by Nan Ryan
Including Suzanna’s.
She needed no one to tell her who the dark stranger was. There was little doubt in her mind that the striking officer who so effortlessly exuded confidence and masculinity was none other than Rear Admiral Mitchell B. Longley, the daring Union commander she’d heard so much about.
The admiral was, Suzanna realized with a mixture of excitement and alarm, looking squarely at her. She made a misstep and quickly apologized to her partner for her clumsiness. But she never took her eyes off the dark-haired, dark-complected officer.
Nor did he take his eyes off her.
Mitch stepped inside and started across the room. Suzanna could hardly get her breath. Her knees grew weak and her pulse quickened. He was coming directly toward her, and there was something frightening about his very presence.
When he tapped her partner on the shoulder and said in a deep, rich baritone, “May I cut in, Major Barrett?” Suzanna felt her face flush.
Frowning, the major said, “Well, I suppose so, sir, however…”
But neither Suzanna or Mitch heard what the major was saying. His attention focused fully on the flame-haired woman in the sky-blue ball gown, Mitch didn’t bother asking for her permission. He reached out, commandingly took her in his arms and smoothly danced her away. At once a disturbing heat flooded Suzanna’s entire body. She had a strong impulse to pull free of this man’s embrace, to quickly turn and run from this dark Yankee devil she instinctively recognized as dangerous.
But she didn’t.
Her hand was gently clasped in Mitch’s long, tapered fingers. His strong arm lightly encircled her waist. She didn’t try to free her hand from his, but she refused to lift her arm and place it around his neck. Instead, she let it fall to her side in silent protest. With his smoothly shaved jaw resting against her soft cheek, he spun her gracefully around the dance floor, not saying a word, not even introducing himself.
When Suzanna had regained a measure of equilibrium, she pulled away slightly and tipped her head back. She looked up at him. He looked down at her. They stared at each other for a few breathless seconds, and Suzanna felt a deepening tremor of apprehension skip up her spine.
His eyes took on a glow in which interest and admiration were unmasked. Snared by that frank expression in his heavily lidded, emerald-green eyes, Suzanna knew that Mattie was right.
Rear Admiral Mitchell B. Longley was not like all the rest.
Sixteen
He was a man born to lead, not only because of his splendid physique and the strength of his character, but because of his personality. He possessed an easy, yet authoritative manner that made his subordinates eager to please him. Moreover, there was about him an undefined air of command that clung to him like the well-tailored uniforms he wore.
Suzanna had heard all the accolades attributed to this darkly handsome officer, and already she, too, was becoming aware of his power over people. Over her. She felt this power enveloping her well before their first dance ended. Before he had properly introduced himself.
She sensed that this man, whose dark face was strong but brooding, would not be as easily bewitched as the others. Her task would not be simple where this complex man was concerned. She couldn’t imagine him sharing vital information concerning the war with any woman, much less one who was not his wife or his lover.
Still, it was her duty to try and gain his trust. Therefore she would, just as always, carefully play her part, a role she had practiced and knew well. She would make every effort to charm and befriend this enemy officer, to get as close to him as possible. So close he might share useful secrets. Her goal in life, the only thing that mattered, was to serve the Confederacy until victory was theirs.
The waltz ended.
Pretending to be indignant, Suzanna quickly stepped back out of his embrace. “Are you always so rude?” she asked, making a face.
“Have I been rude?” he replied, with a hint of a grin tugging at his full lips.
“Indeed you have, sir. You impolitely cut in on my partner, who is a devoted friend. You didn’t ask if I cared to dance and you’ve not even bothered to introduce yourself. If you do not consider that kind of behavior rude, then I can only assume that your upbringing was woefully lacking in instruction and discipline. Now if you’ll kindly excuse me, I—”
Calmly he reached out, took hold of her fragile wrist and said, “No, I will not excuse you.” He lifted his hands and clasped them lightly around her upper arms. He drew her closer, looked into her eyes and said, “I’m Mitchell Longley and, although I don’t know your name, this I do know. You are the one and only young lady with whom I want to spend every possible moment of my brief liberty here in Washington. Since twelve hours of that precious seven-day leave is already up, let’s not waste any more time. Tell me your name quickly and then come with me to some quiet place where we can get acquainted.”
