Savage In Silk

by Donna Comeaux Zide

  “Stay a while, Mariah, I’ve hardly had a chance to get to know you. Father can’t blame anyone but me, I was just about to fail, at any rate.”

  Although Mariah still felt uneasy in his presence, there was no polite way to refuse. He offered her his arm and as they strolled along the elaborate, carved pathways, began a conversation.

  “As I said when I met you, m’dear, I envy Jared’s good fortune in finding such a lovely…talented wife. I only recently found out you’re adept at dealing cards.” He paused as his sister-in-law glanced sharply at his face. “Oh, far be it from me to judge gambling as immoral. As it’s one of my main vices, I’m understandably delighted to know someone so accomplished in the field.” They had walked far enough from the house to be concealed by a high, artfully trimmed hedgerow. “Sources of information have led me to believe your relationship with my half-brother has been, how shall I say…less than perfect at times. The very fact that he openly flaunted his mistress about London should have warned you not to agree to a reconciliation. I wonder at your patience with such antics.” Drew turned to face her and gently stroked the outline of her cheek with one hand. "No one could blame you if you sought to avenge his infidelities, Mariah. You’ve fascinated me from the first, with your exotic face and those lovely green eyes.” At her lack of reaction to his suggestion Drew grew bolder and pulled her against him.

  Enraged, Mariah struggled away and slapped his face, happy to see the complacency vanish from his arrogant eyes. “Your brother can’t seem to see past that innocent puppy look you always wear for him, Drew, but I’ve had my reservations from the beginning. I happen to be very happy with Jared.” Mariah paused to sweep her eyes contemptuously over him. “If and when I ever decided his actions warranted an infidelity on my part, I would first find a man to fill the part, not a gangling youth. Dare to take such a liberty again and I’ll report this to your father!” With a last disgusted look, Mariah tossed her head and stalked angrily down the path toward the house.

  Cheek still burning from Mariah’s slap, Drew watched her departure and his eyes narrowed and the spark of desire that had flared flickered away. Silently, he swore, adding Mariah’s name to his future plans of revenge. A wicked smile made his dark eyes gleam as he thought how amusingly appropriate it would be to possess Mariah’s lovely body before his brother’s helpless eyes. The vengeful thought temporarily satisfied him and he returned to the house to change his clothes for an evening on the town.

  Chapter 32

  Mariah never mentioned the garden incident to Jared, afraid he would believe she had instigated it. In fact, she waited almost a week for some repercussions to develop and had wondered the whole time whether Drew would concoct some story to discredit her with Jared, When nothing happened, she relaxed but always kept a wary distance between herself and Drew, especially after he moved home permanently from college.

  Tonight, Christmas Eve, they were to attend a gala celebrating the holiday. Jared and Tony both would be wearing their Lancer uniforms and before she’d gotten dressed, Mariah had given her approval to Jared’s appearance. Fitting closely across his broad shoulders, his jacket was a crisp, dark blue with a brilliant scarlet sash draped across his chest. Gold lace piping lined the sides of the trousers and the total effect of the dress uniform was striking. Jared had insisted he would stay and wait while she dressed, but Mariah was equally insistent that she wished her gown to be a surprise and had shooed him affectionately from the room.

  Seated in front of her mirror, she watched as her maid arranged her long black tresses into a soft, shining coil at the back of her neck. An almost invisible hairnet sewn with tiny seed pearls covered the chignon. The dress she’d had made was an exact duplicate of the one she’d worn the first night she’d had dinner with Jared, long ago aboard the riverboat. Daringly low-cut, it revealed a tempting display of swelling breasts and she suddenly had reservations about wearing it. Since the baby’s birth, she had become more amply endowed and she wondered if Jared would approve. Well, she decided, it was too late to change now. The final touch, a string of matched pearls that Jared had given her, was draped about the slender throat and glowed lustrously against her creamy skin. She stood before the mirror, critically appraising every aspect of her dress and finally decided she was pleased with the effect.

  “Anna, you don’t think it’s too daring,” Mariah said, requesting the young maid’s usually tasteful opinion. She glanced significantly at her swelling decolletage.

