Aiding the Enemy (War Girls) (7 page)

“Seems no worse, but certainly isn’t better.”

He nodded. “I found some maggots. I don’t know how much good they’re going to do. Some of them have turned into flies.”

“We have to try.”

He came forward with the bag. Rose unwrapped the bandage on Rodney’s arm and watched as Herman carefully placed each wiggling insect on his brother’s flesh.

“Wrap them loosely. I want to check on it in an hour or so.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Rose.” His voice was a warning.

“Sorry,” she said with a small smile. “I forgot.”

“I haven’t forgotten your attempt to run away from me.”

“Well—” she shrugged, “—I didn’t get very far.”

“Don’t try it again.”

“What, try to avoid having you charged with treason?”

He held her in place with the strength of his stare. “No, leaving me.”

Rose shook her head. “My leaving would be for the best.”

“For whom? Surely not you and definitely not me.”

She wanted to scream, to pummel him with her fists, to kiss him until she couldn’t remember another taste but that of his lips. But she was his doom. “How can you say that? If I’m caught here, everyone in this house will be charged along with me.”

“Rose Culver is going to disappear forever in a few hours,” he said firmly, as if she had no say in the matter. “Rose Humphrey is going to take her place, and she isn’t wanted by anyone other than her new husband.”

She ignored the thrill running through her at his words. “Changing my name isn’t going to be enough.”

“You’re going to change your name, your clothes, your hair, and because no one would think to look for a British nurse in my home, no one will find one.”

“You really believe that will work?”

“Yes.”

“For how long? You’re going to get sent to the front or somewhere else, and then what?”

“I’m going to take you to Germany. From there you’ll go to the Netherlands and then back to England.”

“And you?”

“I will ensure you return home.”

“
And then
?”

“Then...I will come back and do my duty.”

She stared at him. His entire plan was nothing more than a lengthy suicide attempt. “Your duty doesn’t include dying for your country.”

“Really, Rose, you’re borrowing trouble.”

“It’s already happened to thousands of men, and
will
happen to thousands more.”

“I’m a surgeon. I’m too valuable to put in the direct line of fire.”

“But they
will
execute you if they figure out what you’ve done. They’ve already killed doctors who didn’t follow orders. For far lesser offenses than you’ve already committed.”

“You’re being melodramatic.”

“I’m being realistic,” she snapped back.

“Realistic? You? A woman who for months hid enemy soldiers inside a German hospital. A woman who’s gotten those same soldiers out of danger and back home with nothing more than some old clothes, hand drawn maps and the promises of people she’s never met.”

“I had a camera and was able to make real enough looking papers.”

“Far be it from me to forget about the camera, which I’m sure has been found along with any papers you had hidden in the hospital.”

“They would have to tear the place down to find all my hiding places,” she said with a snort.

Herman started to laugh. The sound grew until he was slapping his knee and wiping his eyes. “Good God, woman.” His laughter turned into mere chuckles. “You are the most brazen, daring, beautiful creature on this earth.”

“Brazen?” she said, aggrieved. “Beautiful? Bah, I’m much too old for that.”

“I beg to differ. I think you’re exactly the right age. A younger woman could not have accomplished all you’ve done. A younger woman wouldn’t have had your courage or fortitude.” He strode over to her and took her hands in his. “You, my dear wife-to-be, are amazing.”

For a moment Rose couldn’t think of a single thing to say. “You are mad to think we will get away with this.”

“I will take you many places, my dear, but Bedlam isn’t one of them.”

He only got this ridiculous when he was really tired. “Herman, when was the last time you slept?”

“Just now, upstairs.”

“Before that?”

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. “I’m not sure.”

“I’m very tired as well, but I promise to stay with your brother if you will get some rest.”

His eyebrows rose, shouting out questions without him having to say a word.

She rolled her eyes. “Several hours of consecutive sleep. And I will do the same when you’ve relieved me.”

“You’re quite right. We both need rest, but Rodney does need to be monitored.” He nodded. “I will inform the staff that my
fiancée
is in residence.”

She sighed. “If you insist.”

