Jace stared at the woman he loved and wanted to trust more than anything in the world. She looked vulnerable and afraid. She looked beautiful and innocent. “No, Leigh; I won’t force you to honor any of the terms of our wager, but I won’t allow you to leave my plantation until I learn the truth and know you’re safe. If you want to make it hard on us, I can’t stop you. But I’m hoping you’ll relent and tell the truth so we can clear the air. You don’t have to worry about me assaulting you. I’ve never forced myself on any woman, and I certainly wouldn’t do so with you because you’re much too important to me.”
“Why?” she asked, confused by his words. Her mind longed for an understanding. Her heart ached for a reunion of spirits. Her body yearned for closeness with him again.
Emotions had built so high between and within them during their separation that both needed to seek the truth and peace together. Both decided it was past time to be completely honest in order to solve the mysteries surrounding them, to tear down the barrier between them.
“Because I want you and need you. Because I don’t want you to hate me and reject me. Because I want you to trust me enough to tell me the truth.” Jace walked through the dining room into the living area. He took a seat on the sofa.
The befuddled woman followed him and sat down on the other end. “Why do you keep saying ‘truth’ as if it has a special meaning?” she questioned. “What is it you want from me? I’ve already told you I don’t know what goes on inside Chad’s head. Revenge has you both suspicious of everyone. I tried to keep myself from getting entangled, but I obviously failed. That’s why I’m here, isn’t it? Somehow you think losing me will hurt Chad. Just when he gets used to the idea of having the firm, you want to release me to snatch it away. Do you ever think of anything except your next plot?”
“The only thing I want to get Chad for is framing me and my father, for murdering my father,” Jace informed her. “I want my father exonerated. I want my family name cleared. I want Chadwick Hamilton punished. I know he’s guilty; I just can’t prove it yet.” Jace fused their probing gazes. “You asked what Chad did after your death. At first he didn’t believe my ruse. He was so distraught at losing the path to his dream that he said he would confess to those crimes if I returned you alive. Reid stepped in and made him hush, made him think I was using your death to evoke a confession. Then Louisa jumped in and claimed you and I were lovers, and we’d been duping Chad all along. I denied it of course and, for some reason, Chad believed me. He honestly thought you were going to marry him. We argued for a while, but I convinced him you were dead.”
“How did Louisa know about us? We were very careful.”
“I followed her and Chad into the jungle after she nearly shot you. I overheard them arguing. Louisa accused Chad of trying to kill her. She thought he had rigged her gun to explode. She accused him of trying to frame me for her death, thereby getting rid of two obstacles at once, then marrying you to get your money. He denied it, and he asked her to marry him when they returned to London. He claimed he was only being good to you to entice you to sell him the firm, or to prevent you from firing him. He told her you hated her and didn’t want her around, so he had to pretend to push her away until he got the company. She also mentioned that she’d been helping him by trying to distract me. That’s why she took that new room at the hotel and tried to lure me into her clutches. She planted lots of rotten seeds in his mind. Then I heard gunfire and rushed back to camp. It was that jackel stealing food, remember? I didn’t hear what else they said. It’s my guess she knew about the wager between us and told Chad. If you’ll recall, he asked to see me privately that day.”
“What did he want?”
“He came right to the point and asked if we were lovers. He also asked if I was behind those accidents. I told him there wasn’t anything but friendship between us, but not because of lack of trying. I accused him of those incidents, of trying to get you away from me. I knew about that powder and the canteen. I believed what you told me about him being unable to inherit, so I thought he needed to marry you to get control. We both know he didn’t. He taunted me about following you back to London and getting arrested. I told him you always defended him, and he loved that news. That’s when I learned you weren’t engaged to Tyler Clark. When Chad discovered Louisa was lying to us, he was furious. He suggested we both safe guard you and keep an eye on his mistress.”
“I know Chad didn’t trust her fully,” Leigh told him. “After you left the garden that night, I overheard a talk between them. He accused her of the waterfront attack, but she denied it, even blamed me. She’s hated me since my arrival in England. I’ve never liked or trusted her. I told her about Tyler to settle her down about us being rivals for Chad. I only pretended to make friends to avoid trouble.”
Jace was happy to find her cooperating. “Louise tried to cause trouble with Chad and with me. She hinted that you had tampered with the gun, said how much you western women know about them. She constantly tried to place suspicion on you and me to hide her guilt. She wanted to kill you, Leigh. She tried in London and she tried in Mombasa. But I don’t believe she rigged her own gun.”
“Then who did?” Leigh asked, expecting him to say Chad.
“Reid Adams.” When Leigh stared at him, he said, “That’s right, Reid Adams. I’m sure he’s the one who tampered with Louisa’s gun. He’s probably the one who unloaded yours before the rhino hunt, and he’s probably the one who lured you into that quicksand. I think he sneaked from camp, concealed the trail, stole your derringer, then returned things to normal while you were fighting for your life. I’m going to London when it’s safe and kill the bastard.”
This revelation was unexpected and shocking. “Why would Reid want to harm me? Are you saying he worked for Chad?”
