“Mrs. Lillian LaMonde.”
The wiry little woman stepped right up. Her thick dark hair had been swept up and piled on her head. Brian wondered if it weighed more than she did.
He forced a polite smile. She wasn’t exactly his favorite of guests. However, her presence had been required if he intended to dispel rumors.
He held out his hand.
She took it.
“Lillian. How nice that you came tonight.”
“How nice that you’re not dead, Brian,” she quipped, sliding her hand from his. Her perceptive gaze slid to Renna. “And who’s this sweet-looking thing at your side?”
Brian made the appropriate introductions, praying Renna would withstand the scrutiny tonight and wouldn’t hate him all the more for it. “Allow me to present Miss Renna Fields, from Chicago.”
“Chicago? The Windy City. Are you a widow?”
Renna shook her head. “No, ma’am.”
“Never been married?”
“No” Renna looked puzzled by the queries hurled at her. “I’m a nurse.”
Lillian seemed amused. “A nurse? How interesting. You and I will have to talk soon.” Looking back at Brian, she added, “And you and I, Brian, will have to talk soon as well.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” He couldn’t keep the cynicism from his tone, but he gave her a bow nonetheless.
Lillian LaMonde waltzed away, heading for the punch table.
Brian leaned over to Renna. “Watch every word you say to that woman. She writes the society page in the Milwaukee Sentinel. Everything you say can and will appear in her gossip column.”
“Thank you for the advance warning,” Renna said dryly.
A lead ball of guilt dropped in Brian’s insides.
“Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Norton,” the butler announced.
“Thank you for coming.” Brian blindly held out his hand. Marcus took it and gave it a firm shake. Next Brian introduced Renna. He had a hunch she’d like the Nortons. They were thoughtful, decent, and devout people, although Brian hadn’t ever appreciated those qualities in them until now. And tonight he viewed them as valuable assets in his trusted banker and his wife.
The Nortons walked off, and the butler announced the next set of guests. “Miss Fayre Waterford and Mr. Matthew Benchley.”
“What is he doing here . . . and with Fayre?” Closing his eyes, Brian prayed Fayre would behave herself. But it didn’t look as though she would if she’d paired up with Benchley. “He wasn’t invited.” Brian pulled Renna close until his lips touched her ear. “Be very careful around Benchley. He’s a dangerous man, Renna. I’m still convinced he tampered with my schooner.”
Apprehension drifted across her features. She nodded.
And then the pair stood before them.
“Captain Sinclair . . . ” Benchley gave him a rap on the arm, and it was all Brian could do to keep his clenched fist at his side. “We meet again. How wonderful that you have regained your identity. And Renna . . . ” Benchley sidestepped him and lifted Renna’s hand to his lips. “What a pleasure to see you again.”
After a prim little smile, she pulled her hand free and tossed a worried glance at Brian.
His arm at her waist, he hugged her to let her know she did fine. Just fine.
Meanwhile Fayre had snaked her satiny gloved hand up his arm. Brian tried to shake her off. The woman was like his pirate’s past hitting him right between the eyes. He’d met her at a cocktail party shortly after Lousia’s death. Out of sheer loneliness and grief he’d paid her several calls before meeting Elise Kingsley.
“I’m so glad you’re alive and looking well, Brian—that is, except for losing your sight.” She purred the comment close to his ear, and he leaned back so he wouldn’t get a face full of the red feathers that adorned her elaborate headdress. “I’m ecstatic that you’re not marrying Elise, that poor drowned thing.”
Behind his dark spectacles, Brian glimpsed the hatred that fell over Benchley’s face when Fayre spoke his aunt’s name. “Thank you. It’s a tragedy about Elise, and I don’t take her death—or those of the others aboard, including my own mother—lightly.” He meant every word. “I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same.”
“Of course, Brian. Welcome home. If you ever need someone to lead you around town, I’m available. I think you still have the key to my house.” She laughed airily. “I know you’ve got the key to my heart.”