He smiled, a look so sinful she wondered why lightning didn’t strike him dead on the spot. He opened his mouth, but she put up a hand.

“Don’t say it.”

“Say what?”

“Whatever nonsense you were going to say.”

Chapter Seven

He laughed, a delighted sound, and she discovered in herself a desire to hear that sound every day for the rest of her life. “My dear girl, you know me so well already.”

“Ha. If I knew you so well, I would have anticipated your noble plan to sacrifice yourself and marry me.”

He tilted his head to one side. “Would you have done something to stop me, if you had?”

“I would have tried.”

“Why?” His mouth turned down at the corners. “I thought you liked me well enough.”

“I do. You are everything there is to admire in a man. You’re honourable, kind, generous, a skilled healer and a true gentleman.”

“But?”

“But you should not have felt it necessary to sacrifice yourself to marry me.”

His frown turned stern. “That’s twice you’ve used the word sacrifice in reference to our marriage, and I’ll not have you thinking that way.”

“I’ll think any way I li—”

He cut her off by kissing her. When he finally let her go he said, “I find I’m not feeling like that much of a gentleman.” He took her face in his hands. “You are precious, so very precious to me. Please, I beg you, don’t speak of yourself like that again.”

She put her hands over his. “I don’t know what I’ve done to earn this regard you have for me. I have no rank or station, and I’m far too old to believe in stories of love and happily ever after.”

“Rose, I—”

“No, no, let me finish.” She breathed deep. “I...I admire you greatly, and it’s because of that that I ask you to reconsider this plan to marry. I could masquerade as any member of your household. I don’t have to be your wife.”

“You’re forgetting one important fact.”

“What’s that?”

“A poor rector can only afford a wife—and not easily.”

“An annulment then. When we reach safety.”

He paused, his head tilted in thought “Yes, that might suit. But, Rose, you have to think of yourself—and behave—as a married woman. We have to make people believe it or questions will be asked. Questions are dangerous. Can you do that?”

“Yes, it’s just...”

“Stop thinking.” He leaned forward, his head coming down, and she closed her eyes for his kiss. “Good night.”

Her eyes opened to see him turn and stride from the room. Rose sat near Rodney’s bed and watched him silently for several minutes. His older brother was a complicated man. A man with deep convictions. A man who she’d forced into choosing one duty over another.

She had put him in an untenable situation and he’d chosen the least objectionable course of action. No matter how he tried to explain away his marriage proposal, the real reason came down to an honourable man continuing to do his duty as he saw it.

Duty.

How well she understood it. Duty ruled her entire life. Once, it had been both a joy and a privilege. The war changed all that. Duty had led her to put her safety into chance’s hands. Into the hands of men whose own duty conflicted with hers.

The one thing she never wanted to do was jeopardize another life. But she had. Herman had come to her rescue and as a result, she’d put his entire family in jeopardy.

They were in danger because of her. She, therefore, was the only person who could rectify the situation.

Her decision made, Rose felt as if she could stay awake for a week. She might need to.

She checked Rodney, felt his face and neck. His fever seemed no better, but he did appear to have fallen into a deeper sleep. A great healer, sleep.

She stepped out of the room and smelled baking bread on the air. She followed her nose and discovered the kitchen, where Nan was frying eggs.

“Good morning, miss.”

“Good morning. Rodney needs something nutritious and liquid in his belly. I wonder if perhaps you had any soup broth?”

“No, miss, but I have a few chicken bones I could cook up.”

“Oh, yes, exactly the thing. Just broth mind you, I don’t think he’ll be well enough for anything else for a while yet.”

“Very good, miss. I’ll start that right away.” Nan smiled. “Can I get you some breakfast?”

“I would love some.” If she was going to run, doing it on a full stomach would be best. “I haven’t had an egg in an age.”

“And some fresh bread?”

“I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

“Shall I bring it to Mr. Rodney’s room?”

“No, no. He’s sleeping peacefully enough. I’ll nip back and check on him. I won’t be but a few moments.”

“Very good.”

Rose looked in on Rodney. Sleeping deeply still. She grabbed her bag and went back to the kitchen, where she devoured two eggs and four entire pieces of bread. While the cook’s back was turned, she snitched the rest of the loaf and put it in her bag.