“Part of the time. The rest, for himself and Fiona Webster. I didn’t tell you all Johi overheard the night of your ‘death.’ Their original plot was to lure you here, kill you, frame me, have Fiona get your holdings, and Chad control them until he inherited. When you arrived in London, Chad actually fell in love with you, and changed plans on Reid. Chad decided to marry you and get everything. He was going to forget revenge on me because he didn’t want to take a risk of losing you and your inheritance. Chad mentioned the drugged canteens, but also that he didn’t pull any of those other stunts. I have to admit, I believe him. Reid reminded him that he had changed his mind again after the buffalo hunt and was planning to kill you in our last camp because of what Louisa told him that day, something vital that I missed after the gunfire. I think it was about our secret wager, and it made him go wild with jealousy and hatred.”
“This is crazy and complicated, Jace.”
“I know,” he concurred, “that’s why I had trouble figuring out what was going on. After I was cleverly led to doubt Chad was trying to murder you, I knew it had to be one of the others. I was afraid to give the culprit another chance to succeed. I was afraid you’d never be allowed to get out of the jungle alive. I couldn’t guard you every moment. That’s why I faked your death, Leigh. But it wasn’t the only reason.”
Jace explained his meaning. “Even if I guarded you successfully during the safari, I couldn’t let you leave Africa with Reid and Louisa determined to kill you, and I couldn’t trail you to London to keep foiling their efforts. I couldn’t even be sure they wouldn’t find a way to murder you while you were in my protection. You had become angry and distant, and you refused to confide in me, especially that last night. I sneaked to see you hoping you would open up to me. When you didn’t, I doubted you would believe me and agree to this plan. I was even afraid you would sneak out of Africa with the culprits endangering you. You seemed as if you were telling me good-bye. I was worried and suspicious, and I couldn’t allow you to make a fatal mistake. It seemed best to act then and explain later. Whatever you said to Chad that day you two took that long walk, it changed his mind about returning to his original plot. You told him something to make him doubt Louisa’s accusations and Reid’s urgings. You convinced him he had a real chance to win you. I think Louisa had him fooled by the wager between us. Yet you persuaded him it was meaningless. How?”
Leigh deliberated his words. “You’re telling me that Chad, Louisa, and Reid were all trying to kill me?”
“For different reasons. Chad waxed back and forth. Louisa wanted Chad, enough to kill to get him. Cynthia was aiding Louisa. Reid wanted you dead so Fiona could inherit everything. They’re lovers. I’m certain Chad doesn’t know about them, or he would have grasped why Reid was so eager to assist his original plot and why Reid kept stirring him up against us. You see, woman, Reid was the one using Chad, not the other way around.”
“Reid and Grandfather’s widow? Where did you get such ideas?”
Jace pulled the paper from his pocket and said, “Reid sent this message to Fiona before he sailed. He was gone before I could steal it. If I had read it first, he would never have gotten on that ship alive. All the time I was watching Chad and Louisa, Reid was fast at work. I just didn’t grasp how involved and how determined he was. Chad finally convinced me he loved you and wanted to marry you, so I was baffled. Johi and I started spying on the others. I suspected Reid of mischief, but I didn’t have any proof or a motive. But now, we do.”
Leigh took the page and read it. The message was from Reid Adams in Mombasa to Fiona Hamilton Webster in Bombay. Those words clarified the mystery, and corroborated Jace’s accusations:
Business complete. Big success. Work over. L dead. J gone. You get all. May have C problem. Will handle. Leaving Africa June eleven. Leave India today. Meet in London. Come fast. Marry me. Love you. Miss you.
R.A.
Leigh was staggered by the multiple plots to … murder her. She recalled that night when she and Reid had talked about Fiona. She closed her eyes and mentally returned to that scene. Leigh knew the woman was beautiful, beautiful enough to be desired and loved by a younger man. There was fourteen years between them, but Fiona looked Reid’s age. The man had tensed while discussing the widow. Leigh asked herself why she hadn’t caught clues in his eyes, voice, or words.
“What are you thinking?” Jace inquired.
Leigh related her thoughts about Reid. “Why aren’t you on your way to London to keep them from getting all the money?” she asked.
“I’m sorry they’ll waste some, but that can’t be helped. Your survival is worth a small loss, and you can recover the balances soon. When I thought two friends were joint heirs, I knew Lord Salisbury could use his power and position to prevent execution of the will until we straightened out this mess. I dismissed my suspicions because you lied about the will. You did it to silence me, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” she admitted. Her head was spinning. What she was hearing was painful and alarming. She had underestimated Louisa Jennings. She had been fooled by Chadwick Hamilton. She had never suspected Reid Adams. Her ingrained nature had resisted accepting such evil. So many pieces to the puzzle fell into place, but others were still missing.
“I saw Jim Hanes in Mombasa.” Jace revealed more shocking news. “Right now, Chad thinks we’re both dead, so you’re safe here. Once you’re in control after your birthday and make a new will, none of them will have reason to kill you for profit. But that might not stop one or all of them from trying again for revenge. Frankly, I hate for you to ever return to London, but that’s your choice. I wish my evidence could imprison them, but my word isn’t worth much these days. And I can’t protect you from here. If I trail you there, I would be risking my life and freedom. I hate feeling helpless and defeated. I’ll have to think of something.”
