Chapter Eleven

After having the much needed respite, Gavin gave the nod to resume their journey.

The sky is clear but the weather is cool and crisp, he was glad that his carriage provide the warmth Julianne needed as he noted grimly she only donned the same attire since the fire. And she wore no cloak nor shawl.

Of course all of her belongings were destroyed in the fire. Not to mention the deeds to the estate and land. Gavin abruptly sat up, trying to remember. He deduced that Reilly would still have the marker and the copy of the said deeds from the late Earl in his possession.

Inwardly he threw a brief glance at Julianne, trying to assess her mood. She had grown quiet as a mouse since they left the tavern, deep in her own thoughts. The duke was left wondering what plan she is concocting in that delicate little head of hers.

From the few weeks of his acquaintance with her, Gavin discovered that Julianne is a definite woman, who knows what she wants, a pleasantly rare quality from her kind, a gentle bred lady. She stands firm in what she believes in, as a matter of fact, resiliently, one of her personalities that he so admired.

Gavin deduced it was because she was independent for so long, without the lingering presence of male dominance in her life. The corner of his lips twitched, intently watching her staring out the carriage window.

True, he never met a woman who can make his blood boil and sing at the same time. Gavin reflected.

Julianne was so very different from Daniela or any other women that ever harbored his person.

She was intelligent yet sometimes she can be so mulish at times. The duke gave a low chuckle which drew Julianne's questioning gaze to him. If he ever was successful in persuading her to wedding him, he surely will have his work cut out for him, which the duke admitted to his utter disbelief, relished the endeavor .

"I shall appreciate if you keep the humor of my impoverished status to yourself" Julianne began, eyeing him unhappily. "As a matter of fact, I finally foresee the advantage by my being your betroth"

Gavin arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Julianne smiled, knitting her gloved hands together, she spoke with a strong voice "As your betroth and your strong connections to the beau monde, it will certainly be no trouble for you to find a husband for me"

"I beg your pardon?"

Julianne nodded pensively, correcting her position on her perch. "It will be rather simple really. As your betroth, I shall have access to every functions and every balls. And that is where you came in"

Gavin blinked owlishly, disbelieving his ear. "You want me to play matchmaker for you?"

The woman across him smiled brightly. "Exactly"

"Julianne-" the duke's word was cut short as Julianne held up a hand. "Pray hear me out, Your Grace"

"When comes the time you announced the disbandment of our betrothal, undoubtedly I will have a swarm of offers and suitors" Julianne paused looking directly to Gavin who have grown still.

"Surely you have no difficulty in introducing me to your peers, Your Grace?" she asked sweetly.

The duke unconsciously ground his jaw. Of course he has the damndest difficulty! Not when he wanted to stake his claim on her himself.

Taking a deep long breath, Gavin mightily summon his utmost patience, thinned his lips and said in a low voice.

"Regrettably sweetheart, I am afraid I have to disappoint you on that quarter"

"Why?"

Crossing his ankles, the duke said unhurriedly. "I planned on courting you myself"

Julianne stared. "Court me? Why?"

Glaring at the shadowed man across from her, Julianne knew the duke was smiling. Cynically.

Clearing his throat, Gavin drawled casually. "I did informed you that if you ever fit the bill to be my duchess, we will eventually have the real wedding"

Julianne grimaced. "And may I remind you, I am not interested. Moreover, we are ill-suited from the beginning of our acquaintance"

Gavin laughed. "On the contrary, angel. We are very much well-matched with each other"

When Julianne was silent, he proceeded, much to her displeasure. "For starters, we both have a healthy appetite for sex"

"There are a lot more in matrimony than that!" Julianne protested vehemently, her cheeks hot.

Suddenly recalling her behavior last night.

"And probably by now, you may be carrying my child" Ignoring her outbursts, Gavin opted to infused seriousness in his tone. Coolly he arched an eyebrow while he crossed his arms over his chest, anticipating Julianne's guileless remarks.

When non was forthcoming, Gavin stretched his powerful frame closing the small distance between them. Julianne sucked in a breath, realizing the infuriating man was firmly set on his decision, no matter what it takes.

For a brief moment, they only stared each other, Julianne held her breath, nervously thinking that by only one look from him could send shivers from the tips of her breasts to the center of her woman's core.

The duke's lips lifted, edging closer to her.

Her lips parted slightly in breathless anticipation. "Your Grace"

"Shhh.."

