Rebel Temptress (Historical Romance) (36 page)

The driver turned into a wrought iron gate and swung the buggy down the long tree-lined driveway. Honor gasped when she saw the huge red brick mansion with its manicured lawn. A large fountain was spraying water ten feet into the air.

A woman, obviously the housekeeper, stood on the wide steps with a smile on her face.

When the buggy came to a stop Adam jumped to the ground and extended his arms up to Honor. "Welcome to your new home, Mrs. O'Roarke," he said as he swung her to the ground.

The woman was joined by five other maids and a man who was obviously the butler. They all were very intimidating to Honor as they stood stiffly waiting for her and Adam to climb the steps.

"Honor, I would like you to meet Mrs. Fitzsimmons. She is the head housekeeper and has been with my family for thirty-seven years. I call her Fitz," he said, smiling affectionately at the older woman.

Her face eased into a smile. "That's right, Mr. Adam, and may I say, ma'am, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. We have been ready to burst with curiosity since that sailor came knocking this noon telling us to prepare for the new missus," the woman said in a voice that had a heavy Irish brogue.

"I am delighted to meet you, Mrs. Fitzsimmons," Honor said, warming to the friendly little Irishwoman.

Adam introduced her to all of the maids and the butler, but Honor was sure she would never remember all of their names. Then Adam led her up the steps and into the house.

Honor stared at the lovely rooms he led her through. There were expensive Persian rugs on the floors, and the furnishings were elegant and in impeccable taste. Honor was overwhelmed by the size of the house. She had never expected Adam to live in a mansion, and instead of being pleased by it, she was terrified. She had thought he was a farmer, but if this was only his townhouse, where he spent very little of his time, what must the farm be like?

Mrs. Fitzsimmons came up behind them. "Mr. Adam, I have put you and Mrs. O'Roarke in the master suite, if that meets with your approval. I have unpacked all of your clothing," she told Honor, "if you would like to refresh yourself, dinner is in about one hour."

"Fitz, have you notified my sister that we have arrived?" Adam asked.

"Yes, sir. She sends word that she and Mr. Hollingsworth will be here by nine."

"Good. Honor, Fitz will show you to your room. Perhaps you should rest for awhile."

Honor wanted to ask him what he would be doing, wishing he would go with her. Everything was so strange to her and a little overpowering. The house was so large, and everything seemed so stiff and formal; it did not seem a house one could feel comfortable in. She longed for the familiarity of Landau and Green Rivers, with their small rooms and their overstuffed chairs and settees.

The housekeeper led Honor up the wide circular staircase, down a long corridor, and opened two huge double doors that led into the master suite.

Honor drew in her breath. The sitting room was lovely. It was decorated in bright yellows and soft grays and had a homey, cheerful appearance.

"Mr. Adam never occupied these rooms before," Fitz told her, "but now that he has taken a wife, I think they will be quite cozy."

"Yes, they are very nice," Honor said softly.

"There are bedrooms on either side of the sitting room. I have put your things in the smaller room and moved Mr. Adam's things into the larger one."

"Thank you, Mrs. Fitzsimmons. Would it be possible to have a bath before dinner?"

The woman smiled. "I will attend to it right away. Mrs. O'Roarke, may I say something, ma'am?"

"Yes, of course," Honor said, removing her bonnet.

"We of the staff are delighted that you married Mr. Adam. I have known that there was a woman in Virginia that he cared about. I know you will make him very happy. Seeing you, I know why he took such a liking to you."

Honor warmed to the friendly little Irishwoman. "Thank you. I shall try to be a good wife to him."

Mrs. Fitzsimmons opened the bright yellow curtains so the room was bathed with the rays of the setting sun. She was much impressed with Honor, who was a lovely, soft-spoken woman. It would be good to have a mistress once more.

* * *

Honor surveyed her image in the full-length mirror.

She wondered if Adam was tired of seeing her in the same two gowns. Her other gowns were badly worn and out of fashion. She was nervous about seeing Suzanne and meeting her husband. Would Adam's sister resent the fact that she had married her brother? She remembered the conversation they had had in the garden of Landau, when Suzanne had told her that if she went away with Adam it would hurt him socially. Now that Honor saw what an important man Adam was, she could better understand Suzanne's concern.

