“’Tis a fine way to be awoken.” He smiled, pulling her up for a morning kiss. Linnie straddled him, watching his eyes widen as she reached down and guided him home. Tossing her head back, Linnie gave into the heat and passion.
“I could stay here lost in your arms all day,” Alec said. She was tucked into his side where she had fallen back asleep after losing herself to passion again. He was an amazing lover, and a man of many more layers and depths than she had ever imagined. A pang of regret pierced her heart. As wonderful as he was and as compatible as they might be, there was no future here. Moving from the warmth of his side, she pushed herself to a sitting position against the headboard. Alec looked confused but mirrored her position.
“I see something in your eyes,” he said, reaching over and taking her hand. “I hope it’s not dismay. I do not take what occurred last night lightly.”
“No, no, it’s not dismay,” she replied, trying to organize her thoughts and words. “It was wonderful, but you and I both know there is no tomorrow in this scenario. I knew when I decided to make love to you that our time together is finite. Very finite.” He tried to protest, but she couldn’t stop. Not now, when she had the courage to speak the truth. “I’m a grown woman, and in no way did I enter into this thinking there was any possible future. I enjoy your company, and you and the others have been a great help and comfort to me, but I can’t keep capitalizing on our new friendship or your time. You came here because you have a company to run, and I understand that.” She stood, not willing to look at Alec. Gathering her clothes, she retreated to the bathing room.
Alec was dressed, sitting on the sofa when she came out. “This discussion is not over, Linnie,” he said. “You’ve had your say, but will you give me equal time?”
She nodded, knowing it was fair, but dreading his words.
“You are correct, I do not know how long we will be here, but that does not mean the minute our business is concluded we will leave. I do not know what our future holds—or even if there is one.” He walked over to her taking her hands in his. “I can promise you this: I will not leave if there is the smallest chance you or your family are still in harm’s way. You may never be able to prove who murdered your cousin, but” he squeezed her hands gently and smiled as she searched his face with her eyes, “I will do everything in my power to help you and be there for you throughout.”
Chapter 18
“Was your meeting with the doctor successful?” Hawke asked as Alec walked into the sitting room, crossed to the sideboard, and poured a cup of coffee.
He shook his head. “No. Vonn has covered his tracks. The copy of the report was missing.” Grabbing a pastry, Alec walked over to an overstuffed chair and sat down, slumping into the seat, elbows resting on the arms. “It about broke Linnie’s spirit: I knew she was hoping the answers would be there and this would all be over.” He looked over at his friend. “I’m afraid she may never find the truth.”
“And what about you? Can you live without the answers?”
“It’s never been about the answers.” Alec’s voice was low. “I know all I need. I was attacked—Linnie was attacked. I can’t let that stand.”
Hawke chuckled. “So Kara was right. You are taken with Miss Ellsworth. I have been with you through many mistresses and even more dalliances, and I’ve seen how you watch her. I’ll ask you the same question you asked me: What are your intentions?” Alec sat up in the chair, setting the cup on the table. Hawke grew serious. “I realize that Miss Ellsworth and Kara are not in similar situations. She’s a widow, not as bound by convention, but are you planning on furthering your relationship or just having a dalliance? She doesn’t strike me as one to take lightly.”
Alec stood and began prowling the room, not willing to admit how far the relationship had already gone. “What makes you think anything will happen between us?” He stopped, realizing what had been bothering him … he didn’t know. Even though they’d made love, he still didn’t know where this relationship was headed. He’d never been so unsure of a woman before. He knew Linnie was attracted to him, but how attracted he couldn’t honestly say. Her physical response when he made love to her was one thing, but was there more? Realizing where his thoughts were going, Alec was shocked. He’d never worried about how emotional an attraction had been between him and any woman. He didn’t want to take her lightly. He wanted to take her forever.
