Absently, she played with one of the tendrils curling by her ear. The fancy hairstyle done up for this meeting was not her at all. Instead, she had always liked to wear her hair down like she did while working at the tavern.
“Mr. Jamison?” she said loudly, which pulled his attention away from her mother and back to her where it belonged. “How does my father expect me to go traipsing through unknown territory? I don’t know the first thing about the jungles of Brazil. All I’ve heard is how uncivilized the place is.”
Mr. Jamison shifted in his chair. “Not to worry. Your father hired an escort.”
“An escort?”
“Mr. Felix Knightly will be taking you. He is very familiar with the jungles, and your father has already paid him.”
Katrina turned to her mother. Lines of worry crinkled her forty-year-old forehead as dread filled her amber eyes. Her expression was etched with panic. Lucy looked exactly as Katrina felt. “What should I do, Mother?”
The corners of Lucy’s mouth lifted into a helpless smile as another cough escaped her throat. “As much as I fear for your safety in the jungles, I truly believe this is something you must do.” She patted Katrina’s hand. “You deserve this, and don’t let anybody say different. We’ve been paupers for too long, and it’s high time Henry Landon paid for his abandonment.”
Katrina moved her gaze to the expensive gray Persian rug her new shoes touched. Stretching her legs just enough to show the points of her shoes from under the dress, she marveled at how perfect they looked on her…as if she’d been born to wear such finery. Never in her wildest dreams had she expected to dress with such refinement. Although the experience was foreign, she could get accustomed to feeling like a lady. Of course, it might take longer to act like one. She didn’t have the same advantage her mother had many years ago when Lucy was the personal maid to a wealthy widow. But it didn’t matter if Katrina hadn’t had that experience. She’d gone to the upper streets in Boston to watch the wealthy come to town many times, so she knew how they acted and conducted themselves.
She traced her finger along the black lace sewn through the green fabric of her skirt and imagined dancing in grand ballrooms. Men would write her name on their dance cards, while other maidens glared with jealousy. A tiny smile tugged on her lips. If only her friends in Boston could see her now! But could she do what was required in her father’s will?
Her thoughts waffled. She’d survived this long without luxuries, which meant she could live without them. However, her mother could not. She glanced at her devoted parent who continued to cough into her handkerchief, and the decision was made. The sooner Katrina obtained the money, the quicker her mother would have the medicine she needed.
The treacherous task ahead made Katrina pause once more, but Mr. Jamison did mention a guide. Perhaps the trek wouldn’t be so hard. After all, there had to be villages along the way and a nice road to travel since her father’s rubber tree plantation was buried somewhere in the thick jungle. She wasn’t even afraid of getting dirty since she’d been living in filth all her life.
Her attention shifted back to her father’s solicitor. “Very well, then. When can my mother and I leave?” Beside her, a whoosh of air escaped her mother’s throat accompanied by a harder cough.
The older gentleman shook his head. “Oh, you’re mistaken, Miss Landon. It was specifically instructed that only you will be going.”
She gasped, and her heartbeat tripped. “That’s improper, even for a pauper such as I.”
Lucy leaned forward. “Mr. Jamison, I will not allow my daughter to travel with the guide without another woman present. It’s scandalous. I insist on going with her.” Once again, because of her raised voice, deep coughs wheezed through her chest.
He shrugged. “I’m sorry Lucy, but those are Henry Landon’s rules.” He paused for a brief moment. “If it makes you feel any better, Mr. Knightly is an acquaintance of Henry’s and a true gentleman.”
Katrina’s cheeks grew warm with unease. “Mr. Jamison, I don’t even know Mr. Knightly, and I’d feel extremely uncomfortable if—”
He held up a hand. “No need to fear, Miss Landon.” He pushed away from his desk and walked to the door and opened it. “Mr. Knightly? Would you come in now?”
He’s here? When had he arrived? Then again, Mr. Jamison would have been expecting him, she was certain.
