Rapture's Tempest

by Bobbi Smith

  “Of course.” Marshall walked her to the door.

  “Good-bye.”

  As Marshall closed the door behind Delight, his wife spoke. “Who was that, darling?”

  “Jim’s new boy, Murphy.”

  “Oh.” Renee looked puzzled for a moment. “Well, no matter, but he sounded so familiar. Have I ever met him?”

  “No. He’s new.”

  “I suppose it’s not important.” She smiled at him and they went into the parlor with their son.

  Delight was so nervous that she ran all the way back to the riverfront. Thank God that she’d gotten out the door before Renee came in. She wouldn’t have thought that she’d be thinking of the steamer as home so soon, but she did. And she didn’t feel really safe and protected until she was up the gangplank and heading for Jim’s cabin.

  Chapter Eight

  Delight was so glad to be back on board that she entered Jim’s cabin without knocking. The sight that greeted her left her momentarily frozen in place in the open doorway.

  “Murphy! Damn it! Close the door, it’s freezing out there!” Jim bellowed as he stood at his washstand, stripped to the waist.

  Delight quickly shut the door and, keeping her eyes carefully averted from the broad expanse of Jim’s bare, furred chest and broad shoulders, headed for her own room.

  “Well?” he questioned.

  “Well, what, sir?” she asked, stopping abruptly.

  “Did you give the papers to my brother?”

  “Oh,” she almost sighed. “Yes, sir.”

  “What the hell took you so long?”

  “He wasn’t at the office, and, since you’d told me to make sure that he got them personally, I took them by his house.”

  Jim regarded her with open approval. “Good. And now that you have finally gotten back, you can start getting my clothes ready.”

  “Ready for what?”

  “I’m going out tonight. I’ll need my dress clothes.”

  “Yes, sir.” She was jittery as she shed her new coat and set about getting out his evening wear.

  Delight had never been around a naked man before and, although the most intimate parts of him were still covered, she felt overpowered by his very maleness. She tried not to stare, but her gaze continually returned to visually explore the powerful corded muscles of his back.

  Suddenly, it again occurred to Delight that she found Jim Westlake very attractive. Disgusted with herself for even having such a thought, she forced her attention back to what she was doing. This was not the time for romance, for heaven’s sake! He thought she was a boy! Delight was saddened by the realization that had they met under other circumstances they might have had a relationship, but there was no chance of that now. Her life was in a shambles, and she doubted that she would ever have any real happiness in her future.

  No, she would have to make the best of her situation and pray that she could save some money. For when the truth finally did come out about her identity, Delight knew she’d be looking for other employment. Jim Westlake would be furious at her deception, and she wouldn’t blame him.

  “Your clothes are all laid out.”

  “Thank you. I won’t be too late, but there’s no need for you to wait up.”

  “Yes, sir.” Delight started to go to her room, but Jim was talkative and seemed to want her company.

  “How do you like working on the ship?” he questioned earnestly as he stripped off his trousers.

  Delight cringed inwardly at the sight of Jim in only the bottom half of his long underwear and when he started to peel them off, too, she hastily looked around for something to occupy her hands and her eyes. Turning her back to him, she straightened a few odd things on his desktop.

  “I like it just fine. You’ve been very generous, and I hope I can repay the trust you have in me.”

  “You’re doing very well for only your first day on the job,” he commented.

  “Thank you. I want to do my best. You really helped me out last night and I appreciate it…more than I can tell you.”

  Delight glanced quickly over at him to find that he had already put on his dress pants and was pulling on a clean white shirt.

  “Keep on top of things around here and there’ll be no problems.” He moved to stand before the small mirror over his washstand to tie his cravat.

  “I will,” she pledged, more than seriously. She would have to stay at least one step ahead of everyone, including him, if she was to maintain her secrecy.

  Delight knew she should beat a safe retreat to her room, but she wanted to be with him. For some reason, she was beginning to feel very secure in his company, which, when she considered it, was totally ridiculous. For if Jim Westlake ever found out about her, no doubt he would take her back to her home with no questions asked….

