The Duke Is Mine - Eloisa James [108]
“When we first discussed this possibility, we did not realize that there is a garrison of French soldiers a handsbreadth from the hut. I am extremely doubtful that Rupert and the two men who remained at his side are still at liberty.”
Olivia pressed her lips together before they could tremble. “It is true that Rupert is not a very lucky person.”
“I am certain that we can retrieve his body from the French if we pay enough,” Quin said bluntly. “We will bring it back to England and he will be buried with honors, as befits his rank and his deeds. But you need not risk yourself in that particular endeavor, Olivia. I will bring Rupert home.” There was a fierceness in his voice that turned the words into a vow.
Now tears were pressing against her eyes. Other than his father, Rupert had never had a champion. And now he had this magnificent, uncompromising duke. She felt sure that Quin would never allow the slightest insult against his erstwhile rival.
“Rupert would have been honored to know you,” she said, her voice unsteady despite her best efforts. “And I shall be in that rowboat with you.”
“No.”
“If you do not permit me to accompany you, I will join you a few moments after I strike poor Grooper on the head and swim to shore.”
“No need for that,” Grooper said. He seemed to be enjoying the skirmish. “Never let it be said that I came between a married couple.”
“We are not married,” Quin said, eyes fixed on Olivia.
Grooper shook his head. “And here I thought nobility didn’t have the loose ways o’ the rest of us. You surely fight as if you’d taken the vows.”
“I am an excellent swimmer,” Olivia insisted, ignoring the sergeant’s less-than-helpful comments. She was trying to make a point, but the moment the words left her mouth, and she saw the pain that flashed through Quin’s eyes, she realized she had made a terrible misstep.
She was at his side in an instant, her arms tight around his waist. “I won’t go in the water. I promise I won’t go into the water.” She brushed her lips across his. “If Rupert is still alive, I must be with him. He will recognize me; he has never met you.”
“I’ll bring Lucy with me.”
Olivia knew in her heart of hearts that she had to have her way on this. “You cannot make this decision for me.”
“You won’t be safe.” His voice was ragged . . . raw.
Though they scarcely noticed him, Grooper went up the steps to the deck, gently shutting the door behind him.
“You cannot keep me safe.” She pulled him closer until she could feel his hard chest against her. “I cannot keep you safe either.”
“Damn it, Olivia, these idiots stowed Rupert in a hut under the very noses of a whole garrison of French soldiers. If the Frenchmen were to capture you . . . no.”
“They will not capture me,” she said. She felt the knifelike agony in his eyes sink into her own heart. “I didn’t come all the way to France simply to wait in the Day Dream.” Then she had an inspiration. “They won’t capture me because I will be with you.”
“With me,” Quin muttered. His jaw clenched.
“I want to remain with you. Not only will I be safer, but I couldn’t bear the tension of not knowing how you were faring.” She felt a pang of guilt. She was manipulating him. “What if those soldiers catch glimpse of the Day Dream?”
“They will not,” he said flatly. “We will anchor offshore and shutter the lantern.” But his eyes searched her face. He was listening to her.
“I cannot leave him to die alone.” She put every bit of willpower she had in her voice.
“Dear heart.” He rubbed his thumb gently along the line of her lower lip. “Rupert is dead. I’m trying to work out how to carry his body down the inlet without alerting soldiers. And if by some remote chance he is alive, I will have Lucy with me. Surely she will be introduction enough.”
“No.” She’d never thought, never imagined, that someone like Quin could love her. Still, she understood instinctively that he had to—he absolutely had to—respect her. He had to trust her even when his instinct was to deny her. “His father is gone. I am the only person in the world who cares for him, Quin. The