Midnight Masquerade

by Shirlee Busbee

  Dumbfounded, Melissa stared at him. "Warned?" she repeated, wondering why, beyond his first obvious astonishment, her appearance didn't seem to bother him in the least. "Warned about what?"

  Warming to his theme, Josh answered, "Why, about Dominic Slade."

  Melissa gave her uncle a keen glance. He didn't look foxed, but then she wasn't that familiar with the behavior of a gentleman who had imbibed too freely. But something odd was going on, and not knowing what else to do, she asked, "Dominic Slade? What about him?"

  Josh feigned surprise. "You mean you haven't heard yet? I thought that you must have—surely it was because you knew that he was in the neighborhood that you have dressed yourself in such an unbecoming fashion?"

  Mystified, but gamely trying to make some sense of his words, Melissa shrugged and replied, "Oh! That Dominic Slade." Feeling a fool, yet unwilling to let Josh know how baffled she was, she added, "Someone did mention his presence in the area, and I thought it best if I..." She let the sentence trail off, not wishing to reveal that she had absolutely no idea of what he was talking about. Sending him an uncertain smile, she asked, "You approve?"

  "Oh, yes, my dear! I can't tell you how happy I am that you used your good common sense and took immediate steps to protect yourself from the possibility of the rogue's unwanted attentions. You were wise to disguise your undeniable charms this way." Chuckling, he continued, "Few men if any would make advances to a woman who looks as you do now! Certainly not Dominic Slade! Only the prettiest fillies will do for him!"

  Nettled by Josh's comments, even though the opinion expressed was precisely what she had been striving for, Melissa said stiffly, "That may be, but perhaps the 'prettiest fillies' won't be the least interested in Mr. Slade!"

  "You're wrong there, m'dear! He's a handsome devil, I'll tell you plain. What's more, with his family background—he's one of the Slades from Natchez, a very wealthy and respected family—there will be few of our neighborhood ladies who won't find him utterly irresistible." Slyly he added, "I had the pleasure of meeting him today and I can assure you that he is indeed very handsome!"

  Melissa's upper lip curled scornfully. "And I suppose he thinks highly of himself!"

  "Oh, no! Not at all! He's a charming fellow, quite unassuming. One would never guess, except from his beautiful manners and impeccable attire, that he comes from such a prominent family."

  Thoroughly baffled now—Dominic Slade sounded just like the sort of gentleman her uncle had been trying to get her to marry for years—Melissa frowned. What was Josh playing at? And why? Some of her confusion showed in her expression as she asked warily, "If he is such a paragon, why should you be happy that I am dressed to repel his advances? I would have thought that you would have ridden over here pell-mell to insist that I rig myself out to catch his attention, not the other way around!"

  Josh appeared scandalized. "Oh, but he would never do for you, child! He is far too sophisticated and worldly. Besides," he murmured, "I really don't know that he would make a very good husband... it is said that he is fond of a... ah, certain type of woman. And, of course, there is his gambling." Josh shook his head. "No, no, he isn't the type of man we would want you to marry, and I'm pleased that you were so quick to realize it and have taken steps to make certain that you do not attract his roving gaze."

  Conflicting emotions raging in her breast, Melissa was aware of an unworthy impulse to stamp her foot with vexation. How dare Uncle Josh decide that Mr. Slade wasn't the man for her! How dare he so high-handedly dismiss Dominic Slade as too sophisticated and worldly for her! She might like Mr. Slade very much once she met him, and it was humiliating for Josh to cavalierly reject her chances of attracting the attention of such a handsome, wealthy, charming man.

  Realizing where her rebellious thoughts were taking her, Melissa narrowed her gaze and shot a closer look at her uncle. Was this a clever little plot on his part? Was he deliberately misleading her, hoping that she could be tricked into liking Mr. Slade?

  Josh met her suspicious look, not by so much as a batted eyelash allowing his innocent expression to change. But Melissa's unblinking stare was unnerving and, rushing into speech, he said the one thing that could divert her attention. "Have you seen young Newcomb of late? I understand that he is still willing to marry you."

