The train halted. Leigh’s suspense and anticipation increased.
“Jambo, Bwana Jace,” Jim’s men greeted him.
“Jambo,” he echoed and smiled broadly. He asked if everything was prepared.
“Ndiyo” came the affirmative response.
When Jim Hanes’s men questioned his whereabouts, Jace told them, “Hanes aliumia mguu”. “Hanes hurt his leg.” Jace had hired a few of Jim’s men who had been awaiting their boss’s arrival in Mombasa. The fact the other guide had made the necessary arrangements for a safari caused confusion in Jace’s mind about a possible deceit. Of course, it could have been done to throw off suspicion.
“Safiri saloma. Subira,” the train guard told them, which meant, “Have a safe trip. Take it easy.”
“Hakkuma mattata. Kwaheri. Asante, rafiki,” Jace responded, which translated, “No problems. Goodbye. Thanks, friend.”
Everyone gathered nearby while their baggage was unloaded. Leigh could not count the number of bearers, but it looked to be around sixty. The dark-skinned men efficiently packed their burdens and hoisted them abovehead. The train blasted its whistle and began to back away from the large group to return to Mombasa.
Leigh observed her lover as he gave orders and made plans. Jace was attired in a four-pocket jacket in khaki, with matching pants that displayed huge bellows pockets on his muscled thighs. He was wearing brown boots, and he placed a felt hat on his head. He had used it often, and it had lost much of its strength and shape. A holster with a Mauser .44 caliber pistol was secured about his waist.
Her gaze shifted to the other men in their party. Chad and Reid were dressed nearly alike in khaki pants, dark boots, water-resistant pith helmets, and Bombay shirts. The shirt of cotton had first become popular in British India because it was soft, airy, and comfortable. Chad’s was blue and matched his eyes, while Reid’s was khaki. Both men looked rugged and handsome, and very much at ease.
Leigh glanced at the whispering women. Louisa and Cynthia were also attired in similar garments: they looked sleek and relaxed in their khaki drill skirts and well-made jackets. They quickly donned their “topees”—pith helmets—to ward off the sun.
Leigh was wearing a six-gore skirt in Egyptian cotton with a matching shirt. It was tailored to fit, yet its bottom flare allowed graceful and easy movement. The skirt reached the tops of her brown boots. She, too, put on her helmet to combat the fierce sun overhead.
Leigh longed for a bath. It was hot, and she was still covered in red dust, as were the others. She moved forward when Jace motioned to them to approach for final instructions and departure. He had already assigned them weapons, as guns were under governmental control in this land. Chad received a Lancaster shotgun; Louisa and Cynthia got Ross automatic rifles; Reid was handed a Krag-Jorgensen carbine; Leigh got a Winchester ‘94; and Jace took the Mauser carbine.
As each examined the weapons, he said, “We’ll swap around during the safari so you’ll get familiar with all of these guns. We’ll head for the Tsoyo River first, then the Tanzania border. We should reach the Tsoyo tomorrow night, if nothing goes wrong and you all keep up. I sent a runner ahead to have boats waiting to pick us up. We’ll make our first main camp near the border. I want to remind you not to drink unboiled water or to forget your daily quinine tablets. Don’t bathe your feet in mudholes or go without boots. We have troublesome chiggers, ticks, and hookworms that’ll drive you crazy. If I give the order to halt and stand still, do it immediately. You never can tell when we’ll encounter an irritable beast. I’ve gone over the laws, rules, and regulations about hunts, so stick to them. Anyone breaking or abusing them gets sent back. Understand?”
After they all nodded, Jace added, “Walk between the bearers and keep up. Don’t interfere with their pace; they’re carrying heavy loads. If anyone gets tired or hurt, step aside and send word up the line. If you hear or see anything in the bush, don’t panic and fire. Most animals and natives usually ignore the passing of large groups. If you have your canteens and weapons ready, let’s go.”
Jace slung his carbine over his left shoulder and took the lead. His friend, helper, and hunting-gun bearer—Wanjohi—trailed close behind, chatting swiftly in his tongue. Leigh was next in line. Ten bearers followed her. Chad and Louisa came next, with more bearers between them and the other couple. The remaining bearers stretched out behind Reid and Cynthia. It amazed her that the men could carry so much weight, along with bows and spears.
