"Which is?"
"Take care of her parents, of course."
Charles spotted Amelia. A beautiful smile lit her face as she laughed with Millie.
"The dress is a little over the top but Millie thought this might be the only time her sister would experience such attention. Mainly because she will never ask for it."
Charles agreed with Millie. If Amelia thought she took from someone else to have something then she would rather not have it.
Victor crossed the room. He stared at Amelia with a lustful leer. Charles growled and balled his fist.
"Don't ruin this for her," said Stephen.
Charles relaxed his posture and drew in slow deep breaths.
"That's better. Why don't you come with me?"
"And?"
"Don't argue just indulge me."
Charles relented. Perhaps the party wouldn't be as bad as it seemed, and he might actually relax and enjoy himself.
Chapter Nine
Charles was not enjoying himself. Women surrounded him and talked in flirtatious tones. Every time he started to unwind, Victor would wrap his arm around Amelia's shoulders. Or he would escort her onto the dance floor and hold her. Or he would lean in close, move her hair aside and use the tips of his fingers to touch her neck as he whispered in her ear.
If Charles didn't do something fast he would turn into a rabid animal and destroyed everything in his path.
"You really like her, don't you?"
Charles studied the woman before him. She was short and skinny with eyes the color of muddy water, and blond hair piled high atop her head. Red pouty lips puckered as she sipped her drink.
"Don't worry about being obvious. I've seen lovesick men before. Must be depressing to see her hanging on someone else."
Charles bit back a retort.
"Of course you're just as handsome, or more so than he. I bet if you went over and complimented the lady she would forget all about that poser. Or you could cuddle with me and see if jealousy would do the trick."
Charles laughed heartily. Amelia lifted her head and he smiled in her direction.
"See what I mean?"
"I do."
"Now if you will lead me onto the dance floor it may serve a twofold purpose."
"And what might that be?"
"Oh, did I neglect to mention you would be helping me as well?"
"I believe you did."
"I do declare sometimes I forget the most important things. My name is Cassidy Kyle. I'm from Charleston, South Carolina."
"Nice to meet you Miss Kyle."
"Thank you kindly. Somehow I figured you were the respectful sort."
Charles sipped from his drink to cover his snicker.
"Don't fear laughing at me. Many have done so behind my back, and I would just as soon they do it to my face. But I digress – I'm in love with Victor."
His drink spewed from his mouth.
"Now, that is no way to behave," said Cassidy as she dabbed a cloth over his damp shirt.
He gulped at her delicate ministrations. "Sorry, I just don't know what to say."
"I understand. That is quite common in my presence, but I assure you I'm used to it. As I was saying, I'm in love with Victor."
Charles asked, "Where did you two meet?"
"We both taught school in Walterborough. That is until his nephew called him to come home and watch their family estate. Victor went crazy ranting about how it all belonged to him, and he was going to get it back, and then I would really love him.
"Trust me, I tried to explain how foolish his behavior was, but it did little good. In his mind, he convinced himself the only way I could truly love him was if he was wealthy. Sometimes men can be so stupid."
Charles didn't respond, his heart rate increasing.
"Of course I know you're the nephew who asked him to return. And I'm sure you're not happy with the way he took your land out from under you, and I am sorry for that, but it doesn't stop my love for him."
"Is that right?"
"Yes."
"Well, forgive me for saying it but I'm not sure if I want to help you and even if I did, I don't know how I can."
"Oh, you aren't just helping me, you're also helping yourself. You see, it's quite simple really. We will pretend to be a couple in the public arena and this will make your young lady and Victor jealous. It is brilliant when you think about it."
"I don't know. What if Victor doesn't feel that way about you?"
"Watch." She weaved her arm through his, lifted her hand, and waved in his uncle's direction. Victor curled his lip in a sneer and his knuckles whitened around his glass.
"See? He is jealous. Now…" she tapped her finger to her chin. "We just need to decide the particulars of our arrangement. Of course the physical side will need to be less public. As a teacher I do have a reputation to uphold, but the verbal flirting can go as far as you like. Although I would recommend you keep me from blushing too much. If you embarrass me I'm sure to return the favor."
Charles gawked, unsure what to say to a woman with such forward behavior.
"Forgive my outspoken nature, but Victor found it a most charming quality, and I won't be stopping anytime soon."
He nodded. The musicians struck a lively tune and two lines formed. Amidst vehement protests, Cassidy dragged him onto the floor. The dance began, the line shifted, and Amelia stood across from him.
"I see you've made a new friend," she said as she bowed.
Charles cleared his throat and glanced at Cassidy who conversed heatedly with Victor.
"She seems to know your uncle as well."
"Yes."
"You don't plan to avoid me, do you?"
"What?" he asked, shifting his gaze from Cassidy to Amelia.
"Tonight. You do plan on speaking with me, don't you?" she asked in a pleading tone. Candlelight struck her face and highlighted a single tear escaping from the corner of her eye.
He reached forward and wiped it away. Opening his mouth to reply, he was interrupted by the call for a partner change.
Several rounds later, Cassidy stood before him. "Did you speak to her?"
"Yes. I saw you speak with Victor. He didn't appear pleased."
