Whispered Kisses

by Taylor, Janelle

  Jace assisted her with eagerness. He was surprised and pleased. Her actions meant she felt totally at ease with him, that she was playful and sensual. It stimulated him to grasp that she was a sharer in lovemaking, not just a recipient of pleasure. She possessed daring and courage. She was the perfect mate to share his life and desires.

  Imprisoned against the tub, Jace could do little to labor with her. His mouth worked at her breasts. His hands clasped her hips and he arched as best he could to be a part of the provocative movements.

  It was a swift and passionate union. Leigh spread kisses over his face, then captured his mouth as the climactic journey ended. Breathing hard, Leigh rested her cheek on the top of Jace’s brown head, while his nestled against her chest.

  Finally she straightened, and her glowing gaze met his merry one. They shared laughter and kissed. Leigh grabbed the cloth and finished her bath. As she was drying, Jace completed his.

  When he stepped from the tub, Leigh took a large cloth and removed the water from his frame. As she did so, she eyed him and said, “You’re magnificent. Every time I look at you, I feel funny inside.”

  “It’s called love, woman, and I feel it, too.”

  The next morning, Leigh made the bed while Jace dressed. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “What do we do today, my love? We could work in the vegetable garden.”

  Jace remained still, savoring the contact of their bodies. “I have trouble thinking when you’re near me, woman. Or else, all I think about is making love to you. When I visited the Far East in my sailing days, I saw men addicted to drugs. I have that same fierce and helpless craving for you, my sweet Opium.”

  “Like you did in the tub, or in the middle of the night?”

  Jace turned and embraced her. He chuckled. “Sorry about disturbing your sleep. When I stirred and felt you near me, I couldn’t help myself. As for the tub, Miss Webster, I was seduced.”

  “Only because you provoked it, Mr. Elliott.”

  “As soon as the missionary arrives, I can’t call you ‘Miss Webster’ anymore. You’ll be Mrs. Jace Elliott.”

  “Laura Leigh Elliott,” she murmured. “That sounds nice.”

  “It certainly does,” he concurred.

  “What about a license? We can’t get married without it.”

  “I got one in Mombasa. We’ll tell the preacher your parents are dead, so you’re signing permission for yourself, which is true. We won’t mention you have a legal guardian to consult.”

  Leigh recalled what Jace had said about Chad’s power and control. “If Chad causes trouble, will the marriage be legal?” she fretted.

  “We’ll tell the authorities we couldn’t get your guardian’s permission because he and I are enemies and because he wanted you for himself. We’ll explain the dangers you experienced. Of course it’ll be our word against his: a wanted man and a love-smitten girl against a well-respected and charming businessman. We’ll need to prove he was a threat to you or we’ll be in trouble.” Jace grinned. “On the other hand, I haven’t been charged, tried, or convicted yet; so you won’t be marrying a proven criminal. Besides, it’ll be too late for him to protest and change matters. We’ll have been married five weeks or more by the time we reach London. What lawman would part such a loving couple? And we do have a powerful ally in Lord Salisbury … See, here’s the license,” he said, pulling it from a drawer.

  Leigh looked at the paper. It was dated in April, and was good for one year. “You got this before the safari.”

  Jace sent her a broad grin. “I told you I was going to convince you to marry me. I wanted to be prepared when you said yes. I didn’t want to give you time to change your mind. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pull it off while Chad had control of you, but I figured I’d think of something clever.” They shared smiles and laughter.

  As she watched him put the license in his desk, she teased, “And you did. You’re a wonderful sneak, Jace.” Then noticing some other items in the drawer, she asked, “Who is that?”

  Jace lifted a handful of pictures. “My father and stepmother right after they married in ‘79. This is me and Joanna. She was a pretty little girl. And I was a handsome youth, don’t you think? I really do like that camera invention. I don’t know how it works, but I’m glad it does. I have yours from the safari, so we’ll have our first pictures of us together. Remember the one by the termite hill?”

  “Yes, I do.” Leigh pulled two pictures from the stack. She studied the lovely woman in them. “Who is she? An old sweetheart?”

