Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One (10 page)

            "Someone plays it for me once or
twice."

            "That's it?"

            "That's it." She confirmed.

            "Mirabelle, I told Lady Elise that you
might help her learn new music." Gilles said as he walked to the sideboard
and poured brandy for him and Alastair.

            "I'd be delighted though I imagine my
skills will seem crude compared to hers."

            "I'm sure you're very good! And it would
mean so much to me. I usually have to wait for my solicitor to visit and he
only brings one or two pieces."

            "I have a few pieces in my trunk, I can
bring them down later." Mirabelle offered.

            "Please do! It would make me happier than
you could possibly imagine."

            The rest of the afternoon passed quickly.
Celine, Alastair and Mirabelle settled in their rooms and lunch was a relaxed
event. Mirabelle and Celine discussed acquaintances while Alastair and Gilles
discussed recent politics. Elise was content to listen and learn as much as she
could about her new companions. Occasionally, Alastair would ask her a question
about how she managed day to day tasks.

Chapter 14

            After lunch, Mirabelle and Elise sat at the
piano and learned three new pieces. Alastair seemed impressed at Elise's
ability to memorize music so quickly. Despite her modesty, Elise found
Mirabelle to be a skilled piano player and delighted in having someone to
listen to for more than a few minutes. At the mention of a duet, Elise became
as excited as she had the evening prior at the prospect of a riding a horse.

            "I'll do my best not to let you down, Lady
Elise. You're much better than I am."

            "Nonsense, you play so well!"

            "I did think so until I heard you."

            "It's the only thing I have to do. I
wouldn't want you to have had the sort of time on your hands for practice as
I've had."

            "I suppose. But you'll have far less time
now that we're here. We'll keep you busy and once things with you and Gilles
are settled, I'm certain he'll find all sorts of ways to complicate your
life."

            "Settled?"

            Before Elise could question Mirabelle further,
Gilles strode into the room and summoned Alastair to the study. After the men
left, Elise turned back to Mirabelle to continue the conversation but was
interrupted by Celine's suggestion that they take a walk in the garden before
preparing for dinner.

            "This garden is just magical!"
Mirabelle exclaimed as she dipped her hand in a fountain.

            Elise let her hand brush though some lavender, breathing
in the scent. She felt calm despite a niggling of concern that had begun
shortly after Gilles' family's arrival. It wasn't them, she found them each to
be open and accepting of her and she enjoyed their company immensely.
Especially Mirabelle, she felt as is they were already good friends. It was
their expectations that had her worrying. Mirabelle had made a few comments
that alluded to her and Gilles having more of a future than was likely. It
didn't seem fair to give them the wrong impression and not correct them. Elise
didn't want to disappoint them.

            "I think I should be frank with the both of
you. I was so nervous about meeting you and you've set me at ease and I feel
like we could all become very close. I've never had friends and it means a great
deal to me. I feel it only right that I should be honest with you. There is no
understanding between Spencer and myself. In fact, I'm quite certain that there
won't be. He has been very kind and we do enjoy each other's company but it
would be unfair to allow you to set your hopes towards us marrying."

            "This surprises me, mignon!" Celine
said as she linked their arms. "I believe that Gilles feels differently
but that does not matter if you do not have feelings for him and do not wish to
marry him. Though it would seem that you care for him, do you not?"

            "I... I do care very deeply for him. But I
believe he understands as well as I do that a marriage between us would be
inappropriate and that I wouldn't be the sort of wife he needs."

            "I do not doubt that you are exactly the
sort of wife he needs but why do you think it would be inappropriate for you to
marry him?"

            "My reputation is quite damaged. And even
if it weren't, I can't fulfill the role of his countess. I can't host dinners
and balls and attend luncheons and teas. I have never left Longwood. If I ever
did it would be to settle into Harwood Grange and I'd never leave again. He
doesn't need an invalid for a wife."

