~Part Twenty-One~
The flare of a match broke the stillness in the room and she set it to the taper of the candle, making the wick burn. She waved the matchstick out and seated herself on the vanity chair, taking out a piece of scented paper she had found in a drawer.
She stared into the candle flame for a moment, contemplating what she was doing. Did she really want to…? But wasn’t it the only way? To escape Max, Tessa, their wedding, this place…
Decisive now she dipped the quill into the ink stand and pressed it to the paper:
Dear Lord Valenti...
She paused and took a breath, trying to compose herself and organize her thoughts:
I hope the times find you well in both health and spirit. I myself have not been so lucky. I do not know if you are aware, or heard of what happened on our way to London to meet with you. But in case the news did not reach you, I will attempt to explain my absence.
The Whirlwind was caught in a large storm…I was thrown from the ship and awoke on an island several days journey from my destination. For the past few months I have been living on that island with the people who saved me from death. But I did not have my memories.
I regained them just yesterday and my immediate thoughts were of my family. I do not know if they survived the storm, though I suspect they did not… However, if there is any news, any at all, I would appreciate the information.
My second thoughts were of you, your Grace, I knew you would be worried when the Whirlwind did not make it into port at the scheduled time, and I have written this letter to ease your mind.
I am also unaware if your offer of an alliance between the two of us is still valid. Forgive me if I seem too forward, but I am anxious to leave this place. I will accept the proposition if you still desire me to wed you.
The man who delivered this letter will be back on the morrow to collect your answer. He is my friend, and very trustworthy. I shall anxiously await the arrival of your response.
Yours,
Elizabeth Parker
She sighed heavily and read the letter over. Satisfied, she folded it and placed it inside an envelope with his Grace’s name printed on the front. Then she picked up the quill again and began to write to her ignorant courier.
Dear Michael,
Please do not roll your eyes at me when you finish reading my request, this is an urgent matter that I would have resolved immediately.
If you would bring the enclosed letter to the proper recipient I would be most grateful. He will be expecting you the evening after to give you his reply. I will be anticipating the response upon your return.
Thank you,
Liz
She put this note in another envelope along with her letter to her fiancée and wrote the address on front in clear, concise handwriting. This was it. She was holding her future in her hands.
Glancing up she saw it was almost morning and decided to get some more sleep. She’d give the letter to Maria in the morning. Maria would handle everything.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a letter,” Liz replied innocently, “I wrote to some people in London who may have news of my parents…just in case they’re alive.” She looked away for a minute to catch hold of her still sore emotions on that front. “I didn’t know their directions so I just wrote their names down and would like to send the whole thing to Michael. He’d know who they are, right?”
Maria’s eyes were now both sympathetic and amused. “That man knows anyone who’s anyone. I’m sure he’ll be able to help. I’ll just ride it down to the harbor to the correspondence ship. They’re set to sail late this evening, out with the tide and all…”
“Thank you.”
“No trouble at all Lizzie,” she hesitated, biting her lip, “Liz, can I talk to you about this Max and Tessa thing?”
Her friend stiffened and her brown eyes became unreadable. “Nothing to discuss Maria.”
“Liz-”
“I have to go.” And she took off, heading again for her room and sanctuary. Maria sighed and considered heading after her, but if Liz wanted this letter gone this week, she’d need to leave now.
She pouted a bit, wishing she could jump on the mail boat and head to her Michael with this dispatch. But she couldn’t, too many responsibilities… And so she set out, planning to talk to Liz about Max when she came back.
The Isle ~Complete~ YTEEN-ADULT
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
~Part Twenty-Two~
“Michael!” Maria shrieked. She slid down the banister of the front stairway and into his arms. He twirled her around twice, a little stunned at the impact, and then set her down, scrutinizing her.
“Have you gained weight?” he inquired, grinning.
Her jaw dropped, and her beautiful emerald eyes flashed, before she turned red and let out an indignant squeal. “Michael, you…you clod! How dare you even-” He cut her off, kissing her deeply, the way he had wanted to from the moment he had seen first seen her. The way he had always wanted to whenever he saw her.
She stamped her foot and pushed against him, obviously trying to tell him that she wasn’t in the mood, but then she melted, wrapping her arms around him and sighing into his mouth.
He let her go leisurely, and his grin grew at her dazed, soft expression. “I was just jesting, Maria, you know you’re the most beautiful woman in the world to me.”
She smiled up at him, still in a dreamy fantasy world, and then she abruptly snapped out of it. She shot him a warning glare and looked around briskly, making sure no one had witnessed their “heart-to-heart”. “Nice work, Michael,” she hissed, “Just what I need, to be viewed as a compromised woman. Thanks a lot!”
“Maria,” he chuckled, hugging her, “You are a compromised woman.” She made another one of those squeals and attempted to escape his embrace yet again. He held her fast, “But I made an honest woman of you.”
She stopped struggling and turned her head, brushing blonde hair from her eyes. “We’re not married yet Michael.”
“We’re engaged Maria, it’s the same thing.”
“No, it’s not. Engagements can be broken,” she pointed out.
“Maria…I’m not planning on breaking our engagement.” He turned her around and looked at her closely. “Where’s this coming from?”
She sighed, “Edward threatened Liz’s life if Max didn’t propose to Tessa. So he did and now they’re engaged and Liz is sad and I don’t know what to do!”
“Why would Liz be sad? And why would Max care? I thought they detested each other…”
“You blockhead! They’re in love with each other!” she yelled.
“Oh,” was his response, “So, where are they?”
“Max is out riding, and I have no idea where Liz is. I can never find her lately, and neither can Max. One minute she’s in her room, and then she’s in the library, and then the kitchen, the fields, the stables, Dr. Whitman’s…She just doesn’t want to be found, and I need to sit her down and have a talk with her about the situation.” She gave a frustrated groan. “She doesn’t even know why Max did it.”
“Well-”
“Michael!” came another shout and Liz ran carefully, delicately down the stairs from the direction of Max’s study. “Michael do you have my letter?”
She stopped just beside them, looking anxious. Michael pulled an envelope out of his back pocket and handed it to her. Maria watched in stunned fascination as she tore it open and read it over. An expression of relief came over her face and she looked up at Michael. “What time is the ship set to sail back to London?”
“Tomorrow, at dawn,” he replied, seemingly lost, and Maria was right beside him. She had no idea what Liz was getting at.
“Liz, I need to talk to you-”
“I can’t Maria,” she replied, turning and heading back up the stairs. “I have to pack now.”
“Pack?” Liz nodded and continued on her way, Maria on her heels. Michael decided to go get something to eat from the kitchen. He didn’t want to get mixed up in girl stuff. “Pack for what?” Maria demanded, panting as she leaned on Liz’s doorframe.
Liz dragged a bag from under her bed. “I’m allowed to keep the clothes, right?”
“Of course, but-”
“I’m getting away Maria. I can’t be near him, not now.”
“You don’t have the funds to survive in London!”
Liz paused and looked at the floor. “I remembered everything Maria…” She trailed off and Maria tapped her foot impatiently. “I remembered I had a fiancée.”
“What?” she cried, not expecting that.
