15. ~ Falling in Love ~

CHAPTER 15

I'd decided to avoid the undesirable company at all costs. I was in no mood to deal with the lieutenant. I'd spent the night tossing and turning, and Mrs. Allerton's insistence that I get out of bed at a "decent time," as she called it, didn't help matters. Hence, I planned to grab a bite and leave quickly.

I descended the staircase, and the lieutenant's comments from the previous night replayed in my mind. After dinner, referring to his actions to save my father, I'd said, "Surely, any soldier would've done the same," to bring him down from his pedestal. His disregard for my feelings about Lucca's bedroom continued to bother me, along with the determinedness to quell my attraction to someone whose manner didn't match his appearance. And as for my brother's room, I'd already made a list of what I would do to disinfect it once the lieutenant left, to restore it to its former sanctity.

"For your father, I'm sure they would have, but for you . . ." he'd taunted me.

"For me, I assure you, Lieutenant," I'd answered, "any soldier would give his life without a second thought."

I smiled thinking about my comeback, but that smile vanished as soon as I entered the breakfast room. The only person there was the one I'd hoped to avoid. However, if I retreated, he would enjoy it too much. I'd bite the bullet.

Noticing the food hadn't arrived, I took the farthest seat from him.

"Good morning, Miss Contini."

"There is nothing good about it," I grumbled.

"Well, it's good to see me, isn't it?"

"Are you off your trolley, or is it a side effect of the war?" He turned a shade that almost made me laugh at my own words, but I kept a straight face.

"I won't take your rudeness personally. I understand you're upset because you had to rise early. I heard you whining about it to Mrs. Allerton this morning," he said matter-of-factly.

A wave of embarrassment washed over me. I could not believe he had heard. "I didn't whine, Lieutenant."

"It's Lieutenant General to you, miss. Or, if you prefer, General."

"I'll keep that in mind, Lieutenant." I smiled with false sweetness.

He smiled back and attacked again. "Well, if it wasn't whining, what do I call the irritating sounds I heard?"

"Excuse my tardiness. I'm afraid I got carried away chatting with the group in the dining room." Father entered with Sarah and another maid on his heels. "It's good to see you two conversing."

I bit my tongue. My reply to the lieutenant would have to wait.

"Your daughter is a delight." He stood as Father took his seat.

"We agree on that much." Father glanced at me, at the lieutenant, and then back at me. He knew my distance from his favorite soldier was not coincidental. "Alexander, come sit closer."

The lieutenant obliged, moving to sit across from me.

I wanted to leave, but hunger constrained me to stay.

Sarah spread platters of fruit, toast, and cold cuts across the table. I passed on the meat; it made me sick in the morning. The lieutenant took two pieces, some fruit, and a piece of toast slathered in peach marmalade. How could he eat so much?

"Mm, the marmalade is excellent," he commented.

I was flattered but kept it to myself. I helped Mr. Grant make two batches just last week.

"How did you two sleep last night?" Father asked. I didn't like the words "you two" and "sleep" in the same sentence.

"Excellent, thank you, sir."

"Just fine," I responded.

"How about you, sir?" the lieutenant asked.

"Better than I have in a long time. Nothing beats a comfortable bed."

"I agree, sir. The bed in my quarters is wonderful."

"Sure it is. Better than you've ever had," I said under my breath.

"I'm glad you find it to your liking." Father turned to Sarah. "Is there any porridge today?"

"Yes, sir."

Father moved swiftly to the serving table. "I must have some."

I reached for a piece of toast, and the lieutenant grabbed my hand.

"I heard what you said," he whispered.

"So you did." I tried to free my hand, but he gripped it firmly.

"And you are right."

Was he seriously saying I was correct on something?

"While the bed is the best I ever had, surely yours is better. I should try it sometime." He winked and let go of my hand.

I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. "Of course, when I throw it out, you are welcome to have it, but I wouldn't hold my breath."

"Smells great," observed Father, sniffing the porridge as he returned to his seat.

"I'll have some myself." The lieutenant left and returned with a large portion.

"I'm glad you have a good appetite today, Alexander," Father noted. "I've never seen you eat so well."

"I know. I usually don't eat or sleep much. It must be the fresh air at Forti Radici." He threw a suggestive look at me. "Plus, I went for a long run early this morning."

"Oh yes, that would do it." Father nodded approvingly.

