A Game of Shadows (10 page)

August 1777

New York

The loft had finally cooled down, a gentle wind blowing from the open window directly onto the bed.  Feeble starlight just barely lit up the sky, black as pitch on this moonless night.  The night was quiet around them, only the chirping of a cricket and the scurrying of mice heard somewhere in the rafters.  Abbie hated the rats, but there was no escaping them so close to the water.  She sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to Finn, pressing her butt against his thighs.  She never bothered to put her shift back on after Finn’s frenzied lovemaking, and lay naked in his arms, languid and satisfied.

“Finn, did Sam really stay with that woman?” Abbie asked quietly. 

“I don’t know.  I expect she had some important information to pass on to him,” he improvised, hoping Abbie would drop the subject.

“Thank you for that, but you don’t need to lie to me.  Sam was always one for the girls, even at a young age.  Funny how different he is from Pa and Jonah,” she mused, sounding sleepy.

“How is he different?” asked Finn, although he already knew.

“My mother was the first girl Pa courted
, did you know that?  He said she was always the one for him, and Jonah breaks out in hives every time a girl so much as looks at him.”  Abbie giggled and turned onto her back, her eyes on Finn’s.  “Pa caught Sam with a girl when he was just thirteen.  She was a neighbor’s daughter two years his senior.”

“What did your father do?” He couldn’t help wondering what his own father would have done had he caught him with a girl.

“Oh, he took a strap to him.  Said that Sam had no business being with a woman until he was in a position to marry and support a child he might have gotten on her.  Sam took the beating without a peep, although he had trouble sitting for about a week.”  Abbie smiled at Finn in the darkness, obviously remembering Sam’s discomfort.

“Did he stop?”

“No, I suspect he just got better at not being caught.”

“What happened to the girl?” Finn asked.  “Sam had mentioned a girl he loved when he was very young on their way back from the fort.
  Maybe she had been the one.

“You don’t want to know.”  Abbie’s
shoulders started to shake as she dissolved into giggles, snorting with mirth.

“Oh, now you have to tell me.  Please, Abbie.”  Finn started tickling her to get it out of her
, enjoying her squirming against him. 

“Oh, all right.  Just stop tickling me.”  She took a moment to compose herself, no doubt to draw out the suspense. 

“Well?”

“She married the minister,” she announced.

“What?  Mrs. Greene is the girl Sam had been with?  Does the minister know?”  Finn had to admit that he was shocked.  Mrs. Greene was about as right and proper as they came, so the thought of her frolicking in the barn with Sam was a little hard to countenance.

“I highly doubt it, but Pa never was able to look her in the eye
, considering how much of her he had seen when he found them.  I’m worried about Sam, Finn,” Abbie said, the laughter fading away from her face.  “He almost died because of that girl at the tavern, and now there’s this Diana.  I hope he knows what he’s doing.”

“So do I, sweetheart, so do I.”  Abbie had vocalized his own concerns, reminding him of how close Sam had come to being executed two years ago.  Finn hoped he’d learned his lesson.

“Get some sleep, Abbie.  We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”  He kissed her tenderly, brushing away a stray curl.  “I love you.”

“Me too. 
Goodnight, Finn, and God help you if I ever find you in a brothel,” she added before closing her eyes.

August 1624

England

Louisa carefully removed the food from the basket, laying it out on the blanket.  There was some crusty bread, cheese, cold chicken, and a bunch of grapes.  Theo had already taken out the bottle of ale and was pouring it into cups.  The spot he’d chosen was perfect; far enough from the house to give them privacy, but still sufficiently exposed to prevent any malicious talk.  They were seated on the grassy bank of the pond, shaded by the interlaced branches of the trees above their head, shafts of sunlight creating patterns on their faces as it pierced the canopy of rustling leaves overhead.  Birdsong and the incessant buzzing of insects filled the air, reminding them that the meadow was teeming with life.

Theo took a sip of his ale and reclined on the blanket, his face
shadowed by the leaves overhead.  Louisa took in his long legs stretched out before her, and allowed her gaze to travel up his body toward his face before finally meeting his eyes, so intense on her own. 

“
Why don’t you remove your doublet?” Louisa asked innocently. “You must be stifling under all that velvet.”

“I am
, actually.  Would you mind terribly?” He was already unbuttoning the heavy garment and breathing a sigh of relief as he pulled it off, remaining in a linen shirt and breeches. 

“Why should I mind?  I hate being hot.  Is it always this warm in July?”  She reclined close to Theo, making sure the hem of her gown rose just above her ankle, giving Theo a glimpse of her
leg.  “I can hardly wait to peel off my gown once I get back to my room.  It’s so liberating to get undressed.”  Louisa gave Theo a moment to enjoy the image she just planted in his mind before looking at him expectantly.

“Not usually.  This summer is the hottest one I can recall.  Summers in England are usually quite pleasant, especially if you have a country home.  Whitehall is near
ly empty at this time of year with everyone going to the country for fear of the plague.”