“I’m going to go back to sit with Mr. Rodney,” she said to Nan. “I may nap in the chair.”

“I won’t bother you then.”

“Thank you. And thank you for breakfast, I haven’t eaten so well in months.”

Rose went back to the room where Rodney slept. The maggots had to be helping. He didn’t feel as hot.

Satisfied, she put on her cape, tiptoed down the stairs and slipped out the front door.

* * *

Herman was going to turn her over his knee.

Jesper had woken him when he checked on Rodney and discovered Rose missing. Herman had known immediately what happened. She’d run. He looked out the window, but the only thing in view was a military patrol. Though the four men marched in unison, they randomly surveyed the world around them, searching...but for what? Rose had probably been missed by now. These men might be searching for her.

He got into his uncle’s motorcar and headed towards the train station.

It didn’t take long to find her.

Rose walked briskly down the street as on an urgent errand. He pulled up beside her and glared at his soon-to-be-wife.

She paused as she came abreast of the vehicle. “Good morning.”

When he spoke it was between clenched teeth. “Get in, Rose.” She took a deep breath, probably to try to explain herself, but he didn’t let her. “Not one word.
Not one
.”

Her mouth closed with a snap. She stared at him a moment then opened the passenger door and got in.

Shaking his head, he plunked a large brimmed, plumed hat on her head, turned the car around and headed back to the house.

He helped her out of the vehicle by taking hold of her arm and not letting go. In fact, he kept his grip on her as they walked through the house to the drawing room. Jesper was there, along with Nan, the minister and his best friend.

He made the introductions. “Rose, this is Reverend Verhoeven and my friend, Dr. Johann Fuchs.”

She looked at the men and cleared her throat. “Good morning, gentlemen.”

“Will you give us a moment?” He might have phrased it as a question, but he wasn’t asking for permission as he maneuvered her out of the room. They ended up in the kitchen where he divested her of her bag and cape.

“Herman, what—”

That’s as far as she got before he silenced her with a kiss. This was no gentle exploration or careful seduction. It was a passionate assault on her senses. He’d had enough of her trying to sacrifice herself to save him. He was going to keep her.

Her arms went around his neck and she returned his kiss with more desire than he expected.

He broke off the kiss as suddenly as he started it, buried his face against her neck and breathed deep. But instead of her light, clean scent calming him, he clutched her to him, his whole body shaking.

“Herman?”

He hated how her voice sounded so tentative and unsure.

“Don’t run from me,” he whispered, taking her in, her smell, her taste. “Never again.” He lifted his head and gazed down at her. “You gave me your word. Why did you break it?”

“I’m going to get you and your whole family killed. All it will take is one person to say the wrong thing to the wrong person. I can’t do that to you, I
can’t
.”

“No.” He took her face in his hands. “Rose
Humphrey
is no threat to anyone.”

She shook her head and tried to wiggle free, but he reeled her in and wrapped his arms around her again. “It won’t work.”

“It will,” he argued. “Trust me.”

“I do, but—”

“No buts. No more running and no more scaring me to death.”

“I’m sorry, I never meant to—”

He cut her off again with another kiss. “We’re taking care of things right now.”

“Things?”

“We’re getting married.”

“N-now?”

“Right now.” He pulled her back into the parlor where everyone still waited. “My apologies for the delay, we’re ready.”

The priest smiled.

Herman’s friend grinned outright.

“Rose?” the priest asked. “Are
you
ready?”

She glanced at Herman with a frown. Giving him one last chance to change his mind?

He nodded and she responded with a sigh. “Yes. I’m afraid I was feeling a little nervous, but I’m...very well now.”

“Excellent.” He glanced at the rest of the people in the room. “Let us begin.”

* * *

Rose remembered little of the ceremony. All too soon she was being escorted up the stairs by Herman, his gold ring on her finger, a matching band on his. He opened the door to his bedroom, ushered her in, then closed it.

“Now what?” she asked.

“Now we get some sleep. Both of us. Together.” He took a step closer to her with every word he uttered. “No running away. No excuses.”