            "We can address the rest of your concerns
but please tell me how your reputation is damaged. I've never heard your name
mentioned, let alone attached to a scandal of any sort."

            Elise repeated the story of her arrival at
Longwood and her experiences with Surrey society. With Celine on one arm and
Mirabelle on the other, she was less effected than when she'd discussed it with
Gilles earlier.

            "Those vipers! I'll set them
straight!" Mirabelle thundered.

            "Mon petite belle enfant!" Celine
exclaimed and she lovingly squeezed Elise's arm. "No one will ever speak
of you in such a way again and we will indeed fix them. Please do not spare a
single moment worrying about this reputation. These are the cruel manifestations
of tiny, uncultured minds." Celine patted Elise's hand reassuringly.
"It is all nonsense, just as is your assumption that you are an invalid
and would not be a good wife to my son. You will see."

            "You're so kind, you can't know how much that
means to me. But I'm not marrying him."

            "We must agree to disagree. For now,
mignon." With that, Celine rushed towards the house, leaving a stunned
Elise and amused Mirabelle in the garden.

            Mirabelle put her arms around Elise.

            "I imagine it's a lot to take in. A few
days ago your life was your own and now you have Spencers invading your home
and turning your life upside down. You'll get used to us and our chaos. And you
must excuse Maman, she can be quite overbearing but she means well."

            "Then you understand why Spencer and I
won't be marrying?" Elise asked. She knew she should be relieved that at
least Mirabelle wouldn't be disappointed and she'd been honest with his family.
She just didn't understand why she was so disappointed herself.

            "Oh, no. Maman is right. She's just
overbearing. Make no mistake, you're marrying my brother. He wouldn't have
asked us to come if he hadn't already decided. We're just going to have to
change your mind."

            "I'm sure you've misread his reasons for
inviting you to Longwood."

            "Not at all. I think it's time we went
inside and prepared for dinner."

            It seemed that the discussion was over for now,
Elise thought. Mirabelle was fooling herself if she thought her mother was the
only one that was overbearing. She shook her head. She'd have a talk with
Gilles, it would be easier for him to set them straight.

Chapter 15

            Anna bustled about the room preparing Elise's
clothing for the evening. Her chatter barely registered as Elise rose from the
tub and dried off. Her mind was occupied with the events of the afternoon. She
nodded as Anna told her of the selections she'd made. Her maid was excited, a
new dress had been finished just that afternoon and she was sure to make a good
impression.

            "Anna, they think I'm marrying his lordship."
Elise stated as she felt a chemise fall over her.

            "I'd be surprised if they didn't, my
lady." Anna replied as she reached across her. She heard and felt perfume
being applied. Elise gripped her maid's arm to still her.

            "Why? What don't I know?"

            "As to that, I can't say entirely. Do you
know that he walks around here looking like he's got his head in the clouds? I
hear that when you're in the same room he can't see anything else. He already
dotes on you as if you were his wife."

            Elise sighed and shook her head.

            "I won't deny that we have become quite
close but I think everyone is misreading his kindness. Spencer likes taking
care of his friends and family. I think he feels responsible for me and it's
all just being misunderstood."

            "I think you're protesting a little to
much, my lady. I know you better than you think and I'd say you're in as bad a
shape as he is. And it's about time, girl."

            "Anna! You're quite mistaken." Elise
could feel a blush creeping up her neck.

            The maid leaned in close and whispered.

            "Am I, dear? Then perhaps you could explain
this love bite." She giggled as she poked Elise gently on her lower chest,
below the line of any of her bodices.

            Elise gasped and instinctively covered it. She
was certain she was beyond blushing.

            "As I said, it's about time. And I can't
blame you for allowing him liberties. I'd let him put his boots under my bed
any night."

            "I need my dressing gown!" Elise
jumped off her stool and paced.

            "Calm down, dear! You know I won't say
anything about this."

            Elise nodded. And put on the robe.

            "I need to speak to him. Now."