Gavin caught her nape, capturing her lips in his own, Julianne sighed, parted her lips as his tongue took possession.

He is making her powerless again, she thought bemusedly, all the while feeling dismayed at the weakness invading her limbs as what always the effect of his searing touch and kisses had done to her. He was inadvertently taking control of her mind, her body and her soul.

In one effortless motion, the duke shifted her to his lap, his hand sliding sensuously under her gown, until his fingers found her cleft which was already sleek and throbbing.

"Your Grace-" Julianne gasped weakly as she felt his fingers slowly, deliberately flicked on the nub.

"Gavin"

"Gavin.. the servants"

"I will have their heads on spikes if ever they breathed a word about this" Still keeping his hand between her thighs, he slipped his forefinger into her sex. "Now hush and let me pleasure you"

he murmured huskily, delighted at the way she held her lower lips between her teeth. The sight she created brought forth his own erection.

Julianne moaned helplessly, not even caring anymore if Gavin's servants overheard her. The gentle sway of the carriage seemed to lull her more to the state of ecstasy.

She sprawled shamelessly on the duke's lap, her thighs bare straddling his hips, her crotch riding his burgeoning member while Gavin's fingers rubbed repeatedly between her legs.

"Gavin" She pleaded, gazing him between heavy lidded eyes. "Please"

"No" he chuckled devilishly, his other hand rose to the back of her gown instantly working on the buttons. To her amazement, he was able to free her from the confinements of her bodice with only one hand.

Her breasts spilled enticingly to his viewing pleasure.

"Beautiful" Gavin murmured appreciatively, surveying the bounty before him. The ripe mounds stood proudly with dusky rose tips which tightened instantly upon his perusal.

Gavin got his tongue out which he sensuously, deliberately circled one tight bud. Still fondling her, it was the most excruciating and pleasurable sensation that Julianne ever experienced.

Gently, Gavin slipped two fingers into her opening while his ardent gaze fixed on her beautiful face where in its own volition, her head fell back. Her hands desperately encircling his neck as if searching for any form of appeasement.

"Gavin please" she whispered again, begging him to end his sweet torment.

The duke chuckled, shaking his head slowly, apparently he was not finished with her. Julianne realized feverishly.

His dark head returned to her breasts, tugging the buds simultaneously with his teeth to heightened her pleasure.

Julianne moaned, her hips instinctively started to grind against his fingers.

Gavin growled his acquiesce, alternately sucking each pebble, trying to coax the wild side of her.

Julianne gasped, fisting his hair both in her hands as the pressure built from within the pit of her stomach. His ruthless tongue and his teasing fingers continued to work their magic, urging her on.

She nearly suffocated at the fiery sensation, she blindly clawed at the front placket of his breeches.

Without a word, Gavin shifted her a bit so that he could unbuttoned his breeches to free his cock, which was now flagrantly aroused.

Gavin stilled as Julianne placed her palm on his chest in order to balance herself, sliding herself over his large phallus. "Easy sweetheart" he cautioned softly, his voice thick with arousal. "You cannot take me all yet"

But it seems that Julianne is passed listening to reason. With an impatient sigh, she slowly lowered herself to him, opening up to him, uttering a blissful moan, she started to rock over him.

Gavin let out a guttural groan at the sudden explosion of her love making. His tongue and teeth continued to torture her breasts, Julianne whimpered, riding him more urgently desperately seeking release.

Her honeyed golden hair was a mess, Gavin thought she could never looked more desirable than this very moment. He felt her inner body clenching, signaling she was nearing to the scorching heat.

Abruptly, he pulled Julianne closer to him, plunging his tongue insistently into the hot recess of her mouth, relentlessly pounding into her, pulling her into the sun. Her cry of ecstasy muffled in his mouth, the same moment he thrust upwards into her, exploding his seed deep into her womb.

Julianne's body sagged heavily upon him, his mouth buried into her sweet hair. "You are mine, Julianne. No one can change that" he whispered in a raspy voice, hugging her closer to his chest. He was totally exhausted. His limbs heavy with languor.

She didn't answer him, instead she looked up at him with passion hazed eyes.

For once, she was not able to reply her usual retort. Instead, to her frustration she felt her stern defenses was slowly crumbling to a pathetic mess.