  “Get my coat,” he instructed. “I’m late enough.”

  Coat in hand, Delight went to him, and he turned away from her so she could help him slip it on with more ease. She watched with avid interest as the fine material stretched in a perfect fit across his wide shoulders. Delight wondered what it would feel like to run her hands across his back and to know the strength of his embrace. As soon as the thought came she berated herself mentally for losing her perspective. There could be no time for that. And who was to say that he would even have noticed her if he had met her as Delight de Vries.

  “I’m ready,” he informed her. “Take the night off.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You might remind Ollie that I’ll be at the Morgans’.”

  “I will.”

  “Good. I’ll see you in the morning, then.” He turned to face her, and he looked so handsome in his evening dress that Delight felt as if her breath had been stolen away.

  “Yes, sir,” she managed.

  “Are you all right, Murphy?” He noticed a change in her expression and wondered what was wrong.

  “I’m fine, Captain,” she protested, quickly masking her feelings.

  “Well, good night.”

  Delight didn’t relax until the door was shut firmly behind him. Her shoulders drooping, she shuffled into her own little room and sat down wearily on her bed. Oh, how she wished she was the woman he was going to visit….

  Jim stopped by Marshall’s house first. After being admitted by the servant, he was swept into a warm embrace by Renee, who happened to be in the hallway as he came in.

  “I didn’t know you were coming by. What a wonderful surprise!”

  “It’s good to see you, too,” he told her.

  “Here, let me take your coat. Come on in; Marshall’s in the study.”

  “All right.” He shed his heavy coat and then followed her down the hall.

  Marshall looked up questioningly as the door opened.

  “Jim,” he greeted his brother, coming around the desk. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

  “I’m on my way to Annabelle’s, and I thought I’d pick up those contracts. Are you through with them?”

  “I was just finishing up. Get yourself a drink and sit down for a minute while I go over the final details.”

  “Fine.”

  “I’ll leave you two to business,” Renee told them before disappearing out into the hall and closing the door behind her.

  “Where is everybody tonight?” Jim wondered at the absence of his parents and his sister Dorrie, who lived with Marshall and Renee whenever they were in town.

  “They were all invited to the Taylors’ for dinner tonight.”

  Jim nodded and fell silent again as Marshall continued to work. When at last Marshall looked up, Jim was waiting expectantly.

  “Well?”

  “They’re all in order.”

  “Good. I’ll sign them tonight. Mark said they were the same as the last ones we signed.” Jim took the papers his brother held out to him and put them safely in the inside pocket of his coat.

  “They are,” Marshall agreed. “Do you have time to visit for a while?”

  “No. I’
m expected at the Morgans’.”

  “Have a good evening.” Marshall’s eyes twinkled knowingly, but Jim looked uninspired.

  “I think I’m too tired,” Jim remarked. “I’m going on forty-eight hours with no sleep.

  “Well, once you’re married, I’m sure you’ll be spending a lot more time in bed,” Marshall chuckled.

  “I may be in bed, but I doubt that I’ll get much more rest,” Jim countered.

  “When are you leaving again?”

  “Mark said sometime after midnight tonight. You know how he likes to keep the exact time quiet. I think he’s worried.”

  “I was wondering if the rumors I’ve been hearing had any truth to them.”

  “What rumors?”

  “Just the usual, really. That Rebel spies and informers are everywhere. Not that there have been any new developments. There haven’t. But with the situation for the South becoming so desperate…I guess the sympathizers are getting more desperate, too.”

  “No doubt,” Jim agreed. “I’m always cautious, but I’ve had no reason to be afraid yet. When that day comes, I may tell Mark to find me an ironclad.” He laughed, trying to ease any fears his brother might have. While they were equal partners in the steamship line, Jim had the more dangerous work.

  “Tell Mother and Father that I was sorry I missed them…Dorrie, too.”

  “I will. You’ll take care?”

