She wandered around the room a little anxiously, her fingers twitching at her skirt, and finally settled at the window. Her thoughts turned to the girl, Mariah. Her daughter! The very thought made her laugh. China-blue eyes narrowed bitterly recalling, the events that had led to the girl’s birth. Long ago Lilith had buried her father and on her return to Montana, she had also buried all thoughts of the child’s existence. Now the ghosts of the past rose to annoy her. According to Susannah’s curt, businesslike letter, the girl had been kicked out of the house by John Randall, and Ma wanted Lilith to take the girl in. Susannah had slyly mentioned that she still owned the Bitterroot and unless Mariah remained ignorant of her real heritage, the ranch would not be left to Lil. She had closed the letter by telling her that Mariah was her daughter, hers alone and had been given the affection that could have been Lil’s. That part had brought a twisted smile to Lil’s face, for she had never wanted or needed her mother’s love or affection. Dear God, she thought, in sudden irritation, don’t let this girl be a carbon copy of Ma with all her airs!
Maddy knocked at the door and warned her mistress a wagon had been sighted. The years had treated Maddy gently, adding only a few more pounds to her round figure and lightly streaking the jet black hair with silver. She knew Lil was tense; she too was unhappy with this forced decision to have the girl stay. Who needed a reminder of that long-ago day…and a living reminder!
Lil took one last look at her reflection and it assured her that the tight-fitting, pink silk blouse and skirt showed the rounded curves to their best advantage. She was ready to handle the matter. The girl might be an irritation, but no doubt she could be handled and put in her place. With Jared and Maddy’s help, she’d have the brat so miserable in a week’s time, she’d be dying to return to St. Louis. After all, what could Ma say if the girl chose to leave of her own free will?
From the steps of the long gallery she’d added to the front of the house, Lil watched the wagon approach. She fixed a bright smile on her pouting mouth as the wagon rumbled to a halt in front of her. She had a quick view of Mariah before the girl turned and ventured a hesitant smile. Although her clothes were the latest style, they were dusty and worn from travel and the girl herself, with a sun-reddened complexion and puffed, tired eyes, was certainly no threat. As Jared waved at one of the hands and came around to help Mariah down, Lil could see that irritation had set his face into tight lines. Adding up the misery in Mariah’s face, it was clear they’d spent a lot of time fighting. Good, she thought, and her smile warmed a trifle.
It dismayed her, however, when Jared continued to hold Mariah in his arms instead of just helping her to the ground. As he came toward the steps, she caught sight of Mariah’s bare, bandaged foot peeking from beneath the edge of her skirt, and she smiled brilliantly as he paused before her with his light burden.
“Lil,” he introduced, “this is Mariah Randall. She’s in no shape for socializing though…Twisted her ankle a ways back. You two can get together later but right now she needs a hot bath and a long rest.”
Having just attained a measure of composure, Mariah felt herself blush at the peremptory way Jared dealt with her. She ignored the tight grip of his hands and turned to face the blonde beauty at her side. “I must apologize for my appearance, Lilith. I didn’t mean to turn up looking so rumpled and worn!”
Her every movement sure and confident, Lil gushed at Mariah, ignoring Jared’s surprised stare. “Why, child, I’m just happy you arrived safely! Of course, we don’t want to keep you out here in the heat. Jared, please carry Mariah into the first bedroom in the hall.” She turned her attention to Mariah again and added sweetly.
"I'll have Muddy draw a nice warm bath and then you can relax."
Jared's mouth twitched with caustic humor at Lil’s honeyed words. Poor Mariah didn’t really know what she wad in for. Lil led the way down the hall, then disappeared to call Maddy. As Jared placed Mariah on the bed, his face came close to hers and he planted a quick kiss on the tip of her sunburned nose.
“Be careful whom you trust, little girl,” he whispered, rising as Lil returned. “If you ladies don’t mind,” he said, stretching his arms high above his head to loosen his tight muscles, “I’ll get a little rest myself. Don’t keep her talking too long, Lil. She’s worn out from the trail.” He touched his hat politely, exchanging a meaningful look with Lil, and left the two women alone together.
