Being Elizabeth

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

  To her delight, and that of the staff, he had agreed, and had gone to great expense to remodel it, with her help. Once the old equipment had been torn out and thrown away, a spinach-green granite floor and matching counter tops had been put in, the walls had been painted a luscious peach and the cabinets and doors a pristine white. Then had come all of the new appliances she had helped him choose, including two large modern steel-fronted refrigerators, a wine cooler, a microwave oven, and joy of joys, an Aga. Every woman loved this stored-heat stove and cooker, and Elizabeth had insisted it be included in the plan. The Aga was never off, so that the kitchen was permanently warm day and night, and there were large hotplates and generous ovens for cooking combined in the one unit.

  Since Harry had consulted her on everything to do with the remodelling, Elizabeth had suggested a granite-topped island in the middle of the floor instead of the old worn deal table. She had also insisted on a seating area for meals.

  She herself had picked the perfect spot, near the Aga for warmth, but not so close that it was too hot. Now she went over to the eat-in corner, put placemats, knives, forks and napkins on the table, and added glasses.

  Last year, when she had been living at Ravenscar permanently, she had found herself with time on her hands, especially at weekends. And so she had taken herself off to a cooking school in Harrogate. Whilst she didn’t love cooking, she enjoyed making certain dishes, and she would have been happy to prepare lunch today. But Lucas had insisted on making it, and had.

  He had put the food in Pyrex dishes and placed these on the island counter top, and all she had to do was put the cottage pie, peas and gravy in the microwave just before she was ready to serve lunch. After taking the plates of potted shrimps over to the circular table, she poured the water, and then went to make the toast for the shrimps.

  She stood at the toaster and wondered what Robert was doing, and was startled a second later when he said, ‘I’m rather hungry.’

  Elizabeth swung around. He was leaning against the door frame smiling at her, looking nonchalant and impossibly handsome in his cream-coloured fisherman’s sweater and blue jeans. ‘So what’s for lunch as well as the delicious-looking potted shrimps?’

  She told him, and said in a brisk voice, ‘Why don’t you sit down, I’ll join you in a minute.’

  He did, took a few sips of the water, wondering why she sounded tense. Finally, he spoke. ‘I’ve been looking in a few of the jewellery boxes, Elizabeth, and there are some really major pieces. I came across something rather unique, very rare, I think. It must be worth a fortune because of its provenance.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘When you sit down I’ll tell you. Do you need my help?’

  ‘No, thanks, everything’s in hand.’ Hurrying over to the table she put the plate of toast in the middle, went to the ’fridge, took out the covered butter dish and sat down next to him at last.

  After taking a piece of toast and buttering it, Robert said, ‘Let me just taste the potted shrimps, you know they’re my favourite, and then I’ll describe the piece of jewellery.’

  She nodded, also buttered her toast, dipped the fork into the brown pot of shrimps encased in hardened butter and tried them, announcing, ‘They’re delicious, Robin. Do you want some lemon?’

  ‘No, thanks.’ After a few more mouthfuls of the Morecambe Bay potted shrimps, he sat back and put down his fork. ‘It’s a necklace made of old diamonds, very old actually, and it’s extraordinary. A truly important piece, even I knew that at once. There was an envelope in the case, and I recognized Kat’s handwriting. She had written on the front Eugénie, and that’s all. Inside a larger envelope were several important things. A longish note about the provenance, in a spidery sort of old-fashioned handwriting, a small card which said the necklace had belonged to Elizabeth Wyland Deravenel, that it had been given to her by Edward, her husband. Anyway, this is the thing, the necklace was made for the Empress Eugénie of France. The crown jewels of France were sold at an auction called the Diamonds of the Crown of France. This was in 1887. A lot of the diamond jewellery was bought by the renowned jeweller Boucheron, and this necklace was amongst the pieces.’

  ‘How amazing! And also how wonderful, too.’ Elizabeth sounded excited. ‘It’s going to bring a huge amount at my auction, don’t you think?’

