Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie Read online

  Merde. She couldn’t agree with him now. She flipped through several sketches, all adequate, but… Oh, why must he have seen the fashion plate first?

  She studied the other drawings and debated between making a different selection to spite Daniel and following her wishes. In the end, she turned the page to his favorite gown.

  “This one is quite nice,” she mumbled.

  Daniel smirked. “Excellent choice, madame. I couldn’t have chosen better myself.”

  How she wanted to tell him to take a plunge off a tall cliff, but instead she tossed her head and ignored him, earning an infuriating chuckle.

  “This way, madame.” The modiste ushered her through a set of crimson velvet curtains trimmed in gold fringe and urged her to stand on a platform. With speed that marked her as an experienced seamstress, she took Lisette’s measurements.

  “I shall have your gown ready in plenty of time before the ball.”

  “Merci, madame.”

  Lisette commissioned Madame Morel to create three more looks then wandered to the front of the shop and stood with her back to the shop window to wait for Serafine and Amelia.

  With time to think upon her ball gown, uncertainty buzzed around in her head like a persistent housefly. Perhaps she should have solicited her cousin’s advice before choosing the style. Serafine, her senior by two years, had enjoyed a season in New Orleans society. She knew about societal expectations and judgments whereas Lisette wallowed in ignorance.

  Her social interactions had been limited to attending the cathedral every Sabbath, which hadn’t prepared her to don daring gowns or dance within the circle of a man’s arms. Lisette’s heart tripped and tumbled end over end.

  Lord, have mercy. Balls involved dancing. Why hadn’t this dawned on her earlier? She would look like a fool at the Governor’s Ball. How was she to charm a gentleman into assisting her and her family if she moved like a one-legged hen on the dance floor?

  She clasped her hands at her chest and took a slow, deep breath to calm her riotous belly. She needn’t panic, not yet. Surely she could figure out something before the Governor’s Ball so no one would realize she didn’t know a minuet from a—a—another dance.

  She could name only the minuet? How could that be?

  Daniel approached her as Serafine disappeared through the curtains for her fitting. “You’re anxious again.”

  “I am not.”

  He raised a brow and nodded toward her entwined hands. The tips of her fingers glowed red while her knuckles had turned white.

  “I hadn’t realized I was—” Lisette dropped her hands to her sides and cleared her throat. “It’s simply a habit.”

  “A nervous habit.”

  She shot him a warning glower when a witty retort refused to come to her.

  He touched her elbow. His blue eyes radiated concern. “What’s the matter, Lisette? Perhaps I can help. Is it the gown?”

  “The gown is exquisite.”

  “Then what troubles you?”

  She sighed with resignation. What did it matter if he knew her education as a lady had been neglected? “Papa—he never allowed me to receive instruction in dance. He thought it was a frivolous pursuit.”

  “I see.” His cocky grin returned. “Well, luv, you’re in luck because I’m an excellent dancer.”

  He teased her again.

  “Why do I bother confiding in you?” She spun on her heel and marched from the boutique with Daniel following behind. “Is there anything to which you do not claim to be an expert?”

  “Wait a minute, madame, what are you implying?”

  She stopped on the walkway outside the shop, derailed by the glorious scent wafting on the breeze. “What is that delightful aroma?” She threw a censorious look at Daniel as he reached her side. “And do not claim it’s you.”

  He laughed. He had a hearty, pleasant laugh that embraced her heart and increased her frustration and worries. “Whatever is that to mean? Does my scent offend you, madame?”

  Only in the sense that his unique blending of salty air and masculinity appealed to her more than she cared to admit. “Yes. No!” She tried to wave away the fog confusing her mind. “Please, I don’t wish to have this conversation now.”

  “Come with me.” He grasped her elbow and led her around the side of the building where a vine of white, waxy flowers weaved through a weathered trellis. “It’s jasmine.”

  She walked closer and plucked a blossom to savor the sweetness. “Oh, I never knew anything could be this… perfect.”

  “It’s no more perfect than the perfume you wear.”

