Love Me With Fury (30 page)

They lingered over a light lunch at a quaint inn. They laughed and talked until her sides ached, a marvelous feeling she had missed. Pushing all painful memories aside, she sank her pearly teeth into this new and intoxicating bite of life. Pleasantly fatigued, their return ride passed in tranquil silence.

To look her absolute best for tonight’s event, Alex rested for an hour with a cold wet cloth upon her eyes. She took a lengthy and enlivening bath in a warm tub of fragrant bubbles. Taking two hours with her hair and clothes, when she finally descended the steps, Henry couldn’t take his eyes from the entrancing sight which gracefully floated down the steps and walked toward him.

She playfully quizzed, “Will Lady Alexandria Hampton be at her finest tonight, dear uncle?”

“Utterly matchless and enchanting, my child,” he complimented her. “To recall how you resisted that gown is beyond me. It is perfect and bewitching.”

She slowly twirled before him to allow his scrutiny. Never one to adhere to stuffy fashion, her tawny hair was artfully drawn up near the top of her head to allow a cascade of heavy ringlets to fall to her creamy shoulders. Wispy curls like golden feathers rested upon her forehead and fell beside her ears. Not a pin, comb, or ornament distracted from the lovely style which enhanced and revealed her flawless face.

Like two precious emeralds, her green eyes glittered with pride and enticement. A carry-over from her days at sea, her skin was still a soft caramel shade. A subtle hint of color played upon her cheeks and lips. His eyes
lowered in vivid appreciation and affection. Emerald earrings and a solitary matching stone at the swell of her breasts were her only embellishments. A fragile gold chain held the heart-shaped stone in place.

But her dress and hair inspired the reasons for her transformation from carefree child to seductive woman. Again her lack of concern for normal fashion was revealed by her gown. Henry never knew it was the vivacious French seamstress who had designed and insisted upon this particular dress, raving about how perfect it was for her figure and coloring. Lacking the strength or will to argue back then, she had let the charming creature to do as she pleased. At this moment, she was glad.

The neckline dipped to a V which halted only in time to prevent exposing her bosom in a most immodest manner. So recently from France where fashion was at its peak and originality, the seamstress was talented beyond her age. The puffed, elbow-length sleeves were secured at the shoulders with flat bows. The bodice was plain and sized perfectly to flatter without boldness. The waist was snug and the skirt was full, highlighting Alex’s diminutive waist. At the middle of her waist in the front, the outer skirt was slashed to the hem and sloped to either side to reveal an underskir of expensive lace over satin in a color which matched the lush green of the satin gown. Except for the delicate lace and cut-away overskirt, there was nothing to detract from the elegant simplicity of the becoming gown. Gizelle had used no contrasting color to spoil its effect. Satin slippers in
matching emerald green completed her attire.

As Henry caught her hand and kissed it fondly, he noted she wore only a single emerald ring upon her graceful right hand. Just before asking about the emerald and diamond bracelet Daniel Grey had mentioned giving to her, he changed his mind and offered to let her wear one which had belonged to his deceased wife.

“Thank you, Uncle Henry; you’re so kind and thoughtful. But I don’t want to overwhelm our hosts with a king’s fortune in jewels. Besides, counting the dress, my hair, and these other stones, no one will even notice the girl at all,” she impishly alleged.

“There won’t be a soul present who won’t know you’re there, child. Ready to leave; the carriage is waiting.” He took her elbow and led her outside and into his carriage.

“Drive slowly, Zachary. I don’t want to muss my hair,” she entreated, eagerly anticipating the impending charade.

Timed just right, they were the last guests to arrive at the Gillises. After the butler answered the door, every eye was trained upon them as they entered the drawing room. Standing poised like an earth-bound goddess on her uncle’s arm, every conversation and movement ceased abruptly as they were announced, “Henry Cowling and his niece Lady Alexandria Hampton.”

Alex was amused when even their host and hostess had difficulty regaining their composures before coming forward and greeting them. Robert Gillis’s
admiration and astonishment was as evident as Mrs. Gillis’s annoyance and chilling manner. All smiles and refinement, Alex politely spoke with each one and waited patiently as her uncle did the same. It was Robert who saved the moment by cordially introducing each guest present.

