Virginia began to shatter, crying out, clawing his shoulders.

"Oh, little one, wait for me," he gasped, and suddenly she felt his ma.s.sive length sliding deeply into her.

But it was too late and she wept with the greatest pleasure she had ever known.

He surged more deeply, crying out hoa.r.s.ely, instantly spilling himself into her, his huge body racked with pleasure, convulsing over her. When he was done, he moved to his side, pulling her close.

Virginia smiled as she came back to the earth and their bed, turning onto her side, her cheek against his hard chest. He held her tightly there, kissing her temple repeatedly. His kisses were not all that gentle. She instantly realized that he remained huge and hard, ready to take her all over again.

She kissed his chest another time and boldly held him in her hand. "What is this?" She was sly.

He laughed, the sound raw. "I think you know."

"And if I have forgotten?"

He grinned wickedly. "Then I shall have to remind you, darling." And he rolled her over, swiftly entering her at the very same time.

VIRGINIA SAT BEFORE HER dressing mirror, fully dressed, pinning up her coiled hair. Devlin's reflection appeared in the mirror as he moved onto the threshold of the dressing room. He was also fully dressed, but in civilian clothes. Virginia felt herself blush.

It was the following morning and they remained at Harmon House. The only reason that they were not in bed was because she had insisted they go downstairs before they irrevocably scandalized the entire household. In the mirror, Devlin smiled at her and came forward, pausing behind her.

Virginia tucked the last hairpin into her coiffure. "I very much feel like a wife today," she said softly.

He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I should hope you still feel like a bride."

She watched herself blush. "A very happy bride," she breathed.

He leaned down and kissed the bare nape of her neck. "And a satisfied one, I hope." It was not a question.

She turned around on her stool. "You know just how satisfied I am."

"You are such a bold minx," he said with a laugh.

She stood and found herself in the circle of his arms. "And it pleases you, I hope?"

He hesitated. "I am very pleased, Virginia."

Her heart burst into song. Did that mean what she thought it did-could it mean more? Did it mean he was coming to love her-just a little?

He reached into the interior breast pocket of his coat. "I have something for you," he began.

Her eyes widened with surprise as he produced a jeweler's velvet box. "What is this?"

"It's your birthday present."

Her heart stopped. Trembling, she met his steady gaze. "But...you know it's my birthday?"

"Tomorrow, is it not?" He smiled slightly. "All of nineteen, a true woman of the world," he said, his tone teasing.

She smiled, wanting to cry with happiness. "How...how did you know?"

"I made it my business to know. Open it," he said gently.

"Shouldn't I wait until tomorrow?"

"I am sure you will be deluged with gifts tomorrow, as I have no doubt my mother has planned some kind of extravaganza for you."

"No, I asked her for a small family affair. Rex is back in Spain and Sean at Askeaton, so it will be but two-thirds of our family." She wished they could all be present. She lifted the box lid.

Virginia gasped at the sight of a gorgeous amethyst pendant encrusted with diamonds. "This is beautiful, Devlin!" she cried.

"I ordered it made for you before I set sail," he said with a small, pleased smile. "I wanted something to match your eyes."

"Devlin?" She was clinging to his arms. "This is the best birthday I have ever had. Thank you. Thank you for the necklace and thank you for coming home!"

He hesitated. "I had to come home. Happy birthday, Virginia."

LATER THAT DAY, VIRGINIA heard hearty male laughter and recognized Devlin's rich tones. She paused outside of the salon, smiling to herself. Her husband sounded happy, indeed. She was thrilled to hear him laughing with his brothers. She was about to step into the salon when Tyrell spoke.

"And the war?" Tyrell asked. "I've heard rumors that we'll be attacking the entire Chesapeake Bay."

Virginia stiffened, her smile vanishing, drawing back out of sight. What was this? Until that precise moment she had refused to dwell on the fact that he had just returned from a war with her own country. Since his arrival home, she had not asked him a single detail of his tour of duty and he had not volunteered a single fact. She strained to hear, her heart racing madly with distress and fear.

"I'm afraid I can't discuss cla.s.sified matters, Ty." Devlin's voice had an odd edge to it. "I just received my new orders, however. The war is escalating."

Virginia's heart sank. In the time he had been gone, there had been the news of the defeat of the Vixen and some talk of a blockade of the Chesapeake, which was where her own home was located. But that had been all, and it had been convenient to forget the fact that Devlin was in a war being waged against her country and her kin. What did Devlin now mean? And what was the rumor Tyrell referred to? Suddenly she was afraid for Tillie and Frank and everyone at Sweet Briar. But surely the British would not roam about the Virginia countryside, doing battle there! And if he had just received new orders, was he already preparing to leave, when he had only come home yesterday?

She was dismayed, and unconsciously, she touched her belly. What if she was pregnant? They were finally falling in love, they had a future to share. There was simply no place now for a war-any war-in their lives. And especially not one against her homeland.

