The Lost Love of a Soldier by Jane Lark

Author:Jane Lark
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780007594658
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2014-06-30T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Ellen looked up as Paul entered their room. Jennifer stood. His hand lifted. He held two gilded slips of paper. “We are invited to the Richmond ball.”

They’d laughed about the lavish event and the battles to obtain invitations a week ago. Those who’d remained in the city had not stopped their parties; if anything they’d entertained themselves even more determinedly and the Duchess of Richmond’s was the ball everyone wished to attend.

The Duke of Richmond rented a property in the Rue des Cendres and the ball was to be there.

Ellen set down her sewing and stood. “How? I thought you did not wish to go.” At least the Duke and Duchess were holding it for the right reason. Paul had told Ellen, the Duke commanded the troops who were to remain in the city and defend Brussels, should Napoleon reach this far. His wife was entertaining solely to hearten the soldiers and keep their minds off war for a few hours. It was to be held in four days, on the 15th of June.

“I did not. I do not. But the Lieutenant Colonel wishes my presence… our presence. He insists all his officers attend.”

“So Captain Montgomery will be there too?”

“And the others. We are to make it appear as though nothing is afoot beyond us enjoying ourselves.”

“But that is silly.”

“Apparently, even the Duke of Wellington wishes it so.”

“Then we must go.”

“Yes.” He dropped the invitations on a side table. “But for now… You may go Jennifer.” The maid dropped a swift curtsy in both their directions, then left the room, closing the door behind her. “For now, Ellen…” Paul continued, walking across the room to her. He captured her chin in the grip of his finger and thumb. “I wish to feel the flesh of my wife against my flesh.”

“Do you not wish for dinner first?” Ellen looked into eyes full of longing.

He shook his head. But then he smiled. “I suppose you would rather I was civilized though and let you dine first.”

She gripped the sides of his scarlet coat. “I can wait, if I must.” She would let him do anything he wished for as many days as she had him still. The tears which had been threatening to fall all day, finally flooded her eyes.

She blinked them away and turned her back. “Let me ring for supper to be brought here, then you can at least eat soon.”

When Jennifer returned, Paul was already seated on the bed undressing, Ellen opened the door slightly and whispered. “Will you bring us something hot from a local inn for dinner, a pie perhaps? Leave it outside the door and knock. Oh and purchase wine too.”

When she shut the door she leaned back against it, watching him sitting in his pantaloons, bare chested, as he worked to pull off his boots.

He looked up at her. “All I have thought of all day is you, and being back in bed.”

She smiled. It was good to know he thought of her, and now she could help him escape.

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