  “Well, I prefer the jasmine.” She smiled, the barrier between them crumbling a little. “I apologize for my outburst, Captain. I’m allowing my concerns to color my behavior. I’ll find a quiet place at the ball and observe.”

  Could she truly enlist a gentleman’s help from the sidelines?

  He took the jasmine blossom from her fingers and tucked it into her hair, trailing his thumb along her cheek then over her lips. “You are to call me Daniel, remember? I should be the one to apologize for my behavior on ship. I never thanked you for taking care of me.”

  She knew she should pull away, but she longed to feel his touch, to remember the warmth of his fingers on her cheek when she needed comfort in the long days ahead.

  “I didn’t mean to come across as arrogant about my skill on the dance floor either,” he said. “I had lessons as a young man. If you follow my lead, I won’t allow you to look like a fool. I promise.”

  The heavenly fragrance from the jasmine vine and Daniel’s nearness made her head spin. “But that will not help me when I dance with another partner.”

  “I don’t wish for you to have another partner.” He traced a circle on her chin then urged her forward to meet his mouth.

  Sweet Mary and Joseph. Her willpower was weak.

  Daniel’s kiss was gentle, just as it had been the first time. Encouraging, almost pleading, but not demanding as he was in every other instance. This side of him caught her off balance, and she leaned in to him, encircled by his protective arms. Reaching around his neck, she urged him closer, parting her lips when his tongue brushed against them. A moan sounded deep within his throat, flowing into her and rattling her senses. She answered his call with a soft murmur and hugged him tighter.

  He broke the kiss but didn’t release her as he nibbled down her neck, sending tremors everywhere.

  “Mon dieu, mon amour,” she said on a wispy breath. “You’re making me shake uncontrollably now.”

  Daniel ceased his lovely assault and smiled down at her, keeping her within the circle of his arms. “I believe that might have been praise, but I’m never certain with you, Lis.”

  “You may consider it high accolades.”

  His brow lifted with an arrogant slant. “Expert status, would you say?”

  She was too enchanted by him to find fault this time. “I’m willing to concede that you are in fact very good at kissing.”

  “I’m also an excellent dancer, as you will learn this afternoon when I give you your first lesson.”

  ***

  Louis Reynaud studied the pennant on the masthead. A strong wind from the northwest whipped the flag into a frenzy. “Two points on the larboard bow then dead ahead.”

  The helmsman nodded sharply and followed his command, turning the wheel to the left.

  From Louis’s calculations, he and his crew would dock at Port Albis in five days. The Mihos skimmed the mighty waves, unbound by gravity. His ship was everything he was, sleek, stealthy, and unstoppable. Wind blasted his unbound hair from his face, filling him with feral aggression. He was the lion god, and no one stole what belonged to him.

  After careful consideration, he’d decided to spare his fiancée’s life. Lisette would have a long time to make amends for her disobedient actions, and he’d see that she was repentant.

  Louis smiled and turned his attention to what, or rather who, waited for him in his quarters. The
man had proven useful in accessing the Cecily’s manifest. Now his presence would ensure Lisette’s return, along with Louis’s letters, once they caught up to Captain Hillary’s ship. Entering his cabin, Louis’s gaze landed on the man still sitting at the table where he had left him. He regarded Louis with caution. His quarry was wise but weak, which pleased and disappointed Louis at the same time.

  “Mr. Baptiste, I’m surprised by how accommodating you have been. I expected more trouble from you.”

  Fourteen

  “Step back, side, together, shift weight. Now back, to the right—” Daniel tightened his grip on Lisette’s hand and tugged her to the right when she slid to the left.

  Again.

  “Right! Right! Damnation, woman. How do you not know your right from left?”

  “Stop barking at me. I thought you meant your right.”

  Daniel threw his hands in the air with a frustrated growl.

  Lisette’s green eyes sparked with irritation as they stood toe to toe in the deserted ballroom. “You are the one going the wrong direction.”

  The stubborn tip of her chin made him grin in spite of himself. He liked a spirited lady and Lisette showed more courage than most when faced with his displeasure.

