My Forbidden Mentor (5 page)

The next morning John and Melissa stood inside John’s private viewing box at Catterick Racetrack. John became furious when she revealed the discussion she’d had with her father. She had ignored their agreement. After obtaining a level of composure, he responded. “Damn it all Melissa! We had an understanding about this, did we not? What happened to your part of it?” His voice remained low but severe. His arms crossed over his broad chest, his lips thinned, and his eyes narrowed in consideration.

She didn’t like the tension in his jaw. It was tight, like his teeth were grinding together. Perhaps they were. She couldn’t blame him for being angry with her. At the time when she indulged her father she was beyond exhilaration and at the same time her admission served to prepare him, however she had not anticipated her father requesting another private conversation with Lord Blackburn. If she had known that was going to happen she would have waited, but now it seems she had overcompensated, going from telling lies, which was out of character, to telling more truth than be known. She hadn’t meant to break their agreement. “Forgive me I never expected him to react that way. In the end he seemed agreeable.”

John glared some more before tipping his head back to peer into a ceiling of blue sky and white clouds. After a moment of silence his head shifted forward. “Melissa, we have got to trust each other. If I cannot trust you, I cannot teach you.” He saw a forgiving reaction in her, which he appreciated.

She stood with hands clasped in front of her, her eyes worried, the edge of her teeth biting into her bottom lip. “I promise it will not happen again. I’ve made a terrible mistake and I feel awful about it,” she told him and fell silent, waiting for his response, but when he did not speak she became desperate. “I promise you can trust me,” she pleaded.

His arms unfolded and his hands went to her shoulders in a light grasp. “No more chances after this. Are you sure you understand?” he questioned as his features softened while clarifying his point.

She couldn’t blame him. He’d done nothing so far to cause her to question him, yet time after time she’d done just the opposite to him. She gave him a generous smile, “I understand, and I don’t blame you for being upset with me.”

He squeezed her shoulders tighter, smiling in response. “I’m not upset anymore, what’s done is done. I will meet your father again, and without your intrusion this time?”

“You have another promise on that. I assure you,” she told him with confidence.

“Good. Now let me show you around the track and we’ll discuss a time to meet with your father.”

As they toured the track John explained his start involving horses, how he had traveled to Catterick Village to observe the horses and study the trainers, deciding that one day he would train his own horses and have champion racers. As John told his childhood story the words seemed to flow out of him. It was rare that he talked about himself and now, with Melissa, he was feeling free to do so. He went on explaining his increasing involvement as he became older.

By age nineteen he had helped finance a new racecourse to be built for Catterick and within the next few years he acquired his first stallion, Monarch. After Monarch became a champion John purchased a couple of high dollar mares for breeding. The breeding of Monarch and his favorite mare, Clara, resulted in his present upcoming champion, his stallion Chief. Chief was born with the chestnut coloring of his father but the balanced temperament of his mother. He was John’s masterpiece and he had molded him from birth until the present.

Melissa seemed intrigued. She would ask question after endless question about every process he’d endured. Her solid interest in his livelihood struck him with an unusual sense of comfort and ease. Never before had a woman listened to him with such depth. Never had his attention been so set on a woman and her reactions, for with Melissa he was learning to expect the unexpected.

Side by side John and Melissa rode toward John’s home. They continued their chat about John’s race course experience until reaching his manor. While John checked his messages from his service man Charles, Melissa took in the magnificent surroundings of his thoroughbred heaven. Before Melissa had a chance to explore the many glorious beasts John resumed his task of escorting her home.

After arriving at her home a short time later, they stood leaning against the wooden posts of the corral sharing horse stories while waiting for Mr. Howard to arrive home. The sound of horse hooves got their attention.

Phillip came to a stop and slid off his mare. Leading her toward the barn, he nodded toward them. “Lord Blackburn, Melissa.”

Melissa walked quickly to reach her father and offered to take care of his mare, knowing he was tired from work and that he and Lord Blackburn had important matters to discuss. “Father let me tend to your horse,” she said as she took the reins from him.

Phillip sighed. “Thank you, lass.” He gave her a weary smile, then turned his attention to John. “Lord Blackburn would you like to go inside and have a drink?”