  ‘I do. There’s nothing else quite like this amongst the other stuff I’ve seen so far, but it’s all really beautiful, and it could be priceless. After lunch, we’ll look at it, and then take it back to the vault. I’m only making a guess, Elizabeth, but I think you’ve got about five or six million pounds’ worth of jewellery on your dining-room table at this moment. Maybe even eight million.’

  Elizabeth was stunned, and she gaped at him. ‘It can’t be!’ she gasped.

  ‘Yes, it can be. Furthermore, we brought up around sixty-five boxes, but we left quite a lot behind. Maybe another fifty, at least.’ He laughed when he saw how flushed she had become. ‘And what are you going to do with this vast amount of money you’ll make at your famous auction?’

  ‘I’m going to buy up as many Deravenel shares as I can.’

  This answer took him aback, and he frowned at her, puzzled. ‘Are there any Deravenel shares available? We’re a private company, after all, and we’re not trading on the stock exchange. Or are you secretly planning to make a public offering?’

  ‘No, of course not! If I were, you’d be the first to know, since I tell you everything. But there are quite a few directors who own shares, some of the older men, and I want those shares. Those men will be retiring from the board soon, and if I pay enough I’ll get them, you’ll see.’

  ‘You want more control of the company …’ He let his voice trail off.

  ‘I do. But I won’t use all the money for shares. I intend to keep a lot of cash in reserve, in case Deravenels needs it at some point.’

  He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He had always known she loved Deravenels, was dedicated to it in the way Harry Turner had been. Like father like daughter, he thought. Still, he had never quite realized just how much the company actually dominated her life and her actions.

  ‘Oh, God! I’ve forgotten to put the cottage pie in the microwave,’ Elizabeth exclaimed, rising at once, going to the island, and placing the pie in the oven. ‘The rest of lunch is coming up in a minute,’ she said over her shoulder. ‘I just need to heat the peas and the gravy.’

  ‘Take your time.’ Robert asked himself if he could compete with this total and absolute devotion to the company. Seemingly, it was the most important thing in her life, wasn’t it? Hey, hold on old chap, he warned himself. What makes you think she would even be interested in you? You’re her childhood chum, you twerp. When she finally looks around for a man of her own, it will be in fresher, greener fields.

  Robert pulled on his Barbour and went down the Long Hall heading towards the double doors that led to the garden. Once outside he walked along the terrace, looking for Elizabeth, and instantly spotted her on the battlements of the ruined stronghold at the edge of the cliffs.

  He shivered as he took the paved path through the tiered gardens, asking himself why she was outside on this bitter March day. Good Friday it might be, but it was like the depth of winter on this northern coastline. He glanced up. The late afternoon sky was changing, darkening to deep blue, and the sun was setting; he had to admit it was turning into a beautiful night. There were no clouds and later, he felt sure, there would be a full moon.

  ‘What on earth are you doing down here?’ he asked her as he joined her in the circular enclosure which had been a watch tower centuries ago. Soldiers had stood here once, guarding Ravenscar, waiting to repel invaders sailing across the North Sea, heading for this rich and fertile land.

  Elizabeth swung around on hearing his voice, and grinned. ‘I needed a breath of fresh air after being cooped up in the basement, putting all that bloody jewellery away, but I’m afraid it is a bit chilly.’

  ‘I’ll say i
t is! You’d better come in, anyway, it’s suddenly getting dark.’

  ‘The gloaming. I’ve always loved that name for twilight.’ Turning, she gazed out across the parapet. ‘It’s so beautiful out here on a night like this.’ But as she spoke a blast of wind hit her and she moved closer to him. Robert put an arm around her, began to steer her towards the garden; for a moment she allowed herself to be led. All of a sudden she exclaimed, ‘Race you inside!’ and took off, bolting like a frightened deer.

  Running after her, he caught up with her on the terrace, followed her into the Long Hall. She was struggling out of her quilted coat, unwinding the woollen scarf wrapped around her neck. He followed suit, threw off his Barbour, asked, ‘What was all that about?’

  She stared at him, said nothing.

  At once he saw how white she was, whiter than ever, and she was trembling. He suddenly noticed there were tears in her eyes and glistening on her lashes.

