Sinful Seduction: They met and loved passionately in a time of revolution

By Jacqueline Seewald

They met and loved passionately in a time of revolution.

Anne McIntyre, a schoolmistress in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey at the outset of the American Revolution, is serious-minded, intelligent, and patriotic. Anne supports her sister in her marital problems and helps the ironmaster’s widow manage a difficult situation wit

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
• Release date: Dec 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781999306625

Jacqueline Seewald

Jacqueline Seewald has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Twenty of her books of fiction have been published for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies.

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SINFUL SEDUCTION

JACQUELINE SEEWALD

They met and loved passionately in a time of revolution.

Anne McIntyre, a schoolmistress in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey at the outset of the American Revolution, is serious-minded, intelligent, and patriotic. Anne supports her sister in her marital problems and helps the ironmaster’s widow manage a difficult situation with her daughter.

Peter Kensington should have been an earl, but thanks to the duplicity of his younger brother and his own reckless nature, he has ended up an officer in the colonial war. Spying is alien to his gentlemanly code. Yet he must do exactly that. Anne is suspicious of him from the first but as passionately attracted to him as he is to her.

PUBLISHER NOTE: Historical M/F Romance. Love Triangle. 89,000 words.

SINFUL SEDUCTION

JACQUELINE SEEWALD

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SINFUL SEDUCTION

Copyright © DECEMBER 2019 JACQUELINE SEEWALD

ISBN: 978-1-9993066-2-5

Cover Art by Poppy Designs

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

For Monte who supports me in every way possible.

THE SICK ROSE

O ROSE, thou art sick!

The invisible worm,

That flies in the night,

In the howling storm,

Has found out thy bed

Of crimson joy;

And his dark secret love

Does thy life destroy.

William Blake

CHAPTER ONE

New Jersey, 1776

AT FIRST, the trip to Princeton was not frightening. There were no armies of soldiers on the road. Yet the smell of fear was in the air. Anne McIntyre had been told the Continental Army was retreating across New Jersey with the British army in hot pursuit. The coach pressed on. She grimly kept her skinning knife at one side and the spare pistol at the other — just in case. Visions of red-coated soldiers pillaging and raping marched through her mind.

A few miles outside of Princeton, old Jacob sped up the coach. Anne could hear horses racing and drawing near. Soon there was the sound of voices yelling at Jacob to halt.

Is it soldiers? Delia Baincroft asked in a small, frightened voice that made her sound more childish than her sixteen years.

Anne turned her head toward the window at the rear of the coach and peered out. There were four armed men on horses chasing after them, but they were in civilian dress.

It looks like highwaymen, although I cannot be certain.

The coach could not outrun the men on horseback, and they were forced to pull over. Anne’s heartbeat increased as she gripped the pistol beside her.

Where are you goin’, driver? And who are the folk within this fine coach?

Who wants to know? she heard Jacob return sharply.

Do not be rude to your betters, old man, or I’ll slice out your tongue.

Fanny Baincroft slightly opened the coach door and peered her head outside. Step away, man. My daughter is ill, and we are on our way to seek a physician.

Then surely you fine ladies have money with you to pay a fat fee. Get out of the coach and hand over your valuables.

How dare they! Delia sputtered indignantly.

Stand and deliver.

There was the sound of a pistol fired and then another in exchange. Anne brushed past Fanny to see what was happening. Jacob had obviously tried to shoot one of the robbers, but his aim wasn’t good enough. The old man gasped, holding his chest where blood spurted forth. While the men had their eyes turned on Jacob, Anne took up her weapon and aimed it at the leader of the group.

I’ll shoot you if you don’t get out of here, she said, cocking the mechanism.

The highwayman laughed at her in a crude, menacing way. And what does a young woman like yourself know of weapons? He started moving toward her. I think you need to be taught a lesson in how to yield right and proper.

Anne let loose her shot and caught the man in the head. She saw the look of astonishment as he fell from his horse, blood trickling down his temple. She hoped that without a leader, the others would turn and ride away, but that was not the case. Three men charged toward her, and she could only think to remove her knife from its hide casing in readiness. She would not die without a fight.

