by Chris Lange
While clasping her in his arms, Jake drew Jessica closer to drop a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “That’s how I love my woman.”
These two would never be separated, their passion growing stronger each time they were reunited.
Feeling a pang of envy across her chest, she thought it wiser to avoid Garrett’s gaze and to speak to her father instead. “Happy, Dad?”
“Happy isn’t what I’m feeling. I know Garrett won’t leave you alone, even for a moment, but please be careful. Promise me you won’t do anything foolish.”
Although he didn’t seem to be able to regard her as a responsible adult, she read so much concern in his eyes that she had to smile. “Daddy, cross my heart, I promise you I’ll be so careful that Garrett will have nothing to report. All he will say is . . .”
As her words trailed off, she made a show of knitting her brow and take on a growling, stern voice. “Sir, I must say Miss Richardson has behaved according to her condition.”
Andrew burst out laughing. Heedless of his brother’s feelings at being impersonated, he clapped Garrett’s back. “The lovely lady knows you well, brother, and she has a terrific sense of humor. You’re lucky to have such a good friend.”
As usual, Garrett’s rigorous expression didn’t waver. Whichever manner he intended to reply, he got off lucky for a maid came in to announce that a light meal and refreshments had been served for the guests.
Tracy followed everyone to the main room, hunger making her feel a bit woozy. Some stale bread and cheese last night, a sleepless night and no breakfast in the morning were bound to leave a woman famished.
Settling down at one end of the large dining room table, the gunslinger and the vampire huntress gave the appearance of a picture-perfect couple. They sat side by side to converse in hushed tones, engrossed in each other.
To their left, Garrett and her father got wrapped up in a scientific argument. Andrew pulled a chair back for her at the other end of the table, his expression indicating his desire to talk to her.
“Sit with me, Tracy. I wish to hear more about your extraordinary adventures in San Francisco last year.”
Yeah, he would. She slid down onto the proffered seat as he cast a quick glance toward Jake and Jessica. “Mixing with such remarkable personages,” he said, “is a ceaseless wonder to me.”
“You know what, Andrew? When we came upon Jess this morning, I was afraid you might be attracted to her.”
He took a place beside her before reaching for a glass of water. His green brown eyes twinkling, he grinned like a schoolboy. “I can’t deny Jessica Harring is a beautiful woman. But you see, my dear, I’m not at liberty to pay court to her.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m already betrothed.”
Without any logical reason springing to mind, she nonetheless had trouble picturing him engaged. His obvious thirst for escapades and freedom didn’t suit the orderly existence of a married man. At least, not yet.
“Congratulations, Andrew,” she said with enthusiasm. “I’m very happy for you.”
“Thank you. As a matter of fact, I’d very much like you to meet my fiancée. We should arrange a gathering.”
“That’s a great idea. I’d like to meet her as well, although I’m not sure how we can pull this off. Still, I have to say I’m relieved you aren’t attracted to Jessica. That would have been awkward.”
Andrew nodded. Then he tilted his head toward the woman in question and her gunslinger of a man. “I wouldn’t stand a chance anyway,” he said close to her ear. “Look at Jessica. The only man she sees in this room, and probably in the whole world, is Mister Cooper.”
As much as Tracy felt happy for the handsome couple, watching their dazzling love sometimes bordered on pain. Unable to help herself, she let her gaze drift across the table toward Garrett.
She succumbed to temptation as repressed yearning, desire, and crushed hopes threatened to come to the surface. While his attention was directed at her father, she feasted on his treasured features. Big mistake.
Out of nowhere, Garrett raised his head. His eyes caught hers, and for a second she saw her own emotions mirrored in his. A flock of butterflies gripped her stomach and she had to squeeze her lips together to avoid whimpering when the burning flame in his gaze passed out of sight. Extinguished. Then he turned back to her father.
“By George, well, I never.” Andrew’s shocked curse instantly drew her attention back to him.
His amazing brown-green eyes wide open and his mouth agape gave him the air of someone struck by a revelation. Staring at her as if he’d never seen her before, he seemed to have a hard time verbalizing his astonishment.
“Tracy, you’re the woman Garrett’s been obsessed with all this time.”
Andrew stared some more, then pursed his mouth, then blinked. A second later, his lips curved into a grin as he slapped his hand on his thigh. “Why didn’t it cross my mind sooner? Good heavens, you’re her.”
Why would Andrew say that? His exclamation echoed in her mind for the remainder of the meal. They couldn’t discuss private matters with so many people around so she kept her peace, swallowed some food, and refrained from biting her nails. Thankfully, refreshments dried up.
An hour later, she stood in the middle of a classy bedroom holding a colorful bundle. She untied it, the deep red fabric seeming to come alive between her open hands and she marveled at its beauty.
Not being used to wearing wonderful, old-fashioned dresses didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate the superb confection of satin and appliqué. She wriggled into the gown with great care, holding her breath while smoothing a barely visible crease. It wouldn’t do to damage such a creation.
