A Game of Shadows (9 page)

Finn walked down the street, looking around.  He didn’t know what he’d been expecting, but it was a nice street with two-storey houses on each side, some of them with shops on the first floor.  All the shops were shuttered for the night, but there was a tavern at the end of the block, snippets of song and loud conversation disturbing the silence every time someone opened the door.  Otherwise, all was quiet.  Finn stopped outside the address Sam had given him.  The building didn’t look like much, built of wooden planks and punctuated by small windows with darkly-painted shutters.  All the shutters on the second floor were firmly closed, most likely to keep whatever was happening inside from being seen by passersby.  Finn knocked on the door, his stomach twisting.  What if Sam expected him to participate in whatever was going on?  He just couldn’t do that, not only because of Abbie, but because that went beyond the call of duty. 

A middle-aged man opened the door, studying Finn for a few moments
as if he could learn all he needed to know just by staring at him.  He was bald and stocky, with a nose that looked as if it had been broken more than once.  Several of his teeth were missing, leaving dark gaps that made him look even more threatening than he already did.  He was clearly no stranger to violence and would gladly pummel anyone who displeased Madame Mabel.

“In with you,” he grunted as he held the door open wider,
allowing Finn to walk past.  The narrow, dark hallway led to a well-proportioned room, decorated in crimson and gold.  There was a pleasant aroma of something flowery and sweet, reminding Finn of being in a garden on a spring afternoon.  A large mirror hung on every wall, reflecting the light from the candles and giving the room an appearance of intimacy.  Several British soldiers were dispersed throughout the parlor, enjoying the charms of the girls, who were surprisingly attractive and healthy-looking.  The men didn’t seem in any rush to take them upstairs, but were having drinks and flirting with the unoccupied girls, prolonging the pleasure and enjoying the hospitality of the Madame, before getting what they came for and retreating back to their lonely barracks.

Finn spotted Sam
seated in a large armchair in the corner, a buxom redhead on his lap.  Finn couldn’t help but stare.  The woman was beautiful, with mischievous blue eyes and luminous skin that looked pale against her rouged lips.  Her large breasts swelled above the low-cut bodice, barely covering her nipples and occupying all of Sam’s attention.  The woman arched her back, bringing her breasts closer to Sam’s face and running her finger seductively over his lower lip.  Sam appeared to be in heaven as he planted a sensuous kiss on the creamy flesh before turning to Finn.

“Ah, here’s the friend I told you about,” Sam said, gesturing to Finn to come closer.  “When I promised you an
unforgettable evening, I meant it.  John, may I present Diana — the Goddess of the Hunt.” Sam smiled at Finn, willing him to cooperate.  He’d mentioned that use of real names wasn’t wise, so for tonight they were Patrick and John.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Finn stammered, trying not to stare at the woman’s tits.

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.”  Her voice was throaty and seductive, her eyes taking Finn’s measure and pausing meaningfully when they reached his manhood.

“Any friend of Patrick’s is a friend of mine.”
  The woman slid off Sam’s lap and wrapped her arms around Finn, whispering into his ear.  “Don’t worry.  Your virtue is safe with me, Johnny.”

“Shall we go upstairs then?
” Sam asked, rising to his feet.  “Don’t worry, John, she’s all paid for.”  Sam slid his arm around Diana’s waist, maneuvering her toward the stairs, slightly unsteady on his feet.  “Lead the way, princess.”

Diana
beckoned them to follow as she walked out of the room and back into the darkened hallway toward the stairs, calling a bawdy greeting to the man by the door.  He responded with a huge grin, suddenly looking more goofy than intimidating.

“What are you doing?” Finn hissed to Sam as they fell a few steps behind her.
  “Abbie is livid, not to mention worried for your safety.”

“Just play along, John, and trust me.  I wouldn’t steer you wrong.  She’s worth the money
; I promise you,” he said a little louder for the benefit of the thug manning the door.

Diana led them up the stairs and to a room at the back of the house.  The hallway was lit with only two candles mounted in sconces on the walls, their shadows dancing on the
dark upholstery of the walls.  Finn heard moaning and giggling as he passed a room on his right, and muffled screams of pain from the left.  What the hell was Sam playing at?

The room Diana led
them to was decorated in shades of cream and green, surprisingly clean and pretty.  Most of the space was taken up by a large bed, hung with gauzy bed hangings that parted in the center opposite a large mirror strategically situated just across from the bed.  Diana lay down on the bed, smiling invitingly. 

