Past Betrayals, Past Loves

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Astrid found a parking place on the street not far from Duncan’s house. At the gate a pair of uniformed men took their tickets. Paula led down the flagstone walk past the glittering trees. Astrid saw beds of summer flowers. The full moon and the tiny lights cast pools of brightness and shadows.

  Astrid frowned. She’d never stepped beyond the wall yet she sensed a haunting familiarity. She drew a deep breath and followed Paula and Sarah toward the large stone house.

  Several people greeted Paula. “What, no camera?” one man asked.

  “Tonight I’m a guest.” She sighed. “Almost wish I’d brought one. Look at the play of light on the flowers and the glittering guests.”

  Sarah stopped next to a couple. She waved Paula and Astrid on. “I’ll catch up with you when it’s time to leave.”

  Paula plucked two flutes of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter. She handed one to Astrid and sipped the other. “Lovely. Let’s see what’s on the buffet.”

  Astrid saw Duncan beside the long table. Lorna clung to his arm. Astrid swallowed. The man looked good in cut-offs, great in slacks and magnificent in a tuxedo. She turned to Paula. “Should we greet our host?”

  “You can. I’ll wait.” Paula grinned. “Don’t want to be blinded by her glitter. Rings on her fingers, ice around her neck and on her dress. Wouldn’t need a flash to take her picture.”

  Astrid chuckled. Lorna’s white, strapless form fitting gown dripped with sparkles. “She could light the entire garden.”

  “We’re being catty.”

  “And truthful.”

  “If you want to play dutiful guest, go ahead,” Paula said. “I see Clive and I’m going to drag him into a dark corner.”

  Astrid shook her head. “Do that but take care. I don’t trust him. Neither should you.”

  “Never doing that.”

  Astrid stepped onto the patio. Duncan waved and shook off Lorna’s hand. In six steps he reached Astrid. “Glad you decided to come. How’s your father? Hope to get up there soon.”

  "He’s doing great.” She smiled. “The garden is lovely and the house looks impressive.”

  “Want a private tour?”

  “Aren’t you the host?”

  “I am but I need to socialize with the guests. Walk with me and help.”

  Astrid put her empty glass on a tray. Duncan took her hand. Her body hummed with a desire to be in his arms. She couldn’t blame the champagne. His presence was enough to intoxicate her.

  They entered the foyer where white marble covered the floor and warm chestnut paneled the lower third of the high walls. Astrid paused and stared at the portrait of a woman. She gasped. Who was she? The woman reminded her of her grandmother.

  “She’s lovely.”

  “My great-great grandmother. One of the family’s scandals. Her picture was painted from a sketch and a memory. The day she and my great-great grandfather planned to set a wedding date, she disappeared. Almost a year later, my great-grandfather and his wet nurse arrived. Madeline was never found.”

  Astrid moved closer. Her father had mentioned a distant connection between his family and Duncan’s. Could this woman be one of her ancestors? “An interesting story.”

  “I’ll tell you more tonight.”

  She peered into one of the parlors where several older people sat. Duncan paused to speak to them. When he turned back to Astrid, she shook her head. “How do you keep this place up?”

  “A cleaning service. I seldom use the first floor except the kitchen and occasionally the dining room. Mainly I camp in the master suite upstairs. Bedroom, sitting room and study.”

  She saw loneliness in his gaze and touched his hand. “No other family?”

  “Probably some distant cousins. There was a rift in the family years ago. If there are cousins I’ve never met them.”

  They entered the formal dining room. A group of people drew Duncan aside. Astrid sampled several of the canapés. The lilting melody of a waltz pulled her into the hall. She paused in the doorway of the ballroom and watched a dozen couples move to the music.

  “Sorry about the interruption,” Duncan said.

  “A host must see to his duties.”

  “Especially when he’s soliciting donations.” He pulled her into his arms and swept into the dance. “I sent them to find Lorna. She’s handling the gifts.”

