The 12th Kiss

by Laura Hogg

  You will be my wife; I will tear your dress off, kiss your entire body, pleasure you wildly, and see joy in your eyes as you cry out my name. And I will do this to you every night. I will make you laugh with elation, dance with happiness to be my wife. God, you will be so happy to be my wife.

  He grasped her and kissed her so deeply his body raged with the happiness of possessing her so. She drew his tongue more into her mouth with a shocking hunger, sighing. When finally they pulled apart, he looked into her face. Tears ran down her cheeks. He touched them, with trembling fingers, in awe, in wonder.

  "Benjamin,” she whispered.

  How intimate.

  He gulped, as tenderness split his heart in two.

  "Relief."

  She trembled and took a deep, steadying breath. “Go, my lord. I will meet you at your party."

  I love you, Relief. If I don't leave now, I will ravish you with kisses.

  He nodded, turned and strode out of the room with stiff, purposeful steps.

  * * * *

  Honora leaped into the room alone, carrying a tea service.

  "Mrs. Miller prepares more substantial refreshments. She will join us shortly."

  Relief was shaking.

  "Did you kiss him?” She tilted her head. “Dear God, Relief, you are crying! Did he hurt you?” She set the tray down on a table with a crash and darted for the door.

  Relief reached for her, stretching her arm. “No, wait, come here."

  Honora stopped and turned on her heel. “What happened?"

  "I kissed him."

  "But you are crying!” She shrugged and sliced her hands through the air with confusion.

  Relief withdrew a handkerchief from her reticule, resting by the tea tray and nodded her head.

  "Why, Leafy?"

  She dabbed at her tears. “My sweet, sweet sister, you know I'm in love with him."

  A slow smile spread across Honora's face, and she crossed the room to her sister. “Yes."

  "This is not a beneficial occurrence, my dear Honora."

  "Pray tell me, why not, Leafy?” Little fists, on little hips.

  "Because of my unfortunate hobby. I feel really alive when I'm out there as Raphael, saving the situation that requires my interference. I will not give that up, and you heard the Viscount earlier. He would never allow me to continue with it.” She slowly lowered herself onto the piano bench.

  "So do not tell him it's you.” Honora rested one hand on the instrument.

  "It would be difficult to keep up the charade if I were his wife.” She wrung the hanky in her gloved hands.

  "You could manage. I have seen you do some amazing things, Leafy.” She reached forward and brushed a stray curl from Relief's shoulder.

  "No. It's too big of a risk. I cannot be with him.” She stood up.

  "So don't marry him.” She lowered her voice, leaning and whispering to Leafy. “Take him as your lover, secretly. No one has to know. Use protective measures against pregnancy. When you're done with him, we go back to America. Find a husband there."

  Relief was scandalized. “I could not do that."

  "Why not?” Honora grasped her sister's arms.

  "I had no idea that my feelings for him would envelope me to this degree. I am far too in love with him to risk it. If I were to make love to him, I would be lost. I would accept a forthcoming marriage proposal."

  "You are stronger than that."

  "I am a very strong woman, but I feel my love overcoming me, Honora. I am afraid."

  Honora pulled her into a hug. They heard footsteps and looked toward the doorway. The Viscount stood before them.

  "My lord?” Her heart sped up, and heat washed over her. Had he heard her? The thought turned her stomach. His next words would surely answer her question.

  "I must apologize for my atrocious behavior. I beg forgiveness, ladies.” His voice faltered. “I waited in your hall, as your servant prepared to let me out but—"

  "Tell him, Leafy.” She nudged her.

  "Tell me what?"

  "Leafy? Tell him the good news.” Honored nudged her again.

  "I can't, Honora.” She still tingled, hypnotized by his kiss, which lingered on her lips.

  "Please do.” He grinned.

  You're charming, Relief thought.

  Honora shook her head. She cast her eyes upon Lord Cheltham. “Do you love my sister? I mean really love her?"

  "Yes.” He stood up straighter.

  "Do you have the best intentions?"