I was about to excuse myself when the conversation turned serious, as did the lieutenant. I hadn't seen this side of him, and without realizing it, I remained rooted to my chair. We discussed many topics, from politics to religion to warfare. His calm voice and clear mind took me aback, and time passed with unexpected swiftness. Nevertheless, when Father stood to leave, I beat him to it. I wouldn't be left alone with the unpredictable lieutenant.

The afternoon found me feeling restless. My emotional side urged me to stay in seclusion. My rational side urged me to get over it. "This is ridiculous," I told myself. "I'm hiding in my own house. Afraid of what? Myself?" I couldn't deny I liked the lieutenant I had seen at breakfast, but not enough to lower my guard. He might mean well, but not having dealt with a personality like his, I didn't know how to handle it. Logic eventually won out, and I changed into my riding clothes.

Stepping into the corridor, I gasped. The lieutenant stood outside Lucca's room, facing my direction, a shoulder against the wall. Retreat was not possible—not if I wanted to maintain my pride. He sported a white, long-sleeved shirt buttoned halfway up. Why did this insufferable man have to be so handsome? Now, more than ever, I could see why women swooned on a regular basis. And he certainly had the air of one accustomed to charming his way to anything he wanted. Too bad for him; I firmly believed that while charm struck the sight, merit won the soul. I put on my mask of indifference and braced for combat.

"Are you holding the wall in place, Lieutenant?" I mocked, doing my best not to look at his unbuttoned shirt.

"Actually, I was waiting for you."

"Seriously?" I scoffed.

"See this?" He extended his hand, palm open.

"A button?" I stared at it blankly.

"It fell off my shirt." He pointed to the empty spot. "Can you sew it on for me?"

His request seemed out of place when we were not even friends. Evidently, he just wanted to get under my skin. I rallied my forces. "Why don't you sew it on yourself? Surely, you are capable of that much."

"You don't know how to sew," he challenged with a chuckle.

"Of course, I do, but it doesn't mean I'll mend your clothes."

"Nah. If you knew how to sew, you would be happy to help me out."

"Definitely off the trolley . . ." I muttered, answering my question from this morning.

With surprising smoothness, he moved in front of me, forcing me into the wall. "No, I'm not off my trolley, Miss Contini, nor is it a result of the war. I assure you, I'm very intelligent."

"That's debatable, Lieutenant."

"Stop calling me lieutenant." He placed his hands on the wall on either side of me. I was trapped.

"Not a chance." I gave him a challenging smile.

He lowered his head to whisper in my ear. "I shall make you, then."

"I'd like to see you try, Lieutenant." I felt the warmth of his body against mine, my heart racing with new, unknown emotions.

When Sarah appeared at the top of the stairs, he stepped back, and I slipped out of his reach.

Shocked by his actions, I exited the house. A gentle breeze whispered across the grounds, refreshing my desire for an escape. I had to stop thinking about the man.

"Where are you going?" Mrs. Allerton called, emerging from the damask rose garden, carrying a basket overflowing with pink blooms.

"For a ride on Sunny." I bent to sniff the roses. "Oh, they smell heavenly, and they are so beautiful."

"You are going for a ride this late in the afternoon? And alone?" Mrs. Allerton's eyebrows rose.

"I won't be gone long."

"You should have invited General Sterling along."

"That's an idea." As soon as pigs fly.

"There is still time," she insisted. "I don't think he's doing much today."

Other than pestering me. "Perhaps another time."

"Don't go too far." Mrs. Allerton produced an expression of disapproval.

"I won't." I kissed her cheek and marched to the stable.

Sunny's glassy eyes looked at me from behind the stall, her brown coat glistening after her morning bath. Father called her a palfrey horse—lightweight and suitable for riding long distances.

"Are you ready for some exercise?" I saddled her, then rubbed her neck. She neighed in contentment. "Right, then. Let's go."

While Sunny wove through the trees with leisure, I relished the fresh air, the rustling of leaves in the trees, and the scurrying of animals in the underbrush. I glanced up as a large bird shrieked from above. "Would you look at that—a hen harrier," I said to Sunny as if she cared. Landing on a branch, the brown-and-white bird of prey watched me as if I trespassed on her territory. I kept Sunny moving steadily so as not to disturb the feathery creature. Another cry. She wasn't alone. A gray harrier with black wingtips perched two branches above her. "Oh, they must be a couple." If I recalled correctly, the gray one was the male, the brown the female.

Sunny pushed on, and the hen harriers were soon left behind to enjoy their tranquility. We passed a thicket of birch trees, and she made a few snorting sounds, then halted, her ears stiffening.

"What is it, girl?" I took in our surroundings but could see nothing amiss.

