The Cumberland Plateau

by Mary K. Baxley

  Returning her smile, he shook his head. “Thank you. You aren’t upset that I beat you, are you?” He flashed a sexy smile. Relieved by her explanation and choosing to believe her, he felt his reservations had been allayed, especially since her eyes glimmered and radiated with sincerity.

  “No, David,” she laughed, “I’m not. I contracted for the Belizean crop. It’s not premium, but it’s good just the same.”

  Silence reigned for a moment while both unfolded their napkins and prepared to dine. Cutting her eyes across at David as she picked up her knife and fork and began to cut her meat, she casually said, “David, I want you to watch Amelia. She’s trying to worm her way into your life and into your bed.”

  It was obvious to David that their little exchange had affected her. If she was jealous, there was no need to be. In an attempt to reassure her, he responded, “Don’t worry, Cecilia. I only have eyes for you,” he teased, but meant every word. He picked up his knife and fork. “I know nothing of your past squabbles, but I do know that it’s in very poor taste to behave in public as Miss Wilkes has done, particularly at the ball last April, so forget about it, and let’s enjoy the evening.” Giving Cecilia a quick glance, he added, “And you have nothing to worry about. Miss Wilkes doesn’t hold a candle to you no matter how well connected she may be.”

  “Thank you, David. That is very kind of you.” Giving him a smile, they settled into their meal, forgetting all about Amelia.

  The purpose of the dinner was to raise money for the restoration and upkeep of Southern battlefields and Confederate cemeteries. Soft music from the Old South played in the background while several speeches were given. David had always enjoyed Charleston cuisine, and tonight was no exception. While they ate, Cecilia made sure his wineglass was never empty, and when the meal was concluded, she made sure he had a glass of Crown Royal as well.

  After the fundraiser came to an end, they socialized with some of Charleston’s finest families where Cecilia introduced him to those of her peer group. David rather liked the open, genteel manners of Charleston’s Southern society, and before the evening was over, he felt relaxed and at home. He even left a donation for the UDC.

  When the event was finally over, he escorted Cecilia to the lobby, feeling rather tranquil. Walking to the lift, David momentarily looked toward the glass wall of the front entrance. A quiet rain had begun to fall and the low rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. A flash of sheet lightning lit up the darkened sky. Looking back at Cecilia, an ominous feeling swept over him.

  Chapter Forty-eight

  …tell me that you want me…tell me that you love me…

  Stumbling unsteadily from the lift, David’s mind whirled in mayhem from drink and the woman beside him. Although he wanted to stay and make love to her, taking her until he filled his need, he knew he shouldn’t. It was surreal. He was in love with her, but like his father before him, he wanted her heart as well as her body.

  Arriving at her door, he stopped and smiled down at her. “I had a lovely time, Cecilia, and I thank you for the evening. I enjoyed it.” His hands slowly reached for her waist as he dipped his head to give her a chaste kiss, but when their lips met, it was like fire—a rush of heat—hot and burning, intense and consuming. Her arms automatically curled around his neck, her fingers sinking deep into his thick curls, pulling him into her as she deepened the kiss.

  A low, guttural groan escaped his throat. His arms instinctively tightened, pulling her closer. His body ached as her lush figure sank deeper into his embrace. He could almost feel the way her body gripped him when they made love. Her breasts beckoned him. Her kiss lured him. It would take a supreme act of willpower to break away…willpower he was rapidly losing.

  Breaking the kiss, Cecilia coaxed him. “David, you need to come in for a few minutes, perhaps for some coffee. I think you’ve had a little too much to drink. You can barely walk.”

  Swallowing hard, he stammered while her fingers continued to play and her eyes called. His mind drifted to a childhood nursery rhyme. ‘Come inside,’ said the spider to the fly’.

  “No,” he said, “I don’t think so. I…I need to return…to my room.” His eyes closed in physical agony as she reached up and nuzzled his neck, softly caressing him with her kiss. He moaned. His mind screamed for him to leave, but his body was quickly telling him otherwise. Again he whispered, “No, I can’t.”

