Gilbert bounded into the carriage and bundled Mary up into his arms. She was finally alone again with her husband.
“Lass, you look tired.” Gilbert ran his knuckles down her jawline. “Did Hadfield’s snoring keep you awake?”
Snuggling into his shoulder, Mary was shocked to find the man warmer than a summer’s day. He’d been out in the cold, riding all night without sleep for close to twenty-four hours. She should be the one warming him up. Instead, he was rubbing the stiff muscles in her back, working the soreness out of them. They were still a fair way from port, but they were traveling at an unrelenting pace. By her calculations, they should reach Calais within the next day or so.
Mary answered, “No. I slept little due to my mind racing.”
It had been Phillip and Lady Frances’s heated discussions, all centered around the wrapped object that Mary had given to Lord Hadfield, which caused her to remain awake. Phillip had debated with Lady Frances over Valois’s actions. Neither was aware of how exactly her cousin came into possession of the coin, but when his guides informed him it was imperative it be returned to a man who bore the mark, and that one was in residence, Valois had sent his maid to determine if it was Gilbert or Lord Hadfield who should receive the item. When Aimée failed to see Gilbert naked that first night, Valois made the curious decision to keep the coin, but when his guides informed him André had been instructed by his papa to seek out a man who bore the mark, Valois entrusted André with the coin. Phillip had argued he should have intervened instead of involving Mary and potentially putting her in danger. Lady Frances had argued it had all worked out and that she never doubted Mary would be able to handle any situation that arose.
From experience, Mary found it best to listen to all the arguments shared with her before making her own decision what action, if any, should be taken. For the very first time, she wanted to discuss her troubles with another—her husband.
Raising her chin, Mary said, “I gave Lord Hadfield the item Mr. Thatcher was sent to obtain. It’s a branding coin.”
“Did you see it?”
“No. Yes. Not exactly. When Lord Hadfield thought I was asleep, he carefully pulled back the cloth to reveal what looked to be a button. Curiously, Lord Hadfield closed his eyes and ran his thumb over it repeatedly, it was then that I sneaked a look at the round metal disk, with its distinctive design—the outline of a horse with a falcon perched on its back, circled by laurel leaves.” Mary was sure she had seen parts of the design before, but never its totality. “PORFs are real, and Lord Hadfield is one. But who are the other two families?”
Mary rubbed the back of her husband’s neck.
Gilbert frowned as he removed her hand from his neck and clasped it tightly. “Did you ask Lord Hadfield to prove his identity before you gave him the item?”
“I did.” Mary attempted to pull her hand from his, but Gilbert held on tight. “Lord Hadfield explained that only those who share the mark are privy to a view of it. However, he surprised me by adding that there are others who are aware of the identities of those who bear the mark.” She waited until Gilbert turned to face her directly. “You’ve known all along that Lord Hadfield is a PORF. Why did Archbroke choose you to protect him?”
Gilbert avoided her eyes. “I should have confessed this before we were married, but for as long as PORFs have existed, there has been a network of families that have pledged their allegiance to the Crown and to serve PORFs in any manner necessary. My mama’s family was one, and I have carried on those responsibilities. You too will now be honor bound to serve and assist those who hold the Hadfield, Archbroke, and Burke titles.”
“Archbroke and Burke are PORFs?” Mary mulled over all that Gilbert had shared. “Is it only the men who hold the titles that I am obligated to assist?”
“Technically it is any person who bears the mark of a PORF. That typically includes the wives and children, male or female, of those who hold the title. There have been a few traditions that the Neale family rejected, which resulted in Theo being the one to bear her family’s duties for a period, but that was all rectified when Hadfield received the mark.”
Frowning, Mary said, “So Theo was a PORF even before she married Archbroke. Well, it’s no wonder their courtship was a whirlwind of misunderstandings. And because of your mama’s family, I am now too part of a secret network.” The burst of excitement and joy at being included had Mary smiling.
“Lass, the role comes with many responsibilities and dangers. Burke’s actions have been in direct conflict with his role as a PORF, which means the others and the network have to—”
She placed a finger upon Gilbert’s lips. Mary fully understood the dangers. Phillip’s and Lady Frances’s nattering all made sense now that Gilbert had explained her involvement.
“Not to worry. I believe I comprehend the dire situation.” She leaned in and rested her head upon his shoulder.
Gilbert’s hand came to rest upon her thigh. “I’m sorry that our wedding night was rushed. Rather than whisking you away for a romantic tour of the Continent, we are stuck traveling with a quad of men.”