She snorted again and pawed at the forest floor as if alerting me to danger.

"It's all right." I patted her neck, but I knew the forest could be treacherous and concealing—a perfect ally to the unwanted. The thought filled me with chills, but I ignored them. I had to stay focused to exit the trees safely.

"Come on, girl. We mustn't linger."

Sunny moved on, and my awareness heightened, my eyes scanning farther than usual, my ears picking up the faintest of sounds. Up ahead, a clearing formed. I sighed in relief, my mind already mapping a different return route. I dismounted to give Sunny a break, and she headed straight to the flowing brook. I crouched beside her, watching her nostrils flare as she eagerly drank the cool water.

An earsplitting blast shook the quiet clearing, flocks of birds scattering from the treetops into the air. Sunny bolted, and I fell into the stream with a muffled cry. The icy water stole my breath, and I looked around, disconcerted, until I saw a figure emerge from the trees.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were here." Lieutenant Sterling extended a hand, but I ignored it, still stunned by the ringing in my ears and the frigid water. He came into the brook and lifted me into his arms. "Are you hurt?"

I shuddered. "No."

"You are freezing. We must get you back to the house."

The warmth of his body, and the softness of his voice invited me to stay in his embrace. But it dawned on me that he must be the reason Sunny fled and I was chilled to the bone, and the enchantment was broken.

"Put me down, please," I asked, and he did. "You fired that shot, didn't you?"

His look of guilt told all.

"What the devil were you doing?" I hugged myself, trying to contain the shivers.

"Hunting." I sensed a double meaning in his words.

I shook my head in disbelief, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

"Seriously, there was a feral boar in those trees." He lied shamelessly.

I glared at his pistol. "That's not a hunting rifle."

"I can hunt with any gun I want."

"You scared my horse away!" It would be a long walk back to the house, especially soaking wet.

"I can give you a ride." He whistled, and within seconds, his horse trotted into view.

"How convenient."

"Come on, let's go. I'll help you up."

"I'm not riding with you."

"Why not? What are you afraid of?" Amusement twinkled in his eyes. "You can ride in front. I promise I'll only hold on to your waist." His proposition galled me. A true gentleman would have offered me the privilege of riding alone.

"Listen, since I'm the daughter of your superior, I think I should ride your horse and you should walk." I smiled sweetly, fearing my manipulation might backfire.

"I'll tell you what," he started, and my hope that he might accept my proposal fled. "You can ride with me, or you can be the one who walks. It's your choice."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No, I'm giving you a choice."

"I'll walk."

"Well then, if that's what you want." He mounted his horse. "Goodbye, my lady."

He vanished into the thickness of the woods as if I mattered less than the feral boar he'd supposedly hunted. I stomped and cried out in rage. How dare he! The arrogant jackanapes! I didn't care if he was the apple of Father's eye. Someone had to put him in his place. Father would hear about this.

My sodden clothing and outrage at the lieutenant's cavalier treatment made for a miserable walk. By the time I finally cleared the forest, my eyes stung with tears of anger, but at the sight of home, I inhaled a calming breath and blinked my eyes dry.

"What happened to you?" a startled Mrs. Allerton asked as I stepped into the kitchen.

Lieutenant Sterling and a few soldiers sat at the table, chatting over their drinks. He grinned smugly at me. Right then and there, my plans changed. He would never know the satisfaction of my humiliation. Resisting the urge to retaliate became easier as a better tactic came to mind.

Mustering what benevolence I could, I answered Mrs. Allerton in a dignified tone. "Nothing. Why?"

"Your horse came back without you, and . . ." She touched my blouse. "You are wet. Your father was just about to send General Sterling to look for you."

I almost laughed. Almost.

The lieutenant stood. "We were worried about you, my lady." His charade was masterful.

"Thank you for your concern, Lieutenant Sterling. You are most polite. I just happened to encounter a wild pig in the woods. It scared my horse away. But luckily, I manage to get rid of it without any problems." I thoroughly enjoyed his look of consternation.

"A pig?" Mrs. Allerton repeated alarmingly. She hated the things.

"Well, now that I think about it, it wasn't a pig. It was an ugly, oversized wild boar," I stated with horror.

"Oh, Florence! A wild boar! They can be dangerous," Mrs. Allerton exclaimed. "You shouldn't have gone alone."

"Dangerous indeed, but I stayed at a safe distance." I glanced at the lieutenant. "Thankfully, there was only one of them, and I did enjoy the peaceful walk back to the house."

"You better change," Mrs. Allerton urged, "before you get sick."

