Traitor's Curse by Beth Trissel

Author:Beth Trissel [Trissel, Beth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gothic, ghostly, mystery, historical, romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2015-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

At last, the gods smiled on Stuart, and he smiled at the vision seated across the table from him before the cheery crackle of flames. Firelight played over Hettie’s face and the responsive curve at her mouth. She’d pinkened her cheeks with a little rouge. Her lips needed none, but she’d reddened them. The effect was pleasing, and he approved the dusting of powder on her neck and bosom, smelling divinely of violets.

“How enchanting you are this evening, Miss Fairfax.”

She inclined her head with the innate elegance she possessed. “Most kind. You are exceedingly handsome, sir.”

“I’m not a patch on your looks.”

“Au contraire, Captain.”

He chuckled. “This hardened soldier shall not make comparisons of beauty with the exquisite creature before him.”

“If you insist.”

“Heartily.” He wanted to kiss those fair lips by way of reply. Instead, he gloried in the sight that was Hettie.

The glow from the hearth shone on the lustrous black hair piled on her head, and burnished the greenish-gold taffeta gracing her slender figure. The gown, a gift from her doting uncle, was delivered by coach this afternoon. Even Jonas, who abhorred costly display, had sent the apricot silk stole draped over her shoulders. His way of apologizing for inadvertently hiring the man who’d tried to poison her and held a blade to her throat.

Stuart gestured at the costly shawl, well beyond his own meager means to give her. “Most generous of Jonas. A boon to know he isn’t devoid of sentiment for his cousin.”

She grimaced good-naturedly. “He’s an odd duck, but not without all awareness of his relations. He might need us at some point.”

“Or you, him. Though I pray that day never comes.” His somber reflection an unintentional addition to the evening.

Her eyes mirrored his gravity. “As do I.”

Stuart was resolved to be the one to care for her. That he already cherished her was undeniable. He raised a glass. “Enough solemnity. A toast to your good health, dear lady.”

She lifted a goblet of amber fluid. “And yours, sir.”

“Such joy to have the pleasure of your company.” He breathed her name. “Hettie.”

The smile she rewarded him with was wealth beyond measure. Nothing in this world could purchase that radiance.

Mrs. Jenner blew into the room bearing a tray of small seed cakes, dusted with cinnamon. She added this rich dessert to the burgeoning spread laid out on the small table, then hovered like a mother anxious for the welfare of her offspring.

“Everything to yer liking, Captain, Miss Fairfax?”

He raised a glass. “Excellent.”

“’Tis appetizing in sight and scent, Mrs. Jenner.” Hettie articulated what the housekeeper wanted to hear.

Mrs. Jenner beamed at the praise and opportunity to atone for her error in overdosing the poor lady. “I’ll pass on yer compliments to Sally and the girls.” Drying her hands on her apron, she stood ready to attend to their every whim.

What Stuart truly wanted was no one in attendance. What bliss to have Hettie to himself for the span of several hours.

The floral fragrance wafting from her blended with

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