Alluring green eyes gradually followed his direction as the names were given to her. Amidst another brief conversation between her uncle and Robert, she made her hasty assessments of each person. Alice was indeed plain, but her timid smile was friendly. Alex spontaneously returned it. The Howards’ daughters were a curious variety: one flaming redhead, one drab blonde, and one raven-haired girl who looked the youngest and brightest of the group.

Helen was in a class to herself. A sultry brunette with sky-blue eyes and a ripe figure was shooting visual daggers at this unwanted opponent. Her carriage was haughty and sullen; her mood, childishly envious. Decked out in bright sunny yellow, it was clear she vividly resented Alex’s presence. She turned up her nose and chatted with the two males on either side of her.

From her uncle’s previous descriptions, it was easy to pick which ruggedly handsome male was John or Joe. Minus their noticeable difference in behavior, both were identical: dark blond hair, sapphire eyes, proud and well-defined features, and a heavy dose of masculine appeal. Alex quickly noted one striking difference: John’s golden tan was much darker than Joe’s tawny one.

She had forced herself to smile pleasantly and nod at Seth, Steven, and Daniel. From Daniel’s smoldering and displeased gaze, Alex knew he was sorry for having brought a companion along, no doubt to harass Helen. Yet, a sparkle of fury was noted in his eyes. Could it be he was still piqued with her for refusing to see him since her return? Could it be he doubted her uncle’s claims of illness? Why did he keep staring at her wrists, then glaring coldly at her? No matter, she flippantly decided. She had no intention of using Daniel in her sport tonight. Thankfully, he was out of competition anyway. He turned to respond to something his companion had said. She was pretty, but no competition for either her or Helen.

Knowing it was time for dinner, both Alex and her uncle politely declined a glass of sherry. The bell rang and they strolled arm in arm to the massive dining room. Alex was impressed by what she witnessed there and during dinner. In spite of her first impression, they lived elegantly and certainly knew how to entertain with a flair, sparing no expense.

Before she caught what was taking place, she found herself seated between John and Joe Wells and across from Daniel. Her uncle was four places away, too far to converse with or retreat for reprieve. Robert sat at the head of the lengthy table with Joe to his right and Helen to his left, then came John next to herself and Daniel next to Helen. The placement of the guests seemed odd to her. Helen between her father and a man who had brought his own date? Enlightenment gradually filled her: Helen had obviously resolved to
be near her and the Wells twins!

In spite of Helen’s brazen digs at her and the combined attentions of Robert, Joe, and John, the dinner was swift and delicious. During brief moments between casual banter, Alex irritably noticed how Helen feigned a romantic interest in Daniel right before his companion’s sad eyes. Soon, Alex felt sorry for the young woman. She was clearly embarrassed and unsettled. To aid the girl and to nettle Helen, Alex made it a point to continually draw her into the conversation. Aware of what the English girl was doing, Joanna smiled warmly and compelled herself to battle for Daniel’s attention.

Frivolous topics carried the conversations until Helen, fuming with jealousy and spite, sweetly declared, “Isn’t the war going well, Father? We’re certainly giving those nasty, uncivilized English a fight to long remember. Such dreadful people! They’re never at peace for very long. No doubt they still carry the blood of their barbarian conquerors.”

Everyone at that end of the table halted to stare at the malicious girl in astonishment. Before she could prevent it, Alex flushed a deep crimson. Robert hissed in unsuppressed anger, “Cease such foolish prattle, daughter. Have you forgotten we have an English guest this evening?”

Practically cooing in a mock southern drawl, Helen pretended to apologize, “I’m so sorry, Lady Hampton. I do declare I forgot my manners and your loyalty to your homeland. Whatever possessed me to be so rude
and thoughtless?”

Swiftly regaining her poise, Alex smiled and replied, “Please don’t fret, Helen; everyone is rude and thoughtless on occasion. But I should remind you, England did not declare this present war or the previous one with your delightful country, nor the one against that tyrant Napoleon. Perhaps I should loan you one of my history books. It is most distressing and embarrassing to find oneself in such gross error in public. As to my English heritage, I am very proud of it.”

Turning to Joe, she ended her snide attempt to humiliate her by asking, “Weren’t you telling me about a carnival here soon?”