“Herman—”

“Husband,” he corrected.

She sighed and plucked at her dress with nervous fingers. “I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“There are some things you shouldn’t apologize for and some things you can’t apologize for. In your case, worrying me is one of the latter.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“I will worry about you no matter what you do.”

“But—”

Again he interrupted her. “Stubborn woman. You’re part of this family now, married to me before God and witnesses. You try to run away again, and I swear I’ll tie you to my bed.”

The idea wasn’t as shocking as it should have been. “That’s a little extreme. Don’t you think?”

“When I think of what would have happened had someone from the military police seen you...” He shook his head, then froze her in place with a cold stare. “You are to never put yourself in danger again.”

There were many emotions she could tolerate with from Herman. Worry, fear, even anger, but not this icy disregard.

“I will do what’s required to get us out of this—” What could one call their unusual situation? “—charade.”

“Charade?” He held up his hand to show her his wedding ring. “Is this a charade?” He grabbed her left wrist and raised her hand to show off her ring. “Is this?”

“No, it’s real. It’s just...I never imagined I’d get married in these circumstances.”

“Who could have imagined any of this? It seems the whole world has gone mad. What was considered unconscionable is now common place.” He sighed. “I’m sorry for being so short-tempered.” His eyes appeared dark and sunken.

She imagined she looked worse. He was right. “My apologies also. I’m very tired.”

“I’m tired too, Rose. Tired of being alone. Tired of pretending a distance from you I don’t feel.” He raised a hand and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “Tired of living in fear of what might happen to you. You’re the most admirable woman I know.”

Admirable
. She’d always known he’d respected and cared for her, but she’d secretly hoped he felt more than that. A cold lump at the base of her throat threatened to choke her, but she swallowed it down. She was old enough to know better than to think he might carry more tender feelings for her. From his kisses, he at least desired her. That would have to be enough.

Rose lifted her hands to her hair and pulled out the pins securing it in its tidy bun. The locks hung down her back. She shook the rest free. “I’m tired of being alone too.”

He groaned, thrust his hands through her hair and kissed her. He spoke haltingly as he tasted and teased her mouth. “And you’re never going to run from me again.” One hand found its way to her breast, his palm and fingers exploring the soft mound. Pleasure detonated, the shockwave spreading through her limbs.

“Herman.” His name was voiced on a gasp.

“Say it.” He demanded as he continued to worship her breast. “Vow it.”

“On my l-life.” His touch made her stutter. “I’ll never run from you again.”

His lips captured hers again, and he coaxed her to follow him as he shifted backwards. He lifted a heavy lock of her hair to his face and inhaled.

“I love how you smell, the feel of your skin, the sound of your voice, your smile, the way you give solace to the wounded, as if every man matters to you.”

“You matter to me.”

He looked at her, his gaze hot, and ran the back of his hand over her face. “I should have gotten you out of here long ago. I was too selfish. You are too precious to risk.”

Precious? She wanted to ask what he meant, but he kissed her again, his lips and tongue conquering her mouth. His hands distracted her further, first by touching her everywhere, then again when they started to remove her clothing.

She gasped as he eased the top of her dress and her undergarment down, exposing her breasts to his view and touch. He did nothing but stare for a moment before cupping one heavy breast in one hand, his thumb stroking over her nipple.

The sensation set fire to her blood and raced through her body. She clutched at him, uncertain and unprepared for the desperate need consuming her. “Herman?”

His voice rumbled in her ear. “I’ve got you, you’re safe.”

His kisses drugged her, making her limbs heavy and her heart race. He unbuttoned her dress until he was able to push it down over her hips and off, taking her underclothes with it.

He guided her to lie on the bed, his hands stroking down her legs to remove her stockings. Then he jerked his own clothing off, shirt, boots and trousers, leaving only a pair of knit breeches to separate her body from his. He came down over her, one thigh settling between hers, his hands tangling in her hair, tilting her head so he could kiss her.

Her hands roamed his shoulders and back, tracing the lines of muscle, reveling in his strength. She dug her nails in and was rewarded with a groan from her husband.