“We received Katherine’s card,” Emily said without looking up. “However, Amanda draws so many requests, it’s impossible to accept them all.”
“Mother expected as much. That’s why she decided a personal invitation was in order. Amy’s anxious to meet Amanda since she was too young to attend the ball. This would give them a chance to become acquainted. Don’t you agree, Mrs. Bruester?”
With Amanda dutifully responding to the many engagements since her coming-out ball, Emily had deliberately kept tonight open for a quiet evening and could think of no excuse to deny his request. “Why of course,” she said, smiling weakly. “We’re delighted Amanda will be received into your home.”
Amanda sipped her tea, wondering if Reagan was up to more folly. Inwardly, she welcomed a reprieve from Derrick, her increasingly attentive guest. Of late, he had pressed her for more than polite companionship, which Emily seemed too willing to allow.
“Please thank Madam Burnsfield for her invitation,” Amanda said. “I look forward to meeting your entire family.”
“I’ve interrupted long enough,” Reagan said, nodding toward Emily before standing to take Gabriella’s hand. “It’s been a pleasure, madam. Can I call upon you to further our friendship?”
“Harrumph! If it weren’t for my niece, I’m sure you wouldn’t grace my parlor. But for Amanda’s sake, I say come anytime.” Gabriella inspected Reagan from head to heels, noting the powerful frame beneath finely cut clothes. “And tell Thomas he’s been neglecting his benefactors if he’s allowed his son to grow into a man and not keep me informed! I expect an invitation within a fortnight so I can meet the rest of your family.”
“I’ll relay the message,” Reagan assured before extending his hand to Amanda. “Until this evening?”
When he touched her fingers, the memory of sturdy arms guiding her across the dance floor replayed itself in unbidden pleasure. The path of her imagination was less than ladylike as she wondered what it would be like to be kissed by him. Suffused with warmth only he seemed to cause, Amanda withdrew her hand.
Gabriella noted the exchange and promptly decided Reagan possessed even more determination than his father had as a young man. For the first time in many years, Gabriella felt pity for her sister-in-law, for it seemed Emily was destined to again feel bitterness against a Burnsfield.
The spinster remembered a youthful Emily Winfield who had been openly courted by the timorous Bruester heir, but secretly yearned for the handsome upstart whose empire would be built on the foundation of ready lumber.
Chapter Eleven
Pleased by Reagan’s announcement that Amanda would be their dinner guest, Katherine hoped her son’s enthusiasm would remain strong and not fade like it had with previous interests. As a mother, Katherine knew he was admired for his tall form and attentive manner and that he had no trouble finding women with whom he could share social events. However, she’d noted their idle chatter soon wearied him and his attention eventually waned. Despite his trifles with the fairer sex, his penchant for protecting those unable to defend themselves only increased his attractiveness. It had also led to Reagan’s friendship with Beauregard Barrington.
Katherine remembered that as a teen, Reagan had happened upon Beau being thrashed by two tormentors. He had halted the scuffle, but not before blackening both their eyes for attacking the smaller boy. Henceforth, Beauregard had considered Reagan his brother, shielding the hard-knuckled lumberjack from the slights of others with his razor sharp wit. As their friendship grew, so did their camaraderie; whether hunting or playing cards, both appeared well suited to the other.
Promptly at six, the Burnsfield carriage stopped in front of the Bruester manse. The driver placed the step for Reagan who a few minutes later brought Amanda to the carriage.
“My dear,” he said, extending his arm toward the empty carriage. “Your envoy has arrived.”
She laid a hand on his sleeve. “Are you to be my guard of honor? I thought Amy would’ve accompanied you.”
“Honor and I alone, will have the privilege of escorting you,” Reagan said while aiding her into the carriage. Settling into the cushions of the opposite seat, he allowed himself a more personal appraisal of Amanda. If possible, she seemed lovelier with each encounter. “Have I told you yet today, how beautiful you are?” he asked, striking a sincere tone.
“Be careful, sir. You’re dangerously close to where you erred the night of my ball.” She canted her head, eyes twinkling. “Poor mother couldn’t take another refusal from me to explain your offense.”
