Love Me With Fury (31 page)

Refusing to be so bold as to inquire for a date for her visit, she used a different means to get to know him better. If she was right about him, he was the perfect
choice to spend time with and to use to discourage other men. “Would you like to join my uncle and me for dinner Sunday? Do you ride?” she abruptly asked before he could eagerly accept.

“Yes, why?” he inquired.

“If you come early in the afternoon, you could show me the countryside. Uncle Henry is very caught up in business, and riding isn’t much fun with a sullen groom. The leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp and fresh. I’ve missed riding since being here.”

Her natural aura of vitality and innocence took over and shone brightly before the enchanted Joe. “I can think of nothing I would enjoy more than riding and dining with you on Sunday, Alexandria.”

“My close friends and family call me Alex. Please feel free to do so,” she coaxed, actually looking forward to Sunday.

Hearing the laughter of the others coming to join them and to compete for her attention, he quickly asked, “Would you like to see a play with me on Saturday evening?”

At the almost desperate edge to his hasty question, she glanced up at him. He literally blushed at his uncontrollable manner. Evidently he wanted to claim her before his brother could. “I’m sorry, Alexandria. I shouldn’t impose upon all your time.”

She plucked a small rose from a nearby bush and smelled its sweet odor. She handed it to him as she responded, “I find both you and your company most enjoyable, Joe. I’ll be ready whenever you call
Saturday night. And it’s Alex, remember?” she teased.

John headed straight toward them. A roguish smile claimed his lips as he huskily chided his twin brother, “You’re being too possessive with our lovely visitor, Joe. I’ve never seen you so taken with a female before.”

To dismiss the sudden tension in the air, Alex smiled and protested, “Joe and I seem to have a great deal in common. Your brother is a most fascinating man. He’s going to teach me something about the law next week.”

“You invited Alexandria to your office?” he asked, thoroughly shocked.

“Why not?” Joe indifferently stated, realizing Alex had just come to his rescue. “She’s the most intelligent and refreshing woman I’ve met to date,” he declared with unusual confidence and boldness. “Alex and I are also taking in that new play next Saturday,” he smugly announced.

“Alex?” he echoed, eying both of them curiously.

“That’s what my friends call me,” she informed him, delighting in the way their friendliness was clearly effecting John.

“You really work fast, brother,” he noted, reluctant respect in his tone. He instantly resorted to playful deviltry. “Or is our Alex kindly working upon that excessive shyness of yours?”

Joe stiffened as he caught his brother’s attempt to unsettle and mock him. Incensed by this rude behavior, Alex quickly asserted, “I haven’t found Joe
the least shy. We were having a delightful conversation,” she said, stressing the past tense in her statement.

John astutely read the irritation and protectiveness in her gaze. What a provocative mixture of lava and snow! She was as finely polished and honed as a rare gem or a deadly weapon. Yet, he detected an enticing quality of gentleness. She was definitely well-bred and well-educated. But, oh, so feminine and sensitive! A seductive body, a delicate nature, an exquisite face, wit and poise, charm and breeding…Did she lack nothing?

“Perhaps I should explain, Alex,” he began, cautioning himself to his most charming and polite manner. “Joe and I tease each other like this all the time. We’re really very close,” he lied outright.

His scrutiny and conclusions didn’t go unnoticed by either Joe or Alex. “Perhaps it’s time to call a halt to such boyish mischief. Sometimes playful jesting gets out of hand and inspires trouble,” Alex wisely hinted.

“Old habits are hard to break,” he fenced in a mellow tone.

“I’m sure they are, but we all grow up sometime,” she lighted parried.

“Perhaps I can make amends by taking you to dinner Sunday?”

She smiled at Joe and genially declined, “I’ve invited Joe to come riding and dining with us Sunday.”

This added bit of news rankled John. “Sunday
dinner and riding, a play on Saturday, a visit to your office, and a trip to the carnival all in less than an hour? Perhaps I should take lessons from you, brother.”