  Daniel rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath. He’d conquered more difficult challenges than teaching a lady with no sense of direction to waltz. He could master Lisette too.

  “I can’t be going the wrong way, my dear. I’m leading.”

  “Hence, the problem.” With an exaggerated huff, she pulled herself up tall. “Shall we try again?”

  “As you wish, madame. On three. One, two, three.” He and Lisette stepped forward at the same time, the toe of her slipper slamming into his shin.

  “For the love of—” Daniel bit back a string of oaths and wrestled for control of his temper. It wouldn’t do to blister the ears of a defenseless young lady.

  “Sacre bleu.” Lisette held her head with both hands. “Just stick me in a corner with the wallflowers. I’ll never learn to waltz.”

  Her bottom lip trembled and her eyes grew misty. This was the closest he’d even seen her come to shedding a tear. It was just a dance. He saw no need for her to be so critical of herself.

  “Of course you will learn, Lis. Come here.”

  She hesitated a second before stepping into his outstretched arms. He hugged her, resting his chin atop her silky hair. She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face into his cravat. If they were onboard his ship, he wouldn’t be wearing the blasted thing, and he’d feel her cheek against his bare skin. His lower belly tightened with regret.

  What a pair they would make in London, a gentleman who abhorred the privileges afforded him and a lady who couldn’t dance and bubbled forth French curses like a hot spring. He cared nothing for what the ton thought of him, but the fools would massacre his dear Lisette.

  Daniel loosened his hold and kissed her cheek. He’d do everything he could to prepare her for her first encounter with the ravenous beasts, leaving no one a reason to find fault with her.

  “I have an idea.” His hand spanned her waist and he lifted.

  She gasped and clung to him. “What are you doing?”

  “Kick off your slippers and place your feet atop mine.”

  “I will not! Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “We’re alone, luv. Besides, it’s only feet. I won’t even notice them while I’m gazing at your tempting lips.”

  “Daniel.” A crimson flush claimed her cheeks, making her even more alluring than usual. She nibbled her bottom lip as her wary gaze lifted to his. “Will this truly help me to learn?”

  He nodded. Hell if he knew, but he didn’t care at this point. All he wanted was to hold her close. Perhaps he would never let her go. More and more he was loath to have her away from him. If he could go back and reenact their last encounter in his cabins, he never would have made her leave. “You do wish to learn, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” she conceded at last. Although her voice rang with doubt, Lisette’s slippers dropped to the wooden floor, and her small feet landed on top of his boots. She wobbled until she adjusted her balance then stood stiffly while gripping his hand. “I’m ready. I think.”

  “Don’t think. That is your first lesson. Close your eyes and feel the dance.”

  Lisette’s black lashes lay against her skin, and he was tempted to kiss each eyelid before sampling all the other places he wished to place his lips. But he would never teach her the waltz in time if he allowed his desires to rule.

  “Ready?” Daniel swayed at first to allow her to grow accustomed to the motion. Her movements were wooden and unnatural, so he slipped his hand down to her hip to direct her; his fingers curled gently into her flesh. “Like this, sweetheart. Match my rhythm.”

  Her luminous eyes flew open and held him entranced. “Should I hold you there, too?” Her hand lowered to his waist, easing toward his hip. Her fingers rested against his buttocks.

  Daniel’s throat felt as if it had shrunk, and he swallowed hard. “That’s perfect.”

  She pressed her body closer to his and rested her head on his shoulder, duplicating his easy undulations. With each sway, she melted against him further.

  “Are you certain I’m doing everything correctly?” Her cool breath whispered across his ear, sending chills racing down his back.

  “Yes. You are marvelous, luv,” he murmured, his voice thick with yearning. “You’re ready.”

  He stepped slowly forward so as not to startle her, but Lisette gripped him tighter anyway. “I’m going to fall.”

  “I won’t let you.” His mouth grazed her temple and his arm tightened around her back while his other cradled her bottom. The sweet scent of orange blossoms emanated from her. His breaths came harder, faster, and matched hers. “Let’s move again.”

