Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One (26 page)

            Mirabelle smiled and clapped softly.

            "Well, there's one good thing to come out
of all of this!"

            "What's that?" Gilles asked dryly.

            "Alastair is finally going to go about in
society. If he attends a few ton events, the ladies might actually kiss Elise's
feet if they think it's because of her."

            "I'm so sorry, Alastair!" Elise
giggled.

            Alastair looked pained. Without saying anything,
he left the room.

            "Oh, my!" Elise clapped a hand over
her mouth.

            "Don't worry about him. What we need to do
is figure out a way to milk this for all it's worth." Mirabelle began
tapping her lower lip, no doubt plotting.

            "Come along, brat. I think it's time we let
them rest." Lucien said as he gestured towards the door. Mirabelle sailed
out.

            "Do you think we'll be able to get him to
dance?" She asked, taking Lucien's arm in hers as he laughed.

            "We shall leave you to your rest as
well." Maman kissed Elise's cheek and made her way to Gilles, kissing him
on the top of the head before she exited. Madeline pressed a kiss to Elise's
cheek and went to leave.

            "You will be glad to have this dark cloud
lifted from over your young family, Gilles. Je vous promets." With that
she left.

            Elise snuggled against Gilles' side and sighed.

            "Poor Alastair..."

            Gilles shrugged.

            "It will do him some good. Not to mention,
he's quite good at dancing."

            "Is he? Then why doesn't he attend
balls?"

            "You're surprised? He can't abide being bad
at anything, he practices obsessively until he's mastered whatever he's trying
to do. As for balls, he hates society in general. With good reason. Most of the
ton is stupid and useless. He has no patience for that and he doesn't interact
well with false people. Society isn't kind to him either. He's considered
awkward and rude. The women of the ton are curious about him because they are
convinced he hides some wild side. And despite his unusual reputation, he's
still considered eligible because of his wealth and family connections."

            "Good at everything, you say? A secret wild
side? I might have to get to know Sir Alastair better." Anna got up.
"I'll give you two some privacy for a bit but don't get carried away. Can
I get either of you anything before I go?"

            Elise laughed but Gilles could only stare in
shock.

            "We'll be fine, Anna. Thank you!"

            Once the door was closed, Gilles pulled Elise
closer to him and sighed.

            "You seem remarkably calm. Aren't you
worried about traveling?"

            He felt Elise nod and what he suspected was a
tear land on his chest.

            "I'm terrified but I'll have you and the
family. And if Alastair says this is safest for everyone and we can stop all of
the terrible gossip, I don't see a choice."

            "I love you." Gilles took Elise's hand
and spread it across his chest.

            "I love you too." Elise whispered.

            Gilles felt a familiar warmth spreading in his
chest and he knew that whatever happened, they would prevail. After all, they
had already survived worse than the ton. Then again, he thought, he'd almost
rather get shot again than endure the rest of the season. He shut his eyes and
within minutes he and Elise were both sleeping soundly.

Chapter 45

            Three days later, Gilles was feeling
significantly improved. He'd risen from his bed the day prior and had been
eating double portions during meals. Aside from the soreness in his side,
Gilles no longer felt drained. Well, he corrected himself, he did feel drained
in one sense. He'd finally made love to Elise that morning. She'd done most of
the work after he pulled her half asleep on top of him. With her breasts in his
face it didn't take long for either of them to find release.

            Which is why he was whistling as he settled his
family into the two carriages Alastair had organized for the trip back to
London. Gilles was tense and alert but he was also happy to be on his feet and
feeling the early morning sun on his face. It helped that Alastair had planned
every detail with his usual precision.

            Both carriages carried two armed drivers and a
small arsenal of weapons. Ten well trained, armed soldiers waited to ride in
formation around the two carriages. In the first, Gilles, Elise, Alastair and
Lucy would ride. In the second, The Mothers, Lucien and Mirabelle would follow.
The route and stops were planned and scheduled to the minute.

            The only thing left was to escort Elise from the
house. She stood in the hall whispering with Anna and Holderson, both of whom
would be following shortly with Alice, Matheson and a caravan of trunks and
boxes. While Spencer House had a loyal and capable staff, including Bennings,
Holderson was making the journey to ensure that Lady Elise's transition would
be as smooth as possible. Gilles also wanted her to have more familiar people
around her. As he approached them, Gilles heard Anna comforting Elise.

