“Well…yes, I think that would be fine. I will see you in the morning then.” She rose to see him to the door but noticed his hesitation. “Was there something else, Mr. Parker?”
“Well, I…I just wondered what you were going to do now, a woman alone in this huge house in a big city where you essentially know no one, and burdened with managing such a large estate without any knowledge of finances. Are you going to be all right, Mrs. Higgins?”
His concern appeared genuine, but she remained suspicious of his motives. Was he really worried about her, or just pretending to have her welfare at heart when it was his own pocket he hoped to line with her money? I wonder if there is a Mrs. Parker?
“I will be just fine, thank you, Mr. Parker. I am a big girl. Good day now.” Her answer was much more curt than she had intended in case he was sincere, but it was too late now.
“Yes, yes, you are. Good day, Mrs. Higgins. Until tomorrow.” He resumed the strictly formal tone of a business call. Having received his hat from Eva, he gave Darcy a slight nod and quickly departed.
Eva gave the door a noticeably louder slam than was necessary as she closed it behind him.
“Well, Eva, we are about to come into more money. I say we, because you know we are in this together to the end. You have a home here for as long as you live or as long as you want it. Everything I have is yours, Eva. I truly could not have survived all these years without your friendship. You kept me from going insane, or killing Edgar.” Darcy snickered. “You are the best friend anyone could ever hope to have, and I am eternally grateful to you. With this money, now I can begin to show you my appreciation in more concrete ways.”
“Oh, Darcy, I don’t want your money. I have my own money, mon cher, thanks to Edgar’s generosity.” She coughed. “Besides, there is no reason to be grateful to me. You saved me, too, when he was poking both of us.” Bitterness crept across her lovely young face, and Darcy could not help but feel Eva’s resentment of Edgar ran deeper and was more painful than it had been for Darcy. There was something more that Eva was not telling her. “I am happy just to stay in this beautiful house with ma chere.” The women hugged and went to see about lunch.
The next morning at five minutes before the hour, Eva and Darcy entered Mr. Parker’s office. The two men who had been Edgar’s partners, Mr. Clifford Hunt and Mr. Benjamin Brasswell were waiting. She only knew them because she had met them after his death. Imagine, I never was allowed to meet even his closest business associates while we were married. They never ate a meal at our house, nor were invited for tea or cocktails. Edgar was such a strange man. Who knows how many other dark secrets that man was hiding?
The men bowed and greeted her cordially, both commenting on how lovely she looked today. She did feel especially pretty in her black and silver striped silk dress trimmed in black velvet with a matching black silk hat with black and silver feathers. The mutton leg sleeves and large bustle in the back were the latest style. A black lace parasol and black lace gloves completed her ensemble leaving her feeling stylish and beautiful despite the sedate colors of her wardrobe. She was thrilled to finally be able to be out and about to show off her finery, that up to this point had only been seen by Edgar and the servants. Her years of confinement within the walls of her house had created an unquenchable desire to spread her wings and fly. Freedom was addictive, and she cherished her ability to come and go as she pleased.
Once the papers were signed and the check for twenty thousand dollars was handed to her, she took it with shaking fingers and bid them adieu. The next stop was the bank where she would open an account in her name only, and with a copy of the will in hand, she would transfer all of Edgar’s funds to her new account. She and Eva sat and waited to be ushered into the bank president’s private office. Once they were seated and amenities exchanged, the grim look on Mr. Cooper’s face made it slightly hard for Darcy to breathe. Something is wrong. When he opened his mouth, she received the unspeakable shock.
The sizeable sum she was expecting, turned out to be just a little over one hundred dollars.
“What? What is this? There should be thousands!”
“I am truly sorry, Mrs. Higgins, but once disbursements were made for the funeral expenses and to those mentioned specifically in his will, there was a multitude of creditors who came forward with legitimate claims to funds for accounts with outstanding balances. Apparently, Mr. Higgins believed in living above his means and charged large amounts all over town for gifts and household expenses. As you know, since the war, cotton production is way down and so was his income, but he continued to live his pre-war lifestyle. It must have worn on him something awful. I am sorry to disappoint you, ma’am, but this is all that is left.”
