Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter; Jill Tanner

Author:Madeline Hunter; Jill Tanner
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Historical
ISBN: 9781436160827
Publisher: Bantam Books
Published: 2007-09-24T14:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Phaedra fell asleep in Elliot's arms. He moved her to a wooden bench away from the boat's railing. He directed the crew to secure a makeshift canvas awning over them, to protect her pale beauty from the high, hot sun.

Two hours passed with Phaedra absorbing his thoughts. The vows that they spoke in Positano may have been the last lines in a comic opera, but they complicated his intentions. He doubted she would accept the responsibility that he now felt for her. No matter what English law might decide, she would never agree that he had a right to protect her. She would deny any man the authority that exercising such obligations required.

As if his thoughts summoned her to battle, her eyes opened. Still nestled against him, she peered across the sea to the hazy line of the coastal hills on the eastern horizon.

She glanced to the sky and assessed the sun's position. "We are some ways from the shore. Should we not be in Amalfi by now?"

"I told I hem to take us down the coast toPaestum. You expressed an interest in seeing the temples there."

Her lashes hung low while she considered this change in plans. "You might have woken me and asked if a visit toPaestumsuited me."

He had not asked because he did not want to give her any choice. When they reachedPompeiishe would Page 102

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once more be consumed with whatever mission she pursued. He would be obligated to take up his own quest when they later returned toNaples. Soon they would be at odds again. He wanted to avoid those arguments for a day or so.

"Your illness at the church was real. You need lo rest."

She nodded slightly, her hair rubbing his shoulder. He was pleased that she made no attempt to extricate herself from his embrace. The sleeping Phaedra was a lovely wonder. He had spent the last hours studying the details and nuances of her face, breathing in her feminine scent, and holding her soft body.

But Phaedra alert and aware interested him far more.

"We are not truly married, of course." She spoke as if they had been talking about it for hours. In a silent manner, perhaps they had been.

"Actually, in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies I think that we are."

"No documents were signed"

"This is a Catholic land. They see marriage as a sacrament, not a contract."

"We are not Catholic,"

"That could make all the difference. I do not know for certain, however, I think if it is legal here, it may be legal at home." He braced for her explosive denial.

Instead she expressed consternation in ways so subtle he would miss them if her face was not inches from his and her body not cradled in his arms.

"What this kingdom thinks is legal does not matter," she said. "We will soon return toEnglandwhere better laws reign. What is important is that we both know we are not really married."

The boat turned. Its bow aimed southeast, toward the coast.

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