“Good day, my friend.” As the door closed behind David, Raoul’s smile vanished. He crashed his glass down on a table.
Sacré bleu, was that debacle at Danjuet always to raise its head to torment him? Letting the boy escape had been a blunder for which he’d been paying for years. All the other incriminating strings of his past life had been severed, but it had proved too dangerous to send an assassin to kill the young Duke. That wastrel Bradford Danemount had proved a surprisingly protective guardian.
Dammit, if he had managed to kill the boy, then he would not have had to send Deville to Tahiti away from his influence. He would have been able to move with less care and not have had to assume a new identity. He always preferred to work in secret, but totally new credentials had caused him a good deal of bother. Danemount was a constant thorn that must be removed.
And now that fool Deville had wandered back into his life and was threatening to disrupt it again.
“Beg pardon, monsieur, Marie would like to know if you’ll be home for dinner?” Gaston inquired from the doorway.
Power, wealth, a house as palatial as Napoleon’s and decorated with far more taste, servants at his beck and call, women eager to please him any way he wished. By God, he would not let Deville march back into his life and destroy all this.
“No, Gaston, I’ll be out for the entire evening.” He stood up and moved toward the door.
He must prepare a surprise for his old friend Deville.
“You’ve actually been behaving quite well, Jared,” Bradford said. “I’ve even seen signs of knightly conduct. Extraordinary.”
“I’m sure you find it so.” Jared leaned on the fence, his gaze on Josette and Cassie riding toward them. “But, then, you’ve always underestimated my virtues.”
“But never your lust. For the first week or so I thought you’d lost interest in our Cassie.”
“What makes you think I haven’t?”
“I opened my eyes. I admit my judgment was a bit clouded because Lani absorbs a good deal of my attention. She’s a very stubborn woman.”
“She’s quite extraordinary. She’s managed to take over the running of the household without antagonizing any of the servants.”
“Who could resent Lani?” Bradford shook his head. “But we weren’t discussing Lani. I was praising your restraint and celibacy.”
“In order to encourage it to continue.” His gaze didn’t leave Cassie. Christ, she looked wonderful. Her eyes were flashing, her face alight with confidence and amusement as she chattered with Josette. Away from Clara’s domination, at harsh, brooding Morland, she had bloomed like one of the tropical flowers from her island. “Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t.”
“I’m never surprised at anything, but it would be far more peaceful for all of us.” He waved a hand. “Josette and Cassie have become fast friends. Lani is moderately content. I’m making small strides in the direction I wish to go. You might shatter everything if you become … aggressive.”
Jared’s hand tightened on the fence rail. “For God’s sake, I’m not going to rape her.”
“But you’re losing patience.”
Damnation, yes, he was losing patience. It had been too long. He had only to see Cassie to begin to ready. He had thought the time they spent together would draw her closer to surrender. God knows, he was experienced with every nuance of seduction, but something always went wrong when he was with Cassie. One moment she was making him laugh, and the next she was saying something that touched him. Blast it, he didn’t want to feel this bewildering gamut of emotion. He wanted to be back on the ship, where there was no thought, no conversation—only the satisfaction of their coupling.
No, that wasn’t true. Lately he had been aware of a deep sense of growing contentment during those rides with Cassie, and a feeling of loss when they parted. Christ, he didn’t know what he wanted.
Except Cassie back in his bed, where she belonged.
“Any recent news from Marseilles?” Bradford asked.
“Not since two days ago,” he said impatiently. “I would have told you if I’d heard anything more. Deville hasn’t surfaced yet.”
“It’s been more than a month since we arrived. There should be some sign of him soon.”
“I know that.” He also knew where this was leading. Bradford wanted to stress how pointless any passion for Cassie was since it would all be for naught once her father reappeared in their lives. “We’ll just have to wait.”
“Heavens, how patient you’ve become. I would have thought you’d be salivating to hear about Deville. Could you be softening?”
“No, I could not.” He turned away from the fence. “I’m going to meet them at the stable. Are you coming?”