“I’ve never met him. My father made the deal, that’s why we were going to England, to meet him. But we never made it.”
“Lizzie…”
“When Max…Well, I wrote him, to see if he still wanted me, and he does, so I’m going.” She picked up the small bag and stood straight. “I’ll write you when I get there, all right?” She gave Maria, who was still standing there, shocked, a hug. “I love you Maria.”
A few minutes later Maria shook herself out of her stupor and ran down the stairs shouting for Liz, but it was too late, she was already gone. “Ugh!” She was just going to have to get a horse and go after her.
“Maria!” came a cry from the kitchen, “Maria! Mr. Guerin is eating the Master’s dinner!!!”
“Oh, fiddlesticks! Michael!” she roared.
Max ran up the front steps, completely happy for the first time since he had made love to Liz. “LIZ!” he shouted once he shut the front door, “LIZ!!”
“Max? What is it?” Maria came running from the kitchen, Michael on her tail.
“Edward had a heart attack, he’s dead. Which means I’m free and Tessa will be locked in Bedlam as soon as the proper authorities get the word!” He grinned, “Where’s Liz? I need to kiss her.”
“Uh…” Maria and Michael exchanged looks, “She’s gone Max.”
Her frowned, “What do you mean she’s gone?”
“She left this morning, on the ship to London. You were gone, and we didn’t…” Max shook his head in disbelief.
“I’m going after her.”
“Max, she went to see her fiancée.”
He looked up sharply, amber eyes jewel hard. “What?” he bit off.
“She remembered… And she wrote to him, and she went…”
“Well then I’m going to get her back,” he said, determined.
“Max-”
“No, Maria,” he interrupted, “She loves me, I know it. She knows it. And I know I’ve handled this situation badly, but I can fix it now and I’m damn well going to! Now please, both of you pack, we leave for London on the next ship.”
“Michael!” Maria shrieked. She slid down the banister of the front stairway and into his arms. He twirled her around twice, a little stunned at the impact, and then set her down, scrutinizing her.
“Have you gained weight?” he inquired, grinning.
Her jaw dropped, and her beautiful emerald eyes flashed, before she turned red and let out an indignant squeal. “Michael, you…you clod! How dare you even-” He cut her off, kissing her deeply, the way he had wanted to from the moment he had seen first seen her. The way he had always wanted to whenever he saw her.
She stamped her foot and pushed against him, obviously trying to tell him that she wasn’t in the mood, but then she melted, wrapping her arms around him and sighing into his mouth.
He let her go leisurely, and his grin grew at her dazed, soft expression. “I was just jesting, Maria, you know you’re the most beautiful woman in the world to me.”
She smiled up at him, still in a dreamy fantasy world, and then she abruptly snapped out of it. She shot him a warning glare and looked around briskly, making sure no one had witnessed their “heart-to-heart”. “Nice work, Michael,” she hissed, “Just what I need, to be viewed as a compromised woman. Thanks a lot!”
“Maria,” he chuckled, hugging her, “You are a compromised woman.” She made another one of those squeals and attempted to escape his embrace yet again. He held her fast, “But I made an honest woman of you.”
She stopped struggling and turned her head, brushing blonde hair from her eyes. “We’re not married yet Michael.”
“We’re engaged Maria, it’s the same thing.”
“No, it’s not. Engagements can be broken,” she pointed out.
“Maria…I’m not planning on breaking our engagement.” He turned her around and looked at her closely. “Where’s this coming from?”
She sighed, “Edward threatened Liz’s life if Max didn’t propose to Tessa. So he did and now they’re engaged and Liz is sad and I don’t know what to do!”
“Why would Liz be sad? And why would Max care? I thought they detested each other…”
“You blockhead! They’re in love with each other!” she yelled.
“Oh,” was his response, “So, where are they?”
“Max is out riding, and I have no idea where Liz is. I can never find her lately, and neither can Max. One minute she’s in her room, and then she’s in the library, and then the kitchen, the fields, the stables, Dr. Whitman’s…She just doesn’t want to be found, and I need to sit her down and have a talk with her about the situation.” She gave a frustrated groan. “She doesn’t even know why Max did it.”
“Well-”
“Michael!” came another shout and Liz ran carefully, delicately down the stairs from the direction of Max’s study. “Michael do you have my letter?”
She stopped just beside them, looking anxious. Michael pulled an envelope out of his back pocket and handed it to her. Maria watched in stunned fascination as she tore it open and read it over. An expression of relief came over her face and she looked up at Michael. “What time is the ship set to sail back to London?”
“Tomorrow, at dawn,” he replied, seemingly lost, and Maria was right beside him. She had no idea what Liz was getting at.
“Liz, I need to talk to you-”
“I can’t Maria,” she replied, turning and heading back up the stairs. “I have to pack now.”
“Pack?” Liz nodded and continued on her way, Maria on her heels. Michael decided to go get something to eat from the kitchen. He didn’t want to get mixed up in girl stuff. “Pack for what?” Maria demanded, panting as she leaned on Liz’s doorframe.
Liz dragged a bag from under her bed. “I’m allowed to keep the clothes, right?”
“Of course, but-”
“I’m getting away Maria. I can’t be near him, not now.”
“You don’t have the funds to survive in London!”
Liz paused and looked at the floor. “I remembered everything Maria…” She trailed off and Maria tapped her foot impatiently. “I remembered I had a fiancée.”
“What?” she cried, not expecting that.
“I’ve never met him. My father made the deal, that’s why we were going to England, to meet him. But we never made it.”
“Lizzie…”
“When Max…Well, I wrote him, to see if he still wanted me, and he does, so I’m going.” She picked up the small bag and stood straight. “I’ll write you when I get there, all right?” She gave Maria, who was still standing there, shocked, a hug. “I love you Maria.”
A few minutes later Maria shook herself out of her stupor and ran down the stairs shouting for Liz, but it was too late, she was already gone. “Ugh!” She was just going to have to get a horse and go after her.
“Maria!” came a cry from the kitchen, “Maria! Mr. Guerin is eating the Master’s dinner!!!”
“Oh, fiddlesticks! Michael!” she roared.
Max ran up the front steps, completely happy for the first time since he had made love to Liz. “LIZ!” he shouted once he shut the front door, “LIZ!!”
“Max? What is it?” Maria came running from the kitchen, Michael on her tail.
“Edward had a heart attack, he’s dead. Which means I’m free and Tessa will be locked in Bedlam as soon as the proper authorities get the word!” He grinned, “Where’s Liz? I need to kiss her.”
“Uh…” Maria and Michael exchanged looks, “She’s gone Max.”
Her frowned, “What do you mean she’s gone?”
“She left this morning, on the ship to London. You were gone, and we didn’t…” Max shook his head in disbelief.
“I’m going after her.”
“Max, she went to see her fiancée.”
He looked up sharply, amber eyes jewel hard. “What?” he bit off.
“She remembered… And she wrote to him, and she went…”
“Well then I’m going to get her back,” he said, determined.
“Max-”
“No, Maria,” he interrupted, “She loves me, I know it. She knows it. And I know I’ve handled this situation badly, but I can fix it now and I’m damn well going to! Now please, both of you pack, we leave for London on the next ship.”