Lil was anxious to see Jared and find out what had happened along the way but she paused to study the girl who had been a two-month-old infant the last time she saw her seventeen years ago. Damn it, she thought, how could the time have passed so quickly? It seemed like only yesterday she had gone into those ten agonizing hours of labor, and yet this was 1851 and the child she had produced sat here, full grown. Somewhere under the trail dust and sunburn, there was a lovely young woman; although after a critical appraisal, Lil considered her no competition. She was immediately jealous, though, of the girl’s youth. Suddenly, she realized she must have been staring rudely and until she devised a way to get rid of the little bitch, she’d decided she’d have to be warm and welcoming. “How is dear Ma?” Lil asked, disguising her real feelings with an assumed attitude of deep concern.
Mariah responded to Lil’s outward show of warmth by relaxing and smiling. “She’s fine but disturbed about my leaving home.”
“Of course she would be, child! Any mother would be.” Except me, she thought. “You poor thing…you look so awfully worn and…almost ill! I’ll have to leave and let you recover. Maddy will knock when your bath is drawn and you can ask her for anything you need. I hope you find the room comfortable, dear…It was mine when I was just about your age.” She smiled at Mariah’s expression of thanks and was about to close the door when she paused. “I just had a wonderful thought! When you’re through bathing, Maddy can bring you a light supper tray. That way you can go to sleep afterward.”
“That would be lovely, Lilith! I can’t tell you how much your kindness means. I don’t intend to remain such a burden to you. I hope we have more of a chance to talk tomorrow.” As the door closed, Mariah sank back on the coverlet, delighting in the heavenly feel of a down mattress beneath her tired, weary muscles. At least if she rested tonight, perhaps Lil would see her in a better light in the morning. Suddenly she remembered the cryptic warning Jared had whispered. What ever could he have meant? Lilith had been nothing but gracious and Mariah was forced to bury her misgivings that she wouldn’t be welcome.
Surveying the room, she wondered what Lil had been like as a child. There was a sterile, unused quality about the room. Its polished floor,and frilly curtains seemed to belong to the past and she felt a strange uneasiness settle over her as something vague and intangible tugged at the corners of her mind. I’m probably just tired and being silly, she thought, placing both feet on the floor and testing her sore ankle. Gingerly, she stood up, placing as little pressure on her left foot as possible and hobbled over to a full-length mirror that stood near the window. Standing before the mirror to judge the damage the wind and sun had done to her fair complexion, she gave only a cursory glance at the reflection of the tired face staring back at her, for again she felt that strange atmosphere…stirring, as though the room itself remembered and recognized her presence. What nonsense, she chided herself, I’ve never been here before! Yet a shiver ran up her spine and the feeling grew until she limped back to the bed and lay down, waiting for Lilith’s servant to knock.
Lil had left Mariah and had gone in search of Jared. Checking the study first, she found the liquor cabinet open and smiled as she headed for his room. She found him stretched out on the bed, his open shirt baring the wide expanse of golden, curly hair on his muscular chest. For a moment she leaned against the closed door, her eyes narrowed and heavy-lidded with building desire. It was always like this when he’d been away for more than a few days; she couldn’t wait to feel his arms tighten around her. “I’ve missed you, darling,” she purred in a low, sultry tone. �
��I didn’t think you’d be away so long.”
Jared reached for the glass of bourbon on the night-stand next to the bed and Lil admired the rippling muscles that moved beneath his tanned skin. “Well, did you make Mariah feel at home?” he inquired mockingly, his full mouth cynical beneath the bristling mustache. “What a superb actress you are, Lil! It never ceases to amaze me how many people you can take in, when you want to.”
She moved toward him, hips swaying seductively. She was always relaxed around Jared; he was the only one who recognized what she was and accepted her anyway. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she ran her fingers possessively over his chest. “Tell me, darling, were you attracted to her? Beneath all that grime, she’s passably pretty…or don’t you like virtuous innocents?”
Jared took his time answering, knowing his deliberation would annoy Lil. He recalled again the outrage on Mariah’s face when he’d pinned her against the wagon, and the memory brought a smile to his face. The thought of bedding her was infinitely intriguing, like unwrapping a Christmas present with a shiny bow, but he knew, as Lil did, that such a girl wasn’t for him.
