Savage Spring

by Constance O'Banyon

  “No, as a matter of fact, we were married at Fort Union in Indian territory.”

  Tag glanced down at the tip of his shiny black boot. “That seems a long way from home. Surely, you weren’t traveling for the fun of it.”

  “No, I met Howard while he was searching for his niece and nephew. Two more ungrateful people you will never find. If you can believe this, they ran away from Howard and were living with the Indians somewhere out West.”

  “That is hard to believe. Why would they live with the Indians when they could enjoy the comfort and luxury of this house?”

  “It was all Joanna’s fault. She has no conception of how to live. I suppose she enjoys living among those savages. She is a horrid girl—defiant and rebellious. My husband and I have tried everything possible to get Joanna and her brother to return here, but with no results.”

  “Tell me about her brother. Did you say he also lives with the Indians, Claudia?”

  “Yes, his name is Taggart—a most unlikable young boy. He would do anything his sister asked of him. It’s possible that Howard and I could have convinced the boy to return here with us had it not been for his sister.”

  Tag noticed the undisguised hatred in Claudia’s eyes when she spoke of Joanna, and he knew she was still blaming Joanna for everything that had ever gone wrong in her life. “How old is the boy now?”

  Claudia looked thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t know. Perhaps he is in his teens…I can’t be sure…perhaps he’s older.” Her eyes searched his face. “Why are you so interested in Joanna and Tag?”

  “Merely curiosity. I wonder what would cause them to prefer living with the Indians when they could live here.” He made a wide swing with his hand. “Surely, they would prefer all this to an Indian tipi. How could they not want to return when they would have an aunt such as you concerned about their welfare?” he asked sarcastically.

  Claudia’s eyes sparkled, missing his point. “I once saw the Indian Joanna is living with. He was positively fiercelooking. He’s the reason my husband had a stroke. We had managed to capture Joanna, and Windhawk followed and took her away from us.”

  Claudia’s eyes swept past Tag to the open door that led to the garden. “It’s much too nice a day to speak of such things. Let’s go for a walk in the garden.”

  Tag stood up and nodded. “It would be my pleasure to escort you,” he said, holding out his arm. Claudia had told him nothing he didn’t already know. He would have to find another way to gain information from her. He saw the way she looked at him, and he shuddered inwardly. Tag wasn’t sure he could give her what she was clearly wanting from him. He felt degraded at the thought of even touching her.

  Alexandria closed the book she had been reading and smiled at Howard Landon. “I want to thank you for allowing me to stay on in your employment, Mr. Landon. I really do enjoy reading to you.”

  Howard smiled at the lovely young girl. She had such a soothing effect on him. He could listen to her for hours as she read to him. Her golden eyes sparkled with life and enthusiasm. It made him feel good just to be near her. He knew that he was using her as a substitute for Joanna. Howard had never been able to get close to Joanna. He wanted to give Alexandria all the things that young girls wanted, in order to make her happy. He was determined to dress her in lovely gowns and watch her bloom and grow.

  “We…put…one over on my wife,” he said in his slurred manner of speaking. His smile was distorted because one side of his face was paralyzed, but Alexandria could tell he was pleased.

  “You shouldn’t be so pleased with yourself,” she said in mock reprimand. “What a way for a man to behave toward his own wife.”

  Howard’s eyes danced merrily. “She is a wind…bag.”

  Alexandria couldn’t stop the smile that caused her dimples to dance across her cheeks. Standing up, she tucked the covers about Howard’s legs and pushed the wheelchair down the garden path. “It will soon be time for your afternoon nap. I must get you back into the house.”

  “I…want to stay,” Howard protested.

  “No. We shall do this again tomorrow, but not if you become overtired,” she told him firmly.

  Howard gave in gracefully, feeling good that Alexandria seemed truly to care about him. When Barlow had told him about the conversation between her and Claudia, Howard had immediately sent for his wife. Claudia had ranted and raved at his decision to keep Alexandria on against her wishes, but in the end she had relented, knowing he always had the last say.