~Part Twenty-Three~
~“I’ve arranged for you to have a well-staffed townhouse all to yourself until we are married,” James told her kindly. Liz smiled at her fiancée, touched, but a little put off.
James was thirty years her senior, with graying hair, wrinkles, and a gut that suggested he enjoyed fine wines. He also had a daughter five years older than Liz, who was unable to have children. She looked across the room to the older woman.
Kyla gave her a forced smile, blue eyes unhappy. It was obvious the golden haired Lady did not want to relinquish her title as heir or her position as mistress of her father’s home, but she was not going to stand in James’ way of having a male heir, granted that Elizabeth could provide one.
“Thank you my lord,” Elizabeth replied, “But I wish to speak with you alone,” she shot a look at Kyla, “Please.” James nodded at her and dismissed his stocky daughter.
“What is it Elizabeth?” he inquired gently.
Liz took a deep breath, “There are things you should aware of before we go through with this marriage, my lord.” She looked straight into his blue eyes. “I am a compromised woman, sir.”
The bemused blue eyes went from surprise to confusion. “What?”
“I will not be coming to our marriage bed a virgin, my lord. There was a man where I was stranded…We…” she trailed off, blushing. She blocked her mind from remembering that night, how safe she had felt in Max’s arms…”I just thought that you should know, in case you have second thoughts.”
James smiled again, “Elizabeth, I realize you were lost and alone, and naturally you’d cling to your savior. I won’t hold it against you, after all, I’m not exactly untouched my self.” He laughed, “I wouldn’t expect anything of you that I couldn’t promise myself.” He watched her smile in gratitude and he felt a paternal sort of happiness fill him.
She was a sweet girl, pretty, and far too young for him. He knew he wouldn’t be long in this world, so she wouldn’t be bothered with him for an extended amount of time, but he would have a son of her before he went.
“Thank you, my lord.”~
Elizabeth smiled at yet another acquaintance, freeing her mind of the discussion she had had with James weeks ago. She had settled comfortable in to London society, but missed the simplicity of the isle. But that was another thought she viciously repressed. Nostalgia would only drag her down.
The isle didn’t exist for her now.
Max didn’t exist for her now.
She was the Duke James Valenti’s fiancée, debutante of the Season, and the most titillating person of the ton. Everyone wanted to know every detail of her “ordeal”, terming it an absolute triumph. The women would sigh over the mystery man she blushed over, gasp about the horrendous treatment of the neighboring plantation’s slaves, and gossip about the events Elizabeth refused to disclose to the general public.
To tell the truth she never really said anything, the members of the Haute Monde filled in every aspect of her trauma for her. She just gave a sad smile and tried to avoid them. She didn’t want to think about that part of her life, it was over with.
James had prepared a funeral for her parents, even though they had died at sea, and had lived in Roswell. The empty burial site was on the Valenti family plot, and Liz rode there each day to lay fresh flowers and allow her mind to explore her newfound memories.
Their assets had been discovered and recorded, Liz had written letters to the people closest to her family and tried to create a closure about the incident.
She had recently begun to join her future husband in his ventures on the town, with Kyla chaperoning her and showing her the sights. She had met no one who rivaled Maria in her position of best friend, and there was no man who caught her eye like Max had. She had resigned herself to be a good wife to James and forget her past.
Unfortunately, she had to continually remind herself of that fact.
Tonight was another ball, and right now she was searching for James. She was feeling dizzy from the champagne and wanted to take her leave for the night. She had also had the unnerving feeling that someone had been watching her all night, but when she looked around, no one was there.
Liz finally spotted him next to Kyla, talking to a man who looked startlingly familiar from the back. She frowned as she approached, trying to put her finger on where she had seen that stance before…
James’ blue eyes twinkled as she walked closer, “Ah, here she is.” The man turned around and Liz bit back a shocked gasp. Amber eyes bore into her, amused and passionate. Max…
“Lord Maxwell Evans, may I present my fiancée, Elizabeth Parker?”
~“I’ve arranged for you to have a well-staffed townhouse all to yourself until we are married,” James told her kindly. Liz smiled at her fiancée, touched, but a little put off.
James was thirty years her senior, with graying hair, wrinkles, and a gut that suggested he enjoyed fine wines. He also had a daughter five years older than Liz, who was unable to have children. She looked across the room to the older woman.
Kyla gave her a forced smile, blue eyes unhappy. It was obvious the golden haired Lady did not want to relinquish her title as heir or her position as mistress of her father’s home, but she was not going to stand in James’ way of having a male heir, granted that Elizabeth could provide one.
“Thank you my lord,” Elizabeth replied, “But I wish to speak with you alone,” she shot a look at Kyla, “Please.” James nodded at her and dismissed his stocky daughter.
“What is it Elizabeth?” he inquired gently.
Liz took a deep breath, “There are things you should aware of before we go through with this marriage, my lord.” She looked straight into his blue eyes. “I am a compromised woman, sir.”
The bemused blue eyes went from surprise to confusion. “What?”
“I will not be coming to our marriage bed a virgin, my lord. There was a man where I was stranded…We…” she trailed off, blushing. She blocked her mind from remembering that night, how safe she had felt in Max’s arms…”I just thought that you should know, in case you have second thoughts.”
James smiled again, “Elizabeth, I realize you were lost and alone, and naturally you’d cling to your savior. I won’t hold it against you, after all, I’m not exactly untouched my self.” He laughed, “I wouldn’t expect anything of you that I couldn’t promise myself.” He watched her smile in gratitude and he felt a paternal sort of happiness fill him.
She was a sweet girl, pretty, and far too young for him. He knew he wouldn’t be long in this world, so she wouldn’t be bothered with him for an extended amount of time, but he would have a son of her before he went.
“Thank you, my lord.”~
Elizabeth smiled at yet another acquaintance, freeing her mind of the discussion she had had with James weeks ago. She had settled comfortable in to London society, but missed the simplicity of the isle. But that was another thought she viciously repressed. Nostalgia would only drag her down.
The isle didn’t exist for her now.
Max didn’t exist for her now.
She was the Duke James Valenti’s fiancée, debutante of the Season, and the most titillating person of the ton. Everyone wanted to know every detail of her “ordeal”, terming it an absolute triumph. The women would sigh over the mystery man she blushed over, gasp about the horrendous treatment of the neighboring plantation’s slaves, and gossip about the events Elizabeth refused to disclose to the general public.
To tell the truth she never really said anything, the members of the Haute Monde filled in every aspect of her trauma for her. She just gave a sad smile and tried to avoid them. She didn’t want to think about that part of her life, it was over with.
James had prepared a funeral for her parents, even though they had died at sea, and had lived in Roswell. The empty burial site was on the Valenti family plot, and Liz rode there each day to lay fresh flowers and allow her mind to explore her newfound memories.
Their assets had been discovered and recorded, Liz had written letters to the people closest to her family and tried to create a closure about the incident.
