“You’ve been spending a lot of time down here,” Hunter commented.
Looking over her shoulder at him, Andrea smiled. “I like it here…it’s warm and friendly.”
“And the house is not?” he asked, turning toward her.
Andrea pretended to be busy and did not answer for a long moment. “I prefer the company here, if that is what you are asking.”
“I see.” Hunter recalled the destruction of his dining room, and gave her credit for avoiding any further altercations.
Andrea interrupted his thoughts by handing him a lead rope with a horse attached. Then she ducked into a stall and exited with Justus.
Hunter followed her out to the pasture, watching appraisingly as she controlled her strong horse with one hand, while leaning on her cane with the other. Turning their charges loose in adjoining fields, they paused and watched as the horses raced each other along the fence line.
“Nice evening,” Hunter said, as he leaned on the top rail.
“Yes, it’s perfectly ga-lorious.”
Justus decided to show off for his audience by rearing and then bucking, an athletic maneuver that took all four feet off the ground.
“Quite an animal you have there. He reminds me quite a bit of a stallion I’ve been wishing to purchase.”
“Really?” Andrea asked, leaning forward. “What’s his name?”
“Excaliber.”
“Excaliber? Is he by King Arthur?” Andrea’s head was tilted as if somehow recollecting the legendary stallion. “What’s he look like?”
“Yes, I’ve been trying to buy him for years.” Hunter let his breath out as he thought about the horse. “He’s a deep gray.” He glanced over at her. “Not an ordinary gray, mind you.”
Andrea tried to help him. “Like the gray of a sword of marvelous brightness and beauty?”
They both laughed at the description of the mythical Excalibur.
“Exactly.” Hunter nodded. “Like polished steel. None can compare.”
“Sounds like he belongs at Hawthorne.”
Hunter looked straight ahead as he spoke. “It was my grandfather’s wish to infuse the King Arthur bloodline into our stock. He knew the legacy of Hawthorne would never be the same.”
“Then why don’t you buy him?”
“They won’t sell,” Hunter said, his voice growing grave. “It’s complicated…bad history you might say.”
“Well have faith, Major,” Andrea said. “Nothing is impossible. I believe you will succeed in your mission.”
Hunter stepped back and laughed, his mood lightening. “If only it were that easy. Unfortunately, I’ve been trying for years, and I have no reason to believe anything is going to suddenly change.”
Andrea raised her head higher, and for one brief moment Hunter thought he was talking to someone other than a mortal. A strong breeze whipped up at that moment, sending her hair floating gently around her. Her green eyes, lit only by moonlight, literally burned into his. “Some things are meant to be,” she said seriously. “And not even in your disbelief can you keep them from happening.”
“And you believe it is my destiny to own Excalibur?” Hunter smiled, partly because he enjoyed playing along, and partly because she infused him with renewed hope.
“I can divine no reason why not.”
Hunter did. But looking in her eyes…at that moment and in that light…he could almost believe that she had the power to understand mysteries of the universe that were not yet meant to be divulged.
Chapter 40
Wisely and slow; they stumble who run fast.
– Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare
Andrea had just eased herself into her favorite chair with a book when a loud knock sounded at her chamber door. She knew Hunter had recently returned from a foray, but wasn’t aware she’d done anything to warrant a visit from him.
“Yes? Come in.”
Hunter strode through the doorway buttoning the coat of a dress uniform she had never seen. He wore a look of deep concern that surprised her, and spoke in a polite, but preoccupied way. “I’m having some guests this afternoon.” He gazed at her with his head cocked to one side, apparently testing her reaction to his words. “It’s a business meeting. And it is imperative that everything goes smoothly.”
“And you’d like me to stay out of the way?”
Hunter, who had been staring over her shoulder, brought his eyes back to hers in obvious surprise. “Yes. I’d prefer that you stay out of sight…if you don’t mind.”
