His mouth came down on hers in a fierce kiss. He moved his hand between her legs and gave her one final caress before he covered her with his body.
Easily, he entered her. The pleasure of their oneness touched her down to the core of her being. Frantically, she moved her hips. He responded in turn until at last her love for him released. Instantly, he moved his hips against her until he groaned in ecstasy and he too, experienced release.
“You’re wonderful, Elizabeth,” he murmured against her ear. “But I think you killed me again.” He remained collapsed atop her.
She laughed and hugged him tightly. Never had she experienced such contentment or wholeness as she had after making love with him. For a brief period in time, she could forget her problems, forget their relationship was only temporary and relax in the security of his arms. For a brief period in time, she could pretend he loved her as she now realized she loved him.
Never would she admit such a love. Rather she said, “You never answered my question. Why didn’t you come to the door?”
He moved from her, tugged the bed linens over them and lay beside her on his back. “You know as well as I do why I didn’t. You want to be part of my plans when I confront Adam, but I’ll have none of it. I don’t want you harmed.”
He placed his forefinger over her lips to silence her when she would speak. “Let me handle it now,” he said. “I’ll not endanger your father.”
“Nay!” She threw the covers from her and retrieved her gown. She held the garment close to her to hide her nakedness. “I’m the one who gave you the information. I didn’t have to do that. I trusted you, Christian. Now I’m asking you to trust me. I’ll do as you say, only allow me to be there.”
“And if I refuse?”
“I’ll go to the ruins or to the ship without you. I’ll try to talk some sense into Adam myself.”
He laughed and sat up in the bed. “You are serious aren’t you?”
“Aye. I am.” She sat down beside him with the gown still in her hands. “I can help. Please, Christian. Trust me as I have trusted you with this information.”
He studied her a moment and said, “I fear what you might do without me, yet I fear for your safety if I agree and Adam is not himself.”
“It’s a chance I will take. Now, you must trust me.” She pleaded.
“Will you promise to let me be in charge and listen to what I have to say no matter how senseless what I do or say may appear?”
“I will,” she agreed.
“Not knowing the rationale behind Adam’s actions, you do understand your life could be in danger.”
“I do. I belong with you, Christian. It’s my father. It’s only right, but regardless, you may as well agree. With or without your acceptance, I’ll go to Adam.”
“That’s what worries me. Unintentionally, you could do more harm and short of locking you away ...”
“Don’t you think anymore on it. I’m not a fool,” she retorted huffily.
“Nay. You are not. But, you are inexperienced.” He started to push the bed linens from himself.
She shoved them back up to cover him. “I’ll not let you leave that bed until we’ve resolved this issue.”
He gave her a wicked grin and patted the place beside him on the bed. “The thought of spending all day loving you does appeal to me immensely.”
She jumped up, still gripping the gown, and put some distance between them. Obviously, she’d have to dress before their conversation could continue. “Stop grinning at me like that. And, close your eyes.”
“What for? I said love, not nap.” His voice had an incredulous tone to it.
“I don’t want you to watch me change into my gown.”
He roared with laughter, and said, “I’ve seen that luscious body of yours, or have you already forgotten our ...”
“Christian!”
“How about if I cover my head with the bed linens?”
“That would be fine,” she said.
He slid further beneath the coverings as he tugged the linens over his head. She hurriedly got dressed. All the while she kept her eyes on him. He was being too cooperative, too quiet, and too unlike him.
When the last button was fastened, she tiptoed over to the bed. She stared at his form under the coverings, particularly his head. Next instant, she swatted him on his chest.
“Hey! What the hell are you doing?” His head poked out from beneath the bed linens.
‘“You’re impossible, Christian Traynor.”
“What did I do?”
“You know what you did. You peeked at me through the holes in the eyelet lace. Don’t you try to deny it.” She waved her finger at him.
He grabbed the same hand and tenderly placed a kiss in her palm. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t help myself.”