They walked through the remaining woodlands, occasionally sighting or hearing an animal in the bush. Jace skirted most of the hills, making the trek easier for them. They passed a village where friendly Taita people observed them with interest. Grasslands soon appeared. Jace had told her this area provided the quickest changes in climate and scenery than any other in East Africa.
As they moved along at a steady pace, Leigh studied the man ahead of her. Johi was around five eleven, slim and sleek. Except for small eyes, his features—nose, mouth, chin, and ears—were large. The Kikuyu African had short, curly hair as black as midnight. His shiny flesh was dark brown. There was an undeniable rapport, respect, and deep friendship between him and Jace. From what her lover had said, they had been together as a team for a long time, and the skilled Kikuyu was one of Jace’s most valuable assets in the wild. Attired in his native tuniclike garb of multicolored kikoi cloth, the African carried a spear and his neck was adorned with several beaded necklaces. His Mannlicher carbine was slung over one shoulder, and a bow and quiver of arrows hung over the other. Around his slender waist was a canteen of water on a rope. None of the objects or combined weight seemed even to be noticed by the alert, agile, and reserved assistant.
Two hours later, Jace halted them near a towering termite hill to rest and to allow the group to examine it and take pictures with their new Kodak box cameras. The bearers laid aside their burdens and sat down to relax. Most, with their weapons across their laps, sipped water from makeshift canteens of gords or ostrichs’s eggs. If they were amused or fascinated by the English gentry, it did not show.
Leigh stared at the vivid red insect home that was over twelve feet high, the color making a startling contrast amidst the lush green base. She sipped water from her canteen, then replaced it over her shoulder. She was surprised when Louisa asked to take her picture with their guide. Leigh stood beside Jace and before the tall hill. Her heart pounded with the need to touch him, to kiss him, to—
“I’m finished,” Louisa said for the second time.
Leigh glanced at Jace, who grinned at her distraction. She removed her helmet and mopped perspiration from her brow. “It’s hot.”
As she twisted her hair to stuff it beneath her topee, Jace warned, “I wouldn’t do that, Leigh. Mosquitoes love soft, damp napes.”
“Thanks for the information, Mr. Elliott,” she said merrily.
As they headed off again, Jace found the privacy to ask Leigh, “Were you complaining about the heat back there? Rule one …”
Leigh could not help but say, “Guilty as charged, sir.”
At her playfulness, Jace smiled in pleasure.
On the grasslands, they saw many animals in the distance: wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, lion, giraffe. Most browers and grazers were eating contentedly while their predators reclined in the shade of acacias and buckthorns, no doubt plotting, their next attack. The group didn’t halt to take pictures, because Jace said they would see plenty from their first campsite.
He pointed out a large pack of gregarious baboons and told Leigh interesting facts about their tightly knit order. He passed a caution down the line when he sighted an enormous cape buffalo. “There are five big trophies men want from here: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo. Each one is dangerous to track and kill. That cape buffalo there has a foul temper when disturbed. Never underestimate a wild animal. They’re clever and deadly.”
They skirted a waterhole where wart hogs were wallowing. The African swine had large tusks that curled over their snouts, a horselike mane over their foreheads, and disfiguring protuberances on their faces. The well-trampled and muddy ground revealed that it was visited often and by many animals, as Jace pointed out to her. He motioned to a kopje, an outcropping of rocks or earth mounds.
“The natives use kopjes, unusually shaped trees, and waterholes as landmarks and maps. If you know the signs, you can’t ever get lost.”
They traveled a long distance before the sun lowered itself on the horizon and allowed the day to cool. Jace had given them sufficient rest stops. During one he had whispered to Leigh, “You’re strong and well-conditioned, woman. Perhaps I should start worrying about losing my plantation to you.”
“Perhaps you should,” she had replied. “But we do have a long way and a long time to go.” “Yes, but you’ve already broken one rule.” “Not really,” she had corrected. “You failed to warn me that true conversational remarks could get me into trouble.”
Finally Jace halted the group to make camp where several men were preparing them with a meal. While his workers labored, Chad approached Leigh and asked how she’d fared today.
“Fine. It was hot and tiring, but fun.”
Louisa joined them. “Isn’t this wonderful, Leigh?”