            "Elise? Are you sure you want to do
this?" He took her hand. "Just say the word and I'll have everything
unloaded within the hour." He pressed her palm to his lips and kissed it.
He felt her trembling and knew it wasn't his lips that had caused it. Gilles
was tempted to override everyone and call it off when Elise shook her head.

            "No. I'll be fine, I have you and Alastair
to keep me distracted during the trip and everyone to help me once we get to
Spencer Place. I get to be in the place where you grew up." She forced a
smile and took his hand. Gilles searched her face and tried to find an excuse
to postpone. She was scared and he hated it.

            "If you're certain, we should be on our
way. Everyone else is ready to go." Gilles turned Elise and led her out of
the doors and helped her into the carriage. Alastair guided her to the seat
opposite him and Lucy and began guiding her hands around the interior. Gilles
hopped in, sat and rapped on the ceiling, signaling that it was time to depart.
When the carriage lurched forward Elise jumped and grabbed Gilles' hand. Her
chest rose and fell rapidly and the muscles of her throat strained. She was
shaking like a leaf. Gilles pulled her into his arms and pressed his face into
her hair.

            "It's alright, darling. We're here. Try to
relax." He rubbed her back and whispered soothing words until she settled
against him.

            "I've brought some poetry, I can read to
you if you'd like, Elise." Alastair offered. She nodded and Alastair
cleared his throat and began reciting. Gilles was pleasantly shocked. His
brother hated poetry but he spent hours reading to Elise. He didn't just read
the words, he read them with emotion as if he were an actor upon a stage.
Gilles had never seen his brother read poetry, let alone act. It was
fascinating. Elise began to lose herself, listening and he was once again
grateful to his brother. The man that the ton had labeled awkward and rude, the
Automaton, had once again displayed genuine humanity for the sake of his and
his wife's happiness. At one point, Elise drifted off to sleep and Alastair let
his voice slowly fade away. He turned and began studying the scenery outside
the carriage.

            "Alastair?" Gilles said softly.

            He turned and raised a brow.

            "You are the best man I've ever
known." Gilles whispered.

            Alastair appeared taken aback. For a moment he
simply stared. He cleared his throat and replied.

            "Thank you. I find that if I ask myself
what you would do and then do it, it usually turns out well." With that,
he returned to the window. Gilles smiled and rested his head against the
cushion and shut his eyes.

            Once they were safely in front of Spencer Place,
Gilles helped Elise up the steps and introduced her to Bennings and the staff.
To their credit, they hid their shock well and welcomed their new mistress.
Elise managed to put on a brave face and greeted them warmly. As they
approached the end of the line, Gilles could feel her sagging. She needed rest.
Sensing that she was tired, Alastair came along side her and took her other
arm.

            "I think it's time that you learned where
your chambers are. We'll count from the foot of the stairs first."
Together, Gilles and Alastair slowly counted and described the path they were
taking. Once they reached her bedroom Alastair began rearranging as much of the
furniture as he could.

            "Tomorrow we'll see about switching your rooms.
Your bedroom is closer in size and layout to Elise's room at Longwood. I have
diagrams and notes on the furnishings. I think we can closely duplicate
it."

            Gilles nodded as he sat Elise on the bed.

            "I don't think we'll need separate rooms.
We'll just remodel my room and we can both move in there. I'll keep my dressing
room so my belongings aren't in the way."

            Alastair shrugged.

            "It shouldn't take more than a few
days." He walked towards the door and turned to Elise. "You should
rest. I have to make sure that all of my arrangements are in place and the
house is secure. Tomorrow, I'll start helping you learn the house. The floors
and walls will be covered in the areas you'll use by the time you wake
up." He bowed to leave but Gilles stopped him. He pulled his brother to
him and hugged him.

            "Thank you for everything, Alastair."

            "It's nothing, we're family." He
nodded to Elise. "Goodnight, Elise."

            She slid from the bed and walked carefully
towards him. He waited for her to reach him, set her hands to his face, rise on
her toes and kiss his cheek.

            "I'm so glad we're family." Elise
whispered. Alastair blushed and ducked his head. He closed the door softly and
Gilles led Elise back to the bed.

            "They're preparing a bath in my dressing
room. You'll have to make do with me since Anna isn't here yet. I thought we'd
give her until tomorrow to settle in."

            Elise smiled weakly and nodded. Gilles knew she
missed her maid. He'd have to see if he could keep her distracted. His aching
side was going to be an annoyance.

            "They'll have dinner set up in here by the
time were done bathing." He slowly undressed Elise and guided her through
his dressing room and into the tub. Gilles clenched his jaw as she moaned in
delight, sinking into the hot, fragrant bubbles. He quickly undressed and sat
opposite Elise.

