Chapter Forty-seven

 

 

…You’re out of your league, darlin’…

 

With the third week of October approaching, David prepared for his annual appointment with Cecilia Lawton. Shuffling through the Lawton Coffee account Rita had placed on his desk, he was torn between personally attending the negotiations himself or spending time with his brother and sending his cousin Richard in his place.

He rubbed his hand across his face as he mulled over the decision. Besides his brother, something else disturbed him—Cecilia. In light of the experience of his father and uncle and Fitzwilliam’s broken heart, he wondered if he was going to be the next Darcy to make a mistake about a woman. Something was wrong with their relationship, and he wanted to discover what it was. Her calls had abruptly stopped after weeks of hearing from her on a regular basis, leaving him puzzled as to why.

How had he allowed himself to become emotionally involved against his better judgment? He laughed ironically. He knew why he’d let down his guard. It was like the running of the deer in the heat of the hunt. The thrill of the chase had challenged his ego and stimulated his mind. But after weeks of calling him regularly, why had she stopped? Perhaps she had decided to marry that dreadful creep and had not chosen to tell him. Whatever her reason, it bothered him. He wondered if Cecilia was simply living up to her reputation, and he had become another one of her victims—another notch on her bedpost. He couldn’t be sure, but he intended to find out. He picked up the phone and made the call to his personal assistant to finalize his travel arrangements. He would leave tomorrow.

 

~*~

 

Arriving in Charleston late the previous afternoon, David had once again booked a suite at the Lawton Hotel. He had contemplated calling Cecilia for a dinner date, but then decided against it. Standing in front of the mirror while attempting to knot his tie for the third time, he scolded himself. …Damn it, Darcy! How on earth did you get yourself into this predicament? You’ve let a five-foot, seven-inch, violet-eyed blonde get under your skin. You used to love ‘em and leave ‘em, and now you’ve managed to fool around and fall in love. …That’s why you’re here. You had to see her even though she hasn’t returned any of your calls. …What’s your game, Cecilia? What do you want? It’s time to put an end to this game.

He shrugged his shoulders as he left for the short walk to the Lawton Executive Complex. It was a beautiful autumn afternoon—perfect for musing He sighed as he walked. Damn it, Lawton…What are you doing to me? If only I could be assured of your loyalty…your love…your trust…if only...

 

~*~

 

Cecilia dreaded the afternoon. She had thought long and hard about the Darcy coffee account. For the past three years, she had sold her premium coffee to Darcy Enterprises, giving them better terms than any of her other clients. She wondered why she had allowed David to secure such a deal when she never gave anyone an inch, let alone a mile, but then she realized she knew the answer to that. She liked him. In fact, she liked him a lot.

It wasn’t the same as it was with her other lovers. Darcy was different, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly why or how. She knew there was a danger that her resolve could slip, and that could cost her. But then Elizabeth had called, and once again her defensive walls had gone up. She was no fool. She knew what David was about. Had she not seen the same thing in her father? But still, the way he made her feel when they made love. She shuddered. No one had ever come so close to touching her heart as he had.

She sighed. What should she do about the Darcy account, and, in particular, one David Darcy? She drummed her fingers over the Darcy Enterprises account folder. Should she drop them as a customer, or make him pay the price everyone else paid? It was a difficult decision since he would be here within the hour.

Finally, Cecilia decided that she would let the Darcys keep the coffee account. He wants me…I know it. If I play it right, I can get anything I want out of him… and information is what I need! I want to know what type of man could hurt such a tender-hearted woman the way Fitzwilliam has hurt Elizabeth.

Her resolve set, she would use every weapon she possessed and play her Scarlett O’Hara card. After all, it had worked with Rhett, hadn’t it? And besides, David Darcy was an English version of Rhett Butler if she’d ever seen one. She chuckled softly. “I can turn David’s head with a smile. Men willingly believe what they wish.”

Dwelling on that thought, she quickly went to her computer and searched the Internet where she found a condensed family history, Fitzwilliam’s academic credentials, his achievements, all of the tabloid stories concerning his marriage to Elizabeth, and a brief description of his involvement in the struggle to maintain control of Pemberley, PLC. There was also something else—the discord that had existed between him and his father. The information she found indicated that Mr. Darcy and his son had been estranged at the time of his death, but more than the marriage had caused the rift between father and son. The article indicated that father and son had been opponents in a fierce battle of wills. Mr. Darcy had been distressed that his son had shown no desire or inclination to assume the responsibilities of the family corporation.

