The Night of the Mysterious Maiden Pt 2

[tyche]

The Night of the Mysterious Maiden Pt 2

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Artemus.” She smiled and bent to kiss his cheek. Brown eyes met emerald ones and he said softly, “So? You and Jim?”
She sat back down and smirked, “Well apart from the fact I’ve bruised his instep and he thinks I’m an idiot we’re getting along famously.”
“Oh dear,” Artemus rolled his eyes, “What did you do?”
“He grabbed my arm and I’m afraid I reacted instinctively,” she sighed, “I stamped on his foot.”
“But you seemed to be talking as I woke up.”
“I think I was just a shoulder to cry on,” Eleanor sighed, “Ah well. I doubt we’ll ever trust one another.”
“Will we see you again?”
“Who can say,” Eleanor replied, “this country is vast. Chances are that you could be sent to Washington while I’m sent to some remote town like Trask.”
“You like him don’t you?” Artemus asked softly.
“Very much,” Eleanor replied, she managed a wry smile, “I just seem to be very good at pushing people away.”
“And I suppose you can cope with being thought an airhead while working but it would be nice to be taken seriously by other agents, yes?” Eleanor nodded seriously as he continued, “And I’m guess that as a rule most don’t.”
“None of them do,” Eleanor replied in a low voice, “not even you and Jim. Let’s face it, you’d prefer an airhead, that’s what you both like, all these adoring girls fawning at your feet.”
“I thought I did,” Artemus replied slowly, “but an airhead would have been no use out here and the last thing Jim or I would want is a woman sobbing in the corner when we needed her help.”
“But an airhead wouldn’t have been out here, would she?” Eleanor raised an eyebrow at him and he nodded ruefully, “If you think you can cope I’m going to go and see to my horse. I made sure she had hay and water when I arrived and took her saddle off but she could do with a brush.”
“Go ahead,” Artemus waved his hand, “I’ll be fine.”
She dressed quickly in her shirt and trousers and then slipped through to the stable car, the mare made a soft whickering noise as she stepped into the stable car and she rubbed the mare’s nose, “Hey girl,” she murmured, “how you doing?”
The mare nuzzled her hand, Eleanor laughed softly, “Let me just get the brushes and combs and I’ll give you a quick grooming.”
She was combing the mane when the mare turned her head and began nuzzling her waistband, she rubbed its nose and then laughed as it took her trousers between its teeth and pulled her towards him. “Stop it,” she laughed, patting the mare’s neck, “Or I’ll weave coloured ribbons into your mane.”
Eventually she finished and making sure that the mare had enough hay and water she put the curry comb and brushes back and then slipped back through to the varnish car. Slipping quickly into the room Jim was letting her use she scrabbled in her saddlebags for a clean shirt. Pulling it on she scrabbled in the bottom of the bag for her brush and pulled it through her auburn hair.
She tied it back with a ribbon and then walked through to the varnish car. Artemus looked up and smiled, “Everything all right?”
“Yes, thanks.” Eleanor replied, she looked out of the windows, “Well, it looks a bit wild out there. Hope Orrin and Sam are all right. Right I’d better start making breakfast. But don’t expect miracles, cooking is not my forte.”
“Fair enough,” Artemus smiled up at her, “Jim should be awakening soon I think. But coffee first – you’d better nip down to the cab.”
She nodded and then pulling on her heavy jacket slipped down the corridor to the stable car. Patting the horses as she passed she opened the door at the head of the stable car and dropped to the ground.
The snow had stopped and she was grateful that it wasn’t deep. She reached the locomotive and called up to the cab, Orrin’s head poked out and a smile lit the firm lips, “Good morning, Miss Eleanor.”
“Good morning, Orrin,” she called, “I came to ask if you want breakfast, I can stretch to a bacon and egg sandwich for both of you.”
“That’s great, Miss Eleanor,” Orrin called down, “Do you want to come up, we’ve just made a brew.”
“No thanks, Orrin, I’d better get on with breakfast. Come through in about twenty minutes and I’ll have them ready for you.”
