by Sahara Kelly
That he could do, and within a few minutes their vessel carried the obligatory red light on the port side and white light astern. Since the ocean gods had seen fit to provide a few more minutes of breeze, they kept ahead of the fog. It chased them for at least an hour, into the darkness, but never quite caught them.
Dev felt like he was “it” in a dangerous game of tag. The moon rose, shedding its light on their progress, and soon thereafter, Miss Crispin sighed with relief. “Yarmouth ahead.” She nodded. “We’ll make it now, all right. No need to flex those rowing team muscles of yours.”
“Well, damnation. I was convinced I could impress you with my manly prowess.”
He saw the flash of white teeth as she grinned, and was quite surprised. It was the first real smile he’d seen. But she simply nodded at Léonie and her father. “Better wake them up. It’s gonna be a rough bit for him. But I reckon he’ll make it.”
Dev had reached the same conclusion. The Girard family had one very strong trait in common—a backbone of solid iron.
*~~*~~*
Léonie awoke with the comforting sensation of her father’s warm hand grasping hers. She didn’t realize she’d slept until Dev’s hand on her shoulder jerked her back into conscious.
“God, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He sat down next to her. “You’ve been through a lot and finding your father again? Well that’s the biggest shock of all.”
She glanced at the older man, still sound asleep and snoring.
“He’s exhausted.” She leaned forward a little. “And I don’t like the look of his ankle, Dev.”
They spoke in whispers, barely audible above the hiss of the waters against the hull.
“We’re heading for Yarmouth. There’s no way we can sail to Southampton tonight. Not with that fog chasing us.”
Léonie glanced astern. “Uh yes. I see what you mean.” She turned worried eyes to Dev. “Is Yarmouth big enough to have a doctor?”
“From what Miss Crispin said, yes. Also an inn or a small hotel so that we can spend a comfortable night.” He frowned.
“Problem?” She leaned against him a little, more for the pleasure of feeling his strength than anything else. No matter where they were or what was happening, she knew she would always feel secure around this man. Something she’d never felt with anyone before. Not even Papa.
“Léonie, you have no chaperone.”
She rolled her eyes. “Is that all?”
“We have been so careful to observe the proprieties. Even though we’re engaged, you know we should not be alone for a night in an inn.”
“We won’t be. Papa will be there to give us his cachet. After all, who would dare argue with Colonel Girard of the Diplomatic Corps?”
“You have a point.” Dev still looked worried.
“Dev. Perhaps this is a good thing. We shall find out if we truly want to wed.”
“Pardon?” He stared at her.
“We shall spend the night together. I mean really together. As man and wife. We shall tell everyone we’re wed and nobody will think anything of it. Don’t make a fuss. It will be just fine. Once we get Papa in the hands of a capable physician, we’ll think about this, but first things first, all right?”
There was a groan from her other side and her father awoke with a jerk. “Léonie?”
“Here Papa.” She turned from Dev to reassure the older man that she was still with him. “We are almost at a little place called Yarmouth. There will be help there and a doctor. A place for you to get proper medical attention and for all of us to get a good meal. I’m hungry.” She grinned. “And you must be starving by now.”
Girard nodded weakly. “I wouldn’t be averse to some food. But first I think I do need to get some help for this damned ankle.”
“We will take care of that first thing, sir. As soon as we’re near enough to hail the dock, I’ll have someone run for the doctor.”
“You’re going to marry my Léonie. I can’t believe it.” He looked at her, a smile on his face. “You like this one much better than that young chap all those years ago. Can’t even remember his name.”
She smiled back. “I chose this one, Papa. You and Mama chose the first one. He was nice, but this one? He’s special.”
“I can tell. And I’m glad. Your Mama was special. It’s as it should be.” He leaned forward and looked at Dev. “You have my blessing, lad. But take care of her or you’ll answer to me.”
She saw Dev’s throat move as he swallowed. He wasn’t expecting this any more than she was.
“I promise, sir. I will love her, protect her, take care of her and give my life for her if need be.”
“Well I hope it never comes to that, Dev. I’d prefer you alive, please.” Léonie was moved and thrilled by his vow. “But what you said? Yes. Yes, I’ll love you that way as well.”
And she knew at that moment, on a sea dappled with moonlight and the lanterns of Yarmouth glimmering along the coast, in the utter magic of that moment… she knew.
He was her destiny.
Chapter Nineteen
They were able to summon help without a problem—in fact they ended up with more than they needed. It was a quiet summer evening and plenty of local folk were strolling along the sea walks, enjoying the moonlight or watching the fog bank rolling over the ocean some distance away.
Once Dev hailed the shore, many came to see what was happening and quickly set in motion the process of receiving a wounded man on the wharf.
The doctor was notified, as was the inn, with the result that as soon as they set foot on dry land, they had rooms, care and quite a few people offering assistance.
Dev thanked them profusely, finding the right words to send them on their way with a smile and a promise that if he could get it all settled, he’d stand them a round at the inn a bit later.