Dinner was served in the huge formal dining room that was twice the size of the dining room at either Landau or Green Rivers. The long mahogany table was set with lovely china and crystal and heavy silver serving pieces. A deep wine-colored rug covered the floor, and wine-colored portieres hung at the windows. Honor felt insignificant as Adam held the chair for her.

Two stern-faced maids served the dinner, which consisted of roasted duck served in a lemon sauce. There were so many courses that Honor lost count of them all. At first she tried to taste a little of everything, but by the time dessert came—strawberries and cream—she had to refuse hers.

There was very little chance for conversation between Honor and Adam, the two serving women standing just behind them.

"However did you acquire fresh strawberries in late August?" Honor asked Adam.

"There is a large greenhouse at Penrose," Adam told her. "You can have almost anything you could ever desire at any time of the year." He smiled. "With the exception of apples, of course."

Somehow, Adam's smile did not seem to reach his eyes. He still seemed distant, almost cold, to Honor. She wondered if it was something she had done to make him angry with her—or could it be that now she was here in his home Adam felt that she did not belong, that she would be unable to fit in with his way of life?

Adam wiped his mouth on his napkin and stood up. "We shall have coffee in the sitting room when my sister arrives," he said, addressing one of the serving girls. He helped Honor to her feet and led her into a room that Honor thought was the most beautiful room she had ever seen. The Persian carpet was of a soft floral design in cream and green. The couches were soft green velvet and the chairs were of cream-colored silk. On the walls hung many paintings that Honor knew had been painted by masters of the art. The room was so formal that she thought she would never feel comfortable in it.

Adam was standing with his back to her, staring out into the darkness. His back was rigid and his hands were crammed into his pockets.

Honor walked over to him hesitantly and placed her hands on his shoulders. Adam turned slowly to face her, his face an unreadable mask.

"Adam, are you displeased with me? Have I done or said anything to upset you?" she said softly.

"Why do you ask?" he said, raising one dark eyebrow.

She raised her hands in a hopeless gesture. "You seem so withdrawn, so distant."

He stared into her wide green eyes. There was a frown on her beautiful face. How could he explain to her what he was feeling? Today on the ship when she had lain in his arms he knew she would have given herself to him willingly. But at the most intimate moment would she have drawn away from him? Would she have been frightened? He was plagued by doubts. He wanted her so badly, and yet in some ways he was frightened. What if she turned from him, rejected his love? He had been so sure he could win her completely when he had married her, and he had deliberately set out to seduce her into being his willing slave, and yet he was not so confident now.

"What am I to do about you, Honor?" he said, turning his back on her once more.

Honor opened her mouth to speak. What did he mean? Was he sorry he had married her?

At that moment Suzanne swept into the room, her beautiful face the female version of Adam's. Her cream-colored taffeta dress rustled as she walked. She smiled brightly as she enfolded Honor in her arms. "Oh, my dear, I am so happy that you are my sister now," she said, planting a kiss on Honor's cheek. Then she moved to her brother and threw her arms around him. "I see that you have obtained your fondest dream. I am so delighted."

Honor saw the man as he entered the room, and she knew he would be Suzanne's husband, Brad. His face was handsome, he had blond curly hair and deep brown eyes. He stood appraising her for a moment, then he crossed the room and to Honor's surprise enfolded her in a hug.

He held her at arm's length. "Good Lord, Adam, no wonder you would not stop until you made this lovely creature your bride." Then he winked at Honor. "I am your new brother-in-law."

"I should certainly hope so," she said smiling. "Your name would be Brad Hollingsworth, would it not?"

"Brad to you, lovely lady."

Honor was flooded with relief. It seemed Suzanne had welcomed her as Adam's wife, and she liked Suzanne's husband, Brad.

"Did you not bring the children, Suzanne?" Honor asked, wishing she could see Adam's niece and nephew.

"No, they are long in bed, but they are very excited to see their new aunt. They have talked of little else since we told them of Adam's marriage this afternoon."

They sat down and Fitz brought in the silver coffee service and set it before Honor, who automatically began serving the coffee.

Suzanne observed her brother, who was watching Honor. The look of love was naked in his blue eyes, and there was something else that she could not define —a longing, was that what she read on his face? Whatever it was, he was happy, and she felt happiness for him.

Before Suzanne and Brad left they made plans to go to a concert the next night, then, afterwards, Suzanne wanted them to go to her house for a late dinner and dancing so Honor could be presented to all of Adam's friends.