  Jace glanced at the two she was holding. “That’s Joanna, a year or so back. She became quite a beautiful woman. She sent me those to prove she’s alive and well. If only I could locate—”

  Abena summoned Jace to speak with a visitor. He told Leigh to stay hidden in his bedroom in case it was a hireling of Chad’s or Reid’s. Leigh paced the room until her love’s return.

  “You won’t believe this, but that was a cable from one of the detectives I hired to locate Joanna. It’s like talking about her made her surface. You must be my good-luck charm. He found her.”

  “That’s wonderful, Jace.” Leigh giggled as he lifted her, swung her around, and kissed her. The moment her feet touched the floor, she asked, “Where is she? What did she say? Does she know anything about those crimes? Will she come forward and help us?”

  “Slow down, love. I’ll tell you everything. She’s Joanna Marlowe now, Frank Marlowe’s wife. They live on a ranch near Denver. As ordered, my man didn’t approach her or question her.”

  “Is he certain it’s your stepsister? What if he’s mistaken?”

  “He isn’t. He had an old picture of her. Besides, Joanna can’t be missed even in a crowd. She’s English, a few years older than you are, auburn hair, hazel eyes, about your height and size. She’s lived there with her husband since the winter of ‘94. The timing is perfect. She has a scar here,” Jace said, motioning to an area below Leigh’s left cheekbone. “Just like the woman in Denver. He traced her from place to place and name to name. It has to be Joanna. She got that scar from Chad’s ring when he backhanded her one day. That’s what started the fight when I nearly beat him to death with my bare hands. This is incredible, just what we need. Lordy, I’m glad she’s safe and sound. I can’t wait to see her.”

  “How did she get to America?” Leigh inquired. “To Colorado? Who is the man she married?”

  “I don’t know. I wish there were more details in the cable. He’s watching her and awaiting my next orders.”

  “At last you know where to find her. I’m so glad, Jace. Will we sail to America first and get Joanna to betray Chad in London? Oh, my goodness! Aunt Jenna. I have to cable her before Chad tells her I’m dead. She’d be devastated by that news.”

  “We’ll cable your aunt, Lord Salisbury, and Joanna when we reach Mombasa. It would take us months to get to Denver and more time to reach London. If Joanna is ready and willing to save me and help me, she’ll respond to a cable. If her distress is so bad that she can’t, I could never force her to testify. Do you understand, Leigh?”

  She caressed his cheek. “Yes, my love, and you’re right.”

  “We’ll take Reid’s message, the statements from those men who attacked you at the fort, and all we’ve put together. It’s a start. I don’t know if it’s enough, but it makes our trip worth the risk.”

  “You have their statements?”

  “I’m to pick them up on my return. I asked Jim Hanes to make out one about his dealings with Chad. If he decided to comply, Alfred should have it. That would make our case against Chad stronger. I was planning to send everything to Lord Salisbury and let him handle both matters until November. But now, I think it’s best if we go and give our testimonies. With that evidence, if anything goes badly for me, Salisbury can protect you from Chad and the others.”

  “Don’t even think such horrible thoughts, Jace.”

  “I must, love, because none of this evidence helpes
the case against me. If Joanna doesn’t come forward …”

  Jace pulled Leigh into his arms. He hugged her tightly and kissed her. Going to London was a big risk for both of them.

  Laura Leigh Webster and Jace Edward Elliott were married by a Protestant missionary in a short and simple ceremony the following afternoon. The wedding took place in the yard, with many joyous workers in attendance. Johi, Ka’arta, Abena and her husband, and Kambu were present. Leigh wore a lace pale-blue dress, and tropical flowers in her tawny hair. Jace wore a suit, and looked the perfect gentleman. A party followed with foods and treats prepared by Abena and her daughter. The guests drank lavishly from fruit juice and wine.

  Using the one bottle of champagne Jace owned, he toasted his bride with the unchilled liquid saying, “To the only woman I’ve ever loved or ever will love, my beautiful wife.”

