A Seven Year Hitch (21 page)

“Seems a fair deal. I shall draw up the details and present them to the Bensons. I will of-course, include the cu
stomary terms for the employees,” Prentiss assured her before moving on to the next item on the agenda.

“Apart from reporting that the sale of Morrell’s Pottery has been completed, everything else can wait until your family has departed. However, I do need your findings on the Government case.”

              Robert Prentiss and Erica had met in her first season and had instantly become firm, platonic friends. She had cautiously mentioned her interest in shares and business activities but unlike others of the ton who would have been shocked, he had encouraged her. Finding her to have an astute mind and a gift for figures, he had embarked on educating her in the ways of his business, namely buying failing companies and resolving their problems before selling them on. For the last few years they had been partners, with Erica’s true identity being kept secret by simply letting it be known that ‘Eric Hurst’, was a recluse.

The level of their success and business acumen had come to the attention of the Government who had initially approached them to assist with an embezzlement case that needed careful investigation and had subsequently sought their help with other sensitive issues.

“It’s complicated,” Erica slumped back in her seat and flicked through a file. “Very cleverly orchestrated to conceal the illegal activities and I must say, succeeded very well; they even had me hoodwinked for a while. There is more to this than just corrupt business dealings though and must advise you to be on your guard.”

“You think they could be dangerous?” Robert asked.

“Everything suggests they are laundering money through the ‘houses of ill repute’ but from what Brent managed to discover, I strongly suspect there is some tie to France. As we are investigating this for the Government, I would assume it has been for the French cause and not ours,” she told him.

“Have you been able to identify the main man behind it, which was after all the task with which we were entrusted?”

“Yes, as it happens. I believe it to be a man called Albert Harrison. Have you heard of him?”

“Yes, a thoroughly nasty character but one who has the entrée to the fringes of polite society. He can often be found in Gaming Hells and at the parties of the rather fast matrons: fortunately though, not anyone likely to come into your orbit. He also has the French connection i
n that his mother was an émigré,” he informed her.

“But would that not make him oppose Bonaparte, not support him?” she asked.

“Not necessarily. Men like Harrison are only loyal to themselves and their own ambitions. Look how he exploits the women in his brothels. According to Brent, not all of them are there willingly, and some are as young as twelve.”

“The man’s a monster! Once he and his cronies have been apprehended, we will have to do something for those poor girls. I shall speak to Uncle Rich
ard about procuring premises,” she stated emphatically.

“Are you in a position to expose them?” Prentiss asked.

“I believe so, but I would appreciate your assessment of the evidence I have uncovered, just to be sure. I have it all down here ready so perhaps you could go through it tomorrow and then we will have to find a pretext for grabbing some time to liaise after dinner.”  she said.

“That is all very well, my dear girl, but what about your new beau? He is unlikely to allow you to disappear with me for more than a minute or two. He believes me to be a rival for
your fair hand,” Prentiss told her laughingly.

“No he doesn’t, Robert,
” Erica told him.

“Affianced couples are allowed time alone together, so perhaps we should pretend to an engagement and that would give a clear message to Trevellyn too, unless of-cour
se you wish to encourage him,” he continued, much struck by the idea.

“I am not encouraging him but believe me, a bogus engagement would not deter him!” she replied hotly.

“You haven’t told him of our strange, but true, platonic relationship have you?” he asked. “For most men of our acquaintance would never believe it, you know.”

“I however, am not like most men
,” came a deep and amused voice from the doorway. “But I would object to the engagement.”

Erica jumped out of h
er skin and Prentiss spun round; spilling his drink.

Trevellyn was lounging in the doorway, perfectly at ease.

“Trevellyn, I distinctly remember locking the door! Have you no respect for people’s privacy?” Erica demanded.

“Forgive me, sweetheart. My years on active service have made it so that I cannot help but investigate when secret missives are passed and clandestine meetings are arranged. Once a spy, you
know, always a spy I suppose,” he shrugged his shoulders, resignedly but the sparkle of mirth in his eyes belied both his words and the gesture.

“How much did you hear?” h
is wife asked warily.

“All of it. I deduce that the two of you are business partners with a little Government investigation work on the side. Am I correct?”

“Quite correct, Trevellyn. I am sure you are aware of the delicacy of the situation. It is imperative that Miss Wilmshurst’s connection to business does not become common knowledge. Our peers, as you know, are not enlightened when it comes to women and work,” Prentiss was at his most autocratic, demanding Trevellyn’s silence.

“I do not share their narrow mindedness, Prentiss, but I do object to her being exposed to the danger which is inherent when investigating the likes of
Harrison,” The Marquis was equally high-handed.

“As her business partner and close friend, I will ensure her safety, but by what right do you object, My Lord?” Prentiss drew himself up to his full height and stood rigidly, surveying the Marquis.

“Oh for pity’s sake, stop it Robert, and you Ross. You are acting like a couple of bull terriers fighting over a bone and I most definitely am not a bone!” Erica tried to intervene but as neither man showed any inclination to back down, she added; “Robert, Trevellyn is Ross Devereaux.”

That certainly prompted a response.

“What?” Robert swung his gaze on her and when she nodded, he laughed. “In that case I concede that your rights as her husband outweigh mine.”

He then held out his hand to Ross who took it with a grin of his own.

“Neither of you have any rights over me. And Robert, don’t go making friends with him because he will not be around for very much longer.”

“My darling wife is having a little diffic
ulty adjusting to me being here,” Ross told Robert “But she’ll soon come around.”

“Humph!”  Was Erica’s only response as she stalked off to her sitting room and, kicking off her satin slippers, slumped onto a sofa.

