Too Hot for a Spy

by Pearl Wolf

  “Do you not think Mr. Denville handsome?” asked Georgiana.

  “Sebastian’s much more so,” declared Jane with authority. Her unwavering loyalty to the man who thought her beautiful enough to marry would not be shaken.

  Helena laughed. “Leave off, you two. It’s not proper to judge gentlemen by their appearance. And you beware, Georgie. Don’t let your feelings for Mr. Denville run away with you. You have your debut to look forward to next year.”

  “I agree. A mere flirtation is one thing, but you are only sixteen. Do not imagine yourself in love with Denville,” warned Olivia.

  Georgiana blushed. “Oh, I don’t, believe me. But you’ll have to admit, his manners are engaging, not to mention his wit. He’s such fun to be with.”

  “Those things are true,” replied Olivia. “But I don’t want you to attach more importance to these traits than are necessary. They are merely the attributes of a well-brought-up gentleman.”

  When Casper drew the carriage to a stop in front of Heligan House, Sir Henry Tremayne greeted them. They had been invited by the old gentleman to see the gardens after he had received a polite note from Her Grace.

  The Heligan estate was one of the largest in Cornwall, rivaling only Bodmin Castle in size. Built in 1603 by the first Tremayne, Sir William, it boasted one thousand acres. Its charm lay in its gardens, for the Tremaynes were devoted botanists from first to last.

  “Thank you for inviting us on such short notice, Sir Henry,” said Olivia, who was first to alight.

  Sir Henry looked beyond her into the carriage. “But where is my old friend the duchess? I had so looked forward to renewing my acquaintance with her today.”

  “Mother wasn’t well enough to undertake the journey. She sends you her good wishes and her most sincere regrets.”

  The gentleman was clearly disappointed. “Do send her my wishes for a speedy recovery. Come in then, dear friends. My butler will show you the way to the guest chambers where you may refresh yourselves. Luncheon awaits you on the terrace.”

  Olivia shook his hand and said, “Allow me to introduce our escorts, sir. This is Sir Sebastian Brooks and his traveling companion, Mr. Hugh Denville.”

  Tremayne’s eyes lit up, for he had lived a solitary life since the death of his wife. He shook hands with them, gave orders to see to their horses, and said, “Would you care to join me for some Madeira before lunch, gentlemen?”

  When the Fairchild sisters joined them on the terrace, they found the three gentlemen behaving as though they had known one another for ages. Luncheon became a cheerful affair on such a beautiful day, the sight of the famous Heligan Gardens in view.

  After lunch, Sir Henry excused himself, promising to join them for tea before they left for the day. The old gentleman was in the habit of resting after lunch.

  Sebastian maneuvered to accompany Olivia and Jane, who took possession of his arms in their walk through the gardens. At the same time, Denville escorted Georgiana and Helena.

  “Sir Henry is a good man. A bit lonely since his wife died, he informed us,” said Sebastian.

  “He’s a dedicated botanist, you know. His gardens are well known throughout England.”

  Sebastian smiled. “Yes. He admitted it was his passion over our Madeira before lunch.”

  They came upon a folly built in the fashion of a Greek temple. “A good Grecian replica,” said Sebastian examining it with the eye of a connoisseur.

  “Have you been to Greece?”

  “Yes,” he said. “Travel on the Continent was a gift from my father when I finished my studies at Oxford.”

  “My brother Edward wants to travel,” said Jane.

  “Yes. His Grace and I talked about it at our…when I had dinner with your family in London.”

  Jane looked up at her escort, her blue eyes twinkling. “At your betrothal dinner, you mean. Are you and Livy still planning to marry?”

  “Jane!” exploded Olivia. “That’s a most impolite question.”

  Sebastian looked into the child’s eyes, which were swimming with tears at her sister’s rebuke. He patted Jane’s hand and smiled, but his words were meant for her sister. “It’s a reasonable question, Jane. I’ve been wondering the very same thing. Suppose we ask your sister for her answer?” He handed the child his handkerchief.

  “That isn’t fair, Sebastian,” Olivia muttered.

