Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 24

  Three days later, Gilles was feeling significantly improved. He'd risen from his bed the day prior and had been eating double portions during meals. Aside from the soreness in his side, Gilles no longer felt drained. Well, he corrected himself, he did feel drained in one sense. He'd finally made love to Elise that morning. She'd done most of the work after he pulled her half asleep on top of him. With her breasts in his face it didn't take long for either of them to find release.

  Which is why he was whistling as he settled his family into the two carriages Alastair had organized for the trip back to London. Gilles was tense and alert but he was also happy to be on his feet and feeling the early morning sun on his face. It helped that Alastair had planned every detail with his usual precision.

  Both carriages carried two armed drivers and a small arsenal of weapons. Ten well trained, armed soldiers waited to ride in formation around the two carriages. In the first, Gilles, Elise, Alastair and Lucy would ride. In the second, The Mothers, Lucien and Mirabelle would follow. The route and stops were planned and scheduled to the minute.

  The only thing left was to escort Elise from the house. She stood in the hall whispering with Anna and Holderson, both of whom would be following shortly with Alice, Matheson and a caravan of trunks and boxes. While Spencer House had a loyal and capable staff, including Bennings, Holderson was making the journey to ensure that Lady Elise's transition would be as smooth as possible. Gilles also wanted her to have more familiar people around her. As he approached them, Gilles heard Anna comforting Elise.

  "Elise? Are you sure you want to do this?" He took her hand. "Just say the word and I'll have everything unloaded within the hour." He pressed her palm to his lips and kissed it. He felt her trembling and knew it wasn't his lips that had caused it. Gilles was tempted to override everyone and call it off when Elise shook her head.

  "No. I'll be fine, I have you and Alastair to keep me distracted during the trip and everyone to help me once we get to Spencer Place. I get to be in the place where you grew up." She forced a smile and took his hand. Gilles searched her face and tried to find an excuse to postpone. She was scared and he hated it.

  "If you're certain, we should be on our way. Everyone else is ready to go." Gilles turned Elise and led her out of the doors and helped her into the carriage. Alastair guided her to the seat opposite him and Lucy and began guiding her hands around the interior. Gilles hopped in, sat and rapped on the ceiling, signaling that it was time to depart. When the carriage lurched forward Elise jumped and grabbed Gilles' hand. Her chest rose and fell rapidly and the muscles of her throat strained. She was shaking like a leaf. Gilles pulled her into his arms and pressed his face into her hair.

  "It's alright, darling. We're here. Try to relax." He rubbed her back and whispered soothing words until she settled against him.

  "I've brought some poetry, I can read to you if you'd like, Elise." Alastair offered. She nodded and Alastair cleared his throat and began reciting. Gilles was pleasantly shocked. His brother hated poetry but he spent hours reading to Elise. He didn't just read the words, he read them with emotion as if he were an actor upon a stage. Gilles had never seen his brother read poetry, let alone act. It was fascinating. Elise began to lose herself, listening and he was once again grateful to his brother. The man that the ton had labeled awkward and rude, the Automaton, had once again displayed genuine humanity for the sake of his and his wife's happiness. At one point, Elise drifted off to sleep and Alastair let his voice slowly fade away. He turned and began studying the scenery outside the carriage.

  "Alastair?" Gilles said softly.

  He turned and raised a brow.

  "You are the best man I've ever known." Gilles whispered.

  Alastair appeared taken aback. For a moment he simply stared. He cleared his throat and replied.

  "Thank you. I find that if I ask myself what you would do and then do it, it usually turns out well." With that, he returned to the window. Gilles smiled and rested his head against the cushion and shut his eyes.

  Once they were safely in front of Spencer Place, Gilles helped Elise up the steps and introduced her to Bennings and the staff. To their credit, they hid their shock well and welcomed their new mistress. Elise managed to put on a brave face and greeted them warmly. As they approached the end of the line, Gilles could feel her sagging. She needed rest. Sensing that she was tired, Alastair came along side her and took her other arm.

