Almost a Countess by Jenna Jaxon
Chapter 16
The look in Finn’s eyes, darker than she’d ever seen them before, told Dora he wanted to kiss her, even before he began to lean toward her. Her heart sped up, so fast she could hear nothing save the blood beating in her ears. Without thought, she leaned into him, closing her eyes just as their lips met.
Firm, yet gentle, he pressed his mouth to hers. With the lightest touch, he moved his lips against hers, and heat cascaded through her, as though she stood before a raging fire. Yet all she could think was how incredibly sweet he was, this moment was. All last night she’d wondered what it would be like to kiss Finn. Happily, the reality far outshone anything she’d imagined.
Emboldened by the flames licking through her veins, she pressed back, needing him to understand she wanted this as well. Never had she experienced such a tenderness toward anyone, a longing to enfold them and be enfolded in return. When he gently cupped her cheek, she wept with joy, unable to contain the happiness filling her to the brim.
Slowly, he pulled away, although he continued to cradle her face. “Was that yer first kiss?”
Oh, how she wished it had been. So much more wonderful than the awkward ones she’d shared with Tris. She shook her head. “No, but it should have been.”
His hand lingered on her face, warm against her skin. “By all rights, I should noo ask for yer hand in marriage.”
Her breath stopped. She gazed at him, trying to discover if his words were perfunctory or if, perhaps, there was something more to them. I wouldn’t mind if you did. The unexpected thought leaped to mind and almost out of her mouth. She clamped her lips shut. While she could think such a thing, it was much too soon to confess it. “I don’t believe that’s necessary.”
“Truly?” His startled look took her aback. “Ye dinna fear for yer reputation, then?”
That reasoning would be sound, but no one knew of this new indiscretion save the two of them, and Dora was certain he would not tell a soul. Neither would he divulge that he had stayed under her roof without a chaperone. So he knew her reputation was safe as well as she did. Did that mean he might actually wish to marry her? The import of that—after months of thinking no one would ever wish to wed her—all but took her breath away. She had to wait a moment, gather her thoughts, before reassuring him. “No, Finn. I trust you to keep it safe.”
He sighed and cast his gaze to the ground. “It’s just as well ye said nae. In my current state ye’d be getting nae bargain with me for a husband.” He sat back, dejection on his face. “If ye remember, I’m a criminal on the run from the authorities.”
Hating to see him so despondent, Dora boldly took his hand. “But you will not be one forever, Finn. You will go to London, find your uncle, and this will all be over.”
“I ken the truth o’ that, but at the moment it disna feel true.” He wouldn’t look at her, but he continued to hold her hand. “Scarlet hates me enough he may find a way tae make the charges stick and at the least have me imprisoned for half a year. Or worse.”
Dora bit her lip, thinking what she could say to put the situation into a different perspective. “I don’t think that’s what you’d need to be worrying about. If you did wish to marry me, you’d have to run a worse gauntlet than Lieutenant Scarlet and his men.”
“What dae ye mean?” At least she’d gotten his attention.
“As I am only nineteen, you’d have to ask my father’s permission.” She grinned at him. “I warn you, he is ruthless in both his business and personal life. You would not have an easy time of it.”
“Are ye actively tryin’ tae deter me from asking for yer hand, Miss Harper?” The lightness had come back into his tone, and Dora thanked goodness for it.
She gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m just warning you, it would not be an easy task.”
“Nor one I could undertake until the other matter is resolved.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss on the knuckles. “I must clear my name afore I can move ahead with my life.” He gazed at her, a strange light in his eyes. “Perhaps when that happens, I’ll ask ye again.”
“Perhaps by then my answer will have changed.” If only they could have some time to know each other better.
“We’ve kenned each other a short while only.”
He seemed to have caught her thoughts. She’d never had that happen with anyone else.
“Yesterday I was nothing more tae ye than a nuisance. And two days ago, ye’d never even heard o’ me.” He squeezed her hand and let it go. “Life can change in an instant, m’eudail. Dinna think it canna.”