  It had warmed his heart to discover that Alexandria had refused to go behind his back and report to Claudia. There had been many women who had been hired to look after him before Alexandria. The others had been only too happy to comply with Claudia’s wishes. That was the reason none of them had lasted very long.

  Howard might be a cripple, but he was still in command, up to a point. Claudia had often defied him, but she stopped just short of disobeying his direct orders. He knew she was too afraid she might find herself out on her ear if she pushed him too far. He was disgusted by the show of affection Claudia always demonstrated toward him when anyone was around. He knew that she hated him every bit as strongly as he hated her.

  Claudia was holding on to Tag’s arm as they walked up the pathway. She was talking to him about the masquerade ball she was giving the next week and didn’t see Alexandria as she wheeled Howard toward them.

  Tag heard the squeaking of the wheels and looked up. In spite of the fact that time hadn’t been kind to Howard Landon, Tag had no trouble recognizing him immediately. His hair was now completely white, and he had a pale, unhealthy pallor, but there was no mistaking the man Tag had hated for so many years. He wondered if Howard Landon would recognize him and prepared himself for whatever was to come. If his Uncle Howard recognized him, then he could lay everything open. He would have preferred to be better prepared before meeting his uncle, but it was too late to turn back now. If Howard were mentally unstable, as Claudia had said, Tag thought there would be no danger of his knowing who he was.

  Alexandria saw Falcon and drew in her breath. Was he crazed to come here and take a chance on being seen by his uncle? Surely Mr. Landon would have no trouble recognizing him, since he stared at the portrait of the James family all day. She felt fear and uncertainty as she considered whether to turn the wheelchair around and go in another direction—but it was too late now, Falcon and Claudia had both seen them. She gave no thought to the fact that Falcon would probably recognize her. All she was concerned with at the moment was his safety.

  It was apparent that Claudia was very displeased, by the frown on her face. Tag walked toward them, never taking his eyes off his Uncle Howard. He watched for any sign that would show his uncle might recognize him.

  “Well, it seems you will be meeting my husband after all, Falcon. Although what he is doing out in the garden, I’ll never know,” Claudia said, as her eyes bored into Alexandria’s.

  The sunlight was glaring in Howard’s eyes, and he squinted against the glare to see who was walking beside Claudia. When they had drawn even with them, Howard thought there was something vaguely familiar about the man. He waited for Claudia to introduce them, knowing she had no choice.

  “Howard, I would like you to meet a friend of mine, Falcon Knight, from England,” she introduced them grudgingly. “Falcon, my husband, Howard Landon.”

  Tag inclined his head as his eyes locked with the man he had traveled so far to confront. It made him angry that his old enemy was no more than a shadow of his former self. How could he gain satisfaction in besting a sick old man? A mask fell into place as Tag hid his true feelings. He smiled slightly.

  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Landon,” he said in a cold voice.

  Howard’s eyes narrowed, and his heart skipped a beat. There could be no mistake! This man who called himself Falcon Knight was none other than Taggart James! Howard’s eyes ran over Tag’s face, and he felt his heart leap with joy. He had waited for this moment for many ye
ars. Had he not known all along that Tag would one day return? He shifted his eyes to his wife and saw the way she was hanging on to Tag’s arm. He realized she had not the slightest knowledge who he was. The foolish woman really believed that he was Falcon Knight from England.

  Everyone was startled when a horrible sound issued from Howard’s lips. At first, they all thought he was having an attack, until Alexandria realized he was laughing. The sound was most unpleasant, and the side of his face that was paralyzed seemed to curl up to reveal his teeth.

  Claudia looked from her husband to Alexandria. “You’ll take him to his room at once!” she demanded angrily. “In the future, you will not bring my husband downstairs without my permission, Alexandria. Is that clearly understood?”

  Tag’s head shot up, and for the first time he noticed the young woman who stood behind Howard. As he looked into golden eyes, he read the pleading in the shimmering depths. She was mentally asking him to not give her away. His anger knew no bounds as he thought of all the torture she had put him through by running away. He had the strongest urge to shake her until she begged his forgiveness. Seeing a tear slide down her cheek, he relaxed. It would serve no purpose to acknowledge that he knew her.

