Whispered Kisses

by Taylor, Janelle

  Chad set down his cup and smiled. “Most of it from Texas, and a lot from your aunt Jenna. It’s high grade, so we’ll be buying from her as long as she continues to grow it.”

  “That’s good news. Thanks.”

  His blue eyes were lively as he teased, “Why thank me? You’re the boss and owner now. You can buy from whomever you please.”

  Leigh’s apprehensions were evident when she responded, “I didn’t realize so much was involved. You have to know about materials, and purchases, and shipments, and employees. There’s so much scheduling to do where they’re all concerned. My head is spinning from all I’ve heard and seen. I just hope I can learn so much.”

  The black-haired man chuckled at her fearful tone and expression. “You can, Leigh, but it will take time and training. If you order too much, or ship too late, or anger customers, or machinery breaks down, or workers get unhappy—you have to know how to deal with a crisis. If you don’t, you can lose it all, faster than you can imagine. Especially if more than one major crisis occurs at the same time.”

  Leigh sighed deeply. “I’m glad you’re so knowledgeable, Chad, and so willing to help me learn. It never sounded. simple and easy when you explained it to me, but it’s even more complicated than I realized.”

  “That’s why you hire good men and women to tend certain chores for you. A person can’t be skilled in every area. Talented people save you money and headaches.”

  Leigh poured them more hot tea, and added sugar and lemon to hers. “Do you think they’re worried about having a female owner?”

  “No. I’ve talked to most of the area bosses since your arrival, and no one wants to quit the company.”

  Leigh smiled. “That’s because you’re still the boss. If you left the firm, Chad, I’d be lost, bankrupt within a month. You aren’t thinking about starting your own business in Africa and moving there, are you?” Her blue gaze settled on him.

  “If you’re referring to that talk with Joseph—as I told him, I’m interested in new ventures, but not in moving on. I think it’s wise for a man to have his own earnings and victories; does marvelous things for him. But this place is home and life to me. I’m very happy here, Leigh. I hope you still feel that way after November.”

  She looked surprised. “Of course I will. I want to learn the business and help out, but I want you to continue running it.”

  Chad settled back in his chair behind the large desk. “You’ve seen the books, so you know how well we’re doing.”

  “What about competition?” she questioned.

  Chad leaned forward again and propped his elbows on the wooden surface. “There isn’t any to concern us. Stokely Limited was burned down close to two years ago, and the head of it was murdered. The stockowners couldn’t rebuild because it wasn’t insured and the cost was too great. As for Elliott’s of London, Brandon Elliott was the one accused of the arson and murder at Stokely, more for political than competitive reasons, or so the charges and evidence implied. We’ll never know the truth, because he committed suicide.”

  “How awful. What a terrible way to lose your competition.”

  Chad shrugged. “Elliott had recently expanded and renovated, so he was deep in debt. Once it was announced he was to be arrested and he took his life to avoid disgrace, we collected on his debts by taking over his firm. William was the one who loaned him the money; they were planning some joint projects. There’s an old saying, One man can’t have good luck unless another man has bad luck.’ Sometimes that’s tragic but true. Until some smaller companies expand, Webster International practically owns a monopoly in our market.”

  “Speaking of luck, didn’t you mention we’d had some recently?”

  A broad smile filled Chad’s face and eyes with pride. “We had several special orders come in last week, large contracts, Leigh. Elliott used to fill most of them. Hotels and restaurants wanting new drapes and linens, and fabrics to recover furniture. Those kinds of labor and materials are expensive. We’ll make a big profit on them.”

  “If those jobs are so important and special, do you think we should be leaving the country for so long?”, she queried.

  “Our manager at Elliott’s old firm knows what to do. He’ll see that the jobs are handled with skill and speed. He and the clients know I demand the best quality and charge the most reasonable prices. Besides, one of them wants an exotic look to his restaurant, a jungle air, something different and exciting to obtain more business. I told him I would bring back native cloth, treasures, and trophies, at a nominal cost to him since I’ll already be in Africa. Tropical plants, wicker and bamboo furniture, African colors and patterns on the chairs and tables, stuffed exotic birds or live ones in cages, native artifacts, clever lighting,” he murmured his list. “I can close my eyes and envision it now. It’ll be the talk of the town. I doubt there’s an Englishman alive who doesn’t want to go on a safari. This way, he’ll get a taste of the jungle while enjoying a fine meal and drinks in familiar surroundings.”

