Page 125 of Frankly, My Dear

“Now, mère, there’s no rush,” James said.

Mrs. Baptiste’s clear eyes swept over both of them with knowing appraisal, missing nothing. “I would say there is most definitely a big rush.”

Mrs. Baptiste looked from one to the other, preening like a Cheshire cat. You’d think she had maneuvered their whole romance. She glanced toward the miniature shrine to the Blessed Virgin in the corner, commenting to herself, “I must remember to say a novena of thanks.”

James was unable to see Selene again until late that evening. Reeling with exhaustion, he ate a hasty cold supper in the quiet kitchen. Everyone had already gone to bed. Then he bathed and went to Selene’s bedchamber.

“Good heavens, James! I’ve been so worried. Where have you been?” Selene said, rushing into his arms.

“Ah, the woman has turned into a shrew already,” he teased.

She kissed his face and neck, hugging him warmly.

Suddenly he wasn’t quite so tired. He sank down into a low slipper chair, taking her with him onto his lap.

“I followed up on your suggestion concerning Pierce,” he informed her when he felt welcomed enough by her nibbling kisses. “I visited the Collins plantation this afternoon. Luckily, Pierce agreed immediately to our plan. In fact, he already has a family in mind.” He was examining the ribbons that tied her gown together as he spoke.

“Oh, James, that’s wonderful.”

“Victor might be back tomorrow with the dogs. So I took Fleur tonight to her new hiding place at the Collins’. Pierce and Fleur will be leaving within days for Missouri.”

“This is such a relief. I’ve been so concerned about Fleur.”

“And you had every reason to be,” he admitted in a grim voice. “I didn’t want to tell you before, but Fleur’s body is covered with bruises and scars—old and new—from the many beatings my brother has administered.”

“What a beast!”

“Oui, he really is. I wonder…do you think he is mad?”

Selene shrugged, unknowing. “The most important thing is that you saved Fleur.”

She looked at him with tear-filled eyes of adoration, then blinked with surprise when his hand caressed a naked thigh. Looking down, she seemed to realize for the first time that her gown lay open, exposing miles of bare, delicious skin.

“James, I love you so much. Thank you for helping Fleur.”

“Hah!” he said, pushing her off his lap and standing. “Don’t think I went to all this trouble for a few paltry words of thanks.”

“What did you have in mind?” she asked, slanting him a sultry look.

“Arrow-backs.”

“Aerobics? Now?”

“That’s right, darlin’. Pelvic thrusts. Kegel muscle drills. Everything. I’m at your mercy.”

She laughed. “Is that all?”

“Well, in some ways, I’m a lot like Etienne…” He grinned at her, intentionally showing her the dimple she liked so well. He was rewarded by seeing her nipples peak under her thin dressing gown.

“Meaning?” She ducked away from his reaching fingers. “Are you gifted?”

“Some say so. And I definitely have a ‘gift’ for you, chérie.”

“And just what kind of instruction would an experienced bayou lover like you want from an old city girl like me?” she asked, surrendering to his exploring hands, twining her arms around his neck.

“The Perfect Fit.”

“Oh, Lord,” she gasped. His fingers had just discovered a spot where they fit quite nicely.