by L A Morgan
Maria caught herself and added, “I mean here . . . in New Orleans.”
Steve leaned against the railing to face her. Most of the passengers were still inside, lingering over their dinners, so there was no crowd to jostle them.
In a casual voice, the man said, “Look at me, Maria.”
She looked up at him with curiosity in her eyes.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“Nothin’. I just want to be able to see your face when we talk.”
“You’ve seen it before.”
“But I want to see it now.”
Looking up at the man with a dazzling smile, Maria said, “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“I thought you were going to keep me closed away in the house.”
“My only object was to keep you away from others.”
“By that, what do you mean? Men?”
“Certainly men.”
“Is that to keep me safe for your brother or for yourself?”
“Take your pick.”
“Can’t you trust me at all?”
“You tell me. Should I?”
Maria glanced away as a sense of embarrassment swept over her.
“I suppose I wouldn’t if I were you,” she replied
“As a lady once said to me, I’m not you.”
A look of surprise dawned on Maria’s face as she turned back to Steve, recalling that same conversation and another later one.
“Yes, a lady,” he stated, having read her mind. “I had no reason to be so rude except for my wounded dignity which I should have kept to myself. I now apologize for any and all insinuations I made.”
Even though Steve ended on a lighter note, Maria felt moved by his apology. It let her see more deeply into the man’s character.
“We both said some things which we might not have meant,” she replied. “Let’s try to forget them.”
A gaily costumed couple stopped beside them for a minute, and then walked on. This made Maria think of Mardi Gras.
She looked down at her purse, and then said, “I’ve forgotten my mask.”
“So have I. It doesn’t matter. We don’t need them tonight.”
Maria nodded slightly and looked at Steve’s tuxedo.
“You look very handsome,” she said.
“And you are a sight to dazzle my eyes.”
The woman looked down to hide her smile of appreciation. She had never before been complimented so lavishly. It made her tingle inside.
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Steve suddenly asked.
“No, I’m all alone in the world.”
“What a strange, sad comment. Haven’t you ever known a man that loved you?”
“Outside of my father, only in my dreams.”
All thoughts of Tienne DuPont had been forgotten.
“You’re a woman who was meant to be loved,” Steve replied in a soft voice.
Maria looked up into his eyes and asked, “Have you said that to many women?”
“Only one.”
“Me?”
“You’re the only one it would apply to, at least the way I meant it.”
“Nobody has ever spoken to me this way before.”
“You’ve never met me before.”
Maria shook her head and grinned.
“What a ladies’ man you are.”
“Not really. I’ve known a few women, of course, but none of them ever effected me the way you are effectin’ me now.”
“What about the one who broke your heart?”
“I never said she broke my heart. I was taken in by her beauty and she betrayed my trust, but I got over her easily enough.”
“You don’t seem like a forgiving man.”
“Generally, I’m not.”
“Then, you’ve forgiven her?”
“Only because I had to.”
“I’m tempted to ask why.”
“Don’t. Let’s not ruin the evenin’ with any more talk about her. Would you like to walk around the deck?”
“Why not.”
Steve extended his arm and Maria took it. They walked leisurely around the cabin until they joined the crowd that was listening to the band. A small dance floor had been set aside, and some couples were taking advantage of it. The music was slow and sensuous.
“Would you care to dance?” Steve asked.
“Maybe we should wait until they play something jazzier.”
“This is supposed to be a romantic cruise, Maria. Are you afraid to dance with me?”
“Of course not!”
“Then, let’s go.”
Without waiting for Maria’s assent, Steve led her through the crowd to the dance floor. The other couples there were moving slowly and in place, so it was not difficult to find a spot. Maria noticed how they clung to each other, and her apprehension grew. She assumed a formal ballroom stance.
“Do we really need to be so formal?” Steve asked.
Before Maria could think to complete her response, Steve took her into his arms and held her closely against him. She wanted to resist, but then again, she did not. It disturbed something deep inside of her to feel so close to his body. Her blood surged, as her heartbeat raced.
“You’re quiverin’ in my arms,” Steve whispered against her ear.
Maria could not think of any adequate reply. Her mind refused to function normally and her pulse continued to twitch. Steve’s laughter was so brief that she was hardly sure she heard it.
“Loosen up,” he smilingly demanded.
This only served to make Maria more tense.
In a low voice, Steve asked, “Do I have to kiss you to make you forget your anxiety?”
That question finally shattered what was left of Maria’s composure. With the interference of her subterfuge, it would be the epitome of a perfect evening to have Steve kiss her, but she could not forget the obstacle that stood between them.
In what she hoped was a lighthearted voice, she finally replied, “I know you’re only joking, so I won’t bother to answer.”
“Let’s pretend I wasn’t jokin’.”
In an effort to bring them both back to reality, Maria said, “Are you older than your brother?”
It was still uncomfortable for her to refer to Tienne by his name. Steve took a few seconds to answer.