But suddenly she heard a pistol discharging and then another. A tall man on a great horse dispersed the robbers, another of whom fell from his horse, bleeding profusely while the other two rode away.

Are you all right? The man’s black horse reared up.

Anne found herself trembling. She had been fine in the moment that required her greatest effort, but now she felt weak. It was as if her legs could no longer support her. Their savior seemed to sense this. He climbed down from the spirited stallion and put his arms around her, holding her close as if she were a child. Normally, she would have been shocked and offended by such behavior from a stranger, but these were not usual circumstances. She felt his gesture of comfort suffuse her flesh with an unfamiliar but pleasant sensation of warmth.

They won’t be back, he said reassuringly.

He ran his hands over her back and continued to press her close against the hard length of his masculine body. Her reaction to him was peculiar. She felt herself begin to tremble as if in the grip of a raging fever. It took all the strength she could summon to pull free of him.

Anne looked up into the handsomest face she had ever seen. The man removed his hat and bowed to her. His eyes were of a deep, dark blue, hair completely blond on top and sandy beneath. He was well-dressed in a great, black cape and fully armed with a sword and brace of pistols. When he returned his hat to his head, he cocked it jauntily like a military man.

You are all right? he asked again, his voice a cultured, velvet baritone.

She nodded her head, unable to speak. Never in her life had she seen a man to equal him; there was something about him, a refinement, an elegance that astonished her.

Fanny and Delia came out of the carriage at that moment.

My God, they’ve harmed Jacob! Fanny exclaimed.

Madam, I will look to him, the handsome gentleman offered. He went to Jacob but did not look long. Your driver is dead.

Delia began to cry. Anne attempted to comfort her. Fanny was too distraught to speak.

Ladies, I do not know where you are going, but I will drive your coach wherever you like.

We’re on our way to Princeton, Anne told him, finally able to put words together.

Then, in that regard, your problem is solved. I am at your service. He offered a small bow.

They were in no mood to object, grateful for the gentleman’s willingness to help in their time of need. He tied his horse to the back of the coach and then gently moved Jacob’s lifeless form so he could take the reins. They left the two dead robbers exactly where they were and did not look back.

I must give this gentleman a reward, Fanny said. He is so kind to us.

When the coach stopped again, Anne found that they had pulled in under the signboard of the Willborn Inn. The coach door opened, and the gentleman poked his head inside.

Ladies, I have stopped here so that we might take some refreshment and have an opportunity to speak. He helped Fanny and Delia down, but Anne refused his arm.

I’m quite able to help myself, she assured him.

A lady of independence I gather. His smile, she decided, was as cocky as his hat.

He lifted her down despite her prior protest and held her a moment longer than was necessary. His touch made her skin tingle and her belly quake.

He turned to Fanny. I will help you make arrangements for your driver.

That is very good of you, Fanny said. Jacob had no family of his own.

I will speak to the innkeeper then. He will know who we may contact for the burial. I will also arrange for your horses to be cared for, fed and watered at the livery.

Such a thoughtful man, Fanny said as their savior walked ahead of them in order to solicit the proprietor.

The inn had a large public room; once inside, they easily found a table that comfortably seated them. They were soon joined by the gentleman. A serving wench came over quickly to take their order, but she looked only to the handsome man at whom she smiled sweetly. Anne observed that he accepted the girl’s admiration as one entirely used to receiving it. For some unexplainable reason, it annoyed her.

In truth, he was striking. Now that his black cape had been removed, she noticed that he was finely dressed. He wore a light blue broadcloth coat with pearl buttons, close-fitting breeches of the same color, black satin vest and white silk hose with polished leather boots. He was tall and well-built with broad shoulders, narrow hips, and muscular thighs and calves. Almost immediately, he caught Anne studying him and flashed an amused, knowing look which caused her to quickly turn away as color burned her cheeks. Apparently, he was all too aware of the devastating effect his physical appearance had on women.

Ale was ordered all around except by Anne who chose cider. Then the gentleman turned to them and spoke in earnest.

I think you’ll be safe in this place if you decide to stay.