  Leigh’s eyes and cheeks glowed with anticipation. She liked this sunny side of her guardian. She wished he could be this way all the time. Without Louisa’s influence and presence, maybe he could, although that would be dangerous for her, as Chad was much too appealing like this. “It sounds wonderful, Chad. With your help, it can be authentic. Whenever we go there, it’ll remind us of our special trip together.”

  Chad’s gaze met hers, and he looked at her a little too intimately and too long. Leigh hadn’t meant her words as he seemed to be taking them. She felt herself growing warm and tense with anxiety. “More tea?” she offered, rising to fetch it to end the awkward moment.

  It was time to ask Chad a rather troubling question. She had wanted to get to know Chad better before delving into the curious and possibly painful topic of her grandfather’s will. Reading the will had told her why she didn’t need to fear lethal mischief from her guardian, but not why the man who had become like a son to William Webster had been nearly excluded in favor of a stranger. Yes, she realized, Chad could inherit half of the wealth, but only after his mother’s death. She was certain he didn’t want the firm cut into pieces or a stranger to walk in and take partial control. If the other heir was a stranger … “Who is Jace Elliott,” she asked, “and why does he inherit half of everything if I die? Why haven’t I met him?”

  If Chad was surprised by her question, it didn’t show. But a sad look took away the glow from his eyes and too-handsome face. He exhaled heavily before responding.

  “Jace Elliott was Brandon Elliott’s only son. Brandon and William were longtime friends, and partners in the deal that got us his firm. He made out that codicil right before he died. Why, I have no idea. As far as I know, William hardly knew Jace. Mother, who gets the other half, wasn’t told William had changed his will. It came as a shock to both of us. I know this might sound terrible, Leigh, and I loved that old man dearly, but he seemed to feel curiously guilty over Brandon’s bad luck and suicide, almost as if he was to blame.”

  Leigh straightened in her chair as astonishment filled her eyes. “Are you saying Grandfather was involved with those … deeds?”

  Chad was silent and thoughtful for a time. “I honestly don’t know what to think, and that worries me. He seemed to take Brandon Elliott’s death too hard, even for a good friend. He became moody and withdrawn, and he refused to tell me or Mother what was troubling him. As far as I know, William had no reason to leave half of his worth to Jace Elliott in the event …”

  Leigh noticed how reluctant he was to finish that grim statement, and she was glad. She decided not to ask him why he had almost been precluded, as that could hurt and embarrass—or silence—him.

  But Chad informed her, “William knew I would inherit Mother’s share when she died, so I guess that was his way of including me. William knew, as manager of the firm and with the additional allowance he stipulated, I would have plenty of money for support, and I’m capable of making my own money. Besides, I’m only kin by
marriage, so he didn’t owe me anything. There is another speculation: William probably assumed Mother would fall in love and wed again. He could have feared her next husband might be tempted to harm you if she inherited everything on your death. It might have been an odd way to protect you. A few people do get crazy and dangerous ideas when this much money is involved. William trusted me, but he didn’t tell me everything.”

  Leigh realized that Chad could inherit Fiona’s half only if Fiona inherited it first. In a way, that still meant Chad had gotten little of an enormous estate which he had helped build, and which was owned by his stepfather. Of course, Fiona had her own inheritance for him to receive after she and her family. It was no secret his father had left little behind. “But why Jace Elliott?” she probed.

