Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie (29 page)

He moved inside the cabin, closing the door behind him, and then came to gather her in his arms. “But I have an adequate town house with plenty of room for everyone, including your Mr. Baptiste.”

She chuckled when he spat the other man’s name and touched her palm to his cheek. “You are a kind and generous provider. Thank you for allowing him to stay as our guest. It needn’t be long, just until we figure out where he may go.”

As Daniel led her from the great cabin and down the gangplank to the waiting conveyance, Lisette viewed the filthy wharf with interest. Funny how any place felt right with her husband by her side. She would reside in an oversized trunk if he wished it, as long as they remained together.

“Your brother plans to call on your parents today,” she said. “Perhaps we should pay our respects as well.”

Daniel drew her close. “Don’t fret, my dear. We will soon receive an invitation for dinner. Mother always hosts a party when the ship docks. I can only imagine how quickly one will come once she learns I’ve arrived with a wife.”

“You’ve sent her notice already?”

He chuckled. “You have much to learn about London. The ship’s manifest lists you as my wife. Word should reach Mother before we arrive to Curzon Street.”

“I’m uncertain if that is a fortuitous system or not.”

“Generally not.” Daniel halted several steps from the carriage and turned her to face him. A worry line appeared on his forehead. “Lis, you must realize I had a life before I met you. Some aspects of my former life don’t make me proud. If you hear rumors…”

She squeezed his hands. “As long as everything stays in the past, I shan’t pay any notice to gossip.”

“My entertainments in London are forever confined to the past. You have my word.”

“Excellent,” she said with a cheeky grin. “I’m greedy when it comes to entertainments. I prefer to stay center stage.”

***

London’s rapid communication system did not disappoint. A mere two hours after their arrival at the town house, Daniel’s mother and sister descended upon them. Lana had grown even larger with child in the weeks he’d been gone. Her venture across Town to procure an introduction to his wife would raise eyebrows among the elite, not that he agreed with their censorship.

The current thinking a lady should lie in wait was nonsense. Women all over the world gave birth to healthy issue without taking to their beds for weeks. Some even birthed while toiling in a field. Of course, he wouldn’t go so far as to suggest rigorous exercise, but paying calls exerted nothing more than one’s patience.

“You’ll not drop your child on the Aubusson, I hope.” His teasing tone matched his welcoming grin as he gathered his little sister in a hug.

“Daniel, really.” His mother huffed and turned three shades of red.

Lana returned his embrace with verve, planting a loud, smacking kiss upon his freshly shaved cheek. “I wish it were time. I have two months of misery left to endure. I welcome a respite in the country.”

Once he released his sister, his mother didn’t step forward to initiate or receive any contact, not even a courteous kiss on her knuckles. Theirs had never been an affectionate relationship, and he had come to accept her way of expressing fondness involved lavish parties thrown in one’s honor. Her gaze darted around the drawing room. “Where is she?”

“Please, have a seat. I’ve ordered tea and biscuits.” Daniel directed both women to the settee. “Lisette will join us in a moment.”

Mother bustled to the small sofa and smoothed her skirts several times before sitting. She leaned forward with a grave expression. “I didn’t dare believe the rumors, but it appears you have truly arrived with a wife. Wherever did you find her?”

He couldn’t hold back a smile. “On the top shelf of the quaintest shop. I went in for a hat and came out with a wife.”

“A milliner’s shop?”

Lana giggled. “He’s jesting, Mama. You spoke of his bride as if she were an object to be found.”

“I did not. I simply wondered how it is my incorrigible bachelor son arrived in London
leg-shackled
, to use a term he has often employed to describe the state of matrimony.”

“Lisette booked passage on the
Cecily
, I fell madly in love with her, and had to have her as my wife. Satisfied?”

A noise at the doorway interrupted their conversation. They turned at once to discover Lisette standing at the threshold. A becoming flush pinked her cheeks.

Daniel rose to greet her. “There you are, luv. Do come in so Mother can put her fears to rest.”

His mother groaned. “Daniel.”

Lana wiggled to the edge of the settee and pushed herself to her feet. She approached Lisette, but before Daniel could make introductions, she tossed her arms around Lisette’s neck. “What a pleasure to meet the lady who has captured Daniel’s heart at last. Welcome to the family. I’m Lana.”

Lisette’s eyes widened a brief moment, but she returned his sister’s enthusiastic greeting with kindness. “
Merci.
Your brothers have spoken highly of you. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Mother smiled, her features softening for the first time since she had arrived. “It seems my youngest son has also arrived with a wife.” She reserved her loving expressions for Jake. He had always been her favored child, and she’d been orchestrating opportunities for Jake to win Amelia’s heart for over a year. “Now if only Benjamin will make a match, I shall know peace.”

His mother stood, glided across the room to gather Lisette’s hands in hers, and placed kisses on her cheeks.

“What a darling girl you are,” Mother cooed. “Jake and Amelia told me all about the changes you have wrought in my wayward son. Do come and join me on the settee.”

A tic started at Daniel’s brow, and he placed his fingers against the spot to cease the annoying sensation. Would he ever win his mother’s approval? Not bloody likely. Why he should care now when he had flaunted his vices in front of her for years, he couldn’t say. Perhaps he didn’t wish to see the light of admiration in Lisette’s eyes fade when she looked at him.

Serafine and Rafe arrived holding hands as the tea cart appeared, and Daniel facilitated the introductions. He could have kissed his family for their warm acceptance of Lisette’s kin. His wife beamed and turned a loving gaze on him. His worries about losing her admiration had been for naught.

