Chad leaned back in his chair and glowed. “She’s utterly amazing and totally fascinating, Reid. She’s beautiful and desirable, unlike any woman I’ve known, and I’ve known plenty. She asks questions, she listens, she learns, and she’s smart.”
“Smart enough to fend off a lecherous old guardian,” Reid jested.
Chad frowned. “That’s the only thing I don’t like about her.”
“Why, because no object of your desire has ever spurned you?”
“She hasn’t spurned me. She just hasn’t leaned my way. But she will; she won’t be able to control herself. I’m irresistible,” he joked.
Reid bent forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “Maybe she’s trying to show you she wants you to be her guardian and friend—but nothing more. I think you’re making her awfully nervous.”
“You think so?” Chad asked, a worried look on his face.
“Does her conquest really matter?” Reid answered. “We’re going to kill her in Africa, frame Jace for it, and have him executed. Once your mother inherits everything, you’ll control Webster International, and it will all be yours one day. That is the plan?”
“Was the plan, Reid, old friend,” Chad corrected, “I have a new one, a better one. If I marry Leigh, I can have it all, and now.”
Reid straightened. “Don’t tell me you’ve gotten snared in your own romantic trap. You haven’t fallen in love with her, have you?”
“Love?” Chad repeated. “What is love, Reid? I surely don’t know. Never experienced it. What I do know is that it’s time for me to settle down. I need a proper wife and to sire my own heir. Respectability is demanded for men in our social position. Leigh’s personality and character suit my needs, and her wealth and beauty do, too. As soon as the wedding ceremony is over, everything she has will belong to me. Everything.”
“This could complicate all our plans. What about Jace and your revenge? I agreed to aid you because he did you wrong and we’re best friends. Are you willing to forget justice merely so you can win Leigh? Has she come to mean that much to you in such a short time? Jace is still out there, free and unpunished—and a threat to you.”
Chad’s eyes chilled at dark memories. “I’ve worked hard on a clever plan for Jace’s defeat. I took away Joanna, his father, and the Elliott name and business. All Jace has left is his life and plantation—a thriving business purchased with diamonds half belonging to me. He betrayed me, stole from me, and left me to die a horrible death. But I can’t act rashly. There’s only one safe way to prevent losing all I’ve worked for over the years, and that is by marrying Leigh and getting rid of Jace Elliott. In the secluded and romantic jungle of Africa, I can accomplish both dreams. Jace will never give up trying to clear himself. I can’t allow him to survive. And I have no doubts I can win that beauty.”
“The original plan was clean and simple: get rid of all obstacles. If you let this girl bewitch you and change things, it could fall apart.”
“I won’t let it. Leigh is perfect for the life I have in mind. Don’t worry, old friend, I’ll make certain nothing goes wrong with my new plan. If it does, I promise you won’t be incriminated.”
“What about Louisa? You know what Shakespeare said about a woman scorned. She’ll rant and rave. You could lose it all.”
“Louisa wouldn’t dare give me any trouble,” Chad vowed.
Reid Adams was troubled by Chad’s impulsive behavior. His friend was never gullible or erratic. And Chad had never been lovesick; that worried Reid most, because it clouded his thinking. Leigh was stronger and smarter than Chad realized; winning her didn’t seem possible. It wasn’t logical or safe to alter matters now. If anything went wrong … “Don’t fool yourself, old friend. Louisa’s in love with you, even if she is bad-mannered and irascible at times. She can make things embarrassing and uncomfortable for both of you. How would Leigh feel then? She doesn’t want any trouble here with anyone, not when she’s trying to break into our society and business world. If she’s as smart as you think, she’ll back off to prevent any problems. Then where will you be? You need Louisa on this safari, or the prim Leigh won’t go.”
“If Louisa presents a problem here, she’s not going with us. If she makes any there, she’ll be the one Jace kills and will die in Leigh’s place. The way that bitch has been annoying me lately, I wouldn’t mind getting rid of her for good. One thing for sure, Louisa can’t be allowed to suspect her role in my plans. I’ll keep her duped a while. As for Jace Elliott, finally I’ll have justice and revenge. After I return home and marry Leigh, I’ll have his plantation burned. That should lure him back to England to be executed legally. My hands will be clean.”
