Delilah's Flame

by Parnell, Andrea

  Clement eyed Lilah carefully. She hadn’t been herself since the ball. “I got the impression something unpleasant happened between the two of you. Should I know about it?”

  Lilah felt her flesh color as she tried to think of a way to answer her father without telling another outright lie. “Barrett wants to give me time to be sure I want to marry him.”

  “I thought he knew that.” Clement took a bite of muffin.

  “He does, Papa. He’s just being overly cautious. Check and double-check. You know his ways.”

  Clement’s brows rose a degree. “This has nothing to do with Stanton?”

  Lilah fidgeted. “Why would you think that?”

  Clement chuckled softly. Lilah’s discomfiture was evident. “Because I notice far more than you realize. You may not be aware of it yourself, but something draws you to Tabor. I can see that you’re fighting it, but it’s there.”

  “Papa! That’s ridiculous.” Lilah wrung her napkin beneath the table. Was it so evident? “I have no interest in Tabor Stanton. Certainly not the romantic interest you suggest.” She had half a mind to tell her father what his “friend” Stanton wanted of her. Maybe he wouldn’t react as badly as she thought to finding out she was Delilah.

  Clement started to laugh but ended up in a grimace instead. His face turned red and he drew in several heavy breaths.

  “Papa!” Lilah cried.

  “It’s nothing,” he said, pushing back from the table. “Just a pain reminding me these legs aren’t completely dead.” Once again he breathed deeply. “I’m afraid I’ve been pushing myself too hard these last few days. Too many trips to town. It’s catching up with me.”

  “Oh, Papa.” Lilah hurried to his chair. “You’re ill.”

  “Not ill, just tired,” he insisted, signaling Ching to come to him. “I’m going back to bed.” Reassuringly, he patted Lilah’s hand. “A day of rest and I’ll be better than ever tomorrow.” With difficulty Clement smiled. “Tabor’s trying another rider on the stallion tomorrow. I don’t want to miss that.”

  Wordlessly Ching came and wheeled Clement away to his suite at the rear of the house. Lilah stood stoically where her father had left her. How she wished she had sold that horse instead of giving him to Papa. Tabor might never have known the truth if he hadn’t seen the horse.

  Lilah’s face fell further as she realized she couldn’t possibly burden her father with anything else. He had enough to contend with just trying to stay well. Her problem was one she had brought on herself. Rather than upset Papa, she would go through with what Tabor expected. She really had no choice.

  Shortly after Ching took her father away, Lilah left the dining room. There was nothing she could do for him that Ching couldn’t do better. When he was ill or in pain, Clement preferred Ching’s attendance of his needs to even that of his doctors. Ching knew the secrets of many herbs, roots, and other compounds yet unknown to Western medicine. When the pain was acute, he sometimes used long needles to puncture the skin. As much as the use of acupuncture alarmed his doctors, Clement insisted the treatment brought him relief. Lilah, too, occasionally availed herself of Ching’s remedies, finding them more palatable and effective than those her doctor prescribed.

  She had only a short wait before the servants brought the last trunks down and Emily and Dinah joined her in the downstairs parlor. Emily was understandably pleased that she would have Barrett’s and Dinah’s company on the voyage. Lilah still didn’t understand why Dinah had suddenly decided on going along. However, she supposed she would never understand her younger sister’s capricious ways. A bit sad, Lilah took hold of Emily’s hands, recalling it might be years before she saw her aunt again.

  Emily, who very much wanted to prevent a show of tears at her departure, hurriedly asked after Clement.

  “Papa wasn’t feeling well and has gone to bed,” Lilah explained.

  “I won’t disturb him,” Emily said, her eyes showing the sympathy she felt for her brother-in-law. “He’s made the arrangements for the trunks to go on ahead and we said good-bye at breakfast. Is the carriage ready?” she asked, opening the gold watch she wore pinned on her jacket and checking the time.

  “Wan will call us,” Dinah said, tying the ribbons of a russet-colored bonnet trimmed with yellow and blue silk flowers. When the bow was carefully tightened beneath her chin, she took Lilah’s hands fondly. “Tell Papa I love him and he’s not to worry about me,” Dinah said softly. “I love you too, Lilah,” she added in an even softer voice. “Regardless of our differences, I still love you. You won’t forget that, will you?”