  “Oh no, Lady Mariah,” the maid protested. “You’ll be the only lady at the ball to be noticed!” Anna’s expression was adoringly approving and revealed her pride in serving someone as lovely as Mariah.

  Reassured, Mariah gathered her lace shawl and with Anna’s wishes for a wonderful time, descended the stairs to join her husband and father-in-law. There was an unusually excited air about her tonight, deepening the bright, natural color gracing her high cheekbones. She had discovered that she was pregnant again. She knew that Jared would like a son, and an intuitive sense told her this child would be the boy he wanted.

  Jared and Stuart stood together at the bottom of the long staircase, watching Mariah’s graceful descent. Father and son exchanged looks of pride, noting how exquisitely lovely Mariah looked tonight. They had just come from the library and had been discussing their Christmas gifts for Mariah. Jared had bought her a beautiful necklace of diamonds and emeralds. Stuart’s jeweler had created an exact duplicate of a locket that had belonged to Jennifer, well over twenty years before. A delicate rose was engraved on the top of the locket and the edge was lined in tiny seed pearls.

  Mariah smiled happily at the two and held out her hand to Jared. He took it, pulling her close as he skillfully flattered her choice of a gown.

  “You don’t recognize it, do you?” A disappointed pout played about her lips as she leaned closer, gazing up into her husband’s eyes. “It’s a copy of the dress I wore when you first kissed me!”

  Somehow Jared managed to extricate himself from his mistake. “I’m afraid I wasn’t paying attention to what you were wearing that day, my love. Other thoughts occupied my mind.” He put his arm around her shoulders as they began to walk toward the entrance hall. Leaning close, he whispered low, just loud enough for her to hear, “I admit I was deeply involved contemplating your immediate seduction.”

  Mariah blushed, then threw back her head, laughing at his confidence. “Were you so sure you’d succeed? You always have had an overabundance of confidence, darling!”

  Jared held her cape for her, adjusting the ties around her neck, then pulling the fur-edged hood carefully over her coiffure. His eyes held her gaze as his hands paused on either side of the hood. “It just took me a little longer,” he teased affectionately, “than usual!” She formed a quick retort to squelch his display of vanity but before she could utter it, he laughingly drew her close. “It was worth it, though, I’d do it all…over and over again.”

  Bundled against the cold, the three entered the carriage for the short ride to the ball. When they had proceeded through the receiving line, greeting their hosts and wishing all a Merry Christmas, Mariah spotted Beth across the room and asked Jared whether they couldn’t join her and her escort, a lieutenant of the Grenadiers. The two girls fondly embraced and carried on an animated conversation as though they hadn’t seen each other for years. Jared was left to discuss the upcoming war efforts in the Crimea with the young officer.

  Seated near the large ballroom windows, Beth was excitedly whispering questions to Mariah about her suspected pregnancy. “Is it true? You are going to have a baby?” When Mariah admitted the doctor had confirmed it and predicted an August birth, Beth could barely contain her jubilance. She adored Jenny and had become almost a second mother to her. She bubbled enthusiastically as she exclaimed, “Oh, I can’t wait to get married and have my own!” Through lowered lashes, she glanced sideways at her escort, involved in an intense discussion with Jared and another army officer. Somewhat shyly, s
he admitted, “Lieutenant Peters has been very attentive lately…I think he might be ready to propose!”

  Mariah squeezed her friend’s hand, happy with the news. Normally shy and retiring, Beth had seemed to blossom under the attentions of the young man and they seemed perfectly matched to each other. “How wonderful, dear! He looks so handsome in his uniform.”

  Beth had to agree, as she glanced at the two men, but she silently thought that Jared, with his tall, broad-shouldered figure was the more dashing of the two. Rob Peters was goodlooking, while Jared Bryant possessed an animal sensuality. She remembered how very interested she’d been when Tony had first brought him home. Still, she was happy nothing had developed. Rob, with his quiet, calm manners suited her far more than Jared’s colorful flamboyance ever would have. Noting Mariah’s adoring glance at her husband, she was glad again that they had managed to reconcile. Mariah was the perfect counterpart for him. Together they made the most striking couple in the room.

