The Heavens Shall Fall (8 page)

He moved closer to her. She stepped back.
“I need time to think.”

She stepped toward the door. He called to her,
“Don’t leave like this, Susanna.”

She turned.
“There is no need to be concerned, Rupert. My resolve is still strong. I will do what I must to see to the British downfall. Your network is safe. You have made certain of that. There is a debt to be repaid. I intend to make sure it is.”

“
Susanna, don’t do anything foolish.”

“
I will keep to our agreement. I will be in touch when I have information.” She said nothing else, turned and left.

* * * *

Susanna stood in front of a large mansion, at one time, one of the grandest in New York. That was before the war…before the British invasion…before her grandfather’s death. The house now lay under British authority. It had been confiscated due to her grandfather’s illegal activities. Activities that Hannah had brought to light…information that Susanna had delivered to Rupert to ensure her grandfather’s ruin.

She walked through the iron gates and up to the entrance. She hadn
’t long to wait. The door opened almost immediately. She didn’t recognize the butler. Few of her grandfather’s servants remained.

Upon her entrance, she found most had not changed. It still held the embodiment of genteel formality, but she had not come to reminisce. She had been invited…summoned. She followed without a word behind the servant. She had been expected.

Low voices in the drawing room caused her to pause. Even though she couldn’t make out what was being said, the voice was strong and firm. She had no doubt who spoke. Major John Andre.

It was he
who had invited her this afternoon. It was most improper, but she had the impression it was meant to be. She understood the significance of her accepting the summons.

Rupert was once more correct in his assumption. Major Andre had become quite attentive. She had given him little encouragement, but it seemed only to f
an the embers.

She had learned only recently that Major Andre quartered in her former home. It had not shocked her. The house was magnificent.

When she received the invitation to her former house this morning, Susanna held little doubt of Major Andre’s purpose. She prepared herself. She had no intention of easily succumbing to his advances. Contrary, she had every intention of taunting the man.

A human heart could only suffer to a point until it hardened. She was caught in a trap of her own making. She no longer looked for an escape. There would be no escape…of that she was certain. She sought only the method to do the most damage to the British before her time was done.

She had not ignored Rupert’s warning. She wasn’t afraid. Fear would mean she cared. She didn’t…not for her life. She cared only for the cause. It was all that she had left in this life.

In front of her, the butler opened the door wide.
“You may enter.”

Susanna found Major Andre was not alone. She wasn
’t surprised to see Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton. The two were often in company together.

“
Mrs. Millbury, please come in,” Major Andre said. “Our business is complete. The lieutenant was leaving.”

Susanna acknowledged the formidable man with a pleasant smile despite the fact she had no liking for the officer. His reputation preceded him. It was rumored that he thought himself a
ladies’ man.

Susanna had heard gossip Tarleton
, unlike his friend, showed little respect for the American ladies. She had even heard disturbing whispers that he once took the woman whether or not she was willing.

She took a seat and waited for the two to complete their conversation. Lost in her thoughts, she sat and waited. In spite of her belief coming back into this house would have no effect on her, she found herself overwhelmed with memories…the good as well as the bad.

Until this moment, she had not realized the extent she missed her carefree, naïve sister. Camilla lived now in England with her English husband and their mother. Camilla had begged Susanna to join her, but Susanna hadn’t the heart to impose. Camilla had her hands full with not only dealing with their mother, but she was also with child.

C
amilla didn’t complain, but Susanna read into the letters that money was scarce. After the financial disaster of their grandfather, it left little for either Camilla, or their mother.

The loss had not hurt Susanna in the financial sense. Besides the fact Oswyn took care of all her needs, he had received her dowry before the scandal. Susanna sent her mother what Oswyn would allow, but her mother
’s demands had grown along with her resentment against losing all her belongings.

In their anger against Alexander Clay, the British left little for the family. It was for that reason Major Andre had requested her presence this afternoon.

That alone was not improper. Requesting she come alone…was.

“
Mrs. Millbury?”

Susanna looked up. She had quite lost herself in her thoughts
, for she found herself alone with the major. She hadn’t even heard the door open or close, but it was closed and they were alone.

“
Major Andre, I’m sorry. I must apologize. I hope I didn’t seem rude to Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton.”

“
It is understandable. Returning to your old home in this manner, it must conjure up memories.”

Susanna didn
’t respond. Instead, she watched him pour two glasses of wine and walk back across the room. He handed one to her. He didn’t ask permission, but sat next to her.

She didn
’t flinch, but appraised him coolly. She had always known he was a handsome man, but she had never noticed just how handsome.

Long
, thick lashes framed his mesmerizing eyes. He had a distinguished profile with sharp, defined cheekbones and jaw, a prominent nose and a firmly set mouth. He wore a well-powdered wig. He had taken care with his appearance…as well as she had this day.

She had chosen a pale blue gown, knowing well it complimented her large cerulean eyes. Her thick blonde hair, she had uplifted it in a way to have small curled tresses fall softly around her face. Moreover, she had deliberately worn a tight
-fitting bodice to expose her cleavage to full advantage.

She recognized his awareness of her efforts. She caught his gaze
as it drifted to her breasts. He looked up at her and smiled a mischievous smile. Despite herself, she felt a warm throb pulsating through her. 
Oh, heavens, she needed to compose herself! It was only a look!

