Rachel played the coquettish southern belle to the height as she laughed once more and murmured, “How could it be?”
“Splendid. I wonder if Phillip McCandless knows how lucky he is.”
“I beg your pardon?” she hinted as if confused by his meaning.
“To have such a treasure for a wife,” he clarified with a sly grin.
She sent him another false smile, then lowered her voice to a silky whisper as she replied, “I hope he does; but I’m lucky, too, to have him. Phillip is a wonderful and special man, the perfect husband.”
“Ah, too bad,” he said, then chuckled as if teasing.
Rachel did not appreciate the way Harry was behaving tonight. She did not like Harrison Clements at all. She didn’t trust him, and she didn’t enjoy the amorous game he was playing. If he was testing a lack of morals, her fidelity to Phillip, the rumors about her, or a possible attraction to him, he would be disappointed in all areas. No matter how much she wanted clues from him, she would never behave the wanton to obtain them. As they danced in silence for a time, she wished she were in Dan’s arms. She saw him dancing with a lovely young lady attired in a gown with a soft bustle. The two were laughing and chatting and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company. A surge of jealousy and envy shot through her.
“Is there a problem, Rachel?” Harry inquired. “You’ve tensed.”
She met his ice-blue gaze, smiled, and apologized with cleverness and skill, “I’m sorry, Harry. I was thinking about Phillip. Your words reminded me of him, up North and alone, while I’m having such fun.”
“Don’t worry about Phillip; he always takes care of himself.”
“Whatever do you mean?” she asked, feigning an innocent look.
“If there are gambling parlors around, he’s being entertained.”
There it was again, she fumed, a mention of a weakness for gambling. She laughed merrily. “Phillip McCandless a serious gambler? You jest.”
Harry was vexed as he scoffed, “No, I don’t. You mean you haven’t witnessed how much he loves and how often he engages in that costly sport? But, of course,” he added with that sly grin and narrowed gaze, “he wouldn’t tell his beloved wife about such a weakness, now would he?”
“Are you serious, Harry? Phillip has a weakness for such things?”
“To the point I worry about it, Rachel.”
“Oh, my, I didn’t know. That’s dreadful, Harry. I must speak to him about it when he returns. It could get out of control if he isn’t careful.”
“I just hope it hasn’t done so already,” he murmured as the music halted. “I shall fetch a drink to quench my thirst. I’ll see you again soon.”
Rachel moved to the side of the dance floor and watched Harry’s departure. He held himself rigid, as if angry. It was true she didn’t know Phillip loved to gamble, not until George mentioned it earlier. And she fretted over why the important money was missing. Surely Phillip wouldn’t…
Dan came to join her. “What did he have to say tonight?”
Rachel did not hesitate to expose Harry’s curious and bold conduct.
“He’s up to no good, Rachel. Be wary of him,” Dan warned.
“I know, but why, and why tonight? He’s never done this before.”
It didn’t escape Dan that Harry’s wife was called away suddenly and that Harry was making an amorous move toward Rachel. He recalled his wild speculations about a jealous lover or envious male who desired Rachel enough to kill to win her. “When did you meet Harry?” he inquired.
“After Phillip and I were married. Why?”
“I just wonder if he tried to romance you while
Phillip was doing the same. That might be what he’s up to, trying to romance clues out of you.”
“Well, he’s wasting his time and energy. It won’t work.”
“Or maybe he’s trying to provoke you into making slips.”
“That won’t work, either. I don’t like that man.”
“It doesn’t show when you’re with him; that takes skill and practice, woman. Why don’t we dance before others claim us?”
“I think we should find our host and hostess, meet them, and thank them for our invitation,” she suggested.
The Fabeers were nice but showy people, they both decided after the brief encounter, and they were glad when the two were summoned away by friends.
As they danced, Dan said, “He’s watching every move you make.”
“Who?” she asked, too distracted by being in Dan’s arms, one hand on his powerful shoulder and the other clasped within his.
“Harry. He hasn’t taken his eyes off of you. I can’t blame him. You are the most exquisite creature here.”
“Phillip never used such affectionate terms. On whom have you used them, Captain Slade?”
He chuckled. “I haven’t used them, but I’ve heard plenty.”
“I see,” she murmured with a skeptical tone.
“You don’t believe me. You think me a cunning seducer of women?”
“Are you?”
Before he could answer, Harry intruded for another dance, which passed too slowly for Rachel’s liking. Afterward, several men requested the “honor” of dancing with her. Five dances went by before Rachel could rest and return to Dan’s side. A pretty girl of about eighteen was flirting openly with the dashing sea captain.
“Cousin Dan, I’m exhausted. I have great need of refreshment. Would you two care to join me while I fetch something to quench my thirst?”
Dan introduced the two women, who smiled and spoke politely to each other. “May I bring you something, or would you prefer to come along and select it?”
The girl looked miffed by Rachel’s interruption. “Later perhaps.”
As they entered the adjoining room where beverages were being served, Rachel whispered, “She didn’t like me.”
“Who?”
“Your little conquest. She was about to pounce upon you, Dan.”
“I would much prefer for… What would you like to drink, ma’am?”
