Alice: Bride of Rhode Island (American Mail-Order Bride 13) (10 page)

Chapter Twenty

A
t breakfast, Alice sat in silence, her stepfather at the head of the table on her right, and James across from her. If three people had the least to say to one another, it was them. Silverware clinked against china as the men ate steak and eggs, while Alice sipped coffee and nibbled on a sweetbread.

“How is Menhaden Fishing, financially?” she asked, looking at Daniel.

James coughed, as if choking on his food, and Daniel glanced up sharply from reading the newspaper.

“Why would that concern you?” Daniel asked.

“I’ve heard talk,” she hedged, “that it’s an important asset you own.” She looked at her husband. “Do you know anything about the company? It’s located in Tiverton.”

James stared, neither confirming nor denying the question.

“Such matters aren’t for young women to ponder.” Daniel waved the maid forward to refill his coffee.

“But Lillie Jenkins does,” Alice replied. “Is it wrong of her to be involved in business matters?”

Daniel huffed. “Frankly, yes. She hasn’t the capacity to handle it. That’s the stone-cold truth.”

Alice shifted her gaze to James. “What do you think?”

“It’s a challenge for women because they aren’t normally raised for such a livelihood, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn.” James regarded her with a guarded curiosity. “Did you learn business at that boarding school of yours?”

“No,” Alice replied reluctantly.

“What is it you want to know?” James asked.

“How does the fishing of the menhaden work?”

“Well, most boats employed in the acquisition of pogies are steamers. They capture the fish in great purse-seines—large nets that hang vertically in the water. They’re thrown in bulk into the vessel’s hold where they stay until transferred to an oil factory, where they’re processed.”

“How much fish is considered a good season?”

James thought for a moment. “It depends, but about 30,000 barrels would be a very successful run for the year. But that’s only a fraction of the total take from all the companies and individual steamers working out on the bay.”

“So the real trick is to understand where the pogies are and to get to them first.”

James nodded. “To simplify it, yes.”

Daniel slapped the newspaper onto the table. “There’s nothing simple about any of it.” He looked at James. “I wonder how you’re able to twiddle your thumbs here in Newport. Who’s running
your
fishing company?”

“My brother Frank is quite capable.”

An expression of skepticism crossed Daniel’s features. “Son, you should’ve sold Martel Enterprises to me when you had the chance.”

“You want to sell your company?” Alice asked James, surprised.

“No.” Tension simmered in James’ dark gaze. “I don’t.”

“It can be difficult to keep the bottom line healthy,” Daniel said, standing. “There’s no shame in walking away from a sinking ship.”

“Spoken from a man who sinks ships as a matter of course,” James said.

“Well, unlike you, Martel, I have work to do.” Daniel glanced at her. “Alice.”

She acknowledged her stepfather’s departure with a nod.

The change in James’ demeanor was difficult to miss. He brooded. Having no patience in wanting to smooth his ruffled feathers, she took her leave of him.

Chapter Twenty-One

W
anting to purchase Christmas gifts for her grandmother and Vera, Alice instructed the carriage driver to take her to the shopping district. Perhaps the diversion would keep her mind off her impending inheritance and the outcome of her marriage.

She debated whether to buy something for her husband since she honestly didn’t know how much longer he would fill that role.

Whenever James was near, she felt alive in ways she never had before. What if she simply trusted him? What if she gave him her heart and the keys to Menhaden Fishing as soon as Daniel was forced to hand them over to her? Would James do right by her? Would he return her love?

Plagued with doubt, and knowing she needed to keep him at arm’s length until after her birthday, she focused on what she should acquire for the two women.

She told the driver, Stanley, to stop the carriage before an elegant glass shop. Alice entered and perused the selections, seeking two inexpensive vases. It was James’ money she spent, and she thought it wise to be frugal.

But soon, she would have her own income. She was about to come into possession of a fishing enterprise.

The thought filled her with excitement as well as anxiety. While she had no idea how to run such a company—although, after quizzing James this morning, it seemed fairly straightforward—the idea buzzed in her ear that she could be independent from both her husband
and
her stepfather, and that filled her with immense satisfaction.

If James left her, she could still live a life on her own.

Buoyed by the possibility, she shifted her attention to the pretty glassware. Choosing two, she had them wrapped and brought out to the carriage.

“Where’s your husband?” Alice jumped and spun around at William Evans sudden appearance.

Composing herself, she glared at him, ignoring the frisson of fear that shot through her. “I came out for a bit of shopping. Good day.” She turned and attempted to climb into the carriage, not about to wait on the curb until her driver returned.

William grabbed her arm, and she stumbled back.

Terrified, she struggled to get free. William had been like this before she’d run away to Boston, and it was one of the reasons she’d fled.

He twisted her around and pinned her against the carriage, his hands painfully holding her in place. “You’re an idiot, Alice.”

