He chuckled lightly. “My darling, I was hallucinating. That’s one of the things this poison will do to a person.”
“Then tell me truthfully. Are you the Earl of Blackwood?”
He hesitated, not because he didn’t want to tell her, but because he was still unsure that going to live in England would make him happy. “Yes, I’m an earl. The day we met in Mr. Jamison’s office, I’d received a letter from my grandmother informing me of my father’s death. She wants me to come back to England and accept my responsibilities. I was going to have one last adventure before returning.”
She squeezed his hand. “You had said something like that in your mumblings.”
“But it’s all right, my love. I want you to go with me as my wife.”
“That’s not possible.” More tears filled her eyes and slid down her face. “I discovered something that I really didn’t know. My father explained to me why he had abandoned me and my mother. Apparently, my mother...” Her voice cracked. “Wasn’t very faithful to him, and he didn’t know if I was his daughter. Because my mother...” she took a quick breath, “sells her favors. She has shamed me greatly. If I marry you, Felix, I will bring that shame upon you. I cannot do that to an earl. You deserve better. Your family deserves better.”
He was speechless for a few moments, trying to absorb what she’d just told him. Her mother was a strumpet? His gut twisted, not from the lingering effects from the poison, but for Katrina’s agony. How terrible! How could her mother have done that? But what was worse was that Katrina felt she had to take the blame. That wasn’t right.
“No, my darling. I deserve to be happy, just as you do. My family won’t ever know. I’ll make sure of that.”
She pulled her hand away from his. Shaking her head, she took slow steps backward. “There is more.” She swallowed hard. “When I was younger, I had to resort to stealing from other people just to help my mother put food on our table. I cannot have my past revealed to your family or friends. It would destroy all of you.”
“But you don’t understand. I’ll make certain that nobody knows. Katrina, you grew up in the slums. The people I will associate with don’t visit that part of London. I highly doubt anyone will know you or your mother. And if anything, we can create a new past for you so nobody will ever have to know.”
More tears streaked down her cheeks. “Forgetting about my past will not fix the problem. You are an earl, and so you need to find a wife who will be worthy of the title. I’m not that woman.”
“But Katrina.” He stood, reaching for her again but she took another step away from him. “We will make it work, my darling.”
“I’m sorry, Felix. I will not put you through the humiliation that I have gone through in my life. Find someone else to marry. If you want to make me happy, do this last thing for me.” She reached the door and placed her hand on the latch. “If you really love me, return to England as soon as you can, and please don’t think of me again.”
As she ran from his room, her sobs echoed down the hallway. Sadness encased him, making it hard to breathe. His eyes filled with tears and his body shook with silent cries of agony. She couldn’t be serious—but she was. He wanted nothing more than to chase after her, take her in his arms and convince her that they could make it work. London’s society wouldn’t have to know. He did want to make her happy, which meant he had to do as she wished.
He would return to England as a broken man who had lost at love. Again. But no matter what happened, she would always have his heart.
EIGHTEEN
Now Katrina knew why this place was called the rainforest. It had been nearly two weeks since Felix left the plantation, and out of those two weeks, it had only stopped raining for three days. There was no way Robert could take her back through the jungle and return her to her mother until the rain stopped.
She sat by the opened window in the sitting room on the main floor, staring out at the rows and rows of rubber trees called Hevea brasiliensis as far as the eye could see. No wonder her father was so wealthy. His plantation was huge!
Because of the rain pelting the plants and ground, the trees and plants looked greener and more alive. The gray clouds were thick in the sky, and mirrored her mood today.
Everyone in this house seemed disheartened. Most of the staff were polite to her and went out of their way to bring her whatever she needed, but there wasn’t anyone here she could consider a friend or confidant. Oh, how she would love to talk to someone and pour her heart out to them. She didn’t dare pour out her feelings to her father. His health was so poor she didn’t dare burden him with her problems.
Over the past two weeks, she had visited with him once a day, and on some days he was alert and all smiles, and some days he could hardly lift his hand. He told her stories about how he had obtained the plantation. Apparently, he had bought it from his older brother. During his time in Brazil, he had made many friends. From what her father had told her, she gathered he was as powerful as Robert claimed to be. Yet she didn’t dare tell her father about his stepson, because what if Robert was more powerful? A shiver ran through her just thinking about what that evil man would do to the people she loved if she didn’t follow his rules.
Spending time with Henry wasn’t as awful as she had initially feared. She still resented him for abandoning her as a child, but while she was with him, she tried to make his last days pleasant. The sickly man deserved a few happy days before he met his maker.
The more stories Henry told her, the more she realized that he was a very selfish man. No wonder he hadn’t gotten along with her mother—they were so much alike it was sickening. Nonetheless, staying with him had softened Katrina’s heart toward the shock of learning about her mother’s wicked past. Lucy had done what she could to bring in extra money for their small, neglected family.
So far this morning, the house had been peaceful, mainly because she hadn’t seen Robert for several days nor heard his irritating voice grating on her already frazzled nerves. First thing after she’d awakened and dressed, she went straightway to see her father. Unfortunately, he seemed more tired and weak so she didn’t stay long.
