by Eboni Snoe
That belief placed Nadine in dangerous waters. Anything resembling a belief in what people called premonitions or psychic powers went against the religious teachings she had grown up with, teachings she still embraced in many ways. But there was no way she could cast the vision aside as another person’s misguided beliefs. It was not someone else’s experience, it was her own.
The very thought made cold tingles run through Nadine, reminding her of the stone tablets that hung around her neck. She knew she could either let her fears run rampant, and drive her to the point where even she thought she might be going crazy, or she could find out why these things were happening. Nadine decided on the latter.
“You do not think it is rather late to start sending out more invitations?” The cold, clipped voice cut into her explanations.
Nadine felt nervous energy moving inside her as she looked directly into Ulysses’ eyes. His face looked harder than she remembered. “Not if we faxed them from the World Treasures Institute. I’m sure Dr. Steward would have no problem with that. The more sales we’re able to generate, the larger the proceeds the institute will be receiving. And the kinds of groups that I have been speaking of are on the institute’s current mailing list. They are small, but financially capable of sending someone to the showing even at short notice.”
The conversation had been strained from the beginning. Wearing his customary white shirt and black pants, Ulysses had arrived for supper shortly after she and Madame Deane. Excitement jarred Nadine when he entered the room neither slow nor hurried. Control was the word that came to her mind, something that she now barely possessed. First, Ulysses spoke to his aunt and then to her, scarcely giving her more than a casual look. It made her feel that much more aware of her feelings for him because it was clear the feelings were not reciprocated.
The meal began quietly, so much so that Madame Deane felt it was her duty to make some kind of conversation. She was at her best and looked it. As she spoke Nadine could feel the older woman’s excitement about the upcoming event.
“It has been such a long time since the hall has been used for anything, has it not, Ulysses?” She looked his way, waiting for an acknowledgment. He nodded his head, and from there Madame Deane began to talk nonstop about the preparations that had to be made to ensure that the evening would be successful. “I hope we will have enough space and food for everyone,” she concluded on a note of expectancy.
“Aunt Helen, I hate to remind you, but this is merely a book sale, not some grand social event. And from the people that I have invited and the notices that have been placed on Barbados, I doubt if there will be a need for all the things that you have been talking about.”
“Well, maybe I am getting a little carried away,” Madame Deane recanted, her slender shoulders slumping as she sat back in the wheelchair.
Nadine could detect some of the sparkle leaving the older woman’s eyes.
“I—I guess I just thought we would make the best of the situation,” Madame Deane threw in softly as she watched Ulysses’ mask-like countenance.
Nadine felt compelled to come to Madame Deane’s defense. It was obvious Ulysses found her presence distasteful, but that was no excuse for taking away the joy his aunt was getting out of planning the event. There was already enough unpleasantness in Madame Deane’s life. After all, if he had not wanted her at Sovereign, he should not have pressed Dr. Steward to send her.
“If you don’t mind my saying so,” Nadine cut in, “I believe Madame Deane has the right idea. People love being a part of something they think will be talked about for years, especially when it involves the kind of literature and art that you will be selling. They will be able to purchase a part of history, and the more appealing the food and the surroundings, the bigger success it will be.” She looked down at the table momentarily to collect her thoughts. “If you want the advice of a professional,” Nadine paused for impact, “I suggest you take Madame Deane’s suggestions to heart. It will make the event that much more successful.”
Ulysses’ eyes bore into her the entire time she spoke. Nadine felt as if she were under the hot glare of interrogation lights, but knowing she was giving sound, professional advice was the only thing that kept her from backing down.
“Sounds like you have got it all figured out, Miss Clayton.” The sound of her surname dropped heavily in the informal dinner surroundings. “I suppose with all the grand plans that you have bought into, you are also committed to putting in the work that it will take to pull off such an extravagant event,” he pressed.
“Yes, I am,” Nadine replied, knowing she was being put on the spot.