The duke smiled placing a long kiss on her lips before muttering, "Marry me, Julianne. We can have this pleasure every day and every night when we have wed"

Her breath hitched in her chest. Momentarily the vision of his naked, glorious body came into her mind, enticingly glistened in a soft light. His strong hands grabbed her buttocks firmly while he thrust deeply into her. She was moaning helplessly, he was growling..

Julianne shuddered, clearly appalled at the turn of her thoughts. She quickly disengaged herself from his body and backed away from him.

Cursing mentally to herself, she started to dress. Thank goodness for the spacious vehicle, she thought as she moved to the farthest corner of the carriage.

"What is wrong, Julianne?" the duke asked in a quiet voice.

"I told you I am not interested in wedding you" fumbling earnestly with her bodice, she was able to rearranged her clothes, but she failed to reach the buttons at the back of her gown.

Gavin's mouth lifted humorlessly. "Come here. I will help you dress" he offered gently.

"No you will not! I have enough of you wrecking my life and my gown!" she exploded, her eyes round. She was angry at herself for being such an idiot succumbing to her passion. She didn't trust herself to be alone again with the duke.

"Fine with me, if you prefer to emerge half naked for my servants to see" The duke lounged back in his seat, he didn't bother dressing, his semi-erect manhood visible. His maddening grin remain etched to his handsome face.

Julianne gritted her teeth as she wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. One part of her wanted to kick the infuriating man in the shins and another part of her wanted to make senseless love to him.

But instead she angrily whirled around presenting her back to him.

The duke chuckled. "You know, Julianne. I much rather enjoy the aftermath of our love making" He said huskily, taking his time re-buttoning her gown. Julianne was silent, fixing her glare instead to a point at the carriage panels.

The duke lightly ran his fingertips on the delicate curve of her spine and smiled when she shivered. "I love it when you are furious at yourself for desiring me"

Julianne swiftly turn to face him. "That is a lie. I do not desire you" she muttered dangerously, her cheeks felt hot. She felt utterly confused and angry. At what and to whom, she had no idea.

His mouth twitched clearly astonished of how stubborn she was. "No?"

Just then there was a loud explosion outside, the carriage fairly shook from the impact.

"What in blazes-" Gavin was unable to finish his words when another loud crack sounded. He froze in a mere heartbeat as he recognized the firing of a blunderbuss.

"Julianne! Get down!" Shielding her body with his own, the duke pulled Julianne down using his body to absorb the impact as they fell to the carriage floor.

The carriage shuddered to a stop as Gavin heard Kelly shouted orders to the men to take cover.

"Yer Grace! Are ye a'right?" Kelly shouted between the hysterics of horses and his men.

"Yes! Scour the area!" Gavin grunted angrily as he pulled a Martini-Henry from a false compartment underneath the seats.

The duke swiftly checked the barrels to make sure he had sufficient bullets. Without glancing to Julianne, he warned. "I want you to stay put. No heroics. I mean it"

Julianne didn't stir. Suddenly his heart stopped. His hands shook as he turned Julianne's limp body towards him.

To his horror Gavin saw the fresh red liquid oozing steadily just below her collarbone.

"Julianne!" he shook her face anxiously. Her eyes remain shut, her entire face colorless as her body grew cold. Gavin felt sick to his stomach as cold fear clawed his heart.

Thankfully his military training came through and he started to bark his orders to the few men clustered around the carriage to see to their master's safety.

He directed them to bring him any stiff drink they could find and ordered two of them to be on their guard.

Ever so gently Gavin pressed his left ear to Julianne's chest to detect any signs of life. To his vast relief, the duke could hear the slow beating of her heart, albeit unsteady.

Placing her head on his lap, he carefully ripped the neckline of Julianne's gown with his bowie knife to reveal the wound which he saw with rising panic was deep enough to damage her vital organs.

Kelly then emerged with three other men, gaping with shock horror at His Grace covered in blood.

"Ye Grace! Wha' in hell happened?" Kelly demanded dropping to his knees. His face flushed as he fixed his worried gaze on Julianne's wound.

"She's been shot." Gavin said unnecessarily, retrieving a handful of bandages from the secret compartment.

Kelly swallowed convulsively. Obviously the man was unaccustomed to see blood, Gavin was worried he would passed out right there on the carriage floor.

"Hand me the brandy" he requested while he took a small bowl and doused the bowie knife with the liquid.

"Press the wound with this" the duke handed him a linen cloth. At his questioning frown, Gavin supplied hastily. "This is to control the blood from flowing"

He worked diligently, his mind focused on his training in aiding a gunshot victim.

