by Jane Archer
"Could nothing be done?"
"No. They hung on, though, just like we have. I had the money then—during the war, but I built warehouses in Nassau. It seemed a good investment. We even own part of the Royal Victoria Hotel there, the grandest hotel in the Bahamas, and also the emptiest. We can't sell it now, can't even give it away. We even lost some of the warehouses in the hurricane that hit us in 1866, as if losing the war hadn't done enough destruction to the islands. So, my dear Alexandra, I own an unproductive plantation, a rundown mansion, empty warehouses, and part of a hotel that goes begging for customers."
"I'm truly sorry, Hayward," she said, feeling uncomfortable with his open confession. She could understand his being upset over his fate, but she couldn't sympathize with his failure to make more of his life.
"No, no," he said, waving his hand as if to push away her concern. "We are far from destitute. I have hopes that the Bahamas will become important in shipping once more, and when it does I'll be here—ready."
"But what will you do in the meantime?"
"Oh," he said casually, turning soft brown eyes on her, "what we've always done here in the Bahamas. Most of the schooners you'll see in the waters around here are wreckers."
"Wreckers?"
"Oh yes. I own several myself. The islands are hard to maneuver around and frequently ships crash. The wreckers salvage what they can and get paid handsomely for their service."
"Oh," Alexandra said, thinking that it sounded gruesome.
"Wrecking is the business of the Bahamas, and it can pay off handsomely. I usually handle the business end of it, but occasionally I go out on my schooners if it's an interesting, or especially profitable wreck."
Alexandra could hardly believe he was so casual about this horrible business. It was hardly an honorable occupation, but if it was all that kept them going, she should not condemn his actions, or attitude. Yet, she was repulsed by the idea.
"You don't think badly of me over this, do you, Alexandra?" he asked, as if reading her mind.
She shook her head and tried to smile warmly at him. "No. No, the people on the islands must live."
"That's right," he agreed quickly. "And someone must bring in the wreckage. Of course, the islanders are terribly upset that the authorities want to put up more lights."
"Lights?"
"Yes, of course, to mark the dangerous points for the ships."
"You mean they'd rather have the ships wreck than go on in safety?"
"That's it, I'm afraid." He paused, then, "I've told you all this for a reason, Alexandra."
She felt instinctive alarms go off all over her body but she didn't move, didn't speak.
"Alexandra, you can't have failed to notice my interest in you since the first moment we met."
She shook her head dumbly, not wanting to hear the rest of his words, yet she could not run away.
"You're so beautiful I can scarcely believe it, and so sweet, so kind."
"I, I-"
"No, let me continue. I've always dreamed of someone like you, never hoping she really existed, or that I could hope to meet her. Yet, you arrive suddenly, all alone and with no memory. Your past doesn't matter to me, Alexandra. Do you think, could you possibly want to live here in the Bahamas—permanently?"
"This is so quick, Hayward," she said, stumbling over her words. "I am very honored by your words, naturally, but it is so soon. I cannot say, I do not know—"
"That is enough, my dear. It is enough for now that you do not reject me and my island. It is enough that you will give us time to know each other. I feel," and here he touched his chest over his heart melodramatically, "that we belong together, Alexandra, you and me."
She could scarcely believe his words. Could he possibly mean what he said? What did he quite mean anyway? Was he thinking of marriage? Did he love her? So quickly?
"I'm not rushing you, Alexandra, but I feared you might leave me before we had time to know each other. I'd not normally have spoken so soon. You understand, don't you, darling?"
His hands slipped around Alexandra's waist, pulling her into his arms as his head bent, his lips seeking hers. Alexandra could not respond, but felt his mouth on hers, opening her lips so that he could drink her sweetness, and his hands, suddenly urgent, cupping her breasts before frantically trying to open her bodice. Then remembrances of other men, other places flashed vividly across her mind and she pushed Hayward from her, aware of his flushed, surprised face as she ran from him. He was a man, she thought, just like all the others, and she would not trust him.
