Finn heard Diana’s giggle as he bolted from the room, impressed and horrified in equal parts. He stopped for a moment, adjusting his clothes and taking a breath to calm himself. He had to look like a man who had just enjoyed a threesome. In truth, Finn couldn’t wait to get home to Abbie. His cock was throbbing painfully, his blood boiling in his veins. No wonder Sam chose to stay. There was no one waiting for him at home, no one who loved him. For the first time since meeting him, Finn felt sorry for Sam.
August 1624
England
Chapter 18
Louisa twirled in front of the cheval glass, admiring her image. Aunt Louisa had given her a few gowns, and they were finer than anything she’d ever owned before, made of silk and brocade, with lavish embroidery and bodices worked in seed pearls and gold thread, the sleeves adorned with the finest lace. Just running her fingers over the rich fabric made her shiver with pleasure, desperate to live a life of luxury that Aunt Lou was now enjoying. At home, she had one pretty gown, but the rest were made of homespun, suitable for everyday chores that she was expected to perform to help Minnie.
The gown she had chosen today was a primrose yellow, with an underskirt of cream satin and matching lace at the bodice and cuffs. The color accentuated the auburn highlights in Louisa’s hair and her amber eyes, making them appear almost tawny, like a jungle cat that she had once seen in a picture book. She was about to pinch her cheeks to give them some color, but decided against it. She looked flushed enough, and overly rosy cheeks weren’t in fashion. Women painted their faces to make them look like fine porcelain and hide blemishes and the ravages of time, but Louisa didn’t need to apply layers of rice powder to her face. Her skin glowed from the inside, nurtured by fresh air and a lifetime of good nutrition. Anyway, it was time to stop admiring herself and put her plan into action.
She found Theo in the drawing room talking to Uncle Kit, a still-full glass of port in his hand. He looked happy and relaxed, the breeze from the window ruffling his unbound hair as he gestured with his hand in an effort to emphasize his point. She heard the name of the Duke of Buckingham mentioned, which seemed to upset Uncle Kit. They were so intent on their conversation that they didn’t even hear Louisa enter until she was halfway across the room. Both men sprang to their feet, Theo stopping in midsentence and blushing furiously at the sight of her.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I thought I heard Mama in here. I was hoping she would join me for a walk in the garden. I’m so tired of walking alone, but it’s such a lovely day and a shame to stay indoors.” Louisa ignored Kit’s knowing smile as he turned to Theo.
“Why don’t you take a walk with Louisa, Theo? We can talk more later.”
Louisa threw Kit a grateful look before turning to Theo. “Oh, that would be wonderful. We haven’t really had a chance to talk, have we? I wager you can show me parts of this estate that I haven’t seen yet.” She smiled prettily as Theo buttoned his doublet in an attempt to make himself more presentable.
“It would be an honor to walk with you, Miss Whitfield.”
“Please, call me Louisa, and may I call you Theo? Lord Carew is so formal, don’t you think?” The young man just nodded happily, already following Louisa out of the room and down the hall toward the door to the formal garden. It was in shadow at this time of day, so Louisa didn’t have to worry about unattractive perspiration marring her beauty as she charmed her prey. She slid her arm through Theo’s as they walked down the graveled path, surrounded by Grecian urns and manicured hedges. Thankfully, there was no one about, so she had Theo’s undivided attention. She purposely chose the formal garden in an effort to avoid the children, who would cling to her and want to play a game of hide-and-go-seek. Evie was especially fond of the game, always wanting to be the one to hide, but the nurse never took them to the formal garden, leaving it to be enjoyed by the adults.
“So, you grew up in Virginia?” Theo began shyly. “I’ve always longed to visit the New World. It must be so exciting. I’m afraid I’ve never been further than Kent.”
“I think you are the one whose life is exciting,” Louisa replied, looking up at Theo through her eyelashes. “Jamestown is so primitive compared to London. I believe your aunt called it a “backwater.” Not many would disagree with her.”
“She enjoys shocking people with her observations. It’s the only way she can get them to pay attention to her; at least, that’s what my mother used to say. She always bid me to be kind to her.”
