Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 9

  Elise stood up and began pacing. Gilles rushed towards her, his valet rearranged the furniture slightly and his shoes were just outside of her path. He stilled her by grabbing her arms.

  "You're going to hurt yourself if you don't stand still."

  "Is this because I caused you to compromise me?" Elise accused.

  Gilles stepped back, stunned.

  "No."

  "Are you certain? Because you wrote after I was in your room the first night."

  He shook his head. Gilles expected her to argue that she was socially unfit or that her blindness was a disqualifying factor. He hadn't expected Elise to think he'd marry her out of obligation. Did she not understand that there were numerous reasons he would legitimately want her? He knew she didn't know what she looked like, so she might not understand her overwhelming physical beauty. But he knew she'd been told. He told her himself. Could she deny how attracted he was to her? Gilles couldn't keep his hands off of her. When they were alone... They set each other aflame at the slightest touch and wherever they were became an inferno.

  Gilles cradled Elise's face in his hands and lowered his lips to hers.

  "Tu es à moi et Le paradis n’est rien compare a un des tes baisers." You are mine and heaven is nothing compared to your kiss. He'd whispered it against her mouth and kissed her deeply.

  Elise shivered and placed her hands against his chest. She spread them and sent them gliding over his shoulders.

  Gilles kept the kiss brief. He'd promised Anna he'd behave and he knew he was running out of time.

  "Elise." He sighed her name as he lifted his head and rested his forehead against hers. "I know you think there are numerous reasons why we shouldn't be together but I've given you the only reason that matters."

  "I'm yours?" She was a bit dazed, her voice was barely audible.

  Gilles lifted her chin.

  "If it's any consolation, I'm yours. For whatever that's worth."

  Elise's eyes were wide again and she started to say something but she shook her head.

  "If you want me." Gilles teased as he lowered his lips again.

  She leaned into him and greedily accepted his kiss.

  He felt her hands slide down his chest and he groaned, grabbing them and stepping back as he released her lips.

  "You're going to kill me, minx."

  Elise sighed and brought his hands to her lips. She began kissing and licking his knuckles.

  "Couldn't we find some way for me to be your mistress without making you look like a scoundrel?"

  Gilles snatched his hands away and stepped back. He pointed to the door. Clearly, for effect.

  "Out!" His tone was more stern than angry. When she turned to go he slapped her bottom. She jumped and he chuckled.

  "That will never be an option, Elise."

  She scurried through the door, slamming it behind her.

  Gilles stood in the hall and paced as he waited for Elise. His family was in the Blue Parlor waiting for her to join them for dinner. He considered sending Mirabelle to check on her but he knew that Elise was already confused and feeling a little defiant. No point sending fuel to a flame, he thought.

  He heard the soft clicking of fingers and looked up to see the object of his thoughts and desires coming down the stairs. Again, Elise was a vision. Burgundy silk clung to her curves and a fine gold lace overlay flowed about her. The bodice hugged her tiny waist and accentuated her bust. The gold lace rose into a standing collar and her hair was loosely braided and coiled into a bun. She wore no shoes but a simple gold chain hung from an ankle.

  She was utterly perfect. For the first time in his life, Gilles wished his family far away.

  Continuing her descent, Elise inhaled and smiled. Alastair hovered around the parlor door. She heard him move and took another deep breath.

  "I apologize for the delay, Sir Alastair. I had matters to discuss with His Lordship and Anna wouldn't let me leave until she was satisfied."

  Elise reached the last step and reached for Gilles. He took her hand, kissed her knuckles and placed her hand on his sleeve.

  "You are divine." He whispered.

  She smiled and looked towards Alastair.

  "My lady." She heard him bow and she inclined her head.

  "I wish you wouldn't bow and my lady me. I'm just so pleased to have people to talk to, I wish that all these tedious rules and manners could be put aside."

  "Very well, I won't bow again but I feel it's a bit premature to drop the my lady. Perhaps when we're officially family."

