Love Me With Fury

by Janelle Taylor

  Before she caught what was taking place, she found herself seated between John and Joe Wells and across from Daniel. Her uncle was four places away, too far to converse with or retreat for reprieve. Robert sat at the head of the lengthy table with Joe to his right and Helen to his left, then came John next to herself and Daniel next to Helen. The placement of the guests seemed odd to her. Helen between her father and a man who had brought his own date? Enlightenment gradually filled her: Helen had obviously resolved to be near her and the Wells twins!

  In spite of Helen’s brazen digs at her and the combined attentions of Robert, Joe, and John, the dinner was swift and delicious. During brief moments between casual banter, Alex irritably noticed how Helen feigned a romantic interest in Daniel right before his companion’s sad eyes. Soon, Alex felt sorry for the young woman. She was clearly embarrassed and unsettled. To aid the girl and to nettle Helen, Alex made it a point to continually draw her into the conversation. Aware of what the English girl was doing, Joanna smiled warmly and compelled herself to battle for Daniel’s attention.

  Frivolous topics carried the conversations until Helen, fuming with jealousy and spite, sweetly declared, “Isn’t the war going well, Father? We’re certainly giving those nasty, uncivilized English a fight to long remember. Such dreadful people! They’re never at peace for very long. No doubt they still carry the blood of their barbarian conquerors.”

  Everyone at that end of the table halted to stare at the malicious girl in astonishment. Before she could prevent it, Alex flushed a deep crimson. Robert hissed in unsuppressed anger, “Cease such foolish prattle, daughter. Have you forgotten we have an English guest this evening?”

  Practically cooing in a mock southern drawl, Helen pretended to apologize, “I’m so sorry, Lady Hampton. I do declare I forgot my manners and your loyalty to your homeland. Whatever possessed me to be so rude and thoughtless?”

  Swiftly regaining her poise, Alex smiled and replied, “Please don’t fret, Helen; everyone is rude and thoughtless on occasion. But I should remind you, England did not declare this present war or the previous one with your delightful country, nor the one against that tyrant Napoleon. Perhaps I should loan you one of my history books. It is most distressing and embarrassing to find oneself in such gross error in public. As to my English heritage, I am very proud of it.”

  Turning to Joe, she ended her snide attempt to humiliate her by asking, “Weren’t you telling me about a carnival here soon?”

  Never having enjoyed any moment so much, Joe smiled in warmth and satisfaction. No one had ever so cunningly and politely silenced that little snit across the table. “I’d be delighted to take you to see it,” he offered, smiling tenderly.

  “Hold on, brother,” John protested. “I was going to invite Alexandria to go with me.”

  Alex could feel the force of Helen’s venomous glares as the two males argued over who was to escort her to the fair next week. Not wishing to create any hard feelings at this early date, she smiled and thanked John, but accepted Joe’s invitation. She was relieved he had asked first, giving her a logical reason to accept him. John’s arrogant, self-assured, suave manner reminded her too much of another man, one she wanted to forget.

  Besides, Joe emanated a gentleness and charm which evidenced peace of mind. If she was any judge of men, he would behave the perfect gentleman and be good company for her. Determined to make her presence known, Helen vied for John’s attention, freeing Alex to focus hers upon Joe. Perhaps this man was someone to learn more about…

  Yet, Helen wasn’t the only one near her who radiated a strong feeling of resentment. Strange as it seemed, Daniel practically ignored Alex. Still, she was disquieted and perplexed by his coolness and reserve. Some masculine ploy to intrigue or punish her? She smiled to herself, dismissing him.

  Alex hoped to seek out her uncle to converse with after dinner, but she was denied this much-needed break. Robert arose and said, “Let’s retire to the drawing room. I’m sure you young people would rather talk and get acquainted outside in the fresh air. Helen, lead the way.”

  As Alex passed her uncle, she cast him a look of appeal to rescue her as soon as possible. He smiled and nodded in understanding. This was her first outing since her dreadful time with those bloody pirates. He would visit just long enough to be courteous, then use the excuse of her alleged recovery to depart. He was beaming with pride; she had fared well tonight.

