by Webb, Peggy
“You do?”
“Oh, yes. This is the most extraordinary thing that has happened in Peppertown in a long time. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Michael wondered why he was being so richly rewarded for such a selfish act. Men who set out to lure innocent women to their beds shouldn’t be made to feel like kings. And yet, he did. With Clemmie’s back pressing against his chest and her silky hair blowing against his cheek, he felt as if he had captured a priceless treasure and was on his way to save the world. If this foolishness persisted, he was likely to lose track of his purpose. As he turned the stallion toward the movie encampment, he vowed that he wouldn’t be caught in his own trap. He’d remember that this was not love but merely a game.
He brought the horse to a halt underneath a large pine tree.
“Here we are, my love.”
Clemmie turned to look at him. “We’re back at your movie set, aren’t we?”
“Yes.” He brushed his hand across her cheek, wanting to absorb its softness into his soul. “I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes.”
“I love surprises.”
Clemmie felt like a child at Christmas as Michael led her across the pasture. Night breezes stirred her hair, and she could hear the mournful hooting of owls deep in the woods beyond the camp.
“We’re almost there, Clemmie. Keep your eyes closed.” Letting go of her hand, he caught her shoulders and guided her through the opening of a tent. She felt the canvas brush against her cheek and heard the metallic clang as Michael’s boot scraped against a tent pole. “You can open your eyes now.”
The dining tent had been transformed. White silk hangings tied back with heavy gold tassels were draped around the canvas walls. A table for two was set with white linen cloth, glowing candles in a crystal candelabra, and golden mums in a silver bowl. Michael walked toward a table and punched the tape player button. The music of Verdi’s La Traviata filled the tent.
“Oh, Michael, this is magic. How did you ever do it?”
“With a little help from props and wardrobe, I’m a master at creating magic.” He took her hand and smiled down at her. “Do you like it, Clemmie?”
“I love it.”
Michael bent over her hand with a deep, formal bow. “May I have this dance, Sleeping Beauty?”
“Certainly, Prince Charming.”
They danced cheek to cheek and heart to heart in the temporary splendor of the canvas tent.
“You even got my favorite opera. How did you know, Michael?”
“I guessed. Remember that day in your bedroom? You were playing Verdi when I came to get my coat.”
“I’ll never forget that day.”
“Nor will I.”
He pulled her closer as they moved together in perfect rhythm. Michael thought there had never been a woman who fit into his arms so well, and Clemmie thought there had never been a man who could make her feel as if she had wings.
They danced for almost an hour, whirling around the tent, Clemmie’s velvet skirt brushing against Michael’s thigh and her hair softly caressing his cheek.
When the music had ended, Michael held her at arm’s length. “We dance well together, Clemmie.”
“Yes, we do.”
They were too good together, and that was his problem. He sought to put their relationship into proper perspective by a careless remark.
“I wonder if we will be that good together in bed?”
She tried to stifle her sharp intake of breath. But she could tell by the tight look on Michael’s face that he heard.
“I don’t know, Michael. I’ve never—”
Interrupting, he put a finger on her lips. “Shh. Don’t talk. Just let me hold you.”
Attacks of conscience were new to Michael, but he was immediately contrite for putting a damper on Clemmie’s evening. She’d been having a wonderful time. He had, too. Maybe that’s why he’d brought up the subject of seduction: to remind both of them that tonight was merely a charade, that it had nothing to do with love and romance and living happily ever after. He knew firsthand that there was no such thing as happily ever after.
He held her close for a moment, rubbing his hands across her back, trying to massage away the tension that had been caused by his remark. She held herself stiff in his arms, and he knew that she was fighting for control. He sensed that she was struggling to play a role totally unfamiliar to her, that of casual flirt.
Catching the back of her head, he pressed her down onto his shoulder.
“I’m sorry I said that, Clemmie.”