  Bowing gallantly before Mariah when the music began, Jared took her hand and drew her into his arms, holding her possessively close as they whirled around the ballroom. “And what were you two plotting?” Jared inquired. “You and Beth have probably set up a trap for poor Peters. Am I right, my sweet?” He bent close to her, smiling in amusement when he noticed the flush that indicated he’d struck on the truth. “I’m probably betraying a fellow officer,” he admitted somewhat sheepishly, “but I think Rob is more than willing to be ensnared by Beth. I often wonder who really does the hunting among the sexes. You ladies merely let us believe we’re the pursuers!”

  The night was one long whirl of dances, champagne and conversation. Finally after two hours of dancing, Mariah found her strength beginning to wane and begged off, seeking the upstairs room that had been designated as a rest lounge for the ladies. A little lightheaded, she collapsed wearily on a settee behind a small screen and closed her eyes for a short rest. She heard the sounds of others entering but kept her eyes closed, trying to ease the sudden weariness.

  Voices, soft and low, began a whispered conversation, then raised so that every word was clear. “He’s so dashing, especially in that uniform! They say he’s led a very adventurous life, all over the American West. One would hardly think he’d be the type to settle down. I almost feel sorry for his wife, though I’ve heard she’s had adventures of her own, if you follow my meaning!”

  The other voice giggled at the implication and Mariah felt a furious anger building within her. Opening her eyes, she found she could just see around the screen, although the two women were unaware of her presence. Something told her that even if they had been aware of her, they wouldn’t have restrained their spiteful comments. She was just about to stand, unwilling to listen further to the gossip, when the plumper of the two older women gave a final pat to her flaccid cheeks and spoke again.

  “Still, one has to feel sorry for the poor child…she seems to have blinded herself to his attraction to other women.” She turned to her companion, tapping her on the shoulder with a folded fan. “Did you see him disappear into the library with Lynsey Stark? In my opinion, she’d best take more care with her reputation or her father will find it hard to foist her off, even with that huge dowry she’s got. The girl couldn’t keep her eyes off Carleigh…or her hands for that matter!”

  Her friend smirked at the bit of gossip. “I don’t know about you, Effie, but if Carleigh cast those wandering eyes my way, I wouldn’t hesitate to follow him anywhere!”

  They shared a girlish giggle that somehow seemed obscene coming from such stout, wrinkled old women. Having finished their repairs, they rose and left the room to gather more gossip from below.

  Jared wouldn’t even glance at those two cows, Mariah thought defensively. It couldn’t be true what they’d said! They were obviously just spicing their dreary lives with a malicious bit of gossip. Still, she had lost track of Jared’s whereabouts and as she bit her lip, she agonized that there might be a grain of truth to the gossip she’d overheard. She felt stronger now, anxious to find Jared and reassure herself. They’d been so happy the past few weeks, at least she had been. Now the remembrances of his past indiscretions returned to plague her and she hurried down the stairs, trying to spot him in the crowded ballroom. Only vaguely did she remember the girl who was mentioned. Beth had introduced her to Lady Lynsey and although the girl had seemed pleasant, Mariah now wondered if there hadn’t been a hint of cool, knowing appraisal in the lovely gray eyes. Lynsey Stark was a titled heiress and an accomplished coquette with dark hair and an enchanting figure. Doubts nagged at Mariah. Lynsey was just the sort to attract Jared if he were free. Of course, marriage had never before restrained his wanderlust. Suddenly she was desperate to find him and reassure himself. At the bottom of the staircase, she paused, unable to locate him but she did spot Tony and waved to attract his attention. When he came up to her, she inquired if he’d seen Jared. “I seem to have lost track of him in the crowd.”

  “I’m afraid I haven’t seen him either, dear.” He cocked an ear, listening as the sounds of a waltz began. “I’m glad he’s not around, though; it gives me a chance to dance with you!” Offering his arm, Tony escorted her to the dance floor; and noticing her preoccupied air, inquired why she looked so lost. “It’s not very flattering to yearn so for your husband while dancing with another man, Mariah,” he teased.

  Mariah drew her searching eyes back to his face. If she could only trust Tony to help her. He and Jared were as close as two friends could be; indeed, they were more like brothers than Jared and Drew. She decided against asking Tony about the girl. Out of loyalty to Jared, he wouldn’t tell her if he knew.