“Don’t you use flattery on me.” She tugged her hand away, walked over to a chair in the corner of the room and in a regal manner seated herself.
“Now, what are you doing?” He eyed her curiously.
“We will resume our talk. I hope we can come to an agreement soon. I left Hannah while she was napping. I fear she’ll wake and find me gone. Please keep this in mind. I must leave soon,” she said, though she was prepared to do battle with him the rest of the day into the night until he agreed she would be with him to confront Adam.
At once his light-heartedness changed. He grew serious, and said, “It may not be one of my wisest decisions, but I’ll include you in the plans.”
“You will?” She stood. She could hardly believe she heard correctly. “You’re not teasing me?” She crept a few steps towards the bed.
“Nay. Let me get dressed and we’ll discuss it over tea. That is, if you would be so kind to prepare it for us.” He tossed the bed linens from himself and stood.
For a fleeting moment, she admired him, before she whirled around and gave him her back. “I’ll wait downstairs,” she said. “I really should hurry home afterwards. When I left, Hannah was asleep. If she awakes to find me gone, she’ll be worried.”
“I’ll be right there.”
She reached for the door handle.
“Elizabeth.”
“Aye,” she answered with her back to him still.
“Next time I want you to look at my body. I want you to enjoy viewing me as much as I enjoy looking at you. Free yourself from all notions you may have it is wrong. It is not.”
A heat coursed through her. If she were to peer into a looking glass, her complexion would reflect the color of a garnet. His words excited her. The man excited her, and he’d been quite perceptive. She had felt awkward seeing him in all his nakedness, but not unpleasantly so. She simply was uncomfortable as to where to cast her gaze.
She cleared her throat. “Aye ... well ... uh ... I’ll get the tea.” She ignored him and hastened through the door.
A few minutes later, Christian met her in the kitchen. She marveled at how this room resembled the one in her home.
“It will be a bit longer,” she said.
He sat at a stool near the counter. She joined him. “How is your head by the way?”
“It was bothering me before you came. You made me forget all about it. You’re the best medicine I ever had,” he said and winked at her.
She flushed and said, “What are the plans?”
“We’ll go to the ruins around ten tomorrow eve. Once we’ve determined Adam is there, you’ll wait and allow me some time alone with him. I’ll decide whether you should make your presence known.”
She placed a cup before each of their places and brought the teapot to the wooden table to seep. “And, if you don’t feel I should, what do I do? Wait in the shadows like a lump on a log?” She seated herself on a stool next to him.
“Elizabeth, you said you would cooperate. Have you changed your mind?” He folded his arms across his chest and studied her.
“Nay. I want this entire mess to be over. I want my father home.”
“And, he will be.”
“I’m hoping that when Adam sees me, it will trigger a memory, notion, anything to help him come to his senses.” He reached for the teapot and filled her cup. “Now stop worrying. Adam may not even be at the ruins. He could choose tomorrow eve to sleep on the Aurora. In either case, you’ll stay from sight unless I come for you. Do you understand?” He poured himself some tea and set the pot back in the middle of the table.
“Aye,” she answered, but didn’t like the idea. Perhaps she’d think of a better plan by tomorrow eve. The idea cheered her up. “Aye,” she said again and in a much, much better frame of mind. “I understand. Totally.”
Chapter Twenty-four
It had been late evening when Elizabeth returned from Christian’s, yet when she had checked Hannah, to her relief, the woman had still been asleep.
Some hours later, she had practiced her calligraphy to help relax, until she, too, had called it a night. Meanwhile, Hannah had slept on.
Now, with the first light of a new day, she heard her governess fumbling about downstairs. No doubt, she was baking and doing other chores before she returned to her sister. None of it was necessary; however, Hannah was set in her ways and would feel less guilt leaving Elizabeth if all was left in order. Little did Hannah know, it was best for her to be gone.