His mother sat and assumed the role of hostess, pouring tea for everyone and offering chocolate biscuits. “We have much planning to do today if I’m to throw the most glorious ball of the season to celebrate your nuptials. Of course, we haven’t much time until everyone returns to the country.” She handed a cup and saucer to Serafine then poured one for Lisette. “Jake and Amelia’s opportunity has passed, I’m afraid, although I am thrilled with the prospect of another grandchild.”

Daniel made to sit, but one sharp look from his mother halted his descent to the chair.

“We have much to discuss, Daniel. We must discuss a visit to Madame Chastain, and then there are the choices for flowers in addition to the menu. We cannot be disturbed with sighs of boredom from your side of the room.”

In the past, his mother’s words would have offended him, but today they brought a smile to his face. “Very well, Mother. Please assist both ladies with setting up accounts with Madame Chastain and any other shopkeeper you see fit. I know they are in good hands.”

He turned to Rafe. “I thought to make a return trip to the docks to finish some business. Would you like to accompany me?”

The lad’s eyes lit. “Back to the ship?”

“Indeed, and if any of the fleet is docked, perhaps we can tour the other ships.”

“I need my sketchbook.”

“Let’s retrieve it then.” He bowed to the feminine gathering in his drawing room. “Good day, ladies.”

A few minutes later, he left the town house with a spring to his step. The females in his family would keep Lisette so busy, she likely wouldn’t even realize when he left for America or notice his return. He would speak with Jake and Lana later to request an invitation for Lisette and her family to join one of them in the country as soon as the season ended. His siblings would ensure Lisette was well cared for in his absence.

Twenty-six

Lisette’s head spun by evening. After setting a date for the ball, Daniel’s mother had insisted she and Serafine visit the modiste that very afternoon. Lisette had been exhausted from their voyage, but unwilling to disappoint Daniel’s mother. She had hated to see Lana excluded from the outing, but as the young woman had explained, a lady in her state couldn’t be gallivanting about Town. Then she had frowned and mumbled the words “blast it all,” endearing her to Lisette even more.

Now in the comfort of her new chambers, Lisette removed her half boots and rubbed her sore toes. She wasn’t made for the life of a lady of leisure if her entire day consisted of nothing but shopping. Pulling the pins from her hat, she dropped them on the dressing table before tossing her hat on a nearby chair. She had just released her hair when Daniel entered.

“Splendid. You’ve returned.” He came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, kneading her tensed muscles. Each press of his strong fingers loosened the knots that had been forming all day. “How did you fare with Mother?”

“
Très bien
. It is clear she will be an asset in navigating these next few weeks.” Lisette touched his hands to still their movements then met his gaze in the looking glass. “Thank you for today.”

“Of course. You and Serafine may set up accounts wherever you like.”

She turned on the bench to face him. “I meant for lying to your mother this morning, about the circumstances of our marriage.”

Daniel lowered to a knee so they were eye level and slipped his hand under her hair to cradle her neck. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I overheard you telling your family you have fallen in love with me.”

“
Madly
in love,” he clarified with a cheeky wink.

Her body flushed with heated pleasure. “
Oui.
I thought perhaps you had exaggerated too much, but your mother and sister took you at your word.”

Daniel’s fingers twined with the strands of hair at her nape and sent tremors along her spine. The spicy scent of his cologne infused her with longing as he leaned toward her. His mouth hovered a breath away from hers.

“Was I lying?”

Her throat clogged with emotion and tears pricked her eyes. Did she dare hope her husband loved her? “I’m grateful you didn’t mention Reynaud. I imagine your family’s opinion wouldn’t be as positive if they knew you took your vows to save me from my
fiancé
.”

“Former fiancé.” His thumb stroked her jaw. “Lis, I would have protected you from him no matter what. I married you because I wanted you.”

She swallowed against her disappointment. He desired her, which wasn’t the same as love. Yet, it was something. Weeks of travel and the near endless afternoon of shopping caught up to her. Lisette slumped forward, resting her head against his shoulder.

His arms wrapped around her, and he placed a kiss on top of her hair. “I’m pleased you find Mother and Lana amiable. My family is like yours, loyal. I’ll have no worries with them looking after you while I’m gone.”

Lisette’s insides convulsed and she drew back. “Gone? Where are you going?”

“I’m a seaman, my dear. I can’t stay in London forever if you are to have new gowns and all the fine things ladies require.”

“Then I don’t want any of those things. I wish to be with you.”

His brows lowered as they always did when she displeased him. Before he could speak, she rushed on with her argument. “Rafe loves being onboard the
Cecily
and so do I. Life at sea—”

“Is no place for a family.” Daniel pushed to his feet and gazed down on her. “Our journey was easy this time, but the dangers are too great. I won’t risk your safety or that of Rafe.”

“If sailing is too dangerous, I don’t want you at sea either.” Lisette jumped up and captured his arms. The magnitude of strength under her fingertips stole her breath. He appeared invincible, but he was as vulnerable as anyone was. And living without him would tear her apart. “You could have died if not for me playing nursemaid. It’s clear you need me to take care of you as much as I benefit from your protection.”

Daniel smiled in a placating manner that riled her temper. His hands slid behind her head and his fingers linked. “I never properly thanked you. I shall have to make up for my oversight.”

The instant his lips touched hers, she thought to shove him away, to confront him on using his sexual prowess to disarm her. Instead, she softened in his embrace, her body siding with him rather than what she knew to be true. Daniel needed her as much as she needed him. And somehow, she had to convince him before he tried to abandon her in England.

***

Louis Reynaud found The Peregrine a damned disappointment. Nothing about the East End tavern reflected the supremacy of the real-life hunter, a formidable predator that attacked its prey from above, swooping down at an ungodly speed. The falcon had might and the element of surprise to his advantage. No warning of danger. No chance for his victim to escape before he sank his razor talons into his quarry’s soft body.