"True."
"Besides, I've been married. I don't want to be trapped again!"
"Dear, you are missing the point. This man is known as a rake, yet he's offering to save what's left of your reputation."
"I don't care, Aunt Clara. The man would charm his grandmother if it would get him what he wanted."
Aunt Clara chuckled. "He probably did."
She rose from her chair and went to stand beside Alexandra, putting her hand on her niece's shoulders in a comforting gesture. "The truth is, with your history, if you don't marry Connor you will never withstand the social disgrace. And while I know you're willing to live with that implication, I'm not sure you really understand how lonely your life will be."
A tear made its way down Alexandra's cheek. She reached up and swiped it away with the back of her hand. "But why? I meant no harm. Yes, I was foolish, but why such a drastic cure?"
"Because everyone believes something scandalous happened on the Sloanes' verandah. And unless you marry Connor, it will be as if you are no longer among the living."
Alexandra couldn't help but think about Hester's Revenge. Though the book was written anonymously and supposedly fictional, eventually people would realize it was her tale. Why would anyone believe her story when she'd been caught in a shameful act again? Even if she wed Connor, there would be people who would remember last night's event and question her tale. But her chances for success were much higher if she married.
Life wasn't fair. If she wanted her revenge on Gordon, then she must marry Connor.
"It's said reformed rakes make the best husbands," Aunt Clara said cheerfully."It was true with your uncle."
"But no one speaks of how to reform them. Is there a special school that trains men into becoming good husbands? Or should a woman hope that one night they fall asleep and wake up changed?"
Aunt Clara laughed. "Nothing quite so hard. A man like Connor needs a strongwilled woman. And I think you fill that bill quite nicely."
Alexandra sighed. She'd never planned on marrying again. She'd failed once at being a wife. Could she do any better the second time around?
"All right, Aunt Clara, send for Connor. I want to speak with him."
***
Connor sat anxiously in the parlor of the LaRoux home. It had taken Alexandra twentyfour hours to send for him. He didn't know what her answer would be, but the odds were high she would accept. After all, she had little recourse.
At the sound of rustling skirts, he turned and stood as she entered the parlor. Her eyes were darker than a tropical forest as she gazed at him, yet they blazed with an inner fire that just might scorch him. He felt awkward standing before her, hat in hand.
"Good morning, Alexandra. You look lovely."
That was an understatement. The green flowers on her morning dress beckoned him to reach out and pick them. To pick up where he had left off two nights ago.
"Please be seated. I've asked that we be given a few moments alone," she said, motioning to the chair he had previously occupied. She sat across from him on a love seat, her hands folded demurely in her lap. But there was an edge to her that previously had been missing, a stiffness he had not encountered since they first met.
They sat for a few moments in awkward silence. Finally, Connor said, "Look, Alexandra, I'm sorry about ripping your dress night before last, but I'm not sorry about kissing you."
She glared at him.
"I asked your father for your hand in marriage. I want to somehow make this up to you."
Her brows rose. "Why would you offer for me? Marriage would interfere with your philandering."
Connor jumped to his feet, unable to sit any longer. "I'll admit to a certain fondness for the female persuasion, but at this time in my life, I need a woman to help raise my sister."
Alexandra sat back surprised. "You want me to help with your sister? A divorced woman who even now is being forced to marry to save her reputation?"
"Yes." He stood up and began to pace. "I don't know how to help her become a woman. You've had all the training, the very best schools."
"Finally, a weakness where women are concerned. I doubted you would have one," she remarked.
"Suzanne is only seventeen. A very immature seventeen."
Alexandra shrugged. "I was married the first time at eighteen."
He took a deep breath. "Suzanne has not even been introduced to society yet."
"This is the reason you're asking me to marry you?"
"Well, that's one reason." He gripped his hat, moving it round and round in his hand. "I have to admit I like the thought of you in my arms, in my bed, every day for the rest of our lives."
He stopped his pacing and faced her. Kneeling down on one knee, he took her hands in his. "I've never experienced feeling this way with a woman before. Will you be my wife?"
She didn't know what to think as he gazed at her, his expression solemn. Was he serious? Did he really expect her to believe him? "That was a very pretty speech. How many other women have you practiced it on?"
He shook his head. "You're the first."
"I must be honest with you. I don't want this marriage, but feel I have no choice. I'm not convinced you're marrying me only to help with your sister. There must be some other reason. After all, I'm a divorced woman."
"Maybe it's time I settled down." Connor stood and pulled her up from the settee. They faced one another, not touching. "There is some sort of magnetism between the two of us, an attraction I want to explore."
Alexandra started to object.
Connor put his finger to her lips. "You were just as hungry for me the other night as I was for you."
The memory of his kiss fingered on her lips. She steeled herself against the remembrance of pleasure."It is simply a matter of control, Mr. Manning. Now that I know what to expect from your kisses, I won't allow them to happen.''
"But they will. For I cannot resist the temptation of tasting your cherry lips."
"You may not be able to resist, but your kisses will leave you troubled, as our marriage will be in name only."
