Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One (30 page)

            "Oh, Lucien..." Mirabelle whispered as
tears began sliding down her cheeks. She pulled a lock of his hair around her
finger and toyed with it. He smiled and sighed contentedly and Mirabelle's
heart broke a little more.

            They stayed like that for at least an hour,
until it felt like it was time to head inside and get ready for dinner.

            Mirabelle avoided Lucien for the rest of the
evening and tried to share in everyone's joy. The tea with Lady Gasden and Lady
Hathewaite had been a tremendous success and a doctor had truly visited and
announced that Elise was indeed expecting and in very good health. Thanks to
Gilles' announcing Elise's condition, effectively to the ton, she would not be
expected to make more than a minimal appearance for the season. It was decided
that in addition to the ball at Clarendon House, attending an opera would be
excellent opportunity for Elise to be seen but not approached by too many. Both
families had a box at the theater but it was agreed that using the Clarendon
box would once again emphasize that Lady Elise had Lucien and Madeline's full
support. When combined with the ball, any rumors should once and for all be put
to rest and the acceptance of the ton would be assured.

            Mirabelle could see that the day had taken it's
toll and the plans were beginning to overwhelm Elise. As soon as the last of
the plates were cleared she made their excuses and escorted Elise to her room.
They both needed some quiet. Once inside Elise and Gilles' room, Elise asked
Mirabelle to lead her to the chaise. She had learned her room well but she was
still a little unsure, especially when she was tired.     

            "What happened today, Mirabelle?"
Elise lifted her hands to Mirabelle's face. Mirabelle smiled. It had seemed so
strange in the beginning, now it felt soothing and natural.

            "I've had feelings for someone for some
time..." Elise smiled and cut her off.

            "Lucien. I know, I sensed it before he came
to Longwood." Mirabelle nodded. Of course Elise noticed. She noticed
everything.

            "Why are you the one that everyone thinks
is blind?" Mirabelle asked gently and laughed. Elise smiled and pressed
her forehead to Mirabelle's.

            "What happened? You've seemed tense around
him lately but something changed today."

            "Nothing changed with him. Everything
changed with me. I've tried so hard not be jealous of you and Gilles but I
realized that I need what the two of you have, it's that or nothing."

            Elise nodded. Mirabelle had never discussed her
feelings for Lucien with anyone before but when her and Elise talked like this,
she felt her feelings were safe and understood. She continued.

            "I can't have that with anyone but Lucien.
He teased me today. I know he knows but it's like he doesn't. He's never been
insensitive but it was almost as if he was teasing me for my feelings for
him."

            "I think he knows but he doesn't want to
admit he knows. As if he doesn't want to have to act either way."

            "Because he doesn't feel the same?"
Mirabelle whispered.

            "I'm not sure he doesn't. There's something
there but he keeps pushing it away. I don't think he's ready for that with
anyone just yet." Elise brushed the tears from Mirabelle's cheeks.
"Lucien is a good man and he cares for you deeply. If he truly didn't feel
anything, I think he would have been honest with you. He wouldn't string you
along if he was aware he was doing it." Mirabelle smiled and nodded, she
knew Elise was right.

            "So all I can do is continue to wait and
hope that one day he'll stop seeing me as the little girl that splashed in the
mud and climbed trees with him?"

            "I suppose so, unless you decide to stop
waiting and look for someone else."

            Anna entered to help Elise prepare for bed.
Mirabelle stood and kissed Elise on the cheek.

            "Thank you for being the very best
sister."

            Elise squeezed her hand.

            "Thank you for being my sister and my hero
today. I could not have survived it without you."

            "You know, I think you could have. But you
will never have to find out. I'll check on you in the morning." With that,
she got out of Anna's way and went to her own room. She had a great deal to
think about.