We visited my sister and her husband in Burlington and shared Thanksgiving with their family, but we’ve pressing business in Princeton, Fanny explained. My daughter, Delia, has been suffering a grievous affliction for some time. Mrs. Stockton, my sister, thought to have her see a doctor who had offices in Burlington, but it would seem that he has since removed his practice here to Princeton.

These are not good times to venture on the roads as you have seen for yourselves. However, I would assist you as best I can.

There was an earnest quality about the handsome stranger, yet Anne found the man made her feel uneasy. Her instincts warned her that there was something amiss about him." Why are you on the roads?" Anne inquired.

He smiled, flashing straight, white teeth. Business, he replied.

She thought his answer vague. And your name would be?

He seemed to hesitate. Smythe, Peter Smythe.

What business brings you to New Jersey in time of war?

His eyes locked boldly with hers, but she did not flinch. My family has some degree of wealth. I seek to find ventures in which they may invest to good advantage.

Really, Anne, we do not want to treat our benefactor in a rude manner asking questions that are not of our concern. Fanny looked embarrassed.

Anne nodded, but there was something about the man that still troubled her. He seemed too elegant and well-bred to concern himself with their particular problems.

There will be questions about your driver. I will answer them for you.

Thank you, Fanny said, you are so good to us. If you can stay but a day or two, I would greatly appreciate it. I wish to pay you generously for your time and trouble.

No need, he replied. I would like to think that if women in my own family were in trouble, a gentleman would stop to render them similar assistance. My time is not of such consequence to me that I cannot spare some of it for you.

How kind you are, Delia said. We are fortunate, after all.

There is just one thing, I would urge that we look for your physician immediately, Mr. Smythe suggested.

Fanny readily agreed. They eventually took the coach to the address that Nancy Stockton had given them. But Mrs. Stockton’s choice of doctors, however excellent, was not to be found. It seemed he had changed his mind about opening an office in Princeton and gone on to Elizabethtown instead. They returned to the inn discouraged.

We can ask the landlord for help, Smythe suggested.

The landlord, a fat, bald man with more hair on his face than he had on his head was quite willing to offer advice. I wouldn’t go on to Elizabethtown was I you, ladies. Rumor has it the redcoats are thereabouts in force. I’ve been hearin’ it from travelers come this way just today. He leaned over toward Smythe and lowered his voice to a confidential whisper. They say not only are the soldiers pillaging, looting and stealing everything that can be taken, but raping womenfolk as well! It’s them foreign devils that’s the worst. Don’t even speak our language, them Hessians. Good ladies like these ought not to travel north for any reason.

A terrible situation, Fanny agreed. Who knows when they will decide to head south.

Soon, I think, from what I’ve heard around, the landlord said. The word is General Washington be not doin’ well by halves. Tommy’s chasin’ our poor fellows and they’re runnin’ fast. There’re plenty deserters, and word is there likely won’t be an army soon.

Uncle said something like that too, Delia observed.

Is your uncle a soldier? Smythe asked with keen interest.

Oh, no, but he is a personal friend of Governor Livingston. The Governor was our uncle’s guest at Thanksgiving dinner. The Governor says General Washington has less than five thousand men and they are ill-equipped.

Delia, you must not talk of such matters with strangers, Anne reproved.

The girl’s lower lip curled into a pout. Mr. Smythe is our friend. He saved our lives. Surely, we can talk openly here.

You’re brave ladies to be out on the roads in these uncertain times, the landlord said.

We are not easily frightened, Anne responded.

Oh, and why is that? Mr. Smythe inquired.

She looked at him with her direct gaze. We come from the Pine Barrens, a dark forest that some believe to be haunted by a demon spirit. Many consider it a dangerous frontier wilderness.

There was a momentary uncomfortable silence. Fanny tried to end the awkwardness.

What matters most is that we find Delia a doctor as soon as possible.

There must be other physicians in Princeton, Smythe said.

Most be serving with the army, the landlord said, scratching the top of his bald head, but there is one Dr. Lockhart of whom I know.

It was agreed that they would visit the doctor early the next morning. It was also decided over the meal that rooms would be arranged at the inn where they would take lodging for the night.

I’ve plenty of space now, the landlord said. The war has hurt my business considerable. We’ve got a nice room for the gentleman. You ladies may share my best accommodation, and there’s a small place next door for your maid.