“I’ll go nowhere with you, Admiral Longley, so kindly unhand me.”
Mitch immediately released her, but when she turned and haughtily flounced away, he followed. Just as she’d hoped he would.
“I’m sorry,” he said, catching up to her, falling into step beside her. “You’re absolutely right, I was rude and I humbly apologize. I’m asking for a second chance. Forgive me?”
She glanced up at him. “I shouldn’t,” she said, starting to smile.
“But you will?”
“I suppose.”
“You won’t regret it…ah…?”
“Suzanna. Suzanna LeGrande.”
“Please tell me it’s Miss Suzanna LeGrande.”
“It is,” she assured him, then said sweetly, already plotting how best to hold his interest, “I’m quite thirsty, Admiral Longley. Could I persuade you to go fetch me a glass of champagne?”
Mitch shook his dark head decisively. “Not a chance.” When her brow wrinkled in surprise, he laughed and stated, “Now that I’ve found you, I’m not letting you out of my sight. Come with me.” He offered his bent arm.
She slipped her hand around it and they walked across the crowded floor, dodging dancers, oblivious to the turning heads and inquisitive stares. At the edge of the dance floor they stopped before a long, linen-draped table where sparkling glasses of chilled champagne waited. Mitch handed her one and took one for himself. But when she would have turned back toward the floor, he slipped his hand under her elbow and smoothly maneuvered her out the open French doors onto the side veranda.
“Isn’t this better?” he asked, inhaling deeply the humid night air.
“It is,” she agreed. “Yes.”
And it was.
The wide stone veranda was deserted except for the two of them. A slight breeze blew from the east, lifting tendrils of Suzanna’s hair and swirling the chiffon skirts of her blue ball gown around her ankles. A mild mist rolled in from the river as it did each night, pleasantly kissing their faces and cooling their overwarm bodies. Crickets croaked in a nighttime chorus and a few fireflies still darted among the well-trimmed hedges in the gardens below, where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
For a long minute, neither spoke. It was one of those rare moments in time when words were unnecessary. For the battle-weary Mitch Longley, the war and all unpleasantries were momentarily forgotten. All was as it should be. Everything was right with his world.
The pair stood on the veranda in the moonlight and drank their champagne in companionable silence. Mitch, calm and content as he hadn’t been in ages, had no idea that the beautiful young woman at his side was interested in anything other than parties and clothes and travel and the pursuit of pleasure.
“Tell me about yourself, Suzanna.” He finally spoke as they leaned on the wide stone railing that overlooked the manicured gardens.
Suzanna took another sip of the champagne, shrugged slender shoulders and said, “What would you like to know, Admiral?”
Feeling wonderfully lighthearted, he said, “All the vitally important things, like what you prefer for breakfast. Which
side of the bed you sleep on. Which foot is the smallest. What’s your favorite time of year. How long do I have to wait before you’ll allow me to kiss you.”
Suzanna tilted her head to one side and smiled saucily at him. “Well, let’s see. That would be hot cakes and sausage. The center, of course. My left. Summer.” She laughed softly and warned, “And not for at least six months.”
Mitch threw back his head and laughed. He spent the next enjoyable hour getting to know the playful Suzanna, and he liked her immensely. She was totally feminine and yet had a masculine directness. Quickly he learned that she could be wickedly funny, making him laugh as he hadn’t laughed in a long time. He greatly admired her rapier wit and sassy charm. She was incredibly bright, and it was all he could do to keep his hands off her.
Mitch Longley was totally dazzled by Suzanna LeGrande.
