Smuggler’s Cove
By Vampirische Liebe
AU story set in 1780,Cornwall, England. An orphaned Elizabeth Anne Summers goes to live with her Aunt in Cornwall and happens upon some Smugglers. Their leader, William the Bloody is delighted to catch her snooping….
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even the wonderful Smuggler’s Song, by Rudyard Kipling….
Nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Anne Summers sat in an uncomfortable coach, travelling towards Cornwall. She was on her way to live with her spinster Aunt Joyce, a lady of impeccable character and financially well off. Elizabeth’s parents had been recently killed in a carriage accident and Aunt Joyce was her only other relative. The older woman had only been too glad to take her niece in.
Elizabeth’s pale face looked unseeing at the countryside hurrying past the window. She felt so lost without her parents. How could life be so cruel? Why her? And what awaited her in the wild countryside?
Willow, a red-haired maid and companion on the journey glanced worryingly at her mistress. She was pale and looked even more so in her black mourning clothes. Her normally vibrant blonde curls were tied severely back and a black bonnet was low on her face, hiding her features. Willow watched her mistress wringing a handkerchief through her hands and the maid’s heart went out to the young girl.
***
Elizabeth let herself be helped down from the carriage by the Coachman and smiled her thanks. She looked up at the large manor house, which was cheerfully lit in the approaching darkness and felt a little more comfortable. The house looked so welcoming.
Aunt Joyce came down the steps and took her niece’s hands, “Elizabeth, my dear, I’m so sorry about your parents. I have lost a Sister, but you have lost something much more. Come into the house and let’s get you warmed up.”
Elizabeth squeezed her Aunt’s hands, “Thank you, Aunt Joyce,” she said quietly and followed her Aunt into the large house.
Several servants stood on duty and nodded at the young mistress as she entered and Elizabeth couldn’t help but wonder why her Aunt needed so many.
Then she was ushered into a lovely drawing room and ordered to sit in a large chair by the fire. She gratefully took off her bonnet and travelling cloak and handed them to Willow, who promptly disappeared.
Joyce watched her niece closely, as she held her hands out to the fire. The girl may be pale and upset now, but the older woman could see that Elizabeth was a beauty. I wonder what my young William will think of her? She thought idly and then dismissed the idea. Her niece would never meet that rogue.
(Flashback)
William the Bloody and his gang of Smugglers had spotted the tiny cove from off shore completely by chance one day and had realized it’s potential for their smuggling activities.
Upon closer inspection, the small enclosed beach, ideal for landing their goods, led to a cave and the cave had a maze of tunnels in it. One of the tunnels led to Pendragon Manor, a few hundred yards away from the cliff top and it was ideal for distributing their goods from.
All that needed to be done was to frighten the inhabitants into letting the Smugglers use the house and tunnels, and in return for their silence, a few goods would be given.
One day William and a few of his men went to the house, armed with pistols and swords. William told his men to stand back while he went up to the large front door and knocked. A shocked butler was informed at pistol point to fetch the owner and fetch her he did.
Joyce found herself facing a handsome blond rogue in rough clothing and raised her eyebrow at his lowered pistol.
“We demand the use of your house and your silence,” he said loudly for the benefit of his men. Then he winked at Joyce and said under his breath,
“So if you could look suitably frightened, my lady, and give us your permission to use the house and tunnels, my men will not harm you and a few trinkets will come your way.”
Joyce found herself charmed by this handsome rascal, who was clearly a Smuggler and she did as requested. She stepped back, wide-eyed in fright and put her hand theatrically to her breast, “Yes, do what you will - just don’t hurt me or my servants!”
William grinned and winked again, before turning back to his men,
“You heard her lads. The house is ours to use. Let’s get the goods hidden and we’ll be on our way.”
And so an unlikely bargain had begun between Joyce and William the Bloody. Joyce and her servants ignored the unusual nightime activity and noises that were sometimes heard and in return they received lace, brandy and other contraband. Joyce even kept the Preventative men occupied whenever they stopped by. They were only too happy to accept her warm hospitality rather than snoop around the wild cliff tops in search of dangerous Smugglers. And their leading officer was open to bribes. He wasn’t stupid.
Joyce realized that her niece would have to be let in on the secret, and she felt sure that she could trust her. But now was not the time, not when the girl was still mourning her dead parents.
She ordered some tea and sat down to talk with her niece.
***
Later that evening, a tired Elizabeth bid her Aunt goodnight and left the comfortable drawing room. She had only taken a few steps up the wide staircase however, when her Aunt called her name. Elizabeth turned back.
“Just something you should know, my dear. Ignore any noise you hear at night and stay in your room.”
Elizabeth frowned at the strange request but was so tired that she didn’t want to think about it.
“Yes, I will, Aunt. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Elizabeth.”
Joyce watched her exhausted niece go upstairs with sympathy. She was so young to lose her parents like that and she would need consoling. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea for William to land his goods in the next few days. Joyce really needed to disclose everything to her niece beforehand. But then the handsome smuggler had a strict timetable to keep and people depended on his deliveries.
***
Over the next few days, Elizabeth got to know her Aunt very well and there was no more mention of the mysterious noises that she was supposed to ignore. She didn’t think her Aunt was mad in any way, but maybe she was prone to eccentric behaviour every now and then. It didn’t matter, of course. Joyce was a warm and wonderful person and Elizabeth began to hurt less. She still mourned her parents, but she began to live again and the colour returned to her cheeks.
Joyce introduced her niece to several of the local gentry and was amused to see young gentlemen smitten by the golden haired girl. Not that Elizabeth noticed. She was not interested in flirting with them and so seemed oblivious to their advances.
Joyce had to agree that Elizabeth was probably more intelligent than the lot of them put together and this was a highly unfashionable and unfeminine quality in society. Not that the gentlemen were put off at the moment. They were too absorbed by Elizabeth’s beauty.
Oh, how amusing William would find all this and there was a man who could match Elizabeth’s intellect.
Joyce found her thoughts turning more and more to William as the days went by. He was a day late at least with his consignment and she began to worry. What if he had been caught?