  Chad shrugged. “Perhaps as a kindness to Brandon for losing everything. They were friends, and partners of a sort. If there was an agreement between them to leave Jace half if anything happened to Brandon and you, William didn’t mention it, and it wasn’t in their contract. Jace wasn’t notified about the codicil, and I’m certain he doesn’t even suspect what William did. Unless, as I said, it was part of their deal and Brandon told his son. You see, Jace was implicated in his father’s crimes and he can’t show his face in England. If he does, he risks arrest and prison or hanging. Besides, once you marry and have an heir, the codicil means nothing. You’ll have a new will long before you die, Leigh, so this doesn’t matter.”

  Leigh disagreed, but didn’t say so. What if her grandfather had changed after his son’s and wife’s deaths? The business meant a lot to him, or he would have kept his family close to him. No, she couldn’t let her past resentment and doubts cloud her judgment. Maybe her father had wanted to be on his own and live in America. “Where is this man?” she asked.

  “I haven’t seen Jace in two years, and he hasn’t lived in England since he was eighteen. He left school and joined the Royal Navy. Afterward, he became an adventurer. William couldn’t have known him well as a child or seen him much over the years. Jace lives in Africa, has a coffee plantation in the mountains there. It’s possible you’ll meet him while we’re on safari. If he was involved in the treachery and needs money, it could be imprudent for him to learn what you’re worth to him. You can discuss it with him, if you wish, but I think it would be most unwise. As for me, I’ll admit I’m baffled and angered, and a little hurt, that William included a stranger instead of his stepson and friend. Yet, knowing the kind of man he was, he must have had a good reason. There’s no need to worry, because the codicil will be of no value as soon as you wed.”

  Leigh was eager to meet Jace and learn the truth. Perhaps this was another reason why Chad wanted to proceed with the safari. “Do you think Jace Elliott is dangerous?”

  Chad shrugged and pursed his lips. “I knew him years ago, Leigh, before all this trouble. He did a few bad things in the past, but that doesn’t make him guilty of such evil.”

  “Why doesn’t your famous Scotland Yard go after him?”

  “Brandon Elliott left a hazy note implying Jace had been in on his crimes, but the police think he was crazy when he wrote it. As far as I know, there aren’t any other witnesses or evidence against him. The problem is, he makes himself look guilty by refusing to come and answer questions. He’s probably afraid they have more on him, and he’s scared he’ll be arrested and executed. Of course, he could be innocent but can’t prove it, so he’s taking no risks. As long as this charge is hanging over his head, he couldn’t claim anything he might inherit. But he won’t anyway, because you’re young and healthy.”

  “What about his father’s holdings? Did Mr. Elliott lose everything to us?”

  “Not everything, but his wife sold the remainder and moved to Scotland to escape the scandal. There’s no reason for Jace to come back.”

  “Except to prove his innocence, if he isn’t guilty.”

  “From what I remember, Jace was a proud and stubborn man. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets brave, or reckless, one day. In his place, I would never stop trying to clear my name and save my life.”

  “Neither would I. He must not be much of a man to take this lying down. I would scream and kick and fight all the way to the gallows.”

  Chad laughed heartily. “Me, too. We’re a lot alike, Leigh.”

  She noticed that amorous warmth coming into his eyes and tone again. She halted it by continuing to speak, “Now I can see why he might be dangerous and should be kept in the dark. A bitter and wicked man who thinks he lost everything to us could want it back any way necessary.”

  He smiled and coaxed, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you while we’re in Africa. We aren’t going near his plantation, so we’ll probably miss him completely. If not, the codicil will be our little secret.”

  One I hope you keep better than the last! Leigh scoffed to herself. She had to know if Chad doubted her grandfather’s guilt. “One more thing and the subject’s closed, Chad. Do you think Grandfather was involved with Mr. Elliott in getting rid of their competition? Could Mr. Elliott’s suicide have been to protect both of them? He and Grandfather had formed a sort of partnership, and that would explain why Grandfather felt responsible for Jace. He may have had a secret reason for planning this safari, such as wanting or needing to see Jace. If so, was it about those crimes, those business dealings, or the will?”