  Her second glance of appeal was sent to Joe, who quickly read and followed it. He took her arm and led the way outside before Helen could do so. At present, Helen was cooing and melting pretentiously over Daniel and John. Alex ignored the fact Joe knew his way around this particular home.

  The terrace to the side of the house was enclosed by a waist-high wall. Alex and Joe walked over to it and halted there. Placing her hands upon it, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, inhaling the invigorating air.

  “I’m sorry, Alexandria; Helen doesn’t make it easy or pleasant for any female and certainly not one as beautiful as you. I’ve seen her at work before, but never with the intensity and spitefulness she displayed tonight. I hope that little scene won’t color your opinion of all Americans.”

  She turned her head and smiled at him. “In all honesty, Joe, she’s the only disagreeable one I’ve met so far. I pride myself in my manners, but I was sorely tempted to forget them several times during dinner.” She sighed in relief. It was good to have a few moments to relax. “Thanks for chivalrously coming to my rescue more than once. I much prefer to avoid tense moments like that. Tell me about yourself,” she encouraged, needing to begin another topic.

  He grinned. “There isn’t much to tell. John’s the outgoing one.”

  She sensed a slight envy and resentment in his tone. “What do you do?” she inquired, acting as if John didn’t exist.

  “I finished school last spring. I’m a lawyer, or trying to become one. As soon as this war’s over, I’ll be working with Mr. Webster.”

  “Daniel Webster?” she inquired.

  “One and the same,” he replied without a trace of detectable arrogance.

  Impressed, she smiled and remarked, “You must have fine potential for a man of his esteem to be interested in you. Even a foreigner like myself has heard of him. Do you have your own office yet?”

  As if surprised she hadn’t asked what his brother did, he lifted his brow and glanced at her. “I have a small one in town. I’d be honored if you visited me and shared some lunch.”

  Alex brightened and accepted so hastily that his astonishment amused her. “You look surprised I would accept. You were serious, weren’t you?”

  “Yes, but I never imagined you would agree,” he admitted.

  “I’ve never seen a barrister’s office before. It would be fun to do so. Who knows, I might have need of a lawyer one day,” she sweetly informed him, using the American term this time.

  He laughed. “I can’t imagine you ever in trouble or need of my services.”

  “One never knows,” she declared softly. She was pleased to discover him relaxing and opening up with her. In this private setting and with her disarming manner, his restraint and sensitive aura relented to her mellow and vivacious air.

  Refusing to be so bold as to inquire for a date for her visit, she used a different means to get to know him better. If she was right about him, he was the perfect choice to spend time with and to use to discourage other men. “Would you like to join my uncle and me for dinner Sunday? Do you ride?” she abruptly asked before he could eagerly accept.

  “Yes, why?” he inquired.

  “If you come early in the afternoon, you could show me the countryside. Uncle Henry is very caught up in business, and riding isn’t much fun with a sullen groom. The leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp and fresh. I’ve missed riding since being here.”

  Her natural aura of vitality and innocence took over and shone brightly before the enchanted Joe. “I can think of nothing I would enjoy more
than riding and dining with you on Sunday, Alexandria.”

  “My close friends and family call me Alex. Please feel free to do so,” she coaxed, actually looking forward to Sunday.

  Hearing the laughter of the others coming to join them and to compete for her attention, he quickly asked, “Would you like to see a play with me on Saturday evening?”

  At the almost desperate edge to his hasty question, she glanced up at him. He literally blushed at his uncontrollable manner. Evidently he wanted to claim her before his brother could. “I’m sorry, Alexandria. I shouldn’t impose upon all your time.”

  She plucked a small rose from a nearby bush and smelled its sweet odor. She handed it to him as she responded, “I find both you and your company most enjoyable, Joe. I’ll be ready whenever you call Saturday night. And it’s Alex, remember?” she teased.

  John headed straight toward them. A roguish smile claimed his lips as he huskily chided his twin brother, “You’re being too possessive with our lovely visitor, Joe. I’ve never seen you so taken with a female before.”

