“Yes, that is much better.” Mr. Hathoway sighed with relief. “Excuse me for asking, sir, but are you in business? I’ve noticed men of business tend to be a more practical lot.”
Jacko nodded. “I tried being a man of leisure, but it did not suit me. I live off my investments, but I do have a business in London.”
Both the Hathoways brows furrowed. Alice knew it wasn’t because Jacko had declared an unseemly interest in commerce. Their concern was far more tactical. They feared Jacko would hear her stepfather was a murderer and not marry her. And to be fair, if she really had just met Jacko, she’d be worried as well.
She smiled in contentment as she played with the ribbon on her neckline. She found courtship much more pleasant when she knew with certainty her handsome and charming suitor’s heart was fixed and nothing could change his feelings. She did not have to doubt her worthiness or question his sincerity. She could simply enjoy the slow dance of seduction.
“Alice,” Mrs. Hathoway whispered.
She looked up and smiled. “Yes?”
The woman frowned at Alice’s hand and shook her head ever so slightly.
Alice looked down and discovered she had untied the ribbon on the neck of her blouse. She re-tied it before her throat was exposed. Determined not to allow her hands to get into further mischief, she placed them palm down upon the leather seat. She stared out the window so she would not have to face the Hathoways’ looks of horror.
She did not worry about Jacko. He no doubt found her desire to undress herself in the carriage most amusing.
Eventually, the Hathoways ceased their interrogation of Jacko, satisfied he knew none of their circle and thus, would hopefully marry Alice before he heard the rumors.
She sighed. That would be most unfair if it were the case. But then, she couldn’t think much of a lover who would run because a scandal surrounded her stepfather. Still, to think a man perfect, marry him and then have him despise her when he learned the truth‒that would not be pleasant for either party.
Jacko’s fingers gently caressed her fingers pressed on the seat. She glanced at the Hathoways, both asleep. She slipped her hand into his and closed her eyes in happiness. She felt a little guilty. Her traveling companions thought her in dire straits, when in truth, she was the luckiest woman in the world.
When Mrs. Hathoway rustled, Jacko retracted his hand. “We are nearly home.” He leaned out the window and spoke to the driver.
Alice loved the soft caresses of his vowels. “Is learning Spanish difficult?”
“Not at all. I will teach you if you like?”
Mrs. Hathoway’s eyebrows rose as she gave a slight nod of approval.
Alice tilted her head. “I would like that very much. I know they say Italian is the language of love, but I think Spanish sounds most romantic, especially when you speak it.”
Jacko lifted her hand to his lips. “I will be honored to teach you.”
When the carriage pulled to a halt, Jacko turned his attention to the Hathoways. “I thought you might wish to see my lands from this very fine prospect.”
“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Hathoway agreed.
Jacko climbed out of the carriage and then aided the others out.
The sight of vibrant and healthy farmland and wineries filled Alice with joy. “It’s beautiful!”
Jacko came up behind her. His hand grazed the small of her back. “You like it?”
She sighed with happiness. “More than I can say. Your crops look to be much further along than mine.”
Mrs. Hathoway interceded. “Alice’s estate also has farmland attached.”
“Ah, so we have much in common,” Jacko whispered in her ear before turning to Mr. Hathoway. “The dig is on the side of hill to your left. Several paleontologists are working the site. The mammoth is half exposed now, and quite a beast to behold. We can go tomorrow morning if you wish?”
Mr. Hathoway laughed. “I would prefer to go this afternoon if possible, or I might never get to sleep tonight. Perhaps you can have a servant lead me out.”
“Nonsense. We shall all go. However, I do hope you have cooler clothes, or you will suffer from the heat.”
Alice turned to face him. “And I shall want a tour of the farm.”
Mrs. Hathoway’s head popped up. “Well then, Mr. Hathoway and I will go to the digs with a servant, and Señor Bienora can provide you a tour of his lands.”