  “How did she become your hostess?” The moment her words were out she wished she hadn’t spoken.

  “In her usual pushy manner.” He pulled her closer. “She happened to be at the restaurant with Clive and me when a board member of the opera company asked for my help. Let’s just table Lorna and enjoy ourselves.”

  Though Astrid had never waltzed she found Duncan easy to follow. Had they danced like this before? What a strange thought. They whirled around the room and through a French door and onto a moonlit terrace with a view of the river.

  Duncan held her in a light embrace. His lips brushed her forehead. When his mouth covered hers, she succumbed to the warmth infusing her body. He raised his head. Their gazes meshed.

  “Stay here tonight,” he said.

  “You promised me a week”

  He nodded. “Week ends at midnight.”

  She shook her head. “More like tomorrow at nine P.M.”

  “Don’t be so literal. Don’t you feel the heat between us?”

  She couldn’t deny her feelings but she wanted to know why she felt they’d known each other before. “I can’t. I drive Paula and Sarah here. I’ll have to take them home.”

  “Give one of them your keys.”

  She shook her head. “We’re moving too fast. Something tells me that’s wrong.”

  He released her and strode to the balustrade. “You can’t fight the attraction forever.”

  “I know but I need to understand what’s happening.” She considered telling him about her experiences in the dreams. Would he understand? What if they were the couple doomed to love, to betray and be betrayed? She turned and entered the ballroom.

  * * *

  “So there you are.” Lorna’s husky voice stopped Duncan from following and asking Astrid to explain. The blonde sauntered toward them. “Some host you are.”

  “Is there a problem? Unhappy guests? Someone drunk and disorderly? Not enough food or champagne?”

  “You know very well everything is perfect. People are wondering why you’re not with me.”

  “People or you? Most of the guests have been here before and they know how I run these affairs. I don’t hover.”

  She tapped her foot on the flagstones. “I’m your hostess. Your place is at my side.”

  Duncan shook his head. “I see no reason to dance attendance on you.”

  Anger glinted in her eyes. “Did you receive a package today?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you read the note. Perhaps there are more items where that one was. Don’t you want to recover all of your family’s lost treasures? I can give them to you or destroy them.”

  Astrid had nearly entered the ball room. Duncan strode past Lorna. “Do what you want. I will not play your game and I will not be bullied.”

  She grabbed his arm. “You’ll be sorry. You and I could be the ones to learn the true story of what happened to Madeline.”

  Duncan wrenched away from Lorna and continued toward the ballroom. He caught Astrid just inside the door. “Running away won’t solve a thing.”

  She turned to him. “She’s out to make trouble.”

  “I don’t frighten easily. Do you?” He clasped her hand. “I would like to show you what she was talking about.”

  “Not interested.”

  He laughed. “There’s a bracelet that arrived today. I wish your dad could see it. He might have some idea of its history.” He slid his hand along her arm and led her to the back stairs. “We won’t be long. Then if you wish, you can collect your friends and leave. I won’t stop you.”

  “So your invitation was a joke.”

  “No
t for a moment. Just premature. Don’t worry. I’ll be on your doorstep the minute the week ends on your terms.” He pressed a code on his study door and they entered his office. There he opened the safe and removed the bracelet. “Here.” He clasped the metal around her wrist.

  “Duncan, no.”

  She staggered. He caught her in his arms and carried her to the couch. Had some kind of seizure occurred? “Astrid.” He called her name several times with no response. Her pulse beat with a steady rhythm. “Astrid, wake up.”

  When there was no response, he headed to the door. He had to find Paula or Sarah. Would one of them know what to do?

  * * *

  Estella watched the last of the funeral guests leave. Why had Caten died? Though much older than her, he’d been in good health until he’d collapsed while touring the estates she’d inherited from her father. His body had been brought to his home in Rome for the burial. Again, she was alone, except for her distant cousin.

  Blandon strode across the reception room and placed his hands on her shoulders. She fought the urge to shudder. She must hide her dislike of the man who now oversaw her estates.