Those discoveries convinced Leigh he was telling the truth. “Chad was fooled because I told him our wager was a trick. He implied you were a threat to me. He said he loved me and he proposed. He offered to sign a legal document giving up any claim to my holdings. He sounded sincere, almost desperate to convince me of his love. I said a lot of things to fool him. I used my feminine charms, and I said bad things about you. I didn’t trust either of you, and I was stalling you both until I could leave for America. He didn’t get me on his side, Jace, but he did turn me against you, with good reason. He told me about the wager between you two. He made me read the contract, including the extra five thousand for each night you spent with me. He burned his copy to prove he wouldn’t try to claim any winnings from you. Did you collect the twenty thousand pounds for your four nights with me as you wagered with Chad? Twenty-five, if you count that first time. in Mombasa.”
“What are you talking about? That wasn’t part of our deal. I would never agree to such a wicked term.”
Leigh related what she had read in Chad’s contract. Jace fetched his copy, and the truth came to light. Both were shocked and pleased.
“So, that’s how he made me a bastard in your eyes. I’m sorry you learned about the wager from him. That clarifies a few things.”
Needing an explanation, Leigh accused, “You lied to me. You duped me, used me, and betrayed me. I … trusted you. I gave everything to you. Why, Jace? Why wasn’t it enough? Why did revenge on Chad mean more to you than I did?”
He gazed at her and said, “You were enough, Leigh. I was willing to forget the past just to have you. Until I discovered you were lying to me. That day you and Chad had that long talk, I was spying on you two, but I couldn’t hear what was being said. After you left Chad in the clearing, he raced after you, and the two of you halted near my hiding place. He swore his love and offered to do anything to prove himself to you. You agreed to consider his proposal. I heard you tell him to remember his promise to keep the truth from me, as you had. You said it had been difficult at times not to tell me everything and get the past cleared up, as you didn’t know how I would deal with such facts. You said: ‘We came here to study him, and we have. He doesn’t know anything, so we’re safe.’ Chad replied: ‘I’m relieved that you’ve kept what your grandfather did a secret. If he knew, Jace would kill us both.’ You told him I trusted you and desired you, that ‘Mr. Jace Elliott isn’t hard to fool.’ Those words were burned into my memory, Leigh. When we talked in Mombasa, and other times, you claimed you had no knowledge of why Chad came here, but your own words exposed you. Isn’t it time for the truth between us? Was William Webster involved in those charges against me? Is that what you’re hiding from me? You’re condemning me to a life of exile and dishonor to protect a dead man’s name and your inheritance?”
Leigh was astonished and dismayed to learn that Jace had heard those incriminating words, words used only to fool Chad. She had to make him understand and believe her. “If Grandfather and Chad were responsible for those crimes, I know nothing about it. We came here to enjoy a safari. At least I was led to believe so. But we did want to learn something from you. It’s the same reason Chad wants you killed. Obviously there was a deadly plot against both of us, and I was too naive and distracted to see it or to believe your charges. Now I understand why you changed and acted so oddly toward me. I’ll tell you the whole story. What I wanted to glean from you during the safari and our talk at the hotel was why Grandfather left half of his estate to Jace Elliott in case of my death. I wanted to know if you knew about such a strange codicil. Since my inheritance includes money and possessions taken from your family, I wanted to know if you would kill me to collect it.”
She paused before stressing, “You see, Fiona gets half and you get half, and Chad doesn’t inherit. At least, not until his mother dies. I didn’t exactly lie to you about that part. That’s why I was so shocked at Mr. Johnson’s party to discover the man I had been dallying with was the Jace Elliott in Grandfather’s will. That’s why I wondered if you had been trailing me in London for criminal reasons. After I got to know you, I trusted you. By then, I was afraid to tell you. Every time I was going to be honest, something happened to silence me. I’m sorry, Jace. It was so confusing. What do you mean to my grandfather? What debt does he owe you? What was your connection to him? Did you know about the will? Are you planning to collect your half before I’m proven alive?”
Jace jumped up and stalked the room, clearly shocked by all she’d revealed. “You’re serious?” he halted and asked. When she nodded, he declared, “This is crazy! What’s going on?”
“As of my death, which you’ve already cleverly arranged and pulled off, Jace Elliott owns one half of my worth: the estate, the companies, the money, everything. So, you see, I’m very valuable to you dead. You don’t even have to risk your life by going to England to claim your half. You can contact the law firm from Mombasa. Chad will be shocked to discover you’re alive and demanding payment of your share. That’s why he hired Jim Hanes to kill you.”
“You can’t let them get everything by allowing them to think you’re dead, too,” Leigh entreated. “Fiona goes through money faster than a bullet leaving a pistol. You must cable them you’re alive.”
Leigh had to settle another deception. She provoked the truth by hinting, “You have quite a decision to make. Do you truly get rid of me, claim half my wealth, and go after your true love? Or do you let me live and pay off my wager, then release me? Joanna Harris still haunts you, doesn’t she? If you can forgive her for yielding to Chad, you might be able to win her back and live happily ever after.”
Jace reacted by ceasing all movement and staring into her misty eyes. “Are you surprised I know about your lost love?” Leigh asked. “Louisa told me how Chad took Joanna Harris away from you. She said you bought this home for her, but she betrayed you and didn’t marry you. She became one of Chad’s conquests. He hates you for that trouble in South Africa, and you hate him for stealing your love. What a misguided and wicked pair you make. Louisa said you wanted to punish Chad for stealing Joanna by stealing me from him. Is it true?”
