Jace’s sensual lips curled into a compelling grin as his fingers toyed with the bow at her right shoulder. “Your beautiful smile and gratitude are thanks enough, Miss Leigh. You look ravishing tonight. Are you having a good time at Lord Salisbury’s?” Jace had been watching her through the windows all night, and he was glad she had finally taken a breather from her many admirers. He had observed her with Chadwick Hamilton, and vexation had chewed at him. Of all men, Chad didn’t deserve this exquisite prize.
“Thank you for the compliment, kind sir. And yes, I’m having a glorious time. Did you want to make certain I survived that nasty encounter, or did you only want to return my locket?”
He looked into her eyes and said, “I wanted to see you again, and apologize for being rude and rushed.”
Leigh felt herself tremble at his nearness and gaze. “I do recall you were both, as was I,” she responded. “Thank you again for my locket and my rescue. Friends?” she hinted, and offered him her hand.
He clasped it between his and smiled as he replied, “Good friends, I hope.”
Leigh did not extract her small hand from his larger ones as she asked, “Did you make your dinner appointment and have fun?”
He did not break their locked gaze. “Neither, I’m afraid.”
“I hope it wasn’t because of helping me.”
“Not in the least. But if I’d known I was wasting my time, it could have been spent with you. After your frightening ordeal, I didn’t like sending you off alone and still upset.”
She laughed to break the tension rising in her body, and teased, “Aren’t you the same man who warned me about cunning predators and scolded me like a child … for being too friendly with a strange man? I still don’t know your name or where you live.”
He chuckled and evaded her last words. “Alas, guilty as charged, Miss Leigh. But I hope you forget such foolish and impulsive words.” He released her hands and reached into his pockets.
She saw that he was in casual garments, a cotton shirt and dark pants. Obviously he wasn’t a guest she had missed seeing all night. “What are you doing lurking out here in the darkness?” she questioned, noticing that he was on alert again and still mysterious.
“I tracked you down to return your locket and these …” he replied, holding out the aigrette and silk bouquet. “I was hoping you’d come outside alone for fresh air, but I honestly doubted it. Those eager young men have been keeping you busy inside, but I can’t blame them … Here.”
Leigh couldn’t conceal her surprise. “My gown is being repaired and I purchased a new hairpiece. Why not keep them as souveniers of an exciting evening? If I carry them inside, someone might wonder how I recovered them. I asked Chad not to report my attack or to seek you as a witness, because I didn’t want people to learn about my carelessness. You do understand?”
“I shall keep them with pleasure, Laura Leigh. It was a most interesting episode.” He stuffed both items into his pocket. He could not sneak into the party to see Lord Salisbury, who had arrived in town this afternoon, yet, if he was quick and clever, he might learn something from this female who was close to Chad. But how? Without her room number—which he dared not request—he couldn’t visit Laura tonight, or risk searching the large hotel for her room. Nor could he expose himself to request it at the front desk! Too, she might not be alone.
Leigh’s eyes roved her rescuer’s towering frame and handsome face. She was thrilled to see him again, but she was nervous, as well. They were alone in a moonlit garden, and he was most enchanting. She noticed how his brows—close to his eyes and over prominent bone structure—gave those green depths a hooded air of sensual mystery. A small hump indicated to her that his nose had been broken long ago but clearly had healed without disfigurement. His angular jawline was clean shaven, and she had the urge to run her fingertip over his inviting lips and through the cleft on his strong chin. She mastered that wild impulse by questioning, “You didn’t say why you are sneaking around in the shadows? You could have returned this at my hotel and left it with the doorman.”
He chuckled, knowing she was apprehensive. He stroked her warm cheek with the back of his cool hand, a very strong one. “Then I couldn’t have seen you again. Do you mind my forwardness?”
Leigh wondered if she had misjudged this man. What if he was here to spy on an important person or to commit a daring robbery? What if he was following her for a dark reason? After all, she was a wealthy woman now. Perhaps he was up to hazardous mischief.
