The Mammoth Book Of Regency Romance Part 43

"You know you have only to ask, Phineas. I cannot wait to meet the lady who has inspired you."

He'd told his mother all about Lady Bowen. Phin pulled out his pocket watch again and checked the time. "Perhaps I shall go escort her," he said. "Would that be acceptable?"

Mama smiled. Sarah tried to hide her laughter in a cough. "Go fetch her, Phineas."

Emma tried not to attribute too much to the evening. She wore her best dress, a glazed cotton with embroidered hem, and her favourite shawl. Her mother had called the day before, clearly ready to tell all she had learned about the Captain, and for once Emma refused to see her. She pleaded a headache and locked her bedroom door. She didn't want Mother to pollute her impression of the Captain or his guests. She didn't want to have her head stuffed with Mother's talk of advantageous matches and how to seduce the Captain, if he were good enough for Mother's requirements. She still felt a burn of humiliation over the way Mother had acted, and resolved to be as polite and restrained as possible, to prove she wasn't like that.

But as she went down the stairs, her heart ignored all her sense and sped up.

Then she opened the door, and jumped back in surprise. The Captain himself stood on her doorstep, hand raised as if to knock. He looked as surprised as she.

Emma pressed one hand to her bosom and gave a shaky laugh. "I beg your pardon."

"No, no!" He looked abashed. "I merely thought to escort you."

Emma could see his front steps from the corner of her eye. "It is only twenty feet or so . . ." He looked to his steps and gave her a rueful smile, looking up at her from under his brows like a boy. Her silly heart b.u.mped again. "But it is so kind of you," she finished a bit shyly. "Thank you."

He extended his arm and they walked down her steps, covered the short distance between the houses, and then up his. A servant was waiting to open the door, standing stiffly at attention. Emma had seen him chatting with Jane over the railings. He took her shawl, then the Captain led her to the drawing room, where he introduced his other guests. Lieutenant Hakeham, a charming, merry fellow, had sailed with Captain Quentin. Viscount Stanley was married to the Captain's sister, Lady Stanley, who greeted Emma with warm enthusiasm. It was Mrs Quentin, the Captain's mother, who gave Emma the most pause. She was tall and regal, and seemed to size Emma up with one glance. But her greeting was polite enough, and then Lady Stanley took over the conversation, chattering gaily.

"How wonderful you could join us tonight," Lady Stanley said, drawing Emma apart. "I understand you are a gardener; my brother has often mentioned how lovely your garden is."

"Oh," said Emma, glancing at the Captain. He was talking with his mother, but watching her. Good heavens, he looked attractive in his evening clothes. His dark hair gleamed with lighter streaks in the candlelight, but his eyes were as blue as she remembered. Emma had to drag her eyes away. "Indeed."

"Oh, indeed!" Lady Stanley exclaimed. "I vow, he has described a veritable Garden of Eden! You must share your secrets."

"Oh," said Emma again. "It's really not so grand; it is only a small city garden, after all."

Lady Stanley laughed. "To Phin, any patch of trimmed gra.s.s looks grand, after all his years at sea. Tell me, do you have roses? Our gardener does not like them, but I so long for some pink ones."

Emma smiled, glad for a safe subject. She could still feel the Captain's gaze on her back, like the heat of a fire. It warmed her even as she talked, with relief, of roses and gardens until they went in to dine.

Six.

It wasn't until dessert was served that everything went wrong.

Emma had excused herself to the necessary, and then took some time trying to pin up her hair again. The dinner had been marvellous, expertly prepared and served by the Captain's man with astonis.h.i.+ng speed and economy of movement; when the Captain mentioned G.o.dfrey had been with him in the Navy, Emma understood why. All her fears about being out of place had evaporated in the easy atmosphere as the conversation flowed like wine rich and mellow. The Quentins were an affectionate family, and it made Emma's heart swell to see how the Captain was so easy and relaxed with his sister and his mother. It was exactly the sort of familial scene that had been so lacking in her own life, with her mother constantly worried about how such familiarity would appear.

In fact, the conversation at dinner had been so animated and lively, half her hair seemed to have slipped its pins as she laughed. As she twisted curls back into place, she caught a glimpse of her expression in the mirror. Her colour was high, her eyes bright, and her lips seemed stuck in a slight smile. Even with her hair verging on untidy, she looked rather nice, much to her relief.

