“Then what?”
“My friends will meet us there if they are able. I should receive further information as to where to take you.”
“So, you only have to tolerate my company for a little longer. That must make you pleased.” A hint of sadness crept into Charlotte’s voice.
“I never said your company was displeasing.” He didn’t know what she wanted. Perhaps, a declaration of his feelings? He would give her the best answer he could for now. “Although we are in this situation, it hasn’t all been bad, especially last night.”
**********
Charlotte blushed at the memory of his touch. She hoped they would have another chance to explore each other before they parted ways. Even though it was not proper to think about such things, she had never felt such a strong attraction to a man. When she returned home, her parents would place her back on the marriage market with little choice over who she was to marry.
But until that time, she would live her life the way she pleased. That settled, Charlotte finished her food and rested near the fire. Phillip checked on the horses one last time before settling in for the night. When he returned, he sat next to Charlotte and pulled her close. She laid her head on his shoulder, content with the simple gesture. Eventually, they laid down, and Phillip pulled her up against him. Safe in his arms, she fell asleep.
Charlotte was awoken by a cold hand pressed against her mouth. Her eyes popped open to find Phillip standing above her, a finger to his lips, signaling for silence. She nodded her head in understanding. He removed his hand and motioned for her to wait. She watched him maneuver around the outcropping of boulders and out of sight. Charlotte feared the Russians had discovered them. Her legs trembled, and her stomach roiled in revolt.
Even with Phillip gone for only five minutes, it felt like a lifetime. When he returned, he leaned in and whispered into her ear, “There are men on horseback. I can’t make out who they are, but we need to leave. We must circle them. I’ll get the horses.” Phillip quietly untied the horses, walked them over to Charlotte, and helped her mount. They made their way in the opposite direction, at a slow pace, so as not to alert the strangers to their presence. They rode for a mile or more before Phillip drew to a stop.
Charlotte’s heart pounded in her chest. She feared it was loud enough to give their position away. They paused to allow Phillip to check for any followers. After studying the area, he eased back into his saddle. “I think we lost them, but we need to keep moving. If they find our site, they will see there has been a fire, and will know someone was recently there.”
They rode all morning without seeing a sign of anyone. By the afternoon, Phillip thought it safe to use the main road and increase the horses’ pace. The rest of the day remained uneventful, and they didn’t stop to rest again until nightfall.
Phillip found a hidden spot to set up camp for the night and built a fire. They settled down same as they had the previous night. He placed his arm around Charlotte and drew her in for a kiss. Desire lurked beneath the surface of Phillip’s kiss. It held the promise of something more. Charlotte held onto his jacket to keep from falling over. A wave of emotion overtook her, and she readily returned his kiss.
Phillip broke the embrace before it could go further, but he rested his forehead on hers. “I’m sorry, I needed that. Forgive me for being selfish.” He caressed the back of his hand on her cheek.
“It wasn’t selfish at all. I liked it as well.”
He chuckled. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, not what you expected.”
She met his stare. “I knew there would be risks.” If only she had known, the greatest risk would be to her heart. “I’m still willing to take those risks, as long as you’re with me.”
Charlotte trusted Phillip with her life, and she wanted to trust him with her heart as well. She knew she was falling in love with him. How could she not? She admired his ability to carry on after surviving such horrible experiences. Phillip didn’t sink into despair and wallow in misery, instead he pushed on, even with his scarred heart. She wanted to be the one to mend his heart, but she wondered if he would let her in.
Chapter 8
They left as the first light hit the horizon. At midday, Phillip stopped so they could rest and eat. A short time later, they continued their journey. After a few miles, Charlotte noticed a change in Phillip. He appeared more focused on their surroundings and motioned for her to stop. Phillip turned his horse in all directions and listened. Charlotte strained to hear anything, but all she heard was silence. The longer Phillip waited, the more on edge her nerves became.
Phillip turned to face Charlotte. “Something’s not right; I can feel it. Come on. We have to make a run for it. Louis’ home is not far, but we are not in France yet. If we get separated, keep to the road until you come to the fork, then take a right toward Alsace. Louis’ estate entrance will be another five miles on your left. You can’t miss it. There are two large trees guarding the road to his home.”
“But you are coming with me, right?” Charlotte panicked, her hands clammy on the reins. She couldn’t be separated from Phillip.
“Charlotte, darling, listen. I will do everything in my power to be with you, but your safety is more important than mine. If that means separating to give you a better chance, we will do so. Don’t worry.”
Of course, Charlotte would worry! The thought of being captured or getting lost terrified her. Worst of all, she feared losing Phillip. Charlotte swallowed her doubts and summoned all her courage. She stared into Phillip’s eyes and nodded her head.
They spurred the horses into action. Charlotte’s gaze swept the sides of the road for anything suspicious. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed movement. In the woods, just ahead of them, she spotted riders positioned to cut them off. Phillip saw them at the same time and yelled for her to hurry. She kicked the horse to a faster pace.
They closed in on the other riders. Charlotte pushed her horse to its limit, and Phillip was right next to her. Her heart beat in time with the horses’ hooves. They would not make it; they would collide. The other riders were closing in on them. She closed her eyes and prayed. Phillip called to her. Charlotte opened her eyes and realized they had barely passed their pursuers.