“When did Louisa tell you about Joanna?”
“That last day, during our little confrontation.” Leigh repeated their entire conversation.
Jace was furious. “That bitch! She told us part of your talk, but she left out plenty. Lordy, what you must have been thinking and feeling all these weeks. I’m sorry, Leigh. I should have told you everything long ago. Yes, I loved Joanna Harris; I still do.” Jace witnessed the anguish in Leigh’s eyes. He went to sit beside her and held her hands in his.
“Joanna Harris is my stepsister. My father married Catharine Harris when Joanna was six and I was fifteen. She was a little sister to me. While I was working here on the plantation, Joanna’s fiancé dropped her for another woman. She was crushed and humiliated. While she was in that vulnerable condition, the charming Chad seduced her. She moved in with him and became his mistress. She believed he loved her and was going to marry her. When I went to London to bring her here to recover, I found her living with that bastard. We fought, and I was jailed for almost beating him to death. He paid guards and prisoners to harass me every day and night. Joanna refused to see me. She disappeared right after Father’s death. I think she knows Chad was involved. He’s looked for her and I’ve looked for her. Catharine lives in Scotland now, but she doesn’t know Joanna’s whereabouts. I visited Catharine before I met you in London. If Joanna knows what Chad did, she’s in danger, and she could help exonerate me.”
“You think Chad wants to kill her to silence her?”
“Yes, but he can’t find her. I can’t either. The reason I was in London was to see Lord Salisbury. It’s due to him I haven’t been arrested. He’s stayed the law and has men from Scotland Yard searching for my stepsister and trying to prove me and Father innocent. I told you before, the two witnesses against us are dead. Chad isn’t one to leave loose ends. I know Joanna is still alive because she’s written to me a few times over the years. Somebody mails letters for her from different ports, so I can’t track her. She’s hiding something, Leigh, and she’s afraid. That night in the garden, I was waiting around to see Salisbury. He left town before I could reach him, and I had to sail the next morning to beat you here. That’s why I didn’t know about William’s sudden death or who you were.”
“What about Grandfather’s will, Jace? I don’t understand it.”
“Neither do I. He and Father were friends, but he didn’t know me. If he was involved in Father’s frame—and mine—that could explain why he felt guilty and made retribution before he died. If he wasn’t, and discovered Chad was, that would explain his curious decision, too. Since he’s dead, we’ll never know the truth. He could have left Fiona included because he didn’t know about her and Reid, or to keep them from getting suspicious and angry. We don’t have any evidence against Chad, except for what Johi overheard. It’s Lord Hamilton’s word against an alleged criminal’s and his best friend’s. I don’t even know if we can have Reid and Fiona investigated and arrested. Hopefully that cable will incriminate them. Maybe we can unmask Cynthia and Louisa. I hate for any of them to get away with this.” Jace looked at Leigh. He smiled. They had talked enough about such terrible matters. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look? Was your outfit supposed to appease my temper and distract me?”
Leigh laughed. “Abena gave me several sarongs. They’re comfortable and cool in this steamy climate … I’ve missed you, Jace.”
He pulled her into his arms. “And I’ve missed you, woman. After what you’ve been through, this isn’t the best time to complete my confession, but I love you.”
Leigh leaned away to look into his eyes. She smiled and refuted. “It’s the best time in the world, Jace, because I love you, too. What a complicated mess we’re in. How will we get out of it?”
“By getting married, if you’ll agree.”
Her pulse raced. “Marry you?”
“That is what I wanted to wager but realized it wasn’t the right time. You know why. I was a fool not to tell you that was my intention all along. I wanted time to win your love and trust. When I feared I didn’t have them and wouldn’t have a chance to get them, I had to act boldly and rashly. I know I don’t have the right to ask you to marry a criminal and exile yourself here with me, but I can’t help myself. As long as Chad thinks we’re dead, he can’t stop us. I wanted to clear my name before offering it to you, but that might be impossible. I love you, Leigh, and I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life without you. As soon as I prove myself to you, will you—”
Her fingers on his lips halted his remaining words. “You don’t have anything to prove, Jace. I believe you; I was only confused for a time. I don’t care about the past or those charges against you. I don’t care if having you costs me my entire inheritance. I love you, and I want to marry you. Name the date and place.”
Jace beamed with joy. “Abena told me the Protestant missionary will be in the village in a few days. Is that too soon?”
“Not soon enough. What shall we do until then?”
Jace smiled and nestled her into his arms. “It’s almost dawn. We’ve talked all night. You must be exhausted. What do you want to do?”
“I want you and need you, Jace.”
“You have me, love.”
“All of you, now. Do I need to explain my meaning?”
He chuckled. “No, Miss Webster, I hear you clearly, thank goodness. I love you and want you so much I might have broken my promise not to seduce you.”
“What about Abena?” she queried.
“I told her not to return to work until I sent for her. I knew we needed privacy to talk.”
“We’re finished talking for now, aren’t we?” she hinted.
Jace stood and pulled her toward him. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to his room. Beside his bed he lowered her bare feet to the floor. Dawn’s first glow lightened the cozy room, creating a romantic aura. Jace loosened the sarong and let it flow to her ankles. He unbuttoned his shirt and removed it. His boots and pants followed the khaki garment to their feet.
