by Dawn Brower
He would be every kind of fool to go along with her idea, yet he wanted to. If he took her with him he might have a possibility of winning her over. In England he didn’t stand a chance in hell of getting her to accept him as her own. As soon as he laid eyes on her he knew he wanted her. The more he talked with her the more he liked the idea of holding on to her forever. As foolish as her idea appeared to be Rand knew it also happened to be the only opportunity he may get of actually having her.
“I suppose you have all of the necessary details worked out,” he replied. “I’m not likely to have your male relations storm my ship and demand you back before we depart am I?”
“Trust me. I’m good at strategies. You just happen to be the last detail I needed to make it all work the way I wanted.”
“Trust has nothing to do with it.” Rand laughed. “It has more to do with self-preservation. I happen to fancy breathing.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Lilliana retorted. “There isn’t any reason to be so dramatic. My father isn’t likely to kill you.”
“Right. Because he is the personification of civility.”
He watched her blink several times as his words sank in. How bad of a temper did Viscount Torrington actually have? Rand watched as she mulled over his words. Perhaps he had misunderstood the viscount. His impression of the man suggested he had a violent side. One he had no problem showing to the world if he deemed it necessary.
“Father does have a temper, but I still believe you have nothing to worry about,” Lilliana explained.
“You said I happened to be the final detail in your plans.” Rand sighed. “Were you waiting for me to show up?”
What were the chances the chit new of his existence before their introduction? No, it wasn’t likely as he hadn’t been in England that long.
“Not exactly, I had no clue you existed before today,” she told him. “These plans have been in the works for a few weeks now.”
“And yet I’m the very thing you need to make it all work. How is that possible?”
“Simple really, I need someone with a ship that is willing to transport me. I am hoping that person is you.”
He wondered how far he could push her. The decision to give into her and take her on his ship had already been made. Lilliana just didn’t know he already decided to let her come back to America with him, but only because it worked in his own plans.
“What do I get for my trouble?” he asked. “I’d be risking quite a lot to assist you with your scheme.”
“What do you want? Money? I certainly can afford to pay for my passage.”
Rand’s lips rose into a cocky smile. He desired a lot from her, but at this point only one thing would do as payment. Would the lovely lady be willing to give it to him? He had nothing to lose and only one way to find out.
“How about a kiss?”
Lilliana looked stunned as she stared unblinkingly at him, and then just as suddenly she stopped dancing right in the middle of the dance floor. Her face flushed a pretty shade of pink as she began to move to the music again with him in the lead.
“How forward of you. I’m not sure I like your idea of compensation.”
“It’s a small thing, one little kiss. To be given to me at a time of my choosing.” He leaned in close to her and whispered in her ear. “Are you afraid?”
Lilliana’s breath sucked deep into her chest, and he could feel her slowly exhale it in little pants. Her pulse raced on her wrist beneath the palm of his hand and thrummed a small beat as he held it firmly in his grasp. A blush formed on her cheeks turning them a nice shade of pink, and her lips parted in anticipation. Her body’s reactions suggested she had an interest in kissing him also. Would she take the bait and give him what he desired? He needed her to accept the proposal. Once she did he’d have her sailing with him in a few short days.
“All right, you have a deal,” she agreed.
“Excellent. I will send information on where you can board the ship. I look forward to our voyage together.”
He led her back to the side of the room when the dance ended and stopped next to her brother and Gemma. She looked up at him and smiled before turning her attention back to her friend. Rand nodded at Liam and sauntered away. He had some preparations to make before he could welcome her on his ship. Tonight, it looked like he was going to be preparing his ship to sail a tad earlier than he originally planned. Oh, but what an extraordinary reason to go through the hassle of making the trip a bit prematurely. He couldn’t wait to have Lilliana Marsden on his ship, and in his world.
Chapter Five
Lilliana couldn’t believe how easy everything started to fall into place. A note from Randall Collins arrived early that morning. His plans to leave had changed slightly. Instead of three days, his ship would sail back to North Carolina the next day. Excitement filled her as she realized it had all worked out as she planned. Randall Collins, with his unruly dark brown hair and mischievous hazel eyes, took her breath away. She didn’t want to agree to a kiss as payment, but at the same time she anticipated it. He stirred feelings in her that she didn’t know how to explain. So she decided to push it out of her mind. A lot needed to be done before she could leave with him.
She sent a note to Gemma to come visit her for tea so she could wrap up that little detail. Gemma needed to be made aware of when her invitation to visit happened to be taking place. She also needed to get permission from her parents to stay a week or two at the Earl of Devon’s country estate. Her father would be the hardest to persuade, so he sat on the top of her list of things to accomplish that day. She left her bedroom and walked down the stairs to his study. No time like the present to get that little tidbit checked of her to do list.
“Are you busy?” She knocked on the side of the doorframe and walked into her father’s study.
Viscount Torrington sat behind his desk with a bunch of papers scattered across the top of it. His long dark hair tapered at the nape of his neck, but a riotous strand escaped and folded over the top of his forehead. His head rose at the sound of her voice and his blue eyes twinkled with delight.