Never having enjoyed any moment so much, Joe smiled in warmth and satisfaction. No one had ever so cunningly and politely silenced that little snit across the table. “I’d be delighted to take you to see it,” he offered, smiling tenderly.

“Hold on, brother,” John protested. “I was going to invite Alexandria to go with me.”

Alex could feel the force of Helen’s venomous glares as the two males argued over who was to escort her to the fair next week. Not wishing to create any hard feelings at this early date, she smiled and thanked John, but accepted Joe’s invitation. She was relieved he had asked first, giving her a logical reason to accept him. John’s arrogant, self-assured, suave manner reminded her too much of another man, one she wanted to forget.

Besides, Joe emanated a gentleness and charm which evidenced peace of mind. If she was any judge of men, he would behave the perfect gentleman and be good company for her. Determined to make her presence known, Helen vied for John’s attention, freeing Alex to focus hers upon Joe. Perhaps this man was someone to learn more about…

Yet, Helen wasn’t the only one near her who radiated a strong feeling of resentment. Strange as it seemed, Daniel practically ignored Alex. Still, she was disquieted and perplexed by his coolness and reserve. Some masculine ploy to intrigue or punish her? She smiled to herself, dismissing him.

Alex hoped to seek out her uncle to converse with after dinner, but she was denied this much-needed break. Robert arose and said, “Let’s retire to the drawing room. I’m sure you young people would rather talk and get acquainted outside in the fresh air. Helen, lead the way.”

As Alex passed her uncle, she cast him a look of appeal to rescue her as soon as possible. He smiled and nodded in understanding. This was her first outing since her dreadful time with those bloody pirates. He would visit just long enough to be courteous, then use the excuse of her alleged recovery to depart. He was beaming with pride; she had fared well tonight.

Her second glance of appeal was sent to Joe, who quickly read and followed it. He took her arm and led the way outside before Helen could do so. At present, Helen was cooing and melting pretentiously over
Daniel and John. Alex ignored the fact Joe knew his way around this particular home.

The terrace to the side of the house was enclosed by a waist-high wall. Alex and Joe walked over to it and halted there. Placing her hands upon it, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, inhaling the invigorating air.

“I’m sorry, Alexandria; Helen doesn’t make it easy or pleasant for any female and certainly not one as beautiful as you. I’ve seen her at work before, but never with the intensity and spitefulness she displayed tonight. I hope that little scene won’t color your opinion of all Americans.”

She turned her head and smiled at him. “In all honesty, Joe, she’s the only disagreeable one I’ve met so far. I pride myself in my manners, but I was sorely tempted to forget them several times during dinner.” She sighed in relief. It was good to have a few moments to relax. “Thanks for chivalrously coming to my rescue more than once. I much prefer to avoid tense moments like that. Tell me about yourself,” she encouraged, needing to begin another topic.

He grinned. “There isn’t much to tell. John’s the outgoing one.”

She sensed a slight envy and resentment in his tone. “What do you do?” she inquired, acting as if John didn’t exist.

“I finished school last spring. I’m a lawyer, or trying to become one. As soon as this war’s over, I’ll be working with Mr. Webster.”

“Daniel Webster?” she inquired.

“One and the same,” he replied without a trace of detectable arrogance.

Impressed, she smiled and remarked, “You must have fine potential for a man of his esteem to be interested in you. Even a foreigner like myself has heard of him. Do you have your own office yet?”

As if surprised she hadn’t asked what his brother did, he lifted his brow and glanced at her. “I have a small one in town. I’d be honored if you visited me and shared some lunch.”

Alex brightened and accepted so hastily that his astonishment amused her. “You look surprised I would accept. You were serious, weren’t you?”

“Yes, but I never imagined you would agree,” he admitted.

“I’ve never seen a barrister’s office before. It would be fun to do so. Who knows, I might have need of a lawyer one day,” she sweetly informed him, using the American term this time.

He laughed. “I can’t imagine you ever in trouble or need of my services.”

“One never knows,” she declared softly. She was pleased to discover him relaxing and opening up with her. In this private setting and with her disarming manner, his restraint and sensitive aura relented to her mellow and vivacious air.