"It wasn't at first."
He moved his knight into a precarious position, leaving her open to capture his bishop. "Then what happened?"
Alexandra felt the familiar surge of hate she felt for Gordon start to build within her. Memories of her previous husband's perfidies returned in force, fueling the anger inside. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."
A long moment of tense silence ensued while they took turns moving chess pieces, until finally he raised his gaze to hers. "Someday, I hope you'll tell me your side."
He moved one of his pawns.
"Maybe," she replied noncommittally.
She took a deep breath and glanced down at the chessboard. If he fell for her bait, she could end this game in two moves. But would he be so gullible? She moved her queen into position.
She watched as he ran his tongue across his lips, concentrating.
"While I think you are an excellent chess player, much better than I expected, I hereby capture your queen." He raised his dancing blue eyes to hers. "It's almost impossible to win without your queen."
He sat back, a smug smile on his face.
Alexandra leaned over the table and moved her second rook into position. "My queen was the sacrificial lamb. Checkmate."
A stunned look crossed Connor's face as he stared at the board. He scratched his head in amazement before raising his eyes to meet hers. Leaning back in the chair, he smiled. "You are quite good."
Alexandra felt a rush of pleasure. Her father had never told her she was a competent player, but had refused to play her after she beat him. He had even gone so far as to tell her she should always let the man win, which she had promptly dismissed.
"Thank you."
"But do me a favor. Can we keep this our little secret?'' he asked.
Laughter bubbled forth from Alexandra, and she realized she was having fun. For the second time today she was enjoying a man's company. How long since she could honestly say she had enjoyed being with a man? "If it will make you feel better, I promise I won't tell anyone."
He let out an exaggerated breath. "Whew. I thought for a moment my reputation was ruined."
Standing, Alexandra moved to a table and poured coffee that Leona had brought up earlier. Turning, she found his eyes upon her, dark and warm, sending a shiver of anticipation through her. How could one look have the power to make her ache inside?
"Would you like a cup?" she asked in a shaky voice.
"Thank you, please."
She poured him a cup and turned to find him standing behind her. They moved to a Louis XV chaise and sat side by side. Alexandra sipped the hot liquid, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. Her hands shook slightly as she placed her cup and saucer on a nearby matching console table.
Connor leaned over and set his cup and saucer beside hers. He slipped his arm behind her and pulled her next to him, their bodies touching at different points. For a moment, Alexandra tensed as she felt his body through their clothes. But then she couldn't help but notice how nicely they fit together, and the feeling that somehow this was where she belonged slowly stole over her, leaving her disturbed.
"So what have you planned for us tomorrow?" she asked.
"I'd like to do what all newlyweds do."
'4Write thankyou notes?'' Alexandra asked innocently.
"Hardly. I was thinking more along the lines of just spending time together."
She faced him, eyebrows raised.
"Really? I thought you meant something more sexual." She paused, Connor's comments regarding Gordon and the memories he evoked pulsing through her veins. "Why do you expect me to believe you, when everything you say sounds like your typical rake's line? It's almost as if you believe with the right words, you can seduce me into your bed."
"No," Connor protested his voice unconvincing.
She took a deep breath. "You asked me earlier about my first marriage. You've heard the gossip. They say I committed adultery. What do you think, Connor? Do you think that I'm the type of woman who would break her marriage vows and dishonor her family with scandal? Do you think I committed adultery?"
Chapter Eight
Connor stared at Alexandra. How could he respond? When he first met her, he'd thought her an easy conquest because she was divorced. Weren't all divorced women free with their favors? He'd once thought so, but now he wasn't so sure. For a woman of easy virtue, he had met more resistance from her than a spinster Sunday school teacher.
Before he could think of a response, the door to the sitting room burst open and Suzanne ran into the room, a wide smile on her face.
"Hello," she called. "I'm home."
Alexandra jumped away from him. Damn! He had planned on Suzanne being gone at least one more night. He was enjoying having his wife all to himself. He wasn't ready for their days alone to end.
"Welcome back," he said, trying not to sound disappointed, knowing he wasn't doing a very good job.
"Did you enjoy staying with Aunt Clara?" Alexandra asked.
"We had fun. She taught me how to play whist. Then today Mr. LaRoux took me to town."
''I thought you were going to stay a few days,'' Connor couldn't refrain from saying, hoping he disguised his frustration.
"I did too. But I was ready to come home. Besides, Alexandra's going to teach me how to embroider and sew."
"Tell me you had someone bring you home, that you didn't ride home alone," Connor said, still perplexed at his little sister.
"Mr. LaRoux accompanied me," she answered, clearly oblivious to her brother's frustration.
Alexandra spoke up. "Connor can take us to Charleston tomorrow and we can get the supplies we'll need to start your stitchery. I need to check my mail anyway."
Connor rolled his eyes and murmured beneath his breath. "Just the kind of day I wanted to spend with my new bride."
Alexandra looked up at him, her green eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maybe we'll run into some of your previous female companions and you can inform them we're married."
He tried not to smile at her innuendo, but somehow he couldn't keep from grinning. "I'm sure they've heard."
