by Sandy Loyd
“Place the tray on the cart and move it over by Parker, would you, Pearl?” Turning back to Parker as the woman pushed a tea cart toward them, Elizabeth said, “Lucas called her Miss Layton.”
“Your youngest son was too busy sailing the vessel to become familiar with anyone. Besides, you know he avoids such obvious marriage traps like the plague,” Parker said, shaking his head.
Elizabeth chuckled softly. “I have to meet this woman. She must be lovely to have you calling her a marriage trap.”
Parker cleared his throat, wishing his mother weren’t so astute. “She is, but she’s also engaged to another.”
“Where is this fiancé? I thought the English were much more protective of their females. How is it she sailed unescorted across the ocean?”
“Ask Lucas. She’s a close friend of the family of one of his biggest clients. I think Lucas was that escort, if you want to know my thinking,” Parker said, none too happy his mother’s questions were some Lucas should have asked before letting the woman board his ship.
Just then Parker remembered her mention of a guardian during their drive. He was almost certain she hadn’t even realized she’d spoken of one. Definitely something to ponder.
He took a cup and poured coffee, filling his plate with food while saying with irritation, “I’m not privy to the lady’s dealings, nor was I there when Lucas guaranteed her journey. All I know is I didn’t feel comfortable letting her out of my sight. Which was a good thing too. I interrupted a robbery.” When his mother’s eyes grew larger, he gave a disgusted snort. “Two thieves relieved her of her bag and I thwarted their activities. Not wanting a repeat scenario, I convinced her to come home with me, telling her she could work here rather than in California while she waited for her fiancé.”
“Surely you don’t expect her to work? Not a friend of Lucas’s business associates.” Elizabeth’s appalled expression said it all. No one could be so cruel.
“I hadn’t planned on it, but the lady’s a bit stubborn and may have other ideas. It was hard enough getting her here without the promise of a job. I was hoping you could find something to make her feel useful?”
“She means to work? Really?” Her gaze flew to the door. “How interesting. I thought all well-to-do Englishwomen were spoiled.”
“This one’s a bit different. Reminds me too much of Catherine. Maybe that’s why I like her.”
“Even more interesting,” she added, watching her son’s face closely.
“I see that look in your eye, Mother,” Parker chastised before taking a sip of coffee. “Do not even think of playing matchmaker here. You’ll only be meddling where you’re not wanted.”
“Humph, as if that would stop me. But I know when to quit. I’ve already thrown the best of the area at you and not one holds your interest, so I’m giving up.”
Parker grunted. But he almost choked on his coffee when she said, “No, I was wondering what it is about this lady that brings out both my sons’ protective sides.”
She paused for a moment, then asked, “So she reminds you of Catherine?” He examined her expression, which was still far too assessing for Parker’s peace of mind.
“Mother,” he ground out.
“Oh, go on with you.” She dismissed his warning with the wave of her hand. “I’ll drop it for now.”
“Good. Where’s Lucas?” he asked, intentionally changing the subject.
“He left early to work on provisioning his ship. He’ll be here for dinner and then he’s leaving at dawn to sail back to England. I gather after this trip, he’ll be spending some time with us?”
“So he says.” Parker smiled at the pleasure in her voice.
“You can’t know how much it will mean to have all my children close at hand.”
“Yes, well, please try and remember we’re adults and don’t need mothering anymore.”
“I’ll try.” Her soft laugh burst forth. “But it’s hard to stop mothering simply because your babies grow up. You wait until you have children of your own. Then you’ll know what I’m talking about.”
“You don’t give up, do you?” He rolled his eyes and counted to ten.
Elizabeth shook her head. “It simply isn’t in my nature.”
“No, I don’t guess it is.” Parker broke off a piece of bread to add to his cheese.
“Beth Thompson had her baby. A six-pound boy. The papa is quite proud.”
Parked drank his coffee and ate, listening with half an ear while his mother updated him on the happenings in the area during his latest absence.
“Maryanne Walters is betrothed. She’ll marry her intended next spring. I was surprised, especially since she claimed to have such strong feelings for you.”