“It’s beautiful, Louisa. Aren’t you glad we came?”
“Without a doubt. I can’t wait to get my first trophy.”
Something in Louisa’s gaze and tone struck Leigh as odd. Or, the blonde decided, maybe she was too skeptical now of the hot-blooded vixen who lusted for Jace and Chad. “I don’t care about taking trophies,” Leigh responded. “I just want to see everything.”
They were called to eat. The servants had set up tables. China, crystal, and silver would adorn them at their main camp; tonight, it was eat from metal plates and drink from metal cups. They were served roasted meat, cooked vegetables, hot bread, and wine. Leigh, Chad, and Louisa sat at one table on folding chairs. Cynthia, Reid, and Jace sat at another. Johi ate with the other men not far away. Chad had wanted music during their meal from the gramophone he had brought with him, but Jace had resisted unpacking too many items along the trail. Chad had conceded, as he likewise had over the table settings.
Tents were put up while they dined and relaxed, although it was unusual for Jace to give that gentle order on the trail. He told them he was making an exception tonight so the women could splash-bathe in the folding canvas basins and change clothes. A fire burned in the center of camp to ward off a nighttime chill and predators. Lanterns hung here and there to provide light. Supplies were stacked away from the main area, and the bearers made their camp around them to prevent loss to sneaky thieves and damage by wild animals. The eating tables were close to each other, so conversation was shared by all.
“I should warn you women about wearing perfume,” Jace said. “It attracts worrisome insects, and it gives us away to our quarry.”
“Surely you don’t expect us to go around dirty and smelly?” Louisa protested with a pout. “Don’t be cruel to me, Jace.”
“You’ll have plenty of places for real baths, Miss Jennings,” Jace answered coldly.
“Don’t be so spoiled, Louisa. We’re all enduring the same. Cynthia and Leigh aren’t complaining. You knew what to expect.”
Louisa frowned, suspecting Chad’s remark was meant to point out Leigh’s accomplishments to Jace. “I’m only teasing, Chad.”
“Really?” he taunted with a wide grin.
“How far do we travel tomorrow?” Reid interrupted abruptly.
Jace caught his ruse to prevent a quarrel. “We’ll reach the river by mid-afternoon. We’ll make good time in boats. You should be hunting in a few days. I suggest we turn in after dinner. The first few days are the hardest, getting into shape and adjusting to the trail.”
“Sounds wonderful to me,” Louisa murmured.
Jace stood and stretched, and kept his gaze off Leigh. “Don’t be alarmed by noises at night,” he informed them. “Many of the animals hunt and roam during darkness. They usually stay clear of campfires, but it’s best to stay inside and to lace your flaps. If there’s a problem, shout and I’ll come. We have plenty of guards.”
Everyone separated for the night. The tents had been spaced for privacy. Louisa joined Chad, and Cynthia joined Reid to the right of their large camp. Leigh entered her tent to the left, as did Jace nearby. The tables were left standing for breakfast, but the dinner remains were cleared to prevent attracting wild animals. The bearers and Johi took their mats beneath the stars, and the camp was quiet.
Leigh sensed a presence. She turned on the bedroll and tried to pierce the darkness. It was very late. In the distance she heard a leopard scream, a sound soon joined by other nocturnal creatures. The scent she detected was familiar. She smiled to herself. “Jace,” she whispered, and felt him touch her arm.
He reclined beside her. Pulling her close, he whispered into her ear, “How did you know it was me? I thought you were sleeping.”
She captured his head, turned it, and replied into his ear, “Your special, wonderful scent, and I was asleep. Isn’t this reckless?” she asked, her heart pounding with excitement and her body flaming. Now she knew why he had made his exception about tents tonight. “Johi will warn me if anyone stirs.”
“You told him about us?” she asked, embarrassed.
“No, but he knows I’m here. He sees and hears everything.”
Leigh was glad she had bathed as well as possible in the small canvas basin. Despite his caution earlier, she had put on perfume, hoping he would sneak into her tent. She planned to wash it off later.
As Jace nuzzled her neck, he murmured, “Make sure you remove this wonderful odor by morning. I don’t want tsetse flies biting you and causing sleeping sickness, or mosquitoes causing malaria.” As his hands drifted down her neck, he discovered a bare shoulder. Boldly his fingers closed over her breast, then passed over her stomach. “What’s this?” he asked, querying her nudity beneath the cover.