Cecilia thought that his relationship with his father seemed to be similar to her own, except for the fact that she and her father got along. If she were a betting woman, she’d be willing to wager that Mr. Darcy didn’t know his son—probably neither of them. The family was definitely not close.

Since she was not satisfied with the results of her search, she decided she would have her firm investigate both brothers. She could not let David know what she really thought of his family—she would play him. The concept bothered her, but not as much as what his brother had done to Elizabeth. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

“Ms. Lawton, Mr. Darcy of Darcy Enterprises is here for his 1:30 appointment.”

“Send him in, Ashley.” Cecilia took a deep breath and waited for him to enter. Her defenses were up and her mask firmly in place. She knew him well enough to know he’d ask about the phone calls. David was shrewd. She’d have to make it good, or he would see straight through her. She’d have be spontaneous, but she figured a few tears and a few tender moments would be all it would take until he swallowed her every word like sweet wine going down his throat.

David strolled through the door and paused, his gaze catching Cecilia’s and holding it. He was going to have an answer before the negotiations started.

“It’s good to see you, at last. Actually, it’s good to have any contact with you. Why have you been avoiding me, Lawton?”

She rose abruptly to greet him. “What are you talking about? I haven’t been avoiding you,” she said, confusion creasing her brow.

Stalking closer, he commanded, “Lawton, don’t give me that. You know damn well what I’m talking about. Why haven’t you returned any of my calls?” Throwing down his note binder, his gaze never faltered, his stare demanding an answer.

Taken aback, she stammered slightly. “David, I… I haven’t been avoiding you. I have been very busy. An old friend needed my help. Her husband abandoned her and her children. She’s like a sister to me, so I’m afraid I’ve spent all of my time looking after her and her babies. You know how I am when it comes to helpless women and children.”

David’s chest tightened, his eyes searching hers for the truth. He ached to draw her into his arms and hold her, but he managed to hold his feelings in check. “I left you four messages. You could have at least picked up the phone and talked to me for five minutes.”

Tears welled in Cecilia’s eyes as she shook her head. Closing the gap between them, she encircled her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. “David, I’m so sorry. Yes, I should have called, but I did send you an email. I know you got it because you responded. Please forgive me.”

Exasperated, but unable to resist, he gave in. “All right. We’ll talk about it later.” His arms slowly crept around her shoulders. He wanted to believe her, but for some reason he instinctively knew she was lying, and yet, he couldn’t help himself as he bent down to catch her lips. Kissing her, he could feel that something had changed. It was a subtle, almost imperceptible change, but there nonetheless. She was lying to him, and he knew it, but there was business to attend to. Later he would decide what, if anything, he would do about it.

Taking a seat across from her, they began their bargaining. After ninety minutes of renegotiating, they reached an agreement he felt he could accept. Due to bad weather conditions, it was a little more expensive than last year, but it was not unreasonable. David agreed to pay her price plus the usual percentage he’d paid in the past.

Their business concluded, Cecilia pushed her chair back and looked him straight in the eye. “David, there is one caveat. I need an escort to a formal function I’m hosting tonight. It’s a dinner for the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Daniel was to escort me, but I would really prefer for you to take me.”

Studying her for several seconds, he tried to assess her true motive. He knew he should turn her down, but in all honesty, he just couldn’t. He felt like challenging her on his suspicions, but instead he cautiously queried. “Cecilia, why do I have the impression that you want something other than the obvious?” He watched her carefully as she replied.

“Well, of course I do, David. You know how important the preservation of history is to me, especially the history of the Confederacy. Some of the most important people in the South will be here tonight. I need a date who understands how to move in society, and here you are. Besides, you’re much more handsome than Daniel. Help me on this one, and I will forever be in your gratitude.”

Knowing it wasn’t wise, he surrendered against his better judgment. “All right, Cecilia.”

“Good! I’ll pick you up at six. The dinner is at seven in the Blue Room of the Lawton Hotel. Still staying at the Planter’s Inn?”

Her smile was engaging, but her flinty gaze betrayed her. He studied her closely before he answered. “No, I booked a room at the Lawton. I’ll pick you up. If you are staying at your penthouse, I’ll collect you at six-thirty.”

“The suite it is, then.”

As David left the building, his mind began to wander. He knew she was lying to him. She didn’t ring him because she didn’t want to—he just didn’t know why. If this was a game, he was no longer interested.