            "You're not dressed!" Anna hissed as
Elise headed for the door that connected their rooms. "My lady! You can't
go in there, it wouldn't be proper!"

            "Why? It's not as if I'll see
anything." She replied as she knocked. After a minute with no response she
knocked again.

            "Enter." Gilles called from the other
side.

            Elise turned the handle and stormed in.

Chapter 16

            Gilles was in the middle of shaving when he'd
heard the first knock. He assumed it must have been intended for the other room
and hadn't come from the door connecting his room to the countess' chambers.
That would be most unlikely. He shrugged and continued. There was another
knock. This time he was sure it had come from the connecting door. Gilles
looked at his valet and almost laughed at his terrified expression.

            "Enter."

            The door swung open and Elise stormed in. She
was wearing her dressing robe and an ivory chemise peeked at the neckline and
hem. Her hair was loosely pinned on top of her head and damp curls framed her
face. She'd just finished her bath. The smell of lilies and citrus reached him.

            Gilles closed his eyes briefly as he felt his
body tighten in response. His cock stirred. His valet cleared his throat and
Gilles noted his obvious disapproval. He was shirtless and his breeches were
undone. She didn't know that but his valet was horrified nonetheless. He
signaled for him to leave. Despite his scandalized expression, he scurried from
the room.

            "What's wrong?" Gilles asked as he
turned back to the mirror and continued shaving.

            Elise crossed the room and stood within feet of
him. She leaned in and sniffed.

            "What is that?"

            "I'm shaving. Did you come to learn about
my ablutions or was there something else?" Gilles noticed movement in the
mirror and saw her maid pop her head into the room. "Shut the door,
Anna."

            "I don't think I should, my lord" the
maid replied as she pretended not to look at him.

            "I insist, for my modesty's sake. I won't
attack your mistress. Though I'm not so certain of my safety."

            Gilles heard Anna chuckle as she shut the door.

            "Are you naked?" Elise whispered.

            "Only half. Would you care to find out
which?" He asked as he resumed shaving. "Why are you here, Elise? I'm
assuming it's urgent."

            "Your family and the staff believe that
we're going to marry. I assume it's wishful thinking with the staff but your
family believes there's an understanding between us."

            Gilles grimaced. He'd hoped to have some
strategy going into this conversation. As of yet, he had none. He remembered
Holderson's comments.

            He decided calm decisiveness was probably the
best way to start. Gilles continued shaving, trying to maintain a relaxed demeanor.

            "Yes. My family believes we're to be
married."

            "Shouldn't we do something?"

            "I'd like to." He mumbled as he
scraped the blade under his nose.

            "I tried to explain to your sister and
mother that it was unlikely. I think it would be best if you told them directly
that we're not getting married." Elise was a bundle of nerves. Her foot
was tapping and she was wringing her hands.

            "Why would I do that?" Gilles turned
his head and tilted it back so he could work along his jaw.

            Elise made an exasperated sound and flung her
arms up.

            "So they don't think we're getting married!
I like your family, I don't want to disappoint them."

            "It would hardly make sense for me to tell
them that we aren't when I've made it clear that that is my intention."
Gilles finished and began toweling off. "I'm glad you like them, I can
tell they're pleased that I've chosen you. So, there's no need to worry that
they'll be disappointed." He turned and walked towards her.

            Elise's eyes had gone huge. She was shaking her
head and backing towards the door.

            "No! Why would you tell them that?"

            Gilles took her shoulders and led her to a chair
before the fire.

            "Because I want to marry you." He went
back to the basin and splashed water on his face and dried it.

            "Why? Surely you know that it would be
disastrous."

            "Because you're mine. And I disagree, it
would be in no way disastrous. Quite the opposite I think."

            Elise remembered his declaration the first night
she slipped into his room. "Mien." She shivered.           

            "When did you decide this?" She asked,
her voice suddenly suspicious.

            "That you were mine? When we met."

