More than a Masquerade by Adele Clee

Chapter 16

Based on their recent confession,Eli decided to leave Rachel alone in the study while she examined the letter written in strange symbols. The fact he wanted to sit with her and watch her work proved more disturbing than his desire to carry her to his room to make love.

Eli was in his bedchamber, contemplating how he might persuade Rachel to sleep in his bed tonight, when Jacobs appeared in the doorway.

“This arrived for you, sir.” Jacobs offered the silver salver. “The hackney driver is waiting outside for your response.”

Eli took the note from the salver. He knew it came from the butler at his leased property in Harley Street. That it meant someone from Hunston Hall had arrived begging for an audience.

He peeled back the folds and read Dominic’s request to meet. His brother had wasted no time in coming to London. No doubt he had much to say. No doubt he dragged guilt behind him like a lead ball chained to his ankle.

“Jacobs, give the hackney driver a note with my direction.”

The twitch of Jacobs’ brows confirmed his surprise. “Yes, sir.”

Eli’s first instinct was to head to the study and inform Rachel.

She looked up from the scribbled notes littering the desk. “Dominic is in London? So soon? Though after his heartfelt plea, I’m not surprised.”

“With Harley Street being a little over a mile from here, we can expect him shortly.” Nerves pushed to the fore, though Eli would rather speak to his brother at Blackstone than under Felicity’s watchful eye in Chichester.

“Will we tell him the truth? Will we say we’re colleagues and lovers, not husband and wife? Will he not find our arrangement shockingly unconventional?”

Eli shrugged. “I see no reason to correct the misconception.”

“It was a lie, not a misconception. You’re estranged from your brother because of his deceit. You’d be a hypocrite to let him believe I’m his sister-in-law.”

She was right, yet his stomach churned at the thought of telling Dominic the truth. “I don’t want him to think less of you, less of us.” He gulped past a lump in his throat, past a fear of putting his feelings into words. “I want him to know I care about you, care deeply, not think this is some sordid affair.”

“I’m sure he’ll see that we care about each other.”

Or were both infatuated to the point of madness.

Only time would reveal their true feelings.

“There should be no more lies between you and your brother, Eli. Tell him you mentioned marriage because you wanted to protect my reputation.”

He wasn’t sure why he’d introduced her as his wife. It had felt as natural as taking air.

“You’re right. I’ll leave you to your work and send Jacobs to fetch you once I’ve told Dominic what I really think of his betrayal.”

She nodded. “I’m here if you need me.”

“Likewise.” He inclined his head and left the room.

Knowing she was close brought immense comfort. Indeed, things would soon change, and yet he wanted everything to remain the same. Not exactly the same. His bedchamber would become their bedchamber, and he would never sleep alone again.

Dominic arrived, and Jacobs escorted him to the drawing room.

Eli did not bow to his brother nor give him an affectionate pat on the arm. “I know I offered an olive branch, but I didn’t expect you to snatch it so quickly.”

“I’ve waited three years for the opportunity.” He observed Eli’s attire. “Are you in mourning?”

“Black used to suit my mood.” With it being a particularly cold day, Eli gestured to the fireside chairs. “Sit down. Will you take coffee?”

“Please.” Dominic scanned the burgundy walls, the walnut bookcases, the paintings of horses and hunting dogs. “Does Rachel not object to the masculine ambience? Felicity insists on a palette of pastels.”

Eli’s stomach twisted into knots at the thought of Felicity taking command of his family home. “Rachel doesn’t live here.” Not yet, at least. “I’m afraid I have a confession to make. As a man who detests lies, I can’t think what came over me.”

Dominic sat down, a frown marring his brow. “You live separately from your wife? Is that not considered irregular?”

“Rachel is my colleague, not my wife.” Eli tugged on the bell pull, then sat down. “We work to prove some of those awaiting trial in Newgate are innocent of their crimes. We save them from the hangman’s noose.”

Dominic shook his head, confused. “But why say she’s your wife?”