“Who are you? What do you really want from me? Why do you keep showing up in the oddest places?” she questioned.
“How else can I pursue a beautiful woman in such demand if I don’t trail her constantly to catch her without her horde of admirers?”
“Will you trail me all the way to Mombasa, Sir Lancelot? That’s where I’m heading Monday morning with my guardian,” she said to test his intentions. “I’m sailing to East Africa with Lord Hamilton and friends to go on a safari. We’re staying there two months and the voyage requires three weeks in each direction, so we won’t return until late June. As you can see, my gallant champion, you’ll have to find another damsel in distress to rescue and track on dark nights.”
“Lord Hamilton is your guardian?” he asked, staring at her.
“Yes, he is. And I doubt your sneaky pursuit and my recklessness will please him if he catches us. After all; I don’t even know who you are. He is most strict and protective,” she ventured to catch his reaction to her impending and lengthy absence and to withdraw more information. She knew that Chad would be furious with her for taking such a risk, but she couldn’t help herself.
“I see …” he murmured, wondering where that “strict and protective” nature was last night when she was out alone and in danger. “Is the whole family going?” he inquired in a casual tone.
“Of course,” she responded, wanting only to let him know she wouldn’t be alone with Chad, but not wanting to explain about Louisa, Cynthia, and Reid. She awaited his response to those words.
Jace’s heart raced with excitement and anticipation at those unexpected clues. He was to sail at dawn, hopefully after meeting with Lord Salisbury, if he could catch the powerful man alone. If the entire family was going on safari in his area, that meant William Webster would be along, the man who had taken over his father’s business because of “outstanding debts” to Webster International. He had tried to sneak a visit with the old man, but the Webster home was closed up tight and the servants were gone. Perhaps, he reasoned, they were staying at the hotel until Monday’s departure.
By sailing at dawn, Jace schemed, he would be several days ahead of them, awaiting their arrival. With Webster and Hamilton within his reach, perhaps he could unmask the truth, as they were his best—no, only—suspects. He eyed the woman before him and prayed she wouldn’t become Chad’s mistress before docking in Mombasa. It wasn’t above Chad to seduce even an innocent and naive ward!
Jace saw her watching him. He could not help but wonder if Webster and Hamilton had discovered his presence and set up their first meeting for a dark reason. Or perhaps this blossoming flower was being used. For all Jace knew, she might not be Chad’s ward at all, as his old friend was rather young and notoriously rakish to be appointed a female minor’s guardian! Jace could not imagine any loving father tossing his innocent lamb to such a notorious wolf. Yet Laura struck him as being honest.
This meeting was accidental, as neither she nor those men could have known he’d be here. He had seen her tonight with Chad, and it strangely seared him like a roaring fire. He wondered how much Laura Leigh meant to Chad, and if Chad meant more to her than a guardian. How had an American girl become an Englishman’s ward, when Chad had no blood kin except his mother? Would Chad be upset if something happened to Laura in Africa? After all, the jungle was a perilous place for someone who didn’t know it. Jace worried that his treacherous old friend had something special in mind for her, else Chad wouldn’t have taken on the responsibility. Or maybe there was a cunning lioness beneath that golden mane and tawny body. For certain, she was irresistible and enchanting. But could she be sincere?
Jace tested her interest and loyalty toward Chad. “From what I’ve heard, your guardian has quite a reputation as a womanizing scoundrel. I hope you don’t fall prey to his wiles. You’re much too lovely and genteel to be added to his long string of conquests.”
“Does a similar warning apply to you, Sir Lancelot?”
An engaging grin captured his face. “I’m afraid my secluded and busy lifestyle does not provide opportunities for me to meet and romance exquisite creatures. I suppose that’s why I’m so enchanted by you, Laura Leigh. Believe it or not, I don’t usually chase after bewitching strangers, so you must excuse my boldness and understand my predicament. Sadly, my time and therefore my efforts are limited.”
“Who are you?” Leigh asked again, more intrigued than ever.
