Why not? The music was pleasurable. She had nowhere to go. And, Christian, she suspected, could be a charmer when he wanted.
“All right. What would you like to talk about?” she asked.
“Let’s find a quiet place away from the crowd, off the lobby.” Christian stepped aside so Elizabeth could leave the aisle.
He lightly placed his hand on her back to guide her. Somehow the non-threatening gesture made her all too aware of his virility. Under other circumstances his appeal would be hard to resist. He led her to a section away from the center of the noisy chatter. A few people milled about, conversing about the program, but more quietly since they didn’t have to raise their voices to compete against each other.
Elizabeth eyed him speculatively. She waited for him to speak and hated the awkwardness of their situation. She never was uncomfortable around men, but then again, Christian was not just any man. He was a threat to her father’s well-being and much too charming when he chose to be.
He flashed her a crooked smile, as if he had read her thoughts, and said, “You were rather quiet when Walter mentioned the tale of the red glow. Did it frighten you?”
“Somewhat, but not because I’m overly superstitious. It’s the idea I suppose. I really don’t have to worry though.” Despite her trips to the Aurora, she mostly concentrated on the ships and activity along the wharf rather than the horizon over the bay. “I dislike the water and the sea. The only water I plan to be near is in my bath.” She used her program as a fan, having forgotten her own.
“Have you never been on a ship?”
She shook her head.
“A barge?”
She shook her head again.
“A currach?”
“Not that I can recall,” she answered, and smiled. “Why are you so surprised? You look as if I’ve said something unpardonable.”
“If I could not sail, I’d shrivel and wither away like a dried apple.”
He was too strong-willed for such a fate. She smiled.
He returned the smile and said, “The sea to me is a place of solitude. Miles and miles of it and freedom from the formalities of everyday life. No cravats. No waistcoats. No boots if I don’t like. There’s naught like a salty sea breeze in your face by day, and stars so bright and plentiful by night, you feel you can touch them from here.”
For an instant, she glimpsed a peacefulness about him.
“You make it sound enticing, but when you can’t swim, it can be terrifying.”
“You can’t swim?” His amber eyes widened.
“Of course not. I told you I don’t like anything to do with the water.”
“You poor creature. And, I suppose you have no desire to travel?”
“Aye, by coach or carriage,” she said, unsure she liked being referred to as a creature.
“You can’t get to France by coach.”
“Unless I sprout wings and fly there, I’ll not be going,” she said a bit huffily. “And, I don’t particularly like being called a creature.”
“I meant creature in the most complimentary sense of the word. As in sea nymph or lovely goddess.” He stood with his hands behind his back, watching her.
She flushed and more quickly fanned herself. She wasn’t pressing for a compliment either. Gracious, how the man twisted the conversation to suit him.
“Blush becomes you.” His gaze wandered from her face to briefly take in the rest of her. “You look quite pretty this eve.”
She knew she must have turned scarlet. Quickly, she ignored his flattery and asked, “Have you traveled many places over the sea?”
“Aye, but mostly to America. New York and Florida in particular.”
“I’m not familiar with either place. You sound like you make the trip often.” The warmth in her cheeks subsided.
“I do. I operate a shipping line back and forth from Sligo to America,” Christian told her. He maintained his stance with his hands behind him.
She wondered how Adam fit into all of this. At once, she became quite interested in the family he had never talked about to her. “How nice for you. Is it your family’s business?”
“Nay,” he said and glanced around them.
“ ‘Tis time to go back inside the music hall.” He extended his arm to her.
She placed her hand on him in a ladylike manner, and they proceeded to their seats. Still, she was not going to let slip the opportunity to find out more about the mysterious Traynors. “So the shipping line is yours?”
“Aye.” He paused in his stride and faced her, “Has Adam not told you the slightest tidbit about our family?”
This was not the response she had hoped to receive. Nor did she want it brought to her attention once more what a fool she had been with Adam.
“We’ve already discussed that matter. I don’t care to do so again.” She removed her hand from his arm and hurried ahead.
He said nothing until they were seated. He whispered in her ear. “You’re going to discuss it in detail and more.”
Her stomach nervously fluttered at his words though she pretended not to hear, and watched the musicians get settled. Part of her feared his questions concerning her or Adam. The other part feared his suggestive intent; especially since she wasn’t sure she could resist another one of his powerfully sensual kisses.
Once again, the lights dimmed and the music started. No longer was she interested in the performance, but in what she would say to the man next to her at the end of the evening. She could no longer put him off, yet she couldn’t tell him the truth about Adam, or could she? What choice did she have? Perhaps he would be sympathetic. Perhaps he would deny Adam’s participation in the dangerous occupation of counterfeiting, get angry with her, and turn her in as a liar. So deep in thought was she, she involuntarily stood and applauded when everyone else did, hardly able to believe that the performance had concluded, for she remembered little of the last set.
“Wasn’t it wonderful?” Charlotte said. She crossed her arms over her chest and feigned a dreamlike state. “Time has passed so quickly.”
“Aye, it has,” Elizabeth answered. She wondered how she might avoid the upcoming confrontation with Christian.