She had recently begun to join her future husband in his ventures on the town, with Kyla chaperoning her and showing her the sights. She had met no one who rivaled Maria in her position of best friend, and there was no man who caught her eye like Max had. She had resigned herself to be a good wife to James and forget her past.
Unfortunately, she had to continually remind herself of that fact.
Tonight was another ball, and right now she was searching for James. She was feeling dizzy from the champagne and wanted to take her leave for the night. She had also had the unnerving feeling that someone had been watching her all night, but when she looked around, no one was there.
Liz finally spotted him next to Kyla, talking to a man who looked startlingly familiar from the back. She frowned as she approached, trying to put her finger on where she had seen that stance before…
James’ blue eyes twinkled as she walked closer, “Ah, here she is.” The man turned around and Liz bit back a shocked gasp. Amber eyes bore into her, amused and passionate. Max…
“Lord Maxwell Evans, may I present my fiancée, Elizabeth Parker?”
~Part Twenty-Four~
“Miss Parker,” he said warmly, tone colored with amusement at her shock. She looked stunning standing there, her pink lips parted in surprise, the smooth skin of her shoulders trembling, the way her breaths were coming faster, making her breasts push against the silk fabric of her dress…He wanted to take her here, now. He wanted to renew his claim on her.
But that would come soon enough.
He watched her take a deep breath and extended a gloved hand, her eyes boring into him, “Lord Evans,” she murmured. He took the hand she offered and bent, eyes locked on hers, placing a kiss on the back of it. He felt her tense, and she unfurled her fan, waving it in front of her face, but Max could she the faint flush of roses rising in her cheeks.
He straightened, but kept hold of her hand, his grip tightening when she tried to pull away. “Lord Valenti, might I persuade you to allow Elizabeth to join me in the waltz?” He glanced at James, who was smiling.
“Of course Maxwell, I’m sure she’d enjoy that. I’m afraid I can’t dance like I used to,” he gave another smile, “Bad leg.”
“Oh, no,” Liz began to protest, but Max whisked her out onto the dance floor. “Just what do you think you are about, sir?” she hissed, glaring at him.
“I’ve come to take you home,” he whispered back, confidently twirling her into a complicated spin, and ending it with her caught tight against his body.
Liz gasped and resisted the urge to curl into him. She couldn’t believe he had the nerve to pull a stunt like this, showing up here looking all appetizing in his coat and tails, and the way his trousers fit…She felt hot all over and knew he had done all this just to put her off guard.
“Somehow I don’t think Tessa would appreciate my presence,” she muttered.
“And I don’t give a damn about what Tessa appreciates,” was his response. She looked up at him sharply to find his eyes had darkened to the black they had been the night they made love, and the volatile passion was roiling just on the surface.
“That’s rude, Lord Evans,” she reprimanded, “Your fiancée should be the most important person in your life at the moment.”
She watched in amazement as a grin spread over his face, “I haven’t got a fiancée.” Her mouth dropped open slightly and she gazed up at him, eyes a mass of confusion. He bent his head, “Stop looking so inviting,” he growled, pressing her tighter against him. Her brown eyes widened as she felt his arousal.
“Max!” she gritted out, her hand clutching his shoulder. Infuriatingly, he laughed, and she stiffened. “Max, whatever it is you’re doing, just stop please,” she begged, “Just tell me why you’re here.”
He relented, loosening his hold on her. “I told you, I’ve come to bring you back. I love you Liz, did you really think I’d just let you go? Just like that?”
Her eyes narrowed angrily, “I will not demean myself to be your mistress, Maxwell Evans!”
“I’m asking you to be my wife, Liz,” he corrected.
“Wha…What? How?” she demanded, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Tessa’s being locked away in Bedlam even as we speak, Edward died of a heart attack…The isle’s ours Liz, ours to do with as we please. Come back with me Liz,” he pleaded, “Be my wife.”
“Max…” she trailed off, casting an anxious glance around them, everyone’s eyes were upon them, speculating. She should have protested more, dancing the most scandalous dance known to man with a supposed stranger. She shook her head, “You’re creating a scene Max,” she scolded, voice lowered, “I will not hurt James in such a manner, he’s been too kind.”
Max snorted, twirling her around and switching steps as the orchestra began a new set. “Oh, yeah, very kind. He’ll be expecting recompense in bed, Liz.”
She set her mouth in a disapproving pout, “I’ve already told him of my compromised state, my lord, he assured me it was of no consequence.”
He leaned closer, ignoring her hiss of warning, “And what happens if you’re pregnant with my babe, right now? What then, Liz? Will he be so very understanding then?”
“Maxwell, stop please,” she entreated him.
He cursed under his breath and stopped, leading her back to James, through the crowd. She gripped his hand tightly, imploring him to understand, to make him see it was killing her, but it was the right thing to do. Suddenly he ducked them out of sight, behind a pillar holding up the ceiling.
“Max!”
His arm was resting above her head, the other holding her arm. “You never told me good-bye Liz,” he whispered, leaning down, his eyes focused on her lips.
Her breath caught in her throat and all thoughts of being seen flew from her head as his lips met hers gently, tenderly sliding over each other until her lips parted in defeat, allowing him to slip into her, groaning from the pleasure of tasting her again. “Max,” she moaned softly, her body moving closer to his, pressing against him and rubbing demandingly.
He broke off the kiss with a ragged breath and grabbed her jaw with one hand, forcing him to look in his eyes. Her own were huge, star-filled and lovingly dazed, and he knew she still loved him, that all the protesting she was doing was a front.
She’d come home with him.
Satisfied, he kissed her temple and took her arm, leading her away from the sanctuary and towards her fiancée. James’ daughter was watching them suspiciously, staring too hard for Max’s liking at Liz’s expression.
“Maria will come by tonight to help you pack,” he muttered to Liz, and then set his face into a smile, “James, I must say you’re missing out. Elizabeth’s a wonderful dancer.” He grinned down at her as she blushed and placed another kiss to the back of her hand before allowing James to take her arm.
Liz stared at him shyly, “Thank you, my lord.” She sent him a soft smile as their eyes locked.
“Father, we should be leaving, Elizabeth is looking weary,” Kyla said, interrupting the moment. She gave Max a fake smile, blue eyes glittering dangerously, “It was a pleasure meeting you, my lord.”
He gave her a noncommittal nod, “Miss Valenti, Lord Valenti.” He gazed at Liz, smile curving his lips again, “Miss Parker,” he said lightly, voice warm. Liz blushed again, much to his delight, “I wish you all a good-night.”
“Good-night to you too Evans, tell you parents hello for me,” James told him as he led Kyla and Liz away. His lover looked back at him as they made their excuses to their hostess.
“Tonight,” he mouthed, and she nodded.
“Miss Parker,” he said warmly, tone colored with amusement at her shock. She looked stunning standing there, her pink lips parted in surprise, the smooth skin of her shoulders trembling, the way her breaths were coming faster, making her breasts push against the silk fabric of her dress…He wanted to take her here, now. He wanted to renew his claim on her.
But that would come soon enough.
He watched her take a deep breath and extended a gloved hand, her eyes boring into him, “Lord Evans,” she murmured. He took the hand she offered and bent, eyes locked on hers, placing a kiss on the back of it. He felt her tense, and she unfurled her fan, waving it in front of her face, but Max could she the faint flush of roses rising in her cheeks.