Katrina clasped her hands tightly against her stomach and watched the door, waiting for her guide. When a rugged looking man with a large frame entered, her breath caught and moisture gathered in her palms. The man, whom she’d expected to be twice her age, was nothing like she’d conjured in her mind. This man was much younger and looked to be in his late twenties. His expensively tailored clothes stretched across his muscular body from his bulging arms to harden thighs.
When she tore her gaze from his build and focused on his face, her mouth turned dry. He was absolutely the most handsome man she’d ever beheld. Azure eyes and raven hair were complemented by his tanned skin. His square, shaven chin was lifted high with authority to emphasize his proper upbringing.
The man’s gaze met hers and held. The pleasantness she’d first detected when he sauntered into the room vanished. When his mouth tightened into a frown, her heart dropped. For some reason, he wasn’t impressed with what he saw—just like the first man who had left this room earlier. Mr. Knightly must also know of her lowly circumstances. From his dark expression, she realized this journey was not going to be enjoyable.
“Mr. Knightly,” Mr. Jamison introduced, “this is Henry Landon’s daughter from his first marriage, Miss Katrina Landon.”
Using all her strength, she lifted up from the chair and stood on wobbly legs. Stretching forth a shaky hand, she smiled politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Knightly.”
The handsome man ignored her hand, and his angry expression didn’t waver. “Miss Landon, before we go any further, I need to make one thing clear.” He folded his arms over his broad chest. “I will not cater to the pampered comforts you’re accustomed to. We’re taking a journey through the Amazon jungles, so prepare yourself for hard labor.”
Although his rough voice made her shudder, she wanted to laugh in his face. He’d be surprised to learn that working hard had been her life. She was not accustomed to any type of pampering and decided to rectify that point right now. But just as she opened her mouth to enlighten him, mischievousness took root. She may look like a lady on outward appearance, but she’d let her true streak of stubbornness unearth itself in due time.
Chapter Two
Felix Knightly heatedly glared at the stunning female. She didn’t look anything like what he’d been told. Mr. Landon had hinted that his daughter had been down on her luck, but she appeared completely opposite now. The dress both she and her mother were wearing looked to be the latest fashions from Paris. This was certainly no woman who’d been down on her luck. And if it was, he didn’t want to see what she looked like when good fortune smiled on her.
He knew women like Miss Landon who had wealthy fathers and had been taught to flaunt their money. He hadn’t met a rich woman yet who was sweet and kind with a giving heart. No, wealthy women were ugly in his eyes no matter what their outward appearances looked like. Miss Landon was no different. Eventually, she would show her true self.
He’d been paid a great amount of money to play nanny to a rich’s man brat, and although he had gladly accepted the payment, he wouldn’t abide her spoiled antics. They were going to get dirty, the heat would suffocate them, swarms of mosquitoes and poisonous ants would try to eat them alive…and those things would be the enjoyable part of the journey.
He wasn’t looking forward to the days ahead when she discovered their time in the jungle would be no trip to the dressmaker or a tea party.
As he studied the heiress, her smug, green gaze challenged him. She lifted her chin, letting him know of her stubbornness. She’d be a handful, but he was up to the test. The longer their gazes held, her body
relaxed, and the darker her eyes became.
She folded her arms across her bosom. “I’ll certainly try to keep up with you, Mr. Knightly, but you’ll have to remember I’m a lady, and I have delicate sensibilities.”
He arched an eyebrow. “I shall keep that in mind, Miss Landon.”
As she stepped forward, her hands slid down the sides of her dress and drew his attention to her graceful curves. Her flowery scent purposely teased his senses. He’d always liked the fragrance of roses. It reminded him of his grandmother’s flower gardens back home in England.
“Let me know what I need for this journey,” her voice purred, “and I’ll be ready first thing in the morning.”
