She flashed the piece of foolscap in the direction of the duchess. “It was my doodling at the bottom of the paper that distracted him. See?” She quickly folded it in half and then in half once more before tucking it into the ribbon under her ample breasts.
Breasts he wanted to get lost in… His gaze shot to hers but she immediately turned to look out the window, avoiding him as she bit her lip in the most seductive manner. Did she know what she was doing to him?
“Well, that’s rather anticlimactic.”
She had no idea. His body throbbed with the need to spend.
The duchess sighed, then clapped her hands together, causing him and Phoebe to jump as one. Her Grace grinned. “I insist you start on the list immediately so that Phoebe can finish her childhood resolutions before the new year.”
That was the best idea he’d ever heard.
Phoebe’s eyes nearly popped out of her head as she backed away from him. “Don’t be silly. Mr. Forrester didn’t travel all this way to go out and play in the snow.”
He cleared his throat. “On the contrary, there’s nothing I would rather do than to cross off the items on your list…with you.” Every last lewd and lascivious desire you imagined and put on your list for me to complete.
Her face heated. “It’s not necessary.”
“On the contrary, it’s essential,” he said.
“I agree. I may not be able to enjoy the winter season in my current condition, but I can certainly ensure you take your pleasure,” the duchess declared.
Over and over and over again.
The duchess struggled to her feet and tugged on the servant’s bell pull. When the butler entered the room, Phoebe’s objections died. “Paddington, Lady Drake and Mr. Forrester will need their coats as well as mittens and mufflers. They will need a sled and have the sleigh brought around from the stables.”
“Your Grace, it’s really not necessary. It was a fantastical list, not arealone.” There was a sparkle in Phoebe’s eyes as if, despite her protestations, she wanted to complete her list as much as he did.
He swore to make a reality. “I vow that we will complete every last item on your list.”
The duchess beamed.“Oh, this is so exciting,” she said as she traced small circles across her protruding stomach. Her new habit was fascinating, yet somewhat disconcerting. “Phoebe, you can try that new bonnet you’ve been working on for winter country attire to keep a lady’s head warm.”
He should stop this endeavor. He’d come here with a specific purpose in mind, but not only was the duchess excited for her best friend, Phoebe was beginning to light up with the possibility of playing in the snow.
And more.
It was as if she had been denied the simple pleasures that should be natural for a child, and for an adult. He suspected her list had initially contained activities she had wished to experience in her youth, but then she’d added a second part to each wish—the romantic hopes of a young woman entering marriage. Those fantasies were just as tragically unaccomplished as the dreams of her adolescence. It was thissudden realization that made him decide to delay the grievous business with the Countess of Astley for one more day.
It was time he satisfied a New Year’s resolution of his own.
Three
Dear Cousin,
It is with humble regret I write this letter. The Earl of Astley has been seized by the French on our voyage from The United States to Spain. Due to the war between our countries, I was hesitant to notify your war office lest I further the conflict and cause an international incident, or Britain revoke my license to conduct business with Spain, Portugal and Canada. My license was the very reason why I was comfortable transporting the earl to Spain. I did not, however,know of his espionageexpect to be fired upon by the French because the earl was aboard my ship.
My ship, the Fairhaven, suffered damage to the mainsail during abloody battle“misunderstanding” with the French Navy inthe Bay of Biscayopen sea and wastaken by forcepeacefully boarded. French Navy Captain Rochefort informed me he was there to seize Astley and no one else. Captain Rochefort threatened toburn my shipseize my ship with everyone on board unless I turned Astley over to the French Navy. Astley stepped forward and surrendered himself.The damned fool.
It is unclear how the French knew Astley was ona mission for the Crownmy schooner. If the person responsible for the heinous act of reporting to the French is one of my crew, I will charge him with mutiny. The French captain hasrightlyridiculously accused Astley of spying and said Bonaparte would decide how muchblood moneyransom would be a reasonable amount for the return of a member of the Crown’s peerage who was in the service of his King. They have recovered adamningpersonal letter written by Astley to hisnon-existent wifefamily as evidence of his perfidy.
I would deliver the dire news myself, but I cannot risk my crew being impressed into the British Navy. Prior to his capture, Astley stated his family always retires to the earl’s estate inthe bloody wilds ofScotland for the holidays. As I am currentlybollocksdeep in negotiations with the French to obtainthe bloody fool’sAstley’s release prior to the holidays, I would be indebted to you if you could deliver thedevastatingnews to his mother. I don’t know if you are acquainted with the Countess of Astley, but I made a promise to the earl that his mother would know the truth of his fate. I feel this type of news should be delivered in person, not by correspondence that may or may not reach Astley’s family. Please convey my deepest regret for theclusterfuckdebacle.
God’s speed,
Miles
—A redacted letter to Joshua Forrester, Esquire, London, England from his cousin, American Captain Miles Gallagher of the Fairhaven merchant ship, in reference to the capture of Simon Clark, Earl of Astley, November 1811.The final letter did not disclose Astley’s crimes against the French.
He was waiting for her in the great hall. Looking down the main staircase, she could see Joshua pacing back and forth across the ancient stone as if he were one of the conquering leaders of the English army that had invaded this castle time and time again. Would he burn it down if she refused to join him? Storm the stairs if she did not descend?