Grabbing a couple of pillows from her carriage she propped Artemus up and then went into the galley to make breakfast. She’d just finished making four bacon and egg sandwiches when Orrin’s head came round the galley door, “How’s it going Miss Eleanor?”
“I’m just finished, Orrin,” she smiled at him.
“Have you had a look at the landslide yet?” Eleanor asked.
“Sam and I looked at it early this morning. I think if we attack it after breakfast we should have it cleared by the end of the day.”
“Well the sooner we get to St Louis the better.” Eleanor smiled, “I’d be much happier if Mr Gordon could be examined by a doctor.”
“I don’t think Mr Gordon would have survived this long without you,” Orrin replied, “Have faith, Ellie.”
She scowled when he called her by her pet name, “Ah Orrin, sometimes I think back and wonder if I wouldn’t have been happier as an airhead.”
“You? Not a chance,” Orrin replied, “You’re just tired, Ellie.”
“Go take your sandwiches,” she replied.
She was pouring coffee when a familiar voice said, “I’ll take Artie’s through, Eleanor.”
She turned to see James standing in the doorway and her heart sank, “Go ahead,” she replied, “Do you want one?”
“Please.” He watched as she poured two mugs and as he was leaving she said, “Ask Mr Gordon what he’d like for breakfast.”
When he was gone she poured herself another cup of coffee. Let me get through the rest of this journey she thought to herself.
“Eleanor,” his voice interrupted her thoughts and she plastered a smile on her face and turned to James West, “I did Orrin and Sam bacon and egg sandwiches, do you want the same?” she asked.
“That’d be fine for me,” Jim said.
“Great,” she swallowed, “And I suppose that Mr Gordon would like half a haunch of venison.”
Jim smiled, “Yeah, that’s about the size of it.”
“He’ll have boiled eggs,” Eleanor replied, “and like it.”
“You want to keep his meals light?” Jim asked.
“I think so,” Eleanor replied.
He smiled again and said, “I’m going to go and see if I can help Orrin and Sam with the landslide.
“All right.” She smiled and then he was gone.
She took the boiled eggs through to Artemus who was sitting up in bed flipping through a book.
“Breakfast,” she said quietly.
His face lit up “Bacon, sausage and eggs with black pudding?” he asked hopefully.
“Two boiled eggs and a slice of bread and butter,” she replied.
He scowled, “But I’m fine. Surely I can eat something more substantial.”
“Perhaps,” she smiled, “but I’m going to avoid giving you rich sauces and cream for the nonce – and it doesn’t help that I’m a lousy cook.”
Artemus raised an eyebrow, “You can cook omelettes and boil eggs.”
“But that’s it,” she sighed, “I’m afraid that I’ve not been much help to either of you.”
“Oh I wouldn’t say that,” Artemus replied, “you didn’t turn into a heap of hysterical female.”
“We can’t afford to do that,” Eleanor replied, “If you’ll excuse me, Artemus, I’ll let you eat in peace and go clean up your galley.”
As he ate the eggs he frowned, We? He thought, Not I, we. We.
When she returned with a cup of coffee Artemus had finished his breakfast and was relaxing back against the pillows. She took his pulse and after examing his colour nodded in satisfaction, “Well, you seem to be healing well. I think we could get you back in your own bed soon.”
“That would be good,” Artemus managed a smile.
“You should be resting,” Eleanor replied.
“You keep saying that,” Artemus scowled. “Perhaps you should talk to me.”
“There’s nothing special about me,” Eleanor shrugged.
Artemus laid his hand on her arm, “That I would dispute. You knew what to do.” “Thinking back I think I’d rather be an airhead now,” she said forlornly, “You know Artemus, the one man I really like and would like to like me thinks I’m an inconsequential woman. Oh, he does-” she said as she saw Artemus start to shake his head, “he certainly wouldn’t want to spend any time with me. He’s angry that I didn’t tell him who I was; he’s angry because I injured him and he thinks I shouldn’t be out here.”