Elizabeth looked up from the boring conversation with the young man beside her and saw her Aunt’s look of anxiety. But it was quickly veiled when she saw her niece watching her and Elizabeth began to wonder just what secrets her Aunt was keeping.
That night as she was preparing for bed she put the question to Willow,
“I think my Aunt is hiding a terrible secret, Willow. What do you think? Do the servants gossip?”
Willow smiled at her mistress,
“I’m pleased to say that they don’t gossip about their mistress at all and that’s as it should be. Very rare too. They merely exult her virtues.”
Elizabeth frowned as she climbed into the large four poster bed,
“But she told me to ignore any noises at night. What noises? I haven’t heard any…”
Willow grew excited, “Oooh, now there I have something, Miss. In the local village there’s talk of Smugglers roaming these parts.”
Elizabeth’s eyes lit up, “Really?”
“Yes, Miss. Quite often they’ll get a whole community involved and everybody will have a share of the goods.”
“How exciting. I think I’m going to like living here,” yawned Elizabeth and settled down in bed.
“Me too,” answered Willow and quietly left the room. Especially if that handsome Footman, Xander pinched her bottom again - the cheeky man.
***
Elizabeth suddenly awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of strange voices and peeked out of her window, careful not to be seen. Down in the courtyard, she could see several horses laden with packages and barrels. Men were coming in and out of the house and carrying heavy loads with them. Smugglers! She thought excitedly.
Elizabeth put a wrapper over her nightgown and quietly eased her bedroom door open. She knew she should ignore the noises as her Aunt had asked her to, but she was too inquisitive. And besides, she would make sure she wasn’t seen.
She crept down the corridor and carefully peered around the wall by the top of the staircase. She was shocked to see her Aunt talking to someone in the well-lit hallway below and almost gave herself away by gasping out loud. She couldn’t see the other person clearly, as the large chandelier hanging down hid their face.
Elizabeth could hear them talking however and listened with avid interest.
“I was getting concerned for your safety, William. I thought a Revenue Cutter may have caught you.”
“Bloody nearly did….” said a deep voice that seemed to make Elizabeth’s neck hairs stand on end. Ridiculous, she thought.
“…..There’s a new Preventative officer here, Joyce. He’s got more men and a new, faster ship. He almost got us.”
“You’d better hurry then. He’s bound to come looking here.”
“That’s right. And I don’t think he’s going to be open to a bribe, Joyce, so we’re going to have to be extra careful from now on.”
“I’ll help in any way I can. You know that.”
“Yes. Thank you,” the man said and suddenly he moved into Elizabeth’s vision and she saw the most handsome man she’d ever seen.
She stepped back into the corridor and flattened herself against the wall, her heart fluttering. My goodness, she thought. My aunt is in league with a gang of smugglers and their leader is the most attractive of men. She found herself blushing at her wanton thoughts and wondered at his strange effect on her.
Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, William looked up and saw the corner of white gown sticking out past the wall and noted the fact. He had felt like someone was watching him and he idly wondered who it was. Probably some inquisitive serving girl. Well, no matter. Joyce would take care of her if she decided to inform on them.
Elizabeth hurried back to her room and slipped into bed. She quickly fell asleep again; her dreams were full of a handsome, tanned man, whose hair was bleached so blond by the sun that it was almost white.
***
Early the next day, Elizabeth was up and about. She ate her breakfast as fast as she could, to a disapproving look by Willow, and then set about finding the secret tunnels that she realized must exist in the house. Those men and parcels had certainly entered the house somehow, and it had only been last night that they had done it.
She felt the obvious place must be the library, as that was a room rarely used by a large crowd of people and a room that probably wouldn’t be searched so much by the ‘Preventative men’ if they were to descend upon the house as her Aunt feared.
Elizabeth chewed her lip in concentration as she looked around the library. The entrance to the tunnel would have to be quite large to get a man and a heavy load through, and it would have to be well concealed. She looked at the fireplace and ran her fingers around the edges. If the door to the tunnel didn’t close tightly, she might be lucky to feel some air escaping.
After going around the edges she stood back in frustration. Nothing there. And yet it seemed like the obvious place. She looked at the marble work on the surroundings and tried twisting and pulling various features, but to no avail.
Finally, out of sheer hopelessness, Elizabeth pulled on a fire poker that was attached to one side, and she heard a click.
The back of the fireplace slid to one side, and she found herself staring into a black void, with the faint smell of the sea coming to tease her nostrils.
“Okay. I’m going to need some light for this,” she muttered to herself.
Elizabeth closed the tunnel entrance again, and then went to fetch a lantern. She made sure that no servant saw her return and then hurried over to the fireplace. She was so excited about her find that she didn’t think of any danger, and simply stepped into the tunnel. There was a catch just inside the tunnel that closed the door behind her.
She took a deep breath and walked forwards. The tunnel was all wood at the moment and so she must still be inside the house. But she soon came to some steps that led a long way down and she had to be careful holding the lantern and her skirts up around her. When she reached the bottom, the walls were roughly hewn rock and Elizabeth felt a thrill of excitement as she realized that she must be in the cliff somewhere.
She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that it was a complete shock when she was suddenly grabbed from the side. She dropped her lantern and it smashed. The candle sputtered out and she was left in complete darkness with the man who had grabbed her. He quickly covered her mouth to stop her cries and held her tightly against him.
Elizabeth kicked and struggled and bit the hand that covered her mouth. The man swore but held onto her and Elizabeth felt herself being carried off somewhere.
TBC
If you wake at Midnight, and hear a horse's feet,
Don't go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street,
Them that asks no questions isn't told a lie.
Watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!
Five and twenty ponies
Trotting through the dark -
Brandy for the Parson.
'Baccy for the Clerk;
Laces for a lady, letters for a spy,
And watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!
Running round the woodlump, if you chance to find
Little barrels, roped and tarred, all full of brandy-wine,
Don't you shout to come and look, nor use 'em for your play.
Put the brushwood back again - and they'll be gone next day!
Five and twenty ponies
Trotting through the dark -
Brandy for the Parson.
'Baccy for the Clerk;
Laces for a lady, letters for a spy,
And watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!
If you see the stable door setting open wide;
If you see a tired horse lying down inside;
If your mother mends a coat cut about and tore;
If the lining's wet and warm - don't you ask no more!