Hayward hurried to follow her as she quickly covered the distance to the horses. "Alexandra, I'm so sorry," he cried. "Please don't be mad. It is just that you're so beautiful I can't help myself."
Once more, Alexandra felt her power shoot through her and she turned to face Hayward. "You rush me. I can't make any decisions, much less know my own mind until I can remember who I am, what I'm doing here." Realizing that she'd spoken too sharply by his crestfallen face, she softened her voice and touched his sleeve. "Let us get to know one another while I'm here, Hayward, then we can speak again."
He brightened instantly. "Thank you, Alexandra, thank you. I'll do anything to make you happy."
As he helped her into the saddle, Alexandra thought that this kind of man displeased her almost as much as Stan Lewis' cold calculation. She knew instinctively that she did not want a man she could control, or command, yet she did not want one who would hurt her.
They rode back toward the house as leisurely as before, only now Hayward hummed happily to himself, or pointed out points of interest, plants with unusual names, or any number of things to gain Alexandra's attention. She thought he acted like a young school boy trying to impress her, but still she liked Hayward for he was a pleasant companion and wanted to please her in any way he could.
The afternoon sun was fading as they arrived at the plantation. The first sight to meet their eyes was Caroline coming toward them.
"My dears, have you had a pleasant afternoon? When I awoke from my nap, Leona told me you two had gone riding. So you can ride, Alex?"
"Oh, yes. Yes, indeed. We had a lovely afternoon. The island is gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it."
Caroline shrugged. "If you like islands—"
Hayward laughed. "You can never be satisfied with anything, or anyone, Caroline," he said.
Her eyes narrowed a moment before she said,
"Oh, you're wrong there, Hayward, there's someone who could make me completely happy—if he would."
Alexandra immediately thought of Jake, and Leona's words—Caroline's man. So Caroline wanted Jake to marry her and take her away with him, away from this island life. But would he?
"I'm so glad you two are enjoying each other," Caroline said pointedly. "You know, Alex, there aren't that many girls on the island anymore who are appropriate for Hayward—he's quite particular, and of course, you're well bred for all that you can't remember."
"Now, Caroline—" Hayward began.
"Oh, Hayward, it's obvious you two belong together so there's no reason to hide it," Caroline said positively.
Alexandra blushed deeply, hardly knowing how to cope with Caroline's forwardness. She is pushing us together, Alexandra thought unhappily. But why?
"Caroline, you've embarrassed Alexandra. You must give her time to understand us and our ways. She's not used to your outspokenness."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Alex. It's just that I want everyone else to be as happy as Jake and I are," she said smugly.
Alexandra looked into her soft, glowing eyes quickly, feeling suddenly nauseous, then back at Hayward questioningly.
Hayward said, "Now, Caroline, you shouldn't be too quick to speak for Jake. He's—"
"Nonsense, he's here, isn't he? That proves what I've been telling you. He returned for me and that's why we should be so happy, shouldn't we, Alex?"
Alexandra swallowed, then said softly, "Yes, indeed, I'm very happy for you and Jake, Caroline."
"Thank you, Alex," Caroline said, her dark eyes burning hotly.
"Caroline, since you're dressed for dinner, shouldn't Alexandra change now?" Hayward asked, concern in his voice.
"Oh, of course, and you should hurry. People could be arriving any time now."
Alexandra was only too grateful to escape them. She went quickly into the house, telling herself that it didn't matter in the least that Jake had returned for Caroline.
Chapter 7
Alexandra floated down the magnificent staircase on a wave of soft silk, rustling petticoats, and sweet perfume, assured of her beauty. The gown Leona had made over for her was in a soft apricot color that accentuated her golden red hair perfectly. She had pulled her hair back into a simple knot at her neck, giving only a hint as to its true luxuriance. Alexandra had never felt more beautiful, or more feminine.
