Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Choc Lit)

by Christina Courtenay

  There were shouts coming from all directions and Ianthe heard several splashes as some of the men obviously thought it better to escape than to stay and face the law. Gervaise, however, stood his ground, hanging on to Ianthe for dear life.

  ‘Don’t panic!’ he shouted to his men. ‘We have something to bargain with.’ And he pushed and pulled Ianthe towards the railing of the ship so that she could be seen by anyone approaching. As soon as one of the two cutters came alongside them, Gervaise called over to them. ‘Let us be on our way or Lady Wyckeham will die. I mean it.’

  Ianthe squinted against the light coming from the other ship and couldn’t make out how many men it was carrying, nor any other detail, but she recognised the voice that came echoing back across the water instantly.

  ‘If you touch so much as a hair on her head, you’re the one who is going to die, Gervaise.’

  ‘Jason.’ Ianthe couldn’t believe it. How had her husband managed to get on board the revenue cutter so quickly? She could only assume there had been another row boat nearby waiting to take him to the ship.

  ‘I’m here, my love. Stay calm.’

  ‘How very touching, to be sure,’ Gervaise drawled. ‘But in case you hadn’t noticed, I still have a very lethal knife here and unless you allow us to leave this bay, you will be a widower again, dear cousin, as I said. What do you think the ton will make of that, eh?’

  ‘And you’ll be a dead man soon after,’ Jason threatened, but Gervaise merely laughed.

  ‘Admit it. You want me to kill this wife for you as well. Tired of her already, are you? Your infatuations never last long.’

  ‘Why, you whoreson, I’ll …’

  There came the sound of a scuffle, and one of the excise men began to speak instead. ‘You are surrounded and you cannot possibly hope to gain any advantage by killing a lady. Give her up and let us come to some agreement. I’m coming aboard.’

  ‘No, absolutely not! We are leaving now and if you try to stop us, Lady Wyckeham dies. That’s all there is to it.’

  Ianthe felt her last hope of rescue fade away, but then she realised that if Jason and the others couldn’t help her, then it was up to her to do something. Now they were so close, surely they would be able to save her from drowning if she tried to swim for it? She decided she had nothing to lose by trying. If she stayed, she would die anyway, or suffer a fate worse than death.

  Taking Gervaise by surprise, she turned suddenly and headbutted him square on the nose, exactly the way her brothers had taught her in the manner of the famous pugilists they admired so. There was a satisfyingly crunching noise and a yelp of agony from Gervaise, who let go of Ianthe for a moment to clutch his nose. Her forehead hurt too, but she ignored this and scrambled over the railing in a flash. As she jumped, she shouted loudly, ‘Get me out of the water, Jason, now!’

  In the next instant, the freezing cold sea closed over her head and she went rigid with shock before she remembered she needed to kick out hard in order to return to the surface. It seemed an age before she emerged, coughing and spluttering, but by then she was able to move properly again and she began to swim with a sort of doggy paddle motion. Her skirts were heavy, and the spencer didn’t help either, but with a lot of effort she managed to stay afloat.

  ‘Ianthe? Where are you?’

  She heard Jason, and called out. ‘Over here. Hurry, please!’ She was tiring fast and the water seemed intent on dragging her down.

  Just when she thought she would be unable to keep afloat for a moment longer, a row boat came into view and hands stretched down to pull her out of the sea. Someone wrapped her in a rough blanket, and then she was in Jason’s arms.

  ‘Ianthe, my love, are you all right? Did he hurt you?’

  ‘N-no, I’m f-fine.’ She was shivering uncontrollably and her teeth were chattering so much it was difficult to speak. ‘Th-thank you for coming to m-my rescue.’

  ‘You did it all yourself. I was at my wit’s end. That was very brave of you, if a bit foolhardy perhaps, but I’m not complaining.’

