Paradise Wild (5 page)

“Russell Drayton is Corinne’s unofficial fiancé,” Cynthia offered for Jared’s benefit, then beamed at Corinne. “Mr. Burk isn’t married yet, either.”

“Are you one of those confirmed bachelors, Mr. Burk?” Corinne questioned. “Or have you come to Boston in search of a wife—among other things?”

“I’m here on business, Miss Barrows.”

“Not looking for a wife? That’s too bad, isn’t it, Cynthia? Why, we have some of the most refined, intelligent, sophisticated women in the world here in Boston.”

“If I didn’t know better, I would swear you just described yourself, Corinne,” Cynthia said. “Haven’t you obligations to attend to—like seeing to the rest of your guests? We would not want to detain you.”

“Yes, of course. We will talk again, I’m sure, Mr. Burk. I see Russell and I really must go and greet him,” Corinne said smoothly. She couldn’t resist adding, “You know, Cynthia, you really shouldn’t be so obvious. You might make Mr. Burk nervous. He might not be used to aggressive women like you and me.”

Corinne left Cynthia blushing and heard her say, “I am not! My God, she
can
be rude when she chooses.”

Corinne smiled and moved to the front of the hall. She greeted Russell with exaggerated pleasure and kissed him lingeringly before everyone, which embarrassed him considerably.

“Was that exhibition necessary?” he whispered as they walked arm in arm to join the other guests.

“It was for my father’s benefit, though I doubt he was around to see it.”

“He saw it, all right,” Russell said tightly, looking directly at Samuel Barrows’ disapproving stare.

“So there you are, Father,” Corinne greeted him. “Where have you been hiding? I didn’t see you earlier.”

Samuel’s arm slipped possessively around his daughter’s waist. “There was some trouble at the shipyard. Nothing serious, but it did require my attention. I didn’t think it would take so long, though.”

“Well, at least you’re back before dinner,” Corinne teased lightly. “I wouldn’t have forgiven you if I had had to act as both host and hostess.”

“You would have managed superbly.”

“I know, but you would never have heard the end of it,” she smiled.

Samuel nodded stiffly to Russell, then ignored him. “Have you met Jared Burk yet, Cori?”

“Yes, though I can’t say I like him.”

“Oh? Did he say something to upset you?”

“No, it’s just a feeling. I can’t explain it, but the man seems—well, dangerous.”

“Come now, Cori,” Samuel laughed. “He’s interesting, but I wouldn’t say dangerous.”

“Why have you taken such a liking to him, Father? You can’t know very much about him.”

“I don’t, to tell the truth. But I do have it on good authority that he’s here to invest a sizeable sum of money. His lawyer has been all over town making inquiries.”

“So? What has that to do with you?”

“Will you excuse us, Mr. Drayton?” Samuel said curtly. “This conversation has become rather personal.”

“Father, really!” Corinne complained.

“That’s quite all right,” Russell said. “I could use a drink, anyway.”

Corinne fumed as Russell walked away. “That was uncalled for, Father.”

“I suppose so, but I’m not going to pretend I like Russell Drayton.”

“Obviously, but he’s going to marry
me
, not you!” Corinne snapped furiously. “You don’t have to like him—just approve of him.”

“I can’t do that either, nor will I discuss it anymore. Now about Mr. Burk—”

“To hell with Mr. Burk!” Corinne cut him off in fury and stalked away to find Russell.

The party progressed successfully without much attention from Corinne. Dinner, served in the formal dining room, was superb. There was roast chicken in a glazed orange sauce, and three varieties of beef, as well as a variety of vegetables and sauces.

Corinne, annoyed with her father, ignored him throughout the meal. Mr. Burk, however, she couldn’t ignore. She often found him staring curiously at her, and despite her first reaction to him, her own gaze was drawn to him again and again. She began to feel guilty about her earlier behavior. After all, she really had no excuse for being so rude to him. She could have misinterpreted that look he gave her. And the more she thought about it, the more she was convinced that she must have been mistaken. It could have been any number of things unrelated to her that caused the venom in his eyes for that one moment.