He straightened, but kept hold of her hand, his grip tightening when she tried to pull away. “Lord Valenti, might I persuade you to allow Elizabeth to join me in the waltz?” He glanced at James, who was smiling.
“Of course Maxwell, I’m sure she’d enjoy that. I’m afraid I can’t dance like I used to,” he gave another smile, “Bad leg.”
“Oh, no,” Liz began to protest, but Max whisked her out onto the dance floor. “Just what do you think you are about, sir?” she hissed, glaring at him.
“I’ve come to take you home,” he whispered back, confidently twirling her into a complicated spin, and ending it with her caught tight against his body.
Liz gasped and resisted the urge to curl into him. She couldn’t believe he had the nerve to pull a stunt like this, showing up here looking all appetizing in his coat and tails, and the way his trousers fit…She felt hot all over and knew he had done all this just to put her off guard.
“Somehow I don’t think Tessa would appreciate my presence,” she muttered.
“And I don’t give a damn about what Tessa appreciates,” was his response. She looked up at him sharply to find his eyes had darkened to the black they had been the night they made love, and the volatile passion was roiling just on the surface.
“That’s rude, Lord Evans,” she reprimanded, “Your fiancée should be the most important person in your life at the moment.”
She watched in amazement as a grin spread over his face, “I haven’t got a fiancée.” Her mouth dropped open slightly and she gazed up at him, eyes a mass of confusion. He bent his head, “Stop looking so inviting,” he growled, pressing her tighter against him. Her brown eyes widened as she felt his arousal.
“Max!” she gritted out, her hand clutching his shoulder. Infuriatingly, he laughed, and she stiffened. “Max, whatever it is you’re doing, just stop please,” she begged, “Just tell me why you’re here.”
He relented, loosening his hold on her. “I told you, I’ve come to bring you back. I love you Liz, did you really think I’d just let you go? Just like that?”
Her eyes narrowed angrily, “I will not demean myself to be your mistress, Maxwell Evans!”
“I’m asking you to be my wife, Liz,” he corrected.
“Wha…What? How?” she demanded, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Tessa’s being locked away in Bedlam even as we speak, Edward died of a heart attack…The isle’s ours Liz, ours to do with as we please. Come back with me Liz,” he pleaded, “Be my wife.”
“Max…” she trailed off, casting an anxious glance around them, everyone’s eyes were upon them, speculating. She should have protested more, dancing the most scandalous dance known to man with a supposed stranger. She shook her head, “You’re creating a scene Max,” she scolded, voice lowered, “I will not hurt James in such a manner, he’s been too kind.”
Max snorted, twirling her around and switching steps as the orchestra began a new set. “Oh, yeah, very kind. He’ll be expecting recompense in bed, Liz.”
She set her mouth in a disapproving pout, “I’ve already told him of my compromised state, my lord, he assured me it was of no consequence.”
He leaned closer, ignoring her hiss of warning, “And what happens if you’re pregnant with my babe, right now? What then, Liz? Will he be so very understanding then?”
“Maxwell, stop please,” she entreated him.
He cursed under his breath and stopped, leading her back to James, through the crowd. She gripped his hand tightly, imploring him to understand, to make him see it was killing her, but it was the right thing to do. Suddenly he ducked them out of sight, behind a pillar holding up the ceiling.
“Max!”
His arm was resting above her head, the other holding her arm. “You never told me good-bye Liz,” he whispered, leaning down, his eyes focused on her lips.
Her breath caught in her throat and all thoughts of being seen flew from her head as his lips met hers gently, tenderly sliding over each other until her lips parted in defeat, allowing him to slip into her, groaning from the pleasure of tasting her again. “Max,” she moaned softly, her body moving closer to his, pressing against him and rubbing demandingly.
He broke off the kiss with a ragged breath and grabbed her jaw with one hand, forcing him to look in his eyes. Her own were huge, star-filled and lovingly dazed, and he knew she still loved him, that all the protesting she was doing was a front.
She’d come home with him.
Satisfied, he kissed her temple and took her arm, leading her away from the sanctuary and towards her fiancée. James’ daughter was watching them suspiciously, staring too hard for Max’s liking at Liz’s expression.
“Maria will come by tonight to help you pack,” he muttered to Liz, and then set his face into a smile, “James, I must say you’re missing out. Elizabeth’s a wonderful dancer.” He grinned down at her as she blushed and placed another kiss to the back of her hand before allowing James to take her arm.
Liz stared at him shyly, “Thank you, my lord.” She sent him a soft smile as their eyes locked.
“Father, we should be leaving, Elizabeth is looking weary,” Kyla said, interrupting the moment. She gave Max a fake smile, blue eyes glittering dangerously, “It was a pleasure meeting you, my lord.”
He gave her a noncommittal nod, “Miss Valenti, Lord Valenti.” He gazed at Liz, smile curving his lips again, “Miss Parker,” he said lightly, voice warm. Liz blushed again, much to his delight, “I wish you all a good-night.”
“Good-night to you too Evans, tell you parents hello for me,” James told him as he led Kyla and Liz away. His lover looked back at him as they made their excuses to their hostess.
“Tonight,” he mouthed, and she nodded.
~Part Twenty-Five~
“Thank you for escorting me home Kyla,” Liz told the older girl politely, starting to take down her long hair, “But you must know by now that I am perfectly capable of preparing myself for bed.”
She glanced over and Kyla’s blue eyes were fixed on her, suspicion lurking in the ocean’s depths. Liz met her gaze, knowing what was coming. “Are you planning on having an affair with Lord Evans?” Kyla asked forthrightly.
Liz blinked rapidly, she had known it was coming, but to hear it put so bluntly was odd. “No,” she said softly, “Max and I are not going to have an affair.”
“Max?” Kyla demanded, “You have the gall to call him by a diminutive of his first name, and then tell me you’re not planning to bed him after you marry my father?!” The blue eyes were sparking with anger and Kyla rose to her full height and strode over to Liz, towering above the girl’s slight frame.
Liz held her ground, “I am not planning to marry your father, Kyla.”
The statement arrested the taller woman, who glared at Liz in confusion. “What?”
She took a deep breath and looked straight into Kyla Valenti’s eyes. “I love Max, Kyla. I have for a very long time. He’s the man who…He rescued me, Kyla, when I was dying on his isle. He saved me, and in the beginning he regretted that decision because I was a thorn in his side, but something along the way changed and we fell in love. He didn’t come to London to visit his parents, he came to get me back. And I’m going.”
Kyla sat on the edge of Liz’s bed. “So you were just using my father,” she accused, “Used him to buy you pretty things and a home and now you’re going to discard him like, like…” She stood up abruptly, “I’m telling him.”
“Kyla please!” Liz called, one hand outstretched to the escaping woman. She paused in her flight and stared at Liz. “Don’t hurt your father like that.”
“Me hurt him?” Kyla choked, “Me?”
“It’s better he doesn’t know. It’s better for me just to be gone.”