John couldn’t believe his ears when Joe flippantly agreed. Before this conversation could further deteriorate, Daniel came over to join them. He handed Alex a glass of sherry and boldly insinuated, “Perhaps some refreshment would be in order. We could hear this battle for Alex’s attention clear across the way.”

Alex pinkened at his subtle insult. Joe hastily said, “Rudeness is most unbecoming on you, Dan. You can hardly blame John and I for our brazen conduct.”

“You look most enchanting tonight, Alex, but your appearance lacks one extra item.” At her quizzical look, he added in a curt tone, “A matching bracelet, perhaps with diamonds, would do it.”

Puzzled, she simply stared at him. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Daniel, but I don’t own one.”

Missing his point entirely and in the dark as to his following reaction, she couldn’t explain his irrational anger and terse response. “You don’t own one?” he stormed at her so loudly the others turned to look at them.

At a complete loss as to his meaning, she innocently replied, “No.”

Beyond control in his unjust outrage, he snarled bitterly, “It was quite expensive, Alex. Did you give it away or sell it?”

“What are you talking about?” she inquired,
distressed by his clear intent to embarrass her.

John caught his arm and shook him. “I don’t know what your problem is, Dan, but I can’t permit you to treat Alex like this. Drop it,” he warned.

“Certainly not, John. A woman doesn’t accept such an expensive gift then turn her nose up to you!” he finally succeeded in blurting out the motive behind his actions.

“But I didn’t accept it!” Alex protested. “I never accept gifts from any man! After you delivered it, I told my maid to rewrap it and return it that same day! I gave you no reason to believe you could bribe me with expensive trinkets! In fact, I dislike you immensely, Daniel Grey. You have more hands than an oc…” Suddenly aware of what she was saying, she flushed and hesitated.

At the unwitting drop of that personal information, John was grinning ear to ear. “The bracelet was never returned to me, love,” he sneered as if calling her a liar.

“It must have! I gave it to Tessa and told her…” She halted once more as suspicion filled her. Of course! That was where she got the money to leave! All this time Daniel assumed she had kept it!

Dismayed by this conclusion, she lifted her chin proudly and forced an apology, “Evidently my maid stole the bracelet. Since she ran away months ago, I can hardly demand the bracelet from her. At least I can now understand your hatefulness.” She stunned the entire group by removing her emerald heart
pendant of comparative value and handing it to Daniel. “If I’m any judge of such things, this should amply cover your loss. Accept it with my apology.” She pressed the necklace into his palm and turned to Joe. “If you don’t mind, Joe, will you please escort me inside to say good night? I’m still weak from my recent illness and this evening has been most exhausting.”

As they strolled into the house, Alex heard John sneer at Daniel, “You stupid ass! Don’t you recognize quality when you see it? If you keep that necklace, you’re a bigger idiot than you look now!”

“What was I supposed to think?” Daniel snapped.

“Before you go accusing people of things, get your facts straight! Your conduct is unforgivable…” Inside, the rest of his verbal chastisement was lost to a befuddled Alex. Like his brother, there was more to John than she had realized.

Henry was upset by the paleness of his niece’s face and the tremors in her body. Her poise sorely strained, she could hardly voice her gratitude and farewells. Joe walked them to the carriage. “I’m deeply sorry, Alex.”

His heart raced wildly as she lifted misty eyes to his. She tenderly caressed his cheek and murmured, “My gallant and indispensable knight, I thank you for everything.”

Henry couldn’t imagine what was going on or what had preceded this strange behavior. Wide-eyed, he witnessed another baffling scene. Joe leaned over and placed a kiss upon her forehead and murmured, “I’ll see you Sunday.”

She smiled, close to tears, and nodded, unable to
speak aloud. He assisted her into the carriage and it drove off. Henry stared at her. “What was that all about?”

“Give me a few moments to calm down, Uncle Henry. You’ll never believe what happened tonight,” she ventured, dabbing at her tears.

“…something in the wind.”
—
A Comedy of Errors,
William Shakespeare

The distance between Henry’s and the Gillises’ was covered in strained silence and soft weeping. Once inside his study, Henry pressed a glass of brandy into Alex’s shaking hand and ordered her to drink it. When she halted after the first fiery sip, he insisted she quickly down the entire contents of the glass. She did, coughing after its searing trail, watering her eyes even more.