  He was holding her tight, stroking her back and kissing her temple, her cheek, her nose. She turned her face up and received a proper kiss, an infinitely more satisfying one which seemed to go on forever. She returned it measure for measure. This warmed her right down to her toes and the shivering lessened.

  ‘I couldn’t have jumped without knowing you were there, though. I knew my skirts were too heavy so I would never have made it to shore. I thought about it earlier, but decided I couldn’t risk it.’

  ‘No, I realise that. Well, the main thing is that you are safe.’

  The sound of gunfire could now be heard from all around them and Ianthe tried to peer through the darkness. ‘What is happening?’

  ‘I think Gervaise and his men will find themselves either captive or shot very soon,’ Jason said grimly. ‘Now you are no longer on board, the excise men are able to attack without fear of hurting you. Don’t think about it any more, we must get you home and into a hot bath. Being frozen twice in as many days cannot be good for you.’

  She snuggled up to him, not feeling particularly cold at the moment. ‘I’ll be all right,’ she murmured.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Some time later, she was back in her bed, bathed and warmed both by blankets and by a medicinal glass of brandy. Jason came in and dismissed the maids, seating himself on the edge of her bed once more.

  ‘I seem to be forever perching here,’ he said wryly. ‘Perhaps one of these days you’ll stop getting into scrapes so we can have a conversation elsewhere.’

  ‘I’ll do my best not to be abducted by anyone for a while.’ She smiled at him. ‘Thank you again for coming to find me. It was lucky you overheard Gervaise’s plans.’

  ‘Indeed. The alternative doesn’t bear thinking of.’ He put out a hand to stroke her cheek. ‘You do know you are very precious to me, don’t you? I was devastated at the thought that I might have lost you.’

  ‘I … I’m glad to hear it. I was distraught myself when I thought I may never see you again.’

  ‘Does that mean you might come to love me eventually, do you think?’

  Ianthe blinked and blurted out, ‘Of course. I mean, I already do.’ She felt her cheeks catch fire as she realised what she’d said. ‘But please don’t feel you have to reciprocate. I … I know you only married me because you need an heir and …’

  ‘Ianthe, you goose, how could you possibly think that? I’ve adored you from the moment I set eyes on you at Almack’s.’

  ‘What? But you can’t have done.’

  ‘Oh, yes I can. And I do. I only wish you were well enough so I could prove it to you.’

  Ianthe smiled, her heart doing little somersaults of happiness inside her chest. ‘I’m absolutely fine and I order you to prove it immediately. You did say I was allowed to rule the roost in this house, did you not?’

  He nodded with a grin. ‘Within reason, of course, and as long as I agree with your decisions.’

  ‘Well, then, you’re not leaving this room until I’m entirely satisfied that you love me as much as I love you.’

  He chuckled and pulled her into his embrace. ‘It would seem I’ve found myself a managing sort of wife, but I think that is one order I’ll happily comply with. Anything else?’

  ‘No, Jason.’ She sighed happily. ‘Now I have absolutely everything I wished for.’

  ‘As do I, my love.’

  About the Author

  Christina lives in London and is married with two children. Although born in England she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden. In her teens, the family moved to Japan where she had the opportunity to travel extensively in the Far East.

  Christina is an accomplished writer, she won the 2012 Best Historical Read from the Festival of Romance for her novel The Silent Touch of Shadows and the 2012 Historical Romantic Novel of the Year Award for her novel Highland Storms. Her debut the prequel, Trade Winds was short listed for the Romantic Novelists’ A
ssociation’s Pure Passion Award for Best Historical Fiction 2011. Christina’s second novel, The Scarlet Kimono, won the 2011 Big Red Reads Best Historical Fiction Award.

  www.christinacourtenay.com

  www.twitter.com/PiaCCourtenay

  More from Christina Courtenay

  Trade Winds

  Short-listed for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Pure Passion Award for Best Historical Fiction 2011

  Marriage of convenience – or a love for life?

