Dixie Virgin Chronicles: Catherine (Book 7)

by Webb, Peggy

  In not quite two days’ time, Tyler had gone from seeking a quick conquest, to being intrigued, to being almost besotted. One more day, and she would be gone. That hardly gave him time to gain a kiss from her, let alone anything more. Of course, his job was portable. He could follow her. He could picture it: Tyler West, lady-killer, traveling back-country roads, going into one-horse towns, sitting on a bale of hay trying to write the Great American Novel, waiting for a handout from Catherine the Great. The whole idea was absurd.

  “If you don’t miss me, I’m losing my touch,” he said lightly. Then he helped her into the car. There was a small piece of hay clinging to her hair.

  He reached toward her, and she pulled back.

  “You have hay,” he said.

  “Oh...” Her face flushed. “Where?”

  “Here.” He reached to get it, and their hands collided in midair. He felt a slight tremor run through her. What was she afraid of? Why was she afraid even now, after having spent the day with him being a perfect gentleman? Was it because she was sitting in the car and she felt trapped? Was it because the sun was setting and it would soon be dark? There were things he needed to find out about Catherine DeChello.

  “Let me, Catherine,” he said gently. “I’m still bound by my promise to behave. You’re perfectly safe with me.”

  “I never thought I wasn’t.” He could tell by the way her eyes got darker that she was lying. She had believed that she might not be safe with him. And he was determined to find out why.

  He plucked the hay from her hair, then got into the car and drove her back to the circus.

  “I won’t forget today,” she said, getting out of the car and leaning into the open window.

  “Nor will I.”

  She waved, then disappeared into her trailer. Tyler found a parking place far enough away so Catherine couldn’t see his car, then he got out and began to do a bit of sleuthing. He was good at it. He had done enough research for his novels to know just where to go and who to see in order to get information.

  The first person he visited was Mickey the Clown. Mickey was in the makeup tent, putting on his costume for the evening show. Tyler joined him at the dressing tables.

  “I need to know some things about Catherine,” Tyler said without preamble.

  “Why?”

  “Because I think she’s been hurt and I want to know who and where and why.”

  “My question still stands.”

  “Because I like her and want to be her friend.”

  “Not good enough. If you’re her friend, she’ll tell you all you need to know.”

  Mickey picked up a brush and carefully drew a huge clown smile on his white-painted face. Tyler waited, knowing that being too pushy would gain him nothing. What could he say to make this taciturn man trust him, confide in him?

  Mickey put the makeup brush down, then turned and watched him. Tyler withstood the intense scrutiny without flinching. A vision of Catherine with a wilted flower in her hair came to him.

  “Because I care about her, care enough to want to help her,” Tyler said quietly.

  The admission shocked even himself. If he had been asked to analyze why he was determined to find out about Catherine’s background, he would have said it was the writer in him. Writers were notorious snoops. Every little thing that happened, they wanted to know why.

  But now, here he was actually getting involved in a woman’s problems. And because he cared? It must be true. It felt true when he said it. What a shocking admission for a man who prided himself on the chase.

  “Hell,” he said.

  Mickey smiled, his huge painted mouth stretching from one ear to the other.

  “I won’t tell you what I know, which isn’t much—that’s Catherine’s place. But I will tell you that she needs somebody gentle and kind and patient, somebody who’s willing to wait long enough to get beyond that brick wall she’s built around herself. She’s definitely been hurt.”

  “I know that. Do you have any idea who?”

  “A bright young man like you ought to be able to find that out without asking an old clown to rat on a friend.”

  “Sorry... Do you know where she’s from?”

  “She gets mail from New Orleans.”

  “How long has she been with the circus?”

  “That I can tell you. A few months.”

  “What can you tell me about her that won’t violate her trust?”

  “She spends most of her time with the circus animals. She’s a damned good vet. Saved our biggest cat, first week she was here. A great big Bengal tiger. She spends more time with the elephants than she does with the circus people. I’m the one she trusts, and she talks a lot about six female friends she calls the Dixie Virgins.” Mickey picked up his wig and adjusted it on his head. “She’s one of the finest young women I’ve ever met, and I’ll do what it takes to protect her.”