Five and twenty ponies
Trotting through the dark -
Brandy for the Parson.
'Baccy for the Clerk;
Laces for a lady, letters for a spy,
And watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!
If you meet King George's men, dressed in blue and red,
You be careful what you say, and mindful what is said.
If they call you "pretty maid", and chuck you 'neath the chin,
Don't you tell where no one is, nor yet where no one's been!
Five and twenty ponies
Trotting through the dark -
Brandy for the Parson.
'Baccy for the Clerk;
Laces for a lady, letters for a spy,
And watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!
If you do as you've been told, 'likely there's a chance,
You'll be given a dainty doll, all the way from France,
With a cap of pretty lace, and a velvet hood -
A present from the Gentlemen, along o' being good!
Five and twenty ponies
Trotting through the dark -
Brandy for the Parson.
'Baccy for the Clerk;
Laces for a lady, letters for a spy,
And watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!
(‘A Smuggler’s Song’ by Rudyard Kipling)
Smuggler’s Cove - Part 2
Elizabeth kicked and struggled and bit the hand that covered her mouth. The man swore but held onto her and Elizabeth felt herself being carried off somewhere.
“Curiosity killed the cat, Luv,” purred a voice in her ear.
Elizabeth shivered in fear. It was the man from last night and he was likely to kill her for her meddling.
William pulled her into a strange little niche in the rocks that had been converted into a small room and shut the door behind him. The room was well lit by candles and Elizabeth saw a desk strewn with papers in front of her before she whirled around to face him. She looked at him defiantly then almost gasped aloud at the devastating effect of the man up close. She gulped. Had she called him handsome? The man was beautiful in a completely masculine way.
“What are you going to do with me? She asked nervously.
“Such a loaded question,” he drawled and his blue eyes ran over her figure in such a heated way that it made her feel naked and exposed. He appreciated the gown, showing her small waist and heaving cleavage to advantage.
She seemed too nervous to be a spy, but he had to find out.
“I’m assuming that you were the one spying on us last night from the top of the stairs, and you thought you’d investigate further?”
Elizabeth’s chin came up, I’m not denying it,” she said and gasped as he suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.
“Who are you?” he bit out menacingly. “Are you a spy?”
Elizabeth cried out in surprise and shook her head vehemently, “I’m no spy. I heard noises and instead of ignoring them like my Aunt advised, I was curious. I saw you talking to her and saw your men with the goods. I realised that there must be tunnels and set out to find them.”
“Which you did,” muttered William and let her go.
Elizabeth stood rubbing her arm where he had held it so tightly, “I won’t tell a soul about your smuggling activities. I mean my Aunt is clearly involved and I wouldn’t like to see anything happen to her….”
William’s jaw clenched in anger. He was angry that the tunnels had been found so easily by a mere slip of a girl. If she could find them, then so could any intelligent Preventative Officer. He looked at her. This pretty little thing with the huge hazel eyes and pouting lips that just begged to be kissed.
“You’re lucky that your Aunt is who she is and that it was me who found you, Girl. If one of my men had caught you snooping, you wouldn’t be so lucky,” He ground out.
Elizabeth flinched at his angry words, “I’m sorry….”
He cut her off, taking an angry step towards her, “Do you even realise what danger you could have got yourself or your Aunt into by entering these tunnels on some whim? Around here people do not take kindly to someone nosing around their business. It’s not some game. “
Elizabeth took a step back, “I know it’s not….”
“No! You don’t. It would not have been a quick death for you. You would have been taken down to the tide stakes and tied to them, where you would have slowly drowned.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes in horror at his words and William felt a little bit guilty for saying it. But the girl had to understand the danger if she wanted to help her Aunt and stay out of trouble. And Joyce meant the world to him. She was like the Mother he’d never had. They couldn’t afford for this girl, niece or no, to foul things up for them.
“What’s your name?” He asked in a kinder tone.
“Elizabeth,” she said quietly and raised shiny eyes to his.
William cursed inwardly. Now he had made the chit cry. He fumbled in his pocket for a handkerchief and handed it to her,
“Here,” he said gruffly.
Elizabeth sniffled and composed herself.
“I don’t need it,” she said disdainfully.
William hid a smile, his good humour restored. How like her Aunt she was.
“Well, Elizabeth. Can I trust you not to go to the Revenue men?”
She stiffened, “How could you even think I’d be willing to turn my Aunt in?” She cried angrily.
William held up a hand, “Easy, Kitten. I just need to know.”
Elizabeth humphed and William suddenly found himself intrigued by Joyce’s niece. She seemed to have lost her fear of him and clearly wasn’t impressed by him, which irked him somewhat. He didn’t know why this girl heated his blood so, but she did.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she saw him stalk towards her again.
“What are you doing?” She asked alarmed.
“Satisfying my curiosity about something,” he said and pulled her against his chest.
“I want to know what your lips feel like under mine…”
“Oh,” she squeaked, before she found her lips crushed by his beautiful mouth.
William kissed her hard and hungrily, capturing her surprised and indignant squeak into his hot mouth. One hand held her chin and he used it to angle her face better, so that he could kiss her more thoroughly. He gathered her tighter against him and his mouth softened. He drank her in like a rich, fine wine, his lips sipping at her sweet mouth before his tongue delved inside.
William groaned and pulled back. He had to stop this before it got out of control,
“You taste like vanilla,” he said huskily.
Elizabeth was sagged against him still, her small hands flat on his warm open shirted chest. She looked dazed, her eyes large and liquid, her lips swollen and ripe from his expert kiss.
Then she came to her senses and pulled back, stepping away from him. She wiped at her mouth in disgust. The rogue had kissed her! She couldn’t believe it,
“How dare you touch me like that!” she spat angrily.
William grinned, “You deserved it, you meddlesome wench. You shouldn’t have such a kissable mouth.”
Elizabeth blushed at his comment and ignored the secret thrill his words gave her,
“Just you wait until my Aunt hears about this,” she threatened.
William shrugged, “You won’t say anything, Pet, because if you do I’ll tell her about your snooping and what a danger you are. She’ll send you away.”
