Page 22 of The Lovers
“I am,” Gavin replied. “I sail on April second.”
Gavin studied her carefully, his eyes searching her face for answers. She’d come to him, so it was up to her to state her intentions.
“Gavin, does your offer still stand?”
“It does.”
“Would you not mind living in sin with a woman who’s married to another?”
“I don’t put much stock in sin,” Gavin replied with a smile. “Love between two people should never be a sin, even if it isn’t sanctioned by the Church.”
“So, how would we manage it?” Elise asked, hope swelling in her chest. Could she really pull this off, and was it still possible to salvage something of her life? She knew this was wrong, but something inside her refused to care. She would pay whatever price she had to to escape her joyless existence and snatch even thesmallest bit of happiness for herself. She’d taken the first step; the second one would be easier.
“We would pose as man and wife. It would probably be wise to change your name, so no one would suspect anything. Elizabeth, or Elspeth, perhaps. Once in Virginia, no one would have any reason to question our union.”
“But our children would be born out of wedlock,” Elise said, suddenly realizing that she wouldn’t be the only affected by this decision.
“So, they would. But as long as no one knows…”
“God would know.”
“Yes, I suppose he would, but I don’t think he much cares,” Gavin replied. He’d always held some unorthodox views on religion, which Elise found scandalous, but at this moment, she was glad. He wouldn’t reject her because she was already married and had lain with another man. Gavin knew it had never been by choice and wouldn’t punish her for it. He was kind and understanding, and her life with him would be vastly different.
“Elise, I don’t have much in the way of possessions. I have enough to pay for our passage and find us lodging once we get to Jamestown, but I cannot promise you a life of luxury. You must be prepared to work hard and make do, at least for the first few years.”
“I don’t need much, just a serviceable gown, a pair of shoes, and a cloak to keep me warm. Everything else will come in time.”
“We’ll build a life together, from the foundation up. We’ll be happy, Elise. You’ll see.”
Gavin got to his feet and came around the table. He held out a hand to Elise and she took it gladly, tilting her face up tomeet his. This kiss was sweeter than any kiss they’d stolen before; this kiss was a promise of things to come, of a life built on love and trust.
Elise gazed up at Gavin as they pulled apart, her mind made up. She took his hand and pulled him toward the bed located in an alcove and separated from the rest of the room by curtains.
“Elise,” Gavin breathed as she reached for the laces of her bodice. “We can’t. Not yet. I’ve a job at the Tabard Inn. I’ve undertaken to sort through their accounts. I need the money to pay for my lodgings until I leave so that I don’t have to dip into my savings,” Gavin explained apologetically. “I start at nine.”
Elise nodded as disappointment tore through her. She wished to give herself to Gavin as a sign of her commitment. They would be as good as married then, even if that weren’t so in the eyes of the law.
“You must go back. Pretend like nothing’s changed,” Gavin said as he reached for his coat. “If you come to me too soon, they’ll find you. The ship is due to sail on the morning tide on April second. Come to me on April first. We’ll be long gone before anyone suspects that you’d run away. Bring only what you most need.”
“I will,” Elise promised.
“I love you, Elise,” Gavin said as he gave her hand a final squeeze. “Be careful getting back. You go first, and then I will follow in a few minutes. No one must see us together.”
Elise couldn’t imagine that someone would recognize her in this part of Southwark, but she didn’t argue. Gavin was right: It was best not to take any chances.
“I will count the hours and the minutes until I see you again,” Elise said as she smiled up at Gavin. “I hadn’t realized how much I loved you until I lost you.”
“You’ll never lose me. I’m forever yours. Now go. I need to get to work.”
Elise hurried out of the alley, her head bent low. A happy smile played about her lips and her heart sang a joyful melody. There was hope after all. She wasn’t doomed to a life of loneliness and isolation with Edward Asher.
FOURTEEN
James observed from a safe distance as Elise stepped out from the narrow house. She didn’t look back but hurried out of the alley and down the street, her head lowered and her hood obscuring her face from passersby. James watched her turn the corner but made no move to follow. He knew where she was heading but didn’t know whom she’d visited. He’d wait a few minutes and go knock on the door, pretending to be in search of someone. James was just about to carry out his plan when the door opened, and a young man stepped into the alley. He appeared to be in his early twenties and had a pleasing countenance, his best feature being his eyes. Although his clothes were not as fine or fashionable as those of a gentleman, he clearly took pride in his appearance and tried to look the part of a well-to-do man. His step was unhurried, and once he reached the corner, James peeled himself away from the wall he’d been leaning against and followed the man. He didn’t go far, only as far as the Tabard Inn, where he turned into the courtyard and eventually disappeared through a door.
James decided not to bother waiting and walked briskly toward the river. He spotted Elise in a boat that was still not too far from shore, her shoulders stiff, and her eyes fixed on the London side. Her hands were folded in her lap, but James could see the tension coursing through her body. He stepped into a boat and took a seat, his eyes never leaving Elise. The morning was clear, and Elise would easily recognize him if she glanced in his direction, so James pulled his hat lower over his eyes and huddled into his cloak. He could be any of a number of men crossing the Thames for business or pleasure.
Elise jumped out of the boat as soon as it docked, paid the ferryman, and hurried in the direction of Asher Hall. It made no sense to follow her, so James walked to a nearby tavern, found a table in the corner, and ordered a slice of pork pie and a tankard of ale. He hadn’t had any breakfast, thanks to Elise, and since it was nearly time for the midday meal, he was ravenous. The pie wasn’t half-bad, the crust flaky and hot and the filling flavorful and moist. James took a long pull of ale and leaned back in his chair, gazing out the grimy window at the river flowing past. The water sparkled in the morning sunshine, and the docks were a beehive of activity with men loading and unloading goods and going to and from the warehouses situated along the docks.
