Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie (7 page)

Lisette tried to free her hand and he released her. She turned to him with a soft gasp. What had she expected? Did she think him one to seduce an unwilling partner? Clearly, she was reluctant.

Propositioning a widow in mourning had been in bad form. He was no fool, and even though he regretted his uncouth behavior, his desire for her had been honest. He could wait until she was ready, but he would appreciate a time frame. Would she be more receptive once she entered half-mourning?

A disturbing thought invaded his mind. What if her skittishness came from poor treatment at her husband’s hands? He didn’t want that to be the case. Her body was meant to be adored, not misused.

“How long has it been, sweetheart?”

“Uh, I…” She tipped her face up, her tongue making a quick pass over her lips. He gently grasped her chin, tempted to smooth his thumb over her shiny bottom lip, to sample her sweetness again.

Her chest rose and fell with jerky motions. “I don’t know your meaning, sir. How long has it been since what?”

He dropped his hand and moved back a step. He was forgetting his purpose already: to ease her fears and determine when she would be ready to welcome him into her bed. “I don’t wish to sound insensitive, but I was referring to your husband’s demise.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Damnation.
He was unaccustomed to treading lightly and suspected he was doing a poor job of it. “Let’s discuss your attire instead. Dark clothing in this climate is unwise, and I don’t wish for you to succumb to heat exhaustion. How much longer do you intend to wear them?”

“I hadn’t considered—”

“Because if the time to don half-mourning is near…” Now there was a clever way to determine how far along she was in her mourning.

“I have nothing for half-mourning on ship.”

Daniel bit back an oath. Was she being evasive or truly naive? “There’s little reason to follow senseless rules when we are far from civilization. No one stands in judgment of another on the
Cecily
. Do you understand?”

Something flickered in her eyes, something unreadable. “Perhaps.”

“No doubt you’ve noticed I dress for comfort rather than out of an adherence to propriety.”

“Indeed.” Her gaze locked to the triangle of skin where his shirt fell open, and a thin brow arched. “Am I to understand that you want me to emulate you? To toss off propriety along with my mourning clothes?”

Hell
yes!
He would love to have her as bare as the day she was born, but he didn’t care for her sarcastic tone. Scrubbing a hand over his rough jaw, he released a sigh. He wasn’t getting the answers he sought, but before he could decide on a new approach, she cleared her throat.

“You make a valid point about the heat, Captain. And I’m sure Sallie would understand if I leave off mourning him.”

“Sallie? Your husband’s name was Sallie?”

“Uh,
oui
. After his… um,
grandfather.
”

“Sallie?”

Her jaw jutted forward. “It’s a man’s name, too.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“In some circles it is.”

“None I’ve ever encountered.”

She crossed her arms. “Well, I like it. It’s a fine name.”

He raised his hands in surrender. What did it matter? He knew what he must do now. He must earn her trust before she would come to his bed. Although he was unaccustomed to putting forth this much effort, the reward promised to be sweet.

“You’re correct. Fabulous name.”

“Really?” Her smile washed over him, warm and addicting. “
Merci
.”

He hardly deserved thanks for refusing to quarrel with her, but he would accept it. “My pleasure.”

“I should go change now.”

He caught her elbow before she bounded away. “Return to my quarters after you’ve changed. Rafe will feel more comfortable with you there.”

“Of course.” She hurried toward the hatch.

“Yes. ’Tis for Rafe’s peace of mind,” he muttered.

***

Lisette bustled into the tiny cabin she shared with her brother and cousin, humming a cheerful tune. Serafine rolled over on her cot and opened one eye to peer at her.

“Good morning, mademoiselle.” Lisette sang her greeting. “Wake up, wake up, oh glorious one.”

Serafine groaned and pulled the thin cover over her head. “For the love of all that is holy, must you be so irritatingly jolly?”

Lisette chuckled and removed the pins from her hat before releasing the fastenings running down the front of her dress. “Do wake up, lazy bones. It’s half past dawn.”

The sheet rose as Serafine issued an annoyed puff a second before she threw the covers aside and bolted upright. “Where’s Rafe?”

“He’s fine.” Lisette pulled her arms from the sleeves of her dress and shimmied the garment down her body. “Captain Hillary’s man escorted him to the captain’s quarters. I promised to return to watch over Rafe. I hope he doesn’t make a nuisance of himself.”

Serafine rubbed her eyes with her fists. “
What
are you about this morning?”

She started at her cousin’s sharp tone. “I’m about watching over my brother.”

“Your dress, you silly girl. Why are you changing? Did you correct Captain Hillary’s mistake?”

Lisette sensed a flush engulfing her body and yanked her white cotton dress from the back of a chair. “In a manner of speaking.”

“What is that to mean?”

“I didn’t wish to embarrass him. It was an honest mistake. He believes I’m out of mourning now, and we shall leave it be.”

Lisette had been relieved by his suggestion to change from her mourning attire. She last wore the gown after her father’s death, and she didn’t like the memories attached to it. Simply agreeing with the captain would have sufficed, however. Why had she felt the need to name her pretend husband? And Sallie? How ludicrous! She had no idea why she blurted a lady’s name, but once it was out, she couldn’t recant. Instead, she’d committed to it and must have been rather convincing for Captain Hillary to give up his argument.

She twisted around, clutching the soft dress against her. “Will you assist me, please?”

Serafine managed to look down her nose at Lisette even though her seated position placed her lower. “I’m no servant, and dressing you is beneath my station.”

“I agree on principle. Practicality, however, requires me to ask for help.” With no lady’s maid, they must assist each other. “I promise to help you next.”