He felt Renna stiffen. “I’ll have Richard search for your key at once and return it.”
Her golden features slid downward. “When did you become so polite?”
“My accident has left me a changed man, Fayre. Perhaps we can tell you about it later.” He turned. “Allow me to introduce Miss Renna Fields.” He brought her forward. “Renna is a nurse from Chicago. She’s my guest tonight, along with her parents, Wendell and Johanna Fields.”
“Friends of the family?” Fayre tipped her head in a jerking motion, threatening the beads and feathers covering her flaxen hair.
“Yes. Very, very special friends.” Brian could see in her eyes that she understood. He had no interest in her anymore.
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Waterford.”
Brian felt Renna step back and attempt to pull her hand free, but he grasped her fingertips before she was able.
Fayre’s gaze darkened. “Honey,” she said to Renna, “I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.” She flicked a glance at Brian.
“Yes, thank you.”
Again, Brian felt Renna try to tug away, but he refused to let her flee. She was strong and brave and . . . beautiful. Fayre could hardly compare. He wished Renna would understand that. What’s more, Brian wondered what he’d ever seen in Fayre.
Benchley grinned. “Renna, you and I will have to catch up over a glass of punch. Later. When you’re not . . . on duty.” With a hooded look at Brian, he took Fayre’s elbow and led her away.
Brian leaned over. “Renna, I apologize that you had to witness Fayre’s less than respectable behavior. Please believe me when I say that I regret my association with the woman.”
Renna had no time to reply. Suddenly the next set of guests was upon them.
•••
An hour and a half later, Renna strode toward the refreshments table, relieved the reception line had dwindled. Mum and Da stood with Brian so his secret wouldn’t slip, and Renna needed the break. She’d met so many people in such a short time that after a while she gave up trying to keep everyone straight. She doubted she’d recognize any of them if she passed them on the street.
But more than likely she’d never see these people again.
Sadness gripped her. Earlier she’d told Mum that she’d like to return to Chicago as soon as possible. Brian’s eyesight worked just fine. He was well on his way to winning his children. Renna and her folks weren’t needed here any longer. And Brian’s lack of trust in her had shattered their relationship. She should go home, back to the hospital where she belonged.
“Renna . . . ”
She started at the sound of her name and the touch on her sleeve. Turning, she saw Matthew Benchley standing an arm’s length away.
“May I get you some punch?”
She drew herself up. “No, thank you.”
“It’s no trouble.” His hand snagged her upper arm. “Come right this way.”
Unless she made a scene, Renna felt she had no recourse.
“What do you want with me?” she hissed when they reached the solarium. The room’s unheated night air had discouraged most guests.
“I want to know about Sinclair’s medical condition. Can he really remember his past and who he is, or is this some game you and your family are playing?”
Renna inhaled sharply. “You know my family. My father is an upstanding man.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re all on the up and up. And what about Sinclair? Is he expected to make a full recovery?”
Renna crossed her arms. “That’s confidential informati
on, Mr. Benchley.”
His brows knitted together in anger and frustration. His lip curled. “He has something that belongs to me. This farce of his won’t hold up in court. I’ll see to that. Memory loss, blindness . . . bah!”
“You’ll have to speak with Brian if you want to know the specifics of his medical ailments.” Renna turned away from Benchley and stared through the tall, paned windows. A nearly full moon shone from the inky sky. She stole a few moments to admire the view before casting her gaze back at Benchley.
He’d pulled a flask from the inside pocket of his gray wool jacket. “Tonic for a war injury.”
“I’m sure, although in some circles what you’re doing is considered imbibing.”
In the dimly lit room he considered her in two sweeping glances. “In spite of the situation I like you, Renna Fields.”
She rolled a shoulder, unaffected by his flattery.
He took a swig from the small bottle. “But I hope you’re not a woman so easily bamboozled as my aunt Elise. Our gracious host knows exactly how to play a woman until he gets what he wants. Just ask poor, heartbroken Fayre Waterford.” Benchley gave a sad wag of his head and leaned closer to Renna. “He made her promises of marriage and then cast her aside like an old shoe. He did the same to my aunt. And how ironic that Aunt Elise died just after selling my shipping company for a fraction of what it’s worth.”