“I was feeling a bit faint during the last composition,” Elizabeth lied. “I think I best retire for the evening. Do you think you can take me directly home?”
Christian instantly spoke up. “There’s no need for Charlotte and Walter to travel out of their way. I’ll hail a ride and take you myself.”
“Thank you, but it really wouldn’t be proper,” Elizabeth said, avoiding eye contact with him. She didn’t need to see his face to know that under his calm words he was furious.
“Improprieties can be overlooked when one is ill,” Christian suggested.
“I think Christian is right. What do you think Walter?” Charlotte looked to her love for obvious support.
“I certainly do not mind taking Elizabeth home first if she so desires it. However, I am feeling a bit ill myself and am grateful the performance did not last a minute longer. My stomach has been gurgling. I’m wondering if there’s something in the air tonight, or if it was the gooseberries I ate earlier. Quite frankly, I fear I need to use the conveniences and hope that I can safely make it home without having to do so again. Excuse me, please.” Walter hurriedly left the three of them to stare after him.
Blasted mischance, Elizabeth silently cursed. How could she insist Walter and Charlotte take her home when the poor man was having a rough go of it himself. He needed to get to the confines of his own town house as quickly as possible. Yet, she had one more idea.
“Walter apparently is in worse shape than I. Why don’t we see to him first, and then we can drop me off?”
“What would be most considerate to Walter is if I escorted both of you ladies home. This way Walter won’t be unnecessarily embarrassed,” Christian said, taking command.
“I agree,” Charlotte said. “Walter is so sensitive. When he returns, we’ll tell him our plan
s. I know he’ll be grateful.”
Elizabeth had no recourse but to agree and when Walter finally returned he accepted the offer made by Christian, gave Charlotte a quick peck on the cheek and hastily departed.
No one was interested in conversation on the carriage ride home. Consequently, each dealt with their own thoughts. Elizabeth didn’t bother to ask that she be taken to Henrietta Street first, since Charlotte’s residence was closer.
When the driver halted in front of Charlotte’s town house, Christian stepped outside in order to assist her.
“I hope Walter feels better soon,” Elizabeth said as Charlotte rose to leave.
“Thank you,” Charlotte answered. “I hope you do, too. Come over soon and we’ll practice the new style we were working on the other day.”
“I will,” Elizabeth replied. She watched her friend leave. The moment she had dreaded all evening was upon her.
Christian seated himself beside her rather than across from her. Almost before the driver took off, Christian said, “You were trying to avoid our talk,” he said clearly angry.
“I don’t feel well.”
“Liar. I want some answers and now. Where’s Adam? What do you know?”
“Nothing that I haven’t already told you.”
Roughly, he reached for her. His eyes narrowed and bore into hers. Next instant, he kissed her until she was breathless.
His mouth lifted from hers, yet he held her in his arms. “Be honest, or you’ll get more of the same.”
His kisses knocked her senseless, so that she seriously considered more of the same. Her sensible side, however, warned her that it was more than she was ready to handle. “What is it you want to discuss? I am tired and would like to go to bed.” She shoved him from her, and he allowed it.
“That’s exactly where you are going. My bed, unless you speak honestly.”
“You wouldn’t force your intentions on me?” she asked in disbelief.
“You flatter me, but I meant my home.” Christian faced her. “Though it’s not a bad idea.” He tucked a curl of hair behind her ear.
“Don’t touch me.” She scooted closer to the door.
Christian laughed and again said, “Afraid you might enjoy it? You’re a lovely little liar, for sure; however, I’m tired of your deceit. I know what you’ve been doing. I want to know how you’ve involved my brother.”
She could not believe her ears. “Me? Involve your brother. Quite the contrary.”
“So you admit you’re involved in illicit activity.”
“I will not.” She focused out the window. “Wait,” she turned to him. “This is not the way to my home.”
“Nay, it’s not.” Christian leaned back in the carriage seat and crossed his arms before him. “We’re going to Four Courts.”
“Whatever for?”
“To turn you over to the authorities,” he easily replied.
“Nay. ‘Tis no one there at this hour.”
“I’ll find someone even if we have to wait until daylight. This escapade has come to an end. I want to know where my brother is.”
“I swear to you. I don’t know,” she pleaded, knowing it was for naught.
“I’ve been watching you and your meetings with Roderick for weeks now. I know you’re involved in counterfeiting. I heard you and Roderick at the Liffey Supply. How is my brother involved in this? Or should I ask Charlotte?”
She studied him. So, he knew. She should have realized when he hadn’t pursued her that he planned another approach. She couldn’t allow him to question Charlotte. Roderick point blank told her if Charlotte found out about his activities, her father would suffer.
“Answer me,” Christian heatedly ordered her. He grabbed her by both shoulders and shook her soundly a few seconds before he released her.
Don’t cry, she told herself. Yet when she spoke her voice was shaky and tears pooled in her eyes. “My father’s life is at stake. I was sworn to secrecy. Please understand that what I do is not of my free will.”
“I suppose next you’ll be telling me it’s my brother who is coercing you.”
“Aye. Him and Roderick.”