She took a sip of the wine, an excellent cabernet. She wondered briefly
whether it had been her grandfather’s. She sat the glass down. “You said you wanted to talk about my grandfather’s possessions. You mentioned that General Clinton might help recover some of my family’s possessions.”

“
I should have rephrased the note. It is done.”

“
Done? I don’t understand. I thought…”

“
I will confess. I wanted to see you in private. If I told you that a certain amount of your grandfather’s possessions had been returned to your mother, I feared you might not accept my invitation.”

“
You have me quite confused, Major Andre.”

“
Then I will make myself clear, Mrs. Millbury. Your sister’s husband petitioned for your mother. Given his service to the Crown, it was agreed that your mother was entitled to an income. While not extensive, I believe it will be sufficient such that your mother will not have any more financial concerns.”

“
You did this?”

He shook his head.
“Alas, no. I only wish I could claim responsibility. I relay the information only. I wish only you could have benefited.”

She studied his expression. He could have easily relayed the information to her husband…he should have relayed it to Oswyn. He had an
ulterior motive.

Without question, the man had a way about him. Utterly charming. Oozing sensuality. The
major raised a speculative eyebrow, but it was the glint in his eyes that irritated her. Arrogance…conceit…confidence he would get his way with her.

She cast him a frown.
“I so appreciate the news. You must understand the strain my poor momma has endured, but you could have easily told my husband…you should have told this to my husband. To invite me here in this manner will lead to gossip.”

“
It could. I gave it little thought.”

“
Because you believe the gossip will be founded,” she finished his thought. “That I would be so grateful to you that I would let you have your way with me…that is what this is about. Do you believe me a fool, Major?”

“
Not in the least. I believe you are quite intelligent. You escaped your grandfather’s control by marrying your husband. A kind man. One who would not make demands upon you, but let you lead the life you choose…even if it meant taking a lover.”

His words lingered in the air. Anger raged in her at his arrogance! She rose, but he would have none of it. He caught her hand and pulled her back down on the sofa.

“Let me go, Major. I have no intention of taking a 
lover
. If I did, it would be anyone but you. I abhor you.”

“
Temper, temper,” he said in a low, soft voice. “It makes you even more desirable, but I do not believe your words.”

“
Then you are the fool.”

“
Mrs. Millbury…Susanna…I have been called many things in my life, but never a fool. I believe you knew the exact reason I asked you to come this afternoon. If the idea did not appeal to you, you would not have come.”

Her anger did not lessen with his keen observation. He reached over to her.
He unbound her hair, and let it fall down over her shoulders and down her back.

“
Don’t,” she uttered in a frail voice. “This was a mistake…”

“
No, Susanna.” He leaned over and coaxed her lips apart. “I think you want this.”

He kissed her, gently at first. Then, it became more demanding and intimate. Her control wavered.

“I believe you want to be worshipped. It is what I want to do…worship you,” he whispered on her lips. “I know you, Susanna. The cold front you present is nothing more than a wall you have erected around your heart. You have been hurt…badly. I won’t hurt you.”

“
You misunderstand what I want.”

He eased back, but only slightly to look into her eyes, fathomless eyes.

“I think I know exactly what you want.”

He touched her. Delicately,
he caressed her face and ran his hand down her neck, lightly touched the top of her bodice, dipped down to touch her exposed skin above the outline of her breasts.

She caught her breath. Despite her stance, her body responded against her
 will. She fought her senses and lost. Her traitorous body quivered under his command.

Her self-control vanished. Her blue eyes locked to his and she kissed him. He circled her waist in his arms and pulled her to him. In a whirl, she felt him do wicked things to her body. Wicked…wicked things…Never had her body exploded with such sensations.

He took her there on the sofa. She laid underneath him, her bodice undone. Her breasts were freed for his pleasure; her skirt puddled around her waist. He thrust into her hard, over and over again. She wanted it harder. To her horror, she heard her uttered cries…pleading cries.

The tide of desire edged
upward until she climaxed. Vaguely, she became aware he was no longer in her as sanity returned. Passion spent, he collapsed on her.

Slowly, the need to compose herself surged through her. However would she ever face this man again! She had succumbed too easily! Moreover, she had lost her advantage.

Oh, she had been the fool. He would only now cast her aside. Her plans ruined!

He eased up over her and smiled. In the next moment, he rose and brought her with him. He
helped her tie up her bodice. She reached down to straighten her gown while he buttoned his trousers.

“
I have been a scoundrel, have I not, Susanna?”

She could find no words to answer him. Instead,
she pushed her skirt down; her loose hair fell about her. “Whatever am I going to do? I will not be presentable to go home.”

“
Then don’t.” He stood beside her. “I find I quite like your hair down. Let me make an excuse for your husband. Something that will suffice, a friend who perhaps is sick, and requires your presence for, oh…the next few days…at least.”

In a fog, she nodded and accepted his hand while he led her out of the drawing room. He escorted her up the grand staircase and into his room.

Susanna played a dangerous game. She no longer denied that she desired the man she set to betray. Never had she experience
d such passion, but it had nothing to do with love. That she well understood and it did little to ebb her commitment to the mission.