  “Ah, but all’s fair in love and war. I meant it when I warned you I wouldn’t give up, Olivia.”

  Jane listened to the exchange with great interest, her head bobbing back and forth from one adult to the other.

  “Why don’t you give him another chance, Livy?”

  Sebastian shouted out a laugh. “My dearest darling friend Jane. If your sister persists in refusing to give me another chance, I shall crawl into a hole in the wall and stay there until you come of age. If you’ll have me, I’ll have you for my wife instead.” He turned to Olivia and added, “There’s no profit for either of us in looking back, is there? Won’t you allow me to resume courting you, my love?”

  “I’ll think about it. Come, Jane. It’s time we found the others and started for home.” She took the child’s hand and fairly flew down the path. Away from Sebastian.

  Sir Henry and their tea awaited them on the terrace when they returned. It took some time for the family to get underway, but at last they were riding toward home, much to Olivia’s relief.

  She was in such turmoil over Sebastian’s request, she paid little heed to her sisters’ chatter, preferring to stare out the window instead. Drat the man! She could be happy wallowing in misery if only he would go away and leave her be.

  The group reached home in little less than an hour, to be greeted by the welcome news that His Grace had arrived from London. He was waiting to greet his children in the drawing room. Her sisters ran up the steps, eager to see their father, but Olivia lingered behind.

  “I want a word with you, Sebastian. Will you join me in the library?”

  Having heard the danger in Olivia’s voice, Hugh took Sebastian’s reins and busied himself with the horses.

  She entered first, but when Sebastian attempted to shut the door, she said, “No. Leave the door open, please. What I have to say to you won’t take long.”

  “What is it, my darling?” he asked.

  “I’m not your darling and I don’t appreciate your tactics. You overstepped the bounds when you attempted to use my little sister to gain an advantage over me. Let me assure you that it won’t work.”

  “What, pray tell, must I do, since you won’t give me so much as the time of day?”

  “It’s four o’clock.”

  “Don’t be silly. Just tell me how I may repair the dam age between us.”

  “The truth?”

  “When did you ever give me anything but the truth, my darling? May I shut the door, while you proceed to rip up at me once again? I don’t fancy ugly glares from the servants afterwards.”

  She was about to refuse this request, but remembered in time how large the ears of her household were. “All right. Shut the door, but don’t come any nearer. Stay where you are.” She walked to the windows and leaned on the sill, her hands folded across her chest.

  He shut the door behind him and said, “Well?”

  “I don’t think you can change your ways.”

  He took a small step forward. “Is it the gallows for me before trial? At the very least, you must first enumerate my sins.”

  “Don’t come any closer. For one, you are arrogant.”

  “Not toward you. What else?” He took another step.

  “You are prejudiced against women.”

  “That was before I met you. It’s true no longer. Go on.” His foot inched forward.

  “You are egotistical and vain.”

  “Once you’re mine, my love, it will be unnecessary for me to display such vulgarities.” He took a larger step forward, but she took no notice for her tears began to blur her vision.

  “Why shou
ld I wed an odious man who is overbearing, dictatorial, opinionated, wholly impossible? A man who ignores my wishes? A man who thwarts me at every turn?”

  He reached the window and used both thumbs to wipe her tears away. “Is it because you love me just a little, perhaps? Is it because you cannot live without me? Is it because you know you cannot bear to think of a life without me at your side?”

  “Why, you arrogant…you’ll never change. You wouldn’t know how,” she challenged.

  “Can you change your ways, my darling? I don’t think so. Lucky for me that I love you just the way you are. A sparrow is always a sparrow. A fish remains a fish all its life. Don’t you know we are destined for one another?”

  “B…but we argue all the time. That cannot be a design for happiness, can it?”

  He feathered his lips across her brow to smooth the lines. “I cannot promise you we won’t ever lock horns once we’re married. In fact, I’m reasonably sure we’ll battle from sunup to sundown, but I can promise that our life together shall never be dull. I promise you this as well. You shall be my equal in all things.”

  He drew her to him and pressed her head to his chest. “I know now that you’re made for adventure, my love. Well, so be it. I promise you that this time I’ll rise to the occasion.”

