Dare To Love

by Trisha Fuentes

  Thomas had never felt anything so powerful subsequent to the day of her fifteenth birthday. He thought Gwendolyn was going to introduce him to Joan, Baron Huxton’s daughter. Joan was interested in him, but he was just curious. He approached the squealing, giggling girls and was about to say something to Joan when in the corner of his eye, he noticed Gwendolyn tramping away with Barry Abernathy little by little after her. His eyes surveyed the room, she was leaving alone? His heart began to thump in his ears and he stood motionless, studying Gwendolyn rapidly picking up the pace. Gwendolyn was heading towards the horse stables, unaccompanied, with Barry briskly following behind…

  I reached the hangar door in a flash, halting at the sight of Gwendolyn standing beside that bigheaded oaf, Barry Abernathy. He was one of my brother’s friends, and I hated him because he thought he was the best swordsman in London. But he was not the best, Jordan was, and right away resentment entered my veins.

  And then he touched her. That bastard actually touched Gwendolyn inappropriately? He was about to kiss her and all hell broke loose inside my chest.

  I lunged for him and tackled Barry on his arse. His legs flew up over his head and I hit him with all my might. How dare he think he could take what was mine…if anyone was going to touch Gwendolyn improperly it was going to be me! I felt her hands about my back, but I still kept on hitting him. Gwendolyn was trying to pull me off of him and I hated her for interrupting. I wanted to murder him. Destroy him for touching her. Obliterate him for attempting to ruin her.

  Before finding my stance, I cursed and spat at him before running away. Gwendolyn was traipsing after me, but I was so upset, I did not feel like talking to her just yet. She made me angry, no; I was infuriated with her for leaving without me and placing herself at risk. Just before I turned around to face her, I noticed Lady Drummond observing the both of us. With one hand over her mouth and the other on her midriff, her eyes were full of conjecture.

  Gwendolyn grabbed my shoulders; I spun around to face her. Rage, ache and damage still choking me to death. “What!” I yelled at her. “I don’t want to talk to you,” and then it hit me. I was suddenly looking down into her shattered eyes. I was taller than her and instantly, I was filled with this overwhelming prominence.

  Gwendolyn’s mouth opened wide, she was about to mouth out the words…I watched her lips as they shaped. Her first word was ‘I’, followed by the word ‘love’, or so I thought. She shut her mouth tight and kept nodding her head. Before I knew it, her arms were wrapped around my shoulders and she hugged me tight. I closed my eyes from her compassionate embrace and draped my arms around her as well. Her expressive body so close to mine, sent shivers up and down my spine. It was so snug a fit, so warm; there were even portions of her I had never felt before. Her bosoms for one thing, just thinking about them pressed against my chest, jutted parts of me.

  “Thank you,” Gwendolyn whispered in my ear, and then she let go. Oh God she let go! My body wanted that closeness back! Her arms were free of me and I stood frozen watching her run back to Gisleham.

  I then eyed her mother, she smiled at me and I stood there and stared at her loveliness. She was a beautiful woman, breath taking, and she appeared to be moved by what she had witnessed…

  ~~~~~

  And then his wedding night…

  They had to consummate the marriage, Thomas remembered. Had to “close the deal” per his father’s instructions. Otherwise, his father would instruct Jordan to compromise Gwendolyn and the arrangement would be inescapable. Jordan would be Gwendolyn’s husband…oh no, no, and no! Thomas had to transform into someone else that night; had to be aggressive in order to make a stubborn girl like Gwendolyn completely cower down. He gave her direction, although a strict order, “you have to do what I say.” It was not so hard to do; in fact, it felt quite natural, to be assertive, to be so bold, and Gwendolyn seemed to recoil almost immediately, changing her serious tune…

  ~~~~~

  “Now, I’m going to kiss you,” I claimed next, watching her lie still, unprepared. Gwendolyn chose me, and I was going to make damn sure she was stuck with me.

  “You are?”

  She seemed surprised, but I didn’t care, I was on a mission and kissing her first rather than violating her body seemed the proper thing to do and more correct.

  Lying on my side, I reached over and cradled her face within the palm of my hand. Rubbing my thumb across her mouth first, I soaked in the reality. She actually let me touch her and my heart expanded with glee. I then leaned into her lure and gently kissed her pucker. Her lips were nice, soft, and gently pressed against mine. I remembered thinking why we never tried this before. We were both certainly at that age where curiosity was our ruler and we could have easily begun this pleasant contact long before our forced matrimony.

  She then wrapped her arms about my back and the affect satisfied my need for her approval, her simple caresses caused my lower regions to come alive. She began to explore my shoulders and skin, which made matters intensify. Did she realize what she was doing to me? I could not believe she was actually curious about my body and I began to freely kiss her…everywhere and anywhere. And, good Lord, I could not get enough of her…her delicate touches were making my body do crazy things. I was beginning to think I was going too fast for her, but as soon as I opened up her mouth with my tongue, hers was there to caress back. And, Oh God, the taste of her! She was so sweet, all around supple and my body craved to get even closer. I wanted her naked now and began yanking off her nightgown. Gwendolyn twitched only slightly then helped me take the garment down.