She refused to look him in the eye, but she couldn’t ignore the smell of liquor on his breath.

“I’ll have what’s mine,” he hissed. “You’ll see. You can’t humiliate me by marrying someone else and get away with it.”

Words caught in her throat. She should scream and struggle, because then, surely, some bystander would help, but her limbs were frozen in panic.

“Get your hands off her,” a man’s voice boomed.

James.
She nearly fainted from relief.

William’s jaw flexed as he paused, but he released her. She stepped to the side as James faced the seething, drunk man.

“I thought I told you to stay away from my wife.”

“I’m beginning to think that you tricked Alice into marrying you,” William spat out. “Daniel will end this soon. You have no idea what you’ve done.”

“And you have no idea how much I dislike you.” James moved closer.

Fear snaked down Alice’s spine. “James, let’s just go—please.” She reached out to touch his arm, but then pulled it back. Even James’ behavior left her unsettled.

Where was her driver?

She glanced around. People had begun to take notice of them.

“Alice was mine,” William ground out. “You have no right to her.”

Without warning, William punched James in the face, knocking him back. Alice screamed as he swiftly recovered and barreled into William. She stepped aside just as they fell to the ground.

They rolled, James gaining the upper hand, but William struck him in the ribs.

Stunned by how quickly it had all happened, Alice was thankful when several gentlemen interceded, hauling James away from William, who lay on the ground holding his nose as blood poured from it.

James jerked away from the men.

Her middle-aged driver appeared, eyes wide.

“Stanley, we need to leave,” she said.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Get in the carriage, James,” she demanded.

He didn’t respond, his feral gaze locked on William.

Stanley helped her into the buggy. Once inside, she looked at James through the open door where he stood.

“You’ll be sorry about this,” William yelled, standing. He tried to stop the flow of blood now covering his gray suit and waistcoat.

“As will you,” James replied, his rigid frame pulsating with restrained violence.

Alice was on the verge of instructing Stanley to leave James behind when her husband finally regained his senses and swung his eyes to her. What she saw stopped her cold. A savage inhabited his body, putting her in mind of a wolf on the hunt.

He stepped into the carriage and took a seat opposite her, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. He banged on the door to signal Stanley to proceed. The carriage pitched forward as the horses were set in motion.

Alice reached into her reticule and pulled a kerchief from it, silently handing it to James. He smeared red blood onto the silky white material serving as a commemoration of the altercation.

James watched her with a hooded expression. “Don’t ever go near him again.”

Indignation filled her. “I didn’t. He accosted
me
.”

“Did you love him?”

Stunned by the sudden change in the conversation, Alice wavered. Love was the furthest thing she’d ever felt for William Evans. “No. I thought we’d already discussed this.”

James looked out the window. “Yes, we have.” He let out a deep exhale. “I just thought...that maybe you went out today to meet him.”

Vexed by his accusation, she fought to keep her anger contained. “I can most assuredly tell you I did not.”

He locked his eyes to hers. “My apologies, Alice.” The savage relinquished control, and in its place, the James she knew returned. “I just wonder if you divorce me, will you end up married to him?”

“Never.”

He laughed, but it was without merriment. “You must think me a brute.”

Despite his behavior with William, she knew he was no barbarian. But Vera’s words came back to her.
There was talk of retribution from the Martel’s...
She had to know. “Do you often resort to violence?”

“No, I don’t.” He watched her. “I would never hurt you.”

Perhaps it was foolish, but she believed him.

She nodded and stared at the clamor of town as the rhythmic swaying of the carriage muffled her thoughts, which was just as well. She was weary of the game of trying to anticipate what the outcome might be. Would her stepfather truly hand over Menhaden Fishing to her? What if he found a way not to honor the agreement?

She wished she could confide in James, hand over all her worries and let him deal with it. She longed to trust him as a wife
should
trust her husband. But what if she did, and he ruined her as Daniel had ruined James’ father? Was that his true aim?

She didn’t know him, not in any way that warranted such faith.

And yet, her heart ached for him.

She glanced at his profile; his blue-green eyes flashed azure today from beneath brooding dark eyebrows. His strong jawline flexed, and a streak of blood had smeared near his chin. She scooted to the edge of her seat and leaned forward. He watched her as she licked her thumb then rubbed gently on his skin to remove the smudge.

“There was still blood...”

He stilled her hand with his, his skin cool from the chill outside. His gaze transfixed her, filled with an unwavering possession that went straight to her toes. He desired her, and not just her body.

“What are we going to do about this, Alice?”

Raising her face to his, she kissed him, and in one desperate surge, he devoured her mouth.

Alice didn’t back down, unleashing all the pent up hunger and desire and curiosity that she’d kept bottled up since the day of their wedding.

