Savage In Silk

by Donna Comeaux Zide

  Suddenly he took hold of himself, realizing his father would notice his lack of response to Jared. He shook his brother’s hand and managed a calm reply. “You’ll have to forgive me, it’ll take some getting used to. I only just found out, of course, but I’d like to add my welcome to Father’s. We’re both happy to have you join the family!” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his father was taken in by his speech and silently laughed at his gullibility. For the father who could welcome a stranger to take Drew’s rightful heritage, he felt nothing now but contempt. Drew remembered to introduce Michael to his brother, then spent the rest of the afternoon, under the guise of eager fascination, pumping Jared for information about his life in America. He probed for some bit of information that could perhaps destroy the obvious affection that developed between his father and his new-found half-brother.

  Drew and Michael spent two days at Bryant House before insisting, somewhat piously, that they had to return to their studies. Drew even managed a grateful smile in return for his father’s generous offer to raise his school allowance, suppressing a bitter reflection that Stuart’s generosity was prompted by his enthusiasm at Jared’s return.

  When the two young men had departed, Jared praised his father’s rearing of Drew. He found him a polite, if somewhat distant young man. “I’m sure he’ll warm up, once we get to know each other. As he said, it was a complete shock to discover that I was alive.” Unfortunately, neither of them was aware of Drew’s antagonism or his plans to disrupt their close relationship.

  Chapter 25

  On the very day Jared Bryant was invested with the rights and privileges of the title Viscount Carleigh, while his father and Tony looked on proudly, five thousand miles away Mariah began to have labor pains. After sixteen hours of agonizing pain, she produced Jared’s child.

  Rested after the long ordeal, she asked to see the baby and Natalie gently placed the little girl in the crook of Mariah’s arm. Her voice was a hoarse, strained whisper but trembled with maternal love. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she, Nat?” Natalie assured her it was the prettiest baby she’d ever seen. Surprisingly, for a newborn she was lovely, with none of the typical red, puffy look to the delicate oval face. Natalie touched the tiny cheek, pointing out the birthmark the baby had inherited from Mariah. The curly hair covering the tiny head was as rich and black as her mother’s. It was clear to the proud mother that the little girl would be fighting for her virtue very early.

  Mariah closed her eyes wearily and Natalie took the baby, insisting that she rest. “Would it be all right if I showed her to the others? They almost consider her their baby, too.” Mariah nodded proudly and whispered softly, “I want to call her Jennifer. Jared’s mother was named Jennifer,” and before Natalie could answer, Mariah had drifted off into an exhausted sleep.

  Natalie tiptoed from the room, carefully holding the precious bundle. Outside all of the Sunburst employees gathered around, anxiously awaiting their first peek at the baby. “Now don’t crowd around,” Natalie warned and added, “keep your voices down.” As she lifted the coverlet from the baby’s face, there was an awed silence and then a series of soft ooh’s and ahh’s, as each of them took a turn at viewing Mariah’s baby. She finally decided the child had been handled too long and turned to carry her to her bassinet. “By the way, the baby’s name is Jennifer,” Natalie said as proudly as though she herself had produced Jennifer and thought up the name.

  One of the dealers stepped forward, a bulky envelope in his hand. “Nat, we all took up a collection…to help Mariah with the expenses. The customers chipped in too, and…well, there’s five thousand in here. Ben’ll put it in the safe until Mariah can bank it.” Natalie’s eyes misted with emotion at the thoughtful gift. She’d been so busy with Mariah, she hadn’t been aware they had taken up a collection. “She’ll be so grateful to all of you! Right now, she needs her rest but in a couple of days, she’ll want to thank you in person!”

  When Mariah was able to be up for a while, she came outside to the casino and thanked each contributor. Astounded by their generosity, she had cried when Natalie first told her.

  Mariah planned to be back at work within two weeks; and as her figure rapidly came back, even more enchanting and curving, she began short shifts of duty, and was able to thank the patrons who had contributed to the fund. Rapidly, she discovered that with a hungry infant her time was not her own, and so she worked out a schedule that allowed her to be free every four hours for Jenny’s feeding. One of the most enjoyable parts of being a mother was when the tiny baby nursed, small fingers clenched into fists as she rooted for her mother’s nipple.

