Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One (18 page)

Chapter 31

            Elise's morning had not started as well as she'd
expected. She'd overslept, for one. When Anna attempted to wake her she'd
refused to even acknowledge her. She pulled a pillow over her head and ignored
her maid until she left. Anna was concerned, it was so unlike Elise to stay in
bed so late. Especially when she had been excited about her plans with His
Lordship. Anna checked her for fever. Elise had slapped her hand away.

            When she did finally wake up, she was distraught
at being late. Elise stretched her aching limbs and wondered at all the tender
muscles she'd never known she had while she waited for her bath.

            There was an awkward moment when Anna noticed
blood on the inside of Elise's thigh. She seemed a little too accusing as she
shared the news that His Lordship suffered a minor wound to his stomach during
the night and that his valet had discovered him and his bedding smeared with
blood. As soon as she was dressed, Elise hurried from the room.

            She sensed Gilles almost as soon as she turned
the corner. She heard him pacing. Was he upset?

            "I'm sorry I'm late, my lord!" She
rushed down the steps and was surprised when he met her before she reached the
bottom.

            "How are you?" He was urgent though he
kept his voice low.

            "Me? Are you alright? I heard that you'd
been cut and there was a lot of blood in your room!" She felt him tense.

            "Let's step into the study." He took
her elbow and guided her through the door. As soon as it was closed he pulled
her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.

            Elise felt her knees go weak, she grabbed his
lapels and leaned into him. Gilles felt her sag, he immediately led her to the
sofa.

            "Are you well?" He held her face in
his hands and Elise could tell he was examining her.

            "I'm fine! I'm a bit sore but I suppose
that's to be expected. What's this about you being cut?" She pressed her
hand to his stomach. He covered her hand with his.

            "It was self inflicted." His voice was
low. "There was no hiding the blood on me and the bedclothes so I
improvised."

            "You cut yourself?" She'd managed
shrill at a low volume. "To cover for me..."

            "If I recall correctly, I had something to
do with it. It's a minor cut." Gilles lifted her chin and set his lips to
hers. "I woke up wanting you." He murmured.

            "I don't know that I could have
accommodated you this morning."

            "Are you truly that sore?" He sounded
so concerned.

            "It's better the more I move around."

            "Did Anna notice any blood? I thought about
warning you but there was no way."

            "She noticed. She was only suspicious
because she heard about your mishap."

            Gilles cursed.

            "Did she say anything?"

            "She definitely figured it out. You might
want to steer clear of her for a few days."

            "I suppose I could pay her more..."

            "She won't tell anyone."

            Gilles seemed to have relaxed since Elise came
downstairs, he  stood up and escorted her from the study.

            "I think we should have breakfast, everyone
else will be finishing up. If you still want to go for a ride, we can
after."

            "Of course I still want to go!" She
practically skipped down the hall. Gilles followed in her wake. "Let's
hurry!"

            Breakfasts at Longwood were starting to develop
a habit of being awkward, Elise thought. Perhaps it was time to start taking a
tray in her room.

            The family had lingered at the table, waiting
for Elise and Gilles to arrive. For several minutes the room was a chorus of
throat clearers. For once, Elise appreciated not being able to see. She
imagined Gilles was the recipient of too many knowing grins and pointed stares.
She chose to feign ignorance and eat as quickly as she could.

            Mirabelle was the one to step into the breach.

            "Quite an unusual morning... Elise
oversleeping, Gilles injuring himself and turning his bedroom into a
battlefield and the two of you wandering into breakfast late and looking so
pleased..."    

            Celine snorted and Alastair cleared his throat
uncomfortably.

            "I'm sure it's all unrelated, mignon! But
we do seem much happier, perhaps we will have good news soon?"

            This time Gilles cleared his throat.

            "Perhaps. I had planned to take Lady Elise
for a ride this morning. What does everyone else plan to do with their day?
Aside from speculating about my personal affairs?"

            "I plan to devote most of my day to your
personal affairs. It's so much more interesting than anything I could come up
with on my own." Mirabelle replied.

            "Perhaps you should visit the library. Your
mind could do with improving, brat."

            "Nonsense. I have an excellent mind."

            This time, Elise giggled. She really should help
Gilles but she enjoyed listening to them tease each other.

            Mercifully for Gilles, the rest of the meal
passed quickly with much less discomfort. As they were leaving the dining room,
Holderson arrived with letters for Gilles. He read them and groaned.

            "I'm afraid these can't wait. Do you want
to wait for me or postpone our ride until tomorrow?" His disappointment
was obvious.

            "I'll wait. Take all the time you
need."

            He squeezed her hand and Elise felt so tempted
to lean in to kiss his cheek. It would be a relief to be married and able to
enjoy little moments of affection like that.