He grunted. “Her strong feelings for the state of matrimony were no doubt aided by my obvious success.”
Elizabeth shrugged, then added, “Emily Anderson is expecting. Gertie had almost given up hope of having grandchildren, much like me.”
This comment earned Parker’s short burst of laughter. “Mother.”
Undaunted, she continued without missing a breath.
A few minutes later Penny’s clipped English accent drew Parker’s attention, just as she and Catherine stepped into the room, interrupting Elizabeth’s monologue. A sensation, not unlike the first time he spotted her, rolled over him. The lady was simply the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Earlier, during the drive, he’d had a hard time ignoring her, especially when her delicate fragrance had wafted over his nostrils any time she’d point something out. It had been pure torture. How could one woman be so enchanting? After seeing the countryside through her eyes, he realized how much he enjoyed showing her his world. That thought was even more disconcerting. Ignoring his uneasiness over where his thoughts drifted, he let his gaze follow her progression into the room.
She stopped short, sparing him a glance as pink stole up her face.
“Ah, here we are. Come over here and have some tea.” Oblivious to the suddenly charged atmosphere, Catherine chatted on, pulling Penny to a chair next to Parker and patted the seat. “Though it’s not teatime yet, you must be hungry and exhausted after your drive. Mother, this is Penny. Isn’t she charming?”
Penny stood beside the chair, appearing bewildered. Parker grinned. Catherine had that effect on people.
When Parker happened to look up at his mother, noticing her total interest, his grin died. He rolled his eyes, swearing under his breath.
Elizabeth stood and smiled, holding out her hand. “My dear Miss Layton, I’m Elizabeth Davis. My son wasn’t embellishing tales of your beauty.”
“I’m pleased to meet you.” Penny took her hand and curtsied. “Parker didn’t tell me how lovely you were.”
“You’re too kind.” Elizabeth sent Parker an “I was right” look as Penny sat in the chair Catherine indicated.
“I’d love a cup of tea and I have to admit I’m famished,” Penny said to Catherine, who was now pouring.
“Cream? Or we have honey to sweeten it?” Catherine asked.
“Honey will do fine,” Penny murmured as Catherine added a teaspoon, then handed it to her.
Penny filled a plate with meats and cheeses.
No one spoke while they ate and drank.
Once Parker sipped the last drop, he stood, brushing nonexistent crumbs away. “You said you enjoyed riding. I’m going this afternoon, Penny. If you’d care to join me?”
His plans included visiting his sisters, in hopes of persuading them to join the family for dinner. Elizabeth Davis relished any opportunity to have all her children under one roof, if only for a short while, and tonight would be no different.
“I’d love nothing better, but I’m a little overwhelmed right now.” Penny smiled, yet wouldn’t look at him. “Perhaps another time.”
Parker waited until she looked up. He caught her gaze and held it without hiding his thoughts. He didn’t believe her. When her chin jutted out, daring him to refute her words, his smile tugged free.
“As you wish. Perhaps another time,” he said in a mocking voice, before giving his mother a peck on the cheek and striding out of the room.
~~
“Interesting.”
The one word drew her attention and Penny looked up in time to see Elizabeth’s gaze follow Parker’s departure.
Catherine glanced at her mother with raised eyebrows. “What’s interesting?”
“Nothing,” Elizabeth replied, smiling too brightly, her focus returning to Penny and her daughter. “So, you two seem to have become fast friends.”
“We are.” Catherine heaved a regretful sigh. “It’s too bad you’re overwhelmed. I was going for a ride before I spotted the carriage.”
“I love to ride,” Penny said before taking a sip of tea.
“Didn’t you just say you were overwhelmed and wanted to rest?”
“Yes, I guess I did.” Penny stared wistfully at her plate, swallowing her regret at her choice of excuses. A ride sounded perfect.
“Maybe it was the company that was overwhelming.” When Penny’s questioning gaze met Elizabeth’s, the older woman shrugged. “Parker can be a bit intimidating at times.”
