by Connie Mason
“No, my lady, though he did say not to expect him for dinner. He also said,” Updike continued, “that you weren’t to leave the house. Until the mystery of your recent . . . er . . . accident is solved, he wants you to go nowhere without proper protection.”
Fleur gave an unladylike snort. How like Reed to think of her safety while disregarding his own. How dare he leave without telling her where he’d gone and why! This matter concerned her as well as him.
“Will you please tell him I wish to speak with him the moment he returns? I don’t care how late it is.”
Fleur failed to notice the speculative gleam in Updike’s eyes. “I will give him your message, my lady. Might I suggest you and Madame Lisette take tea in the parlor? I’ll have Cook include some tasty sandwiches and cakes to hold you over until dinner.”
Grudgingly Fleur accepted the offer. She had missed lunch and was hungry.
“What do you think is going on?” Lisette asked once she and Fleur were ensconced in the parlor, an assortment of sandwiches and cakes placed before them. “I assumed the danger would be over once we arrived in England. Who would want to harm you?”
Fleur popped a tiny sandwich into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. She swallowed, then said, “I cannot believe I am the one in danger.”
“Then how do you explain being shot at?”
“The only explanation I can come up with is that Reed was the target. In fact, I’m convinced of it. Now all I have to do is convince Reed.”
Fleur spent the rest of the day curled up with a book. Later, she and Lisette ate off of dinner trays in her bedchamber rather than going down to the dining room. Lisette bid her goodnight and left after they had eaten. Fleur rang for Peg and asked that a bath be prepared. After she had washed her hair and bathed, she readied herself for bed.
Because Fleur had no chamber robe yet, she donned a shift and wrapped herself in a blanket. Then she sat in a chair before the newly stoked fire to await Reed’s return. She didn’t have long to wait. The clock on the mantle had just chimed ten when she heard the door open. Reed stepped into the bedchamber and closed the door behind him.
“Updike said you wished to see me.”
Fleur rounded on him. “Where were you? Did you take a footman with you? What if someone used you for target practice again? Have you no sense at all?”
Reed pulled a chair up to the hearth and sat down. “One question at a time, please. I don’t know why you’re upset. I had my pistol in my coat pocket and a knife in my boot.”
“You don’t understand. You were the target of an assassination attempt today. Do you care so little about your own life?”
“What makes you think I was the target? It could have been you.” He leaned over and touched her bruised cheek. “I hold myself to blame for your injury. I was too rough with you. Does it hurt?”
Fleur shrugged. “It stings but no serious damage was done. Do not blame yourself. You acted from pure instinct. You may have saved my life, though I doubt I was the target. There is no reason for anyone here to want me dead.”
“What makes you believe I have enemies?”
“You were betrayed in France, for one thing.”
Sighing heavily, Reed stared into the dancing flames.
“Lord Porter seems to feel as you do. He thinks I was the target. Neither of us knows why. I’m convinced there is a traitor within our ranks.
“Porter has assigned operatives to investigate,” Reed continued. “We spent several hours this evening discussing the problem, including the possibility that French spies may be posing as émigrés. After I conferred with Porter, I visited Grandmamma. She counts many émigrés among her friends. I asked her to invite them to a salon Saturday next and to send you an invitation. Maybe you can learn something since you are considered one of them. You may even know a few of them. I will, of course, accompany you.”
“While the salon sounds like a good idea, your attendance isn’t required. In fact, it might hinder my efforts.”
“How so?”
“Really, Reed, you’re not an émigré and your presence could prevent people from speaking freely. No harm will come to me at your grandmother’s house.”
Reed sent her a look that told her he thought otherwise. “I cannot take that chance.”
“Honestly, Reed, I’ve taken care of myself without your help since Pierre’s death. I can do this on my own.” She stood, indicating an end to their meeting. “It’s late; I’m going to bed.”
Forgetting she wore only a thin shift, she let the blanket fall away as she rose.