“Why did you warn him when he returned to London?” Reid questioned. “He could have been captured and killed long ago.”
“Before he dies, I want Jace to have time to suffer like he made me suffer. Killing him would have been simple and merciful. I didn’t like killing Brandon Elliott,” Chad admitted. “He was good to me over the years, better than my own father. But Jace forced me to strike where it would hurt the most: at his father, Joanna Harris, the business, his family name, and his damned survival. William shouldn’t have left half to Jace instead of to me.”
“Why didn’t he, Chad?” Reid asked, “Do you think he suspected something? Did you kill William like you killed his wife?”
Chad was shocked by his friend’s words. “No! I loved that old man, until he betrayed me after his death. William never knew I was responsible for his good fortune. We were like father and son. He helped me reclaim my social position, earn a fortune, whiten the family name my crazy father had blackened, and gave me self-confidence. I don’t know why William left everything to Leigh, or made that insane codicil.” Chad paused, lost in thought. “But you’re right; he must have suspected I was responsible for Stokely and Elliott’s bad luck. That’s the only reason he would have left half of everything to Jace. But that bastard will never get his hands on anything of mine again!”
When Chad’s frown increased, Reid added, “Leigh hasn’t been here long, and she knows how you feel about this firm. If you go after her this soon, she’ll think it’s only the business you want.”
“You’re right. I’d better cool my ardor before I make a mistake with her, especially after Thursday night. I have a feeling Louisa was entangled in that mischief. I had a talk with her. She won’t try anything stupid again because she doesn’t want to lose me.”
“If you suspect Louisa is to blame, why let her near Leigh? Louisa doesn’t know about the will, so she probably assumes you’ll get at least half if her rival meets with death. You and I know how much she wants you, old chap. But if Leigh dies and Jace doesn’t, you’ll never get that other half from him.”
Confident, Chad responded, “Louisa will behave herself, and I need her a while longer. We’ll both watch her closely. As for Leigh, I have plenty of time for that delightful conquest.”
“The slower you work, the better. She’s a female to be wooed, not one to be swept off her feet and seduced. If you try to conquer her that way, my friend, she’ll think she’s no different from the rest of your prey. But what if your new plan fails? You could endanger it all.”
“If I can’t ensnare Leigh with love and marriage, I’ll be forced to go back to my original plan. But, even if I’m forced to get rid of her, I don’t want Louisa for a wife or as the mother of my children. One thing for certain, Reid, Laura Leigh Webster is a very special woman.”
“And one marked for death, my enamored friend,” Reid added, “if she doesn’t fall under your spell. I never thought I’d see the day when Chadwick Hamilton became the love-smitten conquest. Keep your wits clear, old chap. She’s a very valuable asset, so treat her that way. I’m glad you sent your mother away until this matter is settled. If anything goes wrong in Africa, she could be implicated.”
“You’re right. Mother has already made her sacrifice for me by marrying William so I could become his son. Now, maybe she ca
n find a new man to wed, a rich and virile and titled one this time.”
“What if the man she falls in love with is none of those things?”
Chad laughed mirthfully and shook his head. “Don’t be fooled by my beautiful mother, old friend. Her angelic face and manner mask the same dark side I inherited from her. She had plenty of lovers while married to my unfortunate father, but she was always discreet. I’m certain she cooled her hot blood elsewhere while married to William. Don’t feel sorry for Fiona or concerned over her happiness. Mother can be a worse bitch than Louisa; she’s just smart enough to conceal it. Where do you think I learned all my charm and skill?”
“You sound as if you hate her,” Reid said.
“Heavens, no. She’s a wonder, but I’ve never trusted her completely. She’s too secretive with me. Frankly, I think this new plan is best. I wouldn’t want Mother tempted by all that money and power. That would be a lethal mistake. For her sake, I hope she’ll be satisfied with the payment I promised her for marrying William.”
