My Pirate At Midnight: Satin & Swords Series, #1

By Jocelyn Vonne

She's an heiress celebrating her betrothal. He's the most feared pirate on the high seas. Settle in. Destiny will take it from here.

 

Her ideal life is about to begin…

 

Julienne is a vivacious young heiress whose engagement is the talk of society. With the anticipation of entering into the enchanted world of matrimony, she is living the life her social circle aspires to. She has meticulously planned her blissful future, from the paintings that will grace the walls of her new home to the names of her two, soon to be acquired, puppies.

 

One situation she could never have planned for was waking one morning aboard a ship. A ship captained by the notorious pirate Austin.

 

Even more distressing than finding herself aboard a pirate ship in the middle of the ocean, is the realization that the Captain is the same dashing "nobleman" she met not too long ago at a social engagement.

 

And the same scoundrel who left her standing dazed in the moonlight after a passionate kiss.

 

A Must Read! A true Historical Romance Series of Passion and Adventure! Book One of the Satin and Swords Series.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jocelyn Vonne
• Release date: Mar 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987968215

Book preview

My Pirate at Midnight

A Steamy Historical Romance of Passion and Adventure

Jocelyn Vonne

My Pirate at Midnight Copyright @ 2022 by Jocelyn Vonne. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce or distribute without permission.

First Ebook Edition: Oct, 2022

ASIN: B0BDVJRRD8

This book is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, companies, organizations, places, events, locales, and incidents are either used in a fictitious manner or are fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual companies or organizations, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Satin & Swords Series

My Pirate at Midnight

Coming Soon

My Pirate's Embrace

Contents

Acknowledgments

1. The Night Destiny Brought Her a Pirate

2. Midnight Moon

3. A Small Gold Naked Woman

4. Becoming A Queen

5. We Meet Again

6. Picnics and Chamber Pots

7. The Engagement Ball!

8. My Pirate’s Booty

9. Emotions Running Amok

10. In The Mood To Be Intoxicated

11. Dixie, Doxie, Lucy, Minnie, Sally, Meg, and Shithead!

12. Inside the Captain’s Cabin

13. An Enchanting Dinner

14. He Swallowed Hard

15. The Sound of Silence

16. Pirate Island

17. Take Off Your Clothes!

18. Pigs and Whatnot

19. Back On Board

20. The Calm Before the Storm

21. The Storm

22. Fly Away! Be Free!

23. I Never Said I Love Her

24. I’ve Been Shot!

25. She Just Wasn’t Good At This

26. She’d Love To Meet You!

27. Ooops

28. The Wedding Night

29. What the Bloody Hell

30. Into the Unknown

31. My Family, My Love

Epilogue

Thank You!

Acknowledgments

Thanks to all of my wonderful readers! This has been an overwhelming experience. Why I waited so long to start publishing I will never know. I would also like to thank everyone who supported and encouraged me along the way with their invaluable insight and unwavering belief in my work.

First, I would like to acknowledge those who helped with the writing. Natasja Smith, Elisha Prophet, Raven North, and Sue Graver, to you I send my deepest gratitude.

Next, I would like to extend my utmost appreciation to my team of amazing pirates who cheered me on and helped spread the word. Brittany Williams, Nicole Barkman, Rhonda Bradfute, Paula Judith Johnston, Christina Burrus, Lacy Page, Sirena Knighton, Jasmine Davis, Doreen Coolidge, Sara Jacks, Amy Dale, Lisa Van Der Wilt, Nuzja Dya, Karen Kropelnicki, Becky Jordan, and Jenna Lee.

And last but never least, my friends to the end, and one sister. Nan Skarnes, Pam Gogolin, and Brenee Bausk, I raise a glass to you guys for putting up with me for a lifetime.

Chapter one

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The Night Destiny Brought Her a Pirate

Spring ~ 1780 ~ Seashore Town in Southern England

Julienne bit her lip, could she go through with it? She smoothed her silk skirts for the fourth time. The excited trembling of her hands caused sparks of color to shoot about the empty room from her expensive jewelry. Dinner with ones intended without a chaperone was unheard of in high society, yet she had taken it upon herself to plan just that, a scandalous evening with her fiancé. It was to be a night of romance and fantasy, one she would never forget. Her chin rose and her hands steadied. Tonight, for the first time in her vivacious yet sheltered life, she would be alone with a man. Her violet eyes glittered with anticipation. How utterly wicked!