  "I think it's time that you learned where your chambers are. We'll count from the foot of the stairs first." Together, Gilles and Alastair slowly counted and described the path they were taking. Once they reached her bedroom Alastair began rearranging as much of the furniture as he could.

  "Tomorrow we'll see about switching your rooms. Your bedroom is closer in size and layout to Elise's room at Longwood. I have diagrams and notes on the furnishings. I think we can closely duplicate it."

  Gilles nodded as he sat Elise on the bed.

  "I don't think we'll need separate rooms. We'll just remodel my room and we can both move in there. I'll keep my dressing room so my belongings aren't in the way."

  Alastair shrugged.

  "It shouldn't take more than a few days." He walked towards the door and turned to Elise. "You should rest. I have to make sure that all of my arrangements are in place and the house is secure. Tomorrow, I'll start helping you learn the house. The floors and walls will be covered in the areas you'll use by the time you wake up." He bowed to leave but Gilles stopped him. He pulled his brother to him and hugged him.

  "Thank you for everything, Alastair."

  "It's nothing, we're family." He nodded to Elise. "Goodnight, Elise."

  She slid from the bed and walked carefully towards him. He waited for her to reach him, set her hands to his face, rise on her toes and kiss his cheek.

  "I'm so glad we're family." Elise whispered. Alastair blushed and ducked his head. He closed the door softly and Gilles led Elise back to the bed.

  "They're preparing a bath in my dressing room. You'll have to make do with me since Anna isn't here yet. I thought we'd give her until tomorrow to settle in."

  Elise smiled weakly and nodded. Gilles knew she missed her maid. He'd have to see if he could keep her distracted. His aching side was going to be an annoyance.

  "They'll have dinner set up in here by the time were done bathing." He slowly undressed Elise and guided her through his dressing room and into the tub. Gilles clenched his jaw as she moaned in delight, sinking into the hot, fragrant bubbles. He quickly undressed and sat opposite Elise.

  "This tub is bigger than the ones at Longwood." She said as she twisted and stretched.

  "I'm glad you approve, my lady." He murmured as he extended her arm and began rubbing soap over it. Elise giggled and his cock twitched.

  "I can do that! I know where my arms and legs are." She teased.

  Gilles kissed her wrist and nibbled.

  "I know but I've fantasized about doing this all day."

  Elise sighed and relaxed.

  "Well, I'd hate to disappoint you."

  The next half hour was anything but disappointing. Gilles and Elise bathed lazily, dried off and he finally got to brush her hair. After, Gilles bent Elise over the arm of a chaise and took her swiftly from behind. Once they recovered, he led her into the bedroom and sat her at the table, arranged her plate and they shared a comfortable meal.

  Back in bed, Elise stretched and relaxed next to Gilles.

  "I thought you lived at Burton Place. Why are so many of your things already here?" She asked drowsily.

  "Once I sent word of our marriage, my belongings were moved."

  "I see. And it won't be too much trouble to switch everything?"

  "No, I want you to be comfortable here." Gilles stroked Elise's back. "I'd have the house disassembled brick by brick and rebuilt if it would make this easier for you."

  "I'm sure that won't be necessary. It feels warm here, the staff is so kind." She sighed. "You're sure you want
to share rooms?"

  "Unless you'd prefer we didn't." Gilles held his breath.

  "I can't see us needing the other bed and I like listening to you get ready." Elise yawned and Gilles breathed in relief. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes.

  Chapter 46

  Elise woke the next morning, feeling well rested and content. She stretched and reached for Gilles. As usual, he was already up. She sat and swung her legs over the side of the bed and slid off. Elise gasped at the extra distance from the mattress to the floor and recalled that she wasn't at Longwood. Trying to quell the rising panic, she snapped her fingers and stepped forward cautiously. Elise felt a breeze to her left and raised her face. An open window. Her heart began to beat faster. How close was it? How wide and high from the floor? She snapped her fingers quickly but was unable to focus. Elise felt as if the room was rocking. What if she stumbled and fell out of the window? She tried to step forward and her knees bumped into something low and upholstered. Elise fell upon it and then rolled off the side towards the window. She held on to it and stood carefully, her legs shaking.

