With that, he left, leaving the door standing open behind him.
“What do you suppose he meant by that?” Gideon asked.
“I have no idea. The man is a force of nature. My mother will be furious at having to put together a dinner party on such short notice.”
Mrs. Vanderslice’s fury was hardly something to be feared, but she certainly had a right to be dismayed at the inconvenience. “Tell her it’s business and you can’t help it. That’s what your father always did.”
“I’m just worried about your mother,” David said. “Won’t she be upset that we’re entertaining Thornton?”
“I have no intention of telling her.”
“How will you explain that you and Elizabeth are dining at my house but that she’s not invited?”
“I’ll tell her the truth. That it’s a business dinner with a client. You need me there for advice, and you want Elizabeth to practice being your hostess. Elizabeth certainly isn’t going to tell her any different, and Mother will be happy to miss it.”
“Of course. Well . . .” David rubbed his hands together. “I think this is going to work out splendidly, don’t you?”
He did not, but he said, “The general seems determined that it will, and he also seems to be a man used to getting his way.”
“He does, doesn’t he? Well, what do we need to do to prepare for this dinner?”
“Find out if Thornton is available, although I suspect he’ll make himself available to meet the general.”
“I’ll do that right away. And then tell Mother. I hate to upset her, but it can’t be helped.”
“Can’t Anna be of some assistance?”
David frowned. “She never has been. And she’s been acting so peculiar lately.”
So David had noticed it, too. “In what way?”
“I don’t know. Suddenly she has opinions. I wouldn’t be surprised if she refused to attend this dinner, for example.”
“Why wouldn’t she?”
“Just to be contrary, although if Elizabeth is there, she’ll probably come. Will you tell Elizabeth? You’ll see her before I do.”
Oh, yes. Gideon would like nothing better than telling her David was requiring her presence at a dinner. “I’d be happy to.”
“Good. Then I’ll contact Thornton and the general. And warn Thornton to be on his best behavior. As soon as we calm the general’s fears, we can get the rifles sold.”
“And you can be off to Europe with your bride,” Gideon said, pleased that he didn’t sound the least bit sarcastic.
Why, then, did David frown?
• • •
Elizabeth checked her reflection one last time before heading downstairs to begin what promised to be a very trying evening. She did look fabulous. The purple silk gown from the trunk of stolen goodies fit perfectly and showed off her slender figure. She’d found some amethyst jewelry that matched, and she’d pinned a small tiara with a peacock feather in her hair. The matching shoes were a little big, but she’d stuffed tissue paper into the toes, so they’d do. The long, white kid gloves were the final touch.
Satisfied that she had managed to create every advantage available to an attractive young woman, she wrapped her confidence around her like a cloak to conceal the quiver of terror hiding deep inside of her. So many things could go wrong tonight, and she had no one to whom she could turn. Even Anna didn’t know the whole truth, and if she ever found out . . .
Elizabeth shrugged off that horrible thought and practiced her smile in the mirror. There, that should do it. Of course, she wouldn’t need it until she reached the Vanderslice house. She had no intention of smiling at Gideon Bates on the way over.
As she made her way down the stairs, however, she almost forgot her resolve when she saw the expression on his face when he caught sight of her. He already had his coat on, so plainly he’d been waiting, but any signs of irritation or impatience dropped away instantly.
She was gratified to note that he had to swallow before he could speak. “You’re looking exceptionally lovely tonight, Miss Miles.”
“Indeed you are, Elizabeth,” Mrs. Bates exclaimed. She’d just come out of the parlor and beamed her approval.
“Thank you. I wanted to make a good impression. For David’s sake,” she added. “I wish you were joining us.”
“And I’m glad to be spared an evening of trying not to say anything controversial,” Mrs. Bates said. “Those stuffy men David does business with are so narrow-minded.”
“Is that what my life will be from now on?” Elizabeth said with feigned dismay.
“Only occasionally, I’m sure,” she said. “And when we get the vote, it won’t matter anymore.”
“May I help you with your wrap?” Gideon asked.
Elizabeth had carried down the black velvet cape she’d chosen to wear over her gown, and she held it out to him. He shook it out and wrapped it around her with an ease that surprised her. If his hand lingered on her shoulder just a second too long, she pretended not to notice.
“Will that be warm enough?” he asked.
She looked at him in surprise, and Mrs. Bates actually laughed.
“Of course it won’t be warm enough,” Mrs. Bates said, “but a woman can’t think of that when she’s trying to look fashionable, can she, Elizabeth?”
“Certainly not. Besides, it’s not far. I’m hardly likely to freeze.” She took a moment to tie the ribbons at her throat. Then Gideon opened the door, and Mrs. Bates told them to have a lovely evening, and in another moment they were alone out on the quiet street.
Gideon offered his arm, but she ignored it and set as brisk a pace as her ill-fitting shoes allowed. Why couldn’t David have come for her so she didn’t have to be alone with Gideon?
“You don’t have to be nervous,” he said, easily matching her pace.
“What makes you think I’m nervous?” she asked in alarm.
“I just supposed you might be. It’s the first time you’re acting as David’s hostess.”
