“I see that my promise to try and not irritate you does not extend to you not irritating me.”
“My wife is irritating you?”
Alec and Kara turned to see Hawke striding through the door. Kara hurried over, throwing her arms around her husband and turning her face up for a kiss.
“I’ve invited Miss Ellsworth to join us for dinner this evening,” Kara told Hawke after a short kiss. “I think she is a very talented person, and I also think,” she looked at Alec, “if we get her in a more relaxed social situation, she might be more willing to tell Alec why they were kidnapped.”
“Why, Kara, I had no idea you had such a devious mind.” Alec raised his glass in salute. “It’s an excellent idea. I would be glad to finally have some idea what is going on.”
Kara smiled. He knew she had watched him and Linnie and seen the subtle signs of attraction. Alec guarded his feelings behind his humor and wit, but Kara was beginning to recognize the true emotions underneath. He would have to work harder to keep them hidden.
She looked at Hawke. “I thank my lucky stars you hide nothing.” Hawke’s eyebrow quirked in consternation. She looked at him like a chess piece she was moving on a board.
“What are you plotting?” he heard Hawke whisper in her ear, startling her out of her contemplation. He placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her against his chest.
“Plotting? Me?” Kara whirled away. “Why would you think I could possibly be plotting anything?” She winked and dodged his grasp.
“Woman!”
Chapter 9
Linnie smoothed her hands down her gown as she walked toward Lord and Lady Stoneham’s suite. She hoped the emerald figured silk, with its bronze velvet collar and simple waist, was fancy enough for dinner. Her mother had helped her pick out the gown for a dinner at her editor’s house several months ago.
Pull yourself together, she chided herself. There is nothing to be worried about. It’s not like I’m going to be alone with Lord MacCairn or that he’s going to try anything, not that I would mind … Linnie stopped, putting a hand on the wall to brace herself. Where had that thought come from? Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes, trying to regain her composure. Her mind wouldn’t stop racing, and thoughts of Alec MacCairn, very vivid thoughts, were foremost. She wondered what it would be like to be held by him. He was taller than Robert, but not as broad through the shoulders. Robert had worked on the docks and ships all his life, so he had developed large strong muscles. Alec seemed more—
What am I doing? Why am I standing here in the hallway comparing a man I barely know to my husband? I can’t let myself be attracted to him. He’s a visitor; he’ll be gone soon, and then what? There is no future with this man, so stop the fantasies.
“Are you all right, ma’am?” Linnie opened her eyes to the concerned face of a bellman. Heat raced up her neck as she realized what a sight she must be. She assured the young man she was fine and hurried to her destination. Inhaling deeply, straightening her back, Linnie knocked on the door of the suite. She almost sighed out loud in relief when Kara opened the door.
“You look lovely, Linnie. Do come in.” Linnie removed her evening cape and turned to survey the room.
The crisp white linen on the table glowed from the numerous candles in elegant candelabras set around the room. The gaslights had been turned down, giving the room a warm golden glow. The curtains were drawn on the large bay windows, revealing a breathtaking view of the city.
“Miss Ellsworth, a pleasure.” Lord Stoneham took her hand and bowed over it. “Would you care for a glass of sherry before we dine?”
“Thank you, Lord Pry—”
“Nay, lass,” he interrupted. “Please address me as Hawke. My bride has worked very hard to remind Alec and me that America is a less formal place than Britain and the best way to encourage friendships is to take down those barriers.” Kara joined them, slipping her arms around her husband’s waist, surprising Linnie with how relaxed and casual she was.
They were a striking couple. Kara’s sapphire blue gown matched her large eyes, and her dark hair was in an attractive knot with tendrils framing her face. Her husband loomed over her, his broad shoulders covered in a smooth brown jacket with darker lapels. Linnie could see adoration in his smoky gray eyes as he gazed at his wife.