Hazel eyes stared at blue, until hazel gave way. Elizabeth had a horrible feeling that he might just be right. Her aunt would send her away if only to keep her niece out of danger, not because she thought her niece was dangerous.
Frustrated that he was right, with his stupid handsome face and horrible kiss, Elizabeth grabbed a candle, pushed past him and walked back up the tunnel.
William tried not to laugh at her, and watched her hips swaying as she angrily stomped up the tunnel. Things had suddenly got more interesting at Pendragon Manor. And he found himself wondering what Elizabeth would look like dressed in fine French lace…..
TBC
Firstly, thanks for all of the great feedback! It is appreciated.
Part 3
Elizabeth went straight up to her room to ponder what to do. Her lips still tingled from his kiss and she had a sinking feeling that she was deeply attracted to the handsome Smuggler, whatever his name was. She stopped pacing the carpet. My God, I don’t even know his name, and I let him kiss me. Well, actually I didn’t let him. He just took. But I liked it! Oh, what am I going to do? She took a deep breath and calmed herself down. I shall help Aunt Joyce in any way that I can, but I shall have nothing else to do with that man…or his lips…definitely not his lips.
***
A composed Elizabeth went downstairs and spoke quietly to her Aunt. She told the older woman that she had heard the noises last night and hadn’t been able to resist looking out the window. She had seen what she had presumed to be Smugglers coming in and out of the house and she had found the tunnels early this morning to prove her theory.
Joyce didn’t seem the least bit perturbed by this news and smiled at her Niece,
“I knew you were an intelligent young woman, Elizabeth and that you would be as curious as me. You have saved me the trouble of bringing you in on our secret.”
Elizabeth gripped her Aunt’s hands and squeezed them reassuringly,
“I won’t tell a soul, Aunt Joyce, and I’ll help in any way.”
“Thank you, my dear. I know William will be pleased to hear that.”
William! So that was the scoundrel’s name.
Aloud she said, “Whose William?”
“Oh, William the Bloody, the leader of the Smugglers. You’ll like him. He’s a handsome rogue and very quick witted - well I suppose he has to be in his line of business. But a nicer young man you couldn’t meet. He has to put on a swaggering act for the benefit of his men of course, but he wouldn’t harm a fly.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth simply said. That didn’t sound like the kiss stealing arrogant wretch she’d met.
“How did you two meet and how on earth did you get involved?”
Joyce smiled,
“Well…..”
The Butler entering the room interrupted what Joyce had been about to say and she looked questioningly at him.
“Captain Finn of Customs, my Lady,” he announced gravely.
Joyce frowned at the name. It was new to her. But she quickly recovered her surprise and stood up to meet the young man entering the room.
“Good morning, Captain Finn. What brings you out this way?”
The young man bowed and then came straight to the point,
“I have taken over from Captain Withers, my Lady and I am here on urgent business. I am here investigating smuggling activity and lights were seen in this area last night. Did you, or your servants see any lights, my lady?”
Joyce looked deliberately vague, “Lights, Captain Finn? Why no, I don’t believe so.”
Elizabeth stood up and came by her aunt, “What kind of lights, Captain?” She asked.
The attractive young lady who had stood up diverted Captain Riley Finn for a moment. He bowed,
“Morning, Miss. I didn’t see you there. I am talking of lanterns along the cliff top.”
“Oh,” she said. Then she frowned. “Why would these men use lanterns if they knew that you were looking for them?”
Captain Finn smiled at the young lady,
“Well, it’s not just Smugglers that we look for. It’s Wreckers.”
“Come and sit down, Captain Finn,” interrupted Joyce, “I’ll order some tea.”
The young man did as he was told and Elizabeth almost giggled when she saw her aunt roll her eyes behind his back.
Once he was sat down, Elizabeth leaned eagerly forward in her chair, “What are Wreckers?”
He smiled indulgently and was pleased to have the rapt attention of such a pretty miss.
“Wreckers lure ships onto the rocks with their lanterns and then plunder the ship of all its goods. The poor unfortunate souls on board are often murdered as they struggle ashore.”
“That’s awful,” cried Elizabeth.
“I know. That’s why I’m here to stop it.”
“You must be very brave to chase after such men,” she said in admiration and Joyce almost believed that her niece did admire this young man she was so convincing. She bit her lip to keep from smiling.
Captain Riley suddenly looked at Joyce,
“May my men search the grounds?”
“Why, of course, Captain,” answered Joyce.
Maybe there was more to this Captain than met the eye. He would take some fooling, but then Joyce knew that William and his men had left no trace of their activity.
Elizabeth watched as the Captain finished his tea and stood up, ready to join his men on the search.
“Tell me, Captain,” she laughed girlishly, “What do you do with these despicable men once you have caught them?”
“We hang them, Miss,” he answered gravely, bowed to them both and left the room.
Joyce and Elizabeth exchanged worried glances. There was a determined man and one who would not give up easily.
***
Captain Finn had not found what he was looking for, but he was interested in Elizabeth and much to her dismay, he paid regular calls at the Manor House over the next few weeks. She would often go riding with him, trying to carefully extract any useful information from him, but would inevitably have to listen to his boring conversation. It tended to centre on him and what a good catch he was and Elizabeth found it increasingly difficult not to yawn in his company.
After one particularly tedious evening with him, she pleaded a headache and retired to bed early. She fell into a deep sleep and started to dream about William. She hadn’t seen him since their encounter and her traitorous heart seemed to be pining for him. They were standing in a field together, and he was declaring himself in love with her. She looked into his blue eyes and admired his handsome, tanned face.
She smiled in her sleep and was about to declare her feelings for him, when something broke through to her subconscious and she became aware of someone in the room with her. She woke up and sat up,
“Whose there?” she demanded, half fearfully and half annoyed.
“It’s me, Kitten,” drawled a familiar voice in the darkness.
“You!” Elizabeth exclaimed and faced where his voice had come from in the darkness,
“What are you doing, and here?” She asked annoyed. She chose to forget how she had felt about him in her dream.
“I’ve come to give laces to my lady,” he purred and stepped closer so that she could just about see him at the foot of the bed.
She became flustered, “What are you nattering about? And you shouldn’t be here in my bed chamber!”