Dora sat back, mulling that over. He was right; life changed from moment to moment. They had been flung together in a stressful situation. No wonder she now had warm feelings for the man she’d rescued. Who wouldn’t have? But how did she know her own interest in him wasn’t simply born of loneliness? And would that change once she met other gentlemen? “I suspect you are correct in that. We only know a little about each other.”
His face broke out in the most charming of smiles. “But we dae ken some things, dae we no’? For me, a little time has yielded a big harvest. I ken ye’re kind and witty. Funny and intelligent. All qualities most necessary in a wife.” He chuckled. “At least for me. Sae ye’re well on the way tae being at the top o’ my list.”
“Oh, I am?” Arrogant in all things, even a faux proposal. Of course, she’d not expected him to speak of affection or love. Not really. Not when they’d known each other but two days. Her own feelings, which ran hot and cold, were likely what they called calf love, and could change like the moon in all her cycles. Still, she would have liked to hear that he esteemed her not solely for these sterling attributes, but for some deeper manner of feeling. She did a mock bow. “You do me great honor, mylord, in deigning to place me on your list.”
“Och, lassie. Dinna be fooled.” That fierceness returned to his voice, and she caught her breath. “My blood runs hotter than the midsummer sun when I look at ye.” He gazed intently at her, and she began to feel the heat as well.
Without warning, he swooped in again, taking her lips, though there was nothing gentle about it this time. He took and took, kiss after rapturous kiss.
Her head began to spin. She couldn’t breathe but didn’t want to stop kissing him long enough to take a breath. Falling backward. She was falling…
Dora sat up sputtering, the sickening smell of sal volatile still in her nose. “What…”
Finn held her silver filigree vinaigrette up for her to see. “I hated tae dae it, but I dinna ken what else tae dae.” He smiled and stroked a stray strand of hair back over her head. “Although I must say I’ve never kissed anyone who swooned because o’ it.” He cocked his head. “Has this ever happened before?”
“You make it seem like I’m a…a Jezebel. I’ve only ever kissed Tris before.” She sat up cautiously, but the spell had passed. “And it was nothing like that.”
“Good.” He passed the vial to her. “If I wasna yer very first kiss, at least I will be the first tae kiss ye intae oblivion.”
“Yes, that honor is all yours, Finn.” She grinned at him and began to gather their dishes, a calmness spreading through her. For now, she had an inkling of a way forward. They must see what the next days and weeks would bring. If he could stay here at Bromley, it would be easier for them to determine if their spark could burst into the flame those kisses had promised. Dora automatically continued stacking dishware until the picnic hamper was filled. If he had to leave, well, then it would be harder for them to grow closer. But not impossible, surely.
Finn scattered some crumbs of leftover bannocks for the birds, corked the bottle of wine, and stored it in the hamper. “Are ye ready tae return?”
“Yes, I believe I am.” Dora smiled to herself.
Her little outing had been enormously successful by her estimation, if only as assurance that Finn did indeed have an interest in her. As he’d suggested he should ask for her hand, even though just to save her reputation, then wasn’t there hope of a true proposal in the future? Given the circumstances, and those heady kisses, there was undoubtedly enough material for her to continue to build a castle in the air for her and Finn.
****
Dinner that evening proved to be more of a strain than Dora would have believed.
She’d gone upstairs immediately upon their return for some rest and to try to calm herself, even though that had been a lost cause. She’d asked Larkin to awaken her when it was time to dress for dinner, but she’d lain awake, reliving their picnic. Especially their kisses. Her toes had curled at the very thought of it.
At last, she’d risen, not ever having closed her eyes, and started to dress. Or tried to. She’d chosen and rejected three gowns before Larkin put her foot down and insisted she wear her blue lutestring. “It’s the most elegant gown you have, Miss Harper. And you have so many guests tonight, you will want to look your best, I think?”
If Finn was going to be there, of course she wanted to look her best. Their conversation this afternoon weighed heavily on her each time she thought of it. He might have warm feelings for her now, but as he said, life could change in an instant. When he left to pursue his matter with the army in London, would he forget about her, about their kisses in the folly? She was certain she never would. But every person’s sensibilities were different. The waiting and wondering would surely drive her mad. Especially if he was her one and only chance for happiness. She couldn’t know that, of course, but after this afternoon, it certainly felt like it.