Their gazes locked and revealed their inner emotions. They were alone in a dreamy world, safe and together. No longer were they strangers. No barriers were separating them. Their hearts beat as one; their spirits soared in tune; their bodies yearned to join. Neither moved nor spoke for a time, merely savoring their closeness, this special moment in their lives.
Their hearts pounded with intense love, and their bodies burned with passion’s flames. It was strange how just gazing at each other and standing close could have such a powerful effect on them. They smiled. No modesty, reservations, or mistrust, were present.
Jace’s hands captured her face and he lowered his head to hers. The first kiss was leisurely and soft. The second was long and deep. The ensuing ones were swift, urgent, and greedy. His mouth brushed over her face, exploring the tawny surface with delight. His mouth drifted to her ear. “I love you and need you so much. I was afraid I’d never win you. That would have been torture, Leigh.”
His tenderness and desire aroused Leigh to a heady level. Her arms encircled his body and she leaned against him. “I love you, Jace. I was so anxious for you to come home so I could prove it. I wanted to teach you that our love is more important than revenge.” She cuddled closer, adoring the contact of his flesh pressed to hers. She loved his smell. She loved his touch. She loved him with all her being.
Jace’s mouth roamed her throat. He buried his nose in her fragrant hair. His fingers traced over her skin. She was the one woman to complete him. He had no doubts, no hesitation, no fears.
They sank to the bed to kiss and caress. Their bodies pleaded for an immediate union, but they wanted to linger a while at the entrance to paradise. They wanted to stimulate each other, to whet their appetites until they were so ravenous that they feasted wildly.
Jace’s touch was tantalizing, gentle and demanding. His naked body was splendid. Leigh longed to see, feel, touch, and taste every inch of it. His frame was hard and well-toned from physical labor. She felt her senses responding madly to him.
Jace’s mouth journeyed down her throat, leaving fiery and tingly kisses along its path. His lips climbed one mound and claimed its peak. Slowly he traveled to the next one to pleasure both of them. His hands trekked lower and lower, exploring and teasing until she thought she’d explode.
Leigh responded in like fashion by capturing every sensation and by roaming his blazing body. Her hands stroked and enticed; her mouth kissed and enchanted. She knew how much he wanted her, and that sent thrills through her. Her heart overflowed with an abundance of love. It made her bold and brave. She felt hot all over, and couldn’t wait to possess him. Leigh guided him over her.
Jace obeyed her mute request, as he was enduring blissful torment. Control was hard to maintain. His mouth returned to hers.
They breathed, thought, and loved as one. Their desires were so great and their emotions so intense that ecstasy claimed them quickly. Both shuddered and moaned, as they extracted every ounce of pleasure from this reunion. Rhythmically they fused over and over until contentment surrounded them. They snuggled and kissed as their bodies calmed. It had been the most wonderful experience they had shared, because love had been exposed, renewed, and strengthened.
Jace kissed her forehead and hugged her. “It feels so good to have you here with me,” he murmured. “I love this house, but this is the first time it’s seemed like a real home. We’ll make a fine life together, Leigh.”
She stroked his chest with her fingertips. “Yes, we will. I’m so glad I found you, Jace. We’re going to be happy together.”
Jace closed his eyes and sighed in rapture. He was relaxed, and drowsy, fulfilled in body and spirit. All else could wait.
Leigh felt the same. Happy and sated, she closed her eyes, remained in his arms, and fell asleep.
Leigh and Jace warmed some bread and prepared coffee. They sipped the aromatic liquid and ate bread smeared with jelly.
“Did you grow this coffee?” she asked. “It’s very good.”
“I’m afraid not, but you can enjoy our new crop by spring.”
“I love that word,” she murmured with a glowing smile.
“What word?” he asked.
“Our. I can hardly believe we’ll be married soon. I never dreamed I would find a man as wonderful, handsome, and virile as you. I’m very lucky, Mr. Elliott.”
Jace captured her hand in his. His gaze locked with hers. “I’m the lucky one, Leigh. I have you. If Louisa hadn’t pulled that waterfront stunt so we could meet before we discovered each other’s identities, this romance could have been hard and long in coming.”
Leigh nodded. “Bad as she was, she did one good thing; she got us together at the best time. When I had lunch with her and Cynthia in London, she made a toast: ‘May the best woman bring home the best prize.’ Well, I won the best trophy of the entire safari.”
“Do you have any objections to making this our home?” Jace inquired. “It is secluded, and it can be dangerous.”
“I love it, Jace. It’s so beautiful and comfortable. You’re a clever man. I’m impressed with your water system.”
He beamed with pride. “I saw it during my travels. It certainly does make life easier and nicer. So do you, woman.”
She nuzzled her cheek against his hand. “It’s both tranquil and exciting here, Jace. It already feels like home. I hate to leave it to …”
He knew she had halted to prevent spoiling their tender morning. “I know, love, but they have to be exposed and punished. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this morning and I have a clever plan.”
“Let the law do it for us, Jace. Don’t get into more trouble. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
Jace rose, walked behind her, and kissed the top of her head. “I promise, no violence on my part. I’ll let the authorities handle almost everything. But I will do whatever necessary to protect us.”
