Both men laughed.
"He sends his best wishes and says he hopes you're better at being a husband than you were at conjugation."
Gilles chuckled.
"I'm going to assume he means that I should practice and be patient."
As they approached the house he stopped Lucien.
"Were you able to find a dog?" He whispered.
Lucien leaned in conspiratorially.
"I've enlisted a lad named Daniel to see to her. He should have her bathed and ready within the hour. I might suggest you employ his assistance until she's trained."
"Thank you. I want Elise to have someone to protect her in my absence."
Lucien smiled at Gilles' use of her name and that he was obviously very protective. It was comforting to see his friend's life was falling into place.
"You're lucky I'm so fond of you. I've quite fallen in love with that little girl. I was tempted to keep her."
Gilles laughed and slapped his friend on the back as he opened the door leading into the hall.
"We'll have to see about finding someone else for you to fall in love with." He winked and led Lucien in.
They met Alastair in the study, looking over his correspondence. The three of them lounged and discussed politics over whiskey until they were summoned for lunch. When the men entered the hall, the ladies were moving towards the dining room together. Celine and Mirabelle walked on either side of a Lady Elise. The three had their heads together and were whispering. Lucien noted how much Lady Elise contrasted with the other two. She was shortest and fair where they were darker haired. Mirabelle had deep green eyes, he recalled. Why? The sight of Lady Elise's bare feet stopped him. Alastair nudged him and shook his head. Lucien shrugged and followed everyone to the table.
The atmosphere at the table was comfortable as always. Lucien would occasionally glance at Lady Elise. She was a soothing presence and would occasionally laugh at a shared joke or tease Mirabelle or Alastair. He noticed that Alastair was particularly comfortable with her. They showed signs of a true friendship. Lucien was impressed. If Alastair thought enough of her to relax and open up to her, she must be exceptional. Celine and Mirabelle had clearly taken to her and treated her as if she was already a member of the family. Lucien knew Mirabelle would not have allowed that if Lady Elise was not worthy. While Mirabelle was vivacious and at times hoydenish, she could be razor tongued and blunt. She was also extremely protective of her family. Lucien was most surprised by Celine. She thought that her sons were paragons and lamented that there were no ladies within the ton suitable for her boys. He knew that included himself. Unlike Alastair and Gilles, he had escorted The Mothers (as they were jointly termed) most nights. It had served as a cover to help him investigate within society and at court. He'd witnessed Celine's shrewd assessment of young ladies. They were always found lacking. Every now and then, Celine would touch Lady Elise's hand and whisper in her ear. She definitely approved and genuinely liked her.
Most importantly, Lady Elise appreciated and accepting the family as a whole. Lucien was surprised at how important that was. When he was finally ready to look for a wife, that would be a requirement. He looked at Mirabelle. She was sitting next to him arguing with Alastair about a chess game they had been unable to complete. Alastair thought he'd had the superior strategy. If he had been playing anyone other than Mirabelle, Lucien might have assumed he was correct.
Lucien was about to dig into his potatoes when Mirabelle handed him the pepper shaker. Never taking her eyes off of Alastair as she did so, she described her strategy and how Alastair favored sacrificing his bishop. Alastair paused and mumbled then became absorbed in his plate. Everyone laughed and teased. Lucien tasted his potatoes and agreed that they hadn't enough pepper. She always knew. Unsettling, that...
When the lunch plates were removed it was agreed that "Lady Elise's sitting room" was to be their destination. Lucien found himself very curious. Due to Lady Elise's blindness, the main hall was draped in tapestries and the floors almost totally obscured by rugs. Alastair had explained that it was to prevent echoes and that Lady Elise had learned to see with sound. He had yet to see her travel on her own, so he was particularly looking forward to learning how she accomplished that and how other rooms were altered for her purposes.
As they exited the dining room, Lucien saw Gilles pull the butler, Holderson to the side. He didn't hear most of the exchange but Daniel's name was mentioned. Lucien was looking forward to seeing the puppy presented to Lady Elise. The group continued through the hall, Mirabelle and Lady Elise were at the front of the group. Mirabelle didn't offer her arm and Lady Elise glided forward easily. Lucien noticed she snapped her fingers rapidly as she turned through a doorway to the right. As he rounded the corner, Lucien stopped.
