by Amelia Grey
He glanced up and caught her staring at him. Her cheeks and neck heated, but she didn't look away. His gaze swept slowly over her face, across her shoulders, down her breasts, and past her waist before lifting to meet her eyes again.
He folded the paper and laid it on the highly polished secretary. "Don't stand in the doorway staring. Come in and join me on the settee."
"Thank you," she murmured as she entered the room.
Austin walked over to stand in front of her. "You look beautiful tonight, Chelly. I'm pleased to have you in my home. Please sit down."
His words warmed her. She wondered why his voice was husky, why he used her first name, but only said, "Thank you, Mr. Radcliffe." She took a seat on the royal-blue-velvet-covered settee.
"The name is Austin, remember?"
He looked at her, waiting for her to respond. She nodded.
"Will you have a drink with me? A sherry, perhaps?"
The thought of any kind of spirits reminded her of the reeking odor of the tavern, and she wrinkled her nose. She looked up at him and caught his gaze as it lighted upon her face. "No, thank you," she answered politely. "I wouldn't care for anything."
He settled himself on the flower-printed wing chair opposite the settee. He held a short, fat glass in his hand. She noticed that his fingers were handsomely shaped and his nails neatly trimmed. A small smattering of hair graced his finger joints, making his hands look truly masculine.
"You look rested. How do you feel?"
"Much better than last night. I didn't realize how tired I was. I didn't mean to sleep all day."
"It was no matter. You obviously needed it."
She looked at her hands folded in her lap, then back up to his face. "Thank you for letting me stay last night, Mr. Radcliffe, and for sending Mr. Jubal to get my things. I'm so very grateful. I'm afraid Mr. Muller was unhappy with me and wouldn't let me take my clothing."
He smiled and her stomach fluttered again. She liked the way his eyes smiled with his lips. She liked that he made her feel at ease in his home. She liked the way he looked at her with genuine interest and not a leering gaze.
"His name is just Jubal. My housekeeper is Thollie, and I'd like for you to call me Austin."
Leaning forward, she protested. "Oh, I couldn't possibly be that forward, Mr. Radcliffe."
"Yes, you can. You have my permission. I'll call you Chelly and you'll call me Austin. I know we weren't properly introduced, but it's perfectly acceptable considering—how we met."
She wondered if she should bother arguing the point with him. No, she decided. She wouldn't see him again after she left tomorrow. If she had only tonight in his company, then she didn't intend to annoy him. She'd relax, enjoy the evening, and call him Austin.
Accepting his invitation graciously, she said, "Thank you, Austin." She paused. He wasn't frightening or overbearing. He was kind, considerate, and friendly. She might as well ask him what was on her mind before she lost her nerve. "If it's not too much of an inconvenience, I'd like to ask that I be allowed to stay another night. I promise to be out first thing in the morning. By the time I awakened, I thought it too late in the day to start looking for lodging for the night." Lack of breath when she finished, made her realize how nervous she was that he might deny her request.
"It's not an inconvenience. I insist on your not only staying the night but staying until you find appropriate lodging."
She leaned forward. "Oh, I won't do that. I'm sure I'll find something tomorrow."
"But if you don't, I'll expect you back here before twilight bathes the sky."
"Thank you," she whispered again, knowing she'd already thanked him a number of times, but how could she not be grateful for all he'd done? Mr. Muller had left her to the mercies of the street.
"Tell me, Chelly, how did you come to be working in The Boar's Head? I had a feeling you didn't belong there when I first saw you."
Should she tell him she was horrified she had to work in that place? Old feelings rose to the surface and she asked, "Still you propositioned me?"
A hint of a smile played on the corners of his lips. "Sometimes I'm a gentleman, and sometimes I'm just a man. I didn't want to pass up the chance, in case I was wrong about you."
She appreciated his saying that. It renewed some of the self-confidence she'd lost from all the pinches and lewd remarks she'd endured, but did she want to tell him about herself?
Meeting his eyes she said, "I'm a governess. Unfortunately, I was dismissed not more than two months ago, and I haven't secured another post. When I ran out of money last week, I was forced to take whatever work I could find."
The studious expression on his face made her wonder if he were trying to figure out why she had been dismissed. Did she dare tell him she'd been falsely accused of trying to seduce her employer? Would he believe her, or the Duncans?
"You're a governess?" He set his drink aside and moved to the edge of his seat. "That means you know how to care for young children?"
That information had surprised him, but she wasn't quite sure whether it confused him or pleased him. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he studied her face.
"Yes. I'm qualified to teach boys their lessons up to age ten; and of course, I can teach girls proper manners, needlework, and the basics of managing a household."
"You're a governess," he said again.
Austin repeated himself, but this time he made the comment a statement, not a question. She didn't understand his keen interest in her occupation. Was he deliberately overlooking her dismissal or had he not understood her?
Under his intense scrutiny she simply said, "Yes." She was afraid of not saying enough, and also of saying too much.
"Chelly, that gives me an idea. It just so happens I might be in need of someone to take care of a young child for a long journey."
Hope soared inside Chelly. He needed a governess? Thollie had told her he wasn't married. "I don't understand. I wasn't aware you had a child."