“Now, sit down and tell me who and what distressed you so,” Henry tenderly pressed.

“You recall how mystified we were by Tessa’s flight without protection or money?” When he nodded, she went on, “That mystery was rudely solved tonight. When I was here last, Daniel Grey sent me a very expensive bracelet of diamonds and emeralds to hopefully halt my resistance to those seeking hands he was always putting all over me. He’s such a lecherous fiend, Uncle Henry. Naturally I refused the gift for many reasons. I told Tessa to have your head servant return it to Daniel the same day he sent it here, the day before I sailed. I assumed she had done so, but evidently she kept it.”

“What?” he shouted in shock.

“I couldn’t understand why Daniel was so hateful to me all evening. I thought he was only upset because of my rebuffs. He was furious because he actually thought I had kept the bracelet without giving him any special favors in return. He even suggested I had either sold it or given it away to spite him. We had a violent and humiliating argument right there in front of everyone before I comprehended what Tessa had done. Since I was innocently to blame, I apologized and explained; I gave him my necklace as repayment.”

“He took your necklace even after you explained about the theft?”

“Yes, sir. After all, Tessa was my servant and the bracelet was quite expensive,” she tried to justify her settlement to the nasty incident.

“No matter, child; a real gentleman would never have behaved in such a disgusting manner. He should never have mentioned the gift in the first place. Gifts belong to the receiver! If you couldn’t do with it as you pleased, he should never have offered it to you! What did the others say?”

“The girls, nothing. I couldn’t believe any man would make such a scene over another female in front of his date. I felt so ashamed for Joanna. Seth and Madison remained with the girls and didn’t interfere. John and Joe took my side. But it was John who acted as my defender, strange as that sounds. He was just as furious as Daniel. When he couldn’t stop the whole matter, he gave Daniel a terrible tongue-lashing. I thought it best to leave quickly, which I did.”

“I’m terribly sorry, Alex. I never wanted your first evening to end like this. But Helen was the one I was concerned about, not one of the men. Jealousy and revenge take heavy tolls on a person. Rest assured, I shall have a word or two with that offensive young man!”

“Please don’t, Uncle Henry. Let it pass. I would prefer he didn’t have a chance to apologize. Perhaps the lesson was worth the necklace. From now on, I’ll see to my own private affairs and I won’t pretend a friendship just for social amenities. I was too nice to him just to avoid any unpleasant scenes. I didn’t expect to see him again. Now I see why so many women are viewed as haughty and cold; it takes such acts to prevent misunderstandings and repulsive scenes like I endured tonight. From now on, if I despise a man, he’ll be sure to know it! Helen must have savored every minute of it.”

“I doubt it, child. After all, Daniel behaved like an insanely jealous suitor who was being rejected after plying you with expensive gifts. Your poise and unselfish act of repayment surely stunned them and won you some respect. The men were naturally on the side of a ravishing, unjustly assailed lady. It’s hard to believe John actually defended you; he’s never done anything so gallant for a female before. It’s usually the other way around. Why he’s the most envied, soughtafter bachelor around I’ll never understand; he beats countless women off every single day. Could it be our roguish charmer has met his match? I think he’s taken with you, Alex.”

“Uncle Henry! Besides, men like John Wells are never true to any one female, including their wives. He’s arrogant and selfish. He’s a taker and a user. I don’t like such men. Anyway, you should be delighted to know that I’m seeing Joe Wells several times in the next two weeks.” She went on to relate their plans.

“How in the world did you manage not one invitation, but four? Joe’s so reserved that women fail to notice him at all.”

“I know. We had some time alone to chat. He’s really very warm and gentle. He’s very intelligent and charming, too. I just about had him relaxed enough to talk openly and freely until John swaggered up and tried to steal his thunder.”

“That’s the John I know,” Henry humorously concurred. “Joe’s a pleasant man, Alex. He’s hardworking, dependable, and serious. But I should warn you to step lightly and careful where he’s concerned.”