After dinner the guests gathered in the parlor to be entertained by a well-known singer, with Lauren accom
panying at the piano. A few of Samuel Barrows’ friends and Jared Burk were not present, however, having joined Samuel in his study. Corinne couldn’t help wondering what her father was up to.

Later, after all the guests except Russell had departed, Corinne saw a chance to speak with her father again. She saw Russell to the door, endured his amorous embrace, then promised to meet him the next night at the club. The party preparations had kept her busy for most of the week and she was eager to try her luck again.

Now with the hall quiet once again, Corinne crossed slowly to the closed door of her father’s study. The light coming from beneath the door showed her he was still there. She supposed she owed him an apology. She was sorry she missed seeing Mr. Burk again before he left, for she owed him an apology too. She felt like a small child again, with all the misbehaving she had done in one evening.

Just as Corinne reached for the doorknob, the door opened and her father and Jared Burk emerged from the room. Corinne was quite surprised, but glad to see she had not missed Burk after all.

“Still up, Cori?” Samuel observed. “Good, you can see Mr. Burk out.”

“That is unnecessary,” Jared said.

Corinne shrugged aside his objection as her father went back into his study. “Come along, Mr. Burk. I had hoped for a few minutes alone with you. I’ll just get your things from the cloak room.”

She returned in a moment with a satin-lined evening cloak and a tall silk hat. “These must be yours,” she said, rubbing her fingers over the soft satin. “Very nice.”

He smiled at her as he threw the heavy cloak over
his wide shoulders. “We are alone, Miss Barrows. What did you have in mind?”

His tone of voice implied a great deal, but she let it pass and kept her temper.

“I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for my behavior earlier. There was no excuse for asking you questions that were none of my business.”

“You did seem to attack me with a purpose in mind,” he recalled. “Perhaps if I knew why?”

She laughed and blushed at the same time. “I suppose it did seem that way.”

“And the reason?”

“I’m afraid I took offense at the way you looked at me when I first joined you this evening—as if you wanted to throttle me. I don’t usually get that kind of reaction from men.”

Jared frowned. “If I gave that impression, then it is I who must apologize to you. I had other things on my mind at the time.”

“Yes, after I thought about it, I realized that must have been the reason.”

“We’ve gotten off to a bad start, Miss Barrows,” Jared said as he walked slowly to the entrance door. “Perhaps we should start again. Tomorrow, over lunch? That is, if your Mr. Drayton won’t mind.”

He said it in the way of a challenge, and Corinne couldn’t resist that. “Lunch would be nice. You can call for me around noon.”

“At noon, then.”

He paused for a moment and stared at her, and Corinne felt goose bumps spread over her arms. She quickly rubbed them.

“Good evening, Miss Barrows.”

She nodded. “Mr. Burk.”

He was gone and she sighed in relief. Something about
that man disturbed her, but she didn’t know what. She shook off the feeling and went back to her father’s study. She found him still at his desk, going over papers.

“You’re not supposed to work after a party, Father,” she scolded as she came into the room.

“I’m not working, my dear,” Samuel replied, putting the papers down. “Actually, I was looking over your grandmother’s will.”

“Whatever for?” Corinne frowned. “This hasn’t anything to do with Mr. Burk, does it?”

“In a way, yes. He asked about the owners of the shipbuilding firm. I was just checking to be sure I gave him the correct facts without giving him all of them.”

“Just what are you talking about?”

“Sit down, Cori. As you know, my father founded the shipyard, but it was on its last legs when I married your mother. Your mother’s money helped, but it was your Grandmother Daneil who saved the shipyard. She became a full partner, but left the running of the yard to me. Later, when we expanded, Elliot invested, and now he and I run it together.”

“What has this to do with Mr. Burk? You’re not thinking of letting him invest in the firm, are you?”

“Yes,” Samuel said frankly. “Elliot and I have been considering enlarging the yard for many years. We just can’t meet demand as it is.”