Absently he gauged the wound in his mind's eye, grimly predicting the round was bedded some two or three inch into her flesh.

Kelly's eyes rounded with uneasiness when he saw the duke pulled a menacing looking needle from a rolled up leather scroll bag. "What r yer to do Yer Grace?" Kelly whispered, cold dread laced his voice. Apparently he was well aware what his master's intentions are but he much preferred the duke to say it.

Gavin briefly threw him an amused glance, somewhat dour, he replied anyway. "What do you think I am doing?"

"Do ye think it's wise?"

"We are four hours away from the city" he muttered in a firm voice. "If we wait, she might not make it" His words, seemed final. Inside, his emotions were in turmoil. It has been a long while since he attended a gunshot victim, it was on his merry old days with the damn war. But he cannot stew on that matter now. Time is running short and he have to do it.

"Have Mooney and Birkett hold down Miss Julianne. She will be running with blood trails into the forest

when I cut her open" Kelly visibly flinched of the duke's choice of words but dutifully yelled for the two men.

Both men scrambled inside the carriage and gently took hold each of her arms.

Gavin quickly washed his hands with another douse of his brandy to sterile his hands.

Taking a deep long breath, he took his bowie knife and carefully cut her open flesh to look for the round. Julianne came awake suddenly screaming in pain.

"You have to hold her down!" the duke bellowed while steadying his focus as not to damage the wound further. He felt the tears stinging in his eyes as Julianne gave another howl of pain. To his terror, he noticed her blood flowed more freely due to her exertions.

"Yer Grace!"

"Hold her down, damn you!" His heart gripped with fear and frustration. Gavin swore to god that he would rip apart to whomever did this to her.

Julianne was crying weakly now, her beautiful face blazed with pain.

Suddenly everything happens so fast, he discovered the metal and quickly extract the round with the tip of his knife.

Julianne slumped weakly in the arms of her captors.

"Yer Grace!"

"She just fainted. Hand me the brandy again. I need to stitch the wound close" His hands bloodied, he turned to Kelly. "Fetch me some water. Have Lowrie prepare the horses. We need to be on our way after I finished"

Kelly nodded and quickly scrambled to do his master's bidding, inwardly glad that he had something to do rather than witness the gruesome scene he saw just now.

Gavin worked as quickly as he can, washing and cleaning her wound with water and alcohol. After

Mooney put away the now empty bottle, Gavin was halfway stitching the wound with stuture technique which he silently thankful that he still clearly recollects.

Birkett was busily stuffing the bloodied linen cloths in a waste disposal as the duke instructed that the cloths should be disposed of properly, not just simply thrown and scattered all over the forest as not to attract wild animals when suddenly Birkett paused, turning away from his master and violently threw up from the carriage window.

Briefly turning away from his task to gaze at his servant, he called , "Birkett, are you alright?"

Having suddenly caught in a shameful disposition, Birkett merely nodded weakly, his pale face was bathed in perspiration.

Gavin grunted his acknowledgement making the final twine about her wound.

Lord she will be in a lot of pain when she came to, Gavin noted gravely, stealing a quick glance at her to assessed her condition.

Julianne was still out cold. Her face colorless, yet there was one consolation, her breathing has gone from erratic to steady but Gavin knew they are not out from the danger yet. The shooter must be still lurking about in the forest trying to get another shot of them. His jaw locked, glancing briefly out the carriage window as if expecting the assailant would emerge at the very moment.

His heart clutched. Even if he had his men armed to the teeth, the unidentified attacker would still have the upper hand. The duke realized, grimly arranging the warm blanket around Julianne.

He and his men was at loss of how many of them are, what kind of arsenal did they have? And more crucial, when and where will they strike next.

Secondly, even he did successfully extract the deadly bullet from Julianne, she certainly need an urgent medical assistance from an established physician.

"Kelly! Are we ready yet?!" sticking out his head out the window, Gavin squinted to get a better look at his personal groom's progress.

"No!" came the reply.

"God damn it, Kelly!"

There was an array of shouts and curses ringing in the air before Gavin's team was able to re-assemble again. His men was desperately harnessing the geldings and calming the beasts down. Gavin didn't dare to leave Julianne alone in the carriage so he watched the proceedings from the window.

Alternately he stole a quick glance at her, his anger flourishing anew.

"Yer Grace!"

"Go! God damn it! Go!"