“I’m older, as we all are every second that we live.”
“How philosophical of you.”
“Stop talkin’ and pushin’ me away.”
Maria surrendered and buried her face against his shoulder.
“There. That’s better,” he said.
The woman only murmured her agreement. She would have been content to remain like this for the rest of her life. Steve was not nearly so threatening when he did not speak, although she had to admit to herself that he had been amazingly well-behaved that evening.
The music played on, and they danced as if they were alone in the world. Every now and then, he would shift his hands, and, in doing so, subtlety caress Maria’s back. She was not even aware that she took in and exhaled an extra large breath whenever he did this, but he noticed. To herself, Maria was sighing only inside.
After a while, the band took a break. Steve gave Maria a hint of a smile, and they walked hand-in-hand to the railing. She was unable to speak. Too many of her fantasies had been enacted for her to think of anything else.
A long line had formed at the outdoor bar. Steve looked at it and said, “Would you like a drink?”
“No, thank you. I’m already high enough.”
“Should I take that for a compliment?”
“It’s only the music,” Maria replied with a grin.
“A clever out.”
Maria bit her thumbnail to keep from giggling and looked at the lights along the shore. The darkness had been complete for some time now.
Steve gazed at her for a few moments, and then said, “I have somethin’ I want to give you.”
&
nbsp; “What’s that?”
“An engagement ring.”
“For a moment, Maria dared to dream the impossible, but then Steve added, “Tienne told me to give it to you.”
“I think I should wait,” Maria quickly replied.
“Are you still holdin’ out for that big, new diamond?”
“No. Did your brother tell you that?”
“How else could I know?”
“Well, that was all a mistake.”
“In what way?”
Being absolutely truthful, Maria replied, “I don’t need any big diamonds at all. A family heirloom has so much more sentimental value.”
“Then why won’t you accept mine?”
“I can’t. The timing isn’t right.”
“I know this isn’t nearly as glamorous as Paris, Maria, but I would like you to wear the ring.”
“This has nothing to do with Paris. I should be getting this ring from your brother.”
“He asked me to give it to you so that everything looks respectable while you’re stayin’ in the house with me. I’ll be insulted if you don’t accept it.”
Saying this, Steve took the ring out of his pocket. Maria’s eyes widened as she saw the dazzling sapphire surrounded by a circle of diamonds that glittered in the boat’s lights.”
“It’s exquisite!” she could not help but to exclaim.
“Then you’ll wear it?”
Maria’s eyes narrowed as a new thought occurred to her.
“Is this your mother’s ring?” she asked.
“Yes. She gave it to me just for this occasion.”
“As the oldest son, shouldn’t it be yours to give to your wife?”
“I never said I was the eldest, but we have a family rule. The first son to marry gets the ring. That’s the way it’s always been.”
“I can’t take it,” Maria firmly replied.
Coaxingly, Steve whispered, “Do it for me.”
Maria shook her head. She saw the expression on the man’s face change, but she did not understand what it signified until he forcibly took her left hand in his and put the ring on her finger. He held onto to her hand so she could not remove it.
“There,” he proclaimed triumphantly.
“This isn’t right!” Maria protested, as she attempted to pull away.
“Don’t you dare take it off before the weddin’!” Steve warned her.
When she stopped struggling, he released her hand. Maria looked down at the beautiful ring on her finger and tears came into her eyes. She knew she had no right to wear it. It was so cruel of Fate to give her the most wonderful experience she could imagine under completely fraudulent circumstances. Cruel, but not exactly unfair, considering her masquerade.
“Those better be tears of joy,” Steve said in a low voice.
Maria looked up into his eyes and her heart was in her expression. Without thinking about what she was doing, she raised her hand to her lips and tenderly kissed the ring. A small tear fell on the blue stone to increase its shimmer.
Steve caught his breath and then swept her into his arms. His lapel became dampened by Maria’s tears as she wound her arms around his waist. They remained locked together like that until the boat’s horn signaled that they were coming into shore.
CHAPTER 6
On the way back to the house, Maria and Steve had little to say to each other. Too much had to remain unsaid. As the limousine sped along the back road, Maria looked down at the ring on her hand. With sadness in her heart, she wished that it was truly hers, as a token of betrothal from the man who sat beside her.
These thoughts had no place in reality. Maria knew that it would only bring her more grief if she allowed herself to think of Steve as anything other than Tienne’s brother. When he found out she was an imposter, the charade would be over. He would undoubtedly tear the ring from her finger while screaming verbal abuse, and then send her packing.
Those tender moments they had shared could mean nothing to Steve DuPont. He was merely watching out for her until his brother got home. Maria felt that she had been a fool for allowing herself to fall a victim to his romantic overtures.
Was he trying to teach her a lesson for her lack of fidelity to Tienne? Perhaps he was like this with all of the women that intrigued him. This was the closest she had ever come to a love affair. What must be a casual flirtation for Steve had far more serious consequences for her. Since this was her first love, it would not be easy for Maria to get over this.