  She drifted towards him and reached for his arm. He offered it and led her into the parlor. Gilles pulled a face and followed on their heels.

  Once in the parlor, Celine and Mirabelle pounced on Elise. Her gown was the focus of attention. Gilles hung against the wall, enjoying Elise's obvious delight in the conversation.

  "Oh! This is perfection! Who do you use?" Mirabelle gushed as she examined the overlay of Elise's gown.

  To her credit, Elise remained still. Gilles knew that she wasn't accustomed to being touched or in close proximity to others. He'd witnessed her sensitivity firsthand. He tensed and pushed from the wall when Alastair put his hand on Mirabelle's arm.

  "Easy, brat. Lady Elise isn't used to having people in her home and being pawed at like a shop sample."

  Mirabelle swatted him away then ducked her head.

  "I'm sorry, Lady Elise! I tend to get caught up. And you're like a living, breathing work of art. You'll cause an absolute uproar when you go to Town."

  Gilles groaned. The part about her being a work of art was good but the town part spoiled it.

  "Thank you, Miss Mirabelle!"

  Gilles relaxed, she wasn't going to lock horns with his sister just yet.

  "But who is your modiste, petite?" His mother asked as she circled Elise. "The work is flawless."

  "I don't have a modiste, ma'am. My maid Anna and Alice make all of my clothes."

  Celine and Mirabelle both froze, then exchanged glances before sliding together in front of Elise.

  "I'm going to have to see your wardrobe. Perhaps we could work something out, we're to be family after all."

  Gilles watched his mother, she was enjoying the exchange. She and Mirabelle were obsessed with fashion. Both were impressed with Elise's wardrobe and probably jealous of her in house seamstresses.

  "Tomorrow we will see your dresses. For now we must agree that you are like an angel. It is easy to see why my son is so smitten, is it not?"

  Dinner was a delightful event. There was much laughter as Gilles' family seemed set on sharing every embarrassing anecdote with Elise. She glowed and kept them talking. Now and then, their hands would touch, she'd shiver and he'd find himself wishing they were alone at the table so he could lean in close and discuss what had passed between them.

  When the meal was complete everyone made their way to Elise's sitting room. Holderson brought a tray and the ladies chatted as Alastair joined his brother at the sideboard.

  "She's exceptionally lovely, Gilles." Alastair confided softly.

  Gilles tensed and nodded as he passed a snifter to his brother.

  "Do I need to worry, Alastair?" Gilles asked, hating that he did.

  Alastair looked at his brother as if he wasn't sure he understood his meaning.

  "Are you asking if I have any romantic interest in your prospective bride?" His head was once again cocked to the side, assessing his brother.

  "Do you?"

  Alastair looked over at the three women conversing by the fire. Gilles stiffened. He saw Elise's head flick towards them. Had she heard them. Was she curious?

  "She's beautiful and desirable. But I'm not attracted to her sexually. Nor does she seem attracted to me. I am quite drawn to her. I want to know how she adapts and perceives the world. She's fascinating but I feel nothing towards her romantically. I want to protect her though, mostly because you feel everything for her that I don't."

  Gilles exhaled and felt the burning in h
is lungs. He'd been holding his breath. Relief washed over him. One down, he thought. What if Lucien wanted her? Could he blame him? He pushed the thought away.

  The women laughed and Gilles hovered closer. It warmed him to see his mother and sister accepting the woman he desired so deeply. When he looked at Elise, he pictured her naked and writhing in his bed, laughing up at him as he tickled her in the dream meadow, her belly full with his child...

  His mother rose and approached him. She offered her arm.

  "Walk with me in the garden." She requested.

  Gilles inclined his head and took her arm. Together they cleared the doors and stepped outside. The moon cast the garden in an even more magical light. Gilles pictured Elise in her night gown, teasing him as she skipped along the paths.

  "Your mind is elsewhere, mon doux garçon."

  He bit his lip and tried to focus.