Delight danced in Jacko eyes as he took Alice’s hand and kissed it. “It will be my honor to show you the most fertile land in Spain.” He then turned to Hathoways. “And I will send a letter with the servant to ensure you are well received by the paleontologists.”
Once everyone returned to the carriage, they continued down the hill, through the luscious farmland and vineyards, to an expansive single story stucco home. Flowering vines covered much of the walls, making the house a natural part of the landscape.
Stepping from the carriage, Alice squeezed Jacko’s hand. “I’ve never seen a house I like more.”
“But you have only seen one wall,” Jacko teased.
Alice refused to back down from her claim. “But the wall is covered in climbing red roses, purple clematis, and honeysuckle. I could stand here for hours admiring its beauty and breathing in the fragrance.”
Jacko placed his hand on the small of her back. “Not a good idea in the heat of the day. Perhaps, later when the sun has set.” He ushered them into his house and introduced them to a smiling Spaniard named Raul Gomez.
“Raul manages Tierra Rico, and to perfection I might add.”
Raul’s attention focused on Alice rather than the Hathoways. His hungry gaze sent a chill down her spine. Jacko must have noticed the man’s stare, as well, because he moved closer and turned her to meet a large-busted woman wearing a white peasant blouse and a full red skirt. “This is Señora Marconi. She runs the house. Anything you need, she will see to it.”
The woman smiled at the Hathoways, but her eyes turned cold when they settled on Alice. Great, one member of the house wished to devour her and the other wished her gone. She suddenly longed for her eccentric but endearing servants.
From the entrance hall, they passed through a large archway decorated in colorful tiles. Entering a massive room, supported by stained wooden beams a foot wide and carved pillars that looked more like works of art than a means to hold up the roof, they stared in awe. The room was broken up into areas, set apart by the use of large plants in urns and colorful rugs on the terra cotta tile. She could identify a library, a music room, a parlor, a card room and a dining room all in the open space.
“You could have a fair size ball here.” The awe in Mrs. Hathoway’s voice indicated a strong approval.
Mr. Hathoway inspected the carved pillars. “My, but these are as fine as I’ve ever seen. Just look at the detail.”
Alice joined him and admired the two lions battling over the fainted woman lying at their feet.
Jacko moved close behind her. “I like to fancy the lion on the left is a good lion, determined to protect the young maiden from harm.”
Alice laughed. “That is because you are a natural born hero. I suspect other men might see two beasts fighting over their next meal.”
“Oh my,” Mrs. Hathoway gasped. “I think we might do with a rest and change of clothes before lunch. Come along, dear.”
The woman’s firm grip on Alice’s arm gave her no chance to argue. She turned her head to Jacko and smiled. “Until lunch.”
Jacko bowed and repressed a smile as Mrs. Hathoway literally dragged her from the room.
Chapter 21
The housekeeper showed the Hathoways to a large bedroom with glass doors to a private patio. Alice followed behind.
“Beautiful,” Mrs. Hathoway declared, while her husband nodded in agreement.
“Far better than any hotel could offer, I dare say. Yes, we are most fortunate.” He kissed his wife’s temple. “Well done, my dear.”
The housekeeper‘s eyes swept the room
to ensure all was in order. Satisfied, she looked at Alice and her eyes hardened. “Come.”
She led Alice down the hall, past many closed doors. At the end, they turned onto a new hall headed west and continued half way down.
The woman opened the door and stepped back, allowing Alice to enter on her own.
Sweltering heat struck Alice forcibly as she entered the narrow room. Before she fainted, she hurried to the small window and opened it wide. Unfortunately, it did not seem to help much.
Finding the room intolerable, she turned to complain, but the housekeeper had left. Alice went in search of her. As she passed the Hathoway’s room, Agnes spotted her, and called her in, closing the door behind her.
“Señor Bienora is a delightful man…”
Alice cringed. She heard a ‘however’ coming, but what on earth could they object to? Jacko, as presented, had to be perfection by any standards.