  "Anna?" She Elise called, her voice was weak. The breeze wafted across her face and she shivered. Had she gotten closer? She reached with her left hand and felt nothing. Elise took a few steps to her right and bumped into a dresser, causing items to shake and fall over.

  "Gilles?" She yelled. Elise was almost hysterical. She heard a door open and smelled him and shaving cream. "Gilles!" She held her arms out. He rushed towards her and pulled her into his arms. Elise pressed her face into his chest and tried not to cry. Gilles' hands clasped her head.

  "I was getting dressed, I thought I'd be done before you woke up."

  "I don't know where anything is and I was afraid of the window." She tried to keep her voice steady.

  "The window?" Gilles asked, she felt him look towards it.

  "I couldn't feel where it was, I panicked. I didn't want to get close and fall out of it."

  Gilles cursed.

  "I didn't realize, I'm sorry." He led her towards it. Elise wasn't afraid if he was with her. He let her feel how wide and tall it was and that there were bars, she couldn't fall out. "The man that built this house was very wealthy and extremely paranoid. My father liked that we wouldn't tumble out or wander away while outside."

  Gilles put aside his ablutions and carefully guided Elise around the room, letting her feel her way along until Anna came to help her. He finished grooming and dressed quickly. When he returned, he watched Anna dress Elise then escorted her down to the dining room.

  Elise appreciated Gilles' patience but she felt guilty monopolizing his time. She resolved to learn her way around Spencer Place as quickly as possible. She didn't like that it would require Alastair's time and effort either but she knew it could be done even quicker with his help.

  Having Holderson at her elbow at breakfast had been a relief after the episode in the bedroom. Elise questioned him about his trip and reception at Spencer Place. She was pleased to hear that the staff had welcomed him and the others from Longwood and were doing everything they could to be helpful.

  It was also a comfort having the family at breakfast. Elise was delighted to learn that it was a standing tradition that everyone gathered at Spencer Place in the morning. She had worried that she wouldn't have Alastair, Lucien and Madeline around every day.

  A week later, Elise found herself settling into Spencer Place easier than she had expected. Alastair had seen to the acoustics and layout of her and Gilles' bedroom and dressing rooms, the main hall, a parlor for receiving guests, a hallway and the music room. Alastair had spent hours guiding her from room to room, helping her count steps and feel her way around. He described the furnishings of each room in detail until she memorized them. Alastair had also devised a system using scented flowers to help her find her way so that all Elise had to do was follow the smell of roses or lavender to find the room she desired. With Holderson's help, he also trained the staff to anticipate her needs. Mainly, not to move things in the designated rooms and to take extra care with the floors to make sure they were free of anything that she might step on. Somehow, all while investigating the attacker at Longwood. Elise marveled at his limitless patience and impenetrable calm, with all he was doing he never once seemed tired or frustrated.

  The music room was Elise's favorite feature at Spencer House. The piano was larger than the one at Longwood and the various differences in sound delighted Elise. She played for hours, curious to hear how her favorite songs were effected. Most of the instruments were put up so they weren't in the way but a harp had been left out for Mirabelle to play. Elise was spellbound whenever Mirabelle played. She could feel the delicate notes drifting through the air and undulating against her skin. When Mirabelle offered to teach her, Elise had been so overwhelmed she'd actually cried. The harp, Elise decided was an instrument of the heavens and Mirabelle an angel. When she shared this with Gilles he'd laughed for several minutes before saying that the only time Mirabelle could ever be close to being considered an angel would be when she played the harp, otherwise, she was the farthest thing from it.

  Sitting in her dressing room, Elise reflected on her time at Spencer Place. Months ago, she wanted nothing more than to remain at Longwood, for her life to remain as it was. Now, she had a large family and another home. Much of it was still foreign to her but she'd been made to feel at home and the staff was as caring and hard working as the one at Longwood.

  "Anna, how do you like it here?" Elise asked as Anna helped her undress.