Colonel Girard found himself in a human chair lift, with two burly lads providing a seat to carry him over the cobblestones to the doctor waiting at the inn. Léonie stayed close, and he could see her concern. Her father was much too pale for her liking and weak now from not only hunger but the pain he had undergone since his fall.
Dev used his few free moments to make sure that Miss Crispin didn’t need any help with the mooring, and he also assured her that she had a room waiting for her as well if she wished.
She shook her head after thanking him. She had a friend here in Yarmouth, so would be ready to meet him at the boat in the morning if he wanted to sail for Southampton.
He shook her hand—it seemed right since she was their captain, after all—and promised he’d be there to let her know how things were.
At last, after what seemed like years, Dev found himself indoors, heading up the stairs of a very ancient inn.
“I’ve put you an’ the missis in the front. Luverly view of the sea, like. The older gennelman’s in back. Bigger room, but ‘cos of his bad leg an’ the doctor needin’ to see him, I thought it best.” The mistress of the inn nodded her head. “Good thing there’s only yer three, ‘cos there’s no more rooms. Small inn, we are. Not a lot of folks come out this far to stay a night or two. Jes’ day trippers to see the Needles, like, an’ then go ‘ome.”
Dev’s brain whirled, but since he was already at the door and she was opening it and shoving him through…he was caught, fair and square.
“No more rooms?”
“Not a one, sir. We ‘ad a big yacht race yesterday. Got two of those lads in our other room. So I reckon we got ourselves a full ‘ouse tonight.” She grinned in glee. “Now you c’mon down for a bit of food, like, when yer ready. ’S’pect the missus is a mite peckish too, after all that fuss with her papa.”
“Uh, yes. Yes, thank you.”
And Dev found himself staring at a closed door, unsure of what the hell to do next. All his careful caution about protecting Léonie’s reputation was about to go up in a puff of smoke.
She’d stated her intention of staying the night with him, but he hadn’t re
ally had chance to address that issue with her. And of course her father had given them his blessing.
But that wasn’t a wedding. It didn’t mean that he would be quite happy to allow his only daughter a night of unbridled and lustful activities with a man not her husband.
A heated flush spread through Dev as his mind immediately darted to the possibilities of unbridled and lustful activities. He tried to ignore it. He was hungry. He’d be better after a good meal and a tankard of ale. It didn’t help for him to be standing staring at a piece of wood while his thoughts flew around like a flock of birds in a thunderstorm.
He gave himself a mental shake, and then went back out into the narrow corridor, hoping to find Léonie and her father.
Fortune was with him, since he took two steps and a door opened. There she was.
“Oh good, Dev. I was coming to find you.”
“And I you.” He smiled at her. She looked tired, but relaxed. “How’s your papa?”
“Well, he likes the doctor and that’s an excellent thing.” She sighed. “He’s not always happy to be cared for in any way. A bit to independent for his own good sometimes.”
Dev assumed a look of complete innocence. “Goodness. Who would have thought it?”
She eyed him askance. “That was a jest, I’m sure. However, back to Papa. The doctor has set the bones—a small one was indeed broken, I’m told—and now, thanks to some laudanum, Papa is resting. Sleeping soundly as a matter of fact. He was tired, and I suggested food, but the doctor said best to heal first. He had water, and the maid brought up a little broth for him. They are such lovely people here, Dev. So kind to strangers.”
“Indeed they are. And I don’t know about you, but I’m ravenous. Will you come and share a meal?”
She grabbed his hand. “You don’t have to ask me twice. I’ll eat anything that’s put in front of me right now. Let’s go.”
Downstairs, they were ushered into a small snug just off the main inn, and Dev made good his promise. A round of drinks appeared for the locals, and Mr. Deverell received many good-natured toasts.
Once the noise had decreased to a pleasant hum, Dev and Léonie sat at a small table by the fire, and devoured everything the inn could provide on short notice.
Fresh bread and local honey were declared outstanding, while a partridge pie vanished as quickly as the string beans that the cook declared she’d picked just that morning.
Finally declaring themselves replete, they leaned back in their chairs with a matched pair of brandies on the table before them. At last Dev got chance to ask the question that had been uppermost in his mind.
“Léonie, did your Papa say anything at all about this whole mystery? The box or anything? Oh, and did you make sure the box was safe?”
“No and yes.” She took sip of her brandy. “No, he’s said nothing about anything important yet. I know he will, but I think that time in the cave was not easy for him…”
“I can’t think of anyone who would have cared to repeat his experience, so I agree with your assessment.”
“Tomorrow perhaps. Or the next day.” She looked a little worried. “Dev, we may have to stay for a bit until he’s fit to travel. Is that acceptable?”
“Of course.” Dev nodded. “There’s one thing I should mention, though…”
The innkeeper peered around the door. “You and the missus need more brandy, then, Mr. Deverell sir?”
Léonie, who was taking a sip at the time, coughed and choked.
“No thank you. We’re doing very well.” Dev bit back a grin.
“That’s good then. You go on up whenever you’re ready.”
“We will. We appreciate the brandy, by the way, and the food was excellent.”
“I’ll tell me wife. She’ll be pleased as punch. You have a good evenin’, sir. Ma’am.”