John pushed away from the wooden post to fall in step with Mr. Howard as they made their way to the front door. “Yes sir, sounds fine to me.”

This time their situation appeared more at ease because before John realized it he had a glass of brandy in his hand. Mr. Howard hadn’t wasted any time supplying refreshments. They sat across from each as they had before, both taking generous sips before venturing into stressed territory.

John began. “Mr. Howard, let me start by saying that I believe your daughter has tremendous talent in racing.” He took another quick sip.

Mr. Howard could tell this was just as awkward for the lord as it had been for him. It might have been easier to handle had John wanted to court Melissa, but in this case the circumstances were different. “Lord Blackburn, I appreciate your professional judgment regarding Melissa and I agree with you.” He used the back of his hand to wipe a generous bead of sweat off his forehead. “And to ease your mind, I feel you’re genuine about teaching my daughter to race professionally, but what I have trouble understanding is how you can possibly think to manage it? I mean, and I would never say this in front of my daughter, but you’ve got to know the risk you’re taking here, with her being a woman, you know?”

“You’re right about that sir, but I must say that your daughter can be very convincing, and with her talent to back her, it was hard to resist. I’m sure it’s apparent that I’ve seen her ride or I would never have been so eager to agree.” He leaned forward to set his drink on the side table. “And before beginning any training at all I’ve made it clear to your daughter that I wanted to get your approval and have you be aware of every aspect of the situation.” Phillip looked impressed, his features taking on an expression of consideration.

Phillip lifted a small wooden box off of the table next to him. Opening it, he scooped a generous amount of tobacco, placing it in a wooden pipe and packing it down. He positioned the pipe in his mouth and before lighting it he offered John some. “Care for a pipe, Lord Blackburn?”

“No thank you, sir I don’t smoke.”

Phillip set fire to the packed tobacco and began puffing at it, causing smoke to seep out between his lips. “I’m pleased by your respect for my position Lord Blackburn, but I have another question I’d like to ask.” John nodded in response. “What do you truly have to gain by having my daughter ride for you?”

It was a fair question, John agreed. “Well sir, top champion racers, which in turn will make me money. But the thought of having champion thoroughbreds that cannot be beat, that is my ultimate goal, and your daughter will help me achieve that goal. Without her, I’m not sure if I could get as far.”

More puffs of smoke blew out of Phillip’s mouth. “That’s quite a compliment regarding my daughter. Is this fondness for my daughter exclusive for racing purposes?”

He watched Phillip take another swig of scotch, placing the pipe back into his mouth. “Yes sir. That was my initial intention for your daughter and it remains the same.”

“No thoughts of romance, Lord Blackburn?” Phillip asked with an arch of a gray brow.

“Mr. Howard, I won’t deny that your daughter is very attractive but the endeavors we will take together have to be strictly business or it will not work. I will remain professional.”

Phillip smiled at John’s tension. “Thank you for your honesty, Lord Blackburn. I do have a request, though.” He puffed a couple of times on the pipe. Being a man, Phillip knew how men thought, and even with the best of intentions, spending a lot time around a woman, especially an attractive one, could drain your willpower in no time. He’d had a similar experience himself with Melissa’s mother which had ended in marriage.

John waited with extreme patience. All kinds of ideas were tossing in his head. “Yes sir?”

Phillip admired John’s calm and confident attitude. “I would like your training sessions to take place here. Miss Beckett will act as chaperone of a sort, at least by being here at the cabin. Also, if your personal status changes with my daughter, I would like to be made aware of it.”

It only took a second to understand what he’d meant and in that second he swallowed hard. “Of course sir.” John recognized the meaningful look in Mr. Howard’s eyes. Man to man, all it took was that brief look.

Phillip liked him, he liked him a lot. He had a good feeling about the lad and a gut notion told him that this young man would forever be involved in their lives in some way. In what way he couldn’t be sure, but there was an everlasting presence about him. “Thank you.” He moved back to the subject at hand with a smile. “Have you ever taught a young lady before?”

John returned his smile. “No sir, I have not. It will prove to be quite a challenge.”

Phillip’s smile widened. “Lord Blackburn, I have to inform you that my daughter in herself is quite a challenge, much less the situation you two will be in. Please indulge me I want to know how you two plan to conquer this quest of yours?”