  Ben was constantly in attendance and played with the baby, but watching him always produced a painful tug at Mariah’s heart, reminding her that Jenny’s father wasn’t even aware of her existence. She found herself thinking curiously about the father he’d been searching for. Maybe it would make a better person out of him, she hoped, at least more compassionate toward the feelings of others. She imagined he was wealthy now, with an English lord for a father. It galled her that, even with the kindness of her fellow workers, she was Jenny’s sole support. She would have much preferred to be like Susannah, able to sit and devote herself to motherhood.

  Chapter 26

  After ten months of leisure, Jared sat on a warm June day and stared out of the window of his father’s library. He was forced to admit he was bored, damn bored. The active life he’d lived in America had kept him supple and lean. Staring down at his stomach, he knew that the constant partying and carousing had gotten to him, adding a few too many pounds. Somehow, even though he probably would have strangled her if she’d been within two feet, he found himself wishing Mariah was here and wondering if she’d stayed with McCabe or quickly passed to someone else. When he’d settled in at the London townhouse and was given his own allowance and freedom to do anything he wished, he had thought about sending for her. After all, she was legally his wife and he still had jurisdiction over her. He had immediately dropped the idea, well aware that Mariah would never starve somewhere in a gutter. Some poor fool would be taken in by those innocent green eyes and that enchanting softness. He wished the poor fellow luck, whoever he was, for if he fell for her, he’d end up just as Jared had, with his heart and guts skewered on a stick.

  He’d forgotten about her then and had drowned himself in wine and women. In succession, there had been a tall, red-headed actress, a small, pert blonde, and of course, Del, who had popped up on board the Fleet Queen. He had set her up as his mistress in a small flat on Morton Street. She was wily enough to keep her mouth shut, even though she knew he dabbled with as many women as he desired. Just the fact that he was now wealthy and a titled aristocrat seemed to keep her happy. She was impressed every time someone referred to him as Viscount Carleigh. The knowledge that he would someday be Lord Maubrey sent her into pretentious daydreams. It had taken a while for him to accustom himself to the easy, carefree life, but now, a year after he’d sailed away from San Francisco and Mariah, Jared was itching for something worthwhile. His father intended opening the country estate next week and that would mean a spate of parties. More scheming society mamas would connive to push their eligible daughters in his direction. For the most part, they were bland and horsy and there was only one, Lord Stark’s young daughter, Lynsey Baines, who slightly piqued his interest.

  Lady Lynsey Stark appeared to have more spirit than her counterparts and when he’d danced with her last at Tom Gorstan’s ball, she had defiantly reacted to his obvious appraisal of her with a retort that she was not a thoroughbred up for auction. Her attitude was amusing, reminding him of Mariah. He had laughed delightedly at finding an upper-class socialite with a sense of humor. After he’d waltzed her out to the terrace, he enjoyed her first, struggling attempts to break free of his embrace, before she had willingly submitted to his searching kiss. She had stared, half-frightened, and run inside but later she’d danced with him again and coyly admitted that she might welcome his atte
ntions. He’d taken her riding several times since, and, somehow, forgot to mention he was married; he’d almost convinced himself he wasn’t.

  Now, as he thought about the passionate but very proper Lynsey, he knew she would never submit to him unless he offered marriage. It was different from his involvement with Mariah. He’d desired and pursued her, and because she’d had no protectors, had taken advantage of her loneliness. He’d married her in a mad, impulsive moment after falling under the spell of that sweet, innocent charade of hers. Lynsey had her father’s powerful protection, and nothing short of an honest offer of marriage would satisfy Lord Stark.

  He’d have to check with his father to see if a divorce from Mariah was possible. After all, he was getting to the age where he should settle down. Now that he would be leaving a title and wealth, the thought of having children appealed to him. He sincerely doubted he could find anyone more suitable than Lynsey; and if he settled with one woman, it might as well be someone he could bed without feeling like he was riding to the hounds. He often wondered why Mariah had never become pregnant, but then it was better she hadn’t… It would just have complicated matters.