“We were in Shoreham interviewing a witness. Rachel thought I should visit Chichester and attempt to heal the rift. The lie fell easily from my lips.”

A knock on the door brought the maid, Clara. Eli ordered coffee.

“But you look at her as if she’s a rare find, a priceless gem,” Dominic said once Clara had departed. “To be truthful, you have the look of a man besotted.”

You? Truthful? he wanted to say.

Eli paused but decided to admit to his feelings for Rachel. “I am besotted. We’re attempting to solve complicated cases. When we have, we’ll deal with our blossoming relationship then. She’s in the study if you’d like to see her. Then again, you’ve come seeking a private audience. To explain why you failed to warn me I might find my betrothed bouncing naked on your lap.”

A vision of them frolicking in the orangery burst into Eli’s mind. Usually, the image left him cursing them to the devil, had bitterness writhing in his veins. Today, he felt nothing. No, not nothing. Relieved.

Dominic sat forward. “Eli, I wanted to tell you so many times, but Felicity said you’d load a pistol and fire a lead ball between my brows. That or you’d likely shoot yourself.”

“Murder my own brother? Despite everything you’ve done, you know that’s beyond the realms of my capabilities.”

“But a man can lose his mind when he loses the love of his life.”

“The love of my life?” Eli hoped they heard his mocking snort in Chichester. “If I loved Felicity, I would have beaten you to a pulp. What you did was a gift. Sadly, it took me three years to realise.” It had taken the words of a wise woman, a loving and compassionate woman, to show him the light.

“A gift?”

“Be assured, your betrayal cut deep, but you saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life. I agreed to marry Felicity to please Father. The mind is a powerful beast, and I convinced myself I felt something.”

Dominic sat back in the chair. “I’m not in love with Felicity, either.” He dragged his hand down his face and sighed. “She has a way of dousing passion’s flames. The constant complaining slowly killed any emotional connection.”

The news came as no surprise. It didn’t rouse anger, only pity.

“Thankfully, that’s your cross to bear, not mine.”

Silence descended.

Clara arrived with refreshments. She placed the silver tray on the sideboard and served the drinks. Before leaving, she stole a quick glance at Dominic and then Eli, surely noting the striking similarities. They were alike in looks, nothing alike in character.

“I doubt you’ll ever trust me, Eli, but I hope we might be close again.”

“I forgive you.” The words came as a shock to Eli, more so to Dominic. Yet he felt suddenly lighter. “I’m willing to try to rebuild our relationship, to be an uncle to your son, but I dislike Felicity, and I’ll never again visit Hunston.”

Dominic’s smile faded. “But Hunston is your home, your inheritance. Father trusted you to take care of his beloved estate.”

“I hate Hunston. Having invested the money left to me, my property portfolio gives me a sizeable income.” Eli paused, mulling over a sudden idea. “I’ve decided to give you the deeds to Hunston, though should you die before your son is of age, I shall be named his trustee.”

Dominic’s mouth dropped open. “But you can’t. Father wanted—”

“Father wanted me to marry Felicity, so it’s fair to assume his judgement was flawed.” Every cell in his body confirmed it was the right decision. He wanted free of it, free of the burden and the shackles that bound him to the past. “Besides, it’s time you made your own way in the world and stopped tugging on my purse strings. I’ll not be responsible for Felicity’s extravagant spending.”

Dominic reached for his coffee cup, and the china rattled on the saucer. Such was the state of the man’s nerves. “I don’t deserve your generosity.”

“No, you don’t. But you’re going to make something of Hunston Hall. You’re going to make your son proud. He will continue Father’s legacy.”

They sat and spoke about the potential of building new tenant cottages, of purchasing the land to the south and raising cattle. Eli agreed to lend his brother ten thousand pounds at five per cent interest, agreed to have legal documents drawn up with a solicitor.

Dominic asked if he might see Rachel.