“This can’t be right. He had a successful business. What about the house in St. Simon, and the one in South Carolina?”
“The mortgages for those properties were in arrears, and the lending institutions have already taken possession of them. I am sorry. I hope there will not be any more outstanding bills to be paid. It appears there isn’t anything left for you except for this check from his partners, but it is still a very substantial sum of money, Mrs. Higgins. A beautiful, young widow like yourself will not be alone long, I am sure, and then you will once again have the security of a husband.”
Darcy sprang to her feet, feeling her face burning with rage, she glared angrily at the banker, who was caught completely off guard. She was seething. Security of a husband? Ha! What a farce that was!
“I have tried marriage, Mr. Cooper, and it will be a cold day in hell before I try it again.”
Her words spewed at him like venom from a viper’s fangs. Then, with a swish of silk and satin, she spun on her heels and stomped out of the bank. So angry she could barely see, she was only vaguely aware of the stares of patrons in the bank lobby. As she turned and tossed a “Good day, Mr. Cooper!” over her shoulder, she saw the prestigious bank president standing where she had left him, wide-eyed, his mouth gaping open in shock and indignation. Obviously, he is not used to being talked to this way, but he deserved it. She didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or curse.
“Oh, Eva. Things are constantly changing.” Darcy moaned fretfully to her friend, once outside the ostentatious marble and brass building. “I feel as if I am on the tossing deck of a ship. Why must things go up and down so rapidly, jostling my emotions and senses until I am so mixed up I don’t know what to think or feel? One day I am married, the next day I’m not, the next day a wealthy widow, and the next day my fortune has dwindled markedly. Oh, Eva, what would I do without you? You are my rock in this crazy storm of life.” Tucking Eva’s arm through hers, they walked back home to contemplate their futures. “We must focus on what our next steps should be in this challenging merry-go-round called Life.”
Hours later, Darcy was still fuming over the assumption the pompous Mr. Cooper had made regarding Darcy’s need to remarry quickly so she could feel ‘secure.’ That is certainly not what I got from my marriage to Edgar, and the disgusting experience that marriage was for me, makes it the last thing I ever want again!
****
Later that day Cole awoke with a slight hangover from a late night of cards and alcohol. Running low on funds had created the need to make some quick cash, so a profitable game of cards last night was for necessity rather than fun.
As Cole shaved in preparation to go see Darcy, he pondered how the investigation into the details of Edgar’s murder raised more questions than it answered. The old boy must have angered someone. Maybe he balked at some shady business deal, and they feared he would talk, or maybe he was the one initiating shady dealings, and they wanted him gone. Maybe…it was something else entirely. The only ones who knew were the murderer and the victim, and neither one was talking. Another curious point was the safe, full of cash and bonds left untouched, but his locked cabinet was broken into and ransacked.
Cole was relieved to hear Darcy was no longer a suspect. He had continued to force himself t
o stay away from her, but his mind pictured him walking to her front door and seeing her open it to him with a smile. He would gaze into those green crystalline gems that could laugh one minute and cut him to bits the next, letting her draw him into the house and into her arms. He would thread his fingers through that mass of gorgeous, flaming curls and draw those delicious lips to his own. Oh, how he wanted it to be reality and not just a dream. In time, Cole, in time. Just be patient. Now that she is free, you can win her heart and make her your own.
Since their arrival in New Orleans, Cole was having no significant success in finding out any more about who killed Edgar or why. It seemed the topic of conversation around town had moved on to other subjects. Amazing how quickly the snuffing out of one life could become passé. Indeed, he should follow suit and not bother one moment longer about it. Darcy, it seemed, was not really all that concerned about finding the culprit, so why should he? Darcy was free, and that was all that mattered. Now she would determine the when, where, why, and who she would have in the future. All I have to do is make sure that it is me.
