Sea of Fire (21 page)

“Done,” she said.

He turned to face her. “What about my chest?”

She swallowed and folded the nightshirt to a dry section. “You can see your chest. Here,” she held the cloth out for him.

His amber eyes became a deeper shade. He moved a step forward and stared into her eyes so intensely it was like he searched her soul. After seconds that seemed like minutes, he said, “You do it.”

She averted her gaze. Involuntarily, she randomly dabbed at his chest unable to turn away.

He covered her hand with his. It was warm, and instantly made her quiver. She stood perfectly still, afraid to move, afraid he’d discover her physical attraction and unladylike feelings. With his free hand, he cupped her chin and forced her to look at him. When she saw the desire in his eyes, she swayed against him. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply.

When he lifted his lips, he whispered in ragged breaths. “When you look at me that way, I lose all control.”

She avoided eye contact. “When you kiss me that way, I lose all control.”

“Then let me kiss you again.”

“Nay,” she said before he could do so. “I’ve never been so promiscuous. Not even with ...”

“Adam. That’s what you were going to say. Isn’t it?” He released her from his embrace.

Astounded by this sudden change in mood and rejection, she said, “Please don’t kiss me again.”

She’d never know what his response would have been, for the knocker on the front door sounded, demanding their attention.

“Are you expecting anyone else?” Christian asked in a whisper.

She shook her head.

“See who it is. I’ll go to the parlor and stay out of sight”

She watched until he entered the room when it occurred to her that she still held the nightshirt. She lifted her skirts and hurried to the parlor. “Christian,” she whispered.

His head popped up from behind the sofa. “Here.” She tossed the nightshirt at him. She noticed he had retrieved his hat from the sofa. Good, she thought and returned to the door.

“Charlotte. Whatever brings you here?”

Without waiting for an invitation, Charlotte rushed inside in a whirl of excitement that caused her blonde curls to bounce around her head. “I hope this is not inconvenient, Elizabeth. Two days have passed, and I’ve heard nothing from you. I was anxious to know what you thought about Christian and what happened on the way home. Did you have a fun evening? Do tell.” She paused only to get some breath, and continued, “I brought my pens and calligraphy book, too,” she affectionately patted her satchel, “in case we decided to practice our calligraphy after we gossiped.”

“This is such a surprise,” Elizabeth said. She prayed Christian would stay out of sight. “Hannah will be sorry she missed you. She’s been asking me to invite you over.”

“How sweet.” Charlotte surveyed what she could see from the entryway. “So you are alone?”

“Aye.”

“That’s marvelous. All the better to speak openly. Where shall we sit?” Charlotte asked, but headed to the parlor before Elizabeth could reply.

“Wait,” Elizabeth said. “Let’s have some refreshments in the kitchen.”

Charlotte glanced at her with an offended expression on her face which quickly turned to a smile. Her blue eyes twinkled. She giggled, and said, “You’re such a tease. I almost took you seriously.”

To Elizabeth’s horror, Charlotte marched into the parlor and took a seat on one of the wing chairs opposite the sofa—the very sofa Elizabeth last saw Christian hide behind.

“Sit,” Charlotte ordered her. “I don’t need anything to drink. I’m fine. I want to talk.” She set her satchel on the floor beside her and made herself comfortable in the chair as though she planned to stay a while.

Elizabeth sat next to her in the other wing chair, hoping that she’d keep Charlotte’s attention from the sofa. How was she going to change the topic from Christian, though? For sure, she’d have to be careful with her answers, but it was Charlotte’s questions that concerned her more.

“Tell me,” Charlotte urged. “Did you have a pleasant evening?”

“The music was lovely, as usual,” Elizabeth answered. “How is Walter feeling?”

“Much better. Thank you.” Charlotte held eye contact with her. “You know I’m not talking about music. What did you think about Christian?”

Had Christian not been in the same room, she might have seriously questioned her feelings about the man, but knowing he’d hear every word of her reply, she answered guardedly, yet honestly, “He was not what I expected.”

“I, too, was surprised. Walter outdid himself. Isn’t he simply delicious-looking,” Charlotte’s face momentarily expressed blissfulness.