Eli escorted his brother to the study, informed her that he’d explained the true nature of their relationship, relayed the news that Dominic was now the proud owner of Hunston Hall.

Rachel didn’t spout flowery nonsense but spoke directly. “Eli does you a great honour. His benevolence is a credit to him. No other man has the strength of heart to forgive such a betrayal.”

Desire coiled low and heavy in Eli’s loins. A burning heat flooded his heart. Never had anyone spoken with such faith in him. The realisation that he loved her came over him in warm waves.

Dominic inclined his head. “Eli has always been an exceptional man. One day, I hope to prove I’m worthy of his faith and kindness.” Seemingly keen to change the subject, he gestured to drawings scattered over the desk. “Eli said you’re trying to identify which symbol corresponds to which letter.”

“It’s a case of looking for patterns.”

“May I see the symbols?”

“Of course.” Rachel handed Dominic the letter. “Please tell me you understand some of what’s written.”

Dominic fell silent while concentrating on the drawn images. “I’m not entirely sure, but I think a few may be alchemical symbols, some astronomical.” He pointed to a circular shape with an arrow pointing northeast. “I’m certain this is the astronomical symbol for Mercury.”

Excitement sparked in Rachel’s eyes. Eli was more annoyed at his brother for rousing her interest than the fact he’d fucked Felicity.

“Do you have any books on astronomy or alchemy, Eli?”

“No. My interests lie in art and philosophy, though I believe—” He paused. Damnation! The conniving devil. “I believe Swanson has an interest in medieval alchemy.”

“Mr Swanson?” Rachel’s mouth dropped open. “He lost his key and knows how to decipher some of the symbols in this cryptic note. It can’t be a coincidence.”

Dominic chuckled. “To say I’m fascinated by your work is an understatement. There must never be a dull moment.”

Eli met Rachel’s gaze. “Every new revelation steals my breath, leaves me desperate to learn more.”

She smiled. “I find myself equally captivated.”

Perhaps reading the thrum of sexual tension in the air, Dominic returned the letter to the desk and made his intention to leave known. He bid Rachel farewell, said he looked forward to meeting her again, spoke as if she held a permanent place in Eli’s life.

“There’s another startling difference between us,” Dominic said when Eli escorted him out to the stable yard. “I like your wife immensely.”

Eli laughed. “Rachel is remarkable, but she’s not my wife.”

“Not yet. One suspects it’s only a matter of time before you accept your fate.” Dominic paused. “You seem happy, Eli. Happier than I’ve seen you before.”

Eli took a moment to still his mind, to listen to the wild drum of his heartbeat, to feel love’s life force flowing through him.

“I’m in love with her. I need to decide how I might fit into her future plans. She means to start a new life in America.” If only he could persuade her to stay.

“She seemed rather comfortable in your study.”

“Who can say what fate has in store? A week ago, I never thought to see you drinking coffee in my drawing room.”

Dominic apologised again and promised to spend his life making amends. They hugged for the first time in years, and Eli made him swear not to inform Mother or Felicity of his address in town.

Eli stood alone in the dim stable yard long after his brother’s carriage rattled away, long after the groom handed him a lit lantern to navigate his way back to the house in the dark.

He didn’t return to the house but walked through the garden, contemplating whether to reveal the true depth of his feelings. He’d found the strength to open his heart, to trust someone, and now his greatest fear was losing the only person he’d ever truly wanted. The only woman he’d ever truly loved.

* * *

“Eli,” Rachel whispered through the darkness. She held the lantern aloft and moved along the garden path. “It’s cold out. Come inside. Where are you?”

She scoured the shadows, wondering why he’d not returned to the house, knowing he wouldn’t leave without giving her prior warning, suspecting something was amiss.

She shivered—from the chilly air, from the fear that Jacob Hanaway had found his way into the garden, had caught Eli unawares and … and …

“Eli!” Gripping the handle of her knife, she edged into the blackness.

The door in the boundary wall creaked open.