“And let him live with the ridicule while you live happily ever after with your Lord Evans?” she concluded derisively, tears thickening her voice. She could not believe Liz would do this to her father!
“Kyla, you don’t like me. James doesn’t love me.” Liz shook her brown head, “What life would that be for any of us? This way you and James can find a woman who suits both of you, someone you can both live with. Someone with a title, money… Someone beneficial. I can’t provide that. I’m a merchant’s daughter, there are only two ships left to the Parker name, and I’m in love with someone else. I’m not for London or the country. I need the sea air, the freedom, the smell of spice as I fall asleep…I’d whither away here.”
She needed Kyla to understand that this was for the best way, for all parties involved. By the look in Kyla’s eyes, it seemed she was accepting the explanation. After all, Liz knew she wanted to be rid of her.
“Very well,” she finally said, nodding her blond head, and then she left.
Liz breathed a sigh of relief and sat down on the floor, the skirts of her dress spread out around her. Well, that was one thing taken care of. Now, she needed to pack. But Liz didn’t move, she stared at the wardrobe for a long while, debating whether or not she should take the things James had bought her or not.
Should she leave them, or bring them? He’d bought them for her thinking she’d be marrying him. Liz had accepted them thinking she’d be marrying him. But now she wasn’t, and was it right to take them?
In the end she decided that they had been made especially for her, fitted by a modiste, and made to her exact measurements. No one else was going to get any use of them, so she might as well pack them, but she decided that she’d leave the jewelry.
She dragged bags out from underneath the bed and went about pulling dresses and shoes from her wardrobe and piling them on the bed. Suddenly she gave a little shriek and spun around.
There was someone outside her window!
She was about to call for help when the figure pushed back a black cloak to reveal blonde hair, green eyes, and a bright smile. “Maria!” Liz gasped, and then ran to the window to open it. Her friend tumbled in and then stood and hissed out the window for someone to stay put.
“Oh Lizzie,” Maria cried, pulling the smaller woman into a hug, “I missed you so much!”
“I missed you to Maria,” Liz told her, hugging her back tightly. They broke apart, both smiling and tearing up.
“Come on,” Maria said briskly, “Let’s get you packed and home. Max has been rampaging since you left. He’s a complete boar to live with.”
Liz giggled and pointed to her things. “I’ve already started, so it shouldn’t take too long.”
They got to work, voices hushed and excited, and soon got everything done with. Then they tossed the bags out the window to a waiting Michael, and climbed down the ladder. They made their way to the carriage Michael had parked down the street, quietly and under the cover of darkness.
Liz began to get nervous when they pulled up in front of a large brownstone townhouse. He was in there. Waiting for her.
Max perked up when he heard movement in the room next door. She was here, he thought with satisfaction. He moved from the chair in front of his room’s fireplace and moved over to the connecting door, listening with impatience as Maria chattered on. Why couldn’t his sister just leave things alone? No, that wasn’t Maria’s style, she always had to be a nuisance.
Thankfully he heard Liz inform her that they didn’t need to bother with unpacking, and she was capable of getting herself ready for bed. There was some more light talking and then he heard a door close.
Finally, he thought, and leaned his head on the door, listening now to Liz undressing. Max took a deep breath and knocked once, then opened the door. His eyes went straight to her slender form, hidden by a dressing robe, much like the one he himself was wearing.
A sense of rightness swept through him at seeing her here, in the bedroom meant for his wife.
“Lord Evans?” she inquired, brown eyes amused as she turned to face him. He smiled, gliding further into the room and closer to her.
“I’ve been warned away from you Miss Parker,” he commented, taking her into his arms. He dropped a kiss on the side of her neck, smiling as she gave a little moan and wrapped her arms around him.
“Really?” she asked, “By whom?”
“Everybody,” he said airily, “The latest on dit is that you’re a ruined woman.” He chuckled and reached down to untie her robe, pulling her nude body against his. She was so soft and warm, pliant against the hardness of his masculine body. The mamas of the eligible young heiresses had been quite forthcoming with information on the mysterious Elizabeth Parker. “Gossips have it you were spirited away to a heathen island and spent your days and nights making reckless, passionate love to a native.”
Her rich laughter filled the room. “Funny,” she murmured, “I don’t recall mentioning that to anyone.” Her lips found his in a searing kiss until he had to break off, lungs screaming for air.
“And I only seem to recall one night of passion,” he added, hands traveling down her body. He picked her up and flung her onto the bed. She sat there, eyes wide, mouth smiling, body inviting. Max undid his robe and joined her in the bed. “I’ll have to remedy that situation,” he told her before he kissed her.
“Thank you for escorting me home Kyla,” Liz told the older girl politely, starting to take down her long hair, “But you must know by now that I am perfectly capable of preparing myself for bed.”
She glanced over and Kyla’s blue eyes were fixed on her, suspicion lurking in the ocean’s depths. Liz met her gaze, knowing what was coming. “Are you planning on having an affair with Lord Evans?” Kyla asked forthrightly.
Liz blinked rapidly, she had known it was coming, but to hear it put so bluntly was odd. “No,” she said softly, “Max and I are not going to have an affair.”
“Max?” Kyla demanded, “You have the gall to call him by a diminutive of his first name, and then tell me you’re not planning to bed him after you marry my father?!” The blue eyes were sparking with anger and Kyla rose to her full height and strode over to Liz, towering above the girl’s slight frame.
Liz held her ground, “I am not planning to marry your father, Kyla.”
The statement arrested the taller woman, who glared at Liz in confusion. “What?”
She took a deep breath and looked straight into Kyla Valenti’s eyes. “I love Max, Kyla. I have for a very long time. He’s the man who…He rescued me, Kyla, when I was dying on his isle. He saved me, and in the beginning he regretted that decision because I was a thorn in his side, but something along the way changed and we fell in love. He didn’t come to London to visit his parents, he came to get me back. And I’m going.”
Kyla sat on the edge of Liz’s bed. “So you were just using my father,” she accused, “Used him to buy you pretty things and a home and now you’re going to discard him like, like…” She stood up abruptly, “I’m telling him.”
“Kyla please!” Liz called, one hand outstretched to the escaping woman. She paused in her flight and stared at Liz. “Don’t hurt your father like that.”
“Me hurt him?” Kyla choked, “Me?”
“It’s better he doesn’t know. It’s better for me just to be gone.”
“And let him live with the ridicule while you live happily ever after with your Lord Evans?” she concluded derisively, tears thickening her voice. She could not believe Liz would do this to her father!
“Kyla, you don’t like me. James doesn’t love me.” Liz shook her brown head, “What life would that be for any of us? This way you and James can find a woman who suits both of you, someone you can both live with. Someone with a title, money… Someone beneficial. I can’t provide that. I’m a merchant’s daughter, there are only two ships left to the Parker name, and I’m in love with someone else. I’m not for London or the country. I need the sea air, the freedom, the smell of spice as I fall asleep…I’d whither away here.”
She needed Kyla to understand that this was for the best way, for all parties involved. By the look in Kyla’s eyes, it seemed she was accepting the explanation. After all, Liz knew she wanted to be rid of her.