  ‘Is something the matter?’ he asked in concern.

  She shook her head.

  He took a step towards her; she immediately stepped back.

  His eyes held hers. Neither of them could look away.

  Robert felt his chest tighten and his throat closed with a rush of emotion when he recognized the expression on her face. It mirrored exactly what he himself was feeling. Desire … total and absolute desire.

  ‘Elizabeth.’ He said her name in a voice that shook, was almost inaudible. ‘Darling …’

  ‘Oh, Robin, oh, Robin.’

  They moved at the same time, went into each other’s arms. Bending his face to hers, he found her mouth, kissed her deeply, passionately, without restraint. So lost in each other were they, so oblivious to their surroundings, they did not notice Lucas carry a basket of logs into the library.

  Eventually, against her hair, he said, ‘Can we go to your bedroom?’

  ‘As fast as possible.’

  EIGHTEEN

  Together they went upstairs hand in hand and walked down the corridor to her bedroom. She always kept the heating on high, and when they went inside they were immediately enveloped in warmth.

  Robert smiled at her. ‘Thank God it’s not cold.’ There was a fire burning in the hearth and he went over to it, threw on several more logs, and poked them around. ‘There, that should do it. There’ll be a blazing fire in no time at all.’

  Elizabeth locked the door, walked over to him, took his hand in hers and drew him down onto the large sofa in front of the fire.

  Looking deeply into his eyes, searching his face, she said, after a moment, ‘I think we both had a revelation a few minutes ago … I suddenly knew I couldn’t hide my feelings any longer … couldn’t hide how much I love you, Robin.’

  ‘I felt the same, Elizabeth. I’ve known for the last year just how much I cared, but I’ve kept it from you. How stupid we human beings are at times.’ He bent forward, took her face between his hands and kissed her gently on the mouth. ‘I love you very much … I’ve always loved you, and I always will.’

  She moved closer to him, touched his face, that face she knew so well. It was beautiful, well defined, clean cut; he had high cheekbones, a smooth broad forehead, and the most soulful eyes she had ever seen. There was no question he was the most handsome of men. She liked the length of him, his long legs, athletic body, and broad chest. She leaned against him, and his arms went around her.

  ‘Oh, Robin, my darling, darling Robin … I want you so much.’

  ‘I know. It’s the same for me.’ He kissed her gently, and then more deeply, and soon their kisses were passionate, without restraint, their desire for each other flaring.

  Robert said, ‘Let’s find that bed,’ and pulled her up off the sofa. He led her across the room to the fourposter, struggled out of his sweater, and then helped her off with hers. Within seconds they were naked under the covers, wrapped in each other’s arms, truly close at last.

  ‘It’s lovely in the firelight,’ Elizabeth whispered. ‘Don’t put any lights on.’

  ‘I won’t.’ Robert pushed himself up on one elbow and looked down into her grey-black eyes. ‘I’ve dreamed about being with you like this for the longest time … all this past year, in fact.’

  ‘Oh, Robin, darling, if only I’d known. We’ve wasted time.’

  He smiled against her hair. ‘We’ve been wasting time for donkey’s years. Since we were eight, actually.’

  ‘Haven’t we been silly.’

  ‘Utterly dumb.’ There was a moment’s hesitation on Robert’s part before he asked in a low voice. ‘You do want this, don’t you?’

  ‘It’s a bit late to ask, isn’t it? And can’t you tell?’ Not waiting for an answer, she added, ‘I’ve never wanted anything more.’

  ‘Neither have I … and the only reason I asked is because there’s no going back as far as I’m concerned … if we make love now then it’s total commitment on my part …’

  ‘And mine.’

  They turned to face each other, staring into each other’s eyes. Robert felt as though he was looking into her soul, and his heart shifted in him. At that precise moment he understood that he was wholly her creature. He belonged to her and he always would no matter what happened to him. He was Elizabeth Turner’s man for life. And he knew, without her saying a word, that she was his woman. No other man would ever have her. Because she would never want another man. Only him.

