"I haven't ridden about Askeaton in years," Cliff remarked languidly. Although he remained impossibly relaxed, Virginia knew he meant to rescue her from an uncomfortable moment. "Sean has some fine horses, does he not?"

She glanced at him. He was a bit unsettling even now, and she had little doubt that he was the kind of man to enjoy the favors of a notorious widow. But she was grateful he was redirecting the conversation. "Yes, he does. There are some fine horses at Askeaton. Especially Bayberry," she added, smiling as she recalled the brave little filly.

Sean finally looked at her. "She is yours," he said suddenly. "Please accept her as my wedding present."

Virginia was so overcome she could not speak.

Eleanor looked back and forth between them, her expression stunned. "But you bred her! And you're giving her to Virginia?"

Sean glanced at her. "Virginia loves the horse."

Eleanor was suddenly standing. "Excuse me, I seem to have a terrible migraine." She hurried from the room.

Virginia blinked. What was that?

Sean sighed. "I forgot...she was there the day the filly foaled. She helped me bring her into the world." He stood, appearing grim. "Excuse me." He walked out.

Edward looked perplexed. "Mary, what is going on? Why is Eleanor upset?"

Mary began to smile. "I do think your daughter is growing up."

Tyrell said thoughtfully, "What a strange turn. Eleanor has spent her life provoking Sean, from the time she could walk. Her favorite game used to be 'ambush'-she would a.s.sault him when he would least expect it. Her favorite weapons were sticks and stones." He started to grin, shaking his head.

"Indeed. She is now jealous of Virginia," Rex said smoothly, and he saluted Virginia with his winegla.s.s before sipping.

Virginia began to protest.

Cliff said calmly, "Sean needs to kiss her. That will solve one matter-while creating a few new ones." And he laughed, leaning back in his chair.

"That is enough!" Mary de Warenne cried. "Benson, the next course, thank you."

THE DAYS Pa.s.sED SLOWLY, but without a dull moment. Virginia rode in the early mornings with one brother or another, although never with Sean. She made afternoon calls with Mary and Eleanor, or stayed home to rescue Rex from the various ladies calling upon him and Cliff. It was clear that Cliff was having an affair with the widowed Lady Arlette, as they were not very discreet. Cliff reminded her very much of Devlin now, as he did not seem to care about his rather notorious reputation.

Evenings were either a family affair or spent on the town. Virginia found herself swiftly reintroduced into society by the powerful de Warenne family. There were dinner parties, charities and b.a.l.l.s. Escorted as she was by either the Earl of Adare and his wife or the three strapping de Warenne brothers and Sean, she became a favorite, fawned over and admired by all. She only once b.u.mped into William Hughes and his wife, and polite greetings were cursorily exchanged.

She met the other de Warennes and learned a little of the family's history. The family's founding father had fought with William the Conqueror. Once a landless Norman, he had married a wealthy Saxon heiress and eventually had been awarded an earldom. One of his descendants had journeyed to Ireland to obtain lands and t.i.tles there, the result being the Adare branch of the family. The original Northumberland branch of the family had become too powerful for any king to bear. Apparently those lands and t.i.tles had been forfeit in a deadly rebellion centuries ago. Afterward, some of the de Warennes had become wealthy merchants; a few had managed to win back some small estates, while others had emigrated to America to make brand-new fortunes. It was a most interesting family that she had married into.

And Virginia never stopped missing Devlin. There was no word from him. She followed news of the war avidly, aware that every tidbit was months old. The biggest news was the defeat of the USS Vixen by the HMS Southampton, and for a week, everywhere Virginia went, Londoners rejoiced. She could not share their enthusiasm and her loyalties were painfully torn and divided.

"I will kill him if he doesn't write you," Sean told her in late January.

"I can't imagine how a naval captain can post a letter," Virginia replied. She missed him so much that there were days when it hurt. One letter was all she would need to endure their separation. She counted the days until June. He had promised her he would be back by the middle of that month.