Christian was indeed far too charming and handsome for his own good, but she’d never openly admit it, especially under the circumstances. “That’s not what I meant. I mistook your father’s solicitor, thinking you had taken our conversation to heart concerning potential gentlemen for the eve.”

“It was an understandable mistake,” Charlotte said, and smiled. “Did you not like Christian? Was he not a gentleman after he dropped me off at home?”

It was obvious this conversation was not going to change until she revealed something Charlotte wanted to hear. “Nothing extraordinary happened.” Nothing except his kiss and ... “I don’t know him well enough to say I like him.”

“Does this mean you’ll see him again?” Charlotte anxiously asked.

Elizabeth wanted to say, not even if she were tortured, but it would hurt Charlotte’s feelings. It would also be a lie. Unfortunately, the man appealed to her. She doubted it would affect Christian either way. “What will be, will be.”

“What’s the matter with you? You’re so tight-lipped. Are you upset with me for some reason?”

“Nay. Of course not. ‘Tis just I’ve got naught to say. Give it some time.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Charlotte said, and sighed. “There’s something else I wanted to ask you.”

A twinkle appeared in Charlotte’s eyes. No doubt the question was about her wedding plans. Elizabeth gave her friend her full attention, relieved to be changing the subject. “What is it?”

“Walter and I came close to making love on two occasions. Have you ever wondered what it was like to do the deed?”

“Charlotte! You mustn’t speak of such.”

“Why not? Whatever is the matter with you? You act like we’ve never discussed men and such before.”

If Elizabeth could have dissolved in thin air, she would have at that moment. How would she ever face the man behind the sofa with a shred of dignity? Still, Charlotte continued.

“I can’t wait until Walter and I are married, and we can legally lie naked in each other’s arms.” A dreamy expression spread over her face.

Horror of horrors, Elizabeth silently cursed, assuring herself that at last the conversation had reached its pinnacle and worst.

Charlotte smiled at Elizabeth and said, “Christian is so attractive. Can you imagine doing the deed with him?”

“Charlotte stop!”

“Forgive me, Elizabeth, but don’t such wonderings ever cross your mind, or is it just me? When I first met Walter, I was thinking of potentially doing the deed with him. Is something wrong with me?”

Elizabeth sat and stared at Charlotte. Why not find a pistol and ask the woman to simply shoot her and end this misery? Yet, it wasn’t Charlotte’s fault. How was she to know Christian was in the room? Elizabeth also sensed a seriousness to her friend’s question, and replied, “Nay, Charlotte. There’s naught wrong with you except for love, and you’re about to be wed.”

“I’m so thrilled,” Charlotte said.

“And, I’m happy for you.” Elizabeth stood. Any other time she would have enjoyed their discussion about the opposite gender. Now, she wished Charlotte would leave. “I have to run some errands. You can imagine how it is with Hannah gone.”

Charlotte stood. “Will she be away long?”

“I can’t say for sure. Her sister is ill.”

“Please give her my best,” Charlotte said. “Well, I’ll be on my way then. Do come in a few days to practice and chat some more.”

Elizabeth saw her to the door. “I will soon. Promise.”

“Bye-bye.” Charlotte waved and headed to her carriage and driver who waited.

“Bye-bye,” Elizabeth said and closed the door.

Barely had she a chance to gain her composure to face Christian when he sauntered into the entryway, wearing a grin from ear to ear.

He leaned against the banister with his arms crossed. At last he spoke. “Never have I been so entertained. Tell me—you never answered Charlotte—have you ever imagined doing the deed with me?”

Chapter Fifteen

“If you say one more word, I’ll,” she glanced around the entryway and removed one of her father’s walking sticks from the stand. “I’ll stab you with this.”

Christian laughed aloud and held his palms up, feigning fear of her. “I’ll behave, though to someone who assisted you with your overindulgence problem, you’re not being very cordial. I take it the effects of last night have subsided and you’re feeling better.”

She set the walking stick back in place. With all the activities of the morning, she had forgotten how ill she had been earlier. “My headache is slight and my stomach is no longer queasy. In fact, I’m hungry. Thank you for your assistance.”

“If you like, we can stop and dine before we secure the items Roderick requested of you.”

“Please,” she said.

“I’ll change into my shirt and waistcoat and be right down.”