Anne did not think of herself as anyone’s servant, and yet it was easy to understand why the landlord had thought of her as one. After all, in her homespun woolen attire, she was dressed plainly in comparison to the Baincrofts.

Mistress McIntyre is not my maid, sir. She is our friend. Please see that she is treated with proper courtesy.

Of course, ma’am, the innkeeper said hastily.

Anne believed the room she received was the same one the landlord intended to give her before Fanny spoke up, but it didn’t matter. The room though tiny was adequate to her needs.

She was tired from the day’s travels and eager to rest. The cruelty of Jacob’s death weighed heavily on her heart. The room was dark, except for one candle that flickered near the window. She opened her bag and took out her white flannel nightdress, a full-flowing gown, the cloth of which she had spun, woven and bleached herself. Then she took her white muslin cap off her head and pulled the pins that held her hair neatly in place. She brushed her hair repeatedly until it felt soft and full. In the small mirror glass, she could see the lustrous shine it had taken on. Outside, she heard rustling in the trees and wondered if there were any large animals nearby.

In her mind’s eye, she saw the image of the handsome stranger who had rescued them and felt a strange fluttering in her body. Her blood warmed as if heated by some illusory furnace. She must not think on that man; it did strange things to her. Surely, no good could come of such foolish feelings, yet she was powerless to stop them.

HE STOOD outside looking up at the window, watching her brush the long, auburn tresses that fell in great coppery waves. She had fine luxurious hair that he itched to touch. She looked like a beautiful angel in her white gown, her face calmly composed in its loveliness. He was overcome by a rush of lust. He wanted her naked and willing beneath him, her eyes dark with desire for him.

From the moment he saw her confronting the highwaymen, he desired the woman. He had never seen any female show so much courage. Her brown eyes were hot, molten lava, her cheeks burning vividly scarlet. The sight of her had moved him powerfully. He came to her aid without a moment of hesitation. Without thinking the matter out as he knew he should, he now went to the door of her room and knocked. He could hear her stirring within.

Who’s there? she called out.

He knocked once more without answering and then was rewarded by the sound of the door opening.

Delia? Oh, Mr. Smythe. I am surprised. Is there something you wished of me?

May I come in for a moment? he asked. He saw the color flame in her cheeks and understood she was not indifferent to him.

In her large, dark luminous eyes and in the fullness of her sensual mouth, he discerned a passionate nature. She could try hiding it, just as she hid her magnificent hair under a mop cap, but he was too experienced with women not to know that there was tremendous depth of emotion here. He fought the urge he felt to seize her in his arms and kiss her firmly on those soft, full lips.

She was staring at him now, waiting for him to offer some explanation for his presence. He sensed her uneasiness.

I only wanted to tell you that it would seem both armies are rapidly moving in this direction. Try to hurry your friends so they will not remain here unduly.

That may be difficult, Mr. Smythe. Delia is truly ill. However, as you say, these are bad times. I thank you for your concern.

She looked as if she would close the door on him.

May I stay and talk with you for yet a few moments?

Mr. Smythe, as you can see, I am in my nighttrail, and that would be most improper.

He watched the rise and fall of her breasts, and his groin tightened. Sometimes, madam, a man needs to be improper. He spoke boldly, thinking that it might heat her blood.

Mr. Smythe, I think you are more rogue than gentleman. She moved forward as if to usher him out the door, but he quickly pulled her into his arms and kissed her mouth, pressing his lips forcefully against hers. He could feel her full breasts yielding against his chest through the soft cloth.

She let out a small gasp and then quickly pushed him away from her. Sir, if I have given you any cause to take such liberties with me, I do apologize. I fear you have misunderstood me. I am promised and cannot entertain your affections. Her cheeks danced with color.

He felt like a starving man beholding a feast. To whom are you promised?

Reverend Henry Cox of the Pine Barrens.

I see, and you plan to marry soon? His voice thickened.

She hesitated, and he studied her carefully. Perhaps she was not as set on marrying the clergyman as she claimed.

Please leave me, if indeed, you are the gentleman you purport to be.

