“I keep telling myself the same thing.” His jaw rubbed her cheek. The feel of his rougher skin against her smoothness sent shivers racing down her spine.
“What do we do?” She leaned back to look in his eyes. As her sea blue orbs met his brown ones, she realized her mistake. The warmth she found in them drew her in like not even his touch had done. She was mesmerized.
“That depends. If you plan to marry Mr. Stillwater, then there is nothing to be done.”
“Stillwell, his name is Stillwell.”
James cocked an eyebrow. “He seems like still water to me. But that wasn’t the question. Will you marry Stillwell?”
“I don’t know. No, I would rather die than marry him but to disobey my father—” She stopped, taking a breath. “What if I don’t marry him? What would you do?”
He looked at her for a long time, scanning her face. Regina realized she was holding her breath. Finally he spoke, “I would make you my wife.”
A gasp escaped her, “But your ships. Your business!”
“Some things are worth the risk.”
Regina closed her eyes. . She took the easy path. The path that caused the least trouble. The pad of his thumb brushed her lips. She shivered again. “Oh,” she breathed.
“Regina, you have to decide if you can take the risk.”
“I’ve never been very good at that. Besides, how do I know you mean what you say. We’ve only known each other a few days and…”
“How do you feel about me?”
Her eyes snapped back open and met his again. She wanted to lean up and place her lips on his but to do so would be terribly bold and somehow it was a commitment that she wasn’t sure she could make. “I’ve never let a man hold me the way I let you.”
His lips turned up a fraction of an inch. “Well, that admission is a start.” His hands slid away from her back. He stepped away from her.
Regina knew she had said the wrong thing, or perhaps she just hadn’t said enough. “Please, I…” she trailed off again.
His hand reached up and touched her cheek. “It’s all right. I have only known you for a short while and yet I already know that you like to go with the grain and not against it. I will try not to push too hard but our time is limited.” His hand left her cheek and then he turned and left the room.
SEEDS OF LOVE
CHAPTER FOUR
Regina spent the better part of the next day thinking about Obediah, James, her father, but mostly she thought about what she wanted from this life. James was a risk. He was handsome and young and already talking of marriage. Her Grandmother Lafayette would have told her to run away from such a man. But her heart told her that he was true. And her mind told her to take the risk while she had the chance. She might never have the opportunity again.
That night she dressed carefully. She picked a pale blue organza silk gown that fit her perfectly. It came just off her shoulders and showed more plump cleavage than she usually allowed. It also brought out the blue of her eyes and the rosiness of her skin. Her hair was pulled loosely back and twisted into an elaborate design with some tendrils falling artfully around her face.
As she started down the stairs, she felt beautiful. Her father raised his eyebrows at her. “When did you get that dress?”
“I bought it for her.” Her mother linked her arm with Regina’s as she reached the bottom step.
Her father’s mouth pinched. Normally Regina would have cowed to her father’s wishes but tonight she stood straighter and kept walking.
Her sisters came down the steps laughing and chattering. “Ooh Regina, your dress,” Clarissa breathed. Macie bounced in agreement.
“I forgot to mention, Mr. Carter will be joining us this evening,” her mother smiled innocently at her father as she spoke.
“We do not have the carriage—”
“I have the seven-person carriage waiting for us.”
“Anna—” her father started.
“It’s done now.” Her mother turned away.
Regina was aware that her mother had manufactured this chance, and she intended to take full advantage of it. She would need all of her courage tonight.
The butler showed Obediah and James in. The two men could not look more different. It wasn’t just that James was more handsome and masculine, it was that he looked at her with such warmth. Obediah’s eyes were always so cold.
“Wonderful to see you both.” Her mother reached her hands out to each man. Regina tilted her head slightly. She had thought her mother had chosen James over Obediah but she welcomed them both warmly.
“Shall we?” Mr. Lafayette gestured toward the door.
Regina passed by her parents. She heard her father say to her mother, “It doesn’t matter to me that you invited him, he is part of the plan too.”
“Your plans will backfire, God willing. You can’t mandate love.”
“What does love have to do with anything?”
“My husband, you are being foolish and pigheaded. Your plans will still work while making your daughters happy. Try to think of someone other than yourself.” Her mother turned and marched out the door in front of the others.
Regina walked toward Obediah and James. Both smiled in greeting, both extended their hand to her. Her smile faltered for a split second. To choose one over the other was a clear statement. To choose neither was as well. It told them both she hadn’t chosen her path yet.
Her father came up behind her, placing his hand at her back. “You look lovely, as always, my daughter.”
“Thank you, Papa.” As she spoke, Clarissa sailed past her, taking Obediah’s arm.
“Walk me out,” Clarissa beamed at Obediah.
He smiled back, a genuine smile without any reservation. It brightened his entire face. The pair turned and followed Regina’s mother out the door. As Regina watched them, it crossed her mind that they suited each other.
Macie came to her father’s other side. She was fifteen yet and blushed when she looked at James. “Would you escort me to the carriage, Papa?”