  Releasing him, Cecilia stepped back, and grabbing him by his tie, she pulled him inside. “Oh, yes, you can!”

  Once inside, she slipped off her shoes and put on soft romantic music. She lit a few candles before helping him out of his jacket. A loud thunderclap shattered the quiet as he peered into her dark, luminous eyes. “What happened to coffee, Cecilia?” he asked, futilely trying to raise his defenses.

  Calling him with that soft, sensual, bedroom look, she said, “We’ll have it in the morning.”

  That was it. His resolve completely snapped. The attraction was too strong, his need too great, and before he knew what was happening, she had removed his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, while he unzipped her dress, dropping it to the floor. His mind and heart were filled with longing and desire as he kissed her. They groped one another, fumbling their way to the bedroom, leaving a trail of clothes in their wake. Outside, a storm raged, the winds howled, and thunder cracked as lightning flashed.

  Tearing back the bedcovers, he pressed her onto the bed, covering her with his body. Hot with desire and numb from the drink, he completely let go of all restraints.

  They tumbled and rolled, tangling the bedcovers until he firmly settled on top of her, taking control of their lovemaking. A violent thunderstorm tore through the South Carolina night, lighting up the bedroom with a white flash and a loud thunderclap.

  Peering deep into her eyes, his voice rasped, “Cecilia… tell me that you want me.” …Tell me that you love me…

  “I…I want you, David. I want you.”

  Entering her easily with one hard, swift thrust, he dipped his head into the curve of her neck.

  “David, love me. Love me,” she cried out.

  Sensing her orgasm was close, he completely let go. “Cecilia, I …” he whispered breathlessly in her ear as he collapsed on top of her, completely spent. They laid there for what seemed like an eternity.

  Calm enough to breathe normally, he cupped her face in his hands, kissing her with light feathery kisses as he swept her hair from her face and gazed into her violet-blue eyes. He contemplated telling her what was in his heart, but the words stuck in his throat. The time wasn’t right. Instead, he rolled over and pulled her into his arms as he gently guided her face onto the curve of his shoulder, giving her one last kiss.

  “David… stay with me tonight. Don’t leave me… please.” She trembled in his embrace, clinging to him.

  The rhythm of his heart kept time with the steady downpour beating against the windowpane. He tightened his arms around her and gave her a tender kiss. “I’m not going anywhere. Not tonight, love…not tonight.” He snuggled closer, gently caressing her face with his lips, his mind awash with emotions.

  As they lay there holding one another, Cecilia stroked the side of David’s face with one soft hand, brushing his damp curls from his forehead.

  “David, we’ve been in each other’s company several times now, and I’m afraid I know little to nothing about you. Tell me about yourself,” she said, looking up at him with adoration.

  “What would you like to know?” he asked softly, her head resting on his shoulder while he played in her hair.

  “Tell me about your family—your brother, your sister, and any others? What do they do? What are they like?” she asked while her fingers combed through the thick tuft of hair on his chest, still damp from their lovemaking.

  “Well, Fitzwilliam is my only brother, and I have one sister. Georgiana is six years younger than I, and Fitzwilliam is four years older,” he said. “For the first time, I would say we’re a family. I’m very close wi
th my brother and sister, and things couldn’t be better with Pemberley.” Brushing his lips against her hair, he inhaled deeply as a smile graced his lips.

  “How is that coming along since we last talked?” she asked, gently stroking the line that followed from his navel southward.

  “We’re recovering. If things continue as they are, we’ll be able to pay off our loans in five years.”

  She smiled, nuzzling his throat with a kiss, intent on seducing him into loosening his tongue while her fingertips played on his firm abdomen. “Tell me about Fitzwilliam. I was not aware he took a part in the family enterprises until recently. In fact, I didn’t even know he existed until all of this happened.”