“I was hoping you would visit tonight,” she admitted. She brought his head toward hers and sealed their lips. She had been starving for his kisses. Her fingers drifted over his shoulders to caress them.
Jace kissed her several times—hungry, deep, urgent—before he parted them to strip quickly in the darkness. He snuggled her against him and returned his mouth to hers. He wished he could see her golden flesh, her tawny hair, her blue eyes, and her lovely features. He enjoyed watching the emotions her expressions exposed. His lips roamed down the silky column of her throat. His tongue teased into the hollows there and over her collarbone. From side to side, he covered her upper body with kisses. At last his eager mouth reached one rosy brown peak and closed over it, lingering there a while, exploring the firm mound and taut peak. Later, his tongue dipped into the valley between the pair and did the same at the other bud. His hand roved her abdomen, then eased down her stomach. It journeyed into a lush golden forest to labor lovingly there.
Leigh was adrift on a dreamy cloud of passion. She had been in a state of arousal all day. Now she was feverish to merge with him. The core of her womanhood cried out for appeasement. Everything he did heightened her desire for him. He was so skilled, so tantalizing, so satisfying. Her fingers wandered through his brown hair, and she loved its feel against her skin. She smiled at the tickling sensation as his locks teased between her fingers. Her palm caressed his elbow, rubbing back and forth with sensual movements. Later, her hand cupped one shoulder and caressed it in the same stimulating manner. As her fingers roamed, they found the hair on his chest softly coarse. It spread over chest and made a narrow strip to his navel, where it flared again. She didn’t care if the others were camped nearby or what they were doing. She wanted and needed Jace, more so because she had feared losing him yesterday.
Jace was consumed by the woman with him. Her company today had been wonderful. She made him feel so good, so complete. He couldn’t imagine his life without her in it. It had taken him thirty-two years to find this unique and compatible creature, and he was going to keep her forever, any way necessary. He desperately wanted to exonerate himself so he could create a future with her. Until his name was clear and she was free of Chad’s power, he had to be patient and careful. He knew that Chad would like nothing better than to take away Leigh as he had taken away Joanna. Jace still loved the brunette, but it wasn’t the same kind of love he felt for this tawny female. Yet Chad had to pay for destroying someone so special to him. He had to settle the past, and settle it by November.
Leigh perceived the sudden tension in her lover. She surmised it was his troubled past that kept a part of him from surrendering his all to her. Somehow, she would help him. To retrieve him, her lips played with his collarbone while her brave hands stroked his rib cage and drifted lower. She noticed his freshly shaven face and was touched by his consideration of her tender skin.
Jace’s mouth journeyed to Leigh’s, and both were lost in the wonder of their love and the power of their desire. Their tongues touched and played. Their hands blissfully tormented each other. Their bodies meshed and moved as one.
She murmured into his ear, “I don’t know what to do, Jace.”
As he nibbled at her earlobe, he answered, “Just enjoy me.”
“That’s easy, my love. You can teach me more later.”
“What if there never is a later for us, Leigh?”
“There will be,” she promised. “Don’t worry.”
Jace entered and withdrew with a rapturous delight. His teeth teased at her lips. He gave her several quick and short kisses, then a long and deep one. Tension mounted within him. It was so hard to control himself while inside her, while touching her, while kissing her. It was even harder because she was so responsive and passionate.
Leigh tightened the grip of her legs around Jace. She hugged him possessively. She stroked his hot flesh. She savored his mouth. This time, she knew what awaited her at the end of their sensual trail. She throbbed with need, then gasped as she felt herself burst into bloom. She moaned against his mouth, embraced him snugly, arched upward, and allowed herself to be transported with Jace to ecstasy. Tonight’s experience was even better than her first one, and that surprised her.