It was only for female pride that she wanted to look nice, of course. She was not putting stock in what her mother said, nor taking her mother's advice to pursue the Captain. She was just enjoying his company, and he was even more interesting without a wall between them. As he related some story, with frequent asides from Lieutenant Hakeham, about fis.h.i.+ng in the Caribbean, Emma found herself drifting away as she always did when he spoke, and his rich tenor voice carried her imagination away to some faraway place. Only when she caught Lady Stanley watching her curiously did she recall where she was.

Her hair repaired, her heart light, she walked back to the dining room. As she reached the door, G.o.dfrey slipped out, a laden tray in his hands. When he saw her, he bowed crisply, despite his tray, and left the door unlatched. "Thank you," Emma murmured, moving aside to let him pa.s.s. She reached out to let herself back into the dining room.

"It's her connection to Mrs Hayton that concerns me." Mrs Quentin's voice, though not raised or angry, carried through the partly closed door. Emma froze. "Phineas, her mother is quite beyond the pale. Her ambition is no secret to anyone indeed, she does not try to hide it. I warrant she took one look at you and rated you a fine catch in terms of wealth, station and advantage." Emma closed her eyes as each word struck home. "You mustn't let yourself be taken in."

The Captain's reply was too low to hear, but Emma didn't even try. It was bad enough that her mother's scheming was widely known, and now presented to the Captain. He would have heard of it sooner or later, most likely. The Bowens had come to despise Mother because of her ceaseless manoeuvring for every little sc.r.a.p of status. Her stepson William had refused to allow Mother at Bowen Lodge after his father died, not even for the funeral. He'd said he couldn't bear to watch her try to catch a third husband over the cold meats, and Emma couldn't argue against it. Her mother was shameless.

Quietly she turned and walked away. She should just leave. Emma didn't want to know what the Captain himself might think of her now; her mother's behaviour the other day could only have confirmed Mrs Quentin's words. Perhaps if she stayed out of her garden for the next few weeks, the Captain would believe she hadn't been scheming to marry him. Except . . . Oh, how she would miss him.

But the door opened before she had gone more than a few steps. "Lady Bowen," said the Captain behind her. "Wait. Please, wait!"

"I must go," she said in a rush, barely glancing back. "A sudden headache . . . I don't wish to spoil everyone's evening . . ."

"Wait," he said again, firmly. He was already beside her, and took her arm. "I must have a word before you go."

"Your guests," she tried to protest.

"They can wait." He pushed open the door to a small room. When he closed the door behind them, there was only cool, bright moonlight to see by, but she had no trouble making out his frown.

"You heard what my mother said." He wasn't asking.

Emma avoided his gaze. "You mustn't think I am offended. She is, in general, correct; you saw for yourself how my mother can twist things to suit her."

The Captain turned away and put his hands through his hair. "d.a.m.n."

"But I wouldn't want you to think I came tonight because my mother wished it," Emma forged on.

He wheeled around. "Why did you come?"

"Be-because . . . I . . ." she stammered. "Because I wanted to."

Relief swept over his face, and his shoulders sagged. "Why?" he asked quietly.

Her lips parted. "Because of our friends.h.i.+p," she whispered. "Oh, I really must go."

"No!" He lunged for the door at the same moment she did. His hand closed over hers on the doork.n.o.b. Emma froze. He was so close, his hand so large and strong over hers. She could smell his soap, and the wine on his breath. "One more question," he murmured, his cheek right next to hers. "Just for friends.h.i.+p?"

Emma breathed deeply. She couldn't think, not when he was so close. He must feel how he affected her, not at all like a friend. She didn't say anything.

With careful hands he turned her to face him. "I should go," she whispered again, without making any effort to leave. He just looked down at her with those blue, blue eyes. As he raised his hand, his knuckles brushed the outside of her breast. Emma sucked in her breath; her whole body flinched. The Captain paused, his eyes searching hers, and then he slowly brushed his knuckles deliberately over the same spot. This time Emma gasped. Her heart pounded against her ribs, and her knees felt weak. Still watching her, Captain Quentin lowered his head and kissed her.

It was a kiss like no other. His mouth was hot and sweet, flavoured with burgundy and pa.s.sion. It took Emma off guard, and for a moment she leaned into him, opening to him and letting him deepen the kiss. For a moment everything else fell away, and she was carried away again by the spell he seemed to weave over her so effortlessly. This was no fantasy or flight of fancy; this was his arm around her, his mouth on hers, and her body straining into his.

But, as always, the spell broke. He lifted his head and Emma crashed back to earth. She was kissing him while his family sat a few rooms away, thinking she was laying a trap for him with her mother's help. She had only ever spoken politely and properly with the Captain, and had no idea what his real intentions towards her were. And she hadn't kissed a man since Sir Arthur died four years ago. For all she knew, those years had made her awkward and susceptible, too easily swayed by the most magnificent kiss she'd ever experienced.