Losing herself to the wanton display, her inhibitions obliterated, she reveled in the woodsy scent of his skin, in the lingering taste of coffee in his mouth. He crushed his lips to hers and hauled her atop his lap, pushing her bonnet from her head.

Breathing heavily, Alice ran her fingers into his black tresses, touching him as if her life depended on it, and slanted her lips onto his again. His tongue swept her mouth, and in a delirium, she joined hers with his.

Abruptly the carriage halted, and the sound of Stanley’s boots hitting the ground jolted Alice to awareness. She broke the embrace and threw herself back against the opposite bench. She grabbed her bonnet and quickly planted it atop her head and re-tied the ribbon, her hands trembling.

James watched her, his lust undisguised. “Alice.”

She shook her head. As soon as Stanley opened the door, she threw herself from the carriage, ran into the house, up the stairs and into her bedroom, then locked the door. Only then did she allow herself to catch her breath. She closed her eyes as she leaned back against the door.

God help me, I love him.

Chapter Twenty-Two

A
lone in the parlor, James ruminated over his wife, seeking to tamp down the unquenchable desire that she so easily ignited in him.

He burned for Alice, and, if it wasn’t so damn maddening, he’d laugh about his predicament.

It didn’t help that he’d seen her with William, the man standing close, his hands clutching her as if they shared an intimate secret. The anger he’d felt caught him quite by surprise. All he could think was that Alice was his.

He’d never been possessive or jealous over the handful of women he’d been involved with. He slumped in the leather chair and rubbed a hand down his face. He wanted nothing more than to take his wife into his arms and make love to her so she could understand that their connection wasn’t ordinary. She needed to know that this didn’t happen every day. No other woman had ever come close to his heart.

But isn’t that precisely what he’d wanted to avoid?

He stood and began to pace.

A housemaid appeared. “A letter, sir.”

James took it and nodded. She departed, and he unfolded the message. It was from Frank.

James,

How goes it with the snake?

Some news. I’ve just heard from a reliable source that Menhaden Fishing is about to lose its contracts with the oil factories they use up north. Daniel Endicott has been squeezing them for pricing, and they’re fed up.

When we take Menhaden Fishing, we’ll have to act quickly to restore those contracts.

Frank

It was suddenly clear why Endicott was interested in Lillie Jenkins. He wanted her oil factories.

In three days Alice would turn twenty-one. Then, James would have his hands on Menhaden Fishing as well as his wife. He’d take her back to Tiverton where he’d make amends and show Alice that they could have a real marriage.

And he would attempt to sign contracts with Lillie directly. That would help everyone involved, while leaving Daniel Endicott out of it.

James shook his head. How did it come down to him having to convince two headstrong females to get the rewards he sought?

* * * *

Later that day, Alice left the Endicott mansion and had Stanley drive her to Vera’s dress shop. She had the glass vase—wrapped and adorned with a bow—in hand. She planned to give it to Vera, since she didn’t know when she would have a chance to see her before Christmas.

Alice had stayed in her bedroom for much of the day, and James hadn’t disturbed her. She didn’t know whether she should be happy or concerned. Nevertheless, when she’d finally descended to the first floor she’d learned that he was gone. Daniel was absent as well.

Alice entered the dress shop. Vera’s current customer turned around.

“Lillie?”

“Alice, how nice to see you.” Lillie smiled warmly and came forward for a hug, dressed in a lavender coat and the hat with the bird’s nest Alice had seen her wearing weeks ago at the Tiverton Train Station.

Alice couldn’t help but like the woman’s genuineness. All the more reason why James would admire her as well.

“Do you know one another?” Vera asked.

“Yes. We’ve been recently acquainted.” Alice handed the gift to Vera. “This is for you. I wanted to drop it off before things became hectic with the holidays.”

“Thank you, my sweet.” Vera beamed. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I know, but I wanted to do something nice for you.”

As Vera went to the front of the store to place the gift under a Christmas tree adorned with popcorn garland and red ribbons, Lillie said, “Are you and James still staying with your stepfather?”

“Yes.”

Lillie’s expression became solemn. “I imagine James doesn’t like it and is being difficult.”

“A little, I suppose.”

Vera returned. “Would you both like some tea while I get Mrs. Jenkins’ order wrapped up for her?”

“That would be lovely,” Lillie replied.

Alice smiled to hide her uncertainty.

Once they were settled in the parlor where Alice had learned of the fate of the Martels at the hands of Daniel Endicott, a debate began in her mind. She needed a friend. But could she rely on Lillie Jenkins?

“I hope you don’t think me impertinent,” Alice began, “but why do you spend time with my stepfather?”

Lillie added a dash of cream to her tea then stirred. When she set the spoon on the saucer, the noise filled the silence in the room. Lillie took a sip then deposited the cup back to its resting place.

She was refined and elegant, and quite beautiful, and Alice found herself wishing she was more like this woman.