He paused, his mouth opening to speak, then quickly shutting. He stared at her, as the realization of what she'd just said seemed to penetrate his thick skull.
"No children?" Connor asked. "A man wants sons to follow in his footsteps."
Alexandra frowned. So many years ago, she had dreamed of children, of having a family of her own. But revenge was her focus now, not babies.
"Those are my conditions. Take them or leave them."
Connor pulled her tightly against him. The breath rushed from her chest, leaving her dizzy. "Are you so sure you can hold out? Even now your eyes have darkened to a beguiling shade of green. You want me as much as I want you, but you're not willing to admit it."
Alexandra pushed away from him and smoothed her cotton skirt. "I won't marry you unless you promise me our marriage will be in name only."
Connor flashed his grin, mockingly sure of himself. "Our marriage will remain in name only until the day you come willingly to me."
"Thank you."
"But sooner or later, you'll come willingly."
Alexandra gasped. The steely glint in his eyes reflected his determination. "Do not count on it, sir."
He laughed, his deep voice warm and inviting. "Marriage with you will be interesting indeed. Set the day and I'll be there."
Chapter Five
"I do," Alexandra said nervously before the twenty or so witnesses in Aunt Clara's parlor. She glanced at Connor, who looked completely at ease. He was stunningly handsome in his black suit and starched white cravat, with a carnation gracing his buttonhole. Fear gripped her insides tighter than her corset.
Good Lord, what was she doing? Pledging herself for the rest of her life to a man she hardly knew. A man known for his escapades with women, just as Gordon had been. This time she knew what to expect from marriage, she'd been married before, but did Connor?
Judge Perkins stood before them, Bible in han
d. "I now pronounce you man and wife."
She felt faint. Her fate was sealed.
"You may kiss your bride," the judge told Connor.
Alexandra watched as Connor leaned toward her, a devilish smile on his face. Expecting only a small peck on the mouth, she was surprised when his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. His lips covered hers with a delicious warmth. Beneath the picture of her mother, he kissed her thoroughly while the small gathering of people looked on. A few snickers filled the air as the crowd grew restless, and Connor reluctantly released her lips. His gaze locked with hers. Blood rushed to her face.
"Mrs. Alexandra Manning." He paused as if savoring the sound of her new name. "I like it."
She didn't know if he meant the name or the kiss, and quite frankly, she didn't care.
Trying to compose herself, Alexandra broke away from his hypnotic blue eyes and gazed out at the small crowd of her aunt and uncle's friends who had gathered for the Sunday afternoon affair. The faces looking back at her were people she'd met through Connor and her aunt, most of whom she didn't give a fig about. But they would carry the news back to society of her marriage to the rake, hopefully squelching the gossip of that disastrous night at the Sloanes'.
"I present Mr. and Mrs. Connor Manning," the judge announced, ending the ceremony.
Alexandra felt uneasy as the people in the gathering clapped their hands politely. Beaming, Connor took her cold gloved hand and placed it on the crook of his arm. As the piano played the processional, he led Alexandra down the makeshift aisle they had created in her aunt's parlor, into the dining room.
Once they were out of sight, Connor laughed. "Married. I had my doubts that I would ever marry."
''What changed your mind?'' she asked, curious, saying anything to break the tension that held her in its grip.
Like the deepening blue of an evening sky, his eyes grew dark and warm as he gazed upon her. "You," he whispered as he reached over and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
Alexandra's heart did a somersault, but before she could contest his ready reply, the wedding guests started to file into the room, offering their congratulations as they made their way through the abbreviated receiving line to the dinner table.
All through the fivecourse dinner, Connor stole furtive glances at her, almost as though he were afraid she'd disappear or slip off and leave him. The succulent roast tasted like cardboard in Alexandra's mouth, as she barely touched the food on her plate.
Married. She was married once again for better or worse, until death parted them, or until Connor found someone better. Her stomach churned.
Toasts to their happiness and prosperity lingered throughout the evening, until finally her aunt tapped her on the shoulder. "Alexandra, it's time."
Time to leave Aunt Clara and Uncle Sydney's familiar home and travel to an unknown realm where she didn't know what to expect, with a man she hardly knew. And what little she did know left her feeling uncertain and afraid. Once again, she was married to a man who appeared to enjoy the company of women much too much. Though this time she would share his name, not his bed. Never his bed, and never would she share her heart.
But Lord, it would be hard to resist those enticing blue eyes and warm lips. The memory of his touch upon the small of her back, or the way his eyes followed her around the room, left her breathless and expectant. She had been young when she married Gordon, but she could not remember feeling like this before or after their wedding. She wanted Connor Manning, and knew the slightest show of weakness would have him in her bed before tonight's moon brightened the evening sky.
But she wasn't willing to risk her heart again. She wasn't willing to be hurt the way Gordon had hurt her, ever again.
She trailed behind Aunt Clara up the stairs to her old room one last time. Her trunks were already loaded into the carriage. Her valise sat on the bed waiting to be carried down. She glanced around the room she'd considered home. The evening sun cast long shadows at the end of another day. The end of a brief interlude in a place where Alexandra felt safe and secure.