            "Alastair? I could use your thoughts on
these."

            "Of course."

            Elise sensed Alastair beside them as they
walked. She smiled at how comfortable and safe she felt in his presence.
Indeed, with both men flanking her, Elise didn't think anything could harm her.

            The letters kept the men for over an hour. Elise
passed the time at her piano playing songs from her repertoire that reminded
her of her ride with Gilles. She was in high spirits when he came for her. He
apologized profusely and only stopped when she brushed her lips against his.
Gilles held her shoulders tightly and Elise knew he wanted to take the kiss
further. She pulled away.

            "If we don't leave soon, I fear we won't
get to go today and it may be the only time we'll have alone until late
tonight."

            Gilles needed no other encouragement. He led her
to the stables as quickly as he could. Once they were away on Lucifer he led
them to destinations that allowed him to hold Elise closely. He teased her neck
and ears, turned her face to his for demanding kisses and stroked her breasts
through her dress. She begged him to let them off the horse so they could take
his flirtation farther. Gilles had to refuse her. Alone, he had no way of
safely helping her onto Lucifer's back. He promised that once she was able to
ride her own horse, he'd find a grassy spot for them to make love when the
weather was fine. Elise sensed that the idea appealed to him greatly. She could
feel his hard length along her thigh and his heart beat wildly.

            By unspoken agreement, both were happy to spend
the rest of the morning away from the house. Enjoying their time alone and the
mildness of the day, they remained away until it was almost time for lunch to
be served. As they approached Longwood, Elise was thankful that a morning that
had started so dreadfully had turned out to be one of her favorites.

Chapter 32

            Lucien had been anxious to get a glimpse of
Longwood. He was impressed. It was large but not garishly so. It was
classically beautiful with a gentle charm. The grounds were a dominant feature.
There was a minimal courtyard and large gardens enveloped the north side of the
estate. An ornamental waterfall at the far end of the garden fed a small stream
that concluded in a fountain at the center. In the afternoon sun, the pale
stones of the house's facade shined and projected a welcoming atmosphere. The
overall effect was peace and fantasy.
Gilles had a home
, Lucien thought
with great warmth. His smile dimmed a bit when he realized that Winthorpe would
no longer play as important of a role in family gatherings.

            As the carriage turned into the drive, Lucien
saw three figures emerge from the house.
Where was Gilles and this mystery
woman
? He looked to the basket on the seat across from him and frowned.
He'd grown quite fond of his companion. Perhaps he should get himself a dog...

            Lucien stepped from the carriage and was struck
by how happy he was to see the Spencers. He always looked forward to seeing
them but he'd especially noticed their absence the last few days. Celine hugged
him tightly and asked after his mother. He informed her that she would remain
in Bath for the next week or two and would come directly to Longwood. Hugging
Mirabelle, Lucien felt a sense of calm wash over him.
Calm
? Mirabelle was
a lot of things but calm wasn't one of them. He pushed the thought away as he
kissed her hair and told her she looked well. She looked well, indeed. Lucien
blinked and silently chided himself. She always looked "well". While
she wasn't shallow or vain, she had a fondness for fashion and always appeared
in order. Ironically, when the family was at Winthorpe, she quickly reverted to
her tomboy ways. Again, he felt a twinge of sadness. Would she be visiting
Winthorpe now that Gilles had Longwood? He couldn't picture the rolling fields
and forests without seeing her. He turned and embraced Alastair who immediately
asked if the investigation had concluded as Lucien had hoped.

            "Not completely. Whitrose is nowhere to be
found. But his plans have been disrupted and he won't prey on anyone
else." He tried to sound like he was at peace with that, that he wasn't as
uneasy about that loose end as he truly was.

            Alastair stared at him for a moment and then
gripped his arm.

            "I'm sure we'll find him. He can't stay hidden
forever."

            Lucien nodded and put it from his mind. He
looked around.

            "We seem to be missing a few people?"

            "Gilles and Lady Elise went for a ride.
They should be back soon..." Mirabelle turned and looked towards the
stables. Lucien followed her gaze and in the distance he saw a rider in a
clearing to the west. "That's them. Let's introduce you to Lady
Elise!" She linked arms with him and turned towards the stables. Lucien
noticed a boy, no more than eight or nine behind a tree, spying on them.

            He pointed in his direction and called.

            "You! Come here at once!" He pointed
to the ground in front of him. A moment later, the boy came running. He looked
as if he was afraid. Lucien released Mirabelle and took a knee.

            "What's your name, lad, and what's your
business here?" He asked as if he were talking to a much older fellow.
Lucien saw that a smile flirted with Mirabelle's lips.
Why was he staring at
her lips
? He returned to his discussion.