She glanced behind and saw the riders right on their tails. She looked at Phillip, and he mouthed the word, “Go!” She didn’t want to leave him, but she knew it was the only way to stay safe. Summoning her last reserve of courage, she stared straight ahead and rode with determination. When they came upon the fork in the road, Charlotte turned right, and Phillip veered to the left, taking a piece of her heart along with him.
Five miles, that was the distance between Charlotte and safety. She concentrated on the winding road ahead. As she took the first curve, she looked back and spotted three men following her. They did not have their guns drawn, which gave her hope that they didn’t want to see her dead. With the threat of gunfire eliminated, she focused all her energy on finding Louis’ house.
Charlotte rode as hard as she could hoping the horse could keep up its speed for a little while longer. Charlotte questioned whether she had missed a turn, but realized she hadn’t come to the two large trees Phillip had mentioned. They would be hard to miss, given the surrounding countryside was comprised of fields with small groves of trees.
At last Charlotte spotted the trees. She said a silent word of thanks. The drive was long, and she couldn’t make out the house at first. After a curve in the drive, she spotted the large manor in the distance, and at the same time saw five horsemen charge up from the house toward her.
Charlotte didn’t know if she should stop or keep going. One glance behind her told her to keep riding. She kicked the horse and made straight for the oncoming riders. They cleared a path for her and charged toward the men chasing her. Gunfire rang out, but she did not slow down until she came to the house. A man flew down the stairs to help Charlotte off her horse. She fell into his arms in exhaustion.
Charlot
te looked at him and said, “Phillip.”
“Where is Phillip? Are you his informant? The one he went to collect?”
Charlotte nodded her head in agreement.
“Where is Phillip?” He asked again.
“We, …we, split up. I don’t know where he went.”
Now that Charlotte had made it to the house , a wave of exhaustion and relief swept over her. Tears filled her eyes as the gentleman guided her up the stairs and into the house. Her pulse steadied, and her breathing slowed down. The man led her to a chair in an adjoining room. A minute later, he placed a glass in her hand. Not asking what it was, she downed it in one gulp. The alcohol burned as it crept its way down her throat and into her stomach. She coughed but felt revitalized.
Finally, able to speak, Charlotte asked, “Where am I? Who are you?”
“My name is Louis DeColigny, a friend of Phillip’s. You are in my home in Alsace, on French soil.”
Charlotte had never been so happy in her life. They had made it. No, she had made it. But what about Phillip? Was he safe or lying in a ditch dead? Panic threatened to overtake her.
Louis spoke, “Mademoiselle, do you know those men who were chasing you?”
“No. We were riding here when they came upon us. I assume they are Russian since a Russian unit attacked us a few days ago.”
“Have no fear; you are safe now. As for Phillip, we will have to wait. No telling how long it will be. In the meantime, would you like something to eat or a warm bath?”
“No, thank you. I want to wait.”
Louis refilled her glass, and Charlotte drank it down. She couldn’t relax until Phillip returned. As she sat, Charlotte looked down and noticed her dress torn in several places. Dirt and scratches covered her hands. The original color of her boots could hardly be discerned from all the mud caked on them from trekking through the woods. She looked terrible. Her mother would have a fit if she saw her at this moment. The thought made her laugh out loud, and then the laugh turned into a sob.
Louis sat next to her. “Miss, please know you are with friends. You must not fret; all will be well. Phillip will be fine. I’ve known him to get out of many a tight pinch. Now, if I may ask, what is your name, mademoiselle?”
“My name is Charlotte Bradley, sir.” In the excitement, she had forgotten simple manners. Perhaps conversation would keep her mind off Phillip. She asked, “How long have you known Phillip?”
“I met Phillip when I was at school in England in my younger days. We have helped each other many times over the years. He is good at what he does, Miss Bradley, very resourceful. May I ask how you came to join Phillip? I assumed the person he was fetching was a man.”
Apparently, Louis was already familiar with Phillip’s assignment. Charlotte felt as though she could trust him, so she recounted their difficulties along the way with the Russian officers. He was attentive and understanding, knowing she needed to distract herself from worry.
As she finished a servant entered. He spoke in French, but Charlotte understood enough to know that someone was approaching the house. Her head shot up, and she met Louis’ gaze. They raced to the main door, and Charlotte was the first to step out.
A lone rider came up to the house. Charlotte knew it was Phillip. She cried out in relief and rushed down the stairs. He drew up his horse, leapt down and grabbed Charlotte close.
Charlotte sobbed with relief. He bent down and took possession of her lips in a kiss that said more than either wanted to admit. It was a kiss of longing and want. Charlotte wrapped her arms around Phillip’s neck, never wanting to let go. He gave her one final kiss before he withdrew.
“I knew you could do it,” Phillip smiled at her, warming her heart.
“She’s a strong woman.” Both turned toward Louis, who descended the stairs and shook Phillip’s hand.
“Glad you could join us, old man. The poor lady was in shambles worrying about you. What happened out there?”
