by Brenda Joyce
She loved him so much that it hurt.
His gray eyes blazed. “Virginia.” He swept off his hat and bowed.
She curtsied. “We…we did not expect you…so soon.”
He smiled a little. “I decided to chase an American merchantman across the ocean.”
Her eyes widened. “How…how utterly convenient.”
And he smiled. “I thought so.”
Was he trying to tell her that he had chased a ship across the ocean merely as an excuse so he could come home to see her? As her mind raced with the notion, he approached and kissed her cheek. She closed her eyes, her cheeks flaming, hollow with needing him now. He turned and murmured a greeting to Mary.
“You wonderful man,” Mary said, hugging him. Then, smiling, she said, “I have a call to make, in spite of the weather. Edward is not home,” she added significantly. She turned and left the front hall.
Virginia bit her lip, her fingers curling into her palms. Devlin handed his cloak and hat to a servant. “I received your letter,” he said, his gaze moving over her face as if he were making an inspection of her features.
“I hope it brought you some warm comfort on a cold Atlantic night,” she managed.
“Indeed, it did.” His smile flashed, brief and strained. “Although I might behead Rex, for I doubt the kiss was a brotherly one.”
Virginia flushed, as it hadn’t been all that chaste, although Rex had heartily apologized afterward.
“I thought so,” Devlin said, appearing vastly annoyed, his silver eyes flashing.
“He is the worst flirt,” she said, and then she amended, “with me, at least. He seems to despise all other ladies.”
“I do not want to talk about my brother,” Devlin said roughly.
The servant had left the hall and they were entirely alone. “Neither do I,” Virginia whispered. Tears moistened her eyes. “I am so glad you have come home.”
He hesitated, as if he wished to speak.
She did not move.
Then he grimaced and walked over to her, his hands closing over her arms. “I am glad to be here, too,” he said as roughly as before.
She swallowed and dared to say, “I have missed you, Devlin.”
His expression tightened. He pulled her close and covered her mouth with his.
She cried out, clinging, and in his embrace, she felt warm and loved—safe. His mouth was voracious and Virginia kissed him back as frantically, thrilled when she felt his arousal against her hip.
Suddenly he lifted her into his arms. “Where is your room?” he demanded.
She held on to him tightly. “Devlin, we are in your parents’ house!”
“I don’t give a damn and I cannot wait another minute to be with you.” He pounded up the stairs with her in his arms. His eyes blazed as he said, “I thought that once I was back at sea I would be free. But I was wrong.”
She blinked. What did he mean?
“I could not stop thinking about you, Virginia.” He seemed grim. “You have haunted my every waking moment. You have haunted my dreams.”
She was thrilled. She smiled and said softly, “Then we are even, I think.”
His eyes widened as he reached the landing. “Which room?”
Her entire body was already enflamed at the inevitability of what was to be. “The third door on the right,” she managed.
He pushed it open with his shoulder and carried her to the bed. He set her down and sat beside her, silent for one moment. “You are more beautiful than ever,” he said thickly, touching her cheek. “I expected you to be pale in the midst of winter—your face blooms like a flower, instead.”
She hesitated, about to blurt out her suspicion that she was with child, but she thought the better of it. She wasn’t quite certain and the moment was perfect; she was afraid to ruin it. “I’m not blooming, I am flushing, Devlin,” she said.
He laughed, his hands now deftly undoing the buttons on the back of her dress. “You have never been more beautiful,” he said, sliding the dress down to her waist. His eyes widened with appreciation at the sight of her breasts, caressed by the sheer linen of her chemise, now fuller than before and swelling out of her corset. “And you have bloomed, Virginia,” he murmured.
“Impudent man,” Virginia retorted, no easy feat when utterly breathless and hot.
He tugged her chemise over her head, tossing it aside. “I will show you impudence, madam,” he said, and he wrapped a hard arm around her, lowering his head to her bosom.
