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PHOENIX UNDER FIRE

 

 

 

My word, it’s good to be home. I leaned on one elbow, lounging atop a quilt Pris had laid for us—she was kneeled beside me. I watched her, happy to be home and able to share time with my only sister.

Casting my gaze out over my Wedlove, anticipation burned within me at the sight of my home arrayed in the merry spirit of the Autumn Festival—the first event in my time I would share with the lover who consumed my heart.

I took my eyes from the colorful display of tents and citizens festively dressed and looked up through the gathering of branches above me. The sun winked through the dancing leaves, as a cool breeze kissed the still-warm air and the first hint of a late-coming autumn infiltrated the countryside, surrounding me with a bit of heaven.

“You know, Dev.” My sister’s voice drew me from my musings. “As thrilled as I am to be the lucky girl right here beside you, you don’t have to stay. With all these women chasing after you, you could have your pick of the most beautiful young ladies in England.”

“I have my pick, and I picked one who is most beautiful. Look at you.” I reached and twisted a strand of her wavy, dark hair around my fingers. “You look more like a painted figurine some gifted artist spent many hours perfecting than you do a real person.”

Her face soured. “I hope you’re teasing. You know how I hate it when you compare me to the perfection of art. Have I not accomplished my goal in achieving a more natural look?”

“You know I’m teasing.” I fought a grin. “I would never truly insult you by saying you look perfect.”

We both laughed.

“I’ll admit you’ve achieved your goal, and it’s a look that only serves to enhance your loveliness. You undoubtedly set every man’s heart aflutter.”

Her gloved fingers darted up to cover a giggle, but she quickly lowered her hand. “Oh pooh.” She tried to sound dismissive. “Such flattery, Devon? Besides, men should never say the word aflutter. It sounds all too silly coming from a masculine voice such as yours.”

I laughed at her flippant tone. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And let me be clear,” she went on berating me, lifting higher on her knees and craning her neck to better see the busy activities going on around us. “Flattery would only get you so far with me, you know.”

I got the feeling she was looking for someone rather than at some commotion. I cast my attention in the same direction. “Who are you looking for?” Our gazes met again.

She smiled. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have you home, Dev. I’m simply beside myself to hear all about your stay in Paris. You’ll have to tell me every last detail.”

My lips cracked apart in a wide stretch. “That was a fine evasion, Pris. I’m impressed. It appears you’ve grown up while I’ve been away. You seem to be more self-assured. Just keep that head about you, and you’ll have no problem impressing the ton while still keeping the hounds at bay. You’ll be a smashing success when coming into society this next London Season.”

“Ooh, thank you, Dev! Do you really think so?” Her cheery smile lifted into her shining blue eyes.

“Trust me, Pris—I know so.” I took her hand. “You must remember to whom you are speaking. I’m ten years your senior and know society quite well.”

With a troubled look she leaned in and took my other hand, then worked her way a bit closer to me. “Dev, why haven’t you attended a season in so long? The coming year would be your seventh to miss if you refused to go. Do you have no desire to marry?”

“Pris…” I gave gentle warning.

She looked down at our clasped hands but again lifted her gaze to mine, and plunged headlong into her concerns. “You must know how worried we’ve all become for you, big brother. Especially Mama and Papa. And it’s you who must be the one to produce an heir to have the dukedom. That’s the way our family does things. You’re surely aware that there are any number of single young ladies in England who would be most passionate about assisting you in that responsibility?”

A laugh sputtered out of my mouth. My sister saying such a thing to me caught me off guard. “Rest easy, little darling. There’s nothing in the world for you to worry your lovely head over.” I gave her a teasing smile. “I assure you.”

Her look turned curious. “Just what are you up to, Devon Phoenix? Is there something I should know? About your trip to Paris, perhaps?”

“Well, only that I’ve every intention of taking myself a bride. Someday.” I paused to scan the scenery and pretended disinterest, but looked back at my sister and smiled. “Soon.”

Her face brightened. “Oh, Dev, have you met someone? Who is she? When did you meet her? When shall I meet her?”

Grinning from ear to ear, I pressed my fingers to Pris’s lips and stole a glance around us. “Pipe down, you chattering chipmunk.” I settled my attention back on her. “All in good time. I’ll tell you everything, but not now, not here.”