“Then use your own money,” she suggested. “Why bring someone else into it?”

“By taking another partner, we will increase profits, our customers will get quicker results, but it will cost us nothing.”

“And where does this put Mr. Burk?”

“He will be a silent partner, not an active one. After all, the man isn’t planning on settling here in Boston, not as far as I know. He will own shares in the firm which
will double his investment in a few years, but he will have no control and very little voting power. Elliot and I own equal shares, but you are the major stockholder, since your grandmother left you all her shares.”

“Why not get an investor that you know, then? One of your old cronies. Why Mr. Burk?”

“Because I’m sure he doesn’t plan to stay here. He won’t be underfoot, constantly inquiring about his interests. And there is no way Mr. Burk could ever get control of the firm, just in case he has that in mind.”

“He could marry me,” Corinne teased. “That would put him in control.”

Samuel grinned. “You like him, then? He’s a very intriguing fellow.”

“I was only speaking hypothetically, Father,” Corinne answered quickly, appalled.

She could just see herself married to a man like that. He would rule with an iron hand, worse than her father did.

“Well, even if you did marry Mr. Burk, he could not have control of your shares unless I decided he was trustworthy. And I doubt that I would decide in his favor until the day I died.”

“I thought when I reached twenty-one that I would be in control. Are you saying I won’t be?”

“That’s why I was looking over your grandmother’s will. The money will be yours when you become of age or marry, but control of your shares is still left to me, until I feel you are ready to take over. And if you are married then, I will have to have confidence in your husband, also.”

“Why? I don’t understand why grandmother gave you that power. She didn’t even like you.”

“I know,” Samuel chuckled. “She knew I married your mother for her money, which was and still is a
common practice. Not that I didn’t care for Mary, mind you. But Daneil knew that I would look after your best interests, and that’s what she wanted to ensure.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me about this before?” Corinne asked.

“Because it doesn’t really affect you, Cori,” he answered easily. “You’re not planning on participating in the running of the firm, are you?”

“Of course not.”

“So you see, it makes no difference. I maintain control of the firm, but the profits from your shares still go to you as they always have.”

“I haven’t seen any of these profits!” Corinne remarked bitterly.

“They have gone into your trust, more than doubling it since your grandmother’s death. They will come directly to you when you are of age.”

“Or when I marry?”

“Yes.”

“You know, if you could just give me some of that money now, Father, I wouldn’t be in such a hurry to marry,” Corinne suggested.

“And have you lose it all? No, my girl. I just hope when you finally do get your money, you show some sense in what you do with it. The two hundred you get monthly now comes from your trust, but what do you have to show for it?”

“I spend money on clothes,” she said defensively. “And jewels.”

“You charge those to
me!
You throw your own money away.”

“This conversation has become boring. Good night, Father.” Corinne rose stiffly and stalked from the room.

Jared Burk called at the Barrows’ townhouse promptly at noon, but was kept waiting for thirty minutes. Corinne didn’t do it on purpose, as she sometimes did with her other callers. She had actually overslept, forgetting to tell Florence to wake her early.

When she finally came downstairs to meet him, Jared’s eyes showed that he didn’t mind the wait. She wore a simple dress without frills, elegant because of the rich silk poplin material. Bottle-green, it was a few shades darker than her eyes. The high collar was ribboned in a darker green, with an ornate diamond broach. A large diamond and emerald ring was her only other jewelry.

After a few words of greeting and the customary compliments on Jared’s part, they left in Jared’s hired carriage. He allowed her the choice of restaurants, since he was not acquainted with the better establishments, and she chose a small cafe that she often enjoyed. The food was excellent and the atmosphere friendly.

Jared ordered lunch for them both, making a choice Corinne silently approved of, and a light wine was served immediately. After taking a few sips, Corinne relaxed a bit and observed her escort boldly.