They had all gathered in the downstairs receiving room and proceeded in to dinner, Tris insisting on escorting Dora, leaving Finn, once more attired in Simon’s old clothing, to offer his arm to Violet. How her former fiancé was going to take to the news of a possible interest between her and Finn Dora shuddered to think. At least she would not have to worry about that for some little time to come.
“Aberfoyle, were you successful in your riding today?” Tris cut into his roast beef industriously.
“My ankle protested a wee bit, but it settled after the first mile or sae. I believe it will serve in another day or two.” Finn fiddled with his wineglass, shooting a look at Dora.
Of course, Tris would wish him gone as soon as possible. Well, the sooner Finn found his uncle, the sooner he could return to her.
“That is very fortunate, for I have a bit of disturbing news.” He looked pointedly at Finn. “I stopped at The Green Tree after taking care of some business this morning and was startled to meet Lieutenant Scarlet and his men coming out of the establishment.”
Dora’s fork clattered to her plate. Her gaze shot straight to Finn, her heart in her throat.
He blinked as he looked at the stunned faces around the table before looking down at his plate. “I thank ye for that bit o’ information, Trevor.” He looked directly at Dora. “I’ll have tae leave at first light. The sooner I am away, the sooner ye’re all out o’ danger.”
“Lord Aberfoyle, I am terribly sorry for this unfortunate turn of events.” Violet leaned toward him, placing a hand on his arm. “You must go in haste to London to set this matter aright.”
To save her life, Dora could not have summoned a word. Why were the soldiers still in the area? Why couldn’t they bloody well leave them alone? Now Finn would have to leave her. And the possibility that he might not return to her more of a reality than she could bear.
“We’ll plan your journey when the ladies retire to the drawing room, Aberfoyle. If I’d brought more than the one carriage, I’d loan you mine. That would help throw Scarlet off the scent.” Tris seemed to have resolved his pique at Finn, although his good humor might stem from the knowledge that Finn would soon be gone. “As it is, I have but the one carriage, and I must have that at my wife’s disposal at such a delicate time, you understand.”
Dora wished she could offer her father’s carriage, but when she’d arrived at Bromley in April, the coachman had discovered a break in the transom. She’d had her father’s coachman take it into Leeds for repairs as part of his journey back to Wiltshire, but as she’d always preferred to ride horseback, she’d neglected to have Alfred fetch it once it was repaired.
“I dae indeed, my lord. Think nothing o’ it. The journey will be swifter on horseback, in any case. I thank ye for the thought and any help ye may be able tae give me.” Finn had reverted to the persona she’d first met by the creek, a hardened man on the run, thinking only about outsmarting his adversary. He’d have little time for her now, which would be hard to bear, but was as it should be. He must survive if they were to have the hope of a future.
Tris looked directly at Dora. “Perhaps, my dear, you and Violet should retire now and leave Aberfoyle and me to plan his escape in the morning.”
Dinner was only half over, but Dora’s appetite had fled the moment Scarlet’s name was mentioned. She wanted desperately to stay and help them, but as she knew little about the surrounding area, other than Bromley and Brompton, even Dora could see she’d only be a hindrance, and maybe a distraction to Finn when he needed all his wits.
With a nod, Dora rose, as did Violet, and headed for the upstairs drawing room, where so short a time ago she’d been happy.
“You must not despair, my dear.” Violet settled into her accustomed place.
Dora slumped onto the chair opposite her. “I cannot help it, Violet. I do not know what to do. I cannot bear to let him go.” She understood he had to leave for London, but now that the time was here, his departure imminent, she feared the worst would happen and she’d be reduced to a pleasant memory the moment he rode out of sight.
“Has something changed since this morning, my dear?” Violet had a knowing look in her eyes.
“It has. Oh, Violet. Everything has changed.” Unable to stop herself, Dora moved across to the sofa and burrowed into Violet’s arms. “Finn kissed me,” she choked out before bursting into tears.
“Did you want him to?” Her friend held her closer.