  “Does she date?”

  “Lord, no. Not that men haven’t tried. Nearly every male in this circus over the age of eighteen has tried his hand with her. She turned them all down flat.”

  “She turned me down flat, too, the first time I asked. Didn’t they keep coming back?”

  “No. Funny thing. I wondered why you kept coming back. Either she likes you or you’re tougher than most.”

  “I’m tougher than most.” Did she like him more than most? Tyler hoped so. He held out his hand. “Thank you, Mickey.”

  “The only thanks I need is your promise that you will never hurt her. Catherine is like a daughter to me.”

  “I give you my word of honor.”

  Tyler left the makeup tent, but he didn’t go to the Big Top. Although he wanted to take every opportunity to see Catherine, he wanted even more to find out who she was. Know your enemy. That was always the motto of the heroes he created. He supposed the same thing would apply about the woman you hoped to bed. Know your lover. Of course, she wasn’t his lover yet. But someday she would be. Of that he was certain.

  He went toward his car, whistling.

  o0o

  Standing in the center ring with her elephants, Catherine scanned the matinee crowd. After searching the bleachers twice she came to the logical conclusion: Tyler wasn’t there.

  It shocked her to realize that she was looking for him. What was the matter with her? Was she losing her sense? Hadn’t she learned a single lesson from her past?

  Nonetheless, she felt disappointed. Her day at the farm had been wonderful. Tyler had been nothing like Billy Joe. In fact, he had been like no man she had ever known. If today were any indication, he really was a teddy bear at heart. A soft, cuddly old teddy bear.

  Angel nudged Catherine with her trunk to let her know that it was time to leave the Big Top. Catherine took one more bow, then turned to Elmer.

  “Lift me up.”

  The bull elephant obeyed the three-word command, and Catherine’s parade of elephants left the Big Top. She didn’t dismount until she was back at the trailer. Somehow being atop the huge elephant, viewing her surroundings from her remote vantage point, Cat was able to put her day on the farm back into perspective. That’s all it had been: a daylong interlude.

  Now it was time to get back to reality. She tended to her elephants, then changed out of her costume and went straight to her computer.

  From: Catherine

  To: Belinda, Janet, Molly, Bea, Clemmie, Joanna

  Re: Tyler West

  If the circus weren’t leaving day after tomorrow, I’d be in big trouble. Tyler West raises Thoroughbreds! His place is gorgeous, just the kind of spread you’d picture the perfect man having – if you were looking for Mr. Perfect! He has animals of all kinds, and he loves them. A man who loves animals can’t be bad, right?

  Cat

  From: Joanna

  To: Catherine, Clemmie, Molly, Belinda, Janet, Bea

  Re: Are You Kidding!!!

  Cat, he took you to see his place! DETAILS, PLEASE! There was a big spread about his place in Southern Livi
ng and there was a documentary filmed there about that big old race horse of his. What’s his name? Something with war in it. What on earth are you waiting for? GRAB THIS MAN! Tyler West is talented and famous and drop dead gorgeous, and it’s obvious he’s chasing you! And why wouldn’t he? You’re beautiful and brilliant and focused and charming – all the things I want to be when I’m your age!

  Kirk won’t hear of getting me pregnant! I’ve vamped him six ways to Sunday hoping he’ll forget about BIRTH CONTROL, but he never does. Sigh!

  Janet, when are you and Dan going to use the Joanna? I’m serious!

  Joanna

  From: Janet

  To: Catherine, Clemmie, Joanna, Molly, Bea, Belinda

  Re: The past

  The past is past, Cat. And even if Billy Joe does show up again, you’re more than enough woman to handle him! It’s time to stand up and take what you want. If it’s this famous writer, then I’m all for it!

  How does next weekend sound, Joanna? Dan and I can’t wait to get away and have some time all to ourselves!