He was smartly dressed in a dark blue suit, opened
to reveal a light blue silk vest with mother-of-pearl buttons. His rugged good looks, his expensive clothes, his entire appearance commanded attention. His face was smoothly shaved, and she still wondered how he had acquired such a deep tan. Corinne felt the envy of the other women in the room, and this pleased her vanity.

“Is something wrong, Miss Barrows?” Jared finally asked, after he had allowed her scrutiny to continue for several moments.

She blushed slightly. “I didn’t mean to stare. I’ve just never met anyone as darkly tanned as you are. It must be terribly hot where you come from.”

“You get used to it,” he replied noncommittally, and quickly changed the subject. “I must say I expected a chaperone to join us today.”

Corinne laughed. “Whatever for? We live in a new age, Mr. Burk. Chaperones are old-fashioned.”

“Not everyone feels that way.”

“You, for instance?”

“Yes,” he admitted. “Frankly, I’m surprised your father doesn’t insist on a chaperone for you.”

“My father is quite tolerant where I am concerned. He has always given me complete freedom, so I have learned to be cautious. I avoid dangerous situations. Have I something to fear from you, Mr. Burk?” she asked coyly, thoroughly amused by his archaic ideas.

He grinned before answering. “That depends on what your fears are.”

“Meaning?”

“Some women fear what others don’t.”

Lunch was served. Though Jared never gave her questions direct answers, he asked her many. He quizzed her about Boston, and she proudly related some of its history.

She relaxed and enjoyed his company. He could be
charming and witty, and when he laughed, his eyes were more blue than gray. But afterwards, on the ride home, she was taken by surprise when he began questioning her again, and in a personal vein.

“I find it unusual that your fiancé didn’t object to our meeting today.”

“He didn’t know about it,” she admitted. “But he wouldn’t have said anything if he had.”

“You intend to tell him?”

“Our lunch was perfectly harmless, Mr. Burk. And besides, I am not answerable to Russell.”

“But you are engaged to marry him?”

“Not officially—not until my father gives his approval, that is.”

“Then Mr. Drayton hasn’t asked for you yet?”

Corinne became uncomfortable. “Really, Mr. Burk. That is none of your business.”

The carriage stopped on Beacon Street, but Jared didn’t move to open the door. “You’re quite right, of course. I just find it strange that a man who plans to marry you would allow you to see other men.”

“Allow?” Corinne felt her temper rising. “No one
allows
me anything. I do whatever I please, Mr. Burk. Russell wouldn’t presume to put restrictions on our relationship.”

“You’re very independent, aren’t you?” he commented.

“Yes, I am,” she said proudly. “I value the freedom I have gained.”

“But you are willing to give it up when you marry. You must love Mr. Drayton very much.”

“Of course I love him,” she lied, knowing how callous it would sound if she admitted the truth. “But Russell and I have a very agreeable relationship, Mr.
Burk. I won’t be giving up my independence when I marry him.”

“Then he is a very…unusual fellow.”

“Yes, he is—quite different from most men.”

“You mean he’s weak, don’t you?” he asked contemptuously.

“Certainly not!” she replied indignantly, wondering why she had allowed this inquisition to go on so long.

“Then he loves you enough to give you whatever you want, including the independence you value so much?”

“I think, Mr. Burk, that your boldness has gone far enough. I have told you much more than you have a right to know.”

He grinned. “I apologize, Miss Barrows. But I have never met anyone quite like you. I find your ideas fascinating.”

“You are teasing me now, and I don’t like it,” she said icily. “I know you don’t approve. Your type never does.”

“My type?” he raised a brow in amusement. “Have you put me into a category, Miss Barrows?”

She ignored the question. “I enjoyed lunch, Mr. Burk. Thank you for inviting me.”

Corinne reached for the door handle herself, but Jared stopped her by placing his hand over hers. A strong current seemed to pass between them. The strength in his fingers seemed to drain her own.

She was shaken. She looked at him questioningly. “I—I wish to go in now,” she said weakly.

His gray-blue eyes probed her face as if he were trying to read her thoughts. “I know. But I want to see you again.”

