He leaned down until his lips were nearly touching her own. “Because I dislike dour women. Women were created to please men, and it pleases me to see you smile. Therefore, you will smile in my presence. Is that clear?”
She broadened her smile in response. He didn’t appear to detect the anger that raged beneath her smile. If he had, he likely would have snapped her in two. The thought was enough to keep the smile frozen on her lips for the remainder of the dance.
Following the waltz, the musicians began to play a gallop, and Ellert shook his head. “I don’t enjoy gallops or polkas.” He grasped her arm and nodded toward the outer edge of the room. “You are not to dance with anyone without my approval. Is that clear?”
“Not even my father or my brothers?”
“Your father and brothers, but no one else. Do you understand?”
“Completely.”
He reached forward and positioned his thumb and index finger on either side of her lips. He pushed upward, forcing her lips into a more pleasant expression. “Smile!” When she complied, he approved. “That’s much better. I’m going to join my lawyer for a short visit. Make certain you behave like a good wife.” He grasped her cheek in a bruising pinch before he strode off to speak with Mr. Craig.
With a sigh of relief Amanda dropped down onto one of the nearby chairs and withdrew her fan. If Ellert remained in the company of his lawyer for the rest of the evening, she would be more than pleased. Yet thoughts of the night that lay ahead wouldn’t desist. What had seemed no more than a knot in her stomach during supper now felt like a boulder.
“May I have the pleasure of this dance, Mrs. Jackson?”
Amanda looked up into the dark brown eyes of her older brother Grayson. The fact that he’d addressed her as Mrs. Jackson annoyed her. Neither Jefferson nor George would have done such a thing. She stood and took his arm. “Am I now to address you as Mr. Broadmoor rather than Grayson?”
He appeared baffled. “Of course not. Why would you ask such a silly question?” He glanced heavenward. “Oh, you mean because I addressed you as Mrs. Jackson?” He chuckled. “Since the quest of every woman is to wed, I thought you would enjoy being addressed by the coveted title.”
Was her brother truly so dense? Probably so, she decided. After all, his wife, Lydia, had tirelessly pursued him until he proposed marriage. And Amanda doubted her father had taken Grayson into his confidence and told him of his financial misdeeds. Yet how Grayson could think she would desire marriage to Ellert was beyond her imagination. She had never been close to Grayson, but for him to think she’d pursue such a marriage truly emphasized the lack of understanding between them.
“I don’t care to be addressed as Mrs. Jackson today—or ever. And especially not by members of my own family. Don’t hesitate to inform Lydia of my wishes. I’m certain she’ll see that word circulates.”
Grayson leaned back as they continued to circle the dance floor. “Are you saying my wife is a gossip?”
Amanda arched her brows. “Call it what you will. I’m simply saying your wife keeps little information to herself.”
She’d obviously affronted her brother, for he remained silent throughout the dance. When the music stopped, he escorted her to her chair and then crossed the room and spoke to his wife. There was no doubt he’d related their conversation. Lydia looked over Grayson’s shoulder with an angry glare.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Amanda danced with her father and brothers, as well as with Ellert and his lawyer. As Ellert’s only guest, Mr. Craig had received special dispensation to dance with her. However, the podgy man had been able to circle the floor only twice before gasping for air. They’d been forced to make a prompt return to the punch table, and Mr. Craig stayed near the refreshments for the remainder of the evening.
Ellert was leading her to the dance floor when Captain Visegar approached. “Sorry to interrupt the party, Mr. Jackson, but the storm has calmed a bit. I do think it would be wise to head back to Broadmoor Island as soon as possible. There’s no telling how long we’ll have before the storm will strike again.”
“Then again, perhaps the weather has cleared for the evening,” Ellert said.
The old sailor shook his head. “No chance of that. I know the skies and the river. We’re in for more bad weather this night.”
