“Don’t be gullible where she’s concerned; it could destroy you.”
“Stop it, Louisa. Give Leigh a chance to become your friend. And stop making Cynthia treat her so badly. I want this safari to be fun for all of us.” He grasped Louisa by the shoulders and asked, “What have you got to worry about? You’re going with me, and you’re sharing my tent, not Leigh. If I wanted another woman, Louisa, nothing would stop me from leaving you.”
“You can’t, Chad. No other woman can please you like I do.”
He chuckled and cuffed her chin. “Come on, Louisa, stop making things so hard for everyone. Prove you have brains inside this lovely head. Be nice to Leigh, show some pride and restraint.”
“I can’t help it, Chad. Sometimes you make me so mad. You used to change women like … most men change shirts, and you let that little chit do as she pleases. Without you, she’s nothing, because Webster International is nothing. The will says she can’t fire you until she’s twenty-one. By November, she’ll realize how stupid that would be. She needs you, Chad. I just don’t want her to need you too much. You’re mine, isn’t that right?”
“As long as you behave yourself, I see no reason to cease our relationship. It suits us both. Promise you’ll be a good girl?”
“Good in public, but very bad in private,” she replied, licking on his thumb in an erotically suggestive manner.
“Cool your flames, Louisa. You are one greedy woman.”
“And you love it that way. I’ll go freshen myself upstairs. You find your little ward and dance with her before I return and have to endure such a painful sight.”
“Come along, my fiery wench,” he teased, pulling on her arm.
When they were out of sight, Leigh left her hiding place. Now she knew Chad was not responsible for the dangerous mistake last night, and she was relieved about that but worried over his possibly amorous feelings toward her. She wanted to keep their relationship businesslike, but friendly. But would he allow it, she fretted, if he decided he was attracted to her?
Leigh wasn’t convinced of Louisa’s innocence, which created a new worry. She was annoyed that her guardian had broken his promise and told the offensive woman about what happened, that is, if Louisa hadn’t already learned the truth from her thwarted hirelings.
Are you being unfair and ridiculous? Leigh asked herself. Louisa can be mean, but is she evil and dangerous? If not, why did Chad suspect her, and question her and threaten her? That worried Leigh, as did telling her guardian about what happened in the garden tonight.
If she told Chad the stranger had returned her locket, it could arouse his suspicions against her, especially after Louisa had planted seeds of doubt in his mind. The redhead was right about Leigh needing Chad for the business. Too, she had to admit that both episodes sounded strange, even doubtful. If Chad did believe her account, the stranger’s curious behavior might alarm him. No, she decided, she mustn’t tell her guardian the locket had been returned or that she had seen her rescuer again.
Leigh hurried to a side door and slipped into an empty hallway. She went upstairs to the ladies’ chamber to check her appearance. She found Louisa still there, arranging her hair and makeup. She smiled politely and took a seat near another mirror.
To Leigh’s surprise, the redhead asked, “Would you like to use any of these?” Louisa motioned to the colorings before her.
Leigh responded to the woman’s overture, however false and coerced. She lifted a blue powder and asked, “How do I put it on?”
“Like this,” Louisa instructed as she brushed onto her lids a green powder that matched her emerald eyes. “Egyptians and Chinese have used such colorful tricks for ages. These were ordered from the Orient. They’re quite expensive, but worth the money and trouble. Try this for your lips,” she suggested.
Leigh took the small container and rubbed a pink cream on her mouth, then lightly brushed a blue powder onto her eyelids. She was amazed at how it brought out the color of her eyes and lips. She smiled at the redhead and said, “I like it, Louisa. Thank you.”
“You don’t need help like I do,” Louisa remarked, “but you’re welcome to use whatever you like from my collection. You’re lucky you don’t have dreadful freckles to cover. They make a woman look so much like a child. I had hoped to outgrow them, but no such luck.”
“On most redheads they’re dark and large, but yours are pale and small. They add color to your skin, and I think they’re attractive.” It was the truth, but Leigh doubted if Louisa would believe her. Oddly, then the redhead grinned and turned to Leigh.