Jace looked her over, then playfully blew on the plumes in her hair. He chuckled as they fluttered wildly, just as his heart was doing from alluring nearness. He grinned and teased, “You’ll know soon, my fetching damsel. Let it be an eagerly awaited surprise.”
Before she could react, she was pulled into his arms and kissed. The stranger’s lips were persuasive and enticing as they parted hers and compelled her response with skill and ease. His effect on her susceptible body and mind was instant and overwhelming, and no refusal was possible. Her senses reeled and her wits vanished as their lips meshed tighter. Tingles raced over her body as an array of sensations assailed her. She yielded to him without restraint, powerless to resist him, unwilling to resist him. A reckless emotion attacked the core of her being and she embraced him fiercely, helplessly surrendering to the magic of this passionate and perilous moment. As if coming from her soul, a fiery heat seared her from head to foot and branded her with his mark of ownership. Their first kiss on the waterfront had been nothing like this.
Leigh had dreamed of this heady moment since first meeting the seductive stranger. His deft tongue teased along her parted lips and darted into the moist and inviting haven. His mouth was flavored with aged brandy, and she savored his intoxicating taste. He smelled of clean flesh and freshly washed clothes, of a tropical paradise whose blazing sun was baking her skin. She seemed to melt like a snow flake beneath its powerful heat. She wanted him closer, and nestled against him. His fingers trailed up and down her back as his mouth traced her features before capturing her lips again. She wanted his thrilling kisses and caresses to continue forever. His body was hard against hers, his lips tender, yet deliberately stimulating, his hands gentle but firm and possessive. Forgotten were her fears and doubts of him, forgotten was reality itself. All she knew was his irresistible embrace. A soft moan escaped her lips before she grasped his head and drew his mouth more snugly against hers. She pressed closer to him, as if daring even air to separate them.
Jace shuddered in fiery arousal. She was like a hungry lioness in his arms, feasting on him, devouring his control. The equatorial heat couldn’t compare with that of his body. He wanted to carry this heady moment to the limit. He was tempted to seize her and flee with her to consummate the feelings she inspired within him. He had only enough wits left to know he had to cease this madness.
When Jace drew back, he saw the blaze of desire in her wide eyes and on her rosy cheeks. She trembled with desire, as did he. He read other emotions in her sapphire gaze: she was wary, alarmed, and innocent. But she was strongly attracted to him. That was a good start, if she was important to his enemy, and even if she wasn’t. Perhaps Laura was the golden key to unlock the door to this dark mystery. He would know very soon, but for now, he’d knew he must leave before he frightened her, or someone discovered them, or he lost all control. Besides, they would meet again soon, in his territory. Once he had her in his domain and African winds were blowing over them, he would become the predator again and she his exquisite prey. For now, she was a trail too wild to walk …
He forced his thoughts to return to business. Unable to meet with Salisbury, and with Chad here at the party, it was the perfect time to search Chad’s home and office for clues.
In a playful tone, the provocative Englishman murmured, “I don’t want to spoil your fun tonight, so I’ll leave you to charm your many admirers. Don’t worry, my golden enchantress, our paths will cross again. I promise you, Laura Leigh, I’m no fool or coward. With luck, next time, you’ll be the persistent tracker and I’ll be your fortunate and obedient quarry. I promise you I won’t try to escape or resist your lovely snares.”
Leigh was too dazed by his amorous siege, curious words, and swift departure to respond. As she tried to comprehend his meaning and halt her trembling, he slipped into the shadowy bushes and vanished. Her keen eyes searched for moving branches and she listened for footsteps or broken twigs. She strained her ears to catch his location or to hear which direction he was taking, but he moved like a stealthful wolf on the prowl. How, she wondered in amazement, had he learned such skills? A puffy white cloud drifting across a serene Texas sky made more noise coming and going than he had, and a lack of wind rustled more leaves than his movements. This man, she realized, possessed more than one kind of prowess.
