by Connie Mason
“No need to apologize; I’m just overwhelmed to see you here.”
Reed could tell she was lying but didn’t press her. “It’s almost dawn; Lisette will be up and about soon. She shouldn’t find me in your bed.”
“She knows about us. Nothing gets past Lisette. Don’t leave yet.” She reached for him. “There’s still time.”
Reed couldn’t have left had he wanted to. The scent of their lovemaking filled his nostrils, provoking him in the most primitive way. He wanted her again. Now, before the household awakened and necessity parted them. He pulled her against him. She went willingly into his arms. But when he rose to mount her, she pushed him down and straddled him. Then she proceeded to arouse him with her hands and mouth to unparalleled heights of erotic pleasure.
Reed was nearly insensate with need when she finally lowered herself onto his engorged sex. She brought her mouth to his and swallowed his groan, much as he had done with her, and then she began to move. In a burst of renewed energy, Reed grasped her hips, pounding inside her, raising and lowering her to meet his thrusting loins. They came together in a thunderous blaze of glory, subsiding only when she collapsed against him, her cheek pressed to his heart.
They fell asleep, bodies melded, hearts entwined.
Reed awakened to daylight filtering through the narrow window. Damn, he’d overslept! As gently as possible, he lifted a sleeping Fleur off of him and placed her on the mattress, drawing the covers over her naked body. Then he arose and pulled on his clothes. Moments later, he stepped into the hallway, quietly closed the door and bumped into Lisette. Though her eyes were hooded, he knew what she must be thinking.
“I was wondering when you’d awaken. Come into the kitchen. Your breakfast is ready.”
“You knew I was here?”
“Oui, Antoine told me, but the array of weapons on the parlor floor would have given you away in any case.” She glanced at the door. “Is Fleur still sleeping?”
Reed nodded.
“Bien, let her sleep. She has not been resting well since you left.”
With those words hanging in the air, Lisette turned and walked away. Reed knew she expected him to follow her to the kitchen, and he did. Antoine was sitting at the tablewhen he arrived. He sat down, and Lisette placed a fluffy omelet and slice of fresh bread in front of him. Reed glanced at Antoine before digging in.
“Does Gaston know I’m here?” he asked around a mouthful of egg.
“Oui,” Antoine answered. “He is keeping watch even as we speak.”
“So you think the danger is great enough for a twenty-four-hour watch outside the cottage?”
Antoine popped the last of his bread into his mouth. “We have not been happy with the situation since the countess returned to Devil’s Chateau for Doctor Leclair.”
Reed agreed. “Perhaps you should get a few hours’ rest. Tonight could be a long one.”
Antoine nodded his compliance and left. Lisette poured herself a cup of tea and sat down opposite Reed.
“You are upset with me,” Reed said.
“Not upset, monsieur, just worried about ma chère petite. What are your intentions toward Fleur?”
Their gazes met and held. “I mean your mistress no harm. Fleur is an adult. We enjoy each other; I will not abandon her.”
“Will you marry her?” Lisette shot back.
Taken aback, Reed stuttered, “I-I . . . It’s complicated. I need an heir.”
“And Fleur has told you she cannot give you one.”
“She believes it is so. Do you know something she does not?”
“Non, I am not a seer. I believe, however, that a woman is not always at fault for failure to conceive. Make of that what you wish.”
“What are you two talking about?” Fleur asked from the doorway.
Reed looked at her and smiled. Despite the shadows beneath her eyes and the unrelieved black she wore, she was lovely. “Nothing of importance. Sit down and have something to eat. You’ll need strength to get through the rest of the day and night. Have you packed?”
Fleur smiled her thanks as Lisette placed a plate of food in front of her. “Our last communiqué from Andre warned that we are under suspicion and should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. There is little I wish to take with me. I’ll have a small casket containing my jewelry but little else. Andre said someone would come for us, but we didn’t know it would be you.”
He touched her hand, feeling it jerk beneath his fingers. He smiled. He wasn’t the only one who felt the jolt of awareness that passed between them.