Blissfully unaware was she of the truly scandalous events fate had planned for her. One of which would soon find her on an exotic beach, face to face with a dashing pirate, demanding he remove every stitch of his clothing.

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Julienne Vendont descended the staircase in a lavish display of coral silk, sparkling jewels, and an abundance of ebony tresses tumbling down her back to create the perfect backdrop for her tiny peach waistline. The small group gathered below hushed to admire her grace. Purity and innocence radiated from her fine porcelain skin and pouty-pink lips; yet upon closer inspection, the glint of mischief in her round violet eyes left no room for doubt of her intentions for the evening to come.

Tonight, she would have her handsome man to herself without interruption and scrutiny. They would be able to talk freely and get to know each other fully, as opposed to the clipped conversations made in the presence of chaperones. This was the man she would soon call husband, whose life would forever be entwined with hers. She and Delmont against the world. Anticipation bubbled within her. 

Julienne, gasped her soon to be mother-in-law, Lady Brent. Pressing her heavily bejeweled hand against her supposedly stressed heart, she continued, you cannot be planning to appear in public with your…hair like that?

Julienne raised wounded and confused brows. Lady Brent then turned to her son for assistance in aborting the outrage, Delmont…?

Knowing his reply before it came, Julienne smiled. If Delmont was anything, it was predictable. Mother, he said calmly, I am sure Lady Vendont is aware of all social guidelines and would never act to the contrary.

Taking the last steps that separated them, Julienne took her place by her fiancé's side. She considered herself lucky that her future husband couldn't be bothered with such things as the knowledge of fashion and said etiquette that he considered frivolous, for it gave her a taste of the same freedom her parents had raised her with. Most other prospects in her social circle would not be so lenient with her, and she once again silently thanked her good Lord above that she'd found Delmont.

Julienne smiled a greeting to her parents who stood quietly next to the Brents. She did not in the least fear a scolding from them. Monique and Pierre Vendont had given her free reign to discover her life in her own natural way, with occasional advice that she followed without hesitation. The reward of their given freedom stood before them: a cherished treasure of love and beauty, with a tinge of impishness.

Lady Brent's bark caused her to jump. Whatever happened to your hand?

Julienne caressed the bandage on her wrist as she answered, Dr. Totter assured me I will be able to remove it in a few days. In plenty of time for the ball.

Was it a riding accident? Delmont inquired, now examining the bandage.

With a sigh, she turned to her fiancé. I'm afraid it was a toad accident.

I don't understand. His exquisite face was devoid of expression. A toad?

Yes, dear, she answered, you know, the little bumpy creatures prone to hopping.

At her mother's slight shake of her head, Julienne smiled apologetically, explaining, You see, upon descending the steps to the garden this morning, the silly thing jumped right beneath my slipper. The Brent family met her explanation with blank stares.

And? Delmont prompted.

And he wrastled me to the ground, Delmont, what do you suppose? Again, she was met with vacant stares. I tried to step over him, you see, lost my balance, and consequently twisted my wrist in the tumble.

How absurd, spluttered Lady Brent.

Monique quickly stepped forward to steer the conversation in another direction, Your chaperones, Lady Bolling and her escort should be here any time now, shouldn't they, Julienne?

Actually, mother, Julienne began as she took Delmont's arm. Bonnie and her escort will be meeting us at The Cheshire. We should really be on our way. Julienne urged Delmont toward the door so that they could take their leave before anyone could raise any further objections.

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Once outside in the drive, they came upon her grandfather. Julienne was filled with joy, for he had been absent for two days. Julienne did not miss Delmont's scowl.

Grandpapa! Where have you been? she asked, taking in the disheveled hair and shirt half untucked. Alas, she could surmise nothing from his visual countenance, for he always sported this particular fashion.

Been on a mission, my lovely. A very successful mission.

Julienne smiled, she knew this statement meant she would never discover where he had been. Grandpapa often went on 'missions', sometimes for days at a time, and although no one knew where he went off to, she was almost positive these excursions included a member of the opposite sex. I see you've brought home another cat, Grandpapa, she gently scolded with a smile upon her lips.