“Then I won’t fuss about them anymore. Would you like to try this perfume from Paris? It drives men wild.”
Leigh’s fragrance had faded, so she tried the one Louisa held out to her. The scent was seductive and pleasant. As Louisa groomed herself, Leigh wondered if Louisa possessed the cunning to plot against her. The ruse last night had required clever planning, expert timing, and accomplices. If this vixen was to blame, Louisa was dangerous, and had to be watched.
Louisa halted her task. “We haven’t had much time alone for woman-talk, Leigh. I hope we can get better acquainted on the ship and during the safari. What do you think of your guardian?”
As she sealed the small bottle of expensive perfume, Leigh replied, “Uncle Chad is very nice. He’s taking good care of me. This new world is strange and intimidating at times; it’s so different from ranchlife. I’m glad I have Uncle Chad and all his friends to help me adjust.” She met Louisa’s probing gaze in the mirror and said, “You two look very happy together. When are you getting married?” Leigh hoped that calling Chad her uncle would fool the woman into thinking she viewed him as kin, not as an available attractive man. She also hoped that Louisa believed she was pleased they were a couple and would eventually wed. But that she wasn’t. Chad deserved a better woman than Louisa Jennings!
Louisa laughed heartily. “Chadwick Hamilton doesn’t have marriage in mind any time in the near future. And you? Did you have a suitor in America?”
Leigh seized the opportunity to divert the conversation from Chad. “The foreman on my aunt’s ranch courted me. He’s very handsome and virile, and all the girls craved him. He has cornsilk hair, eyes like chocolate, and a sunny smile.” She let her won dreamy smile fade. “But men who are too handsome and charming make me nervous and wary. If anything is supposed to happen between us, it will one day. Father always told me that fate tracks us down wherever we go. If it doesn’t, I’m sure Tyler will. He’s determined to win me.”
Cynthia entered the room and gaped at the two laughing females. “I wondered where you were, Louisa. What’s taking you so long?”
Leigh watched the brunette ignore her presence, approach the mirror, and take a seat to repair her grooming. “Louisa and I were getting better acquainted, Marquise Campbell.”
“Please, call her Cynthia,” Louisa encouraged. “After all, my dear Leigh, you have far more money than she does.”
Leigh flushed and lowered her head as if embarrassed, but she was infuriated. She wanted to make progress toward a friendly relationship with both females before their trip, but how could she if Louisa antagonized her friend?
Cynthia scowled and retorted, “That was mean, Louisa.”
“I was only teasing, and you know it. Leigh is a darling girl, and I’m afraid we haven’t been very nice to her. We’ll change that tonight. From now on, we’ll be best of friends. Agreed?”
The brown-haired woman gaped at Louisa as if she were drunk, then her chocolate gaze shifted to Leigh.
“Admit it, Cynthia,” Louisa said. “We got off on the wrong foot. You and I were accustomed to being the centers of attention until this lovely child arrived from America. We were jealous of her youth and beauty. There, I’ve said it. Now, let’s forget it and move forward. Agreed?”
Laura Leigh Webster and Marquise Cynthia Campbell looked at each other strangely. Then both shrugged and smiled.
“Good,” the redhead commented. �
��We’re about to leave on a wonderful trip, so let’s do it in grand style. Such fun awaits us there.”
Leigh smiled and said, “Thank you, Louisa. You don’t know how much it means to me for us to be friends. Uncle Chad will be happy.”
“No, Leigh, he’ll be ecstatic,” Cynthia remarked, rolling her eyes heavenward. “Pass me that lip cream, Louisa. I need repairs badly.”
“I think I’ll get something to drink. My throat is dry,” Leigh told them, wanting to get out of the room as quickly as possible, for her pretense was strenuous work and she was running out of small talk.
The moment the door closed behind the blonde, Cynthia asked, “What in hell’s name was that about? Have you gone daft?”
Louisa’s green eyes narrowed and chilled. “That little tart! I hate her, Cynthia, but Chad insists we be nice to her. We’re going to be so good and sweet that candy will pale beside us. Neither of them will think we have a reason or the skills to harm little Leigh. Chad questioned me earlier about her attack, but I convinced him I didn’t pull a mean trick on his little ward.” Louisa related the conversation to her best friend and cohort.