“This will be our future. Carrying out missions together. As long as you are happy for me to accompany you, I’m an eager travel partner.” Mary raised her head. “I’m willing because I love you.”
Gilbert’s eyes flared to life. “Are you certain?”
“My heart has belonged to you for years. I’ve not wanted to listen to it.”
“I am guilty of the exact same behavior. Will you forgive me for making you wait until I came to my senses?”
“We weren’t ready all those years ago.”
“You are right.” Gilbert yawned. The poor man was exhausted. Mary shifted to give him more room but found herself lifted and placed upon his lap.
Eye to eye, she said, “I usually am.” Mary threaded her fingers through his hair and guided his head down so that their lips met. Once she began kissing the man, she couldn’t stop. She should stop. Gilbert was exhausted, but as his hands roamed up her side and landed upon a breast that sorely missed his attention.
Mary’s tongue trailed down the side of his neck. From their wedding night, she had learned if she could garner a guttural growl from him and lingered long enough upon particularly sensitive spots, she could induce the man to remain erect for an extended period. She gently sucked and circled her tongue over his ear lobe, mimicking the actions she longed to be making upon his shaft.
“Lass, if you dinnae stop, I’ll not be satisfied until you ride me again.”
Mary whispered in his ear. “And what if I told you I’ve been longing to ride all these past hours?”
Grabbing her by the waist, he lifted her off his lap and, to her surprise, turned her to face away from him.
Instead of straddling her husband as she had intended, she was sitting upon his lap. “Gilbert, I want—”
“If I’m to uphold my promise and not impregnate you, I have to ensure that I can withdraw.”
Looking over her shoulder, Mary asked, “but the other night.”
Gilbert hitched up her skirts and reached between her legs. His fingers immediately sought out her core, which was already slick and ready for him.
Gilbert growled and then said, “The other night, you had already milked me of my seed, and it is easier to control upon the second round. Would you prefer we stop?” His fingers ceased their circular motion, and Mary pressed her hand over his, urging him to continue.
Stop. Was he mad? Her core ached. She was merely uncertain of how to go about things in this position. Gilbert spread his legs a little wider, and she felt his bulge nudge her bottom.
“Lass, place your hands on the ceiling.”
She did as she was told, which resulted in her nearly shimming off his lap, but his arm about her prevented that from happening.
“Blast these falls.” Gilbert apparently was well skilled, for his fingers between her legs never stopped as he continued to struggle with his breeches.
On a squeak, as Gilbert managed to find an ultrasensitive spot, Mary asked, “Do you need assistance, husband?”
“I’m going to shift slightly forward. Keep your hands on the ceiling.”
Cool air hit her bottom as Gilbert adjusted her skirts. Mary let out a moan as she finally felt the tip of him prod her center. Easing back, Gilbert entered her, but his fingers continued to bring her the most pleasure. It was like riding him in reverse. She still had control of the pace, and she was eager to find her release. Her arms began to ache. She let her hands fall upon Gilbert’s knees. With the additional leverage, she was better able to set the speed in which she rose and fell. Not for a moment had Gilbert removed his talented fingers. She was on the brink of experiencing the delightful explosion of tingling sensations when Gilbert pushed up, sending her over the edge.
With a deep growl, Gilbert removed his hand from her core and wrapped both hands about her hips and guided her to rotate them slightly as she moved back and forth. Would it be greedy of her to want to experience the bliss a second time? She didn’t have to wait long as the weightless feeling overcame her. Floating back to reality, Gilbert plunged deep inside before releasing a moan as he pulled back—leaving her empty.
She wanted him to experience the pleasure he had just given her twice. Falling to her knees, she took him into her mouth, and he rewarded her with a deep rumbling growl that had her muscles at her core clenching once more. With his hands threaded in her hair, he guided her to take more of him. He was no small man. Relaxing her muscles as her aunt had advised, she managed to take all of him. Over and over again. The tensing of his thighs indicated he was close to his release. Mary stroked his balls, and a salty burst of fluid slid down her throat. Swallowing, she slowly sat back upon her heels.
Pleased to see Gilbert’s wide grin, Mary said, “I believe I’ve discovered a new favorite position.”
Gilbert chuckled as he pulled up his breeches and adjusted his falls. “Lass, I haven’t even begun to show you all the ways we can make love.”
“You haven’t?” Mary rose to sit on the seat, facing him. “How many more are there?”