Alex studied him a moment. Why was he so concerned and tense? She asked for an explanation.

“Like you realize,” Henry said, “he is smart. He doesn’t have his brother’s colorful flair, but Joe Wells gets what he goes after. In contrast to John, he does it with cunning and persistence rather than looks and charm. Don’t underestimate his power and reserved air. Be careful, Alex. In fact, I trust John more than Joe. John doesn’t pretend. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to learn Joe is working secretly for the British. Whatever you do, keep a guard on your tongue around him. He knows I’m friends with some of the most powerful, influential men in America.”

“What can I do now? I’ve already accepted his invitations. I thought it would please you if I got out some. Joe seemed so quiet and safe,” she confessed.

“I thought as much. Just be on guard around him,” he warned gravely. To her dismay and shock, he added, “With two visits so close together, he might suspect you of being a spy for the same side. He could be feeling you out, or he may have some far-fetched idea of enlisting your help. As incredible as it sounds, several of the English spies captured have been lovely and innocent-looking females.”

Alex instantly recalled Joshua’s suspicions and claims. Was it possible he had been serious and justifiably concerned? To think of herself innocently caught in another similar situation here alarmed her. She abruptly questioned him about the curiously ignored petticoat, “Uncle Henry? What was written on that petticoat you asked me to take to Papa?”

Henry paled and trembled at its recall. “What happened to it, Alex?” he choked in panic.

Witnessing his reaction, she deceived him, “I stuffed it out the porthole like you asked.” She dared not tell him it was seized before success. “What was on it?” she persisted.

“Nothing important, child, just business,” he stated noncommittally.

“I have a right to know what I risked my life and honor for, Uncle Henry. I insist you tell me. Was there anything traitorous upon it?”

Paling and shaking once more, he stammered, “I…told you…it was only…business.”

“Forgive my impertinence, Uncle, but you aren’t telling the truth,” Alex charged.

Trapped, he deceptively explained, “Your father and I are using privateers to carry on our trade. If we don’t, we’ll both be financially ruined by the time this war’s over. Only certain ships can be trusted and certain goods are most valuable in times like these: food, weapons, and medical supplies. Naturally such trade between us might be viewed as conspiring with the enemy. We Americans need such things and your father helps me get them.”

Alex suddenly realized he was being partially honest.

“The petticoat listed names and dates for shipments and what items we needed the most,” Henry continued. “Surely you can see how incriminating such information would be in the wrong hands?”

“What if I had been caught with that information?” she blurted out, angered and hurt at being used by her family.

“I knew you would handle the matter quickly and efficiently. There was no danger to you,” he reasoned, unaware of how wrong he was.

To argue his point would reveal matters she wished to remain secret. She almost laughed at the painful absurdity of the entire adventure. How would Joshua feel if he learned she had actually been helping his chosen side? She had suffered for nothing! Her hat! “Did my hat contain similar messages from Papa?”

“Yes, Alex,” he confirmed her suspicion.

To clarify all of her confusion, she asked, “If you
and Papa are working together, why is Joe a threat to you…if you’re right about him?”

“I fear Joe is working for the British to help win the war for them. In his position and with his innocent air, he has access to some vital facts the British would pay hefty sums to attain. Just think what would happen to your father if Joe or anyone learned of his assistance to me.”

“Why would Papa do such a thing?” she wailed.

“This time, Alex, the King is wrong, England is wrong, and this bloody war is wrong. Is he supposed to idly stand by and simply observe such a travesty in the name of patriotism? There comes a time when a man must decide his own views. Which is more important: mindless loyalty for your country or your own honor and conscience?”

“I honestly don’t know how to reply,” she candidly answered.

“You once asked me not to mention your misadventure at sea to your father, now I’m asking you to keep your knowledge of this matter a secret from Charles. It would distress him just as much to discover you had learned of his actions. He loves you and wants to protect you. Don’t let any of this pass beyond this room ever. Agreed?” he requested.

