With that in mind, she rose and dressed, ready to meet whatever challenges the day would bring.
* * *
Controlled chaos, that’s what Chance found when he arrived that morning. Aurora stood on the lawn with clipboard in hand directing a motley crew of workers on where to set up the buffet line, how many tables to take to the ship, how many sets of silverware to roll into linen napkins, and who should be down on the beach stacking the wood for the bonfire.
Dismissing the presence of their temporary staff, he crept up behind Rory, slipped an arm about her waist, and pulled her back against him.
She let out a shriek and dropped the clipboard. “Chance!” She whirled to face him with a hand over her heart. “Don’t scare me like that.”
“Sorry.” He laughed at her expression. “I didn’t mean to startle you that badly.” They both bent to retrieve the clipboard, bumping heads. When they straightened, he handed the board to her.
“Thanks,” she said, rubbing her head. “I guess I’m a bit stressed today over everything that needs to be done.”
“Well, if you need help relieving your stress, let me know.” He wiggled his brows. “I’m sure I could come up with something.”
“I’m sure you could.” Her laughter helped to ease some of the doubts that had kept him up half the night. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to hers, needing the reassurance of her kiss. “God, I missed you last night,” he said and leaned in again, but she pulled away.
“You shouldn’t do that.” She glanced nervously toward the house. “Marcy Baxter is here.”
“So early?” He wanted to say “So what?” but knew better. One more day, he told himself, and then it wouldn’t matter who knew that he was in love with Aurora St. Claire.
Aurora made a face. “Marcy and Paige are in the music room arguing over how to set up the silent auction. Allison was going to help, but the last I saw she’d retreated to the kitchen to help Adrian.”
“I can’t blame her. I’ve seen Marcy in one of her obsessive moods, where she can’t make a decision about anything and changes her mind every five seconds.”
“I don’t suppose you could put a leash on her and keep her out of our way?”
“Not likely.” He chuckled. “So what would you like me to do instead?”
She handed him a sheet off her clipboard. “Take this diagram down to the ship and be sure Jackie and her crew set the tables up right. We don’t want anything in the way of the performers and dance floor.”
And so the day progressed, with each of them running roughshod over a different area. The workers moved in a constant stream, lining the pathway, buffet area, and lawn with two hundred tiki lamps. Floodlights were secured high in the trees to provide a discreet amount of more modern lighting. The tables were covered with brightly colored cloths, and tray stands were carried down to the food line. The florist arrived just past noon with an arrangement of tropical flowers for each table, and thick candles protected by hurricane shades.
He realized it would take the entire staff half an hour just to light all the lamps and candles when the signal was given. But what a spectacular display it would make.
The performers arrived mid-afternoon to set up on the quarterdeck of the ship. Many of them had been in the opera house’s production of The Pirates of Penzance two years ago. They planned to re-create some of those numbers and mix them with old sailing ditties in between sets of dance music. The quarterdeck provided a convenient stage where they’d be visible even to the guests on the veranda. The leader of the troupe decided that swinging down to the main deck on ropes would add dramatic flair, so Jackie and her crew set about rigging up the rope they used for just such a feat.
As Chance watched, he heard someone call his name from the pier. Going to the rail, he found Adrian shielding his eyes against the sun.
“Have you seen Bobby?” Adrian asked.
“I didn’t even know he was here,” Chance answered.
“He came by earlier to see if he could help. And now that I actually need him, no one can find him.”
“Why did you need him?”
“To drive into Houston and pick up the ice sculpture.”
“I thought we were having that delivered.”
“We were,” Adrian said in disgust. “But the company just called and said their truck is broken down. Rusty said we can borrow his van, but I need him here to set up the bar.”
The mention of going to Houston caught Chance’s attention. The engagement ring he’d ordered had been ready since Thursday, but he hadn’t had a spare minute to go get it. “Where in Houston is this place?” he asked. When Adrian gave him the address, he couldn’t believe his good luck. The jeweler was practically on the way. “I’ll go get it.”
“No, you’re too busy helping set up,” Adrian said.
“Actually, Jackie can take over for me here, and I’ll be back before you know it.”
Adrian hesitated only a second. “Okay, you got it. Come on up to the house and get the keys.”
When Chance turned to give his list of instructions to Jackie, he found that her crew had finished rigging the fake halyard and she was showing the performers how the “Errol Flynn” maneuver was done. As nimble as a gymnast mounting a balance beam, she leapt onto the rail of the quarterdeck. The first mate tossed her the rope and she grabbed it with both hands, then jumped up and back for a bigger swing. With legs lifted before her, she let the line carry her straight toward the mast at an alarming speed. He realized quickly that most people would smash their faces if they tried such a thing. But she landed with her feet against the mast, pushed off, then let go of the line to drop lightly on her feet.
Everyone applauded as she took her bow. “And that, my friends, is how you swing from a halyard, Hollywood style.”
When she finished bowing, he called her over so he could give her the diagram and list of things to do. She told him no sweat and sent him on his way.
He headed for the house, his mind racing with plans now that the ring would be on hand. He’d had days to think about how he wanted to propose, and he had nearly every detail worked out. The plan was romantic enough to appeal to Aurora, but private and dignified, which appealed to him. He was nervous enough about proposing without allowing room for public humiliation if she said no.