“It’s all right, Michael. I know this is only pretend.” She pasted a brave, false smile on her face. “You’ve made your intentions perfectly clear. And I’m an adult. I’m doing this with my eyes wide open.”
He cupped her face. “You’re sweet, Clemmie, and far too generous.”
“Why, Michael, you’re the one who is generous.” She stepped out of his arms and lifted the sides of the velvet skirt. “Just look at this dress. What other woman in Peppertown has ever worn a dress that Scarlett O’Hara might have worn? And this tent.” She swung her arm around to encompass the white draperies, the crystal and flowers, the music of Verdi. “It’s like being in the middle of a dream.”
She moved close and put her right hand on his cheek.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re a warm and generous and caring man. The only thing I don’t understand is why you’re doing all this for me instead of some glamorous woman more suited to a man like you.”
Clemmie’s gentle touch and compassionate face thawed some frozen corner of his soul. For the first time in his life he felt a need to tell someone why he’d shunned permanent relationships with women.
“You have no idea what those glamorous women are like, do you?”
“I imagine they’re sophisticated and successful. But they are probably somewhat pressured and a little bit insecure.”
He took her hand and led her to the table. “I never thought of them in that way, Clemmie. It never occurred to me that Hubbard might have been feeling pressured and insecure.”
“Hubbard Gladstone?”
The minute he’d let her name slip, Michael was sorry. His lifestyle hinged on keeping his thoughts to himself. How could he tell this sweet, enticing woman sitting across the table from him that the scandal sheets had told only part of the story? That he’d actually wanted Hubbard’s child to be his? That although he hadn’t loved her, he would have married her to give that child a name?
Leaning his chair back on two legs, he gave Clemmie a cocky smile. “That’s right. The woman who sued me for paternity.”
“Michael, don’t try so hard to shock me. I understand that people are only human.”
The legs of the chair hit the ground with a bang. “If you keep this up, I’ll have to have you bronzed and put on a pedestal. No woman should be as sweet and understanding and damned kind as you are.”
She folded her hands on her lap and tried not to look as if she’d just won the Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes. “I don’t think I could have any fun up there on a pedestal. I prefer to have both feet on the ground.”
He tipped his head back and roared with laughter. “Don’t worry; you do. Everybody is still talking about the way you walked boldly in here this morning and put me in my place.”
“Did I embarrass you, Michael?”
“No, you delighted me. And surprised me, too. I can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun. It’s not every day a man in my position gets his comeuppance, especially from a woman.”
“You were doing fine until you got to the part about especially from a woman.” She was feeling much more relaxed now that the matter of the bed was closed. She had missed her little sparring matches with Michael after he’d gone back home. She’d missed having him around the house too. He was the kind of man who made a house seem full. His booming laughter, his stunning good looks, his wit, his vitality—all had a way of putting life into a house. Oh, she’d miss
him when he was gone, she thought. It would be like chopping off a part of herself and sending it away.
She leaned forward in her chair and smiled at him. “But I’ll forgive you for that sexist remark because you’re such a nice guy.”
If it was possible for a person to beam, Michael did. “Would you mind repeating that?” He held up his hand. “No, wait. Let me wake everybody up first. I want them to hear.”
“Go right ahead. In fact, I’ll stand on the tabletop and shout it if you like.”
“You would, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes, I would. Because you are nice, and I want everyone to know. I think I’ll take out an ad in the paper.”
“Or I could call a press conference and let you say it for the television audience.”
They laughed together. It felt good for both of them. And right, almost like fate.
“You make me very hungry, Clemmie.” He smiled at the look on her face. “For food, too. Around you I seem to have a hearty appetite for all things.” Michael lifted the silver cover off a cake dish. “Fortunately I have a great chef at my beck and call.” He cut a generous slice of chocolate cake and handed it to her. “A midnight snack, prepared especially for you.”
“You’re spoiling me.”
“I want to.” He leaned across the table and ran his finger across her lips. “Eat your cake, love.”
