Love's Vengeance (39 page)

Sometime later Stephen lay gasping atop Desiree and would have moved to lie at her side but she bent her knees, raising her legs and penning him above her, “Hold me Stephen.” she whispered, kissing his neck.

He looked down into her eyes, seeing tears sparkling there and clinging in the hair at her temples, “What is this?” he crooned. “Why are you crying? What is wrong Desiree?” he asked softly while bending to kiss away her tears.

Desiree could not say why she was weepy. There was no reason for it. The closeness she felt at this moment dispelled all her fears and she felt secure within his arms. Stephen continued to rest above her though, holding her and rocking gently until her tears subsided.

***

“Look what I found on my way downstairs.” Tim beamed as he entered the dining room with Bridgett on his arm and seated her across from Desiree.

“Good morning.” Desiree said brightly, catching a silent inquiry from Bridgett as to how she had managed to dress alone. Desiree shrugged slightly, with a glance toward Stephen. As a servant placed the morning fare before each of the new arrivals, Stephen sipped from his coffee cup and addressed Bridgett.

“Bridgett I was planning to take Desiree about the island this morning and show it off to her. You are cordially invited to join us if you like.” he offered, hoping silently that she would decline. He wanted Desiree to himself this morning.

“Thank you Captain but I believe I shall make my own tour of the isle. I would like to take a look around the town and perhaps browse at the shops Timothy mentioned yesterday.”

“Well I would like to go along.” Timothy piped up through a mouth full of bacon and Stephen shot him a look of disbelief, “With Bridgett that is. What fun will you have with only a driver as company?” he asked smiling sweetly at Bridgett, then chuckled as he regarded his older brother, “I can tell when I am not wanted by some. May I join you dear lady?” he asked returning his full attention to Bridgett.

“Of course. I would enjoy your company.” Bridgett accepted with a nod, thinking that this could prove to be an interesting morning with this charming young man as her guide.

“It’s settled then…” Stephen began.

“Cap?” Ham called from the threshold, entering the room and pausing just within, “Jim Phillips has arrived with his goods from the East. He is getting things stored and will be up directly to give you his figures.”

“Blast it.” Stephen sighed, “So much for our outing Desiree. I am afraid I must speak with the man. He has been in the Orient and we have much to discuss.”

“Well then Desiree will just have to join us.” Tim decided enthusiastically, “I will show you
both
all the sights. I am a much more proficient tour guide anyway.” he assured with a wink.

Desiree nodded, “Thank you Tim I would love to come along.”

“Wonderful! Stephen I shall take good care of these two for you.” Tim said with a grin.

“I am sure you will.” Stephen grumbled, rising from the table, “Have a good time.” he said warmly to Desiree and then addressed Ham, “Let’s get to work old friend.”

As the two left the room, Tim gulped down the last of his coffee and rose, “Ladies while you finish your breakfast I shall go and see about a carriage. I will return shortly.”

Tim hurried out of the room and Bridgett sipped at her tea, smiling over her cup, “This shall be an interesting morning I am sure.”

Desiree softly agreed, thinking to herself that it would not be nearly as interesting as it would have been with Stephen’s company but Tim would be her second choice, she decided.

***

The carriage rumbled down the cobblestone drive while Timothy began explaining the history of their family on Somerset with the clearing of the ground for the house as they turned out onto the road. After a tour that wound through the hills above the town upon a well tended road carved through the trees, they drove through some of the residential areas and then ended their sightseeing at the shop lined main street of Somerset where they dismounted the carriage. Tim began pointing here and there, bringing to their attention to shops of interest when he was haled by an elderly gentleman at the door of the livery across the way and he waved in return undecided as to how he should proceed.

“Go ahead Tim. We shall be in here.” Desiree offered, pointing to the clothier shop up the road.

“I’ll just be a few minutes.” He assured with a nod and hurried away to speak with the man, while Desiree and Bridgett turned to the shop.