  "Yes. I have only to discover how to contact your father. I vow to convince him to talk Relief into accepting my hand. I will take an oath to treat my wife with the deepest of love and kindness, and affection.” He fisted his hands and tightened his lips.

  Honora smiled. “Tell him, Leafy."

  "Tell me what?” He chuckled and uncurled his fingers.

  "No, Honora. I can't."

  "You can't what, my dear?"

  Relief turned away. Such soft, gentle love fills his voice. He would be good to me. She felt tears coming.

  "I cannot be leg-shackled to you, my lord."

  "Leg-shackled, Miss Moore?” He drew his brows together.

  "I wish to be in control of my own life.” But I love you so much. I will never forget you, even when I marry my neglectful husband and go out alone on my adventures.

  "But I would not restrain your unusual American sensibilities; I swear it, Miss Moore.” He stepped closer and stopped suddenly.

  "There's more to my situation, my lord.” I only wish you could understand.

  He frowned in obvious perplexity.

  "Please elaborate, Miss Moore. My heart demands it.” He fisted his hands once again.

  "You have already made certain of your viewpoints very clear, sir. You are immovable upon certain issues."

  "A man has to have integrity, Miss Moore.” He opened his hands and pressed one onto the nearby piano.

  "Yes, I respect that.” She sighed. “Unfortunately it puts a permanent wedge between us."

  "What does, Miss Moore? Perhaps it is something I could reconsider?” He lifted his hand as if to touch her, but thought twice and let it drop.

  Honora smiled.

  "Raphael, my lord—"

  "Going out on the dangerous London streets at night with Raphael? No, I should not think so!” Concern darkened his face like a shadow. “I could never put you at such a risk, allowing you to walk around those stews, even if you do have a little bit of fighting skill.” He stood straighter.

  "A little?” She raised her brow. “A little,” she whispered again.

  His brows drew together. “Miss Moore..."

  She inclined her head away from him. “Goodbye for now, my dear Lord Cheltham. I will be at your party.” She turned to meet his gaze, sadness and regret filling her heart.

  "Relief, Miss Moore, you will be my wife. I vow to you, my beautiful lady, my American lady."

  His promise bore into her eyes, before he turned to leave.

  "My lord."

  He spun on his heel to regard her, watching her with great interest.

  "My lord, Raphael has told me all about you, about your adventures, about the kind of man you are."

  He shifted his head slightly. “Do you approve?” He grinned.

  "I more than approve. It's as if I know you very well."

  He winked and placed his fingertips to his lips, kissed them, and then gestured toward her. He exited the room, leaving the two ladies to stare after him.

  "Do you think he meant it, Leafy, about love and marriage?"

  "I do not wonder at it, Nora. I will hate to disappoint him."

  "He will be greatly disappointed, beyond repair."

  Relief swallowed a groan of displeasure. “He has as much gumption as I do. When I went out with him under the guise of Raphael and we fought crime together, I saw a courageous and bold man, a good one. I have come to respect him more than any other man I have ever known. I have grown to love him and need him."


  "But not enough to give up your crazy street antics."

  She turned to look at her sister. “Honora, I do not believe that love would ask that of me."

  "You doubt the authenticity of his feelings?"

  "When I look into those eyes of his...” she thought of his eyes, the color of storm clouds. “I cannot. When I am out of his presence, I always do. It is a form of self-protection, I suppose. What do you think? Should a person give up half of their personality for the sake of love?"

  "I fear you have a point, Leafy. Love would never require that. But I believe he needs you."

  "Obviously not enough to be my husband, or he would bend on certain matters."

  "What a shame."

  "Yes.” She sighed.

  "Leafy, will you ever find the man who would allow your activities to continue?"

  "Most would not permit me to sing as enthusiastically as I did tonight."

  "But the Viscount would. Admiration glowed in his eyes."

  "Yes."

  "It must have hurt him to see our male guests greeting you so fondly."

  "Yes.” She felt tears sting her eyes. “And yet he would bend his stiff aristocratic rules to let me be American."

