A Secret Code

by Jacki Delecki

  “With you near, I don’t want to waste a moment of our time together. I want to focus only on you. We’ll eventually capture Benning.”

  Reggie inhaled the spring scents of new grass mingled with the aroma that was all Joie. Her flowery fragrance wafted over him in the gentle warmth of the sun.

  “It was pure torture to be unable to claim all your dances. I hated every moment you weren’t in my arms.”

  Her hands fluttered in front of her as her cheeks pinked.

  Now that she was near, he couldn’t stop his tightly held feelings from pouring out. “I’d rather be shot at than spend another night watching other men touch you. I wanted to kill every one of them for being the recipient of your smiles.”

  “I felt the same… Not that I wanted to kill anyone.” Her light laughter floated around them. “I couldn’t bear the way you were grinning and laughing with Miss Tennyson and then Miss Brownley. Both are beautiful women and neither of their fathers would object to you marrying them.”

  Suddenly standing with Joie in the spring sunshine filled his soul. All the fears and worries about her involvement in his assignment and how they would manage their future floated away like cherry blossoms drifting on the breeze.

  “You were the sole woman I wanted to dance with—last night and every night of my life. I wouldn’t have asked any lady, but Lady Henrietta enlisted me to partner the wallflowers.”

  “It was the same for me. She kept introducing me to gentlemen. I don’t understand why. She said she approves of our engagement.”

  “Lady Henrietta was assuring that none of the past scandal touched you.”

  “Does Lady Henrietta question my judgment after I was so gullible in believing Lord Ayer?”

  He lifted her chin, his heart swelling with joy that he could finally touch her. “Not in the least; she’s establishing you as a miss of the first water.”

  His respect for her ladyship increased even more by her genuine care of Joie.

  “Maybe she wants to give you a chance to meet other men to make sure that your feelings for me weren’t based on the excitement and danger we experienced together. Not that I’m allowing you to change your mind.” As if he had any control.

  “I’ll never change my mind. The danger and intrigue were enticing, but I will always cherish the days we shared after you were injured. Not that I wanted you to be shot.” Her look of adoration made it difficult not to reach for her and kiss away every doubt and worry between them.

  “Without all of society’s strictures, we had time to truly talk. And not of just the weather but honest conversation. The candlelight, the fire crackling, and the wind howling with the two of us sharing our lives will always be a precious memory.”

  If Reggie hadn’t been shot, they would have shared more than conversation. But he would never forget her bedside vigil, her womanly concern and touch, or her heartbreaking description of her isolated childhood. Reggie wanted to take away every hurt she had suffered, to always protect her against ever feeling loneliness. She deserved to loved, with caring people surrounding her.

  “We’ll have many more moments together once we get past this blasted season. I’m not sure I can survive another ball without you next to me.”

  He traced her full lips with his thumb, watching her black eyes dilate and her breath catch. “I want to kiss you. I’ve wanted to kiss you every minute since we’ve been apart. It’s all I can think of.” He didn’t include everything he wanted since he didn’t want to shock her sensibilities.

  She went on tiptoe and pressed her warm body against him. “I’ve dreamt about you like this since the last time we were in the garden.”

  He wrapped her in his arms, bringing her close, trying to meld their bodies into one, to imprint the glorious feeling on them both.

  He pulled her lower lip between his teeth before tracing her full lips with his tongue.

  She slid her tongue over his, reaching into his mouth. Reggie groaned with the pure pleasure that ignited his need to taste her all over. He tried to be gentle, but he was desperate for her. His tongue thrust into her eager mouth.

  He trailed kisses along her neck, then nipped her tender skin before kissing it again. Joie’s mewling sounds coupled with her squirming against his hard length made him frantic. It would be so easy to unbutton his falls and thrust into her. Then the archbishop would be forced to agree to their marriage.

  He fought for control as he pressed his thigh between her legs, bringing contact where he wanted to taste and explore. She rubbed against him, sending a bolt of lust through him.