"The boy's not mine. It's a bit complicated and nothing you need concern yourself about right now. Tell me, do you have family obligations?"
Sorrow cloaked her at the thought of her sister's untimely death. Almost a year had passed since Loraine had swallowed the poison that ended her life. The pain hadn't lessened. "No family living," she answered softly before lifting her chin a little. "I wouldn't have resorted to working and living in a tavern if I'd had anyone to turn to for help."
Austin nodded, stood, and walked around behind the settee. "Tell me, are you opposed to taking a long sea voyage? Have you ever sailed on a ship?"
A brief shiver shook her, even though her curiosity was piqued. Loraine's husband, a seaman, had been lost at sea when his ship had sunk in a storm. She turned in her seat to follow him. No, she couldn't let that keep her from the possibility of a job. "I'm not opposed to a long journey; and although I've never been on board a ship, I see no reason why that should be a problem for me."
"Do you think you can handle—say thirty to forty days on a ship?"
She swallowed her fear. "I don't see why not."
"Most of that time will be spent in a small cabin with a boy who's not yet four years."
"I can manage that, I'm sure."
"Sailing makes some people ill."
"I don't have a weak constitution, sir."
"The food's bad and the facilities are limited. Will that bother you?"
Immensely!
"Not in the least," she fibbed.
He threw the questions at her so fast she had no time to think, only to respond with the first positive thought that came to her mind. His keen interest in her abilities surprised her. "I can't foresee any problems with the things you've mentioned. Why? Are you offering me the job?"
Austin shrugged his shoulders. "That's a good possibility. If you have no obligations, and if you're willing. I'll need someone to take care of a little boy and see to his needs on the voyage."
Chelly's spirits lifted, soared. What luck
! This was her opportunity to win back her good name. If she did this for Austin, she was sure he'd give her a good recommendation for a permanent post. Just the Radcliffe name would be an excellent reference for her. And, getting away from Baltimore for a while would give the gossip the Duncans had spread about her time to fade. With no family responsibilities, she was perfect for Austin's needs.
Excited, she moved to the edge of her seat. "I would very much like to do this for you. The money would pay my living expenses when we return until I could secure another post. I'm sure if the child's mother met me I could convince her I'm the best person for the job."
He hesitated. "Meeting the mother won't be necessary. I will be in charge of seeing that the child is cared for." A faraway expression clouded his eyes. "Yes, I think it would be better if there were a governess along to take care of the boy."
"It would mean a lot, if you'd allow me to do it," she said earnestly. "Not only would it help me, but it's a way I can repay you for taking me into your home."
Austin looked down into her eyes. "We might have to sail within a day or two."
Her heartbeat raced at the thought. "That's not a problem for me."
He studied her for a moment. "While final plans are being made, I'd like for you to stay here so you'll be available should I need you. Are you all right with that?"
Chelly nodded. The thought of doing a good job and reclaiming her good name filled her with joy, and a little voice reminded her that she wouldn't mind being on a ship with Austin for three or four weeks.
"Mr. Radcliffe, dinner's ready to be served," Thollie said from the doorway.
"Thank you, we'll be right in."
Austin smiled and extended his hand for Chelly. "You're hired."
Chapter 3
Austin rapped his knuckles three short times on the door of the upstairs room at the Boar's Head Tavern. He wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. The stench of pipe tobacco lingered in the air of the windowless hallway. It was dark and damp, the only light afforded the narrow passageway came from the top of the stairs where it filtered up from below. Smooth, throaty laughter from a woman drifted past him from one of the other rooms. Already the tavern was receiving customers.
He was about to knock again when the door jerked open. A knowing smile crossed Le Camus's face, widening his hawk-like nose. "Why am I not surprised it's you?"
"Because you are a man of low principles and you recognize a dastardly deed."
"Perhaps King Jerome's request is all those things to you; but to me, it's simply a matter of you living up to your honor, which I assume you've decided to do or you wouldn't be here. Come in." Le Camus stepped aside and allowed Austin entrance into the small bedroom.
It bothered Austin that in theory the Frenchman was right. Austin was protecting his honor; but, he feared, in trying to protect it, he would end up losing it. A man did have a right to his son, but did he have it at the cost of a mother losing her rights.
"You won't regret this, Radcliffe," Le Camus said, closing them inside the chilled room. "Jerome Napoleon—or Bo, as his mother so freely refers to him—deserves to be united with his father so that he may take his rightful place with this noble and imperial family of Bonapartes."
Austin grunted. Did the Frenchman think Americans weren't privy to the information about Napoleon's humble beginning and family heritage?
"The only thing I'm concerned with is fulfilling my vow to Jerome." And the only justification he could reason was that he was delivering the boy to his father. If the request had been for him to take the child anywhere else in the world, he would have refused.
"So all we need to do is make the final arrangements to take Bo from the Patterson house on South Street and delivering him to one of your ships."
"We'll use Aloof. She's the fastest. I've also hired a governess to take care of the boy."
Le Camus held up his hand, a worried expression clouding his strong features. "Is she to be trusted?"