John obliged, telling him of the kind of training Melissa would need to be at peak performance. Then they’d move onto the more difficult task of getting her on the track in public.

Phillip had ideas of his own and so they collaborated their ideas, drank their preference of liquor, and laughed together at quirky thoughts about this or that. Unthinking, they forgot to invite Melissa in to help with any opinions she had to share.

At least that’s what she thought when she heard the bellowing of laughter coming from the sitting room behind the closed door, but at least they weren’t arguing, she reasoned. She leaned closer to the doorway, trying to pick up any words they spoke. Before they could say anything of importance Melissa had been caught.

“Melissa Louise.” Miss Beckett whispered in disbelief.

Startled, Melissa scrambled from the doorway. “Auntie, you gave me a start,” she gasped, her hand clutching at her chest.

Miss Beckett gave her a look of knowing better than that. “I’m not surprised you were startled, being sneaky like you were.”

The blush on Melissa’s cheeks gave away the innocent face she tried demonstrating. “Sneaky? I was curious, that’s all.”

“Curious? You were eavesdropping on a personal conversation and you know it, lass. Now get your bum in the kitchen and help your auntie with supper.” Miss Beckett made a sweeping motion with her hands toward the kitchen.

Melissa delayed. “Auntie, they were talking about me. Haven’t I the right to defend myself?”

When her auntie’s eyes began to narrow and her lips thinned Melissa knew it was time to quit and she stomped off toward the kitchen.

Miss Beckett was grateful to get out into fresh air. She hadn’t relaxed like this in years. When Lord Blackburn had suggested a picnic by the stream today she had figured it would be more hassle than it was worth having to prepare food and then transport it, but when he sweetened the offer by having lunch already made and a carriage for travel, she couldn’t turn him down. Acting as chaperone could have some benefits, she thought, sitting next to Melissa upon a blanket provided by Lord Blackburn.

The women admired the stream flowing by while John placed a basket of food and drinks near them. He sat down as well, inviting Jess over as he was lifting contents of chicken, ham, small red potatoes, cold slaw, and plum pudding out of the basket. Sampling the contents of food, they all commented on how good everything tasted. They laughed and joked, enjoying the afternoon on this sunny April day. Soon after the meal, John got up to collect his journal from the carriage while Miss Beckett stood, stretched and then walked adjacent to the stream’s edge. Catching sight of Jess further down the stream immersed in a book, Miss Beckett stepped toward him and inquired of what he was reading.

John strode back to Melissa, who still sat upon the blanket, only now her legs were extended out in front of her beneath a sheer summer dress while her upper body rested its weight on the palm of her hands. He sat down beside her with his journal in hand unnoticed, he realized, when observing the tilting of her face toward the sun. With her eyes closed and honeyed features taking in the sun’s rays, John’s concentration veered. His gaze turned steady upon her, becoming entranced by the tender curving of her slender neck and the modest outward thrust of a full bosom exposing its luscious curves.

Laughter came from Jess and Miss Beckett from down the stream, swaying John’s attention. He took a deep breath, bracing himself to concentrate on business again, when he returned his focus back to Melissa. Now the short sleeves of her dress were clinging to her elbows, allowing the front of the dress to expose even more creamy, round, and firm flesh.

He forced himself to cough to get her attention and when he did, his next reaction was impulsive. “Would you like to go for a swim?”

Melissa looked him over as if he were mad. “I hadn’t planned on swimming. I thought we were to talk about a schedule?”

He tried keeping his face as serious as possible even while comprehending how ridiculous he must have sounded. Cold water at this point didn’t seem so far fetched to him as he needed to calm himself somehow before Miss Beckett returned. Holding his journal sealed along his lap he carried on, continuing to tease her and throw off suspicion. “We are here to talk of a schedule. Spontaneity doesn’t intrigue you?”

“I wasn’t expecting it, I suppose. Besides, I didn’t bring suitable clothing.” She wasn’t ready to swim with her mentor, that involved too much personal contact. Their relationship was supposed to be teacher and student. What was he thinking? “Perhaps another time, when I’m prepared,” she responded as she returned his smile.

John couldn’t help teasing her some more. “By the way, wearing suitable clothing is just a preference, not a requirement,” he told her as the corners of his mouth curved upward and he almost laughed when he noticed her cheeks blushing.