“But that was for half of everything when he died. Leigh got it all. If you marry her and take it, where does that leave Fiona?”
“Hopefully in some rich stallion’s bed, and very soon so she’ll forget that rash promise. Maybe she’ll be too busy and wealthy to remember. While I’m in Africa seeking revenge, I plan to have a marvelous time and see what business ventures are available. Once Jace is destroyed and Leigh is mine, the dark past will be over, Reid. Only sunny years will lie ahead. Merciful heavens, I can hardly wait.”
Leigh sat on her bed with her legs folded, brushing her damp hair. She fretted over Chad’s behavior this afternoon. It annoyed and worried her. She had to find a way to control him or it would spoil everything. Her restless mind went to the stranger from the wharf. He was handsome, virile, charming—perfect. But she had not seen or heard from him in four days. He knew where she was staying and he had vowed to pursue her. What had happened to him?
Leigh tossed the brush aside and fingered the books she had purchased for the voyage to Africa: books by Dickens, Hugo, Twain, Hardy, Kipling, Melville, and Conrad. She loved to read, and she especially needed distraction tonight. She chose Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy. After what the store owner had told her about it, perhaps she would discover something interesting and useful about men, women, and romance. For certain, she needed to learn more about dealing with all of them! She curled on the bed, opened the book, and began her “lessons.”
Wednesday was a beautiful spring day, and things had been going well between Leigh and the two women. It was obvious to Leigh that Louisa and Cynthia were making a conscious—though false— effort to be nice to her. They had shopped for hours but purchased little. However, Louisa had made it a point to buy two rather daring nightgowns and to tease naughtily about how much Chad would like and enjoy them during the trip. The two friends had joked about how much luggage they were taking with them, how it would require ten extra bearers to carry their clothing and Oriental cosmetics.
Louisa had questioned Leigh at length about her Texas “beau,” the ranch foreman Tyler Clark, and both the redhead and brunette had offered their matchmaking services with an eligible English nobleman if that romance failed. Leigh had misled them to prevent more jealousy. Leigh had tried to learn more about her guardian, but Louisa had changed the subject each time as if to quell any interest. Over a lingering lunch, the two Englishwomen had talked of Fiona Webster’s beauty and charms with envy, and about the safari with enthusiasm. But they had consumed too much champagne and their banter soon sunk to a risque and embarrassing level. The lunch had ended with Louisa making a toast: “To our new friendship and to a marvelous safari. May the best woman bring home the best prize.” They had clinked glasses, then did the same with Leigh’s before downing their contents. Leigh .had taken several small sips then departed.
The following day, Leigh rested, read, and attempted to keep “Sir Lancelot” off her mind. It was difficult, because he kept sneaking into her head every few minutes. The man certainly knew how to rouse a woman’s intrigue with his little waiting game.
Leigh remembered how his wavy hair fell over his right temple and how it curled under at his nape. She envisioned those mysterious and enticing green eyes with their hooded brows. He was so tall and strong, so masculine and virile. She recalled how his touch and nearness made her warm and trembly. She adored the little valley between his nose and upper lip, and the deep cleft in his proud chin. He had wonderful hands, powerful one moment and gentle the next. His smile was devastating to her senses, and she longed to see it again. And his voice, that smooth, suggestive English accent, it washed over her, enflaming her very soul. How she craved to hear it once more.
The mysterious stranger had seemed such a likable, easygoing man. He was humorous and fun, and he certainly knew how to get to a woman. Yes, she admitted, she was anxious to see him again, and soon.
Friday night, the group of five had dinner with a client named Sir David Lawrence and enjoyed The Taming of the Shrew at the theater. Afterward, they had coffee and dessert while discussing the performance. For the first time, Chadwick Hamilton had kissed Leigh’s cheek after biding her good night.
Late Sunday night, Leigh lay in her bed with anticipation and suspense as her covers. The steamer was repaired. They were set to sail at eight in the morning. That meant being up and dressed by dawn, but her anticipation was so great she couldn’t get to sleep. She was packed and ready, a second time, yet, she was reluctant to leave London.