As Adam led her upstairs, Honor tried to hide a yawn behind her hand. It had been a long and emotionally draining day.

Honor dressed for bed, and seeing the covers had been turned down in the smaller bedroom, she climbed into bed and was almost asleep when she became aware that Adam was bending over her.

He lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed, where he laid her down. "You sleep with me," he told her angrily.

"I did not know what was expected of me. I am sorry."

He lay down beside her and pulled her into his arms roughly. "Never think you will sleep anywhere but with me," he said, "and did you forget our vow to one another? Were you not going to kiss me good night?"

Her arms went around his shoulders as she leaned closer to him. His lips were unyielding as she kissed him. "Good night, Adam," she said, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Adam did not fall asleep right away. He held his sleeping wife tightly in his arms, loving her from the very depths of his being, but feeling unsure of how to proceed with her.

The moonlight filled the bedroom and he could see her lovely face. In sleep she was so childlike, so innocent. If he handled her wrong, would he crush her, as Jordan Daniels had done? Her long white cotton nightgown hid the shape of her body from him. He could remember how she had felt lying naked in his arms. He felt his body come to life with an all-consuming fire. "Sleep well tonight, my darling, for tomorrow night I renew my pursuit of you, and unless I am badly mistaken, you will be in torment as I am until I make you mine forever," he whispered, kissing her soft cheek.

Honor murmured in her sleep, not hearing the words of love he whispered in her ear.

"I love you, darling, I love you," Adam whispered.

24

When Honor awoke the next morning Adam was again bending over her. "Wake up, lazy wife, the sun is almost up, and here you are still abed."

Noticing he was fully dressed, she turned to her stomach and covered her head with her pillow.

Adam lifted the pillow from her head and turned her over. "Get up, we drive into town today. The first thing we are going to do is buy you a complete new wardrobe."

She sat up quickly. "Oh, Adam, could we really?"

He looked at her with a crooked smile on his face. "I will allow you to buy anything that you desire, even if it puts us both in the poorhouse."

Honor threw her arms around his neck. "New gowns, just think of it." Her eyes were bright with excitement. Then her forehead wrinkled in thoughtfulness. "Adam, you must have been horrified by my shabby appearance."

He laughed deeply. "You make anything that you wear look elegant. I made myself a promise one night that if you ever became my wife I would dress you in silks and satins," he told her, remembering the night he had dined at Green Rivers and Honor had been forced to wear a shabby gray print gown while Meagan and Mrs. Daniels had been elegantly dressed. "Now get dressed, breakfast is waiting for you."

As the coachman maneuvered the carriage through the crowded streets of Boston, Honor looked out the window, amazed at the large number of fancily dressed people on the streets.

Adam escorted her into an elegant shop, where she looked about in astonishment at the luxury. Soft purple rugs covered the floor, and white silk chairs and settees made up the furnishings.

A slight, dark-headed woman swept across the room to greet them. When she spoke, it was with a French accent.

"Ah, Adam, you naughty boy. It has been too long since you have been to see us," she said, clasping both of his hands in hers. Then she turned her attention to Honor. "So this is your little wife," she said, eyeing Honor critically. "All of Boston has talked of nothing else since we heard about your marriage."

"Madame Inez, may I introduce you to my wife, Honor. Honor, Madame Inez has the distinction of dressing most of the more fashionable ladies of Boston. You can put yourself in her hands completely."

The Frenchwoman walked around Honor, clicking her tongue disapprovingly. "Such a waste, it is criminal," she said, shaking her head.

Honor's eyes were wide with apprehension. Did the little Frenchwoman think she would be hopeless to dress?

Adam patted her hand reassuringly. "I leave my wife in your capable hands, Madame. Spare no expense, she will need everything."

"Are you not staying?" Honor asked, hoping he would remain with her.

"I have a few things to attend to. I will be back late this afternoon. Madame Inez, see that she is properly dressed for evening. I am taking her to the concert." As he left, Honor turned back to the tiny Frenchwoman.

"It is criminal when a woman as lovely as you does not dress properly. My scullery maid would not be caught dead wearing that rag you have on."

Honor blushed and lowered her head.

"Ah, cherie, you must not be offended by Inez. I want only to help you. As Adam O'Roarke's wife you must always dress with impeccable taste. He is a very wealthy and powerful man, and his wife must be an asset to him."