They had all left the Harring’s house after the refreshments party. On the threshold, Jessica had found time to plunk a tied bundle in her arms, along with a rectangular box. A gift for extracting the promise not to hurt Raphael?
With a quick hug and a grin, the huntress implied she’d need those items for dinner tonight. Oh yeah, the big dinner where her dad and herself would be introduced to Garrett and Andrew’s parents.
Tracy pouted and bowed in front of the long mirror mounted on swivels in a frame. Pleased with her reflection, she executed several pirouettes and conceded that nineteenth century fashion loved women. Cleavage in full view, breasts pushed up and about to pop out, waist tightened, the crimson gown enhanced her natural complexion and transformed her into a seductive lady from old times.
Though technically the year 1900 had seen daylight, so the twentieth century was already on the march.
Although watching this almost-a-stranger-well-dressed girl in the cheval glass, she still dreaded the formal event to come. Her throat constricted at the idea of meeting the mighty Lord and Lady Burnes.
What would they think of her? Would they treat her like an outsider? Would they figure out her feelings for Garrett just by looking at her?
Andrew did it in the blink of an eye. He caught the intense look Garrett let slip, and was quick to come to the right conclusion. Even now, alone in the bedroom, she could still hear the last words Andrew had said before things took on a different turn. ‘Good heavens, you’re her.’
What the heck did he mean by that? Why did he feel certain Garrett was obsessed with a woman? She hadn’t been given the chance to clarify the matter, and damn, the suspense was killing her.
Devilry painted on his charming face, Andrew had then stood up to announce everybody was invited to stay the night after dinner at his parents’ house. Wouldn’t they mind receiving last minute guests? Well, Andrew probably knew what he was doing.
The fact that Jessica and Jake declined his generous invitation hadn’t ruffled his feathers in the least. On the other hand, Garrett’s sinister countenance had seemed to delight him.
With a boisterous “Thus, it’s settled,” Andrew had ditched them to run home and organize their subsequent arrival.
Close to the state of a lost ball in the high weeds, she’d felt like shrinking from Garrett’s deadly expression. He obviously wanted to wring Andrew’s neck, yet his noble education didn’t take kindly to that kind of violent display. So Garrett had taken it upon himself to stick by his younger brother and cleared his throat before confirming his pleasure to receive such honorable guests.
So, here she was now. Dressed like a queen in one of the Burnes’ manor guest bedrooms. Although she’d forgotten to take her watch again, she must still have a few minutes to spare until dinnertime.
She lifted the lid of the rectangular box and discovered ravishing ankle boots made in rich, supple leather, their red color matching her dress. She put them on, so glad the boots fitted perfectly.
Jessica, you’re a sweetie.
A knock on the door interrupted her contemplation. A maid came in and informed her she’d been sent to assist her with the gown top buttons. Tracy might have achieved the feat herself, with some vigorous body twisting, but why refuse useful help?
While the girl worked the buttons, she looked at her other gracious present of welcome. The very long heavy-cottoned nightdress lying at the foot of the bed made her wince. Stylish, but not exactly sexy.
Her job done, the maid left the room just as Tracy’s father peeked inside. He wore a dark blue, fashionable three-piece suit that also made him look different and very elegant. Kind of like straight out of an old, black and white movie.
“Nice dress,” he said. “Are you ready?”
“I can’t get any readier but, Dad, I feel nervous.”
“Why?”
What were the odds? Sure, he didn’t feel nervous about meeting the masters of the manor, but he wasn’t lusting after Garrett, desperately in love with Garret, fearful of what Garrett or his parents might think of him.
“I don’t know,” she said. “These people are like royalty around here.”
His expression didn’t change at the mention of royalty, neither did his body stance. He simply shrugged. “It’s just a different world and a different time. Besides, they’re only people. We can’t be late though, come along now.”
Arm in arm, they walked the grand hallway, descended the grand flight of marble stairs and headed for the grand dining room. Everything was impressive in this place, the whole manor representing wealth, power, and nobility. Enough to make anyone nervous, besides her father of course.
She soon spotted Garrett reading a paper at the far end of the room, one of his arms resting on the mantelpiece above the fireplace. Two strangers with their backs to them sat on lavish armchairs, drinks in hand.
A few feet from where she stood, Andrew was talking with animation to his fiancée. He must have perceived movement at the door because he wheeled round. With a sweeping gesture of his arm and a loud ‘Please, come in’ that got everyone up and paying attention, he ushered them into the dining room. The two strangers came forward until both parties faced each other.
She took a discreet breath and observed the parents while Andrew introduced them all. In his fifties, refined, dark-haired, and as tall as his sons, the father still looked dashing. His friendly smile added to his natural charm, and in a funny way reminded her of both Andrew and Garrett.
About the same age, green-eyed, pointy-nosed, and cold as a tombstone, the mother had a sophisticated, upper-class air about her that couldn’t be taught. Unless they had special intensive training schools in England.
Lips tight, slightly pointy chin up, poised as if she was born from a diamond rose, the woman eyed her from head to foot.
