Pure Temptation

by Auria Jourdain

  Working the gown over Talia’s head, the woman sighed. “Don’ rightly know, Mam’zelle. He loves you somethin’ fierce.”

  Twisting her torso, Talia squirmed against the snug fit of the bodice. “I’m sure he won’t be pleased about my marriage. Or my impending motherhood.”

  Patting her cheek, Minnie chuckled. “I’s not sho’ he be bothered by that. Madame carried you before they’s done got married.”

  Clasping a hand over her mouth, Talia stared at the woman. “Maman never told me that.”

  Minnie clucked. “She neva’ wanted to talk about it. Made her sad.”

  Talia’s heart wrenched. Her mother was a gentile Frenchwoman who staunchly adhered to social propriety. Surely, she would have felt shamed by such actions. “Poor Maman.”

  “Oui. An’ you be the only chile they had ’cause Madame couldn’t have any mo’.”

  Tears blurred Talia’s vision at the wistful thought of raising a houseful of Talon’s beautiful children. “I hope we have a big family. Talon has several siblings. They all live together—aunts, uncles, and cousins. Can you imagine?”

  “Sounds like us slaves.” With a cluck of her tongue, Minnie handed Talia a camisole.

  Talia shrugged. “He’s Romani. I’ve never heard of it, but it sounds exotic.”

  Minnie laughed. “Girl, you got yo’ head in the clouds, jus’ like a romantic fool. You wanna marry your prince? Take this off so’s I can mend it.”

  “Mios Dio, Talia. What in God’s name possessed you to agree to marry a man I’ve never met?”

  As Talia sat in her father’s study facing his wrath, she crossed her arms over her waist and rolled her eyes. While she understood his anger, she didn’t have time for his reprimands. “I’m not a child anymore, Papa. It’s time you realized that.”

  Fingering the silver and black jacquard cravat at his neck, Fernando Montrose undid the buttons on his double-breasted overcoat and snarled, “I’m still your father.”

  Arching an eyebrow, Talia merely stared back. “You’ve been begging me to marry for three years. Now you’re against it? Maman would approve.”

  His nose wrinkled as he ran his hands through his peppered hair. “Your mother is too indulgent with you.”

  “You sent me to Lisbon with Carina and Ricardo. You wanted me to find myself. I did. I met a man I love more than anything in the world. Can’t you be happy for me? Or would you prefer to choose someone for me? Mayhap Alex?”

  Her father’s shoulders stiffened, and Talia smiled. He was beginning to wear down. “You and Maman married quickly without Grandpapa’s acceptance, oui?”

  “Sí, but—”

  Striding to her father’s side, Talia linked her arm in his. “You were forced to wed. I want my life to be different. I want to marry for love. And I love Talon Barberry with all my heart.” Pressing her knuckles into her eye sockets, she brushed the false tears away with a sniffle.

  Sighing, Fernando hugged her gently to his side. “Mí preciosa. I want that for you as well.” Clearing his throat, Fernando jutted out his chin. “Do I get to meet your betrothed now, or must I wait until the ceremony?”

  Happiness settling in, Talia hugged him. He could never resist it when she cried. “I will get him. He arrived this morning.”

  Hurrying up the stairs, she knocked on Talon’s door. When he answered, she gazed at him expectantly. “Are you ready to meet your future father-in-law?”

  Smiling, Talon took her hand in his.

  “THIS IS ALL RATHER sudden, Señor. How did you meet my daughter?”

  Talon squirmed against the damask settee as he sat next to Talia in her father’s office. From behind his mahogany desk, Fernando Montrose was an imposing figure indeed.

  Holding his head high, Talon tightened his grip on her fingers. He refused to let this man berate him, especially on their wedding day. “Mr. Montrose, I assure you that I plan on taking good care of Talia. I love her very much.”

  Steepling his fingers, the man stared at Talon, his thin, dark eyes piercing. “You haven’t answered my question.”

  As Talia squeezed his hand, Talon tried to keep his calm. He’d never had to win a father’s heart before, but he had deception down to a fine art.

  He brushed a hand across his neck and chuckled. “To be honest, it was fate, sir. I was traveling to the Americas on business for my family, and my transport stopped in Lisbon. That’s where I met Talia. Turns out we were passengers on the same ship. Unfortunately, the unruly crew mutinied, including her escort.”

