Rapture's Tempest

by Bobbi Smith

  Annabelle crossed the room to join Wade on the sofa. “How are you doing with Dorrie?”

  Wade chuckled cynically. “It’s amazing what dredging up a dead fiancé can do for you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I was having a hard time breaking through that reserve of hers, so I brought up Paul Elliot.”

  “And?” She eagerly anticipated his next ploy.

  “I told her that I’d been serving under Lyon the same time he was. I even convinced her that I’d known him.”

  Annabelle laughed delightedly. “She believed you?”

  “Totally. You would have been amazed by the transformation that took place. She went from an ice maiden to a forlorn, vulnerable woman in a matter of just a few sentences.” Wade was smug.

  “How do you do it?”

  “I haven’t accomplished anything yet, my love,” he warned her.

  “I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. When are you planning on seeing her again?”

  “I didn’t have the opportunity to set anything up with her. Mark Clayton and Marshall caught us in the hallway.”

  “Caught you? Doing what?”

  “Nothing spectacular. I was just comforting her, but to them it must have looked quite scandalous. Clayton stormed out of the house and Westlake told her his wife was looking for her.”

  “Oh, how charming. You almost compromised her.” Anna-belle couldn’t help but smile. She had known that Wade would succeed. “I’m so proud of you, but what are you going to do now?”

  “Wait.”

  “Wait?”

  “If I read Miss Dorrie Westlake right, she’ll be contacting me, and soon.”

  “Do you really think so?”

  “I’d bet on it,” Wade answered confidently.

  Dorrie stared at the note she had just written and hesitated. Should she send it? Never before had she done anything so brazen…unattached females just did not write notes requesting meetings with single men. But surely the chance to hear more about Paul was worth it.…Without further debate, she sent the note.

  Clara and Delight wandered happily through the shops on Veranda Row. It was their first shopping spree together since Clara had been ill, and they were enjoying every minute of it. Delight was overjoyed that her mother was at last fully recovered, and they had spent the entire afternoon just relaxing and being happy in each other’s company.

  “I have a wonderful idea, darling,” Clara told her daughter affectionately as they paused outside of a dressmaker’s shop.

  “What, Mother?”

  “I think we should have a party. It’s been so long since we’ve done any real entertaining.”

  “You’re right. But are you sure you’re up to it?” Delight asked.

  “I’m fine now, so don’t worry about me. It will be great fun, don’t you think? And, of course, we’ll need new gowns.” Clara loved to be extravagant when it came to clothes.

  “It’s not necessary,” Delight hastened to reassure her.

  “It may not be necessary, but it does sound exciting.” Taking Delight by the arm, she led her into the shop. “Come on, we’re going to buy the most beautiful gowns in St. Louis. And if we can’t find what we want, we’ll order them made.”

  An hour and a half later, they were on their way home, exhausted but pleased with the success of their trip.

  “Will two weeks give us enough time?” Clara was growing more excited by the minute as she planned the upcoming party.

  “It should. I’ll check with Rose and Sue to make sure they can get everything done in time. But I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

  “Good. I’ll tell Martin when we get home. I’m sure he’ll enjoy entertaining once again. We haven’t done it in so long.” Clara paused, looking at Delight thoughtfully. “You did like the pattern we picked for your gown, didn’t you?”

  “Oh, yes. It’s going to be beautiful. And I love the matte taffeta. But you don’t think that the color is too bold for me, do you?”

  “Nonsense. You’ll look stunning in it. The deep cranberry color suits you; it will set your hair off perfectly.”

  “I’ve never worn that shade before, but, I must admit, I did like it.”

  Clara patted her hand. “You’ll be the most gorgeous woman there. Wait and see. Now, what shall we serve?”

  Their conversation turned to the mundane as their carriage arrived back at their home.

  Dorrie was pacing the study restlessly, and Renee looked up at her from the sofa where she sat busily working on her needlepoint.