“Daniel can be very...demanding.” Lillie sighed. “I don’t want to offend you, Alice, by saying something hurtful about your stepfather.”

“There’s little you could say that would convince me he’s a man of high conviction and flawless intention.”

Lillie stared at her, then laughed. Alice smiled, somewhat relieved.

“Please tell me you won’t marry him,” Alice said. “I saw what it did to my mother. I wouldn’t wish the same for you.”

Lillie’s bearing changed. Gone was the warm-hearted woman from before; in her place was a somber specimen with a shrewd countenance. “I’m not a naive young girl. I think James still believes I am and seeks to protect me, due to his friendship with Stephen, but I’m perfectly capable of running my own life. I miss my husband with all my heart, but I won’t lie down and give up on life simply because he’s gone. He wouldn’t want that. But I also won’t be coddled by the men around me. I plan to run Stephen’s businesses myself.”

“Truly?” Alice asked, intrigued.

“Which brings me back to the naive young girl—you. Alice, I love James. As I told you, he’s like a brother to me, but it distresses me to think that he might’ve taken advantage of you. How is it that you met again?”

Alice faltered. “I’m not sure I should tell you.”

“I’m not pressing you. You can share as much or as little as you wish.”

Alice took a steadying breath. “I’m a mail-order bride.”

Lillie’s eyes widened. “Good Lord. I’ve heard of such things, but I always thought the women were desperate.”

An apprehensive laugh escaped Alice. “I suppose we are, but I’d like to think we’re women willing to take a risk and embrace the adventure of an entirely new situation.”

Lillie abandoned her tea and slumped back against the sofa. “James actually sent for a mail-order bride?”

Alice shook her head. “No. It was his brother, Frank.”

Recognition dawned on Lillie’s face. “Ah. That makes more sense. Frank has always been a tad impetuous.” Lillie’s brows knit together. “So why aren’t you married to him?”

“When I arrived, Frank was already spoken for. James agreed to take his place.”

Lillie shook her head. “This sounds so unlike James. Does he treat you well?”

“Yes, of course.” Before Alice could consider the ramifications of baring her soul to the other woman, she plunged ahead. “But we haven’t consummated the marriage.”

“Oh.” Lillie became silent.

“At first I thought it was because of me,” Alice continued nervously, “but now
I’m
keeping him out of my bedchamber.”

“Is there a reason the two of you haven’t, well, you know?”

Alice nodded. “I’ve recently learned some news that seems to put our marriage into a different perspective. On my twenty-first birthday, which is in three days’ time, I’m to inherit Menhaden Fishing.”

Once again, Lillie was speechless. Then, after the span of several seconds, she began to laugh, rocking back and forth, one arm holding her stomach and the other covering her face. She leaned forward, her chin upon the hand she’d used to hide her mirth. “Alice, I can’t emphasize this enough. Do not let these men run your life.”

“I’m trying, but I don’t have many resources.”

Lillie’s eyes sparkled. “I can help you with that. I have a lawyer—who can’t be swayed by the power of Daniel Endicott, I might add—and I understand the fishing business.” She paused. “Do you know the history between James’ father and Daniel concerning Menhaden Fishing?”

“Yes, I do.”

“James told you?” Lillie asked in surprise.

“No. I learned of it elsewhere.”

“Well then. I can tell that you’ve deduced this might be why James married you. Does he know about the inheritance?”

Alice chewed her lower lip. “I don’t know how he could, but he must. I believe he means to divorce me and take it once I receive ownership. I suppose I can’t blame him. Menhaden Fishing belonged to his father, after all. He simply wants it back.”

“But he used you to get it.” Lillie narrowed her eyes. “That’s rather backhanded in my book, if you ask me.”

“But we’re married, and as soon as I inherit—presuming, of course, that my stepfather doesn’t have something up his sleeve—James will take over, end our marriage, and be on his merry way.”

Lillie reached for Alice’s hand. “What is it that you wish from all of this?”

Taken aback by the question, the answer bubbled up from the depths of Alice’s soul. “I want a real marriage with James. I can’t help it, but I love him. I also want something of my own. I want to run Menhaden Fishing myself, but to be honest, I don’t know the first thing of how to go about it.”

Lillie retrieved her teacup and sipped thoughtfully, watching Alice with a cool gaze. “In the beginning, I didn’t understand business either, but Stephen was patient with me. He taught me much. I can’t say whether James would be as patient with you, but if you’ll let me, I can help you.”

“Why would you do this?”

Lillie grinned. “Bravo. You’re wise to be skeptical. Already you’re headed in the right direction.” She leaned forward. “All right, I
will
expect something in return.”

“What would that be?”

“First, that we be friends. Second, that you’ll negotiate an exclusive contract with my fish oil factories in Tiverton once you own Menhaden Fishing.”

“But James will technically own it.”

“Not if I can help it.”