There was the soft murmur of voices wafting in on the sweet smelling breeze that floated in from the verandah. The verandah was softly lit by moonlight, and Alexandra could hear crickets, frogs, and the soft droning of insects in the distance. She paused at the entrance, and Hayward seemed to sense her presence. He looked up quickly, stopping his conversation with an elderly gentleman in mid-sentence.
His heart pounded loudly in his ears and he became aware of nothing save the dazzling beauty framed by soft moonlight in the doorway. Alexandra stood there casually as if she belonged, as if she would belong anywhere for everything must seem a backdrop for her radiating presence. Her pale white skin seemed almost glowing in the eerie light and her hair almost on fire, as if drawing color from her soft, clinging gown. He could think of nothing except burying his face in the soft warmness of her full, high breasts. He had never wanted anything as much as this woman standing so causally before him. He must have her—and soon.
Hayward's eyes never left her face as he covered the distance between them, feeling himself in a dream. Drawing her close to him so that he could smell her sweetness and feel the warmth of her body, he said softly, "You are exquisite Alexandra. More beautiful than anything I have ever beheld."
Alexandra scarcely heard what he said for when her eyes had become accustomed to the darkness, she had seen Jake and her heart had given a strange flutter which had instantly turned to cold pain when she realized that Caroline leaned over him, her voluptuous breasts almost falling out of her low-cut gown. Caroline was wantonly willing Jake to love her, Alexandra thought coldly, suddenly determined that she would never make such a display for a man. Of course, Jake was probably used to women throwing themselves at him and actually expected such action from them. Well, he would certainly never see her approach him like that. After all, she was a Northern woman and a Clarke as well. She would never grovel to any man—for any reason!
Jake felt her eyes on him. He wanted to smash in Hayward's face when he saw them standing so closely together. He gripped his glass, almost shattering it in the sudden fury that washed over him. The girl had been on his mind all day and thoughts of her soft, young body had plagued him more than his damaged ship. Hell, what was wrong with him? There'd never been a woman he couldn't love and leave, forgetting her completely, and this woman he had never even touched yet. Still, he could almost feel the soft, smooth texture of her skin; how her nipples would harden at the touch of his hands and mouth; how her lips would burn with a sweet hungry flame.
Caroline saw the direction of Jake's gaze. Containing her fury behind a cold smile, she mumbled something to him about playing the proper hostess, and walked over to the girl who was too lovely for her own good.
"Alex," she said with a tight smile, "you look lovely this evening. I see the gown suits you."
"Yes, thank you," Alexandra said quickly, determined not to let her true feelings about Caroline and Jake show.
"I'd like you to meet our other guests," Caroline said as she pulled Alexandra along with her, Hayward following.
"This is Doctor Elder. He's an old, dear friend of ours, and practically keeps the islands going single-handed," Caroline said with warmth in her voice.
"How do you do, my dear," the elderly gentleman said as he touched his lips quickly to Alexandra's hand.
"I'm glad to meet you, sir. You are a medical doctor?" Alexandra asked hesitantly, her heart beating faster. Could this man tell that she had not lost her memory?
"Oh, yes," Caroline answered for him, looking slyly at Alexandra. "He's the only doctor in the Bahamas and we all pay homage to him, don't we Doctor Elder?"
"My dear Caroline, you've never paid homage to anyone since I first brought you into this world," he said, chuckling.
"Well, we couldn't get along without him. Perhaps he can help you, Alex."
"No rush, my dear," the doctor said to Alexandra. "Caroline has explained about your loss of memory. There's nothing that can be done. Sometimes it returns, sometimes it doesn't. But I'll be happy to check you over some time so that we can be sure that's the only injury you suffered."
"Thank you," Alexandra mumbled and then in a stronger voice continued, "I'd be grateful for your service. I'll come to your office in a few days."
"When you feel up to it. I'm usually in Nassau, but if I'm not my office will know where I am."
"Thank you," Alexandra said again, noticing that Caroline looked somewhat disappointed. She could appear so sweet and helpful, and yet Alexandra felt sure that Caroline wanted to hurt, or expose her in some way.