            "Daniel, Sir. Me dad's Stable Master.
Sometimes, he lets me come and help. I was just looking at your horses, I
swear!" Mirabelle started to speak, probably to correct Daniel's error in
calling Lucien "Sir". Lucien waved her off.

            "You're just the man I need, young Daniel.
I have a very important task that I need assistance with and it's a bit of a
secret. Can I count on you?" The boy's eyes went wide and he nodded.
"In my carriage, there's something special in a basket. I need you to tend
to it and make sure it's clean and ready when we need it. Can you do that?"
The boy nodded again as he stood up as straight he could without standing on
his tiptoes. "Good lad! Off to it, then!" Lucien patted him on the
shoulder and Daniel took off running.

            Mirabelle laughed as she reclaimed Lucien's arm.
Lucien looked down at her arm in his and wondered why he felt so warm. He shook
his head and placed his hand over her arm as they made their way towards the
stables.

            The horse and rider were close enough for Lucien
to see that it was actually two riders. He recognized Lucifer and saw that
Gilles was riding with a woman in front of him. As they clattered into the
yard, Lucien was struck by her beauty. Petite with light, golden hair, she
appeared delicate yet generously endowed. He considered it safe to assume that
this was the woman Alastair's prophecy had been about. She was lovely and as he
watched Gilles pull her against him as he slid from the saddle and dismounted,
he could see they were familiar and comfortable with each other. Lucien noticed
her cheeks held more color than could be explained by the ride and her lips
appeared swollen and redder than they should.

            Again, he noted her petiteness. He preferred his
women a bit taller, more like... His gaze drifted towards Mirabelle. She was
definitely more his type.
What was wrong with him
? He turned and strode
towards Gilles. He whispered to the woman next to him before he accepted Lucien
with an exuberant embrace.

            "Gentle Mercutio!" He patted him
heartily on the back. Lucien was surprised at the dramatic change in his
friend. His whole demeanor was altered.
He was happy
. Lucien felt it
more than saw it. It was a relief.

            "Gilles, this place agrees with you! I'm
impressed!" Lucien playfully punched Gilles' shoulder.

            "Welcome to Longwood, Lucien!" He
laughed.
God, it was so good to see him laugh
.

            Lucien looked down at the woman next to Gilles.
She was staring serenely beyond him, he turned to see what held her attention.
He was aware enough to accept that he was mildly vain, so he was more than a
bit surprised that she had yet to really look at him. He saw nothing accept an
empty paddock. He turned back to her and her gaze was still averted. He looked
to Gilles.

            "Lucien, may I make you known to Lady
Elise, Countess of Cambroke." She bowed her head. Lucien startled and
stared at Gilles.
Surely he hadn't already married... If not...
Gilles
guessed his thoughts. "She is widow of the late earl."

            "I see..." Lucien smiled suggestively
at Gilles.

            "Lady Elise, may I introduce Lucien
Haviland, The Eighth Duke of Clerendon." She held her hand towards Lucien
and he accepted it. He looked for her eyes to meet his and they stopped in the
proximity of his ear and he knew. She was blind. Stunned, he looked at Gilles
and saw him staring at her. His focus was complete and he was smiling like a
fool. Alastair had been correct. No doubt a marriage was quite imminent. The
horse, the puppy, Gilles' mood, it all made sense.

            "My Lady, I am very pleased to meet
you." He kissed her knuckle and she smiled radiantly.

            Mirabelle stepped forward and touched Lady
Elise's elbow.

            "It's almost time for lunch. Would you like
me to lead you back to the house so you can change?"

            Lady Elise agreed and took Mirabelle's arm.
Lucien and Gilles watched them depart. Gilles' eyes stayed on Lady Elise, his
smile never faded. Once they were out of sight, he directed Lucien to follow as
he walked Lucifer into his stall and began brushing him down. Lucien found
himself smiling at how relaxed and happy Gilles looked. He was truly at home
here.

            "This is all a pleasant surprise." He
leaned against a post and crossed his boots.

            "I imagine it is." Gilles smiled as he
stroked Lucifer briskly.

            "The Dowager Countess of Cambroke... This
will be big."

            Gilles shrugged and tossed the brush and closed
the stall. He leaned against the door.

            "I don't care. You've seen her. Wait until
you get to know her, she's incredible." He smiled that foolish grin again.

            Lucien began inspecting the other stalls. There
were few horses other than those for pulling teams. Lucifer was the only riding
horse.

            "She's lovely. Just as long as you're
prepared. I take it the horse is for her? You mean to teach her to ride?"
He stopped next to Gilles and rested his arms over the door to Lucifer's stall
and patted his nose. Lucien smiled, knowing Lucifer had merely allowed it.