  My hands had a mind of their own, come to think of it. Gwendolyn allowed me to explore her unclothed, which was something I thought she would never allow me to do. Up her neck, down her lower back to her buttocks. She was so velvety-soft, so yielding and even allowed me to handle the parts of her that intrigued me the most. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined myself being drawn to that part of her anatomy, but I was, and I could not stop touching her breasts. But then I felt her hesitate, which made me stop, as I watched with round eyes her hand reaching up to mine and guiding it back down to her skin. I traced my finger around her nipple and was swelled with emotion.

  “Oh God,” I whispered, kissing her lips ever so softly, “You are so beautiful Gwendolyn, so sweet, my sweet, sweet girl.” Every inch of her was satisfying my senses when I suddenly felt her fingers running through my hair. My male instincts took power and I kissed her intently before doing what my brother said to do. Gwendolyn continued to kiss me back…and, oh God, her wanting me that much, set my plan into action and I entered her quickly. I felt her wince beneath me and I closed my eyes expecting her to retaliate, but she didn’t? But I apologized just in case, “I’m sorry…so sorry.”

  And she said nothing. Just continued to close her eyes and lie there, looking every bit of beautiful…even more so now underneath me, so dear. This was it, my body could not take much more and raw passion exploded. It came on so sudden…could not seem to stop it…when a shuddering release erupted and spread through my body that nearly paralyzed me. I was out of breath; I had never felt anything like that before. Gwendolyn meant everything to me and I could not wait to tell her how much I loved her.

  Her arms remained in the center of my posterior, gently caressing my flesh with her fingertips. Savoring the sweet taste of her skin, I closed my eyes in bliss, as she reached up and cupped the back of my head.

  I pulled away from her nestle and asked, “Did it continue to hurt?”

  “No,” she blushed, caressing the sides of my face.

  I smiled freely, “Want to do it again?”

  She giggled, and then closed her eyes. “I was just thinking the same thing,” I heard her say. I then thought about the next three weeks and looked forward to each and every moment spent within her arms. If she wanted, we could stay in bed our whole trip. She brushed back hair that mottled my face and my heart appeared to stop. She was just about to say something, the
words I have waited to hear, but cried instead. Tears bunged at her eyes and dripped down the sides of her face. Alarmed, I began wiping the wetness away.

  “What is wrong Gwendolyn, tell me,” I asked, kissing her tears away.

  Gwendolyn wavered and looked deep into my eyes. There it was again…my heart stopped a second time. It was in her eyes, I could feel it, sense it, it was there—I knew it was there! I bent forward and kissed her with all the affection I was feeling at the moment and reopened the passion I felt before. Little did I know, that would be the last time I got to touch her and the memory of this night replayed in my mind over and over wishing it were repeated, but knowing it could never be…

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Standing on the dock, on solid ground, Thomas surveyed the many clipper ships anchored at Le Havre, 170 foot, massive beautés. Measuring 33 feet in breadth with a 19 foot depth, the 907 ton ships had jutting stems with a razor-sharp bow that flared out in concave curves. Capable of packing 1,100 tons of cargo, the ship’s hulls were full-bodied with a rounded turn of the bilge. Concentrating on that darn red, white and blue American flag waiving in the breeze up above him, Thomas shook his head in defeat. He had to start building larger ships, he realized. The bloody Yankees were gaining the lead.

  Thomas and Devin were both hesitant to be in France, just a few years prior, the British signed the Treaty of Amiens, thus setting the terms of peace which included the withdrawal of British troops from several colonial territories recently occupied. The peace between France and Britain was uneasy and short-lived. The monarchies of Europe were reluctant to recognize a republic as they feared the ideas of the revolution might be exported to them. In 1805, Britain convinced Austria and Russia to join a Third Coalition against France. Napoleon knew the French fleet could not defeat the Royal Navy and tried to lure it away from the English Channel in the optimism a Spanish or French fleet could take control of the Channel long enough for French armies to cross and invade England. However, because Austria and Russia had prepared an invasion of France, he had to change his plans and turn his attention to his own country. The newly formed Grande Armée secretly marched to Germany and on October 20, 1805, it surprised the Austrians at Ulm, but the next day Britain’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar meant the Royal Navy gained control of the seas. A year later, Bonaparte would wage economic war with an attempt to enforce an European commercial boycott of Britain calling it the “Continental System”. It had little success.

  Devin and Thomas immediately transformed into the roles they were about to play. Being well known throughout the ports of France already it was easy to ask questions without bringing on suspicion. Through their many contacts within the maritime realm, the men learned that Anne had been Bruneau’s mistress for years but was then discarded for a prettier face. Monsieur Bruneau was a distant cousin to Empress Josephine and Anne had been prepared for one of the Empress’ confidants and had been very well guarded.