“I can’t forget our kiss, Elizabeth and I got this for you in France,”
He laid out something on the bed and in spite of herself she was intrigued to know what it was. She reached out and felt the finest piece of lace she’d ever touched. She smiled. It was quite sweet of him to get her a present on his latest journey, highly illegal though it was.
“What is it, a shawl?” She asked.
She heard him chuckle, “Not exactly, Luv. It’s a nightgown to show off that lovely body of yours for me.”
Elizabeth froze and then looked down to where his gaze had been fixed. Her sensible cotton nightgown had slipped off her shoulders, and was gaping rather wide in the front, offering him a view of her practically naked breasts. He could almost see her nipples.
She hurriedly pulled the covers up to her chin, and then picked up the lace gown with one hand and threw it at him,
“You beast! Now get out. I want nothing to do with you, William.”
His jaw clenched in anger.
“Would you rather it was Captain Finn visiting you in your bed chamber, wench?”
Elizabeth looked horrified at him, “Don’t mention that idiot’s name to me. I’m the one who has to speak to him on a regular basis and he isn’t very forthcoming with intelligence for us…”
William stared at her. He had seen her out riding with the Officer and been amazed at his jealousy. He didn’t really believe that there was anything between them, and he knew Elizabeth wouldn’t betray the smugglers, but for her to try and use Finn for their benefit, now that took guts and he found himself admiring her. In more ways than one.
“….And I have to listen to him saying how wonderful he is, while I gaze adoringly into his stupid big face. Do you have any idea how straining that is for me, or how physically sick it makes me?”
William took his shirt off and crawled towards her on the bed. She took no notice, as she was so intent on her rant about Riley
“Elizabeth?”
“Yes?” She asked and then realized where he was.
“Shut up,” he said and kissed her.
She pulled back and put her hands on his hard, bare chest, “We shouldn’t do this. It isn’t proper,” she said, trying to convince herself when all she wanted to do was run her hands all over his muscular chest like a brazen hussy.
“No, it definitely isn’t,” agreed an amused William, “But I don’t care. I have to taste you.”
“Hmmm, you’re very bold, sir,” she muttered while her eyes glazed over with desire and she thrust her lips out towards him.
“The boldest.”
Then his lips were on hers and Elizabeth succumbed to him. He gathered her to him, pulling back the covers and roaming her body with his eager hands while he kissed her senseless. His kiss blinded her to what his hands were doing; she could only feel what pleasure his touch and kiss brought. It wasn’t until he pulled away from her lips and looked down at her, saying, “You’re so lovely, Pet,” that she realised he had pulled her gown down and bared her breasts to his hungry gaze.
She bit her lip in uncertainty, “William, I’m not sure you should be doing this….”
“Hush, Kitten. You’ll like this and I’ll promise we’ll stop if you want me to.”
And with that he lowered his head to her breast. He cupped each mound in turn and lathed the hard nipple with his tongue. Then he gently bit each nub, before sucking it into his mouth.
Elizabeth groaned in pleasure as his mouth teased and suckled her breasts. She had never imagined that making love would be like this. Her nipples felt so hard and tight in his mouth; they were a bundle of nerve endings and she felt the pleasurable effect ripple through her body, making her want something more.
“Oh,” she cried, as he sucked harder, and tweaked her other nipple between thumb and finger.
William grinned at the erotic sight of his sensible Elizabeth overcome by the throes of passion, and continued his task.
Meanwhile Elizabeth grew bold and caressed his shoulders and back. His skin was warm and quite smooth and she revelled in the strength that she felt in his muscles, hard beneath the skin.
“That’s it, Pet. Touch me,” he begged huskily.
And she did. She returned his attention with unskilled zest and it was infinitely more provocative than an experienced lover. She nuzzled his neck, trailing light nipping kisses from the base of his ear to his collarbone, relishing the tangy taste of his skin. Then she kissed him hungrily on the mouth, her tongue battling with his.
“Oh, God,” he groaned.
William let his hand slide downward, running over Elizabeth’s breast and belly. Her gown melted away and his hand continued its pleasurable path down over her downy mound. His touch set her aquiver and it was all she could do to keep from arching wantonly against him. However, she parted her legs, as if begging him to explore the responsive cleft between her legs. And William was not to deny her.
His finger ventured deep into the hot moist crevice between her silken thighs and Elizabeth moaned throatily in response. Nothing she’d so far experienced with this man had prepared her for the mounting, indescribable desire and she trembled beneath him.
“Oh, William,” she gasped, arching towards his hand. Instinct urged her to pump her hips against his digits and she welcomed the growing pressure she felt inside. And suddenly there was a wonderful release and her muscles quivered in the aftermath.
William withdrew his fingers from their slippery sheath and licked them clean,
“You promise of a paradise I cannot enter fully tonight, Elizabeth. I must stop before I lose control.”
“Stop?” She asked in a sexual daze and a little disappointed.
“Yes. I don’t think your Aunt would appreciate me bedding you under her roof without something to offer you,” he said, as he raised himself on his arms over her.
Elizabeth raised herself on her elbows and looked at him; her body still hummed with pleasure and an incompletely satisfied hunger.
“But what you were doing felt so wonderful,” she said huskily.
William closed his eyes as if in agony, “God, lass. I would stay if I could. But I have a few more runs to France to do before I can finish and smuggling is a dangerous activity. I would not leave you unprovided for.”
Elizabeth smiled widely, “You would marry me?”
“Yes, Pet. Now, I must go.”
Elizabeth watched him leave quietly and snuggled back under the covers. William had awakened her body to the wonders of love making, told her he was giving up smuggling and hinted at marriage between them all in one hour! She was so excited that she couldn’t possibly sleep now. And it was all his fault, the handsome loveable rogue!
TBC
Part 4
The next morning Elizabeth was informed that captain Finn was here to see her. Rolling her eyes in exasperation which the Butler hid a smile at, she waited for his heavy-footed arrival.
Into the drawing room he came, with his uniform in perfect order; black boots gleaming and brass buttons sparkling.
He bowed before her, “Elizabeth, I have something that I wish to ask you, but before I ask I have something to tell you.”