“But Dev, if not now and not here, then when?” She teased with all the charm and pouty lips she could muster. “What if I’m to explode before you tell me? Wouldn’t that be a mess? Then what would come of my London Season? Oh, you simply must tell me, big brother… Pleeese?”

I kicked back in a bout of laughter over the thought that my all-too-charming younger sister had just worked me—as Jarrett would say—and I’d loved every delightful moment of it. “All right, little darling, you win. I’ll tell you everything when we get back to the castle.” I pushed out my bottom lip. “That is, if you don’t explode first.”

She cast me a scornful look and with animated effort sprang to her feet, tugging on my much-larger body to rise with her. “I won’t if we go now.”

I got to my feet and reached for the quilt.

“Leave it,” Pris said. “I’ll send a maid.”

I gave a throaty chuckle as she dragged me along behind her. “My goodness, Pris, I believe you’re not joking. Were you that worried I might never marry?”

“Yes,” she said firmly. “Six years with you showing naught interest in even a single young lady. Yes. Now move your bum.”

Curbing my humor, I picked up the pace and fell easily into step with my petite sibling, urging her to take my arm properly.

“One thing is certain, Pris. I can always count on your honesty. I’ve missed that, and I’ve missed you. It’s good to be home. I do have much to tell you.”

“I’m so glad you are home.” She drew to an unexpected stop and tilted her head considerably to meet my gaze. “I’ve missed you terribly, Devon, and have so much to tell you, too.”

My brows swept upward as I wondered what exactly was behind her insinuating expression. I’d been anxious to find out if Kyle had been able to win her over, and if so, how that was going. Had my friend secured her to the point that she wouldn’t be furious that he’d seen her unclothed? And if Kyle hadn’t secured her, would she be cross enough to break ties with him completely…with us both, actually?

I had only myself to blame for that little mishap.

I studied her sincere smile. No, she was my sister and fiercely loyal to her family—she would never break ties with me. And as crazy as she was about Kyle, I doubted she would ever break ties with him, either. Regardless, I was sure neither of us was completely safe from her scorn.

I pushed that unpleasant thought to the back of my mind and returned her smile. “Then we truly must hurry.” I hastened her along. The fact was, I was just as anxious to get back to the castle and to what awaited me there as Pris.

We resumed our long trek back and I breathed in the flavor of home as I scanned the countryside. Everywhere I looked I was inclined to watch the crowds as they delighted in animated feasting and fellowship.

Every year for over two centuries, my family had hosted the autumn affair at Wedlove. It was a highly anticipated opportunity, and drew not only the locals, but also guests from all over England, being one of the few occasions to brought aristocrat and commoner into the same circle.

Scheduled events took place both inside and outside the palace, with the revelry lasting one week. The days were filled with circus-type sideshows, games, competitions, music, and many other such activities.

Younger children played simple games such as “Red Rover” and “Mother, May I” while others played in the brook, having contests to see who could walk barefoot without slipping on the slimy moss that grew on the large flat stones just below the surface of the cool-running stream.

As for me, I looked forward to the competitions. Most of the young men would enter more challenging contests such as archery, fencing, wrestling, hand-to-hand combat, weapons skills, and horsemanship.

Young ladies and other spectators would sit on quilts under the shady trees at the outskirts of the meadow and watch, just as Pris and I had been doing. From there they would cheer on their favorite competitors.

I was eager to enjoy all this with Elz, as well as the evenings that would bring with them the more formal division of aristocrat and commoner. Informal dances and barbeques outdoors for the latter, while the upper class would enjoy formal balls and dinner parties inside the large palace.

I drew a breath through my nose, and my mouth watered. The atmosphere stirred my senses deliciously, carrying with it such aromas as roasting meats and sweetbreads mixed with the faint scent of autumn, holding the promise of yet another changing season.

Sounds of merriment filled the air; music and laughter caused a feeling of romance that set the mood for love. The finest youth in England were among us. The Autumn Festival was notorious for offering prime matrimonial opportunity.

Young couples everywhere strolled arm in arm, and I knew from past experience some would find their way to more private places with intentions to seek more intimate pleasures.