“I think not. I believe I’ll wander back and see what Lani is doing. She said she might—What’s this?” His gaze was on the carriage entering the gates. “We have a visitor.”
Jared muttered a curse as he recognized the carriage. “Carolyn. I hoped we were rid of her.”
“It seems you were mistaken.” He watched Jared stride toward the courtyard. “You’re going to meet her?”
He nodded curtly. “Go to the stables and tell Cassie and Josette to stay away until she leaves. I don’t want any interference.”
“I haven’t noticed Josette seeking out her company.” Bradford ambled toward the stable. “However, I’ll endeavor to ensure that they’re both occupied.”
Carolyn and Lani were standing facing each other when Jared strode into the hall.
No, not facing, confronting, Jared thought grimly. Carolyn’s attitude was bristling with antagonism, while Lani’s expression was dignified but wary.
“Carolyn, what a pleasant surprise.” He moved between the two women and took her hand. “I didn’t expect you.”
“And I didn’t expect Madam Deville.” She smiled with an effort. “We were just becoming acquainted.”
“Then I don’t have to introduce you.”
“I had trouble recognizing your kinswoman.” She gazed pointedly at the bright-blue silk gown Lani was wearing. “I couldn’t imagine a widow putting aside her black widow’s weeds and donning such a gown.”
“My people don’t believe in the wearing of mourning clothes,” Lani said. “Mourning is in the heart. We don’t need to boast to others how bereaved we are.”
“Boast?” Carolyn bristled. “It’s not boasting to—”
Jared quickly interrupted. “You look a trifle pale, Lani.” Blast it, he wished it were true. Lani, as usual, radiated warmth and beauty, and that could only add fuel to Carolyn’s venom. “You shouldn’t be up from your sickbed. I’m sure Lady Carradine will excuse you.”
“Madam Deville appears in excellent health,” Carolyn said. “But it’s difficult to tell. Unfortunately, her skin isn’t fair like ours, is it?” She didn’t wait for an answer but turned and walked toward the library. “By all means, leave us, Madam Deville. We will excuse you.”
Seeing bright flags of color burning in Lani’s cheeks Jared said to her in a low tone, “It will be better if you go.”
“I won’t run away. Do you think this is the first time I’ve faced hatred because my skin is a different color? In Mrs. Denworth’s school there were many white children who were not as kind as their religion dictated.” Her lips twisted. “And Clara was always ready to tell me that my race made me unworthy.”
“Dammit, Clara isn’t here, and I don’t want you humiliated in my presence.”
“Why not? I’m the mistress of your enemy.”
Lani’s bitterness was not in character. Carolyn’s remarks must have stung more than she was willing to admit. “Go to your room.” He strode toward the library. “Let me deal with Carolyn.”
“This is the last time,” Lani said quietly. “I won’t hide myself when right is on my side.”
How the devil had he come to this pass? he wondered in frustration. He wanted nothing more than to toss Carolyn out of his home like the feline bitch he knew her to
be, but if he allowed himself to defend Lani, then Josette could be hurt. He had not exaggerated Carolyn’s power in social circles.
Carolyn turned to face him as he closed the door. “It won’t do, you know.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Having that … that woman here.” Her lips tightened. “Even if she’s your kinsman’s widow, she’s no fit chaperon for Josette. She should not be here.”
“I disagree. She’s an admirable chaperon. She’s a woman no longer in her first youth, she’s well educated, industri—”
“She’s not one of us,” Carolyn interrupted. “I had doubts when I heard that outlandish name. You should have told me she was a native. That’s the reason my conscience compelled me to return. As soon as I met her, I realized my instincts were correct. She should not be here.”
As soon as she had noticed Lani’s beauty, he corrected mentally. Jesus, he wished she hadn’t seen her. “I understand your concern, but I can hardly refuse her my hospitality.”