  It’s 1732 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and strong-willed Jess van Sandt knows only too well that it’s a man’s world. She believes she’s being swindled out of her inheritance by her stepfather – and she’s determined to stop it.

  When help appears in the unlikely form of handsome Scotsman Killian Kinross, himself disinherited by his grandfather, Jess finds herself both intrigued and infuriated by him. In an attempt to recover her fortune, she proposes a marriage of convenience. Then Killian is offered the chance of a lifetime with the Swedish East India Company’s Expedition and he’s determined that nothing will stand in his way, not even his new bride.

  He sets sail on a daring voyage to the Far East, believing he’s put his feelings and past behind him. But the journey doesn’t quite work out as he expects …

  Prequel to Highland Storms

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trade-Winds-Choc-Lit-ebook/dp/B00457XELG

  Highland Storms

  Sequel to Trade Winds

  Winner of the 2012 Historical Romantic Novel of the Year Award

  Who can you trust?

  Betrayed by his brother and his childhood love, Brice Kinross needs a fresh start. So he welcomes the opportunity to leave Sweden for the Scottish Highlands to take over the family estate.

  But there’s trouble afoot at Rosyth in 1754 and Brice finds himself unwelcome. The estate’s in ruin and money is disappearing. He discovers an ally in Marsaili Buchanan, the beautiful redheaded housekeeper, but can he trust her?

  Marsaili is determined to build a good life. She works hard at being a housekeeper and harder still at avoiding men who want to take advantage of her. But she’s irresistibly drawn to the new clan chief, even though he’s made it plain he doesn’t want to be shackled to anyone.

  And the young laird has more than romance on his mind. His investigations are stirring up an enemy. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what he wants – including Marsaili – even if that means destroying Brice’s life forever …

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Highland-Storms-Choc-Lit-ebook/dp/B00629ZK0I

  The Scarlet Kimono

  Winner of The Big Red Reads Best Historical Fiction Award 2011

  Abducted by a Samurai warlord in 17th-century Japan – what happens when fear turns to love?

  England, 1611, and young Hannah Marston envies her brother’s adventurous life. But when she stows away on his merchant ship, her powers of endurance are stretched to their limit. Then they reach Japan and all her suffering seems worthwhile – until she is abducted by Taro Kumashiro’s warriors.

  In the far north of the country, warlord Kumashiro is waiting to see the girl who he has been warned about by a seer. When at last they meet, it’s a clash of cultures and wills, but they’re also fighting an instant attraction to each other.

  With her brother desperate to find her and the jealous Lady Reiko equally desperate to kill her, Hannah faces the greatest adventure of her life. And Kumashiro has to choose between love and honour …

  Prequel to The Gilded Fan

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Scarlet-Kimono-Choc-ebook/dp/B004Q9TCXC

  The Gilded Fan

  Sequel to The Scarlet Kimono

  How do you start a new life, leaving behind all you love?

  It’s 1641, and when Midori Kumashiro, the orphaned daughter of a warlord, is told she has to leave Japan or die, she has no choice but to flee to England. Midori is trained in the arts of war, but is that enough to help her survive a journey, with a lecherous crew and an attractive captain she doesn’t trust?

  Having come to Nagasaki to trade, the last thing Captain Nico Noordholt wants is a female passenger, especially a beautiful one. How can he protect her from his crew when he can’t keep his own eyes off her?

  During their journey, Nico and Midori form a tentative bond, but they both have secrets that can change everything. When they arrive in England, a civil war is brewing, and only by standing together can they hope to survive…

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Gilded-Fan-Choc-ebook/dp/B00AN9NX1G

  The Silent Touch of Shadows

  Winner of the 2012 Best Historical Read from the Festival of Romance.

  What will it take to put the past to rest?