Mulling over the implications of the evening and the fact that he had allowed her to so easily pull him in, he realized he was once again unable to resist. …What am I thinking? I can’t leave her alone. Damn it, Darcy! If you think about it, she scares the hell out of you! You—the President of Darcy Enterprises and heir to one of the most powerful dynasties in the world, have let a woman get to you…pandering to her every whim… even when you know she’s using you.

 

Cecilia smiled to herself as David left her office. She hated being deceptive, and the thought of it pricked her conscience, but she needed information. She had to keep a clear head. Cecilia knew it was a dangerous game she was playing as she thought about the Magnolia Festival and how he had made her feel. She also knew that with very little provocation, she could fall for him and fall hard. This man was not like the others. He was dangerous.

Picking up the phone, she called the headwaiter at the Lawton Hotel to finalize the arrangements for the evening. “Maddox, be sure to have our finest wine set aside for my personal table tonight... and a bottle of Crown Royal.”

“As you wish, Ms. Lawton.”

 

~*~

 

At the appointed time, Cecilia’s maid let David in and escorted him to the den where he took a seat and waited. When Cecilia entered the room, his chest tightened as he stared, mesmerized by the sight of her. From her slender shoulders left bare by the elegant, black silk strapless evening gown to the luscious length of smooth thigh playing hide-n-seek with the split in the white skirt, he was held spellbound. His eyes finally came to rest on the ample breasts he knew so intimately, fighting the restraint imposed by the gown. She was beautiful. He held no doubts that she was the most stunning woman he’d ever known.

Cecilia smiled and greeted her maid. “Thank you, Sandy. You may leave for the evening. I won’t need you tonight.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Sandy said as she quickly grabbed her coat and purse and exited the suite.

“Oh, I forgot. David, will you please help me with this choker?” Her eyes sparkled and danced as she handed him the necklace.

“No problem at all,” David replied, stepping closer to comply.

While fastening the necklace, his eyes slowly traced the delicate curve of her neck, following it down to the swell of her breasts. He swallowed hard. He could feel the heat beginning to rise as it crawled up the back of his neck. His lips begged to retrace the line his eyes had followed. The scent of her perfume, the heat of her body, her closeness, all caused his mind to falter. He quickly fastened the necklace and cleared his throat as he stepped away. Suddenly the room had become very hot.

“You look very nice tonight, David.”

Cecilia had that look he’d come to know so very well. This was going to be a very long evening. “So do you,” he murmured. He could tell by the glint in her eye that she was well aware of his condition, and that she was enjoying his torment.

She attended to a few more details, selecting music for later in the evening, arranging scented candles on the tables, and placing a floral arrangement on the coffee table. He laughed to himself. He knew exactly what she was doing. After she had completed her last-minute preparations, she was ready to go.

 

Amelia Wilkes, the current president of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, South Carolina Chapter, stood in the corner, whispering to her friends when Miss Lawton was announced. Amelia turned and looked up sharply, scrutiny burning in her steel gray eyes as they all detected the man by Cecilia’s side. A long animosity existed between the two women, going as far back as childhood. Many of the bluebloods considered Miss Lawton the most beautiful and wealthiest young heiress in Charleston, and because of Cecilia’s money and position in Charleston’s society, the standing matrons favored her over the other younger women within their circles. The thought of it incensed Amelia.

“Amy, who is that gentleman with Cecilia?” Cassandra Norwood asked. “I thought she was datin’ Cameron.”

“Cecilia faithful? Come now,” Amelia mocked.

Hyacinth Delafonte eyed the couple curiously while stepping a little closer to get a better view. “I’ve seen him with her before. Who is he?”

“I don’t know, but he sure is a hottie!” Lucinda Armachor giggled.

Cutting a sharp look to her friends before returning a steadying gaze to the dashing Englishman, Amelia offered, “It’s that Brit she’s been datin’—the one from the Magnolia Ball.”

“Yes, that’s where I saw him,” Hyacinth said. “They made quite a scene with Cameron. Now I remember.”

“Oh, I just love a man with a British accent,” Cassandra drawled with her deep Savannah inflections.

Amelia rolled her eyes.

“Well,” Cassandra raised a brow, “you have to admit he is good-lookin’ with those dark curls and deep brown eyes, not to mention that regal nose…hmm. He can pick this Georgia peach anytime.”

“I don’t understand it,” Lucinda asserted. “Cecilia attracts men like bees to a honey pot. She’s no prettier than we are. I wonder what he sees in her.”

“Oh, hush, Lucy,” Amelia whispered, her thoughts more pleasurably occupied as she slowly eyed the Englishman, taking in his every detail, from the sole of his black Italian wingtips to his dark tousled locks. Mmm…mmm. She breathed deeply. He was tall, dark and handsome—lean and trim, every woman’s dream. Except for the dark hair, he was just like Cameron, distinguished and handsome.