Once they were inside the house, they said their goodnights. Before Maria could turn to go, Steve picked up her left hand and kissed it briefly, as he looked deeply into her eyes. She could feel the sudden pounding of her heart, and she knew that this was the very thing of which she must beware. With a thoughtful look, she turned and climbed the stairs to her room.
Sleep did not come easily to Maria that night. When she awoke, she felt tired and listless. Once again, she spent the day by herself while Steve was at his office. She tried to call Marla a couple times, but there was still no answer. It was frightening for her to think that her friend might be trying to contact her at the hotel where she had stayed, especially if Steve received a message about it from the hotel manager.
Therefore, when a maid knocked on her bedroom door late in the afternoon, Maria was filled with nervous anticipation. She relaxed only slightly when the maid told her that Mr. DuPont wanted to see her in his study.
Dressed in a simple blouse and skirt, she put down the book she had been trying to read, and made her way to the study with flagging steps. The expression on Steve’s face was not alarming, but his first words were unexpected.
“I have a surprise for you,” he said.
Careful not to let her apprehension show, Maria replied, “What is it?”
The man pushed aside the papers he had been examining and stood up. Maria still felt awed by his height and commanding nature. Without answering her question, he walked around the desk and took her hand to lead her out the door.
“Wait and see,” was his only response.
Steve led her through the house and out a side door that opened onto a garden path. The warm rays of the lowering sun dispelled any chill that might have been in the air. With unhurried steps, they walked across the lawn in the direction of the river. Maria held Steve’s hand firmly, reveling in its strength as they moved along.
Before he got to the river, he turned to the right and continued on toward a grove of magnolias that had not yet come into bloom. As they entered the grove, Maria’s eyes widened.
There, in an opening before her, was a tall, white gazebo with Grecian lines. It commanded a sweeping view of the Mississippi. Set among the trees as it was, it could not be seen from her section of the balcony.
Several steps which encircled the structure led up to an Italian marble floor. In the center of the gazebo were a linen-covered table and two comfortable-looking chairs. A low centerpiece of pastel flowers lent color to the white table settings and crystal glasses. Maria stopped to look at this in awe.
“Did you have this set up for me?” she asked.
“I certainly did,” Steve replied with a slight smile. “I thought you might enjoy dinin’ al fresco.”
“It’s beautiful, Steve.”
“Then have a seat and enjoy yourself.”
Their chairs were angled in such a way that they could look out at the river. Maria watched the Spanish moss sway in the light breeze as it festooned from a large southern oak near the embankment.
“Paradise,” she whispered under her breath.
Steve watched her closely as he opened the bottle of champagne that had been chilling in a silver wine cooler. After pouring two glasses, he set one by Maria and held onto his as he sat down.
“Make a toast,” the man suggested in a casual voice.
Maria picked up her glass by the stem and looked at the bubbly liquid. Her heart was heavy and she could think of nothing to say.
“You’re quiet today,�
� Steve commented, as he looked at her thoughtfully. “What are you thinkin’?”
Maria swirled the champagne in the crystal as she replied, “About you, this place, everything.”
“Then, there should be a smile on your face. Since you don’t feel inclined to make a toast, I will. Here’s to you, Maria. May all your dreams come true.”
Maria appreciated his sentiments, but there was so little likelihood that they would ever be realized that she did not want to drink to them. She looked down at her lap.
Steve waited for her, and when she did not raise her glass to her lips, he asked, “What’s the matter?”
In a small voice, Maria replied, “I can’t drink to that.”
“Why not?”
“Because there’s no chance that any of my dreams will come true.”
“I thought that several of them already had.”
“You’re referring to my coming to New Orleans and Mardi Gras? That was very nice.”
“That and other things. Tell me whatever dreams you have left and I will personally see to it that they become reality.”
Maria looked up and there was a tentative smile on her face.
“Anything?” she asked in a brighter voice.
“I could say within reason, but I believe you’re not the sort of person who would take advantage of my generous nature.”
The woman bit her lower lip and thought for a few seconds.
Then, she said, “What if I asked you for a new dress?”
“I would think that your dreams could use some improvement, and take you shoppin’ immediately.”
“How about a fur coat?”
“You’re not an animal rights activist?”
“Well, actually, I am. I didn’t really want the coat. I just wanted to see what you would say.”
“If you want one, you shall have one.”
“Why would you do this for me, Steve?”
The man sent her an enigmatic look, and then said, “Drink your champagne before it loses its fizz.”
Maria wondered why he had avoided answering her question, and then decided it must be because he did not feel the need to mention the obvious fact that she was Tienne’s fiancée. Naturally, he would do all he could to keep her happy until his brother returned to pay the bills.
She lifted the glass to her lips and drank the expensive wine. Steve waited for her to do this, and then took a sip from his own glass.