He caught Lil’s wrists, pulling her body atop his own.
She wriggled against him, full breasts pushing against his chest and as her lips came down to meet his, he rolled over, crushing her beneath him. His lips bruised hers, forcing them apart as his tongue caressed the moist interior of her mouth. Then he pulled his head back, a cocky smile answering her question. “Does that tell you who I’m attracted to, baby? If it was innocence I desired, I wouldn’t be here with you; you were born knowing.”
Lil gazed up into his eyes, calculating the sincerity of his statement. The hard, mocking glints in his gray-blue eyes seemed to darken with desire as she moved suggestively beneath him. Again his mouth skillfully attacked hers and his hands squeezed her breasts as his passion mounted. Impatiently he tore at the buttons fastening the blouse and as the large, fleshy globes appeared, dropped his mouth to nibble at them. Almost immediately she was ready, excited by his rough impatience, and she whispered obscenities, as her hand crept down to massage him. Moments later, Jared mounted her and the exquisite pleasure of that first, driving plunge almost made her scream. Her legs wrapped around his waist, hips thrusting up to meet his. His lips met hers urgently as his fingers roamed across her breasts. Soon, her eyes had glazed over with a wanton sheen and her desperate, twisting movements brought them both to consummation.
Lil lay beside Jared, her body gleaming with sweat as she tried to recover her breath. She cuddled against him, watching his hand stroke absentmindedly over her rounded belly and breasts. Vanity prompted her to inquire, “Would that innocent bitch have satisfied you so well, my love?”
Jared’s mouth curled upward at the corners as he teased her. “If she’s related to you, she’s got possibilities.” He added in a speculative tone, “Who knows…with the right tutor…” His voice trailed off to laughter as she stiffened beside him and a small frown grew into a fullblown pout on her face. “Serves you right for asking such a fool question!” His expression suddenly grew serious. “Besides damning her virtue, what’s your impression of her?”
“She’s the prissy little brat I thought she’d be,” she said spitefully. “Ma tried to turn me out the same way but Pa wouldn’t hear of it. I resent her being here—it’s like seeing my mother all over again.” She turned her face up to his and spoke with a plaintive plea. “You’ve got to help me get rid of her, darling! If she sees how unwelcome she is, she’ll run back to Ma, even if it means marrying that boy.”
Jared considered her feelings, knowing there was a sly undercurrent of jealousy in the comments. “You can’t blame the girl, Lil. It was either come here or marry that society dandy. You wouldn’t want to be forced into something like that either. I’d leave her be…she might be gone sooner than you think, anyway.” Lil looked puzzled at the statement and Jared told her about Clay Hamilton’s attraction to Mariah. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she ended up married to him.”
The sullen expression left Lil’s face, replaced by dawning enthusiasm. Quickly absorbed in plans to throw Mariah at Clay and speed their possible marriage, she missed the disgruntled stare Jared threw at her. He could understand her resentment but such open hostility to a young girl who had never harmed her seemed a bit unreasonable. Whether he wanted to be involved or not, he found himself in an instinctively protective position and vowed to keep a watchful eye on the situation. Without being too obvious, he should be able to control Lil’s machinations.
Distantly he heard Lil explain that Mariah wouldn’t be joining them for supper. Her voice droned on annoyingly and he barely listened, experiencing a twinge of disappointment that Mariah wouldn’t be there. “Look, we’ll talk later. Right now, I want another drink and a long, hot bath.” He rubbed a hand across his chest, aware of the dust and sweat of two days’ travel. Playfully he swatted her bare thigh and rose to fetch his robe and a towel.
“You might run into Mariah…she planned to bathe before resting.” Lil’s grin was almost a leer. “I’d love to see the expression on her face if you walked in on her!” Lil’s eyes flashed with malicious amusement at the idea, and Jared frowned as he paused to pour himself another drink.
“I see I’ll have to work some of that bitchiness out of you later. I swear I never met such a spiteful cat!” Lil merely smiled at the thought of another encounter and watched as he tossed back the drink and sauntered from the room.