  Montrose frowned. “That’s unfortunate.”

  “Aye. I was on hand to assist her, and we escaped. We washed ashore at one of the islands. Along the way, I fell in love with her tenacity, her spirit, and her zest for life.” He winked at her cheekily.

  Patting his arm, Talia laughed. “He left out the most important part, Papa. Talon saved my life. If it weren’t for him, I would have died in the Atlantic. Those pirates were clearly on a rampage.”

  Montrose’s eyes shot up. “Pirates?”

  “Oui. Talon fought them off. He kept us alive. Fortunately, we ran aground at Martinique, and Lord Taylor was more than gracious to help.”

  The wrinkles at Fernando’s head smoothed as his arms relaxed at his sides. “I’m glad Taylor was there for you, mi hija.”

  Talon sat straighter. “Lord Taylor encouraged me to propose to Talia, sir. He felt we were well-suited for one another. Those were his words.”

  Talia nodded. “Oui, Papa. If Lord Taylor approves, surely you can give us your blessing as well.”

  Montrose stood and paced in front of the large bay window. “How do you intend to support my daughter, Señor—?”

  “Barberry, sir.”

  “Barberry? What sort of name is that?”

  Talon shrugged. “It’s British, I assume. My father’s family was born in Spain, and my grandfather transplanted our family to London, changing our name to fit in. I’m the eldest son, and my father is ill, so he sent me to do business. We hope to buy land in the territories, perhaps start a new horse breeding ranch. Our steeds come from Conquistador stock, sir.”

  Facing Talon, Fernando raised his brow, a half-smile tugging at his thin lips. “I’m impressed. So, your father thought New Orleans might be the place to look?”

  “Actually, any of the southern territories,” Talon said. “His contacts say property is plentiful here.”

  “I see. Perhaps we can persuade you to stay near our city, for Talia’s sake. She and her madre are close.”

  Talon squeezed her hand. “Indeed.”

  Straightening his shoulders, Montrose cocked his head. “I have made a good living with Temptation Hall. We will find acreage nearby that can accommodate horses.”

  Talia gasped. “Papa!”

  Talon frowned at the man. Surely, he can’t be serious. “Pardon, sir?”

  “The Parsons have several hectares they’re being forced to sell. What if we bought ten or so as a wedding gift and a dowry? Would that be enough to start such an endeavor?”

  Talon’s heart pummeled his chest as he clutched Talia’s hand. The man was going to give them land? “That’s very generous, sir.”

  She gazed at her father incredulously. “Papa, are you sure?”

  Fernando Montrose smiled broadly. “Mi hija deserves the best, and the Andalusians of the Conquistadores are elite stock, are they not, Señor?”

  Talon didn’t know what to say. He had no idea what type of horses the Spanish bred. “Of course, sir.”

  Fernando clapped his hands together in finality. “Bueno. Now, about this wedding...”

  Talia’s brow furrowed and she shook her head. “Papa, Talon and I are getting married tonight. There is no negotiating this.”

  “But mi querida, your madre will be so upset. She is returning next spring. Can’t you wait until then?”

  “Non!”

  Talon jumped as Talia’s screech echoed off the ceiling. As her father glared at her, she cleared her
throat. “Maman and I will plan a big masque at Temptation Hall when she returns, d’accord?”

  Fernando laughed, kissing her cheek. “You are as stubborn as your mother.” He turned to Talon. “You are Catholic, sí?”

  Talon scrubbed a hand over his face as Talia sighed. “Non, Papa. Minnie found a pastor from one of the local Presbyterian churches to officiate.”

  Fernando threw his arms up angrily. “No Mama or priest? Madre de Dios, I give up. When is the wedding?”

  “Seven o’clock.”

  Fernando glanced at his pocket watch and harrumphed. “As your father, I have the honor of presenting you still—unless that has changed?”

  Rising, Talia pecked Fernando on the cheek. “Don’t be silly, Papa.”

  Talon escorted her out the door, allowing Montrose to finish his work. At the top of the stairs, she turned to him, taking his hands with a smile. “I will see you soon, Monsieur Barberry.”

  Caressing her cheek, Talon grinned. “Indeed.”