“How frightening,”
Louisa breathed, putting her hand on Theo’s chest as if by accident.  She could feel the beating of his heart underneath her palm, steady and strong.  His skin felt warm through the fabric of his shirt, and she inhaled his scent, so pleasantly masculine.  He was watching her, his mouth slightly open and his eyes full of desire, but it was too soon for anything more.  He’d taken the bait, and now Louisa had to reel him in slowly, so as not to scare him away, as she did Tom.  Louisa shyly pulled away her hand, avoiding his gaze.

“Would you like something to eat?  I’m famished.”  She popped a grape into her mouth, enjoying his gaze on her lips. 
She made sure to part her lips slowly, making a pretty “o” before wrapping them around another round grape, her eyes never leaving Theo’s face.  Oh yes, he’d taken the bait.

“Ah, yes, thank you.  That would be nice,”
Theo stammered, sitting up.  Louisa smiled into his eyes, reaching for a plate and piling it with goodies.  She was fairly sure that he was ravenous, but not necessarily for the food.  Her plan seemed to be working.

**

“You should send him away.”  Aunt Maud’s voice could be clearly heard coming from the drawing room despite the closed door.  It seemed that she came down from her nap earlier than expected, already holding court in her favorite chair by the unlit hearth.

“Why?  I like having him here.  He’s a fine boy.”  Uncle Kit sounded taken aback, his voice low behind the closed door.  Aunt Maud must have ambushed him since he would never willingly spend time with her alone.

“Because, if you are not careful, my boy, those two will be wedded and bedded by the end of the month.  Didn’t you see them sneaking off together?  It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”  This statement was followed by a thud; no doubt Aunt Maud’s cane against the floor.  She used it as much for punctuation as she did for walking.

“Theo is one of the most honorable
men I know, Aunt Maud, and they weren’t sneaking.  Theo asked Alec for his permission to take Louisa for a picnic and Alec granted it.  There’s no disaster brewing, I assure you.  Besides, I’d have no objections if they formed at attachment.  Louisa is a lovely girl; beautiful and intelligent.  She would be an asset to any man,” Kit replied defensively.  He didn’t appreciate being scolded by Maud.  Thank God Maud wasn’t privy to what happened with Thomas Gaines two years ago.  That would really give her something to sink her teeth into, and with good reason.  Kit had seen the way Louisa watched Theo.  He might be older and supposedly wiser, but that girl knew exactly what she was about, and she was sure to get her way.  Maud just picked up on it quicker than the rest of them.

“You are even more of a fool than I thought
, Christopher.  He is a lord with a brilliant future at Court ahead of him; she’s a commoner with nothing to recommend her but a pretty face and a charming manner.  She would harm his chances of advancement.  He needs to marry well to solidify his position.”  This was followed by another thud and the sound of footsteps advancing toward the door.

“Aunt Maud, you are sorely trying my patience. 
Now, if you will excuse me,” Louisa ducked into the library just in time to avoid bumping into Kit as he erupted from the drawing room.  So, she hadn’t fooled Maud one bit with her innocent questions.  She was a sly old fox, she’d give her that.  Anyhow, Uncle Kit had dismissed her concerns, which was good in view of what happened with Tom.  Louisa made sure the coast was clear, before making her way upstairs to change for supper.  This had been a very productive day indeed.

Another flash of lightning split the sky, thunder rattling the stone walls of the manor as a brisk wind blew through the open windows, making the damask curtains billow like the sails of a ship.  Torrents of water poured from the sky, mercifully relieving some of the heat of the previous few days.  Louisa was tired of this crazy English weather.  It was either blazing sun or torrential downpours.  For a brief moment, she missed Virginia, but then berated herself for being silly.  She watched in irritation as the candle guttered, a thin whiff of smoke curling to the ceiling.  Louisa climbed into bed and drew her legs up, hugging them and putting her chin on her knees.  She knew perfectly well that it wasn’t the weather or the candle that caused her such frustration — it was Theo.  He would be leaving with Kit tomorrow after church, so her time was up. 

True to his word, Theo spent most of his time with her, taking her riding, to see a Norman church in the village, and even taking her out in a rowboat to sail on the tranquil pond.  He was charming, sweet, and smitten, but he hadn’t so much as taken her hand other than the time he helped her in and out of the boat.  Once he left for London, God only knew when she’d see him again
, and her opportunity would have passed. 

Louisa took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of rain and wet earth.  As much as she loved her parents, she had no intention of returning to Virginia with them.  This was her
one chance, and she wouldn’t let it pass her by.  Having had a glimpse of London and the splendor of Kit’s country estate, she had no desire to return to the primitive conditions of America. This is where life was, and this is where she meant to stay.  She was sure she had Theo wrapped around her finger, but the silly pup was too noble for his own good. 

Suddenly
, Louisa stilled, a plan forming in her mind.  Could she really do that?  If she miscalculated, the consequences could be dire, but she was sure of Theo’s feelings for her.  All he needed was a nudge in the right direction.  Even Aunt Maud kept cautioning everyone about the budding relationship.  She saw it too.  Louisa slowly got out of bed and went to stand in front of the cheval glass.  She looked pretty and virginal in her white nightdress, her hair spilling down her back in dark silky spirals.  Would he really resist?  She walked over to the vanity and dabbed on some scent.  It had been a present from her mother for her last birthday, but she’d had little opportunity to use it, until now. 