  Leigh did not give him her toast until they were alone. She said, “To the only man who has or can or will offer me wild perils and sweet passions. I love you with all my heart and soul, Jace Elliott.”

  On June twenty-five, Jace checked his crop one last time and left Kambu in charge again. Bearers had been summoned to get them to Mombasa. Johi went along to guide the men home afterward. Farewells were said to Abena and the others, and they departed.

  The group reached Mombasa on July sixth, four days after Chad and his companions docked in London.

  On the seventh, Jace picked up the written testimony of Jim Hanes from Alfred Johnston, to whom Jace explained the events. He went to the Colonial Office and was given copies of the Arab abductors’ confessions. He placed those crucial papers with Reid’s cable to Fiona, then sent a telegram to Joanna Harris Marlowe, telling her of Chad’s threat to his and Leigh’s lives, and pleading for her help. He asked his stepsister to meet him in London at Lord Salisbury’s home. Then he cabled the prime minister.

  Leigh sent word to her aunt near Dallas, also explaining matters and requesting secrecy until her problem was solved. She did not go into detail, but told Jenna she would write everything soon.

  On July ninth, Leigh and Jace Elliott sailed from Mombasa, British East Africa, toward London. Leigh was prepared for “Mother’s Misery” which was due that day, but it never appeared …

  Chapter Twenty

  London, England

  July 30, 1896

  Leigh was in London once more; this time, it was under different circumstances. She was the wife of Jace Elliott, and they had come to settle the past. She and Jace had traveled under the names of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Johnston. Upon docking, they remained aboard the steamer until dark, in case Lord Chadwick Hamilton was having the waterfront watched for Jace’s approach. They were picked up in a covered carriage belonging to Prime Minister Cecil Salisbury and taken to his home. There they found Joanna Harris Marlowe, who had arrived two days ago.

  The auburn-haired woman of twenty-three hugged her stepbrother and cried. Joanna begged Jace’s understanding and forgiveness. When she was calmed, Jace asked for the truth.

  Joanna’s hazel eyes were red and dewy as she complied. “I never wanted you or anyone harmed, Jace; you must believe me. By the time I learned what was happening, it was too late; I was too deeply involved to expose Chad. After Father’s death, I heard Chad say you could never return to England. He said he didn’t want to kill you, that he wanted you to live and suffer, so I believed you were safe. When I received your telegram about his attempts on your life, I couldn’t hold silent any longer. Whatever happens to me, this horrid nightmare must end. I would have told you sooner,” she vowed, “but I wanted to protect Frank and little Jace, and myself. I have a wonderful husband and son. I told Frank everything, and he agreed I should come.”

  Leigh and Lord Salisbury remained silent and alert, but Jace asked several questions; “How did you meet Frank Marlowe? How did you run away? Why?”

  Joanna sipped water to wet her throat and dry lips. “Let me tell you what happened here first. My journey started long ago, when our parents married. I’ve known Chad since I was six years old. I liked him and trusted him, Jace, just like you did and Father did. I was daft about him from the time I became a young woman. You know how he attracted and charmed all the girls. Chad had a powerful magic, an evil magic, about him that lured people to him; then, he consumed them like a voracious devil. All except you, Jace; you saw him for what he was and pulled free of him. I wasn’t that strong or that lucky.”

  Her hazel eyes were haunted by memories. “If you’ll recall, I was not in London when you visited in ‘92. I was with Mother’s kin in Scotland. I didn’t know about the trouble between you two.” She pushed straying locks of chestnut from her pale face. “I was to marry Benjamin Carver in the spring of ‘94. He called off the betrothal and married another woman. I didn’t truly love him, but I was hurt and humiliated. Chad rushed to see me. He poured on that magical and irresistible charm. Before I knew it, I was enslaved to him in heart, mind, and body. He promised to marry me that Christmas, and he convinced me to move into his home. Father and Mother were ashamed and furious, but I was too in love to listen.”

  No one interrupted the painful confession, and no one spoke a distracting word when Joanna halted to sip more water.