  Professional genealogist Melissa Grantham receives an invitation to visit her family’s ancestral home, Ashleigh Manor. From the moment she arrives, life-like dreams and visions haunt her. The spiritual connection to a medieval young woman and her forbidden lover have her questioning her sanity, but Melissa is determined to solve the mystery.

  Jake Precy, owner of a nearby cottage, has disturbing dreams too, but it’s not until he meets Melissa that they begin to make sense. He hires her to research his family’s history, unaware their lives are already entwined. Is the mutual attraction real or the result of ghostly interference?

  A haunting love story set partly in the present and partly in fifteenth century Kent.

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Touch-Shadows-Choc-ebook/dp/B008834GRY

  More from Choc Lit

  If you’ve enjoyed Christina’s heroes, you’ll enjoy the rest of our selection. Here’s a sample:

  The Silver Locket

  Margaret James

  Winner of Catanetworks Reviewers’ Choice Award for Single Titles 2010

  If life is cheap, how much is love worth?

  It’s 1914 and young Rose Courtenay has a decision to make. Please her wealthy parents by marrying the man of their choice – or play her part in the war effort?

  The chance to escape proves irresistible and Rose becomes a nurse. Working in France, she meets Lieutenant Alex Denham, a dark figure from her past. He’s the last man in the world she’d get involved with – especially now he’s married.

  But in wartime nothing is as it seems. Alex’s marriage is a sham and Rose is the only woman he’s ever wanted. As he recovers from his wounds, he sets out to win her trust. His gift of a silver locket is a far cry from the luxuries she’s left behind.

  What value will she put on his love?

  First novel in the trilogy, followed by The Golden Chain (May 2011) and The Penny Bangle (May 2012)

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Silver-Locket-Choc-ebook/dp/B004D4ZYTQ

  The Importance of being Emma

  Juliet Archer

  Darcy & Friends Series

  Winner of The Big Red Reads Fiction Award 2011 and short listed for the 2009 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance.

  Mark Knightley – handsome, clever, rich – is used to women falling at his feet. Except Emma Woodhouse, who’s like part of the family – and the furniture. When their relationship changes dramatically, is it an ending or a new beginning?

  Emma’s grown into a stunningly attractive young woman, full of ideas for modernising her family business.

  Then Mark gets involved and the sparks begin to fly. It’s just like the old days, except that now he’s seeing her through totally new eyes.

  While Mark struggles to keep his feelings in check, Emma remains immune to the Knightley charm. She’s never forgotten that embarrassing moment when he discovered her teenage crush on him. He’s still pouring scorn on all her projects, especially her beautifully orchestrated campaign to find Mr Right for her ditzy PA. And finally, when the mysterious Flynn
Churchill – the man of her dreams – turns up, how could she have eyes for anyone else?

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Importance-Being-Emma-ebook/dp/B003ZSHNWW

  Love & Freedom

  Sue Moorcroft

  Winner of the 2011 Best Romantic Read from the Festival of Romance.

  New start, new love.

  That’s what Honor Sontag needs after her life falls apart, leaving her reputation in tatters and her head all over the place. So she flees her native America and heads for Brighton, England.

  Honor’s hoping for a much-deserved break and the chance to find the mother who abandoned her as a baby. What she gets is an entanglement with a mysterious male whose family seems to have a finger in every pot in town.

  Martyn Mayfair has sworn off women with strings attached, but is irresistibly drawn to Honor, the American who keeps popping up in his life. All he wants is an uncomplicated relationship built on honesty, but Honor’s past threatens to undermine everything. When secrets about her mother start to spill out ...

  Honor has to make an agonising choice. Will she live up to her dutiful name and please others? Or will she choose freedom?

  Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Freedom-ebook/dp/B00564A0RS

  Turning the Tide

  Christine Stovell

  All’s fair in love and war?

  Depends on who’s making the rules.

  Harry Watling has spent the past five years keeping her father’s boat yard afloat, despite its dying clientele. Now all she wants to do is enjoy the peace and quiet of her sleepy backwater.