  “What a silly goose you are. Of course I won’t forget. We’re sisters. Nothing could stop us loving each other.” Lilah kissed Dinah’s cheek, and having pulled her hands free, wrapped her sister in her arms. She couldn’t hold back several tears that splashed onto her lashes. “I think I’m even sillier.” Lilah dabbed her tears away with a handkerchief. “I was thinking of having you all grown up when you come back.”

  “Oh, Lilah. It won’t be so long.” Now Dinah hugged Lilah, and though her eyes filled with warm tears, she smiled. “You take care of Papa.”

  Before Lilah could assure Dinah she would, Wan announced the carriage. Emily and Dinah gathered the things they wanted to carry on board the ship, and with Lilah leading the way, left Damon House.

  “Barrett is to meet us before we board,” Dinah volunteered as the carriage approached the waterfront. “He came down earlier.”

  Lilah made no reply, since she hadn’t been aware Barrett was waiting for Dinah and Emily. But there he was near the gangplank of the Serendipity. Looking solemn, he stood by quietly as she and Dinah and Emily had another round of good-byes. He waited quietly too as Dinah and Emily boarded.

  “We won’t write, Lilah. I think that’s best.” A lively wind whipped Barrett’s blond hair. He clutched his hat in his hand rather than lose it. Lilah was glad she had added extra hatpins to keep hers secure. Even at that she felt the need to reach up and hold it as the velocity of the wind increased.

  “If that’s what you prefer, Barrett.” The bitterness she detected in Barrett’s voice saddened her. At least he had spared her the humiliation of a rebuff in front of Emily and Dinah.

  “It is,” he said curtly. “Oh, it’s not what my heart wants, but it’s what my head tells me I should do. All the time I’m away I’ll be hoping to find you waiting here on the dock when I return. I’ll be hoping to find you’ll tell me you want to share the rest of your life with me.”

  “I’ll be here, Barrett,” she said over a lump in her throat.

  His expression was strained but proud as he took Lilah’s hand and pressed it firmly. He made no attempt to kiss her good-bye. After a few moments more with neither of them certain what else to say, he released her hand and turned and walked away.

  Dinah, watching with Aunt Emily from the deck of the ship, observed the lack of affection in the farewell. She smiled and waved vigorously to Lilah as Barrett climbed the gangplank.

  Lilah stayed on the dock until the three of them left the deck to go into the ship’s salon. Feeling very hollow, she walked slowly to the carriage and climbed in. Sighing, she dropped back against the pleated leather carriage cushions, wondering what was wrong with her that she actually felt relief at not having to concern herself with Barrett or Dinah for a time. Where were her tears that she might lose the man she had planned to spend her life with? She did believe she was becoming callous. In the end she decided her lack of feeling came from the strain put on her by Tabor Stanton. So be it. But as soon as Barrett returned, she would have Papa announce their engagement.

  By then Tabor would have had his satisfaction. She would have completed her last tour as Delilah. The tour would be a short one, just long enough to mete out a measure of justice to the Penn brothers. Thankfully, too, Dinah would not be along. She would be safe in London. Lilah was confident Barrett would aid Aunt Emily in looking after her sister.

  Clement was three days recover
ing and getting strong enough to resume his routine activities. Lilah ordered meals prepared and served to Tabor during that time, but took her own meals privately, if at all. She locked her balcony doors each night, though she was positive Tabor hadn’t tried to enter her room again. As if he understood her concern, he gave her no additional worries during Clement’s illness, spending most of his time at the stable.

  The stallion now accepted any rider. Before, he had allowed only Tabor on his back. She heard from the servants that Tabor had begun working with Clement’s other horses and that he was overseeing the selection of mares for breeding with Rogue. Thinking it over, and with a haughty slant of her brows, she was sure Tabor found that matter to his liking.

  Clement’s recovery ended Lilah’s reprieve from Tabor. She could hardly avoid him when Papa had ordered a special dinner served in the small family dining room, which meant that the three of them would share a cozy table. Seated at her father’s right, she was forced to gaze into Tabor’s smoldering eyes all evening. Only the fact that they were celebrating her father’s improved health made the meal tolerable.