“I am familiar with the cottage and surrounding area. The decision to come was an easy one. We’ll leave after dark. Do all of you, including Doctor Leclair, intend to travel to England?”
“I can answer that for myself,” Doctor Leclair said from the doorway.
Reed stood and greeted the doctor warmly. “I thought I’d never see you again, mon ami.”
“You are looking well,” Leclair answered, giving Reed a measuring stare.
The last time Reed had seen Leclair, the doctor had been wan and emaciated, though he hadn’t been beaten and tortured as Reed had been.
Leclair greeted the women and took a seat beside Reed. “As to your question, mon ami, I intend to remain in France. Since I am officially buried in the graveyard outside the prison walls, I will not be pursued. I hope to join my daughter and her family in Provence, in the south of France. Antoine and Gaston have agreed to take me as far as their village south of Paris, and I will make my way from there.
“Times are difficult. I can set up a small practice in my daughter’s village and help with their living. My son-in-law has been reduced to working in the fields to support his family, and I wish to help out.”
“Am I to understand that neither Antoine nor Gaston will travel to England with us?”
“They both wish to remain in France,” Fleur answered. “They will take us in the wagon to the cove, then continue on to their village.”
“What about you, Lisette?” Reed asked as Lisette placed Leclair’s breakfast before him.
“I go where Fleur goes,” the woman said stoutly.
“If those are the plans you have made, then I won’t interfere.”
Speaking in a low voice, Reed related the information concerning their departure. Once Reed was satisfied that everyone understood the plan, the small group broke up. Reed stood and followed Fleur to her chamber.
Chapter Nine
What are your plans once you return to England?” Reed asked as he closed the door behind him. “Have you somewhere to go? A place to live?”
“My aunt still lives in the country, in Kent. I can stay with her until I decide what I want to do with my life. Lisette and I can live comfortably once I sell my jewels.” She hesitated. “Perhaps Lord Porter can use me elsewhere in his organization.”
Reed didn’t like the sound of that. “If you’ll let me, I’d like to provide for you—perhaps a small townhouse where I can visit you from time to time.”
Fleur rounded on him. “You want to set me up as your mistress?”
Reaching for her, Reed pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on top of her head. He liked the smell of her but loved the taste of her even better. Reining in his wayward thoughts, he said, “I don’t want to lose you, Fleur. I’ve missed you . . . desperately.”
“I’ve missed you, too, but becoming your mistress is out of the question.”
He moved her away so he could look at her face. “Why not if it’s what we both want?”
“It’s not what I want, Reed. I couldn’t live with myself if I became a kept woman, even if it’s your kept woman.”
“I’d marry you if . . . ”
Fleur placed a finger against his lips. “Don’t say it. You know why it’s impossible. I can’t give you an heir.” She lowered her gaze. “Besides, you don’t love me. I saved your life. What you feel is gratitude, and I want more than that from a relationship.”
“We’re good in bed,�
� Reed reminded her.
“How many other women have you said that to?”
Reed had the grace to flush. Whether he’d meant them or not, he had said those very same words to more than one woman. But somehow they had a deeper meaning when he said them to Fleur.
“That’s not fair. With you it’s different.”
“I refuse to become mistress to any man. But if I did, it would be you. Accept that as a compliment.”
“Very well, I won’t press you. But the offer stands. I care about you and can’t help worrying about your future.”
“I’m not destitute, Reed. I have my jewels.”
“I know you’re not destitute. I expect Porter will present you with a substantial bonus for the work you’ve done on England’s behalf. And if not, my own fortune is vast enough to reward you generously for saving my life.”
“I don’t want a reward from you, Reed. Seeing you alive and well is reward enough. What I did, I did out of loyalty to my country.”
Reed kissed her hard, then released her. “You’re a remarkable woman, Fleur Fontaine. My gut tells me we haven’t seen the last of each other. Whatever the future holds for me, I sincerely believe you will be in it.”