  The Palace of Versailles was a royal chateau, a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy. From 1682, when King Louis XIV moved from Paris until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in 1789, the court of Versailles was the centre of political power in France. When Thomas and Devin arrived at the Palace of Versailles, they were detoured by yet another obstacle. Napoleon never stayed there, neither did the Empress and her court and the two lords were then directed to Fontainebleau.

  Thomas then met with Captain Andrassy, a chatty man who held high rank in Napoleon’s legion. Through him, Thomas learned that there were rumors that Napoleon was in need of an heir and it became apparent that if he were killed, the French Empire would collapse. Through all the chaos of the most major elemental necessity, Napoleon decided to divorce Josephine and she in turn, fled to her chateau at Malmaison.

  The Chateau de Malmaison was a country house just about eight miles west of central Paris. Josephine bought the manor house for herself and her husband when he was fighting the Egyptian Campaign. Malmaison was a run-down estate that encompassed nearly 150 acres of woods and meadows. Bonaparte expressed fury at Josephine for purchasing such an expensive house with the money she had expected him to bring back from the campaign. The house, for which she had spent well over 300,000 francs, needed extensive renovations and she spent a fortune doing so. Josephine built a heated orangery large enough for 300 pineapple plants and animals of all sorts were allowed to roam free among the grounds; and, when it was done, Josephine was in the company of kangaroos, black swans, zebras, sheep, gazelles, ostriches, a seal, antelopes and llamas to name a few. After the divorce, Josephine received Malmaison in her own right and remained there until her death in 1814.

  Anne was not with Josephine at Malmaison, she was being held back to prepare for the new Empress, Austrian Archduchess, Marie Louise. Thomas and Devin were then sent back to the Palace at Versailles and to the Tuileries palace to meet with the Grand Marshal of the Palace, General Duroc.

  General Geraud Duroc, Duke of Friuli, was an agreeable fellow in terms of reputation. He was responsible for the measures taken to secure Napoleon’s personal safety, whether in France or on his campaigns and he directed the minutest details of the imperial household. He looked upon Thomas’ peerage as an honor to be acquainted with him. He was well aware of the Hollinger Commerce Company and their many vessels created for Britain and the Royal Navy and wanted to strike a deal with its Chief Officer to set up berth in France. Business was business, and with all the rumors floating around that the French would soon flee to British shores, Thomas decided it would be beneficial to his thriving corporation. General Duroc confessed that he was sensitive to Burneau’s mistresses, but was completely unaware that Anne had been stolen from her family. Admirable as he was, General Duroc commanded Anne’s release immediately and the two actors entered the French Parliament awaiting Anne’s freedom.

  “Jordan!”

  Thomas whipped his head around to greet the Yank who apparently thought he was his older sibling. They were standing in an open corridor, lavishly decorated in marble, gold and oddly enough, Roman statutes. As not to bring any further attention to them, General Duroc asked His Grace if he could await Anne’s release amongst the other foreigners in the Compensation Room.

  “No, you are mistaken,” Thomas nodded, continuing to stare at the man coming near.

  The Yank extended out his hand for shaking, “Yes, I’m sorry, but you two are related, correct?”

  Thomas surveyed the man cautiously, too relaxed by far, he wore a long green coat over an open shirt, exposing his neck and chest. His boots were worn, but expensive. His belt housed a magnificent holster with, no doubt, an exquisite sword. “Yes, a brother, and you are?”

  “Captain Whitlock,” he pronounced, lowering his voice. “Tim, to my friends, I own my own cargo ship. I was on a voyage to Sri Lanka with your brother.”

  Thomas raised his eyebrow. The chap could come in handy. “Were you now?”

  “How’s that brother of yours? Betcha he’s married now with a gaggle of kids, ain’t he?”

  Thomas’ smiled dropped, “No Tim,” he said despondent, “My brother is deceased.”

  Tim could not believe what he was hearing, “Dead? Jesus, what happened? That guy was invincible!”

  “Yes,” Thomas relayed, “I agree. Murdered…at sea, ten years ago.”

  Tim stood agape, “Ten years? Unbelievable…I’m so sorry,” he apologized, shaking his head and being summoned over for payment. “Excuse me,” he stated, walking away from the two lords.

  Devin and Thomas both eyed the Yank standing at the payment window. Thomas wanted to continue speaking with the man about his brother, but then they heard their names being formerly announced into the span.

  The twosome stood arrogant and confident within the French Parliament. Without blinking, their buoyancy and eminent aristocracy was bestowed release of the Captain’s daughter without further delay. Anne appeared a few moments later. She could have easily passed for a sister, Thomas
thought, as she glided towards the two landed gentry. Black hair, eyes as green as emeralds, still as thin, but not as beautiful as she once was; an evident scar from the tip of her temple down to her chin screamed mistreatment. She stood motionless now, staring at the Englishmen before her.

  “Lord Hollinger?” She questioned, immediately recognizing and remembering his solid attractive façade. She would identify him anywhere; clapping eyes on him several years ago in her first and only season, practically following him around the ball that night like a puppy. She was spellbound, a loss for words, she never expected her father to send him to her rescue.