Once more the emerald-eyed man was gone, and without giving his name. Perhaps he was playing a roguish and guileful game to entice her interest. Or perhaps he was crazy and dangerous. Which is it, my handsome stranger? Leigh mused. We shall see, as I have no doubt our paths will cross again. Then, I’ll solve your riddle.
She heard familiar voices and panicked. With haste, Leigh concealed herself to prevent being found with passion-pinkened cheeks and mussed hair. She crouched down, peered through the bushes, and listened.
“I need to talk about something important, Louisa,” Chad was saying.
The redhead pressed close to him and murmured in a seductive tone, “The kind of talk I want to do can’t be done here, although it would be most exciting to use Lord Salisbury’s garden.”
“Stop that,” he ordered as he pushed away her probing hands from below his waist. “I want the truth, you hot-tempered wench. I know how much you dislike Leigh. Did you have anything to do with her attack on the wharf? You were too drunk by the time I returned to the restaurant to give me any straight answers. Then you spent the remainder of the night with Cynthia. That isn’t like you.”
“Did you miss me in bed, lover?” she teased but did not continue when she noticed his frown. “Don’t get upset, Chad. Cynthia and I needed time to finish our travel plans and wardrobes. We’re leaving soon, and there are things to do.”
“You’re stalling. Did you try to have Leigh scared off-or killed?”
Louisa brushed strayed locks of fiery red from her ivory face. “Are you serious?” she asked, glaring at him.
“You’re damn right I’m serious! You wrote that message. Did you list the wrong address, then have hired men waiting for her?”
“Did I what?” she shrieked at him. “How dare you think so wickedly of me, Chadwick Hamilton! Surely you know me better than that by now. Did she show you the note?”
“Yes, and it said Stems Street. But somehow I doubt she read it wrong twice. How did you pull off such a dangerous stunt?”
“I didn’t. But I’m glad the little chit ran into trouble. We haven’t had an evening alone since she got here. It would suit me fine if she sailed back where she belongs. She isn’t one of us, Chad, and I don’t like her clinging to you.”
“Leigh doesn’t cling to me, Louisa. We’re friends. Swear you didn’t pull a crazy ruse last night,” he insisted.
“You’re questioning me like a criminal. What has she done to you, Chad, to make you treat me this way? It’s mean and unfair. Everything was wonderful between us until she arrived.”
“Swear it, Louisa,” Chad persisted, “and you’d better tell the truth. Leigh is important to me. I’m responsible for her.”
“Responsible, pooh!” she scoffed and stomped her foot. “I’m not blind, dear Chad. I’ve seen the way you watch her, and I’ve seen how she melts over you. Don’t play with her, my love, or you’ll be in trouble. People won’t take kindly to you seducing your innocent ward, even with her permission.”
“The problem is all yours, Louisa. Leigh’s been trying to be friendly with you. In fact, she’s been twice the lady you were reared to be. Learn to get along with her or we’ll all be miserable. I’ve worked too hard at the firm to let your petty jealousy and envy spoil things for me. Leigh and I can get along fine if you stop interfering and misbehaving. If you refuse, I can’t allow you to be around her anymore.”
“If you weren’t so bewitched by her, you’d realize she probably tricked you to seize your attention and affection. If she was attacked, why didn’t she want you to report it so those villains could be caught and punished? If she read the note twice, how could she make an error? Why hasn’t her champion contacted her or you for a reward or assistance? I bet she lied to you, dear uncle.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he scolded. “She’s too honest.”
Louisa laughed. “No woman is totally honest with a man, my naive lover. We have to retain our mystique.” Her tone and expression waxed serious. “I know how important she is to your future at the company. I love you and need you. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, Chad; you must believe that.”
“Settle down, woman, I believe you. I didn’t tell her you wrote the message, and she doesn’t know my handwriting. I figured that news would cause more trouble between you two.” He took a deep breath. “I guess it was Leigh’s mistake. If not, I just hope she doesn’t think I tried to pull a dangerous trick on her.”