He frowned down at the scruffy thing seated beside him. I didn't bring him home, he followed me. The cat looked up and meowed, as if to dismiss the foolish accusation. It's all these…damn fish! her grandfather insisted, gesturing to the barren ground around him. The cat licked its lips.

Grandpapa, language please.

Delmont cleared his throat impatiently. We must be going, Julienne. We don't want to keep Lady Bolling waiting. 

Julienne suppressed her smile. Delmont would simply never be comfortable with Grandpapa's wild imaginings. She kissed the old man's cheek, Mama will be very glad to see you.

Delmont handed her into the plush carriage interior. They were bound for the new establishment, The Cheshire. A place for the upper class to dine in public. It was all the talk. 

Once seated comfortably in the carriage, her shapely brows drew together. She hadn't had much time to explain to her most proper fiancé why neither Bonnie Bolling nor her escort would be awaiting them when they arrived.

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The Cheshire's glorious surroundings wiggled deep into Julienne's sensibilities. She decided they would dine here at least once a week after their marriage. Delmont wore his inevitable expression of beau monde detachment, which he did so well. The Cheshire had just opened a few weeks prior, and all of those of import in the community had already paid it a visit. Its praise of opulence had Julienne eager to see for herself. So far, it had not disappointed her in any way. It was magnificent.

With a deep sigh, she perused the china and crystal display on their table. Divine. She put her thoughts to the ball being held in their honor in less than a week. She smiled, even had the urge to laugh. They would officially announce their impending nuptials at the ball. Her lip between her teeth, she snuck a glance at Delmont's handsome image across the table. That is if he was not called away on some business matter which happened all too often. Although she had been assured it was necessary for their 'secure and prominent future', she still dreaded those words: 'Julienne, I am well aware that a young lady of your inexperienced years could not possibly comprehend the importance…' which were permanently etched in her mind from listening to him repeat the sentiment.  

Bizarre accident, he mumbled again, and Julienne wondered if perhaps she had been a bit ambitious with her fictitious story. He seemed preoccupied with her little white lie about the absence of the other couple. He caught his foot in the carriage door, you say?

Yes. That's what I said.

His elegant hand stroked his chin. And he fell backward into the footman, taking them both to the ground?

Twisting his ankle, Julienne added quietly, lifting her napkin to pat her lips as she scanned the room guiltily.

That poor man.

Terrible. She fabricated a shudder and nervously took a sip of water, trying to think of some way to change the subject while shaking her head, mimicking his. 

But you are correct. They had quite an acceptable excuse for declining dinner this evening. Though if you knew of this Julienne, you should have told Mother.

Delmont, you know how she is. She would have made a fuss over something as silly as a chaperone.

Yes, well, I suppose you know best about these matters.

Yes, I do.

Bonnie Bolling and her escort forgotten, he picked up his fork, continuing the exhibition of elegant dining manners.

With an inward sigh, Julienne let her eyes sweep the room again, keenly aware she was sitting among the elite of England with who was considered the best prize in the courting pool.

It was his fine aristocratic features and considerable wealth that put Delmont in such high demand at social functions, which unfortunately didn't agree with him. Her smile was content as she admired the soft chocolate brown of his eyes. Life was perfect. She would soon be married, living in a grand home, hosting many charity and social events. They would host the finest parties England had ever known. She had been holding her own 'Giving Circles' for almost a year now. Every other Tuesday a large gathering of her contemporaries would convene in her drawing room and discuss ways they could help those in need. Besides volunteering at the clinic in town, she had also organized baking treats for the orphanage, embroidering handkerchiefs for the elderly, and hosting a free dinner consisting of soups and baked sweets for the less privileged part of town with the help of the church. 

Her schooling, as with all young ladies in the gentry, was centered around making a good match. And she had made the best. She and Delmont were already touted as leaders in their community, and she couldn't wait to set a good example for her peers.

Yes, her life was grand. She awoke every morning anticipating the day, whether it would be filled with preparations for her engagement ball, commissioning furniture for the new home that awaited her after the wedding, or preparing topics to introduce at her next Giving Circle. She scrutinized her journal kept on her escritoire first thing every morning after breakfast, ticking off the completed tasks and readying for the next items on the list. In this book, she had laid out her entire future in her own elegant handwriting, down to the names of the two puppies she would soon convince Delmont to allow her. Tippy and Buttons would be very happy, she had no doubt.