            "This tub is bigger than the ones at
Longwood." She said as she twisted and stretched.

            "I'm glad you approve, my lady." He
murmured as he extended her arm and began rubbing soap over it. Elise giggled
and his cock twitched.

            "I can do that! I know where my arms and
legs are." She teased.

            Gilles kissed her wrist and nibbled.

            "I know but I've fantasized about doing
this all day."

            Elise sighed and relaxed.

            "Well, I'd hate to disappoint you."

            The next half hour was anything but
disappointing. Gilles and Elise bathed lazily, dried off and he finally got to
brush her hair. After, Gilles bent Elise over the arm of a chaise and took her
swiftly from behind. Once they recovered, he led her into the bedroom and sat
her at the table, arranged her plate and they shared a comfortable meal.

            Back in bed, Elise stretched and relaxed next to
Gilles.

            "I thought you lived at Burton Place. Why
are so many of your things already here?" She asked drowsily.

            "Once I sent word of our marriage, my
belongings were moved."

            "I see. And it won't be too much trouble to
switch everything?"

            "No, I want you to be comfortable
here." Gilles stroked Elise's back. "I'd have the house disassembled
brick by brick and rebuilt if it would make this easier for you."

            "I'm sure that won't be necessary. It feels
warm here, the staff is so kind." She sighed. "You're sure you want
to share rooms?"

            "Unless you'd prefer we didn't."
Gilles held his breath.

            "I can't see us needing the other bed and I
like listening to you get ready." Elise yawned and Gilles breathed in
relief. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes.

Chapter 46

            Elise woke the next morning, feeling well rested
and content. She stretched and reached for Gilles. As usual, he was already up.
She sat and swung her legs over the side of the bed and slid off. Elise gasped
at the extra distance from the mattress to the floor and recalled that she
wasn't at Longwood. Trying to quell the rising panic, she snapped her fingers
and stepped forward cautiously. Elise felt a breeze to her left and raised her
face. An open window. Her heart began to beat faster.
How close was it? How
wide and high from the floor
? She snapped her fingers quickly but was
unable to focus. Elise felt as if the room was rocking.
What if she stumbled
and fell out of the window
? She tried to step forward and her knees bumped
into something low and upholstered. Elise fell upon it and then rolled off the
side towards the window. She held on to it and stood carefully, her legs
shaking.

            "Anna?" She Elise called, her voice
was weak. The breeze wafted across her face and she shivered.
Had she gotten
closer
? She reached with her left hand and felt nothing. Elise took a few
steps to her right and bumped into a dresser, causing items to shake and fall
over.

            "Gilles?" She yelled. Elise was almost
hysterical. She heard a door open and smelled him and shaving cream.
"Gilles!" She held her arms out. He rushed towards her and pulled her
into his arms. Elise pressed her face into his chest and tried not to cry.
Gilles' hands clasped her head.

            "I was getting dressed, I thought I'd be
done before you woke up."

            "I don't know where anything is and I was
afraid of the window." She tried to keep her voice steady.

            "The window?" Gilles asked, she felt
him look towards it.

            "I couldn't feel where it was, I panicked.
I didn't want to get close and fall out of it."

            Gilles cursed.

            "I didn't realize, I'm sorry." He led
her towards it. Elise wasn't afraid if he was with her. He let her feel how
wide and tall it was and that there were bars, she couldn't fall out. "The
man that built this house was very wealthy and extremely paranoid. My father
liked that we wouldn't tumble out or wander away while outside."

            Gilles put aside his ablutions and carefully
guided Elise around the room, letting her feel her way along until Anna came to
help her. He finished grooming and dressed quickly. When he returned, he
watched Anna dress Elise then escorted her down to the dining room.

            Elise appreciated Gilles' patience but she felt
guilty monopolizing his time. She resolved to learn her way around Spencer
Place as quickly as possible. She didn't like that it would require Alastair's
time and effort either but she knew it could be done even quicker with his
help.

            Having Holderson at her elbow at breakfast had
been a relief after the episode in the bedroom. Elise questioned him about his
trip and reception at Spencer Place. She was pleased to hear that the staff had
welcomed him and the others from Longwood and were doing everything they could
to be helpful.

            It was also a comfort having the family at
breakfast. Elise was delighted to learn that it was a standing tradition that
everyone gathered at Spencer Place in the morning. She had worried that she
wouldn't have Alastair, Lucien and Madeline around every day.