“You must support me in this, Linnie.” Kara smiled. “You do not know how hard it has been getting these great hulking Scots to ease up on all the ‘lord and lady’ formality, especially in a situation like this, where it’s just friends.” Reaching over, she grasped Linnie’s hand. “I feel like we American girls must show them the way.”
Linnie couldn’t help but laugh. She felt such kinship with Kara. Here was a woman similar to her: fiercely independent and open-minded.
“Yes, please, do help us to see the way, Linnie.”
Hearing his voice, Linnie turned, her breath catching as he approached her. The soft glow of the candles lit the golden tones in his hair. Dimples framed his generous mouth as he smiled at her. Dressed in a dove gray jacket with a darker gray satin vest, he was the picture of style and elegance. Reaching forward, his hand slid down her arm, grasping her hand as he raised it to his lips. Linnie felt the air escape on a sigh; her other hand fluttered against her chest. Her skin tingled where he had touched her, as heat raced through her body. Looking into his eyes, she saw a glint of recognition. He knew what effect he had on her! Try as she might, she couldn’t curb the desire pooling low in her belly as need danced along her nerves. Trying to regain her composure, she pulled her hand from his grasp and turned back toward Kara.
“I think I will take a glass of sherry, thank you.” Her voice sounded breathy and strained to her ears. Drat! This was not what she wanted. She tamped down the wayward urges and took a sip of the potent drink.
“Have you lived here all your life?” Kara wrapped a steadying arm through Linnie’s and led her toward the settee. The two men poured glasses of scotch and joined the women.
Giving Kara a grateful smile, Linnie answered. “Yes. Born and raised here. San Francisco is an amazing city, so varied and vibrant. It has a way to go before it can be compared to the cities back east, but one day it will.” She loved speaking to others about her home. There was a spirit here, a pulsing heart you could feel.
“Tell us of your family. You know so much about us from our interview,” Kara said. “It’s my turn to be the reporter.” Her laugh was light and put Linnie at ease.
Linnie chuckled. “That is true. But I like being the one asking the questions. I feel other people’s stories are much more interesting than anything I have to offer.”
“Now that can’t be true,” Kara insisted. “You are a female photographer and newspaper reporter. When I was in school in Virginia, there was a growing movement amongst the newspaper women to organize press clubs and demand more respect from the editors and publishers. Do you have one out here?”
Linnie was pleasantly surprised at Kara’s knowledge and interest. “Yes. The Pacific Coast Woman’s Press Association is a powerful organization here. They hold a conference every year with many prominent women speakers. I believe this year they are going to encourage women to push for the right to vote. Other territories in the west and the state of Colorado already have the vote, and it’s vitally important California joins the movement. I am hoping to attend.”
“That’s marvelous,” Kara said. “I went to several rallies before I returned home.”
“Well, Hawke, I believe your wife has found a comrade-in-arms.” Alec laughed. Taking a sip of his scotch he turned to Linnie. “What of your family? Are they still here?” She saw him tense a little as he asked the question.
“My father owned several merchant ships. My mother and I traveled with him for several years during the summer months, until my younger brother was born. I’ve been to Alaska and up and down the West Coast. I have many fond memories.” Pain filled her, sharp but familiar as she continued. It looked like now might be t
he right time to tell them everything. Air filled her lungs as she gathered herself.
“My father’s ship was lost on a run to Hawaii three years ago.” Linnie's voice was a whisper. “My mother and I sold his other ships and holdings. She stays at home and takes care of my ten-year-old brother. If it weren’t for my camera and the newspaper, I don’t know what I would have done.” Kara reached over and grasped Linnie’s hands.
“Oh Linnie, I’m so sorry.” Kara squeezed her hands. “I understand, truly. My mother died a few short years ago, though at times, it feels like yesterday. It never seems like you are going to recover.”
“I’m sorry for your loss as well, Kara.” Linnie breathed out a deep sigh. Fighting back tears, she looked up at the group and continued, “I lost not only my father, but my husband as well.” She dropped her head and didn’t see their reactions, but she felt the surprise thicken the air.
