Page 66 of The Lovers
“You’re thinking what a fool you’ve been and how you can’t possibly live without me,” he replied with a smile.
“You know me better than I know myself, Gabriel Russell.”
“Yes, I do,” Gabe said. He was joking, but Quinn could sense the longing behind the humor. He wanted her still, despite the fact that she’d rejected him so brutally.
Quinn leaned forward and wrapped her arms about Gabe, drawing him toward her. She brushed her lips against his and pulled him closer as she deepened the kiss. This kiss was a long time coming for both of them, but Gabe’s response wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic as she might have expected. He took her by the shoulders and gently pushed her away. Quinn felt a wave of humiliation wash over her and lowered her eyes, wishing that she’d not been so forward. Gabe wasn’t ready to forgive her, and perhaps he’d changed his mind. God knew she’d given him enough reason to despise her. Gabe instantly picked up on her emotional turmoil and smiled ruefully, taking her face in his hands and forcing her to meet his gaze.
“Quinn, I want you more than words can say, but not like this. You are feeling raw and unsettled, and you want to make the hurt go away. What you need right now is support and understanding, and I would be the worst kind of prick if I took advantage of that.”
Quinn nodded, still embarrassed but somewhat mollified by Gabe’s observation. “You are right: I feel completely adrift.”
“Well, what do you say to me anchoring you tonight? I’ll stay, if you want me to, but as a friend.” Gabe took her hand in his and smiled. “What say you?”
Quinn smiled back tearfully. “I saythank you.”
Gabe drew her to him, and they sat in companionable silence until Quinn fell asleep, her head against Gabe’s shoulder. Gabe carefully lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, where he laid her on the bed, removed her shoes, and tucked her in beneath the covers. He climbed in next to her but knew that sleep wouldn’t come for hours. He desired the woman next to him so much it hurt. Some small part of him wished that he’d taken her up on her offer, but he couldn’t take advantage of her vulnerability. If and when he made love to her, it would bewith her full consent and because she wanted him as much as he wanted her, not because she was looking for a bit of comfort. Gabe sighed and stared at the embroidered canopy, wishing it was morning.
FORTY-SEVEN
JUNE 1665
Suffolk, England
Elise woke up with a start, clutching the counterpane to her bosom. A loud crash came from downstairs, as if a heavy wooden chair had been overturned. She sprang from bed, desperate to lock the door, but before she could reach it, it flew open, revealing her irate husband. Edward was panting with fury as he took in her disheveled state and frightened face.
“How dare you defy me?” he roared. “I ordered you to stay in London. We do not flee while our monarch sees fit to remain in the city.” Edward looked exhausted, with shadows of fatigue staining the delicate skin beneath his eyes and a sickly pallor in place of his normally ruddy complexion. He hadn’t shaved in days and wore his natural hair instead of the wig he favored, the hair carelessly tied back and nearly free of its leather thong.
Elise opened her mouth to reply, but no sound came out. She was terrified. She’d never seen Edward so angry. He was usually cold and indifferent, not spitting mad as he was now. The journey from London did nothing to cool his anger, giving him time to stew instead. He’d clearly traveled through the night and had had ample time to nurse his fury.
“I convinced her ladyship to come away.” James appeared in the doorway. He’d obviously just got out of bed, and Elisesaid a silent prayer of thanks that it hadn’t been her bed. Edward would have disemboweled them both.
“And what gave you the right to take my wife to the country without my permission, sir?” Edward roared, redirecting his fury to James.
“Common sense, your lordship,” James answered, not bothering to hide his contempt. “People are dying by the thousands. Your wife is carrying the heir you so desperately wanted. Why would you put her life at risk? What does the king care where Lady Asher is? It’s not as if he’s even aware of her existence.”
Edward flew at James and punched him in the face, his heavy ring striking James just below the eye and leaving a nasty cut. James winced with pain but didn’t say anything to his father or retaliate. He stood his ground, feet apart, arms at his sides, hands balled into fists. He would not allow another blow to go unanswered, that was obvious, but he hoped that Edward would come to his senses and not strike him again. A thin trickle of blood ran down James’s face, its slow progress resembling a bloody tear. James didn’t bother to wipe it away, retaining his defiant position in case Edward should assault him again.
“Get out, you bastard,” Edward growled. “You are no longer welcome in this house. And if I see you anywhere near my wife, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”
James gave a curt nod and left but not before giving Elise a reassuring look. For all his bluster, Edward would be a fool to send Elise back to London. He was furious, but he was also sufficiently chastised. He knew that James was right, although he’d never actually admit it.
“I’m sorry, Edward,” Elise said in a conciliatory manner. “James meant well. Surely you know that.”
“If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it,” Edward spat out. “Get dressed,” he commanded.
Edward strode from the room, slamming the door behind him. Elise wondered if he planned to stay, but asking him when he was in such a state could be hazardous to her health. So, she dressed and sat patiently while Peg styled her hair. She had to do everything in her power to pacify Edward and get him not to banish James for good.
She came downstairs to find Edward eating alone in the dining room. He normally ate very little for breakfast, but the table was laden with everything Cook could find on such short notice. Edward was devouring the food as if he hadn’t eaten in days. He was pale and drawn, and cold sweat glistened on his forehead.
“Are you quite well?” Elise asked carefully. “Shall I summon the physician?”
“I’m tired and hungry. I traveled all night.”
“Then I’m sure you’d like to rest after you’ve eaten. Shall I call for a bath?”
Edward made a dismissive gesture. “I’ll sleep awhile, then have a bath after. Now, leave me in peace.”
Elise was only too happy to be dismissed. She made her way outside and hurried to the stables in the hope of intercepting James before he left. James was saddling his horse, and Elise breathed a sigh of relief, noting his slow movements. He’d been waiting for her.