The hallway was quiet and dark, everyone most likely asleep.  It had to be close to midnight, so even all the servants were in their beds, resting after a day of hard work.  Louisa
crept down the hall, careful not to make a noise.  If she were caught, she’d just say she was thirsty and was going to the kitchen for a cup of water.  She turned the corner and approached Theo’s door on silent feet.  Her heart was drumming so hard that she thought the beat must echo through the whole house, waking everyone up, but no one stirred.  Louisa stopped in front of the door.  It still wasn’t too late to turn around and flee, but she forced herself to try the handle.  It turned easily, the door opening silently on well-oiled hinges. 

Theo was sitting up in bed reading by candlelight.  He wasn’t wearing a nightshirt
, and his dark hair was tousled and falling into his face as he absentmindedly brushed it away.  He was so absorbed in his book, he didn’t even notice her standing there.

“Theo,” she whispered, closing the door behind her and inching further into the room.

“Good God, Louisa, what are you doing here?”  He nearly bolted out of bed, but remembered his nakedness and remained where he was.  “You shouldn’t be here.”

“I’m sorry.  I’ll go.  I was just frightened by the storm.  I shouldn’t have come.”  Louisa turned around slowly, as if to leave.  If he didn’t stop her, she’d just go back to her room and die of mortification.

“Wait, I’m sorry.  I was just shocked to see you here.”   He seemed genuinely confused, unsure of what to do.  Louisa watched the emotions playing over his face; his need for her to stay battling with what he knew was the right course of action.  She needed to press him before the rational part of his brain took over.

“Theo, I lied.  I didn’t come here because of the storm.  I just wanted to see you alone one last time before you left.  I wanted a kiss
; just one kiss to remember you by.”  Louisa lowered her eyes to the floor, trying to look innocent and beguiling.

“Louisa, what are you talking about?  We’ll see each other all the time once you come back to London.  I’ll come to call and with your
father’s permission take you about London.  We can go see a play or go sailing on the Thames.  I wouldn’t just disappear.  You know how I feel about you.” 

“How do you feel about me?” she asked shyly, raising her eyes to his in a silent plea for his love.

“I adore you.  You’re all I can think about, but I was afraid of being too forward and frightening you off.  These last few days have been some of the happiest I’ve ever known.”  He looked so earnest that Louisa allowed herself to relax.  She’d made the right choice coming here.  All Theo needed was something to force his hand.  Louisa glided over to the bed, her eyes never leaving his and climbed in, straddling Theo.  She bent over him, her hair cascading to shield their faces from the world, and kissed him softly.  Theo froze momentarily, but then his arms came around her, flipping her onto her back as his face loomed above hers. 

“Louisa, please,” he whispered, stroking her cheek with his thumb.  “If you don’t go now, I can’t be responsible for my actions.  I’ve tried so hard to keep my distance
, and now you’re here and I can’t find the strength to ask you to leave.” 

“
Please don’t ask me to leave,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck.  “I want to stay with you.”

Her words broke his resolve, as he finally kissed her with all the passion he’d been trying to hold back.  His kiss was all the things she hoped it would be: passionate, intoxicating and full of promise.  She hardly noticed when Theo pulled her
nightdress over her head, his hands and lips exploring every inch of her body.  Thunder crashed outside, masking her moans of pleasure.  So this is what it was like.  She must be awfully wicked to want it so bad, but she could barely contain herself.  Louisa wasn’t sure what exactly she wanted, but she knew it was something only he could give her at that moment.  She gasped as she felt him inside her, not painful exactly, but strange and unfamiliar.  He began to move slowly, watching her face in the candlelight.  Louisa closed her eyes, moaning as discomfort was replaced by something else entirely. 

“Oh, Theo,” she breathed as he kissed her again, never stopping
the rhythmic movement of his hips against hers until she forgot everything but him and the feelings coursing through her.

“Will you speak to my father tomorrow?” she asked, as Theo held her close, his body warm and hard against hers
, still joined together. 

“I’d like to, but I think it’s too soon.  I must
see to some things before asking your father for your hand.  I must show him that I’m able to take care of you, financially and emotionally.  I need a few weeks.  Can you wait that long?” he asked tenderly, kissing her temple.  “I won’t let you down.  You have my word.”

“I’ll wait.  Just don’t take too long.  I want to have everything sorted out so that I can
proclaim my joy to everyone.  Oh, Theo, I’ve never been so happy.  It’s as if you saved me,” she added for good measure. 

“I think you’re the one who saved me.  Now, I think you should return to your room before someone notices you’re gone.  It’s not long till dawn
, and you can’t be seen leaving my room.  I don’t want to do anything to mar this moment or our future together.”

Louisa gave Theo one last kiss and slid out of bed reluctantly, giving him a warm smile.  “I love you, Theo,” she said before she slipped out into the darkened hallway.  Louisa tiptoed to her room, the grin never leaving her face.  She’d made the right choice
, and now her future was assured.