"What's this about losing memories?" a voice boomed out behind Alexandra.
She whirled around, instantly recognizing that voice. Captain Sully was advancing on her, grinning at her expression of dismay. Alexandra's mind whirled in every direction, trying to find some means to escape, but she couldn't do that. She had decided to demand her trunks from this man and she would.
"Oh, Captain Sully, you haven't met Alex yet, have you?" Caroline asked pleasantly, but Alexandra caught the malicious glint in her eyes.
What was Caroline trying to do to her? And why? She seemed determined to learn the truth about Alexandra. First, the doctor, and now Captain Sully. Well, Alexandra would not let Caroline frighten her, or force her to reveal the truth.
"I'm very glad to meet you, captain. Are you another friend of Caroline's from the war? Hayward has told me how much you all enjoyed making port here."
Captain Sully's smile slowly faded as he realized that Alexandra was not going to be quite so easy to intimidate as he had thought. He wanted to give her away, tell them all that he knew of her, but he couldn't afford to have these people know that she'd gone over the side of his schooner and that he'd left her for dead.
What kind of games was she playing? First, she had insisted on hiring his schooner for a trip to New Orleans. She would give no name, but she seemed to have plenty of money. Now she was pretending that she had no memory, but he had seen the quick rush of recognition in her eyes when she had first seen him. He had decided from the beginning that she was probably a fancy whore who had been run out of New York City. Seeing her dressed now in the clinging soft gown comfirmed his suspicions. If the little bitch wanted her trunks back, and he knew a high-priced whore would need the tools of her trade. Well, he would let her have them, all right, but for a price. A sampling of the wares for free—that's what he'd charge.
Jake watched Alex carefully, wondering where she knew Sully from, for it was obvious that the captain—whom he'd known and disliked during the war—had met Alexandra before. If she had escaped from his schooner, then Jake knew why, and if he had already molested her, he'd kill the man.
"I do believe it's time for dinner," Caroline said, stopping Sully from answering. "Please follow me into the dining room."
The dining room was lovely in the soft candlelight, masking the encroaching decay of the house. There was a beautiful floral arrangement in the center of the table composed of gorgeous tropical flowers that Alexandra had never seen before. It could have been a perfect evening if she had not felt that she was losing control of her life. Hayward was li
ke a fawning puppy dog; Sully was a vile man who would go to any length to hurt her, she felt sure; Caroline was playing a malicious game of cat-and-mouse for a reason Alexandra could not fathom; and Jake—Jake was awakening in her emotions she did recognize, and could not deal with.
Hayward sat at one end of the long table, while Caroline held court at the other. She had placed Jake at her right and Captain Sully at her left, while Hayward had seated Alexandra at his right and Doctor Elder had sat down at his left. The space that separated the two groups at the same table seemed to be more than just a matter of feet for Caroline was determined to ignore everyone except the two men beside her.
As the dinner progressed, Hayward, Doctor Elder and Alexandra could hardly pretend not to notice the separate party at the other end of their table. For as the wine flowed freely, Caroline had imbibed more and more until now she was in her own curious state of euphoria. She leaned toward each man in turn, displaying her charms until her heavy breasts were almost falling out of her gown. It was as if she wanted to play one man against the other until they erupted in violence with passion for her and jealousy of each other. But this night, her ploy did not seem to be working and it was making her progressively more blatant about her desires. Alexandra had decided that at any moment she might get up, strip, and dance on the table. Caroline would surely gain their full attention that way.
"Caroline," Hayward said finally, "is a woman who needs constant reassurance of her desirability. During the war, she had no end of admirers, but since then—"
"I—" Alexandra began, trying to cover his embarrassment.
"No, I understand her. She needs a husband, a strong man—like Jake. She plans to marry him, but—"
"Of course, she'll marry him, Hayward," Alexandra said quickly. "You can see how fascinated he is with her."