  "I am told her room is next to yours." Celine stopped and examined a rose. "I have no intentions of playing the defender of virtue. I trust you, and my wishes are the same as yours. You must not drag your feet. Is this correct? Dragging feet to mean wasting of time?" She searched Gilles' face.

  He nodded and pulled the rose from the bush. He presented it to his mother, suddenly feeling like a young boy. She kissed his cheek and pushed the stem behind her ear.

  "These gardens are lovely. I'm glad you have this place. It would be ideal for a family, no?" With that, she led him back up the steps to the sitting room. Message delivered, thought Gilles. He chuckled and entered the room, a new plan in mind.

  Chapter 17

  Lucien handed his coat, hat and cane to Joss, Clarendon House's long suffering butler and strode through the hall.

  "I'll be in for the evening. If anyone calls, I'm not receiving."

  "Yes, Your Grace. A letter arrived from Longwood. I left it on your desk. Will you be needing anything?"

  "No. Have a good night, Joss."

  The butler bowed. "You as well, Your Grace."

  Lucien waved as he made for the study. His mind already engaged on recent developments and the letter waiting for him. He'd been investigating a scheme that he was certain wasn't what it seemed. It involved a member of the ton that Lucien had always suspected of having ties to criminal elements. His hackles had always been raised when they met. When he heard of the scheme and his involvement, Lucien's instincts told him it was going to mean trouble for many unsuspecting people. He'd made a number of discreet inquiries that were finally yielding results. It did in fact appear that the scheme was a fraud. Not only that, but there seemed to be a great many illegal activities attached to his suspect.

  Lucien had used his position within the ton and at court to investigate and help apprehend French spies and supporters of Napoleon during the war. His instincts and network of contacts had made this current investigation a relatively simple one. Simple in execution, at least. Lucien needed to consider all the information he'd received and how best to proceed. Bringing down a peer of the realm wasn't as simple. He wished Alastair was still in town. He could lay the facts in front of him and his magnificent brain would put the whole puzzle together and provide the best solution. Lucien went to the sideboard and filled a glass with scotch. He couldn't help but laugh. Alastair could probably solve it in the time it would take him to read the letter on his desk. He'd considered asking him to remain behind when the family left for Longwood but he didn't want to make him choose between an investigation and his brother. He knew he could handle it without him, it would just take longer.

  Lucien collapsed into his chair, propped his feet on his desk and reached for the letter. From Gilles, at Longwood. It had been hard to remain behind when huge events were unfolding within his own family. He knew that many would be quick to correct him. The Spencers were not actually related to him. But, in his mind they were as much his as his mother was. Gilles had protected and lectured him as many times as he had Alastair and Mirabelle. Well, maybe not as many times as Mirabelle. God, she was a handful. At the thought, something shifted within him and the hairs on the back of his neck stood. Shaking his head he raised the glass to his lips. He missed them all. With his mother still in Bath and the rest at Longwood, Lucien felt out of sorts. Once he had this matter sorted, he'd be on his way. He'd already informed his staff and valet. His trunks were all but packed.

  He opened the letter. He smiled and relaxed when he saw their childhood nicknames on the paper in Gilles' familiar handwriting.

  Mercutio,

  I beg your assistance in two matters. First, I'm in need of a female mastiff puppy. Lyme Park if possible. If not, of similar quality. If you are able to manage this and deliver it when you come to Longwood, I would be most grateful. I intend this gift as a surprise. Second, I'm hoping you can help me find an appropriate horse for a disabled rider. It needs to be of a calm, steady temperament. I'm hoping it can be trained to follow an experienced rider with little guidance from it's own rider. I've sent an inquiry in regards to a saddle but any thoughts you may have on the matter are welcomed.

  Yours,

  Hal

  Lucien's expression would have been comical, if anyone had been present to witness it. What the hell was going on at Longwood? Images of a siege in Agincourt and wilder played in his mind. Surprisingly enough, the puppy would be easy enough to arrange. He'd recently released a mistress to a grateful acquaintance that could arrange the purchase. The horse might take a little longer. A few options came to mind as he reached for his stationary. He was confidant he'd have a puppy in a few days and an answer on the horse by the time he left for Longwood. As long as he was able to resolve his investigation quickly and ensure justice was served.