“I never did thank you for that courtesy,” Reagan said. “Without that kindness, I’m sure you wouldn’t now be gracing my presence.”
“Mayhap, it was a mistake,” Amanda teased as the coachman climbed aboard, swaying the carriage. “I only spared myself the embarrassment of repeating your words.” Instead of replying, he only smiled, leaving Amanda to wonder if he were really sorry for his behavior.
Responding to the slap of the reins, the horses launched forth, causing Amanda to suddenly pitch forward. Reagan instinctively caught her by the arms, holding her upright between his knees as she stared at his mouth, now close to hers.
“Oh!” she whispered, her gaze slowly rising. It was one thing to banter lightly at arms length, quite another to feel his warm breath caressing her cheeks.
Time swept by as Reagan’s gaze became trapped in her vivid blue eyes. Ensnared by her perfume, he neither drew her close nor set her aright as he fought the urge to kiss her softly parted lips. Though courting Amanda had turned into a business venture, images of her soft and yielding invaded his thoughts even as his mind urged restraint. Had the prize been less crucial, he might’ve risked the trespass. With reluctance, he set her onto her seat where Amanda busied herself straightening her skirt.
“I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to topple onto you,” she stammered.
Reagan chuckled as he flexed his now empty fingers. “Rest assured, madam. The pleasure was all mine.”
Mortified by the rush of pleasure she had felt in his arms, Amanda fixed her eyes on the passing scenery. She had earlier decided to feel no more than polite disinterest when he was near, not realizing how impossible it would be when her heart fluttered at every new encounter.
“Why don’t you tell me about your house guest, Mr. Banning?” Reagan said, breaking the silence. “I’ve heard he’s a broker trying to establish business dealings with your father’s bank.”
“That’s true.” Amanda looked relieved by Reagan’s change of subject. “As you know, father met him in New York. Recently, Derrick proposed some kind of venture between The Bank of New York and the Bruester Bank and Trust. Though I don’t know the details, I heard father say it’s something he’ll consider.”
“What about his family? Doesn’t he have obligations at home?”
“Derrick’s told mother on many occasions he’ll receive his inheritance when he turns thirty. Until then, he works to support himself though his father still manages his finances. I suppose being an heir is what allows him to extend his visit. That, and the hope of a new business deal.”
Reagan perceived the swain also had more than a passing interest in Amanda. “Surely his business here doesn’t occupy his every moment. What does he do with the rest of his time?”
Amanda gave a short laugh. “I’ve been charged with entertaining Mr. Banning. Mother feels it’s a good lesson in hospitality.”
“Can’t he find his own amusements?” Reagan burst out. “A gentleman shouldn’t expect his host to provide for his every waking moment.”
“Derrick’s been introduced to several families and at times accompanies father to the bank. So, I’m not perpetually engaged. However, if I recall, I have met a man who was exceedingly indelicate, who took advantage of my dance with him.”
“Which you promptly corrected,” he said with a smile. Reagan again shifted conversation and Amanda listened as he described his upcoming journey as well as the progress of the
mill.
On reaching the Burnsfield home, Reagan assisted Amanda from the carriage and into the hall where Katherine and Amy awaited.
“Welcome to our home,” Katherine said, signaling a servant to take their wraps. “Reagan informed me this afternoon that I’d sent you a dinner invitation, though I’ve no memory of picking up a pen.”
“Why Mother,” Reagan cut in. “You’ve said many times that I could extend an invitation in your name. Does it really matter who did the asking?”
“Of course not. We’re delighted Amanda’s here. Right now, your father’s in the study,” Katherine said. “He’s asked that you see him as soon as you get home. Hurry now, or dinner will be delayed as I told Thomas he had til half past six. In the meantime, we’ll take Amanda to the parlor.”
Turning on his heel, Reagan headed down the hall and into the study. “Hello, Father.” He withdrew a match from a nearby tinderbox before retrieving a cigar. “You wanted to speak with me?”
“You didn’t return to the office,” Thomas said, lowering his paper.