“I shall get you a list, but let me warn you, I intend to leave by sunrise. I’m aware young ladies like you aren’t used to rising early, but—”
“Mr. Knightly,” she interrupted. “I said I would be there.” Her grin widened, showing him her perfectly straight teeth. Even though he wouldn’t admit it aloud, she did have a nice smile.
He nodded. “Fine.”
“Mr. Knightly? I have one question.” She stepped closer, and he realized she was slightly taller than most women he knew, but he still towered over her.
She continued, “How many of your men are planning on traveling with us?”
“It will take a good strong crew of ten to make it through the jungle.”
Her smile softened and her eyes darkened to jade. He could read this woman well. She wanted something and intended to use feminine charms to get it.
“Will you allow my mother to accompany us? She is very upset with the idea of her daughter being the only woman in a group of men.”
He wanted to laugh in her face. She was good, he’d give her that, but he was also immune to fancy women who thought all they had to do was bat their eyes, pout, and he would give them their way. Many women had tried—and failed.
It was hard to believe her mother wanted to accompany them. Although the older lady was still a strikingly handsome woman, it was obvious by her frail body and pale skin that she was very ill. There was no way this woman would last one day in the jungle. It was bad enough he had to play nanny to her daughter, but he refused to take a sick woman along.
He stroked his freshly shaven chin and ran his gaze over Miss Landon. Those wide innocent eyes pleaded earnestly, and by the way she clasped her hands against her small waist until her knuckles turned white, he could tell she desperately waited for his answer. He decided to play with her a little before refusing her request.
He sighed heavily. “Well, the payment I received was only for one person.”
“I’ll pay you more,” she quickly countered.
The older woman sitting in a chair gasped followed by a cough. This confirmed his belief that she was indeed ill.
He shrugged. “My supplies are for you and my men. On such short notice, I don’t know where I’d find those to accommodate another. There’s the issue of food—”
“I’ll share what I have.” A sly smile touched her heart-shaped mouth. “We are both very light eaters. We’ll make do.”
He raked his fingers through his hair and shook his head. “I don’t know, Miss Landon. Your mother looks unwell. I highly doubt she will have the strength.”
Miss Landon stepped forward and reached her hand out to touch him, but only brushed her fingers along the front of his shirt. “I shall assist her. Besides, you won’t even notice her presence. She’ll be as quiet as a mouse.”
At that moment, the older woman coughed. Quiet? Unlikely. The corner of his mouth lifted. “Have you ever heard a mouse scurry across a floor or inside a wall, Miss Landon? Mice aren’t exactly quiet.”
Her tempting mouth tightened and her hands balled into fists. Through her calm expression, she gave him a razor sharp smile. “Then please, Mr. Knightly, tell me what you want me to do. It’s not proper for a young woman to be alone with a man.”
“You’ll not be alone. My men will protect you from me, if that is your concern.”
The smile disappeared and her nostrils flared. Felix bit his cheek to hold back from laughing.
She huffed and propped her hands on her slim waist. “Mr. Knightly? Do you or do you not intend on taking my mother?”
He grinned. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“Won’t.”
Suddenly the gentleness vanished from her delicate features and a deep growl escaped her throat. Her nails turned into claws as they flew through the air toward his face, but he quickly grasped her hands, stopping them from slicing his skin. Her bosom rose and fell quickly; the material of her dress grazed the back of his hands. Her warm breath fanned his face and it smelled like a spearmint leaf.
“Curse you, Mr. Knightly.” Her angry eyes watered. “If you had no intentions of allowing her to go along, then you should not have led me to believe—”
“Miss Landon,” he hissed. “Would you calm yourself and listen to me?”
“I’m appalled at you, Mr. Knightly,” she continued, ignoring his demand as her eyes flashed with fervor. “I’m a lady, and I shall not have my reputation ruined. I’m quite certain my father wouldn’t appreciate it, either.”
The mother sprang from her chair and tried to peel her daughter away. He held the young woman tight as he met her piercing glare.