Julienne, an heiress herself, had no interest in Delmont's wealth. Instead, she admired him for his brilliance and integrity. Some of the men who had courted her had shown little to no morality, and did not hold suitable respect for their Lord, something she would not abide. To gain her approval, they needn't attend church every week, but must at least have a reverence for the Lord above. Compassion for others was another characteristic she insisted upon. She had observed most of her suitors, at one time or another, poking fun at another's shortcomings or ignoring an opportunity to assist with something as trivial as retrieving a dropped handkerchief. Delmont had certainly done neither of those things. 

Her parents welcomed the match with Delmont. It was her father, in fact, who had introduced her to Delmont after working with him last spring. He often said how much he admired Delmont's ambition and success in the business world.

Enlivened by the low rumble of conversation and tinkling of silver occasionally broken by the sound of laughter, Julienne offered, Delmont, I really am excited about the ball.

Yes, he said, dabbing his well curved lips, it is understandable.

She chose to ignore his lack of enthusiasm. She was going to be married! She was starting a new chapter in her life, one she had worked toward since a toddler playing tea parties with Grandmama while being groomed on the finer points of comportment. She was finding it difficult to contain the need to burst out in song or to dance across the room. She wished to stroll about the establishment with her hand resting on Delmont's strong arm. She wanted to marvel at the twinkle of lights, the softness of the velvet furniture, and the myriad of voices just as gleeful as she. A grin escaped as she told him, My gown is almost ready. 

I am sure it will be as beautiful as you are.

Thank you, Delmont. There was a pause. Is your attire ready?

It should be delivered on Thursday.

A few more moments of silence passed. Julienne began to realize that this was not the deep, soul exploring conversation she had imagined for the evening. This venison is delicious, she offered.

Yes. The tinkling of cutlery filled the silence. 

After yet another round of stillness, she tried again. I have found a beautiful tapestry to hang in the study.

That will be nice, I'm sure.

Yes. Julienne echoed, not knowing how to get the conversation flowing. Perhaps now would be a good time to ask about acquiring Tippy and Buttons? Delmont… Julienne hesitated.

Still focused on his meal, Yes, dear?

I must attend to my hair. Julienne blurted out. Tilting her head, she wondered where that came from, it was not at all what she had planned on saying. Her thoughts went to her grandfather, she would bet money he said things he hadn’t planned on. Yes, she must have inherited that trait from him.

Gently placing her napkin on the table, she reached for her reticule. Delmont stood with a somewhat forced smile as if his face was unaccustomed to the expression. After a moment she returned the gesture and happily floated off through the wonder that was The Cheshire to once again become overwhelmed by the exquisite elegance of it all. 

Julienne thanked her dear Lord silently for the grandeur He provided her. She made a mental note of the furnishings to be added to the sketches in her journal. She would like her new ballroom to be adorned with settees and chairs in maroon velvet, like the ones complimenting the lobby, and marble end tables like the ones below the artwork. She was adamant about choosing all her own artworks. Her interest in Oriental artists was her obsession at the moment. She loved how they focused on oceans and landscapes and not portraits, which she did admire, but they did nothing to transport her to an exotic location. In her opinion, that was what good art should do. Her pupils widened and her brows creased as she drew closer to one such painting hanging on the lobby wall.

Anyone that really knew Julienne would recognize those cues as a precursor to her intense scrutiny. Large pupils and furrowed brows meant you would be hard pressed to capture her attention. The first time her parents noticed this behavior, she was a chubby three-year-old in France visiting with her grandmother. They found Julienne crouched on the floor, staring at the rug, pupils wide and brows furrowed. When they tried to ask her what she was doing, she held up a plump little finger to shush them. After a full five minutes of trying to gain her attention, and being shushed with the finger, Julienne stood up and sighed dramatically. Too big, she said in her tiny voice. They were then allowed to watch as a lone ant tried to pick up a stray raisin on the floor, again and again. But the raisin was just too big. The same happened when Julienne discovered she could not submerge her apple in her bathwater; the stupid thing just kept floating back to the top. Her eyebrows knit together, and her pupils grew wide, as she pulled the fruit to the bottom of the bath just to have it pop up again. Recognizing the intensity on her daughter's face, Monique smiled and said to Pierre, I wouldn't talk to her right now, or you will get her shushing finger.