  As she strolled toward her room, dread churned in his stomach. Something about meeting Montrose hadn’t set right with him. Talia had defied her father’s authority, and the man had seemed rightfully angry. But he’d changed his mind rather quickly. Why was he giving them land with horses of the finest stock so willingly?

  Upon returning to his room, Talon vented to his young ward. “The man thinks I’m a horse rancher. He’s giving us ten acres.”

  Marcus grunted. “So? The Miss be fine wit’ it.”

  As Marcus helped him with his shoes, Talon slumped. “It doesn’t feel right. I know a good horse when I see it and I could certainly breed them, but this man is giving me a start in life that I didn’t earn.”

  Marcus shook his head. “Look, Massa Talon, you been with the Miss fo’ months. Miss Talia, she done tole’ you she’d pay you, right? This be your pay.”

  Talon arched an eyebrow. “It still isn’t right.”

  The clock on the bureau chimed, and Marcus handed Talon his cravat. “It don’ matta right now. You’s gotta get married.” The boy gave him a toothy grin. “Can I watch?”

  “I suppose. Stay near Minnie and Jacob.”

  Descending the stairs, Talon entered the parlor to meet the pastor. To his surprise, Captain Rousseau and Maude were standing there dressed in their finest. Joy leapt through his heart as he shook the old sailor’s hand. “Captain, I’m so glad to see you. Maude, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity.” He fingered the expensive suit that Maude had loaned him.

  “De rien, Monsieur.” She patted his chest and sniffed. “My, you look handsome in my Pierre’s Sunday best. He was a tall man like you.”

  As the clock in the hall chimed seven times, Minnie called out, “Mam’zelle Talia be comin’.”

  Talon’s heart danced in his chest as his bride floated into the salon on her father’s arm like an angel. The ivory dress with capped sleeves draped elegantly around her curves, her small belly hardly noticeable through the lace and pearls. A long pair of gloves covered her hands and a tiny bracelet of blue sapphires adorned her wrist. And for a final touch, an ivory ribbon studded with pearls crisscrossed her glorious curls.

  Pecking his daughter on the cheek, Fernando handed Talia off with a nod. As she approached the dais with a seductive smile, her soft floral scent drifted over him. A hiss left his lips. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

  Squeezing her hand, he skimmed a kiss upon her neck and whispered, “You look stunning, love.” With a blush, she laced her fingers with his.

  Silence filled the room, and the pastor stood in front of them. “Only in the eyes of God...”

  Talon didn’t hear the rest. He couldn’t take his eyes off his bride. How had he gotten so lucky? Five months ago, he had no idea where his life was going. He’d taken this job because he needed an escape. Yet here he was, marrying the love of his life. He felt no fear. He was ready to start anew, and with Talia by his side, he felt invincible.

  They said their words of promise to one another, but it wasn’t until the end that he panicked.

  “Do you have the ring?”

  He froze. Damnation, I forgot a ring. He suddenly remembered that he had something special. Removing the cross armed pendant Contesse had given him from his pocket, he slipped the talisman around her neck. “I’m so sorry, love. This happened so fast, I didn’t have time to get you a proper ring. But this trinket is unique, and it has brought me luck during every moment our adventure together. I don’t need it now that I have the world in front of me.” Placing a hand on her belly, he smiled.

  Tears glistened in Talia’s eyes as she passed a finger over the cross tenderly. “Talon, thank you. It’s beautiful.”

  “I do ordain, in the name of our Lord, Talon and Talia Barberry are now bonded for life. You may kiss your bride, Mr. Barberry.”

  My wife. Talon’s heart swelled as he placed a sensuous kiss upon her ripe lips. The room erupted in joy. Maude and Minnie hugged Talia. As Rousseau went to shake his hand, Talon took him aside. “I can’t thank you enough, my friend. I’m the happiest man alive.”

  Clapping Talon on the shoulder, Rousseau sniffed. “Treat her well, Barberry. That’s all I ask.”

  TALON WRAPPED HIS ARMS around his wife as they laid entwined together after a blissful wedding night. His hand stroked their child, and contentment settled every ounce of worry that he’d had when he’d left England.

  As her eyelids fluttered shut, he chuckled. “Are you tired, love?”