Andrea pretended not to be caught off guard by the fact that he seemed to be making a strong suggestion rather than giving a direct order. “I’m just about to start this book, so you’ve nothing to fear from me.”
Hunter studied her another moment, nodded his head, and disappeared out the door.
When Andrea heard the clatter of hooves in the turnaround a short while later, she could not resist the urge to look out the balcony door. The sight that greeted her caused the book to fall forgotten from her hand. She watched in awe as a four–horse team of perfectly matched dappled grays drew toward the house. Hurrying to the balcony, she leaned over the railing to get a better look at the steeds and the elegant conveyance that approached the front door directly beneath her.
“What you doin’, Miz Andrea?” Izzie stood behind her.
“Oh, Izzie. Look at that coach-and-four. I simply must see those horses!”
Andrea leaned farther over the railing, but the team was now hidden from view. She straightened and turned to Izzie. “And you’re going to help me.”
“Why you want to see some ol’ horse? There’s horses all over this place.”
Andrea ignored her, and limped out of the room to stand at the top of the stairs. She heard greetings being made and saw two well-dressed men—or the bottom halves of them anyway—following Hunter into his library. Finally, the door closed.
Andrea motioned excitedly for Izzie. “Come on,” she said, taking her by the arm and thrusting her down the stairs. “Go down and make sure no one is around. I’ll run straight through the foyer and go out the kitchen side.”
“I dunno,” Izzie protested. “Ole Him ’bout as happy as a tree saw today. And I don’t wanna go messin’ with no tree saw.”
“Go on, hurry.” Andrea pushed her again. “I don’t know how much time I have.”
Izzie crept down the stairs and looked cautiously both ways, then motioned Andrea to proceed. But just as she reached the bottom step, the door to Hunter’s study creaked opened. Knowing she would never make it back up the steps in time, Andrea decided to make a run for it. She limped after Izzie, who had already skedaddled across the foyer and disappeared.
Andrea took only a few running steps before colliding with a man hurrying out of the library. The resulting collision was swiftly followed by the appearance of Hunter, whose anger was evident, though he somehow managed to control his tone.
“I see you’ve made the acquaintance of my houseguest,” Hunter said to the man who stared down at Andrea while holding her securely in his arms.
“Your houseguest?” The man’s gaze swept over her.
“Yes.” Hunter strode across the foyer and picked up Andrea’s cane, which had clattered to the floor. “John Paul Clarke, may I present Miss Andrea Evans.” He thrust the cane at her so she could step away.
John Paul Clarke reluctantly released her and made a sweeping bow. “I apologize for my haste and clumsiness, Miss Evans. I had no idea Alex had a houseguest. It is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
That the man failed to use Hunter’s military title when he referred to him did not escape Andrea’s notice. Nor did his mocking tone of voice elude her. She studied his face, which was strikingly handsome, yet the feel of his soft arms when he grasped her detracted from the image.
“John Paul was on his way to get some papers from his carriage.” Hunter’s tone made it clear to Andrea that he wanted her
to depart the room.
“I’m sorry. I was actually … I mean … it appears you have a very nice team,” she said to John Paul.
“They are a sight, aren’t they?” John Paul strutted over to the window and gazed outside as if to remind himself just how perfect the four horses really were. “Well, come then,” he said, holding out his arm. “You simply must accompany me to get a better look.”
Andrea glanced at Hunter and saw him scowl as she linked her arm in the stranger’s. When Victoria cleared her throat from the stairway to catch everyone’s attention, Andrea was almost certain she heard Hunter groan.
“Land’s sakes, Alex. How many more beautiful women are you hiding at Hawthorne?” John Paul asked as Victoria descended the stairway.
“Oh, John Paul, stop.” Victoria elbowed Andrea out of the way, then giggled and kissed him on each cheek. “What are you doing here?” Then she turned to Hunter. “Why didn’t you tell me John Paul and his father were coming?”