* * *
Somehow, miraculously, everything got done on time. Just before twilight, Rory stepped onto the veranda, the skirt of her gown swishing as she moved to the rail and surveyed the lawn one last time. They’d woven their enchantment well, she decided, creating a fanciful setting for grown-ups to play pretend.
Dressed in their costumes, the serving wenches moved about lighting the lamps, and each new blaze added to the whimsy. The men, dressed as pirate crew, were putting the finishing touches on the food table near the beach where the bonfire was just beginning to blaze. Adrian strode among them in his tall jackboots and flamboyant red coat, supervising every detail. What a striking pirate he would have made.
On board the Pirate’s Pleasure, Jackie and her crew wore the costumes they’d brought: the big-sleeved white shirts and tight black pants they dressed in whenever they chartered the ship for special parties.
“Ah, so here you are.”
She turned at the sound of Chance’s voice, and found him standing in the doorway. First came relief that he’d made it back from Houston in time, then a thrill of admiration as he came toward her. Where Adrian’s jacket was a cocky red, Chance’s was a royal-blue, the gallant captain rather than the roguish pirate. White lace spilled from his throat and cuffs, and a dress sword hung at his side.
“Oh, my.” She laughed as heat swept through her. “You look”—sexy enough to ravish—”very handsome.”
“Thank you, madam.” He swept a courtly bow. “You flatter me when it is I who should be praising you, for you are absolutely stunning in that gown.” He took her hand and kissed the back, his eyes gazing deeply into hers. “I’ll have to keep a close watch
on you, lest some presumptuous knave try to steal you away.”
His words made her laugh as her heart filled with hope. Surely he wouldn’t say such things if he intended to break up with her.
His gaze dropped to her breasts, which swelled to dangerous proportions above the low, straight neckline. Ecru lace continued around her arms to form off-the-shoulder sleeves. The peach-colored bodice hugged her to the waist, where the skirt flared out over the petticoats.
“I’m beginning to wish the night was already over,” he said, the intent in his eyes making her pulse flutter.
“And I’m beginning to wish we dressed up more often.” She flashed him a coquettish look through lowered lashes. “If this is how it affects you.”
“I’d much rather get undressed.” He pulled her closer and slipped an arm about her waist to dip her backward.
“Chance!” she gasped, gripping his shoulders for balance as he nuzzled her neck.
“I’ve been wanting you all day,” he whispered in her ear.
“Chance, let me up.” She was laughing and flustered by the time he complied. Her gaze swept the grounds to see who was watching. Fortunately, everyone looked busy. “Behave yourself.”
“But it’s so much more fun to misbehave,” he said. Car doors sounded in the distance, signaling the arrival of their first guests. “Damn, I guess I’ll have to behave after all. Should we greet guests here at the top of the steps, or go down to the lawn?”
“I don’t know,” she said as nerves sprang to life in her stomach. “Allison will be inside to show people around, and Adrian will be covering the ship and the beach.” She looked toward the end of the tiki lamp trail that would guide people from the parking lot to the front of the house. “The lawn, I suppose.”
“Very well.” As they descended the steps, he linked her hand through the crook of his arm. She clung tightly, hoping she didn’t trip on her skirt or say something stupid. “You’re not nervous, are you?” he asked.
“Petrified,” she admitted, exhaling loudly.
“Well, don’t be.” He placed his hand over hers and squeezed. “You should be proud. People are going to rave about the inn, and you deserve to soak up every word. None of this would have happened without you.”
“Thank you,” she whispered just as the first group of guests came around the corner. They came in a steady stream after that, exclaiming over the lawn and the house and the costumes. With each couple that arrived, Rory began to relax and enjoy herself a bit more. She became caught up in the enchantment of the evening, the role she played as mistress of the manor welcoming people into her pirate lover’s home.
Later, as she strolled about the lawn making sure everyone had enough to eat and drink, inviting them to go inside and tour the house, she glanced up toward the veranda and felt her heart swell with happiness and pride. The scene before her was what she had imagined that day when she’d stood in this very spot asking Chance what it would take to buy the house. The chain-link fence was gone and lush grass covered the ground beneath her feet. People sat on the veranda laughing and visiting. The house itself glowed with welcoming light from within.
She could see it this way for years to come, sheltering guests, providing a home and income for her and Adrian and Allison.
Then she saw Chance leaning against one of the stone columns, and her questions and fears stirred back to life. Was he part of the permanent picture, or was he simply passing through this phase of her life? He looked so at ease, visiting with the guests, as if he were a guest himself, not one of the staff. But then this was the first time he’d ever attended the Buccaneer’s Ball as something other than a guest. The people she waited on were his peers, while the staff doing the serving were hers.
Trying to push the thought aside, she continued her way through the tables, asking if anyone needed anything, picking up dirty plates and empty glasses. Conversation buzzed around her, blending with the sound of the performers down on the ship as they belted out the bawdy lyrics of a sailing song. The ship blazed with candlelight and Galveston’s elite filled every table.