  “Dear cousin, take heart. I’ll be your protector.”

  She drew away. “I wish to be alone to mourn my spouse.”

  He snorted. “Why mourn a man who surely bedded you but once? Or did he have vigor for more?”

  She gulped a breath. Did he suspect? Her servant, Austina, was the only one who knew Estella had been a bride but never a wife. “You speak of things you have no right to know.”

  He laughed. “Anger adds color to your face and makes your eyes sparkle. Daughter of an old man and wife of another. Let me show you passion.”

  “Leave it be. Be content to manage the estates and fill your coffers with coins. I doubt I will wed again. In time, all will be yours.”

  He ran his hands along her arms. “A woman with your beauty and wealth won’t be alone forever.” Like a hound after a bone, he pulled her into an embrace and ground his mouth against hers. His tongue probed her lips. She jerked free.

  “Estella, don’t you see how passion overwhelms me?”

  She retreated to the atrium and signaled one of the household guards. “Blandon, leave me. Send your reports and I will read them.”

  He smiled. “I’ll go but I will return. Your lovely body will soon crave the attentions of a virile man.”

  She sank on a padded bench. His touch and his taste made her ill. What would she do when he returned? Years ago, he had asked her father for her hand in marriage. Only her pleas had kept her father from agreeing to a betrothal. Her father had spoken to his good friend who had offered an alliance with his house. Caten had married her to protect her from Blandon’s greed. Now his protection was gone.

  * * *

  The days seemed endless to Estella. She could have retreated to one of the Estates but little would have changed. She sat in the peristole and gazed at the garden. The crisp days of autumn had arrived. Soon the flowers would be gone. She felt alone and a bit fearful of the future.

  Footsteps sounded on the tiles. She rose and hugged her visitor. “Gratia, how good to see you. I didn’t know you had returned.”

  “Just two days ago. Weren’t you lonely staying in the city for the summer?”

  Estella shook her head. “In these days of mourning I live a quiet life.”

  Gratia nodded. “But the end of those days is near. What will you do now?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “My grandfather sends his greetings. Sadness rides his shoulders. He is the last of three who were friends from childhood.”

  “Give him my regards.” Estella rose. “Come and walk in the garden with me.”

  Gratia smiled. “Do you still grub in the soil?”

  “How else would my garden be a work of art? If I allowed another have the joy of bringing the flowers to life I wouldn’t feel fulfilled.”

  Gratia paused beside the fountain. “Blandon’s in town. Does he stay here?”

  Estella scowled. “He’s not welcome in my house.”

  “Why not? He is handsome, cultured and of good birth, though of little fortune. I would gladly marry him if my father desired an alliance with your noble family.”

  Estella turned away. “He offered to end my loneliness.”

  Gratia sighed. “Why did you refuse him?”

  “He didn’t offer marriage.” She wouldn’t tell her friend that even if he had she wouldn’t have accepted.

  Gratia gasped. “How dare he dishonor you?”

  “He wants what he feels was denied him. With me as his lover he could use all my assets to gain the political power he desires. Then he could find a suitable virgin bride from a family of power. My life would be on little value once he was in charge. But I know him and will not be fooled by his smooth words.”

  “I see.”

  “Austina, I know she’s here and will want to see me.” The husky voice of another woman reached them.

  “Calpurnia,” Estella said.

  Gratia rolled her eyes. “What does she want?”

  “Be still. She was once our friend.”

  “Before she chose the crowd that occupies her inner circle.” Gratia spoke in a near whisper.

  Estella walked to the garden entrance. “Calpurnia, how nice of you to come.”

  The plump young woman kissed the air near Estella’s cheek. “I would have been here sooner but I’ve been busy setting the town house in order. Florio stayed in the country with the twins. He doesn’t think the air in Rome is healthy for them. Older men have such strange notions as I’m sure you know. Fortunately they permit their second wives more freedom.” She turned. “Gratia, I didn’t know you were in town.”