So engulfed was Julienne now in the blending of colors in this new painting, that she failed to notice the scene taking place outside the door of one of the private rooms. Subconsciously, she held up an elegant finger.

You wouldn't!

The indignant words entered her occupied mind, urging her to heed their presence. Pulling her eyes from one inconceivably intricate cherry blossom tree, she laid them upon a beautiful woman practically dragging a man back into the room behind her.

I would and intend to, the man said, casually shooing her away as if she was a mere fly.

Julienne stood alone in the deserted lobby, observing the spectacle.

But you can't, the woman exclaimed desperately, not caring who overheard their argument. He turned to her and said something in a low voice, then started for the desk.

Julienne's eyes widened as she was presented with the most beautiful man the world had ever produced. No, she decided, he couldn't possibly be human. He must be a fantastical being of some sort. Perhaps he came from one of the childhood stories her father used to tell her. As she watched his long, dark locks shine with every movement, and felt his powerful aura permeate the lobby and penetrate her body to lodge itself within her very soul, she whispered, By all that's holy.

All right, we don't have to marry, the woman was saying as she followed after him.

It was never my intention, came the man's indifferent reply.

The woman grasped his arm. You are a rogue! You have no heart!

He turned to her, obviously annoyed, and took her hand off his arm. Darling, you called me a rogue when first we met. One of my finer qualities, remember? He turned from her again.

False astonishment played over the woman's face until it was obvious it would accomplish naught. Dismissing the act, she started after him once again. But I am with child.

Julienne gasped.

You are no such thing, he told her calmly.

Julienne clasped her hands before her. This was clearly a refined woman of wealth and position; she would not lie about a child! How could he just cast her off like that?

The woman stopped where she was. You cannot leave me. You, you, you love me.

Julienne's breath caught as she waited for his reaction. Please, she pleaded with her good Lord, let him be in love with the beautiful woman so that they can settle their differences and live happily ever after.

Her prayer was not heard.

The beautiful man stopped and asked softly, Did I ever say that?

The woman's face blanched, and she went still. But I…

Clutching her stomach, Julienne fought the urge to run to the woman and comfort her. She shook her head and straightened; she must not involve herself in others' problems. She must not involve herself in others' problems. She absolutely must not involve herself in others' problems. She could hear a chorus of voices reciting this phrase, for it seemed that everyone she had ever met had tried to break her of this awful habit. She sincerely never meant to become involved, it just somehow happened. She must now make an effort to distance herself from these situations. Problems around the world are resolved each day without me, there is absolutely no cause for my involvement.

The man sighed heavily and ran his hand through his hair. Listen, he said, waving his hand in Julienne's direction, I'm married.

Julienne's eyes widened, obliterating every other feature of her face. The two women stood gaping at one another for long moments, neither knowing what to make of the situation. The older woman finally nodded slowly. You win, she said defeated, before swinging her hand up to slap his face. He caught her wrist without effort and placed it back at her side. In tears, the woman abruptly turned and fled. The man watched the empty space she left with a scowl, shook his head, and went back toward the desk.

Glancing quickly at Julienne, he nodded.

She nodded back. 

Stopping in mid-stride, he turned back to her with new interest.

Their eyes locked, sending strange sensations through Julienne, sensations that seemed to wrap within her chest to keep her heart from beating.

Scuttling about in her field of vision was a small, rotund man who darted to the dark-haired man's side. I am so sorry for the inconvenience. I hope you will not think of this as a discredit to my establishment…

Everything is fine, he answered, waving the little man away, and approached Julienne.

Still shocked, she stood staring up at this being — surely of her imagination. By all that's holy, look at that face.

I would like to thank you for… he began but was clearly at a loss for words. 

She was mesmerized as the backs of his loosely curled fingers absently caressed beneath his ear as he searched for the words. 

Being your wife? she offered nervously.

He flashed her a brilliant smile that almost reared her off her feet. Yes. For being my wife, he said softly, then slowly closed the space between them, towering over her. Where did you get such beautiful eyes?