He nuzzled her voluptuousness, then lipped her nipple. Virginia was very sensitive and she almost swooned from the released flood of desire.
“I do not want to hurt you,” he gasped, releasing her and taking her hand and guiding it to his loins. Virginia cried out at his heat and hardness, at the throbbing against her palm. “But I have little patience this day.”
“You do not hurt me,” she whispered. “Please, hurry!”
He suddenly sat, eyes ablaze, quickly pulling her dress off. Virginia watched him as he removed her drawers and she knew she had never seen him more desperately in need. When she was clad only in her corset and stockings, he palmed her sex.
Triumph flared in his eyes, on his face. “Spread your legs,” he said, and as she instantly obeyed, he leaned over her, rubbing his cheek there.
Virginia cried out, overcome with pleasure and excitement. Her body had changed in many ways and maybe their separation had something to do with it, but she knew she would fly into the blue-black heavens in another instant. “Hurry,” she cried hoarsely.
His mouth moved over her, thorough and slow, his tongue insistent, a probe.
Virginia began to shatter, crying out, clawing his shoulders.
“Oh, little one, wait for me,” he gasped, and suddenly she felt his massive length sliding deeply into her.
But it was too late and she wept with the greatest pleasure she had ever known.
He surged more deeply, crying out hoarsely, instantly spilling himself into her, his huge body racked with pleasure, convulsing over her. When he was done, he moved to his side, pulling her close.
Virginia smiled as she came back to the earth and their bed, turning onto her side, her cheek against his hard chest. He held her tightly there, kissing her temple repeatedly. His kisses were not all that gentle. She instantly realized that he remained huge and hard, ready to take her all over again.
She kissed his chest another time and boldly held him in her hand. “What is this?” She was sly.
He laughed, the sound raw. “I think you know.”
“And if I have forgotten?”
He grinned wickedly. “Then I shall have to remind you, darling.” And he rolled her over, swiftly entering her at the very same time.
VIRGINIA SAT BEFORE HER dressing mirror, fully dressed, pinning up her coiled hair. Devlin’s reflection appeared in the mirror as he moved onto the threshold of the dressing room. He was also fully dressed, but in civilian clothes. Virginia felt herself blush.
It was the following morning and they remained at Harmon House. The only reason that they were not in bed was because she had insisted they go downstairs before they irrevocably scandalized the entire household. In the mirror, Devlin smiled at her and came forward, pausing behind her.
Virginia tucked the last hairpin into her coiffure. “I very much feel like a wife today,” she said softly.
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I should hope you still feel like a bride.”
She watched herself blush. “A very happy bride,” she breathed.
He leaned down and kissed the bare nape of her neck. “And a satisfied one, I hope.” It was not a question.
She turned around on her stool. “You know just how satisfied I am.”
“You are such a bold minx,” he said with a laugh.
She stood and found herself in the circle of his arms. “And it pleases you, I hope?”
He hesitated. “I am very pleased, Virginia.”
Her heart bu
rst into song. Did that mean what she thought it did—could it mean more? Did it mean he was coming to love her—just a little?
He reached into the interior breast pocket of his coat. “I have something for you,” he began.
Her eyes widened with surprise as he produced a jeweler’s velvet box. “What is this?”
“It’s your birthday present.”
Her heart stopped. Trembling, she met his steady gaze. “But…you know it’s my birthday?”
“Tomorrow, is it not?” He smiled slightly. “All of nineteen, a true woman of the world,” he said, his tone teasing.
She smiled, wanting to cry with happiness. “How…how did you know?”
“I made it my business to know. Open it,” he said gently.
“Shouldn’t I wait until tomorrow?”
“I am sure you will be deluged with gifts tomorrow, as I have no doubt my mother has planned some kind of extravaganza for you.”
“No, I asked her for a small family affair. Rex is back in Spain and Sean at Askeaton, so it will be but two-thirds of our family.” She wished they could all be present. She lifted the box lid.