  He had to have more of her, more of her voluptuous body. He couldn’t play the role of a gentleman any longer. He lowered one shoulder and then the next of her morning dress, revealing her large, dark, erect nipples against her pale silk chemise.

  Reggie couldn’t draw air into his lungs. She was sensuality incarnate, a goddess of beauty. The splendor of womanhood. Awe and reverence overwhelmed him. He wanted to worship this one woman for the rest of his days.

  He teased a nipple, his finger drawing a circle of fire around one and then the other. He had no patience for gentlemanly restraint. “I want to put my mouth on you and suck hard. Do you want me to?”

  Her face was flushed and her eyes were soft with desire. “I do. Please, Reggie. I’ll die if you don’t.”

  Reggie bent and teased his tongue around the areola as he plucked the other nipple, pulling and pinching lightly before he had to take her breast into his mouth.

  Joie groaned and moved closer to him, offering him more. He licked and sucked as his fingers grasped and plucked her other nipple. Joie threw her head back and moaned.

  He wanted to spend a lifetime seeing her like this, lost, mindless, and overflowing with passion.

  He switched breasts as he ran his hands along her hips, then her backside, before he cupped her mound.

  “Oh, Reggie,” she pleaded.

  His hand slid along her soft thighs under her dress. He would bring her to pleasure. He’d never force her into marriage. But when they shared a glance during this time of separation, she’d know she belonged to him.

  He wanted to lift her skirt and press his mouth to her womanhood.

  Searching for the slit in her drawers, he found her swollen and moist.

  Sweat poured off him. His body was tight and ready to be immersed in her hot, wet body.

  He rubbed her swollen bud between his fingers as he pulled hard on her nipple. Her muscles tightened, and her breath quickened as she rushed toward fulfillment. One touch, and she was already climbing to the peak. He took her cries into his mouth, needing to share in her passion.

  He teased her lightly as he kissed her breast, letting her ride the wave of pleasure.

  Her face was flushed, and her eyes were closed, her arousal filling his nostrils. She was magnificent. And although he was hard and needed release, he was content for now, knowing she was his future. He lowered her skirt and pulled her into his arms, wanting to hold his sweet innocent.

  “I… I never.” She opened her eyes. He was captured by the lingering desire in her eyes.

  He caught her chin to look deep into her eyes. “I want to give you much more, but we have to wait, despite how tempted I am.”

  And then he kissed her, pouring all of his love and adoration for her into that kiss.

  “I want more too. Is it always like this?”

  How could he explain when it was all new for him too? His feelings for her, of tenderness, passion, and protection, all melted together. “It will only get better. I promise you.”

  Reggie was barely holding onto his gentlemanly control of not giving her more when he heard Gus’s bark, followed by Edward’s voice.

  “You’ve found them, Gus?”

  Saved by a Labrador. Lady Henrietta had sent Gus and Edward to find them. And lucky she did.

  Chapter Eight

  Joie crossed the square, her maid close by, one step behind. They weren’t far from the path Joie s
trolled with Uncle Charles after the book club meeting at The Odd Set of Volumes.

  Her nervousness drove her quick pace.

  “You’ve been in a daze all morning. Now you’re almost running…in a most unseemly fashion,” her maid Esme huffed.

  Joie searched the surrounding area for suspicious-looking types, especially men lurking. But everything was unchanged from yesterday. Ladies and gentlemen strolled on another surprisingly sunny day for the usual wet spring of England’s clime. Nannies with babies in their prams and children racing ahead were also taking advantage of the fine late-March day. The bright skies and the scent of the budding flowers and trees made everything feel normal. Hopeful. Not fraught with spies and plans to subvert the government and king.

  “I refuse to run at my age. Did you not sleep well? Your bedclothes were in shambles. Are you ill?”