Elizabeth indulged herself and lounged in bed. She lay with the back of her head to the pillow, staring up at the canopy above her. It was safe and cozy in her bedchamber. Soon she would have to venture from her comfortable nest. She’d promised Christian before she’d left him yesterday that she would turn over the coins to Roderick. Her heart wasn’t in it, and it was curious to her why Roderick had not come for them. He was a devious one though. He probably had planned some wicked scheme and was waiting for the perfect moment, to surprise her with it. At least it would give her the chance to visit Charlotte afterwards. Her friend had asked her to come practice. The more she kept herself occupied, the less she would think about this eve’s activities. God in Heaven, she hoped she’d be as brave as she’d acted in front of Christian.
She stretched and scooted from the bed. If her mind continued to race along these lines, she had best perform her morning ablutions and dress for the day.
Still, controlling her thoughts was easier said than done. Her mind raced along the same vein. This time she chose the secret room at the Sword and Shield Inn. Christian told her the men he hired to watch the mews entrance had nothing unusual to report to him thus far. She wondered if Adam had used the secret room only for their one-time meeting. She’d suggest it to Christian.
A few vigorous brush strokes to her hair before she arranged the curls atop her head, and a pinch to either cheek for color, put an end to her morning toilette. She selected a royal blue and cream-colored day gown with matching house slippers from the wardrobe closet. A few minutes later she left her cozy domicile and descended the staircase to the ground floor.
Hannah appeared the same moment Elizabeth rounded the staircase for the kitchen. “Good morning, Bethy. I’m so sorry I slept away the time I had to spend with ye.”
“Don’t be. You needed the sleep.” She raised her nose towards the ceiling and sniffed. “What are you making?”
“Eggs the way you like them. Boiled and cut in slices with sauce poured over them with triangles of toast on the side. I’ve also made some bread to last ye a while. If me sister continues to improve, I’ll be back in a few days.”
“You’re so good to me, Hannah.” She hugged the woman. “Let’s eat.”
“Do ye mind helping yourself? I was just coming to tell you I’m leaving.” Hannah’s eyebrows furrowed in concern.
Elizabeth was relieved, but didn’t show it. Earlier, she had tried not to think of what she would do if Hannah had changed her mind and decided not to return to her sister.
“Stop worrying about me. Go to your sister.” ‘ ‘Tis a bad time. I do worry about Mr. Corry and why we’ve heard nothing. I worry about you being alone. You need me now.”
“Your sister needs you more. Besides, when you see she is better, you’ll return. I’ve handled your absence thus far, haven’t I?” Elizabeth crossed her arms in front of her.
“Aye. Ye have. I’ll get me belongings.”
Elizabeth waited in the passageway until Hannah returned. The woman walked towards the back door. Elizabeth had given up years ago encouraging the woman to use the front entry. Only when Hannah accompanied her did she do so.
“Farewell, Hannah.”
The woman hugged her tight. “Take care. I’ll return soon. Don’t fret. I’ll keep ye and Edward in my prayers.”
She scuttled out the door.
Elizabeth watched until she vanished from her line of vision. She slammed the door shut. Prayers indeed, she thought. Not only would she need Hannah’s invocation, but all of Dublin’s as well.
Less than an hour later, Elizabeth entered Roderick’s Silversmith Shop. The instant the bell tinkled on the door, Roderick appeared from the back room.
“Elizabeth, dear Elizabeth,” he said, and gently slapped his hands to his cheeks. “Your intuition is amazing. I was going to give you a call later today.”
“I brought you the two pouches of coins.” She reached into her reticule and started to place both bags on the counter.
Roderick intervened. “Give them to me and quickly.”
She did and waited while he shoved them under the counter, out of sight.
“You must not be so carefree to flash these pouches around for all to see.”
“I only see you and me, Roderick.”
“Don’t get flippant, Elizabeth. You know what I mean.” His eyes narrowed and he only half-smiled. “I want you to go to the bank. Take one of these pouches of shillings and exchange them for guineas.”