  She opened her eyes and gazed at him. “Who knew getting married would be such a big to-do?”

  “Didn’t you ever dream about such things as a girl? My sister did.”

  She shrugged. “I was too busy riding horses and causing trouble. Are Romani weddings like this?”

  He grinned. “Weddings in my clan are grand affairs. However, we mightn’t have made it through. There’s a part of the ceremony where the groom and bride have to... er—prove the bride was chaste.”

  Talia wrapped her hands around his neck with a mischievous grin. “I’m glad we wed here. Enduring Papa’s wrath was difficult enough.”

  Sitting up on his elbows, Talon’s brow furrowed as he fingered one of her curls. “Your father shouldn’t have given us such a large gift. It makes me uncomfortable. How am I going to take care of you and our child?”

  She stifled a yawn. “Just as Papa said. You know horses, oui?”

  “Aye, of course. But it doesn’t feel right.”

  She touched a finger to his lips. “Don’t they give some sort of dowry in your family? Or gifts?”

  He knew they did. But the favors given during a proper Romani betrothal weren’t nearly as luxurious as the hectares of land Montrose had promised them. “I suppose. But he has too much faith in me.”

  Talia rolled over, pressing her bare breasts against his chest. “Talon, you’re my husband. You have already proven you can take care of me. Didn’t you follow me halfway around the world and keep me safe? Allow my father this indulgence. I am his only child, after all.”

  Talon kissed her on the nose. “Very well. We won’t speak of this now.” They sank back under the covers, and Talia snuggled next to him.

  “Poor Maman. She didn’t get to help me prepare. She’s going to want a huge masque when she returns.” Talia giggled. “Perhaps she’ll bring Aunt Hélène with her. After all, she was the masterminded behind our meeting.”

  The hair on the back of Talon’s neck stood. That was a little too convenient. Indeed, Mademoiselle Beaupraît had said many lives were at stake. Had she lured Madame Montrose away on purpose? What if she’d known Talia was in danger all along?

  He bolted upright. “Hell and damnation.” He pulled the blankets off his wife. “Talia, what about Temptation Hall?”

  She patted his cheek indulgently. “Papa is generous, mon cher, but I don’t think he’s willing to offer our family plantation as my dowry.”

  “No, my love, don’t you see? With your mother
in France and your father here, Temptation Hall is ripe for the taking.”

  Chapter 30

  “THIS IS THE LIFE, ISN’T it Father?”

  “Indeed. Plantation life suits you, my son,” DuPont boomed.

  As the colonel emerged from the double French doors with a snifter of brandy in hand, Hélène Beaupraît gave the man a defiant scowl. After being forced to leave Paris by DuPont’s men, they had arrived at Temptation Hall, only to find the grounds occupied by infidels.

  Her sister, Monique Montrose, sat stone-faced on the dais and sniffled into her handkerchief. “This is an outrage. Where is my husband? Did you accost him, too?”

  The men settled on the grand veranda, drinking their spirits, oblivious to the havoc that would ensue from their plans. All because of one man’s greed.

  “You needn’t worry about Fernando, Madame. He has joined your daughter in New Orleans. Apparently, he had important business to attend to.”

  As the infamous L’Archambeau hobbled across the floor and sat in a chair next to DuPont, he smiled. His bushy eyebrows arched, and Hélène shook her head. “Incroyable. Philippe LaBarre, a man my Edouard trusted for years... you are the infamous L’Archambeau?”

  LaBarre removed his straw hat. “C’est vrai, Mademoiselle.”

  “You have sullied Edouard’s good name. He would be devastated to know you used him and his fortune for ill gain.”

  LaBarre sighed. “Edouard was such a fool. Liberty, equality, and all of that nonsense. He emulated the Americans and their struggle for independence, mais look around. Slaves everywhere. Tell me, is this freedom?”

  Hélène glared at him. “He had a better notion of the revolution than you did. You talk of giving people their freedom, yet you own a large estate in Guadeloupe—run by indentured servants.”

  LaBarre shrugged. “A necessary evil, unfortunately. I served Blanchefort for nigh on twenty years and received nothing. It’s certainly less than I deserve.”

  Crossing her arms, Hélène snorted. “He took you into your confidence, and all you care about is money?”