“Send her to me. I’ll find respectable lodgings for her.” Carolyn smiled sweetly. “Believe me, it’s for the best. There would be too much talk if she remains here. The ton would never understand if you accepted this native woman into your home.”
He smothered the flare of anger at her words and smiled in return. “You’re right, of course. My reputation is not of the best. It might prove a scandal … unless someone of your stature intervened.”
She went still. “What do you mean?”
“We’re such old friends, Carolyn. I know you’ll help me.”
“In what way?” she said warily.
“You have such influence that I’m certain all that would be needed is a word or two to accomplish the task.”
“You wish me to sponsor this woman?” she asked incredulously.
“As a personal favor to me.” His voice deepening to coaxing persuasion, he exerted every bit of charm at his command. “I would be very, very grateful.”
“I couldn’t possibly do—” She met his gaze, and he could see the scales being weighed beneath those golden curls. “Naturally, I would never refuse you anything, but it will not be easy.” She patted his cheek. “Be sure to have the woman at my ball tomorrow night. I’ll introduce her there.”
“Wonderful. Now that that pesky problem is solved, will you stay for luncheon?”
She shook her head. “My house is turned upside down with preparations for tomorrow night. I must get back.” She paused and then added meaningfully, “I hope there will be many opportunities for us to share a meal at a later date.”
Payment for favors given, Jared thought cynically, and Carolyn would be the first to collect. “Perhaps we could ride together on the afternoon after the ball?”
“I would be enchanted.” She gave him another brilliant smile and swept toward the door. “Until tomorrow night. I can hardly wait.”
And he wished it would never come, Jared thought grimly. He had led Cassie to believe he would find an excuse not to go to Carolyn’s ball, and she would not be pleased about Lani’s being forced to run a social gauntlet.
It was not until they were at the dinner table that Jared related what had transpired with Carolyn. “And I expect you all to behave with decorum,” he told Josette, Bradford, and Cassie. “I’ve gone to a great deal of trouble, and I don’t want it to be for naught.”
“Lani shouldn’t go,” Josette said flatly. “Lady Carradine will hurt her.” She beamed. “In fact, none of us should go. I think it would be a splendid idea if we all stayed home.”
“We will go,” Jared said emphatically. “Nothing will happen. Carolyn has promised to sponsor Lani.”
Bradford raised his brows. “Now, I wonder what you did to get her to do that?”
Cassie didn’t wonder. She had watched him with the gargoyle and had no doubt he had used more of the same charm and sweet words.
Jared ignored the question. “If Carolyn sponsors Lani, she can’t claim she’s an unfit chaperon.” He glanced at Josette. “And won’t have grounds to demand you return to school.”
“Oh.” Josette was clearly torn but finally said, “Find some other way. I don’t trust her.”
“There’s no other way. You’re the one who chose to adopt Cassie and Lani and make use of them.” He mockingly inclined his head to Cassie. “I had other plans for the ladies.”
Cassie’s grip tightened on her wine goblet. She liked none of this. Not Jared’s subtle sensuality that never failed to disturb her, and certainly not this plan to make them go to the gargoyle’s cave.
“Why don’t we ask Lani?” Bradford suggested. He turned to her and said quietly, “You don’t have to go. If Jared says he’s made arrangements, Carolyn will give you no insult, but you don’t have to do anything you have no wish to do.”
Lani was silent a moment. “I will go.”
Cassie leaned forward and grasped Lani’s arm. “I think Josette is right, I don’t trust Lady Carradine.” To Jared, she said fiercely, “I won’t have Lani hurt, do you understand?”
He threw up his hands. “Very well, you come up with a solution to keep Josette’s position with the ton secure. I’m weary of being looked on as a villain.”
“I said I’d go.” Lani placed her napkin by her plate and rose to her feet. “No more talk. That’s the end of it.” She left the dining room.
Bradford stood. “Jared, I fervently hope you’re right about this. I’d really detest snapping your neck.” He followed Lani from the room.
Cassie and Josette stared at Jared.