“You know guineas are not plentiful these days. England aye, but not here in Dublin.” She fidgeted with the drawstring of her reticule. “Won’t I look suspect? I’d rather exchange them for crown pieces.”
“I want guineas. You’ll get me guineas.”
Though he didn’t say it, the tone in his voice suggested an or else. “I’ll do my best,” she said.
“Wonderful!” He retrieved one of the pouches from under the counter. “I knew you’d agree.” He waved his hand in his silly fashion and tossed the bag at her.
One day, she vowed, she would call the man a toad to his face. Perhaps, even this eve. She prayed that Adam would come to his senses and Christian would have some control over him.
She plopped the pouch into her reticule and headed for the door.
Roderick said, “I’d like the guineas today.”
“Not today, Roderick, please.”
“Today,” he said and smiled.
She took in a deep breath. “Shall I come to the shop or the house?”
“Come wherever I am,” he said and laughed.
Where her patience came from, she did not know, but she exercised every constraint to keep from smacking him in the face with her fist. “I’ll find you,” she answered and left the shop.
This time she knew better than to rush to the bank with the spurious coins. Roderick wanted guineas and he’d get them, only she’d use legitimate coins. Fortunately, her father had had the foresight to establish her own account. She’d draw from it and ask for the gold pieces. First, she needed to see Charlotte.
She walked the short distance to her house though the air turned cold and the grey clouds threatened to spill snowflakes. She was ready for these days of unpredictable weather to end. Surely, warmer weather and spring had to be here any day. April was around the corner.
Charlotte’s maid answered her knock on the door and let her inside. “Good day, Miss Elizabeth,” Francie said. “Go on upstairs. You’re just in time.” The maid pointed to the box of pens she carried under her arm. “Charlotte’s in her room, using her own fancy quill pens.”
Elizabeth smiled, and said, “Thank you, Francie.”
She headed up the stairs, knowing she’d not be able to stay and practice with Charlotte. Roderick had seen to that. But, she could visit for a while. It also occurred to her that it might be wise to let someone know her whereabouts this eve.
When she reached the top landing, Charlotte squealed. “I’m so glad you came. I’ve missed you.” She jumped from her chair and approached Elizabeth. “I’m working on ornamental letters. Particularly the external line of the O. I want you to see it” She held up the parchment for Elizabeth.
“It’s quite good and a perfect circle, as it should be,” Elizabeth told Charlotte. “I do believe you’ve mastered it.”
“Do you think so, Elizabeth?” Charlotte clasped her hands before her in an excited manner.
“Aye, I do.”
“Sit,” Charlotte ordered Elizabeth to another chair beside her at the worktable. “Any news of your father?”
“Actually, there is news, but I must ask for your confidence.” Elizabeth watched Charlotte closely. She wanted someone to know where she would be that eve in case the evening was a disaster. She wanted someone whose help she could depend upon if need be.
“You know I’ll not tell a soul. Whatever have you learned?” Charlotte gave Elizabeth her full attention.
“I’ve learned where my father is. I’m going to the place tonight. He’s either at the ruins of the Cullenmore Abbey north of Dublin, or the ship, Aurora.”
“But you can’t be wandering the streets alone at night You know it’s not safe.” Charlotte touched Elizabeth’s arm. Her face showed much concern.
“I’m not going alone. A friend is coming.” She intentionally refrained from telling Charlotte that Christian was going to accompany her. As far as Elizabeth knew, Charlotte still was unaware Christian was Adam’s brother. Now was not the time to enlighten her, nor did she feel like explanations.
“Oh, Elizabeth, I fear for you. What do you hope to gain?”
“I hope to free my father, but if the worst happens ...”
“Don’t say it. Be assured that if I don’t hear from you by tomorrow morn, I’ll contact the authorities.” She leaned forward to where Elizabeth sat next to her and gave her a brief hug.
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