"He was surprised, nothing more."
"Hmm."
Cassidy thrust her hip to one side. A lopsided grin covered her elfish face. "I assure you, he is delighted to see me. I'm his love bunny."
Charles fought his repulsion as a delicate touch fell on his arm. Millie stared at him, a frown plastered on her face.
"Can I speak with you? Privately," she said casting a heated glance at Cassidy.
"Of course." Charles excused himself and followed Millie outside onto a rock patio lit by lanterns. A calm breeze lifted the lights and tugged at Millie's hair.
"You outdid yourself on the decorating."
"Thank you, but I didn't bring you out here so you could flatter me."
"Why did you bring me out here?"
"You're hurting Amelia's feelings."
"What?"
"She's miserable."
"I hadn't noticed," he said refusing to admit that he had indeed noticed.
"How could you kiss her one minute then act like you don't like her the next? And how could you stand there and let that tramp lay all over you."
Righteous indignation rose in his breast but he kept his mouth shut.
Millie continued, "I'm sure Miss Kyle is a fine companion for some, but not for you. I don't know what she told you, but she is one of the reasons Victor acquired your land. Her father is the judge who threw out the new will."
Charles had stopped listening. He glanced over Millie's head. Inside the ballroom, another tune began. Victor enveloped Amelia in his arms and drew her close.
****
"Millicent planned quite a party for you," said Victor.
"Yes, she did."
"I believe she had more in mind than a simple welcome."
Amelia's throat tightened as she said, "I don't get your mea
ning."
"Amelia, darling, simple-minded child, she is seeking you a husband. Don't you see? If you marry in South Carolina then she won't be alone."
Amelia stepped out of his grasp.
He frowned and reached for her. "Where are you going? The song isn't over."
"I need some air."
"I'll come with you."
"No. Thank you. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Victor was slow to release her hand. Amelia hitched her skirts and hastened to the lit patio. No one enjoyed the night air, leaving her in peace. She leaned over the railing, closed her eyes, and took large gulps of air. Still, her heart beat rapidly against her chest, her hands shook, her stomach felt queasy, and her head pained.
Assured she was alone, she stomped the length of the patio and spoke aloud. "How dare he? Simple minded, indeed. I don't know who he is used to dealing with but when I get a chance, I'm going to–"
"Enjoying your evening?" asked Charles.
The sudden interruption made her heart skip a beat. She twirled on her heel. Charles leaned against the stone railing, his legs crossed at the ankles, looking more handsome than ever.
She tried to rehash what she'd said, but her mind failed to work. Standing straighter, she tried to act calm. "I was."
"Don't tell me, my uncle opened his mouth and ruined everything."
Amelia sighed and played with the folds of her gown.
"You know I didn't get to tell you what I thought of your dress."
She lifted her chin and looked at him. "No, you didn't."
"Would you like to know?"
"Yes," she whispered, breathlessly.
As he spoke, he rose from his position and closed the gap between them. "Your dress reminds me of a spider web on a foggy morning. When the sun's light hits the dew drops the gossamer shimmers like a pale rainbow."
Amelia smiled.
"Combine that natural loveliness with your own, and nothing, and no one on earth can compare."
Amelia frowned as Charles reached his hand forward and moved a stray hair behind her ear. She gulped. What was happening? Something wasn't right. "Is this a trick?"
"What?" he asked, blinking.
"Are you working with Millie to trick me into staying here?"
"I don't–" His hand fell to his side.
She crossed her arms over her chest. "Victor implied Millie's party was to force me to remain in South Carolina."
"There is your first problem, you're listening to Victor. If you want the truth you'll stop doing that." His voice exuded anger.
"What is you're problem with him? From what I can see he's been nothing but cordial to you."
"Cordial, is it?"
"Maybe I should leave tomorrow. South Carolina is full of jealous family members and men intent on lying about their feelings."
She moved to walk away but he grabbed her forearm, wrapped his opposite arm about her waist, and pulled her close to his body. Heat radiated through her gown and Amelia struggled to breathe. His lips touched hers and she moaned. The brief touch lasted for only a second then she was suddenly cold. She opened her eyes. Charles was gone.
Chapter Ten
Amelia, Thanks for the lengthy letter concerning your sister and our grandchildren. Father and I couldn't be happier to know of Millie's recovery.
We've discussed the visit you suggested and have decided to venture the trip at the end of the month. As you requested you may remain there and return home with us.
Mary and Dolly inquire of you constantly. I'm sure it is because your sister is a handful and they miss the relaxed manner of dealing with you.
Isaac has…
The letter continued for several more pages but the beginning words distracted her. She had three weeks before her parents' arrival, before the strings would attach, and she would be expected to behave in her prim manner. Time alone, escorted by Victor or Charles, would dissipate and expectations would rise.
Riding, she must go riding. Since her arrival at the Green Estate she'd yet to venture beyond the main grounds. She dressed in a borrowed riding habit and leisurely strolled to the stables. Mount saddled, she decided to ride around the edge of the Green property. Most of the area was marked by large white fences so there was little chance of becoming lost.