It wasn’t until Christian was halfway up the stairs that she realized she needed her cloak and reticule from her bedchamber and followed him. She stopped in midstride when he turned to face her.

“Don’t you be looking at my bottom,” he said.

She sensed her own look of astonishment on her face. He was incorrigible and obviously not about to forget any time soon her conversation with Charlotte. If she was going to put an end to this behavior or at least temper it, she’d have to give him as good as he gave. “ ‘Tis hard to miss a bucket buttocks the size of yours when it practically takes up the entire width of the staircase.”

He now stared at her with a shocked expression and next pouted. He looked over his shoulder to study his bottom. “I’ve been told many things, but never that I have a fat arse.”

She placed one hand on the railing. “Will you kindly ascend the staircase, so we may prepare to leave?”

“Only if you apologize.”

“Christian,” she said through gritted teeth.

“All right. I accept that and forgive you.” He turned. He took the steps two at a time until he reached the landing and disappeared into her father’s bedchamber.

Perhaps if she ignored him, he’d go away. Impossible. Even if he wasn’t Adam’s brother or involved in this unfortunate mess with her father, his glowing amber eyes and handsomeness alone would be difficult to ignore. It was wise that she suggested he not kiss her again for she feared with each kiss she’d want only more of the same. She was strong, but not a citadel, especially when the man had a tendency to charm her at the most unexpected times. Think about food, she encouraged herself. It was a lot safer.

She gathered her reticule and cloak. Christian waited for her at the landing. He allowed her to precede him down the steps.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, he helped her with her cloak and said, “With it being midday, would you prefer to make your purchases tomorrow?”

“Nay. Let’s be done with it.”

An hour later, after they caught a quick repast at the William Bell Coffeehouse, they walked down the street to the sign of the World of Delft—a shop whose sole pride was the tin-glazed ware with its blue painted landscapes. Periodically, the sun peeked through a partly cloudy sky to further warm the already mild day. Elizabeth had considered telling Christian she’d like to return home, as she was full and feeling sleepy, but knew tomorrow she’d not want to shop for Roderick either. Better to get it over with.

They stopped before the World of Delft shop window and she stared inside. “Since we don’t have to concern ourselves about Roderick’s spurious coins when we make our purchases, I’ll choose six decorative platters, and we’ll be finished,” she suggested.

Christian escorted her into the shop where they were greeted by the proprietor. Elizabeth wasted no additional time on pleasantries. “I’d like two of each of these,” she told the man and pointed out three different-sized platters in varied landscapes.”

The proprietor wrapped the pieces. Christian paid him, and they each took a bundle.

“Where would you like to go now?” Christian asked.

“Let’s stop at the chemist at the end of the street. I’ll obtain several different powders and medicines to cure headaches, stomachaches, and the like. It would be an extra convenience for patrons who come into Roderick’s shop.”

“The man doesn’t deserve your thoughtfulness.”

Elizabeth smiled and said, “We want to keep Roderick happy.”

“Aye. We do,” Christian agreed.

They leisurely strolled the short distance to the chemist. As with her previous purchase, she randomly chose a half-dozen different small bottles for a number of assorted ailments. A few minutes later, they left the chemist.

“Here,” Christian held out his hand. “Give me the package. I’ll carry it.”

“Thank you, but it’s not heavy. The clerk wrapped the bottles snugly and tied the package to this other. I can handle it, truly. Besides, you’re already carrying one yourself.”

“As you wish,” he said and shrugged.

“A few more trinkets, as Roderick put it, and we’ll be done,” she replied.

“Where would you like to get these items?” Christian asked.

“The sign of the Purple Pigeon. ‘Tis a small candle shop, but carries other bric-a-brac. I’ll purchase some candles for Roderick to sell with his silver candlesticks and quickly grab whatever else catches my eye.”

“Do we need to ride?”

“Nay. You can see the sign from here.”

He squinted down the street. “Let’s be off then.”

The tiny shop of the Purple Pigeon swarmed with potential buyers. It was apparent it would take more time to purchase something here.

Christian reached into his pocket and handed her enough coins to make a purchase. “I’m getting weary of all this. I spotted a spirits shop about mid-block on the opposite side of the street. Meet me there.”