  “I’m sorry, Tony,” she apologized. “You deserve a far more attentive partner than me. I’m afraid I’m a bit tired tonight. In fact, I was wondering if you’d find Jared—I’d like to leave early if you can locate him.”

  Just then she caught a glimpse of Jared, whirling by in the crowd of dancers, his red-gold head bent-low and close to his partner’s dark hair. Such a strong emotion wrenched Mariah that her steps faltered and she had to apologize to Tony. “I’m sorry, Tony, I really feel a little weak. I wonder if you could find Lord Maubrey and ask him to meet me in the hallway.” Her face had gone white and Tony was instantly solicitous. He escorted her to the hall and left her seated on a carved, upholstered bench beneath the staircase. Closing her eyes and leaning back to rest, she tried to clear her mind of nagging suspicions. It wasn’t fair to judge Jared on the spiteful statements of two old biddies who had nothing better to do with their time than malign others. The fact that she’d seen Jared dancing with the girl was hardly proof that he had strayed again.

  Mariah opened her eyes at a sound near her and found Jared, his face creased by concern, kneeling in front of her. His voice was sharp with worry when he inquired what was wrong. “Tony found me and said you wanted to leave.” He placed his hand on her forehead, checking for fever but her skin was cool, almost icy to the touch. Her face was still pale and drawn and the green eyes had a wide, glazed appearance. He decided instantly that he should get her home. “Tony’s gone to look for Father.” He rose and then sat next to her, gently pulling her head to rest on his shoulder. “You should have let me know sooner, Mariah. I don’t like how pale you look. Did this come on suddenly?”

  In the comfort of his arms, Mariah chastised herself for her fears. His demeanor was so loving, so protective that there couldn’t have been any truth to the gossip. "I feel better now that you’re here, darling, really I do. If you want to stay, I don’t mind. I feel so foolish, spoiling the party for you and Stuart.”

  “Nonsense,” Jared insisted. “There are always lots of parties to attend. We’ll go home, open our presents and then it’s off to bed for you.”

  “At least make your father stay, Jared. Really, I feel terribly guilty. He’s been having such a good time. Please?”

  Stuart came up then, his face a mask of concern. "Mariah, I had no idea—you do look pale!
We’ll leave immediately.” He turned to find the Dunsmores’ butler and send for their carriage. “Just let me find Lady Dunsmore and make our apologies. I’ll just be a minute.” Jared caught his father’s arm, restraining him from leaving. “Mariah insists you stay, Father.” Jared glanced down at Mariah and as she nodded her agreement, he continued, “I think she’s just overtired. We’ll take the carriage home and send it back for you. I insist—it’ll make Mariah feel better too. Please tell the Dunsmores we enjoyed the party but Mariah needs to rest.”

  Stuart seemed doubtful about staying but Mariah and Jared both had a stubborn, set look to their faces and he reluctantly gave in, waiting with them until the carriage was brought around to the front.

  Mariah had started to walk outside, but Jared swiftly picked her up and carried her to the vehicle, gently depositing her on the seat and carefully tucking the lap robe across her knees. He sat next to her and pulled her close to share the warmth of his body.

  Snow had begun to fall, veiling the landscape with a soft illusion of misty white. Mariah broke the silence to admit, “Jared, I have a confession to make.” Dropping her gaze beneath his steady appraisal, Mariah found the courage to tell him of her suspicions. After she’d repeated the conversation from the lounge, she told him she’d searched for him and had seen him dancing with Lynsey. “For a while I believed what those witches said. I owe you an apology.”

  At the moment, Mariah was unaware of how close she’d come to the truth. Jared had been in the library with the girl who had been suspiciously taken ill while they were dancing. Lynsey had requested that he escort her from the floor and find her a quiet spot to rest. It wasn’t until they’d entered the library that Jared realized he’d been taken in. In an instant recovery, Lynsey had thrown herself into his arms, fixing her mouth on his in a passionately abandoned kiss. For the briefest half-second, Jared had given in to the pleasure of her soft lips beneath his. Only the thought of Mariah, stumbling upon the scene by accident, had made him break the hold and he had gently pushed her away from him. Scorned, she had given in to a typically feminine fury and berated him. “You wanted me before, Jared Bryant! I can’t see that anything has happened to change you.”