“What is it, Riley?”
She still found it hard to say his name, but he had insisted on using one another’s forename and she had acquiescenced because she hoped that he would share some important information with her by doing so.
He came towards her and bid her to stand up and then he took her hands in his.
“What I’m about to tell you is highly confidential, my Sweet.”
Elizabeth hid her revulsion at the feel of his sweaty palms on her skin and tried not to balk at his endearment.
“I am sure you realize that you can trust me with anything that you choose to share with me,” she said softly.
Riley nodded gravely, “I believe so. The thing is, Elizabeth, I am about to capture a notorious gang of smugglers and it will result in my promotion.”
“But that’s wonderful, Riley. How?”
Oh, my goodness. He’s after you William, her heart beat fearfully.
He smiled cockily, “Well, there’s only so much I can tell a maiden, but I have infiltrated William the Bloody’s gang by employing one of the women at the …erm…the brothel that his gang visit. This…erm…woman is visited regularly by a man called Angel and he tells her all about their activities. She then tells me, and I now know the times of his next few landings.”
Only just managing to hide her horror at his words, Elizabeth smiled,
“You’re so clever, Riley. But what else did you want to tell me?”
He blushed slightly, “Well, after my promotion, I will be in a position to offer for your hand in marriage. I realize that we have only known each other for a short time, but you have captured my heart, dear Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth nearly choked, she was so shocked. But she recovered quickly.
“Well, you’ve certainly surprised me, Riley. I knew that we got on well together, but I didn’t envision a marriage proposal….”
“Oh, I am a fool. I have asked too soon. I will give you more time….as long as you wish, Elizabeth. But please consider my proposal seriously.”
“I will,” she promised. And the answer will still be no, you obnoxious man.
“Are you staying for tea?” She asked.
Riley shook his head.
“No, I am afraid I must prepare for the arrest of the smugglers.”
Elizabeth watched him leave and then picked up her skirts and run pell mell up the stairs to her Aunt’s room.
***
Joyce raised her eyebrows in surprise as her Niece rushed into her room and sat on her bed, clearly wanting to talk privately to her Aunt.
Joyce dismissed the maid who had been dressing her hair and once she had left the room, she looked at Elizabeth with concern,
“Whatever is the matter, my dear? I thought the hounds of hell were after you.”
“They’re not so much after me as after William,” she said quickly.
She took a deep breath and explained about Riley’s visit,
“Can you believe it? I think we’ve underestimated that odious buffoon.”
Joyce nodded gravely,
“There is a man by the name of Angel working for William and I’ve never liked the look of him. He’s too broody by half.”
“We must warn William,” Elizabeth blurted anxiously.
Joyce looked at her Niece closely, “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Elizabeth stopped dead and blushed,
“I have to confess that I met him in the tunnels soon after I’d found them. We’ve only spoken twice, Aunt Joyce and yet I think I love him. I must be crazy.”
Joyce laughed, “No, Elizabeth. You’re not crazy to love William so quickly. My fondest wish was for you two to meet, but I never thought that you would.”
Then she became serious,
“We must warn him as you said. I think he’ll be in his office. I’ll send one of the servants…”
Elizabeth quickly stood up, “I’ll go,” she said and left.
***
Elizabeth found a lantern and entered the tunnel in the library, quickly closing the door behind her again and hurrying off towards the small office.
She almost walked past the door it was so well concealed in the rock face. She held her lantern up and knocked on the door.
William opened the door and showed his surprise at seeing her standing there.
“I have to talk to you,” she gushed, “It’s about Captain Riley…”
William frowned, but held the door open and let her in.
She waited for him to close the door before speaking,
“I had to warn you. He came to see me this morning and he told me that he knows when your next deliveries and landings are. One of your men, Angel, has been talking to a …a woman at the erm…the erm…brothel he’s been visiting and she’s a paid informer of Finn’s.”
William listened, but didn’t seem the slightest bit surprised. He smiled at her,
“Thanks for letting me know, Pet. That would be Maud you’re talking about and she’s a double agent. She feeds Captain Finn misinformation. He won’t know the real timings of our landings.”
“Oh,” She said, and then smiled, “Well, that’s a relief.”
“Isn’t it,” he agreed and stepped closer to her. His blue eyes narrowed,
“Why would our friendly Excise man suddenly tell you this, Elizabeth, when he wouldn’t share any information before?”
Elizabeth failed to detect the possessive tone creeping into his voice and looked guilessly up at him,
“He came to tell me that your capture would result in a promotion for him and that he’d be in a position to marry me. He was so confident about it that he couldn’t resist telling me how he was going to catch you. Hence the news about Maud.”
“Marry you?” William asked and stepped even closer.
“Yes,” she shivered in distaste, “As if I’d let that horrible man near me.”
William stood in front of her, “That’s right. Because you’re mine.”
Elizabeth looked up at him, half in protest at his possessive words. But at the hot look in his blue eyes she suddenly felt a thrill of pleasure at belonging to such a man.
“Yours?” She said huskily, a fine eyebrow arching.
William pulled her to him, “That’s right. Now let me help you forget your nasty encounter with Finn,” he purred and claimed her mouth. He cupped both hands carefully round her face as if she was something precious and deepened his kiss.
Elizabeth whimpered against his lips and responded to him, to his ardour, to the pressure of his warm hard body against her. Her hands slid around his back and she could feel the strong muscles through the thin shirt he wore as she caressed him.
William stroked her throat, running his warm fingertips delicately down and over her exposed cleavage in her gown. Her skin shivered in response and he growled possessively. He pulled the shoulders down and reached easily into her dress to cup a breast. Her nipple immediately puckered and he squeezed the tight bud between thumb and forefinger.
“Oh,” she groaned.
“You like that, Pet?” He whispered in her ear, his lips leaving hers.
He pulled her gown down, completely exposing her breasts to his heated gaze.
“You’re so beautiful, Luv. I could kiss you forever.”
“Mmmm,” She mumbled with her eyes closed in rapture. Why was he talking then?
As if hearing her silent plea, William cupped a full breast in his warm hand and bent his head to lick the erect nipple. He licked it several times before gently nibbling at it and sucking it into his mouth.