  “We recently arrived.” Gratia smiled. “I’ll tell Austina to bring refreshments.”

  Estella walked beside Calpurnia into the receiving room. “You barely look like a woman who recently gave birth to twins.”

  “Not that recently. They’re four months old.” She sat on one of the benches. “My new lover has helped me recover. He’s a lusty man and oh, the things he does to me.” She ran her tongue along her lips. “I could share him with you. He has enough vigor to satisfy several women.”

  “Calpurnia!”

  Her friend laughed. “Last night he bound my arms and legs like I was his captive. Then he ravished me.”

  Estella looked away. “I will hear no more of your tales.” Her face burned.

  Calpurnia caught Estella’s arm. “Aren’t you lonely? Your husband is gone. If you’re breeding it doesn’t show. Doesn’t your body crave the touch of a man?”

  “You are outrageous. Why did you come?”

  “I’m having a small dinner party this evening. There’s a Praetorian I have my eyes on.” She smiled and a sly look came into her eyes. “He thinks Florio will be there. Estella, he is so muscular and handsome. He makes my heart beat faster.” She turned to Gratia. “Come to dinner, too.”

  Gratia shook her head. “I will take no man outside the marriage bed and I will be a loyal and faithful wife.”

  “How boring.” Calpurnia waved away the wine a servant offered. “Estella, please come. You’re too young to hide yourself in the house.” She rose. “I pray I’ll see you this evening.”

  Estella saw her friend across the atrium. When she returned she grabbed a cup of wine from the tray and sank on a bench. Did Calpurnia know how constantly the thought of finally knowing what happened between a man and woman tempted her?

  She shook her head. She couldn’t take the chance. Should Blandon learn her marriage had been a farce he would renew his unwanted attentions. All thoughts of his touch made her ill.

  Gratia sat beside her. “Will you go?”

  “I think not.”

  “Wise decision. I’ve heard much about what happens in her home when her husband is away.”

  “Surely the rumors are exaggerated.”

  After Gratia left Estella sat on the bench lost in tho
ught. Austina appeared in the doorway. “Child, come and eat. You are too thin."

  Estella looked at the older woman who was the only mother she’d known. “I’m not hungry.”

  Austina sighed. “If there was hope of a child you would have a good appetite.”

  “How can there be a child?”

  Austina patted her hand. “Come. At least try.”

  Estella entered the atrium. “Estella.” She froze. What was he doing here? Had he heard what had been said?

  “Blandon, you know I don’t want you here.”

  He clasped her hands. “I have much to report about the estates.” He traced circles on her hand with his thumb. “I also came to see if your grieving had ended and if you are ready for the attention of a man who greatly desires you.”

  She pulled free. “Go. Do I have to send for the guards to escort you out?”

  “You can’t continue pushing me away. I’ll stay for dinner.”

  She made an instant and impetuous decision she hoped she wouldn’t regret. “Then you’ll eat alone. I’ve accepted an invitation.” She turned to Austina. “Order the guards and litter bearers to be ready after I rest and dress.”

  Blandon smiled. “I’ll give up my evening plans to escort you.”

  She slipped past him. “I will not bring an uninvited guest to a friend’s house.”

  He shrugged. “Perhaps tomorrow. It is unnatural for a woman to live without a man to see to her protection and her other needs. You will blossom beneath my hands and mouth. What other man could desire you as much as I do?”

  She shivered. His voice was coated with honey but his eyes held the glow of lust. She hurried to her room. What had she done? She had to go to Calpurnia’s. Blandon would know if she remained at home.

  After a brief nap she bathed in the private pool Caten had installed knowing how she hated the public ones. She dressed for her first public appearance since her husband’s death. The pale blue stola was banded with a darker shade and the shoulder clasps were set with sapphires. A narrow band of gold adorned her hair. Austina gathered the curls at her nape with a ribbon.