Jared headed down the hall, toward the small room set aside for bathing. Lil had imported a deep, enameled tub from St. Louis and the thought of soaking his aching muscles brought a smile to his face. He opened the door and was greeted by a cloud of lavender-scented steam. The air was misty and, as he closed the door, Mariah’s voice called out. He realized immediately that she thought Maddy had returned and his smile deepened appreciatively as a slim, well-turned ankle rose from the steamy water to perch on the edge of the tub. She was faced away from him, still completely unaware of his observation. The mass of long black curls was tied atop her head and several damp ringlets enhanced the graceful set of her neck. As he peered over her shoulder from several feet away, Jared could see the rounded breasts, tantalizingly submerged just below the soapy water. He realized she’d probably scream when she found him present, but there was no way for him to leave without calling attention to the fact that he’d been observing her. Sighing, he closed the distance between them and reached down to cover her mouth with his hand, stifling any shout until he could explain. Horrified green eyes stared up at him and he hastened to ease her fear. “Believe me, I didn’t know you were in here. I was planning on taking a bath myself. Promise you won’t scream if I let you go?”
Mariah nodded her head, still stunned by his audacity. As he released her she sank lower in the water, covering her breasts with the large sponge she held. Infuriated by the calm scrutiny and laughter in his eyes, she turned on him. “How dare you stand there gaping at me. If you made a mistake, which I doubt, you could have the decency to leave! I…I won’t be ogled at!” She had been transformed from the pale, worn waif she’d seemed at the end of their trip to a spitting, furious wildcat full of righteous indignation. Jared’s deep, uncontrollable laughter further infuriated her, for they were both well aware that there was nothing she could do, short of stepping from the tub and that would only add to his enjoyment of the situation.
Jared bowed deeply, his gaze traveling the length of her bare, rosy skin. “My apologies, Mariah. As I explained, I blundered in, in all innocence, completely unaware of your delightful presence. Though it’s an experience I’ll always cherish, I’ll take my leave of you now. Rest assured, your virtue is, once again, safe!” His expression left no doubt that he found her exposed charms enchanting and Mariah tilted her head away, refusing to meet the insolent stare. When the door had shut quietly after him, she turned and glared at the door. It was clear she would have to seek Lilith’s help or there would be many more such embarr
assing encounters with that…that scoundrel!
Chapter 9
Mariah quickly settled into the lifestyle at the ranch. Five weeks had passed since her arrival and the passage of time had only deepened her initial impression that Lil was glad she had come and accepted her presence with warmth and a measure of affection. The days seemed to fly past, each following the same lazy pattern. She would rise late in the morning after Lil’s custom and, following a leisurely breakfast, she would ride with Lil or would find some other pleasant way to pass the time. Luckily she seldom ran into Jared, except when he joined them for supper, and she hadn’t had to seek Lil’s assistance with him.
Maddy seemed distantly respectful, but Mariah sensed that the woman resented her presence and that only Lil’s discipline kept her from being rude. Two days ago, Clay Hamilton and his sister had come by for a visit. At the end of their call, Clay had invited them to a party in celebration of Belle’s sixteenth birthday. Over the past weeks, Belle had come by several times and a friendship was beginning to bud between her and Mariah. Belle had sat on the edge of the settee, hands anxiously clasped together while she waited to see if they would accept. Mariah had accepted immediately but Lilith had hesitated until Clay added, somewhat stiffly, “Bryant’s included, of course.”
It was as though the sun had broken through the clouds. Lil beamed at Clay and accepted for herself and Jared. In the brief time she’d spent at the ranch, Mariah had noticed subtle indications that led her to believe Jared was more than the foreman at the Bitterroot. Although there were no outward displays of affection between the two, Lil’s voice seemed to purr whenever she spoke Jared’s name and her eyes would linger possessively on him when she felt she was unobserved. In a moment of confidence, Lil had even admitted her need of him as a “woman alone and helpless” and had asked Mariah’s opinion of him. Politely curbing her antagonism, Mariah had commented that, although she found him rather overbearing, he seemed capable of running the ranch.
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