“But I must caution you. While Sr. Bienora does seem to have taken an interest in you, I fear you might frighten him off of marriage with your forward behavior.”
“Nonsense,” Mr. H replied from his chair on the patio. “He’s a brave Spaniard. He no doubt appreciates Alice’s forthrightness.”
“What on earth would you know about courtship?”
Mr. H barked a sharp laugh. “As much as any man, I daresay. And I’m telling you now. Jacon Bienora is not the type of man who prefers young ladies who pretend a lack of interest. Leave Alice alone. She is doing just fine.”
Mrs. Hathoway sighed heavily and looked at Alice with great seriousness. “You have done very well attracting his attention. However, the objective is to become his wife, not a dalliance. Thus, you must consider your words before you speak. Several times, you have made rather shocking declarations. And untying your ribbon‒what on earth were you thinking?”
Alice walked to the glass doors and stared out at their pretty patio. Clearly, the housekeeper preferred the Hathoways to her. She wondered why.
A light rap on the door rescued her from further lectures from Mrs. H.
A beautiful young girl, probably no more than sixteen years in age, entered and smiled at the Hathoways. Her happy face turned to resentment when she noticed Alice. “My name is Maria. I speak English most good, so I will serve you.”
Two young men carried in the trunks and placed them on the floor. Maria spoke in rapid Spanish and the men shrugged. She then looked at Alice. “Which is your box?”
Alice knew Maria wished to have it moved to her small oven of a room, but since the staff already disliked her, she had no reluctance in being difficult. “Leave it here. My current room is too hot. I will need another.”
“No. Tell me yours,” Maria demanded.
Alice turned her back and stared out at the patio.
A moment later, the girl stormed from the room.
“Alice, you are hardly being a gracious guest. You do not wish Mr. Bienora to think you petulant and hard to please.”
Alice smiled. “It is easy enough for you to scold. You received a beautiful room.”
A knock sounded on the door and then the housekeeper entered. Her eyes settled in on Alice. “Which trunk is yours?”
Alice met her glare with equal intensity. It would be a cold day in hell when she’d allow a servant to bully her around. Truly, Jacko should fire the woman and the girl for impertinence. “I wish my clothes to remain here until I speak with Mr. Bienora.”
The woman shook her head. “You no speak to Señor Bienora. You speak to me. I the housekeeper.”
Alice nodded. “And I think you deliberately gave me the worst room available. So I wish to show the room to Señor Bienora.”
The housekeeper’s brow furrowed. “If you don’t like the room, I find you another. Come.”
Alice sighed, but followed the woman into the hall. She opened the door across from the Hathoways. “You like better?”
It was better, certainly tolerable, and had the woman shown her this room first, she would not have complained. However, war had been declared and now she wanted the best.
She walked to the door next to the Hathoways and opened it. The room was similar to the Hathoways with a private patio. “This one will do.”
“No, that room is not ready for guests.”
“Then make it ready,” Alice snapped and returned to the Hathoways, slamming the door behind her.
The couple stared at her as if she had lost her mind, barging into their room without knocking. She realized they were in the process of changing clothes and Mr. Hathoway was holding his pants closed.
“Forgive me.” She hurried from the room and into her selected bedroom, where she threw herself on the bed. Could she behave more shocking if she tried?
A gentle knock roused her from her embarrassment. She steeled her nerves and opened the door, ready for another round with the dreadful housekeeper.
Instead, Jacko leaned against the wall on the other side. He held out his hand. “Come, walk with me.”
Tilting her head, she feigned reluctance. “Do you have a garden?”
He nodded and led her to a tropical paradise.
“Five minutes in my house and everyone is in an uproar. Imagine my confusion and disbelief to hear you have rejected the beautiful room I wished you to have, refused to point out which luggage was yours and was so rude to my housekeeper that she is threatening to quit.”
Alice opened her mouth in shock at the misrepresentation of facts, and then laughed. “Does this woman have reason not to want a young lady catching your eye? I ask, because I have no explanation to account for my ill treatment or such an outrageous twisting of facts.”