She backed up a step, pressing her hands to her burning cheeks. "I'm sorry," she whispered. He said nothing, just looked at her with a slightly dazed expression. "Please make my excuses."

"Don't go," he said, as she pulled open the door. Emma just shook her head and fled.

Phin let her go. He wasn't sure he could walk. His body had reacted with joyous alacrity when she opened her lips under his, and now he was so aroused, it hurt. He also wasn't sure what to do. Perhaps his thoughts would clear when he could think of something other than the feel of her in his arms. That moment seemed a long time off.

He'd thought things were going rather well at dinner. Lady Bowen Emma appeared to enjoy herself, joining in the conversation and laughing when Sarah teased him about something. Phin had to work at keeping his eyes away from her. She was beauty itself in a dark-green gown that s.h.i.+mmered in the light, her dark hair piled in loose curls that made his fingers itch to unpin them. And when she excused herself from the table, Sarah had immediately turned to him.

"Oh, Phin, she likes you," his sister hissed in delight. "Are you planning to propose?"

"Sarah," murmured Gregory.

Sarah waved him off. "Are you, Phin? She seems very sweet and not at all proud."

Phin had thought exactly the same thing, and been opening his mouth to say "yes" when his mother raised her hand in protest, and condemned Mrs Hayton. "You don't want to get taken in," she added gently.

But Phin had seen a shadow at the door. "Bite your tongue, Mama," he had growled, and then run after Emma.

He hadn't planned to kiss her. He had planned to be proper and polite all night. But the moment intervened, and left him more certain than ever that he wanted Emma as his wife.

"Sir?" G.o.dfrey tapped at the door. Phin started out of his thoughts. "Do you need anything?"

Just her, he thought bleakly. "No."

"Shall I bring the port to the table?"

Phin adjusted his trousers and sighed. "Yes." Bring the d.a.m.n port so he could bundle his guests out the door, and he could puzzle out what to do next about the luscious Emma Bowen.

Seven.

Emma rushed out of the Captain's house and ran up her own front steps. She banged on her door until Jane answered, and then rushed up the stairs to her room. She ignored her maid running up the stairs behind her, squawking in concern. Emma threw open her bedroom door and slammed it behind her, turning the key in the lock with shaking hands.

"Madam! Lady Bowen!" Jane thumped on the door, her voice sharp with fear. "Are ye ill? Should I send for a doctor?"

"No!" She pressed her hands to her face; the blush was still hot on her skin. "I'm fine, Jane. Never mind. You can go on to bed."

Jane knocked again. "You'll need help with your gown."

"Not now I don't! Leave me be," Emma said sharply. There was a surprised hush, then Jane left, her footsteps almost drowning out the sound of her muttered indignation.

Emma paused and slowly raised her hand. She laid her palm against the wall, her heavenly blue wall. The plaster was cool and solid beneath her hand. His house would be the opposite of hers, the plans mirror images. If he had taken the best bedroom for his own, as she had done, it would lie directly on the other side of this wall. She took a deep, shaky breath, thinking of him undressing just feet away, separated only by a foot of plaster and brick.

And he wanted her.

She thought of his voice, smooth and strong, sliding over her like a caress. She thought of his hand, so large and strong, taking hers. She thought of his lips, brus.h.i.+ng sensuously over hers.

He wanted her.

She touched the neckline of her gown; her fingers drifted along the puckered fabric. Gently she touched the swell of her breast and s.h.i.+vered. It had been a long time since anyone had touched her breast. Sir Arthur had thought it unseemly, even in the marriage bed. She didn't think the Captain would hesitate to touch every inch of her, in bed. The heat in his gaze, when his hand had accidentally brushed her breast, was impossible to forget and then he had deliberately done it again, watching her as he did so. Emma knew her body had betrayed her, even if her face had not, and that he was aware of her reaction. He wouldn't have kissed her if he hadn't been sure. She stroked her breast again, imagining it was his hand that touched her, and a sharp tingle raced through her.

She wanted him.

The blue walls around her might have been the reflection of his eyes, surrounding her, watching her. Alone in her room, she admitted to herself that she had been half in love with the Captain for some time now the Captain, with his easy laugh and deep voice and the way he could describe a hurricane and make it sound as exciting and as sensual as it was dangerous and frightening. She had known anxiety and fear, but never with any exhilaration, and never with such high stakes as the Captain had experienced, with his very life caught between the storm's tempest and his own skill as a mariner. Emma didn't want to experience a hurricane on a s.h.i.+p in the middle of an ocean, but maybe, just once, she should risk a tempest of some sort. She had been quiet and sensible her whole life, trying so hard not to be like her brash, calculating mother. She had married a quiet, sensible man, and they had lived a quiet, sensible life together. There had been no excitement, only a calm contentment, with Sir Arthur. Emma didn't once think it would be that way with Captain Quentin with Phineas.