“Good. Since I was planning to spend the night on Barbados anyway, I guess I will just stop by your office in the morning and speak to Dr. Steward about your suggestions.”
“Good.” Nadine’s expression gave no indication of what she was really feeling. Stoically, she returned to the pork and vegetables in front of her. She could feel his dark eyes staring at her as she focused on cutting her food.
He planned to spend the entire night on Barbados! Thoughts of what might be his activities there and with whom, mainly Pamela, nearly brought a flush to her face.
Across the table Ulysses was growing more perturbed as the moments passed. Nadine seemed so cool and detached. Professional was a better word for it. So, Miss Clayton, he thought, all your pretense about having so much to do on Barbados and not wanting to come to Sovereign has just melted away. He watched her slide the fork in and out of her mouth. You’re as comfortable as a cat who just happened to show up on my doorstep. I open the door, and not only do you come inside, but you curl up on the divan as if it were yours, taking over the place. Well, that’s fine with me, because I have a reason for wanting you here. Your being here will make it that much easier to find out if you are involved with any of the things that have been going awry at Sovereign. No matter how adept at this game you may be, you are still human, and humans make mistakes. I am waiting and counting on yours.
He studied the curve of her face as she avoided his stare. Her hair had been drawn back with a colorful scarf that formed a headband. The blue, black, and gold played up the gold highlights in her yellowish-brown locks. He had never seen her hair so soft and springy, with tendrils around the edges, playing against her skin. She looked so feminine and trustworthy. A profusion of curly lashes hid her downcast, provocative hazel eyes. Suddenly, Ulysses wanted to reach out and touch the curve of her cheek and the cottony twists that lay against it.
He tried to smother the tender feelings that were surfacing, tying his stomach in knots. The feelings forced him to admit to himself that finding out the truth was not the only reason he had arranged for Nadine Clayton’s stay at Sovereign.
Abruptly, Ulysses removed the linen napkin from his lap and placed it in the middle of his half eaten meal. “If I am to catch the next ferry to Barbados I need to be on my way,” he said gruffly. He rose and placed a kiss on his aunt’s thin cheek, and left the room without another word.
Nadine and Madame Deane looked at one another but said nothing. They both finished their meals in silence. Madame Deane with the slightest hint of a familiar twitch about her lips. Nadine with a similar tremble about her hands.
Chapter 17
“This is all he could get,” John Castle said as he laid the medium-sized package on the desk.
Ulysses looked at the man then down at the package. He did not move.
“Sorry if you were expecting more,” John smothered and crushed the remainder of his cigarette in an ashtray, “but I understand he was lucky to get that.”
Ulysses leaned forward and took the envelope, then sat back in the leather chair, weighing it in his hand. John thought he was hesitating because of the size of the package. Ulysses wished it was that simple. He was reluctant because he was unsure how he would feel after he had read the contents. “So the job wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be?” he asked, looking up at the attorney.
“No, that�
�s not it. My man said it was as easy as pie getting into the place.” John ran his hand across his mouth. “He said he nosed around what they called ‘uptown,’ and he heard that her grandmother, an Auntie Rose, sold antiques. So he posed as someone interested in buying antiques when he went out to the farm.” John rested his arms on the chair arms, and began to rock slowly. “He said the place was extremely small, but neat and clean, and the woman was a sweetheart. Claimed she really warmed up to him when he told her he wanted to find just the right piece for his daughter’s bedroom, and that he was willing to pay plenty for it.” John stopped rocking and leaned on the desk. “Evidently, she took him right inside the house and showed him a dresser. The woman said it used to belong to her granddaughter, Nadine.”
“Is that right?” Ulysses continued to finger the envelope.