  "His other concern for your safety is reasonable."

  "I know that. He is in his right. I just cannot do it. It's who I am. I am the secret hero. I love helping people."

  "And getting no thanks or recognition for it."

  "That's not why I do it."

  "I know."

  "I feed my need for adoration when I'm in my feminine form."

  Honora nodded knowingly. “You like that attention."

  Relief sighed. “I will think of him every time I go out, for the rest of my life."

  "He will haunt you."

  "Yes. But I am incapable of gutting myself. I will not extinguish half of my humanity."

  "You are in your right, Leafy. I am so sorry for your terrible predicament, but I am in accordance with you. Giving it up would not be character growth, which I know you are not opposed to. It would be partial suicide."

  She looked at her sister as if feeling great pity for her for the first time in their lives, instead of the great envy she was accustomed to knowing.

  Nine

  Relief daydreamed from her seat in front of the mirror, dressed in just her white, linen chemise, stays, and petticoat while Honora dressed her hair. Faced with silk and reinforced with whalebone, her underpinning fastened in front to satisfy her independent nature. Her nearly sheer, rose-printed muslin petticoat closed at the back with hooks and eyes, and the front gathered with drawstrings. The lacy hem hung above her ankles under the shorter gown she would wear. Ribbon garters held her silk stockings below her knees.

  "Your hair is so lovely, Leafy."

  "Thank you. I very much like your fashionable blond hair."

  "I could use a bit of lemon to lighten your hair."

  Relief shook her head.

  "No thank you, Nora. It would dry it out. Besides, if I wanted to pursue every fashion, I would surely cut my hair!"

  "Leafy, you do not want me to put these long tresses in a type of chignon for you?"

  "No. It's evening. Do something more elaborate.

  "You rely so heavily on my opinion, sister."

  "You are responsible for my hair and makeup, and I would not have it otherwise."

  "More elaborate, then ... I suggest we decorate your hair with jewels, or pearls. Yes pearls to complement the elegant white dinner gown you will be wearing to the prince's party. You can wear the more formal dress with richer material and a bit of decoration."

  Relief chuckled. “Why do you keep calling him a prince? He is a Viscount."

  "Because he is your prince, Leafy."

  "But I shall never marry him."

  "Maybe not, but he will always be the prince of your dreams."

  Relief frowned.

  "Your makeup will be subtle of course.” Honora came around and placed elegant fingers under her sister's chin. “A tiny bit of rouge for your lips and cheeks. Just a little."

  "Thank you.” Relief held still while her sister did her magic.

  "Leafy, it's good that you brushed your teeth."

  "Yes. But now we are out of tooth powder. Why do you say so?"

  "For the breathtaking kisses that you will be engaged in later!” She puckered then smacked her lips.

  Relief's cheeks heated.

  "I will wear aetherial, though truth be told, Leafy, the sky-blue color would better go with the color of your eyes. It would be a good match. The color is almost identical."

  "No, sweet one, aetherial will be charming with your green eyes."

  Honora smiled. “Shall we bring a bottle of wine from our fine stock?"

  "Yes. Perhaps a port for the men or Madeira to accompany dessert."

  "The Madeira."

  * * * *

  They arrived late in front of the Viscount's townhouse and noted the expensive carriages parked out front. Honora's features lit up. She grabbed her sister's arm, eyes wide in apparent awe.

  "LEA-fy,” she breathed out.

  Relief smiled. “You are beautiful and fashionable, Honora. More than one gentleman will likely notice you this evening. You will leave here with your choice of men to call upon you!"

  "Do you really think so?” She gazed into Relief's face and blinked in a look of great anticipation.

  Relief considered her sister with a sweetness that was rare even in good, if not conceited women like her.

  "Yes."

  "I could tell stories of America, Leafy."

  "You will be a hit! Just do not inform them of the Orient."

  Honora's smile melted. “I will not. God, I would not venture to go there."

  Relief nodded once. They understood each other.

  Honora gawked at the house. “It's elegant and stylish."

  They observed the flat roof and the Portland stone facing.