“My deepest condolences.” Hawke stood, taking Linnie’s glass from her numb hands to the sideboard for a refill.
Looking at Kara, a tremulous smile tugged at her lips. “Oh my. I apologize. I didn’t intend to turn a pleasant evening into such a weepy melodrama.” Her throat closed and burned with the unshed tears, and her muscles tensed as memories slammed through her: the captain of the ship that found the wreckage telling them of his gruesome discovery, the memory of her mother falling into heap on the floor of her house, and the ripping disbelief Linnie had felt. Emotions, raw and uncontrollable, flooded her senses. Looking around, she knew she couldn’t stay. Quickly standing, she felt trapped. “I must leave.” Kara started to protest, but Linnie held up her hand. “No, I should go. I’m …” She had fallen apart and was mortified that these people, strangers really, had seen it happen.
“Please don’t,” Alec said softly. The quiet plea stopped her. “Please. We certainly didn’t mean to open old wounds, and if you would,”—he stood and walked over to her and bowed—“allow us to start the evening again.”
Finally looking at him, she was grateful for the calm reassurance she saw. His acceptance and warmth soothed the panic and pain. She nodded, hoping the trust she was placing in these people was not wrong. He lifted her hand and pressed it between his. The warmth pushed back the chill in her body she hadn’t even known was there.
• • •
A knock on the door announced the arrival of their meal. As they sat down, Alec looked over at Linnie. He could see her struggling to hide her feelings, and he felt himself drawn to her even more. There were so many layers to her. He never could have imagined the life and tragedy she had experienced.
“Linnie,” he said, “I don’t want to cause you any further upset, but could you enlighten us as to why you and I came to be kidnapped and tied together on that boat?”
“Prostitution, corruption, a city that looks the other way while police are paid off or killed.” She took a sip of her wine. “I started looking into things powerful men in this city would rather stay in the deepest dark. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Who would be so bold as to grab you at a gathering of the city’s elite?” Alec couldn’t believe how calm she appeared, except for her eyes—they were dark emerald with anger.
Linnie chuckled, bitterness coloring her words. “That would be the most elite member, Charles Vonn.”
“Wasn’t he the host of the party?” Kara asked.
“I was right when I saw you yesterday.” Alec leaned in, hands fisted. “You were following Vonn and his cronies.” Anger and fear for her flared as he realized the danger she had been in. “What were you thinking? The man had you kidnapped and tied up. Were you just going to walk up and accuse him in front of everyone? Are you daft?”
“You were correct. I was following him, but I had no intention of approaching or being seen, until you showed up and caused a ruckus.” He watched her pale, her lips narrowing. “I have been looking into this man’s dealings for quite some time, sir, and I can assure you I am well aware of his capabilities. I just need to tie the mayor to Vonn, and I can prove my cousin was murdered.” Linnie touched her napkin to her mouth and set it on her barely touched plate of food. “You have been so wonderful, listening to me, but I really must be going. I do hope you don’t let the kidnapping incident color your opinion of San Francisco and you enjoy the rest of your time here.” Bolting from her chair, she hurried away from the table.
Alec moved swiftly, grabbing her arm before she could reach the door. Turning her toward him, he looked into eyes dark with confusion and pain.
“What’s going on? I … we are not going to leave you to handle this alone. You tell us your cousin was murdered and then run away?”
“Why? Why spend your time here worrying about something that has nothing to do with you?”
“Ah, but that is where you are wrong.” Alec’s voice deepened to a growl. “They kidnapped me. I take that as a direct attack.”
But she wouldn’t give up. “What does it matter? You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, talking to the wrong person.” Her eyes glowed with green fire. “All you have to do is get on your ship or train—or whatever conveyance you are using—and leave! It’s none of your concern.”
“What type of man do you think I am? I do not allow people to attack me and get away with it, and there is no way in hell I’d allow them to hurt you!” He leaned down, practically nose-to-nose.
