begrudge his wife a monthly stipend. Had he known what Luca had in mind, he wouldn’t have been so free with Morgan’s blunt.

  The following morning Luca left the hall at precisely ten o’clock and found the coach waiting outside the door.

  “What time will you return, madam?” Forsythe asked as he handed her into the coach.

  “Perhaps I shall visit the crofters after I’m finished in the village. Do not be alarmed if I don’t return before dark. The day is unusually fine, and I am tired of being cooped up in the house. Signs of spring are everywhere, and I wish to enjoy them”

  Luca waved gaily as the coach clattered down the road. There had been no rain for several days, and most of the puddles in the road had evaporated. Luca’s spirits soared; the weather was cooperating beautifully. She had expended considerable time and thought on what had to be done and how to go about it. Weeks and months had Passed, bringing no personal correspondence from Morgan. What little she’d heard had been gleaned from gossiping servants. She’d learned that more ships had gathered at Plymouth, and that England was preparing for the anticipated Spanish Expedition to reach their shores. A system of beacons had been set up, ready to flash along the coast and inland to every county when the Spanish fleet sailed into sight.

  Every piece of ordnance available was being brought up to fortify the south coast and eastern counties. Town ditche
s were cleaned and deepened, breaches in town walls were repaired, and stone curtain walls were banked with earth against a possible barrage of artillery. Despite all this, Luca refused to believe an attack by Spain was forthcoming. The Catholic Queen Mary of Scots, having plotted for nineteen years to wrest the English crown from her cousin Elizabeth, had been tried for conspiracy against the crown, found guilty, and executed. Now that she was dead, there seemed no reason for an invasion.

  The village came into view, and the coach slowed down to accommodate the heavier flow of people and carts. Today was market day, and farmers converged on the city in droves. This unexpected event suited Luca’s purposes perfectly. At her signal, the coachman pulled up to the curb and jumped down from his box to open the door.

  “Will this do, madam?”

  “This will do just fine.” Luca gave him an ingratiating smile. “You and the footman may visit the grog shop if you wish—I expect to be engaged for several hours.”

  “I’ll send the footman along to carry your packages, Lady Scott.” The coachman had orders from Mr. Withers to keep close tabs on the mistress since this was her first venture abroad without a maid.

  Luca frowned. She neither needed nor wanted a bodyguard, but realized it was fruitless to gainsay Morgan’s faithful servant. She acquiesced gracefully, hastily revising her plan.

  Luca strolled about with little purpose until she found the dressmaker’s shop. After instructing the footman to wait outside, that she’d likely be a long time ordering summer frocks, Luca entered the shop, which was crowded with market day customers. Mrs. Cromley was busy with another customer and did not notice Luca. Sidling around to a curtained doorway, Luca ducked through, Eleased to find herself in a storeroom with a door leading into an alley. Everything was going so smoothly she couldn’t believe it. It was almost as if God was watching out for her.