“Uh-huh,” John said, and started to read from a piece of notebook paper. “He says, I didn’t have to ask too many questions because the woman talked extensively about hating to part with the furniture, but she intended to surprise her granddaughter and buy her a fancy printer with the money, since she always talked about starting a desktop publishing business.” He looked over the rim of his glasses. “The woman seemed to think that would be a way to keep her granddaughter on the farm. She said her granddaughter would be able to work out of the house if she got her the printer.” He looked back down at the notes. “He says when the woman went out to get a box for the old papers and odds and ends from the dresser, he made good use of his time. He took all the letters and handwritten papers he could without being conspicuous.” John put his elbows on the desk and raised his palms to the ceiling. “And that’s it.”
Ulysses put the envelope inside his soft leather satchel. “Once again, John, you have done an excellent job. How much do I owe you?”
“Just hold off until we get that tax situation together.” John and Ulysses rose from their chairs at the same time. “We’ll take care of it then.”
“Alright.”
The two men shook hands before Ulysses left.
“Hello. I bet you can use some help down here.” Melanie’s soft voice seemed to reverberate as she came down the stairs.
Nadine smiled, extending her an enthusiastic welcome. “You bet I could. After this I wonder if I’ll ever be able to work in close quarters again.”
The two women laughed, immediately feeling comfortable with one another.
“Yesterday Catherine brought one of her special mixtures over to our cook who was not feeling very well, and she told me you were back on the island. When I asked her how you were doing, she said you were working very hard to get things ready for the sale. So I thought I would come by and offer you a hand.”
“I’m certainly glad you did.”
Melanie wandered around the room, her eyes growing large with amazement. “I knew that Ulysses’ family had quite an extensive collection, but I never expected this.”
“It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?” Nadine concurred. “I never would have guessed the collection down here could be so extensive after seeing the collection upstairs.”
Melanie turned quickly toward Nadine. “Ulysses showed you his private collection?” Her tone was not friendly. Then she realized how she sounded. “I mean . . . it is just so unlike him.” She attempted a small chuckle. “He is such a private person. In all the years that I have known him, and as close as we have been, he has never even shown me this.” She made a sweeping gesture.
Nadine sought to soothe her newfound friend’s feelings. She could tell she was dealing with something, but what, she did not know. “I believe the only reason I saw it is because I’m a consultant. Maybe he wanted to show it to someone who could appreciate it on a professional level.”
“Maybe so,” Melanie acquiesced. “There have always been rumors about Sovereign’s famous collection. The more I would question Ulysses about it through the years, the more closedmouthed he became.” Her eyes hardened. “Is it as beautiful as I have heard?”
Nadine’s eyes took on a far-off look as she spoke. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen things quite so beautiful. It was as if I had entered another world. One of love and desire displayed through statues and books.” Her voice trailed away as she remembered the intimacy she and Ulysses had shared among his treasures.
“I admire art, as well,” Melanie told her, “but from listening to you, I am sure it does not evoke the passion in me that it does in you.” She smiled, although her features appeared harsh. “Now where would you have me start?”
Nadine was glad to pull back from the emotional discussion. “As a matter of fact, I’ve done the labeling on just about all of the smaller pieces. Maybe we can start taking them upstairs into the hall where the tables and stands have been set up.”
With the two of them working together, the smaller tables began to fill up quite rapidly and conversation flowed. Nadine and Melanie compared the differences and similarities in their lives as they worked.
“I must say I was surprised to find that English is spoken so well here on Eros,” Nadine commented.
“When Ulysses, my brothers and I were school age we had a tutor.”
“That’s right. A woman that I met on Barbados named Pamela spoke of a tutor that taught here on Eros. She was with Ulysses,” she added with forced calm.
“Through the years my brothers and Ulysses have spent a great deal of time on Barbados. In some ways it has so much more to offer than Eros does,” she cast Nadine a meaningful look, “but personally I do not feel it is as beautiful.”
“Do you ever go there?” Nadine asked.
“From time to time,” Melanie replied. “I shop for things that are not available here on Eros. But the old ways are very much a part of my life. That is the way I like it, and as I believe it should be.”