“Why?”

“I find I like you very much, Miss Barrows.”

“I’m afraid I can’t return the compliment,” she said frankly.

“I have offended you and I’m sorry. But I really would like to see you again. Tonight for dinner? And the theater, perhaps?”

“No, Mr. Burk. After last night’s party, I have decided to spend a quiet evening at home tonight.”

“Then tomorrow?”

“I hardly see the point. We really have nothing in common. And Russell might not understand.”

“I thought you weren’t answerable to Mr. Drayton?”

“I’m not.”

“Then you will see me again?”

“I will have to think about it, Mr. Burk.” This time she did not accept the bait. “Good day.”

He opened the door for her then, and Corrinne rushed out of the carriage without waiting for him to help her. Nor did she wait for him to follow and escort her to her door, but ran quickly up the steps and into the safety of her home without looking back.

Her heart pounded frantically as she leaned against the door. She didn’t know what had frightened her so about those last few moments in the carriage. Jared Burk had stopped her temporarily from leaving, but that was not the reason. Was it Jared Burk himself? More likely it was his touch, for she had never felt so drained of will and strength as she did when his strong fingers closed over hers. She was stunned by her own reaction, for nothing like that had ever happened to her before.

What was wrong with her? He was just another man, the kind of man she avoided. She had sensed a dangerous quality about him when she first met him and she had been right. He had made her lose control of herself, if only for a moment, and that was extremely dangerous.

Jared had started to escort Corinne to her door, but
before he even stepped from the carriage, she was inside the imposing townhouse and the door was closed. He sat back down and then noticed the green silk purse on the opposite seat. He picked up the purse, thinking to return it, but abruptly changed his mind and signaled the driver to return to his hotel.

Jared leaned back and stared thoughtfully at the silk purse, picturing it attached to that slender wrist. He frowned as he wondered what had caused Corinne to run into her house the way she did, as if she were frightened of him. She had good reason to be, but she couldn’t possibly know that. Oh, he had baited her, antagonized her even, in order to judge her character. And it had worked.

He had the haughty Corinne Barrows halfway figured out. He knew she took offense easily. She was spoiled, and was allowed much too much freedom. Someday that would get her into trouble, but that didn’t concern him. She was a cool one, sure of her beauty and the effect it had on men.

No decisions had been reached yet, but Jared had only a few options left out of all those he had considered. He had all the facts he needed about Samuel Barrows, and some surprising ones about his daughter. All that remained was to decide what to do with the information he had.

He was hoping that his investment in Barrows’ shipyard would yield him a certain amount of control in the firm, enough to block major decisions and ultimately destroy the firm. It was Barrows’ major source of income. His other interests amounted to nothing in comparison. Of course, Jared’s money would also be lost when the shipyard went under, but nothing mattered except ruining Samuel Barrows. That shipyard meant everything to him. He had devoted most of his life to
it. He had turned away the woman who loved him in order to save it. Now Barrows would lose all he had worked for.

Out of mild curiosity, Jared opened the purse he held. He removed a silk handkerchief with lace edging, a few dollars, a compact of light powder. He opened the lid from a small vial of perfume and smelled the delicate fragrance Corinne had worn.

One item startled him—a tiny knife with a short, sharp blade, encrusted with jewels, no less! He couldn’t imagine the sophisticated Corinne ever using it.

The last thing he took from the purse was a slip of paper with an address on it. The paper was crumpled as if it had been read many times. Jared had learned this address from Ned Dougherty.

Sure, he had doubted Dougherty’s assertion that Corinne Barrows went to this place two or three times a week in the middle of the night. But wasn’t he looking at the proof right now, the address of a private gambling house in Cambridge across the Charles River? And not just a gambling house, but a place where gentlemen brought their lady loves for a little dalliance on the second floor. A little luck with the cards, a little lust upstairs.

Jared’s opinion of Corinne Barrows decreased even more. Regrets? He would have absolutely none now, if he were eventually forced to use her to accomplish his plans.