With nothing to do, she wandered into the parlor to sit and stare out the window while memories of Felix resurfaced. Once again, sadness clenched her heart and brought tears to her eyes. Although she hated herself for allowing Robert’s threats to make her do his bidding, ending the relationship with Felix was the right choice. She couldn’t risk his life by keeping the plantation and convincing him to stay in Brazil with her. She knew how high-society acted to those who were not as fortunate, especially if one had a scandalous past. Katrina couldn’t bring shame to Felix no matter how much she loved him. He was a good man and didn’t need embarrassment to come upon him or his family. Under no circumstances could she marry such a prominent man.
She wiped away a tear that had slipped from her moist eyes. As much as she’d been crying lately, it surprised her that she still had tears left in her to shed. The pain in her heart from losing Felix was too fresh, yet she was tired of feeling this way. How long would it take before her heart mended? And when would Robert take her back to her mother so they could leave for home? The wait was killing her.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed one of the maids carrying a tray of tea. The woman smiled at Katrina as she walked to the nearest table.
“I’m hoping you would like some tea.” She set the tray down and picked up the kettle and teacup. Hesitating to pour, she watched Katrina’s eyes, waiting for the approval.
The strong, sweet scent she’d detected during the times she had visited her father, was in this tea kettle, too. Never had she smelled tea this potent. It was all she could do not to plug her nose.
“What was your name again?” she asked the kitchen maid.
“Blanca, Miss Landon.”
“I find it strange, Blanca,” Katrina began, “that since my arrival here, I have never been offered any coffee or another type of drink. Do you not ha
ve anything besides tea in your kitchen?”
A blush splashed over the other woman’s face, and she gave a forced laugh. “Forgive me. I was told you liked tea.”
Katrina scrunched her forehead. “Who would have told you that?”
“Master Robert, of course.”
Although Katrina really didn’t mind drinking tea, it upset her to think Robert was ordering the staff to do his bidding and telling them things he clearly didn’t know. “Actually, I would like some lemonade. Do you have that?” She offered a polite smile.
“Uh, oh yes of course. I shall get it now.” The maid picked up the tray and hurried toward the door.
Footsteps boomed on the wooden floor in the hallway, making the maid pause. The other woman hesitated as she swung her gaze around the room, almost as if she was looking for a place to hide. Instead, she lowered her head and rushed out the door, barely missing bumping into Robert as he strode in the room. He held himself tall like a man of power would, and Katrina wanted nothing more than to spit in his face or knock him down from his pedestal.
“So, I hear you don’t like our tea,” he stated as he walked toward her.
Shrugging, she turned her attention back out the window. “There are a lot of things I don’t like around here.”
A deep chuckle rattled in his chest. “Have you always been this obstinate?”
“Always.” She gave him a sharp nod.
“I came to tell you that your time at the plantation has come to an end.”
She turned her head, arching an eyebrow at him. “Oh really? What makes you think that?”
“Because I have received word that Mr. Knightly is finally on his way to his family. Now that he has boarded a ship, I feel it’s safe to take you back to Macapá and make certain you and your harlot mother return to the slums.”
A knot of emotion stuck in her throat, and her heart broke into smaller pieces. Her eyes burned as she held back the tears. Although she’d told Felix to go home, a part of her wanted him to stay and fight for their love. Hearing of Felix’s departure was almost more than she could bear, because this was indeed what reality was all about, not one of her silly girlish dreams of a knight in shining armor coming to her rescue. Her heart cried out for him to return, for him to sweep her into his arms and rescue her from this evil man and the wretched plantation. But then she realized it would never happen. She must admit it and move on with her life as Felix had moved on with his.
She took a deep, calming breath. “When would you like us to leave?”
“Tomorrow morning, very early.”
“I shall be ready and waiting.”
His lip curled up in a jeer. “I’m sure you will. I hope you don’t mind hurrying during our journey. I’m very anxious to get you back home.”
“Not any more anxious than I am.”
“Good. I’m relieved to see we are thinking the same thoughts. I suggest you say your goodbyes to Henry. I assure you, he’s dying quickly. Make certain you see him before we leave tomorrow for it will be your last visit with your father.”
“I shall.”
He turned and walked toward the door. She glared his way, wishing her hatred for him would somehow come through her eyes and burn him to a crisp. “Robert?”
He reached the door, stopped and turned toward her. “Yes.”
“How are you so certain Felix has left?” Her voice shook, but she couldn’t help it.
The smirk he wore earlier came back, but fuller this time. “Have you forgotten so soon? I’m a powerful man in this part of Brazil. I have many contacts. I make it my business to know what goes on.”
She didn’t doubt that for one moment. Robert was just the kind of man who wouldn’t let anything slip through his fingers. No wonder he was able to create such havoc during the trek.
Nodding, she said, “Fine.” She turned her attention back out the window. The rain hadn’t let up, and she prayed that it would so they could return to Macapá quickly. Hiking through mud wasn’t her idea of traveling fast.
