Domini didn’t understand the smug tone of Toma’s voice. Or why Toma goaded Luke with a challenging glare that almost dared Luke to deny their agreement. The strange thought crossed her mind that Toma wanted Luke to stay despite all that had been said here. In the next moment Domini changed her mind. That simply did not make any sense.
Luke clenched his hands at his sides, barely able to hold himself in check. Domini whispered his name very softly. He inhaled sharply, and she thought she heard his breath tremble as he released it. But when he looked at her for a few seconds, she caught the icy glint in his eyes. Then he stared at Toma.
“That was the deal. I suppose you’ve taken my stock and hidden it away to make sure you get yours first.”
“You don’t expect me to admit that, do you, Luke?”
“Why not? Figure a little honesty might curl and shrivel up your tongue? No matter. But old man, don’t ever think you won anything else from me. I’ll break your horses, then I’m leaving.”
Toma lifted his glass in silent salute before he tossed down the last of the liquor.
Domini wanted to stop Luke from leaving her alone. She sensed that he had built a cage around his emotions, one that would break at any time. Perhaps it was because she had done that same thing to her emotions. The only thing that gave her comfort was that Luke would be close by breaking Toma’s horses. Sixty days or thirty if he wanted to kill himself.
The brush of his fingertips against her cheek startled her.
“Remember what I told you, Domini,” Luke leaned close to whisper.
The second the door closed behind him, Amanda slid her arm around Domini’s shoulders. “I cannot apologize enough for you having to witness this. Please, Dominica, you must not be frightened, or believe any of Luke’s horrid lies. No one here means you any harm, child. Luke is wild and unprincipled and—”
“That’s enough, Amanda,” Toma ordered. “Luke is what he is. Like it or not, we all contributed to it. Let Matt show her to a room. You’ve got some answerin’ of your own to do to me.”
“All in good time, Toma.”
“No. Now, Amanda.”
“Very well. Dominica, this is not the welcome I had planned for you. I had hoped—”
“Why did you bring me here?”
“For nothing sinister, I can assure you. This display is best forgotten. We will begin anew.”
Domini found herself reluctant to agree. Even if she had wanted to believe Amanda, what she had seen and sensed for herself could not be ignored. She had to fight the powerful temptation to shrug off Amanda’s surprisingly strong arm around her shoulders and run after Luke. Running would not gain the answers she had hoped to find. Only staying here in this house, with these people, would give her what she needed.
“Dominica?”
“Yes, Amanda. We’ll begin again.”
Domini bent to pick up her carpet bag, the move forcing Amanda to release her, but her fingers brushed the back of Matt’s hand as he lifted her bag.
“Allow me, Dominica. And let me add to my mother’s apology. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t receive word that you have arrived. I would have considered coming down to Florence to fetch you my pleasure. Luke is too wild for his own good. We’ll all make sure that he stays away from you.”
Hemmed in on either side by Amanda and Matt, Domini decided not to answer him. There was a warning beneath Matt’s soft, cultured voice. Until she knew more, she could not defend Luke.
Domini swayed where she stood, overcome by the heat in the room, the heavy musk-rose scent that Amanda wore, and the subtle aroma of bay rum from Matt’s skin.
“Go on an’ get that girl settled, Matt. Your mother has plenty to answer for.”
If Domini had not looked up, she would have missed the look exchanged by Matt and his mother. Amanda’s minuscule nod brought Matt’s free hand to cup her elbow.
“Go along with Matt, dear. Lucy has already set a fire and has a bath waiting for you. The blue room, Matt.” Amanda stepped back and eyed Domini’s clothing. “Tell Lucy to find a gown suitable for dinner.”
“I have a gown to wear, Amanda.”
“I’m sure that the good sisters provided you with the best that they could, dear. It was not meant as an insult, only that you should feel comfortable. We will have all these little matters settled before the evening is over.”
“Damn right we will,” Toma added.
