Harrison began to walk beside her. “Yes, it is.”
Slowly they made their way to the front hall.
“Thank you again for being kind to her. She has taken quite a liking to you.”
Although being with Harrison’s sister filled her with a little anxiety, she said, “You’re welcome.”
“Have you decided to go back to London with Jeffrey?”
His question caught her by surprise. She looked up into Harrison’s silver-gray eyes and unable to bear the intensity in them, she glanced away. “I shall return to New York with him, but I have not decided about London yet.”
“Either way, you will be leaving Fleming Farm by the end of the week.”
“Yes,” she said, stating the obvious. The two of them were giving her no option but to go home.
An awkward silence settled between them and her stomach flipped.
“What will you do in New York?”
“I am not entirely sure yet.” She turned to go out the front door where a carriage was waiting to take them to the river party. His voice stopped her.
“I shall miss having you here.”
Harrison’s words and the meaning within them touched her, but Juliette did not look back at him, afraid she would start crying. She continued out the door.
22
Fireworks
“Captain Fleming?” Mrs. Hannah Howard tapped on Harrison’s sleeve to gain his attention. “Thank you for coming to our party on such short notice.”
“Thank you for inviting me and my houseguests as well,” he said.
Harrison barely knew the people who were hosting the river party, but they were in effect his neighbors, so he had accepted Mr. and Mrs. Howard’s friendly invitation to join them for a night of frivolity. Their sprawling house overlooked the Navesink River and their elegant lawn was lit with hundred of candles and luminaria. A bonfire was burning on the shore of the river and an orchestra played on the veranda. Their many guests milled about the grounds, dancing to the music or choosing delicious morsels from the numerous tables laden with platters of food.
Jeffrey was eagerly talking to a businessman from New York, while Juliette was engaged in a lively conversation with a young couple from town. Harrison had not taken his eyes off Juliette all evening. He had to find some way to keep her from leaving with Jeffrey on Friday. He had a feeling that once she returned to New York, she would inevitably return to London and he would never see her again. If he were completely honest with himself, he did not want such a thing to happen. If only Juliette would be sensible and just marry him, there wouldn’t be a problem.
But she was entirely too stubborn.
How do you get a woman to marry you, when she does not wish to be married? Harrison had struggled to find an answer to that question for days. He knew forcing the issue with her would be an irrevocable mistake. A woman like Juliette could not be pressured into doing something she didn’t wish to do. He knew that much at least.
Although Jeffrey’s idea to trick her into marrying him had some merit, it was a risky bit of business. They had discussed a few strategies at great length that night on the patio and they had the makings of a rough plan in place. But it could prove disastrous if it did not work the way they wanted it to.
Meanwhile, Harrison had only a few days before Jeffrey left with her in which to change Juliette’s mind about marrying him. He could just put the plan into effect tonight and be done with it. Juliette would be furious but eventually she would calm down and understand that it had been for the best. Still, he hesitated.
He had come to the conclusion that marriage to Juliette might be his responsibility, but it might be more than that. Even if he could not totally admit that to himself at this point. Aside from being beautiful and desirable, Juliette was intelligent, fearless, caring, thoughtful, and spirited. He loved that she was not afraid to try new things. He loved her sense of independence, even though it frustrated him when it concerned marriage. Life with Juliette Hamilton as his wife would never be dull.
“You are very welcome,” Mrs. Howard gushed. “Are your English friends having a nice time here in America?”
Harrison forced himself to focus on the woman before him and managed to nod at her. “Yes, I believe so.”
“That’s wonderful. We’re going to set off the fireworks display shortly. We’re celebrating the Fourth of July a little early, because my husband has to leave for Boston tomorrow. So we decided to have them set off tonight.”
Harrison smiled blandly. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Mrs. Howard moved on to mingle with her other guests while Harrison continued to keep his eyes on Juliette. The couple she had been talking to drifted off into the throng of guests meandering the lawns. She must have sensed his gaze, because she looked up at him and smiled. Her engaging smile did strange things to him. Their eyes locked on to each other. He had to go to her.
Slowly Harrison walked through the crowd, his eyes fixed on Juliette.
“How are you enjoying the evening?” he asked when he reached her side.
“I am having a delightful time, thank you,” she said, breaking their eye contact with a flutter of her long lashes. “Everyone is so friendly here.”
“Would you care to walk down to the river with me?”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” She accepted the arm he extended to her and they carefully made their way through the crowded lawn and down to the sandy beach.
“It’s a lovely night. Look at all the stars,” Juliette said as she looked up at the dark sky, alight with thousands of glittering stars and a glowing moon on its way to being full once again. Thick clouds were gradually moving in, however.
“Yes, it’s a lovely night,” he agreed, but he was not looking at the sky. He kept his eyes on Juliette. Her hand still held his arm as they traversed along the damp sand of the river’s edge. She lost her footing for an instant but he righted her before she tumbled.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
In silence, they continued walking further from the Howard’s party until they reached a secluded alcove near an embankment lined heavily with thick shrubbery. Harrison removed his jacket and laid it upon the grass so Juliette could sit there. He sat beside her.