Reed’s mouth went dry. His cock hardened instantly. With the hearth behind her, the dancing flames provided a showcase for her lush figure. Outlined beneath her transparent shift, her long shapely legs and the cleft between them drew his avid attention. Once he looked his fill, his gaze wandered upward to her breasts. Reed’s breath seized when he noted how sweetly the flimsy material of her shift clung to her puckered nipples.
As if suddenly aware that Reed was staring at her, Fleur reached for the blanket.
“Don’t,” Reed said, reaching for her. “I like you just the way you are.”
She gave a startled squeal when he pulled her into his lap. “How tired are you?” he whispered against her ear.
Fleur released a trembling sigh. “You need to leave.”
“I know, but I can’t help myself.”
His mouth swooped down on hers without regard for tenderness or reserve. He wanted Fleur and wasn’t ashamed to admit it. He thrust his tongue between her lips and heard her whimper when he stroked the tender inside of her mouth. He smiled inwardly when she arched her neck for his kisses. He didn’t disappoint her as he trailed nipping kisses along the slender line of her throat. He pushed the sleeves of her shift down, giving his mouth free access to the tips of her nipples. He suckled her hard, flicking his tongue across the engorged buds.
Fleur’s hands drifted to his head, her fingers sifting through the silken strands. Reed hardened even more. She had but to touch him and he went mad for her. His hand found the hem of her shift and eased it up along her thigh, baring her to his touch. He moved his hand between her thighs and caressed her cleft, finding her wet and ready for him.
He shifted her in his lap so that she straddled him, opening her to his exploration. She groped for the fastenings on his fly.
“Please,” she gasped.
“I know what you want, love,” Reed murmured. He helped her open the placket and release his erection. Her hand curled around him and stroked downward, from the head to his balls and back. Reed thought he would expire from pleasure. He would never get enough of this woman.
He could stand her tender torture no longer. Palming her bottom, he lifted her slightly and eased his cock inside her. He groaned as she closed tightly around him. Head thrown back, she rode him hard, giving no quarter and asking for none. He gave her everything he had and then some. At the end, he took the reins from her, holding her hips in place as he pounded inside her, desperate now for release.
Fleur came first. He felt her body contract. Her arms. Her knees. Her thighs. Her inner muscles clenched around him and she cried out. Panting, Reed pumped harder, deeper, seeking his own pleasure. It came with a gush of hot liquid as he emptied himself inside her.
Fleur collapsed in a boneless heap against him. Reed fared no better. He felt as if every bone in his body had melted into a giant pool of liquid pleasure. When Fleur began to stir, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed. Then he shed his clothes and joined her.
After a short rest, he began loving her again.
Fleur was alone when she woke the next morning. She stretched and smiled, remembering every blissful moment of the previous night. Though she recalled Pierre fondly, and they had been happy together, nothing about his lovemaking even remotely resembled what she and Reed had done in her bed last night.
After he carried her to her bed, she had taken the initiative. Blushing slightly, she rec
alled kissing every part of his body, caressing his erection with her tongue, taking him in her mouth and pleasuring him, and letting him return the favor. Everything they had done had been wonderfully arousing and not at all embarrassing. Reed released the wanton in her that neither she nor Pierre had known existed.
But being with Reed this way had to end when she moved into Reed’s London mansion. Lady Helen did not like her, and Lady Violet was jealous of her. Besides, she had taken on another assignment and intended to devote all her time and energy to it.
Fleur was still lying in bed when Lisette poked her head into the room. “Are you ready to get up, ma petite? Lord Reed’s luggage is being loaded into the carriage as we speak.”
Fleur shot up. “How late is it? Why did you let me sleep so long?”
“ ’Tis only ten, but since we have very little to pack, his lordship said to let you sleep. Shall I send Peg to you?”
“Do I have time for a bath?”
“We’ll make the time. I will see to it myself and ask Peg to bring up a breakfast tray so you can eat while the water is heating.”