She moved out of her chair and walked out of the parlor. The house seemed empty—void of voices. The only sound was the rain slapping the roof in a steady rhythm, making her more tired.
I hate rain!
Yet, she hadn’t cared about the rain when she was with Felix.
Silently, she groaned, wishing she would stop thinking about him. She prayed God would take away her memories of Felix. She wanted them to leave her and allow her mind—and heart—to be at peace.
As she passed a window, a movement from outside caught her eye. Robert was leaving the house. Thank the Lord! She, along with her father’s servants, seemed to walk carefully when Robert was around.
She turned away from the window and decided to check on her father again. Too bad his doctor couldn’t do anything to make Henry well. It was very unfortunate that she would lose her father right after getting to know him. Better late than never, she supposed.
After climbing the stairs, she paused at the top. Another large window stood right before her, giving her an ample view of one section of the fields outside. Even through the downpour, she detected a cluster of houses off in the distance, almost like a small village. She moved closer, narrowing her gaze. Perhaps it would be easier to see if the rain wasn’t coming down in buckets.
The rustling of a woman’s skirt came from behind her, and Katrina spun around to see who was coming up the hall. The housekeeper hummed a tune as she carried a stack of towels in her arms.
“Mrs. Cooney, would you answer a question for me?” Katrina asked.
“Sho, dearie. Wut is it?”
Katrina pointed to the houses out the window. “Who lives out there?”
“De field workers.” The older woman smiled.
“Thank you.” Katrina gave the older woman a nod, and then the housekeeper wobbled away with the towels.
Up the hall a little more, the squeak from an opening door captured Katrina’s attention. The servant who’d brought her tea earlier was maneuvering herself and a tray carrying a teapot and cup out of one of the doors leading to a different corridor. Once she closed the door, she wiggled a key from her pocket and locked the door quietly. The woman then took soft steps toward Henry’s chambers. Steam rose from the teapot, giving off that incredibly strong odor Katrina had smelled before.
The solemn expression on the maid’s face made Katrina curious. In fact, many things made her wonder what was going on. First, why was that particular door locked when the other doors weren’t? Second, why was the maid being so discreet? But the main question in Katrina’s mind was why was she carrying the fresh tea out of a regular room instead of the kitchen?
Once the maid disappeared into Henry’s chamber, Katrina hurried to the locked door. One good thing about being raised in the slums of London was that she had friends who taught her how to pick a lock, among other vices. She fished through the coil on the back of her head and pulled out two hairpins.
After wiggling the hairpins in the key-lock, it clicked. She opened the door and stepped inside. Another long hallway ran before her, and she walked slowly, following the all too familiar scent of the tea. She stopped when the stench was almost more than she could bear.
Holding her hand over her nose, she opened another door. The room held many shadows, since the windows appeared to be covered with plant-like leaves. As her vision adjusted, she realized it was because the room had wall-to-wall plants—several kinds to be exact. In the center of the room sat a long table with bowls and kettles and teacups littering the length.
Katrina dared to walk closer to the plants. Something was on the tip of her memory, and she wanted to know what was bothering her so much. When she was able to clearly see what kind of plants were here, her heart sank. Castor bean and physic nut.
Both were poisonous.
She recalled what Felix had told her about these plants. The castor bean had deadly toxins, and although the physic nut had a sweet taste, if taken in large quantities, one could
vomit so much it would eventually kill them.
Why would Robert have this hidden?
Blanca had brought that tea to Katrina, hoping she’d drink it. Did Robert want her dead? Suddenly pain, sharp as a knife, cut through her skull and went directly to her heart. He’s been killing my father!
She dashed out of the room, flinging open the door so violently it cracked against the outer wall. She rushed down the hall, needing to get to her father’s room before he drank any more tea.
Tears burned her eyes. Would she be able to save her parent, or had he already consumed too much poison? Another thought nagged at her...who else was helping Robert besides Blanca? Was there anyone here she could trust?
Once she reached her father’s chambers, she pushed open the door and stumbled inside. The maid was gone, but the tea kettle was still on the tray sitting on the small table next to her father’s bed. He was propped up with pillows behind him as he sipped from the cup.
“No! Don’t drink that,” she cried out and rushed to him.
His eyes were wide with wonder as he lowered the teacup.
She grabbed the cup away from him and threw it into the fire. The low-burning flames sputtered until finally fizzling out.
“Katrina, what has gotten into you, child?” her father rasped.
“Oh, Father.” She sank on the mattress next to him and clasped his frail hand. “I just discovered that Robert has been poisoning you.” She inclined her head toward the door. “Blanca who brings your tea gets it from one of Robert’s hidden rooms upstairs. The rooms are filled with poisonous plants.”
Even though his face was normally quite pale, his skin turned a lighter shade as his mouth hung open. “Blanca was trying to kill me? Are you certain?”
A tear slipped down her cheek as she shrugged. “Do your servants know anything about the plants castor bean and physic nut?”
“I suppose, since they were born and raised in Brazil.”
“Then yes, Blanca is working for Robert and trying to kill you.”
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