“Something will happen,” Hawke’s voice cut into his thoughts. “Kara says you look at Miss Ellsworth the way I look at her.” Hawke smiled. “And if you are feeling half of the confusion I felt,” he stood and placed a hand on Alec’s shoulder, “you are caught snugger than a salmon in the Spey. And lad, it’s a hook I have no interest in being cut from.” Hawke laughed at the face Alec made. “I fear your days of bachelorhood are sorely numbered.”
“Don’t be counting your coins so fast toll-tòine.” Alec strode over to the side table and poured more coffee, this time grabbing the cut glass decanter and adding a generous portion of whiskey to the drink. “If you haven’t been listening, Linnie has repeatedly stated she doesn’t want us involved or too close, as we will be leaving.” Remembering the feel of her beneath him and the sounds when she came apart in his arms as he buried himself in her, Alec smiled to himself; they couldn’t have gotten much closer. But then she had told him she didn’t feel she could count on him completely because of the uncertainty of their stay, and unease had filled him. Alec took a healthy drink of the spiked coffee and sat heavily on the sofa. “She’s right, you know. What right do I have to pursue her, when our time here is finite?”
“Are you barmy?!” Hawke filled his cup. “How is this any different than my situation with Kara? We weren’t planning on staying in the New Mexico Territory, and she had no thoughts of leaving. If you love her, then you will figure it out. I had to get past Kara’s fears about never returning to the ranch.” Sitting, he placed a hand on his friend’s knee. “The question is still, do you love her and do you want her in your life?”
“Idiot or no,” Alec smiled at Hawke, avoiding an answer, “at least I don’t have a formidable father to deal with.” Hawke raised his cup to that. “Did you and Kara learn anything at the mayor’s ball?” Alec wanted to steer away from the increasingly uncomfortable topic that had no answers, only questions.
“Not really.” Hawke set the empty cup down. “It was a crush, and there were no opportunities to get any meaningful answers from anyone. There was one plus though. You and I have been invited to the Pacific-Union Club this evening.” Hawke reached for an invitation on the table. I am told it is ‘the’ club in San Francisco. Only the most elite are allowed to apply for membership.” He tapped the invitation on the back of his hand. “We will be guests of Lieutenant Governor John Reddick. My understanding is Charles Vonn is a member.”
“Well.” Alec felt a rush of anticipation. Maybe they could get some answers. “We must be our most lordly … overwhelm them with our pedigrees!” Hawke laughed as he lifted his glass. “Here’s to a successful evening.”
• • •
“It’s an impressive structure,” Hawke noted, stepping from the carriage outside the large neoclassical brownstone. Wrought iron fencing atop large brownstone blocks surrounded the home; a staircase led up to the entrance set back in a portico lit by gas lamps.
The men handed their hats and coats to the attendant and gave their names and invitation to the majordomo. After verifying their names on the list, he told them Mr. Reddick had not yet arrived, but they were welcome to join the other gentlemen, and he directed them to the main area of the club.
The room was full of polished dark wood, burgundy leather. One wall was dominated by a large marble-encased fireplace, the other a long bar bookended by massive mahogany columns. Rows of liquor bottles and sparkling glasses reflected the light sconces. The bartender left off polishing the gray and black granite counter to wait on them. Cigar smoke drifted as waiters glided with silent efficiency, seeing to the members
’ needs.
“A bit like Whites,” Hawke said as they surveyed the room. “Yet a world away from Madame Varnish’s lovely establishment!” Alec sputtered, raising his hand to hide his laughter.
“True, but I wager there isn’t a man here she couldn’t put in his place with one look.” Clinking glasses, Alec took a drink, remembering the shabby establishment in White Oaks, New Mexico, where he and Hawke had tracked down Geoffrey Tompkins. How different he was before they arrived in the New Mexico Territory. He had traveled to see Hawke’s newest investment, the ranch Kara’s father owned as a lark. Finding Tompkins, someone from the past, whom they thought had hurt someone near and dear, was helping his closest friend. How that adventure had changed everything. Looking down into the amber liquid, he recalled how wrong he and Hawke had been about Geoffrey and how the purpose of their trip had changed. He also recalled scolding Hawke for getting involved with Kara and swearing to never let a stubborn, strong-willed woman get under his skin. But, he admitted to himself, that strong-willed woman had made his friend happier than he had ever seen him and stirred a longing in his own soul that he hadn’t realized resided there. The desire to have someone love him and need him and belong to him the way Kara and Hawke belonged to each other. The sensation was uncomfortable but not unwanted.
