The Gilded Curse: Will the young heiress be the next victim of her family's curse?

by Marilyn Turk

  “We’ll see you tomorrow, Spence—at the dance, if not before.” They waved as they left the beach.

  “Who were you talking to, Lex?” Spencer’s glazed blue eyes displayed the effect of alcohol.

  Lexie looked back at the lonely figure on the beach.

  “That’s Abner Jones. He, um, works for my family.”

  “That crazy old coot?” Spencer made a circle with his finger over his ear. “What could you possibly talk to him about? I heard he’d been in the bughouse.” Spencer’s grin wasn’t as attractive as it had been when he was sober.

  Lexie stiffened, holding back the urge to retort or defend Abner Jones. One thing she’d learned from her father—don’t try to talk to a drunk. The effort would be a frustrating waste of time. She shrugged and walked toward the car. But when Spencer appeared beside her, she stopped. Did she really want to get into a car with him now? A silent warning told her no.

  “I think I’ll walk back.”

  “Wha’? Why? Don’t you want to show me around your ‘cottage’?”

  Lexie crossed her arms. “I just feel like walking, that’s all.”

  Spencer shrugged and hopped in the car, leaping over the unopened door. “Swell. Suit yourself.”

  She waited for him to leave.

  But instead of driving away, he turned to her and said, “Don’t forget our date to the dance.” He waved and gave her his best smile before skidding away.

  Did she really tell him she’d go with him to the Valentine Dance? She didn’t recall an invitation. She bit her lip trying to remember and a vague memory of hearing the topic discussed around her came to mind. But although she was there in body, her thoughts had drifted off as they were in the habit of doing amidst the pointless prattle. Either she had agreed unaware, or Spencer had assumed she would go with him.

  Yesterday, the idea of spending time with Spencer had been appealing. But now she had second thoughts. How could she get out of going with him? Not that she had other plans, much less another offer. Would Russell have asked her if she hadn’t gotten so angry with him? Maybe he had asked someone else. Could he even dance with his bad foot? Her heart twisted, and she realized she didn’t care about whether he could dance or not. But she did care if he was there, especially with another woman.

  She walked back to the clubhouse, thankful for the peace and quiet—the escape from the boisterous throng of partiers. An image of the oil-covered life preserver came to mind, and she shuddered. What happened to the person wearing it? If only she could talk to Russell, but there was a gap between them that she didn’t know how to bridge. She should find out the status of Destiny, too, since she hadn’t seen it for a week.

  Her heart quickened at the thought of Destiny. Spencer had mentioned her cottage again. Was he really that interested in it? Why?

  Chapter 31

  Russell paced the floor in his office. Should he go to the dance or not? As the Club Superintendent, he’d be expected to make an appearance. He didn’t have a date, but he knew there would be others without dates as well. Of course, he’d hoped to go with Lexie, but she was probably going with Spencer. Every time Russell saw her with Spencer and his group of fans, his gut wrenched. She didn’t belong with them—that throng of spoiled rich kids, even if she was rich too. No, she was different. At least he had thought so.

  He’d kept his distance, not wanting to interfere with her fun, as she’d accused him. But he kept watch for her from his tower balcony as he agonized over her choice of companions. He was a fool to entertain the notion that she was attracted to him. He wasn’t in her league and he knew it, had known it all his life. How stupid of him to think otherwise.

  Yet, no matter how busy he stayed, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. He had plenty of work to do, much he’d set aside to spend time with her. Yet, he missed her. He really enjoyed being with her and believed the feeling was reciprocated. But he was wrong.

  He checked on the progress of repairs to Destiny daily and had been informed that the leak from the window actually originated in the roof. Shingles had been ordered to replace those that were damaged and missing, but with the war, building materials like that were harder to come by. It could take two more weeks before the shingles arrived. At first, he was glad to offer Lexie an excuse to stay longer. Now, he was sorry she’d have more time to spend with Spencer Bardwell.

