Ann Lethbridge - Regency Society

‘Someone was searching for something they did not find.’ Luke’s brow creased. ‘Do you suppose it was the ruby?’

‘Yes, perhaps it was,’ Roxanne said. ‘Whoever it was must have taken the opportunity to search while we were all dancing. I suppose there were so many people about that he was able to slip in without being noticed.’

‘Yes, I imagine it must have seemed a good opportunity.’ His gaze narrowed. ‘You saw no one—you are not harmed?’

‘I saw no one and I am not harmed—but I felt uneasy and wondered whether to call my maid to tidy the room or sleep elsewhere this evening.’

‘You must stay here for now,’ Luke said. ‘I shall put on my boots and check your rooms and the downstairs rooms also, Roxanne. I want to make sure the windows and doors are locked, though I prefer not to rouse the guests or Grandfather. I do not wish to disturb him.’

‘No, of course you must not,’ Roxanne agreed. ‘I was not certain what to do, but I hope no one else need know about this unfortunate incident.’

‘Mrs Arlet must be told and the servants will know, but it is best if the guests do not learn of this—unless any of them have suffered something similar.’

‘Had they done so, I’m sure someone would have told you,’ Roxanne said. ‘I think it was just my room, Luke—and I believe it must be because of that ruby.’

Luke had sat down to pull his boots on. He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, then inclined his head.

‘It seems the most likely explanation. Unless Horatio wanted to see what he could find to discredit you. He knows what he has lost because we are to wed and he was absent for a time this evening.’ He saw her look. ‘You don’t believe it was him. Well, you may be right. Stay here, Roxanne, and lock the door behind me. I shall take a look at your room and make a tour of the house. When I return we’ll talk about this again.’

‘Yes, of course. Please take care, Luke. I would not have you come to harm for the sake of that wretched jewel.’

‘I shall be perfectly safe. Whoever wants that ruby seems not to mean harm to either of us. There has been plenty of time for him to attack me had he wished it. No, it is the jewel he wants for some reason best known to himself.’

Roxanne went to the door with him and he locked it after he went out. She chose one of the elbow chairs and sat down, but could not rest. As she paced about the room, the minutes dragged by and, when Luke did not return after more than half an hour, Roxanne went into his bedchamber. Luke was not particularly tidy and she noticed discarded neckcloths and a dressing gown lying abandoned over a chair. She sat on the edge of the bed, then laid down, resting her head on a pillow that smelled faintly of the cologne he sometimes wore. Lying with her knees pulled up to her chest, she closed her eyes.

Movement close by woke Roxanne and she opened her eyes and then sat up as she saw Luke standing there looking at her.

‘Is all safe?’ she asked, her heart pounding.

‘I discovered a window catch in the library that was loose and I believe that may have been how our intruder got in. There was a smear of earth on the window-sill and what may have been a footmark. I think our intruder was bare-footed.’

‘He wore no shoes?’ Roxanne frowned. ‘I remember that Sofia told me shoes are not worn in the house in India. The face at the window in the tower might have been Indian—it all seems to point to the ruby, do you not think so?’

‘Yes, it would seem the jewel is important to someone,’ Luke agreed. ‘I wish whoever it is would just ask for the damned thing. My concern is for your sake, Roxanne. If he becomes frustrated, he may attack you…’

Roxanne got to her feet. She shivered, feeling chilled and uneasy.

‘I’m sorry to have caused you so much trouble. I wish I could remember what happened…why I had the ruby…’ A tear spilled from the corner of her eye. ‘Who am I, Luke? Am I a thief? Why did I have that ruby? I wish I could remember.’

‘Don’t cry, dearest,’ Luke said softly. He reached out and wiped away the tear with his fingertips. ‘You mustn’t be upset over this. I’m here. I shall protect you, Roxanne.’

‘But why is all this hap—’ She got no further for Luke’s arms were about her. He drew her close to his body, his head bent towards hers, his mouth covering hers in a kiss so hungry and intense that all else fled from her mind. Roxanne’s arms folded about his neck, her fingers reaching into his hair at the nape as the kiss deepened between them. Then Luke was lifting her in his arms, carrying her back to the bed. He placed her amongst the covers and lay down beside her, gazing into her eyes.

‘I want you so much,’ he whispered passionately against her ear. ‘I’ve wanted you from the moment I first saw you, Roxanne. You are so beautiful and you’re mine. I swear that no one shall harm you. I will protect you with my life. You must never be afraid while I am with you.’

‘Luke…’ she whispered hoarsely. ‘Luke, hold me, love me. I want you, too. I love you…’

As soon as the words left her lips Roxanne regretted them. She had not meant to say the one thing she knew he would not want to hear, but her feelings had rushed to the forefront because of her distress and the words had slipped out. She thought that for a moment he stilled, as if he would withdraw from her, but then he was kissing her again, hungrily, passionately, as if his need was as great as her own.

Giving herself up to desire, Roxanne responded to Luke’s loving with an equal passion of her own. She had never known that such feelings lay within her, waiting to burst forth in a torrent of need and hunger. All the years of not knowing who or what she was, all the pain, uncertainty and fear, the need to be loved came out of her in a frenzy of wanting and loving. His hands were gentle but firm as they explored her body, seeking out the secret places of her femininity, touching her where no one else had touched her, bringing her sweet pleasure. Her hands moved over his arms, his back, following the firmness of his shoulders and the honed muscles, moving over skin that was now naked and slicked with sweat as their bodies came together in sweet ecstasy. His throbbing manhood sought entry and she felt pain, but then the pain was forgotten in the sweet pleasure of his kisses.

‘Yes…’ Roxanne moaned as he moved within her, deep and firm, bringing her to such exquisite delight that she writhed and arched beneath him. She moaned and clung to him, her breath soft and sweet as she sighed. ‘So good…so very good.’

‘My sweet, beautiful Roxanne,’ Luke murmured against her ear. ‘Such passion and heat. No one has ever made me feel as you do, my darling. You are exquisite, perfect. I want to hold you and make love to you always.’

His words were so tender and loving that Roxanne felt tears of joy on her cheeks as they lay together, entwined, satiated and at peace before they slept. During the night, they woke, loved again, as sweetly and as urgently as before. Roxanne slept deeply, curled into his body, her legs captured and held as he clasped her against him. Her long red hair was spread over the pillows and had entangled itself about him as they loved.

When in the morning Luke moved her hair from his face, carefully disentangling himself from her limbs that curled about him, Roxanne did not wake. She was caught up in a dream so sweet that her lips curved in a smile of content.

‘Love you,’ she murmured. ‘Always love you…’

Luke knew that she was still sleeping and that she did not know she had spoken. He frowned as he moved carefully about the room, collecting the clothes he needed for riding. He watched Roxanne sleep while he dressed, a look of gravity on his face, then went out, leaving her to rest.