“Oh, I don’t mind Aunt Maud. She’s amusing if you don’t take her too seriously. It must be nice to have such a large family. Do you see your brothers often?” Louisa gazed up at Theo. He was almost as tall as Kit, with the same black hair and eyes, but he lacked the swagger of her uncle. Kit exuded confidence and decisiveness, whereas Theo seemed shy and reticent, eager to please. Louisa strongly suspected that Theo preferred to observe rather than to be observed.
“I live with my older brother Robin, and his wife, but they’re in the country for the summer. Walter got married a few months ago, and I haven’t seen him since the wedding. He’s enjoying time with his new bride. I must admit that I miss him,” added Theo quietly. “It’s strange when people begin a new chapter in their lives and leave one behind.”
“I miss my brother as well. He was my best friend in the world,” whispered Louisa dramatically.
“I’m sorry, Louisa. I didn’t mean to be callous. I heard what happened to your brother at the hands of the savages. It must have been awful for all of you. The stories of the Indians seem so exciting and romantic, but the reality is quite ugly, isn’t it? You must still be grieving.”
Louisa stopped walking and turned to face Theo, her eyes full of unshed tears. “It’s as if I lost a part of myself when he died. I’ve been terribly lonely without him. My parents were so torn apart by grief that they couldn’t even bring themselves to put a marker for him in the cemetery. There was no body, you see, so they couldn’t even bury him. At least baby Alex has a grave that I can visit.” She glanced away, wiping a phantom tear.
“I can only imagine your grief,” Theo said, subconsciously drawing her a little closer. “If there’s anything at all I can do to cheer you up, please just say the word. I’m entirely at your disposal.”
Louisa glanced away from Theo as if to hide her emotion. He was so sweet. She could see the compassion in his eyes, and her heart melted. There was something about his expression that reminded her of Finn. She wasn’t lying when she told Theo about missing Finn. She genuinely grieved for him every single day, and the loss was not something she would easily get over. True, she told Theo about Finn in an effort to gain his sympathy, but there was a part of her heart that broke the day she learned of Finn’s death. Maybe Theo could help. He wasn’t just a coveted prize to be won; he was someone she could grow to love, and hopefully he could love her. He liked to care for damaged things, so maybe he could care for her and make her whole again.
“I must admit that I’ve been terribly lonely since coming to England. My parents are preoccupied, and there’s no one here close to my age. I enjoy playing with the children, but I long for more age-appropriate company. Any time you could spare would lead to my undying gratitude. My brother used to take me for picnics by the lake on fine days. Do you think that’s something I might be able to convince you to do? It would mean so much to me.” Louisa looked up at Theo, smiling beguilingly.
“It would be my pleasure. Would this afternoon be too soon? I could ask Cook to pack us a basket of food, and I know just the place. My brothers and I used to play there when we came to visit grandfather. That was before he died and left the estate to Uncle Kit. I can barely remember him now. My mother is buried next to him. She died in this house, you know.” Theo suddenly looked upset, obviously grappling with the sad memory of his mother’s final days.
“I’m sorry, Louisa. I didn’t mean to get all maudlin. It’s just that this house holds some bad memories for me. I hope you can forgi
ve me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. I suggest we make some new memories, ones that will make you smile when you recall the summer you met the girl from Virginia. Anyway, this afternoon would be perfect,” Louisa said, rising to her tiptoes and planting a kiss on Theo’s cheek. “You’ve made me so happy.”
August 1777
New York
Chapter 19
The loft had finally cooled down, a gentle wind blowing from the open window directly onto the bed. Feeble starlight just barely lit up the sky, black as pitch on this moonless night. The night was quiet around them, only the chirping of a cricket and the scurrying of mice heard somewhere in the rafters. Abbie hated the rats, but there was no escaping them so close to the water. She sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to Finn, pressing her butt against his thighs. She never bothered to put her shift back on after Finn’s frenzied lovemaking, and lay naked in his arms, languid and satisfied.
“Finn, did Sam really stay with that woman?” Abbie asked quietly.