“For my favorite daughter? Absolutely not.” Her father rose to greet her.
“I’m your only daughter.” A tiny giggle escaped her mouth as she crossed the room to give him a hug.
“That’s a good thing too,” he retorted. “I don’t know if I could’ve handled two of you.”
“Of course you could have.” Lilliana gave him a mischievous grin. “I’m the essence of all that is good.”
“Are you trying to trick me?” Viscount Torrington laughed. “I’m made of sterner stuff than those other fools you walk all over. What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
“Nothing much really, Gemma has to go back to her family’s country estate for a week or two. She invited me to join her. It’s my hope you’ll allow me to go.”
“I don’t know if that’s the best idea right now, Lily. Things are a bit busy around here at the moment,” he explained.
“That’s exactly why you should allow me to visit. Liam is busy learning the business. You can’t expect him to keep escorting me to these functions. It’s only the little season anyway. I don’t need to go and it’ll be nice to spend time with Gemma.”
“What does your mother have to say?” he asked.
“I haven’t spoken to her yet. I figured I’d approach you first. Please Daddy, let me go.” Lilliana used her most coaxing voice on her father. She stuck her bottom lip out in a mock pout and batted her eyelashes at him expectantly.
“Thor, are you busy?” They turned as they heard a voice from behind them. “Oh, I didn’t know you were in here Lily.”
Her mother either had the worst timing or the best. Lady Torrington strolled into the room with a questioning look on her face. Her pale blonde hair was perfectly coifed without a hair out of place, and her emerald green gown rustled as she made her way across the room to join her husband and daughter. Lilliana took a moment to envy her mother�
�s beauty and wished once again she had been blessed with her coloring. Sometimes she hated her brother for getting the lucky genes. She could very well deter her father from allowing her to go to Gemma’s. If only she had more time to talk to him before her mother interrupted. She needed to convince her father to allow her to visit Gemma’s country estate. Her mother’s timing may have interrupted her plans, but maybe she could salvage it somehow.
“Hello Mama,” Lilliana said. “I stopped in to ask Father’s permission to visit with Gemma at her family’s country estate for a week.”
“Oh? And when were you going to ask me?” her mother asked.
“After I finished talking with Father,” Lilliana said.
“Pia, I just asked her if she already spoke with you,” her father said. “I think it would be okay for her to have a small visit. As long as she isn’t gone more than a week.”
Lilliana could feel elation soaring through her. She rocked on her heels and hugged herself with joy. Apparently that small amount of time had been enough to convince her father to allow her to go. Thank God for small favors. She needed to be on that ship in the morning.
“I suppose that would be fine,” her mother said. “When will you be leaving?”
“Tomorrow morning. The earl’s carriage is going to stop by and pick me up. It’s short notice I know, it’s why I’m asking now so I can get my trunks packed.”
“All right, I don’t like that you are leaving so fast, but I guess I’m find it to be acceptable. Our social functions are pretty slim right now anyway,” her mother said.
Lilliana threw her arms around her mother in a fierce hug. She loved her parents dearly, but they tended to be a bit overprotective. It shamed her to know that her leaving would hurt them, but she had to leave, her happiness depended on it. She truly believed she belonged in South Carolina.
“Thank you, Mama. I need the break and some quiet time with Gemma.”
“What I don’t get a hug?” her father asked.
“You already got a hug,” Lilliana teased.
“What I don’t rate a second one?” He raised his eyebrows at her statement.
“Of course you do,” Lilliana said as she turned to wrap her arms around her father. “You deserve more hugs than I could ever give you, Daddy.”
Her father squeezed her tightly in his embrace. Nothing compared to a hug from her father. It made her feel safe and loved. She meant what she told him. She could never give or receive enough hugs from him.
“Okay princess, I have work to do and some things to discuss with your mother. Go get packing or you’ll never be ready to leave on time.”
“I love you two, you really are the best parents, and you are right, I have a lot to do. Gemma is coming for tea soon as well.”
Lilliana left the room with a huge smile on her face. The talk had gone a lot better than she hoped. Gemma would arrive any minute and she needed to pack. She doubted sleep would be easy tonight with all the excitement. As she entered the hall she heard the front door open and Gemma stepped inside. Gemma looked over at her and strolled to her side.
“Oh good, you’re here,” she said as she walked over to give her friend a hug. “Although I’ve already ordered tea and scones. Let’s go into the sitting room and talk.”
Gemma followed Lilliana into the sitting room, removed her pelisse and set it on a chair, and then sat on the settee. She turned and gave her full attention to her best friend.
“So what’s the urgency?” she asked.
“He’s leaving tomorrow. I need you to have the carriage bring me to the ship in the morning,” Lilliana explained. “Everything will have to be stepped up a day. Can you manage it?”
“Of course,” Gemma agreed. “It’s a small thing to arrange to have one of our carriages pick you up in the morning. Are you sure you want to do this? I have to ask one final time.”
“Yes, I do. I told you how much I needed to leave.”
“I know, but Mr. Collins isn’t exactly what I expected you to sail away with. He’s a very handsome man. I don’t want you to do anything you might regret later.”
