“Hart.”
He turned toward Commodore Grey, who now stood alone with Jared on the porch. His pallor was more pronounced, now that his anger had diminished. The veins in his hands stood out like blue ink on white parchment.
“Yes, Commodore?”
Sighing heavily, the old man cleared his throat. “Thank you for taking Keelan under your protection and seeing her home. We’ve been sick with worry over her welfare.”
He gave the Commodore a slight nod, thinking back to his earlier blunder that made Sham bolt away with Keelan on his back. “I’m glad I was able to help, sir. However, I have a distinct feeling that even if I hadn’t been there, your daughter would have managed well enough on her own. She appears to be most resilient.”
The commodore gave him a wry smile. “Indeed.”
“Godspeed in finding the missing boy and your stolen property,” Jared said.
“Thank you. I appreciate the information you shared with me earlier. Our search will continue until we find both.” With that, he swung a leg over Orion’s back. “Good day, gentlemen.”
As he rode back to Charleston, it was easy to explain away the dull ache in his gut to hunger. That fiery-haired forest imp of a young woman was better off married to a dull man like Garrison. The man might be able to rein her in a bit and settle down that wild spirit of hers.
The chit was reckless.
She took risks without considering the impending consequences.
She was fearless.
What would it be like to have her with him? Would her fire consume him like a paper to embers?
He shook his head. It did no good to ruminate over it; she and Garrison were in love.
He was better off sailing solo with the wind at his back and the world at his feet.
Keelan leaned over her father’s shoulder as he sat at the desk in the study, perusing the figures she’d prepared. She spent the entire day yesterday studying the ledgers and writing down her proposal for Twin Pines based on her engagement to Dr. Garrison.
It had been a daunting task. Not so much because of the complexity of the financial aspects, but because her mind kept drifting to the memory of Landon’s mouth curving up at the corners in that sensual knowing smile. The press of his body on hers. His palm on her thigh as it traveled up to that sensitive spot which sent her crashing through wave after wave of pleasure. She had made the right choice. Right? Yes, of course she had. Yet, the base instincts driving the woman in her to deeply desire Landon Hart were crying foul. And would not shut up.
Her father glanced up at Uncle Jared who was sitting in a chair. “What do you think, Jared?”
“I think leasing Twin Pines to Pratt is a sound idea. The fact that after five years, he’ll have an option to buy it will appeal to him.” He ticked off his observations on his fingers. “It’ll allow him to generate revenue for the purchase. It will give Keelan and Garrison time to establish the business, and expand his practice. The regular revenue from Pratt’s lease payment will give you enough monthly income to live in Charleston, as well as enable you to garner a line of credit to provide them the funding to open and stock the store.”
George Grey sat back in his chair. She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Papa, you know there isn’t anything like this in town. Not the way I envision it. I know it will be a success.” She could visualize it in her head. Bolts of colorful fabric, lining the walls near the ceiling, would draw a patron’s gaze from across the street. Shelves of jars filled with exotic spices and teas would provide an aroma just as exotic. Beautiful pottery and china would glitter brightly in the front window on a bed of luxurious, deeply hued silk.
He reached up and patted her hand then gave it a squeeze. “I believe you. If anyone can do it, it’s you, my dear.”
Uncle Jared had suddenly become her grudging ally. “Between Keelan’s knowledge of your late wife’s business and my connections on the waterfront, we should have no trouble getting things underway in town. Our entire family would be able to reside and conduct business in Charleston. I’ll always be close by to help Keelan, should she need it, George.”
Jared paced the study. “Garrison can focus on his practice as well. I concur with Keelan’s reasoning. Pratt has been coveting Twin Pines since you arrived. I think he’ll agree to a lease, contingent upon an outright purchase in five years.” Jared rocked back on his heels. “When I met with Captain Hart and Mr. O'Brien, regarding the rental of one of my warehouses, I had an opportunity to review their inventory list. I have to say, George, it was quite impressive. It contained rare items which would have the people of the Low Country clamoring for them.”