  “What on earth is bothering you today? You’re nervous as a cat.”

  Feeling a bit guilty for not having told Renee what she’d done, Dorrie faced her and prepared to explain. “I’ve invited a friend over this afternoon.”

  “That’s nice, dear, but why are you so jumpy? All you’ve done all morning is wander through the house….”

  “I’ve invited Wade MacIntosh.” She said it in an almost defiant tone of voice, and Renee had enough sense not to show her displeasure at the news.

  “Oh?” she responded as nonchalantly as she could.

  Dorrie relaxed visibly. “I thought you’d be upset.”

  “What ever for? This is your home, just as it is ours, and you’re free to invite over whomever you choose. What time are you expecting him?”

  “Around two.”

  “I’ll try to make myself inconspicuous.”

  “Thanks,” Dorrie grinned at Renee.

  “You’re welcome.” She smiled back in understanding.

  When Wade knocked at the door a little while later, Dorrie answered it herself and graciously ushered him inside.

  “Good afternoon, Dorrie. You’re looking lovely, as always.”

  “Thank you, Wade.” She took his coat and then led him into the parlor. “You know my sister-in-law, Renee, don’t you?”

  “Of course. Mrs. Westlake, nice to see you again.”

  “You, too, Wade,” Renee greeted him cordially. “How have you been?”

  “Just fine.”

  Renee watched Wade covertly. “Good. Well, if you two will excuse me, I’ll leave you to your own devices.”

  Wade stood as she left the room and then sat back down as Dorrie called the maid and ordered that refreshments be brought in to them.

  “Is tea all right with you, Wade?”

  “That will be fine.”

  Returning to join Wade on the sofa, Dorrie was relieved that everything had gone well. Knowing how Marshall felt about her involvement with Wade, she had not expected Renee to be so cooperative.

  When the maid returned with the tray, Dorrie took it from her and poured them each a cup of the steaming brew. “Here you are.”

  Wade took the cup and set it gingerly aside, for it was too hot to drink just yet. “You’ve been well?”

  “Yes. And you?”

  “I’ve missed you, Dorrie,” Wade told her with a sincerity that would have fooled even the most perceptive miss.

  Dorrie blushed, confused by his sudden confession. She hadn’t expected such an ardent declaration from him. She liked him as a friend, but her real interest in inviting him here was to find out more about Paul.

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  “You didn’t really embarrass me, Wade. You just surprised me.”

  “Why? Surely you realize that I care for you?” When she didn’t respond, Wade knew he was moving too fast. “I’m sorry; here I’ve gone and upset you again, when all I really wanted to do was have the chance to visit with you.”

  Dorrie smiled at him as her nervousness left her. “I did, too…want to visit, that is.”

  “You want to talk about Paul, don’t you?” He looked at her questioningly.

  “If you don’t mind,” she said hopefully. “It’s not often that I meet someone who knew him.”

  “We weren’t well acquainted, mind you, but I do recall meeting him on several occasions. And I was there that last fateful day…
.”

  “Oh.”

  “He died a senseless death, but I’m sure you know that already. It was so futile…the crowd was unruly and the shots were fired at random. No one ever knew who fired first, but it didn’t matter after it was over. The damage had already been done.”

  Dorrie sighed. “I know. We tried to find out more at the time, but everything was all so confused….”

  “Dorrie?” Wade drew her thoughts back to the present.

  “What?”

  “I don’t want us to dwell on the past.” He took her hand gently. “I like you, and I want us to be…friends.”

  “Why, we are friends,” she remarked.

  “Good. I’m glad.”

  Dorrie smiled at him warmly. “So am I.”

  Wade returned her smile, pleased that she was opening up to him. With very little effort on his part, he had won her confidence. Now, with a little serious courting, he would have her right where he wanted her.

  They passed long minutes in polite social conversation before Wade finished his tea and decided it was time to go.

  “I’d better be going.”