Domini was ready to bolt from the room. She had no desire to be dragged into the thick undercurrents between Toma and Amanda. Any fool could see that Toma was furious with his wife. And she needed time alone to sort out the conflicting stories she had been told.
Matt escorted her from the room, and as she walked beside him, Domini turned once. Amanda stood in the doorway of Toma’s room, watching them. A chilling shiver crawled up Domini’s spine. There was something about Amanda…
“Here we are,” Matt said, opening the last door in the long hallway. He crossed the deep blue and ivory floral-patterned carpet to set her bag down on the bench fronting the four-poster bed.
“I’m sure you’ll be comfortable here, Dominica. Lucy or her sister, Meta, will be in to help you unpack.” He glanced with satisfaction at the newly laid fire that was just beginning to warm the room. Seeing that she was still hesitating by the door, he motioned her inside.
When he repeated his urging, Domini stepped over the threshold. The lightest shade of blue in the carpet was used in the drapery that hung in swags across two windows on her left, where they framed a rough stone fireplace. A settee covered in the same blue color fabric was placed in front of the fire in invitation to enjoy the warmth.
A marble table stood at one end, a silver tray holding a crystal decanter and two glasses resting on top. On the mantel were a pair of silver candlesticks and a delicate statue. Everywhere Domini looked, she saw riches that could have fed the mission’s children for more than a year. She did not belong here. The room did not welcome her, it made her feel smothered.
She hadn’t realized that Matt had come to stand beside her until he took her hand in his. “If you need anything, just pull the cord near the bed. I’ll come and get you to escort you to dinner at eight. Will two hours give you enough time?”
“Yes.” Domini couldn’t imagine anyone needing two hours to bathe and dress. She had certainly never taken that long. Tugging her hand free of Matt’s hold, she stepped away from him. “I’ll manage. And if you’d—”
“Leave?” he finished for her, then smiled.
“Yes.”
“Luke was right. Your honesty is refreshing. I’m sure you’re overwhelmed by all that you heard, just so long as you keep an open mind, Dominica. Your sudden arrival was a shock to my father, and to me. But a most pleasant one.” He ignored Domini’s attempt to evade his reaching for her hand again and raising it to his lips.
“A personal welcome from me to you. I hope you and I shall become friends, Dominica. For a start, that is.”
“I don’t know if that is possible, Matt.” She saw the way his gaze sparked dangerously, only to be quickly banked. The second after his cool lips had touched her skin, she snatched her hand away.
“I think you’d better go.” Domini was hard put to keep the panicked edge from her voice. She was overwhelmed and needed to be alone.
“All right.”
She watched the door close behind him with a feeling of relief, only to start when it opened immediately.
“I’m Lucy,” a young woman announced. “Miz Colfax said I should fetch your gown to be pressed and see if there was anything else you’d be needing.”
Peace. To be left alone. The truth. But the words remained Domini’s silent thoughts. She merely nodded and indicated her bag, uncomfortable with having someone come to help her. And all she could think about was why Amanda had insisted that she come here.
Chapter 14
Dinner passed in a haze for Domini. The candlelight gl
eamed on the linen, china, crystal, and silver gracing the table, all constant reminders that reinforced her feeling that she didn’t belong here.
Amanda, gowned in black silk, sat at the head of the table opposite Toma. She, like Domini, ate very little of the food set before her. Matt attempted to keep conversation flowing, and Domini tried to answer his questions, but the tension that seemed to come from Toma and Amanda made him give up.
Domini watched Matt carefully as he sat across from her, for the array of silverware confused her. It was with a great deal of relief she heard Toma order Meta to bring them coffee in the front parlor.
This time Domini waited for Matt to come around the table. She resented behaving as if she was helpless to rise from the chair by herself, but the sharp reprimand Amanda had delivered earlier, that a lady waited for a gentleman, had made a lasting impression. If Domini had had any doubts that she didn’t belong here, Amanda’s stinging rebuke removed them.