Christian’s mouth set in a grim line. He took a deep breath before he said, “Why do you continue to lie to me even when I warn you that I’ll turn you over to the authorities? Apparently, you do not care.”
“ ‘Tis because I care. I speak the truth.” Hard as she tried, she couldn’t control the tears. She hated herself for it. She turned away from him, willing herself to get some control. She’d not sob her sorry tale in front of him. Nay. Never.
“Elizabeth, I’ll not harm you. Talk to me. I want to help.” He reached for her.
She moved to the seat opposite him. “I don’t exactly call shaking me until my teeth rattle a non-antagonistic gesture.”
“I’m usually a patient man. This business with Adam has me frustrated. Your lack of cooperation has me frustrated. I won’t hurt you, Elizabeth, but I am serious. My brother is important to me. My parents are distraught. Talk to me, or I’ll have no choice, but to do as I said.”
“My father is important to me. I can’t jeopardize him.”
“Would you not do more harm if the authorities asked questions?”
She considered what he said. He was right. Yet, once she told him the truth, would he not go to the authorities anyway? “How do I know that if I confide in you, you won’t turn me in just the same?”
“You don’t. I’ll decide whether or not to do that after you talk.”
“So I’m doomed if I do and doomed if I don’t?” she said in a cutting tone.
“Actually, there’s always the chance I’ll believe what you tell me, so the odds are a tad better to do so,” he smugly said.
He had the upper hand and planned to play it. “I hate you,” she said.
“I’m not exactly fond of you either. What’s it going to be?”
“I’ll answer your questions as best I can.” She forced herself to relax against the back of the carriage seat. She would be honest and hope for the best. The rest was up to him.
“Do you know where Adam is?”
“Nay.”
“Does Roderick know?”
“I’m not sure. He’s never given me any indication he would tell me if he did know.”
“Admit that you and Roderick are cohorts in counterfeiting.”
She breathed in deeply. “Aye, but as I told you, it’s not my choice.”
“Explain.”
Again she took a deep breath. “I discovered coins and dies hidden in a teapot.”
“The one I asked you about?” Christian interrupted.
“Aye. When I confronted Roderick, he freely admitted to counterfeiting and threatened to harm my father, who he holds hostage, unless I joined him and Adam.”
“Good God!” Christian sat more erect in his seat and watched her carefully. “So you pass the coins for Roderick.”
She nodded and added, “I’ve drawn several coins as patterns for the dies, too.”
“You put yourself in serious jeopardy.”
“I know it. What would you have done if it were your father?”
Christian shrugged, “Perhaps the same. Where does Adam fit into this?”
She now studied his face, which was expressionless. “You’re not going to like it.”
“Go on.”
“He’s behind the counterfeiting. Roderick told me so.”
“I don’t believe it. Roderick is lying.” Christian shook his head.
“The night my father disappeared, Adam pleaded with me to tell him my father’s schedule, so he could that very night ask for my hand in marriage. The next day, my father was gone, and I received the missive from Adam. You read it. Why else would Adam have ended our engagement?”
Christian sat back, suddenly quiet and thoughtful.
“Roderick did say Adam had not planned to involve me in the counterfeiting, but since I discovered the dies, they’d put my talents to use.”
“Please, don’t turn me over to the authorities. I’m telling you the truth,” she crossed over to sit next to him. Gingerly, she touched his arm. “Please, believe me.”
He stared deep into her eyes before he said, “I do.”
She was so doubtful and worried over what he might do, that she could hardly believe she heard correctly. “You do?”
“Aye.”
“Thank you,” she said, and spontaneously gave him a hug of appreciation.
One second she had unthinkingly acted—the next, she was so much aware, she was afraid to move. He apparently acted on impulse as well for his arms came around to coddle her. Her cheek was next to his. God in heaven, she had meant well, but responded boldly.
She pushed away from him. He let her go. She thought he looked regretful, but as quickly she determined it was her imagination.
Now that she had confessed, she felt as if she had cleansed her soul. At last, someone knew the entire outlandish story even if it was the enemy’s brother. What lay ahead? “What are we to do?” she meekly asked.
“We’re going to resolve this. I said I’d help you, and I meant it.” Christian rubbed his forehead.
“Truly?” she doubtfully asked. “Though your brother is the cause? Would you be willing to see Adam swing from the gallows?”
Christian’s eyes narrowed and turned an ominous dark shade of amber. “I said I believe you. I also don’t believe Adam is himself. He’s either drugged or sick. Adam would never get involved in any of this.”
“Regardless, my father’s fate is in Adam’s hands. How do you plan to get to the bottom of this? If Adam or Roderick find out anyone else knows, they could kill my father.”
He ignored her question. Instead, he acted like a hawk with its feathers ruffled. At the same time, the carriage came to a halt in front of Four Courts. He stepped outside, and she heard him mumble to the driver before he reentered the carriage. No sooner had he done so, than the carriage jerked forward.
She eyed him speculatively and he asked, “When is your next rendezvous with Roderick?”
His suggestive word disturbed her. “It is far from what I would call a rendezvous,” she corrected him, and continued, “He has asked me to meet him tomorrow eve.”
Sea of Fire Page 11