Amelia narrowed her eyes. It galled her that Cameron preferred Cecilia over her, but if she had something to say about it, she would thwart Cecilia’s plans yet.

Amelia closed her eyes and shook her head. “Yes,” she murmured, “I suppose he is good lookin’. I too wonder what he sees in Cecilia—that little whore. He couldn’t possibly care anything about her,” Amelia replied, contemplating her next move with a noticeable scowl on her pretty little face. Amelia desired anyone Cecilia was interested in. It was the nature of the beast that existed between them.

“I see you’re still jealous, Amy darlin’,” Hyacinth simpered with a devilish grin. “You shouldn’t be. You beat her in the last election for presidency of the UDC.” The women snickered and laughed knowingly.

“Yes, but she has something I want,” Amelia sneered in contempt.

“What’s that?” Cassandra asked.

“A man!” Amelia arched a brow as she turned to walk in the direction of Cecilia and her date. Even though Cecilia was Amelia’s archrival and greatest adversary, except for one time during their sophomore year in college where a certain boyfriend was involved, she had never been able to defeat Cecilia in anything. In fact, the only other thing she had ever beaten her in since then was the election for the presidency of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and there was speculation as to whether that had been an honest election.

As Amelia reached them, a wide grin spread across her features. Cecilia stepped to the left and then to the right, trying to avoid her. Amelia tossed her head and laughed as she moved directly in front of the couple, forcing Cecilia’s recognition.

“Cecilia, darlin’ aren’t you gonna introduce me?” Amelia curled her lips with glee.

Cecilia smiled, knowing the game only too well. “Forgive me for forgetting my manners,” she said, turning to David. “David, this is an old acquaintance of mine, Amelia Wilkes.” She wanted to say nemesis, but she held her tongue. “Amelia, darling, this is Mr. David Darcy of—”

“Pemberley in Derbyshire, England,” David completed with a slight bow, taking Amelia’s offered hand while studying her keenly.

Cecilia glanced between the two, fully aware of what was taking place.

“Such a lovely accent, Mr. Darcy. It is so very good to finally meet the mystery man who swept me away last April. Such a shame the dance did not last longer, don’t you agree?”

“Ah, yes, I remember it well.” David met her stare with a smile.

Shifting her eyes from David, Amelia returned her attention to Cecilia. “I see you wasted no time replacin’ Cameron as soon as his back is turned. What a pity his intended cannot be faithful.” Amelia glanced at David, flashing a smile meant to kill.

Cecilia had had enough. Her eyes narrowed. “Amelia Wilkes, I know exactly the game you play, and I’m not playing. So why don’t you eat shit and die! You’re out of your league, darlin’.”

Glancing from the two women to the gathering crowd, David quickly took control of the situation before another scene could occur. “If you would excuse us, Miss Wilkes, I believe they are about to begin. Cecilia, it’s time to go.” Putting his hand to the small of her back, he escorted Cecilia to the table marked for them.

Helping her to her seat, he said, “It seems I’m always having to rescue you.” As he took his own chair, he inquired, “Now, why don’t you tell me what that was all about? Who is she?”

Cecilia hotly retorted, “She’s an old shrew who just happens to be jealous of me and wants whatever she thinks I have, or I should say whomever she thinks I have, which at the moment, just happens to be you.” She raised an eyebrow. “So you had better watch your step unless you prefer her to me.”

“I thought as much.” …jealously between two women… “So what’s the story behind her, Cameron, and you? Are the two of you back together?”

Cecilia picked up the bottle of wine and poured a glass for herself and then one for David. “No, Cameron and I are not back together.” Her eyes flashed white-hot. “I don’t remember if I told you what happened between us, but let’s just say that a long time ago he did prefer her to me. She’s hated me since grade school, and the feeling’s mutual.” Cecilia cut her eyes away for a split second, still seething. “She takes every opportunity she can to goad me, and now I see she wants you like she did Cameron before you.” She smiled dryly. “That little remark was meant to embarrass me by attempting to make me look like some sort of faithless wench in your eyes. Surely I don’t have to teach you about women.”

“No, I’ve begun to learn quite a lot about women lately. Probably the most salient thing I’ve learnt is that they are not to be trusted.” Their eyes locked. “Now, I’d like to know about Cameron and why she made that remark, and more importantly, I want to know the truth about us—I want to know the real reason why you didn’t return my phone calls.” He lifted his glass and slowly sipped his wine.