  Later in the day, Tony came over and discovering Jared’s boredom suggested he join the same army regiment as he was in. “It was your father’s old regiment, too. I’m sure he’d be proud to have you join.” His lean, handsome face creased in a roguish smile. “It serves two purposes, really. You get plenty of exercise and the uniform has a dashing effect on the ladies!” The next day when Jared discussed it with Stuart, his father heartily agreed. The other subject, his divorce from Mariah, was greeted with far less enthusiasm. “It’s very difficult, well-nigh impossible to get one, Jared. Have you considered all the facets? You must have felt something for the girl if you married her.”

  “Mariah’s a very remarkable girl but we have nothing in common.” Jared’s bitterness was apparent to him and Stuart agreed to seek the divorce suit, asking where he should have notice of the proceedings sent. Jared assured him it would reach her by sending it in care of the Sunburst, Washington Street, Portsmouth Square, San Francisco, California.

  Chapter 27

  When Natalie came into the sitting room bearing an important-looking letter from England, Mariah was playing with the baby. At the age of five months, Jenny had already acquired her mother’s ability to charm and had captured the heart of every person she came in contact with. Indeed, she wrapped them around her tiny fingers. Her eyes had changed from deep blue to a lighter version of Jared’s gray-blue. Her hair was a shining copy of Mariah’s black curls and, except for a strongly defiant chin reminiscent of her father, she was a picture of Mariah.

  Handing Jenny over to Natalie’s fond embrace, Mariah accepted the letter and slowly walked to the window, staring at the return address. The sender was a London solicitor, H. Barry. Knowing it must concern Jared, she ripped it open with impatient fingers. Jenny’s joyful gurgling filled the background as her mother read the official documents requesting that she agree to an uncontested divorce from Sir Jared Bryant, Viscount Carleigh.

  “I’ll be damned if I will,” Mariah stated loudly, startling both Natalie and Jenny who stared at her as if she’d gone mad. “I’ll fight that scoundrel in any court he chooses!” As Natalie threw her a distinctly puzzled look, she explained about the divorce.

  “Not only does he desert his wife and child, he has the audacity to suggest dissolving the marriage!” Mariah was clearly furious and her foot tapped rhythmically on the floor. “God knows, I don’t want him anymore. He’s probably debauched some other poor innocent by now. He’ll have to agree to my terms before he gets his divorce!” When Natalie asked what those might be, Mariah hesitated, unsure herself what she would demand. She didn’t want to make it easy for him.

  “He’ll have to acknowledge Jenny, for one thing.” She began to pace the room, hands on hips. “If he’s a titled aristocrat now, she deserves a share of his money. For another, he’ll have to make me a legitimate offer of support. I don’t intend to work the rest of my life!” The more she thought about the situation, the angrier she became. She stopped pacing and stood before her friend.

  “Natalie, how would you like to see England?” Mariah’s eyes glowed as she held up the letter. “I’m going there to answer this personally.” Natalie seemed stunned by the suggestion, but unwilling to be parted from her god-daughter and Mariah, she agreed.

  When Mariah showed Ben the letter and told him she’d decided to go to England, he was furious. “You can’t just run off and leave,” he shouted, adding, “You’re my biggest draw—I can’t replace you!”

  “Well, come along then,” she laughed calmly. “You’ve always claimed you wanted to travel—this is your chance.” She mentioned the name of a man who’d been interested in buying the Sunburst. “Sell out to George Monroe and open a club in London.” She turned all of her charm on him, pleading eloquently, “I have to go, Ben, it’s important!”