“Of course, my sweet.” He held out his arm to his third daughter.
“I will walk with James then Papa, to keep him company.” Regina gave her a father a weak smile and he grimaced in response. His look said that he knew exactly what she was about. But then he turned and headed for the door.
Regina turned to James. “Hello.”
“Hello,” his voice was cooler than normal but he held out his elbow to her.
She slipped her hand through it. His arm was like a hard, warm band of muscle. She turned toward him and caught his scent, clean and masculine. She wanted to say something that told him of her feelings but she was afraid. “Lovely evening,” was all she could get to come out.
“It is,” he replied blandly.
“James, I—” Regina knew that should have chosen James when he had extended his hand. She had missed her opportunity. Biting her lip, she looked up into his eyes.
“It’s all right Regina.” He patted her hand, tucked into his sleeve.
***
James took a deep breath. With her hand tucked under his arm and her face turned up to his, he wanted so much to believe that she could be his. But it was a fool’s dream.
She was beautiful and sensitive and easygoing. He was drawn to those traits in her but they were also the parts that kept her from defying her father. The parts that would make her a lovely wife for him made it nearly impossible for her to become his bride.
“But you’re upset, I can see it.” Her face pinched with worry and he realized his own brow must be wrinkled. He relaxed his features to put her at ease.
“I’m not upset, Regina. Don’t worry on my account.” He gave her a reassuring smile. She looked back at him skeptically but there was no time to say any more; they had reached the carriage.
Regina’s mother sat alone on one bench while the other four members had piled on the other bench. James handed Regina up and then climbed in to sit next to her.
&n
bsp; Clarissa and Obediah sat with their heads together while Mr. Lafayette and Macie talked quietly. Regina’s mother gave them a glowing smile. “What a lovely spring evening, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Mama. It is,” Regina replied.
“The promise of summer brings such hope. Anything is possible don’t you think?”
“I do, Mama.” Regina looked at James. It was possible. And if she wanted it, she would have to make it happen. She knew exactly what to do tonight. She would set the wheels in motion.
They arrived at the party and slowly made their way through the double doors. Everyone was arriving and progress was slow. Regina, however did not mind at all. Her hand was tucked into James’ arm and her hip brushed his.
“Do you like parties or dancing, Mr. Carter?” Regina asked, hoping he would ask her to dance.
“I like them both fine but tonight is about my business. I must use this opportunity to secure more contracts if I am to build a successful ship building company.” He patted her hand. “Your mother did me a great service tonight.”
“Of course,” Regina nodded, a little disappointed. Her plan required time with James.
As they stepped inside, her father called James over to a group of men, he said his goodbyes and then left to speak with them.
Regina took a deep breath. Obediah stepped up next to her. “Would you do me the honor of the first dance?”
“That would be lovely.” She attempted to mask her disappointment as she took Obediah’s hand.
Three hours later, Regina was worn out from dancing with a parade of men. She had seen neither James nor Obediah in hours. While she cared not about the latter she had desperately wanted to see the former. With that in mind, she set out to find James.
She searched several of the party rooms and then peeked into the library and the study, though hushed voices of men and women had her closing the door again quietly. Finally she stepped out onto the veranda.
She stood, allowing the night air to caress and cool her skin. She had told her mother that she was looking for Clarissa, who had also been gone most of the evening. She would have to head back in soon but she would delay as long as possible. Every eligible man hoped to match with her family. As the oldest sister, she was most likely so they pestered her all evening. She would take advantage of this reprieve for as long as she could.
“Hello,” James’ voice whispered softly behind her.
A smile spread across her entire face. She turned and stepped toward him, snaking her arms around his neck. “Hello.”
His hands came around her waist. He pulled her towards him. “Did you miss me this evening?”
“Very much. Has it been successful?”
“I believe it has.”
“That is wonderful news!” Her fingers dug into his shoulders as she bounced slightly.
“Regina,” he breathed. “Do you know how many women would have been angry with me instead of happy for me? Do you always think of other people’s feelings?” His fingers came up to caress her cheek.
“I hadn’t really thought about it. It is important for you. Why wouldn’t that make me happy?”
“How am I going to make you mine? The very things that make you so stunning, keep you at your family’s side.”
“Kiss me,” her eyes dropped to his mouth as she spoke, her heart fluttering in her chest. She knew once his lips claimed hers that he would claim her very soul, that she would have to defy her father. This was her plan.
Ever so slowly, his head bent down until his lips almost touched hers. Her eyes closed and softly, his mouth met her own. Regina gasped at the feel of it, so soft and exciting.
His lips touched hers again and again. Pulling him closer, Regina met each kiss eagerly until he slanted her lips open and his tongue gently probed into her mouth. Heat raced through her body and Regina attempted to move closer still as their mouths locked together.
His hands roamed up and down her back. His lips broke from her mouth to begin trailing kisses down her neck. “Tell me you are mine, Regina. From the moment your eyes met mine I knew that you were meant to be mine.”
Shivers ran across her skin, “Yes, I am yours. Are you mine?”
