Honor followed Darcy to her suite, trying unsuccessfully to continue communicating with her mind. While Darcy removed her petticoats and rolled her hair into a tight bun, Honor contemplated the issue. Finally, she concluded that just as Darcy could only share her memories when Honor was daydreaming or asleep, Darcy could only hear Honor’s thoughts when she was likewise daydreaming or asleep.
When they returned to the lobby, Rory was there waiting. He watched her advance toward him. Her dress, now minus its petticoats, revealed a slim figure and hips that swayed back and forth in a smooth, even gait.
They walked to the make-shift golf instruction area, chatting about the new hotel and then about Rory’s life and his hopes and dreams for the future.
When Darcy got married, she had stopped dreaming about her own future; and began to fantasize about leading different lives. Listening to Rory, she now imagined what it would be like to be his love interest. Accidentally making her private thoughts known, she asked, “Where would we settle down when it was time to start a family?”
Rory was amused at her horrified expression and playfully countered, “Well, I guess we would have to consult your husband about that!”
“I meant you… where would you settle down,” she sputtered, blushing furiously.
Thankfully, at that moment, two gentlemen broke into their conversation, with questions for Rory about the unfinished golf course at the Belleview Hotel, the proper stance, and other golf minutia. Darcy was grateful for the interruption, which allowed her a few minutes in which to compose herself. By the time Rory turned his attention back to her, she resolved to pretend the awkward exchange never happened.
“So, one’s shoulders should be parallel to the target when standing over the ball?” she asked, mimicking one of the other golfer’s queries.
Rory followed her lead, resuming his role as her golf instructor. “Let me show you the proper golf swing before you attempt to strike a ball.”
He demonstrated the correct swing several times. “Note the way the club follows an imaginary arc, ending over my shoulder,” he coached as he swung.
Although his behavior was strictly professional, Darcy’s imagination refused to abate. She watched the muscles of his body flex and imagined how it would feel to be cradled in his strong arms.
“Now you give it a go.” Rory handed her the club and placed a ball on the ground.
Darcy wrapped her fingers around the handle, fascinated to be holding something that moments before, had been covered by his large, sturdy hands. She could still feel the warmth of his grip on the club as she awkwardly attempted to emulate the swing she had watched him perform so flawlessly.
After her swing, she was amazed to see the ball was still lying on the ground in front of her feet, exactly where Rory had put it. She looked up at him, puzzled.
“That happens when you don’t swing correctly,” he explained. “Let me show you.” He moved around behind her and placed his hands on top of hers. Then he moved the club in a smooth arc. “Don’t take your eyes off the ball.”
Honor watched as Darcy tried to focus on the lesson. With Rory so close to her, she could barely remember how to breathe. Darcy worried Rory could feel her quivering.
His breath was warm against her neck and goose bumps flowed down Darcy’s body in waves. Instinctively, her head rolled slightly to the side, exposing her neck more fully to him.
“Look at the ball,” he instructed, his voice catching as he quickly stepped away from her. “And try to swing the club.”
Darcy’s swing was clumsy, but she managed to make contact with the ball, rolling it forward several feet. She glanced up, surprised to find Rory already trotting after it.
Keeping his back to her, he picked up the ball and shifted his gaze to the sun. “Florida has truly wonderful weather. This winter sunshine should help the new Belleview golf course thrive.”
Darcy’s momentary confusion at Rory’s odd behavior gave way to understanding. He was trying to hide the fact that he too, had become aroused when they touched. To help ease the tension, she pretended nothing was awry. “Yes, outstanding weather… simply marvelous.”
Rory tossed the golf ball back to Darcy. “Place the ball at your feet and try again.”
By the time the next student arrived for a lesson, the unsettling interaction had dissolved into friendly banter and Darcy’s golf swing was improving.
“Shall we meet again tomorrow for another lesson?” Rory asked hopefully.
“That would be lovely,” Darcy agreed. She turned and walked back to the shade of the hotel porch, to enjoy a glass of sweet tea and sort out her emotions.
Honor felt voyeuristic and uncomfortable, unsure if Darcy remembered she was still sharing her thoughts. As if reading her mind, Darcy turned and spoke to her.
“Sitting here in the comfort of this rocking chair, watching married couples stroll through the gardens together, I try to imagine myself enjoying Reginald’s company in this manner. But I just can’t.” She bowed her head, watery eyes closed, lips pressed tight together.