  Janet

  From: Clemmie

  To: Catherine, Janet, Joanna, Molly, Bea, Belinda

  Re: Documentary

  I saw that documentary on Tyler West and his Thoroughbred. It’s from the famous line sired by Man O’ War! Michael has a vast collection of movies and documentaries, as you can well imagine.

  We’re back in Peppertown now, or did I tell you that already? Anyhow, we’re doing nothing but relaxing, taking long walks in the woods, reading in the gazebo, watching movies and trying to make a baby. So far, no luck, but lots of fun!

  Tupelo Dixie Virgins, how does lunch at my place next Wednesday sound? Say yes!

  Clemmie

  From: Belinda

  To: Catherine, Clemmie, Janet, Bea, Joanna, Molly

  Re: BIG

  YES, Clemmie!

  Girlfriends, I am BIG. I think I’m going to give birth to an elephant! Cat, maybe I need a vet instead of a pediatrician!

  Oh, I’m so excited about the possibilities of Tyler West! So far the Dixie Virgins have landed two businessmen, a banker, a coach, a filmmaker, and a grove owner. It would be nice to add a writer to the mix!

  I have to run. Literally. The bathroom is my best friend. The kitchen runs a close second. Reeve keeps the refrigerator stocked with dill pickles in gallon jugs! And apple pie! Oh my lord, I’m eating my weight in it. I may never see my waistline again. Even after I deliver the most beautiful baby in the world!

  Belinda

  From: Janet

  To: Belinda, Clemmie, Molly, Joanna, Bea, Catherine

  Re: Lunch

  Yes! Can’t wait, Clemmie.

  Janet

  From: Joanna

  To: Clemmie, Belinda, Molly, Janet, Bea, Catherine

  Re: Wednesday

  Are you KIDDING! OF COURSE, Clemmie!

  Joanna

  From: Bea

  To: Catherine, Belinda, Molly, Joanna, Janet, Bea

  Re: Tyler

  Ditto what Janet said, Cat! Never forget that you’re a Dixie Virgin, and we are more than capable of handling any situation that comes along!

  Wish I could be at that lunch, Clemmie. I need a Dixie Virgin in person fix!

  Molly, Russ and I are going to fly to Florence next weekend. We’ll be staying with Mother and Jedidiah, but I plan to spend lots of time sitting in the middle of your bed eating popcorn and just talking!!!

  Bea

  From: Molly

  To: Catherine, Bea, Janet, Clemmie, Belinda, Joanna

  Re: VISIT

  OMG, I can’t wait to see you, Bea!!! I want to show you the gallery and you can help me plan the party – you’re so good at everything! I’ll stock up on Hershey bars and popcorn and cheese straws and every other fat-and-sugar-filled goodie I can think of!

  Cat, you’re going to land on your feet, no matter what! Hang in there, girlfriend! And don’t you dare let that hateful man from your past ruin anything!

  Molly

  Cat powered her computer down, and made herself a cup of hot tea. The power of female friendship amazed her. No matter what was going on, sharing it with the Dixie Virgins always made her feel better.

  o0o

  Tyler’s office was lit by the soft glow of lamps, and outside his window, crickets serenaded the night. It was the kind of peaceful setting he loved. The only jarring note was the telephone. He picked it up on the first ring, glancing down at caller ID.

  “Jay?” He had been waiting two hours for his old college friend to call. “Have you got anything?”

  “Not much. Not yet. I’m not a magician, you know, merely a lowly private investigator.”

  “Tell me what you know.”

  “She’s the daughter of Steven DeChello, deceased, and Margaret DeChello, still living in New Orleans.”

  “Yes?” Tyler realized he was hanging over the receiver as if it were a lifeline. He forced himself to relax. “What else?”

  Jay gave him Mrs. DeChello’s address. It was in the old Garden District, a neighborhood that had once been ritzy but had fallen into disrepair and never regained its lost splendor. Next was Catherine’s date of birth.

  “I already knew that.”

  “How?”

  “She told me how old she was. I did some simple arithmetic.”

  “I had to cover all the bases here, Tyler. I didn’t want you fooling with a minor.”