Chapter 49

            As the Cambroke and Clarendon carriages made
their way through the streets, Gilles kept a close eye on Elise. He could feel
how nervous she was, and tired. He hadn't wanted to push her but it was to be a
gala performance of one of Rossini's Operas. The women had decided that it was
better to get that appearance out of the way before the pregnancy became more difficult.
More difficult? Gilles had only experienced two mornings as an expectant father
and the idea that it could get worse made him shudder.

            Elise had been pale as a sheet and scrambled for
the basin when she woke up. This time, Gilles refused to leave. She hadn't
wanted him to see her bent over a basin but he argued that he'd put her there,
he might as well support her. He'd rubbed her back and neck, applied cool wet
cloths to her forehead and exchanged her basins. Whenever Elise relaxed, Gilles
rubbed her feet and served her tea. He wasn't sure if it helped but it made him
feel useful. He'd quickly realized how helpless he really was. The pregnancy
would go it's course and Gilles could do nothing to influence it other than
keep Elise comfortable and feed her as well as he could when she was able to
eat. He was starting to feel more paranoid and helpless in general.

            As Gilles massaged Elise's feet, he felt the
familiar heaviness of dread and panic overwhelming him. Why now? He'd been fine
for weeks. Gilles closed his eyes and saw the scene on the beach. This time,
when the pistol fired it was Elise that fell to the sand. It was her blonde
hair the waves pulled towards the sea. He opened his eyes and clenched his jaw
to keep from crying out. He felt nauseas and terrified. Gilles rose and pulled
Elise close to him and breathed in her familiar, intoxicating scent and forced
the fear and the vision from his mind.

            As it had the day prior, the nausea lifted
shortly before lunch time and Elise was ravenous. Gilles served her two plates
of food and left her napping. When it was almost time to get ready, he snuck
into their room to check on her. He was surprised to find the room vacant.
Gilles made for the music room but found it silent. He looked in her parlor and
that too was empty. Terror filled him as he strode into the hall. His heart
began to beat rapidly and his hands shook.

            "Elise?" Gilles yelled. When he heard
no response he ran for the back door. Just as he was about to pull it open,
Mirabelle pushed it open, holding it wide for Elise. She had Lucy on a lead and
they were laughing.

            "Did you call for me?" Elise asked as
she reached a hand towards him. Gilles almost fell to his knees in relief. He
pulled her into his arms and breathed her in.

            "Gilles! You're shaking! What's
wrong?" Elise asked as she pressed her ear to his chest.

            "I couldn't find you. I thought something
had happened."

            "Oh, Gilles!" Mirabelle squeezed his
arm and left them alone.

            He hovered the rest of the day, not wanting to
let Elise out of his sight.

            Gilles pulled his thoughts back to the carriage,
to Elise. The women had dressed her to conquer. Once again in a nearly nude
shade of peach, this time velvet with gold lace sleeves and gold detailing
around the clinging bodice, she was every inch the siren he often imagined.
While The Mothers had chosen to wear turbans and Mirabelle wore a large feather
in her hair, Elise wore a simple beaded ribbon woven about her loosely piled
curls. He wished they were heading home instead of away from it.

            Elise had agreed with the logic that it was
better to get it over with and tried to focus on the music. Having never heard
music outside of her sitting room at Longwood and the music room at Spencer
Place, she was thrilled to attend an Opera. She had confided that she would
enjoy it more if she weren't so drained from the morning and nervous about
being the object of so much attention. Gilles admired the brave face Elise put
on but loathed society for making her do it.

            He was also tense about the possible danger.
True to his word, Alastair had arranged a web of security around the family.
Armed soldiers drove the carriages and pistols were hidden under the seats.
Inside the theater, trained agents from the War Office were dressed as patrons
and footmen. The boxes on either side would be occupied by agents and extra
runners patrolled Covent Gardens.

            "And you haven't uncovered anything in
regards to the attack at Longwood?" Gilles asked Alastair again.

            "Nothing. I've cast a very wide and
thorough net. I can find nothing in regards to a plot or motive against any of
us. It appears that the most likely explanation is that he was one, lone
lunatic with some sort of vendetta against you and possibly me."