  "Your prince has a fortune."

  Relief grinned, not caring. “He had a fortune. It has since been diminished."

  "This is real Portland stone, not the cheaper smooth-finished stucco."

  "What an eye you have for such things, sister,” Relief said, amused.

  "People are obsessed with exotic things. We will be the hit of the party, Leafy."

  She chuckled. “I sincerely hope I am not a part of that; just you! This should be a night for you."

  Relief studied the exterior of the home. Flat pillars stood near the sides of the entrance. She glanced down and noticed the flower boxes. Cheerful yellow buttercups seemed to smile up at her. Small, yellow-eyed, circular deep-carmine-colored flowers, bryonies, grew up beside them.

  "What a charming little wrought-iron balcony.” Relief, scanned the immediate surroundings some more. A security fence protected the whole terrace.

  "But I doubt it would be enough to stop a house breaker!"

  Relief met her sister's gaze. “Just let one try, Honora! I will stop him!"

  "Did you bring your little eye-patch and mask with you, sister?” She laughed.

  "No,” Relief grimaced. “And it would be difficult to catch someone with the little steps forced upon me by this narrow gown.” She scanned her frame with a pass of her hand. “But I could take care of business if I really had to. I just hope the need never arises. It would ruin my reputation."

  "If something happens, let Lord Cheltham handle it. You have provided him with street training, so he must be quite competent!” Honora giggled.

  "He was before he met me, Nora. Don't giggle in front of the nobility!” she admonished and tapped Honor's hand.

  "Well, he would be better after going to London Town's worst streets with you!"

  "I suppose so.” She smiled.

  Brass lanterns hung mounted by the front door, but street-lamps also lit the way in the nearby street. This was an elegant, new area. Honora knocked on the door and stole an impetuous glance into the sash windows. Relief
touched her arm.

  "Sister! You are too curious. You will see the inside in a moment!"

  "Where is that doorman? Titled gentlemen wait to meet me. Too bad Mrs. Miller is down with another of her megrims once again. Poor old lady. She's the perfect chaperone. If we find ourselves separated, Leafy, you have only to send a glance my way if you should need me."

  Relief offered a smile of gratitude.

  To their shock, the Viscount answered the door. The ladies looked upon him with wide eyes. He gave them the warmest, happiest smile Relief had ever seen.

  "Ladies.” He touched his chest and bowed. Then he stepped aside and allowed them entrance. “Welcome to my home. I am very pleased that you could join me this evening. I trust I find you well?"

  Relief looked into his gray eyes and smiled sweetly, with the same outreaching as if she had embraced him affectionately, as one would a treasured friend. He held her look for an extended moment.

  "Nice foyer,” Honora's voice broke her reverie. “Ah, there's the butler.” She tilted her head in the direction of a man dressed impeccably in a dark jacket and excellent trousers.

  The white-haired, mildly hunched man approached and took the ladies’ wraps, carrying them away. Laughter and conversation came from a room to the right of the entrance hall. Telling by the sound of slurred voices, more than a few of the Viscount's guests were already boosey. The wine and other liquor had to be flowing. The notes of a Scarlatti piece performed on the pianoforte floated into the hall. Following the Viscount, Relief and Honora took two steps toward the party room when a pretty, petite, black-haired woman in a lovely green gown came rushing out.

  "My lord, there you are!"

  A flash of jealousy flickered in Relief's heart. The Viscount afforded her an ardent gaze and sighed happily.

  He had to have seen my jealousy. Heat flushed Relief's cheeks.

  "Miss Moore, may I present my cousin, Mrs. Mary Ellery. She is like a sister to me."

  Relief sighed. Thank goodness.

  His lordship smiled, delighted at her reaction. He turned to face his cousin briefly.

  "Mary, may I present the enchantress of my dreams, Miss Relief Moore."

  Mary's mouth dropped open. So did Honora's and Relief's. Tingles ran the length of Relief's body.

  Lord Cheltham smiled. “You are familiar with opera, Mary. These ladies know just about everything on the subject."