Jim was walking up the corridor when he heard them speaking, he was about to step forward when he heard Eleanor talking, despite his own admonition never to eavesdrop he stopped just out of sight and listened to her talk, She was right, of course, he thought ruefully, he was angry that Artemus had kept this information from him and angry because she’d caught him off guard. But there were other reasons, he did think she shouldn’t be here. But she’d handled herself well and hadn’t dissolved into hysterics. He frowned thoughtfully. She was probably as exhausted as him, but – and this was a big but, at no point had he heard her complain. She’d denigrated her cooking skills but when she’d needed to, she’d rolled up her sleeves and got on with the job. There was indeed something special about her.
Artie squeezed her hand, “I’m sorry, Eleanor, I have spoken with him but-”
“I told you,” Eleanor replied, “he prefers airheads, you were wrong Artemus.”
Whistling to let them know he was coming, Jim stepped into the varnish car, “Orrin’s just clearing the last of the boulders, he’ll do a quick check of the line and we should get moving.”
“Think you can get me into bed?” Artie looked up at his friend and Jim rolled his eyes.
“We can try,” he said, “Do you think he’ll be all right, Eleanor?”
She nodded, a smile breaking out across her face, “The bleeding’s stopped, and the dressings are holding. I think we can risk it.”
Jim nodded and then he was helping Artie to the edge of the table and carefully supporting Artemus as he stood up, “Whoa!” Artie said slowly, “She rocks!”
Eleanor stepped up on the other side and slipped her arm around Artie’s waist, above Jim’s arm, she noticed her hand was touching Jim’s arm just below his shoulder, “Let’s take this slowly,” she said.
Painfully they walked Artie to his own room and Jim eased him onto his own bed. Slowly Artemus was eased back into bed and settled down.
“Oh that’s better,” he murmured, “much better on my back.”
Jim and Eleanor looked at one another and despite everything a smile broke out across both faces, and then Eleanor turned away.
“Never get between a Gordon and his bed or his bath. Always did like your creature comforts,” Jim laughed, “Shall I escort you back to the main car?”
She looked up at him and then nodded, “Thank you, Mr West.”
“You can call me Jim,” he said, “I think this experience definitely qualifies.” He offered her his arm and flushing she linked her arm with his.
“I suppose this makes me a weak and feeble female,” she sighed.
“No more than it makes me an overbearing male,” Jim replied, “I don’t intend to patronize you, merely to offer my assistance.”
She looked up into his face and nodded, “All right, I’ll take you and Artemus at face value for now.”
“Sounds ominous,” Jim sat down. “Am I really that bad?”
“No,” she half smiled tiredly, “You’re just a man, and you have no idea how privileged you are.”
He studied her face, despite her sleep she still looked washed out, “I guess you’ll be glad to get to St Louis,” he said.
“Definitely,” she replied, a weary smile curving the mouth, a mouth he suddenly wanted to kiss. “I’m meeting a friend and I can get a bath and a change of clothes. Then maybe a few days rest.”
“Yes, I think I could do with that too,” Jim replied leaning back against the cushions, “But I thank you for your help. We couldn’t have done it without you. Colonel Richmond and a Doctor will be waiting for us at the station.”
“You’d have managed,” Eleanor sighed, “after all you applied tourniquets to Colonel Vautrain and he survived.”
“Not with any degree of sanity,” West replied, “perhaps the pain drove him mad, or the thought of losing his legs.”
“Or the fact that he didn’t die, but had to live as a cripple.” Eleanor replied wearily, “being disabled is worse than death to some.”
“It depends what you make of your disability,” West replied thoughtfully, thinking of the woman sitting in front of him.
“If you say so,” she yawned. “Lord I’m tired.”
“Me too,” he admitted, “Come and sit over here,” he held out a hand.
“Do you trust me not to injure you any further?” she raised an eyebrow and a smile curved his mouth.
“Yes, just this once. Come and sit next to me.”
“Fool,” she said softly but did as he asked taking his hand and feeling the firm fingers closing around her own. He shuffled down the couch so that his head was resting on the back of it.
“Is this where you seduce me?” she asked quietly, her emerald eyes never leaving his face.
“No, not really,” he rolled his head to look at her, “I just wanted you near me.”
“James West of the silver tongue,” she said softly and was rendered speechless when he lifted her hand to kiss her fingers.
