Embrace of the Enemy (Winds of Betrayal) (9 page)

She shook her head. “It can’t happen again,” she whispered and once more tried to withdraw.

“Y
ou have it all wrong, Hannah,” he said emphatically. He sat up and drew her to him. His hands tenderly cupped her face. “I realize this was the first time you have laid with a man. The next time…”

“No,” she
murmured. “It wasn’t that. I have never felt such….”

She wanted to say had never dreamed she could feel the emotions he invoked within her. She wanted to be in his arms like this forever. But their love wasn’t meant to be—it never was. They came from two different worlds. He was married…he was the enemy. Oh, she thought, he may suspect, but he had no knowledge of what she had done. The whole of all was in truth her life was a façade.

“What are you saying? That you don’t want me to touch you? It isn’t what you were crying a moment ago,” he said. His hand traveled down her neck. Her body trembled to his touch.

“You know what I speak. This is wrong, so wrong. I don’t blame you, Marcus. I was weak,” she said trying desperately to contain her tears. “But it changes nothing. I can’t
…”

“You don’t know me well, Hannah, if you believe I will sit back now after having you. You belong to me now, my love. If you believe I will let another touch you…love you in this manner, you are quite mistaken. You gave yourself to me, willingly. You want me as I want you. In this you can’t deny.”

“What do you want me to admit, Marcus? That I had need for you on this night! That I am so totally alone and reached out in a manner I should have never allowed…”

He smiled at her, pushing hair back out of her face. “But you did and in that you won’t be able to undo.”

She caught his hand. “What do you mean? Grandfather would never allow such!”

He laughed a small confident laugh. “If you believe that, then you will be sadly disappointed. I believe you will find him most content with the arrangement I have offered to you. He will believe it most beneficial to him.”

Her eyes flared. “As compensation!”

“Unless he believes the words of which Gannon is spreading.”

Her body tensed upon the utterance. If her grandfather thought she had spied against him, her life wouldn’t be long to be lived. She didn’t care. She leaned upward. Marcus reached across her bare shoulder and pulled her back in a manner which exposed her bare neck. He kissed her skin until he found her pulse that woke her desire once more.

“Tell me now, Hannah, you don’t want me,” he whispered as his hands diverted her attention fanning the embers of passion within her.

She wanted to tell him no and jerk back away from him. He was too dangerous a man. He stood between her and her mission. But he kissed her in a way that took her breath away. She gasped as he ignited a fire within her and took command of her body. She was well beyond rational thought.

* * * *

Hannah lay in his arms staring out into the night. She had to go back to her room suspecting he had to also. No matter his words he wouldn’t allow his actions this night to disgrace his host.

Gently, she removed his hand from her. Moving with her, h
e held her long enough to kiss her and lingered long on her lips as if debating whether or not to dress. He swung around her. Their clothes were within his reach. He handed her gown and donned his own clothes.

“I will let you return to your room first,” he said as he tied her ribbon back in place. “Remember my words, Hannah. There is no going back now. Be prepared to leave when I send word that all is arranged.”

“No, Marcus, please…”

He kissed her lips once more and opened the door for her to make her escape back to her room.

* * * *

Hannah didn’t rise in the morning. She couldn’t face his eyes upon her. She didn’t know what she was going to do. The walls around her were collapsing in upon her. There was nowhere to escape. Hannah rose only to see her grandmother who seemed more confused upon the day, wearing upon Hannah’s nerves. She stared out upon the blanket of new fallen snow. She wondered if he had left yet. Was he contemplating forcing her with him? No, she thought, he is playing with me.

Tears flowed freely down her face for she had no one to hide them from. Her hand covered her mouth. She fought desperately to regain her composure. She had to face her grandfather. Oh, my God! Gannon! Oh, whatever was she going to do?

Susanna and Camilla found her within her bed upon their return in the late afternoon. “You are sick!” Camilla cried. “You missed the best party of the year, Hannah. I so wished you would have stayed! I heard poor Simon was called back to duty. So I assume you wouldn’t have found it as exciting as I. I will have to tell you of my adventure.”

Hannah tried to fend interest, but her heart was not in it. “I can’t wait to hear, Camilla.”

From the bottom corner of her bed, Susanna sat. Hannah could feel her eyes upon her. “Camilla, run and get poor Hannah some tea. She is ill. I can well see it upon her face.”

Camilla’s hand went up to Hannah’s forehead. “I do believe you have a small fever. Oh, my Hannah. I will be back in a moment. I will tell Miss Trant to prepare a tray for you.”

Susanna waited until Camilla had closed the door before she edged up the bed. Her eyes stared into Hannah’s. Hannah was certain her eyes betrayed her. Her chin quivered slightly before Susanna took Hannah in her arms. Hannah broke down and wept. Susanna let her without saying a word. She patted Hannah’s back, letting Hannah release the hurt, the frustration she had held within her for such a long time.

Hannah sniffled until her eyes dried. Susanna pulled her back. “Oh, Hannah. I should have gone with you.”

“It isn’t your fault, Susanna. You warned me.
It's this damn game I’m playing. I have spun my own web around me,” she uttered in a low tone. She wiped back her eyes. Her chest heaved heavily. “I will contain myself. I need only a plan.”

Susanna hesitated before she pulled a note from her pocket. “The Colonel is still within the house. He asked me to give to you this note.”

Hannah’s hand trembled slightly as she opened it.

My lovely Hannah, I find I have to leave this day, but will be back soon to claim you as we have planned. Remember my words, my touch, my love… Yours forever, Marcus

Hannah’s hands tore the note into pieces. She sighed swinging her legs around the bed. “Oh, what is he doing writing such! Does he want all to know of my discretion?”

Susanna’s eyes betrayed her concern. “I don’t know, Hannah, but we well need to think upon all and soon.”