“Too many to show you now, but I promise as soon as we are done with this blasted mission, we will spend many, many days abed.” Gilbert reached for her and brought her to sit across his lap once more. Settling against the corner, he wrapped his arms about her and closed his eyes.
Mary rested her head against his wide shoulder. Was it selfish of her not to want to have children? Her own parents had had four children. Not one of them received an ounce of affection or love from either parent. Her mama had spent all her time appeasing Papa, while that man sought out his pleasure with other women. No. Mary would prefer to love her husband wholly and share a life of adventure.
Gilbert slept the remainder of the journey. Once they reached Calais, André confessed his preference to remain on French soil. Since he no longer bore the responsibility of the item his papa had given him, he felt no need to make the crossing. The young man promised to remain a day or two at the port to delay the ruffians should he come across them. It was more likely they had already set sail, but Gilbert believed it would be a wise precaution just the same.
After swift goodbyes, Gilbert and his former soldiers boarded the Quarter Moon while Lord Hadfield escorted Mary up the gangplank. She had several questions for Lord Hadfield, but they would have to wait until they gained some privacy.
After they had set sail, Mary hunted Lord Hadfield down in his cabin.
Looking out the porthole, Hadfield said, “You will have to have Waterford teach you how to enter without detection.”
If she had wanted to startle him, she knew how to be stealthy, but this was not the time to debate her skills. “Perhaps.” Mary had come to retrieve answers. “Once we arrive in Dover, will we accompany you to meet with the other families?”
He swiveled to face her. “No. I’ve already placed you in grave danger.”
“But that is to be my life now that I’m married to Gilbert. We are honor bound to protect you.”
“The item you gave me. It holds great significance, and Lord Burke will stop at nothing to obtain it.”
“Please cease speaking in riddles and explain.”
“Very well. The bearer of the coin holds the ultimate veto power among the families. It has been hidden for decades. But now that it is in my possession, I will need to confer with the others to decide what needs to be done with it.”
Lady Frances had made it clear that it was fated for the coin to remain in Lord Hadfield’s possession. For out of the three, Lord Hadfield was the only one who would act out of pure selflessness, and that is why the coin had found its way into his hands.
“I don’t understand the need to consult with others. It is you who possesses the coin. Why not keep it and oversee it all?”
“Human nature is fickle. Power. Money. Too much can challenge or, better said, tempt a person to do what they otherwise might not.”
“I believe that nothing occurs by pure happenstance. It is not by chance that it is you who holds the coin. You are worthy of the honor of being the bearer of the coin.”
“My thanks, Mary. That is a kind endorsement. But I can confirm I am no angel.”
“I didn’t say you were. However, your secret will be safe with Gilbert and me. You have our support. I would urge you to consider keeping it in your possession.”
“What if it was best for one of the other families to retain the coin?”
“How would you determine that?”
Lord Hadfield appeared torn.
Mary repeated Lady Frances’s sage advice. “When the time comes, you will know what to do.”
Gilbert burst into the room and froze. “What the devil is going on in here?”
Lord Hadfield placed a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “My thanks for keeping me safe all these months. When we reach Dover, your assignment ceases, and you are to take care of Lady Mary.”
Gilbert asked, “You don’t want us to accompany you to London?”
Oh, her husband was good at playacting.
Earlier, Lady Frances had shared with Mary Lord Hadfield’s intention to alter Gilbert’s orders. In turn, Mary had informed Gilbert of the true treasure and of Lord Hadfield’s ability to lay claim and wield ultimate authority as the bearer of the coin. The brilliant solider that Gilbert was, he followed instruction beautifully—pretending not to know of Lord Hadfield’s plans.
“No. You need to put those soldiers to work and enjoy some much-needed time alone with your beautiful wife. I will send word if there is a need for you to return to town.”
Before Gilbert could answer, Lord Hadfield had turned and left.
“Lass, is everything settled between the two of you?”
“If you are referring to the matter of the coin that has Lord Hadfield’s mind and heart in a conundrum, yes. I shared with him my opinion, and now it is up to him to decide.”
“Well, if he were wise, he would take your advice and not think twice about it.”
Her heart soared at hearing her husband’s words. “You know exactly how to tell me you love me without using the tired old phrase of I love you. Promise you will continue to do so.”
“I promise.” He sealed the promise with a kiss that left her wanting more. She grabbed his hand and pulled him along the galley back to their cabin.