  “When you came home in June, Chad ordered me not to see you. I didn’t want any trouble or to lose him, so I obeyed. When you came to his townhouse, you two got into that terrible fight. Someone summoned the authorities, and you were arrested. Chad refused to let me see you and explain about our love and marriage.” She rubbed the scar on her cheek. “He told me he had struck me in the heat of your quarrel because I begged to speak with you alone. He told me what happened in South Africa. He was so loving and convincing. That’s why I didn’t come to the jail or see you after you were released. While you were imprisoned, he asked me to steal Father’s knife. You know, the one you brought to him from South Africa with his name carved on it. I also stole a lantern from the company, marked Elliott’s of London. Chad said they were for a harmless trick, and I believed him. Then Mr. Stokely was killed and his company burned, the very day of your release and departure. Those two witnesses lied about Father being there before the fire. His knife and lantern were found in the alley. Chad had asked me to invite Father to the townhouse to discuss how to make peace with my family so Chad and I could marry. Father was with me during the fire, Jace; he couldn’t have been involved.”

  Jace concealed his rage and shock. “Why didn’t you tell the authorities?” he asked, “Or tell me?”

  “I was afraid and confused,” Joanna admitted. “I didn’t want to believe Chad was involved. I hoped Father would be proven innocent. I reminded Chad that Father was with me that awful night, at his request. I also reminded him about the knife and lantern I had taken for him. Chad told me they had been stolen from his office, possibly to incriminate him. He said people would think we were lying to save Father, and we might become suspects if we went forward. Chad promised to find the best way to handle everything; he swore to help clear him. It sounded logical, and I was so enthralled by him. When Father killed himself to avoid arrest, Chad said it was because he feared he couldn’t prove he was innocent.”

  Joanna dabbed at tears. “When Webster International took control of Father’s firm and most of his estate, Chad mentioned that both his business rivals were gone. The way he acted made me suspicious. Mother was left with very little, and Chad refused to help her or to discuss our marriage. He became cold and hateful. He started making hazy comments about how Father’s death and the loss of your inheritance would hurt you. He boasted how my seduction had hurt you. He talked about Webster’s having a monopoly, as if he was due the credit for such prosperity. They all tormented me. I had to discover the truth.”

  Joanna lowered her lashes. “I watched Chad closely. One night I followed him to a meeting with the two witnesses. He didn’t pay them, Jace; he murdered them. Reid Adams was there, too. I realized what Chad had done, how he had used me, how he had destroyed our family as
revenge on you. I realized he had lied about you. I even feared he had killed Father. I knew he would kill me to silence me. I hurried to his place, packed a few things, and sailed on a ship leaving for America at dawn. I left Chad a note saying I was with my grieving mother so he wouldn’t search for me in time to halt my escape. I docked in Charleston, took a train to Atlanta, then several to Denver, using different names each time. I hoped the many changes of cities and names would prevent Chad from finding me and killing me. I thought he’d never look in that area of America. I was so distraught that I didn’t think anyone would believe I wasn’t involved.”

  Jace grasped her trembling hands and murmured, “You could have come to me. You could have trusted me. I would have helped you.”

  “You had sailed for Africa. I was afraid Chad would come after both of us. I knew you and Mother would be safe as long as I stayed away and remained silent. I didn’t want to go to prison or be hanged, Jace. I couldn’t face any more humiliation or endure more anguish. On the train, I met Frank Marlowe. He is such a good and kind man. He knew I was suffering. He spent time with me. He made me smile and laugh again. He had a ranch near Denver. He said all he needed was a wife, and he asked me to marry him. I was fond of him, and it seemed the perfect escape. But I came to love him, really love him. It wasn’t infatuation as with Ben and Chad. When our son was born, we named him Jace. Everything was wonderful. I was happy, and starting to forget. Then your cable arrived. I knew if you had located me, Chad could, too. I couldn’t run away from Frank and the baby. I revealed the whole truth to him. He understood and believed me. He said I should help you convict Chad for his crimes.”