  David breathed deeply. “Well, heading up the family corporation is not what he originally wanted to do. He was forced into it by our father’s death. Father preferred him as CEO as opposed to me.” David paused and cleared his throat. “He’s the eldest and therefore the heir, and he’s the sensible one. Father believed me to be too unsettled and ah …well, not morally fit.” David stammered, as if feeling awkward.

  “So your brother is more discreet than you?” she asked, twirling her finger around a wayward lock.

  “No, I wouldn’t say that. His desire is to be married with a family, whereas mine wasn’t, and his behavior has been considered more honorable than mine.” He smiled, gently bending down to kiss the tip of her nose.

  “So he’s single then?” she continued, playing in his curls.

  “Yes… I mean, no, not exactly. He and his wife are separated. Cecilia, why are you asking me all of these questions? Right now I can think of things far more interesting than Fitzwilliam.” Evidenced by his arousal nudging against her side, his desire had once again begun to build. Snuggling closer, he cupped her face and caught her lips.

  She closed her eyes and deepened the kiss before breaking away. The temptation was great, but she had to press on. “I’m simply trying to figure out two of the most powerful men in the global economy, that’s all.” Her hand slid over his chest and down his abdomen to play. A gentle roll of thunder sounded off in the distance as the rain pelted against the window.

  “Well, if you must know, Fitzwilliam loved his wife very much. She hurt him dreadfully when she left, but I don’t see this as any concern of ours. He’s recovering well enough and hopefully will soon be over her and ready to go back into society. In fact, my cousins and I have planned to see to it that he’s entertained throughout the Christmas season with parties, dinners, and nightlife. But of what importance is this to you, or to us? His personal life has nothing to do with his business life, and he’s quite able to keep them separate,” David said hoarsely, turning towards her, his body once again in full blaze.

  Cecilia knew he was tired of discussing his family, but she needed to strike while the iron was hot. Calmly, and with precision-tuned skill, she continued. “And what of the business then? Everyone cuts corners on international trade laws if they can.” Her fingers ever-so-lightly traced the line of his jaw as her lips followed. Feeling his hard swallow catch in his throat, Cecilia sensed David’s concentration teetering on the edge.

  Releasing a deep breath, he answered, “Neither my brother nor I would ever take such a chance. I know in many countries it is quite common to bribe heads of state, but we have never done it, nor will we ever. It’s illegal under British law.”

  Fully aroused, David reached for her. “No more talk, Cecilia. Ride me.” Pulling her on top of him, they made love for a second time. She sensed his deep feelings for her and for a brief moment she wavered, but just for a moment.

  Fully satiated, he fell into a deep, contented sleep while she held him in her arms as the rain poured and dripped from the eaves, gentle like the steady breathing of the man in her arms.

  Her attempts to gain information having failed, Cecilia would follow through with her plans to have the Darcys and Pemberley, PLC investigated through her attorneys. Now convinced that David had a strong attraction to her, she would use it for all it was worth, though the thought of it pricked her conscience even more than before.

  She creased her brow and gazed at his sleeping form. What was it—these burgeoning feelings, feelings that gripped her inner being? Feelings she couldn’t comprehend… feelings she struggled to understand as she thought about the man lying next to her. It wasn’t his passionate lovemaking that was so devastating to her emotions, although that was certainly helpful, but rather it was his tenderness, his kindness—something she’d never known from her other lovers. She felt safe and warm, an odd sense of belonging while cradled in his arms.

  The rain had dissipated into a gentle patter against her window, and the wind had settled into a low moan. As she contemplated these new feelings, her thoughts drifted to the man sleeping in her arms. …It is possible the two of you could fall in love…and that would not be good, considering the course you’ve taken…he could get hurt…even worse, you could get hurt.

  She gave him a tender kiss and snuggled a little closer, resting her head over his heart, listening to its steady beat. His arm instinctively reached for her, pulling her even closer and murmuring something she couldn’t quite make out. In his arms she drifted off, listening to the sound of the falling rain.

