by Connie Mason
“Now you, Fleur,” Reed urged. “I’ll hold your casket while you climb.”
When Lisette reached the top, hands grabbed her and hauled her up and over. Fleur started up the ladder with a great deal more speed and agility than Lisette. She, too, was lifted over the rail and set on the deck. Reed climbed up next, carrying Fleur’s small casket under one arm, using the other to hoist himself up the ladder. He all but leapt over the rail, landing on the deck beside Fleur.
“Welcome aboard,” Captain Skilling said.
“Thank God you came early,” Reed replied.
“My gut told me you might meet with problems.”
“Your gut was right. We received a warning that soldiers were on the way to the cottage and left posthaste.” He turned to the women. “Captain Skilling, may I present Countess Fleur Fontaine and her companion, Lisette?”
Captain Skilling kissed Fleur’s hand and made a bow toward Lisette. “Ladies, I salute you. You are courageous women. I have a cabin prepared for you below. Perhaps you would like to rest after your harrowing experience.”
Fleur glanced at Reed. He nodded and handed the casket to her. “Thank you, Captain, we’d appreciate that.”
Skilling motioned to a sailor standing nearby. “Wilford, show the ladies to their cabin. Someone will deliver tea to you later.”
The ladies followed Wilford and soon disappeared down the hatch. Once they were out of sight, Reed said, “That was close. With luck, they won’t have time to send a French warship after us.”
“We’re getting underway now,” Skilling replied, pointing to men scurrying over the deck, working lines and unfurling sails. The first mate was at the wheel. Moments later, the sails filled with air and the ship bounded before the wind, heading north along the French coast.
For the first time since leaving London, Reed began to relax. Fleur was safe; he had accomplished what he’d set out to do and not a moment too soon. Now he could concentrate on finding the man who had betrayed him.
During the days at sea, Reed spent a great deal of time on deck with Fleur. Lisette had gotten seasick the moment she stepped aboard the sloop and hadn’t left the cabin once. Though Reed wished for a private place to make love to Fleur, nothing was available to them. So he contented himself with her company, and stealing an occasional kiss in a secluded spot.
The winds were favorable; the ship reached London Pool three days later in the dead of night. Lisette arrived on deck looking pale and shaky. Fleur clung to her arm to steady her.
“There’s no berth presently available in London Pool,” Skilling informed them. “Perhaps you should remain aboard until morning. Finding reliable transportation at this time of night is nearly impossible.”
“I’d prefer to take my chances on land,” Fleur said. “I want to get medical help for Lisette as soon as possible.”
“Very well, Countess,” Skilling agreed. “I’ll anchor here and have you rowed ashore.” He turned to Lisette. “Can you manage the ladder, madame?”
“If it means standing on firm ground again, I will manage well enough,” Lisette replied shakily.
“I’ll go first and help the ladies down,” Reed said. He was over the rail in an instant, pausing halfway down the ladder, waiting for Lisette to descend.
Two sailors lifted Lisette over the rail, hanging on to her until she found her footing. Then she started down. Reed met her halfway, practically carrying her down the remaining rungs to the boat. When he turned back to help Fleur, she had already reached the last rung, her casket secured beneath one arm. Reed grasped her waist and swung her around, carefully placing her on the seat beside Lisette. He joined them as the sailors took up the oars.
When they bumped into the pilings of the quay, the sailors held the boat steady while Reed scampered up the stairs. As he helped the ladies onto the quay, Lisette all but collapsed against him.
“Convey my thanks to your captain,” Reed called down to the sailors as they shoved off.
“We need to find an inn,” Fleur said anxiously. “Lisette is ill.”
“I’ll hail a conveyance,” Reed replied as he lifted Lisette into his arms and carried her along the quay to the deserted street. What he didn’t say was that the chances of finding a hackney at this time of night were slim to none.
Lights winked from the windows of dockside saloons lining the street across from the quay. Reed considered securing a room in one of them but discarded the idea the moment it was born. The docks were no place for ladies, even with his protection.