  Joie had barely slept. She lay awake, reliving every passionate moment with Reggie. The way he touched her, so tenderly and possessively. And how she, lost in sensation, abandoned all propriety. She now understood why women got caught in scandals. She could still feel his mouth on her breasts. It was all a revelation and, if anyone had explained beforehand, she would have been shocked and repulsed. But she wasn’t repulsed in the slightest; in fact, the complete opposite. It was the most wonderful and natural experience of her life, and she wanted Reggie to do everything again…and more.

  Joie attempted to rid herself of the dreamy look she knew was on her face. Esme was no fool. She steeled herself, adopting a placid countenance before turning to her maid.

  “And now you’re on some foolish mission to talk to a flower girl. And for what purpose?”

  Esme, the elderly French maid who had been Joie’s mother’s maid, acted like a mother to Joie and never censured her opinion.

  “Your father would not approve of this trip. You should be home resting for tonight’s musicale.”

  “My father never approves of anything. Why would today be any different?”

  Esme understood better than anyone how little her father had been involved in Joie’s life and, when he did pay attention, it was mainly because of her misdeeds. For a while, she had misbehaved to gain his notice, but she quickly tired of his long-winded lectures.

  “Lieutenant Talley will not approve either.”

  Esme was most likely correct about Reggie’s reaction. Joie had forgotten to tell him about Benning’s possible signal to the flower girl. She had become distracted by Reggie’s ardent declaration and then…her mind emptied of every thought except Reggie’s caresses. The way his voice darkened in desperation, his breathing strained and fast, and his lips burned her skin wherever they touched.

  “My goodness. Just the mention of the lieutenant’s name and you look like you did when you were little and were convinced that you could see fairies. You were quite the imaginative child.”

  Being reminded of the inventive childhood she created to fill her lonely days was not helpful at this moment. She wasn’t clear if she had seen the signal between Benning and the flower girl or not. She was torn about sending a message to Reggie about today’s venture.

  Yesterday she had been distracted when she and Uncle Charles walked from the library. First, by Lord Sandow, who had importuned her, and then by Mr. Thornhill. Both requested to sit next to her at tonight’s musicale. She had tried to pay attention to Benning, but the gentlemen were quite ardent in their declarations of her beauty and what an honor it would be to sit next to her. Their words meant nothing. Reggie’s declaration of rather being shot at than watch her dance with other men was scorched into her soul.

  She wanted badly to prove herself to Reggie. And if what she thought she’d seen wasn’t real, she didn’t want Reggie to think she was flighty. He had been impressed with her observations about Benning and confided in her. It was the first time he had spoken to her with respect for her insights into his case. It was a heady feeling, and she wanted to be of help in his important work.

  “This will take a minute, and no one will know of this excursion. I just want to satisfy my curiosity.”

  Esme moaned. “This is how it always starts.”

  “What possibly could go wrong? All I’m going to do is talk. I’ll ask her a few questions, and we can be home in plenty of time to rest.”

  Joie walked toward the open area where benches and shade trees provided rest for the walkers. It was here where the flower girl had approached them yesterday.

  “There she is.” Joie spotted the pale-haired girl with her back to Joie from across the distance. Like yesterday, the girl had her curls tucked into a kerchief with a basket on her arm, maneuvering between the strollers to sell her wares.

  Excitement skittered along Joie’s nerves. This girl could be such a help in finding the spies.

  “Mademoiselle? Please a word.” Joie spoke in French to test whether the girl was French and part of the spy ring.

  The girl continued on, unaware of Joie.

  “If that street urchin is French, I’ll eat her flowers.”

  Used to ignoring Esme’s usual acerbic commentary, Joie continued to follow the girl.

  “Miss. Please. I would like to buy your flowers.”

  Joie had shillings in her coin purse. She planned to bribe the girl with a hefty sum.

  The girl turned at the mention of a sale. It wasn’t the same girl. This girl was a mere gangly child, not more than eight or nine years old. Her dress was dirty and torn, her boots tattered, and her face smudged with coal dust.