Virginia hesitated and then darted past the open doors of the salon and into the library. It was late afternoon and the draperies were open, so soft daylight filled the room. But even from the threshold, she could see the papers on his desk.

Her heart lurched, and even knowing that she should not look at a cla.s.sified doc.u.ment, she hurried to it. The papers there did not interest her, though, and she opened the center drawer. Instantly she found what she was looking for.

Her heart slammed to a stop. Any sense of composure vanished. Trembling, she seized the parchment and read.

Lord Admiral St. John to Sir Captain Devlin O'Neill Waverly Hall Greenwich March 18, 1813 Sir Captain O'Neill, Pleased be advised of the following. Your orders are to proceed by March 24 to the Chesapeake Bay, where you shall report to Admiral Sir George c.o.c.kburn. In conjunction with Admiral c.o.c.kburn, you are to destroy any and all American warships, including those in port. You shall destroy all depots suspected of harboring possible American supplies, including those on land, and any farms or factories involved in the government supply effort; you shall all make every effort to effect the utter ruination of the American coastal trade. You are accorded complete discretion as to the means necessary to carry out the above orders; aiding and abetting runaway slaves is highly suggested, especially to guide marines through the American countryside. While efforts are to be made to avoid harmful intercourse with American noncombatants, any suspicion of direct involvement on the part of such American civilians is to be deemed a serious military threat and you are therefore to act accordingly.

The Right Honorable Lord Admiral St. John The Admiralty 13 Brook Street West Square Virginia went into shock.

"Virginia?"

She looked up, trembling, and saw Devlin in the doorway. She flinched, but somehow she managed to return the letter to its original position in the drawer. Her heart now slammed, hurting her terribly. He was to destroy American ships, including those in the harbor. He was to take his marines onto American soil and destroy farms, factories and depots. He was to encourage runaway slaves, using them as spies and guides. Oh, G.o.d. These were terrible orders, indeed!

"What are you doing?" he asked, as still as a statue.

She had had no idea of the extent of his orders. How could he partic.i.p.ate in such death and destruction when he was married to her? How many American lives would be lost because of his efforts? She swallowed, staring at him. She was chilled to the bone-no, she was chilled to her very soul. "I overheard you and Tyrell," she said unsteadily.

His gaze sharp, he walked toward her slowly, his face that impersonal mask she had hoped to never again see. His gaze slid over the desk-so did hers. He looked up-so did she. Quietly he said, "Did you read my orders?"

"Yes," she whispered, wondering if she were ashen. For she felt terribly faint. She swallowed hard and cried, "Don't go! I need you here! Resign. Resign your commission. Don't go back to war-I can't bear it."

He hesitated, his eyes widening. "Only cowards refuse their duty, Virginia."

"The world knows you are no coward! My G.o.d, you have proved yourself a hundred times over, at least!" It was hard to think clearly, she was so shocked by the content of his orders and the devastation he was to wage against her countrymen.

"Virginia," he said, his gaze searching, "I'm a naval captain. You knew that when we married. I am sorry our countries are at war, truly sorry, but this war will pa.s.s."

"After how much death? After how much destruction?" And she cried before she could stop herself, "How many Americans have died already because of you, Devlin?"

His gaze widened and he became rigid. "I do not know."

"I think you do." She did not wish to attack him and she knew that was what she was doing. She hurried around his desk and paused before him. "We have been happy together, at last. This war will come between us."

His face was strained. "Only if you let it. d.a.m.n it, you shouldn't have read my orders."

"No, I shouldn't have. Devlin, please! Do not go to war against my country!"

He made a harsh sound. "You are distressed, and rightly so. Again, do not let the war come between us. This I ask of you."

She was silent. And she was ill.

He reached for her hand.

She allowed him to take it. "All right. I won't let it come between us," she said, desperately hoping that it was possible to do as he asked.

The mask slipped away and she saw that he was relieved.

VIRGINIA HAD TO TAKE A SEAT. She was moved beyond words, moved almost to tears. The salon was filled with warmth and laughter, and as she sat, she inhaled deeply, looking around the room, smiling.

It was the evening of her birthday, perhaps five o'clock. A fire blazed in the hearth beneath the handsome carved mantel there, where Edward stood with Tyrell, Cliff, Devlin and Sean. The men sipped champagne and chatted quietly, occasionally laughing at one or another remark. Devlin had never been more splendid or handsome, clad in his civilian clothes. He sensed her gaze and half turned, smiling at her. Virginia smiled back, suddenly filled with desire.

She was trying to do as Devlin had asked. It was an extreme effort, but she refused to think about the war. Every time she did, she turned her thoughts to another matter, determined to cherish the time they had left together. The fact that he had been given such terrible orders could not change how she felt about him; she simply loved him too much. And he was right. She must not let the war come between them-especially because she had had her pregnancy confirmed that morning.

She had secretly gone to see a doctor, with only Mary aware of the appointment. Her baby was due the following October.

She smiled and touched her abdomen. She would tell Devlin the news before he left. Her heart skipped and she glanced at him. She prayed he would be pleased.

