by Bobbi Smith
“Yes, Father?” Jim answered, and Delight tried to dive under the covers.
“Marshall and I are going in to dinner. Would you like us to have something sent to your cabin?”
“Please,” Jim called out, holding her immobile and grinning at her embarrassed confusion. “Delight and I will dine in here.”
“All right. I’ll have them bring your dinner to you.”
“Thank you, George,” Delight finally managed.
“You’re welcome,” George answered, and they heard him move off down the deck.
“What are you grinning at?” she demanded, sitting up furiously in the bed.
“You,” he chuckled. “What did you think Father was going to do? Walk in on us?”
Delight slowly returned his smile. “Well…yes, I guess I did,” she answered sheepishly.
“Don’t worry, love. We’re married, and they’re gentlemen enough to respect our privacy.”
“They are, are they?” And she returned without hesitation to the security of his embrace. “How long will it be before they bring us our dinner?”
“I don’t know. Maybe a half an hour or so. Why?”
“Don’t you know?” Delight teased and she raised above Jim to meet him in a heart-stopping kiss.
Mark left the general’s office anxious to be about his business. After stopping at his quarters to bathe and put on a new uniform, he was off for a quick visit with Dorrie and to deliver George’s and Marshall’s messages.
“Captain Clayton!” the maid greeted him excitedly. “Come in, come in. Let me get Miss Dorrie for you.” Ushering him into the parlor, she went in search of Dorrie.
“Mark!” Dorrie came flying into the room and without pause into his waiting arms. “Oh, thank God you’re back! We were so worried….”
His kiss silenced her, and they only broke apart when they heard Martha and Renee coming down the hall.
“Mark!” They greeted him warmly. “We’re so glad to see you! Are Marshall and George with you?”
“No. I came on alone.”
“Was there a problem?” Martha was immediately concerned.
“Jim was injured….”
Before he could finish his sentence, Renee interrupted him, “Was he hurt badly? Where is he?”
“He’s going to be all right, but he was wounded in the leg and…”
“Wounded!?”
“We caught up with the guerrillas, but they saw us before we saw them.”
“Oh. You couldn’t get the gold back?”
“Unfortunately, no. They took us by surprise…Jim and I are very lucky to still be alive.”
Dorrie hugged him tightly, terrified at the thought that she might have lost him.
“So, I came on back to report in and to let you know that everyone was all right. George and Marshall said to tell you that they’ll be along as soon as they think it’s safe to move Jim.”
“Good.” Martha was relieved.
“How’s Delight?” Renee asked.
“She was doing fine.”
“Can you stay for dinner? We’d love to have you.”
“I have some business I have to take care of first. What time do you plan to eat?”
“Whenever is convenient for you.”
“How’s seven o’clock? That should give me time enough to do what I have to do.”
“We’ll plan on it, Mark.”
He headed for the door then, his arm still around Dorrie. When he was certain that they were alone, he pulled her close and kissed her. “I’ll be back,” he promised, and with that he was gone.
Mark rode directly to Clara Montgomery’s house. He knew this might be an awkward interview, but it was something he had to do.
Clara herself answered the door and was surprised to see Mark Clayton on her doorstep. “Mark…this is a pleasant surprise. Come in.”
“Thank you, Clara. I was wondering if I could talk with you for a few moments?”
“Of course. Let’s go into the parlor.” She led him into the room and directed him to take a seat. “What is it? Is Delight all right?”
“She’s fine. I take it you know everything that’s happened?”
“Yes. Renee and Martha have been keeping me informed. Is there any news?”
“I just got back today. We didn’t get the gold back.”
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I.” His expression was grim as he thought of the explosion and fire. “Jim and I chased them, but they got away.”
“Where is Jim now?”
“We were both wounded by the guerrillas, but his injury was more serious. He had to stay behind until it was safe for him to travel.”
“And Delight’s with him?”
“Yes. George and Marshall, too.”
“I appreciate your coming by to tell me all this. I can rest a little easier now, knowing that Delight is safe and well.”
“Clara?” His tone was determined and she looked up at him questioningly.
“Yes?”
“I need to talk to you about Martin.”
Clara paled suddenly. “Why?” she whispered.
“He may have been involved in the plot to blow up the Enterprise.”
“Martin?” Her eyes widened at the thought.
“Yes. I’m sorry. I know this is painful for you, but I need to know if you’ve seen him lately.”
“No. Not since Wednesday night when I threw him out.” There was a steely edge to her answer.
“He’s made no effort to get in contact with you since then?”
“No. None.”
“Do you know if he had any unusual business acquaintances?”
“He handled most of my affairs for me, but he didn’t deal with anyone unsavory that I’m aware of.”
Mark paused pensively. “Do you have any idea where he might have gone? Did he have any family?”
“No. Don’t you understand, Mark? I don’t want to hear from that man again as long as I live,” she told him with fierce finality.
“But…”
She cut him off. “When I think of what he almost did to Delight…” A shudder of rage shot through her.
“I’m sorry, Clara.” Mark was contrite at having upset her so much.