  At his words, all speculation about Josh's duplicity fled. With a glint in her fine eyes, Melissa snapped, "Willing? I would say more like languishing! It is to escape his attentions—and Mr. Slade's as well," she added hastily, "that I have disguised myself in this fashion." Almost imploringly, she asked, "Will you please stop trying to get me married? I know your need is urgent, but so is ours, and if I will not marry to make my own situation more comfortable, why do you think I shall do so to change yours? I will not marry John Newcomb! And I would appreciate it if you would cease your meddling in my affairs!"

  Patting her arm, Josh said soothingly, "There, there, my dear. I had not realized that my actions have caused you so much distress. You must believe me when I say that I will no longer make any attempt to convince John Newcomb to continue in his suit."

  Melissa stared dumbly at her uncle for a moment. Then, hardly believing what he had said, she prodded, "Will you promise?"

  Giving her a benign smile, he said with perfect truth, "You have my word on it!" And dropping a fond salute on her cheek, he bade her a pleasant farewell.

  Melissa watched him go in astonishment, hardly able to comprehend the ease with which he had given her his promise. He must have been foxed! she finally decided. But later she discussed the conversation with Etienne and Zachary, who both were of the opinion that he could not possibly have been drunk.

  "It was too early in the morning," Zachary said with all the superior knowledge of a nineteen-year-old male.

  Etienne shrugged. "It was early, oui, but the time of day has nothing to do with it. Your uncle would never come to you in such a fashion—his manners are far too nice."

  Reluctantly, Melissa agreed with Etienne's reading of the situation. Josh was a stickler when it came to what was due the ladies of the family, and he would no sooner appear naked in front of her than he would appear drunk.

  "Then what do you make of his remarks about this Dominic Slade?" Melissa asked with a frown. "Don't you think it was sort of odd? Doesn't Mr. Slade sound precisely like the sort of gentleman Josh has been trying to throw my way ever since I turned seventeen?" Her scowl deepening, she went on. "It was almost as if he didn't want me to like Mr. Slade, yet he made very certain that I knew that the man was handsome and wealthy and came from an impeccable background. Could Uncle Josh have been rather devious?"

  At Zachary's confused expression, Melissa muttered, "Oh, you know what I mean! By appearing not to want me to like Mr. Slade, he was actually hoping that I would act perversely and like the man simply because I would think that it would annoy him, when exactly the opposite would be true."

  Zachary blinked at her. After a pause, he offered cautiously, "Er... do you think that Uncle Josh is that clever?"

  Melissa sighed. "I don't know—he could be. Perhaps I'm just suspicious of his sudden change of heart."

  "I think, mes enfants, that you are worrying too much about nothing," Etienne said calmly. "And whatever his motives, be glad that, for the moment, you are not at dagger's drawing with him! As for Mr. Dominic Slade..." His dark eyes twinkling, he teased, "Who knows, ma Belle, he might prove to be the answer to all of our prayers!"

  Chapter 5

  Dominic wouldn't know about being the answer to anyone else's hopes; he only knew that after ten days at Oak Hollow, though pleasant, his hopes of owning or even of seeing the stallion Folly were vanishing. Whenever he tried to bring the conversation around to the horse, Royce proved to be adept at changing the topic, and as for Josh Manchester...

  Standing at the window of his handsomely appointed bedroom at Oak Hollow, Dominic scowled at the rolling expanse of green lawn that stretched out beneath his gaze. Mr. Josh Manchester was pr
oving to be singularly elusive whenever the subject of Folly was broached. Oh, he was a cordial and accommodating host, and it was enjoyable to spend time with Royce, but after all, Dominic was here as a prospective buyer. As yet, however, there had been no other discussion about the stallion. He hadn't even been able to arrange to view the wretched animal, and his patience, not one of his virtues to begin with, was wearing thin. He was also, he thought with annoyance, growing damned weary of hearing about Josh's blasted niece, Melissa Seymour. If he heard Josh tell him one more time how lovely and spirited she was, how sweetly independent, how gallantly she was helping her young brother restore their temporary reverses, Dominic knew he would be driven to violence. She was so gallant, in fact, that she had, at great sacrifice to herself, turned down more than one tempting offer of matrimony. Oh, there was little doubt that Dominic would find it a great treat to meet her, Josh had stated. Why, they had so much in common, he had averred on more than one occasion—she was a neck-or-nothing horsewoman and knowledgeable when it came to the breeding and raising of prime horseflesh.