“Always.” His lips found hers again.
“What should we do? My mother is trying to reason with my father, it isn’t working.”
“Whatever we do, it has to be your plan, Regina. I can’t suggest you distance your family.”
Regina pulled her lips away from his. He was right. She was running the risk of never speaking to her father again. He was being pigheaded but that was beside the point. It was her decision to make and she had to be decisive and strong. If James was going to be hers, she would have to defy her father for the first time in her life.
“I don’t think I can reason with him. My mother has been trying…” She bit her lip.
“He thinks Obediah is part of the future for your family.”
Regina shook her head, “It’s more than that. Obediah loves Clarissa, he could marry her. But my father won’t listen. He…” she paused. “We will have to run away.” The words sounded strange but she could feel her own resolve.
His knuckles brushed across her cheek. “You are probably right but I would like to try speaking with him first. I don’t want to ruin my relationship with my future father-in-law.”
Regina grinned at his statement.
“Let’s head inside, I haven’t gotten to dance with the most beautiful woman here.” His arm held her waist firm as he moved her back inside towards the dance floor.
SEEDS OF LOVE
CHAPTER FIVE
Regina woke up the next morning still dancing. It had been the most wonderful dance of her life. She floated down the stairs and into the dining room.
Her father and her mother sat quietly talking but her mother gave her a large grin as she walked into the room.
“Tell her what we are doing today.” Her mother poked her father.
“You are getting her hopes up.”
“Posh, things will work out as they should. Just tell her.”
“Mr. Carter has invited us along with some other potential customers to go for a sail.”
Regina felt her insides jump. “How wonderful.”
“Papa, did you say we are going sailing?” Clarissa bopped into the room with Macie hot on her heels.
“Yes dear, but we are leaving shortly. It will be brisk on the water so change into something more serviceable.”
The girls sat down to eat. Excitement thrummed through her as she tried to force some food into her stomach. Would James talk to her father today?
An hour later, the Lafayette family stood on the docks. Regina looked up at James’ boat. The name Four Winds was painted on the side. It was a majestic ship and the sight of it sent her pulse racing. James stepped up to the rail and waved down to them. Regina’s heart nearly beat out of her chest. He looked so masculine standing there, his brown hair blowing softly in the breeze.
She waved back, her cheeks filling with color. Suddenly, a woman stepped up next to him. She was attractive and well dressed. She put her hand on his upper arm and he leaned down to hear what she said. Regina could see her rise slightly to speak in his ear.
Jealousy rose like bile in her chest. “Come on Regi, you’ll miss the boat!” Macie called, using her pet name for her sister.
Regina trailed behind them, her excitement having turned to dread. She had kissed him last night, he had said he wanted to marry her, and now he was standing at the rail with another woman.
A hand at her back caused her to turn. Obediah stood behind her. “Why don’t you move a little faster?” He scrunched his face like he was smelling something terrible.
“I will move as I please. Take your hand from my back.” An anger Regina had never allowed to surface before was bubbling over. She couldn’t keep it inside. His hand dropped from her back and he said nothing further. She began stomping up the gangplank to the deck of the ship.
At the top of the plank her family stood waiting, James beside them. The brunette from the rail sauntered up next to him and snaked her hand through his elbow. James gave her a fleeting frown before he turned to say hello. “Thank you all for coming. Miss Lafayette, lovely to see you again.”
She dipped into a brief curtsey without making eye contact. She didn’t want him to see her feelings until she had sorted through them. Wild thoughts were running through her mind. Was this woman the reason she had barely seen him at the party? Was he courting her too? While he had never shown his affection for Regina publicly, he now stood arm and arm with this pretty woman.
“Thank you for having us, Mr. Carter.” Her father’s eyes skimmed over James and this other woman.
James stood a little taller. Regina could feel James’ eyes on her but still refused to make eye contact. “Thank you for coming.”
Another man joined the group. “There you are Abigail.”
“May I introduce Mr. Abbot Worthy. He is visiting from South Carolina with his daughter, Miss Worthy.” James’ face was stiff but his tone was pleasant.
“Pleased to meet you.” Her father shook his hand, introducing all of them. Then he turned back to James. “I must ask for the full tour. The deck of this boat is stunning.”
“Of course. Mr. Worthy, would you care to join us?”
“It would be my pleasure. Abigail, I am sure these fine ladies will keep you company.”
“Yes, Papa.” Her southern drawl sounded like warm honey. She was buxom with glossy dark curls artfully arranged around her porcelain face. Regina hated her.
As the men walked off, Abigail sidled up next to Regina. “My, isn’t he a vision? If I weren’t so cold, I would fan myself.”
“Have you known Mr. Carter long?” Regina tried to keep her tone neutral.
“I just met him last night at the ball.”
Relief flooded Regina’s chest. She gave the woman a sidelong glance. She had never attempted to weedle information out of another person but today was full of firsts. “He is a divine dancer.”
Seeds of Love: Prequel to Lily in Bloom Page 3