Lisette took her leave. Fleur lay back in bed, feeling somewhat guilty for causing the extra work. But she felt sticky from Reed’s lovemaking and could smell his scent on her. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out what she had been up to if she skipped bathing this morning.
Fleur’s breakfast arrived; she ate ravenously from a tray placed on her lap while a tub was being filled. Once Peg had carried off her tray and everyone except Lisette had left, Fleur got out of bed and eased into the tub.
Lisette regarded her with knowing eyes. “He was in your bed last night, wasn’t he?”
Lying to Lisette had never worked. “Do you think worse of me for allowing it?”
“I could never think worse of you, no matter what you did. I cannot blame you for seeking pleasure where you may. Besides, his lordship is an honorable man. He will take care of you.”
Fleur bristled. “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I refuse to become a kept woman.”
“As you say, ma petite,” Lisette demurred. “But I fear you are falling in love with the rascal even though you know he will not wed you.”
“Fear not for me, Lisette. I know precisely where I stand with Lord Hunthurst.”
Reed was waiting for her when she arrived downstairs wearing the gold-and-blue walking dress. “I sent notes around to Madame Henrietta and the cobbler yesterday, instructing them to deliver your new wardrobe and slippers to Park Avenue. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn the first of your gowns and most of the footwear we ordered have already arrived. Are you ready to leave?”
Fleur nodded.
Updike handed her the new bonnet that matched her gown. “We will see you in a few days, my lady. The entire household is moving to Park Avenue. ’Tis a move his lordship should have made when he returned from France.”
Fleur tied her bonnet strings beneath her chin and smiled at Updike. “Thank you, Updike. I shall look forward to seeing a few friendly faces.”
Reed grasped Fleur’s elbow and ushered her out the door. “Where is Lisette?” Fleur asked.
“Waiting in the carriage with Peg. I’ll follow on horseback.”
“Ride inside with us, Reed. Why make a target of yourself?”
“Leave off, love,” Reed said. “Just get into the carriage and let me worry about my well-being.”
Fleur entered the carriage, muttering something about pig-headed men and their inability to take advice.
“Did you say something?” Lisette asked as Fleur settled her skirts around herself.
“Just talking to myself, Lisette.”
The carriage rattled off. The ride was a short one, actually just around the corner. Fleur could have walked had Reed allowed it. He was waiting to open the door when the carriage arrived.
“Mon Dieu,” Lisette said. “Why didn’t you tell me we were going to live in a palace, ma petite?”
“It is imposing, I suppose, but if I have my way about it, we won’t be living here long. The ladies of the house are suffering our presence only because Reed demands it. Raise your chin, Lisette, we cannot let them intimidate us.”
The door opened. Several footmen came out to help unload Reed’s luggage and carry it inside. Reed escorted the ladies through the gate and up the stairs. Hughes bowed and held the door wide for them to enter.
“Welcome home, my lord. We have been expecting you and your guests.”
“Thank you, Hughes. Are the ladies in the drawing room?”
“They are. They have a caller. Shall I announce you?”
“A caller? Who is it?”
“A Mr. Duvall. I believe you know him.”
“Indeed I do. No need to announce us, Hughes. We’ll announce ourselves. Have the guest chambers been prepared as I requested?”
“Indeed they have, my lord.”
“Which chambers will my guests occupy?”
“Lady Helen chose the green room in the east wing for Lady Fontaine. And for her companion, my lady suggested that we put her with Lady Fontaine’s lady’s maid in the servants’ quarters on the third floor.”
Reed scowled, not at all pleased with the arrangements. “She did, did she? We’ll see about that. Madame Lisette is not a servant. She shall have the green room in the east wing. As for Lady Fontaine, I believe she will be more comfortable in the rose room in the west wing. Will you see that the chamber is made ready? And show Peg where she is to sleep.”
“All the chambers have been cleaned and aired, my lord, in case you wished to change the arrangements made by Lady Helen. Delivery of Lady Fontaine’s new wardrobe was made a short time ago. Everything was taken to the green room, but I will make sure everything is moved to the rose room and show the maid to her room in the servants’ quarters.”