“There he is.” Hawke broke his reverie, indicating the group of men by the fireplace. Vonn was speaking animatedly, waving his cigar as he spoke. Eyes narrowing, Alec watched.
“Lord Pryce, Lord MacCairn.” They turned to see an elegantly dressed gentleman approaching. “John Reddick.” He bowed, shaking their hands. “We are delighted you were able to join us this evening.” Looking around the room, he smiled. “I’m sure this isn’t as grand as what you are accustomed to in London, but the Pacific-Union is the preeminent club in San Francisco. If you gentlemen are interested in business ventures in our fair state, you need go no farther than this room.”
Reddick was as good as his word. Alec and Hawke were introduced to men who made San Francisco; all but Vonn. Shortly after they arrived, Alec saw Vonn look his way in consternation, bid his good-byes, and leave. Once he was out the door, one of his cronies was more than eager to talk with them.
They had seen his type before. A climber, Mr. Aldus had achieved some notoriety amongst San Francisco’s business community, but had not yet achieved the social status.
“I’m here as Mr. Vonn’s guest,” he told them. “He and I are very close; in fact I’ve helped him set up several of his businesses.” The man watched them with beady eyes over a thin, arched nose that almost twitched like a rat sniffing the air. Alec suppressed a laugh as the rotund little man tried to impress them.
“What businesses might those be?” Hawke inquired, his voice dripping with aristocracy and ennui, playing into Aldus’s need. “We might be looking to invest.” His head tilted as he looked down his nose. “If they prove profitable enough.”
“Profitable? More than you can imagine.” Aldus looked around, making sure no one was listening. Then leaning in, he whispered, “As long as you aren’t particular about ‘legalities.’” He sniggered.
“You Americans.” Hawke looked down disdainfully. “Why would I worry about legalities? I’m British nobility.” He waved his hand dismissively. “I’m above your petty laws.”
Alec pulled his handkerchief from his pocket, placing it over his mouth to hide the laughter threatening to burst out. Hawke’s performance was every cliché ever heard about the aristocracy, and Aldus was eating it up. He was surprised the man wasn’t supine on the ground, swearing fealty.
Aldus peeked nervously over his shoulder; sweat beading on his brow as he whispered again. “Meet me tomorrow.” He handed his card to Hawke. “I’ll show you where the real money in San Francisco is being made.” Alec cringed at the sweaty hand thrust at him as they concluded their business.
“Do you think he knows anything?” He turned to Hawke, watching as he wiped his hand on a bar napkin and inspected the man’s card.
“I think he is offering more than he can deliver,” Hawke replied, “but it’s worth checking out. I’ll take this information to the Pinkerton agent and see if he has any insight before I meet with our weaselly friend.”
• • •
Alec groaned as he rolled over. The pounding in his head was so hard, it sounded like it was coming from outside. Covering his head with a pillow, he tried to go back to sleep, cursing the creators of whiskey and the long night of drinking.
The pounding continued. It was his door and not his head. Slowly sitting up, his head cradled in his hands, he yelled, regretting it immediately. “All right, all right. Stop pounding! You’re killing me.” Dragging on his pants he stood and pulled on a robe. . He moaned, his head throbbing harder as he stumbled to the door and cracked it open.
A bellman stood at the entrance. “A message for you, sir. Would you like me to wait for a reply?”
