Love's Vengeance (52 page)

He rose from the bed, dousing the candle upon the table with wetted fingers and staggered back to slowly lay down, mindful of his battered body. She would be in France now or arrive by the first of the year, he calculated. He had taken a more southerly route, catching a strong tailwind on the way and had made record time, pushing his arrival up by a good week. Now he would be off tomorrow for the colonies and would not be tempted to go to France to search her out as that thought had crossed his mind several times over the past few days.

His mind wandered back over their last day together. The last time he had held her, kissed her and then had made love to her. He closed his eyes, remembering the feel of her body beneath his hands, the warmth of her embrace as she welcomed him in spite of their mutual rage. It had been pure frenzy as they consumed one another as though fighting the deciding battle in a very long war. And then finally leaving the anger behind and sharing themselves tenderly without words until they were spent and empty of emotion and shared a final last kiss. For himself he had fought to hold in all the pleas running through his mind that day. So many things he had wanted to say but could not. He had wanted to tell her he loved her and beg her to stay and grovel at her feet and plead for her love—but his own stupid pride had prevented him from voicing any of it.

“Will this hell never end?” he softly asked aloud, “Will I never be free?” He breathed deeply trying again to clear the thoughts of Desiree but the memories washed over him and he lay transfixed, staring blankly into the darkness, while she tread heavily upon his mind.

***

It was a cold January morning when Desiree stood solemnly at the rail, watching the dense fog lift, exposing Le Havre beneath. Dark wisps of smoke from fireplaces stoked against the chill mingled with the misty fog, softening the harshness of the waterfront. Desiree smiled, her hand slipping over her slightly rounded abdomen and the flutter she felt beneath her palm. “This will be your land, your home.” she whispered, “We shall be fine.” She assured gently, caressing the child within.

Bridgett joined her at the rail, lifting Desiree’s hood and covering her head, “You don’t want to catch a chill, sweet.” She said, kissing Desiree’s cheek, “You should come down for breakfast soon.”

“I shall Bridgett, in a few minutes.” Desiree sighed, patting her hand, while her eyes remained upon the approaching land.

“All right dear.” Bridgett nodded, leaving Desiree alone once more.

Desiree felt elated. She was almost home and the pain of the past months had dimmed somewhat. She knew that she had made the right decision to go. She felt no malice toward Stephen, only glimpses of memory, without emotion connected to them. He seemed to have been an imagining and if not for the child, she could almost believe it had all been a dream.

The first days on board ship had been difficult, as the discomfort from their lovemaking had persisted and she was worried she would lose the baby. She had prayed for the pains to cease and after three days her prayers had been answered and now she had proof of the child, nearing the fifth month. She could feel it and see it growing; adding roundness to her stomach and it was a glorious experience.

Bridgett had discovered her pregnancy without a word from her. Her gowns became overly snug and uncomfortable early in their voyage and Bridgett had found she was unable to draw the lacing in about her waist and one morning after doing what she could with them, she had sat down upon her bunk and began to cry. “How far along are you?” she had wept.

She had rushed to her side and hugged her nurse, “Don’t cry Bridgett. I want this baby. I am so happy about it! I wanted to tell you but hadn’t been able to find the right time. I believe it was conceived in September. It shall be due in June. What a lovely month for a baby to be born!” She had sighed happily.

“Did Stephen refuse to wed?” Bridgett had demanded.

“No he does not know. I told no one but Timothy and he gave me his word he would keep it to himself. I didn’t want to force Stephen into marriage. We shall be fine this way. Bridgett it shall be wonderful!”

“
Oui
.” Bridgett had agreed, wiping her eyes and brightening, “I cared for you and now your child. Well…” she had walked to a satchel and withdrawn her sewing box, “I see I shall have my work cut out for me, modifying a few of your gowns. We shall need to see about appropriate apparel on our arrival.”

Bridgett had loosened the seams along the tapered waists, adding a few inches breathing space for her added girth and they had served to mask her growing bump from Captain Phillips and his crew. She was not sure how close any of the men were to Stephen but could not afford them going back to him with tales of her condition. None were aware and now they would be departing their company and the last tie with Somerset Bermuda and Stephen Colter would be severed.