“I’ll go upstairs and change while you inform our guests,” Amanda said. When Ellert didn’t object, Amanda signaled to Fanny. “Would you come upstairs and help me with my dress? Captain Visegar says we should return to Broadmoor Castle as soon as possible.”
“Of course. Go along upstairs, and I’ll tell Michael to wait for me while I assist you.”
Hiking her gown off the floor, Amanda hurried up the stairs and into the suite. Her embroidered peach gown lay across the bed in readiness, but she took no pleasure in the beauty of the dress. She removed her headpiece and veil and wondered if she would ever again find joy in anything.
The door opened and Fanny hurried across the room. “Let me help you with those buttons,” she said. Without awaiting a response, her fingers moved deftly down the row. “Remember that I will be praying for you all night long,” Fanny said as she gathered the yards of satin skirt into her arms. “Hold on to the bedpost and step to your left. That way you won’t step on the dress.”
Amanda did as instructed, though she cared not at all if she stepped on the gown; the dress was a symbol of a marriage that was no more than a mockery. Before she could express her opinion, the door burst open and Ellert entered the room.
Fanny gasped. “You should knock before entering a lady’s dressing room, Mr. Jackson.”
Ellert glared at her. “Get out of here.” When Fanny didn’t move, he leaned toward her. “Now,” he growled in a menacing voice.
Amanda touched her cousin’s arm. “Go on,” she urged. “I’ll be fine.”
Fanny dropped the wedding gown across the bed and scurried toward the door. She edged around Ellert, careful to give him a wide berth.
Amanda reached for her robe, but Ellert slapped her hand. “I prefer you uncovered,” he said. “Turn around so I may admire your beauty.”
She did as he said, but when she’d completed the pirouette, he clenched her cheeks. “I told you to smile. You have a short memory, Amanda. It seems you’re going to need to be punished. Perhaps then you’ll remember to do as you’re told.”
She forced a smile to her puckered lips, and he finally released his hold. “I promise I’ll remember in the future,” she whispered.
He pulled her closer. “I’m starting to think we should remain here at the hotel and let the others return to Broadmoor Island. You are, after all, nearly undressed.”
“I beg of you, please let me return to Broadmoor for this one final night. I won’t request any other concessions during our wedding trip, and I’ll do as I’m told. I promise.” Her lips remained fixed in a tight smile.
“We’ll return to Broadmoor Castle, but not because of your pleading. I have papers at the house, and I’ll need them before we depart in the morning.”
She didn’t mention that a servant could secure the items and bring them to the hotel. Ellert was surely aware of that fact. Most likely he didn’t trust the Broadmoor servants with his business papers. That was fine with her. At least she’d spend one final night on the island. She lifted her dress from the bed and stepped into the folds of the peach silk. He motioned for her to turn around and, to her surprise, buttoned the dress with ease.
“I will take much more pleasure in removing your dress this evening,” he whispered before touching his lips to her neck. She wanted to pull away but feared Ellert would renege on his agreement. She clenched her hands into tight fists and didn’t move a muscle. She even remembered to keep a smile on her lips while he continued to press his lips along her shoulder. He growled when a knock sounded at the door.
“Shall I respond?” she whispered.
He lifted his head and turned toward the door. “Who is it?”<
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“Jonas.”
Ellert stalked across the room and yanked open the door. “What is it?” he barked.
“The others have all boarded the boat. Captain Visegar is anxious to cast off. I asked him to wait for Amanda. You and I can remain behind to complete financial matters with the hotel and the orchestra. We can take a smaller boat back to the island once we’ve finished.”
Ellert hesitated only briefly. “Give me a moment alone with my wife, and then we’ll join you downstairs. You can tell the captain that Amanda will return with him.”
The moment her father was gone, Ellert seized Amanda’s arm in a viselike grip. “I expect you to be ready and waiting for me when I arrive. And make certain I’m not greeted by either of your cousins. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” she said, careful to maintain her smile.