  Russell stepped out on the balcony, hoping to get a glimpse of her. Still early, not many from Spencer’s entourage had seen daylight yet. More than likely they were sleeping off last night’s celebration. He’d heard about the beach party after the lawn bowling tournament. Some of them returned later to continue their revelry in the billiards room. But knowing Lexie’s disdain for smoking and abstinence from alcohol, he didn’t believe she’d joined them there.

  Every day he sought God’s guidance and prayed for wisdom. He didn’t get an answer but had the impression that he should wait and not do anything. Wait. Wait until what? He wanted to keep her from being wounded by Spencer’s actions. Yet he thought God was telling him to step aside so God could do His work in the situation.

  So what do I do in the meantime, Lord? Just keep on doing his job—taking care of other members and guests, the grounds, the buildings, and the employees. That much, he knew. Meanwhile, he had to stay aware of the war’s threat to the island. The Coast Guard told him twenty men had died as a result of the attack on the tanker. Some twenty more were unaccounted for, and only five made it to shore in a lifeboat. Russell shook his head. What a tragedy that these men, civilians, were killed simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe they just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time.

  Because American tankers were being targeted to hamper Allied fuel supply, civilian gasoline supply was becoming limited. Even though the government hadn’t admitted the loss of these tankers publicly, it had started a campaign for private citizens to reduce their gasoline usage so the military would have enough. Everyone was encouraged to walk and leave their cars at home. Of course, here on the island, driving was limited anyway and horses were still available. Russell grimaced every time he saw Spencer in the roadster he brought over on the ferry. Sacrifice was not a term Spencer would understand.

  When Lexie entered the dining room for lunch, the Maurice sisters waved her over.

  “Good morning, ladies.” Lexie warmed at the welcome smile of the women. “How have you been?”

  “We’re just fine.” Peg tapped the empty back of the seat beside her, and a waiter rushed over to pull out the chair for Lexie. “Your skin looks a bit ruddy. We’ve heard you’ve been playing a lot of tennis.”

  “Yes, with that professional tennis player, too, no less. You must be very good.”

  Lexie dropped her gaze to smooth the linen napkin on her lap. “Not as good as he is, I’m afraid. But it has been fun to get some exercise and challenge myself.”

  The two sisters exchanged glances. “Well, just keep your distance. That nasty business he was involved in last year was quite a scandal.” Marian tapped her finger on the table for emphasis.

  Lexie looked from one sister to the other. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Peg leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Oh, it was awful. He was in a terrible traffic accident in California that killed a young woman. They say he was drunk and driving way too fast.”

  How had she missed hearing about this? She’d been so involved with Mother and the hospital, she seldom read a newspaper. And the only news she heard on the radio last year was about the war.

  “Good thing his father has connections or he might’ve ended up in jail.”

  “That poor girl’s family.”

  Lexie’s stomach tightened as she remembered the day before at the beach, thankful she had refused to ride back with him. And she had agreed to go with him to the dance? Now she really didn’t want to go with him. Maybe Floyd would go, too, even drive. No, Spencer wouldn’t agree to that.
She’d ask the concierge to take her, tell Spencer she had to take care of some business first.

  She grabbed the glass of water in front of her and took a gulp.

  “Alexandra, are you all right?” Peg laid her hand on Lexie’s arm and frowned.

  Lexie shook her head. “I’m fine, really.”

  “So are you going to the Valentine’s dance tonight? I’m glad the club is having a social event for the young people. And it’s nice that they’re even including the staff this year. Of course, you must be going with Russell. We think you make a nice couple, don’t we, Peg? Now there’s a real gentleman.”

  One thing she liked about the Maurice sisters was how they treated everyone equally. Despite their wealth, they showed no superior attitude. They saw nothing wrong with Lexie being with Russell, unlike the attitude of some of her peers on the island, namely Spencer. But now she was embarrassed to tell the sisters she had agreed to go with Spencer. Why had she fought with Russell anyway? Where was he? She considered running up to his office to apologize for getting so angry with him, but she couldn’t. She might be wrong, but she had some pride.