            A week later, Elise found herself settling into
Spencer Place easier than she had expected. Alastair had seen to the acoustics
and layout of her and Gilles' bedroom and dressing rooms, the main hall, a
parlor for receiving guests, a hallway and the music room. Alastair had spent
hours guiding her from room to room, helping her count steps and feel her way
around. He described the furnishings of each room in detail until she memorized
them. Alastair had also devised a system using scented flowers to help her find
her way so that all Elise had to do was follow the smell of roses or lavender to
find the room she desired. With Holderson's help, he also trained the staff to
anticipate her needs. Mainly, not to move things in the designated rooms and to
take extra care with the floors to make sure they were free of anything that
she might step on. Somehow, all while investigating the attacker at Longwood.
Elise marveled at his limitless patience and impenetrable calm, with all he was
doing he never once seemed tired or frustrated.

            The music room was Elise's favorite feature at
Spencer House. The piano was larger than the one at Longwood and the various
differences in sound delighted Elise. She played for hours, curious to hear how
her favorite songs were effected. Most of the instruments were put up so they
weren't in the way but a harp had been left out for Mirabelle to play. Elise
was spellbound whenever Mirabelle played. She could feel the delicate notes
drifting through the air and undulating against her skin. When Mirabelle
offered to teach her, Elise had been so overwhelmed she'd actually cried. The
harp, Elise decided was an instrument of the heavens and Mirabelle an angel.
When she shared this with Gilles he'd laughed for several minutes before saying
that the only time Mirabelle could ever be close to being considered an angel
would be when she played the harp, otherwise, she was the farthest thing from
it.

            Sitting in her dressing room, Elise reflected on
her time at Spencer Place. Months ago, she wanted nothing more than to remain
at Longwood, for her life to remain as it was. Now, she had a large family and
another home. Much of it was still foreign to her but she'd been made to feel
at home and the staff was as caring and hard working as the one at Longwood.

            "Anna, how do you like it here?" Elise
asked as Anna helped her undress.

            "I like it very much, my lady. The people
are good here. I was worried they'd be uptight and look down their noses at us
but they're like a family below stairs. They love his lordship and his family.
Bennings didn't take offense to another butler being brought in and he's quite
taken with you, miss! Asks Holderson a thousand questions a day about you.
Wants to know how you like everything and what he can do to help you. He's been
here forever and talks about his lordship, Sir Alastair and His Grace like
they're his own. He's not a bad looking man for his age either..." Anna's
thoughts swept her off and Elise smiled. Could her old maid have a tendre for
Bennings? Anna pinned Elise's hair up in a loose bun.

            "The house itself was a bit imposing when
we first got here. I can see why they call it Fortress Spencer. It's like a
palace dressed in armor. Sir Alastair made good on his plans. He's got
dangerous looking men all over the place out there. The staff was so upset
about the attack and think you were so brave."

            Elise shook her head.

            "Anna, I almost got him killed!"

            "How do you figure? If he'd already tried
to kill Sir Alastair and planned to kill his lordship with or without using
you, there's not much you could have done to stop him." Anna's voice
wavered. "He hurt you so bad and yet you refused to scream and then you
and that sweet little dog biting him when he shot at his lordship. You probably
kept him from aiming right."

            Elise shuddered.

            "Let's not talk about that anymore. Into
the tub, give me your hand." A knock sounded at the door as she was
lowering herself. Anna went to the door. A moment later Elise smelled Gilles.

            "What are you doing here? Where's
Anna?" She splashed water on her neck and shoulders as she listened to her
husband moving about the room. Her husband. Elise smiled.

            "There's some sort of garment crisis and I
thought I'd take advantage. I told Anna not to come back for at least an
hour."

            Elise felt a hand on the edge of the tub next to
hers and the water rose. He was getting in the tub. She waited until she heard
him sigh and settle before she pushed towards him. Gilles hands closed around
her waste and he lifted her. Elise bought her legs up and slid them along the
edge of the tub until they rested outside of his. He settled her in his lap and
she felt his lips brush hers. She sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Elise thrilled at the feel of their wet, naked bodies sliding against each
other. Her breasts pressed against his hard chest. He was so solid and the
contours of his muscles reminded her of the marble sculptures at Longwood.
Something very solid pressed against her. Elise rose slightly and slid down,
letting the length of her chest and stomach glide along his as Gilles' rigid
length, resting in the corner of her thigh, was lightly gripped and stroked by
the movement. He groaned and filled his hands with her hair.