Fleur stared at the closed door long after Reed had left. More than anything she wanted to be with him. Not as his mistress but as his wife. Her hands fisted at her sides. Why did God have to make her barren? Had she been able to have a child, she might have had a good chance of becoming Reed’s wife. She and Reed were indeed good in bed, but that wasn’t all. Their attraction for each other was mutual; something stronger than simple lust drew them together.
Fleur’s emotions had been engaged from the beginning. She had missed Reed after he’d returned to England, and she felt pangs of jealousy when she imagined him with other women, as she knew he must be. He was a virile man with healthy appetites. And he was handsome besides. She knew instinctively that women were throwing themselves at him, vying for his favors. Given those circumstances, how could he miss her as much as she missed him? How could he care for her as much as she cared for him?
Sighing, Fleur turned her thoughts in a more productive direction. She finished packing what remained of her jewelry in a small casket and went to find Lisette.
Reed spent most of the day with Doctor Leclair. They spoke of less pleasant times, of what they’d been forced to endure in Devil’s Chateau, and of Leclair’s plans for the future.
“I know my daughter and her husband will welcome me,” Leclair said. “And I will enjoy being with my grandchildren. Perhaps my skills will be useful in their small village.”
“I can’t imagine anyone not appreciating your skills,” Reed replied. “You saved my life, you know. I wish you would come to England with us. I hate to leave you here with your country still in turmoil.”
“I will be safe enough in the south. My ‘grave’ lies outside Devil’s Chateau alongside yours, if you recall. No one will be looking for me. But I thank you for your offer, mon ami. Without your friendship I would not have survived.”
Reed clapped Leclair’s shoulder. “Without your skill I would not be alive today.”
Reed pulled a pouch filled with gold coins from his pocket and handed it to Leclair. “Take this.” When Leclair started to refuse, Reed said, “For your daughter and grandchildren.”
Misty-eyed, Leclair accepted the pouch. “I thank you, and my daughter thanks you.”
“It’s nothing. If you ever need my help, send word and I will do my best to find a way to aid you.”
Darkness fell along with a thick fog, and after partaking of Lisette’s excellent meal, Antoine and Gaston returned to guard duty. With nothing left to do, Fleur wandered into the parlor. Lisette followed. The shutters had already been pulled closed; a candle provided the only light. Reed and Leclair joined them a few minutes later.
“We should wait awhile longer,” Reed said. “We don’t want to arrive at the rendezvous too early.”
Lisette gave a wistful sigh. “I’ll miss this cottage, but I won’t miss the danger and turmoil we’re leaving behind.”
Fleur patted her hand. “We’ll have a good life in England, I promise.”
The words had no sooner left Fleur’s mouth than Gaston burst into the parlor. “We have to leave. Now! Soldiers are headed our way. Doctor Defoe sent a lad from the village to warn us.”
Reed reacted instantly. “Let’s go! Everyone in the cart!”
Clutching her casket to her chest, Fleur grabbed her shawl, waited for Lisette to find hers and then both women raced out the door. Reed and Leclair followed. Gaston joined Antoine on the driver’s bench while Reed and Leclair climbed into the bed of the cart with the women. The cart lurched down the lane.
As Antoine turned the cart onto the main road, Fleur peered into the encompassing darkness behind them. “Do you see anything?”
“No, not yet,” Reed answered. “With any luck they’ll stop at the cottage first. That should give us a little extra time. Let’s hope Captain Skilling is waiting for us.”
If the soldiers stopped at the cottage first, everything might be fine, Fleur thought. But what if the ship wasn’t there to meet them? Their safety depended on too many uncertainties.
As if he were aware of her fears, Reed put his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder. His confidence buoyed her. Reassured, she leaned against him, grateful for his comforting warmth.
“We’re here,” Antoine called over his shoulder as he drew rein.
“I need to light the lantern. It’s too dark to find the path to the beach without it,” Reed observed.