“Yes, I know. I had to pack. Besides, I had that engagement I spoke of earlier.” Reagan took a seat, grinning around his lit cigar. “By the way, Amanda is dining with us tonight.”
“So I’ve heard.” Thomas looked accusingly at his son. “I think this scheme of yours is preposterous. I’ve a mind to put a stop to it.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” cautioned Reagan as he exhaled an aromatic puff. “Our future rests upon my success.”
“Damn you for putting us in this situation! How do you think Amanda would feel, knowing you wanted to marry her for her dowry?”
“I don’t intend on telling her that,” Reagan said, studying his cigar. “I need a wife. I want a family. And, coincidentally, I have use for Amanda’s dowry. Besides, it’ll be repaid soon enough.”
“Suppose she doesn’t wish to marry you,” Thomas said. “What if her heart’s set on someone else?”
Derrick Banning’s smirking visage loomed in Reagan’s mind. “That’s a possibility, of course. I’ve got the impression the Bruester houseguest is after the same prize. But, I will win.”
“Dammit, Reagan, this isn’t a game! Amanda deserves a husband who’ll love her, not what’s in her bank account.”
“Do you think I’m blind?” Reagan said, looking amazed. “Amanda’s beautiful. She lacks none of the qualities I would naturally seek.”
“When I said love, I wasn’t referring to the marriage bed,” Thomas said. “Attraction eventually wanes and then you’re left with each other faults and all. Being ill matched will make your union a weight to be born rather than a journey to be shared. I’ve seen what that kind of marriage can do to a person.”
Reagan blew smoke in a lazy spiral that partially hid the disappointment on his father’s face. “Love wasn’t necessary when nuptials were arranged in times past,” he reasoned. “Marrying Amanda would give me everything I want. The rest will come later.”
“It’s not that I disapprove of her. I simply have no desire to see her innocence ruined.” In the silence, the mantle clock chimed. Thomas rose, feeling a heaviness that was becoming all too familiar. “For now, I’ll hold my peace. Come, let’s see if the rest of the family approves of your choice.”
Entering the dining room, Reagan noted an additional place setting and turned to see Beauregard escorting the women from the parlor. Beau beamed as he spied the pained look on Reagan’s face.
“Ah, my friend. You’ll not believe what I found completely unguarded in your very own parlor!” An eruption of giggles served only to encourage the Frenchman, causing him to become even more animated. “Three gems of such exquisite splendor,” he said, capturing Amy’s hand. “This blossom has eyes the color of the tiger. And such magnificent hair!”
As Amy gasped in delight, Beau ogled one eye and began circling Katherine. “Telle mère, telle fille. Like mother, like daughter.” Blushing, Katherine smoothed her hair as Thomas chuckled nearby. “Oui! Mr. Burnsfield makes me a ve-rry jealous man!”
“But this one.” Beau’s eyes shone as he stopped near Amanda. “Hair the color of onyx and a smile to capture one’s heart.” Stepping near, he splayed his hands. “As I live, I must know if your attentions are already taken!”
Reagan couldn’t believe his ill luck. It seemed the wily Frenchman was eternally thwarting his purposes. Though Beau had never before pressed one of his love interests, Reagan feared his friend was about to mount a vigorous offense. All the signs were present, the rapt attention, flattery, and ingratiating charm, which until now had only amused Reagan.
“Hello Beau,” Thomas said, smiling. “It seems you’ve discovered a gold mine of feminine beauty.” He kissed Katherine’s cheek before putting his arm around her waist. “I trust you’ll direct your attention to the unmarried ones?”
Beau touched his hand to his heart. “My admiration for monsieur’s lady won’t let me overstep my bounds when there are ample diversions to keep me occupied.”
Everyone laughed except Reagan. “You must join us Beau,” Katherine said. “I’ve taken the liberty of placing you beside Amanda. How fortunate you came to visit on the eve of Reagan’s departure.”
“If you insist,” he said, a pleased look crossing his face. “I’d be delighted to stay for dinner.”
A helpless frustration gripped Reagan. Not only would Beau be an unwanted distraction, the Frenchman could very well press his own intentions on Amanda while he sat nearby.