  They settled against each other, and he let one hand roam over her breasts and down onto her stomach until it came to rest between her legs. Robert felt her instantly stiffen, and he raised his head, his brow lifting questioningly.

  ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Oh, yes, Robin.’

  As he touched her tenderly, his fingers moving expertly, he realized he was growing even more excited. He had an enormous erection, and he stopped suddenly, wanting to prolong their lovemaking, wanting to savour everything.

  Startled, Elizabeth said, ‘What is it? Why did you stop?’

  ‘Because I don’t want to rush this … our first time together. I want to enjoy every part of you, of us being together like this. I’ve waited too long to have it over in a few minutes.’

  Shifting slightly, Elizabeth moved closer to him, felt his hardness against her leg, and an involuntary shiver ran through her, followed by a rush of heat that spread up through her stomach. She ached for him, her desire rampant now; she couldn’t wait for him to make love to her. This thought had hardly entered her head when he bent over her, kissed her breasts, then slid his hand down to the throbbing core of her.

  She opened her eyes and looked at him. His face was so close to hers, intent, rapt, and her heart leapt … oh, how much she loved him. He began to touch her again, his fingers fluttering against her. ‘Oh, yes, Robin, oh yes, don’t stop,’ she whispered.

  He was silent. Pulling the covers aside, he moved down the bed, bringing his mouth to join his fingers, wishing to give her the pleasure he knew she craved, just as he craved her mouth on him. Suddenly Elizabeth began to spasm, and he was no longer able to curb his own desire; he moved up the bed, lay on top of her. His arms went around her, his mouth fastened on hers, and he entered her quickly, was immediately enveloped in the warmth of her.

  Elizabeth sighed, wrapped her long legs around his back, and took on his rhythm, moving with him. He came when she did, his face pressed against her neck, her name on his lips.

  Neither of them stirred. They lay together entwined, reluctant to separate from each other.

  Elizabeth had never known such contentment, such satisfaction with any man, not with Selmere or Murrey, the other one who had pursued her …

  She let herself drift with her thoughts, enjoying the sound of Robin’s steady breathing, the lovely, familiar smell of him. It was a mingling of shampoo, soap and cleanliness, mixed with the lemony tang of his cologne which also held a hint of green … of meadows and trees. This was bliss, the kind of bliss she had never known before.

  He’s gone now, back to his own room, to shower and s
have and get ready for supper. He was reluctant to go, and I was reluctant to let him leave. I can’t bear for him to be out of my sight. He is so good-looking, but then he always was even as a little boy, and he’s so good. There’s a true purity to Robin Dunley, and I won’t let anyone say otherwise. And there will be talk, there’s bound to be. People will envy him, envy me, envy us. And they’ll have good reason to be envious. He and I have something few people ever have – total understanding of each other, of our needs and desires. It is not only a meeting of the minds, but of our bodies as well. We are sexually perfect together.

  A moment ago, just before he left, he kissed me deep and hard, and said, ‘We’ve just sealed a bargain, you and I, and don’t ever forget it. There’s no going back now.’ How could I forget it. I am his and he is mine. We are as one. Forever.

  An hour later when Elizabeth walked into the library she stopped in the doorway, her heart missing a beat. There he was, her Robin, standing with his back to the fire, waiting for her and looking impossibly handsome. He wore a red turtleneck sweater and well-fitting blue jeans, and he was immaculate from head to toe, right down to his highly polished loafers.

  Walking towards him, she exclaimed, ‘I’m going to have to keep you under lock and key.’

  He took hold of her hands and brought her over to the fireside. ‘Why do you say that?’

  ‘You’re gorgeous. I simply can’t let you out. You’ll get stolen!’

  He laughed, bent into her, kissed her cheek. ‘It’s because I’m in love,’ he murmured. ‘With you.’

  ‘Me too, with you.’

  ‘And you don’t look so bad yourself, you know.’ His eyes swept over her, taking in the ankle-length purple wool skirt, matching sweater and the pink pashmina wrapped around her neck to look like a cowl collar. ‘These have always been the perfect colours for you.’

  ‘I know, better than green for a redhead, eh? Shall we have a drink?’