It was frustrating the way he belittled her and thought to get away with it. Not quite sure how to express herself, she spoke the first thoughts that came to her mind. “I thought you were to teach me of racing horses, Lord Blackburn, not the ways of nature.”

His expression of surprise was apparent but he was quick, lifting the basket from the blanket. “Shall I fill this basket with water to put out the fire?” he asked in sarcasm, continuing to fuse her.

Oh, he’s got a lot of nerve, she thought, especially when he started it. “No, there isn’t any fire here,” she said.

“I was only jesting. I apologize for taking it out of context.”

There was a moment of silence between them before John offered something to drink. “Champagne?” he asked while holding the bottle in one hand and popping the cork with the other. He was trying to occupy himself with anything to distract him from her slipping sleeves.

“Oh,” she exclaimed, jumping as the cork popped off. While he poured the champagne, Melissa casually slid both sleeves of her dress back into place, then glanced over at him under dark golden lashes. He was preparing two more glasses of champagne when she couldn’t help wondering if the daring action she took to sun herself made him uncomfortable. When his eyes caught hers staring she turned away and commented on a bluebird fluttering through the branches of a tree.

Giving her a genuine smile he held out her glass. “Do you like champagne?” he asked.

“Yes, I suppose so. I’ve only had it one other time. It tasted sweet and had lots of bubbles, which made my nose tickle,” she giggled while touching her nose.

His white teeth showed between seductive lips as she took the fluted glass from him. His voice was enticing as he stretched out in the same position as she. “Try it and see,” he said.

“Mm, yes, this is the same, better than I remember and just as bubbly,” she giggled again.

Laughing with her, she was about to take another sip when he stopped her. “Wait. I think we should make a toast,” he suggested, watching her eyes widened in surprise as she nod in agreement. They held their glasses high and John went on. “To . . . us and our future succeeding accomplishments.”

Melissa smiled, feeling happy that her dreams were about to come true. “Hear, hear.”

Their glasses clinked together. For a brief second their eyes met while both sipped some champagne. For a moment longer they held each other’s gaze over the rim of their glasses when the sound of footsteps approached them.

“Are you two celebrating without us?” Miss Beckett asked playfully as she stood before the blanket they sat on.

John smiled up at Miss Beckett. “Of course not. Here you are.” He handed Miss Beckett hers and motioned to Jess to join them.

They both said their thanks and then Miss Beckett requested a toast of her own. With all four glasses in the air, she began. “To . . . friendship. May it be everlasting.” Four glasses of champagne clanged together.

After a short while both Jess and Miss Beckett excused themselves by clearing the disarray of dishes. They both headed for the carriage to look through and discuss more of Jess’ books.

Meanwhile John stood, motioning Melissa to follow his lead. They trailed away, spotting two huge rocks to sit upon at the edge of the stream. As they sat across from each other, John opened his journal so they could carry on with business.

Melissa observed John scrolling through his notes and took the opportunity to linger over his features. He was a handsome man, she couldn’t deny that, but he was a handsome man with a title, money and a charismatic personality, every feature needed to attract any number of women he preferred. Melissa imagined there were many and most, she presumed, were beautiful. She found herself attracted to him as well, to everything but his title.

Being born and raised in the country had influenced her established opinion of wealthy people with titles. They used their title to gain superiority, but in Melissa’s mind all men and women were created equal. She made an exception for Lord Blackburn, though. There wasn’t any doubt of his passion for the teachings of thoroughbreds.

“Melissa, would Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays work for you?” John asked, lifting his head to hear a response when instead he found her observing him again. “Melissa, what are you thinking about? Apparently not the schedule.”

His last question startled her out of her engrossing thoughts. “I, uh, yes, those days you said will suit me.”

He cast an odd expression her way, wondering what she was thinking about. “Do you not remember the days I asked about?”

What were they, oh, what were they? Think, think. “Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I believe.” Somewhere in her subconscious echoed the days he’d said.

A witty smile reflected on his face. “That’s correct. Now tell me what you were really thinking about?”

He shocked her with his innate awareness. The partial truth would be better than a complete lie. “Your passion for thoroughbreds,” she revealed.

“Interesting. What made you think of that?”