Leigh looked up at him and smiled in relief. “I understand and agree. What do we do until November?”
Jace bent over and kissed her lips before answering. As he was taking his chair again, he said, “It’ll take them three weeks to reach London. They should dock about July first. Fiona should reach home about the same time. If we sail as soon as we’re married, we’ll be five weeks behind them. With luck, Reid and Fiona will be together, proving our charges. I’ll let Lord Salisbury know we’re coming. We have to defeat them now, love.”
“We can’t go; you’ll be arrested. If it means endangering you, I don’t care about the money and firm, and I don’t care about punishing them. Until you’re cleared and safe, I can’t let you go to London.”
“Don’t be frightened, love. This mess must be straightened out. The only way to do that is go in for questioning. Even if I can’t exonerate my father or dispel all suspicions about me, I have to clear myself. I’m giving you a blackened name; I’d like to clean it up for both of us, and our children. You do want children, don’t you?”
“Yours, yes. But I don’t want you to take such a risk. What if our testimonies and evidence aren’t enough to clear you and convict them? It’s too great a gamble, Jace.”
He reasoned with a tender gaze and gentle voice, “I have to try. I need to get the past behind me. If I tell the truth, and they can’t prove I’m lying and don’t have any fake evidence I’m ignorant of, they’ll have to close the case and release me. What kind of future can we have with this black cloud hanging over us? We’d be exiled here permanently. We both have business interests in London. You have the firm and I have coffee to market. Too, Chad and Reid are still threats to us. Until they’re arrested and imprisoned, we’ll have to keep looking over our shoulders. We don’t want to live that way, love, and I doubt they’ll wait long to make sure we’re dead. Right now we have the advantage of surprise.”
“You’re right, Jace, but I’m frightened for you, for us.”
“Now that we have each other, everything will work out fine. There doesn’t seem any way to clear my father, so I might as well accept that fact. I have to think about us first. My father would understand.”
Leigh realized how much Jace Elliott had changed. She smiled.
“What is that sly grin for, woman?” Jace asked.
“I’m so happy, Jace. I know everything will work out for us.”
Jace put their dishes in the sink. “Would you like some fresh air and exercise?” he asked. “I need to check the fields. It’s been months since I was home. Would you like to see them?”
“Yes,” she replied in excitement.
“You’ll need to change clothes, put on boots, and get your topee. It’s hot beneath that sun. I don’t want you suffering heat stroke.”
Leigh hurried to don a shirt, long skirt, boots, and pith helmet. She joined Jace outside. The gate was unlocked and opened. She walked to him and teased, “No more prison, my tricky captor?”
Pulling her into his embrace, he replied, “Only these arms and my determination never to lose you.” He kissed her.
Holding hands, smiling, and chatting, they walked past the towering shed where the coffee beans were cured and bagged. The area around it was cleared. Jace explained how the cherries were spread out beneath the sun and turned several times a day for even drying. It required more time than the “wet process,” but sufficient water for that was unavailable. Afterward, the beans were graded, sorted, bagged, and stored until transported to Mombasa for shipment to England.
As they walked, Jace related all he knew about growing coffee, and Leigh listened with great interest. The bushes were tropical evergreens, and each flower contained two seeds, called cherries. Shrubs had to be planted at the right time, the beginning of the rainy season, and groomed frequently. They did not start producing until three to four years later. It required nine months between blooming of white flowers and maturing of the seeds. When reddish-purple, the fruit was gathered by hand, by his Kikuyu workers.
“Coffee from this protectorate is considered some of the best in the world. The man who owned this place before me only brought in one crop before giving up and selling to me. He didn’t like the seclusion or the time involved. His wife hated the heat and dangers.”
“I don’t,” Leigh said and squeezed his hand.
As they roamed through the fields that seemed to stretch for miles, Jace checked his bushes and spoke to workers. She met all of Jace’s employees, including Kambu, the overseer of his plantation. He told her about the loss of his last crop to disease. Occasionally they cooled themselves beneath thatched sheds where workers did the same. It was vital not to overheat the body in this sultry location.
They encountered Abena who had brought food and water to her husband, one of Jace’s workers. The woman exposed white teeth as she smiled at the loving couple. “You see, Bwana Jace good man.”
Leigh laughed at her implication. She glanced at Jace and said, “Yes, Abena, a very wonderful man, and I love him. Thank you for taking such good care of me. I was mixed up at times. I’m sorry.”
They chatted, then Jace told the African woman, “I’m marrying her as soon as the missionary arrives. Tell Ka’arta to send him to me.”
Upon return to the walled yard, Leigh and Jace sat in the swing. They savored their closeness and deep love while Abena prepared their evening meal. When it was done, the Kikuyu woman left for the night. Jace and Leigh ate, then washed the dishes.
“Where is Johi?” she inquired.
“He returned to the village. He goes on safari with me, then works around here when we’re home. Maybe when he hears we’re getting married, he’ll take the leap with Ka’arta.”
“That would be nice. I like Johi. Tell me something, my love; why were your office and bedroom doors locked?”
“Abena was afraid you’d get a weapon and try to escape, or go through my stuff. She’s very loyal and protective of me.”
“I know. I almost made an enemy of her by insulting you. I’m glad I was wrong, and you were, too. I’ll see you in a little while. I want to freshen up. It’s so hot.” Leigh went to take a bath.