“Champagne. Let’s have another toast. The other one is old.”
Dan ordered two glasses of pale gold liquid. “It’s your turn.”
“Mmm, let’s see… How about, to best friends forever?”
“Perfect, if you mean it.”
“I do.”
He tapped his glass against hers, and they both took sips from their own. “You’re having fun tonight?”
“Yes, except the times I have to put up with Harry.”
“Speaking of the demon, here he comes again to steal you from me.” “I shall save you,” he whispered, taking her glass and quickly setting it down to whirl her away before Harry reached them. “See, I told you I would protect you from all evil.”
The remainder of the evening passed in delightful moments with Dan, pleasant ones with other notable guests, and distasteful ones with Harry.
At eleven, Dan whispered, “Our hosts are at the door. Why don’t we say our thanks and farewells, then sneak out while Harry is fetching another drink? Our carriage is waiting outside.”
“That’s a grand idea. Lead on, sir. I’m in your care.”
They followed his suggestions and returned to the hotel. At Rachel’s door, they said good night until morning.
The champagne had made Rachel thirsty, but her ewer was empty. She took it to the water closet down the hall to refill it, leaving her door unlocked a short time. When she reentered the room she headed for the other side where the table was located. She had taken only a few steps when a hand clamped over her mouth. Startled, she dropped the pitcher; it shattered and splashed its contents onto her dress.
A chilling voice whispered in her ear, “Do not scream or fight, Señora McCandless or this knife will slide into your heart.”
Rachel felt the blade tip pressed against her back. She froze in panic.
“This is only a warning for your husband. Tell him not to double cross me or his beautiful wife is dead. He ha
s taken my money, so he must honor our deal. Do you understand? Nod your head.”
Rachel obeyed, trembling, as her alarm mounted.
“I am going to blindfold you so as you cannot see me when I release you and leave. If you do, señora, you must die. Comprende?”
Rachel nodded again. She held silent and still as he tied the dark band across her eyes. She was shoved to the floor and ordered not to move for five minutes. She heard the door open and started to yank off the cloth.
“No, no, señora, not yet,” the icy voice scolded.
Time passed and she detected no noise or presence, but she was afraid to disobey her tormentor in case he was still lurking nearby.
“Rachel, why is your door—” Dan didn’t get out ajar before he saw the astonishing sight. He rushed to where she lay on the floor, face down, with broken glass and water around her. He helped the shaking woman to a sitting position as he asked her what happened.
He removed her blindfold as she related the terrifying episode. Her frightened gaze locked with his concerned one. “What is this all about, Dan?”
“I don’t know, Rachel, but it won’t happen again. From now on I’ll come inside and search your room every time we return to the hotel. When you’re alone, keep that extra bolt pushed into place… Are you hurt?”
She looked at her hands and arms. “I don’t think so. He must have been hiding beside that chest,” she surmised as she motioned to the tall piece of furniture near the door. “When he put that knife to my back, I didn’t know what he was going to do as a warning to Phillip.”
“Let me see if you’re cut back there.” As she leaned over, his keen gaze found a prick in the satin between her shoulder blades, but no injury. “Sit in the chair while I pick up this glass.”
Rachel watched him gather the broken pieces of the ewer. The rug was soaked, but she would ignore that tonight. It was time to enlighten Dan to a few things, as the incidents were becoming perilous and frequent. “This isn’t the first warning I’ve been given.”
He glanced at her. “You’re referring to your room being ransacked?”
“No, but that was one of them. That Sunday after I left Milton’s office when you visited for the picnic, somebody shot at me on my way home. He followed me to Augusta and my room was searched there, too. His first one wasn’t messy like the second one, so he must have been in a rush.”
Dan placed the collected shards in the basin until morning. “Why didn’t you tell me about these threats?”
Rachel intentionally didn’t respond. “He, or somebody else, sent me two notes while we were in Augusta. I don’t know if they’re connected to this trouble, because they were… romantic.”
“Romantic? What do you mean?”
Leaving out all hints to her past and reference to the vial of poison, Rachel told him what the messages had said. “I took them as jokes or flirtations.”
“Why didn’t you give the flower signal to draw out the culprit?”
“I did, but no one responded.”
“That was risky to attempt alone. You should have included me.”
“I realize that now. I won’t take any more chances of getting hurt. I don’t think the two matters are related. I believe the two notes were mischievous pranks of somebody in Augusta; I haven’t received any here. The other incidents, however, are clearly results of Phillip’s mysterious deal. I think it’s illegal and that he’s gotten involved with unsavory characters.”
“You’re probably right. The best thing we can do is keep probing Harry for clues, then discuss it with Phillip when we all get home. It sounds to me as if he should return the advance and cancel this contract. No amount of profit is worth these risks. But don’t worry, I won’t let any harm come to you. I’ll deliver you safely back into Phillip’s arms.”
Rachel shuddered at that horrible thought.
Dan grasped her reaction, but said in a gentle tone, “You’re still shaken. Why don’t I leave so you can retire? Lock the door after me.”
As he headed for it, she halted him. “Dan?”
