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."You can lean on me, Devon, but I'll be damned if I'll carry you and do your walking.Do you understand?”Her cheeks were flushed.In spite of Raveneau's stern manner, she felt the ridge of desire concealed by his towel—a reminder of his celibate frustration.No words would come, so she nodded, again and again.* * *They stood together on the deck as the Black Eagle docked."Let's go ashore," Raveneau said gently, after all was made secure.He carried Mouette as they descended the gangplank.The Beach, once Devon’s playground, was nearly destroyed.Most of the storehouses were burned to the ground, the Customs House was a charred shell, and the courthouse and other buildings which had comprised the Parade were gone.The once-crowded waterfront looked forlorn; there were huge gaps between the ships.Raveneau's arm hugged her waist."At least the war is as good as over, and the triumph of freedom is certain.All of this can be restored."Devon looked around the Bank as she walked.Andre had already told her that this was the most damaged area, and there was nothing else to say now.She looked beautiful; her head was erect, her back straight.She wore an elegant gown of cream-colored muslin striped in soft peach, its long-waisted boned bodice and square neckline flattering the high curve of her breasts.A wide-brimmed straw hat was tied around her throat with silk ribbons, a few bright curls falling loose down her back, and she carried a sunshade of striped peach silk."There it is." Devon stopped and whispered the words.Raveneau rearranged a squirming Mouette and looked at the charred building where Devon and her mother had lived and worked.The top story was entirely destroyed, but part of the ground floor survived, and enough of the hanging sign remained for him to make out the words: "Linen and Pewter Shop.""Devon, I think we should go to Nicholson's house.You may find that he survived the battle, and his wife's company should be reassuring for you.No doubt she can answer most of your questions."They set out then, retracing in reverse the route they had followed in the carnage so long ago.Devon pointed out every home or shop that held meaning for her.They passed Gadwin's Drug Shop, but she had no wish to see Morgan's parents yet.There was the gambrel-roofed schoolhouse where Nathan Hale had awakened her mind long years ago.It sat away from the footpath, surrounded by a stone wall, and Devon touched the stones musingly."Do you know I turned twenty last month?" she asked."I'd forgotten.it was two weeks before Mouette was born.""What made you think of it now?""Because I had had my thirteenth birthday shortly before Master Hale went to war.He gave me Common Sense as a gift, and I was absolutely thrilled by the gesture.He always encouraged me to study, but after he left, there was never a schoolmaster who had a moment to spare for a female.""I cannot believe you let that stop you!"Seeing the gleam in his eye, Devon smiled."Master Hale laid a good foundation.The rest I could do on my own, with the help of Nick's library."They were approaching the handsome dark blue Nicholson home.It had survived the fire perfectly, looking exactly the same as when Devon was growing up."Don't panic," Raveneau said."There is bound to be at least one familiar face here, yes? Look, Mouette is scowling, too!"Raveneau went forward to lift the familiar brass knocker.Just the sight of him warmed Devon's blood and made her feel more secure.He had never looked more irresistibly disreputable, clad in a frock coat of soft dove-gray velvet that only served to emphasize the steel-flint of his eyes and jet-black sweep of hair queued at his neck.The lean brown line of his jaw showed above a white shirt and cravat, while a waistcoat of slate silk fitted neatly against his tapering chest and narrow waist.Finally, biscuit breeches and gleaming black knee boots completed the picture of dangerous, masculine elegance.Devon allowed herself a sigh.She had waited these past days for him to ask eagerly if she was able to make love yet, but after the first day he hadn't said a word [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]