  Joie’s shock at seeing such a wee one destitute twisted her insides. The knowledge that a child was working to feed others in her family outraged her. No child should go hungry.

  “I’m looking for the girl who was here yesterday selling flowers. Maybe she was your older sister?” Yesterday’s girl was in her teens, cleaner, and in finer clothes.

  The youngster’s blank look was far too weary for someone her age. “I’m to tell anyone who comes asking that he won.”

  “He won? How?”

  “He said that whoever came would understand the message that no one can stop him.”

  But Joie didn’t understand. She searched the area for any sign that he was near. Was “he” Benning? Or the head of the spy ring?

  “Who, dear, told you?” Joie bent to the girl, keeping her voice pleasant.

  The girl shifted the basket from one arm to the other. “Do you want to buy my flowers or not?”

  “Of course, I’ll buy your whole basket.” Joie dug into her purse. “But please tell me, who is he? Is he watching?”

  The girl handed Joie the bunches of flowers. “I don’t know nothing else.”

  Joie gave the child all of the shillings. She ignored Esme’s gasp. Hopefully, the child would be able to keep the money.

  The girl stared at the coins and then looked at Joie suspiciously.

  “Can you tell me anything about the man who gave you the message?”

  The girl placed the coins into a handkerchief that she knotted before placing it in her boot. “He’ll hurt my sister if I tell you anything.”

  “You run along and don’t give your money to anyone. Do you understand?” Joie considered the idea of following the child, but she couldn’t risk the child or her sister’s well-being. What evil monster would use a child in such a sinister way? Now, she wanted to catch him and make him pay for his cruelty.

  The child nodded and walked away.

  “This is important,” Joie spoke over her shoulder to Esme as they rushed toward the entrance. “I must get a message to Reggie right away.”

  And as if by magic, Reggie appeared. With a terrible glower, he stormed toward her, his long angry strides crossing the distance. How had he known she was here? Had he followed her?

  “Reggie!” She hurried toward him despite his furious frown. He would never hurt her. “Oh, Reggie, that poor child. He told her that he would hurt her sister if she told me anything.”

  His eyes were glacial as he crossed his arms
over his chest. Nothing remained of yesterday’s ardent lover.

  “How did you know that I would be here?”

  “I didn’t. My men and I are here to follow the flower girl. We had hoped to have her lead us to Benning’s handler.”

  No wonder he was angry. She had interfered with his plan to find the spy ring.

  “What else did you learn?” His tone remained severe.

  “That isn’t the girl from yesterday. She said if anyone asked her about yesterday’s girl, she was to say that he had won.”

  Reggie’s harsh tone whipped across her. “Repeat the message.”

  Joie swallowed hard. She could barely get the words out with the ferocious look on his face and his clipped, impatient tone. “She was to say that he won. And that anyone asking would understand. Does that make sense to you?”

  Reggie thundered to the men behind him, “Peters, where is Lady Henrietta right now?”

  “She was on her way to the Abchurch offices to see his lordship when we left for the park. She wanted to see her husband after Dr. Linley’s visit.”

  “And who accompanied her?”

  “Lewis. And I’m not sure if he took other men.”

  “Did her ladyship take a carriage?”

  “No, she wanted to walk. She said it was a fine day, and she had a lot to think about.”

  “I don’t understand, Reggie. Why are you concerned about Lady Henrietta?” And then Joie grasped the situation. Benning was going after her ladyship.

  “The message means that Benning knows we are onto him, and Lady Henrietta is in danger. I must find her before Benning does.”

  “I want to help.”

  “You can help by going to Rathbourne House and remaining there. I can’t be worried about you right now.”

  “Why would you worry about me? Benning doesn’t want me.”

  “No, but right now, the girl is reporting to the spymaster, or he has other people in the park watching. He will want to know who you are and why you were inquiring about the girl. If he doesn’t already know your identity. You’ve placed yourself in danger.”