Chapter Four

Nate watched the red-haired beauty in the pink-flowered gown enter the foyer. If possible, she looked more beautiful than she did the night they avoided capture by the Colonel and the maid. He'd ached to get her into bed, or on a haystack, or anywhere else ever since. Other women had not satisfied his need for her, though heaven knew he'd tried. Watching her walk across to the host and hostess made him so uncomfortable he would soon have to stand behind something or embarrass himself. He felt like a callow youth. And this is definitely a strange coincidence...if one believed in coincidence.

He wondered at her suddenly showing up, just as things were heating up with his assignment. He considered if Kenward could be behind her return. No, he doubted it, as she'd told them both a final good-bye the same night. Whatever brought her here, it couldn't have anything to do with his special project.

* * * * *

Constance greeted Mr. and Mrs. Dalton and inquired about their children. She caught a glimpse of Nate from the corner of her eye, but ignored him as best she could. He would find her eventually. She needed to have her story firmly in place and believable by then.

Mingling, while trying not to think how handsome he looked in the dark coat cut in the newest style, she carefully spread her tale of being tired of living alone at what was left of Teague Oaks. The chore proved easier than she'd thought possible. Most ladies knew of a widower or a late bloomer who was on the market and they began inviting her to all manner of parties and balls. Delighted, she accepted several invitations, danced with several eligible men, and even agreed to a walk in the park the following afternoon.

So, the Lady has decided it is time to marry again. Well, good luck to her and whoever she ensnares. If he had time, Nate would have her bedded, out of his system, and forgotten, and they could both get on with their lives. But there would be no chance for his own pursuits. If he was to finish this, he must set things in motion, and quickly. He watched her twirl around the floor, laughing whilst having a wonderful time. He'd have one dance with her first, just to remind her what she was missing.

Tapping a younger gentleman on the shoulder, Nathaniel stepped into place and swung Constance about the ballroom floor before she could refuse.

When her startled blue eyes met his deep, dark gaze, he smiled. "Hello, Lady Constance. What a pleasure to find you've rejoined polite society." He pulled her closer with each twirl and allowed his hand to drift a bit lower on her back.

Instead of pulling away as a lady should, Constance smiled in return. "Why, Nathaniel. How nice to see you again. I've decided 'tis past time. One can only spend so much time tending roses and reading. Teague Oaks practically runs itself with Mr. Barr as manager and less land to tend. Now, whatever have you been up to?"

Yes, the little cat is definitely up to something. "Not much, love. A few parties and I've purchased a ship or two to keep me occupied." He actually owned a fleet of the new steam ships and they were doing quite well with runs to France and Spain carrying both passengers and cargo. He would be content to oversee their success once this last little thing was accomplished.

"Ships? I never quite pictured you as a sea-faring man." She laughed deep in her throat.

Nate's body tightened at the sensual sound as he pictured her laughing like that against his bare chest. His reactions would soon become obvious if he didn't put some distance between himself and Constance. But he didn't... He waited to see what she would do.

Even through layers of petticoats and her gown, Constance felt his desire as he held her closer than was proper. She should move away, or protest, or run and hide... But something about this man and her yearning to learn things, intimate secrets, kept her glued to the front of him. Warmth flooded her and she felt color rising on her cheeks. In for a penny, in for a pound, Constance decided, and pressed nearer as she stroked his left shoulder with the tips of her fingers.

Nate closed his eyes and swallowed hard. She'd definitely met

his challenge and upped the ante. He wanted her more than any woman he'd ever met. He leaned his mouth near her ear and growled, "Come with me..." He insistently took her arm and urged her toward the staircase.

Constance hesitated, but only for a moment. Her orders were to get close to Nathaniel Weston. She had a feeling she was about to do just that and enjoy it immensely along the way. No telling what secrets she would learn.

But they might not have a thing to do with President Johnson.