While she ate, Clemmie studied Michael. The moonlight streaming through the tent flap made his snowy white pirate’s shirt glow. It also softened his face, making him look approachable and very nice. He was nice. And generous. And wonderful. And she was dreadfully, insanely, irrevocably, irrationally head-over-heels in love with him. The revelation struck her with a force that made her catch her breath. What was she to do?
“A penny for your thoughts, Clemmie.”
There was nothing to do but lie again, she thought. Confessing love to a confirmed womanizer would be a quick way to end this small adventure. “I’m wondering if all this turns into a pumpkin at midnight.” She swept her hand to encompass the tent and its trimmings.
“No. This is not Cinderella. It’s our own fairy tale. Remember?”
“I wish it could go on forever, but a working woman has to be practical.”
“Is that a hint to take you home?”
“Would you? It’s been beautiful, but I really must go.”
“Your wish is my command, my darling.”
He escorted her out of the tent and swept her into the saddle of the waiting white stallion. As they galloped through the night, she leaned against his chest, cherishing the last precious moments of being close to him. She’d done the right thing. Going home was the best way to protect herself, to protect him. She couldn’t have spent another moment in that magical tent with the music of Verdi swooning around them without spilling her heart to him. And that would certainly have been a mistake, for Michael wasn’t interested in love. He’d made that perfectly clear. If she wanted him to continue this beautiful imitation of romance, she’d have to keep her true feelings to herself.
When they reached the boarding house, Michael slid from the saddle and helped her down.
“Good night, my love.”
“Good night, Michael.” She hoped her voice didn’t show her disappointment. She’d wanted him to kiss her, but she supposed it was just as well. Turning from him, she started into her house.
“Clemmie.”
The low urgency in his voice made her whirl around. He reached her in two quick strides and circled his hands around her waist.
“If I kissed you tonight, I might never let you go.”
She drew a deep breath, waiting.
His right hand came up to her face. “Such temptation.”
Abruptly he released her and walked away. He swung into the saddle and spun the horse away, toward the road in front of her house. When he reached the shadows of the oak tree, he turned and looked back over his shoulder. Clemmie was still standing beside her front door. The moon spotlighted her face. It glistened. Tears? he wondered. Was Clemmie crying? Something twisted in his gut. He almost turned and galloped back across the yard to her.
“Don’t be a fool.” He slapped the reins and galloped off into the night, thinking that absence and distance would make him forget.
But the sight of those tears on her face haunted him all the way back to his camp.
o0o
From: Clemmie
To: Joanna, Molly, Janet, Bea, Catherine, Belinda
Re: Michael
He’s back and he’s courting me like mad. It’s all for show, of course, but I plan to grab everything I can get with both hands, and after it’s all over, I’ll expect all of you to rally around with hugs and advice and Hershey bars with almonds.
Clemmie
From: Janet
To: Joanna, Clemmie, Molly, Bea, Catherine, Belinda
Re: Advice
Take my advice now, Clemmie. Temper your pleasure with caution. I’m stocking up on chocolate!
You looked great the other day at lunch, and I have every confidence you’ll sail through this latest escapade with flying colors.
Janet
From: Molly
To: Clemmie, Janet, Bea, Belinda, Catherine, Joanna
Re: Still under the weather
Sam still has me in bed, though he’s now giving me more than chicken soup!!! I felt like going to work yesterday, but I stayed home in bed because I really, really enjoy this kind of pampering! Hey, Janet, doctors ought to use this secret cure!
Hang in there, Clemmie!
Molly
From: Joanna
To: Clemmie, Janet, Bea, Belinda, Catherine,
Re: The WRETCH
I did some sleuthing, bought the chocolate cake and showed up at Fernando’s door. Guess who answered? HIS WIFE!!! She’s PREGNANT and has two more little children who look exactly like HIM!!! I could have died on the spot. I pretended I was on the Madrid Pregnancy Care Committee, then shoved the cake into her hand and high tailed it out of there before she saw me burst into tears!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!!! I want to SHOOT HIM!!!