A grand ballroom unlike any he'd seen before was filled with a forest of marble sculptures on pedestals, that for him, displayed items at waist height. Again, rugs of various sizes and styles covered the floor. The room was lined on two sides with glass doors and floor to ceiling windows. Many of the doors were opened, allowing the mild afternoon air to drift in. The scent of flowers and herbs from the garden added to the tranquil atmosphere. As she made her way through the room, Lady Elise reached out and touched various sculptures as she and Mirabelle discussed their gowns for dinner. Lucien marveled that Lady Elise did indeed move as if she could see. He followed the party as they progressed into a small hall and immediately into a small parlor.
This truly was Lady Elise's room. Draped almost entirely in cream and gold velvet and upholstery and lit brilliantly with the afternoon sun, it was the perfect sanctuary. Longwood, Lucien decided, was pulled from a romantic fairy tale and Lady Elise was the perfect fairy tale princess. Gilles, the brave and dashing knight. Lucien watched as she easily located a chair that everyone understood was hers and sat. She curled her feet beneath her and smiled in his direction. He had the distinct feeling that she had known he was watching her.
Lady Elise's head jerked towards the open French doors. Lucien looked but saw nothing. He saw her inhale as if she smelled something other than the garden.
"I believe we have visitors. One is an animal of some sort."
Astonished, Lucien watched as Gilles rose from his seat next to hers and walked out. A moment later, he returned with the puppy in his arms. A ball of wrinkles and a black snout, Lucien had picked a smaller silver female. Smaller. With flopping ears and tremendous paws, she'd only grow to be the size of a small pony. Celine and Mirabelle both dissolved into adoring hysterics while Elise's head tilted to the side as she tried to decipher their reactions. She turned her focus towards the hall. Lucien turned to see Holderson approaching silently with a tray of glasses and two bottles of champagne. She was remarkable, Lucien thought.
Celine gasped and covered her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. She looked back at Gilles as she slowly sat down. Alastair stood behind his mother and put his hands on her shoulders. He smiled and nodded. Lucien felt Mirabelle slip onto the couch next to him and grab his hand. He looked down at their joined hands and up at her. Her eyes were fixed on Gilles and Lady Elise, she was trembling. He squeezed her hand. She smiled at him and for a moment he was stunned. He shook his head and looked around the room and then at Gilles and Lady Elise. Lucien was suddenly overwhelmed as well. He felt so honored to be present at what was a very important moment for their family. They were all his and he was so grateful.
Lady Elise chewed her lip as she tried to figure out what was going on. She was about to ask when Gilles cleared his throat and kneeled before her. He placed the puppy in her lap and she startled. Her face lit up and she was incandescent. Her hands searched and stroked the sleepy pup and she seemed overcome. The puppy licked her hand, causing her to jump. She giggled and lifted the bundle to her face, nuzzling it's side.
"Everyone, Lady Elise has done my the extraordinary honor of agreeing to be my wife." Celine fanned her eyes and Mirabelle sighed. Gilles rested his hands on Lady Elise's and co
ntinued. "While I intend to give her a ring and numerous pieces of jewelry, I thought I'd present her with something she'd enjoy more as an engagement gift."
Lucien was moved as Lady Elise carefully reached for Gilles' cheek and he shut his eyes and kissed her palm.
"Oh, Gilles!..." She whispered, her voice wavered. "I love... is this a boy or a girl?" She laughed.
"It's a girl. Lucien delivered her for me. I wanted you to have someone to watch over you when I'm not around."
"She's precious! I didn't think I could be any happier..." Lady Elise waited for her voice to steady before she continued. "This is so much more than I ever thought possible. Thank you!" She leaned forward and kissed Gilles. In front of the family and the butler, she kissed him. Lucien looked at the butler and saw that he was beaming, tears washed the man's face. No one else seemed shocked. Shaking his head again, he sat back. He decided he liked Gilles' fiancée very much. She wasn't capable of being coy or insincere. She was generous and cared for everyone around her. It was obvious that people had a tendency to adore and protect her. Including the staff of Longwood, it seemed. Lucien found he wasn't immune.