“Thank you, Hughes.” He offered an arm to each lady. “Shall we proceed to the drawing room?”
“You’re here,” Helen said when they entered the drawing room.
“Indeed. Hello, Duvall. I’m surprised to see you here this morning. Didn’t you call yesterday?”
Duvall cleared his throat. “Lady Helen asked me to escort her and her sister on a shopping expedition this morning.”
“Indeed I did,” Helen said. “Once I saw all the boxes that arrived for Lady Fontaine early this morning, I decided Violet and I are in need of a new wardrobe. And since you have no time for us, I sent for Gallard to attend us. He arrived posthaste.”
“I wouldn’t think of disappointing the ladies,” Duvall concurred.
“Good to see you again, Duvall,” Reed drawled. “Duvall, ladies, allow me to present to you Madame Lisette, Fleur’s companion.”
Lisette curtsied and was acknowledged.
“Did Hughes inform you of the arrangements for your guests?” Helen asked. “I hope they are to your liking.”
“They weren’t to my liking, Helen. Since Lisette is not a servant, she shall occupy the green room.”
“What about Lady Fontaine?” Violet asked. Her barbed gaze pierced Fleur. If looks could kill, Fleur would be dead. “She was to have the green room.”
“Fleur shall have the rose room,” Reed informed her. “The view from the windows is spectacular.”
Violet objected vociferously. “But the rose room is . . . ”
“Indeed it is,” Reed agreed, cutting her off in midsentence.
Fleur wondered what had just taken place but held her tongue. She would find out soon enough.
“Since we are to be your guests, I’d prefer that we dispense with formalities,” Fleur ventured. “I’d be pleased if you’d call me Fleur, and I know Lisette would prefer to be addressed by her given name.”
“Of course,” Helen acknowledged, “and you may call us Helen and Violet.”
“Duvall, if you and the ladies will excuse us, I shall acquaint my guests with the house. I don’t want to delay your shopping excursion.”
Reed ushered Fleur and Lisette
from the room.
“That went rather well,” Reed said once they had quit the drawing room.
Fleur nodded. “But don’t you think it strange that Duvall is making himself indispensable to Helen and Violet?”
“Better him than me,” Reed retorted.
Fleur kept her thoughts to herself as Reed guided them through the mansion, explaining the function of each room as they passed through it. The first floor consisted of the drawing room, dining room, a huge ballroom, breakfast room, a well-stocked library and study. The modern, well-kept kitchen and servants’ dining hall were at the back of the house, connected to the upper stories by servants’ stairs. The second floor had an east wing and a west wing. Each wing held a total of five bedchambers. The third floor consisted entirely of several bedchambers occupied by servants.
“How will I ever find my way around?” Fleur wondered aloud.
“There are footmen stationed on each floor to direct you,” Reed said. “My grandfather built this house, and my father and brother added improvements. We even have a water closet in each wing and modern plumbing.”
“Amazing,” Fleur replied, peeking into one of the water closets. “Our chateau had none of these amenities, though it was grand enough.”
Reed stopped before a door in the east wing and flung it open. “This is your bedchamber, Lisette. You can stay here and rest or acquaint yourself with the servants below stairs. I know you feel comfortable around them.”
Lisette grinned. “You know me well, my lord. I may be your guest but such lofty company unsettles me.”
“I’ll show you Fleur’s chamber first and then you can do as you wish. Can you find your way to the kitchen and servants’ dining hall?”
Lisette nodded, and they continued on to the west wing and Fleur’s bedchamber. Reed opened the door and held it so they could precede him inside. Peg was already there, removing a bonnet from a large hatbox. “The chamber is beautiful,” Fleur said, admiring the rose-colored drapery, flocked wallpaper and dainty furniture. Her gaze settled on the boxes Peg was busily unpacking. “Are those all for me?”
“It appears Madame Henrietta fulfilled her promise to have several outfits ready within the week. The rest will follow in a few days.”