“Get on the bed, John,” Sam ordered as he lay down next to the woman.  He was still dressed, so that was promising.  Finn did as he was
told; lying down without actually touching the girl and hoping that was as far as it was likely to go.  Sam began to bounce lightly, making the bed creak as Diana moaned theatrically, winking at Finn and trying to suppress a giggle.  She sounded as if she were in absolute ecstasy, the sounds coming from her low and exciting.

“Easiest money I ever made,” she whispered as she slid her hand up Finn’s thigh, amused by his look of shock.

“Now listen,” Sam whispered, “the reason I had you come here is to meet Diana and know where Mabel’s is.  Diana is one of us, and she’s doing what we’re doing, only in a slightly different capacity.  I need to lay low for a few weeks, so Diana will be your contact.  Come here only if you have some important information, or you’re in any kind of trouble.  She will be able to help.  Otherwise, wait for me to contact you.  Now go.  I’ll follow you shortly.  Diana and I have some business to wrap up.”

“Are you actually going to stay with her?” Finn asked, amazed.
  Sam looked as if he had every intention of getting his money’s worth.

“That’s classified information, brother.  Now away with you, and remember what I told you.” 

Finn heard Diana’s giggle as he bolted from the room, impressed and horrified in equal parts.  He stopped for a moment, adjusting his clothes and taking a breath to calm himself.  He had to look like a man who had just enjoyed a threesome.  In truth, Finn couldn’t wait to get home to Abbie.  His cock was throbbing painfully, his blood boiling in his veins.  No wonder Sam chose to stay.  There was no one waiting for him at home, no one who loved him.  For the first time since meeting him, Finn felt sorry for Sam.

August 1624

England

Louisa twirled in front of the cheval glass, admiring her image.  Aunt Louisa had given her a few gowns, and they were finer than anything she’d ever owned before, made of silk and brocade, with lavish embroidery and bodices worked in seed pearls and gold thread, the sleeves adorned with the finest lace.  Just running her fingers over the rich fabric made her shiver with pleasure, desperate to live a life of luxury that Aunt Lou was now enjoying.  At home, she had one pretty gown, but the rest were made of homespun, suitable for everyday chores that she was expected to perform to help Minnie. 

Th
e gown she had chosen today was a primrose yellow, with an underskirt of cream satin and matching lace at the bodice and cuffs.  The color accentuated the auburn highlights in Louisa’s hair and her amber eyes, making them appear almost tawny, like a jungle cat that she had once seen in a picture book.  She was about to pinch her cheeks to give them some color, but decided against it.  She looked flushed enough, and overly rosy cheeks weren’t in fashion.  Women painted their faces to make them look like fine porcelain and hide blemishes and the ravages of time, but Louisa didn’t need to apply layers of rice powder to her face.  Her skin glowed from the inside, nurtured by fresh air and a lifetime of good nutrition.  Anyway, it was time to stop admiring herself and put her plan into action. 

She found Theo in the drawing room talking to Uncle Kit
, a still-full glass of port in his hand.  He looked happy and relaxed, the breeze from the window ruffling his unbound hair as he gestured with his hand in an effort to emphasize his point.  She heard the name of the Duke of Buckingham mentioned, which seemed to upset Uncle Kit.  They were so intent on their conversation that they didn’t even hear Louisa enter until she was halfway across the room.  Both men sprang to their feet, Theo stopping in midsentence and blushing furiously at the sight of her.

“I
’m so sorry.  I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I thought I heard Mama in here.  I was hoping she would join me for a walk in the garden.  I’m so tired of walking alone, but it’s such a lovely day and a shame to stay indoors.”  Louisa ignored Kit’s knowing smile as he turned to Theo.

“Why don’t you take a walk with Louisa
, Theo?  We can talk more later.” 

Louisa threw Kit a grateful look before turning to Theo.  “Oh, that
would be wonderful.  We haven’t really had a chance to talk, have we?  I wager you can show me parts of this estate that I haven’t seen yet.”  She smiled prettily as Theo buttoned his doublet in an attempt to make himself more presentable. 

“It would be an honor to walk with you, Miss Whitfield.
”   

“
Please, call me Louisa, and may I call you Theo?  Lord Carew is so formal, don’t you think?”  The young man just nodded happily, already following Louisa out of the room and down the hall toward the door to the formal garden.  It was in shadow at this time of day, so Louisa didn’t have to worry about unattractive perspiration marring her beauty as she charmed her prey.  She slid her arm through Theo’s as they walked down the graveled path, surrounded by Grecian urns and manicured hedges.  Thankfully, there was no one about, so she had Theo’s undivided attention.  She purposely chose the formal garden in an effort to avoid the children, who would cling to her and want to play a game of hide-and-go-seek.  Evie was especially fond of the game, always wanting to be the one to hide, but the nurse never took them to the formal garden, leaving it to be enjoyed by the adults.