Virginia gasped at the sight of a gorgeous amethyst pendant encrusted with diamonds. “This is beautiful, Devlin!” she cried.
“I ordered it made for you before I set sail,” he said with a small, pleased smile. “I wanted something to match your eyes.”
“Devlin?” She was clinging to his arms. “This is the best birthday I have ever had. Thank you. Thank you for the necklace and thank you for coming home!”
He hesitated. “I had to come home. Happy birthday, Virginia.”
LATER THAT DAY, VIRGINIA heard hearty male laughter and recognized Devlin’s rich tones. She paused outside of the salon, smiling to herself. Her husband sounded happy, indeed. She was thrilled to hear him laughing with his brothers. She was about to step into the salon when Tyrell spoke.
“And the war?” Tyrell asked. “I’ve heard rumors that we’ll be attacking the entire Chesapeake Bay.”
Virginia stiffened, her smile vanishing, drawing back out of sight. What was this? Until that precise moment she had refused to dwell on the fact that he had just returned from a war with her own country. Since his arrival home, she had not asked him a single detail of his tour of duty and he had not volunteered a single fact. She strained to hear, her heart racing madly with distress and fear.
“I’m afraid I can’t discuss classified matters, Ty.” Devlin’s voice had an odd edge to it. “I just received my new orders, however. The war is escalating.”
Virginia’s heart sank. In the time he had been gone, there had been the news of the defeat of the Vixen and some talk of a blockade of the Chesapeake, which was where her own home was located. But that had been all, and it had been convenient to forget the fact that Devlin was in a war being waged against her country and her kin. What did Devlin now mean? And what was the rumor Tyrell referred to? Suddenly she was afraid for Tillie and Frank and everyone at Sweet Briar. But surely the British would not roam about the Virginia countryside, doing battle there! And if he had just received new orders, was he already preparing to leave, when he had only come home yesterday?
She was dismayed, and unconsciously, she touched her belly. What if she was pregnant? They were finally falling in love, they had a future to share. There was simply no place now for a war—any war—in their lives. And especially not one against her homeland.
Virginia hesitated and then darted past the open doors of the salon and into the library. It was late afternoon and the draperies were open, so soft daylight filled the room. But even from the threshold, she could see the papers on his desk.
Her heart lurched, and even knowing that she should not look at a classified document, she hurried to it. The papers there did not interest her, though, and she opened the center drawer. Instantly she found what she was looking for.
Her heart slammed to a stop. Any sense of composure vanished. Trembling, she seized the parchment and read.
Lord Admiral St. John to Sir Captain Devlin O’Neill
Waverly Hall
Greenwich
March 18, 1813
Sir Captain O’Neill,
Pleased be advised of the following. Your orders are to proceed by March 24 to the Chesapeake Bay, where you shall report to Admiral Sir George Cockburn. In conjunction with Admiral Cockburn, you are to destroy any and all American warships, including those in port. You shall destroy all depots suspected of harboring possible American supplies, including those on land, and any farms or factories involved in the government supply effort; you shall all make every effort to effect the utter ruination of the American coastal trade. You are accorded complete discretion as to the means necessary to carry out the above orders; aiding and abetting runaway slaves is highly suggested, especially to guide marines through the American countryside. While efforts are to be made to avoid harmful intercourse with American noncombatants, any suspicion of direct involvement on the part of such American civilians is to be deemed a serious military threat and you are therefore to act accordingly.
The Right Honorable Lord Admiral St. John
The Admiralty
13 Brook Street
West Square
Virginia went into shock.
“Virginia?”
She looked up, trembling, and saw Devlin in the doorway. She flinched, but somehow she managed to return the letter to its original position in the drawer. Her heart now slammed, hurting her terribly. He was to destroy American ships, including those in the harbor. He was to take his marines onto American soil and destroy farms, factories and depots. He was to encourage runaway slaves, using them as spies and guides. Oh, God. These were terrible orders, indeed!