She knew why: the green-eyed ghost who haunted her sleeping and waking moments. Late June was far away, and her return didn’t even mean their paths would cross again. For all she knew, he’d gone his merry way to play his game with another woman. It had been over a week since she’d seen him in the garden, and he knew she was leaving tomorrow. Or did he believe she was already gone? Perhaps that was why he had made no attempt to see her.
No, she argued with herself. If he’s tracking and pursuing me as he claimed, he knows exactly where I am and when I’m sailing. Before she faced the wild perils of the jungle, she had wanted to experience sweet passions again.
Chapter Six
Mombasa, British East Africa
April 13, 1896
The voyage was almost over and the steamship would be docking soon. It had required three weeks for the trip from London to Africa. The weather had remained clear and calm, preventing any rough seas or more delays, and Leigh was glad. It was three-thirty, but it did not get dark until after eight in this area astride the Equator. Passengers were in their cabins or staterooms, grooming themselves to leave the ship and preparing to watch the sights as they neared shore.
The ship had steamed down the English Channel into the Atlantic Ocean to skirt France, Spain, and Portugal. It had passed through the Strait of Gibraltar between Morocco and a British colony on the Rock, a wondrous sight, reaching to a height of thirteen hundred and eighty feet. The peninsula had been owned by the British since the eighteenth century and was a symbol of British naval strength.
They had sailed through the beautiful and tranquil Mediterranean Sea that separated Europe from Africa. They had neared Egypt and the Suez Canal, which crossed the Isthmus of Suez, connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. In 1888, the canal had been opened to all ships and nations in wartime or peace, and no acts of hostility were allowed in its waters, though it was considered to be still hazardous.
Leigh had stayed on deck during the time it required to pass through the area. She had heard how many ships had failed to make this crossing, but plans were being made to widen and deepen it even more. As it was so important to international trade, she knew everyone would be delighted when that was done. As for their voyage, the canal had saved them four thousand miles over the cape route.
They had entered the calm Red Sea to reach the Gulf of Aden. At Cape Asir, they had sailed southward in the Indian Ocean along the African coast. Before nightfall, they would dock at
Mombasa.
Mombasa, her mind echoed in anticipation. It was one of the oldest cities in Africa. By the ninth century, ships filled with silks, spices, carpets, porcelain, and other luxurious goods sailed on the northeast winds from India and Arabia to this area during the winter to spring season. From spring to winter, opposing, favorable southwest winds carried ships from Mombasa to transport ivory, skins and hides, rhino horns, slaves, oilseeds, kanga and kikoi cloth, mangrove poles, coral, tortoise and cowry shells, ambergris, and wild coffee. The territory had reached its golden age as a center of coastal commerce during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and was still dominated by that activity.
As she completed her grooming and packing, Leigh reflected on what she had been told about British East Africa, particularly Mombasa. The traders had come first, the Arabs and Chinese and others with their caravans—seeking the wealth of ivory, animal hides, and slaves. By the fourteen hundreds, Mombasa was a substantial town with a premier position on the coastline, along which was a chain of Omani Arab trading posts, ruled by the Sultan of Zanzibar. Mombasa was a prosperous city that many nations craved but Britain now ruled.
The area had changed hands many times over the centuries. The Portuguese had sacked and claimed Mombasa in 1505, and dominated the coast and trade route to India for many years. But the Oma-nis had wanted East Africa, and the two opponents had battled time and time again for its possession. Then, the Dutch, Persians, Belgians, Italians, Germans, French, and British had moved in, and the greedy scramble for portions had begun in 1879. In ‘84, the “Dark Continent” had been divided into “spheres of influence” at a Berlin conference, to which no Africans were invited.
The missionaries had arrived next to “Christianize and civilize” the natives. Many battles had resulted in the struggle for religious supremacy. Many of them had been—and so remained—financed by the Church Missionary Society of London. One such battle in Uganda had culminated in that area being claimed as a British protectorate, and later the area she was to visit.
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