Pris and I continued to weave our way through the crowd, moving quickly toward the towering fortress we called home. With Pris’s hand looped through the bend of my arm, I felt her tighten against me, and I followed her gaze. I felt a smile burst into my expression when I saw her target was none other than the one who’d occupied my thoughts not two minutes before. Kyle was striding toward us, coming from the direction of the castle.

He only made brief eye contact with me, offering me a slight grin before his interest became fixed on Pris.

“Good afternoon, Lady Pristine,” he said warmly, his gaze sweeping her person. He held her gaze and lifted her gloved hand to his lips, then lingered there a long, brazen moment.

A rosy blush deepened within her cheeks, and I saw Kyle’s pleasure over the effect as he bit back a genuine smile.

It seemed Pris had entirely forgotten our mad dash to the castle, her mind being engaged with Kyle’s company. They were spellbound to one another.

Pris gave him a sweet look. “Good afternoon to you, My Lord.”

Kyle lowered her hand. His gaze slid toward me, and his subdued expression morphed into a huge, happy grin, then he laughed. “Back for less than an hour and already hogging the finest lady in England within the crook of your arm. Thomas said you were home and looking for me, but instead, here you are, Dev, enjoying your lovely sister’s company and not looking for me at all.” He looked at Pris. “Although, I couldn’t blame him, as I would be doing the same. I still must protest, however,” he returned his attention to me, “since I’ve been driving my way through this barnyard of chaos, and all by myself, I might add, looking for you, Dev. There is an unbelievable turnout of people this year, wouldn’t you agree?”

I glanced around. “Yes, I would say this is one of the largest crowds we’ve had. We should be in for an exciting week ahead.” The latter I said looking straight at Kyle. “In fact, I predict it will be a very exciting week indeed.” I tossed an implying glance toward the castle, thinking of my wife and her family hidden away in my chambers.

Kyle fought a grin, grasping that I’d been successful on my journey to twenty-first century Boston in pursuit of my bride. Surely he never doubted the charm and wit of his old friend.

I, too, bit back a smile, but noticing the inquisitive look on Pris’s face, I felt it best to change the subject.

“You know, Kyle, you would have found Pris and me had you looked in the right place. We procured the ideal spot over there on that hill for viewing everything.” I turned to indicate the direction. Looking at Pris, I pretended to have no knowledge of Kyle’s mission to win her heart while I was away, and faked a sudden flash of awareness.

“Come to think of it. Pris, I now realize it was Kyle you were referring to and looking for earlier, was it not?”

Pris looked guilty, yet said nothing.

I laughed and turned my attention to Kyle. “I get the feeling my sweet but clearly no-longer-loyal sister would drop me like a hot potato where you’re concerned, Kyle.”

Kyle’s expression turned interested as he settled his attention on Pris. “Is that true, dove? Am I in such high standing in your heart that your beloved brother would get the boot?”

“My beloved brother is a grown man and can manage his own life, but I, on the other hand, am a young lady in love. Yes, in love with a man who sits like a crown atop my heart and would therefore be in the highest standing.”

Kyle’s face exploded with delight, and I imagined his heart was soaring at Pris’s public declaration to me.

Pris’s cheeks dimpled, betraying her amusement. ”Good heavens, Kyle, that smile of yours. It exudes emotion from every part of your countenance. How can a man be so charming?”

I was wondering how much had gone on between them and if she knew the full extent of Kyle’s charms.

“Pris, you speak of my smile, but it cannot begin to compare to the beauty of your expression. That innocent blush—its rosy color sweeping across your porcelain skin where your aquamarine eyes sit in the midst and appear cool and inviting. They’re like an oasis set against the white sands of the desert, swathed in the waning light of the sun as it casts the sky in its most vibrant colors of the day. They lure this thirsty soul to take refuge in their refreshing depths. How can a woman be so charming?”

And Pris thought I used flattery by saying she looked like a figurine? Good Lord.

I watched back and forth between Kyle and Pris, uncomfortable with the yearning that practically dripped from them. Knowing the battle I still fought with Elz, I was truly hoping that during my absence my sister’s honor had remained cherished.