            "Yet..." Elise said softly. Alastair
grimaced.

            "It feels like there's something... that
I've overlooked or underestimated. But I've been so thorough."

            Elise reached forward and patted his knee.

            "Perhaps it's just the lack of an answer
that's bothering you. Some puzzles can't be solved, Alastair. Sometimes, it is
just a random madman and there is no explanation."

            Alastair nodded and looked out the window.

            "For now, we continue to be careful. If you
still haven't uncovered anything in a few weeks, we'll reassess our security
and see if it can be relaxed." Gilles pressed Elise's hand to his lips.
Like Alastair, he felt like there was still something out there. It was like a
distant, dull ache he felt, much like the disappointment and pain he felt as a
result of his failure in France. It had receded almost completely but it never
truly left him. The nightmares had stopped though Gilles had no doubt they'd
return the first night he slept alone. But the pain and fear had transformed
and now he was afraid he'd lose Elise. He'd be alone in his study or just
falling asleep and it would tap him on the shoulder and overwhelm him.

            Gilles tucked those thoughts away and turned his
mind to their task for the evening. The carriages rolled to a halt in front of
the theater. They had purposely timed their arrival with the raising of the
curtain in order to avoid the crush. Everyone would be in their seats. The
family could make their way to the Clarendon box with relative ease and make a
grand scene.

            Once inside, Lucien, Madeline and maman led the
way. Gilles guided Elise, telling her when to step, Mirabelle held her other
arm. Alastair followed at the rear in case there was trouble and they had to
turn around. The party arrived at the box and a footman held it opened. He
nodded to Alastair.

            Heads began to turn when it was noticed that The
Duke of Clerendon and his mother had arrived. Madeline and maman took seats at
the front, leaving a space between them. Gilles led Elise to the seat and took
his time removing her cape. The theater erupted in whispers, people pointed and
binoculars were aimed in their direction. He let them look before helping Elise
sit. Mirabelle whispered something in Elise's ear and she laughed. Mirabelle
took the seat next to maman, back and to Elise's left. Gilles remained standing
next to Elise, his hand rested protectively on her shoulder. Lucien stepped
next to him and Alastair stood on his other side. The three of them were
signaling that Elise, like the other women seated in the box were under their
protection.

            It was entirely possible, Gilles thought, that
Elise was the only person in the audience that actually paid attention to the
music through the first act. She was completely absorbed. Gilles was pleased
that she was able to put the unwanted attention out of her mind and enjoy the
performance. As for himself, he was oblivious to the events on stage, he was so
enthralled with Elise's reactions. She'd smile and laugh one moment, the next,
she'd press her hand to her chest and sigh. Then, her eyes would fill with
tears and she'd tremble with emotion. Through it all, she glowed. Gilles and
Lucien eventually sat while Alastair stood at the back. Occasionally, Giles
would pretend to whisper something in Elise's ear so he could press his lips to
her throat or simply inhale her scent. Once, she turned her head just as he was
leaning close and her lips brushed his. She giggled softly and he was nearly
undone. He'd come dangerously close to pulling her into his arms. Mirabelle
must have sensed his weakness because she kicked him swiftly. When he looked
back at her she narrowed her eyes and shook her head. His younger sister
scolded had him, what had he come to?

            Intermission was the biggest trial that they
would face that evening. Alastair watched as people moved past the box, nodding
to the agents in approval as various acquaintances approached. Lady Gasden
brought The Duchess of Milthorpe and Lady Emes, two acerbic and very
influential grande dames to meet Elise. She curtsied and charmed them
effortlessly. A steady stream of lords and ladies, sirs and a few officers
stopped in to be introduced. Each one of them left an admirer. Gilles swelled
with pride as Elise quietly took the theater by storm.