  Her cheeks grew hot when she realized the two ladies expected her to answer. “No, in fact, he hasn’t asked me. I haven’t seen him much lately.”

  The sisters raised their eyebrows in tandem. Marian spoke first. “Well, I must admit I’m surprised. You two looked thick as thieves. So, are you going to the dance alone?”

  “No. I’m actually going with a group,” she lied. But having said it, she decided to make it true.

  Lexie ran into Floyd as she left the dining room. “Floyd, will you see Spencer before the dance tonight?”

  “As a matter of fact, I’m meeting him after lunch.”

  “Would you please give him a message for me? Tell him I’ll be a little late tonight and not to wait for me. I’ll meet him there. Okay?” Lexie tilted her head and gave Floyd her most beseeching smile.

  “Sure. If you say so. I’ll tell him.”

  “Thank you so much, Floyd. You’re a dear.”

  A rosy glow spread over Floyd’s face, and he smiled before raising his eyes to acknowledge his mother hailing him across the room.

  That taken care of, Lexie wandered out on the veranda, hoping to see Russell. Maybe he didn’t have a date and she could ride with him. But how, unless she made amends for the last time she’d seen him? Her heart twisted. It wouldn’t be fair for her to do that now, just for a ride. After all, she still had a date with Spencer. What would happen if she walked in with Russell? She envisioned an ugly scene between the two men, not to mention disappointment on Russell’s face. No, that wouldn’t work either.

  Two girls that were at the beach the day before strolled out on the veranda. They waved at her and rushed over.

  “Hey, Lexie! Aren’t you excited about the dance tonight?” Betty, the bubbly blonde with upswept hair, wiggled her whole body as she asked.

  “Of course she is! She’s Spencer’s date.” Tina, a petite brunette, clasped her hands together as she rolled up on her toes. “He’s so dreamy.”

  Lexie couldn’t keep from smiling at the excitement they displayed, like two little girls anticipating Santa Claus.

  “Yes, of course, I’m excited.” But not as much as they were. “Who are your dates?”

  The two looked at each other and back at her as Betty answered. “We don’t have dates, but we’re going anyway. I’m sure there’ll be guys there without dates. Besides, we just want to dance!”

  Lexie expected her to dance right off the veranda, unable to keep her body still.

  “Sure, why not? Say, could I ride with you? I need to get there a little later and can’t ride with Spencer. Of course, I don’t want to hold you girls up if you’re in a hurry to be the first ones there.” Lexie held her breath, hoping they’d say ‘yes’.

  “Why no, we wouldn’t want to be first, would we Betty?” Tina looked up at her companion. “We should be fashionably late.”

  Betty’s brow crinkled, as if waiting one more minute would hurt. “Yes, of course. Sure, you can ride with us. Sally and Mary are riding with us too. We have to do our part to save gas. Plus, it’ll be more fun with all of us!”

  “That sounds like great fun.” Lexie tried to be enthusiastic, despite the fact that the whole situation reminded her of high school days when her friends focused on boys while she and Robert faced putting Mother in a sanatorium.

  “Swell! We’re meeting the others here at 6:30.” Betty pointed to her watch. “We’ll take our time getting there so we won’t be too early. Does that work for you?”

  “Perfect.” Lexie would try to detain them as long as she could to make sure Spencer got there first without her.

  “Oh, there’s Michael. Michael!” Betty waved like she was flagging a distress call to get the attention of the guy walking across the Grand Lawn. “I want to hear more about last night’s party. I had to go home before it was over,” she said to Lexie. “Come on, Tina. Let’s see what happened. See you later, Lexie!” The two hurried off after Michael, leaving Lexie on the veranda.

  Why couldn’t she be as excited as they were about the dance? After all, she loved to dance and hadn’t had the opportunity for months. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Abner Jones walking past the clubhouse in the direction of Destiny. He gazed up at her as he passed the veranda and nodded. He must be going to check on the house. It occurred to her that she hadn’t thought about the cottage for several days and should go see the progress that had been made. But she didn’t have time to go now. If only Russell could go with her next time. Maybe tomorrow, she’d be able to talk to him. Or maybe tonight, if he went to the party too.