            "I pity anyone that defies maman and
Mirabelle. They're capable of handling any gossip and rumors. Were you able to
track down anything suitable?"

            Lucien laughed.

            "They are formidable. I suspect my mother
will contribute to the cause." Lucien turned and rested his shoulders next
to Gilles. "I found a young New Forest mare. She'll do well, I think. I've
arranged for her to be brought here by the end of next week. We'll need to
teach Lady Elise to ride sidesaddle."

            "I have a saddle with a high back and a
brace being made. Once it arrives, we'll take Lucifer to the paddock and put
her on his back." Gilles pushed away from the stall and signaled for
Lucien to follow. He tossed the horse an apple as he headed towards the door.

            "Lucifer's a risky option." Lucien
shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked next to Gilles. "He's too
large and powerful. And he's fast. If he bolts..."

            "He won't bolt. He's careful with her. Acts
like a damned kitten if she pets him." Gilles sounded sure.

            "Well, that's something. Think I'll be able
to ride him then, if he's gone tame? I didn't see anything else suitable."

            Gilles shook his head.

            "Doubtful. He's still a bastard if anyone
else tries to mount him. There's a lad somewhere around here with a broken
arm."

            "If we're all planning to stay for the time
being, I'll send for Hugin and Munin. Alastair can help me exercise them."

            Gilles nodded.

            "Also, I paid a visit to our old Latin
tutor. I'd thought to do you a favor and ask for a special license on your
behalf but it seemed you'd already written to him." He reached into his
coat and drew out an envelope. Gilles took it and examined the paper.

            "Excellent! How did you know I'd need
it?"

            "Alastair. He figured it out from the letter
you sent asking your mother to chaperone."

            "Of course. How is our beleaguered
friend?"

            "Still hates his job, though I imagine it's
easier than putting up with us. How Mirabelle tormented that man!"

            Both men laughed.

            "He sends his best wishes and says he hopes
you're better at being a husband than you were at conjugation."

            Gilles chuckled.

            "I'm going to assume he means that I should
practice and be patient." 

            As they approached the house he stopped Lucien.

            "Were you able to find a dog?" He
whispered.

            Lucien leaned in conspiratorially.

            "I've enlisted a lad named Daniel to see to
her. He should have her bathed and ready within the hour. I might suggest you
employ his assistance until she's trained."

            "Thank you. I want Elise to have someone to
protect her in my absence."

            Lucien smiled at Gilles' use of her name and
that he was obviously very protective. It was comforting to see his friend's
life was falling into place.

            "You're lucky I'm so fond of you. I've
quite fallen in love with that little girl. I was tempted to keep her."

            Gilles laughed and slapped his friend on the
back as he opened the door leading into the hall.

            "We'll have to see about finding someone
else for you to fall in love with." He winked and led Lucien in.

            They met Alastair in the study, looking over his
correspondence. The three of them lounged and discussed politics over whiskey
until they were summoned for lunch. When the men entered the hall, the ladies
were moving towards the dining room together. Celine and Mirabelle walked on
either side of a Lady Elise. The three had their heads together and were
whispering. Lucien noted how much Lady Elise contrasted with the other two. She
was shortest and fair where they were darker haired. Mirabelle had deep green
eyes, he recalled.
Why
? The sight of Lady Elise's bare feet stopped him.
Alastair nudged him and shook his head. Lucien shrugged and followed everyone
to the table. 

            The atmosphere at the table was comfortable as
always. Lucien would occasionally glance at Lady Elise. She was a soothing
presence and would occasionally laugh at a shared joke or tease Mirabelle or
Alastair. He noticed that Alastair was particularly comfortable with her. They
showed signs of a true friendship. Lucien was impressed. If Alastair thought
enough of her to relax and open up to her, she must be exceptional. Celine and
Mirabelle had clearly taken to her and treated her as if she was already a
member of the family. Lucien knew Mirabelle would not have allowed that if Lady
Elise was not worthy. While Mirabelle was vivacious and at times hoydenish, she
could be razor tongued and blunt. She was also extremely protective of her
family. Lucien was most surprised by Celine. She thought that her sons were
paragons and lamented that there were no ladies within the ton suitable for her
boys. He knew that included himself. Unlike Alastair and Gilles, he had
escorted The Mothers (as they were jointly termed) most nights. It had served
as a cover to help him investigate within society and at court. He'd witnessed
Celine's shrewd assessment of young ladies. They were always found lacking.
Every now and then, Celine would touch Lady Elise's hand and whisper in her
ear. She definitely approved and genuinely liked her.