“Don’t be gullible where she’s concerned; it could destroy you.”
“Stop it, Louisa. Give Leigh a chance to become your friend. And stop making Cynthia treat her so badly. I want this safari to be fun for all of us.” He grasped Louisa by the shoulders and asked, “What have you got to worry about? You’re going with me, and you’re sharing my tent, not Leigh. If I wanted another woman, Louisa, nothing would stop me from leaving you.”
“You can’t, Chad. No other woman can please you like I do.”
He chuckled and cuffed her chin. “Come on, Louisa, stop making things so hard for everyone. Prove you have brains inside this lovely head. Be nice to Leigh, show some pride and restraint.”
“I can’t help it, Chad. Sometimes you make me so mad. You used to change women like … most men change shirts, and you let that little chit do as she pleases. Without you, she’s nothing, because Webster International is nothing. The will says she can’t fire you until she’s twenty-one. By November, she’ll realize how stupid that would be. She needs you, Chad. I just don’t want her to need you too much. You’re mine, isn’t that right?”
“As long as you behave yourself, I see no reason to cease our relationship. It suits us both. Promise you’ll be a good girl?”
“Good in public, but very bad in private,” she replied, licking on his thumb in an erotically suggestive manner.
“Cool your flames, Louisa. You are one greedy woman.”
“And you love it that way. I’ll go freshen myself upstairs. You find your little ward and dance with her before I return and have to endure such a painful sight.”
“Come along, my fiery wench,” he teased, pulling on her arm.
When they were out of sight, Leigh left her hiding place. Now she knew Chad was not responsible for the dangerous mistake last night, and she was relieved about that but worried over his possibly amorous feelings toward her. She wanted to keep their relationship businesslike, but friendly. But would he allow it, she fretted, if he decided he was attracted to her?
Leigh wasn’t convinced of Louisa’s innocence, which created a new worry. She was annoyed that her guardian had broken his promise and told the offensive woman about what happened, that is, if Louisa hadn’t already learned the truth from her thwarted hirelings.
Are you being unfair and ridiculous? Leigh asked herself. Louisa can be mean, but is she evil and dangerous? If not, why did Chad suspect her, and question her and threaten her? That worried Leigh, as did telling her guardian about what happened in the garden tonight.
If she told Chad the stranger had returned her locket, it could arouse his suspicions against her, especially after Louisa had planted seeds of doubt in his mind. The redhead was right about Leigh needing Chad for the business. Too, she had to admit that both episodes sounded strange, even doubtful. If Chad did believe her account, the stranger’s curious behavior might alarm him. No, she decided, she mustn’t tell her guardian the locket had been returned or that she had seen her rescuer again.
Leigh hurried to a side door and slipped into an empty hallway. She went upstairs to the ladies’ chamber to check her appearance. She found Louisa still there, arranging her hair and makeup. She smiled politely and took a seat near another mirror.
To Leigh’s surprise, the redhead asked, “Would you like to use any of these?” Louisa motioned to the colorings before her.
Leigh responded to the woman’s overture, however false and coerced. She lifted a blue powder and asked, “How do I put it on?”
“Like this,” Louisa instructed as she brushed onto her lids a green powder that matched her emerald eyes. “Egyptians and Chinese have used such colorful tricks for ages. These were ordered from the Orient. They’re quite expensive, but worth the money and trouble. Try this for your lips,” she suggested.
Leigh took the small container and rubbed a pink cream on her mouth, then lightly brushed a blue powder onto her eyelids. She was amazed at how it brought out the color of her eyes and lips. She smiled at the redhead and said, “I like it, Louisa. Thank you.”
“You don’t need help like I do,” Louisa remarked, “but you’re welcome to use whatever you like from my collection. You’re lucky you don’t have dreadful freckles to cover. They make a woman look so much like a child. I had hoped to outgrow them, but no such luck.”