            "Wicked temptress..." He hissed
against her lips. Elise parted for him, her tongue tangled with his as she let
her hands explore his neck, shoulder and arms. The feel of Gilles' wet skin and
body tense with desire made Elise feel warm and heavy between her legs. She
felt hungry and empty, her nipples ached. His body reminded her of horses, so
strong and made for movement. She purred as she thought about the way he moved.
Elise sucked on Gilles' lower lip, causing him to groan and then dragged her
mouth along his cheek until she found his ear. She sucked on the lobe and
chewed gently.

            Gilles hands slid down Elise's back, causing
goosebumps despite the warmth of the water. He closed his hands around her
bottom and lifted her. She felt the tip of his cock at her entrance and she
pulled back.

            "Not yet! I want to clean you." She
felt his body become tighter and harder. Elise felt exhilarated. She loved that
this man could want her like this. She held out her hand.

            "The soap, please."

            He reached for her.

            "Just let me inside of you for a
moment..." He begged.

            "The soap, my lord. I know what happens
when you ask for a moment." She teased.

            Elise felt the soap in her hand and began
rubbing it on his chest and arms. She got him to turn and washed his back.

            "Stand, please."

            He sighed and stood. Elise leaned forward and
pressed her lips to tight muscle and licked. Gilles hissed and jerked. She bit
playfully and sat back. She raised her hands and began cleaning his buttocks,
thighs and calves. She loved the texture of his coarse hair, especially when it
was wet and soapy. Elise let her nails rake his skin as she rubbed. Gilles
groaned, causing her to smile.

            "Turn, please." Elise felt his feet
turning between her spread legs. She began soaping his calves and working her
way up. Once she reached his thighs he became so tense he felt like solid
stone. Elise lathered her hands well and then set them upon his throbbing erection.
She began to stroke and tug, occasionally stopping to rub his sack. Gilles
cursed under his breath and his legs flexed.

            "You may sit." Elise announced. She
felt him set her back as the water in the tub rose and crashed back and forth.
The
servants won't be pleased
, she thought. Elise went to wash Gilles' hair but
he grabbed the soap from her and dropped it into the tub. He hauled her against
him, raising her so he could feast on her breasts. Elise threw her head back as
his tongue lashed at her nipple. He pulled one into his mouth and suckled
hungrily causing her to clutch at his head and moan. He switched to the other
as Elise reached beneath the water and wrapped her hands around him and began
stroking.

            "Jesus!" Gilles yelled as he grabbed
her thighs and lifted. He brought her down and thrust his hips upwards,
impaling her on one smooth stroke. Elise let her head fall back and sighed. She
loved how full she felt when Gilles was inside of her. He rubbed places that
nothing else could ever touch and when he pounded against her, she felt it all
the way to her hair and the tips of her toes, like waves rippling out from her
core.

            Elise gripped Gilles with her thighs and began
riding him as he continued to lap at her breasts. She squeezed around him and began
moving faster. Water sloshed against the side of the tub, splashing over the
sides. Elise pushed her hands through Gilles' hair and gripped his scalp. She
could feel the tension coiling within her. She rocked her hips forward and felt
the hair at the base of his cock rub against the sensitive spot just above the
place where they joined. She continued the motion and Gilles grabbed her bottom
and helped press her more firmly against him. Elise panted and moaned his name.
She was going to lose her mind
, she thought.

            Gilles lifted her off of him and Elise
protested. She felt him set her down on her knees away from him. He guided her
hands to the edge of the tub. He parted her thighs and slid in easily. Elise
sobbed his name and his thighs pressed against hers. Gilles hands closed about
her breasts and kneaded and he began thrusting into her. Her knees stung
against the hard bottom of the tub but Elise ignored them. Gilles pinched her
nipples and she gasped as she felt her muscles tighten and her nerves tingle.
Everything inside her pulled into itself and he continued stroking within her.
Elise sucked in a deep breath and held on to the side of the tub for dear life.
It felt as if goosebumps spread on the inside of her skin and everything
clenched and froze for a second before she exploded. Elise screamed Gilles'
name and shook violently.            

            Far away, she heard him yell "Yes!"
over and over as he swelled and then pulsed within her. His lips clung to her
shoulder as she felt the heat of his release filling her. Gilles' arms wrapped
around her and his breathing was as fast as hers. Elise smiled as she felt him
slide down her back into the tub as he pulled her backwards against him. She
let her head fall back against his shoulder.