  “I’ll want to see Rogue put through his paces early tomorrow morning,” Clement said. “Sorry to have held you up here, son. I know you’re anxious to get back to your ranch.”

  Son? Lilah flinched, wondering if her father really was recovered from his illness. How could he, even in a slip of the tongue, refer to Tabor as “son”?

  “It’s been a pleasure,” Tabor replied in an infuriatingly casual way. “All pleasure.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Clement said. “I’m sure Lilah’s been a good hostess.”

  Lilah’s back stiffened and she was once again aware that Tabor kept her so tense it was a wonder her spine didn’t snap. He took his time to answer, giving her agonizing moments of worry over whether or not he would tell Clement she had avoided him as she would a rattlesnake.

  “I won’t complain.” He could but he wouldn’t. Catching glimpses of Lilah as he passed through the house, seeing her hurry away when she saw him, hadn’t been easy to take. He’d seen how worried she was about her father, he had even had a desire to tell her how sorry he was that Clement was ill. But he suspected his sentiments would be poorly received. The sharp look she was giving him now let him know he had been right.

  “That’s kind of you, Tabor.” Lilah’s eyes glittered with anger. She hoped Papa wouldn’t notice.

  “Actually there’s something I want to ask you,” Tabor said, giving Lilah a more intensified moment of dread. “Lilah and I have talked about this and she’s agreed.” He shot her a fiendish smile. “She didn’t think you’d object but, of course, she wants your approval first.”

  Clement looked at both Tabor and Lilah in surprise. It wasn’t like Lilah to allow someone else to do her talking for her. He could think of only one explanation. But surely Tabor wasn’t about to ask for Lilah’s hand. Things couldn’t have moved along that fast. If that were the case, he had no idea what he would say.

  “Tabor—” Lilah started in alarm, but Tabor wouldn’t let her finish.

  “I’ve written to my aunt, told her about you and Lilah. Well...” He hedged, fumbling in his shirt pocket. “What I’m getting at is in this letter.” He handed the letter to Clement. “Aunt Sarah has invited Lilah to the Cooke ranch for a visit. She could travel down with me day after tomorrow. We would meet Sarah on the trail the first day out. Lilah wouldn’t be without a chaperone. I sure would like for her to come along.” He slipped Lilah a wink. “If you’re agreeable, that is.”

  Clement read the short letter. “It’s entirely up to my daughter, Tabor. If she wants to go, she has my approval.” He turned to Lilah. “How about it?”

  Lilah fumed. Tabor had sprung this on her in her father’s presence without any warning it was coming. Just when she was beginning to think there was some good substance in the man because he hadn’t badgered her while her father was ill, he proved her wrong.

  “I’m undecided, Papa.” She thought she at least owed herself the chance to call his bluff. “When Tabor and I talked, I didn’t know I’d be leaving you alone. But now that Dinah is away, perhaps I should stay with you. You’ve just gotten well.”

  “Don’t let that hold you,” Clement insisted, dashing her thin wall of resistance. “Loo will be back soon and she’s almost worse than you about fussing over me.” He smiled. “Go if you like.”

  She bit into her lip to keep from losing control. “I’ll think it over, Papa. Perhaps I’ll delay the visit a few weeks. I’d like to be sure you’re all right first.” Lilah knew from past experience that her father’s severe attacks were infrequent. He wasn’t likely to have another one soon. But Tabor had no way of knowing that. She cut her eyes toward him, daring him to push his advantage any further.

  “Maybe Lilah’s right,” he spoke up, giving her a brief taste of victory. “She could visit later. I won’t be bored staying in San Francisco a few more weeks. Why, just the other day I heard a rumor that that gal Delilah, touted as the Flame of the West, would be performing in the city. Have you ever seen her, Clement?”

  “No,” Clement responded. “But if she does come to San Francisco, you and I will take in the show together.”

  Tabor looked at Lilah and tipped his head. “Pardon me, ma’am, for bringing up an unsavory topic in the presence of a lady. I’m sure you find a man’s interest in a dance-hall miss appalling. And pardon me for adding fat to the fire,” he went on, “but has anyone ever mentioned that you bear a slight resemblance to Delilah?”