She lay back next to him and asked, “So what now?”
There was no answer and she turned her head to see that Jim was fast asleep. Looking down at their linked hands she saw that his hand was still loosely holding hers, Oh Jim, she thought.
Laying her head back against the sofa she stared at his face, relaxed and open in sleep and wondered what she was doing.
She was still watching him when the train began pulling into St Louis. Getting up she walked through to Artie’s room and found him fast asleep too, a book lying open on his chest. Smiling to herself she picked up her saddlebags and quietly slipped back into the varnish car. She took one last look around and then bent over a still slumbering West, and then gently so as not to wake him placed a kiss on his temple.
She stood on the running board as The Wanderer rolled into St Louis and could have wept in relief when she saw the two men and Phoebe. Colonel Richmond smiled when he saw her and said, “Phoebe will take care of you Miss Talbot. Dr Philips and I will go and take a look at Mr Gordon.”
“Yes, sir.” She nodded, and then turned to the Colonel, “Be gentle with them, Sir. It’s been hell.”
“I surmised that,” Richmond nodded, “My thanks, Eleanor.” Richmond replied and then she’d stepped off the running board and onto the platform and he’d knocked and opened the door.
Jim heard the knock and opened his eyes, sitting up he came face to face with Colonel Richmond, “Sir!” he said attempting to stand up, but the Colonel gently pushed him back down onto the sofa, “Dr Philips, if you would go forward and examine Mr Gordon, Mr West and I will wait here.”
Jim blinked the sleep out of his eyes and sat up, Colonel Richmond seated himself opposite and said, “I understand it’s been a somewhat trying trip.”
“You could say that, Sir, yes.” Jim replied.
“I hear that Mr Gordon owes his life to Miss Talbot,” Colonel Richmond said.
“I think so, Colonel,” Jim replied, running a hand across his face. “Whatever the doctor says, I’m convinced that had she not been there, Artemus would be in worse shape.”
“I think she would just be grateful he’s survived,” Richmond replied.
“Yes, Sir,” Jim replied. He sat forward trying to find the words to ask the Colonel what had happened to her when Dr Philips came through, “Well, gentlemen, I’m impressed. It’s rough work and your surgeon obviously had to use makeshift tools but they saved his life. There’s no inflammation and the wounds seem to be healing well. I understand that your surgeon had to extract a bullet?”
“Yes, Doctor,” Jim replied standing up. If the doctor was going to vilify Eleanor he was going to defend her.
“I’d have stitched it, but they were obviously concerned about internal bleeding. I think on the whole they made the right decision.”
Colonel Richmond watched West as he relaxed, noting the clenched fists and taut face. Well, Ellie, you’ve certainly made an impression!
Doctor Philips smiled, “I’m going to have Mr Gordon transported to the hospital,” he continued, “I know he would rather stay here, but you look exhausted young man, I suggest you go and get a bath and a hot meal. Then you can come and visit your friend.”
Reluctantly Jim nodded. He felt Colonel Richmond’s hand on his shoulder, “Come on, Jim. I’ll put you up in my house.”
“I’ll just say goodbye to Artie first, Sir,” Jim replied, flashing a smile. His hat in one hand he walked through to Artie’s room, his friend looked up as he entered, “They’re whisking me off to a hospital,” he said as Jim entered the room.
“I know,” Jim smiled. “I know you’d rather be here, Artie-”
“Oh I don’t know,” Artemus replied, he could see the exhaustion in Jim’s face, “I can work my magic on the nurses – charm them for a couple of days.”
Jim smiled and squeezing his friend’s shoulder quietly left the room. Colonel Richmond was waiting for him, “I’m sure it was an oversight on my niece’s part, Mr West, to not invite you to supper at Colonel Fairchild’s tonight so I’m extending the invitation. You will come won’t you?”
“Very well, sir,” Jim managed to smile and then Colonel Richmond was ushering him out of the door of the varnish car.

WWWWW

Eleanor managed a weary smile at her friend, Phoebe looked cool and fragrant and it made her realise that she must look a state. Phoebe merely smiled and offered her arm, gratefully Eleanor took it and together they left the platform.