***

Bridgett and Desiree stood near the landing, waiting for a young sailor to hire a carriage from Rouen to their home. Desiree sat wearily upon a heavy trunk, exhausted by the sail from Le Havre to Rouen. In but a few short hours, she thought, she would be home and she relished the thought of lying down for a much needed rest. She noticed Bridgett observing her closely, with concern.

“I am fine but tired.” Desiree assured, glancing about the docks at the familiar sights. She had hoped to see Philippe, since much of his time was spent here at the docks but he was nowhere in sight.

Bridgett was keeping a watchful eye on Desiree when she saw her mistress’ eyes open wide, her face lit up with pleasure as she squealed with delight. Bridgett turned and saw Honore’ Romains strolling in their direction. He had not yet noticed them and Desiree stood from the trunk and before Bridgett could restrain her, she was running the short distance toward him.

“Honore’!” Desiree cried. His face went from stunned, to a wide grin and she leapt into his waiting outstretched arms. He whirled her about and she clasped her arms about his neck, laughing and crying at once.

“Honore’, put her down!” Bridgett shrieked, rushing up. She was frantic that he might crush Desiree or more likely injure the babe with his exuberance. Honore’ set Desiree gently before him but continued to hold her about the waist within his arms.

“
Ma Cherie
when did you return—how are you?
Mon Dieu
I have missed you!” he chuckled, kissing her mouth lightly, “You look beautiful, glowing…” he marveled. It was at this moment and as he held her close within his arms that he noticed something out of sorts. He pulled back, searching her face. His hand moved beneath her cloak, to the taut rounded belly and his eyes widened.

Desiree took his hand in her own and held it tightly, “Don’t say a word, it is a long story and I shall explain but not here—not now.” She stated softly, looking about the crowded docks. Honore’ was anything but subtle and Desiree knew that he would be beside himself with anger and she would rather he hear it in private where his comments would not matter.

“Can I assume that your husband is attending to your bags?” he asked removing his hand from hers with a tight smile.

“No—there is no husband.” She whispered and flinched as he slammed his fist into the palm of his other hand.

“Who was it? I’ll geld the bastard whoever it was!” he growled under his breath.

She knew he was deadly serious. He was so very hot headed and a formidable brawler when need be but she had no doubt that he would be out matched in a bout with Stephen. Thank goodness they would never meet, for Honore’ would surely do his best to try and defend her honor.

“Please stop this Honore’. What is done is done. I won’t speak more on it with you if you are going to be so upset. I know how you must feel but please calm down, for me?” she pleaded.

“I’m sorry—I’m sorry.” He breathed, wrapping a sheltering arm about her shoulders. “I shall wait for your explanation before I go into a rage.”

“Desiree?” Antoine questioned, peering over Honore’s shoulder to see who he had found.

“Antoine!” Desiree cried.

He laughed with joy, pulling her into his arms and was about to give her a bear hug when Honore’ clamped down upon his shoulder roughly, “Easy boy, our lady is in a delicate condition.” He informed raising an eyebrow meaningfully. Antoine released her so abruptly; it was as though he had been burned.

Desiree looked to Honore’ miserably and then back to Antoine, “Don’t look at me that way Antoine! Please!” she whispered softly, turning her back to him, with tears glistening in her eyes.

Antoine came from his daze, shaking his head at his own stupidity and touched her shoulder, gently turning her around and pulling her against his chest, “I’m sorry—don’t cry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I am so happy you have come home!” he declared, wiping her tears away and kissing her cheek affectionately, “Will you tell me who is responsible? Who is the father?” he asked quietly.

“Not now—it is a long story.” Desiree sniffed, hugging him tight.

Antoine pulled back, looking about the docks, “Have you seen Rene’ yet?”

“No—is he in town also?” Desiree asked in disbelief.

“
Oui
, I met him along the road and he joined me for the ride into town.” Antoine confirmed.

“I came alone.” Honore’ offered.