  A cynical smile curving his mouth, Dominic decided that Miss Melissa Seymour must be an opinionated, bracket-faced, overbearing female! Why else was this paragon of virtue and beauty still unmarried? Josh could say what he wanted, but Dominic was certain that Miss Melissa was just the sort of female he couldn't abide, horsey and domineering—and worse, the notion that Josh was not so subtly attempting to arouse his interest in her had begun to uneasily cross Dominic's mind.

  Royce had remained noncommittal on the subject of Miss Seymour, and that too aroused Dominic's suspicions—especially when he had the impression that Royce was finding something very amusing. That alone, he thought with a narrowed gaze, should be a warning to him. Royce had a damned strange sense of humor and he was capable of taking sardonic enjoyment in watching the efforts of male acquaintances as they fended off determined matchmaking mamas—or uncles, as the case might be.

  Dominic grinned. Well, he had done the same thing; he and Royce had even wagered on a similar situation, and if their positions were reversed... Chuckling to himself, he turned around and headed for the door.

  Once he was in the hallway, though, his grin disappeared; and with a tightening of his square jaw, he went in search of his host. He was not, he decided, going to be fobbed off a minute longer. He would see the horse and make his offer and that would be that! To Miss Seymour he gave no further thought.

  He found Josh seated in the library, and with no preamble, Dominic said, "I think it would be a good idea if I saw Folly today. I cannot trespass longer on your generous hospitality." Taking his gold watch from his vest pocket, he glanced down at it and murmured, "Shall we plan to leave the house for the stables in, say, half an hour?"

  Caught by surprise, Josh could think of no ready excuse. Gamely he attempted to forestall the awful moment when he must confess his duplicity, and he blustered, he stammered and he stalled, but to no avail. Dominic remained politely unwavering in his intention, and finally, Josh somewhat shamefacedly confessed the truth.

  There was silence as Dominic, astounded, took in the full import of Josh's words. Uncertain whether to swear or laugh, Dominic asked eventually, "Are you telling me that you don't own Folly? That this niece of yours, Melissa Seymour, is the actual owner and that for the past ten days, delightful though they have been, you have kept me here under false pretenses?"

  An embarrassed expression on his face, he admitted that this was indeed the case. He glanced nervously across at the unsmiling young man in front of him, suddenly wishing that he had never embarked upon this scheme.

  "I see," Dominic said. Neutrally, he asked, "Would you mind telling me why you went to all this subterfuge? Why you didn't tell me the truth when I first arrived at your house?"

  Josh cleared his throat, wondering why he had not thought of what would happen when the truth about the real ownership of Folly came out. Seeking some way to excuse his actions, some way to redeem himself and yet not divulge the scheme nearest to his heart, he came up with the germ of an idea. Embellishing his hastily created tale as he told it, he said with more confidence than he felt, "I thought it best. I wanted to make certain that you were a proper gentleman before you met my niece. I am, after all, her brother's guardian and I feel great responsibility for Melissa." Encouraged by the lack of obvious signs of anger on Dominic's part, he added with a complete disregard of the truth, "Since their father's death, both my niece and nephew look upon me as a trusted adviser and protector of their interests." Beginning to believe his own words, he ended self-righteously, "It is my duty to shield them from those who would take advantage of them."

  Thoughtfully Dominic regarded Josh. There was something about Josh's explanation that didn't ring true but, considering the circumstances, it appeared plausible—if unpalatable! Dominic's credibility had never been questioned before and he was nonplussed to think that all this time Josh had been judging him. His pride was just a little wrung to think that anyone would dare to speculate about his suitability!