"I think I'll be sick after seeing that horrible beast anyway. You should've seen it. It had gigantic, disgusting feet." I would have to offer a prayer of repentance later for speaking ill of the poor animals.

The lieutenant looked down at his feet.

My barb found its target, the taste of victory sweet. I wouldn't have traded a million pounds for the gratification I felt beholding his drowning self-confidence. Barely containing my glee, I continued. "Oh, Mrs. Allerton, its hideous head and big mouth will give me nightmares for years. My father would do well to rid the place of such horrid creatures." I felt Lieutenant Sterling's eyes pierce my back as I left the kitchen.

"You only need to avoid the man for one more night," I told myself. How difficult could it be? The soldiers would leave in the morning. I just had to endure a departing dinner, which, in truth, Father used as an excuse to invite acquaintances to dine with him. Though he did an excellent job hiding it from his comrades, this sentimental man dearly loved his family and friends.

I sat in front of the mirror while Mrs. Allerton parted my long hair into three sections and began pinning and twisting them into a complicated pompadour and psyche-knot style. She finished with an ornately beaded headband that matched my blue dress.

"Thank you." No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get it right without her help.

"You are welcome." Mrs. Allerton smiled. "Won't you be turning heads tonight! Perhaps one in particular."

I ignored her. I most definitely didn't want to turn the lieutenant's head—unless it was on a platter.

"We must hurry now," she said. "Everyone has arrived already."

I descended the staircase, both hands pressed against my dress, lifting it a few inches above my feet. The last thing I needed was to make a grand entrance rolling down the steps. People stood in the foyer and adjacent rooms, conversing merrily. Among a group of soldiers, Lieutenant Sterling stood near the entrance in his navy uniform. Glad he faced away from me, I slipped through the crowd into the dining room.

A redheaded soldier headed in my direction. I remembered him arriving with Father's company but hadn't seen him since.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Contini. I am Thomas Frankfort."

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Frankfort."

"Please, call me Thomas."

"Only if you call me Florence."

"Deal." He smiled. "I'd hoped to meet you earlier, but it's been one meeting or training exercise after another."

"My father keeps a tight schedule even during breaks, doesn't he?"

"Indeed, but I must confess I enjoy moving about the forest while we train with other troops."

"Oh yes. They come and go constantly. It's a great area for training."

"I must also say that you remind me a great deal of your brother." Thomas's sudden observation took me aback.

"You knew Lucca?"

"I spent a few weeks with him in military school. He talked a lot about you. I knew you were not identical twins, but the resemblance is remarkable."

"It's a sad reminder at times."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean . . ."

"It's all right."

"Frankfort," a soldier called from the refreshment table, "get over here."

"Excuse our manners," Thomas said. "We have been on the road far too long.

"Please, don't worry. Go on."

Thomas bowed slightly and heeded the call.

I turned to see my father conversing with an older couple near the dining table, the lady's curvaceous figure and dark hair unmistakable. The husband's stunning slenderness and stern eyes were also hard to miss. Mr. and Mrs. Veils owned a banking firm in London. Their wealth, coupled with the many loans they extended throughout the region, made them quite famous and, at times, a bit insufferable. They weren't afraid to use their social status to expand their empire. However, Father had known them for some time, and despite their shortcomings, had grown fond of them. "He who is without sin, let him first cast a stone," he reminded me whenever I was inclined to criticize.

"Remember my daughter, Florence?" Father said as I approached.

"Of course. The most beautiful girl in the New Forest," Mr. Veils complimented from under his thick black mustache.

"Apart from our Nelly, that is." Mrs. Veils chuckled.

"Nice to see you again," I said. "Regrettably, I don't think I've ever met Nelly."

"You haven't?" Mrs. Veils looked horrified at the idea.

"She is here tonight." Mr. Veils scanned the crowd. "There she is! That's our Nelly!" He pointed to a young woman across the room. She had inherited her mother's figure, and her blonde hair was cut short in the scandalous new style, though I rather liked the rapidly changing fashion. And it didn't appear to bother her partner. Nelly conversed intimately with none other than Lieutenant Sterling.

"We hoped General Sterling would be here tonight to meet our Nelly." Mrs. Veils was clearly pleased. "As we all know, he is the most coveted bachelor in England."

"He is a remarkable man," Father said. "Very fortunate will be the girl who wins his heart."