“So am I,” she told him regally. “But it’s over now. The important thing is that my daughter is safe.”
“Did Renee tell you that they got married?”
“Yes, she did. And I’m so happy for Delight. I know she loves Jim very much.”
“I’m sure they’ll be happy together.” Mark knew there was nothing more he could learn from Clara. “I’d better be going.”
She sighed. “I wish I could be of more help to you.”
“Well, if you do hear anything from him, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know.”
“I will, Mark.” She escorted him to the door.
“Thank you, Clara. I’ll be in touch.”
Clara watched him ride away, the sadness in her heart lightened a little by the knowledge that Delight was well and would be coming home soon.
It was after ten when the steamer docked at the St. Louis levee. Eager to get back home, George and Marshall wasted no time hiring a carriage, while Delight waited on board with Jim. Though they kept a blanket carefully wrapped around his bare injured leg, Jim was glad for the cover of darkness when Marshall finally came to help him to the coach.
The ride home was short and sweet, and Martha was thrilled when she heard the sound of her husband’s voice in the front hall.
“George!” She hurried from the parlor where they had gathered after dinner to greet him.
George was waiting for her with arms spread. “Martha, darling. It’s so good to be back.”
She hugged and kissed him quickly, before looking around for Jim. “Where’s Jimmy?”
“Marshall is helping him in right now.”
Renee, who’d followed Martha into the hall, rushed to the door to see her husband coming up the steps, his arms support
ively around Jim’s waist, and Delight following them both. “Hello,” she greeted him, her voice husky with heartfelt emotion.
Marshall bent to give her a quick kiss as he came through the door, “Where do you want him?” he asked teasingly, and Renee and Martha turned their attention to Jim.
“Jimmy…”
“Hello, Mother.” He accepted her kiss.
“Take him on into the parlor for now,” Martha directed as she hugged Delight. “Hello, dear.”
“Martha, it’s good to be back….” Delight returned her embrace.
“Come in. Have you had dinner?”
“Yes, we ate earlier on the steamer,” George informed her as they gathered in the parlor. Then, greeting his friends warmly, he asked, “How are you, Ollie?”
“I’m doing fine.” Ollie told him.
“You told everyone about Jim and me, didn’t you?” Delight asked Rose.
“Yes, she told us.” Martha smiled at her with open affection. “And we couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Does Mother know?” Delight asked quickly.
“I went to see her the day after Rose returned. She was pleased.”
“Good.” Delight went to sit beside Jim as Marshall helped him down onto the sofa. She noticed that he looked a bit strained and she asked him, “Do you want me to send for the doctor tonight?”
Jim took her hand and squeezed it gently. “No. There’s no need. I’m just a little tired.” He smiled tenderly at her and didn’t release her hand when she would have moved away. “Stay here.”
She settled in comfortably next to him, ready to enjoy a night of visiting.
“Papa!” Roger’s excited cry echoed through the front hall as he charged down the front staircase and jumped into his father’s arms. “You’re back!”
“We just got here. Did we wake you?” Marshall kissed his son and hugged him tightly.
“Uh-huh, but that’s all right. I wanted to see you real bad.”
“Why?” Marshall asked, thinking that something was wrong.
“Because I missed you, Papa.” Roger threw his arms about his father’s strong neck and gave him an endearing hug. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, son,” Marshall told him, momentarily choked with emotion, and Renee joined in the intimate family embrace.
Jim watched the exchange and longed for the time when he would be coming home to Delight and their own children.
Delight sensed the direction of his thoughts and leaned closer to kiss his cheek and whisper, “Some day…”
He smiled and pulled her closer as Roger finally noticed him and his grandpa.
“Uncle Jimmy! What did you do to your leg?” Roger’s eyes were round as saucers.
“I had a run-in with some bad guys, and I’m afraid they won, Roger.”
“Gee, Uncle Jimmy, I thought you never lost.” Roger pondered the profound revelation that his cherished uncle was, indeed, a mortal.
“But your papa and grandpa saved me.”
“Did you, Papa?” Roger turned his hero worship to his father.
“Well, uh…yes, Grandpa and I did help out, and so did Mark.”
“It’s going to be lots of fun when I get to go with you, huh?” Roger couldn’t wait to share in their adventures. Everything sounded so exciting.
“Right,” Marshall groaned. “Lots of fun.”
“Let’s get you back to bed, young man.” Renee tried to take him from Marshall, but Roger held on to him with a death grip.
“Will you tuck me in, Papa?”
Marshall looked down at the sweet young child who was his son and knew he could refuse him nothing. “I think I’d like that. But Roger?”
“What?”
“Can your mother come along too?”
“Sure,” Roger stuck out a chubby hand to Renee. “Mama gives great bedtime kisses. You should let her tuck you in sometime, Papa.”
Marshall’s eyes were twinkling as he gave her an assessing look. “Great bedtime kisses, huh? Maybe I’ll just do that….”
After they had disappeared upstairs to put Roger to bed, Ollie and Rose excused themselves for the night, knowing that the family would want some time alone.