  “So soon?” Dorrie had been enjoying his company, and her expression reflected her disappointment.

  “Duty calls,” he told her regretfully, and in truth he did regret having to leave. But he didn’t want to push his luck with her too far just yet. Standing, he headed for the hall. “May I see you again?”

  “I’d like that,” she told him.

  “I’ll be in touch.” He bent over her hand in courtly fashion.

  The unexpected sensation of his lips on her flesh tingled through her, and she watched with some confusion as he left the house.

  It was four days later that the Enterprise finally docked at her home port, and the travel-weary river boatmen were definitely ready to celebrate their homecoming. Jim and Ollie stood in the pilot house watching the unloading taking place below.

  “I’m really afraid that we’re never going to recover all the business we’ve lost since the beginning of the war, with the river’s being closed to the gulf, Ollie.” Jim was prophetic in his statement.

  “I know. I’ve been talking to the men on the Missouri run, and, from what I can find out, everything’s being shipped North now, through Chicago.”

  “It only makes sense for them to do it, but it doesn’t make it any easier for me to accept.”

  Ollie nodded. “Things always have a way of changing, even when you don’t want them to.”

  “I know,” Jim agreed and then asked, “Can you handle things here? I’ve got a few important calls to make.”

  “Sure. We’re almost done. You go on ahead. Do you want to meet me at Harry’s later?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve got to pay Annabelle a visit, and then I want to stop by and see Marsh for a while.”

  “You’ll be late, then.”

  “Probably. But if I can make it, I’ll be there by midnight. All right?”

  “Sure.” Ollie watched as Jim left the pilot house on his way to the Morgans’, and he wondered what would happen if Murphy would show up. The possibility made him smile, and he turned back to his duties, his mood considerably lighter.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Mr. Westlake is here to see you, ma’am,” The maid announced to Annabelle as she lay upon her bed resting.

  Her eyes sparkled at the news and she got up quickly. “Tell him I’ll be right down, and then come back and help me dress.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Thrilled that he’d returned, Annabelle hurriedly selected her most becoming day gown from her wardrobe and spread it out on the bed to await the maid’s help in putting it on. Checking her hair, she smoothed a loose curl back into place and dabbed a bit of her favorite perfume behind each ear. Satisfied with the way she looked, she sat at her vanity table and waited impatiently for the maid’s return.

  Thank heaven he was back! It had only been ten days, but to Annabelle it had seemed an eternity. She hoped he was as anxious to see her as she was to see him. They hadn’t parted on the best of terms, and she was determined to make it up to him. Realizing now that he did not respond to pouting feminine tactics, she would take care never to make that mistake with him again.

  Annabelle was going to do everything she could to prove her “love” to Jim while he was home this time. Somehow she would make sure that they had no more interruptions. She wanted him and she was going to have him, even if it was just for a little while.

  When the maid returned, Annabelle dressed with care and then prepared to leave her room.

  “He’s waiting for you in the parlor, Miss Annabelle.”

  “Thank you.”

  Sweeping gracefully from the room, Annabelle descended the stairs in search of her fiancé.

  Jim was standing, staring out the window when she entered the room. “Darling.” She smiled as she went to him and kissed him passionately. “It’s so good to have you back.”

  Jim gazed down at her, his eyes warm with admiration for the perfection of her beauty. “It’s good to be back.”

  “Did you miss me?” she asked coyly.

  “Of course.” He grinned, and, pulling her into his arms, he bent to kiss her. His mouth moved over hers in a sensual exploration that stirred Annabelle’s desire but left him feeling oddly bereft.

  When they broke apart, Annabelle breathed, “I missed you, too. More than you’ll ever know.” Taking his arm, she led him to the sofa. “Will you be staying in town longer this time?”

  “After that welcome, I certainly hope so.” He sat down next to her and drew her close beside him.