“Did you get everything done at Trask?” Phoebe asked as they got into the carriage.
“Enough information for the agent to take over,” Eleanor replied, “I just wish that I hadn’t had to leave so suddenly – and I’m not sure I made the best impression on Agent West.”
“Did you want to make a good impression?” Phoebe asked gently.
“On him, yes,” Eleanor replied forcefully, “and I fear that his good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”
“Perhaps you judge him too harshly,” Phoebe said gently, “I know James West, he’s a good man.”
“But he’s a man,” Eleanor responded, “and he likes airheads.”

Phoebe pursed her lips, “I don’t know about that. He likes to be admired. What he doesn’t like are liars or being lied to. What I suspect he’s most annoyed about is that he was fooled.”
Eleanor shrugged, “I don’t know, Phoebe. I just don’t know.”
“let’s get you home and into a nice hot bath. Colonel Fairchild’s having a supper party tonight and we are invited.”
“I suppose we have to go,” Eleanor grumbled, looking down at her hands.
“You might enjoy it,” Phoebe replied.
“Why do I doubt that,” Eleanor looked up into her friend’s face and smiled, “I don’t suppose I can stay home with a book?”
“No, not tonight.” Phoebe replied, “You’ve been away too long, people need to see you. I’ll help you choose a dress and after a bath you’ll feel so much better.”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow but sighing softly nodded.

WWWW

Although both Jim and Eleanor felt better once they’d bathed – and in Jim’s case shaved – and changed neither felt particularly like going out. But having promised, both dressed, pasted bright smiles onto their faces and sallied forth into the night.

WWWW

Eleanor took the glass of orgeat from the tray. She was too tired to drink and she knew that if she did, she’d end up falling asleep in her supper. She’d been introduced to a variety of Senators, Congressmen and Colonels until eventually they’d all blurred into one, so when her uncle and James West walked into the room she caught her breath. He was in full evening dress, and it took her breath away.
Wanting to speak to him she gradually edged closer and luck was with her as her hostess suddenly grasped her arm, “Eleanor dear, there’s someone you really must meet.” She half-dragged, half-walked her across the room, “Mr West, a pleasure to see you. May I introduce Miss Talbot.”
Her heart in her mouth she held out her hand and felt his own hand close around her fingers, “A pleasure, Miss Talbot,” he said softly.
“Likewise, Mr West,” she replied.
“May I have the pleasure of escorting you into supper?” he asked offering her his arm.
“I’d be most pleased and proud, Mr West,” she replied a smile of relief crossing her face as she slid her arm into his.
“Thank you,” she murmured, when they were out of earshot.
“For what?” he asked.
“Not giving me away,” she gestured to the people around them, “I appreciate it.”
“I’m not the vindictive sort,” Jim replied, “but I would hold you to your promise.”
“To have supper with you? Absolutely.” She replied, “but I think I have the better bargain.”
Although they had both pasted bright smiles on their faces neither of them felt particularly hungry and when the musicians began to play Eleanor leant forward and said quietly, “I realise this is the man’s prerogative but would you allow me to have the pleasure of this dance?”
For a moment she thought that she’d overstepped the mark, but to her surprise and secret delight he nodded. He rose to his feet and held out a hand, “May I have the pleasure of this dance, Miss Talbot.”
“I’d be honoured, Mr West,” she replied, laying her gloved hand in his.
“How’s the leg?” he asked softly once they were on the dance floor.
“It aches a bit, but I’ll live,” she smiled, wishing she could reach up and touch his face, “You look tired.”
“You on the other hand look gorgeous,” Jim replied.
“It’s paint – make-up,” she explained, “If I wasn’t wearing any I’d look like a hag.”
“I doubt that you would ever look like a hag,” Jim replied softly. “Maybe I should have applied some make-up before I came out this evening.”
Eleanor was tempted to reply that she thought he looked wonderful now, but decided just to smile and shrug her shoulders. They danced another waltz together and then Jim said, “Do you think we could take a turn in the garden?”