“Very well,” she finally said, nodding her blond head, and then she left.
Liz breathed a sigh of relief and sat down on the floor, the skirts of her dress spread out around her. Well, that was one thing taken care of. Now, she needed to pack. But Liz didn’t move, she stared at the wardrobe for a long while, debating whether or not she should take the things James had bought her or not.
Should she leave them, or bring them? He’d bought them for her thinking she’d be marrying him. Liz had accepted them thinking she’d be marrying him. But now she wasn’t, and was it right to take them?
In the end she decided that they had been made especially for her, fitted by a modiste, and made to her exact measurements. No one else was going to get any use of them, so she might as well pack them, but she decided that she’d leave the jewelry.
She dragged bags out from underneath the bed and went about pulling dresses and shoes from her wardrobe and piling them on the bed. Suddenly she gave a little shriek and spun around.
There was someone outside her window!
She was about to call for help when the figure pushed back a black cloak to reveal blonde hair, green eyes, and a bright smile. “Maria!” Liz gasped, and then ran to the window to open it. Her friend tumbled in and then stood and hissed out the window for someone to stay put.
“Oh Lizzie,” Maria cried, pulling the smaller woman into a hug, “I missed you so much!”
“I missed you to Maria,” Liz told her, hugging her back tightly. They broke apart, both smiling and tearing up.
“Come on,” Maria said briskly, “Let’s get you packed and home. Max has been rampaging since you left. He’s a complete boar to live with.”
Liz giggled and pointed to her things. “I’ve already started, so it shouldn’t take too long.”
They got to work, voices hushed and excited, and soon got everything done with. Then they tossed the bags out the window to a waiting Michael, and climbed down the ladder. They made their way to the carriage Michael had parked down the street, quietly and under the cover of darkness.
Liz began to get nervous when they pulled up in front of a large brownstone townhouse. He was in there. Waiting for her.
Max perked up when he heard movement in the room next door. She was here, he thought with satisfaction. He moved from the chair in front of his room’s fireplace and moved over to the connecting door, listening with impatience as Maria chattered on. Why couldn’t his sister just leave things alone? No, that wasn’t Maria’s style, she always had to be a nuisance.
Thankfully he heard Liz inform her that they didn’t need to bother with unpacking, and she was capable of getting herself ready for bed. There was some more light talking and then he heard a door close.
Finally, he thought, and leaned his head on the door, listening now to Liz undressing. Max took a deep breath and knocked once, then opened the door. His eyes went straight to her slender form, hidden by a dressing robe, much like the one he himself was wearing.
A sense of rightness swept through him at seeing her here, in the bedroom meant for his wife.
“Lord Evans?” she inquired, brown eyes amused as she turned to face him. He smiled, gliding further into the room and closer to her.
“I’ve been warned away from you Miss Parker,” he commented, taking her into his arms. He dropped a kiss on the side of her neck, smiling as she gave a little moan and wrapped her arms around him.
“Really?” she asked, “By whom?”
“Everybody,” he said airily, “The latest on dit is that you’re a ruined woman.” He chuckled and reached down to untie her robe, pulling her nude body against his. She was so soft and warm, pliant against the hardness of his masculine body. The mamas of the eligible young heiresses had been quite forthcoming with information on the mysterious Elizabeth Parker. “Gossips have it you were spirited away to a heathen island and spent your days and nights making reckless, passionate love to a native.”
Her rich laughter filled the room. “Funny,” she murmured, “I don’t recall mentioning that to anyone.” Her lips found his in a searing kiss until he had to break off, lungs screaming for air.
“And I only seem to recall one night of passion,” he added, hands traveling down her body. He picked her up and flung her onto the bed. She sat there, eyes wide, mouth smiling, body inviting. Max undid his robe and joined her in the bed. “I’ll have to remedy that situation,” he told her before he kissed her.
~Part Twenty-Six~
Maria grumbled as she made her way to the front door. Max had decided against equipping the townhouse with a bunch of servants due to the fact that they wouldn’t be in London long, so Maria was stuck with the duties of housekeeper, butler, and cook.
Speaking of which, Max and Liz had not gotten out of bed yet and the scrumptious breakfast Maria had made had gone to waste. And now, she had to answer the door.
She opened it slowly, letting whoever was out there that they weren’t welcome. She composed her face into a bland mask and looked at the older gentleman on the front step. “Lord Evans is not receiving visitors today,” she informed him politely.
The man started and smiled. “If you could please tell Maxwell that Duke James Valenti has come to call, I’m sure he’ll speak to me.”
Now it was Maria’s turn to start. So this was Lizzie’s fiancée. Well, he was definitely too old for her, no doubt about that. She nodded her head curtly and stepped back, allowing him indoors. “If you’ll wait here, my lord?” And then she walked unhurriedly up the stairs to Liz’s bedroom and knocked.
Max groaned, “What?” he shouted at the door, burrowing his head in Liz’s silky hair.
“You have a caller, Max,” Maria replied, amusement coloring her tone.
He lifted his head and Liz cuddled up to him, kissing his chest. He glared at his sister, who had just opened the bedroom door and was staring at them, eyebrows raised, not the least bit embarrassed. “I’m not seeing anyone today, Maria, you know that.”
She smirked, “He told me to tell you that he was the Duke James Valenti, and he was sure you’d receive his call.” Max’s expression darkened and Liz turned pale.
“Oh, no,” she breathed, brown eyes huge, “Max…”
He gave her a gentle smile, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead and made to get out of bed, but then he stopped and subjected Maria to another icy glare. “Do you mind?” he inquired.
She gave him another smirk, “I’ll ask him to wait in the parlor.” And then she left, closing the door behind her.
He got out of the bed and cursed under his breath at the cold and the situation. “Max?” Liz said softly from the bed. He turned to her and his face softened. She looked so vulnerable lying there… She was so small…
Max kissed her again, deeply, promising her the world. “I’ll take care of it.” He went through the connecting door to his own chamber and dressed quickly, in his traveling clothes, and then went downstairs to the parlor, where Maria was serving tea.
James rose, “Lord Evans.”
“Lord Valenti,” was Max’s reply. They shook hands and then sat.
“I’m sorry for inconveniencing you Evans, it’s just I heard you were leaving London today.”
Max gave a noncommittal nod, “I came to visit my parents, and since they decided to leave for Spain to visit my sister and her husband… I didn’t see the point in remaining in town.”
James nodded thoughtfully, “Well if you see Elizabeth on your travels please write to me.”
“Elizabeth?” Max said sharply, “Why? Has something happened to the lovely Miss Parker?”
His guest frowned, “She has disappeared.”
“Disappeared?” Max repeated, “Really?”
“Yes,” James nodded again, “And I do not know if she has run away or was kidnapped-”
“Kidnapped?” Max interrupted incredulously.
James gave a faint smile, “One of the maids thought they heard a shriek last night, but she wasn’t sure if it was a dream or Elizabeth.” He shook his head. “We shall see soon enough, if a ransom note comes she’ll have been kidnapped, and if not, I’ll assume she has run from me.” There was heavy sigh.