  “I always do.” Their eyes met in understanding.

  Shaking off a strained feeling of déjà vu, they smiled and walked to the study door. Just as they were about to turn the knob, the door flew open, seemingly of its own accord, and a miniature Westlake dressed in warm winter-weight pajamas ran full steam into the room.

  “Uncle Jimmy!” Roger Fontaine Westlake launched himself into his favorite uncle’s arms. “I didn’t know you were coming to visit!”

  Jim returned the child’s hug enthusiastically. “I had to talk to your father for a while, but we’re all finished. I thought you were asleep. What are you doing up so late?”

  Roger grinned mischievously, a grin that in later years would steal many a heart. “Don’t tell Papa,” he whispered. “But Mama came and got me up just so I could see you.”

  “Don’t worry,” Jim confided. “Your secret is safe with me.”

  Marshall hid a smile as he watched the two. Roger and Jim had always been close, and the love between them was almost a tangible thing as they stood together, deep in their own private conversation.

  “When do I get to meet your wife, Uncle Jimmy?”

  Jim chuckled at the boy’s excitement. “Miss Morgan’s not my wife, yet, Roger, but she will be soon. And if you weren’t already in your nightclothes, I would take you with me now to meet her.”

  “You’re going to see her now?”

  “Yes, if my estimate of the time is correct, she’s waiting for me right this minute.”

  “I could change real quick and…”

  “Roger,” Marshall said in mock sternness from behind them, “you know it’s well past your bedtime. I’m sure there will be another time when you can meet her.”

  “Promise?”

  “Of course, we do,” Jim reassured him. “After all, Anna-belle is going to be your aunt, once I marry her.”

  “All right. As long as you promise.” He pouted a little as Renee appeared in the doorway.

  “Time for bed, Roger.” She held out her arms for her son.

  “First, I get to give Uncle Jimmy a big hug.”

  “Make it a good one, Roger. I’ll be gone for the next couple weeks and it’ll have to last.”

  Roger’s chubby arms clung tightly to Jim’s neck and Jim closed his eyes, enjoying the love so freely given. This child was so special to him.

  “I’ll see you when I get back,” Jim told him as he handed him over to Renee.

  “I’ll be waiting for you and I won’t have my ’jamas on then, either.”

  “Good night,” Jim called as he watched Renee take her six-year-old back upstairs to bed.

  “’Night, Uncle Jimmy. Hurry home.”

  When they had disappeared into Roger’s bedroom, Jim and Marshall continued on to the foyer.

  “How soon will you be back?”

  “Probably about two weeks. But it really depends on the weather and how far south we can go this trip.”

  “Last I heard,” Jim said, frowning, “with any luck at all, the river should be open by summer…but who knows. The war has dragged on far too long already.”

  Marshall nodded sadly. “I know. Renee is so anxious for news of home, but there is little we can do.”

  “I know it was difficult for her, coming North when the war started.”

  “It was, but I’m glad we did it. Union supporters aren’t exactly appreciated in Louisiana right now.”

  “Have you heard anything from Elise or Alain?”

  “Not in months.”

  “Well, if I can figure out a way to get word to them, I’ll let you know.”

  “Thanks.” Marshall handed Jim his coat and then opened the front door for him. “Have a good time with Annabelle. And be careful this trip.”

  “I will. I’ll see you when I get back.” Jim climbed into the waiting carriage.

  Annabelle had been anticipating Jim’s visit and she had taken special care with her toilet for this evening. Though she was considered a natural beauty, she had learned how to accentuate her best features, and she had no qualms about helping nature along if she could. The dress she was wearing was a high-necked, long-sleeved gown of royal blue, trimmed in white lace. On any other woman it would have seemed very prim, but on Annabelle’s petite figure it was stunning.

  Waiting now with her father for his arrival, she felt a bit nervous.

  “Would you like a sherry?”

  “That sounds wonderful.” She sat down on the sofa and took the fine crystal glass of sherry he handed her. “Thank you.”