Honor's eyes were filled with fear. "I want him to be proud of me," she said in a small voice.

"And so he shall be, cherie, come with me," Inez said with determination.

The day passed quickly as Honor was draped in silks, brocades and satins. No less than six women bustled about doing Madame Inez's bidding. Honor was served a light luncheon, and then there were more fittings. She tried on shoes of every color, and was shown undergarments of the most delicate lace. She tried on morning dresses and afternoon dresses and evening gowns, nightgowns and robes until her head was swimming and she wished she could just rest for a short time.

At last Madame slipped a green silk gown over Honor's head and fastened it up the back. She slipped her feet into tiny slippers that were covered with the same green material as the dress. Her hair was arranged on top of her head in a most sophisticated fashion. Honor pulled on a pair of white elbow-length gloves and Madame turned her to face the full-length mirror that hung on the wall of the dressing room.

Honor drew in her breath as she saw the beautiful image that stared back at her. Could that possibly be her? She was beautiful, she thought.

"Oh, cherie, you are very beautiful," Madame said, confirming Honor's own assessment. Her silvery-colored hair gleamed with golden highlights. Her green eyes sparkled. Her neck looked smooth and creamy. The green off-the-shoulder gown had tiny puffed sleeves, and it fit her slim figure like a glove. It was pulled together in the back to form a soft bustle.

"Is that really me, Madame?"

"Ah, cherie, Monsieur Adam is a very lucky man. It has been such fun dressing you. You are a credit to Madame's expertise. Everyone tonight will want to know who this beautiful lady is, and tomorrow morning you will be the talk of the town."

"Do you really think Adam will like me? I have never worn a dress that is cut so low in front. I . . . feel almost naked."

Madame laughed delightedly. "Monsieur Adam will love it. I saw the way he looks at you. If ever a man loved a woman, he loves you. Come, he awaits."

Adam was sitting on one of the white silk settees, with his long legs crossed in front of him, looking singularly out of place in such feminine surroundings. When he saw Honor he stood up slowly. His eyes moved over her beautiful body, and he drew in his breath and let it out slowly as she approached.

"Well, Monsieur Adam, what do you think? Your wife is lovely, no?" Madame said, smiling brightly.

"My wife is lovely, yes," he said, never taking his eyes off Honor, who blushed and lowered her head. Adam took her hand and smiled. "Where you were beautiful before, now you are breathtaking."

"Thank you, Adam," Honor said, feeling for the first time in her life that she was indeed beautiful. Perhaps it was her love for Adam that made her appear so.

They left the shop after Madame assured them she would have Honor's other purchases delivered to the townhouse the next day.

In the carriage Adam's eyes caressed her face and body. Honor noticed how handsome he looked in his dark formal suit and white ruffled shirt. So intent were her thoughts that she did not notice that the carriage had stopped until the footman opened the door and Adam helped her to alight and led her into the lobby of the theater where the concert was being held.

Once they were inside Adam began to introduce her to many of the people who were waiting in the lobby for the concert to begin. The admiring glances she received from men and women alike gave her confidence in her own appearance.

After a short while Adam led her up the red carpeted stairs to his own private box where Suzanne and Brad were waiting for them. Suzanne kissed Honor's cheek and proclaimed how lovely she looked.

Honor had never been to a concert before. She was enchanted by the orchestra and the beautiful music that filtered through the giant auditorium.

Adam watched her, smiling at her childlike enthusiasm. His arm was resting on the back of her chair, and his hand rested on her bare shoulder. Honor looked at him quickly as his hand slid over her shoulder and down her arm. Suddenly she wished for the privacy of their bedroom so she could abandon herself to whatever the bold look in his eyes promised.

Honor was no longer aware of the concert. She was only aware of Adam's nearness and the way his hand was now moving sensuously up the back of her neck, teasing a small curl that hung down her back. When Honor felt she could stand the torment no longer, the audience stood to applaud; the concert was over.

Later, in the carriage that they shared with Suzanne and Brad, Adam put his arm around her shoulders and drew her against his chest. Honor could feel his warm breath against her cheek. She felt her body begin to tremble, and hoped Adam would not notice, or worse still, his sister and brother-in-law.

"Do you agree, Honor?" Suzanne asked.