A light appeared, a dancing glow in the dark.

“Rachel!” The voice she longed to hear reached her through the gloom.

Her pulse settled when he came into view, unharmed and looking as handsome as ever. “You’ve been out here an hour. I feared you’d tripped and banged your head.”

“Or Jacob Hanaway had buried me in a shallow grave.” He closed the gap between them, slipped his arm around her waist and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. “Forgive me. I went for a walk in the field beyond the house and lost track of time.”

“You must be cold to your bones. You were so long, I asked Jacobs to have a fire lit in your chamber, have a hot bath drawn.”

The hand at her back moved in slow, caressing strokes. “You must have been worried. You’ve left the house without your pelisse.” His lips curled into a wicked grin. “Perhaps a hot bath for two is in order.”

Excited by the prospect of making love to him, she smiled coyly. “Will there be enough room? Perhaps I should wash you, massage your tight muscles.”

“As I’m keen to see every inch of you, I suggest you bathe first.”

She couldn’t hide her eagerness but suddenly recalled their earlier conversation. “Is it right that we continue to feed this obsession?”

“I think we both suspect it’s more than an obsession. But I want you, and you want me. We’re not hurting anyone. I can only speak for myself, but I’ve never been happier.”

Oh, her heart was so full of happiness it might burst.

“I never thought I could feel this way about anyone.” She yearned for his company, longed to feel his mouth on hers, craved his touch. “Let’s go inside and discuss it somewhere warm.”

Eli led her into the house. They extinguished their lanterns and left them outside. The slow climb upstairs had anticipation thrumming through her body, just like it had the night at The Swan Inn. Except the footman was still lugging buckets, still filling the bathtub, the maid still busy stoking the fire.

Rachel stopped outside Eli’s chamber door. The servants knew this was more than a business arrangement, but she would not be so blatant about their affair.

“I’ll retire to my room until you’ve bathed.” She still carried her knife and needed to store it away in its sheath. The distant chime of the long case clock reminded her dinner would be served in an hour. “We’re to dine at eight. Perhaps we can leave our conversation until then.”

He reached for her hand. “I can’t wait that long.”

“Then I’ll return in ten minutes,” she whispered.

During those ten minutes, and fearing a repeat of her struggle to undress while aroused, she stripped off her clothes and slipped into her cotton nightgown. She heard the servants retreat, knew Eli’s loud cough meant the coast was clear.

When she entered his lair, she found him perched on the edge of the bed, stripped of everything but his breeches. Her mouth watered at the sight.

“Close the door.”

“We’ve an hour until we’re due in the dining room.” She shut the door and turned the key in the lock. “It doesn’t leave us much time to bathe.”

He stood. “I sent word to Jacobs. Cook will prepare a tray in two hours and have it brought to my room. There’s plenty of time to bathe.”

Rachel noted the steam rising from the tub. “At this time of year, a lady usually bathes in her shift, but it seems so warm in here.” Warm, because flames danced in the grate, flames flickered in the lamps, flames of lust licked her skin.

“Then remove your nightgown.”

Pushing nerves aside, she reached for the hem, gathered the garment to her waist, then pulled it over her head. She threw it onto the floor and stood before him, naked as the day she was born.

Eli hissed a breath, his greedy gaze teasing her nipples to peak.

He slipped off the bed, removed his breeches to reveal his jutting manhood.

“Step into the water, Rachel. A good hunter uses the element of surprise, captures his prey unawares. I shall consider my next move carefully.”

She did as he asked. The water was warm, soothing.

He came forward, scooped water from the tub with his cupped hand and trickled it over her breasts. “I’m going to wash every inch of you.” A sinful grin formed on his lips. “Then I’m going to lick you dry.”

Her knees almost buckled. “And I shall do the same to you.”

“Not tonight. We’ll save that for next time.” He set his mouth to her nipple and sucked gently. “And yes, I’m being presumptuous, but I can’t get enough of you.” He lavished the other nipple with the same attention, licked around the areola.