            She snorted and shook her head.

            "No. When did you decide that you wanted to
marry me?"

            "Ah. Right after I decided you were
mine."

            "Could you be serious?"

            "I'm perfectly serious. Why do you think I
sent for maman the next morning?"

            "You said we needed a chaperone, you didn't
mention anything about marriage."

            "Maman is a rather extreme choice for a
chaperone. If I were merely observing proprieties I could have found someone
here rather easily. Having her here serves two purposes: I get to introduce her
to my future wife and I'm publicly signaling my intentions."

            Elise stood up and began pacing. Gilles rushed
towards her, his valet rearranged the furniture slightly and his shoes were
just outside of her path. He stilled her by grabbing her arms.

            "You're going to hurt yourself if you don't
stand still."

            "Is this because I caused you to compromise
me?" Elise accused.

            Gilles stepped back, stunned.

            "No."

            "Are you certain? Because you wrote after I
was in your room the first night."

            He shook his head. Gilles expected her to argue
that she was socially unfit or that her blindness was a disqualifying factor.
He hadn't expected Elise to think he'd marry her out of obligation. Did she not
understand that there were numerous reasons he would legitimately want her? He
knew she didn't know what she looked like, so she might not understand her
overwhelming physical beauty. But he knew she'd been told. He told her himself.
Could she deny how attracted he was to her? Gilles couldn't keep his hands off
of her. When they were alone... They set each other aflame at the slightest
touch and wherever they were became an inferno. 

            Gilles cradled Elise's face in his hands and
lowered his lips to hers.

            "Tu es à moi et Le paradis n’est rien compare
a un des tes baisers."
You are mine and heaven is nothing compared to
your kiss
. He'd whispered it against her mouth and kissed her deeply.

            Elise shivered and placed her hands against his
chest. She spread them and sent them gliding over his shoulders.       

            Gilles kept the kiss brief. He'd promised Anna
he'd behave and he knew he was running out of time.

            "Elise." He sighed her name as he
lifted his head and rested his forehead against hers. "I know you think
there are numerous reasons why we shouldn't be together but I've given you the
only reason that matters."

            "I'm yours?" She was a bit dazed, her
voice was barely audible.

            Gilles lifted her chin.

            "If it's any consolation, I'm yours. For
whatever that's worth."

            Elise's eyes were wide again and she started to
say something but she shook her head.

            "If you want me." Gilles teased as he
lowered his lips again.

            She leaned into him and greedily accepted his
kiss.

            He felt her hands slide down his chest and he
groaned, grabbing them and stepping back as he released her lips.

            "You're going to kill me, minx."

            Elise sighed and brought his hands to her lips.
She began kissing and licking his knuckles.

            "Couldn't we find some way for me to be
your mistress without making you look like a scoundrel?"

            Gilles snatched his hands away and stepped back.
He pointed to the door. Clearly, for effect.

            "Out!" His tone was more stern than
angry. When she turned to go he slapped her bottom. She jumped and he chuckled.

            "That will never be an option, Elise."

            She scurried through the door, slamming it
behind her.

Gilles stood in the hall and paced
as he waited for Elise. His family was in the Blue Parlor waiting for her to
join them for dinner. He considered sending Mirabelle to check on her but he
knew that Elise was already confused and feeling a little defiant.
No point
sending fuel to a flame
, he thought.

            He heard the soft clicking of fingers and looked
up to see the object of his thoughts and desires coming down the stairs. Again,
Elise was a vision. Burgundy silk clung to her curves and a fine gold lace
overlay flowed about her. The bodice hugged her tiny waist and accentuated her
bust. The gold lace rose into a standing collar and her hair was loosely
braided and coiled into a bun. She wore no shoes but a simple gold chain hung
from an ankle.

            She was utterly perfect. For the first time in
his life, Gilles wished his family far away.    

            Continuing her descent, Elise inhaled and
smiled. Alastair hovered around the parlor door. She heard him move and took
another deep breath.            