And Suzanna, much to her dismay, found herself drawn to this tall, handsome Yankee officer. No denying it, Mitchell Longley possessed a languid, seductive charm that was irresistible. His elegant style and witty sophistication made him an enjoyable companion. So informative, so entertaining.
Then, of course, there was his good looks, which could not be ignored. With his chiseled features, midnight hair, provocative smile and seductive, heavy-lidded gaze, he could easily turn any woman’s head.
Including hers.
There was an instant attraction between the two.
Suzanna was mildly unnerved by it, but determined she would not let it get out of hand or limit her effectiveness in any way. She reasoned that, actually, she should be glad she found the Union admiral appealing. It would make her work that much easier. And it was work, she must never forget that. When the time came—and she fully intended to put him off as long as possible—for her to kiss and embrace this handsome Yankee, she would not let herself forget for a moment that he was the enemy.
Suzanna was cautiously fascinated.
Mitch was thoroughly enchanted.
He wanted Suzanna. Desired her. And he meant to have her. But he knew better than to tip his hand immediately. A man who knew how to handle the fair sex, Mitch was keenly aware that a woman as beautiful and as intelligent as Suzanna LeGrande had more than her share of smitten suitors fawning over her. Making fools of themselves. He had no intention of joining their number.
“We’d better go back inside, Admiral,” Suzanna said.
“Call me Mitch, Suzanna.”
She smiled. “Mitch, let’s go back inside.”
“On one condition.”
“Which is?”
“You won’t dance with anyone else. Just me.”
“Agreed,” she said, and took his arm.
The handsome pair went back into the crowded ballroom. But for the remainder of the gala, Rear Admiral Mitchell B. Longley and Miss Suzanna LeGrande danced only with each other, to the disappointment of the other officers and the dismay of all the jealous ladies. Senator Davis Baxter, watching the golden couple with a scowl on his weathered face, was nonplussed that the upstart admiral would dare to ignore him. Didn’t the Union officer know who he was and how much power he wielded?
As they gracefully circled the floor, Mitch was silently making plans for a whirlwind courtship of this lovely flame-haired charmer. He would, at evening’s end, offer to escort Suzanna safely home. And perhaps en route he might steal a kiss or two in the back of the carriage.
Suzanna, feeling the pressure of his strong arm around her, was also planning. Keenly aware that this handsome naval officer contrived and carried out assaults on her beloved Confederacy, she was firmly resolved to do whatever it took to learn of his battle tactics and strategy. While she sensed that she would not be able to handle this self-assured officer as easily as she had the others, she knew that he was already strongly attracted.
It was up to her to cleverly play on that attraction. Since his stay in Washington was limited, she couldn’t wait too long. By the time his leave was up, she had to have him where she wanted him.
Suzanna decided then and there that she was willing to do whatever was necessary to gain this Yankee’s trust.
If her decidedly dangerous flirtation could save but one precious Rebel life, she would count her endeavor a success.
Seventeen
“I appreciate the kind offer, but no, thank you,” Suzanna murmured at midnight when Mitch offered to see her home. He didn’t press, but she could see in his expressive green eyes that he was disappointed.
He nodded, then ushered her out of the mansion and down the front steps to where her carriage waited. There she paused, smiled at him and said, “I truly enjoyed the evening, Mitch.”
“Spend the day with me tomorrow,” he quickly replied.
“Well, I don’t know that I should,” she reasoned. “We’ve only just met and I—”
“It’ll be quite proper. I’m committed to having lunch with my great-aunt tomorrow. She’ll be delighted to have you join us. Afterward, I’ll drive you directly home.” He paused, then added, “If, at that time, that’s what you want me to do.”
“In that case, I accept your invitation.”
“I’ll hire a one-horse gig and come to collect you. Where do you live?”
She gave him her address and said, “I’ll expect you at straight-up noon.”
“I’ll be there,” he said, raising a hand and brushing a wayward lock of bright hair off her cheek.
“Good night, Mitch,” she said, then purposely let her gaze move slowly down to his mouth. And up again. She noticed the minute tightening of his smoothly shaved jaw as he helped her into the carriage. She had made him want to kiss her, she was sure of it.