His voice seemed tangible to her, like the comfort beneath her hand while stroking a purring panther, soft and deep, yet potentially dangerous. Her porcelain white face tilted up as she studied his perfection. Held within the force surrounding him, she swore she could feel his powerful aura caress her skin. My eyes? she breathed, trying to concentrate on his question. Suddenly, she became all too aware of his closeness. Where did I get them? she echoed as she backed away. Well, they are my mother's.

She looked away. That didn't sound right. She seemed unable to look at him and think all at the same time. She swore she could feel heat coming from him as he stepped closer again. 

Share some wine with me. His eyes were mesmerizing; rings of copper encircled large dark pupils. His skin so tanned and smoothly shaven, and his lips so close to her own. Surely closer than Delmont's had ever been. She couldn't remember ever noticing the full curve of Delmont's lower lip, or the rich color that tempted one to taste. So perfect, she thought, wondering what it would be like to feel his lips on hers, so soft, so warm, just so close… Oh! No, I couldn't, she exclaimed, backing away and smoothing her skirts nervously.

She had been thinking so strangely of late. It must be the excitement of the upcoming ball. She looked back up at him, about to put an end to this whole ridiculous situation, but found the words stuck in her throat. He was just so tall, he was just so real. She had never been put in a position to deal with something like this. It was true she had had more than her share of suitors clamoring for her attention, but she would just giggle and tell them how silly they were. Hadn't many young ladies come to her for advice and even lessons on how to get the man of their choice? Now, who was this man to come and tangle up all her thoughts? How dare he take away her ability to giggle at him? She shuddered from the strange sensations his proximity was eliciting. Delmont had never made her body react in such a way…

He reached out a warm hand and gently took her arm. A thousand words raced through her mind at once.

May I escort you to your table? he asked.

Her lips parted at the sound of his voice, and she backed away. No, I…thank you. She touched her arm where it still tingled from his hold. Her gaze was drawn to the length of his lashes, the curve of his jaw, the hollow of his cheek. A slight smile formed on his lips — their eyes locked again. He was so extraordinary in every way, from the perfection of his features to the way he had treated that woman.

Who was she? she asked quietly.

It was now his turn to study her face, his eyes searching gently before falling to the floor. He shook his head. No one.

She could not believe she had actually asked that. How rude! Against everything she had ever been taught. Heat rushed to her cheeks. I'm sorry. I…I really must go. Tearing her eyes away, she held her head high and forced herself to walk back in the direction of  Delmont, where her heart would be calm, and her thoughts and words would make sense.

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The table was empty when she arrived. Taking her fork, she began to push a defenseless piece of roast about her plate before setting the utensil back down. Glancing up, she noticed a tall man proffering a silver tray with a folded piece of paper.

The gentleman you were dining with asked me to present this to you.

She took the note and nodded dismissal to the man. Knowing exactly what the message held, she opened it slowly. 

'Julienne,

I have been called away on urgent business. Geoffrey Glade has brought my attention to something quite disturbing. Upon acquiring this knowledge, it is my duty to depart post haste. The carriage will return you home. Now, I am well assured that a lady of your inexperienced years cannot possibly…'

She folded the note, reciting the rest of the unread message quietly to herself from memory. Putting the note into her reticule, she searched around a moment longer as she resigned herself to the fact that her one chance at a romantic evening alone with her fiancé had just come to an abrupt end. 

She fixed her flowing dark hair behind a creamy white shoulder and began to stand.

Please, sit down, greeted that smooth voice from the lobby as the handsome stranger settled into Delmont's vacant chair. Staring into brilliantly black, copper rimmed eyes, she found herself utterly speechless.

Chapter two

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Midnight Moon

Julienne's heart beat frantically. He couldn't just come and sit with her! She did not invite him, nor did he ask permission. Had anyone noticed? Was everyone staring? A quick glance around assured her they were not.

I have taken the liberty of ordering frozen ice, raspberry. I don't believe you'd enjoy the lemon, too tart.

All she could muster was, I like tart.

He shook his head. Not here, too tart for your taste, trust me.

His eyes sparkled with the light of the candle between them. She knew nothing of this man, only that he had publicly declared himself a rogue and that she could watch him for at least one lifetime without blinking. She wondered what he was thinking, what he wanted from her. I must do something, she thought shifting in her chair, say something. May I ask why you are sitting here?