George stiffened. “There are many reliable shipping companies to choose from. I’m sure we can find someone similar.”
Jared sighed. “You must admit the men have very good business sense. The shipping company is sound, even after losing part of their cargo. Although, they probably couldn’t recuperate from another loss, and the chances of that happening are quite small. They only have to sail along the coast and deliver goods to their buyers. It’s not as if they’re heading to the Caribbean or South America with it.”
Although she was leery of Captain Landon Hart when it came to his personal intentions, he would indeed be the perfect supplier of the out-of-the-ordinary items she’d want to sell. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to tolerate any kind of business arrangement with him. It would be too awkward.
And it would remind me of what I gave up when I chose Everett Garrison instead.
“Papa’s right. I’m sure we can find another shipping company to deal with,” she said, hoping she sounded as certain as her words. If her father would allow her to enjoy a long engagement to the doctor, rather than insist on a hasty wedding, she’d have the opportunity to show him she could take care of both of them without a husband taking care of her.
Without a husband to disrupt things. And kiss her with his teeth.
She’d already succeeded in moving the wedding date to five months hence. If she postponed it enough, surely Dr. Garrison would lose interest and break their engagement.
After all, she had no desire to marry, especially now. She wasn’t sure she could stand to have an intimate relationship with someone who could never arouse her passions in the way Landon Hart could do with a single kiss. Anything less was bound to be a tremendous disappointment.
“It’s settled then,” her father replied. “I’ll pen a letter to Pratt to include with the proposal.”
She faced the window and allowed herself a victorious smile.
She should feel relieved.
She did feel somewhat relieved.
But there was a nagging sensation deep in her belly. Something still wasn’t quite right, like a table with one short leg that wasn’t noticeable until you leaned an elbow on it…
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Quit yer fidgeting lass, or I’ll never get this right!” said Slaney, exasperated. “Ye be squirmin’ like a wee minnow in a child’s fist.” For the second time, the maid tried to pin a wayward strand of Keelan’s hair.
The night of Doreen’s ball had come all too soon.
Keelan sighed apologetically. “I’m sorry, Slaney. It’s just that—”
“You canna wait to be in the arms of yer betrothed?”
She noted the sarcasm in her maid’s voice. “Had poor Pastor Braun and his chapel not been blown away by the storm, I’d be a married woman by now. At least it’s a betrothal announcement and not a wedding ceremony that will take place later this evening.” She picked up a mirror and studied the maid’s handiwork. “Very pretty, Slaney.” She had a fleeting desire to yank on her waif’s clothes, stuff the bag of coins she had hidden into a pillowcase, and slip out the back door a final time.
The chamber door opened, startling both women.
Slaney made a small, strange noise.
Perplexed at the sound and assaulted by the overpowering aroma of rose water, she shared Slaney’s reaction. One glance at Doreen
’s attire, and she understood the maid’s response.
Doreen’s gown was a magnificent, pale yellow silk creation. It was apparent a talented seamstress had tried hard to take the latest style and mold it to Doreen’s skinny frame. On a more endowed woman, the dress would have been stunning. However, on Doreen’s scant frame, it was obscene.
The gown barely covered what little Doreen had in the way of breasts by showing a daring plunge in the neckline. Uncle Jared will be horrified. It’s a wonder Aunt Sarah had allowed Doreen to wear it.
Her cousin pushed her skirts out of the way, as she walked past the bed and scowled, shaking her strawberry blond locks in disapproval. “You’re ruining my ball.”
Keelan smiled humorlessly at her sulking cousin, although she was careful to add a cheerful lilt in her voice. “Good evening, Doreen. That is a beautiful gown. Has your father seen it yet?”
