AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He couldn’t help the feeling of victory that filled him. “Then it’s all the more special.” After breaking their intimate connection, he gathered her into his arms and tucked the cloak about their persons as best he could. “I am glad we shared this.”
“As am I.” Then she closed her eyes and dozed off minutes later.
Hawk pressed a kiss to her temple. He was becoming rather fonder of the lady than was good for him, especially since he’d made very little progress on his mission.
He woke from his own light nap due to the absence of the sound of rain. Obviously past teatime, for the sun had set already but he doubted it was the dinner hour just yet, at least with the weather cleared, they could return to the manor house.
Too bad that meant disturbing this all too domestic scene, for he had grown much too comfortable with how Belle fit in his arms. To say nothing of the fact that he wasn’t nearly done with exploring her body… or her mind.
A large gasp came from her, and she sat bolt upright so suddenly, she drove a knee into the soft flesh between his thighs as well as cracked her forehead on his chin.
“Oomph!” Though pain cycled through his body, Hawk was immediately alert, for the look on her face signaled a shift in the mood. “What is wrong?” he managed to gasp out.
“My husband’s last words.” Excitement lit her eyes. “They kept coming to me over and over while I slept. Now they make sense, at least a little.”
What the devil did that mean? Gently, he untangled their limbs and then did up the buttons on his front falls. “What were they?” He couldn’t be certain it would pertain to his mission, but it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility.
Belle peered into his face. “Right before Laurence died, he said to me, ‘Remember the bard’s comedies we adored so much, my love. It is waiting there.’” She blinked. “That’s all.”
“What?” Hawk frowned. “What the devil does it mean?”
“I am not certain.” Slowly, she tugged her bodice into place, and he uttered a ragged sigh. Now that her charms were hidden, he could think with a clear mind. Hopefully. “They didn’t make sense at the time. I thought them ramblings of a fever-stricken man for he did not enjoy reading, but he did like a few plays we had seen…” Her eyes rounded. “Do you think Laurence knew about the treasure hidden on this property?”
That was a direction he’d not seen. “It’s possible.” He frowned, but excitement had returned and was buzzing again at the base of his spine. “And knowing his brother as he did, perhaps your husband didn’t want to make that fact known.”
“And?” The same anticipation reflected in her eyes.
“And, if these grounds were truly his most favorite of all places as you’ve said, Laurence could very well have known of the treasure, perhaps even found it and then re-hid it so dear old Philip couldn’t find it.” He snapped his thumb and finger together. “Now I understand why I’ve been unsuccessful in locating it.”
She touched his hand. “Take heart, Hawk. Philip hasn’t found it either.”
“Indeed.” He couldn’t help his grin. “The game might have shifted slightly but we are still very much in it.”
“Which means we have work to do.” Her smile was dazzling, and the feeling of falling assailed him.
Damn, but he was in trouble. “Yes, we do. At least I’ll enjoy the company.” It was the biggest truth he’d uttered since meeting her.
A blush stained her cheeks. “Well, wearepartners.”
“Yes, we are.” He turned her slightly about and quickly did up the buttons on the upper portion of her dress. “We should probably start the walk back before your brother-in-law sends a search party.”
A giggle escaped her, and damn but he wished to hear that sound more often. “I rather think he’d welcome us being out of pocket.”
“That is indeed one of my worries.” If the new Lord Ravenscroft became too desperate, would he remove them himself by more violent means? Once more, protectiveness welled in his chest for her. “Let us remain vigilant.
There was no use denying it. His path had irrevocably changed. It was intertwined with hers. How, he didn’t yet know, but she and the mission were now fused together.
What happened next was anyone’s guess.
Chapter Nine
December 20, 1819
Hawk was in a unique position. As a son of a viscount and a member of London’ston, he was granted access to the manor that a guest could enjoy, but as a former soldier and a captain who’d already done odd jobs around the estate, he was on the same level as the staff.
And he meant to take full advantage of that.
“You know, Mrs. McGee, no one makes a better pot of coffee than you.” He lifted the delicate porcelain cup in silent salute to the matronly cook who sat at the opposite end of the long wooden table in the servants’ hall. “Makes me remember the fields of battle and those long nights waiting in the rain for morning to arrive.”