"Fortunate indeed." The Veils seemed oblivious to my not-so-subtle mocking tone. I slipped away to peek at the place cards on the table. Mrs. Allerton had thoughtfully assigned me a seat by the lieutenant. I would rectify that right now. As he was so besotted with Nelly, he deserved to sit next to her. While pretending to admire the setting, I delightedly switched a few of the cards. However, my delight faded when I thought of Mrs. Allerton. She would be dumbfounded by the new arrangement, and I would hear from her later. No matter. It was worth it.

As if summoned by my mischief, Mrs. Allerton bustled into the room and invited the guests to take their seats, Father settling at the head of the table. I sat to his right and noticed Thomas's surprised expression as he took the seat beside me. Yes, I made sure that was the case. Lieutenant Sterling now sat directly across from me, with Nelly happily by his side, followed by her parents.

As the evening wore on, I found Thomas a pleasant companion as he talked about Lucca and their shared military experiences. On the other hand, the lieutenant was immersed in his newfound entertainment—Miss Veils, who spoke and laughed as if to draw attention to her claim on him.

When the last course arrived, I was fed up with their apparent glee and angry with myself for even noticing. To make things worse, Father proposed a toast in honor of the lieutenant, a toast filled with praise and gratitude to the most courageous soldier General Contini had ever known.

I thought the lieutenant incapable of feeling timidity, but he proved me wrong when his face colored. What wasn't clear was whether the speech or Nelly's boisterous clapping had embarrassed him. When he got to his feet to raise his glass, I smiled inwardly at the sheen of nervous perspiration on his forehead. So, indeed, he was less confident than he pretended to be.

Mrs. Allerton's timely invitation to the library, where several game tables awaited, relieved the lieutenant but not me. I'd hoped to enjoy his discomfort a little longer.

"Let's go play some games," Thomas encouraged.

His enthusiasm reminded me too much of Lucca, and I felt a deep throb of loneliness. Ever since he passed away, I'd felt a little hollow inside, as if I'd lost part of my soul. "If you don't mind, I'll pass. I'm ready to call it a night."

"Are you sure? It'll be fun."

"I'm sorry."

"Will I see you tomorrow, before I leave?"

"I'll be in the garden after breakfast."

We exited the dining room.

"I shall look for you, then. Good night, Florence."

"Good night, Thomas."

He veered to the library, and I took a detour through the kitchen to the gardens. I longed for time to ponder the last hours—Thomas's friendship with Lucca, what I learned about my brother's soldier life, and Lieutenant Sterling's interest in Nelly. Why were my emotions in such disarray?

The crescent moon brought with it a dense obscurity to the night. I came into the rose garden, refreshed by the smell of the advanced spring after a long winter.

"It could be dangerous for a young lady to be out here alone." Lieutenant Sterling stood before me.

I started at his sudden appearance.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"I find that difficult to believe after our encounter in the forest. Besides, instead of worrying about me, you should get back to your new devotee." I moved toward the house.

He intercepted me under the illuminated gallery. His blue eyes sparkled as the light reached them, and my heart raced.

What on earth was wrong with me this evening? With a concerted effort, I said, "Lieutenant, you are tiresome and have a bad habit of cornering girls."

He stepped closer. "You are the first one to complain."

"Perhaps I should slap you instead."

"I wouldn't try it if I were you." He caressed my face with the back of his hand.

His touch sent my heart into a frenzy. I knew I should pull away, but with my odd mood, I allowed it.

"Your father told me many things about you."

"Surely you are disappointed, then."

"On the contrary. I'm amazed."

"Amazed at what?"

"He said you were beautiful, but you are more than that." His voice quivered, and, for the first time, his gaze looked past me into the darkness. "You captured my soul the very first time I saw you. You have bewitched me."

"You must read too many romance novels," I mocked. After the way he conducted himself with Nelly, how could he feel anything for me? I tried to leave, but he pulled me into his arms.

"I don't read romance novels. I just know the way I feel about you. Now, I would like to know what you've done to possess me so completely. I'm in love with you, and I don't know how to express it any other way than—" It took a moment for the absurdity of his statement to sink in as his lips met mine with an unforgettable desperate passion.

A sweet fire coursed through me, and I forgot my anger and sorrow—everything that seemed wrong and broken in my life. His closeness, his taste, overpowered me, and I couldn't get enough of him. Yet, somewhere along the way, my pride resurfaced, and I shoved him away. My escape was swift. My feelings for him were novel, something I'd never experienced with another man. He had the power to capture me, and that was a frightful thought.

The night would prove to be my enemy as sleep evaded me, my thoughts tossed about by his confession. Could it be? My desires lingered in his unforgettable kiss, my fears trapped in the notion that when morning came, he would be gone