The young woman sniffed as she gestured to the garment. “I had this gown made for this ball by the best dressmaker in Charleston. She assured me it’s all the rage in Paris.” She patted a perfectly placed curl on her shoulder and lifted her chin higher, while her gaze raked up and down Keelan’s frame.
Doreen continued snidely, “Papa would want me to have only the best.”
She raised a skeptical brow. So Uncle Jared hasn’t seen it.
“Since you arrived, all the eligible beaus have come to call and after a few minutes with you, they storm out and never return! It’s always you they want. Please tell Miss Keelan I have come to call,” she mimicked. Doreen’s expression filled with disdain, “Yet, you toy with them like…like…a common strumpet!”
Keelan’s temper flared at her cousin’s lewd words. She hadn’t intended to reveal her reasoning, but it was out before she could stop herself. “I was not toying with them, Doreen. I was rejecting them in an attempt to turn their attention to you, instead of me.”
For a moment, her cousin was speechless. Her composure shifted and transformed her expression from jealous spite to deep humiliation. Her face paled, and her hand shook a little when she reached up to brush a strand of hair from her eyes.
“Well, it didn’t work, did it?” Doreen responded in a flat voice. Her lower lip trembled. A dark flush started to creep over her cheeks. “You have managed to draw all the attention to yourself, instead. Again. Here it is, my ball, my cotillion, and Father insists on making your engagement announcement to the whole of Charleston.” Doreen’s voice broke, and she whirled away and stood facing the window.
It was a long moment before Doreen composed herself enough to face them. Her eyes glistened with tears. “You’re now…engaged…to the one man about whom I care the most.” She swallowed a jagged sob. “Why didn’t you simply choose the captain and go away with him? Why Everett? You don’t love him. I know you don’t!”
No. Keelan froze in stunned silence. Doreen was in love with Dr. Garrison? She took a hesitant step toward her cousin. Oh dear. Why hadn’t she noticed?
“Doreen, had I known—”
“What, Keelan?” Tears started to spill down her cousin’s face. “You would have what? Turned his attention toward me like you claim you did with the others, as just another one of your cast-offs?”
“Yes,” she said, then regretted the words. She hadn’t meant to sound as if she agreed with Doreen’s assessment, that she would leave Everett to her cousin as one might do with an unwanted possession. “No, I mean—”
“I know what you mean.” Doreen cut her off. “You are so selfish! Is this a game to you? Do you like toying with a man’s affections like a child with a doll?” The tears were falling faster now, her breathing harsh and jerky. “Can’t you see he was trying…to save your stupid, worthless…reputation?” Doreen stuttered the words between sobs.
Keelan closed her mouth. The actual order of events was no longer important. This wasn’t about that. There was no need to make things worse.
To give her something to do other than watch her cousin cry and feel wretched about it, she went to the tallboy and pulled open drawers until she found a handkerchief. She silently handed it to her cousin. The best thing for Doreen to do right now was to cry it out.
“Don’t try to be kind,” Doreen said at last, dabbing away the tears. “You don’t deserve Everett. Everett is kind and chivalrous and generous. He’s not only been seeing to your father, but also the children on this plantation. I’ve been helping him. He’s been teaching me how to mix up medicine and treat injuries. He’s even taught me how to administer your father’s medicine. I was hoping…” She choked back another sob.
Fingers of regret raked across Keelan’s heart. It hadn’t been her intention to steal the man Doreen loved. Given a choice of two evils, she had simply chosen the lesser. How had she missed Doreen’s affection for Everett? Had she been so wrapped up in pursuing her own desires she hadn’t seen the most obvious signs?
The irony hit her like a hard punch to the chest.
Doreen believed she toyed with Everett in much the same manner she’d accused Landon of toying with her…as someone who played with the emotions of others as if it were merely a game.
Now more than ever, she wanted to devise a way to avoid this marriage. But the wheels were already in motion, and the chances of stopping them were very slim.
Run away, whispered a voice in her head. Just go.