“You know, for the majority of my life I’ve lived by a strict set of rules that in some ways I’ve found to be very good for me, but in others I’m not so sure. I’ve begun to feel as if life may be passing me by.” She gave a nervous laugh. “I can look at myself and see why certain things haven’t happened for me, but when I look at you, I don’t understand why some lucky guy hasn’t snatched you up and married you.”
Melanie’s laugh was melodious. “First of all there are not that many men to choose from here on Eros . . . besides Ulysses. I have had some acquaintances on Barbados, but even so, I do not know how well my marrying someone would be accepted by Basil and Rodney. I am the woman of the house. I believe they would be very lost without me”
“Why haven’t they gotten married? I’m sure there are plenty of women who would say yes. Rodney is quite good-looking, and Basil is charming. I’m looking forward to the dinner he’s offered me at Sharpe Hall.” Nadine repositioned several books.
“You have met my brother Basil?” Melanie’s dark eyes took on a startled, then cautious look.
“Yes, a couple of days ago.” Nadine flung the words over her shoulder as she continued to work. “Not long after I arrived back on the island.”
“You must have really impressed him. I cannot remember when Basil has invited anyone to the house.” This time it was Melanie’s turn to sound a nervous laugh. “He is not as social as Rodney and I.”
“My, that does sound impressive.” Nadine felt pleased about the special invitation. “Maybe my charms are working better than I think.”
“Yes, you never know.” Melanie’s steady gaze followed her movements about the room. “If you would like, I can arrange dinner for this evening.”
“This evening? I’d love to.” Nadine broke into a wide smile. “It’ll give me something to look forward to other than another late evening down here.”
“It is settled then,” Melanie said. “I will make sure I get back in time to tell Cook. It will be exciting having a dinner guest at Sharpe Hall,” she said before they descended the stairs again.
“I am simply upset because big brother beat me to the punch.” Rodney flashed another brilliant smi
le. “So the least I could do for my brother Basil and myself is to offer to escort you to Sharpe Hall for this all-important event.” He chucked a rock at a nearby tree before continuing, “Catherine told me how Ulysses the Terrible had you slaving away in his dungeon, so I thought a walk through the grounds of Sharpe Hall would bring some fresh air and sunshine into your dark life.”
Nadine’s hazel eyes gleamed with merriment. It felt kind of strange to be having such a good time with Rodney. Caught up in his mood of frivolity, Nadine responded to his antics with due drama, and raised her arms beseechingly toward the sky, then she placed her hands on her hips and said, “Ulysses the Terrible. You got that right.”
Rodney’s laughter matched her own, but was cut off in its vigor as Ulysses approached them from the fork in the road. Trying to gain his composure as well as warn Nadine of Ulysses’ nearness, he began a set of spasmodic coughs.
“Well, hello, Ulysses. Had you been home earlier, I would have invited you to come along and have dinner with us tonight,” Rodney said, trying not to laugh again.
“So that is where you are going,” Ulysses commented, his visage unreadable.
Looking at Ulysses now, it was hard for Nadine to imagine him being as friendly and carefree as Rodney. For a moment she thought, as she suppressed a rising giggle, he even looked like a Ulysses the Terrible.
An awkward pause followed as Nadine and Rodney struggled to remain serious while confronting the object of their jest. Nadine watched Ulysses’ cool gaze slide from Rodney to her. A definite spark entered his eyes as he took in her petite figure clad in an orange top and skirt. Once again she had washed her hair and let it dry naturally, resulting in a profusion of tiny, spongy ringlets which she had attempted to brush away from her face. A pair of rather large ivory and silver earrings, given to her by Gloria, graced her ears.
Feeling obligated to her temporary employer, Nadine began to explain, “A couple of days ago Basil extended an open invitation to me for dinner. It was Melanie who suggested that I come tonight.”