“On most redheads they’re dark and large, but yours are pale and small. They add color to your skin, and I think they’re attractive.” It was the truth, but Leigh doubted if Louisa would believe her. Oddly, then the redhead grinned and turned to Leigh.
“Then I won’t fuss about them anymore. Would you like to try this perfume from Paris? It drives men wild.”
Leigh’s fragrance had faded, so she tried the one Louisa held out to her. The scent was seductive and pleasant. As Louisa groomed herself, Leigh wondered if Louisa possessed the cunning to plot against her. The ruse last night had required clever planning, expert timing, and accomplices. If this vixen was to blame, Louisa was dangerous, and had to be watched.
Louisa halted her task. “We haven’t had much time alone for woman-talk, Leigh. I hope we can get better acquainted on the ship and during the safari. What do you think of your guardian?”
As she sealed the small bottle of expensive perfume, Leigh replied, “Uncle Chad is very nice. He’s taking good care of me. This new world is strange and intimidating at times; it’s so different from ranchlife. I’m glad I have Uncle Chad and all his friends to help me adjust.” She met Louisa’s probing gaze in the mirror and said, “You two look very happy together. When are you getting married?” Leigh hoped that calling Chad her uncle would fool the woman into thinking she viewed him as kin, not as an available attractive man. She also hoped that Louisa believed she was pleased they were a couple and would eventually wed. But that she wasn’t. Chad deserved a better woman than Louisa Jennings!
Louisa laughed heartily. “Chadwick Hamilton doesn’t have marriage in mind any time in the near future. And you? Did you have a suitor in America?”
Leigh seized the opportunity to divert the conversation from Chad. “The foreman on my aunt’s ranch courted me. He’s very handsome and virile, and all the girls craved him. He has cornsilk hair, eyes like chocolate, and a sunny smile.” She let her won dreamy smile fade. “But men who are too handsome and charming make me nervous and wary. If anything is supposed to happen between us, it will one day. Father always told me that fate tracks us down wherever we go. If it doesn’t, I’m sure Tyler will. He’s determined to win me.”
Cynthia entered the room and gaped at the two laughing females. “I wondered where you were, Louisa. What’s taking you so long?”
Leigh watched the brunette ignore her presence, approach the mirror, and take a seat to repair her grooming. “Louisa and I were getting better acquainted, Marquise Campbell.”
“Please, call her Cynthia,” Louisa encouraged. “After all, my dear Leigh, you have far more money than she does.”
Leigh flushed and lowered her head as if embarrassed, but she was infuriated. She wanted to make progress toward a friendly relationship with both females before their trip, but how could she if Louisa antagonized her friend?
Cynthia scowled and retorted, “That was mean, Louisa.”
“I was only teasing, and you know it. Leigh is a darling girl, and I’m afraid we haven’t been very nice to her. We’ll change that tonight. From now on, we’ll be best of friends. Agreed?”
The brown-haired woman gaped at Louisa as if she were drunk, then her chocolate gaze shifted to Leigh.
“Admit it, Cynthia,” Louisa said. “We got off on the wrong foot. You and I were accustomed to being the centers of attention until this lovely child arrived from America. We were jealous of her youth and beauty. There, I’ve said it. Now, let’s forget it and move forward. Agreed?”
Laura Leigh Webster and Marquise Cynthia Campbell looked at each other strangely. Then both shrugged and smiled.
“Good,” the redhead commented. “We’re about to leave on a wonderful trip, so let’s do it in grand style. Such fun awaits us there.”
Leigh smiled and said, “Thank you, Louisa. You don’t know how much it means to me for us to be friends. Uncle Chad will be happy.”
“No, Leigh, he’ll be ecstatic,” Cynthia remarked, rolling her eyes heavenward. “Pass me that lip cream, Louisa. I need repairs badly.”
“I think I’ll get something to drink. My throat is dry,” Leigh told them, wanting to get out of the room as quickly as possible, for her pretense was strenuous work and she was running out of small talk.
The moment the door closed behind the blonde, Cynthia asked, “What in hell’s name was that about? Have you gone daft?”