Eleanor eyed him thoughtfully, she could see the taut lines at the corners of his eyes and mouth, “Where are you staying?” she asked quietly.
“Colonel Richmond’s putting me up at his house,” Jim replied.
“I don’t think a walk in the garden will help,” she said gently, “I think we’d just better get you to bed.”
“How can you tell?” he frowned.
“You’ve gone quite pale,” she said quietly, “and I can see the tightness around around your eyes. You need a good night’s rest.”
A half-smile lifted the corners of his mouth, “What do you suggest?”
“We’ll slip out through the garden. Mrs Fairchild might miss us, but I doubt that anyone else will. I will just say tomorrow that I was feeling tired so decided to leave early.”
“Someone may have seen us leaving together, what if they assume that we slept together,” he stopped, “this impinges on your reputation.”
“The people that matter won’t be troubled by it – and the people that are troubled by it – don’t matter. It won’t impinge on anything I do for the Secret Service. It may even turn out to be an advantage.”
“You won’t be invited to places like this – or supper parties.” Jim warned.
She grinned, “Is that a promise, Mr West? Then you can take me right here in the garden!”
He laughed, “Miss Talbot, you’re amazing.”
“Not really, but I thank you for the compliment.”
They got into the carriage and just before it moved off, one of the servants handed a valise to Eleanor. When West surveyed her curiously, Eleanor explained, “A change of clothes, my nightdress and a few toilet articles.”
“You seem well-prepared,” he replied.
“Not always,” Eleanor replied, she yawned suddenly, just managing to cover her mouth with her hand and blushing scarlet. “When I was first sent out on fieldwork, I was woefully ill-prepared Mr West.”
“Jim,” he smiled, “I think you should start calling me by my first name. After all we have shared a wealth of experiences.”
“Yes,” she smiled, “In that case, please call me Eleanor.”
“I’d like that,” he replied, taking her hand again. She looked down at his strong fingers linked around her glove and had the strangest impression that they’d just crossed some sort of boundary.
He was so tired, despite her set face and straight posture, he could sense the fear boiling off her in waves. He wanted to put his arm around her and reassure her but he had the feeling that this would probably scare her even more.
He put his head back against the squabs and closed his eyes, “Sorry, Eleanor,” he mumbled, “I’m just so tired.”
She squeezed his hand, “It’s all right, Jim.”
He opened his eyes again, “I should be showing you the time of your life.”
She smiled feeling his hand, warm against her glove, “I’ll forgive you this once, Jim.”
A weary smiled touched his lips, “What about the next time?”
“The next time I might be too tired for you to show me the time of my life,” she replied, “it works both ways.”
“Yes,” he replied thoughtfully.
He recognised the man who opened the carriage door, “Johnson!” A smile touched the strong lips, “How are you?”
“I’m fine, Mr West. And you?”
“A little tired tonight, Johnson. Hard mission.” He turned to Eleanor who had stepped out of the carriage behind him, “Johnson, may I introduce-”
“Miss Ellie! How are you?”
“I’m fine, Johnson. How is Sarah?”
“She’s better Miss Ellie. Thank you for helping us last year.”
“My pleasure, Johnson.”
“Would you both like to go through to the parlour?” Johnson asked, “I can have the kitchen make up some sandwiches?”
“I think we’ll just call it a night,” Jim replied, “If you could take Miss Talbot’s valise up to her room.”
“Certainly, Mr West.” Johnson took the case out of the carriage and stepped into the house. “If you will both come this way. I shall put her in the adjoining room with the connecting door.”
“He was very understanding,” Jim remarked as he closed the bedroom door.
“He’s known me since I was five,” Eleanor replied, “I think he has faith in both of us.” She swallowed, suddenly nervous.
Jim must have sensed this because she felt his hand, warm and reassuring on her shoulder, “I just need to have a word with Johnson and make sure that we’re not disturbed. Do I need to let anyone know you’re here?”
“You could ask him to get a message sent to Colonel Howard’s to let them know I’m staying here tonight.”