He had stayed away since she ordered him out of her home, allowing what seemed an eternity to pass before seeing her again. He felt compelled to attempt a return visit to see how well she was adjusting. In actuality, he could go no longer without seeing her face.
Glancing in the hotel lobby’s floor length mirror as he passed by, he considered himself looking extremely dapper today. He had neatly trimmed his moustache, waxed and curled the tips; his hair was slick with pomade, and he had purchased a new suit in the latest style for his encounter with Darcy today. The shine on his boots was so dazzling he could use them as a mirror, and for the crowning touch to his exquisite ensemble, he had purchased a new silk top hat. Lady Luck had smiled on him at last night’s game.
Smiling, he strode purposefully up the sidewalk to her front door. A dashing figure in his brand new finery, he could impress any woman. Any woman, however, did not include Darcy. She was in a class by herself, and that made her immensely more desirable to this loner who had never before wanted anything from a woman except what she could offer between the sheets.
This was so different that he was amazed at himself. What had come over him? He was like a schoolboy with a crush on his teacher. Thoughts of her consumed his every waking moment, and at night, his subconscious played scenes of them together. In his dreams, his lips caressed her creamy skin with hundreds of kisses, as his hands roved over her shapely hips and thighs. His mouth devoured her voluptuous breasts making her moan and writhe as he continued plying her with his artisan lovemaking until she begged him to deliver the ultimate goal. His imagination did not complete the scenario, however. Perhaps, because it was so special that his mind kept it a secret, even from him, until it could become reality. At any rate, he could not wait to feast his eyes upon her again. I wonder if she has thought of me or missed me at all.
Eva answered the door, grimacing when she saw who waited across the threshold.
“Good day, Eva. Happy to see you, too,” he greeted her sarcastically, hat in hand. “I wondered if Mrs. Higgins might be accepting callers today. I was in the area so felt I should stop by and see how she was doing.” He stepped through the doorframe allowing himself entrance to the foyer, without waiting for an invitation from Eva.
“She was not expecting anyone, so I doubt she will see you,” Eva snapped.
He pulled up to his full height and glared down at the maid while keeping his voice quietly authoritative.
“Could you be so kind as to ask her? I would appreciate knowing the answer came directly from her.”
A tug of war was beginning, and unfortunately, Darcy was the rope. Eva’s extremely protective behavior was grating on Cole’s nerves. Who did she think she was anyway? Darcy is a grown woman who can decide for herself who she does or does not see.
“Very well.” Eva snarled. “I will check with her. Wait here.”
He was not offered a seat or to enter any farther into the house. Obviously, Eva did not want him here. What was her real position in this household anyway? It was certainly much more than a servant.
When Darcy first heard that Cole was downstairs, her immediate reaction was to send him away, but then curiosity got the best of her, and she decided to see how Cole would play his hand in this gentleman’s game of ‘wooing the wealthy widow.’ The cards were stacked in her favor, but she had seen his luck and skill at the gaming table, so she was intrigued to see how he would proceed from here.
“Tell him I’ll be down in five minutes,” Darcy answered.
“What you gotta see him for? He’s no good for you. Just wants what he can get from you!” There was potential for truth in Eva’s comment, but Darcy had been bullied all her life, and even though she cared a great deal for Eva, she would not be controlled by anyone again.
“Tell him what I said, Eva,” Darcy told her firmly.
Eva turned and left in a huff. Clomping down the stairs, she could be heard grumbling all the way back to Cole.
“Have a seat. She will be with you shortly.” Eva snippily addressed Cole and turned without waiting for a reply.
Hmm. I wonder what has her so fired up? He showed himself into the parlor. The first time he had been here, that fateful day they arrived in New Orleans, had only been a short time ago on the calendar, but it seemed like a year.