Rachel pushed her fingers through his dark hair and tugged hard. “Yes. Oh, yes. Soon it will be my turn to play the hunter.”

He looked up at her, his eyes glazed with desire, while flicking his tongue over her nipple.

“Don’t stop, Eli.”

He dragged his mouth away, cupped more water and wet her abdomen. The feel of his mouth on her skin sent tingles to her toes. Then he gripped her buttocks and swirled his tongue around her navel.

Her head fell back, a moan leaving her lips. But then he moved lower, slipping his tongue between her folds and sucking softly on the aching nub. He made her come like that, his face buried in her nest of curls, his mouth and tongue working its magic.

He pushed his fingers inside her as she shuddered, showering her in pleasure.

“We’ll bathe together once you’ve taken me,” he said in a husky voice, confirming he was just as aroused. “It’s my turn to lie back and enjoy the view.”

She understood his meaning when he settled back on the bed, his shaft standing upright and proud. Madame Dubarry had said a woman could experience a sense of freedom when riding a man. It seemed Rachel was about to see if the modiste’s wise words had merit.

Still, that didn’t stop her taking the head of his manhood into her mouth.

“Hellfire!”

She moved to sit astride him. “You said I should capture my prey unawares.”

His strained expression matched his frustrated groan. “Take me inside you, love.” Another needy moan escaped him when she sank slowly down onto his shaft. “God in heaven.”

Oh, feeling full with him felt divine.

He gripped her hips and helped her find a rhythm, a tantalising rhythm where she appreciated taking every inch of Eli Hunter.

He never took his eyes off her, not when pleasure engulfed them, not when he whipped her onto her back and spurted his seed onto her belly. Not when she settled into his arms and silently whispered—“I love you.”

* * *

The tinkle of the security bell dragged Eli from his slumber. He might have shot out of bed, but Rachel’s legs were entwined with his, and her head rested on his chest.

He shook her gently. “Rachel. Rachel. Wake up.”

She stirred, released a sweet moan, draped her arm around his waist and snuggled into him.

“Love. There’s an intruder. Someone has entered the house.” Entered via the rear door and tripped the wire, which ran all the way upstairs to trigger the small bell.

She raised her head and blinked numerous times. “An intruder.” The words penetrated her sleepy head, and she jumped up as if he’d pricked her with a pin. “Intruder! It’s Jacob Hanaway. Quick, Eli. He’ll burn the house to the ground.”

He reached for her hand. “One does not enter a house to burn it down. Find your nightgown. We need to creep downstairs and confront the devil. My robe is hanging in the armoire. Put it on. Hurry.”

She leapt from the bed as if they’d not a second to spare, banging the boards in the process. She froze and met his gaze. “Sorry. I’ve cramp in my foot.”

“I’ll massage your feet when we’ve dealt with the scoundrel,” he whispered, though struggled to tear his eyes away from her lush curves as she slipped into her nightgown. He dragged on his breeches and threw his shirt over his head.

The armoire door creaked, and she cast him an apologetic look. He gestured to the blanket on the chair and mouthed for her to wrap it around her instead. Thankfully, the hinges on his bedchamber door were well oiled. Eli opened the door, turned to see Rachel removing the blade and the etui from her reticule.

“Leave them. I’ll protect you.”

“And what if Jacob shoots you?”

She had a fair point.

They tiptoed downstairs, noticed the faint glow of candlelight through the partially open study door. The sound of rustling paper and banging drawers masked the occasional creak of the boards as they descended to the hall.

Eli crept to the coat stand, took the swordstick, then gestured for Rachel to follow behind.

The devil must have heard them because he snuffed out the candle and suddenly came hurtling out of the study. Eli drew his sword, but Rachel threw something in the villain’s face that made him stumble back, drop a host of paper, and cry out in pain.

Eli shot her a quizzical glance.

“It’s the lemon juice.” Rachel grinned. “It works every time.”