Finally remembering the room around them, Elise turned her attention to Lucien.
"Does she have a name, Your Grace?"
He shook his head.
"Lucien, please. She did not come with one. I can tell you she has bouts of feistiness and is extremely fond of having her belly rubbed. She like cheese and apple slices."
Elise laughed and hugged the puppy as Gilles stood.
"I think we should be grateful that Lucien didn't keep her. He says he's fallen in love." Gilles grinned in Lucien's direction. Alastair made a comment under his breath, something about an improvement. Lucien scowled, Mirabelle and Celine stifled giggles.
"Lucy! I'll name her Lucy!" Lady Elise announced. Everyone agreed it was a perfect name and rose to congratulate the new couple. The ladies hugged and the men shook hands as the butler poured champagne. Lucien was even more impressed when Lady Elise crossed to Holderson, took his hands and kissed his cheek. She would fit in very well with their clan, he thought.
Later that night, Lucien stared out the window of the bedroom he'd been provided and thought back on the events of the day. He could only have been more content if his mother had been there. She'd be sad to have missed out but delighted for Gilles. She loved the Spencer children as if they were her own. The Fathers had died within a few years of each other and the families had fused. Lucien had excused himself to write to her as soon as he could. He described Longwood and it's lovely mistress and how she was also to be the new mistress. He described the change in Gilles and how taken the family was with Lady Elise. When he returned to the sitting room, she played the piano and he was fascinated anew. The men broke from the ladies and returned to the study. Occasionally, the women could be seen in the garden walking Lucy and laughing. As the men lounged, Lucien was filled in on the details of Lady Elise's past. Her seclusion and ill treatment by the local gentry infuriated him. He was surprised at her initial refusal of Gilles, though truthfully, he respected her more for it. He was glad that Gilles had won.
After dinner, Alastair and Mirabelle had invited him to walk in the gardens. Celine had already retired and he assumed it was to give the new couple time alone. Instead, they told him about events a few nights earlier. A distraught Lady Elise frantic for help while Gilles screamed like a dying animal in his chambers. Lucien was deeply disturbed. Especially knowing that it had been happening for so long and no one knew.
"Gilles said that she stops the dreams." Alastair said softly. Both Lucien and Mirabelle looked at him.
"So she has been with him at night!" Mirabelle grinned. "I knew it! I'll bet that business about cutting himself was nonsense."
Lucien looked at them both, waiting for an explanation.
"I'm sure he did cut himself. After the fact." Alastair stated.
"Cut himself?" Lucien asked, tired of waiting to be included.
"Apparently, Gilles' was in quite a state when his valet found him this morning. The bed was coved in blood and so was he. Seems he was run through with a tiny saber and suffered a gory little wound to his stomach."
Lucien merely blinked and stared.
"So... There was all this blood and they were quite peculiar this morning. I'm assuming that means she was a... and they..." Mirabelle stopped and waited for them to confirm her suspicions.
"You're mad if you think I'm touching that one!" Lucien exclaimed.
She looked at Alastair and he shook his head. He'd already participated in the discussion as much as was going to. His mind was occupied with other matters. Mirabelle and Lucien knew how he was. She took his arm and they walked towards Lady Elise's room, leaving Alastair to make his own way back. He had no need of them.
Once inside, they seemed content to enjoy the silence. By unspoken mutual agreement, they entered the ballroom gallery and studied the marbles. They wandered about, sometimes standing together at the same piece, other times observing different subjects. Now and then, Lucien would study her when she wasn't aware. She seemed the same as always yet he kept finding himself watching her, noticing things he already knew. He didn't understand it. When she yawned and bid him goodnight he was a bit sad. He decided to check on Alastair and found him at his desk in the study, absently tapping his outstretched fingers together. Deciding he would be too preoccupied to be decent company, Lucien made his way to his room.