  He eased to the side, pausing until she regained her balance. “Now back to the start.”

  He shifted their weight to the other foot and repeated the steps. The more they danced, the more harmonious their movements became. Lisette’s added weight made him feel clumsy, but this was the first time he’d ever truly enjoyed a waltz.

  Eventually, she no longer anticipated the direction, flowing from one step to the other without hesitation. She hummed a sweet tune, her voice washing over him and flooding him with the feverish memory of her singing while she had lovingly bathed him. His head spun and his chest grew tight. He wanted to make love to her.

  Here.

  Now.

  Lisette’s eyes flew open and a smile lit her face. “I’m feeling it, Daniel.”

  His heart lodged in his throat. He was feeling it too, this thing that bound them together. The novel sensation swirled around him, a combination of loyalty, passion, and eager anticipation. He had lusted after women many times, slaked his desire, and then went his merry way. It had been the same every time. But he didn’t want to walk away from Lisette. He almost thought what he felt might be love. Yet, he’d been in love before, hadn’t he? What he shared with Lisette felt different than anything he had ever experienced with Cecily.

  Thoughts of his wife acted as a dousing with cold water, and he set Lisette away. “Nicely done. That concludes our lesson for today.”

  She beamed. “I did it, didn’t I? I can’t thank you enough, Daniel.” Such a small gesture on his part, and yet she was as happy as if he’d bestowed diamonds upon her.

  She lifted to her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek before retrieving her slippers. “I must hurry to my chambers before Serafine and Rafe return from their stroll with Monsieur Patch.”

  Lisette had insisted they keep her lessons a secret from everyone.

  She stopped at the threshold and glanced over her shoulder. “Same time tomorrow?”

  Daniel nodded, forcing himself to stay put when she breezed from the ballroom rather than giving chase as he wanted. Blinking the room into focus, he was struck by the magnitude of his depravity.

  Here he s
tood in Cecily’s home and more than anything, he longed for Lisette.

  “Damnation.” Daniel stalked into the stone corridor and headed toward the south gallery. He wanted to see his wife again, to remind himself of how she once looked.

  During his first stay at the governor’s house, Cecily had guided him to the south gallery to admire the portraits. She’d been flirtatious even with her maid present, batting her lashes and pursing her lips. Daniel had been flattered by her attempts to charm him, but he hadn’t responded in kind. Dallying with the governor’s daughter, no matter how fair of face, would have been unwise for business. His grandfather had cultivated a friendship with the governor that benefited Daniel. Remaining in the official’s good graces meant he and his crew would continue to receive a warm welcome in Port Albis.

  Cecily, however, hadn’t appreciated Daniel’s aloof manner and had voiced her displeasure at every opportunity. And she had orchestrated many opportunities to cross paths with him during his stay.

  Daniel arrived at the gallery and paused as he tried to recall the location of Cecily’s portrait. His gaze landed on her youthful face, and he moved closer. In the painting, Cecily sat prettily on a scarlet chair with her hands folded in her lap. Her virginal white gown covered most of her porcelain skin. Her smile was innocent. Now he could see it though, a flare of defiance in her pale blue-gray eyes.

  Cecily had arranged a dance with him at a party hosted by her parents the evening following the tour of the gallery. She’d stood closer than was proper, holding his gaze.

  “Simon painted my portrait more than once, Captain Hillary.”

  “Indeed, Miss Bristow? I would have thought you too impatient to sit still for two portraits.”

  “You underestimate me, sir. I fear it will be your undoing. Do you wish to hear of my experience?”

  “As you wish.” He was being polite. Daniel found her childish prattle banal.

  “Every afternoon after posing in the morning for the portrait in the gallery, I stole away to Simon’s house. It was a pitiful sea shanty. Nothing to recommend it. Simon lived as a pauper, but he was passionate about his art. And his subject.” She plastered her body against Daniel’s as they twirled the ballroom. He drew back to reestablish the appropriate space between them.