Penny let out a long breath. “He does like to take charge, which is nice.” Only she wasn’t inclined to let him take charge of her.
“Don’t mind him.” Catherine’s unladylike snort was telling. “He likes to lord it over anyone he thinks is under his protection.”
“He is the head of the family, Catherine,” Elizabeth chided.
“I guess that’s why he reminds me of my fiancé’s brother,” Penny stated honestly. The duke was also the head of his family.
“Are you sure you’re not too tired to ride,” Elizabeth asked. “I’m sure Catherine would love the company.”
“Oh yes, Penny. You can rest later.”
Torn, Penny set her cup in the saucer. “I suppose I could delay my rest.”
“Good.” After nodding to Catherine, Elizabeth rose, sighing loudly. “Remember, she’s a guest and try not to kill her on her first day out.” She placed her hand on Penny’s shoulder, squeezed gently, and said, amusement showing in her tone, “You’ll do. I’m delighted to have you as a houseguest.” She then left the room, her step lively.
“Well, she seems happy all of a sudden.” Catherine stared at the door her mother exited with a confused look. Shrugging, she turned to Penny. “Come on. Let’s change and I’ll show you one of my favorite places to ride. Do you jump?”
Penny laughed with pure abandon. Imagine! After weeks at sea, she had the opportunity to ride a horse.
Chapter 15
“Parker, I can’t believe you managed to get all of us together again,” Elizabeth said later that evening at dinner, drawing Penny’s attention.
The boisterous affair included all of her children, even Sarah, Rebecca, and their spouses, who’d shown up unexpectedly.
Elizabeth exhaled an audible sigh as her contented gaze roamed around the table, resting briefly on all those present. “However did you do it? You must’ve been busy today.”
“I needed a diversion.” Parker glanced at his mother, his satisfied expression in place. “An enjoyable horseback ride was a nice change from being cooped up on a ship for weeks, but nothing compared to seeing the joy on your face when you found everyone at the dinner table.”
“Imagine my surprise when I saw his ugly mug in front of me after opening the door this afternoon,” Rebecca replied, sticking her tongue out at Parker when he grunted. “Short notice aside, it was a perfect idea. I wouldn’t miss dinner for the world.”
“Hear, hear,” added Sarah. “It’s not often we can sit at the table and have Mother consumed with something other than the two of us providing grandchildren.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Neither of you are cooperating, I might add. Catherine’s a lost cause, and since Lucas and Parker are avoiding marriage, you two may be my only hope. You do know that I’m not getting any younger?” Elizabeth stopped long enough to pass a bowl to Sarah on her right. “So, Miss Layton. Parker tells us you’re to be married?”
Penny nodded and swallowed a bite of delicious smoked ham. “Yes. Our original plan was to meet in San Francisco, but Parker convinced me that I should wait here and travel across the country with my fiancé’s escort.” She sat taking in all the interactions of the large, rowdy family, amazed that Parker’s two married sisters shared such similar good-looking features with the men—fair complexions, reddish-blond hair, and blue-gray eyes. All of the Davises were tall, towering over her five-foot-two-inch frame.
“Thank God,” Lucas grunted. “Markham and Geoff would have my head if I let anything happen to you.”
“You have no idea how right you are.” When Lucas looked up with raised eyebrows, Parker added, “Her intended is none other than the duke’s brother.”
“You and Geoff?” Dropping a forkful of food, Lucas turned toward Penny with a stunned expression.
“It was meant to be a secret,” Penny hissed, sending daggers of annoyance at Parker. She glanced at Lucas. Smiling sweetly, she said with more calm than she felt, “Since you now know, I’m hoping you’ll honor my privacy and keep the news from Geoff’s brother.”
“So that’s the way the wind blows.” Lucas gave a soft whistle, eyeing her thoughtfully. “Markham doesn’t know?”
Penny squirmed under Lucas’s scrutiny. Fear streaked through her at how easily her plans could be thwarted if the duke were to find out too quickly. She grabbed the bowl of potatoes Rebecca handed her and added a helping to her plate, thinking of how she could gain his support. “No,” she said, deciding on the truth. “The duke doesn’t know. Our impending marriage is between Geoff and me and doesn’t concern him. I really would appreciate your silence on the matter.”
