Ladies of Deception 03 - Betraying the Highwayman (23 page)

Wednesday, July 13, 1814

Elenore awoke with a start, pulling the covers up to her chin as she struggled to make out what had caused the noise that had startled her from her peaceful slumber. She rolled over to feel for Devon and became alarmed when her hands met the cold cotton of the sheets. Where could he have gone?

Ever since their wedding day, six days prior, he had come to her chambers nightly where they could enjoy each other’s company and share in the love that was continuing to grow and blossom between them as only a husband and wife could. Though she still mourned Paul's loss and the pain was still acute, her budding relationship with Devon went far in helping her repair her wounded heart. She had been filled with a satisfaction and deep rooted peace knowing that she had her own family now, one that, God willing, would never leave her alone.

The duke had insisted, that because of the circumstances regarding Paul's death, she and Devon not wait for the customary two weeks while the banns were being published, instead purchasing a common license that allowed them to be married within the week. They had talked amongst themselves and decided she would forgo the observance of the customary mourning period, seeing as how she had spent the previous year in mourning her parents. And, since Paul's death was already four months past, they agreed it wasn't necessary for her to observe the custom, insisting, to her relief, that she go through with the wedding to Devon as previously planned.

Turning on her side, she swung her legs over the side of the mattress, deciding that she would go look for Devon and see where he had gotten off to, knowing she'd never return to her peaceful slumber without him by her side. Just as her feet hit the cold planks of the wooden floor, she saw a shadowy movement rustling the drapes. She gasped in shock as a lone figure entered spryly through the window, her body frozen in fear.

Her brain told her she should scream but her throat felt paralyzed, refusing to cooperate. The man turned towards her, his silhouette illuminated by the bright summer moon. He was dressed in black riding breeches that were tucked into the top of his black riding boots. His shirt was stark white, the collar open in a V revealing a hard, tanned chest. Tied around his face was a black mask and atop his head sat a worn black tricorn hat.

“Devon, is that you?” She hissed shakily, suddenly finding her voice.

He took slow, deliberate steps in her direction, never saying a word. Though she knew she was looking at Black Lightening, she couldn't help but wonder if her eyes were deceiving her. As he neared the bed, he leaned forward and with expert precision and speed scooped her off the mattress and cradled her in his arms.

Elenore let out a shriek. “Devon what are you doing?”

“I'm not Devon. I'm Black Lightening, and I've come to steal you away.” Elenore's body relaxed at the sound of his voice, being reassured that it truly was her husband went a long way in settling her nerves.

Reaching up to toy with the hair on his exposed chest, she lowered her eyelashes seductively, “So dangerous and attractive. I hope my husband doesn't find out.”

Devon growled lowly, “Where I'm taking you, he'll never find us.”

Elenore laughed. “And pray tell, where are you taking me?”

Devon refused to answer. “You'll find out shortly, I promise.”

Reaching the window, he reluctantly lowered her to the ground. “I'm tempted to make you escape in your nightdress, but I'm afraid it wouldn't be proper. Put this on.” He handed her one of her simple day dresses, followed by a pair of kid slippers.

Elenore eagerly did as he was told, anxious to know what he was up to, excitement coursing through her veins. He watched her change in silence, and she wished he didn't have the mask on so she could see his face, see the smile she was sure was present.

As soon as she was changed, he lifted one booted foot and propped it on the window sill. “I'm going to go first. As soon as I'm on the ground, I want you to jump.”

Elenore took a step back. “I'm not jumping out of the window,” she said in alarm.

“Where's your sense of adventure? I'll catch you, I promise.” Without waiting for her to respond, he hoisted himself out the window and leapt to the ground below. Elenore watched in horror, but as soon as he stood and she could see that he was fine, she relaxed. That is, until he called out, “It's your turn.”

She cautiously balanced herself on the sill, pulling her dress up and around her legs in an immodest fashion. She made the mistake of looking at the ground below and was tempted to scurry back into the room. “Are you sure I can't just go down the stairs and meet you?”

“That would ruin the adventure,” came the reply. “I'll never let you fall. Now hurry.”

Elenore glanced down at him one last time before closing her eyes and leaping. Just as he had promised, his strong arms caught her, holding onto her tightly, as if he was loath to let her go. “I love you,” he whispered into her hair, his warm breath curling into her ear, causing her to shiver involuntarily. Every nerve was taut with awareness as she tilted her head up so her lips could meet his.

Before she could enjoy the soft press of his perfect lips, she had to reach up and untie the mask from his face, letting it fall to the ground, as she became distracted by the promise of his kiss. Every kiss they shared seemed to awaken a new part of her being. It was as if she became more and more alive each time their lips met, his love revitalizing her soul. He reluctantly pulled his mouth from hers. “We need to be on our way.”

She asked him once more where they were going, but he ignored her as he carried her across the grass to the waiting carriage. Elenore looked up in surprise, wondering how he had convinced his driver to take them about in the wee hours of the night. As soon as the carriage began to roll, Devon reached for Elenore, scooping her into his lap and nuzzling into her neck, her hair, inhaling the scent that was uniquely hers.

“Can you tell me where we are going now?” she asked lazily, enjoying his displays of affection almost to the point of distraction.

“We're going to America.”

Snapping out of the passion-induced trance she was in, she cried, “You can't be serious,” as she pulled back to analyze his face. Even in the dark she could tell his brown eyes were twinkling with excitement.

“I never had the chance to tell you that I booked your passage to America. I was coming to tell you the day my father informed me of your disappearance and we found you in the cottage. I'm a man of my word, and I kept my end of our bargain.”

Still dumbfounded she spoke, “But you there's no need for me to go now.”

“Yes there is,” he insisted. “I want you to find your aunt. I want you to have the opportunity to live one of your dreams of setting your feet on America. I want to make you happy.”

Elenore threw her arms around his neck. Holding tightly, she proclaimed, “You already have.”

About The Author

Ginny Hartman has always loved writing, and when her love for the regency era blossomed, she decided to combine the two, resulting in her first published novel, Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington, which became an Amazon Historical Romance bestseller.

Ginny's favorite thing about writing is the escape it gives her and the people who read her stories. For a behind the scenes look at the creation of Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington, Misleading Lord Martineau, and Betraying the Highwayman, as well as a sneak peek at her upcoming projects, visit her website www.creatingromance.blogspot.com

Besides writing, Ginny enjoys reading and spending time with her favorite people: her husband and three beautiful children. She also enjoys traveling the world with her husband and gaining inspiration for her books. She currently resides in Northern Idaho.