“Until tomorrow,” he said, then stood and watched as the carriage rolled away.
Inside that closed coach, Suzanna released a sigh of relief. She was pleased. The evening had been a success. It had gone even better than she had hoped. The minute he arrived, she had caught and held the Yankee admiral’s undivided attention. He was attracted and wanted to see her tomorrow.
Suzanna frowned suddenly.
She dreaded meeting Mitch’s great-aunt.
Mattie had told her that Rear Admiral Mitchell B. Longley was from an old, monied family, an only child. His glamorous parents had perished in a yachting accident off the coast of Monte Carlo when Mitch was twenty-one and in his last year at Annapolis. He had inherited the family’s stately Washington mansion, a sprawling villa in the south of France and a comfortable beach house off the South Carolinian coast. Not to mention the vast Longley real estate and banking fortune.
His only living relative was a wealthy spinster aunt. The younger sister of Mitch’s paternal grandfather, Edna Earl Longley was a tall, horse-faced woman with snow-white hair, permanently arched eyebrows and a purposeful stare, who tolerated no nonsense from anyone. The never-married Edna was considered one of Washington’s most influential women. With advancing age, she had finally relinquished her crown as the city’s premier hostess, but she remained a force to be reckoned with.
The eighty-six-year-old spinster continued to receive visitors in her Connecticut Avenue mansion every Sunday afternoon from two to six. Military officers, ambitious senators, foreign ambassadors, Italian counts, international lawyers and diplomats—all streamed in and out of the mansion on those afternoons. The powerful gentlemen brought with them handsomely dressed wives and treasured sweethearts, among their number some of Washington’s most beautiful women. All came to pay their respects and to drink champagne and share the latest gossip with the woman who was—in her day—the reigning empress of Washington society.
“Should you by chance ever meet the admiral’s great-aunt,” Mattie had warned Suzanna, “expect to be mercilessly questioned. Answer as though you have nothing to hide, but never divulge anything more than is necessary. And don’t worry that she’ll suspect anything. She will not. I’ve known Edna Earl Longley for forty years and she has no idea that I’m a Southern sympathizer. Nor will she ever guess that you are.”
* * *
Suzanna’s unease escalated the next day when the one-horse gig rolled to a stop before a big redbrick mansion with iron filigree balconies.
“We’re here,” Mitch told her. Then he gently warned, “Suzanna, my aunt can be one formidable old woman. Put her in her place. Don’t let her bully you.”
Suzanna’s dread increased.
A uniformed butler answered the bell, but before he could usher them into the drawing room, Edna Earl Longley stepped forward, elbowed the butler aside, looked directly at her uniformed nephew and said, “Well, it’s high time you came to visit your lonely old auntie. You think I don’t know that you got into the city at noon yesterday? I waited all afternoon and evening for you to show up, but you never came. I decided you had forgotten me!”
Mitch merely smiled, reached out and swept the old woman up into his arms. “Have you been a good girl?” he asked, brushing a kiss to her wrinkled cheek.
“You put me down, young man!” she snapped, but her eyes sparkled with pleasure.
Mitch gingerly lowered her to her feet, then took Suzanna’s arm and drew her forward. “Aunt Edna, I want you to meet my friend, Miss Suzanna LeGrande.” He turned to Suzanna. “Suzanna, allow me to present my aunt, Miss Edna Earl Longley.”
“Miss Longley,” Suzanna said, extending her hand. “How nice to meet you.”
Eyes narrowing in a deliberate stare, the tall, white-haired woman said, “LeGrande. LeGrande? I’m familiar with that name. Are you one of the Virginia LeGrandes? You live in that big white mansion on the banks of the Potomac, do you not? Have you been here to my home before? What about your family, are they—?”
“That’s enough, Aunt Edna,” Mitch interrupted. “We’re here to enjoy your company, not to be questioned as if we were suspects in a crime.”