She also prayed she would not be a widow when she gave birth to their child the following fall, and she worried about the war yet again. If only he did not have to go!

"I wonder if anyone will love me enough one day to match a necklace to my eyes," Eleanor said.

Virginia glanced at Eleanor, who sat with Mary on the moss-green sofa near her chair, a half a dozen opened boxes at their feet. Eleanor and Mary were admiring the necklace that Devlin had given her, which she was wearing.

"Your time will come," Mary murmured. "This necklace suits Virginia perfectly. It truly accentuates the unusual color of her eyes." Mary shared an intimate glance with Virginia and Virginia knew she was thinking about the baby.

"I sense a secret," Devlin murmured, his tone soft and seductive.

And that was when the Earl of Eastleigh walked into the room.

VIRGINIA REMAINED IN SHOCK. She was barely able to comprehend his presence as he bowed; nor could she hear the butler, pale and distressed, as he tried to apologize for the intrusion. What could he want? What was her uncle doing there? And then Devlin started forward.

Virginia's heart lurched with fear as it struck her that Devlin might think to kill Eastleigh for this incident. But both Tyrell and Cliff gripped his shoulders, restraining him. A frightening mask had slipped over his face.

Edward quickly blocked his entrance. "Eastleigh, you are not welcome here."

"Adare," Eastleigh said, his pale blue eyes ice cold. "But surely the lack of an invitation to my niece's birthday was an unfortunate oversight-as was the lack of an invitation to her wedding. I have only come to wish Virginia a most fortuitous birthday. I have even brought her a gift." He turned and gestured at his servant who held a large wrapped parcel.

Devlin shook off his brothers and strode forward, his eyes cold. "Well, well," he said, "the man I had hoped to see. And how is it that you do not seem surprised to see me, my lord?"

The two men locked stares. Eastleigh's teeth bared in a parody of a smile. "Why would I be surprised to see you present at your wife's birthday? I had heard you returned, O'Neill. Oh, congratulations on your most advantageous marriage." Suddenly he looked at Virginia and inclined his head. "Congratulations, my dear."

A chill went up her spine. Virginia watched the two men, both reeking of enmity and hatred, and she despaired. If she did not miss her guess something terrible was about to happen. Could she somehow diffuse the situation? She stepped swiftly forward. "Thank you, Uncle. How kind of you to call."

Devlin gripped her arm, silencing her before she could go on. "Save your false words for a foolish man," he said coldly. "My stepfather is correct. You are not welcome here. But before I escort you out, I do have one question. Do you not want to know what fate befell your a.s.sa.s.sin?"

Virginia gasped. a.s.sa.s.sin? What was Devlin speaking of? In confusion and dismay, she stared at him. But he did not seem to be aware of her presence now.

"a.s.sa.s.sin?" Eastleigh laughed. "I know of no a.s.sa.s.sin. Did someone try to murder you, O'Neill?" He laughed again. "Why think it was me? You have more enemies than can be counted, and we both know it."

Devlin leaned closer, smiling, and it was chilling. "Your a.s.sa.s.sin failed. But I suggest you watch your back, Eastleigh, as two can play this new game."

Virginia cried out. No one seemed to hear.

"Is that a threat? Have you decided to murder me now? Is my dest.i.tution not enough?" He smiled. "Perhaps your back needs watching, O'Neill, not mine." He turned and bowed at Virginia. "I do hope you enjoy your birthday gift." He left.

Virginia simply stared after him as Devlin turned, his expression so hard and ruthless it was frightening. She was vaguely aware of Edward rushing to comfort Mary, as she was close to tears. When Eastleigh was out of sight, his footsteps no longer falling, she turned. The room was now filled with an icy tension.

"I'll get rid of that," Tyrell said, lifting the wrapped parcel.

"No!" Devlin strode over and tore the brown waxed paper apart. A painting was beneath.

Virginia could hardly breathe. She was also beginning to feel faint. "What is it?"

Devlin made a rough sound. "Get rid of it. Burn it," he said.

"Stop!" Virginia ran forward and shoved past him. Then she cried out.

The painting was a beautiful portrait of her parents, painted eighteen years ago, her mother lovely and breathtaking, her father proud and handsome. An infant was in their arms-a babe that could only be Virginia. But they were standing in front of a house that Virginia recognized with stunning dismay. It was Eastleigh Hall. And the Earl of Eastleigh stood with them, younger, more vital, less overweight and as proud and overbearing as ever. The meaning of his gift was unmistakable.

She was a Hughes and the earl's niece and nothing could ever change that fact-not even her marriage to Devlin.

"I'll get rid of it," Tyrell repeated grimly, glancing at Virginia. She nodded numbly and he took the canvas and left.

"Mary is going to lie down," Edward said, pausing with her at the door. "Eleanor, come."

Mary smiled apologetically, her eyes moist with tears. "I'm sorry. This evening has not been what I planned..."

Virginia gripped her hands. "It's all right," she whispered. "It was wonderful, really."