“We’re here on business,” John Paul said, nodding toward the other man who stood in the doorway of the library. “Horse business.”
“Oh, please, no.” Victoria waved her hand in the air. “That’s all you two ever talk about!”
“Well, Alex is still determined to get his hands on that stallion of mine.”
Andrea felt a prickle go up her neck and a knot to form in her stomach. Were they discussing Excaliber? Her heart lurched at the remembrance of how Hunter’s eyes had lit up at the mere mention of the horse. Had she ruined his chance of acquiring the stud he had been trying to purchase for years?
Victoria held her hands over her ears and spoke in an overly loud voice. “I don’t want to hear another word about horses, especially not while we’re eating. You did invite them to dinner didn’t you?” She threw a probing glance at Hunter.
“You’re, ah, welcome to—”
“We accept!” John Paul took Andrea’s arm again as if he had accomplished a great victory. “Come now, Miss Evans. Let’s have a look at that wonderful team of mine.”
Chapter 41
There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.
– Bernard Williams
Andrea stepped out of the house and walked swiftly across the porch, her mind occupied with the events that had occurred the day before. She’d not yet had the chance to apologize to Hunter, but she fully intended to when next she saw him.
The luncheon with John Paul and his father had been a tedious affair, and one that revealed the discussion about the horse had been delayed. It pained Andrea to think she could have in some way influenced the decision by making her ill-timed appearance.
The memory of the day continued to play in her mind like a dream from which she could not wake. She didn’t blame Hunter for being exasperated at her for not staying in her room—but she had the feeling there was more to his anger than just a deferred horse deal. He’d been on edge and irritable the entire day. She’d never seen him so curt, so brusque, or so downright unfriendly.
John Paul, on the other hand, had been gregarious and flirtatious, bragging about his wealth and repeatedly touting his status as a single man. Andrea found him to be cloying, annoying and an obnoxious buffoon, but she’d tried to stay on his good side for Hunter’s sake.
As Andrea made her way down the steps, she decided it was John Paul’s words to Victoria that stuck most in her mind as being perplexing and strange. When they were walking outside to exchange final farewells, she’d overheard Victoria apologize for Hunter’s moodiness and lack of civility.
In response, John Paul had merely winked at her and said, “Don’t be too hard on him my dear. We both know it is an act of civility that he allowed me to dine at his table.”
Andrea’s cane hit a crevice in the walk just then, causing her to stumble slightly. Looking up, she noticed a carriage tied to the post in the turnaround she did not recognize.
She almost passed it by before noticing a young female slave tied to the back. Noticeably pregnant, the woman was on her knees, resting from apparently being made to walk a great distance.
Andrea hurried to the young woman’s aid, but the slave covered her head and lay in the dirt like a dog cowering from the boot of its master.
“Don’t hit me, missus. Please don’t hit me no more.”
“I’m not going to hit you. Let me help you up.”
The woman lifted her head, revealing a pair of brown, frightened, disbelieving eyes. Her look of pain and distrust revived memories of the spectacles Andrea had witnessed in her childhood. The reflections lashed her into a fury for the injustices committed then and now.
Before she had time to react further, a shadow appeared from the front of the carriage. Andrea looked up to see a man of rotund stature, whose sweaty forehead and pallid skin reminded her of her father.
“I do not believe I’ve had the honor,” he said.
Andrea refused to accept the extended hand as she eyed the protruding waistline, rounded by comfort and lack of responsibility. “Have you no sense? No decency?”
“I beg your pardon?” He threw his shoulders back and reached out to grab her arm. “Do you know who you’re speaking to?”
“Remove your foul hands from me!” Andrea slapped his hand away. “Or I’ll—”
“Miss Evans!” Hunter strode out of the house, apparently seeking the cause of the commotion.
“Please control your wife,” the man said, brushing off his coat like he had touched something offensive. “I’ve half a mind to call off the deal.”