“I don’t know. I expect she had some important information to pass on to him,” he improvised, hoping Abbie would drop the subject.
“Thank you for that, but you don’t need to lie to me. Sam was always one for the girls, even at a young age. Funny how different he is from Pa and Jonah,” she mused, sounding sleepy.
“How is he different?” asked Finn, although he already knew.
“My mother was the first girl Pa courted, did you know that? He said she was always the one for him, and Jonah breaks out in hives every time a girl so much as looks at him.” Abbie giggled and turned onto her back, her eyes on Finn’s. “Pa caught Sam with a girl when he was just thirteen. She was a neighbor’s daughter two years his senior.”
“What did your father do?” He couldn’t help wondering what his own father would have done had he caught him with a girl.
“Oh, he took a strap to him. Said that Sam had no business being with a woman until he was in a position to marry and support a child he might have gotten on her. Sam took the beating without a peep, although he had trouble sitting for about a week.” Abbie smiled at Finn in the darkness, obviously remembering Sam’s discomfort.
“Did he stop?”
“No, I suspect he just got better at not being caught.”
“What happened to the girl?” Finn asked. “Sam had mentioned a girl he loved when he was very young on their way back from the fort. Maybe she had been the one.
“You don’t want to know.” Abbie’s shoulders started to shake as she dissolved into giggles, snorting with mirth.
“Oh, now you have to tell me. Please, Abbie.” Finn started tickling her to get it out of her, enjoying her squirming against him.
“Oh, all right. Just stop tickling me.” She took a moment to compose herself, no doubt to draw out the suspense.
“Well?”
“She married the minister,” she announced.
“What? Mrs. Greene is the girl Sam had been with? Does the minister know?” Finn had to admit that he was shocked. Mrs. Greene was about as right and proper as they came, so the thought of her frolicking in the barn with Sam was a little hard to countenance.
“I highly doubt it, but Pa never was able to look her in the eye, considering how much of her he had seen when he found them. I’m worried about Sam, Finn,” Abbie said, the laughter fading away from her face. “He almost died because of that girl at the tavern, and now there’s this Diana. I hope he knows what he’s doing.”
“So do I, sweetheart, so do I.” Abbie had vocalized his own concerns, reminding him of how close Sam had come to being executed two years ago. Finn hoped he’d learned his lesson.
“Get some sleep, Abbie. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” He kissed her tenderly, brushing away a stray curl. “I love you.”
“Me too. Goodnight, Finn, and God help you if I ever find you in a brothel,” she added before closing her eyes.
August 1624
England
Chapter 20
Louisa carefully removed the food from the basket, laying it out on the blanket. There was some crusty bread, cheese, cold chicken, and a bunch of grapes. Theo had already taken out the bottle of ale and was pouring it into cups. The spot he’d chosen was perfect; far enough from the house to give them privacy, but still sufficiently exposed to prevent any malicious talk. They were seated on the grassy bank of the pond, shaded by the interlaced branches of the trees above their head, shafts of sunlight creating patterns on their faces as it pierced the canopy of rustling leaves overhead. Birdsong and the incessant buzzing of insects filled the air, reminding them that the meadow was teeming with life.
Theo took a sip of his ale and reclined on the blanket, his face shadowed by the leaves overhead. Louisa took in his long legs stretched out before her, and allowed her gaze to travel up his body toward his face before finally meeting his eyes, so intense on her own.
“Why don’t you remove your doublet?” Louisa asked innocently. “You must be stifling under all that velvet.”
“I am, actually. Would you mind terribly?” He was already unbuttoning the heavy garment and breathing a sigh of relief as he pulled it off, remaining in a linen shirt and breeches.
“Why should I mind? I hate being hot. Is it always this warm in July?” She reclined close to Theo, making sure the hem of her gown rose just above her ankle, giving Theo a glimpse of her leg. “I can hardly wait to peel off my gown once I get back to my room. It’s so liberating to get undressed.” Louisa gave Theo a moment to enjoy the image she just planted in his mind before looking at him expectantly.