  ~*~

  The next morning, Cecilia was the first to awaken. Turning to face him, she propped up on one elbow and closely observed the man sleeping beside her. He looked peaceful… so serene as his chest steadily rose and fell in his sleep. Gently brushing an errant spiral of hair from his brow, she placed a tender kiss where the stray strand had been and sighed in contentment.

  With a smile, she wiggled out of his arms and tumbled out of bed. She showered and dressed, leaving him to rest while she went to the kitchen and made coffee, along with her father’s recipe. She knew David would have a hangover—perhaps even feel deathly ill.

  Several minutes later, David was just beginning to wake up. As she approached the bed with the drink in hand, she lifted his head up from the pillow and put the glass to his mouth. “Here, darling, drink this. It’ll make you feel better. Daddy swore by it.”

  Stirring out of his sleep, he asked, “What is this? It smells awful!” Making a terrible face, he drank it down.

  “It’s Daddy’s recipe for the morning after. You’ll feel better in about twenty minutes.”

  “I highly doubt that. What happened last night, and how did I get here?”

  “You don’t remember?”

  “Not much. We didn’t… did we?” he asked, looking at her with a helpless grimace.

  She smiled. “That bad, huh? Well, if you don’t remember, then I’ll tell you—yes, we did—twice, as a matter of fact. Oh and… ah… you’re a very good lover.”

  “Ohhhh… I think I’m going to get sick.”

  “Well, it wasn’t that bad. I think you rather enjoyed it.”

  “It’s not that.”

  She laughed. “You’ll feel better soon, and then maybe I can refresh your memory.”

  True to her word, David recovered. After a shower and two cups of coffee, he returned to his room to freshen up and change clothes. She had invited him back for brunch and tea, and they made plans to see each other again in November. She agreed to show him her Sea Island Cotton Plantation, the historical sites of Charleston, and finally her family home, Carlton House—the home of the Carolina Gold Research Institute and Development Foundation. They laughed and talked about much of nothing while passing the afternoon away, making love once more before he left for London.

  Reflecting over their progress, David couldn’t be more pleased with the way this trip had gone—both for business and his personal life. …Progress is being made, Darcy. Progress! You have one week to make her yours—one week to win her love. Make good on it, Darcy… make good on it…

  Cecilia Lawton was a challenge—one he was determined to win!

  Chapter Forty-nine

  …I could love him if it were a different time…

  D
uring the flight back to London, David’s thoughts were filled with Cecilia. He leaned back in his seat, relaxing as his mind wandered. Just as he was about to drift off into a comfortable dream-filled sleep, the sudden intrusion of his air phone snapped him from his dreams of the lady he’d left behind.

  “Mr. Darcy, this is Herman Biggs. I received your message and want to update you.”

  “Yes, tell me how the investigation is coming along.”

  “Well, so far, we have no leads, and although this is not unusual, it is irritating, I know,” he said. “Mrs. Darcy must have someone helping her cover her tracks, but don’t worry. We’ll find her.”

  “Irritating doesn’t even touch it! I want to know where she is!”

  “Like I said, don’t worry. We’ll find her. We have a few more avenues to pursue. She can’t stay hidden forever. When we get something, we will let you know, but until then, you will begin to get monthly updates from us. If you need anything further, feel free to ring me, otherwise look for my report. I’ll send it though the post.”

  “Thanks for the update, Biggs. Keep looking, I want Mrs. Darcy found. Do whatever it takes, and spare no expense. Find her, Biggs.”

  “Will do, Mr. Darcy.”

  David cursed. Where the bloody hell was she! It had been a little over three months since he had hired Biggs, and still there was nothing. It was as if she had vanished from the face of the earth. Except for the week between Christmas and the New Year, he would be out of the country until March. He had hoped there would be some news by now. He released an exasperated breath. …Make no mistake, Elizabeth Darcy, you will be found!

  ~*~

  That evening after David left, Cecilia returned to the townhouse. Walking through the door, Elizabeth greeted her. “Hmm, you look good! How did the fundraiser go last night?”