Elizabeth felt all the nerve endings tingling in the most delicious of ways and felt her womanhood throb in response. Oh, what this man could do to her.
He lifted his head and groaned when he saw her head thrown back in passion and her chest thrust towards him,
“Do you like me suckling your breasts, Elizabeth?” He purred.
“Yesssss,” she sighed.
“Good! Because I could suckle and nibble on your sweet nipples all day, and that’s just the start of what I’d like to do to you,”
“Oh, my God,” she sobbed, as he proceeded to lavish attention on her other breast.
He squeezed and fondled each perfect mound of flesh while she clung to him helplessly. Then he kissed her hungrily on the mouth, his tongue darting inside and tasting her.
William felt the raging passion within in him and realized that if he didn’t stop soon, he wouldn’t be able to, and he didn’t want to claim her in his office. When the time came, he wanted a nice big soft bed for them both and Elizabeth as his wife. He’d only meant to kiss her, but she aroused such desire in him that he hadn’t been able to keep his hands off her luscious body.
Slowly he drew back, and pulled her gown up again. He kissed her softly on the lips and hugged her to him.
“I must stop things there, Luv, or I won’t be able to hold back from ravishing you here and now.”
She lay her head on his chest, her body still throbbing with arousal.
“I understand, William. We must wait. But you awake such a fire in me, “ she said softly.
William smiled, “And you in me. I’ve never wanted to make love to a woman so much in all my life.”
Elizabeth reluctantly stepped out of his arms, “I’d better go then, before we are both tempted. I will see you soon?”
“Yes, Sweetheart.”
She gave a quick light kiss on the lips and then rushed from the room in a flurry of skirts.
William watched her go, tempted to haul her back and finish where he’d left off, but he had business to attend to.
What he hadn’t told Elizabeth was that although he trusted Maud wholeheartedly, he hadn’t trusted Angel for a long time.
***
Angel watched Captain Finn dismount and walk towards him in the quiet clearing. He hid his contempt for the Excise officer, and ignored the quick tinge of guilt he felt at betraying his fellow men. But it was all worth it to see that bleached haired bastard hang from the gallows. Angel had been jealous of William for a long time and coveted what was his. Now he was going to be a rich man and get rid of William at the same time. And William would blame Maud for his capture.
“Angel,” Riley nodded in greeting.
“Finn,” Angel nodded in return.
The pleasantries over, both men got down to business.
Angel took a map out of his pocket and showed it to Riley,
“This is where they’ll land the goods in two weeks time,” he said and pointed to the tiny cove near Pendragon Manor.”
Riley looked at it in silence for a minute. It was a completely different place to the one the Whore had told him. He should have known better than to throw good money after a fallen woman. It was just as well Angel had come to him.
He smiled, “I knew it! I knew they were landing the goods here. And yet my men found no sign of it and I looked a fool in front of my Commanding Officer.”
Angel shrugged, “Well, here’s your chance to prove them wrong.”
Riley stopped dead, “How are they getting the goods from the cove and up the cliffs without detection?”
“Pendragon Manor. It has tunnels.”
Riley whirled around in anger and shock, “You mean the inhabitants of the manor are involved in this and are protecting these Smugglers?”
Angel nodded, "Yeah, but then William forced them at gun point and demanded the use of the tunnels as well as their silence.”
Riley felt relieved. His sweet Elizabeth and her Aunt weren’t involved after all and they must be terrified. Why hadn’t they told him? But then he knew what Smugglers did to traitors.
“What time is the landing?” Riley demanded. He would hang William himself.
“Between 8pm and Midnight. I can’t say any nearer than that, because it depends on their crossing.”
“Fine.”
Riley turned to go and Angel called him back,
“Erm, my money?”
“You’ll get your gold when I get William the Bloody!”
Angel watched the pompous bastard ride away and gritted his teeth
“Oh, I’ll get my money,” he muttered.
TBC
Part 6
A week went by and still there was no sign of William or his men. No bodies had been washed ashore, but then no word had been received at the Manor to let them know all was well either. Elizabeth despaired and mourned for the man she had fallen deeply in love with.
There had been some good news, however. Riley had not been promoted as he’d expected at William’s disappearance and likely death. He had been sent elsewhere in the country where his skills were ‘better suited’. So, at least she didn’t have to suffer his presence any longer.
Elizabeth looked morosely around her and decided to take the path by the cliff tops. She thought a walk away from everyone might clear her head, but so far it was having the opposite effect. She could think of nothing except William and how she’d sent him to his death.
Walking along the narrow cliff path, Elizabeth stopped and peered over the edge. The sea was wild against the rocks below and for one mad moment she was tempted to throw herself off and join her William. But that wouldn’t really solve anything and Elizabeth couldn’t do it to her aunt.
Instead, she cried until she could cry no more and headed slowly back to the manor.
***
It was the same dream again. Elizabeth was waving her lantern on the beach to warn him. He saw it and changed the ship’s course accordingly. But it was too late. The tide was low and the ship foundered on the jagged rocks hidden just below the surface.
“No! William!” She sobbed in her sleep and tossed and turned in her bed.
“Hush, Pet. It’s alright,” a voice penetrated through her subconscious.
Slowly, Elizabeth came awake. She saw William lying on the bed beside her trying to calm her.
“William?” She asked incredulously, “Is it really you?” She sniffed and wiped her eyes with her hands.
“Yes, Luv. In the flesh.”
She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly,
“Oh, William. I thought I’d killed you!”
He gathered her even tighter against him, “God, Lass. Then it was you who warned us?”
“I tried to help and made you wreck yourself on the rocks instead!” She wailed against his neck.
He pulled back and cupped her face, “No, listen to me, Sweetheart. You saved us. We landed further down shore and unloaded the goods at another safe house. Then I took the ship out and led her onto the rocks. I managed to swim ashore afterwards. We wanted the Excise men to think we were dead.”
“But why didn’t you send word to us?” She asked, hurt.
“It had to be convincing, Elizabeth and we had to lie low for a few days. I didn’t dare let anyone know.”
She nodded, “Yes, I understand.” Then she smiled.