“Not usually. This summer is the hottest one I can recall. Summers in England are usually quite pleasant, especially if you have a country home. Whitehall is nearly empty at this time of year with everyone going to the country for fear of the plague.”
“How frightening,” Louisa breathed, putting her hand on Theo’s chest as if by accident. She could feel the beating of his heart underneath her palm, steady and strong. His skin felt warm through the fabric of his shirt, and she inhaled his scent, so pleasantly masculine. He was watching her, his mouth slightly open and his eyes full of desire, but it was too soon for anything more. He’d taken the bait, and now Louisa had to reel him in slowly, so as not to scare him away, as she did Tom. Louisa shyly pulled away her hand, avoiding his gaze.
“Would you like something to eat? I’m famished.” She popped a grape into her mouth, enjoying his gaze on her lips. She made sure to part her lips slowly, making a pretty “o” before wrapping them around another round grape, her eyes never leaving Theo’s face. Oh yes, he’d taken the bait.
“Ah, yes, thank you. That would be nice,” Theo stammered, sitting up. Louisa smiled into his eyes, reaching for a plate and piling it with goodies. She was fairly sure that he was ravenous, but not necessarily for the food. Her plan seemed to be working.
**
“You should send him away.” Aunt Maud’s voice could be clearly heard coming from the drawing room despite the closed door. It seemed that she came down from her nap earlier than expected, already holding court in her favorite chair by the unlit hearth.
“Why? I like having him here. He’s a fine boy.” Uncle Kit sounded taken aback, his voice low behind the closed door. Aunt Maud must have ambushed him since he would never willingly spend time with her alone.
“Because, if you are not careful, my boy, those two will be wedded and bedded by the end of the month. Didn’t you see them sneaking off together? It’s a disaster waiting to happen.” This statement was followed by a thud; no doubt Aunt Maud’s cane against the floor. She used it as much for punctuation as she did for walking.
“Theo is one of the most honorable men I know, Aunt Maud, and they weren’t sneaking. Theo asked Alec for his permission to take Louisa for a picnic and Alec granted it. There’s no disaster brewing, I assure you. Besides, I’d have no objections if they formed at attachment. Louisa is a lovely girl; beautiful and intelligent. She woul
d be an asset to any man,” Kit replied defensively. He didn’t appreciate being scolded by Maud. Thank God Maud wasn’t privy to what happened with Thomas Gaines two years ago. That would really give her something to sink her teeth into, and with good reason. Kit had seen the way Louisa watched Theo. He might be older and supposedly wiser, but that girl knew exactly what she was about, and she was sure to get her way. Maud just picked up on it quicker than the rest of them.
“You are even more of a fool than I thought, Christopher. He is a lord with a brilliant future at Court ahead of him; she’s a commoner with nothing to recommend her but a pretty face and a charming manner. She would harm his chances of advancement. He needs to marry well to solidify his position.” This was followed by another thud and the sound of footsteps advancing toward the door.
“Aunt Maud, you are sorely trying my patience. Now, if you will excuse me,” Louisa ducked into the library just in time to avoid bumping into Kit as he erupted from the drawing room. So, she hadn’t fooled Maud one bit with her innocent questions. She was a sly old fox, she’d give her that. Anyhow, Uncle Kit had dismissed her concerns, which was good in view of what happened with Tom. Louisa made sure the coast was clear, before making her way upstairs to change for supper. This had been a very productive day indeed.
Chapter 21
Another flash of lightning split the sky, thunder rattling the stone walls of the manor as a brisk wind blew through the open windows, making the damask curtains billow like the sails of a ship. Torrents of water poured from the sky, mercifully relieving some of the heat of the previous few days. Louisa was tired of this crazy English weather. It was either blazing sun or torrential downpours. For a brief moment, she missed Virginia, but then berated herself for being silly. She watched in irritation as the candle guttered, a thin whiff of smoke curling to the ceiling. Louisa climbed into bed and drew her legs up, hugging them and putting her chin on her knees. She knew perfectly well that it wasn’t the weather or the candle that caused her such frustration — it was Theo. He would be leaving with Kit tomorrow after church, so her time was up.
A Game of Shadows Page 8