Serafine rolled her eyes and climbed from the cot to help Lisette don the dress. After fastening the last button, she spun Lisette around to face her. Her fingers tightened on Lisette’s shoulders, her green eyes darkening to that of the overpowering vines dripping from the trees along the riverbank.

“You’re keeping something from me. What is it?”

“Nothing!” Lisette winced at the loud screech of her voice. “Nothing,” she repeated in a more subdued tone. “You’ve always been a suspicious type.”

Serafine released her, but she could still feel the imprint of her slim fingers. It was as if her cousin had branded her a liar.

Lisette swallowed hard. She had never kept anything from Serafine in all their twenty-two years together, partly due to her cousin’s annoying ability to sense things and badger Lisette until she confessed any wrongdoings. But misleading Captain Hillary hadn’t been wrong in the strictest sense. Her family was safe from Reynaud, and she would do it all over again. She just wished this blasted guilt was easier to bear.

Her cousin crossed her arms. “I can’t fathom what you’re hiding, girl, but I’ll figure it out.”

Not if Lisette had a say. She pasted on a smile. “I really must see to Rafe now.” She rushed from the cabin before Serafine could stop her.

Seven

Captain Hillary was going to destroy everything. Serafine felt it in her bones. She could think of nothing else while her cousin and Amelia engaged in polite conversation over tea.

The uneasiness that had been plaguing her for weeks returned, this time worsened by the sense her well-laid plans were doomed.

Her brother, Xavier, had been in England when Uncle Robert died, and his condolence letter promised he would return to New Orleans immediately. That was six months ago. Her brother had been an irresponsible dolt in most matters, but not when it came to family.

She couldn’t shake the feeling something bad had befallen her brother. Otherwise, he would have kept his word and returned home long ago.

Lisette, Rafe, and Serafine might be on their own now, but they would survive. While Lisette had listened to Monsieur Baptiste’s counsel to seek out Xavier in England, Serafine had created a logical plan for her family’s survival once they arrived.

They would take rooms at Durrants Hotel upon arrival until more permanent lodgings could be arranged. Between the two of them, Lisette and Serafine had enough money to live in modest quarters for a year and a half. Serafine, regretfully, must assume the role of Lisette’s maid. A life of servitude was a bitter end to her luxurious existence in New Orleans, but her cousin would have need of at least one servant to lend her an air of respectability.

With a letter of introduction penned by Serafine’s elderly neighbor to her sister, Lady Dewsbury, Lisette would be granted entrance into English society and have access to the marriage mart. A smart match would save them from the ills that befell the impoverished.

Of course none of this would come about if Captain Hillary had his way. The man all but licked his lips in anticipation of seducing Lisette every time he saw her, but Serafine’s cousin would become no man’s mistress. She would never make the mistake Serafine had made with Isaac. Serafine wouldn’t allow it.

Amelia smiled at her. “You’re quiet this afternoon. Are you woolgathering?”

“Something to that effect.” Plotting Captain Hillary’s unfortunate accident was more like it.

She placed her cup on the table, an idea coming to her. She could steal a peek into her cousin’s future and perhaps gain some knowledge to guide Lisette away from the captain. Counting on Lisette’s cooperation, however, would likely prove useless. The girl had been frustratingly evasive these past few days when caught stealing off to the captain’s quarters.

Tilting her head to one side, Serafine regarded Amelia. Perhaps her new friend could be of assistance at convincing Lisette to participate. “Have you ever had a reading, my lady? Your tea leaves, I mean.”

Amelia sat up straighter. “As in having my fortune told? You give readings?”

Serafine ignored Lisette’s warning look. Amelia could be trusted not to ridicule her for superstitious nonsense. She’d sensed the lady’s kind heart from the first moment of their meeting, and their time together had only reinforced her impression.

Serafine smiled serenely at Lisette, daring her to say anything. “Why yes, I do perform readings. Shall I study your tea leaves?”

“What jolly fun! How do we proceed?”

“First you must switch hands,” Serafine said. “You favor your right, so hold your cup with your left.”

She did as instructed and blinked expectantly. “Go on.”

“Now, sip your tea, being careful not to drink many of the leaves. Then close your eyes and focus inward.”

The lady was an apt subject, following Serafine’s directions without question, unlike her stubborn cousin who often fought against accepting Serafine’s assistance in personal matters. A few seconds after Amelia closed her eyes, a wrinkle appeared between her brows.

“Try to clear your mind,” Serafine urged.

Amelia’s forehead smoothed, and she took a deep breath. Serafine’s suggestion worked for less than a minute, just as she had anticipated. Amelia frowned.

“There’s a worry intruding upon your peace.”

Amelia nodded, not opening her eyes.

“
Très bon
. We shall have a personal reading today.” Serafine adjusted her position and refused to meet Lisette’s gaze even though she sensed it boring into her. “Think upon your concern until your cup is nearly drained.”

A variety of emotions played across Amelia’s face as she drank the beverage. She changed like the clouds in the sky, almost imperceptibly until the transformation was complete. Her serious expression was in vast contrast to the jovial woman she had been a moment ago.

When Amelia’s cup was almost empty, she peeked at the contents then glanced up, offering the cup to Serafine.

Serafine held up a hand. “Not yet. Swirl the tea three times then gently turn your cup over on the saucer.”

Again, Amelia followed her directives without question. Lisette could learn much from their new friend.

“Now take three slow breaths before turning your cup upright.” Serafine leaned closer to view the interior of the cup. “Tell me what you see.”

Amelia grinned. “Isn’t that
your
role?”