Bridgett stood back watching Desiree and her friends, deciding to herself that it was good for Desiree to be home. These young men would help her to open up about her feelings, where she had failed. The conversation was light now but she knew that given a short time alone with them, they would lighten the load upon her shoulders which her young mistress needed desperately to do.

The sailor walked up to Bridgett, nodding politely, “Madame I have found a coach if you are ready now, I will see you there and bring your luggage.”

Bridgett looked to Desiree and saw her dejected expression, “Antoine? Do you plan on leaving for home soon?” Bridgett ventured.

“Within the hour. Rene’ may not be finished with his business but his horse is with my carriage. We needn’t linger and wait on him.”

“Would you be able to see Desiree home in your carriage if I leave her in your care?” Bridgett queried.

“Of course! Desiree would you like to stay with us? My carriage is just around the corner.” Antoine offered happily.

“
Oui
I would!” Desiree exclaimed.

Bridgett gestured to the luggage, “I will take our things then and go on ahead. Now you two take good care of her.”

They both gave her stunned expressions, “Don’t we always?” Honore’ asked.

Bridgett had to nod in agreement, for it was so very true. She walked off with the young sailor, to the waiting carriage watching over her shoulder as Desiree disappeared around the corner on the arms of both men.

***

Antoine’s carriage stood in waiting before the boutiques along Le Duexe Avenue and the three stood beside it, talking softly.

“Here he comes.” Honore’ said under his breath and gesturing over Desiree’s head as she turned to see Rene’ striding calmly toward them. His eyes were on her back, as if trying to decide on whom she might be but when she turned, his eyes lit up and a wide grin broke across his handsome face. She didn’t move, instead waiting on him to approach and gently hugged him, lightly kissing his lips.

“Did you just arrive?” he grinned happily. Desiree nodded and he looked to her two companions and the sober expressions they wore and he frowned, “What is wrong with you two? You look as though you could kill.”

Desiree turned to look at their faces and then looked back to Rene’, “Are you finished with your business here?”

“
Oui
.” He confirmed.

“Antoine could we be on our way?” she asked softly and he nodded. She turned again to Rene’, “Will you join us?”

“Just try and stop me.” Rene’ chuckled, moving to tie his horse to the rear of the carriage.

“Well Desiree, I have my own carriage. I shall come over tomorrow if that is all right with you.” Honore’ asked.

“Of course, that would be fine.” Desiree agreed, hugging him once more and kissing his cheek she whispered, “Please keep this to yourself for now.”

“I shall, have no fear. Take care of our lady men.” He commanded and strode away.

Antoine helped Desiree up into the carriage and Rene’ followed next, taking a seat at her side. Antoine called to the driver and closed the door, taking a seat opposite them.

“So tell us all about the colonies.” Rene’ began, covering himself and Desiree with a lap blanket and putting an arm around her shoulders.

Desiree looked to Antoine and then to Rene’, “I must tell you of much more than the colonies—I—I am pregnant Rene’, nearly five months so.” She squeezed his hand and waited for his reaction. He looked across to Antoine and received a sober nod then moved his hand to her stomach, feeling the small rounded evidence of her words and sighed heavily, drawing her closer against his side.

“Oh Desiree…” He said softly, “The one time we let you out of our sight and look what happens.”

She smiled up at him and he wiped a tear from her cheek; then placed a kiss there.

“Move over you two.” Antoine chuckled. He seated himself on Desiree’s other side, hiking his feet up on the seat across from him and Desiree pulled the edge of the blanket across his lap, snuggling down between the two of them contentedly.

“We are here for you my sweet. Would you care to talk about it?” Rene’ asked, squeezing her shoulders.

“
Oui
. I have wished for this moment for so long. I have needed to talk with you, both of you! I have missed you so much!” she said in a trembling voice. She kissed each upon their cheeks and then began relating the tale of the last months to her very best friends.

***

Along the road from Rouen, Desiree ran the gamut of emotions as she related the steps of her experiences. Rene’ and Antoine sat quietly for the most part, occasionally urging her on when she faltered, asking her questions here and there to fill in the sketchy places of her story and when it was all told, they sat thoughtfully for a few minutes before speaking.