  “Will you, indeed? Then you’ve piqued my curiosity, Sebastian. After thwarting me at every turn during my training, I find it hard to believe. Can it be true? How do you plan to accomplish such a miraculous turnabout?”

  He detected the smallest of cracks in her armor. He shouted a laugh, an exultant burst of triumph. “I give you fair warning, my love. When you marry me, be prepared to ride side by side for the rest of your life. If I race like the wind, you shall race like the wind. Indeed, I don’t doubt that it will be a bumpy ride for both of us. Come what may, I’m ready for whatever life has in store for us.” He drew her close and felt a shiver run through her. It enflamed his boldness.

  “If I choose to climb the Matterhorn, you shall climb beside me, no matter the danger. And if I choose to swim the Hellespont, so shall you. I give you fair warning, Fairchild. I shall yield no advantage. If you thrust, I shall parry. If you run away, I shall find you. If you lock your door, I shall break it down.” His lips found hers and he plundered them, assaulting her as if in battle.

  At last, he broke away and held her at arm’s length. His lips quivered when he noted that her eyes were closed. “Well, my love? Shall you make me whole again? Are you ready to risk resuming our battered betrothal?”

  She snaked her hands around his waist. “Kiss me again, Sebastian.” Her voice held an ethereal quality.

  “No.”

  Olivia’s eyes flew open. “No?”

  “Not before I have your answer, my foolish darling.”

  “Yes, dear,” she replied with rare humility.

  His kiss felt like a feather on her lips. “No more than one, you lusty little beast. We have just enough time to prepare for dinner and make our announcement to your family. Our last announcement. I must hurry back to the inn with Hugh to dress.”

  “Livy’s coming,” reported Jane to the family and their guests.

  Olivia entered the drawing room and stopped suddenly, her eyes sweeping across the room at the unexpected additions to the family. “What are you doing here, Edward?” she asked her brother.

  “Halloo, big sister,” he said and gripped her into a bear hug. “Father ordered me to come, Livy.”

  “Uncle Charles?” she said, addressing her father’s brother.

  “Your father summoned me as well,” grinned the vicar. “How are you, my child?”

  “Bewildered, to say the least.”

  Sebastian stepped forward and took her hand. “Actually, it was all my doing.” He turned to her father. “Thank you for your, er—cooperation, Your Grace.”

  “What on earth are you talking about?” she demanded.

  “I asked your father to gather the family for a reason, my love.” He dropped to one knee. “Will you marry me?”

  She blushed to the roots of her hair and pulled him to his feet. “We’re already betrothed.”

  “Sorry. I omitted an important word. Will you marry me tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow? As soon as that?” Her eyes flew around the room and took in the smiling faces of her family. They came to rest on her uncle. “Is that why you’re here, Uncle Charles?”

  “Why else, my child?” The duke’s younger brother grinned as he took her hands in his. “What shall your answer be, Livy?”

  “Yes. What shall your answer be, my love?” echoed Sebastian.

  Olivia’s sober eyes searched Sebastian’s merry ones. “My answer? My answer is yes.”

  “Dinner is served, my lords and ladies,” interrupted the butler, unaware that he had interrupted an historic family moment.

  Dinner was an engaging affair for the entire Fairchild family. At the end of the lavish meal, Her Grace rose and said, “Come, my dears. We shall leave the gentlemen to their brandy.” She turned to her husband and added, “Don’t take too long, my lord.”

  “Yes, dear,” he answered, a sparkle in his eyes.

  When the women settled in the drawing room, Olivia said, “What shall I wear for my wedding tomorrow, Mother?”

  “I was hoping you’d ask, Livy. I married your father in our chapel right here at Bodmin Castle. Did you know that? My wedding gown is packed away in the attic.” She giggled like a young girl. “With a minimum of adjustment, I’m sure it can be made to fit, for I was a sprite of a thing then.”

  Olivia hugged her mother. “I would be honored to wear it, Mother.”

  “It’s already in your chamber, dear. You can try it on before you retire.”

  “May I play the wedding march for you, Livy? I know it well,” said Mary.