  “I will take him to his room, but only if he wants to go,” Alexandria said, looking at Claudia with defiance written all over her face.

  Claudia’s face flushed, and she reached out and grabbed Alexandria by the arm. “You will do as I say this instant!” she screamed harshly.

  Before Claudia knew what was happening, Howard picked up his cane, which was lying across his lap, and waved it in her face, uttering unintelligible sounds. Claudia had seen her husband angry often enough to know he was in no mood to be trifled with. Taking a step backwards, she grabbed hold of Tag’s arm.

  “I told you he was crazed!” Claudia yelled. “He tried to hit me!”

  Tag looked into Howard Landon’s eyes and saw they were alive with intelligence. He knew immediately that he was as sane as anyone. He also saw recognition in the old man’s eyes and wondered how long it would be before his uncle would tell Claudia his true identity.

  “No, your husband isn’t crazed, Mrs. Landon. He knows exactly what he’s doing,” Tag said in a harsh voice.

  Howard began babbling something again, and Alexandria bent forward to catch his words. After he finished speaking, she looked at Tag. “Mr. Landon wants me to tell you he is pleased to meet you and wants you to know you are welcome in this house anytime. He wonders if you will come to his room around seven this evening?”

  The look that passed between Alexandria and Tag went unobserved by Claudia. Her mouth was gaping open in amazement as she looked at her husband. “How can a little chit who has only been in my employment for several weeks know what you are saying when I can never understand you, Howard?” Her voice sounded resentful as she raised her head and glared at Alexandria.

  “It’s not difficult to understand Mr. Landon when one takes the trouble to listen, Mrs. Landon. If you will excuse me, I believe he wants to go to his room now. Will you be coming to Mr. Landon’s room later, Mr. Knight?” she asked, hoping he would refuse.

  Tag bowed slightly. “I wouldn’t miss the chance to have a private conversation with you, Mr. Landon,” he said, glancing back at his uncle. He wondered what Howard wanted to see him about. Even if he knew his uncle were laying a trap for him, still Tag would go to his room. He was surprised when the old man held out his hand to him. When Tag touched his Uncle Howard’s hand, it felt cold and clammy. He was surprised, however, at the strength in the old man’s handshake.

  He stood silently as Alexandria wheeled his uncle up by the garden path. Tonight he would also see Alexandria alone. There were many things they had to discuss. He wanted to know what she was doing in this house. He wanted some answers, and damn it, he would get them before the night was over.

  Claudia bit her lip. “That was a most unpleasant experience. I’m sorry that you had to be subjected to such a crude scene, Falcon.”

  “Not at all, Claudia. I found nothing unpleasant in your husband’s attitude toward me.”

  Claudia shook her head. “It certainly seemed strange to me. My husband has never before issued anyone an invitation to his room. He doesn’t even like it very much when I invade his sanctuary.”

  “Why is that?”

  “He has this fantasy. It’s hard to understand. You see, he has this obsession with his niece, Joanna. In fact, there is a portrait of her and her family that hangs in Howard’s bedroom. He has insisted that her bedroom stay the way she left it, and sometimes he has Barlow carry him into that room, where he spends hours.” She shrugged her shoulders, “I told you he had lost his mind.”

  “Who was the girl with him? Is she a relative?”

  “Heavens, no! She is some girl I hired to look after my husband. It was a sorry day indeed when I took her into my home and gave her the position as my husband’s companion. I believe in some way she reminds him of Joanna.” Claudia looked up at Tag and smiled. “Let’s not talk about them. I was wondering if you would stay to dinner?”

  Her eyes held an invitation to more than dinner, and Tag wanted to shove the hand away that she placed on his arm. “I am afraid I must decline tonight. I have a previous engagement. I would, however, like to return around seven, if you have no objections. I would like very much to accept your husband’s invitation.”

  Claudia’s mouth formed into a pout. “You will accept my husband’s offer, but not mine?”