Should I tell his wife about us?
OH MY, Clemmie, I’m so upset, I didn’t even mention your problem. I’m the VERY LAST ONE you’d want to give you advice!
Joanna
From: Catherine
To: Joanna, Clemmie, Janet, Molly, Belinda, Bea
Re: Fernando
OMG!!! Joanna, sweetie, forget both of them! Good riddance to bad rubbish! Be glad you found out now instead of later. OMG, he might have married you! There are bigamists out there, and he just might be one of them. Consider yourself lucky you escaped! Eat chocolate. Buy shoes. Watch old movies till you’re cross-eyed. But don’t shed another tear over that jerk!
Clemmie, just be careful, sweetie. Knowing how romantic you are, you’re already in love with this man, and I don’t want him breaking your heart! If I didn’t have mid-terms coming up, I’d be up there making sure you’re safe.
Cat
From: Bea
To: Joanna, Clemmie, Janet, Molly, Catherine, Belinda
Re: The SKUNK!
I feel like an absolute idiot!!! I was the one who told you to get a cake and visit his house! If it makes you feel any better, Joanna, I’m kicking myself! If it weren’t for those little children, I’d say tell his wife and let her bring down fury on his head. But you can’t hurt them. Take it out on the skunk! Put the word on the street that he’s so under-endowed you couldn’t find it with a magnifying glass! Say he’s so terrible in bed his wife has to stifle yawns! Revenge is the best cure for this kind of betrayal.
Clemmie, I don’t like the idea of you playing with fire up there. Are you sure this man is worth it?
Belinda, are you and Reeve ever going to make it to my house? Good lord, if I spent that much time in bed with Russ, I’d be pregnant with quadruplets!!! Forget about making a baby and get your butt up here so we can put our heads together and solve Clemmie’s and Joanna’s problems!
!!
Bea
From: Belinda
To: Clemmie, Joanna, Molly, Janet, Catherine, Bea
Re: Visit with Bea
We’ll be there tomorrow, Bea! And boy, do I have news! My period is late. I could be pregnant!!! I haven’t told Reeve yet. I want to be sure. We’ll have lots to celebrate, Bea!
But mostly, we’ll try to figure out the best course for Clemmie and Joanna. Right now, I’m so excited I can’t think. I can barely breathe. I’m even scared to have sex. I’m afraid I’ll jar something loose.
Belinda
From: Janet
To: Bea, Belinda, Clemmie, Molly, Catherine, Joanna
Re: Pregnancy
Belinda, you won’t jar anything loose. Trust me! Just enjoy your husband and your pregnancy. When you get back to Tupelo, we’ll have lunch and I’ll tell you the best OB/GYN to see. Of course, I expect to the pediatrician!
Janet
From: Clemmie
To: Janet, Bea, Belinda, Molly, Catherine, Joanna
Re: My knight in a white horse
Michael is worth everything, even a broken heart!
Belinda, I’m so happy for you! As soon as you’re home, I’ll bake gingerbread and come over, and you and Janet and I can have a great big gab fest.
I don’t want anybody worrying about me. I’ll be fine. It’s Joanna who needs us right now. Sending hugs!
Clemmie
Chapter Eight
The sound of rain on the roof woke Clemmie.
She lay in her bed, content to listen to the rain and remember last night. The velvet gown, the tent, the white stallion had been beautiful. It was the perfect setting for falling in love. She hugged her arms across her chest, remembering every look, every word, every touch Michael had given her. Was that love? Cherishing every tiny detail?
Smiling, she rolled over and looked at the clock. Goodness gracious, she’d overslept.
She was already jerking off her gown as her feet hit the floor. She barely had her jeans on when the doorbell rang. Grabbing a blue sweatshirt, she hurried to answer the door.