“Nonsense. I can handle Mr. Collins, besides I don’t plan on getting married. Maybe a little fling is something I should consider.”
“What?” Gemma’s sanguine curls fell over her face as her emerald eyes widened in shock.
“Why shouldn’t I know what passion is like? I don’t need to save my virtue for my future husband if I don’t plan on having one,” Lilliana explained.
“There can be other ramifications of finding out what passion is besides losing your virtue, Lily.”
“I’m aware of that. I didn’t say I decided to experience yet, I’m only considering it. I need to make sure I’m okay with the possible complications first.”
“Good, at least you are stopping to think about it first. I don’t want you to make a mistake.”
“I don’t believe in mistakes. Everything we do is a life lesson. It is through those so-called mistakes that we learn and grow. If I decide to give myself to Mr. Collins, it will be a wonderful thing. I refuse to think of it as a possible error in judgment.”
“I know you are going to do whatever you choose to do. I just hope that it’s the right decision for your continued happiness. I only want what is best for you.”
“I know you do.” Lilliana acknowledged. “I’m truly going to miss you.”
“I know, but you need to do this.” Gemma’s eyes held a hint of sadness in them as she gazed at her.
They turned when a maid brought in a tray with the tea and scones Lilliana had ordered. She carried the tray over to them and placed it on a table beside them.
“Do you need me to pour miss?” the maid asked.
“No, I can handle it. Thank you, Melly.”
Melly curtsied and walked out of the room. Lilliana turned toward the tea and poured some into two cups and handed one to Gemma.
“Now that the details are settled, let’s talk about a lighter subject.” Lilliana said.
“What did you have in mind?”
“Oh, I don’t know anything. What do you think of this weather we are having? Scorching hot one day and cold and rainy the next”
“That’s England for you.” Gemma said with a laugh.
The mood lightened and Lilliana sat back on the settee. She needed to enjoy one last afternoon with Gemma before she no longer could. She needed the memory to take with her and hold tight. As much as she needed to leave, it also occurred to her that she’d be entirely alone in her new home. If she could take Gemma with her, she would have included it in her scheme. It’s too bad it couldn’t be done, because Gemma’s friendship held a special place in her heart.
Chapter Six
After Rand had time to think about this foolhardy plan he realized the sooner he left the better. He trusted Lilliana to have all the details set, but he didn’t hold a lot of conviction that her father would not get wind his daughter’s plans. If it had any chance of working they needed to leave with all due haste. So after he left the ball he went to his ship and ordered the preparations to set sail. After that he only had one problem left, he had a whole day to kill and no idea what to do with himself.
The day had been excruciating for him. He found himself pacing the length of the ship most of the day in anticipation of her arrival. Sleep failed to arrive that night and made him cranky while he waited for the sun to rise. In his note he told her to arrive to set sail after the sun had risen in the sky. It made him happy to realize she knew the importance of punctuality as he watched the Earl of Devon’s carriage arrive at the docks. As she stepped out of the carriage, she raised her hands block out the sun as she got a look at his ship. Rand turned and motioned two deck hands to follow him as he wandered down the gangplank to greet her.
“A couple crew members are going to load your trunks on the ship,” he told her. “We set sail in less than an hour.”
“Good. I don’t want to wait to set sail. I’m glad we are leaving
immediately.”
“If you follow me I’ll show you where you’ll be staying during the voyage.”
Lilliana followed him onto the ship and below deck to the cabin she’d be residing in the length of the journey to South Carolina. The cabin was small, but he hoped she’d make do with the sparse conditions. Especially, since it happened to be the only cabin available for her use. He watched her walk into the room and take off her pelisse. She set it on the table and turned toward him.
“Thank you for allowing me to sail with you, Mr. Collins.”
“Please call me, Rand.”
“I’m not sure that’s wise. It’s entirely too informal,” Lilliana responded.
“My ship’s a rather informal venue.” With a smile he continued, “Trust me, it’s easier if you acquiesce to my request.”
He watched as she mulled over his words. Rand hoped she gave in and called him by his given name. He ached to hear his name pass through her lips. Little informalities had to start somewhere. Giving her permission to use his given name helped to ease her slowly into his strategy of lulling her to his will. He had a plan of his own and he intended to succeed.
“All right,” she said with a sigh. “If you insist, I will call you Rand. I still think it’s a bad idea though.”
“Duly noted, but I’m glad you are willing to give it a try regardless.”
“I suppose if I’m to call you Rand, you must call me Lily. Only my closest friends and family do.”
“I’m honored to be amongst that small circle of people. If you’ll excuse me, I have much to do before we depart,” Rand replied.
“Rand wait; I have one question before you leave.”
He turned back when he heard his name; a shudder rolled over him at the sound. The more she said it the easier it appeared to come out of her mouth. He loved hearing it and hoped to hear her say it for the rest of his life. It breathed life into him where none had previously existed.
“What do you need to know?”
“It’s about the bargain we made.”
He could see the hesitation in her words. Clearly she had been thinking about the payment that they agreed upon. Good, he wanted her to think about him kissing her and often, because he intended to do it more than she knew or expected him to.