She went to her window, overlooking the garden where they had talked so frequently, and sat for a long time, thinking. When the clock chimed midnight, she pushed open the cas.e.m.e.nt. It squeaked as it swung open, and she braced her hands on the frame, then leaned out to take a deep breath. She could smell the roses from her garden, and the jasmine from his. It was a sweet, wild scent, hinting of exotic lands and adventures. The jasmine had been there when he bought the house, but Emma thought it suited him. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, feeling something a bit wild and sweet stir within her.

Then she gave a huff of laughter. After the way she had run out on him, Captain Quentin probably thought her mad, or else repulsed by his declaration. "Blast," Emma said, shaking her head. "What a fool I am."

"Lady Bowen?"

Emma started violently, banging her elbow on the window frame as she leaped backwards. Her heart nearly stopped. "Captain!" she exclaimed. "I . . . Forgive my language . . . I didn't mean . . . I didn't realize you were there . . ." Her voice petered out, which perhaps should have happened sooner. Silently, Emma grimaced and bounced her fist off her forehead. Now he would think her mad and a slattern.

"I have heard far worse language, and I beg your forgiveness," came his sombre reply. "I should have spoken as soon as I heard your window open." He paused. "I confess, I was hoping to talk to you."

Something about the way his voice dropped as he made that confession sent a shudder through her. He had been hoping to talk to her. Perhaps this way was best, when she couldn't see him and he couldn't see her. Emma wet her lips. "I am sorry for the way I left this evening."

"I am sorry you were driven to it," he answered instantly. "Please accept my deepest, humblest apology for what happened-"

"No," she said softly. "I liked it." There was a long moment of silence. The night breeze stirred the jasmine, and Emma filled her lungs with sweet wildness. "I was . . . startled."

"I know," he murmured. "I should not have . . ."

"Should I have been startled?" she asked when he stopped. "I have looked forward to our every conversation, and wished you were in your garden even more often. I have dreamed of the things you describe to me, and I can hear your voice in those dreams. I have kept those things to myself, not wis.h.i.+ng to ruin our friends.h.i.+p, never dreaming you meant more. Have I been blind?"

"No. You have been everything a lady should be."

"But now I wish to discover what a woman should be," she whispered.

For a moment all was silent. "I am going into my garden," he said. "And unlocking the gate in the wall."

Emma's heart skipped a beat. She had forgotten about that gate; it was small and narrow, and she had planted roses in front of it last year, never thinking she would use it. The thorns would probably rip her dress to shreds . . . but changing would mean waiting for Jane to come help her. Besides . . . She smoothed her trembling hands over her skirt. It was only a dress, sensible and modest. Without stopping to think about anything else, she crossed the room, unlocked her door and hurried down the stairs.

Eight.

Straining his ears, Phin heard the faint sound of her door opening. Good G.o.d, she was going to meet him. Without pausing even to put his coat back on, he rushed out of his room and bounded down the stairs. G.o.dfrey met him in the hall, looking alert.

"Something wrong, Captain?"

"No, nothing," said Phin as he pushed past him. "I'm going to get some air."

"At midnight, sir?" said G.o.dfrey in surprise.

"Yes. You can go to bed." Phin paused, thinking. "In fact, go now. Take a gla.s.s of port. Take the bottle. And whatever you do, don't set foot in the garden." Leaving his astonished man, he strode through the house to the rear door, unlatched it and stepped out into the night.

He knew Emma spent hours in her garden, weeding and pruning and even talking to her plants. Phin would sit quietly and listen, picturing her at work, her arms stretched overhead . . . or on her knees . . . or bending over to pick the flowers . . . Phin had peered over the wall a few times, and seen the bower she cultivated. His garden was nothing compared to hers. There had been a linden tree and some climbing vine growing there when he moved in and, since Phin had no talent with plants, that was all that grew there now. As he pulled aside the overgrown vines to get to the tiny connecting door, he realized the vine was flowering, with ma.s.ses of small white flowers that gave off a faint sweet scent. When he dragged the door open, a shower of flowers rained down on him. He was still brus.h.i.+ng them from his shoulders and hair when she appeared in the doorway.