Reagan approached the table and held out Amanda’s chair. “For our guest of honor,” he said. Graciously accepting, she failed to see Reagan glaring at Beau or Thomas’s smile as he seated Katherine.
Unperturbed, Beau seated Amy before taking his place beside Amanda.
“How’s your father these days?” asked Thomas, pouring a glass of wine. “Has he finished renovating the Barrington Hotel?”
“Mais oui,” Beauregard said. “With our new kitchen, you must come and experience real French cuisine. Papa’s hired a new Master Chef whose talent rivals those in New Orleans.”
Thomas poured wine into Katherine’s glass before handing the bottle to Reagan. “I’ve sampled spiced dishes in French Quarter bistros. It’s some of the most unique food I’ve ever tasted.”
Reagan filled his goblet before splashing a small amount in Amy’s glass. Smiling in petty satisfaction, he set the wine out of Beau’s reach, forcing him to stretch for the bottle.
Beau poured a glass for Amanda before pouring a sizable amount for himself. “Bah! The Creole’s mutilate the delicacy of artful cooking. Their seasonings burn the tongue and water the eyes. It’s a disgrace to all who are French!”
“But isn’t Cajun the common method of French provincials?” Reagan goaded, enjoying Beau’s agitation.
“Oui, common is correct!” Beau snapped his fingers. “Like that, vulgar and unrefined.” Seeing Reagan’s overly cheerful expression, Beau calmed his voice. “That’s why I insist you sample the finest food in all of Cantonsville.” He gestured around the table. “Ma mère will post the invitations.” Grinning at Reagan, he continued. “So sad you’ll not be joining us. You will be gone, no?”
“Not for long. Perhaps you could wait for my return.”
“One never knows when Reagan returns from the timberline,” Beau said, waving. “Of late, his work is more important than his friends. We’ll proceed without him.”
“Between building the new mill and outfitting camp, I’ve a great deal to do,” Reagan said, smiling tightly. “Surely, you can understand it requires my time and attention.”
“He who chases two hares, catches neither,” Beau said gaily. “A lesson I’ve recently learned with the Barrett cousins.”
Reagan chuckled with the rest, but soon felt vexed he couldn’t capture Amanda’s attention. Amy peppered her with endless questions about her ball while Thomas and Katherine kept a steady dialogue about her school years in Baltimore. Throughout dinner she proved the perf
ect guest, giving heed to whoever spoke, then graciously responding. He recognized his mother’s approval and saw that Amanda had equally charmed Thomas. She looked comfortable even around Beau’s fawning overtures. Something had to be done!
“Amanda plays the piano beautifully,” Reagan blurted as dinner ended. “I think it’d be nice if she played for us.” Hoping Beauregard would excuse himself, Reagan gave his friend a look with unmistaken meaning.
“Well then, if everyone’s finished, let’s retire to the parlor,” Katherine said, laying down her napkin. “Will you be joining us Beau?”
Ignoring Reagan’s look, Beau nodded. “I’d be delighted.”
As Thomas escorted Katherine through the doorway, they failed to see Reagan round the table and nudge the Frenchman aside. “Excuse me!” Knocking away Beau’s hand, he grasped the back of Amanda’s chair.
“Reagan!” Amy gasped. “What’s gotten into you?”
Amanda also looked at Reagan. “I believe I was in perfectly safe hands with Mr. Barrington.”
“I’m afraid I must insist,” Reagan said to Beau. “Miss Bruester has been entrusted to my care, not yours.”
“But, of course,” Beau said, turning toward Amy. “I’m delighted to assist my little dove.” But once he and Amy entered the hall behind everyone else, he voiced his displeasure.
“Amateur!”
Amy glanced at him curiously. “Is my brother always this rude to you around ladies?”
“Only when he’s around this one, ma petite,” Beau said, indicating Amanda with his uplifted chin.
Lowering her voice, Amy whispered. “Did she really slap Reagan at her ball?”
A wide grin split Beau’s face. “Most soundly!” he sighed. “T’was the highlight of the evening and a memory often enjoyed.”
“By the look of things, he deserves another whack,” she said. “I can’t believe his behavior.”
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