“I realized how much we’re alike regarding horses.”

“Well, you’re right about that, although, I believe we’re alike in more ways than one,” he commented, turning his attention back to his journal.

Her head tipped to the side, her mouth bearing a teasing smile. “Oh? Observing my qualities, Lord Blackburn, and comparing them with yours?”

His eyes lifted from the book, his smile mirroring hers. “Observing, yes. It’s crucial when working together.”

She straightened as his remark had piqued her interest. “So, share with me other ways we are alike.”

“Are you sure you want to know?” he asked with an arch in his black brow.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

He debated before deciding whether to bring up a subject he knew he shouldn’t. “Let me tell you beforehand Melissa, that I am a very honest person and I don’t sugarcoat anything. Now do you still want to hear my observations?” He felt better giving her a chance to change her mind.

Why does he sound so serious? “Yes. You have me curious, please share with me.”

“Well, first of all, we’re both determined. We’re both driven by the adrenaline of the race. We have a unique fondness for horses, as you pointed out,” he began saying and then hesitated, knowing his next words would impact their relationship, but he believed in being straightforward from the beginning. “Second, we’re mutually attracted to each other.”

“And why wouldn’t we be with all that in common?”

“By mutually attracted, I meant, physically.” He studied her reaction, her mouth opening and closing without a sound.

Breathless, she couldn’t speak because she knew he was right. They did seem to have an inescapable attraction to each other, and it unnerved her at how easily she weakened around him. They stared for moments longer until Melissa got the courage to move. She stood and stepped away. She was stunned after he spoke such blatant words, even though he had warned her of his honesty. Would they be able to work together, she wondered, after what he had just announced? But she couldn’t jeopardize her chance because of some initial physical attraction. They would find some way of clearing this up and move on like they devised to do. Finding her voice, she tried moving on, “Please, I’d prefer to discuss the schedule like we had planned.”

He wasn’t about to let the subject drop without freeing the tension between them. “Not yet.” She swung around to face him. “I also believe you’re curious about men and women . . . together, and I have to admit that your curiosity intrigues me.” When her eyes widened in disbelief, he concluded, “Melissa, I’m sorry if I’ve shocked you, but I believe it to be true.”

Jolted from her happy mood, she could barely choke out a reply but managed in defense, “Is this the real reason you’re participating in our arrangement? To be intimate together?”

Perturbed that she assumed wrong and took his whole statement out of context, he hadn’t replied yet when she ventured on.

“I would have preferred you told me from the beginning so you wouldn’t have wasted so much of your precious time, Lord Blackburn.” Frustration poured out of her being while standing a few feet away, and she went from a state of distress to anger. “I for one have other intentions, like our original arrangement, so please tell me now if I am wasting my time?”

He stood also, towering over her small frame with his hands on his hips. “I cannot help but speak the truth no matter what it is. Obviously you can’t handle it and that’s why you’re acting accordingly. And no, lovemaking is not the reason I’m participating in our arrangement. Anything else I can answer for you?”

Oh, how accurate he could be, but continuing their battle of words would get them angry and nowhere with their schedule, so she conceded and asked about the schedule again. “Can we continue with the schedule, then?”

“First let’s resolve this matter,” he replied in a demanding tone.

She could feel his hold on her full force now. She had to cooperate if they were to work together. Through a tightened jaw, she responded. “Yes, I am attracted to you. Is that what you want to hear?”

“Good enough. Now let’s finish the schedule.”

His nonchalant attitude annoyed her. Somehow she would find a way to curb his authoritative position. To prove their physical attraction would not stand in the way of progress she made a suggestion with eagerness. “Can we begin today? After all, it is Friday.”

Bending over to pick up his journal, he decided after today’s frank conversation they both needed a couple of days to recover. “I had planned to start on Monday as I have business to take care of before then,” he answered, shifting to stand before her, clutching his book with one hand.

They stood there staring at each other in contemplation. John was wondering if he’d made a mistake taking on this endeavor and Melissa was questioning her judgment in character.

John’s doubts lingered as his gaze drifted over the sheer summer dress flowing along the shape of her body. Sunlight spilling through tree branches from above didn’t help to conceal a perfect figure of ample proportions, giving the teacher the wrong ideas about his student.