Jace entered the room. “Mind if I join you this time? It’s a big tub, and you did invite me to share such a pleasure in the jungle. I don’t have to tell you how many times that offer has haunted me.”
Leigh laughed and moved inside. “Why not?”
Jace stripped and slid in behind her. His legs stretched out on either side of her body. Leigh leaned her head against his chest. His arms wrapped over hers. Her hair was pulled atop her head; its lengthy ends grazed and tickled his shoulder. They relaxed.
When she spoke, it was with jest words. “At least you don’t have to worry about your bathwater getting chilled here.”
Jace lifted a cloth and soap. He lathered it and washed her back, neck, and arms. His hand rounded her body and moved the soapy cloth over her breasts, teasing the rosy-brown tips.
Leigh leaned her head backward and Jace nibbled on her ear. She turned her face to him to kiss him. Jace moved the cloth over her stomach and between her thighs. Leigh shifted to allow his stimulating action. Soon she was mindless with desire for him.
She twisted in the tub and rested on her shins. She took the cloth from him and lathered it again. She covered his neck, chest, shoulders, and arms with suds. As she rinsed them off, her gaze met his.
Jace’s hands grasped her head and pulled her mouth to his. Leigh wiggled her legs on either side of him, between his hips and the tub. As they kissed urgently, she straddled him. With boldness and need, she positioned herself on his erect manhood.
Jace assisted her with eagerness. He was surprised and pleased. Her actions meant she felt totally at ease with him, that she was playful and sensual. It stimulated him to grasp that she was a sharer in lovemaking, not just a recipient of pleasure. She possessed daring and courage. She was the perfect mate to share his life and desires.
Imprisoned against the tub, Jace could do little to labor with her. His mouth worked at her breasts. His hands clasped her hips and he arched as best he could to be a part of the provocative movements.
It was a swift and passionate union. Leigh spread kisses over his face, then captured his mouth as the climactic journey ended. Breathing hard, Leigh rested her cheek on the top of Jace’s brown head, while his nestled against her chest.
Finally she straightened, and her glowing gaze met his merry one. They shared laughter and kissed. Leigh grabbed the cloth and finished her bath. As she was drying, Jace completed his.
When he stepped from the tub, Leigh took a large cloth and removed the water from his frame. As she did so, she eyed him and said, “You’re magnificent. Every time I look at you, I feel funny inside.”
“It’s called love, woman, and I feel it, too.”
The next morning, Leigh made the bed while Jace dressed. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “What do we do today, my love? We could work in the vegetable garden.”
Jace remained still, savoring the contact of their bodies. “I have trouble thinking when you’re near me, woman. Or else, all I think about is making love to you. When I visited the Far East in my sailing days, I saw men addicted to drugs. I have that same fierce and helpless craving for you, my sweet Opium.”
“Like you did in the tub, or in the middle of the night?”
Jace turned and embraced her. He chuckled. “Sorry about disturbing your sleep. When I stirred and felt you near me, I couldn’t help myself. As for the tub, Miss Webster, I was seduced.”
“Only because you provoked it, Mr. Elliott.”
“As soon as the missionary arrives, I can’t call you ‘Miss Webster’ anymore. You’ll be Mrs. Jace Elliott.”
“Laura Leigh Elliott,” she murmured. “That sounds nice.”
“It certainly does,” he concurred.
“What about a license? We can’t get married without it.”
“I got one in Mombasa. We’ll tell the preacher your parents are dead, so you’re signing permission for yourself, which is true. We won’t mention you have a legal guardian to consult.”
Leigh recalled what Jace had said about Chad’s power and control. “If Chad causes trouble, will the marriage be legal?” she fretted.
“We’ll tell the authorities we couldn’t get your guardian’s permission because he and I are enemies and because he wanted you for himself. We’ll explain the dangers you experienced. Of course it’ll be our word against his: a wanted man and a love-smitten girl against a well-respected and charming businessman. We’ll need to prove he was a threat to you or we’ll be in trouble.” Jace grinned. “On the other hand, I haven’t been charged, tried, or convicted yet; so you won’t be marrying a proven criminal. Besides, it’ll be too late for him to protest and change matters. We’ll have been married five weeks or more by the time we reach London. What lawman would part such a loving couple? And we do have a powerful ally in Lord Salisbury … See, here’s the license,” he said, pulling it from a drawer.
Leigh looked at the paper. It was dated in April, and was good for one year. “You got this before the safari.”
Jace sent her a broad grin. “I told you I was going to convince you to marry me. I wanted to be prepared when you said yes. I didn’t want to give you time to change your mind. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pull it off while Chad had control of you, but I figured I’d think of something clever.” They shared smiles and laughter.
As she watched him put the license in his desk, she teased, “And you did. You’re a wonderful sneak, Jace.” Then noticing some other items in the drawer, she asked, “Who is that?”
Jace lifted a handful of pictures. “My father and stepmother right after they married in ‘79. This is me and Joanna. She was a pretty little girl. And I was a handsome youth, don’t you think? I really do like that camera invention. I don’t know how it works, but I’m glad it does. I have yours from the safari, so we’ll have our first pictures of us together. Remember the one by the termite hill?”