Jace felt aglow, thrilled to his center. His heart was thudding forcefully from his exertions and powerful emotions. No adventure or victory sated him as loving Leigh did. No food or drink tasted better. No sensation was greater. She was the supreme pleasure and the ultimate joy. His lips brushed back and forth over hers as they let their soaring spirits land and their taut and fiery bodies cool and calm. The extra twenty-five thousand he would lose by not mentioning their trysts to Chad was worth every shilling. No matter how much he hated and distrusted Chad or how much he wanted to spite his foe, he could never cheapen what had happened between Leigh and him by exposing it. Jace didn’t care about Chad’s wager or the Webster estate. He only cared about winning Leigh forever.
As they lay nestled together, Jace asked, “Will you tell me what Chad said about our past? I want to make certain he didn’t lie.”
Leigh repeated her conversation with her guardian. “Well?”
Jace took in a deep breath and slowly released it. “It’s true. I just don’t understand why he took so much blame. That isn’t like him.”
“Maybe that’s the point, Jace; he’s changed. It’s been a long time. I was watching how he acted with you last night. Hate wasn’t what I detected.”
“Funny, but neither did I. Ever since his arrival, half the time it’s like the past never happened. Sometimes I catch myself starting to relax and joke with him like in the old days. Memories of so many good years jump into my head and cloud it. Time and bad deeds seem to fade for a while. I guess we were so close for so long that it’s hard to believe we turned against each other. I have to keep reminding myself of what happened and how long it’s been.”
“Why?” she coaxed.
“Because the other half of the time, I do remember, too clearly.”
“Is it so hard to let the past die? Maybe Chad wants that, too. Maybe he just doesn’t know how to ask or how to bring it about. Perhaps this safari will be good for both of you. Maybe it will heal the scars you both carry.”
“Perhaps, but I’m afraid to trust him again. I’m afraid if I turn my back, he’ll stick another knife into it.”
Leigh knew it took a strong and confident man to admit he had fears and doubts. “Why not wait and see what happens?” she entreated.
They reached the river around three the following afternoon. Natives with boats were waiting for them as scheduled. The day was very hot and humid. Clouds drifted across the tropical sky. The bearers put down their burdens, and the group gathered around their guide.
Leigh eyed the water, dark blue this time. Verdant grass and bushes lined much of its bank. The water looked so appealing, until she sighted huge gray bodies and long, slender ones in it. The crocodiles were swimming leisurely. The hippos were eating on the bottom and surfacing for air.
Louisa screamed as one large creature broke the surface and snorted to clear his nostrils, sending misty sprays into the hot air. Cynthia giggled and nudged her. The redhead frowned. She looked as if she’d gotten little sleep.
Leigh hadn’t either, but she felt wonderful. As the men worked, she looked around the area. The tracks near the water were deep from the animals’ heavy weight. Several beasts yawned, displaying large mouths and long teeth. Many were submerged to the point that only their heads and spines showed. In other areas, she noted merely protruding eyes and tiny ears. As she swatted at flies and mosquitoes, Jace and the others joined her.
“The hippos fear nothing and no one,” Jace informed them, “not even each other. They can break an animal’s back with one bite, even a large and strong animal. They fight brutally over mates and favorite resting spots. They can be dangerous to unwary boats, because they can remain underwater for ten minutes and walk as easily on the bottom as you walk on land. You watch for swirls, gurgles, and bubbles.”
Cynthia’s brown eyes were large with fear. “I don’t like this part, Chad. You said we would be perfectly safe.”
“You’ll be fine. Jace knows this area and these creatures. He won’t let any of us get injured. Isn’t that right?”
“If you all do as you’re told, there’s little danger involved. Sit still in the boats. Don’t scream or shout. Even if one gets close, don’t panic and shoot. They’ll challenge us for entering their territory, but they won’t bother us if you obey me.”
The supplies and weapons were loaded. Jace assigned Chad and Louisa to one craft of rowers and supplies, Reid and Cynthia to another, and Leigh to ride with him and Johi. The remaining supplies and men filled many other boats. They all pushed off and the adventure began.
The hippos snorted and dove, then surfaced here and there to do so again. Several times, big ones seemed to head for one boat or another. It was intimidating, but everyone obeyed Jace’s orders.
Leigh watched several animals who were unaffected by their presence. A mother played contentedly with her calf, allowing the baby to climb upon her back and slide into the water over and over as if a child in a pond. She noticed a bull elephant grazing dreamily on narcotic wild hemp. Ox-peckers and tickbirds feasted atop bulging hippo frames. A gazelle drank here, a lion there, and a rhino farther along. Downriver, a crocodile was pulling a zebra kill into the water to “store and soften” it at the muddy bottom, Jace told her.