Léonie, who had caught her breath by this time, smiled her thanks as well, then—when the door closed, turned a questioning gaze on Dev.
“The missus?”
“Er, yes. That’s what I was about to tell you…”
“Good. I would like to know how it is that we apparently wed without my knowledge. I’m not objecting, of course, since this pretty much falls in with my own plans.”
Dev grinned. “It does? And what plans would those be?”
“Well, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve been giving a good deal of thought about you. And myself. Together.”
“Ah. We’re together now, aren’t we?”
“We are indeed. And now that Papa is on his way to recovery and in the hands of a good doctor, I can turn my attention to that very fact.”
“Good to know.” Dev watched her face, enjoying the play of emotions that crossed her countenance. This was the Léonie he had fallen in love with. The one who was playful, with a brightness to her smile.
“So now that we are husband and wife, according to everyone in Yarmouth by now I expect, I believe we should act appropriately.”
Dev thought about that. “We should have a bit of a fight, then?”
“Keep up that kind of jest and you can be sure we will.”
“You want me to pay your dressmaker bills?”
She clenched her teeth. “I’m warning you.”
“Ah. I know.”
“You do?”
“Yes. You want to invite Lady Gallunder for tea at Deverell House.”
The growl of fury made Dev laugh, and he laughed even louder when Léonie launched herself at him, reaching for his throat and making a half-hearted attempt to strangle him.
“Forgive me, love. I couldn’t help it.” He fought to control another laugh.
She was on his lap, panting, staring at him as her pulse throbbed above the collar of her dress.
“Dev,” she whispered. “Take me upstairs. Undress me. Take me to bed.” She brushed his mouth with hers. “Love me.”
His cock thickened painfully in an instant. “I already do.” Rising to his feet with her still in his arms, he swept out of the parlor and up the stairs.
Once in their room, he paused. “It’s not too late to wait, you know.”
“I know. But I cannot. Not a moment longer.”
“Me neither.”
*~~*~~*
Léonie wondered if her heart would burst from her body, since it was pounding hard enough to rattle her back teeth. He had carried her without stopping, managing to open and then close the door of their room. There were two candles on the small bureau, a bed and little else, but all they needed was right there.
He lowered her, letting her body slide against his. Then he kissed her, again gently at first, treating her as something fragile and precious.
Which was quite nice, but not what she wanted or needed right at this moment. She needed his fire to match hers.
So she kissed him back, but with an intensity that he could not miss. His arms went around her as she opened her mouth to him, bands of steel locking her breasts against his chest while his tongue dueled with hers.
She moaned, deep in her throat, and the sound only encouraged him. His hands dropped down below her waist and cupped her buttocks through the fabric of her gown.
In her turn, she pushed her palms around him and tugged his shirt from his breeches, finding warm flesh and muscles where she clutched at him.
He tore his mouth from hers. “Too many clothes.”
She nodded, her lips stinging, her body aching for him and her legs trembling. She was damp, her thighs already bearing testimony to her arousal. She ached, low in her belly, a new feeling that urged her onward.
His jacket was off and she had his shirt unbuttoned in the blink of an eye.
Oh, his chest. A thing of beauty, dappled with dark hair arrowing down to interesting places within his breeches. She reached to touch, to explore and learn the sensation of his skin beneath her palms.
But no sooner had she begun, than he grasped her shoulders and spun her around so that he could undo the tapes of her gown.
He was not lac
king in dexterity, or familiarity with a woman’s garb, since her gown pooled on the floor and her chemise hung loose over her shoulders in mere moments.
He pulled her back to him, his heat searing her shoulder blades and another kind of fire burning as his hands came around to cup her breast.
“You are so lovely, Léonie. So lovely. And made for my hands, my mouth…” He dotted kisses down her neck and nibbled on the spot where it joined her shoulder, sending shivers of exquisite delight all the way to her toes.
“Dev, oh God,” she sighed. “So very good.”
“And just the beginning.” His fingers found her nipples and teased the tight buds, circling and flicking them and making her gasp as darts of pleasure shot through her.
“Do you like that?”
“Yes,” she groaned, wanting to push even further into his grasp, but loathe to move away from the head he was radiating. “But I’d like it more if I were against your body.”
“Jesus.” He spun her and crushed her to him, devouring her mouth, squashing her breasts into the hard planes of his chest.
And she was right. She did like that even more.
His shirt was gone, and she found herself fumbling at the ties of his breeches.
“Wait…” He moved, untying them, letting them drop and kicking them away.
Then he fell upon her before she had chance to explore him, taking them both down onto the quilt.
The bed squeaked, but Léonie barely heard it. She was so lost in Dev at that moment.
He tugged off her shoes and untied her garters, his fingers flying and his mouth kissing whatever part of her was nearest at that moment. Then he toed off the rest of his garments and rolled her close, rising above her on one elbow to kiss her again and again, finding new places to kiss even as the first burned with the heat from his lips.
She felt the hard length of his cock against her, an arousal all by itself. Then he tugged her chemise down below her navel and leaned down to find a nipple with his mouth.