Chapter Fifteen
The sun had slipped under the horizon as the day dissolved into twilight. Louise stood at the window in the second-floor drawing room, her eyes fixed on Green Park, the gardens behind Lyon’s Den. The room was a sanctuary of refined elegance. The pastel green walls darkened as twilight advanced. Gilded frames with select artwork and portraits of dearly departed Colonel Lyon, his watchful eyes presiding over the room like a silent guardian.
The damask upholstery in hunter green and cream covered the settees and armchairs, their graceful curves inviting intimate conversations. Mahogany occasional tables, embellished with delicate ormolu, and displayed intricately carved statuettes—a testament to Bessie’s taste.
On the mantelpiece was a lone lit candle, an array of porcelain figurines, and fragrant bouquets in delicate vases, tastefully filling the air with a subtle fragrance, a blend of lavender, roses, and sandalwood.
The carpet underfoot, in an intricate floral motif, completed the setting. The room was warm, comfortable, and inviting.
There was a light tap on the door.
“Come,” Louise said, still staring out the window.
“Louise,” Helena said, “Nathaniel is here to see you. Shall I show him in?”
She turned toward Helena, her heart pounding at the unexpected pleasure of seeing him.
Breathless, she said, “Yes. Thank you. But I haven’t a mask.”
Helena spoke softly to someone outside the door. Moments later, she entered alone. She closed the curtain and blew out the candle. Helena took a veil from her pocket and handed it to Louise. “Put this on. It will come just beneath your nose, but that should be enough of a disguise. I think you’re ready for your guest.”
With the room darkened and her veil in place, Louise was filled with anticipation. She nervously smoothed out her skirt and tried not to look at the door.
She saw only a shadow of the man as he entered the room. “This is like the game of blind man’s bluff Bessie played after we waltzed,” she remarked and was rewarded with a warm, deep baritone chuckle.
“Forgive me,” he said. “I came without my mask.”
“Please, there is no need for any apology. I would offer you tea, but I fear I would spill it if I tried to pour.”
She reveled in him standing beside her, his breath gently brushing against her cheek.
Nathaniel took astep closer, his hand trembling ever so slightly. “I am here. I needed to speak to you this evening.”
“Do you have another challenge? Where are we off to?” She gave him her full attention.
He didn’t miss the excitement or the anticipation in her voice.
Oh, he would like to be off with her somewhere, alone, just the two of them. With his body on point, he was glad the room was dark.
“We’ve seen each other nearly every day. I’ve found that today wouldn’t be complete without seeing you.” He didn’t hide the smile in his voice.
Louise’s soft gasp pleased him. He would prefer seeing her face, but with what he planned to tell her, the shadows might be better.
“Nathaniel… I’m glad you’ve come. I found myself thinking much the same. I’ve looked forward to our being together.”
His eyes had gotten accustomed to the darkness. She was under her veil, but he could make out her eyes, bright hazel eyes filled with unwavering determination.
“I am more certain about our challenges and the results we’ve seen so far, Louise. And it has made me realize that the connection I feel with you, the bond we have formed through our work and shared experiences, is something far stronger than I ever could have imagined.”
“I’m flattered.” Her hand went to her throat as she lowered her head. “As you mentioned, we’ve been with each other for days, testing, talking, and—”
“And trusting each other,” he added in a rush.
Louise took a tentative step forward, her gaze locked with his, and he wondered what she was thinking. “Like a brother and sister?” she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
He shook his head in disagreement.
“Oh, then, like a good friend,” she attempted to be serious, Nathaniel observed, detecting a hint of mischief in her tone.
“Better,” Nathaniel countered.
Louise raised her eyebrow, clearly enjoying their playful banter, Nathaniel noted, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
He wished he could remove her veil and see her clearly. He set his finger under her chin and tilted it up. Her glistening eyes and inviting pink lips were all he needed to see.
His kiss began softly. He increased the intensity and was relieved she didn’t object. Long moments later, he broke off the kiss, his gaze locked onto hers and her dazed expression.
With a surge of courage, Nathaniel pulled Louise close in a protective embrace. They stood together in the darkening room, swaying gently to a waltz only they could hear. The weight of their unspoken desires hung in the air, exhilarating and breathtaking.
“Not like a brother, not like a friend. Like a lover,” he whispered to her. He held his breath. Had he said too much? He exhaled. Had he said enough?
“Are you certain? We have spent a great deal of time together, it’s true. It could be infatuation or…” Her voice trailed off as she stepped back.
He chuckled and lowered his voice playfully. “Or lust? No, my sweet. I do not want you for a mistress.” His voice lost its playfulness and took on a more serious tone. “Not unless it’s the mistress of my house.”
Louise stared at him. He made out the individual features of her face but could only guess at how they all looked together.
“I love you, Louise.” His voice was filled with sincerity. “With all my heart, I love you. It has taken me far too long to come to that conclusion.”
A tear glistened in Louise’s eye. Nathaniel gently took her trembling hand, turned it over, and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on her palm.
Louise slowly covered his jaw with a line of soft kisses. When she reached his chin, their lips met softly but were filled with an almost desperate longing.
He took her into his arms, and the world ceased to exist. Nathaniel deepened the kiss. His hands traced gentle paths across Louise’s back. She cuddled closer, silently asking for more, igniting a fire deep within them both.
Nathaniel thought he would burn to a cinder, and he reluctantly broke off the kiss but did not let her go.
Louise rested her forehead against Nathaniel’s, her voice barely above a whisper. “Nathaniel, I love you. I have loved you for longer than I care to admit. But I feared letting my heart lead me somewhere I had no business going.”
“You have nothing to fear. We shall stand together, bound by our connection and love. No matter the obstacles we face, we shall face them together.” He lifted her face and kissed her passionately, sealing his declaration.
As their kiss deepened, a flood of emotions washed over them, surpassing any they had experienced before. Nathaniel’s touch, once tenuous, now ventured boldly across the contours of Louise’s body, driven on by the intoxicating softness and warmth he had only imagined and craved for far too long.
The room, filled with a dizzying excitement, spun around them as they sank deeper into each other, surrendering to their desires.
Time became irrelevant as they lost themselves in passion. It was only when they heard the soft knock on the door that their lips finally parted, both gasping for breath.
The door opened, and at once Nathaniel and Louise stepped apart.
“What are thetwo of you doing in the dark? Better yet, don’t tell me.” Bessie sauntered in.
“Nathaniel, I know Louise is glad you visited, but it is time for you to go. She is off to Isla’s Soiree this evening. There will be plenty of time for you two to be together… in the light.”
“You’re right, of course.” Nathaniel let go of her hand and took another step back.
“Now off with you.” Bessie waved her hand at him. “We will have an unmasking and announce the results of the project soon enough. Then the two of you can continue doing,” she waved her hand at them, “whatever the two of you were doing.”
Nathaniel took a step toward the door and stopped. He walked to Louise, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her soundly and quickly. Then he turned to Bessie and kissed her cheek.
With long strides, he went to the door but hesitated.
“I meant every word I said.” He looked at Louise.
“And what was that?” Bessie asked.
“That I love her, of course.” Nathaniel left, closing the door behind him.
Bessie let out a deep breath. “Of course.”