            "I apologize for the delay, Sir Alastair. I
had matters to discuss with His Lordship and Anna wouldn't let me leave until
she was satisfied."

            Elise reached the last step and reached for
Gilles. He took her hand, kissed her knuckles and placed her hand on his
sleeve.

            "You are divine." He whispered.

            She smiled and looked towards Alastair.

            "My lady." She heard him bow and she
inclined her head.

            "I wish you wouldn't bow and my lady me.
I'm just so pleased to have people to talk to, I wish that all these tedious
rules and manners could be put aside."

            "Very well, I won't bow again but I feel it's
a bit premature to drop the my lady. Perhaps when we're officially
family."

            She drifted towards him and reached for his arm.
He offered it and led her into the parlor. Gilles pulled a face and followed on
their heels.

            Once in the parlor, Celine and Mirabelle pounced
on Elise. Her gown was the focus of attention. Gilles hung against the wall,
enjoying Elise's obvious delight in the conversation.

            "Oh! This is perfection! Who do you
use?" Mirabelle gushed as she examined the overlay of Elise's gown.

            To her credit, Elise remained still. Gilles knew
that she wasn't accustomed to being touched or in close proximity to others.
He'd witnessed her sensitivity firsthand. He tensed and pushed from the wall
when Alastair put his hand on Mirabelle's arm.

            "Easy, brat. Lady Elise isn't used to
having people in her home and being pawed at like a shop sample."

            Mirabelle swatted him away then ducked her head.

            "I'm sorry, Lady Elise! I tend to get
caught up. And you're like a living, breathing work of art. You'll cause an
absolute uproar when you go to Town."

            Gilles groaned. The part about her being a work
of art was good but the town part spoiled it.

            "Thank you, Miss Mirabelle!"

            Gilles relaxed, she wasn't going to lock horns
with his sister just yet.

            "But who is your modiste, petite?" His
mother asked as she circled Elise. "The work is flawless."

            "I don't have a modiste, ma'am. My maid
Anna and Alice make all of my clothes."

            Celine and Mirabelle both froze, then exchanged
glances before sliding together in front of Elise.

            "I'm going to have to see your wardrobe.
Perhaps we could work something out, we're to be family after all."

            Gilles watched his mother, she was enjoying the
exchange. She and Mirabelle were obsessed with fashion. Both were impressed
with Elise's wardrobe and probably jealous of her in house seamstresses.

            "Tomorrow we will see your dresses. For now
we must agree that you are like an angel. It is easy to see why my son is so
smitten, is it not?"

            Dinner was a delightful event. There was much
laughter as Gilles' family seemed set on sharing every embarrassing anecdote
with Elise. She glowed and kept them talking. Now and then, their hands would
touch, she'd shiver and he'd find himself wishing they were alone at the table
so he could lean in close and discuss what had passed between them.

            When the meal was complete everyone made their
way to Elise's sitting room. Holderson brought a tray and the ladies chatted as
Alastair joined his brother at the sideboard.

            "She's exceptionally lovely, Gilles."
Alastair confided softly.

            Gilles tensed and nodded as he passed a snifter
to his brother.

            "Do I need to worry, Alastair?" Gilles
asked, hating that he did.

            Alastair looked at his brother as if he wasn't
sure he understood his meaning.

            "Are you asking if I have any romantic
interest in your prospective bride?" His head was once again cocked to the
side, assessing his brother.

            "Do you?"

            Alastair looked over at the three women
conversing by the fire. Gilles stiffened. He saw Elise's head flick towards
them. Had she heard them. Was she curious?

            "She's beautiful and desirable. But I'm not
attracted to her sexually. Nor does she seem attracted to me. I am quite drawn
to her. I want to know how she adapts and perceives the world. She's
fascinating but I feel nothing towards her romantically. I want to protect her
though, mostly because you feel everything for her that I don't."