  The sweet taste in Lilah’s mouth turned bitter. “No, Tabor,” she said sharply, her face whitening with indignation. “No one has.” The bastard! He had upped the ante in this game, to stakes she didn’t dare match.

  Tabor’s face fell, but only Lilah knew how false the appearance was. “I’m truly sorry, Lilah,” he said remorsefully. “I see I have offended you. I assure you that wasn’t my intent. Delilah is a beautiful woman—for her kind.”

  “I see.” Lilah had to choke on the damning words she wanted to fling at Tabor. His not-at-all-subtle mention of Delilah was a warning. He would tell Papa about her if she didn’t agree to do as he suggested. “Since I don’t ever expect to have a chance to judge for myself if I do resemble Delilah, perhaps we can drop the topic.”

  Clement chuckled at his daughter’s show of disdain for the entertainer. He knew things Tabor didn’t about Lilah. That ladylike demeanor she now wore hadn’t come naturally to her. He had let her come up free-spirited until he had been forced to send her to Emily in London. Once, as a young girl, she had met Lola Montez. The dark-haired beauty had been impressed with Lilah’s quick skill at learning the dance steps and songs she showed her. For weeks afterward Lilah had climbed up on an empty crate and put on a song-and-dance show for anyone who would watch. He supposed Lilah had forgotten that long ago and would be dreadfully embarrassed to be reminded. He sure hoped his daughter wasn’t beginning to let wealth and status go to her head.

  “My apologies again,” Tabor said. “Now, when you get ready for that visit to the ranch, you just let me know.”

  Lilah barely managed to voice the words she hated having to say: “I’ve changed my mind, Tabor. Since Papa insists he’s feeling fine, I’ll be ready to go the day after tomorrow.”

  His dark eyes told her he looked forward to the next contest.

  * * *

  Lilah awoke in the night with an intuitive feeling that something was wrong. She glanced toward the open window as a muffled noise sounded from below. That part of her room was over the hallway to Papa’s suite. Thinking something might be wrong with him, she hurriedly lit a lamp and slipped on a silk wrapper. With the lamp lighting her way, she rushed out of her room and toward the staircase. Halfway down, she paused, hearing another unwelcome noise. Footsteps, two sets, clattered from the direction of the back hall. Lilah quickened her own steps, frightfully aware there could be no good reason for people to be rushing to Papa’s rooms.


  Darkness filled the hallway. The wall lamp that normally burned through the night had been extinguished. Up ahead she heard the sound of a scuffle before the ring of light from her lamp showed two murky shadows locked in a struggle. Papa was in danger. For a moment she had the same sick, helpless feeling she’d had that last night in the Damon Star camp. Clutching her stomach, Lilah whimpered like a frightened child. From within the struggle, one dark head shot up and caught enough light to reveal the features.

  “Tabor!”

  Tabor looked up from the fight into a face ghostly white with fear. Lilah! Couldn’t she have stayed where she belonged? He hadn’t heard the soft rustle of her nightclothes. Damn her! She could only make things worse. He started to shout her away, but already the distraction had cost him. His opponent landed a dizzying punch to his jaw.

  Lilah gasped. She could see the other man now. He had a length of hair braided into a pigtail, which marked him as Chinese. She was sure she didn’t know him. Her father had recently hired some new men, but that didn’t explain why this one was in the house or why he was fighting Tabor. She steadied her lamp on a window ledge and edged slowly past the pair. Her guiding thought was that her father was in danger and she had to get to him.

  Tabor’s head hit the wall and the Chinese was quickly on him again. Tabor had a split second to bring his knees up and shove his feet into the Chinese’s belly. The man bellowed in pain and staggered back across the narrow hall.

  “Stay back!” Tabor shouted at Lilah.

  She had little choice. Now she couldn’t move without getting between the two men. Trembling, she realized she wasn’t completely sure which one was the threat.

  Like a big mountain cat, Tabor sprang across the hall and pinned the Chinese to the wall. Suddenly his opponent seemed to have as many legs as a spider. One of his scattered kicks cracked against Tabor’s shin. The pain loosened Tabor’s hold and the Chinese was free. He raced two steps toward an open window and escape, but Tabor caught hold of his shirt and hauled him back.