While Reed struck a flint to the wick, Leclair assisted the ladies out of the cart. Once the lantern was lit, Reed jumped to the ground. Adieus were said all around. Reed shook hands with Leclair, then with Antoine and Gaston.
Suddenly the sound of hoofbeats cut through the stillness of the night.
“Go!” Reed cried softly. “Godspeed and good luck.”
Leclair barely had time to climb back into the cart before it jerked forward and was lost in a swirl of darkness and mist.
“Follow me,” he whispered to the women.
Holding the lantern high to light the way, Reed led the ladies down the winding path to the beach. Fleur clutched the casket containing her jewels close to her chest.
The well-worn path was fairly easy to navigate, even though it was steep and rock strewn. Reed reached the beach first and assisted the women. Aware that the soldiers were hard on their heels, Reed turned toward the sea, raised the lantern high and waved it back and forth.
“Let’s pray the ship is waiting,” Reed muttered. His greatest fear was that they had reached the rendezvous earlier than expected and the ship would not yet have arrived. Relief shuddered through him when an answering signal flared from the darkness beyond the cove.
“The ship is here!” Fleur cried, pointing toward the light. “How long will it take for the rowboat to reach us?”
“Not long, I hope.”
“Look!” Lisette ventured, gesturing toward the top of the cliff, where a dozen lights winked in the breeze.
Reed immediately doused his lantern. “Soldiers,” he whispered, pulling both women into the shadows beneath the cliff. “Let’s hope it takes them a while to find the path.”
They waited in breathless silence as the blinking lights at the top of the cliff spread out. An exultant cry warned them the soldiers had located the path.
“What will we do?” Fleur whispered frantically.
Reed dropped the unlit lantern and reached for his pistol, making sure it was loaded and cocked. “You and Lisette go down to the beach and wait for the boat. I’ll hold them off as long as I can.”
Fleur hesitated.
“Go, dammit!” Reed hissed, giving her a little push.
The soldiers had nearly reached the narrow strip of beach when Reed heard a scraping sound and someone called softly into the darkness, “Lord Hunthurst, where are you?”
Reed
reacted instantly. He stuck his pistol in his belt, grasped each woman by the hand and pulled them toward the sound of the voice.
“I don’t see the boat!” Fleur cried.
“This way,” Reed replied, leading them unerringly toward the water’s edge. A bullet pinged in the sand at their feet, then another and another. “Hurry!”
Reed all but dragged the women toward the boat bobbing in the surf. He could see it clearly now and altered his course a bit to the left as the soldiers grew closer, their bullets stirring up the sand and water around them.
As he waded into the waves, a sailor jumped into the water to help them. Reed pushed Lisette toward the sailor, then lifted Fleur into his arms, carried her to the boat and dumped her inside. The sailor did the same with Lisette.
“Stay down,” Reed warned. Then Reed and the sailor jumped inside.
The soldiers splashed into the water behind them, but it was too late. The sailors had put their backs to the oars and the boat skipped over the waves, out of reach and out of pistol range.
They had made it!
“How did you get here so fast?” Reed asked one of the sailors.
“Captain Skilling had a hunch that you might arrive early and had the rowboat lowered as soon as darkness fell.”
Thank God for Skilling’s foresight, Reed thought.
“We’re safe now,” Reed said, helping the women onto the seat.
Fleur began to tremble. “That was close. If not for Doctor Defoe’s warning, we wouldn’t have had a chance. Though I always knew he wouldn’t betray us, I wasn’t sure he would be willing to protect us if the need arose.”
Reed’s arm came around her. “That part of your life is over, love. You are safe.”
He shuddered to think what might have happened to Fleur had Porter not acted so fast to rescue her, and a cold dread settled in the pit of his stomach.
The rowboat bumped against the dark hull of the ship. A rope ladder was lowered from the railing. The sailors grasped it to hold the boat steady.
“You first, Lisette,” Reed said. “Can you manage?”
“Oui, monsieur. I’m quite agile for my age.” She placed one foot on the first rung and slowly ascended.