Jim nodded and then she was alone. Slipping out of her dress was relatively simple, but removing her stockings and calliper left her frustrated and shaking. Eventually she pulled her nightdress over her head and sat pink and gasping on the side of the bed to unbind her hair. When Jim returned he’d changed into his pyjamas and when he entered the room he saw her half turn and the paleness of her face contrasted sharply with her copper hair and he realised just how frightened she was.
“I took the liberty of changing,” he said softly.
“I’m just going to braid my hair,” she replied slowly, suddenly wondering why she was so scared .
“I can do that,” he said gently.
She nodded jerkily like a badly manipulated mannequin, and without turning round felt the mattress shift as he climbed onto it. “Give me your brush,” he said quietly.
She half turned and held it out for him to take and felt him shuffle up behind her, and began to brush the auburn hair, using long slow strokes that made her whole head tingle.
To her surprise he began talking and despite her fear she found herself listening, “I used to do this for Cecily when she was ill.”
“Cecily?” she queried, half-turning.
“A woman I loved a long time ago,” he stopped talking,, but she could still feel his hands, braiding , plaiting, weaving.
“Oh,” she said softly.
“You’re not going to ask me who she was?”
“No,” Eleanor shrugged, “If you tell me, you tell me. If you don’t, you don’t.”
She thought she heard a soft, but choked laugh from behind her and then his hand was on her shoulder. “I’ve finished. Bed I think.”
She felt him pull the covers back and then nervously she did the same and shuffled in between the sheets. He snuggled up behind her and put an arm over her waist, drawing her towards him. She relaxed back into his warmth and yawned again, “I’m sorry,” she murmured slowly.
“For what?”
“For being afraid.” She swallowed.
He chuckled again, “I would be surprised if you were not afraid. But I give you my word I will not touch you.” He sighed, “Besides which I’m too tired tonight.”
She was too tired to respond, the last thing she felt before she dropped into sleep was his arm around her waist.
She woke slowly, half-enveloped in someone’s arms. She woke slowly, half-enveloped in someone’s arms. She opened her eyes to see Jim staring down at her, “Good morning,” he said gently, “Did you sleep well?”
“I think so, yes,” she smiled up at him, “what about you?”
“Yes,” he smiled and then he bent his dark head and kissed her. At first she froze and then as the kiss deepened she relaxed and returned the kiss. His hand was cradling her head and she felt his tongue probing between her lips. A soft moan emerged from her throat and she felt a tightening in her groin that reminded her of her menses.
Finding a strength she never knew she possessed she put her hands up against Jim’s chest and pushed him away, he broke off the kiss and a frown creased his forehead, “What’s wrong?”
“Not like this, Jim,” Eleanor replied, her emerald eyes meeting his sea-green ones.
He shook his head as if to clear it, “Sorry, Eleanor. You’re right. I wasn’t thinking.”
“That’s all right, Jim.” She laid her hand on his chest, “What time is it?”
“About two in the morning.” Jim smiled, “Want to go back to sleep?”
“We could talk for a bit,” Eleanor replied, “Thank you for plaiting my hair, I’m sorry I was frightened.”
He laughed softly and drew her into an embrace so that her head was resting on his chest. She could feel the vibration of his laughter against her forehead, “Eleanor, as I said earlier, I would have been more surprised if you hadn’t been frightened.”
“But I wasn’t as frightened when I was on the train.” Eleanor lifted her head to look into his face.
“Dear one, it’s a different scenario.” His arms tightened around her. “Go back to sleep.”
Snuggling against him, Eleanor closed her eyes and drifted back into slumber. Jim lay awake for a long time, holding the slumbering woman in his arms, her head resting below his chin.
She murmured softly in her sleep and he gently kissed the top of her head. She snuggled closer to him and despite his own misgivings his arms tightened around her. As she slept he lay awake and thought about his life. Eventually, tiredness overcame him again and he drifted back into slumber.
She woke first as the fingers of a blue-grey dawn were stealing into the room. Gently raising herself on an elbow she looked down at Jim’s sleeping face. He looked young and vulnerable although she knew that he had a core of diamond. Both of them she thought ruefully.