“So, you grew up in Virginia?” Theo began shyly.  “I’ve always longed to visit the New World.  It must be so exciting.
  I’m afraid I’ve never been further than Kent.”

“I think you are the one whose life is exciting
,” Louisa replied, looking up at Theo through her eyelashes.  “Jamestown is so primitive compared to London.  I believe your aunt called it a “backwater.”  Not many would disagree with her.”

“S
he enjoys shocking people with her observations.  It’s the only way she can get them to pay attention to her; at least, that’s what my mother used to say.  She always bid me to be kind to her.”

“Oh, I don’t mind Aunt Maud. 
She’s amusing if you don’t take her too seriously.  It must be nice to have such a large family.  Do you see your brothers often?”  Louisa gazed up at Theo.  He was almost as tall as Kit, with the same black hair and eyes, but he lacked the swagger of her uncle.  Kit exuded confidence and decisiveness, whereas Theo seemed shy and reticent, eager to please.  Louisa strongly suspected that Theo preferred to observe rather than to be observed.

“I live with my older brother Robin, and his wife, but they’re in the country for the summer.  Walter got married a few months ago, and I haven’t seen him since the wedding.  He’s enjoying time with his new bride.  I must admit that I miss him,” added Theo quietly. 
“It’s strange when people begin a new chapter in their lives and leave one behind.”

“I miss my brother as well.  He was my best friend
in the world,” whispered Louisa dramatically.

“I’m sorry, Louisa.  I didn’t mean to be callous.  I heard what happened to your brother at the hands of the savages.  It must have been awful for
all of you.  The stories of the Indians seem so exciting and romantic, but the reality is quite ugly, isn’t it?  You must still be grieving.”

Louisa sto
pped walking and turned to face Theo, her eyes full of unshed tears.  “It’s as if I lost a part of myself when he died.  I’ve been terribly lonely without him.  My parents were so torn apart by grief that they couldn’t even bring themselves to put a marker for him in the cemetery.  There was no body, you see, so they couldn’t even bury him.  At least baby Alex has a grave that I can visit.”  She glanced away, wiping a phantom tear. 

“I can only imagine your grief,” Theo said, subconsciously drawing her a little closer.  “If there’s anything at all I can do to cheer you up, please just say the word.  I’m entirely at your disposal.” 

Louisa glanced away from Theo as if to hide her emotion.  He was so sweet.  She could see the compassion in his eyes, and her heart melted.  There was something about his expression that reminded her of Finn.  She wasn’t lying when she told Theo about missing Finn.  She genuinely grieved for him every single day, and the loss was not something she would easily get over.  True, she told Theo about Finn in an effort to gain his sympathy, but there was a part of her heart that broke the day she learned of Finn’s death.  Maybe Theo could help.  He wasn’t just a coveted prize to be won; he was someone she could grow to love, and hopefully he could love her.  He liked to care for damaged things, so maybe he could care for her and make her whole again.

“I must admit that I’ve been terribly lonely since coming to England.  My parents are preoccupied
, and there’s no one here close to my age.  I enjoy playing with the children, but I long for more age-appropriate company.  Any time you could spare would lead to my undying gratitude.  My brother used to take me for picnics by the lake on fine days.  Do you think that’s something I might be able to convince you to do?  It would mean so much to me.”  Louisa looked up at Theo, smiling beguilingly.

“It would be my pleasure.  Would this afternoon be too soon?  I could ask Cook to pack us a basket of food, and I know just the place.
  My brothers and I used to play there when we came to visit grandfather.  That was before he died and left the estate to Uncle Kit.  I can barely remember him now.  My mother is buried next to him.  She died in this house, you know.”  Theo suddenly looked upset, obviously grappling with the sad memory of his mother’s final days.

“I’m sorry
, Louisa.  I didn’t mean to get all maudlin.  It’s just that this house holds some bad memories for me.  I hope you can forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to
forgive.  I suggest we make some new memories, ones that will make you smile when you recall the summer you met the girl from Virginia.  Anyway, this afternoon would be perfect,” Louisa said, rising to her tiptoes and planting a kiss on Theo’s cheek.  “You’ve made me so happy.”