Her muscles tensed with indignation. “Are you implying that Brian is guilty of murder?”
“Draw your own conclusions, Miss Fields.”
She glanced at the doorway and took a step back. She needed to get away.
Benchley caught her elbow.
“Leave her alone, Mister!”
A woman shrieked. Stemware crashed onto the floor. A man shouted, “Stop those rascals!”
Renna gaped as pandemonium broke out in the parlor and quickly spread to the solarium. Gabriel and Michael appeared out of nowhere and rushed toward Benchley, their faces set in determination.
“Slow down, boys!” Renna held out a hand to forestall them. “Where are you going?”
Her tactics failed. Gabriel and Michael slammed into Benchley and knocked the man flat on his back.
Benchley cursed.
A crowd gathered while a couple of gentlemen helped Benchley to his feet. Renna put an arm around each boy’s shoulder, guiding them a safe distance away.
“What in the world were you thinking?” She glanced from Gabriel to Michael and then at Gabe again.
“Don’t worry,” Gabe said. “We’re protecting you, Miss Fields.”
Michael nodded his dark head.
“Why?”
“Because my dad can’t,” Michael said, breathless, “cuz he’s blind.”
Renna swallowed, although when her gaze met Gabe’s, an intuitive look passed between them. He knows the truth . . .
“We’ll protect you,” Michael reiterated.
“Why did you think I needed protecting?” She glanced at Benchley.
“We saw him”—Gabe pointed to Matt—“pull you out here, and he looked like he might hurt you.”
“Yeah, and then he grabbed you.”
“We were hiding,” Gabe confessed. “We saw it.”
Renna couldn’t help but feel complimented by the boys’ actions. But this was serious business. She straightened Gabe’s brown jacket. “Mr. Benchley used to work with my father. He’s an acquaintance from Chicago.” Renna kept her voice low, her tone soft. “I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding.” She tried to sound calm and collected. After all, children shouldn’t worry. Righting the collar of Michael’s white shirt, she added, “Perhaps you ought to leave the protecting to the police.”
“But my dad is trusting me.” He brought his shoulders back. “I promised.”
Renna didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t right what they did, tackling a guest, but on the other hand Matt wasn’t invited here tonight, and he certainly had a crude way about him.
Maybe she’d been in more danger than she thought.
Sliding an arm around the boys’ shoulders, she hugged them to her. “Thank you for wanting to protect me. You’re both very brave and very gallant.”
They suddenly acted shy, which made Renna laugh softly.
But then a hush fell over the guests. The gathering parted, and Brian stepped into the center of the commotion with Richard guiding him. He made an impressive figure in his black dress coat, white shirt and vest, and black tie. “What’s going on here?”
Renna held her tongue, feeling both embarrassed by the moment and confused about how much or how little she could say about Brian’s feigned blindness.
“Your children, Captain”—Benchley spit out each word—“are spoiled, uncouth little savages.”
“I beg your pardon?”
Renna quickly spoke up. “Brian, the boys thought I was in some kind of danger.” She stepped in front of the pair, hoping to shield them from any more of Benchley’s hateful words. They were, after all, just children. “Their intentions were noble, albeit somewhat over the top.” She glared at Benchley. “And they are not uncouth, spoiled, or savages.”
With a toss of his head he dusted off the sleeves of his jacket. Then he swung his gaze at Brian. “Captain, I believe you and I have unfinished business.”
Brian dipped his head and arched one brow above his spectacles. “I’m a bit busy at the moment.”
Laughter rumbled through the onlookers.
“What’s more, I don’t believe I ever sent you an invitation, Benchley.”
Sudden gasps and murmurs flitted through the crowd.
“I escorted Fayre Waterford this evening.” Benchley stood just inches away, his chin raised in defiance. “You remember Fayre, don’t you, Captain?”