Louisa’s green eyes narrowed and chilled. “That little tart! I hate her, Cynthia, but Chad insists we be nice to her. We’re going to be so good and sweet that candy will pale beside us. Neither of them will think we have a reason or the skills to harm little Leigh. Chad questioned me earlier about her attack, but I convinced him I didn’t pull a mean trick on his little ward.” Louisa related the conversation to her best friend and cohort.
“You sly witch,” Cynthia accused. “I love it. How can I help?”
“Better than you did last night. Your stablemen did a sorry job. I hope you punished them,” the redhead spouted in vexation.
“It wasn’t their fault, love. If a tower of strength hadn’t happened along and rescued her, her ravished body would be floating in the Thames. At least Sean and Jaimie were dressed as sailors and didn’t give us away. I ordered them to stay hidden for a while.”
“Yes, we were all lucky last night,” Louisa agreed, “Since they didn’t steal her purse and the carriage driver didn’t keep the note, thank goodness she left it behind so that doorman could exchange them.”
Cynthia sighed in relief. “Those were good precautions. I’m glad it’s over. I was nervous when Chad left twice to check on her.”
“Me, too. I only hope that witness doesn’t give us trouble.”
“What’s next?” the eager marquise asked.
Louisa halted her task to answer. “I have to be careful, Cynthia. If there’s another accident too soon, not only will Chad and Leigh get suspicious but so will the law. She has to be killed, and I have to snare that infuriating rake. How else can I get my hands on all that lovely money? Chad doesn’t know my family is nearly broke; Father’s managed to keep it a secret, but time’s running out. Once my lover learns the truth, he’ll be after Leigh with all his might.”
Cynthia grasped the woman’s hand and gazed into her green eyes. “You know I’ll do whatever I can to help you. We’re best friends, Louisa, and I love you dearly. Besides, it’s wicked fun.”
Giggling, the redhead playfully pinched Cynthia’s cheek. “I know,” she concurred.
“Do you think Chad suspects you poisoned William?”
Louisa sent her an evil smile. “Never. I paid a lot for that special drug, and it worked. His death looked like heart failure, as I was promised. But neither of us suspected the old man would leave everything to that little chit.”
“If Chad learns what we’re up to, he’ll kill us.”
“He won’t,” the redhead vowed with hostility and smugness. “Besides, he should hate the old bird for almost excluding him from the will. William was like a father to Chad. I wonder what happened … No matter,” she stated. “I have him duped completely, and I’ll do anything necessary not to lose him, or rather that fortune, even lick Leigh’s feet for a while. When everything’s in his grasp and we’re married, he’ll be sorry for all he’s done to me. I’ve made a public fool and harlot of myself to trick him, but it will be worth it one day. Don’t fret, my sweet; we’ll triumph. Soon we’ll be very rich and powerful women, and Lord Chadwick Hamilton can go to the devil where he belongs.”
“I hope we don’t fail. With the Webster holdings, we can do as we please, just you and me. I only hope my money holds out until we succeed. If it doesn’t, I’ll have to sell the estate and possibly my jewels to survive. That could give us away as frauds.”
“Don’t panic, Cynthia, and don’t sell anything. Use your skills and beauty to settle any pressing debts. Most men are willing to collect in that delightful manner. We’ll be rich and free by June.”
“I’m scared, Louisa. Chadwick Hamilton isn’t a fool.”
“But Chad doesn’t know I want Webster International more than he does and that I’ll do anything to get it.” She ran her tongue over her lower lip. “I wish I knew where Joanna Harris is; I’m certain she and Chad were involved in that Elliott mess. She would make an excellent blackmail tool.”
“Speaking of Jace Elliott,” Louisa continued, “I always wondered what happened between Chad and Jace, besides Joanna Harris. From what I’ve been told, they were best friends until Chad returned home alone around six years ago. Rumor said he was in terrible shape, but William took a liking to him and helped him.”