“Miss Landon, would you cease your prattling for two minutes and listen to me? There is one rule you must learn before tomorrow.” His gaze swept over her face, across her tinted cheeks, down her perky nose to those full lips. He then shifted his attention back to her dark green eyes. “You will not disobey my orders. You’ll follow me like an obedient dog and do everything I say. I know the trail very well, and I know what to expect. Your spoiled behavior is dangerous to take with you, so I suggest you leave it home with your mother.”
Her raspberry tongue darted out and swept across her lips, and her throat jumped in a hard swallow. Tears gathered in her eyes, but he could see her stubbornness kept them from falling.
“Promise me you’ll follow my rules, Miss Landon.”
Her body trembled. After a few moments of silence, she nodded stiffly.
“Say it,” he demanded.
Startled, she jumped. Her expression hardened. “Yes, Mr. Knightly. I’ll follow your rules. I will not disobey.”
Smiling, he released her hands. She fell back against her mother whose protective arms wrapped around her shoulders. The old woman threw him a gaze as sharp as a dagger, even though her coughs had taken more color away from her face, if that were possible.
Although the young woman had relented this time, he knew their journey would be filled with pitfalls along the way. Nothing he couldn’t handle, though.
He nodded to the two women. “I’ll admit you are correct, Miss Landon. An unmarried woman should not travel without another woman present. I will have one of my men bring his wife along since she is very familiar with the jungle.”
Relief crossed Miss Landon’s face, but thankfully, she didn’t say a word.
He continued, “I shall meet you at the docks first thing in the morning. I sincerely hope you will be ready.” He glanced over her fitted gown, enjoying the way it hugged her slender figure, before turning and marching toward the door.
“But Mr. Knightly?” Mrs. Landon’s voice squeaked. “What will I do here while my daughter is gone? I don’t have the funds to pay for a room at the inn while I wait for your return.”
The daughter gave Felix a pouty look and he wanted to growl in frustration. “I will pay for it.”
The older woman gave him a nod. “I thank you, Sir.”
Quickly, before the two women realized they needed something else, he hurried out of the office. Once outside, he breathed in the clean, crisp air. Not very often did he allow a woman to make him upset, but then again, he hadn’t run across one so uppity since he left England ten years ago. This trek would certainly take years off his life.
Felix gru
mbled and mounted his horse. He didn’t have the patience for someone so spoiled. Men followed commands better than a woman, and he didn’t want to argue with her the entire time. Her father paid him well, but this wasn’t about money. Adventure was what he sought, and he thrived on danger.
As he rode toward his home on the edge of town, he continued to question his decision to take Miss Landon through the jungle. It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it—he just didn’t want to. He didn’t want to hear her whine every step of the way. He wasn’t that desperate for money that he had to endure a woman like her.
Thankfully, though, money wasn’t an issue. He already owned a few homes—this place and a small house in England he’d been contemplating selling. He loved to travel, so living in nice houses was not necessary. Instead, he’d accepted this journey into the jungle because it was what he loved to do.
After stopping, he tied his horse to a fencepost near the makeshift barn and headed toward the front door of the house. From up the street, a boy called his name. Felix waited until the lad stopped in front of him.
Breathless, the boy handed him a paper. “Sir, this letter just came for you.”
“Thank you.” Felix flipped him a coin. The boy grinned and ran off.
Felix entered his home and shut the door. When he opened the letter, his grandmother’s name at the bottom of the missive grabbed his immediate attention. He hadn’t talked to her since he left London ten years ago right after he’d been disinherited by his father. Anxious, he skimmed the message. The news slammed into him like a runaway carriage. Shaking his head, he read it again.
Dearest Felix,
Your father died of pneumonia last week. Because your older brother died of a gunshot wound a year ago, you are now the Earl of Blackwood. Please return home and resume your responsibilities. If you fail to do so, or to contact us, you will be declared dead and the title will be given to your cousin, Stanley, who is, as you know, a spendthrift. The title is rightfully yours, and I wish you to weigh this decision carefully.
Marie Higgins Page 2