“I hope you’ll honor her request, Lucas,” Parker chimed in, as if just realizing the consequences of his revelation. “It’s really none of our affair.”
“I’m not in the habit of keeping things from my business associates.” Lucas heaved a heavy sigh. “I’ll not offer any information. But if asked, I won’t lie.”
“See?” Parker grinned, adding a conspiratorial nod. “Your secret is still safe. You can remain here, and Lucas can relay the information of your whereabouts to your intended.”
“I can pay you,” Penny offered, relieved to be staying with such a welcoming, loving family until Geoff came for her. Unwilling to think about what would happen should the duke discover their plans, she focused on how safe she felt here and pushed all negative thoughts away.
Lucas brandished a hand in dismissal. “We wouldn’t dream of taking money, would we, Parker?”
“No. You’re a welcome guest in our home as long as you want,” Parker agreed.
“I don’t expect charity. I can work.”
Turning to his mother, Parker laughed. “Told you she’d be a little stubborn.” Then his jovial gaze moved to Penny’s. “You’re certainly not working for bed and board and we wouldn’t hear of you paying for our hospitality. Consider yourself family.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. Paying close attention to the beautifully set table, she resumed eating, uncomfortable with the feeling of warmth his sincere offer generated. She fingered the exquisitely cut crystal goblet. The sterling silver place settings and fine china, a rose pattern she recognized as one of the most exclusive, could grace any table of a peer of the realm. This room featured dark blues and golds on the walls and in the upholstery, which matched the tasteful and expensive dark wood furnishings. She also recognized authentic Chippendale when she saw it. Though Parker told her he was a common man, there was nothing common in the man or in this room.
“We had a wonderful ride this afternoon,” Catherine said. “I’d venture to say she’s as good a horsewoman as I am.”
Penny sensed Parker’s gaze, but she wouldn’t look at him while Catherine elaborated about their excursion, one she hadn’t wanted him to know about. Not when he’d given the kind offer of his hom
e for as long as she needed, and she’d turned down his earlier request.
“I thought you were too tired to ride,” Parker said.
“I felt better after I rested.” Penny shrugged and concentrated on her plate, praying the heat hitting her cheeks wasn’t a blush of embarrassment.
“So that means you’re not avoiding me and will in fact ride with me sometime?” he asked, lifting an amused brow.
His perception annoyed Penny. Wanting nothing more than to disavow his claim, she met his laughing blue-gray gaze with her head held high. “Surely you’re suffering from delusions. I’m not avoiding you,” she said, her clipped English accent becoming more pronounced.
“Good, then you’ll join me tomorrow afternoon when I return from my meeting.” He eyed her thoughtfully, the gleam of amusement flashing brighter. “Around four? Is that acceptable?”
Her eyes sparked anger, but Parker ignored her signal. She clenched the fist draped across her lap and bit her tongue to keep from telling him what she really thought of him and his idea of a ride. When her nails cut into her palms, she relaxed her hand and nodded, offering a frozen smile. “Of course.”
“Since you’re not avoiding me, I expect a game of chess in the library after dinner.”
Penny stiffened, the excuse of retiring early due to tiredness on her lips, yet something in his taunting stare stopped her cold. Despite the strong urge to say no, the urge to wipe that smug, knowing leer off his face and prove him wrong was stronger. “Fine. Prepare to lose.”
Parker’s grin was quick. “We’ll see who loses.”
Irritated, she refused to look away first.
Finally he shook his head, chuckling. “Should be interesting.”
Penny glanced around the table to note the others’ attention riveted on their discussion. “I’m so sorry. I sometimes forget myself,” she said, filled with shame because she’d acted so rudely.
“No need,” Elizabeth said, patting her hand. “Parker has a habit of getting his way and I assure you, it can be most annoying at times.”
Nodding, Penny picked up her fork and ate without saying another word as conversation continued around her.