“James…” Max had no words to offer comfort. Mainly because he was the one who abducted Liz, and he had no intention of ransoming her or ever returning her…
Now Valenti shook his head and stood. Max followed suit and soon they were shaking hands and James was on his way to his carriage. “It was pleasure making your acquaintance, Evans,” he said, “You’re a fine young man.”
Max gave him a smile, feeling a little guilty, “I could say the same of you, my lord.”
James laughed and clapped him on the shoulder, “Only not so young, eh?” He nodded again to the dark-haired Max and descended the steps just as another hackney coach pulled up. He got in just as a man came from the depths of the other carriage. James frowned, staring after the man as he entered the house. He seemed strangely familiar…
Michael let out a great whoosh of air as soon as the door shut behind him. Max raised an eyebrow in curiosity to his friend’s reaction, and Maria put her hands on her hips. “What’s the matter with you?” she demanded bluntly.
“That was that Valenti guy,” Michael responded.
“So?”
“So,” he exploded, “What if he had recognized me? I’m the one who delivered Liz’s damn letter to him!” The other two blinked and Michael made a disgusted sound and raked a hand through his hair. “Never mind,” he muttered.
There was a commotion on the stairs and Liz came into appearance, bags in hand, a smart little traveling dress on, ready to go. “Everything set?” she asked brightly, smiling at everyone.
Max shot Michael a look. The latter pulled papers out of his front pocket and handed one to Max and the other to Maria. The blonde squealed with delight and through her arms around him, kissing him repeatedly. When Liz finally got down the steps Maria rushed over to her and swung her around, singing, “We’re getting married! We’re getting married!”
Liz laughed and studied the marriage certificate Maria thrust into her hands. It looked like all the papers were in order. She smiled and turned shining eyes to Max, who was gazing at her lovingly.
They were getting married today, a quick ceremony at Gretna Gren, a honeymoon on the sea, and then home to the isle, where they would free the slaves, and live happily ever after. Her smile widened, life was good.
~The End~
Maria grumbled as she made her way to the front door. Max had decided against equipping the townhouse with a bunch of servants due to the fact that they wouldn’t be in London long, so Maria was stuck with the duties of housekeeper, butler, and cook.
Speaking of which, Max and Liz had not gotten out of bed yet and the scrumptious breakfast Maria had made had gone to waste. And now, she had to answer the door.
She opened it slowly, letting whoever was out there that they weren’t welcome. She composed her face into a bland mask and looked at the older gentleman on the front step. “Lord Evans is not receiving visitors today,” she informed him politely.
The man started and smiled. “If you could please tell Maxwell that Duke James Valenti has come to call, I’m sure he’ll speak to me.”
Now it was Maria’s turn to start. So this was Lizzie’s fiancée. Well, he was definitely too old for her, no doubt about that. She nodded her head curtly and stepped back, allowing him indoors. “If you’ll wait here, my lord?” And then she walked unhurriedly up the stairs to Liz’s bedroom and knocked.
Max groaned, “What?” he shouted at the door, burrowing his head in Liz’s silky hair.
“You have a caller, Max,” Maria replied, amusement coloring her tone.
He lifted his head and Liz cuddled up to him, kissing his chest. He glared at his sister, who had just opened the bedroom door and was staring at them, eyebrows raised, not the least bit embarrassed. “I’m not seeing anyone today, Maria, you know that.”
She smirked, “He told me to tell you that he was the Duke James Valenti, and he was sure you’d receive his call.” Max’s expression darkened and Liz turned pale.
“Oh, no,” she breathed, brown eyes huge, “Max…”
He gave her a gentle smile, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead and made to get out of bed, but then he stopped and subjected Maria to another icy glare. “Do you mind?” he inquired.
She gave him another smirk, “I’ll ask him to wait in the parlor.” And then she left, closing the door behind her.
He got out of the bed and cursed under his breath at the cold and the situation. “Max?” Liz said softly from the bed. He turned to her and his face softened. She looked so vulnerable lying there… She was so small…
Max kissed her again, deeply, promising her the world. “I’ll take care of it.” He went through the connecting door to his own chamber and dressed quickly, in his traveling clothes, and then went downstairs to the parlor, where Maria was serving tea.
James rose, “Lord Evans.”
“Lord Valenti,” was Max’s reply. They shook hands and then sat.
“I’m sorry for inconveniencing you Evans, it’s just I heard you were leaving London today.”
Max gave a noncommittal nod, “I came to visit my parents, and since they decided to leave for Spain to visit my sister and her husband… I didn’t see the point in remaining in town.”
James nodded thoughtfully, “Well if you see Elizabeth on your travels please write to me.”
“Elizabeth?” Max said sharply, “Why? Has something happened to the lovely Miss Parker?”
His guest frowned, “She has disappeared.”
“Disappeared?” Max repeated, “Really?”
“Yes,” James nodded again, “And I do not know if she has run away or was kidnapped-”
“Kidnapped?” Max interrupted incredulously.
James gave a faint smile, “One of the maids thought they heard a shriek last night, but she wasn’t sure if it was a dream or Elizabeth.” He shook his head. “We shall see soon enough, if a ransom note comes she’ll have been kidnapped, and if not, I’ll assume she has run from me.” There was heavy sigh.
“James…” Max had no words to offer comfort. Mainly because he was the one who abducted Liz, and he had no intention of ransoming her or ever returning her…
Now Valenti shook his head and stood. Max followed suit and soon they were shaking hands and James was on his way to his carriage. “It was pleasure making your acquaintance, Evans,” he said, “You’re a fine young man.”
Max gave him a smile, feeling a little guilty, “I could say the same of you, my lord.”
James laughed and clapped him on the shoulder, “Only not so young, eh?” He nodded again to the dark-haired Max and descended the steps just as another hackney coach pulled up. He got in just as a man came from the depths of the other carriage. James frowned, staring after the man as he entered the house. He seemed strangely familiar…
Michael let out a great whoosh of air as soon as the door shut behind him. Max raised an eyebrow in curiosity to his friend’s reaction, and Maria put her hands on her hips. “What’s the matter with you?” she demanded bluntly.
“That was that Valenti guy,” Michael responded.
“So?”
“So,” he exploded, “What if he had recognized me? I’m the one who delivered Liz’s damn letter to him!” The other two blinked and Michael made a disgusted sound and raked a hand through his hair. “Never mind,” he muttered.
There was a commotion on the stairs and Liz came into appearance, bags in hand, a smart little traveling dress on, ready to go. “Everything set?” she asked brightly, smiling at everyone.
Max shot Michael a look. The latter pulled papers out of his front pocket and handed one to Max and the other to Maria. The blonde squealed with delight and through her arms around him, kissing him repeatedly. When Liz finally got down the steps Maria rushed over to her and swung her around, singing, “We’re getting married! We’re getting married!”
Liz laughed and studied the marriage certificate Maria thrust into her hands. It looked like all the papers were in order. She smiled and turned shining eyes to Max, who was gazing at her lovingly.
They were getting married today, a quick ceremony at Gretna Gren, a honeymoon on the sea, and then home to the isle, where they would free the slaves, and live happily ever after. Her smile widened, life was good.
~The End~