  Tyler muttered a few decidedly unheroic words, then sat down in his chair. The soft leather conformed to the contours of his body, and he relaxed. He hadn’t realized how tense he’d become.

  “What else?”

  “She’s been engaged” Tyler held his breath, waiting. “To Billy Joe Wainwright.”

  “Damn. The Wainwright? The sugarcane king?”

  “One and the same. She’s the one who called the whole thing off.”

  “And?”

  “That’s all I’ve got.”

  “There has to be more.”

  “The only reason I got this much this soon is that the mother’s neighbor was the gossipy kind.”

  “Good work, Jay. Keep on digging.”

  After Tyler hung up, he looked at his watch. It was ten o’clock. The evening show was over. Catherine was probably back at her trailer now, perhaps even snuggled into her bed with her teddy bears. By northeastern standards, it wasn’t too late to go calling, but by Southern standards it would be tacky to pay a social visit at this hour.

  Tyler reached for his car keys. He was famous and bordering on wealthy. He reckoned he could get by with being tacky.

  o0o

  The lights were on in Catherine’s trailer. Tyler figured he was riding a wave of luck. Whistling, he approached her trailer door. He had just lifted his hand to knock when the door opened.

  Cat stood in the doorway, her hair cascading over her shoulders.

  “Oh,” she said, her hand flying to her throat.

  “I hope I didn’t scare you.”

  “Not at all. I was reading.” She was hanging onto a copy of The Once and Future King as if it might be a lifeboat. He had scared her...or at least startled her. “I heard a noise. I thought...” She paused, biting her lower lip.

  “This is strictly a selfish visit, Cat. I didn’t want our day together to end, so I came back.”

  “It’s late.”

  She made no move to permit him to enter her trailer. He hadn’t expected she would. Seeing her now, tense and wary in her doorway, he wondered just what he had expected.

  “I know it’s late, but this is one of the most peaceful times of day. It’s a great evening. Sane, hard-working folks are getting ready for bed, but a few of us romantics are just getting ready to enjoy the night.”

  “I don’t go to bed early. I have to unwind after a show.”

  “That’s a great book. I’m almost sorry I interrupted your visit to Camelot.” He smiled. “Almost, but not quite.”

  “It’s okay. I was just about to put the book away.�
�� She smiled, and began to relax.

  “Why should Camelot end?” He bowed deeply from the waist. “Allow me to escort you to Camelot, milady.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Only slightly.” Laughing now, she was almost the Catherine who had allowed him to hold her hand while they romped together in his pastures. “The circus is a modern version of Camelot, Catherine. It allows us all to recapture our lost youth, and to believe, if only for a few hours, that we can live happily ever after.”

  “That’s beautiful,” she said.

  “Do you know what my two favorite rides are?”

  “The carousel,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “And...”

  “...the Ferris wheel,” he finished for her. He became serious. “Will you ride them with me, Cat? Say yes.”

  Suddenly the past faded and she became a true Dixie Virgin, independent and indomitable.

  “Yes, Tyler. I’ll ride with you.”

  Chapter Five

  Cat sat astride a carved wooden horse, painted white and decorated with pink ribbons and rosettes. Around her, music played and people swayed, keeping time to the rhythm. What Tyler had said was true: she did feel like a child again.

  Leaning sideways in her saddle, she touched his arm just as his black wooden stallion was ascending toward the striped canopy on its brass pole. “I’m having a wonderful time.”

  “So am I.”

  She liked the way he smiled, with his eyes crinkled at the corners. She also liked the way he behaved in a crowd, as if all the people he came in contact with were a potential source of friendship and were definitely a source of wonder. The craziest things interested Tyler West. For instance, when he had bought their tickets for the carousel ride, the young man had recognized him.

  “Gosh, you’re Tyler West, the writer.”

  “One and the same.”

  “I loved that book of yours about that musher up in Alaska... what was it called?”

  “Denali’s Challenge.”

  “Yeah, that was it. Say, I’ve got a great idea for a book. It all happened to my Uncle Charlie...”