A knowing smile was exchanged between the two men, before they too joined her.

“So no doubt you can enlighten me as to your whereabouts for the last seven years and explain why you deserted Erica so soon after your wedding, without
so much as a forwarding address,” Robert said as he took a seat on the sofa opposite to the married couple.

“Just give him the abridged version, Trevellyn, I would at some stage like to seek my bed tonight
,” Erica implored but then blushed when she witnessed the look that passed between her two companions.

“To sleep, Robert! Trevellyn and I will be seeking an annulment just as soon as he loses the wager and signs the papers.”

“Tell me all!” Robert demanded. “This gets more intriguing by the moment.”

Half an hour later and after much bickering, Prentiss had been apprised with the whole of the circumstances including the terms and conditions of the wager.

“I thought you wanted the details of the wager to remain between us,” Ross said to Erica when they came to the end of the explanations.

“Robert is a very
dear friend and can be trusted,” she told him. “Don’t think you can manipulate him like you can all my relatives.”

             
Glancing at the clock, Robert gathered together the files Erica had given him and stood to leave, assuring her that he would analyse all the evidence the following day.

“I would imagine everyone has retired now but there’s no point taking any risks
,” Erica said as she quietly opened the door and barefooted; for she had left off her stockings as a concession to the summer heat, trod quietly along the corridor in the direction of the library.

“It would be best if I went f
irst,” Ross overtook her and strolled past the games room, which now stood silent and empty. Signalling for them to wait, he continued on to the library and ascertained it was empty before gesturing to them that all was well.

“Where does this passage lead?” Ross asked as Erica fiddled with the opening latch.

“Down to the abbey ruins,” she explained. “It is how we managed to enact the ghost walk and the disappearing trick.”

“We use it on a regular basis for business meeting
s because nobody is any the wiser to my comings and goings and therefore in no position to misconstrue our motives,” Robert added. “I shall see you both tomorrow. Good-night.”

             
I need to clear my desk and extinguish the candles in my office before retiring so I will bid you goodnight too, My Lord,” Erica said to Ross, hoping that he would accept his dismissal but knowing it was unlikely.

“That would hardly be gentlemanly of
me to leave you down here on your own; in the dark,” he smiled.

“This is my home, Trevellyn, I have wandered around in the dark on more occasions than I care to count. N
othing is going to happen me,” she persisted, futile though she knew it to be.

“How did you discover your talent for business?” Ross asked, hoping to distract her.

“Great Uncle James taught me estate management and relinquished the responsibility to me. He also introduced me to the world of finance and trading on the stock exchange. It was he who set up my ‘Eric Hurst’ persona. When I met Robert, we recognized an affinity between us and before long, he was asking for my assistance in various projects. It was not then too great a step to form our own company,” she told him adding proudly. “We are rather good at it.”

“So my wife is not only beautiful but also intelligent and wealthy
,” Ross said, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “How could I possibly let such a jewel slip away from me?”

“I am not beautiful and the requirements you drew up for your ideal wife did not include intelligence. And finally, you told me yourself you are disgustingly rich, and do not need a wife who is an heiress. Although
,” she added teasingly, “it probably does not compare with my obscene fortune!”

Ross’ only answer was to trail kisses along the sensitive area of her neck.

“Ross,” Erica protested, “It’s late!” but could not suppress a groan of pleasure as he transferred his kisses to the other side. She relaxed back into his embrace, leaning against the broad expanse of his chest and enjoyed the feel of his warm mouth on her skin.

When he felt her become pliant he allowed his hands to trail along her sides, first running them over the curve of her hips before leisurely retracing their path and rising to caress the swell of her breasts. She shuddered with desire and Ross pressed his advantage. Cupping each breast in his hands he felt the weight of them before rubbing his thumbs across the tightly furled buds that hardened and peaked beneath the soft material of her dress. She gasped and leaned more heavily against him, her eyes closed, savouring his touch.

Ross continued to caress one breast but deftly unhooked the tiny pearl buttons that ran down the front of her bodice and pulled loose the ties on her chemise. The front of her dress fell open, revealing her beautifully rounded breasts in the moonlight. Erica was startled to feel coolness on her skin but before she could register her semi naked state, Ross had gently grasped each exposed orb and was gently kneading them. He marvelled at their generous proportions; big enough to fill his hand and ooze between his spread fingers as he squeezed. While continuing to knead one, , he took a nipple on the other between his thumb and forefinger and gently rolled. With a gentle pinch he then released it before doing the same to her other breast.

              Erica’s bones had turned to liquid and without the support of Ross’ arms about her and his hard chest behind her; she would have found it impossible to stand. She was incapable of coherent thought; her mind clouded by the desire sweeping through her. A bolt of longing shot from her engorged breasts and pooled between her legs. Erica groaned again; louder. She did not protest when she was swept up in her husband’s arms and lowered onto the sofa.

             
Accepting that he was stretching his self-control to the limit, Ross took a moment to drink in the sight of his wife lying languid with desire, her breasts gloriously nude. Resisting temptation no longer, he swooped down and took one hard peak into his mouth, running his tongue around it before sucking, first gently but then, when she whimpered, more forcefully. Erica raked her fingers through his hair before clutching it tightly while her body, of its own accord, arched up and pressed against his lean, solid torso. Ross raised his head and looked into her eyes, heavy with yearning, all the while kneading a pearl-white orb. Satisfied with what he saw, he lowered his head and claimed her mouth with his own, enticing her lips apart and plunging his tongue deep, entwining it with hers, demanding a reaction.