“She’s not my wife, and I wouldn’t attempt to control her if she were,” Hunter said with a hint of anger in his own voice now.
Andrea shot him a look of surprise. “What deal have you made with this man?”
“Mr. Potts has offered to purchase the two blooded bays.” Hunter’s gaze shifted from Andrea to the slave girl behind the carriage, apparently seeing her for the first time.
“You cannot possibly sell horses to a person who treats someone like this.” Andrea’s finger trembled as she pointed toward the woman.
The slave looked up curiously.
Hunter took a step toward Andrea and spoke in a gentle voice. “It’s none of our business.”
“None of our business?” Andrea hit her cane on the ground and turned to face the man. “How much do you want for her?”
“She’s not for sale,” Potts answered. “She’s leaving with me.”
Andrea took a step forward. “And you’ll walk over my prostrate form to accomplish it!”
“I said she’s not for sale. I just purchased her, and need to make sure she knows who is master before I get her home.” Potts brushed some imaginary dirt from his coat sleeve.
“Thunderation, you’re nothing but a—”
“How much?” Hunter quickly interrupted before Andrea could finish her tirade.
Potts rubbed his chin while making a grunting sound, making it apparent that he’d been offended and that he intended to swindle some money to even the playing field. “Well now, you can see she’s with child. I’d say the two of them are worth fifteen hundred dollars.”
“I’ll give you eight fifty, and the deal with the horses is off.”
The man scoffed at the offer. “You jest. You’re going to allow this. . .” his gaze swept over Andrea, “this slave lover to—”
Hunter rushed toward Potts, grabbed him by the throat, and threw him against the coach with such force that the man’s feet left the ground. “It’s for men like you that men like me are forced to shed their blood in defense of this country.” Hunter’s face was but inches away from that of the trembling slave owner. “If you’d like to leave this estate in one piece, I’d urge you to consider my proposal.”
Andrea saw the strength in Hunter’s one arm, and was both petrified and enthralled. When Potts responded with a nod, Hunter released his grip, causing the man to fall against the coach gasping for bre
ath. Andrea gave Hunter no time to change his mind. She rushed to untie the woman.
“What’s your name?” Andrea asked bending over her.
The woman looked up with bewildered eyes. “Gabriella,” she finally said in a whispered voice.
“Miss Evans!” Hunter’s voice was stern. “Mattie will take care of her. I’d like to speak with you.” He turned and strode toward the house without a backward glance.
* * *
Andrea stepped into the library to find Hunter at the window, standing with his back to her. She could see from his stance he was agitated. She was just about to apologize for causing him trouble, when he turned and spoke.
“When I started this day, I thought I had two horses sold—and at a very good price I might add.”
Andrea looked away from his piercing gaze.
“Now, I find my purse empty of eight hundred and fifty dollars. I am still in possession of two horses for which I have no use. And I will soon have, not one, but two more mouths to feed.”
“I’m sorry.” Andrea bit her lip to keep from saying more.
“This estate is not a sanctuary for your menagerie of injured horses and abused slaves. I have a responsibility to feed and clothe those already here. I have more than two hundred head of horses that need my attention—”
“I’ll pay you back.”
“Hold your tongue, Miss Evans.” His voice grew noticeably louder. “That is not the point.”
Andrea stared at the floor, while twisting the ring on her finger. She could tell Hunter had reached his limit, and felt guilty for adding to the weight of his responsibilities. “I’m sorry,” she said again. “I did not mean to interfere.”
“You did not mean to interfere?” Hunter laughed in such a way that it conveyed no humor. “Then what did you mean?”
“I … I was simply doing what I feel is right in my heart—”
“Your heart?” He raked his fingers through his hair in agitation, and then stood with his hands on his hips, shaking his head in disbelief. “Well, thanks to your heart, I lost more than two thousand dollars today!”
Honor Bound (Shades of Gray Civil War Serial Trilogy Volume II) Page 21