Alec saw Hawke place a restraining hand on Kara’s arm. Looking back at Linnie, he saw her tilt her head in bemusement. All the anger churning in his belly dissipated, replaced with a cold realization: he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. He couldn’t help but admire how resolutely she stood her ground, eyes ablaze, like some Celtic goddess of war.
“It’s not your responsibility to protect me. As I said before, you were just in the wrong place. I am not your concern, and you are not mine. We barely know one another. It was a misfortunate accident that you were even involved.” She looked over at Kara. “I am so very sorry your lovely dinner has been ruined by this discussion. I believe it is time for me to leave. Thank you again for your hospitality.”
She put on her coat and opened the door and hurried out. Alec grabbed his coat and rushed to catch up to her.
“I would be no gentleman at all if I were to let you travel to your home unescorted.”
She looked at him, cocking an eyebrow in disbelief. “I do believe I came here alone, so returning in the same manner is not an issue.” But he would not be dissuaded as they walked down the hall.
Stepping into the lift, they stood quietly as the operator closed the steel gate and the car descended to the lobby. Alec stepped out, offering his arm to Linnie.
“A horrible lapse on my part, I fear.” He smiled and tilted his head, indicating his outstretched elbow. “I should have escorted you here. Of course, having no idea where you live made that a bit difficult.”
He saw the edge of her mouth quirk up, but she schooled her features once again. She was not going to let go of her indignation easily.
“I fear if you do not take my arm soon, people are going to think I am imitating the seagulls flapping around the docks.”
This time she chuckled and placed her hand in the crook of his arm.
“This in no way indicates, Lord MacCairn, that I accept your premise or your protection. Understood?”
“Completely, Miss Ellsworth. Completely.”
Chapter 10
Linnie closed the door softly, not wanting to disturb her mother or wake her brother. She hung her coat on the hook by the door and walked into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea and sort out the events of the evening. It was all so confusing.
She liked Kara and Hawke; they were not at all what she’d expected. They were … normal. Regular people, no real airs, though she was sure in the right setting, Hawke, like Alec, would be a force to be reckoned with.
The thought of Alec sent a wave of heat through her body. The way he looked at her was scandalous. She didn’t miss his
expression after he found out she had been married. First surprise, then speculation. The social rules had changed in his mind. He was a gentleman, but there was something there underneath: hot and wicked. Heat pooled low in her belly.
“Linnie, how was dinner?”
Her thoughts were brought up short at the sound of her mother’s voice. She gave her mother a hug, breathing in the Lily of the Valley perfume, her mother’s favorite. The light scent was home and warmth and love to Linnie. Many nights after her father and husband died, she would go into her mother’s room and they would just hold one another in shared grief, wondering how they would go on. Martha was the stronger of the two. Her resilience was amazing. Taking care of Linnie and her brother, Freddie, dealing with the lawyers, maritime investigators, and investors in the shipping company, all while her own heart was shattered by the loss of her husband. A bond was forged between mother and daughter during those times that Linnie knew would never be broken. She had still been a child in so many ways until then. With Martha’s help, she understood how to be a strong and independent woman.
“I would say interesting, but that doesn’t convey the extent of the evening.”
“Well that sounds intriguing. Do you want to talk about it?”
Linnie shook her head. “No, not now. I need to take some time and sort it all out. Thank you, though.” She kissed her on the cheek. “Good night.”
Climbing the stairs to her bedroom, she was grateful her mother was there for her. But when she needed space, her mother offered that as well.
• • •
The sound of foghorns on the bay woke Linnie from a restless sleep. Rubbing her eyes and hoping the headache she felt lurking behind scratchy eyes would soon go away, she stood and walked over to her window. The world was a swirl of gray mist and colorless shapes matching her mood. Sighing, she walked to her wardrobe to get ready for the day.
At the knock on the door, she turned to see Freddie poke his head in. “Sis, are we still going to the park today?”
The Heart You Need Page 4