Reed walked briskly along the dimly lit street. “We can’t stay here; it isn’t safe. Perhaps we’ll find a hackney at the crossroad. Can you walk, Fleur?”
“I’m fine; it’s Lisette I’m worried about.”
“Do not worry about me, ma petite,” Lisette said groggily. “I will be fine once I find my land legs.”
Reed continued on, keeping a sharp eye out for footpads. He had his pistol, sword and a dagger hidden in his boot should he need them. Reed looked both ways at the first crossroad and saw nothing but empty streets. He continued walking. Fleur followed close on his heels.
Luck was with them. At the next crossroad he found a hackney parked along the curb, its driver sound asleep in the box. “You there!” Reed called. “Is this cab for hire?”
The driver woke with a start. “Eh, guv, you need a ride?”
“Indeed. Finding you is a welcome surprise. I thought I might have to walk all the way to Mayfair.”
“Didn’t think I’d find a fare this time of night,” the driver said, scrambling down from the box. He pulled down the steps and held the door open. Reed handed Lisette in first, then Fleur.
“Where to, guv?” the driver asked.
Reed gave the address and climbed into the cab.
“Which hotel are you taking us to?” Fleur asked as the hackney rattled off.
“I’m taking you to my townhouse, love. You and Lisette will be safe there until you decide where you wish to live. I have a housekeeper and a full staff of servants to look after Lisette until she gets back on her feet. And I know Porter will want to see you once you are rested.”
“A hotel will . . . ”
“No, Fleur, a hotel won’t do. I’m taking you to my townhouse.”
Fleur wanted to refuse but couldn’t bring herself to resist one more night with Reed. They’d had precious little privacy on the ship, and this might be the last time they would be together as lovers.
She sent him a telling look. “Very well, but this is only a temporary arrangement.”
The streets were bereft of traffic, so they made it to Mayfair in good time. The driver let down the stairs. Reed exited first and handed the ladies down. Lisette staggered a bit but soon righted herself when Reed grasped her elbow to steady her. Reed remained behind a moment to pay the driver, then joined the ladies on the sidewalk.
He guided them to the door and rapped sharply. Several minutes passed before the portal was flung open by a man wearing a nightshirt and robe, holding a candle aloft. A grin spread from ear to ear the moment he recognized Reed.
He held the door wide. “Welcome home, my lord.”
Reed ushered the women inside. “Thank you, Updike. As you can see, I’ve brought guests. The Countess Fontaine and Madame Lisette will be spending the night with us. Please wake the servants and have them prepare rooms for our guests. And would you fetch the housekeeper? Madame Lisette is ill. Perhaps Mrs. Peabody can prepare a tisane to help her sleep. We’ll wait in the parlor until the guest chambers are made ready.”
Updike scurried off to do Reed’s bidding. Reed escorted the ladies to the parlor and seated Lisette in a comfortable chair and Fleur on a sofa. He built up the dying fire and settled down beside Fleur. Fleur felt the warmth of the fire and relaxed for the first time in days. It had been many years since she’d set foot in her native England, and her homecoming had proved emotionally draining.
“Are you feeling any better, Lisette?” Reed asked, concerned
.
“Oui, monsieur,” Lisette answered weakly. “I’m glad we didn’t spend the night aboard the ship as Captain Skilling suggested. I was desperate to feel solid ground beneath my feet. I swear I will never set foot on another ship as long as I live.”
Reed chuckled. “You aren’t the only person to suffer from mal de mer. It happens to the best of us. Your home is in England now, so you need never travel abroad again.”
Shortly Mrs. Peabody appeared, wearing a flannel robe and wheeling in a tea tray. “I thought the ladies could use a nice cuppa before they retire, my lord.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Peabody. I’m sure the countess and Madame Lisette appreciate your efforts on their behalf.”
“Indeed,” Fleur said, smiling at the housekeeper. “Tea is just what we need.”
“I made up some sandwiches and included slices of lemon cake baked just this morning,” Mrs. Peabody said. “Which one of the ladies needs a tisane?”
