Author's Note: Reviews encourage me to write faster.

Chapter 20

Jack smoked one of the improvised cigarettes, he'd rolled with cigar paper. Exhaling into the night he considered all the events of the last few days. Days before he'd stood on this verandah and challenged Gaspard to a duel. At the thought of the Marquis, Jack's eyes narrowed as he considered the man who had dared to insult his Samantha. While his honor had officially been settled in the duel, Jack felt the incident warranted a more personal touch. Watching the smoke curl into the darkness, he began to consider how to make Gaspard pay and a cruel smile twisted his sensual mouth.

Killing the footman to test the play of the fencing foil and causing the coachman's death had been necessary but not especially satisfying. Samantha's killing the doctor had been a delight and Jack had reveled in it; but he found he was longing for a good kill. The Marquis though, would strictly be a maim and torture job, being related to a historical figure Jack didn't dare kill him for fear of disturbing history. Jack cared little about the future of the world, but he would do nothing which could jeopardize his life with Samantha or that would undo the day he first saw her and fell in love with her.

Samantha had gone upstairs at her father's insistence and was being attended by her maid. Idly, Jack wondered if her servant offered any distraction or conversation for her. At least his valet seemed to possess some wit. Although, all day, Phillippe had been staring strangely at him. Jack dismissed all thoughts of the servants, if any got in his way he would kill them and with luck most would remain alive. All that mattered right now was his Samantha and their wedding. Once they were married, they could be alone and-

Damn! Jack thought. How in the hell was he going to talk to Samantha before their wedding and let her know she was a virgin? Briefly he considered feigning ignorance and acting surprised, but that Jack decided would be a great way to make her hate him. Funny, he used to envy Tom being her first and now Jack felt awkward at the idea of being her first. Worse still, he feared she might decide not to let him touch her given her new state of purity. Not that she'd acted very pure this morning, Jack smiled. Hell, he'd lived through a duel, eluded capture for nearly a decade, and gotten Samantha to love him, how hard was it to deal with a virgin?

Walking up to his room, Jack paused wistfully in front of Samantha's door, he desperately wanted to kiss her goodnight but knew her maid was likely standing guard. Just as he had many times in Atlanta he paused in front of her door and closed his eyes, willing the image of his beloved before him. Reaching out he pressed his fingers to the door, trying to touch a small part of Samantha's essence. Sighing as old feelings of loneliness settled over him, Jack consoled himself with the fact that his Samantha loved him and that soon they would be married.

Jack pushed his bedroom door open and was slightly surprised not to find his valet waiting for him, though he didn't mind. If they remained in the 1700's, Jack would likely keep him on in appreciation of his help, but truthfully he preferred to dress himself. Undressing, Jack looked at the assortment of fine white linen nightgowns that gentlemen were supposed to wear. What he wouldn't give for some pajamas for night and jeans for day! Ignoring the gowns, Jack settled on the black velvet robe.

Sitting by the fireplace, he poured a glass of brandy from the decanter. Mentally he began to list all the things he would have to think about acquiring if he and Samantha remained here for long. He ought to check with Phillippe about his finances in the morning. Doubtless he had an estate agent of some sort, but Jack felt he could trust Phillippe to be discreet. Before the wedding he really ought to find a little more out about just who he was. While he was certain he was occupying the body of an ancestor, Jack was uncertain as to just which one and if he was giving Samantha his money and title, he ought to at least know what he was offering her.

As Jack watched the flames, he didn't notice the bookcase sliding open to reveal a door. A creak on the floor had Jack reaching for his sword and made Phillippe yelp in surprise.

"Philippe, what is the meaning of this?"

"I brought someone who would like to say good-night to you."

Behind Phillippe, Samantha slipped in from the secret passage and smiled, "I missed you."

Jack dropped his sword to the floor with a clatter and caught Samantha in his arms, "I missed you too. I think I would have died if I hadn't seen you again tonight."

Oblivious to Phillippe's embarrassment, Jack captured Samantha's mouth and kissed her deeply. The couple quickly got caught up in the spell of one another, when the valet interrupted, "I will leave you alone, but I have to get the Mademoiselle back in her room in about half an hour. Since you're getting married in two days time, please try to remain dressed while I'm gone."

The couple laughed as the valet disappeared through the secret passageway. Jack pulled Samantha into his lap in the chair and brushed his lips against hers.

When they finally broke their kiss, Jack asked, "So are you still sure about marrying me?"

"Quite certain. I can't wait to be Mrs.-" Samantha trailed off. "Who in heck are you anyway?"

"Here or in Atlanta?"

"Both," she smiled and pushed her hands under his robe to caress his smooth chest.

"In Atlanta I'm Albert Jackson Newquay and I go by Jack. Here? I'm Viscomte something and my name seems to be Jacque something. Tomorrow I'm going to do some investigating into who we're both supposed to be. Guess you're married name here remains a mystery. If we make it back to Atlanta, you can be Mrs. Newquay if you like."

"Samantha Newquay," she tried the name on her tongue. "I guess there's worse things to be called."

"Don't like it?" Jack asked concerned.

Pressing a kiss to Jack's mouth, Samantha reassured him, "I love the man who the name belongs to and will wear it happily."

"Suppose we could find a new last name."

"Like what?"

"Well, we could be the Rosenblooms," Jack teased. Samantha giggled as he continued, "Or we could be the Kildares."

Samantha groaned as his suggestions went on to include the Gorys, the Bloodsworths, and Rippers. Jokingly she suggested, "Why not make it a little more obvious and legally change your last name to Trades?"

"Why not?" Jack agreed.

"Jack I'm not serious!"

"I am, the last thing in the world the VCTF would ever suspect is a guy actually named Trades."

The couple had a laughing fit as they discussed the shortcomings of her co-workers and finally abandoned chatter for kissing.

"Samantha there's something I need to tell you. I-"

"Pardonne moi, Mademoiselle, but your maid will be wondering where you are if I don't get you back soon."

"Phillippe, what is my fiancé's last name?" Samantha asked.

Seeing the confused expression on his valet's face, Jack told him, "Go ahead and tell her."

"Your fiancé is Viscomte Jacque de Tous Commerces, Mademoiselle."

Jack began to howl with laughter, as Phillippe translated, "In Anglais, it would be Viscount Jack of all Trades."

Samantha began to laugh as well. Phillippe watched the pair in confusion as they laughed until tears ran down their faces. Something strange was going on, the valet decided. At last the couple stopped laughing and kissed goodnight. As Phillippe lead Samantha through the secret passage, Jack realized he still hadn't told Samantha about her re-virginalized status. Then his thoughts turned to the name his valet mentioned and to the secret passageway. Jack decided he and Phillippe needed to have a long talk...