"Our naval ships go back and forth between America and Britain all the time to resupply," he said. "There is no excuse."

"He is in a war, Sean," she said quietly.

He smiled a little at her. "I am going back to Askeaton, I have been away too long. But you are in good hands now, I feel certain. Everyone loves you, Virginia. You have truly become a sister here."

Virginia warmed with real pleasure. "I love your family, Sean. I actually feel as if I belong here."

"You do," he said firmly. "And you do know that if you ever have a problem, you can turn to any of us. I will come running in an instant, but Tyrell, Rex and Cliff would do the same."

"I think I know that," she said, meaning it. While Rex and especially Cliff intimidated her somewhat, she had little doubt they would rush to defend her honor if ever the need arose.

He hesitated. "You and Eleanor have become friends. I'm glad. She's so young..." He trailed off.

"Of course we are friends. She is my new sister," Virginia said softly. "And every time you look at me she watches us like a hawk."

He seemed very surprised and he made a face. "What? I don't think so." Then he kissed her cheek. "I want you to promise me that you will not hesitate if in need. You have a real family now, and no one here lacks courage, loyalty or purpose."

"I doubt I will need to call out the de Warenne cavalry," she teased.

He laughed, the sound warm.

Virginia knew then that his heart had healed and she was happy for him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX.

January 1, 1813 Dear Virginia, The New Year has come and I hope this missive finds you in good health and good spirits. How do you fare at Waverly Hall? I a.s.sume by now that you have become fast friends with my mother, and I hope you will not hesitate to ask her for anything you may be lacking. I also hope that my brothers have not overwhelmed you with their various characters. How has the winter been? It has been freezing cold as we sail the Atlantic, but that is to be expected. We now approach the coast of New Jersey, having seen little action thus far. We turned back a single American merchantman, the Southern Belle, although we seized a French privateer, which I have sent to Newfoundland to be outfitted there. The men are in good spirits, although growing bored, as they are not used to such inactivity, and they remain eager to engage the enemy. I have a new ship's surgeon, Paul White, a gentleman I think you would find erudite and amusing should you ever meet. He plays the violin and brought his instrument with him, providing the men with many hours of entertainment.

Please give my regards to my family. I wish you happy New Year.

Yours truly, Devlin O'Neill VIRGINIA RECEIVED DEVLIN'S LETTER on the fifth of February. She was so excited she flew to her room to tear open the sealed parchment. Her heart slammed in her chest as she read it quickly, and then she read it again, more slowly. She wished he had written that he missed her and could not wait to come home. But Devlin had never been comfortable with intimacy in person, so why would he be so in a letter, especially one written at sea, to his bride, their very first exchange since their wedding night?

Virginia sighed and gave up. She was happy that he had taken the time to write to her and had made the effort to get the letter to her at all. And he had asked her several questions, so clearly he wished for a reply.

February 5, 1813 Dear Devlin, I was so pleased to receive your letter and even more pleased to learn that all is well with you and your crew. I have become good friends with both your mother and Eleanor; in fact, the very day you left your mother insisted I move into Harmon House, which I have done. I have become very fond of your entire family! Alas, Rex has returned to duty, Cliff will soon sail off to Martinique (I did not realize he had a sugar plantation there!) and Sean has returned to Askeaton, so suddenly the house is so empty and so forlorn. Tyrell remains, but I only see him in pa.s.sing, as he seems preoccupied with his own affairs. Your mother and stepfather remain in good health. Soon Eleanor leaves for Bath to rejoin the Hinckleys, although there is some controversy over whether she should be allowed to go. I do wish she would stay, as I enjoy the time we spend together.