            By the time the curtain was raised for the
second half, it was clear that she would be the highlight of the evening for
many of the members of the ton in attendance. Once again, Elise lost touch with
the room and exalted in the music. Gilles watched her, enchanted anew with his
wife. When the final act began, he was genuinely sad to bring the evening to an
end. He'd never liked the opera but watching it through her had been a
revelation. Unfortunately, they had to leave before the end in order to avoid
the crowds. Elise sighed as Gilles helped her stand and put her cape around her
shoulders. Perhaps they could host intimate musicales and hire singers. The
idea had merit. Elise could maintain a comfortable connection with select
members of the ton and he could watch her as she enjoyed the music. After, she
could express her gratitude...

            Back in the carriage, Elise was animated,
recounting her favorite moments and marveling at the singers' skills. Alastair
was particularly interested in how the acoustics of the hall and the voices
felt to Elise.

            "It was like great currents, rolling and
spreading outwards from the stage. I could feel the sound getting bigger as it
flowed away from them!"

            "Extraordinary." He replied.

            Gilles let their conversation roll over him as
he considered the final obstacle Elise would have to face. The ball at
Clarendon House would be the event of The Season. While many would have to
rearrange their evenings to fit the surprise event, they would do so happily.
It would be a terrible crush. They would have to plan Elise's attendance to the
last detail.

            When they walked into Spencer Place, Elise was
practically dancing. Gilles smiled as he watched her float through the door.
Holderson seemed relieved, he'd wanted to make sure that Lady Elise's first
major trip into the outside world had gone well and had waited up.

            "How was the opera, my lady?"

            "Oh, Holderson! It was magical!" She
hugged him and laughed. "All the textures of the sounds. And the sounds
were so big! Tickling chimes and bells and the pressure from the drums! And the
voices felt beautiful!" Alastair was following her every word, smiling at
her enthusiasm. Gilles knew that if he didn't like the opera, Alastair loathed
it. He was glad that the evening hadn't been a complete trial for his brother.

            Gilles guided Elise to the stairs and they bid
everyone goodnight. Once in their room, he dismissed Anna and promised not to
keep Elise up too late. Elise dreamily swayed as Gilles carefully peeled her
gown from her. She lifted her arms and leaned against him as he pulled the
chemise over her head. He knew she was tired and drifting along on the remnants
of her euphoria. Gilles sat Elise on the stool at her dressing table and
kneeled before her. He gently slid her garters and stockings from her legs. He
tried not to focus on how aroused the activity had made him as he stood and
removed the ribbons and pins from her hair. Gilles slid his fingers through the
silken mass, shaking it to make sure all the pins and whatnots were out. Elise
sighed and raised her head, he bent down and brushed his lips against hers.
Gilles decided not to make any demands on her, he was sure he'd feel guilty
afterwords. He told himself he had to control himself. Doubting the wisdom, he
left the nightgown Anna had laid out and gathered her in his arms. Gently, he
rested her on the bed and pulled the blanket over her.

            Gilles removed his clothes and draped them on a
chair. He slipped between the sheets and stretched himself along Elise's
backside. He slid both of his arms around her and burrowed his face into her
hair and tried not to pay too much attention to how soft her skin was or how
perfect her curves felt against him. He definitely wasn't paying attention to
his urgent erection.

            "Gilles?" Elise whimpered as she
wiggled her bottom against him. His cock throbbed in response. He pulled her
tighter and asked a few questions of his maker.

            "Hmmm?" He murmured, hoping she'd
think he was falling asleep in record time.

            Elise relocated one of his hands so that it
cupped her breast and she teased his rigid cock with her backside again. Gilles
groaned and released her breast.

            "You need to rest. You've had a long day
and you're nearly out of your mind with exhaustion. We're going to sleep."
He announced as he pulled her firmly against him and squeezed his eyes shut.
Elise wiggled and stretched until she was facing him. Her fingernails scratched
down his chest until she reached his stomach. She dragged her fingertips down
until she found his throbbing length. Gilles cursed and pulled her against him.
Feeling her breasts pressed against him made things worse.