The moment the captain spotted the couple on the hotel steps with Jonas, he waved Amanda onward. “Hurry!” he shouted from the walkway leading to the dock. “The storm may not hold off much longer.”
Although she wanted to run as fast as her feet would carry her, Amanda waited until Ellert kissed her farewell. When he finally released her, he said, “You may join the others.”
Captain Visegar joined her on the path and hurried her along. She didn’t need the old captain’s encouragement. Short though it may be, she was thankful for this reprieve and the distance it placed between her and Ellert.
The two men stood on the hotel veranda and watched as the boat left the pier. Ellert gazed toward the horizon and shook his head. “I don’t think there’s any worry over another storm. There appear to be some stars in the distance. Had I noticed the clearing skies, I wouldn’t have consented to Amanda’s departure.”
“The captain is known to be cautious. He doesn’t want to jeopardize the lives of his passengers,” Jonas said.
“I’d guess he’s more concerned with himself than his passengers. If the skies clear, he’ll have time to return to Clayton and take a group of summer visitors for a midnight cruise. He’s likely thinking of the additional money he’ll earn by returning the wedding guests earlier than anticipated.”
Jonas shrugged. “I suppose one can never be certain.” He walked alongside Ellert back into the hotel lobby. “There is another matter I wish to discuss. Why don’t we sit down for a moment?”
What did Jonas want now? At every turn it seemed there was something Jonas needed to discuss. “No need to sit down. What is it you want?”
Jonas glanced over his shoulder. “You’ll recall that we agreed you would sign off on part of the loan once you and Amanda had exchanged your vows. I’d like to complete that portion of our agreement before we leave the island.”
“Now? We can transact that portion of our business when we return to Broadmoor Island.”
“No. I prefer we take care of it immediately. The minister is still here, and he’s agreed to act as a witness.”
“You told the preacher of our arrangement?”
“No. I merely told him we needed a witness to our signatures on a contract. He need not know the content of what he witnesses.” Jonas pointed toward the far end of the lobby. “He’s waiting over there, and I have the papers right here.”
Ellert extended his hand. “Let me look at the papers. Unlike you, Jonas, I read everything before signing my name.” Once Ellert had reviewed the document, he grunted. “Although I believe this could have waited until later, I’m willing to sign now.”
Both men signed the document, and the preacher added his signature without question. He’d likely been pleased with the generous sum Ellert had paid him to perform the wedding ceremony.
“Any further requests?” Ellert asked once the minister was out of earshot.
“No, I believe that’s all.”
Jonas had obviously failed to detect the sarcasm in Ellert’s question. “I’m going to pay the orchestra leader. Why don’t you make certain the hotel manager has my account prepared so we aren’t unduly detained.” Although Jonas immediately bustled off toward the manager’s office, the accounting was not completed when Ellert arrived a short time later. In fact, Jonas was the only person in the office. “What is the problem?”
Jonas shrugged. “The man said it would take only a few moments to compile the figures, but he hasn’t returned.”
Ellert paced back and forth for several minutes. “I’m going to find the manager. Should he return during my absence, tell him to wait here.” He leaned down and looked into Jonas’s eyes. “Do you understand?”
“No need for acerbic behavior, Ellert. I was conducting business long before you closed your first contract.”
“If that remark is intended to assure me of your competency, it falls short. One need only look at your dismal financial condition to realize you are a poor businessman.” Ellert turned on his heel and strode toward the front desk. He stopped short when he spotted the manager entering the front door. Waving the man forward, Ellert pointed his thumb toward the office. “Mr. Broadmoor and I are waiting for a final accounting, and you are doing what, sir? Enjoying the evening breeze? I’m certain the owners of the establishment wouldn’t approve of your shoddy practices.”
“My apologies, Mr. Jackson, but there’s another storm moving in. I wanted to ensure that all of our guests were informed.”
Ellert frowned. “I would think you could dispatch other employees for such a mundane task, but I’ll not argue the point. I’m anxious to pay my account and depart.”