  To dismiss the sudden tension in the air, Alex smiled and protested, “Joe and I seem to have a great deal in common. Your brother is a most fascinating man. He’s going to teach me something about the law next week.”

  “You invited Alexandria to your office?” he asked, thoroughly shocked.

  “Why not?” Joe indifferently stated, realizing Alex had just come to his rescue. “She’s the most intelligent and refreshing woman I’ve met to date,” he declared with unusual confidence and boldness. “Alex and I are also taking in that new play next Saturday,” he smugly announced.

  “Alex?” he echoed, eying both of them curiously.

  “That’s what my friends call me,” she informed him, delighting in the way their friendliness was clearly effecting John.

  “You really work fast, brother,” he noted, reluctant respect in his tone. He instantly resorted to playful deviltry. “Or is our Alex kindly working upon that excessive shyness of yours?”

  Joe stiffened as he caught his brother’s attempt to unsettle and mock him. Incensed by this rude behavior, Alex quickly asserted, “I haven’t found Joe the least shy. We were having a delightful conversation,” she said, stressing the past tense in her statement.

  John astutely read the irritation and protectiveness in her gaze. What a provocative mixture of lava and snow! She was as finely polished and honed as a rare gem or a deadly weapon. Yet, he detected an enticing quality of gentleness. She was definitely well-bred and well-educated. But, oh, so feminine and sensitive! A seductive body, a delicate nature, an exquisite face, wit and poise, charm and breeding…Did she lack nothing?

  “Perhaps I should explain, Alex,” he began, cautioning himself to his most charming and polite manner. “Joe and I tease each other like this all the time. We’re really very close,” he lied outright.

  His scrutiny and conclusions didn’t go unnoticed by either Joe or Alex. “Perhaps it’s time to call a halt to such boyish mischief. Sometimes playful jesting gets out of hand and inspires trouble,” Alex wisely hinted.

  “Old habits are hard to break,” he fenced in a mellow tone.

  “I’m sure they are, but we all grow up sometime,” she lighted parried.

  “Perhaps I can make amends by taking you to dinner Sunday?”

  She smiled at Joe and genially declined, “I’ve invited Joe to come riding and dining with us Sunday.”

  This added bit of news rankled John. “Sunday dinner and riding, a play on Saturday, a visit to your office, and a trip to the carnival all in less than an hour? Perhaps I should take lessons from you, brother.”

  John couldn’t believe his ears when Joe flippantly agreed. Before this conversation could further deteriorate, Daniel came over to join them. He handed Alex a glass of sherry and boldly insinuated, “Perhaps some refreshment would be in order. We could hear this battle for Alex’s attention clear across the way.”

  Alex pinkened at his subtle insult. Joe hastily said, “Rudeness is most unbecoming on you, Dan. You can hardly blame John and I for our brazen conduct.”

  “You look most enchanting tonight, Alex, but your appearance lacks one extra item.” At her quizzical look, he added in a curt tone, “A matching bracelet, perhaps with diamonds, would do it.”

  Puzzled, she simply stared at him. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Daniel, but I don’t own one.”

  Missing his point entirely and in the dark as to his following reaction, she couldn’t explain his irrational anger and terse response. “You don’t own one?” he stormed at her so loudly the others turned to look at them.

  At a complete loss as to his meaning, she innocently replied, “No.”

  Beyond control in his unjust outrage, he snarled bitterly, “It was quite expensive, Alex. Did you give it away or sell it?”

  “What are you talking about?” she inquired, distressed by his clear intent to embarrass her.

  John caught his arm and shook him. “I don’t know what your problem is, Dan, but I can’t permit you to treat Alex like this. Drop it,” he warned.

  “Certainly not, John. A woman doesn’t accept such an expensive gift then turn her nose up to you!” he finally succeeded in blurting out the motive behind his actions.