  Tag pushed his dislike for her aside. He knew he must placate Claudia for the time being. With a swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, and his mouth came down on hers, grinding her lips against her teeth. He felt only revulsion at the touch of her hot, moist lips, and he quickly broke off the kiss, feeling sick inside. He knew he had to pacify Claudia for the moment—he must try to cover up the distaste he felt for her.

  “Does that seem like I am uninterested in your invitation? You will have to give me my way in time. The day will come when I will ask something of you. Will you give it to me when I do?”

  Claudia’s head seemed to be swimming, and she was sure her heart would burst from her body at any moment. “I will give you anything you want, Falcon. You have only to ask. Will I see you tonight when you come to visit my husband?”

  “No,” Tag said, as he moved her aside and walked away without looking back. He knew when he returned tonight he might be facing death, but he would come anyway. Somehow, he got the impression that his Uncle Howard never confided in Claudia. He wasn’t sure what kind of game his uncle was playing, but he would soon find out. As for Alexandria, he would force her to leave with him tonight. She would have to answer for running away from him!

  Tag mounted his horse, wondering obsessively what in the hell Alexandria was doing in this house? Didn’t she know that when he faced his uncle for the final showdown, she would be in danger?

  Today, for the first time, he had seen her dressed as a woman. She had looked like a delicate flower, and her beauty had reached out to him. In spite of the fact that he had been angry with her, he had still wanted to take her in his arms and make her understand that he hadn’t betrayed her.

  Alexandria was by far too stubborn and willful for her own good, he thought angrily. Morning Song would never have defied him as she had. But then Morning Song had never been alone and had to depend on her wits for her very survival. Tag couldn’t help smiling. No one, including himself, would be able to push Alexandria around. She would fight for what she believed in, and he pitied the poor devil who got in her way.

  Suddenly Tag’s heart felt lighter. At least now he knew where to find Alexandria. He no longer had to spend sleepless nights wondering where she was and if she were safe!

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Alexandria removed the tray from Howard’s lap and gave him a bright smile. “You didn’t eat all your meat, Mr. Landon. I prepared it just the way you like it.”

  He caught her hand, for
cing her to look at him. “You…know about Taggart…don’t…you?” he said, in a much clearer voice. By now Alexandria was able to understand him better, and she could see a marked improvement in his speech and attributed it to the fact that she had encouraged him to talk more. However, she knew he always played a game with Claudia, because when his wife was around he slipped back into his garbled speech.

  The color drained from Alexandria’s face, and she avoided looking into his eyes, fearing he would read too much from her expression. Turning aside, she placed the tray down on a chair and began to straighten his bed.

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you are talking about, Mr. Landon,” she told him, tucking in the bedsheet at the foot of the bed.

  “You know,” he wheezed. “The moment…I saw the two of you…together, I knew you weren’t…strangers.”

  “You shouldn’t be talking—it would be best if you saved your strength.”

  “Alexandria, you…won’t believe this, but today is one of the happiest…days of my…life. I was glad to see…Tag! I have been…waiting for…this day for a…very long time.”

  Alexandria looked at him doubtfully. “Did your wife not introduce the man in the garden as Falcon Knight? Who is this Tag of whom you are speaking?” She hoped her voice sounded convincing, since she had never felt comfortable when speaking an untruth.

  “You play…games with me, Alexandria,” he wheezed. “No matter, it will all come…out soon.” He turned his head to the portrait, and his eyes rested on Joanna’s face. “Soon…very soon…I will know about…Joanna.”

  Alexandria wiped Howard’s face with a damp cloth. “Tell me about Joanna, Mr. Landon. What was she like?” she asked, trying to turn the tide of conversation.

  His eyes never left the portrait as he began to speak. “I will never forget…the first day I saw…her. She was the loveliest young woman…I had ever laid eyes on. It was…like a breath of springtime…just to gaze at her face. She had courage and daring. I have…never known anyone…like her.” His eyes went to Alexandria. “You…remind me a little of her.”