"Did Connor take you riding and show you River Bend today?" Suzanne asked.
"We did that yesterday. Today we rented bicycles in Charleston and rode through the city."
Alexandra began telling Suzanne about their days together, while Connor sat beside her wishing they were alone, wanting his wife all to himself. Like a leaky hot air balloon, the honeymoon had never gotten off the ground, and now apparently was over. How could one woman make something usually so easy this difficult?
He shook his head. A more puzzling woman he'd never met. Was it just that she had an aversion to him? No.
There was a definite attraction between them. The kiss on the verandah had proven the arctic princess could melt. But damn, it was late summer and at times he still almost felt frostbitten.
Maybe he was moving too fast. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day and their marriage was only fortyeight hours old. But his flesh and blood did not understand the word patience.
He stood. It was time to admit defeat for now and retire for the night.
"I think I'll leave you ladies to chat awhile."
An amused look crossed Alexandra's face. "Turning in so early?"
The little twit knew of his discouragement and found it funny. "Just for tonight, dear."
***
Riding into town the next morning, Alexandra watched the way Connor's hands handled the reins of the surrey. Gently he pulled on the ropes, communicating to the horses which way to turn as they wound their way down the crowded streets of Charleston. As they turned onto Main Street, Alexandra glanced at the shops lining the avenue. People hurried about their business; street vendors called out their wares.
"Well, ladies, I have no desire to stand around in a woman's shop while you decide which cloth is the best. So, I'm going to leave you here. I'll meet you at Miss Applebee's Tea Room in two hours."
"Whe
re is the post office from here?'' Alexandra asked. She hadn't checked her mail since the day she'd arrived and set up her post box. It was imperative to see if she had received anything from her editor.
"I know where it is," Suzanne claimed. "We'll go there last, before we meet Connor."
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you? We could go after tea," Connor said.
"No," Alexandra quickly answered. "That's quite all right. Suzanne and I will find it."
A letter from New York would be easy to hide from Suzanne, but Connor would ask questions. Questions she had no desire to answer.
They waved goodbye and watched as Connor drove down the street, the surrey disappearing from sight. For a brief moment, she wondered where he was going.
Though he was a man, with a man's needs, and married to a woman who would not take care of his more basic desires, he wouldn't visit one of his previous paramours, would he? After all, why did she care if he visited his most recent paramour? Why did she care if he had sex with someone other than herself?
But she did care. A sick feeling formed in the pit of her stomach. She didn't want him near any woman willing to service him, even if she would not. She knew it was irrational, but she didn't care. The man was married to her now.
Even though they were married, it would not do for her to begin to care for Connor Manning. It would be in her best interests to remain emotionally detached. For when she regained her independence, Connor Manning would be an absent husband and she would live alone. Surely, she was only upset because the thought of Connor with someone else reminded her so much of the way Gordon had treated her.
Quickly, she pushed the thoughts from her mind. She didn't have time to consider these confusing feelings right now.
For over an hour, Alexandra and Suzanne moved from store to store, buying thread, material, and yarn for their creations. Suzanne had decided her first projects would be a new shirt for her brother and, later, a wall sampler for her hope chest.
Suzanne and Alexandra strolled down the street, enjoying the summer breeze, the smell of salt water lingering in the air. They paused in front of the apothecary shop, their last stop before the post office.
A small bell tinkled, announcing their arrival, as Alexandra pushed open the door. A group of ladies stood at the end of an aisle, chattering like little birds. The smell of spices and herbs lingered as Alexandra stepped into the room. The women's voices halted at the sight of Alexandra and Suzanne. Even though she continued smiling, Alexandra's stomach tightened as she recognized one of the women from the night of the Sloanes' ball.
"Good morning." She nodded her head in greeting as she walked past.
No one responded and Alexandra took hold of Suzanne's hand, pulling her gently down the aisle.
Loud whispers and pointed looks had her scouring the shelves for the bottle of chamomile flowers and witch hazel. It was no surprise her name was the center of much speculation. Over the years, however hard she had tried to accept the public scrutiny, part of her had rebelled. She had done nothing to deserve being treated this way. Done nothing to any of these women.
"Why are they whispering and staring at us?" Suzanne questioned.
"I'm sure it's over my hasty marriage to your brother," Alexandra replied, trying her best to ignore the women.
"But why?" A frown marred her young face. "If you love each other, why should you have waited?"
Alexandra handed a bottle of witch hazel to Suzanne. "Marriage is not always about romantic love."
With a quick glance at the ladies, Alexandra walked toward the counter.
"Was it because you were divorced?"
She stopped and faced her new sisterinlaw. "No. And if you don't mind, I'd like to discuss this topic in a more private place."
Suzanne glanced at the women who were staring at them. "I'm sorry, Alexandra. I wasn't thinking."
"It's quite all right, dear. Now let's hurry before we run out of time."
After paying for their purchases, they made their way to the post office, where to Alexandra's delight, she spotted a letter from her editor among the other correspondence from friends in England. She quickly stuffed the envelopes into her reticule.
"Come on, Suzanne, let's hurry. We're already going to be late." They had five minutes to meet Connor and it was at least a fifteenminute walk to the tearoom on Church Street.