Martha sighed contentedly as she handed Jim and George each a drink. “I have a feeling you both need one.”
“You’re right about that, dear,” George acknowledged as he leaned back comfortably in an overstuffed wing chair. “It’s been one long day.”
“It’s been a long week,” Mark added sardonically.
“Have you found out anything since you’ve been back?” Jim had to ask.
“I talked with Clara at length this afternoon, but she hasn’t seen or heard from Martin since Wednesday night. I checked with the hotels and discovered that he stayed two nights at the Planter’s House before checking out Friday morning.”
“Did he give any forwarding address?”
“No. Nothing.”
“He could have gone anywhere.”
“I plan on checking with the steamship lines tomorrow, and the stables in town, too. Just in case he bought himself a horse.”
“That’s a good idea.” George agreed. “I’ll help you all I can.”
“What about Sam Wallace?”
“He hasn’t been seen or heard from since the day I hired him.”
“Then something must have happened to him.”
“That’s the only conclusion I can come up with.” Mark paused. “We have got to find Montgomery…he’s our only connection.”
“We will,” Jim said with grim determination. “I want those spies.”
“We all do,” Marshall said, as he and Renee came back into the room.
“Is Roger all tucked in?” Martha asked, pleased to have her family gathered around her.
“He’s sound asleep.” Renee smiled gently.
“And now we can all relax,” Marshall added.
And they passed the rest of the evening in easy camaraderie, enjoying one another and the sense of peace that came from being with family.
Chapter Thirty-nine
It was well after midnight when Mark stood with Dorrie in the privacy of the dimly lighted front entry foyer. Everyone else had retired, and they were left alone to say their good nights.
Dorrie glanced up the steps to make sure everyone had disappeared from view before slipping quickly into the safe, inviting confines of Mark’s embrace. “I’ve been waiting all day to do this,” she told him as she pulled his head down for her eager kiss.
“So have I,” he responded as their lips met again and again in short, passionate exchanges. “It’s been hard to keep my hands off you.”
“You don’t have to anymore,” she teased invitingly, leaning more fully against him, and Mark tightened his hold on her, crushing her to his chest.
His mouth descended to ravage hers in a plundering caress that stole her breath and left her trembling and weak. “Dorrie….” His voice was a husky whisper.
“What?” she asked quietly as she pressed tender, soft kisses against his throat. “Stop that for a minute,” he growled, holding her a little away from him.
“But why?” Her eyes were round as she pretended to be unaware of the effect her touch had on him.
“Because, my love, I need to talk to you.”
“You mean you can’t talk while I do this?” She repeated her actions.
“I can’t even think while you do that, much less talk, woman.” “Oh, Mark…I love you.”
His mouth sought hers then in a soaring brand of total commitment. “Marry me, Dorrie.”
“Oh, yes, Mark.” She knew that she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life loving this man.
There in the deep shadows of the hall, Mark enfolded her in his arms and sealed their pledge to each other with a single, heart-stopping kiss. Their breathing was labored as they ended the embrace and moved a little apart.
“I love you,” he declared, framing her face with his hands.
&nbs
p; “I love you,” she responded, her eyes luminous with her love for him.
Gently Mark leaned toward her again, and his lips met hers in a delicate caress that left them shaken by its intimacy.
“I’d better go,” he muttered in frustration as his need to know her grew unbounded.
“Do you have to?” she protested, not knowing how close he was to losing the little control he had.
“I’m afraid so, darling. But I’ll come back tomorrow and we can begin to make our plans.”
“We could always go to a justice of the peace.” She looped her arms about his neck and kissed him lingeringly.
“The idea is tempting, but I want everything to be perfect for us. I want to see you walk down the aisle to me in a flowing white gown. The memory of our wedding should be a special gift we give ourselves…something we’ll treasure for always.” With gentle fingers he caressed her cheek.
Her face was radiant as she smiled up at him, and she turned to rub her cheek against his warm hand. “It sounds beautiful.”
“It will be, just like you.” He kissed her one more time and then forced himself to move away as the thought of staying longer grew far too tempting. “I’ll see you tomorrow. All right?”
“All right. But I’m already looking forward to the time when you won’t have to leave me.”
“No more than I am, believe me.” He grinned at his self-imposed exile. “Good night.”
Dorrie watched as he strode from the house and closed the door softly when he turned the corner on his way back to his quarters.
“Do you realize what a torture this is?” Jim muttered from where he sat on the bed.
“A torture? Really? I was thinking it was an exquisite pleasure.” Delight’s laugh gurgled from her as she sank beneath the water in her bath. It seemed to her that it had been an eternity since she’d had the pleasure of a steamy, scented soak, and she was going to enjoy every moment of it. “I may just stay in here until the water turns cold….” She slanted him a sideways glance, her eyes twinkling with merriment.
“If you plan on staying in there more than another five minutes, I’m going to join you.” He glowered at her.
“But your leg…” Delight reminded him saucily; and, as she rested her head back against the tub and closed her eyes, her expression turned to one of sublime contentment.