He had missed her. Something about her filled his whole world, and without her, his universe was minus the sun, moon, and stars. He twirled his hat nervously in his hands as he sat on the edge of the sofa waiting for her to arrive. The minutes passed slowly, and growing impatient, he stepped over to the window, gazing out through the filmy curtains at a scorching hot late July day.
Suddenly, he felt her presence more than heard her enter. He turned slowly, and his heart nearly leapt out of his chest at the sight of the mesmerizing beauty standing before him. How could he have gone so long without setting his eyes on her? She was a feast for his senses, and oh, how he wanted to dine at her table.
“Well, Mr. Evans. How nice to see you again.” Her bearing was aloof. “And what would be the purpose of your visit today?”
The wall he thought he had broken through on the day he carried her off the ship was back, as impervious as ever. In her cold, distant, tone he could hear pain, fear, disillusionment, and suspicion. What had made her like this? What was she hiding from? Their relationship, if one could call it that, had taken a step backward, and now he would have ground to recover as well as new to plow.
“I was in the vicinity, so I thought I would stop by to see how you are doing, considering your bereavement.” His eyes twinkled, and his tone was sarcastic, clearly indicating he knew she did not grieve the loss of her husband. If anything, she had probably been rejoicing to be free of his clutches. “I was wondering if you could use some fresh air. I have a buggy waiting outside.” He gestured hopefully toward the door. “We could take a leisurely ride in the country. It would be good for you to get out and take in some different scenery. Would you do me the honor?” He held out his hand. Hoping with all his heart that she would notice there was no sarcasm in his voice, no arrogance in his bearing. He was simply a man asking to take his lady for a buggy ride. Something…either a gesture, a look, a word must have touched her because she immediately brought her hand up to meet his. He leaned over it and kissed it sweetly. Can she hear the pounding of my heart, or my soul rejoicing?
“Why, yes, Mr. Evans, I think that would be most welcome. Give me a moment to get my bonnet and shawl.”
No matter how long Cole lived, he would never understand the custom that no matter how sweltering hot it was, no self-respecting woman would go outdoors without covering her shoulders with some type of wrap, or her head with some sort of device. Both were ridiculous customs in Cole’s estimation, but he waited for her. He would wait for her forever if necessary. She was worth it. He was hopelessly smitten, and did not wish to be rescued from the ensnarement of her charms.
Eva intercepted Darcy as she stepped into the anteroom off the main foyer to gather her things, and unleashed her fury on her mistress.
“Whachadoin? You crazy? It ain’t right. It just ain’t right. You should not be seen out with a man so soon after Edgar is killed. Make them suspect you all over again, or him, too. You are a fool taking such chances!” Her acid tone, her hands on her hips, and the glare in her black eyes drove her point home.
Darcy did not expect such virulent opposition from Eva, but she would discuss it with her friend later. Right now, a charming and handsome man was waiting for her.
Eva did not return to the parlor with Darcy, but with Cole’s possessing gaze seeming to reach out and envelope her, Darcy did not notice.
“After you my dear.” He held the door for her, then helped her pile her bountiful dress into the carriage. Hey, she didn’t reprimand me for calling her ‘my dear’. Settling in beside her, he told the driver to drive out to the country with no specific destination in mind.
After a few moments of riding in silence, Cole shifted his body so he could look directly into her face. Taking her hand resting nearest his own, he looked squarely into her face.
“Darcy. Must we play this cat and mouse game?”
She looked up at him wide-eyed, batting her long eyelashes, and looking positively clueless.
“I am truly concerned about you. You have suddenly been thrust into a very difficult situation, very different from anything you have ever had to face in your young life. Edgar was obviously a sorry excuse for a husband, but he did handle running of the household so you never had to worry about food or clothes, or…anything. I am concerned that you are a target for fortune seeking swindlers who would swoop in and try to win you over to get control of your inheritance, and of you.”
“Oh, really?” She replied smugly. “And are you trying to tell me, Cole Evans, that you are not in that classification yourself?” She stared him down with cold, unfeeling eyes.
A Gentleman's Game Page 6