After they departed the congested location, the boats moved swifter on the calm surface. Jace pointed to deer like creatures with tan hides, uplifted horns, and long necks. Their large, black-streaked ears and stubby tails flicked constantly at insects. “Gerenuk. They’re very shy. They dine on thorn trees and other plants. They avoid the perils you just witnessed because they don’t need to drink water.”
Leigh watched the creatures browse until she lost sight of them. She enjoyed listening to Jace. She had an advantage over the others by riding in his boat. She focused her attention on him, but pretended to be staring at the scenery ahead. His allure and potent appeal were undeniable. His jungle green eyes were squinted against the bright sun and dazzling reflections on the water. His hat partially shaded them, and its band was soaked from sweat. He had shaved last night before visiting her, so a stubbly shadow was now darkening his strong jawline. She wished she were curled in his arms.
Much as he was tempted, Jace dared not glance at Leigh. He knew she was watching him, and that perception stimulated him from head to foot. The desert heat was cool compared to the flames she sparked in him. The brilliance of the sun and sparkling water couldn’t compete with her radiance. The sweetest of honey in the baobab tree boxes would taste sour compared to her kisses and flesh. The wildness of this territory couldn’t match her untamed spirit when making love to him. No sky or water could be as blue as her eyes. He yearned to have her all to himself. And if his secret plan worked, he would.
It was nearly dark when the boats were dragged ashore at their campsite. They would live, hunt, and short-trek from the location for a week or more. Jace said their length of stay would be determined by how much they were enjoying themselves and by how successful their hunts were. Everyone was glad to have a temporarily, at least, camp.
A fire and lanterns were lit, but the sky was still aflame. Jace pointed beyond a waterhole. “That’s Kilimanjaro. It’s far off, but the land is flat and it’s very high. Nothing is as peaceful and moving as a Serengeti sunset,” he murmured.
Leigh gazed at the snow-capped peak silhouetted against the sinking sun that seemed to be dying in a colorful blaze of glory. The horizon was breathtaking in muted golds, fiery pinks, vivid rose, soft lavender, and many shades of blue. Long, flat clouds of deep purple hung over the mountain. Several thorntrees and acacias stood like dark skeletons in leafy hats before it. Grasses and wildflowers edged the mucky pond’s bank, giving off contrasting smells. Crickets and frogs sang joyously. It was a stirring and tranquil scene. Again, she wished she were enjoying it in the embrace of her lover.
“When will we walk there?” Reid inquired.
“We can’t. That’s Tanzania, and it belongs to the Germans. We can’t cross the border without a permit. If we do, it means trouble. There wasn’t time to secure one after I took this job so hastily. Sorry.”
“You all hear our leader; no one creates a problem,” Chad said.
Jace glanced at the dark-haired man and said, “Glad to see you minding so well, old friend. Thanks,” he added for Leigh’s sake.
Chad looked surprised and grinned. “I’m starved.”
The supplies sent ahead were ready, as was dinner. The china, crystal, silver, and gramophone had been unpacked after their arrival. The cloth-covered tables looked lovely and lanterns sent off soft glows. The meal smelled wonderful. Chad selected “Swan Lake” and cranked the handle on the gramophone. Beautiful strains of music came forth. All smiled and were seated.
They were served roasted impala and native dishes: ugali, a maize and meal porridge that formed stiff mounds with flat tops and a sprinkle of nuts; irio, a mixture of mashed beans, peas, and potatoes; and sukuma wiki, something like southern greens.
Leigh thought the ugali looked like Texas buttes with rocks scattered atop. The easy-to-cut impala was unique, with neither a domesticated stock taste nor a wild game one. She liked the irio with its mildly spiced blend, but she did not care for the sukuma wiki, which was a little “bitey,” as her father used to say. The others drank wine with their meal, but Leigh enjoyed hot tea with hers. The group was quiet for a time as they feasted on the delicious fare. For dessert they were served fried plantains that tasted like wild bananas.
Chad lifted his glass and said, “To us and the fun ahead.” The others lifted theirs and sipped the mellow red liquid.