“Okay, David.” She broke eye contact and released her breath. “We’ll start with Cameron. He was supposed to be escorting me tonight, but he was called away on a business emergency a few days ago. Daniel agreed to stand in for him, but then you showed up. And since I had much rather spend my time with you, I asked you instead.”

Taking a sip of wine, she continued. “David, you’re not that naïve,” she chided. “She’s jealous of me, and I might add, Cameron is jealous of you.”

“Me? Why?”

“Why do you think?” She slowly savored her wine. “It’s because of me—because I prefer you to him, and David…I’m glad he’s out of town.”

A rush of heat shot through David, not only because of her words, but also because of the soft sensual look in her luminous eyes, but he composed himself and attempted to appear casual. He raised his glass to his lips and took another long slow sip before pressing on. “That’s all very well and good, but you still haven’t answered my last question. Come on, Cecilia. Tell me the truth! Why did you not return my calls, and I don’t want to hear any story about a ‘poor friend’. I want the truth.” Putting his wine glass down, he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair and waited.

She toyed with a foil-wrapped candy in her fingers. “David, I have been very busy. That is the truth, and I am seriously involved with a friend who needs me very much. Remember when we talked right after you and your brother secured Pemberley?”

He nodded.

“We talked for hours about the Central American palm oil from Honduras that you were so eager to secure for Darcy Enterprises. Well, two days later I learned that I would be negotiating that very same contract. I’m a wholesale distributor, whereas you are both a wholesaler and a retailer. At times that makes us competitors, such as then. I thought it unwise to talk, especially since I had signed a clause forbidding me from collaborating with others bidding on the same contract. I mentioned that in the email I sent you in late July. Don’t you remember?”

David shifted in his chair. “Yes, I do recall that email, but I didn’t see it as a conflict of interest. Nor did I realize until much later that you were vying for exclusive rights to the entire crop. Anyway, I won that contract in early October, so why didn’t you ring me then?”

“Because of the friend I told you about.” She leaned forward as she inched her hand close to his. “I’ve spent all of my spare time and energy getting her situated, and I knew I would see you in a few weeks. David, I’m very sorry for the miscommunication. I thought you understood. By the way,” she smiled, raising her glass in a toast. “Congratulations on winning.”

Returning her smile, he shook his head. “Thank you. You aren’t upset that I beat you, are you?” He flashed a sexy smile. Relieved by her explanation and choosing to believe her, he felt his reservations had been allayed, especially since her eyes glimmered and radiated with sincerity.

“No, David,” she laughed, “I’m not. I contracted for the Belizean crop. It’s not premium, but it’s good just the same.”

Silence reigned for a moment while both unfolded their napkins and prepared to dine. Cutting her eyes across at David as she picked up her knife and fork and began to cut her meat, she casually said, “David, I want you to watch Amelia. She’s trying to worm her way into your life and into your bed.”

It was obvious to David that their little exchange had affected her. If she was jealous, there was no need to be. In an attempt to reassure her, he responded, “Don’t worry, Cecilia. I only have eyes for you,” he teased, but meant every word. He picked up his knife and fork. “I know nothing of your past squabbles, but I do know that it’s in very poor taste to behave in public as Miss Wilkes has done, particularly at the ball last April, so forget about it, and let’s enjoy the evening.” Giving Cecilia a quick glance, he added, “And you have nothing to worry about. Miss Wilkes doesn’t hold a candle to you no matter how well connected she may be.”

“Thank you, David. That is very kind of you.” Giving him a smile, they settled into their meal, forgetting all about Amelia.

The purpose of the dinner was to raise money for the restoration and upkeep of Southern battlefields and Confederate cemeteries. Soft music from the Old South played in the background while several speeches were given. David had always enjoyed Charleston cuisine, and tonight was no exception. While they ate, Cecilia made sure his wineglass was never empty, and when the meal was concluded, she made sure he had a glass of Crown Royal as well.

After the fundraiser came to an end, they socialized with some of Charleston’s finest families where Cecilia introduced him to those of her peer group. David rather liked the open, genteel manners of Charleston’s Southern society, and before the evening was over, he felt relaxed and at home. He even left a donation for the UDC.

When the event was finally over, he escorted Cecilia to the lobby, feeling rather tranquil. Walking to the lift, David momentarily looked toward the glass wall of the front entrance. A quiet rain had begun to fall and the low rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. A flash of sheet lightning lit up the darkened sky. Looking back at Cecilia, an ominous feeling swept over him.