“All I’m doing is having dinner. Mrs. Vanderslice is our hostess.”
“We both know you’re expected to make an impression, and in that outfit, you certainly will.”
“And I suppose all that’s expected of me is that I look lovely and make charming conversation.”
“And don’t mention women’s rights, I suppose. I don’t know where the general stands on the issue, but I’d guess he’s not very open to the idea.”
“What about Mr. Thornton? Surely he supports the movement.”
“Don’t let his recent behavior fool you. He only helped us get you ladies out of the workhouse because he wanted David’s assistance with this deal.”
“So neither of them would be sympathetic if I asked for their support?”
“I doubt it.”
“So you and David are our only male friends at this event?”
She’d expected him to confirm that statement. It was one area where he might win her good opinion, but he said nothing.
She gave him a few more paces to reply, and when he didn’t, she said, “Aren’t you a supporter, Mr. Bates?”
He turned his gaze on her, and the heat of it made her forget the thinness of her cape. “You know I am.”
“Then what . . . ? Do you mean that David isn’t?”
He smiled mirthlessly. “Far be it from me to speak ill of your fiancé, Miss Miles.”
Was he serious? “But he allowed Anna to go to Washington to demonstrate.”
“Against his better judgment, and he had no idea she’d be arrested, much less end up in that workhouse.”
She hadn’t really discussed the matter with David, so she had no idea if Gideon was right. Except that Gideon didn’t lie, or so he claimed. “How do I know you aren’t just trying to change my opinion of David?”
He smiled at that. “Could I?”
Honestly, he was so infuriating. “Absolutely not.” Her opinion of David could hardly get any lower.
“I was afraid of that. I guess I’ll just have to rely on David to do it.”
At least he’d given her a subject with which she could disagree with David to begin their estrangement. “What if I told David the things you say about him?”
“Go right ahead. In fact, I think he’d be happy for an excuse to tell you that he doesn’t want you involved in any more demonstrations.”
He really was infuriating. And hopefully right. She couldn’t wait to bring up the subject with David.
“Aren’t you going to argue with me?” he asked when she didn’t reply. Did he sound disappointed?
“What would be the point? Like most men, you assume you’re right, and no amount of argument will convince you otherwise.”
“You have a low opinion of most men.”
“Based on experience, I’m afraid.”
“I think you’ll find it confirmed this evening when you meet Thornton and the general.”
Elizabeth was sure of it. “I’ll try to keep an open mind.”
They’d reached the Vanderslices’ front steps, and she climbed them without waiting for assistance from Gideon. The fewer times he touched her, the better.
The maid had been waiting and opened the door instantly at their knock. After taking their coats, she showed them into the parlor, where the Vanderslice family waited.
They greeted Elizabeth warmly, and all three of them kissed her cheek. Anna told her she looked beautiful, and David murmured something complimentary as well. They greeted Gideon only slightly less warmly, and David pumped his hand and slapped him on the back and thanked him profusely for coming.
Elizabeth sat down next to Anna on a sofa. Mrs. Vanderslice had sunk into a nearby chair looking forlorn.
“Mother is worried the dinner won’t be a success,” Anna told her.
“It was rather short notice,” Elizabeth said diplomatically.
“I don’t know why these men can’t do business in an office,” Mrs. Vanderslice said. “There’s no reason we have to be present. We’ll only be bored while they natter on about contracts and such.”
Elizabeth knew why, but she couldn’t say so. She just let Mrs. Vanderslice natter on about how unhappy her staff was about being rushed and how was she supposed to seat people when she had an odd number of guests? Mrs. Vanderslice stopped abruptly when they heard the doorbell, and everyone turned. The wait for the guest to be admitted, relinquish his coat and be escorted the short distance to the parlor seemed interminable, but no one spoke or moved the entire time. Finally, Oscar Thornton entered the room.
The sight of him sent a frisson of alarm skittering down her spine, but she stiffened that spine. He couldn’t hurt her tonight. She was perfectly safe here, at least.
Thornton looked terribly uncomfortable in his evening clothes, which gratified Elizabeth to no end. She wanted to see him far more than uncomfortable, but this would do for the moment. David greeted him, and Gideon shook his hand, although without much enthusiasm, Elizabeth noted. Mrs. Vanderslice also went to welcome him. Then David brought him to the sofa where Elizabeth and Anna sat.
“You remember my sister, Anna,” David said. “And may I present my fiancée, Elizabeth Miles?”
Not wanting to touch him, Elizabeth kept her hands primly folded in her lap, but she nodded politely. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thornton. I believe we owe you our gratitude for your help in Virginia.”
“I was happy to be of assistance, Miss Miles,” he said with his smarmy smile. It still made her skin crawl, but she held his gaze without flinching. “And your young man is going to return the favor many times over.”
Elizabeth was spared having to reply by the sound of the doorbell.
“That will be the general,” Mrs. Vanderslice said. She sounded more resigned than happy that the guest of honor had arrived.
Everyone turned to the doorway except Thornton. He leaned in a bit closer and whispered, “This deal better go through, or you and your brother will both be sorry.”