The seatings were the same as before because Jace couldn’t figure a way to split up the couples without it looking curious. He wanted to be with Leigh, but that wasn’t possible. He knew his time with her was limited if his sly plan failed. If it did, when the safari ended, they would be parted until November, at which time she would be free to return to him. Those would be hard and long months of separation and secrecy. But, he had already taken action and was committed. Once the daring scheme was in motion, surely she would agree to it. Anyway, he was already in trouble, so what was a little more? The results were worth any risk.
“Can we bathe in that lake tomorrow?” Louisa asked.
“It isn’t healthy, Miss Jennings. I’ll locate a nice area at the river. We don’t want anyone getting sick or injured, do we?”
“That will be fine, but it has to be tomorrow. I can’t stand this awful feeling a day longer.”
“I’m sure you must feel the same,” Jace hinted to Leigh.
“I’m not complaining, but it would be wonderful, Mr. Elliott.”
He laughed and teased, “You women and your vanities.”
“You want us to look good for the men in our lives, don’t you?” Cynthia quipped, sounding a little testy. “It’s so hot and stuffy here.”
“It’ll be cooler tonight. You’ll be glad you have a tent, clothes, covers, and … someone to keep you warm. It can get rather chilly.”
“Inside or outside?” Cynthia purred, glaring at Reid, who had refused to give her the information Louisa wanted about Chad and Jace.
Everyone thought it best to ignore that remark, even Reid.
“Why don’t you turn off that music, Chad? You’ll scare every animal out of the area. I want a good trophy tomorrow.”
“What’s bitten your behind?” Chad asked rather sharply.
The brunette stood, glared at the handsome male, and said, “I’m just exhausted, sweaty, and sore. Those insects have eaten on me all day. I itch all over. I’m going to bed.” She left.
Chad met Reid’s gaze and asked, “Something wrong?”
“She’s a spoiled and vain woman. You know how those creatures get when they have to endure a little hardship. She wants to be pampered as she is back home. Hot baths, soft beds, teatime, clean clothes,” he hinted.
“I agreed with Jace not to halt for tea at four. It would have taken too much time and work. We needed to reach camp before dark. What did she expect on the trail?” Chad scoffed.
Reid shrugged. “I doubt she gave it much thought.”
“If she’s going to be an annoyance, you want to send her back?”
“I doubt that’s necessary. She’ll adjust. If not, we’ll spank her.”
“If not, she’s going back to Mombasa to wait for us there.”
Louisa spoke up. “Don’t be mean or hasty, Chad. She’ll be fine. I’ll go talk to her. She’s probably just scared and doesn’t want us to know. That episode with those water beasts was dreadful for her.”
Leigh and the men watched the redhead disappear into Cynthia’s tent. “Louisa could be right,” Leigh remarked. “It was scary for a while. Our lives were in danger, weren’t they, Mr. Elliott?”
Jace grasped her innuendo about his breaking rule two. “Everything here can be perilous, Miss Webster, if you’re careless. It was dangerous, but you weren’t in any danger of losing your life.”
She heard hyenas in the distance, a sort of mingled laugh and bark. A lion roared in another direction. An elephant sent forth a trumpeting threat to something infringing on his territory. The wood crackled in the fire. Nocturnal birds and insects had awakened to begin their rituals. Frogs croaked in the river, their pitches varying with their sizes and kinds. Crickets rubbed their hind legs together to make their own special music. The moon was like a tiny slice of silver, and many stars were obscured by clouds. The night was inky black, and the jungle was impenetrable. Lantern-and fire-light flickered on the faces of the group and on nearby objects, creating eerie shadows. Everything seemed so different at night, so mysterious and slightly intimidating. Objects took on strange shapes, as in bad dreams. Death lurked in the wilderness. She was glad Jace was near her.
As they were turning in, Jace managed to ask Leigh, “Do you want me to sneak over tonight?”
“Unless you want to break your rule one by being too tired and weak, I’ll see you when it’s safe,” she teased.
Leigh leaned against Jace and returned his kiss. It felt wonderful to be in his arms, and heady to be alone. They embraced tightly, pressing their eager bodies together. Flames consumed them. Their kisses and caresses became urgent and stimulating. But as he was about to remove her shirt, danger approached the tent.