* * * *

Days passed. Hannah hadn’t kept count of even what day it was. She walked around the house as if a shadow. Her grandfather had said nothing to her, but his eyes told her he didn't trust her. That alone scared her beyond measure. His inaction led her only to believe he had a plan.

She hadn’t gone to a social event since that night. She didn't dare try to contact Tepper. She wouldn’t place him into danger trying such an action. She hoped that in her silence it would be warning enough. And Marcus—he had made it well known of his intentions toward her. He had constantly sent her notes, which she burned without reading. He had sent her a gift, which sat unopened upon the foyer table driving Camilla crazed with wonderment of what it could be. Hannah didn't care. Marcus had even sent her flowers, beautiful fresh flowers.

Her mind was set. She was leaving—to where she didn’t know or how. She had hidden a substantial amount of money within her special room. Money she had bought with her from Williamsburg. She needed only a cover. Without question she needed help, but she didn't dare ask anyone. She could only imagine what punishment her grandfather would dole out if someone who got caught helping her now.

She finally emerged from her grandmother’s room once more. Her mind made up to ask for a tray up in her room this evening. She ran from prying eyes, but when she looked up she saw Miss Trant running down the foyer toward her.

“Miss Corbett,” she called. “Your grandfather has sent a request for your appearance at supper tonight. We are having guests.”

“I’m certain he can entertain everyone without me,” Hannah said simply.

“It isn’t what he said, Miss.”

Hannah sighed. She had no desire for any kind of interaction with anyone, especially not her grandfather. She turned and walked by Miss Trant down the spiraling staircase. She hadn't far to go. Her grandfather stood within the foyer, greeting men she did not know.

He looked up upon her appearance descending slowing down the staircase. “Ah, my dear. Gentlemen, this is my granddaughter, Hannah Corbett. Mr. Langston Gilman and Mr. Elliot Perkins. They have traveled from Philadelphia. I hoped you will make your presence known. I am certain you would like to get information of your family there.”

“Of course, Grandfather,” she said hesitatingly.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Corbett,” the elder man bowed slightly. “Langston Gilman. Your beauty has not been exaggerated. I hope you excuse our appearance having traveled far and quick. We will refresh ourselves.”

“And take care of our package,” the other interrupted patting the satchel hanging around his person. He pulled it forth over his head, placing in down upon the open chair. “Wouldn’t want anyone to get hold of this before we have time…”

“Elliot!” Gilman reprimanded.

“Of course,” the man replied. “Of course.”

Hannah watched the odd exchanged. The men hadn’t the look of ones who had been traveling. She glanced back over to her grandfather. She smiled a dutiful smile.

“Grandfather, I wanted only to inform you that I am feeling much better. I will be happy to join all for dinner this evening.” She curtsied slightly.

“We will look forward to your company,” he answered. He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

Hannah returned to the stairs. Taking one step at a time, she glanced back at the satchel sitting upon the chair. The men had disappeared into her grandfather’s study, leaving the precious satchel out, alone, vulnerable to curious eyes…except Hannah saw well the intent.

Did they think her a dim-witted imbecile? The whole of the setting was a sham! An attempt to catch her in the act of which Gannon was screaming about! Her steps quickened. By the time she reached the top of the staircase, she ran to her room. She had no time for anything other than changing clothes.

She changed into a simple dress better for travel. Grabbing her cloak, she raced up to her special room. Rapidly withdrawing her precious money… her only hope of escape… she rushed down the back stairs. There was no time for an elaborate scheme. She had only one option. She would simply leave…walk out…and that she did without looking back.

* * * *

The cold weather had broken. It had warmed but left the streets slushy. Hannah gave it little thought. Her mind wandered with a million thoughts. She walked as if in a trance, not knowing where to go to accomplish her desire to leave this place. Unconsciously, she found herself at the church steps of Reverend Brown. She wondered briefly if the doors were open. She knew Reverend Brown had a large family. Maybe one could help her buy a horse or hire a carriage. Reverend Brown had struck her like the type not to be easily intimidated by the British.

She paused until she saw one walk up the steps to the back of the church where Reverend Brown lived. A young lad of no more than fifteen, sixteen at the most, Hannah hesitated only briefly.

“Excuse me,” she said waving her hand in his direction. “Excuse me. Do you know Reverend Brown?”

The lad turned and smiled at her. She quickly assumed that it wasn't often a young lady flagged him down in this manner. “I’m his son, Philip. Can I help you? He’s not at home at the moment.”

Hannah sighed. She bit the lower part of her lip. “Do you think you can help me find a mount? Or hire a carriage? I have money. I need only to find a place. I’m in dire straits or wouldn't ask, but I have to leave immediately…”

“I am certain I can help you, but the time is getting late. My mother is within. I can't believe she would let you leave until the morning’s light.”

Panic surged within her. “No, no. I need to leave this night. You don’t understand. I have to leave…”

Her words echoed upon deaf ears. In that moment, the lad stepped backwards. He could see what she could not. She glanced over her shoulder. A pair of British soldiers walked straight toward her. She didn't say a word, but hurried by the lad, who made a small protest.

The soldiers easily caught her upon her steps. The lad stood not knowing what to do. “I must protest, sirs,” he said emphatically. “This young lady was seeking help. Pray let go of her.”

The soldiers smirked at the lad. “We are certain she was. But we have our orders, lad.”

Hannah’s heart raced. “And those would be? I have done nothing! I want only to be allowed to go to my home.”

One of the soldiers turned to the lad. “What help was she asking?”

“What she said,” Philip said defensively. “She wanted help only to get transportation.”

“You didn't think that
 strange? A young lady with no escort.”

“No, look where she is now,” Philip answered. Hannah would have laughed if not for her circumstances.