The familiar scent of jasmine wafted over him. Since they were on the Sea Minx Juliette’s signature scent always had the power to arouse him and this time was no different. He steeled himself to think about something other than making love to her.
“Do you truly believe that Melissa’s paintings have merit?” he managed to ask.
She turned to him, the expression on her beautiful face full of wonder. “Oh, yes! Her paintings are simply gorgeous! She captures the smallest details with such care. The landscapes are quite realistic. They make you feel as if you are there. They transport you.”
Filled with pride over Melissa’s ability, Harrison smiled. “You think she is talented then?”
“Absolutely,” Juliette affirmed. “Your sister has a rare gift.”
“I think her portrait of you is extraordinary.”
“I must admit that I was surprised she chose to paint me,” Juliette murmured softly.
“I’m not surprised at all by it. You have been very kind to her.” Harrison explained, “Melissa hasn’t seen our sister Isabella in years and she doesn’t have any friends, except for Annie, and Annie is not really a friend. It’s no wonder she has fixated on you.”
“Fixated is a good description.” Juliette hesitated before adding, “To be honest, Harrison, I still feel a little wary with Melissa.”
“I know you do and that’s what is so remarkable about you. Most people would avoid her or talk down to her, but you are still kind to Melissa and you treat her as if she were perfectly normal. Melissa has not painted in months, but since you’ve been here she has painted more than ever. It’s good for her.”
“I’m not sure that has anything to do with me.”
“No, I think it does,” Harriso
n insisted.
“Have you ever thought about letting her live a less isolated existence?”
“Of course,” he exclaimed. “But the fact is, her unpredictable behavior prevents that from being a possibility. I cannot risk her hurting herself, let alone anyone else.”
Juliette nodded in understanding. “Perhaps you could ask her what she would like? What about allowing her to have a friend or two her own age?”
He thought for a moment. “I’ve had Annie looking after Melissa for years now, but I never thought about getting a companion nearer to her own age. Because she has been unstable and her behavior unpredictable and at times violent, I’ve kept her fairly sheltered. She stays at home and only travels when absolutely necessary. I never take her to parties, like this one, or have guests over. Perhaps that was a mistake. Maybe she does need to have friends and she would be better off if she could be around people more often.”
“Perhaps,” she said thoughtfully. “Did the doctors ever suggest that you do that?”
“Not one of them ever suggested anything that humane,” he said bitterly, before releasing a weary sigh. “But I stopped heeding their advice long ago.”
“Doctors don’t know everything there is to know,” Juliette ventured.
“I even met a doctor who suggested we try changing her diet.” He shook his head in disbelief. “He was under the impression that the food she ate caused her mood swings.”
“She is most fortunate to have you to care for her. Aside from being utterly amazed by her talent, I am most impressed by how well you have provided for your sister, Harrison. Not many brothers would go to such lengths.”
“Thank you,” he whispered, deeply touched that Juliette recognized how hard he worked to make some kind of normal life for his sister.
Suddenly the quiet night air was ripped apart by the sudden blast of fireworks bursting in the dark sky. Brilliant splashes of scarlet and gold flashed across the sky, their reflections glittering vividly on the inky river. Wild shouts of excitement and applause could be heard from the lawn. Just as the sparkles receded into the clouds of smoke hugging the water, another bright explosion of color lit the sky.
“Oh, it’s beautiful!” Juliette cried out, her voice filled with wonder. “I’ve never been so close to fireworks before!”
Harrison had no desire to watch the fireworks display while Juliette was seated so near to him. With her head tilted toward the heavens and her lips parted in wonder as she watched the colorful streams of light wash across the velvet sky, she looked more beautiful than he had ever seen her. Her angelic face cast in reflections of gold, red, and silver left him breathless and the temptation to touch her overwhelmed him.
Unable to resist kissing her, Harrison leaned in and placed his mouth over hers. Juliette’s instant and welcome response thrilled him. His arms slid around her shoulders, pulling her close to him, as he continued to kiss her.
Amidst the darkness of their secluded spot, well hidden by the thick shrubbery, and with everyone’s attention on the exploding fireworks, no one at Mrs. Hannah Howard’s party noticed Harrison and Juliette with their arms around each other and kissing passionately on the bank of the river.
While the shimmering colors flashed above the water and the thunder of the explosions echoed around them, Harrison could only focus on Juliette and the exquisite taste of her lips. Their tongues entwined and plundered each other’s mouths, taking as much as they could. His hands stroked her back, pressing her closer to him. Her body seemed to melt into his, and his heart skipped a beat or two. The heat between them intensified. He lost himself in kissing her, forgetting where they were and who was there, as his hands impulsively caressed her face, her neck, and moved lower to cup her breasts. She moaned softly as he kneaded her through the silky fabric of her red gown. He skimmed his hand to the edge of the neckline and slipped beneath, touching her bare breast. Wishing he could tear the gown from her body, he lowered his head and kissed her breast. She arched her back, and he shook with desire as Juliette’s fingers massaged the back of his neck, stroking his hair.