  Amusement warring with chagrin in his breast, Dominic asked dryly, "And have you satisfied yourself that I am not about to take advantage of your niece?"

  "Oh, yes!" Josh quickly answered and, realizing that he might have offended, added, "There was never any real question about you, you understand... it was just that..."He paused. Seeking to distance himself from this situation, he blundered on. "Melissa needed to be reassured and I, er, should warn you that she is not in favor of selling the horse. She has some nonsensical notion to establish her own stud farm." Spreading his hands deprecatingly, he added, "I have told her it is ridiculous, but as I have mentioned to you, she can be, um, stubborn when the mood strikes her."

  "If she doesn't want to sell the animal, my time here has been wasted!" Dominic said with exasperation. "Why didn't you tell me that the horse was not for sale?"

  "Ah, well," Josh floundered, not about to reveal his hopes of seeing Melissa make a match with Dominic. And still not willing to give up entirely on his original scheme—especially since the worst moment seemed to be behind him—he said craftily, "The animal might be purchased if my niece could be convinced that you will be a responsible owner and will not mistreat the horse."

  "I only want to buy Folly, not marry him!" Dominic retorted acidly. But Josh's statement was encouraging, and, reluctant to abandon his plans without at least seeing the horse, he finally said, "If what you say is true, with your permission I shall ride over to Willowglen and meet with your niece myself. Since she appears to be overly fond of the horse, perhaps I can convince her that I mean the animal only good will!"

  Josh beamed at him, greatly relieved to have the unpleasantness disposed of so easily. "Excellent!" he said. "And of course you have my permission! Why, you are already like one of the family!"

  Dominic cocked a derisive eyebrow at him, his suspicions fully aroused. Having Josh Manchester as an in-law was the last thing he wanted!

  Taking his leave from the older man, Dominic met Royce in the main hallway. Sending his friend a darkling look, Dominic growled, "I'm on my way to see Folly, Miss Seymour's horse. You, I'll talk to when I get back!"

  "Ah, found out, did you?" Royce asked with interest. "I wondered how much longer it would take you."

  A reluctant laugh broke from Dominic. "Damn you, Royce! You could have warned me!"

  Royce chuckled. "Yes, but it wouldn't have been half so amusing."

  Smiling, Dominic walked to the stables of Oak Hollow and shortly thereafter, with directions from the head groom firmly in his mind, he was riding toward Willowglen. His thoughts were not kind as he rode along, and ironically, it was not Josh who aroused his ire but Miss Seymour. Inexplicably, he had convinced himself that it was at Miss Seymour's request that Josh had embarked upon the silly charade that had had him wasting his time at Oak Hollow. He felt a fool and he was more than a little annoyed about the entire situation. If it weren't for the fact that the delay and Miss Seymour's r
eluctance to meet him had stirred a stubborn determination on his part, he would have departed immediately from Oak Hollow and given Folly no further serious thought. But as it was, against his will, he was curious about Miss Seymour and, of course, there was the stallion....

  His first sight of Willowglen was not encouraging. With a twist to his mouth, he decided that Josh had greatly exaggerated the temporary reverses. To his expert eye, it was obvious that the condition of the main house was not due to some recent lack of funds but had been of a long-standing duration. The gracious lines of the wide and low, once-handsome two-storied house were still apparent, and the setting amongst the moss-draped oaks, giant mimosa trees and large crape myrtles was undeniably attractive, but it was apparent that it had been several years since any money had been spent on the upkeep of the house and grounds. The paint was blistered and peeling, the years of the hot Louisiana sun having inflicted great damage, and there were unsightly gaps in the graceful though rusting wrought-iron railing which adorned the gallery that ran the entire length of the front of the house. The expanse of lawn which wandered through the various trees that surrounded the house was shaggy and choked with weeds, and there was a general air of neglect about the whole area. No, Dominic told himself, this was no temporary reversal of fortune, and he wondered how much more Josh had misled him about Miss Seymour and her brother.