“What are you doing?” he asked, as still as a statue.
She had had no idea of the extent of his orders. How could he participate in such death and destruction when he was married to her? How many American lives would be lost because of his efforts? She swallowed, staring at him. She was chilled to the bone—no, she was chilled to her very soul. “I overheard you and Tyrell,” she said unsteadily.
His gaze sharp, he walked toward her slowly, his face that impersonal mask she had hoped to never again see. His gaze slid over the desk—so did hers. He looked up—so did she. Quietly he said, “Did you read my orders?”
“Yes,” she whispered, wondering if she were ashen. For she felt terribly faint. She swallowed hard and cried, “Don’t go! I need you here! Resign. Resign your commission. Don’t go back to war—I can’t bear it.”
He hesitated, his eyes widening. “Only cowards refuse their duty, Virginia.”
“The world knows you are no coward! My God, you have proved yourself a hundred times over, at least!” It was hard to think clearly, she was so shocked by the content of his orders and the devastation he was to wage against her countrymen.
“Virginia,” he said, his gaze searching, “I’m a naval captain. You knew that when we married. I am sorry our countries are at war, truly sorry, but this war will pass.”
“After how much death? After how much destruction?” And she cried before she could stop herself, “How many Americans have died already because of you, Devlin?”
His gaze widened and he became rigid. “I do not know.”
“I think you do.” She did not wish to attack him and she knew that was what she was doing. She hurried around his desk and paused before him. “We have been happy together, at last. This war will come between us.”
His face was strained. “Only if you let it. Damn it, you shouldn’t have read my orders.”
“No, I shouldn’t have. Devlin, please! Do not go to war against my country!”
He made a harsh sound. “You are distressed, and rightly so. Again, do not let the war come between us. This I ask of you.”
She was silent. And she was ill.
He reached for her hand.
She allowed him to take it. “All right. I won’t let it come between u
s,” she said, desperately hoping that it was possible to do as he asked.
The mask slipped away and she saw that he was relieved.
VIRGINIA HAD TO TAKE A SEAT. She was moved beyond words, moved almost to tears. The salon was filled with warmth and laughter, and as she sat, she inhaled deeply, looking around the room, smiling.
It was the evening of her birthday, perhaps five o’clock. A fire blazed in the hearth beneath the handsome carved mantel there, where Edward stood with Tyrell, Cliff, Devlin and Sean. The men sipped champagne and chatted quietly, occasionally laughing at one or another remark. Devlin had never been more splendid or handsome, clad in his civilian clothes. He sensed her gaze and half turned, smiling at her. Virginia smiled back, suddenly filled with desire.
She was trying to do as Devlin had asked. It was an extreme effort, but she refused to think about the war. Every time she did, she turned her thoughts to another matter, determined to cherish the time they had left together. The fact that he had been given such terrible orders could not change how she felt about him; she simply loved him too much. And he was right. She must not let the war come between them—especially because she had had her pregnancy confirmed that morning.
She had secretly gone to see a doctor, with only Mary aware of the appointment. Her baby was due the following October.
She smiled and touched her abdomen. She would tell Devlin the news before he left. Her heart skipped and she glanced at him. She prayed he would be pleased.
She also prayed she would not be a widow when she gave birth to their child the following fall, and she worried about the war yet again. If only he did not have to go!
“I wonder if anyone will love me enough one day to match a necklace to my eyes,” Eleanor said.
Virginia glanced at Eleanor, who sat with Mary on the moss-green sofa near her chair, a half a dozen opened boxes at their feet. Eleanor and Mary were admiring the necklace that Devlin had given her, which she was wearing.
“Your time will come,” Mary murmured. “This necklace suits Virginia perfectly. It truly accentuates the unusual color of her eyes.” Mary shared an intimate glance with Virginia and Virginia knew she was thinking about the baby.