As another burst of golden sparks exploded overhead, Harrison roughly lifted her and drew her across his lap. One hand raised the hem of her gown and layers of undergarments, and slowly slid up the length of her calf, over her knee and then up her thigh. His fingers rubbed the sleek stockings and toyed with the garters that held them in place, until he caressed the exposed, soft skin of her upper thigh. Little by little his fingers inched closer to the heated area between her legs, but did not actually touch her. He just moved his hand achingly close to the damp curls, brushing her, teasing her. With her breath coming in frantic gasps Juliette began to squirm impatiently in his lap, exciting his own body beyond rock hardness.
“Harrison,” she pleaded in his ear, “please…” Her warm breath sent a shiver through him. “Please…”
He kissed her warm mouth, ignoring her plea, and continued to tantalize her with his fingers as he lightly caressed her. He knew exactly what she wanted. “Please what?”
“Please—” Juliette could barely speak. She took a deep breath and her voice trembled as she spoke. “Please do something.”
“Do something?” he whispered, his voice thick with a burning need of his own. His teasing of her had aroused him as much as it had her. It was a dangerous game he played with her. If he didn’t do something soon, they both would expire from sheer frustration.
“Yes.” She buried her head against his neck, placing hot little kisses there. “Do something, please,” she murmured breathlessly. “I can’t…I can’t take this anymore.”
“Do you want me to do something…Something right here?” He moved his hand beneath the layers of underclothing and slid one finger into the heated slickness between her thighs.
Juliette gasped and almost collapsed against him, her body trembling. “Har–rah–son–n,” she breathed, his name hissing from her mouth.
“Anyone could walk by, Juliette, and see you like this.” He whispered low as he continued to stroke her with his hand beneath her gown. “There are so many people here. Someone could be strolling along the beach and see us…you…sitting on my lap, kissing me, with my hand up your dress. What would they think to find us like this?”
“I…I don’t—”
“Or don’t you care?”
She did not answer him, so overcome with desire was she, and Harrison did not expect her to. He knew she had already surrendered to him. She closed her eyes and clung to him for support.
“My Juliette doesn’t care what people think at all, does she?” Harrison’s heart thudded in his chest as she melted into him. “That’s it. Let it happen, my love.”
His hushed and seductive words drifted around them as he continued to whisper in her ear, coaxing her, arousing her. Meanwhile his hand kept rubbing her, bringing her closer and closer to what she craved. The heat between them increased as he held her close to his heart. She pressed herself against the palm of his hand, her hips grinding against his erection.
The deep rumblings and showers of colorful embers rained around them, drowning out Harrison’s low voice and Juliette’s impassioned cries as she found her release.
So great was his need to possess her, it took every ounce of the willpower and self-control he possessed to not roll her off his lap, lay her on her back, shove her gown up to her waist, and bury himself deep within her, taking her right there in the grass as he wanted to. Instead, he kept his shaking arms tight around her, unable to move until her breathing returned to a somewhat normal pace and he had calmed his own body. They remained that way, recovering, until it dawned on him that the fireworks display had finally ended. Clouds of smoke drifted over the still waters of the river and typical night sounds could be heard again—voices and laughter from the party, the faint strains of the orchestra playing, crickets chirping in the bushes surrounding them.
Harrison gently smoothed Juliette’s gown back into place. He pressed a gentle kiss to her warm che
ek and eased her from his lap. He stood up, his legs shakier than he thought. She glanced up at him awkwardly, and he sensed her embarrassment. With his eyes fixed on hers, he held out his hand to her.
“Oh, we’re not done yet, my beauty.”
Her eyes widened as she stared at him, silent.
“We’re going home right now.”
She nodded and took his hand. He pulled her to her feet and into his arms once again.
“And into my bed,” he whispered in her ear before he released her. He was finished playing games.
They walked back to the Howards’ house without speaking, for there was no need for words between them. They gave their regards to Mr. and Mrs. Howard, while searching for Jeffrey to tell him that they were leaving, but could not find him. Eager to be on their way, they waited on the front porch for Harrison’s carriage to be brought around. They gazed at each other, the tension between them palpable. Harrison fought the desire to touch her, to kiss her, to pull her into his arms. Their little rendezvous on the river had left him aching for her.
Finally Jeffrey strolled out on the porch, a drink in one hand and a wicked smile on his face. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to stay here a little longer and enjoy the festivities.” He tilted his head and gave them an assessing glance. “You two go on ahead without me.”
Harrison grinned knowingly at him. “I’ll send my driver back with the carriage to wait for you.”
“Much appreciated.” As Harrison helped Juliette into the carriage, Jeffrey asked, “Did you enjoy the fireworks, Juliette?”
Juliette, completely flustered and her face suffused with color, did not reply.
“Yes, she enjoyed the display immensely. She said they were the best she has ever seen,” Harrison answered for her. “Didn’t you, Juliette?”
Her eyes widened at his reference and she quickly averted her eyes. Loving the fact that he had set her off balance, he winked at her.
Harrison turned back to Jeffrey. “Have a good time.”
“Oh, I will!” Jeffrey held up his glass in a silent toast to them and returned to the party.
Desire In His Eyes Page 20