Renna quickly shooed the boys from the room. They didn’t need to hear any ugliness.
“You spoke to her of marriage last spring.”
“That’s not true.”
“But then you met my aunt Elise Kingsley and decided to get your hands on her fortune. After all, it was larger than Fayre Waterford’s.”
“Get out, Benchley. Get out of my home. Now.”
Fayre Waterford pushed her way through until she stood beside Benchley. “Brian, he’s right.” She pouted. “You treated me badly. You led me to believe you cared.”
Benchley sneered. “Shut up, Fayre.”
More gasps, but this time at Benchley’s venomous reply.
Renna felt herself talking a step backward, longing to be as far away from the man as possible.
Suddenly a pair of warm hands settled on her shoulders. She turned to find Da behind her.
“It’s all right, my little wren. Brian wanted to face his past and put rumors to rest. It seems God is answering that prayer.”
Renna couldn’t imagine having to air such notorious behavior in front of guests. How could Brian take it?
“Great Lakes Shipping was, all along, supposed to be mine. I want it, Sinclair. My uncle willed it to me. Aunt Elise had no right to sell it.”
Brian didn’t appear frazzled in the least. “You’re free to contact my attorney on Monday morning. For now, leave my home at once.”
“Oh, no . . . you’re not going to get rid of me that easily. I couldn’t care less about your ostentatious social affair.” He cleared his throat, behaving as though he held the upper hand. “About Great Lakes Shipping . . . ”
Brian folded his arms. “What about it?”
“I said, I want it.”
“It’s not for sale.” Brian clenched his jaw. “Now, I’m warning you, get out!”
Benchley’s face reddened with anger. Richard and another man grabbed hold of his arms and hauled him from the solarium. He blared out every foul word imaginable the entire way to the front door.
Renna stood there feeling the weight of Brian’s scrutiny coming at her from behind his dark lenses. She winced. Yes, Matt was in the wrong. But hadn’t Brian put him there with his twisted business dealin
gs and manipulative romances?
“Please, everyone.” Brian gestured to the elegantly dressed guests surrounding him. “The trouble has left. Let’s all continue enjoying ourselves.”
He then motioned for her, and Renna stepped forward to take his arm, ever the dutiful nurse. She wouldn’t denounce him in front of his friends, but indignation plumed inside of her. Could her pirate ever become a prince?
Just exactly who was Captain Brian Sinclair anyway?
TWENTY-FOUR
Goodness!” Lillian LaMonde cornered Renna minutes later. Brian had gotten distracted with other guests. “Wasn’t that . . . Benchley? Yes, that’s his name! Fayre Waterford’s escort? Why, he certainly seemed agitated.” She gave Renna a sweeping look. “Perhaps he was jealous. Could he be one of your former love interests?”
“Hardly.” Renna felt a presence at her side and glanced up to see Brian.
“There are certainly enough of those around here tonight—former love interests, that is.” Lillian snorted, turning her scrutiny on him.
He pursed his lips and shrugged as if he couldn’t care less.
Lillian tried a different approach. “Your children are up rather late, aren’t they, Brian?”
“My children are invited guests tonight. However, you know they almost always make an appearance at social events in my home.”
“True, but they’re usually accompanied by a governess. Why, those boys are eating up all the hors d’oeuvres. Now they’ve bowled over a guest. And your housekeeper, Brian . . . why, she’s conversing with the company!” Lillian brought herself up to her full height of all of five feet. “No doubt there are plenty of people who would gladly take advantage of your physical distress.”
“Hester is new at housekeeping.” Brian sounded a bit terse. “I’ll have to speak with her.”
Concerned, Renna regarded him. She hoped he wouldn’t deal too harshly with poor Hester. The woman tried so hard to please.
“And, as for you, my dear.”
Mrs. LaMonde captured Renna’s attention.
“It’s been a pleasure to meet you—and your parents.”
Unexpected Love Page 21