Elizabeth instinctively recoiled, but she somehow managed a smile, as if he’d said something pleasant.
Only Anna had seen the exchange, although she couldn’t have heard what he said. She knew the danger Thornton posed, however, and she immediately came to Elizabeth’s rescue. “Mr. Thornton, allow me to add my thanks to Elizabeth’s. You can’t know how grateful we are to be free from that horrible place.”
“It was my pleasure, Miss Vanderslice.”
“General,” David said a bit too loudly, which mercifully drew Thornton’s attention away from the two women. He instantly left them to meet the newly arrived guest.
“Oh my,” Anna whispered to her. “David said the general was imposing, but I had no idea.”
Indeed, the general seemed to fill the room with his presence. He was a magnificent figure in his evening clothes, holding himself perfectly erect and with his silver hair gleaming in the electric lamplight. He bowed over Mrs. Vanderslice’s hand and told her he’d taken her for David’s sister.
Then he pumped Thornton’s hand and told him how pleased he was to meet him. When David brought him over to them, Elizabeth and Anna instinctively rose. Anna gave him her hand and blushed at his lavish compliments. Then he turned to Elizabeth, who offered her hand as well while David made the introductions. The general’s grip was surprisingly gentle.
“My opinion of Vanderslice just improved immensely,” the general said, his blue eyes sparkling. “He must be quite a man to have won your heart, young lady.”
“Surely you already suspected as much, General.”
“A man likes to be sure, Miss Miles.” He turned back to David. “I can see I was right to insist on having ladies present. The evening is always more pleasant with them in attendance.”
“Are you a married man yourself, General?” Mrs. Vanderslice asked.
“I’m afraid not. I lost my beloved wife many years ago.”
This news perked Mrs. Vanderslice up immediately. “I’m so sorry to hear it. I know how lonely that can be, since I lost my dear husband, too.”
The two of them commiserated for a while, and then the maid came to tell them dinner was ready to be served. The general escorted his hostess, while David instructed Thornton to take Anna into the dining room. Then he paired Gideon with Elizabeth and followed them alone.
Elizabeth almost would have preferred being paired with Thornton.
“How do you find the general?” Gideon asked.
“He’s charming.”
“With the ladies, certainly.”
“But not with the gentlemen?”
“Not that I’ve noticed, but then he doesn’t have to be, does he?”
“I suppose he has to drive a hard bargain for the rifles.”
“Not really. He’s not spending his own money, and people tend to be less careful with other people’s money.”
“But it’s not other people’s money. It’s the government’s money.”
He gave her a pitying look. “Where do you think the government gets its money?”
Elizabeth had never thought of it at all. “From . . . uh . . . I really have no idea.”
“From taxes. Which the government collects from people like you and me.”
Elizabeth had never paid taxes in her life, but she decided not to mention it. “Is that true?”
“I told you, I don’t lie. And yes, it’s very true. The only money the government has is what it takes from its citizens. So you and I are paying for Thornton’s rifles and everything else the government buys.”
Which sounded like the biggest con of all. She couldn’t mention that to Gideon, though.
“Then the general should be more caref
ul with our money.”
“Be sure to mention that to him, will you?”
“What are you saying to make Elizabeth frown like that?” David asked when they reached the dining room.
“I was just explaining how taxation works.”
“Do you think that’s appropriate conversation for a young lady?” David scolded him. “No wonder she’s frowning.”
“My apologies, Miss Miles,” Gideon said, relinquishing her to David with a small bow.
She would have been gratified if she’d thought for one second that he meant the apology. “Dear me, I don’t think anyone has ever apologized for boring me before.”
Gideon laid a hand over his heart, as if she had struck him there, but his eyes danced with amusement in the moment before he turned away to find his seat.
Mrs. Vanderslice directed them to their places. As the most important guest, the general was on David’s right, and Thornton was on hers. Elizabeth was between Thornton and David on one side of the table, and Gideon and Anna sat on the general’s side, with Anna in the middle. Because they didn’t have enough ladies, Elizabeth would be tasked with skipping over David to entertain the general when conversation turned that way. Given the general’s personality, she didn’t anticipate that would be difficult. What would be hard was conversing with Thornton, who sat to her left.
“Where are you from originally, General?” Elizabeth asked as the soup was being served.
He regaled them with the story of his upbringing on various military bases, since his father before him had been a lieutenant colonel. The military, it seemed, was in his blood. When they’d exhausted that topic, David asked if he’d served in Cuba during the war with Spain nearly twenty years earlier. As it happened, he had been sent to the Philippines, where the climate had been horrible and the people had shown little appreciation for being liberated from Spain.
Then, halfway through the main course, Mrs. Vanderslice turned the table, and Elizabeth had to turn her attention in the other direction, to Oscar Thornton. At least there were only the two of them on this side of the table, so he wasn’t close enough to actually touch her. She could still feel the way his man had wrapped his arm around her throat and the terror that had gripped her when Thornton told her what he was going to do to her. Her expression betrayed none of that, however. The casual observer would have thought Thornton a stranger to her, as he was supposed to be.
City of Lies Page 23