“The St. Claires have really done a great job restoring the house,” a woman said from behind her, making her smile as she set her tray on a table and began loading it with dirty dishes.
“With the help of Oliver Chancellor, don’t forget,” another woman added.
“Well, I wouldn’t expect that to last long.”
Rory glanced over her shoulder and saw three women seated at a table with their backs to her so they could watch the stage while they talked. They were as sleek and sophisticated as the rest of the guests, wearing dresses that probably cost even more than the price of a ticket to the ball, and jewels that sparkled in the torchlight.
“What do you mean?” one of them asked.
“You haven’t heard?” The older woman’s tone said she had a juicy bit of gossip to share. “The bank is threatening to fire him over his partnership with the St. Claires.”
Rory turned away, her heart pounding.
“No!” one of them gasped. “Surely they wouldn’t fire one of the Chancellors.”
“They fired Mr. Chancellor, didn’t they?”
“They did not. He took early retirement.”
“He was asked to take early retirement. Trust me, my nail tech has a client who works in the loan department. According to what she’s heard, the bank gave Norman the old heave-ho, then told Oliver to end his business relationship with the St. Claires or he’d be out the door, too.”
“That’s terrible. I guess he’ll be giving up his interest in the inn, then.”
“Not necessarily.” The third one snickered. “Since business isn’t the only relationship he has with them.” The voice lowered to a titillating stage whisper. “I heard he’s sleeping with the youngest sister.”
“You’re joking!” The older woman laughed. “Oh, that’s rich. Still, even if he is cheating on Paige, I can’t believe Oliver Chancellor would be stupid enough to throw away his career at the bank over an affair with Aurora St. Claire. Lord, she can’t be that good.”
Rory turned slowly and faced the three women. Carried away with laughter, one of them fell against her friend. As she straightened, she caught sight of Rory and paled. “Uh-oh.”
“What?” The other two turned in unison. “Oh, dear.”
On wooden legs, Rory moved past them, picking up speed with each stride. Every fear she’d tried to hold at bay broke free. Why hadn’t she listened to Alli? And what had she done to Chance? Because of her, he was being forced to choose between the inn and the bank, which was no choice at all. Of course the bank would win. That was a part of his real life. The inn was just play for him.
He didn’t belong in her world any more than she belonged in his. She’d never fit in with people like those three women, people who attended events like this—not that she wanted to if that was how they behaved. She’d been foolish to think she and Chance could ever be together long-term. She’d been so very, very foolish!
With no goal but escape she continued down the hill, her breath turning ragged. When she reached the beach, she turned away from the pier and hurried past the people gathered around the bonfire.
“Rory?” her brother called.
Fighting back tears, she lifted her skirts and ran, fleeing the words that pursued her. Not the ones she’d just heard, but Chance’s words from the day on the pier when he’d told her he didn’t want a relationship with her, that all he felt for her was physical attraction. He’d tried to tell her then that they were mismatched. Why hadn’t she listened!
And later, when he’d admitted the attraction had turned to love, he’d said she’d ruined his life. And he was right.
There had to be a way to fix the damage she’d done. There had to be!
* * *
Chance frowned in concern when he saw Aurora take off down the lawn. Excusing himself from his conversation with Frank and Carol Adams, he followed her at a slower pace, smiling and nodding to people
as he passed them. The last thing he wanted to do was create a stir by chasing her at a dead run.
When he reached the beach, Adrian waved him over. “What’s wrong with Rory?” her brother asked, low enough so that no one else would hear.
“I don’t know,” Chance answered. “Did you see where she went?”
“Not exactly. She just ran down the beach, that way. I hope she’s not having one of her weird panic attacks.”
“Me, too.” His concern mounted as he remembered her last one. “I better find her.”
Adrian nodded and Chance headed down the beach, leaving the lights and noise of the party behind. His steps slowed as darkness closed about him. The water lapping against the shore became more pronounced.
“Aurora?” he called, squinting into the tangle of trees and undergrowth. The moon washed the island in soft blue light, but the shadows of the trees were too black to penetrate.
Where could she have gone? His concern turned to fear the farther he walked. Could she have stumbled and hurt herself while running in the dark?
“Aurora?” he called again, louder this time. He listened intently, but all he heard was the lapping of the water and the chirping of night bugs. Finally, his eyes adjusted enough to the dark to see a trail of footprints in the sand. He followed them until they veered away from the beach into the dark shadow of the trees.
He found her in a clearing washed in moonlight. She sat on a driftwood log, her hands covering her mouth as silver tears coursed down her cheeks.
“Aurora! What is it? What’s wrong?” As he hurried toward her, she rose and flung herself into his arms.
“Oh, Chance, I’m so sorry,” she wept as she clung to his neck.
“For what?” He tried to pull away enough to see her face.
“For everything. For getting you involved with the inn. For causing trouble between you and Paige. You would have been better off staying with her.”
“Whoa, wait—”
“It’s just that I love you so much.” She lifted her head and his heart twisted at the sight of her anguish. “I know it was wrong to seduce you that first time, but I didn’t know then how it would turn out. I should have listened when you said we were mismatched.”
Heart Stealers Page 97