“You sly witch,” Cynthia accused. “I love it. How can I help?”
“Better than you did last night. Your stablemen did a sorry job. I hope you punished them,” the redhead spouted in vexation.
“It wasn’t their fault, love. If a tower of strength hadn’t happened along and rescued her, her ravished body would be floating in the Thames. At least Sean and Jaimie were dressed as sailors and didn’t give us away. I ordered them to stay hidden for a while.”
“Yes, we were all lucky last night,” Louisa agreed, “Since they didn’t steal her purse and the carriage driver didn’t keep the note, thank goodness she left it behind so that doorman could exchange them.”
Cynthia sighed in relief. “Those were good precautions. I’m glad it’s over. I was nervous when Chad left twice to check on her.”
“Me, too. I only hope that witness doesn’t give us trouble.”
“What’s next?” the eager marquise asked.
Louisa halted her task to answer. “I have to be careful, Cynthia. If there’s another accident too soon, not only will Chad and Leigh get suspicious but so will the law. She has to be killed, and I have to snare that infuriating rake. How else can I get my hands on all that lovely money? Chad doesn’t know my family is nearly broke; Father’s managed to keep it a secret, but time’s running out. Once my lover learns the truth, he’ll be after Leigh with all his might.”
Cynthia grasped the woman’s hand and gazed into her green eyes. “You know I’ll do whatever I can to help you. We’re best friends, Louisa, and I love you dearly. Besides, it’s wicked fun.”
Giggling, the redhead playfully pinched Cynthia’s cheek. “I know,” she concurred.
“Do you think Chad suspects you poisoned William?”
Louisa sent her an evil smile. “Never. I paid a lot for that special drug, and it worked. His death looked like heart failure, as I was promised. But neither of us suspected the old man would leave everything to that little chit.”
“If Chad learns what we’re up to, he’ll kill us.”
“He won’t,” the redhead vowed with hostility and smugness. “Besides, he should hate the old bird for almost excluding him from the will. William was like a father to Chad. I wonder what happened … No matter,” she stated. “I have him duped completely, and I’ll do anything necessary not to lose him, or rather that fortune, even lick Leigh’s feet for a while. When everything’s in his grasp and we’re married, he’ll be sorry for all he’s done to me. I’ve made a public fool and harlot of myself to trick him, but it will be worth it one day. Don’t fret, my sweet; we’ll triumph. Soon we’ll be very rich and powerful women, and Lord Chadwick Hamilton can go to the devil where he belongs.”
“I hope we don’t fail. With the Webster holdings, we can do as we please, just you and me. I only hope my money holds out until we succeed. If it doesn’t, I’ll have to sell the estate and possibly my jewels to survive. That could give us away as frauds.”
“Don’t panic, Cynthia, and don’t sell anything. Use your skills and beauty to settle any pressing debts. Most men are willing to collect in that delightful manner. We’ll be rich and free by June.”
“I’m scared, Louisa. Chadwick Hamilton isn’t a fool.”
“But Chad doesn’t know I want Webster International more than he does and that I’ll do anything to get it.” She ran her tongue over her lower lip. “I wish I knew where Joanna Harris is; I’m certain she and Chad were involved in that Elliott mess. She would make an excellent blackmail tool.”
“Speaking of Jace Elliott,” Louisa continued, “I always wondered what happened between Chad and Jace, besides Joanna Harris. From what I’ve been told, they were best friends until Chad returned home alone around six years ago. Rumor said he was in terrible shape, but William took a liking to him and helped him.”
“Poor Chad was hit hard by his father’s violent death during the dock strike; he lost everything except his title. You and I know how that can affect a person.” They exchanged knowing looks.