  McCabe came around the corner of the desk to pull her into his arms. “Mariah, you’ve been holding me at arm’s length now for over four months. I’ve wanted you since the first moment I saw you, but I held back; I didn’t force you. I’ll pick up stakes and move only if you promise me you’ll stay with me; that you’ll work in the London club.” He groaned in frustration, “I want you…you flutter so near and yet…”

  Mariah allowed him to kiss her once. “I’m still married, Ben. You know I won’t promise anything unless I get this divorce. After that…well, I’ll be free.” She didn’t want to tell him she wouldn’t accept another man’s dominance again if it killed her. She had devoted all her attention and love to Jenny and she was determined to keep it that way. It wasn’t deceit, but a matter of survival. “I will work in the club, though,” she promised.

  So it was decided. A month later, Ben had sold the Sunburst and Mariah, Jenny, Natalie and Ben embarked on a ship bound for England.

  Chapter 28

  The first thing Mariah did in London, after finding lodgings, was to hire her own solicitor. The five thousand that had been a gift to Jenny at birth had, through careful saving, grown to seven thousand and it was enough to keep them until Jared settled a sum of money on her. She sought the best lawyer she could find and had him file a countersuit, telling him she wanted to meet with Viscount Carleigh’s attorneys before the suit appeared before a magistrate.

  Mariah maintained a hectic schedule helping Ben to decorate the new club until she was notified by her lawyer, John Collier, that a meeting had been arranged in his office at four the next day. She had specifically requested that Jared attend and was anxious to see if he’d deny Jenny was his daughter.

  The next day, dressed in her most beautiful velvet gown, Mariah appeared at Collier’s office, purposely fifteen minutes late. She had wanted to make an entrance in an attempt to control the situation and when Collier’s clerk opened he door, she swept in as regally as she could, with Jenny held close in her arms.

  For the first time in seventeen months, Jared and Mariah were face to face. All the men in the office had risen at her entry, including Jared’s attorney and his father. The atmosphere was thick with tension as Mariah was seated in a comfortable leather chair and the gentlemen were seated again.

  Stuart Bryant politely inspected his daughter-in-law. After a quick veiled glance at his son, she’d gathered her composure. Shifting the little girl in her arms, she settled comfortably and awaited the proceedings with a reserved, distant manner. He was impressed by her self-possession although she couldn’t have been more than nineteen. Jared had never denied her beauty, but Mariah also looked intelligent and highly independent. Something in the proud way she held her head high under observation reminded him of Jared’s mother. Jennifer’s wedding band sparkled on her left hand, bringing sad memories to mind; but he pushed them away and turned his gaze to the child Mariah claimed as Jared’s daughter.

  Jared had prepared himself for the meeting after his first raging fury when he re
ceived notice of the countersuit. Mariah had actually dared to come all this way to establish a claim on him for a child he hadn’t known existed. Her face had become a dim memory in seventeen months, with only misty green eyes left to remind him of her. Now, seeing her in the flesh, he found he still could be moved to desire at the sight of her. The white velvet gown closely followed the fines of her body and he was shocked to discover that motherhood had somehow improved the slender figure he’d always considered perfect. She was more curvaceous and buxom now as her straight carriage showed to advantage. Inwardly amused, he turned his attention to the baby, wondered if she really was his. She seemed like a miniature version of Mariah, right down to the birthmark, but there was something in her tiny stubborn-set chin that was suggestive of him. Mariah could have been pregnant when he’d left San Francisco, but why in hell hadn't she come along; unless she hadn’t discovered it until after he’d sailed.

  The two lawyers shifted restlessly, anxious to begin, and Collier suggested his client start with her story. A record was being kept by a clerk who sat at a high desk in the corner, his thin, pock-marked face bent seriously over his legal tablet.

  “It’s quite simple, really. Jared Bryant and I were married in Montana. We moved to San Francisco in late April of 1852 and in mid-June of the same year, Anthony Winslow appeared and recognized my husband.” Inside, Mariah trembled but nothing in the calm, steady recital betrayed her agitation. “We were informed that Jared’s father was living in London and were to embark with Sir Anthony…” Mariah turned and stared Jared directly in the eye, challenging him to doubt the truth of her statement. “And then, he left me,…abandoning me alone and pregnant in a strange city.” A bustle of whispers followed the statement, but Jared merely smiled and continued to gaze at his wife.