Jacko frowned at her question and then grimaced. “She may think she does. I fear the source of all this nonsense falls on my shoulders.”
She stroked his arm in affection. He was certainly not a man to run from responsibility. “How can it possibly be your fault?”
Jacko pulled a large leaf from a vine and rolled it into a tight tube. “I may have inadvertently led the housekeeper to believe I had interest in her daughter.”
Alice’s eyebrows rose at his admission, but she waited for his explanation, certain he would explain himself to her satisfaction.
He led her to a bench in the shade. “I did not realize that gentlemen ignored female servants unless they wished to enjoy them. So I treated her as I would any person. I asked her name, where she was from, how long she’d been working on the farm. When she then came to my bedroom and offered herself, I refused, saying she deserved better.”
Alice sighed. “Which she interpreted to mean you wished to marry her.”
Jacko frowned. “I never gave her reason to think that. You have to believe me.”
Alice took his hand. “I do. Just as you believed I was not the troublesome guest presented.”
His head tilted to the side. “So what did you not like about the room I selected?”
Alice laughed. “I do not believe I have yet seen your selection. Would you care to show it to me?”
“The Hathoways will not be disturbed by my taking you to your bedroom?”
“Not half so much as I have disturbed them.” She confessed her mistake in entering their room without knocking. “I have also been lectured about admiring you too openly and speaking too suggestively. However, Mr. H. says you are the type of man who will appreciate such forthrightness and I should continue being myself.” Alice paused. “Of course, that was before I walked in on him dressing. He may be siding with Mrs. H at this point.”
Jacko kissed her hand. “Well, I find your honest statements and emotions delightful, although your attempt to undress in the carriage did surprise me. I trust you were thinking of us?”
“I was thinking how pleasant a courtship can be when all doubt and uncertainty are removed.”
Delight sparkled in his eyes as he nodded in agreement. He led her from the main garden onto a private patio. He opened the glass door and held it for her. She entered a room twice the s
ize of the Hathoways, with magnificent furniture and fine Persian rugs over the tile floors. “Was this King Ferdinand’s room?”
Leaning in behind her, he spoke close to her ear. The heat of his breath stirred her entire body into fiery passion. “No, this was his queen’s.” He then stepped away and turned about the room. “So what displeases you?”
She laughed and walked around the room, admiring the paintings on the walls, the delicate furniture, carved and gilded in gold. “I am far from displeased. The furniture is finer than any I have seen, the paintings belong in a museum and…” She raised her skirts and crawled on the giant bed. “The bed is seductively soft and conveniently wide.” She stretched across it. “And can be comfortable in any direction.” She sat up. “No, I have no complaints, whatsoever. And if the offer to sleep here still remains, I will gladly accept it.”
He approached a door on the side of the room and placed his hand upon it. “I thought perhaps you objected to us having adjoining rooms. However, I assure you, I cannot enter unless you choose to unlock your door.
He opened it and she saw another door behind it. “Both parties must be willing.”
Alice climbed from the bed and walked to the door. She closed it, sighed, and turned the lock. “A part of me has wanted to ravish you since you rescued us on the docks.”
He tilted his head. “And the other part?”
Staring at the floor, she shuffled her right foot. “I thought I hated courtships, but now I discover I hated the men, not the dance.” She looked up and smiled. “With you, I have found the process quite delightful.”
Jacko nodded. “As have I.”
As always, Jacko gave in to her silly whims. Would he always be so obliging? Did he mind? She recalled a request that he had minded and moved into his arms as regret filled her heart. “I need to apologize to you.”
He stroked her hair. “About fighting with my housekeeper? Don’t bother”
“No. About the letter I wrote. Dom said it upset you. I am sorry for sounding so bossy, for telling you to buy clothes and rent a house. I had no right to take such presumptions.”
A Right to Love: Romantic Spinoff From The Adventures of Xavier & Vic Book 2.5 Page 21