He opened his eyes and stared up at her, she saw something hungry in his eyes and then he was pulling her down onto him and kissing her fiercely and this time the feelings threatened to sweep her away and for a fleeting moment she wondered how to stop him.
He moved away from her running a hand through his dark hair, “Damnit, Ellie!” He muttered, “you’d make a monk forget his vow of celibacy. We’d best get up before I do something we’ll both regret.”
Reluctantly, Eleanor sat up and shuffled to the other side of the bed. She felt Jim’s hand on her shoulder and heard him say, “I’ll go get dressed in the adjoining room. Can you dress yourself?”
“Might need you to button me up,” Eleanor replied half-turning.
“Call me when you need me.”
“Definitely,” she replied, a smile lighting up her face.
Through ease of long practice she dressed quickly, finally pulling up the sleeves of her dress when she heard the soft knock at the door, “Come in,” she called.
The door opened and she heard Jim’s voice, “Would you like me to button your dress?”
“Please,” she half-turned and he was glad to see that her face no longer registered the terrified expression of the night before.
She could feel his hands, warm against her skin and was reminded of the time Artemus had done the same in his compartment aboard the train, but on this occasion Jim’s fingers sent little shivers up her spine and it took all her self-control not to turn and kiss him.
“Done,” he said softly. She smoothed down the front of her dress, turning she saw him dressed in what she always thought of as his ‘work clothes’ the teal of his monkey jacket and trousers contrasting sharply with the blue cravat and gold waistcoat.
“Ready?” he asked softly.
More than ever! She thought, but her voice failed her and she nodded dumbly.
He held out a hand, “Let’s get down to breakfast.”
Smiling she took it and felt his warm fingers close round hers. Just before they entered the dining room he released it, “Let’s just try and keep impropriety to a minimum, for your sake.”
Colonel Richmond was already sitting at the dining room table, “Good morning, Eleanor, my dear. Johnson told me that you decided to stay here for the night.” He bit into his slice of toast, “did you sleep well?”
“Wonderfully, thank you Uncle,” Eleanor took a plate from the sideboard and began helping herself to kedgeree.
“Good morning, Mr West. Mrs Fairchild was most upset that you departed so early.”
Eleanor caught sight of the wry smile that touched Jim’s lips, “I am sorry about that, Colonel, but I doubt she would have appreciated me falling asleep in the jelly.”
“And you, Ellie,” her Uncle turned to the young woman sitting opposite him, “I know you dislike these functions, but could you not have stayed an hour or two longer?”
“I’m sorry, Uncle, after Mr West left I was bored to tears. So I took the second carriage.”
“Yes, it must have been a carriage I had not noticed,” Richmond remarked, “especially as when I looked, only one was missing.” He smiled at them both and then said quietly, “perhaps a little more planning next time, my dear.”
Eleanor nodded, “Yes, Uncle.”
“Mr West,” Colonel Richmond turned to the man sitting att the head of the table, Eleanor had to suppress a smile as he tensed.
“Yes, Sir,” he said, trying to keep his voice casual.
“Would you allow me to accompany you to the hospital after breakfast to see Mr Gordon?”
“I’d like that,” West replied.
Richmond smiled, “Well I’ve finished my breakfast. Ellie, Phoebe wants to see you as soon as you’re ready. She’s got a new assignment for you. Mr West.” He stood up and quietly left the room.
Jim regarded Colonel Richmond quietly and then turned back to Eleanor, “He knows, doesn’t he?”
“That we spent last night together? Yes.” Eleanor responded, “but he trusts both of us.”
“He shouldn’t. I don’t wholly trust myself with you.”
Eleanor reached across to lay her hand on his, “But you wouldn’t. That’s the point.”
“Write me?” he asked quietly.
“Oh definitely,” Eleanor smiled, “you never know our paths may cross again sometime.”
Soon I hope, Jim thought. He watched as she finished her breakfast, drink half a cup of coffee and then get to her feet. He rose to his feet too, “It’s been a pleasure, Eleanor.”
She smiled, “I still think I got the better end of the bargain, Jim.” Then she’d slipped past the table and out the door.
Finishing his own breakfast, he picked up his hat and quietly left.