“Madame Lisette suffers from mal de mer,” Reed explained. “She could use something soothing to settle her stomach.”
“I’ll fix a tisane and bring it up to her room. Meanwhile, enjoy the tea.”
“Will you pour?” Reed asked Fleur after Mrs. Peabody withdrew.
Fleur poured three cups of tea, added cream and sugar and handed one each to Reed and Lisette. Reed and Fleur sampled the sandwiches. Lisette averted her face from the food while they finished off the sandwiches and cake.
Updike entered the parlor and cleared his throat. “The guest rooms are ready, my lord. And may I applaud both ladies for their efforts in saving your life? I am eternally grateful his lordship didn’t die in that horrible prison.”
“Thank you,” Fleur demurred. “I was happy to be of service to my country.”
Reed offered an arm to each lady and escorted them to their chambers. He opened the door to the first room at the top of the stairs and ushered Lisette inside. A maid was waiting to help her. When Fleur started to follow Lisette, Reed held tight to her arm. “Lisette is in good hands. All she needs is rest.”
Fleur took one look at Reed and lost the ability to think. The stark lines of his face were drawn taut with a hunger Fleur recognized immediately. She knew what he wanted, for she wanted the same thing. One last night in his arms; one final goodbye before circumstances parted them forever.
She nodded in understanding. That was all the encouragement Reed seemed to need. Sweeping her high in his arms, he carried her down the hall and opened the door to a chamber that Fleur recognized as being too masculine to be a guest room. A brace of candles sitting on a tall chest revealed a massive bed, heavy furniture, velvet drapes that appeared forest green in the dim light, and a thick carpet.
Reed set her on her feet. “If you’re too tired . . .” His sentence fell off.
Fleur rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. “I’m not too tired for you. Make love to me, Reed.”
The invitation was eagerly accepted as Reed caught her head between his hands, brought her lips firmly against his and kissed her with fierce appetite and passion. With a sigh she slid her arms around his neck and melted into his kiss. This was what she wanted, what she had waited for.
“Let’s get these cumbersome clothes off,” Reed whispered against her lips.
With indecent speed he undressed her down to her shift and hose, and then even those came off. Meanwhile, Fleur worked diligently at the buttons on his coat, tearing the garment away. Reed helped her remove his shirt and boots,then struggled out of his trousers and smallclothes. Naked, they came together with unbridled passion, their hunger for each other too hot to be contained.
They made their way to the bed, falling upon the counterpane in a heap of tangled arms and legs. He shifted on top of her. She felt his erection pressing hot and heavy between her thighs. She opened her legs to welcome him into the moist heat of her core. Though she begged him with her velvet brown eyes to enter her, Reed chose instead to feast upon her sensitive nipples. Catching one nipple in his mouth, he circled it with his tongue, laving and suckling until Fleur thought she would expire from wanting. When he turned his attention to her other nipple, she groaned with impatience.
She heard Reed chuckle as he kissed his way down the taut line of her belly. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, and she arched against him as his mouth settled hotly over her womanhood. She stifled a scream when he circled the tiny pearl there with his tongue. He thrust the hot spear inside her, slowly at first, then with quick, hard strokes, his hands fondling her breasts at the same time.
Reed paced himself. His cock felt ready to burst, but he wanted to bring Fleur to the same high level of excitement he was experiencing before taking them both to paradise. He felt her tremble, felt her struggling toward orgasm, and his balls tightened in response.
He had to get inside her now before he embarrassed himself.
Surging up, he braced his hands on the mattress beside her head and entered her with one hard thrust. He shook with the effort to contain himself but found it wasn’t necessary. Fleur was wet, hot and ready. With her head thrown back, her eyes closed, back arching, nails digging into his back, she was on her way to ecstasy.
“Now,” Reed murmured against her lips. “Come now, love.”
Wildness seized them both as he pounded inside her. Then her breath broke in a cry of completion. He watched her for one unbridled moment before the clamoring of his body forced his own release. With an exultant cry, he emptied himself inside her, the scent of their lovemaking swirling around him like a warm, wet caress.