**********
Phillip put an arm around Charlotte and led her up the stairs. As they walked, he told them what happened. “I’m not sure if they are the same Russians who have been tracking us, or if they are French spies. I didn’t give them a chance to get too close. I made my way north, then I lost them in the woods. I doubled back over the river and made my way here.”
“You are sure they didn’t follow you?” Louis asked.
“I’m almost positive.”
The trio entered the house. Louis led them into the same room he and Charlotte had occupied a while ago. He poured Phillip a drink, which he guzzled down.
When they had separated, it was the first time in Phillip’s life he had experienced real fear for another person. He worried what would become of Charlotte on her own. It had taken all his concentration to get himself out of harm’s way. He knew the only way to get back to Charlotte was to escape the riders.
Phillip had raced through the woods, zigzagging among the trees to lose them. The horse became exhausted, so he had found a small cave in which to rest. He had waited until there were no suspicious noises, then made his way to Louis’ house. Along the way he had doubled back a few times, in case the Russians were following him.
When Phillip had seen Charlotte run down the steps, it had been the most wonderful sight in his life. He had to stop himself from doing more than kissing her. He didn’t know if it was lust or love, but he knew Charlotte’s body would be his if she would have him.
Phillip stirred from his thoughts and asked, “Where are Hugh and Ethan? They’re supposed to meet us here.”
“I received a letter from them yesterday. They were held up and will meet you at the rendezvous point, ten miles outside Paris.”
“Did it say when?” Phillip wanted at least a day or two to allow Charlotte to rest. Although he knew the urgency of the situation, he realized Charlotte might not take this grueling pace much longer.
“You’ll have to leave tomorrow morning to make it,” Louis answered.
“They must be desperate for your information.” Phillip directed the statement to Charlotte. “Can you endure a little longer?”
Charlotte held her head high and replied, “Whatever I must do, I will. You need not coddle me.” Phillip noted the hint of defiance in her voice.
Charlotte’s eyes were bloodshot, and her skin was pale. She deserved better, Phillip thought. He had exposed her to the elements with days spent riding horseback and eating bread and dried meat. He should never have brought a woman on such a dangerous trip. Even though she had insisted on accompanying him, Phillip should have refused her request. At the very least, he should have hired another coach instead of the horses, even if it meant a greater chance of being caught.
Through it all, Phillip discovered Charlotte was a fighter. She could shoot a gun, ride astride a horse, and sleep outside like a man. But even the strongest fighter had a breaking point, and Charlotte appeared to have reached hers.
Louis must have read Phillip’s mind. “Well, my dear, for tonight you will be coddled. The servants will draw you a bath, and I will have fresh clothes brought to your room. Then, you shall have a nice hot dinner.”
“Thank you, monsieur. I appreciate it.”
Louis rang the bell, and a servant escorted Charlotte to her room. Both men watched her until the door closed.
Louis raised an eyebrow as he stared at his friend. “So, are you going to tell me why the hell you have taken a young woman across half of Europe? She told me the story, but I wonder why you allowed her to come along. Unless, of course, she has powerful means of persuasion.” The subtle hint was not lost on Phillip.
“She was persistent and refused to give me the information. Charlotte is loyal to her cousin. Plus, I did not know where to locate her cousin, so what choice did I have? I would not threaten her; she’s a lady. Besides, I warned her of the risks. She’s as stubborn as a mule.”
“Thank God she doesn’t look like one,” Louis laughed. “I didn’t think the Russians would be so bold as
to send men into France. They must want you stopped at all costs. Do you want an escort for the rest of the trip?”
“No, but thank you. We will be less conspicuous if it’s just the two of us.” Phillip sighed. “It will be at least another two days until we get to the rendezvous house.”
This entire mission had been one trial after another. Most men would have given up or refused to take Charlotte with them. Fortunately, Phillip was not one to give up easily; he would see the job done, no matter the cost.
“Then what?” Louis’ question drew Phillip out of his thoughts.
“What do you mean?”
“After Miss Bradly delivers her information, what will happen to her?”
Phillip didn’t like the way Louis veered the conversation. Up to this point, he hadn’t thought about what would happen after the mission was complete. She would be out of his life. He would never see her again. Never see her blue eyes light up at the sight of him, touch her soft skin, or kiss her lips.
A heaviness weighed upon Phillip’s heart. He had never felt this sensation before and unknowingly rubbed his chest. Louis cleared his throat.
Phillip answered the question. “Charlotte will go back to England and her family.”
“And that’s the end of it?”
Phillip snapped, “What else is there?”
“You can’t fool me, Phillip, but it seems you are trying to fool yourself.” Louis poured himself a drink, sat on the couch, and sipped the amber liquid. “You have feelings for the woman. Perhaps, you even love her.”
Phillip jumped up. Louis was mad. Of course, he didn’t love Charlotte. He had sworn off love after Lisette. What he felt was lust, an attraction to Charlotte’s body, nothing more. He wouldn’t let it be more.
“I am not in love with her. We were thrown into a unique situation. We have been in close quarters for the last several days, which has led to a familiarity.”
The Way to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 1) Page 7