  Lucien smiled broadly.

  "Thank you, Gilles." He muttered.

  He had his answer. He needed to do whatever it took to exact swift justice and prevent anyone else from being hurt.

  He heard Alastair's voice.

  "Sometimes, the best solution is the obvious one. Other times, do what's right."

  Lucien finished his scotch and rose. Satisfied he had his answer, he headed to bed. He'd have the letters sent first thing in the morning. Then, he'd take all the proof he had to Whitehall and set matters in motion to see that justice was served. He'd be on his way to Longwood in a few days.

  Chapter 18

  Gilles made his way through the hall and up the stairs. After his walk with his mother, Gilles decided to check on Alastair in the study. Alastair had arranged piles of documents and maps in the corner Gilles had arranged to his needs. They discussed the few loose ends and concerns Alastair was focused on. He didn't see any patterns that suggested the presence of a remaining threat but his instincts told him there were still one or two powerful players yet to be brought to justice. Knowing he had nothing valuable to add, Gilles wished him a good night and left. The ladies had gone up in their absence.

  Elise's sitting room was dark and empty. Funny, he thought, how a room could seem so warm and comfortable until one person was absent. He turned and headed for his rooms. His mother's comments came back to him. He didn't agree with her suggestion completely. He wouldn't seduce Elise and attempt to impregnate her right away. He didn't want her to feel trapped, nor did he want to risk her digging in her heels and having his child out of wedlock. But he could use lust to tie her to him and appeal to her concern for him.

  A plan formed. He felt a little unscrupulous but he told himself it was for her own good. It began with his dreams and her inability to let him suffer. Which led to him seducing her step by step until she couldn't get through the night without him. He grimaced as the irony smacked him in the face. After a few nights, he didn't think he could get through the night without her. Her touch vanquished the dream and his bed felt cold and hard without her. When she was in his arms, his past didn't harass him. She'd made him realize that he could be forgiven by those he'd failed but he wasn't able to forgive himself. Perhaps in time, with her help.

  Gilles removed his clothes and faced h
is bed as one might the plank of a ship or a firing squad. He slid between the sheets trusting that he'd be rescued. His conscience tugged at him. He was using her need to save him to push her sensually towards marriage. How could he rely on her trust while planning to manipulate it? He told himself that it was inevitable. She'd already asked him to take her to his bed, she wanted him to seduce her. She was steadily bringing it about on her own. She might not be aware of all of the consequences but it was all the same in the end. Whether he initiated her seduction or she did, she would be his and they would be together.

  He sighed as he cleared his mind. They needed each other and it would work out.

  It didn't take long before the dream pulled him in. Gilles was pushing the horse. The moon was high and full, the coast was just ahead. A light rain fell but he was soaked through from the coming storm and sweat. The wind was bitterly cold and stung his flesh wherever it could. He prayed he'd make it and leaned over the horse's neck.

  Suddenly, the storm cleared and Gilles wasn't on the horse. He was holding Elise and they were sinking into tall grass and wild flowers. She laughed against his lips and he reached for the buttons on her dress. She smelled of sunshine and flowers. Her scent surrounded him and he felt her hand on his face. Her lips clung to his.

  Gilles sighed her name as the meadow slipped away and he felt the bed beneath him. His arms were full of lush curves, soft flowing hair and pleading moans. The fog of sleep lifted and his brain registered that Elise was in fact in his arms. She wore a silk night gown and her hair was a riot between them. His lips rested against her throat and her breasts filled his hands. She writhed beneath him and her thighs cradled his. Dear God, he'd practically mounted her in his sleep.

  "You're here." Gilles breathed against her skin, her evocative scent saturated his senses.

  "I tried to stay away but you were in so much pain." Her hands clasped his head against her.