Toma offered his wife his arm and led the way from the dining room. Like Matt, he wore a white starched shirt, string tie, and a black suit made from some material that was as soft as kitten fur to her hand. Matt favored a heavily embroidered vest, while Toma’s was as somber as his expression. Domini couldn’t help but wish she had been a fly on the wall in his office when he had spoken to Amanda.
But as they entered the large front parlor, where lamps scattered about on tables lent a soft glow to the massive wood furniture, Domini had a feeling that her waiting was at an end. Toma poured small crystal glasses full of a dark reddish liquor, and Matt brought one to his mother, who sat on a lady’s chair placed near the fire. Domini, choosing to stand, remained opposite Amanda near the curved-back sofa.
“A toast,” Toma said, “to make amends for the past between us.”
Domini barely touched her lips to the edge of the glass. It disturbed her that Matt stood behind her.
“Dominica,” Toma began, “your sudden arrival and the manner in which it was accomplished have left me with a serious problem. I want to make it clear to you that my wife had no right to sneak money all these years for your upkeep while keeping it secret from me.
“However, she did it. I want you to understand that I’ll do right by you.”
“Right by me, Toma? I don’t understand.”
“You will.” He moved to stand behind his wife’s chair, his move possessive and warning as he laid his hand on his wife’s pale bare shoulder. “And you agree with me, don’t you, Amanda? My way will make everything right?”
Even where Domini stood she could see the press of Toma’s fingers against Amanda’s skin. For a moment the woman glazed at Domini, then looked down at the drink she held.
“Yes, Toma. Your way will make everything right.”
“You see, Dominica, my wife is a very practical woman. She understands the value of compromise and barter.”
“Your wife may understand, Toma, but I don’t.” Domini set her glass down. She clasped her hands together, then looked up at Toma. “Nothing you can do will give me back my father. You certainly can’t repay me for the agony my mother suffered until she died. And you understand this, Toma,” she stated with anger edging every word, “there is nothing you could give me—”
“Don’t make rash, foolish statements, Dominica! Not that I’d expect a woman to follow a logical path.”
“And you think you can buy anyone with your money,” Domini returned, feeling anger for this arrogant man give way to the rage she had carefully caged.
“Just listen to him, Dominica,” Matt urged from behind her.
Domini turned on him. “I will when he says something worth hearing. Like how my father died. And why it took so long for someone to write to my mother. And why your mother made my coming her a condition for the mission to keep receiving the funds she’s sent.” Closing her eyes briefly, Domini took several harsh breaths, fighting to regain her control. Screaming at them wouldn’t get her what she wanted.
She faced Toma again with a semblance of control.
“You finished actin’ like a half-wild filly?” Toma asked, his gaze hard.
“I’ll listen to what you have to say.”
“Good enough,” he said with a curt nod. “An’ just to keep things clear, I never said anything about buying you. Money’ll come. But that wasn’t what I was proposin’.”
It was the gloating tone of Toma’s voice that made Domini tense. Suddenly she didn’t want to hear what he had to say. She didn’t even want to remain in this room, this house, for another minute. Matt moved closer behind her, and she felt as if he would cut off any attempt at escape. She didn’t turn to look at him. Toma’s speculative look held her in place. That and the glitter of satisfaction in Amanda’s eyes.
“As usual, Toma,” Amanda said, “you have no finesse. Why not sit down, Dominica? No? Ah, child, there is nothing to be gained by treating us as if we are your enemies. That simply is not true. Toma did not mean to frighten you. His manner is rough, but in this instance he means well. We all do.
“I know you are upset because we discussed the matter of what is to be done with you. Wait,” Amanda said, lifting an elegant hand so that the lamplight caught and held on the gleaming pearl ring and bracelet she wore. “Please have the courtesy to listen to me, Dominica.”
“Will you just get on with it, Amanda?” Toma’s suggestion sounded more like a demand, but his wife heeded the warning squeeze he gave her shoulder.