She hugged her aunt. "Thank you for everything, Aunt Clara. You worked so hard to make this wedding perfect, and it truly was a nice ceremony. Most of all, thank you for always being there for me."
Aunt Clara leaned back in her arms. "Dear, you know I consider you to my daughter. I will always be your biggest supporter, no matter what happens. But this time I have high expectations for your marriage. Mr. Manning looks at you the way your Uncle Sydney used to look at me. Poor man hasn't a clue as to how much you affect him. I have every confidence this marriage will be much different from your first one."
Alexandra stepped out of her aunt's embrace and walked over to her valise. Fingering the handle, she said quietly, "But what if I don't love him?"
Her aunt laughed. "Come now. You're fighting your feelings for this man with all the strength of the Confederate army. Only a man like Connor will ever break through your barriers and soothe your wounded heart."
"But—"
"You can deny your feelings, but they're there. I see it in your eyes. I feel it in your responses to him."
Alexandra shook her head, confused. Yes, she was attracted to Connor, but her aunt made it sound as if she should accept this marriage and give it a chance. "I don't see how this marriage could work."
"Just let your husband lead the way. Nature will take care of the rest."
That was something to consider. Let Connor lead the way in their marriage, let him show her what she could expect from him. Let him show her they could have a marriage built on secrets and distrust?
Yet, soon her biggest secret would be published. And part of her couldn't help but wonder if she should tell Connor about Hester's Revenge. But he'd never mentioned her previous marriage, and she had no inclination to talk about the painful subject. It was none of his business.
A tight band of pressure wound its way around her head, a subtle reminder of the tension from the day. Her wedding night loomed before her like an overlong visit from an unwanted houseguest. Somehow she would get through tonight.
"Thank you, Aunt Clara. You know I love you."
"Yes, dear. Now it's time you were going. Remember, I'm just up the road a piece if you need me."
"I know."
They entered the hall, arm in arm, and descended the stairs, the satin of their dresses rustling. At the bottom, Connor stood talking and laughing with her father. She watched as they shook hands, a shiver of unease running through her. Why it should bother her she didn't understand, but the two men in her life talking amiably disturbed her. Because if her father approved of Connor, he could never be the kind of man she'd want. But then she didn't believe in forever anymore.
Connor glanced up the stairs, his gaze meeting and holding hers. Her heart skipped a beat as he strode toward her, a smile of eager anticipation on his face. For just a moment, she wanted to be a blushing young bride awaiting her groom. For just an instant, she wished she were an innocent young girl about to become a woman.
But reality overshadowed her daydreams and refocused her mind. She could never be innocent or naive again. And from the hopeful look on Connor's face, she realized disappointment would be his only companion tonight.
Reaching her side, he took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips, then placed her palm on his arm. He took her valise from Aunt Clara, and favored her with a grin. "Are you ready?"
Alexandra swallowed. She wanted to scream that she wasn't prepared to be a man's property, to be a wife again. No, she wasn't ready to face their wedding night and all the complications of being married.
Instead of yelling, she took a deep breath, and gazed out the doorway to the people awaiting them on the porch. In a day filled with the pretense of being a happy couple, there was one last act; then the public performance would be complete.
"Yes, I think so," she said.
"Let's make a dash for it, then."
As they ran through the doorway, the smell of r
oses and honeysuckle filled the air as the guests showered them with flower petals from Aunt Clara's garden. Reaching the surrey, Alexandra turned and threw her bouquet at the crowd. Her new sisterinlaw, Suzanne, reached out and caught the arrangement of orange blossoms and gardenias.
"Happy honeymoon," she called, causing Alexandra to grimace.
Connor helped Alexandra into the surrey, its black top decorated with flowers and ribbons. The horses each had a garland of orange blossoms around their necks. She scooted across the green cloth seat and made room for her new husband. He climbed in and took the reins. The crowd called goodbye as she and Connor drove off, waving at family and friends.
"Well, Mrs. Manning, I think your aunt and uncle gave us a splendid wedding."
"Yes, they are wonderful people," she replied quietly.
"Even your father was quite jovial."
"He can be," she acknowledged, feeling selfconscious as she left her old life behind, wondering what fate had in store for her now as she made her way to a new life. A life she hadn't wanted or expected.
The horses plodded along in the cool evening air, a tense silence invading the carriage.
"Suzanne is going to spend the next few nights with your Aunt Clara," Conner said, clicking to the horses, his eyes focused on the road.
Alexandra raised a suspicious brow. "Whatever for?"
"It was your aunt's idea. She thought it would be nice if we had a few days alone."
"Hmm. She didn't mention it to me."
Connor took a deep breath and released it slowly. Aunt Clara hadn't mentioned Suzanne's stay because he had asked her not too. He didn't need anyone to alert Alexandra to the fact he had every intention of wooing his way into his wife's bed. With only the servants around, he planned to spend the next few days closely attached to Alexandra's side. Surely with his gentle persuasion, his new bride would come around and relent to his wishes.
Connor glanced at her. "I thought tomorrow we could start the day with an early morning ride around the plantation. I could show you River Bend."
A Scarlet Bride Page 7