"Don't be stupid. I have too much to lose if word of this got out. I haven't been careless. She won't ask any questions. My captain will be the only one on board who'll know where we're going and no one other than me will know what we're doing."
The Frenchman relaxed. "Very well. Let's get down to the details of where you are to land and whom you will meet. I have everything worked out."
* * *
Late afternoon sunshine glimmered off the brass shingle that read Bradley Thornhill, Attorney at Law. Austin stood in front of the side entrance to the large house on Wilderberry Street. A separate apartment connected to the home served as Bradley's office. Bradley was more than Austin's lawyer, he was his brother-in-law.
He was also a thorn in Austin's side most of the time. Bradley thought being William Radcliffe's lawyer and son-in-law gave him clout to question Austin on how he managed the ship building company since William died. Bradley was constantly stopping by Austin's office to take issue with him about how he managed the business. Austin remained civil to him only because he was married to Winifred, Autstin's sister.
The shimmering brass shingle held Austin's attention and threw him deeper into thought. Had he gone man? Austin wondered as he stood in the waning light of day? Had he actually agreed to take this kidnapped little boy from his mother and sail him across the sea to a new land and to a father he had never seen, all in the name of some intangible thing called honor? Would it make him less of a man for not keeping his word to Jerome?
"Yes," he said with determination, jerking his thoughts back to the matter at hand. He had rehashed the dilemma a hundred over the past twenty-four hours and always came up with the same answer. A man without honor was of no use to himself or anyone else. After Jerome Bonaparte had saved his mother's life, he would have done anything to repay Jerome. The deed the young soldier had done for him was no less commendable today than it had been five years before. Jerome deserved his reward. That Austin didn't like it was of no matter. It had to be done.
The plan was set. Le Camus was responsible for getting the child on board Austin's ship Aloof, which sat anchored offshore. He had Chelly, a trained governess, to care for the child. With no family, she was perfect for his needs. His stomach muscles tightened, forcing him to remember Chelly was not merely a governess but also a desirable woman. He'd be forced to keep those thoughts at the back of his mind. This was a mission, not a pleasure trip.
In Westphalia, Bo would be well cared for and lack nothing. Jerome was a king, the boy heir to the throne. No, Austin didn't like what he was doing, but he could rationally justify it. A man deserved to have his son with him. He wouldn't think about the mother. He couldn't. If he allowed himself to think about her anguish, he wouldn't go through with this, not even to save his honor.
Betsy Patterson's father was a wealthy man in his own right and would probably stop at nothing to get his grandson back anyway. And, Austin had no doubt they'd know exactly where the boy would be. Everyone in the city knew Jerome had asked in numerous letters that his son be sent to him in Westphalia.
Austin knocked, then opened the door and walked into the law office.
A tall, lanky man with light-red hair and pale, freckly skin rose from his chair. A big smile stretched across his face. "Austin, come in and sit down. It's been awhile. Where have you been? What luck you've come by today. Stay for dinner. We have the most pleasant young woman dining with us this evening. You must meet her."
"Are you matchmaking again, Bradley?" Austin asked dryly. He shut the door and stepped farther into the darkly paneled room lit with oil lamps. The smell of beeswax, and burned oil hung heavily in the air.
"Certainly not." Bradley's face reddened. He pulled on the tail of his coat and threw his shoulders back as if affronted. "You've scolded me one time too many for that. I learned my lesson with Miss Peabody. If you're content to remain aloof—as you so aptly named your latest ship, then I shall respect your wishes."
Austin chuckled. He'd like to see the day Bradley resp
ected his wishes without an argument. Maybe he'd been too hard on him for arranging the dinner party with the young and giggly Nora Peabody. When he'd been in his early twenties, he hadn't minded getting to know all the young women making their formal entrance into society, but they seemed to be getting younger each year. Austin had no use for a silly woman, no matter how beautiful.
His thoughts strayed to Chelly. A tightening stirred his lower body. She was beautiful, young—not yet twenty, he was sure—but definitely not silly.
"I had no idea you'd be stopping by today when Winifred told me she'd invited a new friend to dine with us." Bradley continued to defend his invitation.
"Of course you didn't," Austin said, making himself comfortable on the forest-green wing chair. He knew how to get Bradley off the taboo subject. "How is my dear sister?"
Bradley's countenance changed in the blink of an eye. His features softened, his shoulders relaxed. His mouth eased into a warm smile. "Beautiful. Your first nephew should arrive within two months."
Austin felt a tug at his heart. He hated that he wouldn't be here for the birth of his sister's fourth child. "Still so certain it's a boy this time?"
Bradley rolled his light-blue eyes upward. "After three girls—it has to be. Not even God would be so cruel as to give me four girls. Three lovely daughters running about the house crying after me is enough."
Both men laughed. Bradley walked around to the front of his desk. Pushing the ink well aside, he leaned against the polished-oak, flat-top desk. Austin knew his brother-in-law was a soft touch for his family. Even though Bradley was a nuisance about the business, Winifred couldn't have picked a better husband for herself, or father for her children. The one thing he appreciated about Bradley was that he loved his family.