“You have had no one to guide you, Dominica, beyond the good sisters. When Sister Benedict wrote, she mentioned that she feared your choice to take the veil did not come from a true desire to serve the church, but as an escape. Was she telling the truth? Is that the reason why you wanted to take vows?”
Domini couldn’t look at either Toma or Amanda. She glanced toward the partially draped French doors that led out to the surrounding porch. The doubts about her desire to take the vows that would allow her a life of peace resurfaced. From the moment she had agreed with Sister Benedict that she had no choice but to come here and discover the truth, those doubts had begun. The time she had spent with Luke had reinforced those doubts.
“I want an answer to that myself, girl.”
“Please, Dominica,” Amanda said, “the very fact that you cannot immediately give us an answer should be an answer to you. Do you truly wish to bury yourself behind convent walls, devoting yourself to prayer and the service of others, before you have had a chance to enjoy the advantages we can provide for you?”
Domini closed her eyes and prayed for guidance. But honesty forced her to admit her doubts. She simply was not sure. Opening her eyes, she blinked, thinking it was a trick of the light that made her believe she saw a shadow moving out on the porch.
Coming to stand beside her, Matt gently touched her cheek, then let his hand fall to his side. “Dominica?” he queried softly. “What’s wrong? Why won’t you answer?”
“It’s a difficult question to answer, Matt. I thought that’s what I wanted to do, to be honest, I’m no longer sure.”
“Damn right!” Toma said. “All a bunch of nonsense. No man would want that for his daughter. An’ the offer I’ve got for you is ten times better.”
Domini looked at Toma. She felt as if she had been carefully cornered, but couldn’t sense where the danger came from. The only thing she was sure of was that she was threatened.
Despite his rough manner Toma appeared supremely confident. And why shouldn’t he? Domini thought. He owns everything and everyone. Including you? a little voice asked. She knew it wasn’t true now, but then Toma hadn’t yet offered her what she wanted. No matter how well anyone thought of his ideals and motives, Domini did understand that given the right price, she, too, might sell her soul to the devil. The need for the truth burned inside her.
“I’ll take your silence for a fact that you’re finally willing to listen to me. Right?” Toma waited for Domini’s nod, and when she gave it, he smiled at her. �
��You’re smart. Now, what I’m proposing is that you get hitched.”
“Hitched? As in married, Toma?”
“You’re hearin’s fine enough. That’s what I said.”
“If that’s your solution, the answer is no.”
“Well, young woman, it ain’t like I’m givin’ you the choice.”
Domini felt anger flush across her cheeks. She took a few steps toward Toma, then stopped herself. Shaking her head, she added verbal denial. “I won’t marry on your orders. You don’t own me. I came here of my own free will. I’ll leave the same way.”
“And who the hell do you think is going to take you, girl?” Sliding his thumbs into his vest pockets, Toma rocked back on his heels, watching Domini. “Ah, that caught your attention, didn’t it? I own the land as far as your eye can see and beyond. There’s not a man on this place that’ll risk his job or his life to help you.”
“Luke would,” Domini countered.
Toma threw back his head and laughter rocked the room. As suddenly as it started, it stopped. “Luke ain’t gonna help you. He ain’t gonna lift a finger in your direction, girl. Now be still,” he ordered. “Matt, set her down an’ keep her there till I’m finished.”
Domini shrugged off Matt’s hand and had started for the door when Amanda spoke and stopped her.
“Think, Dominica, think before you act too hastily. If your father had lived, he would have wanted marriage for you.”
“How would you know that, Amanda?” Domini rounded on her, shooting a look full of the betrayal she felt where the woman sat, serene and inviolate.
Amanda lowered her head, softly saying, “I know. Leave it at that, Dominica.”
Domini swayed where she stood, remembering Luke’s last warning. “Best stay sly as a vixen an’ keep your claws sharp as any cougar’s, honey. Their games are deep and vicious.” But she reminded herself that you couldn’t play any game unless you knew the players and the rules.
Whisper My Name Page 14