He leaned back a bit, apparently mulling over her question. His black waves flowed gracefully when he placed his elbows on the table, All right.

She stared at him blankly for a moment before realizing he had just given her permission to ask the question.

She smiled reluctantly, Why are you sitting here?

You have a beautiful smile.

She concealed it readily and her cheeks pinkened. Thank you, but if you insist on sitting with me…

Oh, I do.

Yes, I can see that, but…I don't know you. People will talk.

He dismissed her apprehension with a wave of his hand. Then get to know me. Ask me anything, he answered excitedly, as if it were a game he knew he could win.

She acknowledged she should be annoyed. A proper young lady would be annoyed, but she wanted to smile at his complete disregard for societal norms. Too many questions whirled just outside her reach as she was once again rendered speechless.

I will help, he offered. I'm honestly not sure why I am at your table except that you fascinate me. What do you think of Rineau?

By all that's holy, I fascinate him? Rineau?

Antoine Rineau, the artist — do you know of him?

Thoughts raced to catch up with the conversation. Rineau… Yes, she knew of him. She nodded.

What do you think of his works?

She loved the artist, but wasn't convinced she should share that, or any other information about herself, with this man. It was true, she had just convinced her father to purchase a Rineau as one of her engagement presents. One of a whimsical garden with large white blooms and two outdoor seats with refreshments awaiting some unknown guests. She knew exactly where she wanted to hang it in her new home. Did he somehow know this information? Was that why he was pursuing her? For her painting? 

You should be in one. He went on, cocking his head. Though I doubt even Rineau could capture your beauty. His voice wasn't reflecting seduction at all this time, he stated this as if it were mere fact.

To be in a Rineau painting. A shiver of delight ran through her. That was probably the grandest compliment she had ever received. He smiled. It was a smile of power she thought, a power so strong that it caused a physical dome of electricity over their table. Julienne drew in a long, slow breath, trying to get this situation under control. I've thought of a question. 

Yes? What is it? Anything you want to know. He was having fun again.

Well, we've hardly had a proper introduction, and I do not know your name.

There was a flicker in his eyes, and they dropped to the candle between them. Before he could respond, the same man who had brought the note from Delmont appeared and placed the frozen ices before them. Julienne watched the man across the table closely. He was thinking deeply on something, even as he thanked the server and looked over his dessert.

Once the server was gone, he looked up at her, one brow cocked, Bruce. You may call me Bruce. He was waiting for her reaction, but she hadn't one. His stare was intent, and she felt a sudden irrational fear.

My name is Jule… she faltered as his brilliant smile flashed before her, his face alight in teeth and dimples.

Jule, he announced, eat your ice.

She giggled. No one called her Jule but her parents and her personal attendant and close friend, Sylvina. It was different hearing it from him, very different, and in the silence that fell about their table, she decided she liked it. She liked it so much, in fact, she found she could not seem to keep the smile from her lips as they ate their sweet dessert.

It was sometime later that something completely different caught her attention.

So, Jule…

She had to force her eyes from his long slim fingers sliding his spoon slowly back and forth, sensually caressing his dish of raspberry ice. What extraordinary fingers, so long, tanned, graceful…

Jule?

Hmm?

May I be so bold as to inquire about your injured wrist?

You, sir, I believe, are bold enough to inquire about my corset color.

He again flashed that smile, and her face flared red. Dear Lord above! She lowered her eyes and caressed her bruised wrist. How could she have said that? That was not appropriate! She had an urgent need to change the subject. I tripped over a toad.

Excuse me? 

My wrist, she lifted it, a toad.

A…toad?

Sighing inwardly, she replied, Yes, the small bumpy creatures…

They do seem to appear at the last second, don't they?

She stared at him a moment before an air of triumph took her. Yes, they do. He understood her toad situation in a way the Brent family never could. There was an odd moment of camaraderie. If she stopped to analyze it, she would find this whole encounter quite liberating. It was in all ways forbidden, yet excitement fluttered about in her belly and a smile waited just below the surface at all times. Not that she needed to be liberated, of course. Her life was perfect. This was just an unforeseen adventure before beginning her new life. As silence surrounded them again, she noted his eyes wandering repeatedly to her wrist, and curiously, not the bandaged one.

Taking advantage of all the night presented her, she ventured