“I don’t think you want to consider leaving—”
“If I want your advice, I’ll ask.” Ellert nodded toward the manager’s office. “Now, I’d like to conclude our business.” He clenched his jaw and followed the manager. No wonder businesses failed nowadays. How could any establishment be expected to succeed when the hired help required constant supervision? Another affirmation that strict control must always be maintained—both in his business and personal life. He shook his head in disgust. No one could be trusted.
After examining the account in detail, Ellert pointed out several discrepancies. “You’ve charged me for an extra night on one suite of rooms and sixteen extra dinners. You’ll need to adjust the account, and then we’ll be on our way.”
The manager opened his mouth as though he might object, but Ellert pinned him with a deadly stare. He knew he was correct, and he didn’t intend to argue with a sniveling hotel manager. Ellert leaned back in his chair while the man drew a line through the objectionable charges and recalculated the balance. The manager pushed the paper across the desk. Ellert gave a curt approval and paid the sum in full.
The man stood and extended his hand. “Thank you for doing business with us, Mr. Jackson. I hope you were pleased with our services.”
A clap of thunder rumbled overhead, and Ellert pushed away from the desk. “Come on, Jonas. It sounds as though we need to be on our way.”
“I do hope you’ll reconsider your decision.” The manager glanced at Jonas. “Surely you’re aware these waters can be difficult to navigate once a storm moves in, Mr. Broadmoor.”
“Yes, of course, but I’ve been around this river for years. I can handle a skiff better than most of the young fellows who navigate the river.” Jonas puffed his chest and strutted across the room.
Such nonsense! Jonas was wavering on the brink of financial disaster, yet he still felt the need to impress a simple hotel employee. Ellert would never understand these men born to wealth. If they’d had to suffer poverty early in life, they’d be better equipped to handle their inherited wealth. Instead, they made poor decisions and worried over their social status.
The doorman offered them an umbrella, but Ellert refused. With the surging wind, an umbrella would provide little protection. A bolt of lightning illuminated the churning water as he and Jonas neared the river. He’d never been particularly fond of water, and the sight of whitecaps gave him pause.
Jonas cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted to a young man near the
water’s edge. With his head bowed against the wind and holding his raincoat between clenched fingers, the boy scurried to meet them on the dock.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Broadmoor?”
Jonas pointed to a boat alongside the dock. “I want to take that skiff to Broadmoor Island.” He dug in his pocket and retrieved several coins. “I’ll see that it’s returned tomorrow morning.”
The young man maintained a tight hold on his raincoat. “I don’t think it’s safe to go out in a skiff, Mr. Broadmoor. The winds are—” A rumble of thunder drowned out the rest of the young man’s sentence.
Jonas stepped closer to Ellert. “What’s your preference? I’m willing to take to the river if you are.”
Although the journey didn’t hold much appeal, thoughts of Amanda prevailed. “Let’s go before it gets any worse. I don’t want to keep my bride waiting.”
Jonas shoved the coins into the young man’s hand with instructions to untie the skiff once they were onboard. The boy shrugged. “Don’t say I didn’t warn ya. You’re gonna be in for the ride of your life if this keeps up.”
Ignoring the young man’s warning, Jonas and Ellert stepped into the boat and shoved off. For a short time the winds diminished, and Jonas rowed with the vigor of a young man. They were halfway to Broadmoor Island when a low rumble sounded in the distance as if to announce impending danger. The skies had turned as black as pitch, and the wind howled with a fury that struck fear in Ellert’s pounding heart. The river swelled with angry waves, pummeling the boat like hammering fists. Lightning split the heavens, and Ellert trembled at the sight of the billowing waves. A sudden shriek of wind sent the boat in a frenzied turn, and it lurched to one side.
“We’re taking on water,” Ellert shouted. Though he couldn’t be certain Jonas heard him, he was too frightened to move. He clung to the wooden seat and hoped Jonas was in control of the boat.
A Surrendered Heart Page 29