  Chapter 32

  Large paper hearts hung on strings from the ceiling of the teahouse as red and white streamers crossed the room in opposite directions. Lexie entered at the rear of the herd of tittering females, scanning the room for Spencer.

  She was not surprised to spot him on the other side of the room beside a punch bowl filled with red liquid. As usual, he was holding court with the guys. When he caught her gaze, he hailed her, left the others by the table, and hurried over.

  “There you are, my late date!” Spencer was the beacon of festivity with a red bow tie adorning his white shirt and reflecting the glow in his cheeks. His white linen suit, accenting his tanned skin and flashy smile, belied the fact that it was still February. No doubt it was always summertime in southern California. Lexie couldn’t believe the way he attracted followers as if he were a movie star.

  Of course, he was a tennis star, but hardly worthy of the pedestal on which he’d been placed. She had to admit that smile of his could be awfully disarming, and he was very nice to look at … and be seen with. It was easy to see how a girl could fall for him like she had years ago. But the attraction had worn off like gold finish painted on cheap metal, and in its place her dislike of his shallow character grew.

  Spencer sidled up to her and kissed her on the cheek, setting it aflame, not because of passion, but because his boldness embarrassed her. However, the action gained his desired response, as cat-calls and whistles rang out, accompanied by laughter. Lexie turned away from the onlookers to face him.

  “Hi, Spencer. Sorry I’m late.” She didn’t mean it, but propriety required her to say it.

  “Not as sorry as I am.” He patted his chest over his heart. “I’ve been counting the minutes until you arrived.”

  Lexie gave him a playful shove. “Sure, Spencer. You looked like you were in the corner crying when I got here.”

  “Oh, I was—earlier. But these fellows felt sorry for me and rescued me.” He lifted his glass of punch as evidence. “May I get you some punch?”

  Not sure whether the punch had been spiked or not, Lexie was afraid to find out. On the other hand, she didn’t want to be unsociable. It was a party after all.

  She nodded. “All right. I’ll have a glass.”

  “Coming right up.” Spencer headed back to the re
freshment table. Lexie followed a short distance, scanning the room. Was Russell there? A quick search told her he wasn’t. Her heart dropped a notch.

  Spencer appeared in front of her holding out a glass. “Oh, sorry. Let me get your coat. You can’t dance with that thing on.”

  He put down the glasses and helped her out of her coat, which he tossed over a chair. When he handed Lexie her glass, he held his up like a toast. “Here’s to a fun evening!”

  The first sip told Lexie the punch contained alcohol. Rather than put it down, she decided to just hold it. A man in charge of the record player stood in front of the room and tapped his glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention.

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Jekyll Island Valentine’s Party. Grab your partner and get ready to shake a leg.” He placed the needle of the Philco record player on the record and the sound of “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller’s band filled the room.

  “I’m in the mood, aren’t you?” Spencer winked at Lexie, gulped his punch before taking hers out of her hand, and set it on the table.

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the center of the room which had been cleared of chairs for a dance floor. Lexie glanced around to see if other couples followed suit, relieved to see they did. Soon the room filled with dancers, laughing and swaying to the jazzy tune. When the first song ended, Spencer rushed to refill his glass.

  “Boy, this dancing is making me thirsty.” He chugged his drink, then held it out to the waiter pouring the punch for replenishment. “Don’t you need a refill, Alex?”

  Lexie bit back a comment about her name but raised her glass, still quite full. “Not yet.” She raised it to her lips and pretended to drink it, wishing it weren’t spiked because she was thirsty too. When Spencer strolled over to some guys having a smoke, she approached the waiter serving the punch.

  “Sir, do you have anything that doesn’t have alcohol?”

  The man smiled and nodded, reached under the table skirt, and pulled out a bottle of ginger ale. “Will this do, miss?”