Love's Vengeance (62 page)
Authors: Dana Roquet
The master bedroom door flew open and Stephen sauntered in, crossing his arms over his chest as he whistled appreciatively. Desiree glared at his reflection in the mirror, not at all in agreement with his opinion, “You brute Stephen Colter. You have ruined my figure, permanently I fear.” She turned about for him, giving him a good look at the damage.
“Let me see…” he contemplated her seriously, strolling up and pulling her into his arms, “Now when we first met, I could encircle your waist easily with one arm, if memory serves.” He accomplished the test with ease. “See there—three times a mother and you still have the figure of a girl.” he chuckled, nuzzling her neck.
“Stop that Captain Colter. I believe this is exactly how you began some ten odd months ago—warm sunshine, a tropical breeze billowing at the curtain, gentle kisses and then—I swelled up as if I had swallowed a melon!”
“Yes but you did finally give me a son my love, I am eternally grateful.” He chuckled and then lifted his head, looking into her eyes. “That reminds me why I came up here. It was to call your attention to something.”
He clasp her hand in his and led her from their room, down a corridor of their large, gracious home which set upon the rise above Somerset, Bermuda, and led her down the stairs, crossing to the entrance hall, where he peeked out the front window. “Now Madame Colter—take a look out there and tell me what you see. That daughter of yours is getting totally out of hand.”
Desiree peered around the draperies, to the lawn, where Victoria stood in the large stone pool in the center of the front grounds. Her shoes and stockings were tossed upon the grass, forgotten. Her lovely taffeta gown was slung across her arm, as she stood knee deep in the pool with two friends, Stephen’s first mate’s son John Henry Davison and Timothy’s son, William. Victoria stooped over, apparently trying to catch a fish in her bare hand and as Desiree watched, she slipped, falling backwards into the water.
“Stephen look!” Desiree laughed, motioning him to the window, “Now you just watch.” she giggled, “Those two lads shall be in for a surprise if I am any judge of Victoria—and I am.”
The two boys were laughing hysterically; clapping their hands in applause at the accomplishment and Victoria pouted and with a dramatically exaggerated effort, tried to stand. When both boys came forward to assist her, taking her hands and helping her up, she instead, pulled as hard as she could and both boys toppled forward into the water.
Desiree laughed brightly, dropping the drape back into place and started for the front door, “Now I want you to observe Stephen. I will be very much surprised if Victoria must claim any responsibility at all for this calamity.”
***
Victoria smiled sweetly, when she saw her parents approach, standing up from the water while her playmates thrashed about wildly, enjoying the cool dip.
“Victoria Colter! What on earth happened?” Desiree gasped, as if surprised, “And your lovely dress, it shall be ruined.”
Stephen stood back a pace, listening to Desiree’s performance and the two boys came to their feet, assisting Victoria from the pool gallantly.
“I take the blame, Captain.” Seven year old, John Henry piped up, smiling sweetly at Victoria, “It was an accident. Please don’t blame Victoria.” he begged, squirming under Stephen’s doubtful scowl.
“Well Victoria, is that so?” Desiree questioned.
“Not exactly—but it could be called an accident I suppose.” Victoria decided thoughtfully.
Desiree lifted a brow at her husband, in silent communication and then she tousled the golden blonde curls of her six year old, looking into eyes that mirrored her own for color and she laughed softly, “Oh
Ma Cherie
I know these accidents so very well. You best go in and let Bridgett get you changed. Boys, you had better run home and do the same. Will—make certain you tell your father what happened will you?”
William stuck his bottom lip out, pondering the idea in his little mind, looking so very much like Timothy. Even though he was barely five years, he was definitely his father’s son.
“Aunt Desiree must I?”
“Your father will understand Will. I think you just might make him laugh if you tell him.” Desiree predicted, remembering their similar unsuspected swim in the ocean so many years ago.
“Then I shall.”
The two boys collected their shoes and stockings, bidding Victoria farewell and Victoria giggled mischievously, turning and skipping toward her father.
Stephen scowled at her, sensing she was up to no good and when she approached him with arms outstretched, intending to give him a soggy hug, he stepped back, glaring menacingly, “You move along into the house this minute little Miss Colter or you shall be very sorry—I assure you.” he warned.
Victoria giggled happily, “Oh Father! You are just an old stick in the mud!” she announced and scampered away.
Stephen knitted his brow, turning to Desiree and frowned sullenly, “Am I?”
Desiree crossed her arms over her chest, peering at him as if deciding. She looked at his handsome face, then slowly down his lean hard frame. He was more handsome now than the day she had met him, over seven years ago; still the light of her life, still her knight in shining armor, her friend, her lover. She smiled softly, then forced it away and tried to look distressed by the answer she was about to give.
“Stephen—you know, you are going on thirty-four years now. I am afraid my love, you are definitely old but as for the last…” she pursed her lips thoughtfully.
“You little minx!” he growled. He whisked her into his arms, striding to the pool and dipping as if to deposit her there.
“Stephen! Put me down this instant! You dare dunk me and I’ll…”
“You’ll what?” he teased.
“I’ll…”
He stopped her words with a fiery kiss, which brought her breath to a trembling halt. “I love you.” he whispered, “Even though
you
are an old stick in the mud!” He chuckled at his joke, ignoring the angry sparks shooting from her violet eyes and with her still in his arms, he headed for the house.
“I am not old!” Desiree pouted.
“Ancient!”
“Ha!” she answered.
“But I am?” he questioned.
“Well—a young
Romeo
you are not.” She laughed, turning the handle for him and he pushed the door open with a foot, and gave pause, looking into her eyes.
“Ohhh…I can’t allow that remark to pass love. I shall have to disprove it.” He gave the door a nudge with his boot until it shut, then headed for the stairs.
“Desiree!” a voiced called after them.
Stephen stopped on the stairs and with a growl, swung around with Desiree in his arms, looking down the flight to Bridgett.
“I am putting Victoria in a bath. Ariel Celeste will be waking from her nap soon and…”
“Don’t say another word Bridgett.” Stephen warned, “Madame Colter and I will be in a private conference for some time. Hold the fort for us, will you?”
Bridgett laughed softly, “Yes Sir.”
Stephen nodded, bounding up the steps and Desiree nuzzled his neck, sighing contentedly, “Victoria and Ariel shall be pounding upon the door in no time Stephen.”
“I know.”
“And little Daniel shall need feeding soon…”
“I know! I know!” he grumbled, “Well—perhaps I shall have to be contented with…”
“A match of chess?” Desiree offered with a laugh.
“Chess?” Stephen asked with a chuckle. “I was thinking more along the lines of…”
“Winner take all!” Desiree interrupted seductively, with a gentle nibble at his ear lobe.
“You’re on! Payable on demand?”
“Oh…When time allows.” Desiree giggled.
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