Tears dried against her cheeks. South Carolina was a beautiful land of mountains and rolling hills filled with lush green vegetation. Creeks dotted the Green Estate and gathered in several small ponds. Maple and oak trees skirted the fence making another natural boundary.
The crisp autumn air struck her in the face and she huddled deeper into her coat. The temperatures reminded her of a Louisiana winter's day. She couldn't imagine colder weather yet Millie declared there would be. Snow was her sister's favorite part of South Carolina. Stories shared about blizzards had Amelia praying her parents would arrive before the phenomena.
Halting the horse, she dismounted. Beautiful ice crystals covered dead tree limbs. Shiny, smooth stones surrounded the sides of a slow moving creek. The water cascaded over built up rocks forming a waterfall. Water pooled into a shallow cove.
Amelia stretched her arms above her head. Squirrels scurried by carrying nuts to their holes. Crickets chirped loudly in the silence.
Puffs of air drifted from her mouth. Cold, Amelia walked. A well-traveled trail wound along the creek's edge and she followed it.
Her breath caught as it came to a dead end. Arching her neck upward she studied the landscape. A craggy rock face sported a large opening.
Amelia's knowledge of caves came purely from books. Within would she find odd shaped rocks poking from the ground and hanging from the ceiling? Would water droplets drip from them or would the water be frozen and twinkle like diamonds? Could the cave be lined with rare gems? Or perhaps a chest of gold waited inside.
Perhaps a pirate had landed on the South Carolina coast, and traveled inland with an entourage of horses, beautiful women, and slaves, and buried his treasure. Amelia smiled at the fanciful notions. Millie and Cora would be shocked if they knew such random thoughts drifted through her mind.
Amelia walked along a slender ledge. She grabbed a rotted tree limb and pulled herself into the opening. She peered around the corner and looked inside the dark cavern.
"Hello?" The word echoed. Gulping, Amelia waited but there was no response.
Gathering her courage, she stepped inside. Damp, yet warm air wafted around her skirts and legs. Dim light filtered through the opening. Amelia placed her palm against a wall and used it to guide her progress.
Step after step she slid farther inside. Heavy breathing reached her ears. Her foot struck something furry, warm. Withdrawing, she slid backward.
Her heart hammered against her chest as she stumbled and caught herself against the wall. Practical, prim Amelia Beaumont shouldn't die in a stinky cave unknown to man. That should happen when she was an old woman and stretched under a yellow canopy bed, her children and grandchildren gathered around her.
The heavy breathing grew to a growl. Amelia turned, hiked her skirts, and ran. Footsteps like thunder raged behind her.
Amelia burst out of the cave entrance. The trail down the mountain now became a treacherous journey. She stumbled, bracing herself against the rock face as she raced to the bottom and found the trail that wound around the creek. What she once considered safe was now a slippery mass of wet stones threatening her with every step.
Sweat beaded across her brow, and she chanced a look over her shoulder. A lumbering bear gained on her. Her chest ached and her legs burned as she attempted to increase her pace.
A life full of adventures passed before her eyes. One filled with a husband, a family, and perhaps a hint of something interesting, a life she would never have.
The gun shot startled her and she fell. Her vision blurred and everything went dark.
****
The shotgun blast sent Charles backward. The bear fell, of that he was sure. What he didn't know was what happened to Amel
ia. What was she doing here anyway?
Balance restored, he slid down the rocky slope and hiked to where he'd seen her last. Breath rushed out of him. She lay at an awkward angle, her head against a rock, and coagulated blood on her temple.
Charles lifted her and cradled her against his chest. He'd left his horse at the top of the ravine. How was he going to reach it?
He studied the gorge. Deep footprints highlighted Amelia's previous route.
Slow and steady, he followed the winding trail and found her grazing horse. He pushed the mount against a tree trunk and used it as leverage while he climbed astride and attempted to hold Amelia at the same time. She snuggled against his chest, and he swallowed and looked down at her. His heart thumped loudly in his ears. Should he take her to Millie or to the cabin? Making a rash decision, he avoided the trail and galloped to his own waiting mount.
Now with both horses, he glanced over the ravine and sighed. Although he'd hunted that bear for weeks, it would have to wait.
The beast had attacked his horses and raided his cabin on more than one occasion which gave him more than enough reasons to kill it. Amelia's dangerous actions had done him a favor. It had run the bear into the open.
He directed the equines toward the cabin. Amelia hadn't made a peep since he'd found her. He gnawed at his lip with worry. Home was closer than the Green house but taking her there would cause a host of new issues. Ones he would just have to deal with later.
The horse cantered along the trail. Charles secured Amelia's head the best he could. They arrived at the cabin, and he gathered her in his arms and carried her inside. Embers from his last fire glowed in the fireplace as he laid her on his bed and filled a kettle to brew tea.
As the water boiled, he stoked the embers, and placed fresh wood on top. He stared at the flames and lifted his hands in prayer begging the Almighty to keep Amelia safe.
"Where am I?"
Charles turned. Amelia steadied herself against the bedroom door facing. She wobbled and Charles jumped forward to grab her.
"There was a bear, right?" she said massaging her bruised temple.
Amelia (Southern Hearts Book 2) Page 5