  "I like it very much, my lady. The people are good here. I was worried they'd be uptight and look down their noses at us but they're like a family below stairs. They love his lordship and his family. Bennings didn't take offense to another butler being brought in and he's quite taken with you, miss! Asks Holderson a thousand questions a day about you. Wants to know how you like everything and what he can do to help you. He's been here forever and talks about his lordship, Sir Alastair and His Grace like they're his own. He's not a bad looking man for his age either..." Anna's thoughts swept her off and Elise smiled. Could her old maid have a tendre for Bennings? Anna pinned Elise's hair up in a loose bun.

  "The house itself was a bit imposing when we first got here. I can see why they call it Fortress Spencer. It's like a palace dressed in armor. Sir Alastair made good on his plans. He's got dangerous looking men all over the place out there. The staff was so upset about the attack and think you were so brave."

  Elise shook her head.

  "Anna, I almost got him killed!"

  "How do you figure? If he'd already tried to kill Sir Alastair and planned to kill his lordship with or without using you, there's not much you could have done to stop him." Anna's voice wavered. "He hurt you so bad and yet you refused to scream and then you and that sweet little dog biting him when he shot at his lordship. You probably kept him from aiming right."

  Elise shuddered.

  "Let's not talk about that anymore. Into the tub, give me your hand." A knock sounded at the door as she was lowering herself. Anna went to the door. A moment later Elise smelled Gilles.

  "What are you doing here? Where's Anna?" She splashed water on her neck and shoulders as she listened to her husband moving about the room. Her husband. Elise smiled.

  "There's some sort of garment crisis and I thought I'd take advantage. I told Anna not to come back for at least an hour."

  Elise felt a hand on the edge of the tub next to hers and the water rose. He was getting in the tub. She waited until she heard him sigh and settle before she pushed towards him. Gilles hands closed around her waste and he lifted her. Elise bought her legs up and slid them along the edge of the tub until they rested outside of his. He settled her in his lap and she felt his lips brush hers. She sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Elise thrilled at the feel of their wet, naked bodies sliding against each other. Her breasts pressed against his hard chest. He was so solid and the contours of his muscles reminde
d her of the marble sculptures at Longwood. Something very solid pressed against her. Elise rose slightly and slid down, letting the length of her chest and stomach glide along his as Gilles' rigid length, resting in the corner of her thigh, was lightly gripped and stroked by the movement. He groaned and filled his hands with her hair.

  "Wicked temptress..." He hissed against her lips. Elise parted for him, her tongue tangled with his as she let her hands explore his neck, shoulder and arms. The feel of Gilles' wet skin and body tense with desire made Elise feel warm and heavy between her legs. She felt hungry and empty, her nipples ached. His body reminded her of horses, so strong and made for movement. She purred as she thought about the way he moved. Elise sucked on Gilles' lower lip, causing him to groan and then dragged her mouth along his cheek until she found his ear. She sucked on the lobe and chewed gently.

  Gilles hands slid down Elise's back, causing goosebumps despite the warmth of the water. He closed his hands around her bottom and lifted her. She felt the tip of his cock at her entrance and she pulled back.

  "Not yet! I want to clean you." She felt his body become tighter and harder. Elise felt exhilarated. She loved that this man could want her like this. She held out her hand.

  "The soap, please."

  He reached for her.

  "Just let me inside of you for a moment..." He begged.

  "The soap, my lord. I know what happens when you ask for a moment." She teased.

  Elise felt the soap in her hand and began rubbing it on his chest and arms. She got him to turn and washed his back.

  "Stand, please."

  He sighed and stood. Elise leaned forward and pressed her lips to tight muscle and licked. Gilles hissed and jerked. She bit playfully and sat back. She raised her hands and began cleaning his buttocks, thighs and calves. She loved the texture of his coarse hair, especially when it was wet and soapy. Elise let her nails rake his skin as she rubbed. Gilles groaned, causing her to smile.

  "Turn, please." Elise felt his feet turning between her spread legs. She began soaping his calves and working her way up. Once she reached his thighs he became so tense he felt like solid stone. Elise lathered her hands well and then set them upon his throbbing erection. She began to stroke and tug, occasionally stopping to rub his sack. Gilles cursed under his breath and his legs flexed.