  “I just don’t know, Leigh,” he murmured. “I don’t want to think William was capable of such treachery. But does anybody really know what another person feels and thinks, or what he’s capable of doing? We all have our dark sides, our flaws and weaknesses, powerful urges to obtain our dreams at any price. These feelings have to be controlled. If not …” He paused. “That’s how you separate the good men from the evil ones. I won’t tell you not to worry about me, because I can be just as greedy and devilish as any man,” he teased. “Does that make me sound—”

  A knock on the door, interrupted Chad. Peering inside, Reid Adams remarked, “Martha told me Leigh was here, and you two were having tea. When you finish, I need to go over a few shipments. If you’re in the middle of something, I’ll wait outside.”

  “We’re just talking, Reid, so please come in. Would you care for tea?” Leigh asked, glad for the timely intrusion.

  “No, thank you. I’ll be eating dinner early, and my appetite’s already lagging. What have you two been doing today?” he inquired, his grayish-brown eyes alert, and his gaze troublingly direct.

  To lift the heaviness in the office, Leigh quipped, “Showing Leigh how much she doesn’t know about this business.”

  With a sly grin and shake of his head, Chad corrected, “Showing Leigh what she has to learn, but seeing how easily and quickly she’ll succeed.”

  “Sounds as if you two have enjoyed yourselves,” Reid hinted.

  “A most satisfying day, Reid, my friend, most enjoyable. Leigh and I will work nicely together. She’s confident but not cocky. She knows her strengths and weaknesses. Unlike most women, she isn’t afraid or ashamed to admit either one. I find that most refreshing.”

  Leigh retorted with a smile. “You’re biased, Chad, because we’re family. Actually, you seem more like a brother than an uncle.”

  The ebony-haired man chuckled and jested, “Actually, Blue Eyes, I’m not either one by blood, and I’m glad.”

  “You don’t like being my guardian?” she asked, trying to tease him out of his amorous mood.

  “I love being your guardian. What man wouldn’t? But family members make terrible friends, and I want us to be good friends.”

  Leigh wondered if Reid noticed Chad’s flirtatious behavior. She had no choice in the ensuing silence but to say, “We are good friends, and I’m glad. I’ll leave you two to talk business. I need to wash this hair. Some of those buildings we visited had a lot of dust and fuzz.”

  “It comes with the area, Leigh. Shall I hire more cleaning women?” he jested, then laughed as she sent him a scowl.

  “It wasn’t a complaint or
criticism, just a reality. I’ll find a carriage out front and go back to the hotel. Don’t worry,” she remarked at his reluctant gaze. “This is a good area and it’s still daylight. I’ll be fine. I have my trusty derringer with me, and I can shoot straight.”

  Chad stood and walked her to the door. “What about dinner? Would you like to join me later?”

  She touched her blond hair and said, “I can’t go out looking like this, and it takes my hair a long time to dry. We’ve stayed busy all day, so I think I’ll rest tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day, too; I’m going shopping and having lunch with Louisa and Cynthia. You don’t mind, do you?” she asked in a carefully polite tone.

  “I’m disappointed, but I’ll survive. Louisa is occupied tonight, so I’ll have to dine alone. You women have a good time tomorrow. Do you need any money?” he asked, reaching for his wallet.

  She put her hand to his to halt him. “No, you’ve given me plenty. I’ve already purchased everything I need for the trip.”

  “You might see something special tomorrow,” he said, holding her hand gently.

  “If I do, I’ll have them hold it until I contact you.”

  “You’re a rich woman. You can afford to indulge yourself.”

  She laughed and told him, “If I spent money all the time like I have since arriving here, I’d be broke in a year.”

  Chad shook his head and released her hand to stroke her cheek. “I’d never let you go broke or wanting, Blue Eyes. I’m a good guardian and excellent business partner, remember?”

  Leigh felt herself almost flinch. This man was unpredictable, and almost alarming at times. “You are, Chad, and I appreciate it. I’ll see you soon. Good-bye, Reid,” she said calmly, turning to smile at the sharp-featured man who was fetching himself a brandy.

  Leigh left without saying anything else.

  Reid sank into a comfortable chair and sipped the brandy. He watched Chad return to his place behind the mammoth desk. “What was that all about?” he asked his grinning friend.