No one was about as they entered and there were no chimes upon the door to announce an entry but since they were only looking, Desiree shrugged at Bridgett and they helped themselves to browsing through the materials. As they were at this, muffled voice’s were heard coming from behind a draped door at the far side of the shop and Desiree’s ears perked at the mention of Stephen’s name and she listened intently but only caught bits and pieces of a quiet discussion.

“Oh he has found a naïve little twit who actually believes his lies…” the words faded softer, then stronger, “He shall soon tire of the game and we shall continue as always.” A lighthearted laugh followed the comment.

A second woman made a soft inaudible remark, then giggles, followed by an awe filled voice, “I have never known a more lusty stag although I…”

Desiree cursed silently, wishing she could hear the remark. Then the woman’s voice continued, “He has never been known to tarry long over one woman—of course you know that best of all. Vanessa how can you tolerate his roving eye as well as everything else that roves?” she tittered.

“After so many years and so many women I have come to terms with his insatiable appetite…” the words faded to a low murmur and then laughter.

The reply was undistinguishable.

“Just so he returns to my bed, I can bear it. I am a very patient woman.”

Desiree had heard enough. With her face flaming red, she gestured to Bridgett and the two silently left the shop. Tears threatened to spill over as Desiree fought to keep her composure.

Bridgett held her tongue, knowing full well the pain Desiree must be in and as Tim approached, Bridgett turned her attention to him just as he was about to mention Desiree’s sorrowful expression. “Tim, it must be getting on to the noon hour. Might we start back now?” Bridgett asked.

“Of course.” He answered lamely, as he studied Desiree’s face for a moment. He took both ladies by the arm and they started down the street toward the waiting carriage.

Desiree was quiet most of the ride home and was thankful that Bridgett was keeping Tim occupied with questions, leaving her to herself. To think that just hours ago Stephen had held her tenderly within his arms as she had wept foolish tears of insecurity. Now those feelings took hold and could not be alleviated. It appeared this woman Vanessa knew well his intentions concerning her as though it a common occurrence.

Her two companions breezed into the house talking gaily, while Desiree remained quiet, wanting only to retire to her room and be alone. She could not even think of lunch, although it was set out in the dining room and smelled wonderful. She patted Tim’s arm as he offered to escort her to the table and shook her head, “I believe I shall forego lunch Tim. I am not very hungry.” She looked to Bridgett and averted her eyes, unable to deal with the understanding she saw there.

“Desiree I shall miss your company but I am not one to force another’s will. I leave that up to Bess.” He looked warily about the front hall and the dining room, “You had best make a hasty retreat before she finds out or she will have you seated and eating before you know what has hit you.” he laughed.

***

No sooner had Desiree closed the door to her bedroom than a knock sounded at her sitting room door and she went out to answer, half expecting to find Bessie there, come to force her below to eat. Stephen grinned wickedly, entering the room as his arms came about her waist, “What is this about you not wanting to eat? Since when have you lacked an appetite?” he asked with a chuckle while nibbling her ear.

“Stephen, stop, please—I am simply not hungry.” She moved back from the tingling warmth of his lips against her neck.

“You wouldn’t have something to tell me would you?” he asked cocking his head and raising an eyebrow with a charming smile.

“What do you mean?” she snapped with surprise, knowing full well that he could not possibly know of the revelations she had learned this morning. This would be the only thing she would have to tell him and she refused to broach
that
subject.

“Well—I know that when a woman is…” he slipped his hand over her flat stomach, touching it gently, “with child she is known to lose her appetite at first—and Tim said your mood changed suddenly this morning and there were those unexplainable tears earlier and I have concluded…” he chuckled.

“Stephen you are insane! I assure you, you have concluded incorrectly.” She blushed. “That would be a nightmare!” she added, thinking of the conversation at the shop.

“Oh?” Stephen questioned with a frown, surprised and a bit bruised by her remark. She loved children—it was obvious. He could tell that by just the brief glimpse he had witnessed between her and the children at Nevis but her remark just now had been cold and cutting. “You are right of course, it would be a terrible turn of events wouldn’t it?” he asked with lightness to his voice, leaving her the option of correcting him.