Leaving the post office, they walked quickly toward their destination. A block before they reached the tearoom, Alexandra groaned. Walking toward her was Robert, Gordon's cousin. Why did the man seem to be forever running into her?
He stopped, blocking her path, the look on his face a seductive sneer. An uneasy feeling coiled in her stomach as she realized he was leaving her no polite choice but to speak to him.
He nodded in greeting. "Good morning, Alexandra. What a pleasure to see you."
"The pleasure is mine," Alexandra replied with just a touch of sarcasm. "I didn't think you'd be out this early."
"Duty called me. And speaking of calling ..." He placed his hand on Alexandra's arm, gripping her tightly. "It must be extremely lonely for you. Next time, send me a note when you're needing company." He pulled her close. "Surely I could find a place more suitable than a verandah to see to your needs."
Alexandra gasped at his blatant implications. Obviously, the gossip regarding the Sloanes' party had reached his ears, but to accost Alexandra so publicly on a street riled her beyond words. The man was an overgrown snake. Crawling on his underbelly would be much too good for Robert.
Jerking her arm free from his grasp, Alexandra raised her chin defiantly. "Don't believe everything you hear, Robert. I'm not wasting away from lack of companionship. But even if I were, I'd rather spend time with a—"
"So you're the reason my ladies are late." Connor's deep baritone voice gave Robert a start.
Alexandra whirled around and felt an immense sense of pleasure at the sight of her husband. Connor placed his hand on the small of Alexandra's back and she glanced at him, giving him a tender smile. God, she'd never felt more relieved to see anyone in her entire life.
"Your ladies?" Robert questioned.
"Of course. I was certain of all people you would have heard the news. Alexandra and I were married two days ago.
Robert's face paled, and his mouth drooped just a little before he recovered. He glanced nervously at Alexandra, fear etched on his face. After all, duels had been fought over less.
"Aren't you going to offer us your congratulations?" Connor asked.
Sweat beaded on his upper hp. "I'm shocked. Con—gratulations."
Alexandra placed her hand on Connor's arm and smiled warmly at her husband. "Robert was just expressing his concern for my wellbeing. But I was in the process of telling him about our marriage. And to assure him you see to my every need."
She turned her gaze back to Robert. "I'm sure if someone were to damage my honor, all I would have to say is 'Connor, dear,' and it would be taken care of."
Robert's face turned a sick shade of white. "I hate to run, but I must hurry off to the bank. Good luck."
It was all Alexandra could do to keep from laughing as she watched Robert almost sprint down the street.
Suzanne frowned as she watched the man hurry away. "I didn't like him. He wasn't very nice to Alexandra before you got here, Connor."
Connor gazed at Alexandra. "Do I need to hunt Robert down and defend your honor?"
"Would you if I asked you to?" she asked, curious.
Connor patted her on the arm. "Of course. You're my wife. I expect you to be treated with respect by all men."
The sun appeared to shine in his blue eyes, reflecting his sincerity. Alexandra felt a deep sense of gratification. No one had ever offered to defend her before. Not her father, nor Gordon. She didn't want him to hurt Robert, but the offer was enough to make her feel satisfied.
"I think telling him we're married will be enough to deter Robert from trying to foist his unwanted attentions on me anymo
re."
"Are you sure I don't need to speak with him?'' Connor replied, his forehead wrinkled in a frown.
"Thank you, but no."
"Then let's find Miss Applebee's. I'm famished."
Connor turned and held out his other arm for Suzanne, but before she could place her hand on him, a horseless carriage careened around the corner.
The spit and sputter of its engine sounded like a gun shooting sporadically, frightening a horse on the street next to the sidewalk. The animal's eyes widened in fear, and a screech came from its mouth as the horse raised its front hooves, trying desperately to fling the rider from his back. But the horseman managed to control the animal, and when the stallion's hooves touched the earth once more, he danced wildly.
Connor pulled Suzanne out of the path of the black stallion, bumping into Alexandra as he stepped back. Jostled unexpectedly, she lost her grip and her reticule went flying through the air.
The beaded bag landed on the ground with a plop, spilling its contents, her letters sailing in all directions.
"My apologies,'' the rider called once he had the animal under control. "They should outlaw those noisy carriages."
"Are you all right?" Connor asked Suzanne, the young girl's face pale with fear.
"Yes, just startled."
He pulled his sister in close and hugged her. "We'll get a bit of refreshment, then you'll feel better."
Alexandra knelt, trying to assemble the contents of her reticule before Connor had a chance to offer his help. A gust of wind lifted the envelopes, scattering them like paper leaves blowing on a fall day. She scrambled to retrieve the tumbling letters.
Connor and Suzanne saw her dilemma and came to her rescue, chasing after the wayward mail. Finally, the three of them managed to pick up the letters and Alexandra started stuffing them back in her reticule. As she placed each envelope inside, she quickly glanced at the return address trying to find the one she so desperately wanted.
Suzanne held out her small stack and Alexandra searched through them.
"What are you looking for?" Connor asked.
"I'm just checking to make sure everything is here."
A Scarlet Bride Page 11