Her cousin moved about the room, picking up objects and absently putting them down again. She sniffled as she picked up the mirror.
“Doreen, I’m sorry. This isn’t something I want either. Maybe things will change for the better for both of us.”
“Better? How can anything become better?” Doreen clenched her fists at her sides and stomped her foot. “It should be my engagement party, Everett’s and mine! But you stole him from me, and the worst part is that I know you don’t even love him!” She flung the mirror on the bed.
Out of respect for her uncle and aunt, she would avoid any type of confrontation with her spoiled cousin.
Doreen glared at her. “I hate you.”
Ignoring her, she pointed a finger at the door. “Doreen, you should go.”
Snarling, Doreen grabbed a water goblet off the nightstand and flew toward her. “Don’t ever speak to me again, you selfish, spoiled bitch!”
Doreen drew back her hand and swung the glass at Keelan’s head. In two quick movements, she instinctively blocked it with her left forearm and snatched the glass away with her right hand. The momentum of the charge carried Doreen forward. The act of being disarmed threw her off balance and she crashed to the floor. Keelan stared down at the fluffy pile of silk and petticoats.
Doreen wailed and floundered around on the floor like a drunken trout. “My arm! It will bruise for sure, I just know it!”
She’d had enough. “Slaney, help Doreen up so she can leave.”
Slaney warily moved around behind the girl, slid her elbows under Doreen’s armpits, and heaved. After stepping on the stiffly starched petticoats several times, Doreen stumbled to her feet and jerked her arms away. Her perfectly placed curls looked like they had been raked with a kitchen whisk.
Doreen stomped out of the room, yelling for her maid at the top of her lungs.
For a moment, both Keelan and Slaney stood in shocked silence. Waving away the still pungent scent of rose water, Slaney moved to close the door.
Keelan attempted a smile. “Thank you, Slaney.”
The maid brushed her hands on her apron then reached for Keelan’s gown. “Come now, lass, let’s get ye dressed. Guests are beginning to arrive.”
She doubted she’d be able to act the part of a happy fiancée in Dr. Garrison’s presence this evening. However, her father’s health seemed to improve slightly in the past few days since the storm, and he planned on attending the ball for a short while, so she’d do her best.
Slaney’s sympathetic voice broke the quiet of the room, “Perhaps ye could feign a headache and retire early.”
No.
“I will
not give Doreen the satisfaction of thinking she’s bullied me away.” Yes, her pride was overriding every thread of sense she had, but she was too upset and angry with herself to care. She stepped into the shimmering ocean-blue gown. Slaney pulled it up over her breasts and shoulders and began working the fastenings.
When she finished, Slaney gave her a warm, soft hug and spun her toward the door. “At least the other gents will be leavin’ ye be this evenin’, since yer betrothed now.”
Wonderful. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “That’s a small comfort.”
While she made her way down the hallway, Keelan heard laughter and music rising from the ballroom below. It was a mild evening, and every window in the house had been opened to take advantage of the light winds. The aroma of roasted meats from the fire pit mingled with the sweet scent of magnolia blossoms. Her aunt’s voice carried up the stairs as she greeted the guests.
Normally, she’d be giddy at the opportunity to attend such a gala. However, any excitement or anticipation was smothered by the somber blanket of reality and her new responsibility to act the part of Everett Garrison’s intended. Her mind was bombarded by images of shackles and grey mist. Melancholy seeped deep into her bones.
Twin Pines had a glorious two-story foyer. The staircase split partway down, much like a wishbone, to hug the side walls. Upon entry, visitors were ushered straight ahead, beneath the tall archway under the grand stair. Stepping carefully, she began her descent. The last thing she wanted was to arrive at the bottom in a tumbled heap.
“Captain Hart! We’re surprised to see you. In light of recent events, I had assumed you would not be attending this evening.”
Hart's Desire (Pirates & Petticoats Book 1) Page 18