“I don’t like mysteries, Cynthia, and Chad has many. Secrets conceal a person’s weak points. I’ve questioned him plenty of times, but Chad won’t tell me anything. I’m sure he wants revenge for something that happened during their seafaring days. It had to be bad to turn best friends against each other. Every time Jace’s name is mentioned, Chad’s eyes turn to blue ice. Whatever it was, I bet it’s the reason Chad took Joanna and ruined her. I wonder if it has anything to do with those dreadful scars on his chest and back,” she mused. “He’s never seen without his shirt; he even wears a nightshirt in bed or makes love in the dark. But I’ve stolen peeks and felt them. They look like pagan symbols, and they’re so deep. It must have been terribly painful.”
“How strange,” Cynthia murmured.
“I know Jace owns a coffee plantation in Africa and that he’s a safari guide. If those two meet again, it’ll be a violent clash. Too bad, because Jace Elliott is one desirable male. I won’t mind having him around for months in the hot tropics.”
“You’ve met him?” the brunette questioned.
“Several times. He was home in ‘92, ‘93, and ‘94. You were away each time with that old marquess. Actually I tried to seduce him, but failed. He was a good catch, and made me hot and tingly all over. He returned to Africa just before his father died.”
“If he’s rich and handsome and you can’t get Chad …”
“He’d be a good lover, but I’m not the pioneer type. Besides, a criminal in hiding makes a bad marital prospect.”
As Leigh danced with Chad, he glanced at her and remarked, “You smell like Louisa. I never noticed that before.”
Leigh smiled and related, “Louisa loaned me her perfume. We had a long talk. She was very nice.”
Chad looked surprised and pleased. “Good. I was hoping you two would come to an understanding.”
“We have,” Leigh assured him innocently.
Afterward, as she danced with Reid Adams, she entreated, “Tell me about Chad’s mother. I recall little about her. I met her only once, and I’m sorry she isn’t here so we can get acquainted. It would be nice if she could have gone on safari with us as planned.”
“Mrs. Webster was deeply affected by. William’s sudden death,” Reid replied. “Her visit to India will do more good for her.”
“What’s she like? From what I remember, she’s very beautiful.” The curious female probed for facts about her stepgrandmother.
His grayish-brown eyes smiled as he answered. “Most men and women will agree that Fiona Webster looks very young. In fact, she can pass for my age, an older woman’s dream. She’s had a tragic life, losing two husbands. But she’s a strong woman, like her son. I met her years ago, after Chad and I became friends. You’ll like Fiona; everybody does. She’s a kind and gentle woman, a real lady. She’ll be home in July, and you’
ll see for yourself.”
Leigh noticed how carefully Reid measured his words. She didn’t know if it was to make certain he got his meaning across or if she made him nervous, or if he’d had too much to drink. Maybe—she mused—he was always like that. After all, she didn’t know Reid Adams well. The dance ended, and Leigh was passed into another guest’s arms.
Early Monday, Leigh answered the knock on her door. “Ready to go,” she announced with a cheery smile.
“I’m sorry, Leigh,” Chad told her, “but our ship needs repairs. From what I’ve been told, we’ll be delayed a week. Go back to bed and get more sleep. We’ll talk at dinner tonight. I’m sorry.”
Disappointment was revealed in her blue eyes. It was still dark outside, and her guardian looked weary and annoyed. “I suppose it can’t be helped.”
He tugged on a tawny curl and said, “I promise, we’ll leave by next Monday or I’ll buy my own ship to take us there. Everything’s set, and I don’t want my plans spoiled.”
Leigh closed the door behind him and leaned against it. “Another week in London. What shall I do with it?” she murmured.
Images of “Sir Lancelot” filled her head as she changed back into her nightdress and returned to bed. I wonder how I can locate you and discover all your secrets. Surely there has to be a safe way. But how?
Chapter Five
Tuesday afternoon, Leigh sat in Chad’s office and sipped tea. They had spent the day touring the several buildings where her many employees worked. She had watched them labor while making linens and garments, and chatted with some of them. She found it fascinating to watch the raw products made into fabrics, then see the material progress into beautiful and useful items—all with her family name on them! Pride and joy filled her.
“Much of the cotton used comes from Georgia and Texas, doesn’t it?” she asked her guardian between nibbles on a sweet cake.
Whispered Kisses Page 8