“I promise,” Alex acquiesced. “I won’t mention it again, unless it’s to relate something curious about Joe.”

“Don’t play the heroic spy and gain his suspicion, Alex. He’s smart. I know how willful and eager for excitement you can be. This time, it could endanger
several lives, including your own. If Joe is what I think he is, he wouldn’t be above sacrificing you to the authorities to protect himself.”

“I’ll be careful, Uncle Henry. I’ll not ask a single question. Thank goodness you told me about him. I could have innocently done all of us great harm.”

Between that night and Sunday afternoon, all Alex could think of was this strange turn in events and her time with Joshua. Every time she thought she had one episode puzzled out and solved, new doubts entangled it. Joshua was a privateer, a pirate. From what she had seen and heard, his notoriety was justly earned. So many pretenses surrounded her. Which side did he truly work for? How deeply was her family involved? How could she became enmeshed in this dangerous and bizzare puzzle? How she longed to return home and have her life settle down!

During her ride with Joe, Alex was just as quiet and guarded as he was. Joe could sense her restraint and anxiety. He chalked it up to modesty and breeding. After all, she was a refined lady and they were newly acquainted. She was polite, charming, and friendly; but he was the one attempting to pull her from her shell today! He moodily speculated that perhaps after meeting John she was sorry she had accepted his company so hastily. For certain, he sensed she was slightly uneasy around aggressive men. He wondered if her constraint and apprehension were the results of some painful affair in the past. Frankly, he couldn’t imagine any man refusing her. Odd for a girl like her to avoid masculine attention and adoration. Perhaps it
was only the combination of so much attention which frightened her. No matter, she would suit all of his intentions very nicely.

Alex’s strain was more noticeable at dinner. It was clear she was forcing herself to be genial and poised. Where had all her spontaneity gone? Did she perhaps fear he would also resort to pressure upon her as Daniel had and treat her badly when she resisted? Of course! She was probably still suffering from embarrassment at his witnessing of that event.

When dinner was finally over and Joe had departed, Alex sighed in relief. Weary from the strain, she went to bed immediately, but not before Henry complimented her excellent conduct.

On Thursday, the carnival passed swiftly in a blur of sights, sounds, and merriment. With so much to see and do, Alex had little difficulty with her carefree pretense in the noisy crowd. She managed to relax enough to share a delightful day with him. Pleading fatigue, she sweetly refused his invitation to dinner. At the door, Joe pressed a light kiss to her lips and thanked her for a wonderful day. He said he would call for her about six on Saturday. He suggested they eat after the play at a romantic spot. When he playfully debated her reluctance to such a late evening alone, she felt compelled to agree.

“I’ve never pressured any female with unwanted attentions, Alex, and I promise not to start with you. You’re a very special woman who deserves special treatment. I promise to control my deep affection for you.

She laughed merrily. “With such a promise from a man like you, I accept. See you at six.”

That next day, Alex cast all modesty aside to boldly ride in a man’s style in a full skirt which revealed a knicker cut with certain movements. Gizelle had been appalled at her suggestion of this daring and improper riding outfit, but had complied. Accustomed to riding bareback and spread-legged at home, she despised the discomfort of the English side-saddle which she was compelled to endure in public.

She gave her mount his lead and galloped headlong across the meadow at a breakneck speed. The wind snatched at her laughter and hair, spreading it out behind her like a flowing mane of amber. Seized by a heady sense of danger and elation, she encouraged the horse to an even faster pace. She was totally unaware of the frantic man swiftly overtaking her with his magnificent white stallion. She screamed in surprise as she was suddenly snatched from her saddle.

Bouncing precariously in his tight grip around her slender waist until he could slow and halt his horse, she fumed at this outrageous act of daring. She was carefully deposited upon the ground and hurriedly joined by her panicky rescuer.

He seized her shoulders and asked, “Are you all right, Alex? I was scared stiff when I saw that horse running away with you. You should never go riding alone. You could have an accident or confront some dangerous villain,” he scolded her. “It isn’t beyond our enemies to send scouts down here. We are at war, girl!”