  “Oh, Mary! I would like that above all.” Olivia turned to Jane.

  “And shall you be my flower girl, poppet? That would make me very happy.”

  Jane looked ready to burst with joy. “Oh yes. That would be so fine!”

  “Did you procure the special license for me, sir?” asked Sebastian as the men savored their brandy in the dining room. He poured his future father-in-law more brandy.

  “Of course, my boy. But I do think it better if you omitted mentioning it to your bride. You don’t want to give my daughter reason to rail at you for being so sure of yourself, do you?”

  Sebastian laughed. “I daresay it won’t make a bit of difference this time.” His eyes widened with mischief. “She actually said, ‘yes, dear,’ when I proposed this time.”

  “She won’t blame you, Tony,” said the duke’s brother. “Livy is likely to think I procured the special license for her.”

  “No doubt you’re right, Charles,” His Grace responded. “Drink up, gentlemen. It’s time we joined the ladies.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Bodmin Castle—Saturday, The Twenty-sixth of October

  Olivia woke from a peaceful night’s sleep, her first in weeks.

  When Jenny drew back the drapes, she said, “It’s a beautiful day for a weddin’, milady. Amy and I stayed up late to fix the hem of your gown. We took in the tucks as well.”

  Olivia stretched like a cat and yawned. “You’re wonderful, Jenny. Thank you and thank Amy for me.”

  “’Twasn’t much, milady. We were glad to do it for you. Shall I bring you your chocolate? While you drink it, I’ll prepare your bath.”

  “All right, dear.” Olivia put her feet in her slippers and went to her window. Indeed, it was a beautiful day. No cloud marred the brilliant blue sky. She turned as Jenny answered a knock on the door.

  “Morning, Mrs. Bride,” said Helena. “May your sisters join you?”

  “Of course, you ninnies.” Her sisters, disheveled from sleep, padded in wearing their slippers and robes. Olivia turned to Jenny and said, “Bring us all some chocolate, dear.”

  “And some scones if you please,” added Jane, which remark cause
d her sisters to laugh.

  Jenny curtseyed. “Yes, your la’ships.”

  When she shut the door, Olivia said, “Jenny and Amy were up half the night fixing mother’s gown for me.”

  “Can we sit on the floor in a circle and tell tales one last time?” Jane asked.

  “What a good idea, poppet, but it should never be for the last time, should it? Why don’t we promise to do it every time one of us marries?”

  “That would start a tradition in our family, wouldn’t it? I’d like that above everything,” said Jane.

  “But not above scones, eh?” teased Georgiana.

  “I only want one,” answered Jane, pouting.

  Olivia defended her. “It’s my wedding day. Have as many as you like, poppet.”

  “Let’s start the circle,” said Georgiana. She sat on the floor and crossed her legs.

  “It ought to be a secret tradition. Sisters only.”

  “Why, Jane!” the duchess interrupted, having heard this last statement as she entered the chamber. “I don’t mind its being a secret tradition, but would you omit your own mother?”

  Jane blushed. “Oh no, Mother. But wouldn’t you rather be seated in a chair?”

  Her Grace laughed and sat on the floor next to Jane. “Not until I’m in my dotage, you impudent puss!” One by one, her loving eyes examined her beautiful daughters. “Well? Will someone tell me what we do in our circle?”

  “We tell stories, Mother. Why don’t you begin?”

  “All right. I’ll tell you all about the day Livy was born. I woke that morning with a feeling in my bones that this was the day I would be birthing for the very first time. But I didn’t let on to your father. He was far too scatterbrained, for it was also his first birthing, you see. He would have driven me to distraction by asking after my health every few seconds. I’ll skip over the details of birthing. You’ll have your chance to discover it on your own one day. Suffice it to say it isn’t at all as horrid as some women make it out to be. What’s more, the prize is well worth it.”

  The duchess gazed at Olivia with warmth. “When the nurse first put you into my arms, Livy, I fell in love for the second time in my life. You were the most exquisite little bit of a thing I had ever seen. Why, when no one was looking, I counted your tiny fingers and toes just to make sure you had them all.”