He halted and faced her. “Yes?”
“How did you find me tonight?”
“I went for a walk and saw your door cracked when I returned.” He had done so to release his tension and frustrations, to keep his pleading loins and treacherous heart from ignoring the cautions inside his head.
“Thank you for checking on me and for cleaning up the glass.”
He thought of something he had overlooked in his concern. “Did you notice any clues to your attacker’s identity? Voice, size, accent, or such?”
“He was about your height and spoke in a whisper, with a Spanish accent, I think; and he used a few Spanish words. We haven’t seen or met anyone he reminds me of; if we do, I’ll tell you. Thanks again, and good night.”
“Good night, Rachel. If you need me for anything…”
She smiled. “I know, you’re nearby.”
They attended Sunday services at Athens Baptist Church. After dining at the hotel, Ted Jacobs arrived for their next tour. It was a pleasant day under a clear, sunny sky for their downhill walk on West Broad to Finley Street. Rachel held a parasol and Dan’s hand to steady her balance on the steep decline. They soon learned that Ted had not exaggerated. The botanical gardens were still lovely, despite years of little care. The landscaping was magnificent. One of the willows was grown from a cutting from Napoleon’s tomb. Other trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers—thousands of varieties and species—had come from all over the world. There was a serene lake and countless walking trails, and all were laid out with skill and beauty. As they strolled through still passable and pretty sections, Ted talked about past and present Athens.
As the vivacious student got a little beyond them on one path, Dan whispered, “Our shadow didn’t follow us here. I haven’t caught a glimpse of him since the entrance. He’s probably hiding there because he knows we’ll return by the same route.” That was why he hadn’t released Rachel’s hand and denied himself that pleasure. She must be enjoying their contact, too, because she made no attempt to break his grasp. She appeared to have settled down from her scary experience last night, one that still had him worried and angered.
Ted chatted about his home, the techniques of growing cotton, past days of Old South glory, and the war. He brought Rachel to full alert when he said, “The Yankees confiscated all arms and ammunition; people couldn’t even hunt game for food. That’s why Mr. Clements’s and your husband’s firm grew so prosperous and important: folks had to replace their weapons to hunt and for protection against foraging Yanks.”
“In peacetime people don’t require many arms or much ammunition. That’s wonderful for the South, but less profitable for our company,” Rachel commented.
“It’s still busy, Mrs. McCandless. I tried to get a job there after classes hauling arms to the train depot, but Mr. Clements already has wagons and drivers he uses. When I pick up passengers, I see their wagons moving all the time to their warehouse at the terminus. They must rail out regularly, because that warehouse can’t hold that many long crates.”
“I’ll put in a good recommendation for you with him, if you’d like,” Rachel offered, and Ted thanked her enthusiastically.
Before they reached the last bend in the path and would come into view of their spy, Dan released his hold on her hand. Rachel knew why. They returned to the hotel and after Dan paid and tipped the student and said they’d let him know if he was needed again, bid farewell to Ted.
Rachel and Dan freshened up before eating downstairs, then retired to their rooms, after watching their shadow go off duty for tonight.
The next day they had lunch at a cafe, then stopped at the Clements & McCandless Gun Company on Lumpkin Street. They entered the store, which was partly Rachel’s now, and were greeted by a friendly clerk.
“What may I show you nice folks today?”
“I’m Rachel McCandless, Phillip’s wife, and this is my cousin, Captain Daniel Slade. We are
in town on holiday and thought we’d look around in here to see what our store carries.”
“Help yourselves, folks. If you need anything, call me for service.”
“Thank you, sir,” she said to the man who suddenly looked nervous.
As Rachel checked over the weapons, ammunition, and items offered for sale, Dan observed the clerk as he went into a stockroom and spoke with a young boy who left in a hurry by the back door. He joined Rachel and told her the man was no doubt warning Harry about their presence.
In less than twenty minutes, Harry arrived at the store. He looked surprised to see them. “Rachel, Dan, how nice to see you today. I missed your farewells at the dance the other night.”
Rachel put on her most ladylike expression. “When we were ready to leave, we didn’t see you anywhere to say good night and to thank you for obtaining us that invitation. The evening was splendid.”
“What plans do you have for today?”
“Not much. We’ve stayed so busy that we’re taking it easy today. We were strolling and noticed the store so we came in to buy gifts for friends. My manager will love one of those carved and engraved knives. You carry more varied items than I realized. As you know, I didn’t see the store when we visited before Christmas. I’m very impressed and pleased.”
“Select what you want, then have it placed on Phillip’s account.”
“How delightful, purchases without payments,” she jested.
“I was going to contact you two earlier about joining me for the opera tonight. I’ve been so busy that I allowed too much time to slip by. I hope it isn’t too late. Do you have other plans for this evening?”
“Only for dinner at the hotel. We’d love to join you at the opera. Is that all right, Dan?” she asked her companion.
“Sounds entertaining to me, Cousin Rachel.”
“Excellent. I’ll pick you up in my carriage at seven-fifteen. The performance begins at eight. That should allow plenty of traveling and seating time. See you later.” He spoke to the clerk, then left.
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