"What . . . I am sorry, I did not hear you," Honor said in confusion.

"I asked if you thought the maestro gave an exceptional performance," Suzanne said, smiling at her brother and knowing full well that the two newlyweds wished she and Brad at the other end of the earth at the moment. Suzanne had never seen Adam look happier, and her love grew for her new sister-in-law, who was responsible for his happiness.

"It is the first concert I have ever attended, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I liked it very much," Honor said.

"I pray you do enjoy music, Honor, for you have married into a music-mad family. I myself had to acquire a taste for music or spend many lonely nights at home alone while my wife indulged her love for music," Brad said.

"Yes, I do love music, and while I never attended a concert before, we had many musicales in our home while I was growing up."

"Do you like dancing?" Suzanne asked.

"Yes, I am very fond of dancing."

Adam's hand tightened on her shoulder and he smiled down at her. "I will not allow you to dance with anyone other than myself tonight, no matter how many young men I disappoint."

"How about me?" Brad asked, grinning at Honor. "I would love to dance with my new sister-in-law."

"Not on your life, Brad. Tonight the lady dances only with her husband."

Suzanne's laughter filled the air. "It does not suit you to be so possessive, Adam."

His eyes burned into Honor's. "It suits me very well, little sister."

"Honor, my brother acts like he is the boss, but I am older than he by a good two minutes. Do you not think that gives me the last say?"

Honor could feel the love between Suzanne and her brother, and her heart was light and joyful that at long last she had a family and she had love.

Suzanne set a beautiful table, and the food was delicious. Afterwards, Honor met many of Adam's closest friends. She liked them. They were bright and witty, but she found that even though she was country-bred, she could hold up her end of the conversation. They talked of music and good books, and she found that she seemed to fit in well and was gratified that she did not shame Adam by being ignorant. She silently thanked her Aunt Amanda for insisting she read good books when she was young.

Adam watched Honor as she charmed a grizzly old professor from Harvard College who was famous for plowing under less-intelligent persons than himself. He and Honor were discussing the rights of a woman to have an education.

"And I say that women are too simple-minded to absorb too many thoughts at once, it muddles the brain and makes them forget what they were put here for."

"And what were they put here for, professor?" Honor asked.

"To have children and keep their mouths shut," he told her sourly.

"Are you married, sir?" she asked.

"No, not me. Women bore me. Five minutes in their company makes me want to lose myself in a good book."

"Why do you suppose that is?"

"Because they are boring, of course."

"Of course. But if they were educated . . ." her voice trailed off.

The professor threw back his head and laughed heartily. "By gad, you slipped one in on me. Perhaps if I were forty years younger I would steal you away from Adam. At last to meet a woman who has put me in my place, and a little southern lady at that!"

Adam slipped his arm around Honor's waist. "If you were forty years younger, you still could not have my love, Lewis. She has eyes only for her husband, is that not right, Honor?"

"Yes, only for you," she told him, smiling.

"Lucky damn devil," the professor laughed.

"The music has begun, Lewis, and I am going to dance with the most beautiful woman here," Adam said as he whirled Honor out onto the dance floor.

Honor felt as if his hands burned into her skin. She could feel his warmth even through the gloves she was wearing. The look in his eyes was passion-laced. It did not matter to Honor that she and Adam might be the center of attention and the cause of much speculation. She only knew that she loved this man who was her husband, and she now wanted him to make her his proper wife.

Adam whirled her out the double French doors into the garden where he drew her behind a thick lilac bush. He bent his head and kissed her hungrily. Honor clung to him, returning his kiss with all the love she had in her heart. He kissed her eyes, her neck, her shoulders, and she thought she would die from wanting him.

"I have wanted to do that all night," he said in a passionate voice.

"Oh, Adam, Adam," she whispered.

"Would you like to go home now, Honor?"

She closed her eyes as she felt his warm breath on her face. "Yes, take me home, Adam."

During the ride home he held her in his arms and kissed her passionately. And when they arrived at the townhouse he led her upstairs and into the bedroom. Honor paid no attention to her surroundings as he enfolded her in his arms once more. She felt his hands at the back of her gown, and suddenly it slipped to the floor about her feet. Soon her stays followed, and then she had nothing on. His hands roamed over her body as his lips roamed over her face. When she thought she could stand it no longer, he lifted her into his arms and placed her on the bed.