“Poor Chad was hit hard by his father’s violent death during the dock strike; he lost everything except his title. You and I know how that can affect a person.” They exchanged knowing looks.
“I don’t like mysteries, Cynthia, and Chad has many. Secrets conceal a person’s weak points. I’ve questioned him plenty of times, but Chad won’t tell me anything. I’m sure he wants revenge for something that happened during their seafaring days. It had to be bad to turn best friends against each other. Every time Jace’s name is mentioned, Chad’s eyes turn to blue ice. Whatever it was, I bet it’s the reason Chad took Joanna and ruined her. I wonder if it has anything to do with those dreadful scars on his chest and back,” she mused. “He’s never seen without his shirt; he even wears a nightshirt in bed or makes love in the dark. But I’ve stolen peeks and felt them. They look like pagan symbols, and they’re so deep. It must have been terribly painful.”
“How strange,” Cynthia murmured.
“I know Jace owns a coffee plantation in Africa and that he’s a safari guide. If those two meet again, it’ll be a violent clash. Too bad, because Jace Elliott is one desirable male. I won’t mind having him around for months in the hot tropics.”
“You’ve met him?” the brunette questioned.
“Several times. He was home in ‘92, ‘93, and ‘94. You were away each time with that old marquess. Actually I tried to seduce him, but failed. He was a good catch, and made me hot and tingly all over. He returned to Africa just before his father died.”
“If he’s rich and handsome and you can’t get Chad …”
“He’d be a good lover, but I’m not the pioneer type. Besides, a criminal in hiding makes a bad marital prospect.”
As Leigh danced with Chad, he glanced at her and remarked, “You smell like Louisa. I never noticed that before.”
Leigh smiled and related, “Louisa loaned me her perfume. We had a long talk. She was very nice.”
Chad looked surprised and pleased. “Good. I was hoping you two would come to an understanding.”
“We have,” Leigh assured him innocently.
Afterward, as she danced with Reid Adams, she entreated, “Tell me about Chad’s mother. I recall little about her. I met her only once, and I’m sorry she isn’t here so we can get acquainted. It would be nice if she could have gone on safari with us as planned.”
“Mrs. Webster was deeply affected by. William’s sudden death,” Reid replied. “Her visit to India will do more good for her.”
“What’s she like? From what I remember, she’s very beautiful.” The curious female probed for facts about her stepgrandmother.
His grayish-brown eyes smiled as he answered. “Most men and women will agree that Fiona Webster looks very young. In fact, she can pass for my age, an older woman’s dream. She’s had a tragic life, losing two husbands. But she’s a strong woman, like her son. I met her years ago, after Chad and I became friends. You’ll like Fiona; everybody does. She’s a kind and gentle woman, a real lady. She’ll be home in July, and you’ll see for yourself.”
Leigh noticed how carefully Reid measured his words. She didn’t know if it was to make certain he got his meaning across or if she made him nervous, or if he’d had too much to drink. Maybe—she mused—he was always like that. After all, she didn’t know Reid Adams well. The dance ended, and Leigh was passed into another guest’s arms.
Early Monday, Leigh answered the knock on her door. “Ready to go,” she announced with a cheery smile.
“I’m sorry, Leigh,” Chad told her, “but our ship needs repairs. From what I’ve been told, we’ll be delayed a week. Go back to bed and get more sleep. We’ll talk at dinner tonight. I’m sorry.”
Disappointment was revealed in her blue eyes. It was still dark outside, and her guardian looked weary and annoyed. “I suppose it can’t be helped.”
He tugged on a tawny curl and said, “I promise, we’ll leave by next Monday or I’ll buy my own ship to take us there. Everything’s set, and I don’t want my plans spoiled.”
Leigh closed the door behind him and leaned against it. “Another week in London. What shall I do with it?” she murmured.
Images of “Sir Lancelot” filled her head as she changed back into her nightdress and returned to bed. I wonder how I can locate you and discover all your secrets. Surely there has to be a safe way. But how?