  Annabelle was thrilled by his responsiveness and pressed willingly against him. “Good. I don’t ever want us to part again like we did the last time.” She drew his head down to her for another passionate exchange. “I worried about it the whole time you were gone.” She murmured in between short breathless kisses, “I’m sorry if I seem too possessive…It’s just that I love you so much.”

  “I understand.” He told her, claiming her mouth in a flaming kiss. “I thought of you, too, while I was gone.”

  “And you’re not angry with me?”

  “No,” he confirmed, and Annabelle felt much relieved.

  “Good.” She smiled and sat back for a moment, plotting what to do next to get him into her bed. “Will you join me for dinner tonight?”

  “I’d love to. Will your father be joining us?”

  “No. I’m afraid Father’s been called out of town on business, but I’m sure we can have a good time by ourselves.” Her statement was suggestive, and Jim was surprised at her brazenness.

  “I’d like that.” As he looked down at her, Jim was struck by the sudden memory of a darker, more innocent beauty, whose short-cropped curly locks had helped to disguise her sensuous femininity. Shaking himself mentally, he directed his thoughts to Annabelle, silently cursing himself for the momentary lapse. Restless, now that Murphy had intruded on his thoughts at a most private moment, he stood. “But I do have to run by Marshall’s first. There’s some business we have to discuss.”

  “Why don’t you plan on being back here about six thirty?”

  “That sounds fine.”

  “I’ll be waiting for you…” Her tone was sultry as they walked to the door, and Jim knew that the evening could have a very different ending from their previous ones together.

  Annabelle was soaking in a scented bath when her maid knocked at her bedroom door.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt you, ma’am, but Captain MacIntosh is here and he’d like to speak with you.”

  “Wade?” She paused thoughtfully. “Send him up in five minutes.”

  When the maid had gone, Annabelle arose from the tub in a splash of shimmering splendor. Toweling herself, she let her thoughts drift to the night to come, and the friction of the soft cotton cloth on her sensitive silken flesh only served to increase her awareness of her need for Jim’s body. Slipping into a fashionable dressing gown of pal
e blue satin and ecru lace, she wrapped another towel around her damp hair and seated herself at her dressing table. Glancing up at the mirror and feeling inordinately pleased by what she saw reflected there, she took the time to admire her own classic beauty, and it was in this narcissistic position that Wade found her when he walked unannounced into her boudoir.

  “Darling, I have some fantastic news!” Wade stopped just inside the doorway, his hand resting on the knob of the still open portal. “My God, you’re gorgeous…” His breath caught in his throat as he took in the scene before him…Anna-belle barely clad in a silken wrapper, the dampness of her skin encouraging the clinging material to reveal far more than it was ever intended to.

  “Hello, Wade.” She turned to smile at him with practiced seduction. “You have news?” She arched a delicate eyebrow at Wade, very aware of the effect she was having on him.

  “News?” He blinked and then remembered what it was he’d come to tell her. “Yes…my news, I’ve been promoted.”

  “How wonderful for you,” she replied with little real interest and she turned away from him to look in the mirror once again, her mind racing ahead to the hours she would have alone with Jim.

  “I am now Major MacIntosh assigned to the regimental paymaster.”

  “Are you serious?” Annabelle’s eyes widened at the possibilities, and she turned to regard him seriously, her dressing gown gapping widely in front to reveal the fullness of her breasts as she faced him.

  “Absolutely,” he answered confidently as his gaze dropped to the pale-hued flesh so tantalizingly displayed by the loose-fitting wrapper.

  “Oh, Wade, that’s wonderful,” she told him as he slowly closed the door and came to stand in front of her.

  “Yes. It is,” he agreed, reaching out with a tentative hand to caress the soft curves still hidden by the seductive material.

  Annabelle allowed herself to enjoy his touch for a moment and then stepped away. “We won’t have any trouble now getting the information we need, will we?”

  “I should be able to find out everything we need to know with a minimum of difficulty.”