Desiree looked away, unable to meet his gaze. She had missed the inflection in his voice and she was crushed. “
Oui
it would I am afraid.” She replied softly.

Stephen watched her wring her hands and could not understand the signals her actions and words were giving out. He let the subject drop and turned back to the door, reaching into the hall.

“Well,” he produced a small basket, “I had hoped you would allow me to take you and this assortment of delicacies from Bessie’s kitchen and ride to a favorite spot of mine for a quiet lunch and an afternoon together.”

Desiree watched him grin sheepishly, looking to her with uncertainty and she was amazed that he had gone to such efforts for her. She smiled slightly in spite of herself. She wanted to rush into his arms and tell him of her fears and have him reassure her that all she suspected was untrue. She wanted not to care, to be grown up and accept that for now—this moment, he belonged to her and enjoy him for as long as he would have her. But all Stephen saw was her standing in indecision. He placed the basket upon the floor and walked up to her, “Please.” he pleaded and kissed her softly, “Please.” He repeated, kissing her again and again and again.

“Yes! You win!” Desiree laughed, unable to catch her breath, “Just allow me to change will you please?”

***

“How are you at riding bareback? You did say you rode quite often at home, didn’t you?” Stephen wondered aloud as he bent to retrieve the basket from the floor and they headed down the hall.

“Yes I do fairly well.” Desiree assured, with a giggle, suddenly overwhelmingly happy, just to be with him. She had decided as she had changed into her riding clothes with Stephen’s helpful assistance, that perhaps what she had overheard this morning had been merely jealous lies, told in order to save face. He belonged to her at this moment and she was determined to enjoy this afternoon and his company.

***

“Up you go!” Stephen said, holding out a hand to assist her. Desiree hesitated a moment, unsure of her ability to even stay astride Sampson, the spirited Roan stallion that pranced and fidgeted, eager to be off.

“Stand!” Stephen commanded and the horse obeyed immediately, stilling while giving Stephen his full attention.

Desiree glanced about the grounds, to ensure their privacy, and then parted her skirts, pulling the back between her thighs and raised her left foot to Stephen. He grasped her leg just above the ankle and hoisted her upward until she straddled the steed. He handed her the basket which she held before her, and then he swung himself up behind her with ease. He wrapped his arms about her waist and took the reins loosely in his hands. With a slight encouragement, the stallion pranced off under his measured control and they headed out the drive heading for the opposite side of the island.

With Stephen at the reins the horse flew along the beach and Desiree leaned back, relishing the feel of Stephen’s body pressed close to her and encircled by his arms and both in unison with the spirited animal beneath them. A spray of water pelted their feet as the horse raced along the water’s edge and Stephen pressed a light kiss to her cheek, talking idly as they moved along.

Stephen slowed the animal although the beach continued on ending at the point of the island and he turned the horse toward the dense tree line, where Desiree could see an opening and a path that led upward. The horse moved willingly up the path and seemed to know the way and after a gradual climb that ended near the point of the island, ahead she could see sunlight and heard the sound of rushing water.

They rose to a small grassy meadow bathed in sunlight and at the far side, near the edge of a cliff a waterfall emptied into good sized pool. The water rushed over the lip of the pool and down a rocky cliff where it then continued on, along a streamlet.

Stephen dismounted, took the basket from Desiree’s hands and then helped her down. He led the horse some distance out into the open meadow and dropped the reins, leaving the steed ground tied to graze at will upon the sweet grasses.

“What do you think?” he grinned, outstretching his arms.

“It’s lovely. Very private. Do you come here often?” She was wondering if he had entertained others here but tried to push the thoughts from her mind.

“I have always enjoyed this place. To be alone—to think. The water only occurs every so often after a heavy rain and until it all runs out of the hills. This will be all dried up in a short time—until the next big rainfall.”

He removed a blanket from the top of the basket, spreading it upon the grass near the trees in an area of filtered sunlight and taking a seat, patted a place beside him, “Join me sweet. Are you hungry?”