  “But I didn’t accept it!” Alex protested. “I never accept gifts from any man! After you delivered it, I told my maid to rewrap it and return it that same day! I gave you no reason to believe you could bribe me with expensive trinkets! In fact, I dislike you immensely, Daniel Grey. You have more hands than an oc…” Suddenly aware of what she was saying, she flushed and hesitated.

  At the unwitting drop of that personal information, John was grinning ear to ear. “The bracelet was never returned to me, love,” he sneered as if calling her a liar.

  “It must have! I gave it to Tessa and told her…” She halted once more as suspicion filled her. Of course! That was where she got the money to leave! All this time Daniel assumed she had kept it!

  Dismayed by this conclusion, she lifted her chin proudly and forced an apology, “Evidently my maid stole the bracelet. Since she ran away months ago, I can hardly demand the bracelet from her. At least I can now understand your hatefulness.” She stunned the entire group by removing her emerald heart pendant of comparative value and handing it to Daniel. “If I’m any judge of such things, this should amply cover your loss. Accept it with my apology.” She pressed the necklace into his palm and turned to Joe. “If you don’t mind, Joe, will you please escort me inside to say good night? I’m still weak from my recent illness and this evening has been most exhausting.”

  As they strolled into the house, Alex heard John sneer at Daniel, “You stupid ass! Don’t you recognize quality when you see it? If you keep that necklace, you’re a bigger idiot than you look now!”

  “What was I supposed to think?” Daniel snapped.

  “Before you go accusing people of things, get your facts straight! Your conduct is unforgivable…” Inside, the rest of his verbal chastisement was lost to a befuddled Alex. Like his brother, there was more to John than she had realized.

  Henry was upset by the paleness of his niece’s face and the tremors in her body. Her poise sorely strained, she could hardly voice her gratitude and farewells. Joe walked them to the carriage. “I’m deeply sorry, Alex.”

  His heart raced wildly as she lifted misty eyes to his. She tenderly caressed his cheek and murmured, “My gallant and indispensable knight, I thank you for everything.”

  Henry couldn’t imagine what was going on or what had preceded this strange behavior. Wide-eyed, he witnessed another baffling scene. Joe leaned over and placed a kiss upon her forehead and murmured, “I’ll see you Sunday.”

  She smiled, close to tears, and nodded, unable to speak aloud. He assisted her into the carriage and it drove off. Henry stared at her. “What was that all about?”

  “Give me a few moments to calm down, Uncle Henry. You’ll never believe what happened tonight,
” she ventured, dabbing at her tears.

  XV

  “…something in the wind.”

  —A Comedy of Errors, William Shakespeare

  The distance between Henry’s and the Gillises’ was covered in strained silence and soft weeping. Once inside his study, Henry pressed a glass of brandy into Alex’s shaking hand and ordered her to drink it. When she halted after the first fiery sip, he insisted she quickly down the entire contents of the glass. She did, coughing after its searing trail, watering her eyes even more.

  “Now, sit down and tell me who and what distressed you so,” Henry tenderly pressed.

  “You recall how mystified we were by Tessa’s flight without protection or money?” When he nodded, she went on, “That mystery was rudely solved tonight. When I was here last, Daniel Grey sent me a very expensive bracelet of diamonds and emeralds to hopefully halt my resistance to those seeking hands he was always putting all over me. He’s such a lecherous fiend, Uncle Henry. Naturally I refused the gift for many reasons. I told Tessa to have your head servant return it to Daniel the same day he sent it here, the day before I sailed. I assumed she had done so, but evidently she kept it.”

  “What?” he shouted in shock.

  “I couldn’t understand why Daniel was so hateful to me all evening. I thought he was only upset because of my rebuffs. He was furious because he actually thought I had kept the bracelet without giving him any special favors in return. He even suggested I had either sold it or given it away to spite him. We had a violent and humiliating argument right there in front of everyone before I comprehended what Tessa had done. Since I was innocently to blame, I apologized and explained; I gave him my necklace as repayment.”

  “He took your necklace even after you explained about the theft?”

  “Yes, sir. After all, Tessa was my servant and the bracelet was quite expensive,” she tried to justify her settlement to the nasty incident.