  “You seem tense. Are you worried about Westlake?”

  “Not worried exactly…it’s just that I’ve never had to play the fiancée before.”

  Nathan smiled. “That’s true enough. And never for a better cause.”

  Annabelle toasted her father. “I can’t believe things have gone so smoothly. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll be able to learn something useful from him tonight.”

  As she spoke, she heard a carriage pull up outside. Giving her father a confident smile, she went out into the hall to meet him.

  “Good evening, Jim.” She was smiling as she met him in the foyer.

  “Annabelle.” He greeted her warmly, impressed once again by her blond loveliness. “You look ravishing this evening.”

  “Thank you.” She handed his coat to a servant and led him into the parlor where her father awaited them.

  “Good evening, Jim.” Nathan was more than pleased at his presence.

  “Nathan. It’s good to see you again,” Jim responded as they shook hands.

  “Please, sit down.” Nathan waved him to the plush sofa facing the fireplace. “What can I get you to drink?”

  “A scotch will be fine, Nathan. Thank you.”

  “Annabelle, would you like another sherry?”

  “Please, Father.”

  Sitting down beside Jim, Annabelle gave him a provocative look and was pleased to see a flame of desire flicker to life in his eyes. She knew that he found her attractive, and she intended to exploit that weakness whenever she could. She wondered idly what it would be like to have Jim as her lover, but quickly dismissed the idea. Though Jim Westlake was handsome, Annabelle didn’t want to get too involved with him. She only wanted to use him to get the information she needed. That was all.

  “Here’s your drink.” Nathan handed Jim a tumbler filled with scotch and Annabelle a small crystal glass of sherry.

  “To your engagement,” his future father-in-law toasted.

  Jim’s eyes met Annabelle’s, and their gazes locked. They raised their glasses and sipped slowly
.

  Nathan was thrilled that things were progressing so well. Anxious to leave them by themselves, he pleaded unfinished business and excused himself.

  Jim was only slightly surprised at being left alone with Annabelle, but he wasn’t about to complain. The quick embrace they had shared the previous afternoon had hardly been satisfying, and he wanted to spend as much time as possible with her.

  “Would you like another drink?” Annabelle offered as soon as her father had gone from the room.

  “Yes, please. It’s been a long day and I do need to unwind a little.”

  Taking his glass, Annabelle moved gracefully to the liquor cabinet, making sure that her skirts were swaying seductively. Jim was open in his admiration as he watched her cross the room, and he felt quite content with the decision he’d made. Rejoining him, Annabelle held out his drink, but Jim grasped her wrist instead, pulling her down close beside him.

  “I’ve been wanting to do this since yesterday.” He spoke his intent softly, setting their glasses aside and sweeping her into his arms.

  Annabelle had no time to protest as his mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss. Startled by his ardor, she offered no encouragement as she lay passively in his embrace. Jim felt her reserve, but knew that such female defenses could easily be broken down. They were to be married soon; so surely, she could not object to his touch. It was only when his lips left hers to caress the sweetness of her throat that Annabelle struggled to be free from him.

  “Darling, what is it?” Jim asked with true concern. No woman had ever denied him before, and he certainly hadn’t expected it from his fiancée.

  “We have to be careful,” she lied. “Father may come back, and I don’t want us to embarrass ourselves.”

  Jim accepted Annabelle’s excuse with dignity and moved a respectable distance away, but he could not hide his irritation. While it would be embarrassing to be caught in a heated embrace by your future father-in-law, surely she could have been more responsive. Her reaction to his kiss had been nothing short of non ex is tent, and that puzzled him. If Annabelle loved him as she said she did, wouldn’t she be eager to be with him?

  If Jim had known Annabelle’s thoughts, he would have been less concerned. She had been stunned by her own reaction to his kiss. Something in his touch had set her blood racing, and when he’d tried to deepen their intimacy, she’d known she’d better escape his embrace or she would be lost completely in her sensual arousal.