He stroked her cheek,
“There’s a new Commanding Officer in town and ironically he turns a blind eye to smuggling. He got rid of Finn and that’s when I knew I could come out of hiding. He’s seen to it that ‘William the Bloody’ is declared dead and ordinary William Blakeny can live a life in peace.”
“That’s wonderful.”
He suddenly looked at her heatedly,
“Isn’t it, Pet? It means I’m free to pursue a certain, lovely young woman,” he purred.
“Oh, and who might that be?” She teased.
“A brave, beautiful and too curious for her own good, young lady called Elizabeth.”
“Too curious?” She pouted.
“Too bloody curious,” he stated, “And thank goodness you are, otherwise I’d never have met you that day.”
“William?”
“Yes, Pet?”
“Can you just get on with the kissing?”
“Gladly,” he growled and did just that.
Fire leaped in her veins at the first joining of their lips and Elizabeth shifted against him. William’s hold on her tightened as his lips moved on hers in a wild, erotic dance.
A sensation like moist velvet entered her mouth and Elizabeth’s tongue duelled with his. Her breath became short, her mind hazy with frenzied need as heat gushed her body to settle in her loins. She felt so right in William’s arms and knew this was where she belonged.
William murmured against her lips and she only just caught words as ‘so lovely’ and ‘oh, Pet’, before the feeling of his warm hand on her breast suddenly caught her attention.
William broke away from her lips and looked down,
“You’re wearing it!” He rasped with desire. Elizabeth smiled. He was talking about the lace nightgown he had bought her. It was her only link to him after she thought he’d gone and she had worn it to bed, never dreaming that he would ever see her in it.
“What do you think?” She asked boldly, remembering his words about wanting to see her in it.
William leapt off the bed and went to the windows. He quickly opened the curtains, so that moonlight filled the room.
Then he slowly prowled towards the bed, peeling off his shirt as he went and Elizabeth sat up to watch. She saw his muscles moving on his fine body and wondered at the beauty of the man.
“Now, I can see you clearly,” he said and stood in front of her.
Elizabeth sat up in bed, facing him and the moonlight bathed her in light. He could clearly see the luscious outline of her breasts and hips in the revealing gown.
Her eyes were huge in her face and her pouty lips open slightly. She licked suddenly dry lips and William groaned at the erotic sight.
He climbed onto the bed and took her back in his arms,
“I knew you’d look beautiful in it, Elizabeth,” he said and kissed her.
“William,” she said desperately.
She was unaware that she called his name, but the torture of passion was in her voice and William echoed her sentiment. He kissed her unrelenting until Elizabeth was awash with ardour.
William swore, “God help me, Lass, but I can’t stop now!”
His words registered in the back of Elizabeth’s mind, and she knew no reason to protest. She didn’t want him to stop.
“Please….,” she begged for release and something she had no experience of.
William responded with vigour, his mouth crushing hers as one hand scrabbled for the hem of her lace gown. Instinct made Elizabeth lift her hips and she felt it dragged up her legs.
She helped William lift the gown up and over her head and then she was gloriously naked before him. She felt no embarrassment, for the look of awe on his face gave her a sexual confidence she never knew she had.
William stared at her for a long time and then gently eased her back against the pillows. His hands ran lightly up her legs and thighs and then rested on the smooth skin.
“Open your legs, Pet. Show yourself to me.”
Elizabeth bit her lip shyly, but did as he asked. She parted her legs and drew her knees up, so that she was wide open to him. She had never felt so wanton and it gave her a secret thrill to see the look on his face.
William moved up the bed until he was placed between her legs.
“Trust me, Luv. You’ll like this,” he said as he ran a thumb over her moist cleft.
Elizabeth’s thighs trembled slightly in response and she sucked in a breath.
“What are you going to do?” She asked huskily.
“I’m going to taste you,” he replied and parted her nether lips with his fingers. He then bent his head and licked her crevice repeatedly, slowly, until Elizabeth was arching into his mouth.
“Hmmm mmmm,” she uttered, arching her back and drowning in the wonderful sensation his mouth evoked.
William licked the slick, musky channel and sucked on the tight little bud of nerve endings, until he felt Elizabeth bucking uncontrollably against his face. He pulled back and grinned up at her,
“Think I’ve found Paradise,” he said.
Elizabeth’s response was to cup his head in her hands and urge him back down between her thighs.
“Please…William….I need….”
She didn’t know quite what she needed, but she knew his tongue and mouth were going to provide it.
And they did. William’s tongue lapped at her womanhood in a frenzy of strokes and his mouth sucked mercilessly on her secret most place. She felt herself soaring and then a blissful sense of release.
William quickly removed his trousers and positioned his erect manhood at her wet folds.
“It will hurt this one time, Pet and then I promise you that it will be glorious.”
Elizabeth looked at him through glazed eyes, still recovering from her orgasm. She merely nodded in understanding, not really expecting the brief, sharp stab of pain as he entered her.
She cried out in surprise more than pain and William quickly uttered words of reassurance. Then he began a slight rhythmic motion within her and penetrated deeper with each thrust.
“Oh, God, Elizabeth. You feel so wonderful.”
She smiled up at him,
“I never..thought..it would be like this,” she panted.
An instinct older than time urged her to meet his thrusts with her own and soon the pair were spiralling out of control, until at last they lay spent in each others arms.
“Marry me, Elizabeth,” William said in her ear and kissed her soft neck,
“I meant to wait to bed you, but you make me lose control.”
Elizabeth snuggled against him,
“I slept with you because I love you William. And of course I’ll marry you.”
“I love you too, Pet,” he answered, and started kissing her all over again, and awakening her body to new delights.
Epilogue
Two years later, William held his baby daughter in his arms and looked down at Elizabeth, lying exhausted but radiant in bed.
“Now, I have two of you. I wonder how troublesome she’s going to be!”
“Are you insinuating that I’m troublesome, husband?”
“Yes. You can’t deny it my darling wife.”
Elizabeth smiled, “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
William looked down at the tiny bundle in his arms,
“I pity the poor bloke who takes her on. Won’t know what’s hit him.”
Elizabeth heard the love in his voice and hid a smile. He wasn’t fooling anyone. William the Bloody, former Smuggler, was a loving husband and adoring father.
The End.