We missed you at Christmastime. That eve we had a splendid family celebration. Your mother arranged a spectacular meal with enough to feed a regiment. Eleanor and Sean fought, as usual, over her returning to Bath, where apparently she has far too many suitors for a young lady of her age (at least, in Sean's opinion). Cliff invited the widowed Lady Arlette to join us, much to your mother's dismay. Have you ever met her? She is an amazing beauty, and quite fond of Cliff. The men spent quite a bit of time discussing the change in Napoleon's fortunes, the state of Europe and what a peace might be like there. Everyone kindly avoided the subject of the American war, I suspect in deference to me. After supper Rex caught me under the mistletoe, but his kiss was a brotherly one. Sean was so angry with Eleanor that he walked out on us all, but I do not know why or what happened.

Your family has been so wonderful. Your mother gave me a lovely locket with your portrait inside and I have come to treasure it. I received a shawl from Eleanor, gloves, chocolate and a fan from your brothers, and a book from Sean. The book is a history of Ireland and it is fascinating. He also gave me Bayberry as a wedding gift and she is here now, for Sean sent her down. I ride every morning, rain or shine.

I should love to meet your new ship's surgeon as he sounds like an agreeable man. I still have fond memories of Jack Harvey. Have you ever heard of him since he left your ship?

I have given your regards to your family. I wish you good health and good cheer. May G.o.d keep you and your men safe.

Your loving wife, Virginia Virginia knew that it might be months before she received a reply-the navy had told her that-but by the second week of March she was disappointed that she had not heard from him. In two more days it would be her birthday. She foolishly wished that Devlin could be home to share it with her.

"Do not despair," Mary said, her arm around her. It was a gray, windy day and the windows rattled. "You will hear from him again, I have no doubt."

Virginia smiled at her. "I do hope so." She touched her belly, an unconscious gesture. She was beginning to think that she was pregnant. She hadn't had her monthly since Devlin had left, and she was stunned by the possibility that she might be with Devlin's child, as well as both thrilled and afraid. She dearly wished to have Devlin's child, even if she hadn't expected to become pregnant so quickly. But would Devlin be as pleased? Every man wished for a son, but their relationship remained a new and fragile thing and it was too soon for it to be tested in any way. He might not be ready to see their child come into this world. And if that were so, she could not really blame him.

A horse's clopping hooves could just be heard from outside, in spite of the wind and the rattling gla.s.s panes. "Maybe it's the post," Virginia cried. His last letter had been conveyed to the house by a postal rider and Virginia suddenly hoped that the rider was bringing her another one. She rushed to the window and looked out-and her heart seemed to stop.

The rider leaping from his mount wore a navy-blue cloak over his blue naval jacket, a black felt officer's hat upon his head. The moment she glimpsed him, even before he turned, she knew and she cried out.

"What is it?" Mary murmured.

It was Devlin, and Virginia could not answer.

He turned, his cloak swirling about his shoulders, his white britches and high boots mud-splashed. He strode toward the house and Virginia gripped the windowsill, breathless and faint. He had come home.

The door was flung open. Devlin took one step across the threshold and froze as he saw her.

She could not even smile. Their gazes locked and she could only stare, failing utterly to breathe.

She loved him so much that it hurt.

His gray eyes blazed. "Virginia." He swept off his hat and bowed.

She curtsied. "We...we did not expect you...so soon."

He smiled a little. "I decided to chase an American merchantman across the ocean."

Her eyes widened. "How...how utterly convenient."

And he smiled. "I thought so."

Was he trying to tell her that he had chased a ship across the ocean merely as an excuse so he could come home to see her? As her mind raced with the notion, he approached and kissed her cheek. She closed her eyes, her cheeks flaming, hollow with needing him now. He turned and murmured a greeting to Mary.

"You wonderful man," Mary said, hugging him. Then, smiling, she said, "I have a call to make, in spite of the weather. Edward is not home," she added significantly. She turned and left the front hall.

Virginia bit her lip, her fingers curling into her palms. Devlin handed his cloak and hat to a servant. "I received your letter," he said, his gaze moving over her face as if he were making an inspection of her features.