He said through his teeth, “Carolyn won’t break her word. I’ve made sure of it.”
Josette grunted derisively. Cassie glared at him.
Jared threw down his napkin and stalked out of the room.
“Is he right?” Cassie asked. “Can he control Lady Carradine?”
“She won’t hurt Lani in any obvious way.” Josette smiled bitterly. “She can be very clever. Never once has she made mention of my birth. She gives little lectures to the other students on the horrors that butcher Napoleon is inflicting on good, honest Englishmen and then turns her back and doesn’t hear when they attack me.”
“Why don’t you tell Jared?”
“I don’t whine.” She made a face. “And she gives me nothing to grab on to. She’s a coward and her cruelty is very subtle. Just once I wish she’d lose her temper and slap me. Jared would never tolerate that, and I certainly give her enough cause.”
Cassie smiled. “I’m sure you do.” Her smile faded. “I know nothing about your customs. Is Jared right? Is it important that you belong to this ton?”
“Not to me.” Josette paused. “But it’s true, those ninnies at school would dry up and die if they were so ostracized.”
“Yours is a very cruel world.” Cassie frowned, troubled. “I don’t wish this to happen to you, but if that woman hurts Lani, I can’t allow it to go unpunished.”
“Really?” Josette looked intrigued. “What would you do to her?”
Cassie’s expression became grim. “Something very unpleasant.”
“Then don’t think of me,” she said magnanimously. “I’ll sacrifice everything, I’ll suffer any indignity. Even if I’m cast out, I’ll be brave and force myself to stay here in this great barn of a place, exercising the horses. On occasion perhaps a game of chess with Jared. It will be—”
“You’re enjoying this too much,” Cassie said dryly. “You might be happy cast out from the ton, but Jared would be furious. We must hope it doesn’t come to that.” She stood up and moved toward the door. “And the easiest way to avoid that happening is to convince Lani not to go.”
“Cassie, I don’t want to hear any more about it. I’m not afraid of her.” Lani added with great firmness, “And for the last time, I won’t hide tonight.”
Cassie sighed in frustration. She had been trying since the night before to persuade Lani not to go to the ball, to no avail. She had not thought this last attempt would fare any b
etter, but she had tried. “We’re here to help Papa, not go to balls. Everything is becoming too complicated.”
“Do you forget Charles when you help Josette?”
“I never forget Papa.”
“Neither do I. It does no harm to give to a child in need.” Lani suddenly smiled and embraced her. “Now, go and get dressed. It’s getting late. Bradford said we should leave by seven. What are you going to wear?”
“The white silk.” She made a face. “Josette says that, according to Lady Carradine, young, unmarried women should always wear white.”
“I know you wish to help Josette, and you always look good in white.” Lani turned to the armoire. “I believe I shall wear my yellow gown. I’ve always liked the color.” She glanced over her shoulder with twinkling eyes. “And it will annoy Lady Carradine the most. It’s as far from black widow’s weeds as our island is from this England.”
“Should you—” Cassie broke off as Lani shook her head. She should have known Lani would not change herself any sooner than she would hide. Cassie hugged her and moved toward the door. “You’ll be more beautiful than any woman there.”
A moment later she was standing before the armoire in her own chamber looking at the gowns Jared had provided.
The white silk was quite beautiful, the touches of lace at the round neck demure. Just the kind of gown Lady Carradine would approve for a shy young girl. Cassie took it out of the armoire.
As far from black widow’s weeds as our island is from this England.”
Lani’s words kept repeating in her mind. This island and these people were not her own. Much as she liked Josette, she was not Lani. They had not suffered together, the years had not bonded them. She wanted only the best for Josette, but if there were sides to be taken, she could not ally herself with anyone but Lani.
She shoved the pristine-white gown back into the armoire and reached deep into the rear of the wardrobe.
“Good God.” Bradford’s eyes widened as she came down the stairs. “Stunning. You look magnificent.” He shook his head. “But I don’t think Jared is going to like this.”
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