As you wish, madam, but I never claimed to be a gentleman. He bowed to her and left the room, feeling dejected and disappointed. Ladies would flirt and tease but readily oblige. It was a little game they played, naughty yet enjoyable. In the end, he had his way, and that was what the ladies wanted too.

But this woman was different. She wanted him to think she played no games. She simply played a game he as yet did not comprehend, yet he vowed that he would learn it and win. Perhaps in England, he would not have glanced at a woman dressed so plainly as she, but in the colonies, one seemed to look at people differently.

He slept poorly that night, his body yearning for a woman who had denied herself to him. He knew that passion burned in her, and yet obviously strict moral training kept a tight rein on her nature. If only he could be back in England. Soon now he hoped this rebellion would be crushed and he would be on a ship sailing home.

ANNE tossed and turned a good part of the night; the appearance of Peter Smythe at her door had distressed her. She raged at his audacity. How dare he kiss her in such a manner! She was certain it was of no consequence to him. Most likely, the scoundrel kissed women all the time and was nothing better than a lecher, but he had done something to her. This stranger — who obviously thought nothing more of her but that she would momentarily slake his lust — had stirred in her a most unseemly desire. How outrageous of the man to act so! But what did it say of her that such an action could stir a depth of feeling that she was unaware even existed within her? It was confusing and disconcerting. She must take care that he never knew of her feelings for she did not want such a man to gain power over her. She thought of what Henry would say if she could seek his counsel. He would probably suggest that this stranger was a tool of the devil sent to test her virtue, to possess her soul. I must be strong. But that night she dreamt of finding love in the arms of a lustful stranger.

CHAPTER TWO

AFTER a quick breakfast of weak tea, stale bread, and lumpy cornmeal mush, Peter Smythe drove the three of them to Dr. Lockhart’s house. It was a shabby old timbered home with a steep roof and two cracked diamond-paned casements in the front. Anne did not much like the look of the place.

I’ll check on Jacob’s arrangements and meet you back here shortly, Anne promised Fanny.

Allow me to escort you, Smythe said.

I don’t need the coach. The landlord said that the mortician’s establishment was not so far from here. I can walk.

We will take my horse.

Before she could offer much of a protest, he had his horse untied from the rear of the coach and was offering to help her into the saddle. She was much too aware of his arms around her waist.

But I am not much of a rider.

Just put one leg over, and I’ll hold you. Don’t worry. We won’t be riding very fast.

Her skirts rose to the knee in an unladylike manner. For modesty’s sake, she was grateful that her cloak could be used to cover her long limbs. She saw him looking at her legs and moved to cover them more quickly. His hands reached around her waist as he took the reins, and his chest pressed against her back as they began to ride. She contrived to keep her spine as rigid as possible and not lean against him, but her back soon began to ache from the awkward posture. She could smell and feel his manliness; there was an intoxication in this proximity that disturbed her greatly.

       The undertaker’s establishment was just a few blocks down along the main street. Fanny had given her a purse for the man that was more than ample, and so arrangements were quickly completed. Tears filled her eyes as she thought about Jacob’s senseless murder. Peter Smythe gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. Let us take a short ride about before we return. I’ve never seen Princeton, have you?

No, but I believe I may be needed.

Doctors are overlong in making patients wait. I believe it has something to do with their sense of self-importance. Let us see this College of New Jersey a little bit before we return.

There was nothing she could say because he held the reins and they simply took off. It had turned into a lovely morning. Although it was late autumn, the sun shone brilliantly and warmed the air generously. He rode about inspecting the college.

What think you of this place? he asked her.

Our clergy are educated here. Presbyterians believe in the value of rigorous education, and so this is the finest of schools.

Ah, that explains it, he said as if suddenly enlightened about something.

Explains what?

Why you dress as you do. You’re a dour Puritan. He spoke with an air of smug superiority that infuriated her. He got down from his horse, pulling her off with him.

Her heart began to pound like an anvil. Please do not handle me so with such rough familiarity.

I cannot have a proper conversation with you, madam, staring at the back of your head. I mean no insult to you or your kind. But it does seem to me that you people take all the gaiety out of living. For instance, what be wrong if a man and a woman find pleasure in each other’s arms? His eyes raked her with frank intent.

"Find pleasure in any woman’s