When she finally lifted her chin, it was with unexpected resolve. “I must stop thinking like a child, wishing life could be more than it is. My husband is a good provider. I should be grateful to him, instead of behaving like a wanton woman as soon as he is out of sight.” Contrite, she vowed, “It’s time to put away these romantic notions of mine. Tomorrow, I will remember my place and make amends.” She sighed, “If only golf lessons weren’t so stimulating…”
Honor was engulfed in swirling clouds of fog. When it dissipated, she was lying next to a sleeping Darcy. After watching her toss and turn a few seconds, Honor closed her eyes. She was instantly transported into Darcy’s dream world. The images were fuzzy and cracked around the edges, reminding Honor of an old damsel-in-distress movie clip, but Darcy’s emotions were vivid. She was terrified.
Reginald was pulling her along behind him through a forest, tethered on a rope as if she were a pet. Deep in the gloomy woods, he stopped at a gnarly oak tree, whose branches dripped with gray Spanish moss. Ignoring her protests, Reginald tied Darcy to the tree and walked away, oblivious to the red, beady eyes of predators in the thicket.
As soon as he was gone, huge black birds with dangerously long beaks and sharp talons swooped in, taunting Darcy as she tried in vain to pull herself free from the tree. Wolves slunk out from the thicket and began to circle her, growling.
Just when Darcy was about to be devoured, Reginald reappeared. Oblivious to the danger, he untied Darcy and led her to another tree. No matter how hard she tried to explain what was happening to her in his absence, Reginald ignored her. He tied her to another tree and left, chanting, “There now. Be a good girl, Darcy. Don’t embarrass me.”
Honor wanted to help, but how? She concentrated on a single thought. “Wake up, Darcy!”
Darcy awoke with a start. Still agitated from her nightmare, she got out of bed, pulled a robe over her gown and walked out onto her balcony. The chilly night sky was clear, but the nearly full moon was too bright to see many stars. She studied the hotel grounds, admiring the pools of moonlight reflecting on crushed white shell garden paths. Then, in the shadows below her balcony, she thought she saw Rory sitting on a bench, watching her. Rattled, she retreated to her room, unclear where reality ended and imagination began. Regardless, her heart pounded at the possibility that Rory was nearby.
When Darcy fell back to sleep, she returned to her dream. Again, Reginald tied her to a tree, but when he left, Rory materialized and released her. Free from her bonds, Darcy grew wings and took flight.
For Honor, the entire night evaporated in mere minutes.
When she woke, Darcy finally acknowledged Honor. “I believe I associated my new found freedom with Mr. Collins, when in fact, his presence was only coincidental. I will correct our relationship today.”
At noon, Darcy dressed for her second golf lesson and left her room, firm in her resolve to set things back on a proper course with Rory. She sipped tea on the lobby porch, waiting for him. When at last she saw Rory approaching, Darcy intentionally averted her eyes, and concentrated on the antics of a bee, hovering on a nearby flowering bush.
When he cleared his throat to gain her attention, Darcy glanced up and spoke, using her most formal tone. “Ah, Mr. Collins, is it time for my golf lesson already? I seem to have lost track of the hour.”
Rory raised his eyebrows, surprised and disappointed their friendly relationship had taken a step backward, but he followed her lead. “I understand, Mrs. Loughman. Florida often seems to have that effect on visitors. Now… for today’s lesson, I thought we would try to play a few holes of golf along the river bank. With practice, I believe you could master the fundamentals of the sport before your husband returns.”
“You’re too kind.”
“Shall we get started, then?”
Darcy rose from her seat and fell into step beside him, ignoring her rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms.
Once they began playing, Darcy found it easier to keep up the pretense, focusing all of her attention on learning the skills of the game. She turned out to be a natural athlete, which both surprised and delighted Rory. For her part, Darcy was thrilled to find something at which she could excel. After each good shot, she turned to Rory to share her triumphs, enjoying his encouragement and genuine admiration.
More than once, Darcy overheard other golfers comment about her lucky shots, while making excuses for their own poor attempts. Each time, she noticed Rory biting his lip to keep from laughing. When one of the men interrupted to request a lesson, she was startled to realize how much time had slipped by.
“Mrs. Loughman, if you would like to keep practicing until after this gentleman’s lesson, we might play a bit more before the sun sets.”
“I would enjoy that very much,” she replied.