Waving the young man away and asking for a pot of coffee to be sent up, Alec set the letter down on his bedside table and went into the bathroom to splash water on his face. Rubbing his face with a towel, he walked back around the bed and picked up the note. It was from Linnie. She was inviting him to spend the day with her family. A picnic at the beach and watching the bicycle races in the park. Tapping the note on his hand, Alec was surprised. Up until now, she had given him few glimpses of her personal life. The day at the Wild West show was the last time they had been together socially. Answering a knock on the door, Alec let the waiter in with the coffee and asked him to wait a moment while he penned a response to be taken to the front desk for delivery.
• • •
The sun was bright in a clear blue sky as the little party walked down the staircase built in the dunes to the wide beach. To their right on the cliff was the remains of the Cliff House mansion. It had burned down last Christmas, Linnie explained to Alec, when a faulty flue had caused a fire. Mayor Sutro had told her in her interview with him that he had plans to build a grand structure on the site and reopen the Cliff House next year. As they reached the firm sand along the water, Freddie removed his shoes and socks, rolled up his pants, and sprinted for the water.
“C’mon, sis! The water isn’t even cold today.” Alec laughed at the boy gamboling in the water like a gangly colt finding its legs for the first time.
“Don’t go too far, Freddie,” Martha called to her son. She stood facing the water; a slight breeze ruffled her skirt, and she kept one hand on her broad-brimmed hat. “We’ll be having lunch shortly.” Turning to Alec, who was carrying the picnic basket, and Linnie, who carried the blanket and her bag, she pointed to a spot farther away from the cliff and all the other bathers. “That should be a good spot. I hope you are hungry, Lord MacCairn. I’ve packed a full meal.”
“Please, call me Alec.” He hefted the basket on his arm, winking at Martha. “I’m starved, and I’ve had to hold back from sneaking tidbits of this wonderful-smelling meal.” He laughed at the wry look Linnie gave his over-the-top flirting with her mother. She placed the blanket on the spot her mother indicated and began removing plates and utensils from the basket Alec set down. He pulled a bottle of root beer and a bottle of wine from the basket.
“That’s from a winery in the Napa Valley.” Linnie pulled out glasses and, after a bit of digging, the corkscrew. “They have been gaining quite a reputation.”
“I’m more of a whiskey drinker, so you’ll find no wine snobbery here.” Alec took the bottle, opened it, and poured three glasses. He handed them to the ladies and toasted. “It’s a fair day, with beautiful ladies! Sláinte!” Taking a sip of the deep ruby liquid, Alec found himself pleasantly surprised. “This is quite good.”
“There are a few growers up north that have been there for a while.” Martha loaded plates with salad and cold chicken. “I know a few that are looking for investors, should you be interested, Alec.” She called Freddie to come and eat. The boy ran over and dropped beside his mother, wiping his hands on his
pants and reaching for the root beer.
“I would be. Thank you Martha. If possible, I’d like to meet with them and perhaps travel to Napa to see their operations.” Pleased at the prospect of a new investment, Alec smiled at the bucolic scene before him. Anyone who’d known him in London would be gaping in disbelief. To them, he was the man about town—never home before the sun rose, and certainly not prone to picnics with a young woman’s family. He knew his London life was a lie, shallow and unfulfilling. It was part of the reason he’d left with Hawke on this adventure. And what an adventure it had become. He was grateful to leave the empty life he had been living. He had become numb to life but didn’t know how to stop living the lie. It was part of the reason he had been planning a trip back to Scotland after they left America. Like Hawke, his father was hale and healthy, and though Alec had been trained to manage their holdings, there hadn’t been much for him to do. Running his own properties took little time, and he didn’t have the passion for investment like Hawke. Over time, managing his properties became more of a chore than a pleasure. He watched other young men of his station destroy their lives and fortunes on drink, gambling, and women, and took their tales of woe to heed. He made a point of knowing his finances, and, with Hawke’s help, increasing them.
Still, he was empty. When he’d left to come to America, he’d closed his home in London and gone so far as to break things off with his mistress. Looking at Linnie, he couldn’t understand what he had ever seen in Susanne. Watching her and Freddie, he felt a draw deep in his gut, a sense of belonging that he hadn’t felt before.
The Heart You Need Page 9