"I hope it brought you some warm comfort on a cold Atlantic night," she managed.

"Indeed, it did." His smile flashed, brief and strained. "Although I might behead Rex, for I doubt the kiss was a brotherly one."

Virginia flushed, as it hadn't been all that chaste, although Rex had heartily apologized afterward.

"I thought so," Devlin said, appearing vastly annoyed, his silver eyes flashing.

"He is the worst flirt," she said, and then she amended, "with me, at least. He seems to despise all other ladies."

"I do not want to talk about my brother," Devlin said roughly.

The servant had left the hall and they were entirely alone. "Neither do I," Virginia whispered. Tears moistened her eyes. "I am so glad you have come home."

He hesitated, as if he wished to speak.

She did not move.

Then he grimaced and walked over to her, his hands closing over her arms. "I am glad to be here, too," he said as roughly as before.

She swallowed and dared to say, "I have missed you, Devlin."

His expression tightened. He pulled her close and covered her mouth with his.

She cried out, clinging, and in his embrace, she felt warm and loved-safe. His mouth was voracious and Virginia kissed him back as frantically, thrilled when she felt his arousal against her hip.

Suddenly he lifted her into his arms. "Where is your room?" he demanded.

She held on to him tightly. "Devlin, we are in your parents' house!"

"I don't give a d.a.m.n and I cannot wait another minute to be with you." He pounded up the stairs with her in his arms. His eyes blazed as he said, "I thought that once I was back at sea I would be free. But I was wrong."

She blinked. What did he mean?

"I could not stop thinking about you, Virginia." He seemed grim. "You have haunted my every waking moment. You have haunted my dreams."

She was thrilled. She smiled and said softly, "Then we are even, I think."

His eyes widened as he reached the landing. "Which room?"

Her entire body was already enflamed at the inevitability of what was to be. "The third door on the right," she managed.

He pushed it open with his shoulder and carried her to the bed. He set her down and sat beside her, silent for one moment. "You are more beautiful than ever," he said thickly, touching her cheek. "I expected you to be pale in the midst of winter-your face blooms like a flower, instead."

She hesitated, about to blurt out her suspicion that she was with child, but she thought the better of it. She wasn't quite certain and the moment was perfect; she was afraid to ruin it. "I'm not blooming, I am flushing, Devlin," she said.

He laughed, his hands now deftly undoing the b.u.t.tons on the back of her dress. "You have never been more beautiful," he said, sliding the dress down to her waist. His eyes widened with appreciation at the sight of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, caressed by the sheer linen of her chemise, now fuller than before and swelling out of her corset. "And you have bloomed, Virginia," he murmured.

"Impudent man," Virginia retorted, no easy feat when utterly breathless and hot.

He tugged her chemise over her head, tossing it aside. "I will show you impudence, madam," he said, and he wrapped a hard arm around her, lowering his head to her bosom.

He nuzzled her voluptuousness, then lipped her nipple. Virginia was very sensitive and she almost swooned from the released flood of desire.

"I do not want to hurt you," he gasped, releasing her and taking her hand and guiding it to his loins. Virginia cried out at his heat and hardness, at the throbbing against her palm. "But I have little patience this day."

"You do not hurt me," she whispered. "Please, hurry!"

He suddenly sat, eyes ablaze, quickly pulling her dress off. Virginia watched him as he removed her drawers and she knew she had never seen him more desperately in need. When she was clad only in her corset and stockings, he palmed her s.e.x.

Triumph flared in his eyes, on his face. "Spread your legs," he said, and as she instantly obeyed, he leaned over her, rubbing his cheek there.

Virginia cried out, overcome with pleasure and excitement. Her body had changed in many ways and maybe their separation had something to do with it, but she knew she would fly into the blue-black heavens in another instant. "Hurry," she cried hoa.r.s.ely.

His mouth moved over her, thorough and slow, his tongue insistent, a probe.