Her belly rebelled. Throat suddenly dry from the critical examination she was subjected to, a sickening gut feeling coursing through her, she still managed to exchange conventional greetings. Now formally introduced to Lord John and Lady Anne, all she could think of was running far away from this place.
Garrett at last moved from the fireplace to join them as though he’d been waiting for the official presentation to end. Facial expression unreadable, he nonetheless appeared somewhat edgy and apprehensive.
Just then, Andrew extended his arm to draw his betrothed closer to the group they were forming. With a brief glance that Tracy oddly perceived as apologetic, he introduced the lovely woman.
“And this is Lady Ashton, Garrett’s fiancée.”
Chapter 10
Surely this blinding pain across her chest must be her heart stopping. Surely this splitting void engulfing and tearing at her mind would swallow her forever. No blood in her veins, no air in her lungs.
A creeping coldness struck her, freezing her soul, annihilating all coherent thought in a split second. Acrid bile rose up her throat and she felt like throwing up right then and there. Not proper? Most likely, but what did it matter if Garrett was engaged?
Her dad jumped to the rescue, showing sensitivity she didn’t know he possessed. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder in a fatherly gesture while expressing his congratulations to the happy couple.
His subtle, insightful reaction allowed her to lean on him for support, steady her wobbly legs, catch her breath, and conceal her utter dismay. But the black void in her mind and heart didn’t relent.
She shouldn’t have worried about hiding her inner devastation, though. As seconds gave her the strength to come back to her senses, she realized the fake smile she’d plastered on her face was still holding fast.
She must look like a China doll in need of glazing, and what the fuck as long as she kept up appearances. Yet, for the love of everything she held dear, she couldn’t bring herself to glance at Garrett.
Taking things in hand, Andrew efficiently prompted everybody toward the long dining table where they took seats all around. She found herself between her father and Andrew while his parents sat across from them. Although she’d lived through harsh experiences, this one would go down as a black-letter.
How long did the meal last? Tonight, time was a fickle bitch. People conversed, people ate, people drank. She did too, although the dozen words she pronounced seemed to get stuck in her throat.
The only respite she had came from Andrew when he whispered in her ear he’d explain things later. Then again, could it be called a respite?
Not once did she look in Garrett’s direction. She observed Lady Ashton instead. Darting furtive glances now and there, discretion foremost in her mind but intent on analyzing the woman, she studied her unexpected rival.
Long, curly, English fair hair framed her delicate face, her big blue eyes seeming to view the world as a personal belonging. A scoffing tone coming out of her exquisite mouth, the absolutely gorgeous Lady Ashton resembled her future mother in law. Like a duplicate younger version.
Same coldness bordering on frostbite. Same aristocratic disdain reminiscent of ‘who’s the master, who’s the slave.’ Same meanness, harbinger of bitterness, cynicism, and misery to come. Sure enough, old age would see her resentful and venomous, but tonight Lady Ashton looked like Miss Perfect.
At some blessed point, the meal came to a close. Thank God and the Holy Trinity for that. Her father was swept along by Lord John, both eager to carry on an animated conversation, also probably to enjoy a nightcap and smoke cigars. They disappeared into another room with knowing smiles.
Lady Anne and Miss Perfect excused themselves on the pretext of slight headaches. Both women had totally ignored her throughout dinner, except to look daggers at her. Well, good riddance.
So, what now? Faced with the prospect of standing around and making small talk to Garrett, she bit back a nauseating sensation trying to catch up with her.
She started when Andrew touched her arm. “Night has fallen, Tracy. Are you going?”
For a second, she wo
ndered what he wanted with her. Go where? How could she get out of this chair when a haunting pain crippled her? She needed to lie down and sleep, sleep until life forgot about her. But no, she didn’t have that luxury because she had promised to bring a vampire back.
Raphael would understand her. He’d soothe this chilly suffering, assuage this mordant anguish, and give her the strength to fight back to life. Yes, Raphael would do all that if only she could reach him.
He was a creature of the night all right, an undead citizen without family or friends condemned to roam the streets of whatever city he landed in. Yet his human side felt much more real and wholehearted than Garrett’s.
“Oh, right,” she said, “it’s time already, I didn’t realize. But I need to get changed first. Would you give me a moment, Andrew?”
“Of course, we’ll wait for you right here.”
His smile warmed her. She’d have been incapable of bearing a grudge against him even though he lied about his so-called fiancée. The guy appeared too charming and honest in spite of his late behavior.
“Thanks, Andrew,” she nodded. “I’ll be back in a wink.”
With that, she stood and walked to the door. She never looked at Garrett. Beholding his impassive face was beyond her. As soon as the dining room door shut behind her, she broke into a run.
Barreling along empty hallways, running past closed doors, she relied on memory as much as instinct to reach her destination. She believed luck owed her, this evening having started as a complete disaster.
Holding her dress up, dashing and breathing hard, she ignored the few servants hanging out of the kitchens. Luck did pay her back, because she found a back way out of the manor and burst into the garden house less than a minute later.