Smiling, Lucien undressed and went to his bed. Content that all was as it should be in his world he started to drift off. The last thing he was conscious of was the vision of Mirabelle's trembling hand in his.
Chapter 33
The following morning the men were relaxing in the study. Alastair was pouring over a map and accounts of one of the final battles of the war. Lucien was at Gilles' desk writing to his solicitors and various retainers, putting matters in motion so he could operate out of Longwood. Gilles was accomplishing nothing. He lounged on the couch, his booted feet stretched out on the seat in a manner that would no doubt infuriate maman. His mind was in his bedchamber. More specifically, his bed the previous evening.
Gilles had fallen on Elise like a starving man. He'd hauled her into his arms as soon as she stepped across the threshold. He had meant to carry her to the bed and seduce her with words before he joined with her. Instead, he'd backed her against the door and attacked her with his mouth. Gilles had craved the taste of her and the kiss in the sitting room had only whetted his appetite. He'd started with Elise's lips and worked his way down. He'd gorged himself on her breasts before he lowered to his knees and devoured the sweet core of her. He'd draped her leg over his shoulder and feasted on her until she exploded against his tongue.
Then, he'd carried her to his bed. Gilles gathered her in his arms with the intent to make love to her slowly, mindful that she was probably sore. Elise wouldn't allow it. She writhed beneath him, urging him on. He'd risen on his knees and placed her feet against his chest. Gilles hadn't lasted very long, seeing her on her back, her breasts bouncing while she screamed against the back of her hand had pushed him over the edge. He'd almost fainted with the force of his climax.
The two of them discussed Lucy and the horse that Lucien had arranged until Elise decided to catalog the various scars on Gilles' body. He was by no means disfigured but he had more than his share. She would trace each one with her fingers and lick at them while he recounted how he'd acquired it. By the time Elise made it to the long slash at his thigh Gilles was nearly undone. Seeing her take his cock into her mouth as she fondled his balls had been too much. He'd tossed her on her stomach and raised her so she was on her knees and took her from behind. She'd gone wild, biting the pillow to keep from crying out. She'd ripped the sheet beneath her when she shattered. Gilles had been mesmerized by the sight of her beautiful bottom slapping against his stomach and seeing his engorged cock swallowed by her tightness. He had been holding off until he felt the excruciating pleasur
e of her muscles tightening around him as she found her release. Elise pulled him into her, forcing him to pump his seed deep within her. He'd nearly fallen off the bed when he withdrew from her, still spasming and dizzy he'd had to grab the post and wait until he stopped convulsing. In his clumsiness, he'd grabbed a panel from the canopy, tearing it.
Gilles laughed as he imagined his valet and the chamber maid the next morning. His bedroom truly was beginning to resemble a battlefield. He and Elise were going to have to be more careful, it could get expensive, having to constantly replace the bedding in his room.
Gilles held Elise until she fell asleep and watched her sleep until he felt himself getting drowsy. He carried her to her room and tucked her in. She might have been a light sleeper the first half of the night but once she fell into a deep sleep, it was nearly impossible to wake her.
"I told you, it's unmanly." Alastair's voice ripped Gilles from his reverie. Both he and Lucien had taken the chairs opposite the couch and were studying him.
"Whatever it is, it must be quite good to cause him to hum like milkmaid." Lucien replied.
Gilles looked at them and blushed. Lucien and Alastair became hysterical, laughing until they were gasping for breath. Gilles thought it would serve them right if they choked.
After they had regained their composure, Alastair sobered and made the "question face", as they'd come to call it. They knew he had an uncomfortable or upsetting question when his brows pulled together and he repeatedly opened his mouth, as if he kept changing his mind as to whether to ask or not.
Gilles rolled his eyes.
"What is it, Alastair?"
Alastair leaned forward, setting his elbows on his knees.
"Given Lady Elise's sensory... That is, I assume that since she is more sensitive in general... Well, do the skills that she's used to adapt..." It was his turn to blush.
Gilles and Lucien stared at him. Once Alastair decided to ask a question, he was generally blunt. He never prevaricated. And he certainly never blushed.
Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 17