Fearing his large frame was too heavy for her smaller one, Reed started to withdraw. With a small cry of protest, Fleur wrapped her legs and arms around him, refusing to let him go.
“No, not yet, Reed.”
“I’m too heavy for you.”
She shook her head. “No, you’re just right. This may be the last time we’ll be together like this.”
Not if I have anything to do with it, Reed silently vowed.
Chapter Ten
Fleur awoke alone in a strange bed in a strange bedchamber. The room wasn’t as large as Reed’s, nor was the furniture as heavy and masculine.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Come in,” she called. A maid slipped through the door.
“Good morning, my lady. My name is Peg. If you’re ready, I’ll have a bath prepared for you.”
“A bath sounds wonderful, Peg, thank you. Is Madame Lisette up yet?”
“She’s still sleeping. Mrs. Peabody said not to wake her.”
“Mrs. Peabody probably knows best. I’m sure her tisane was of tremendous help.”
“Lord Hunthurst said to take your time. When you’re ready, he’ll be waiting for you in the breakfast room.”
“Then I’ll have my bath immediately,” Fleur answered. She needed to make some decisions and the sooner the better.
Fleur’s bath arrived shortly. The brass tub was rolled into the chamber and set up before the hearth. When it was filled with water that had been carried up by two burly footmen, Fleur sank into the tub and rested her head against the rim. But as much as she wanted to just lie in the warm water with her eyes closed, Fleur didn’t linger. She needed to check on Lisette before joining Reed.
Fleur finished her bath and let Peg help her into the same black dress in which she had arrived. She couldn’t wait to shed her widow’s weeds. The color was associated with unhappy times, death and danger. All that was behind her now, and she didn’t want to be reminded of past sorrows.
Reed was sitting at the head of the table when Fleur entered the breakfast room. She had already checked on Lisette and found her sleeping peacefully with a maid in attendance. Smiling in welcome, Reed rose and seated her on his right. A footman stepped forward to pour tea into her cup.
“Can I fetch you a plate?” Reed asked, gesturing toward the buffet set up on a sideboard. “Cook knows what I like and usually just sends a plate to me from the kitchen. But she wanted to
do something special for my guests.”
“Everything looks wonderful, and I am hungry. I’d like eggs, ham, a muffin and some kippers, thank you.”
Reed filled her plate and set it before her. Then he filled one for himself and joined her. “I’d rather not have all these servants around,” Reed said as he dismissed the footman. “I prefer to be alone with you.”
They ate in silence for a time. Then Fleur said, “This is wonderful; thank your cook for me.”
Reed grinned. “I’m delighted I can please you—” he paused—“in more ways than one.”
His double entendre did not escape Fleur. It was all she could do to keep from blushing. “You’re wicked, Lord Hunthurst.”
“I try.” Reed pushed his plate aside. “I sent word of your arrival to Lord Porter this morning, but there is no hurry to see him. You’ve had a harrowing experience, and Lisette needs time to recover.”
Fleur put down her fork and picked up her cup, looking at Reed over the rim. “Lisette and I need a place to live and new clothing to replace what we left behind. I need to sell my jewelry as soon as possible.”
“There’s no hurry. You and Lisette can stay here as long as you like.”
“That won’t do at all. These are your bachelor quarters; we don’t belong here. What I need is for you to direct me to a competent modiste and a reputable jeweler who will give me a fair price for my jewelry.”
“I will take you to the same modiste Helen and Violet use. She is known to keep ready-made outfits on hand for emergencies such as yours.”
“Who are Helen and Violet?”
“My sister-in-law and her sister; they are currently residing at the Hunthurst mansion on Park Avenue. I thought it would be less stressful for me to stay at my bachelor quarters while they are in London. I shall accompany you to the modiste as soon as you’re ready.”
“What about my jewelry?”
“Don’t worry. Trust me to take care of the matter for you.”
Her chin tilted defiantly, Fleur pushed back her chair and rose. “I’m not your mistress, Reed. I can take care of Lisette and myself. I’ve been on my own a long time.”