“Yes, I do.” Leigh pulled two pictures from the stack. She studied the lovely woman in them. “Who is she? An old sweetheart?”
Jace glanced at the two she was holding. “That’s Joanna, a year or so back. She became quite a beautiful woman. She sent me those to prove she’s alive and well. If only I could locate—”
Abena summoned Jace to speak with a visitor. He told Leigh to stay hidden in his bedroom in case it was a hireling of Chad’s or Reid’s. Leigh paced the room until her love’s return.
“You won’t believe this, but that was a cable from one of the detectives I hired to locate Joanna. It’s like talking about her made her surface. You must be my good-luck charm. He found her.”
“That’s wonderful, Jace.” Leigh giggled as he lifted her, swung her around, and kissed her. The moment her feet touched the floor, she asked, “Where is she? What did she say? Does she know anything about those crimes? Will she come forward and help us?”
“Slow down, love. I’ll tell you everything. She’s Joanna Marlowe now, Frank Marlowe’s wife. They live on a ranch near Denver. As ordered, my man didn’t approach her or question her.”
“Is he certain it’s your stepsister? What if he’s mistaken?”
“He isn’t. He had an old picture of her. Besides, Joanna can’t be missed even in a crowd. She’s English, a few years older than you are, auburn hair, hazel eyes, about your height and size. She’s lived there with her husband since the winter of ‘94. The timing is perfect. She has a scar here,” Jace said, motioning to an area below Leigh’s left cheekbone. “Just like the woman in Denver. He traced her from place to place and name to name. It has to be Joanna. She got that scar from Chad’s ring when he backhanded her one day. That’s what started the fight when I nearly beat him to death with my bare hands. This is incredible, just what we need. Lordy, I’m glad she’s safe and sound. I can’t wait to see her.”
“How did she get to America?” Leigh inquired. “To Colorado? Who is the man she married?”
“I don’t know. I wish there were more details in the cable. He’s watching her and awaiting my next orders.”
“At last you know where to find her. I’m so glad, Jace. Will we sail to America first and get Joanna to betray Chad in London? Oh, my goodness! Aunt Jenna. I have to cable her before Chad tells her I’m dead. She’d be devastated by that news.”
“We’ll cable your aunt, Lord Salisbury, and Joanna when we reach Mombasa. It would take us months to get to Denver and more time to reach London. If Joanna is ready and willing to save me and help me, she’ll respond to a cable. If her distress is so bad that she can’t, I could never force her to testify. Do you understand, Leigh?”
She caressed his cheek. “Yes, my love, and you’re right.”
“We’ll take Reid’s message, the statements from those men who attacked you at the fort, and all we’ve put together. It’s a start. I don’t know if it’s enough, but it makes our trip worth the risk.”
“You have their statements?”
“I’m to pick them up on my return. I asked Jim Hanes to make out one about his dealings with Chad. If he decided to comply, Alfred should have it. That would make our case against Chad stronger. I was planning to send everything to Lord Salisbury and let him handle both matters until November. But now, I think it’s best if we go and give our testimonies. With that evidence, if anything goes badly for me, Salisbury can protect you from Chad and the others.”
“Don’t even think such horrible thoughts, Jace.”
“I must, love, because none of this evidence helpes the case against me. If Joanna doesn’t come forward …”
Jace pulled Leigh into his arms. He hugged her tightly and kissed her. Going to London was a big risk for both of them.
Laura Leigh Webster and Jace Edward Elliott were married by a Protestant missionary in a short and simple ceremony the following afternoon. The wedding took place in the yard, with many joyous workers in attendance. Johi, Ka’arta, Abena and her husband, and Kambu were present. Leigh wore a lace pale-blue dress, and tropical flowers in her tawny hair. Jace wore a suit, and looked the perfect gentleman. A party followed with foods and treats prepared by Abena and her daughter. The guests drank lavishly from fruit juice and wine.
Using the one bottle of champagne Jace owned, he toasted his bride with the unchilled liquid saying, “To the only woman I’ve ever loved or ever will love, my beautiful wife.”
Leigh did not give him her toast until they were alone. She said, “To the only man who has or can or will offer me wild perils and sweet passions. I love you with all my heart and soul, Jace Elliott.”
On June twenty-five, Jace checked his crop one last time and left Kambu in charge again. Bearers had been summoned to get them to Mombasa. Johi went along to guide the men home afterward. Farewells were said to Abena and the others, and they departed.
The group reached Mombasa on July sixth, four days after Chad and his companions docked in London.
On the seventh, Jace picked up the written testimony of Jim Hanes from Alfred Johnston, to whom Jace explained the events. He went to the Colonial Office and was given copies of the Arab abductors’ confessions. He placed those crucial papers with Reid’s cable to Fiona, then sent a telegram to Joanna Harris Marlowe, telling her of Chad’s threat to his and Leigh’s lives, and pleading for her help. He asked his stepsister to meet him in London at Lord Salisbury’s home. Then he cabled the prime minister.
Leigh sent word to her aunt near Dallas, also explaining matters and requesting secrecy until her problem was solved. She did not go into detail, but told Jenna she would write everything soon.
On July ninth, Leigh and Jace Elliott sailed from Mombasa, British East Africa, toward London. Leigh was prepared for “Mother’s Misery” which was due that day, but it never appeared …