“Of course I did.” Dora’s words were muffled, but Violet seemed to understand.
“I suspected as much. But then this is good, isn’t it, my dear?” Violet peered into her face as best she could.
“Yes, but now I don’t want him to leave.” The very thought of having to tell Finn goodbye, not knowing when or if she’d ever see him again, was like a knife in her heart. “I know he must go. I knew it before Tris saw the soldiers. He must clear his name, but I wish there was some other way. What if he leaves and decides he doesn’t want to return to me?”
Violet smiled and opened her mouth then closed it without speaking. Her face grew somber. “Yes, I’m afraid that is a possibility. You have known each other for mere days, during some trying experiences. When men and women meet under such extraordinary circumstances, sometimes passions flame only to be snuffed out once the danger is past.”
“He said today that our affections might change with time, as they have these past two days.” Tears gathered in Dora’s eyes. To be so close to having the promise of love fulfilled and have it dashed away was unbearable. “If only we could stay together, surely our regard for one another would continue to grow.”
“I suspect that is so, my dear. But it is impossible.” Violet patted her shoulder. “He must make haste to London to clear his name.”
If he must go, then at least there should be some way she could—
Dora sat straight up. “I’ll go with him.”
“What?” Violet grasped her arm, perhaps afraid Dora would jump up and leave that instant. “You can do no such thing, Dora. Think, for goodness’ sake. You cannot ride to London with a man to whom you are not married. You cannot ride on horseback so far in any case. London is five days journey from here. I know, for Tris and I just made that arduous trip.”
“We can take Father’s carriage.” Dora smiled triumphantly. Just because the carriage hadn’t been retrieved from Leeds didn’t mean it couldn’t be. “I wasn’t thinking properly when Tris brought up his carriage at dinner.” The mention of the soldiers had likely addled her brain with fear. “My only thought was that the vehicle wasn’t here. I’ll send Alfred into Leeds first thing in the morning to fetch it. There would be a single day’s delay, no more. Then Finn and I can travel respectably as husband and wife, which will help throw the soldiers off our trail.”
“Dear Lord. You have run mad, Dora.” Violet shook her, none too gently. “If you pose as man and wife, travel together as such, and the lie is exposed, you will be shunned by Polite Society for the rest of your life. Your family will disown you, without possibility of reconciliation. And Tristan.” Violet’s face paled. “Dora, he will either lock you in your room and literally throw out the key until Lord Aberfoyle has departed. Or, if you manage to leave with him, Tris will track you both down and call him out.” Wrapping her arms around herself, Violet shivered. “You know he will, Dora, you must know it.”
A sense of walls closing in on her drove Dora to rise and pace about the room, all the while snatching at even the most farfetched plans. “Then you and Tris could act as chaperones to us. No one could say there was anything improper about the four of us traveling to London together.”
Sadly, Violet shook her head. “Perhaps if I were not increasing, something might be arranged, although having just made the journey I’m not certain I’d be able to repeat it with so little time to recover. But in my condition, my dear, even if I thought I could undertake it, Tristan would forbid me. And he would be right to do so.”
Dora heaved a deep sigh but nodded. Violet could not accompany her. It had been utterly selfish to suggest such a thing. And yes, Tris would indeed track them down and there would be bloody hell to pay when he did. But all she could think was that she would be horribly miserable when Finn left, wondering all the time if he would return. There had to be something she’d missed. Some way for Finn to stay or for her to go with him.
The drawing room door opened, revealing Hanson.
“I forgot to order tea, Hanson. Can you please ask Mrs. McComber to send some up? I require something hot and strong at the moment.”
“Very good, Miss Harper, but I am here to announce another guest.”
Lieutenant Scarlet. It could only be him. Dora stumbled backward until she clutched the back of her chair, gripping it tightly so she could remain upright. She gritted her teeth and gave a slight nod.
“The Duchess of Ostroda.”
A small woman with a black walking stick swept into the room, dressed in a magnificent purple and gold gown with a towering headdress of feathers in the same colors.
“Aunt Mimi!” Dora gasped. “Whatever are you doing here?”