Defiant Impostor

by Miriam Minger

  “Hasn’t crossed my mind,” he lied smoothly, a fierce protectiveness rising in him as he watched the rose begin to twirl again. He had not missed the dark innuendo in her voice, and had taken it as an immediate warning.

  He sensed in Celeste a young woman who didn’t like to be crossed, one who could prove malicious if it so pleased her. With Celeste’s sort around, Camille had every right to be concerned about her reputation. He would have to curb his reckless impatience and wait for the day when she agreed they could announce their betrothal. He would do anything to spare her the distress this pretty viper might cause her.

  “I’m so glad to hear that,” Celeste practically purred, a well-practiced smile upon her heart-shaped face. “Then I won’t hesitate to invite you along on our outings. Perhaps as Matthew and Camille become better acquainted, we can, too.”

  “I have no doubt we will,” Adam replied, imagining the tantrum this little tart would throw when she discovered that Camille had no intention of accompanying either her or her fat brother to social events around the Tidewater. And he certainly didn’t want to have anything to do with Celeste. Manipulative, calculating women disgusted him.

  “Shall we join them and see how Matthew is coming along?” Celeste suggested, shading her eyes from the late-afternoon sun as she gazed toward the river. “I see he has lost his seat on the bench, and—oh, dear, he appears to be sulking. Perhaps he needs my assistance.”

  “I’m sure your brother can manage quite well on his own,” Adam said, resisting the impulse to look again in Camille’s direction. “Let’s walk over this way.”

  Celeste’s expression was one of complete acquiescence, though her eyes held triumph. “Why, of course, Adam. Anything you say.”

  Taking her arm, he guided her purposely along a path that led away from the riverbank. After not speaking to Camille since last night, he didn’t trust himself to be so near her and not reveal his true feelings. Cunning women like Celeste had a gift for sniffing out such things, and right now, he didn’t need that added irritation. It was enough that this day had already been full of them.

  ***

  The spirited conversation around Susanna seemed to fade away as she watched Adam and Celeste Grymes turn their backs on the river and stroll arm in arm in the opposite direction.

  Bastard! she seethed. He hadn’t said a word to her all day—not that she wanted him to—and now he was squiring one of the nicest girls she had met so far. Did he think her so naive that she wouldn’t know exactly what he was doing? He was nothing but a rogue and a rake! It was obvious that womanizing came to him as easily as breathing. Since he was so certain he had her practically wedded and bedded, why not pursue another young innocent to pass the time?

  Casting occasional glances in their direction, she had seen how deep in discussion they had been for the past ten minutes. Talking about what? Probably he had grilled Celeste on her likes and dislikes, as he had done to her last night. And what of that yellow rose he must have given that poor, unsuspecting girl? How dare he pluck flowers from her garden—

  “Miss Cary?”

  Susanna swung her gaze to the lanky gentleman seated on the bench beside her. She imagined her cheeks must be very red. Her face actually burned from the vehemence of her thoughts.

  “Yes, Mr. Dandridge?”

  “You look flushed, Miss Cary, and it’s such a warm day. Are you sure I can’t fetch you more lemon punch?”

  She licked her lips, deciding she could use some cool refreshment, if only to soothe her temper. “That would be very nice, Mr. Dandridge. Thank you.”

  Beaming from ear to ear, the attractive, long-legged young man almost tripped over several gentlemen lounging on the grass in his haste to answer her needs. His place was quickly taken up by Matthew Grymes, who had been hovering behind the bench, clearly waiting for such a moment.

  “I could have gotten the punch for you, Miss Cary,” he said, his heavily lidded eyes and disappointed expression reminding Susanna of a doleful spaniel.

  “Perhaps next time,” she murmured, throwing another glance toward the house, only to discover with keen irritation that Adam and Celeste were no longer in sight.

  She was grateful when Matthew, having brightened at her response, launched into another long-winded description of his prowess during a recent fox hunt, his favorite sport, which enabled her to listen with half an ear and once again retreat into her thoughts. As the other gentlemen eagerly joined in with their own experiences, each seeking to outdo the other with their prideful boasting, she could not help but wonder if all the gentry ever talked about was themselves and their amusements. It seemed so. How unlike Adam, who didn’t want to talk about himself at all.

  Of course he wasn’t gentry, Susanna reminded herself, her anger pricked anew. He was nothing but a hired man, a born liar, and an opportunistic blackguard.

  She knew she wasn’t jealous about him walking through the garden with Celeste, but simply disgusted that he might have been the man to marry Camille if things hadn’t turned out as they had. Then her gentle, trusting friend would have had to suffer through life with a man who wanted her only for her wealth, and who, when he could finally afford it, was certain to keep a dozen beautiful mistresses to satisfy his base and lustful nature.

  Dear God, she hoped Celeste wouldn’t fall for his pretty words. She knew from unwanted experience how good he was at exploiting a woman’s sensibilities. Perhaps it was Adam’s plan to nurture a relationship between himself and Celeste in hopes of one day enticing her into his bed. It probably didn’t matter to him that she was yet unmarried and that he could so easily ruin her reputation …

  Susanna was astounded by how her mind was racing on and on about Adam. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about him and enjoy herself? She had waited so eagerly for this day, but now that it was here, she had to admit she was disappointed.

  Her gaze skipped from one gentleman’s face to another. They all seemed so young, and though several of them were handsome, no one man stood out. Yet these were her suitors, and from men such as these she must choose a husband. Oh, they were nice enough, eager to please, fun-loving and witty. Yet she couldn’t imagine kissing but a few of them—she glanced at Matthew’s pudgy face with its sweating upper lip and shuddered slightly—and even if she did, they couldn’t possibly make her feel as Adam had last night—

  Stunned that she would even think such a thing, Susanna barely saw the brimming crystal cup hovering in front of her. She rose from the bench so suddenly that lemon punch flew everywhere, but mostly down the front of her gown, completely soaking the ruffled bodice.

  “Oh, God, Miss Cary, forgive me! I’ve ruined your pretty dress.”

  “No, no, it’s all right,” she said, trying to reassure a stricken Mr. Dandridge as everyone gathered around her, appearing uncertain how best to help. “I’ll … I’ll just go inside and change.”

  “Let me escort you—”

  “There’s no need, Matthew. I’ll be fine,” she insisted. Dropping her fan on the bench, she held her spattered skirt slightly away from her body so as not to wet the hoop-petticoat underneath. “It was about time for me to change into something more formal anyway. I’m sure the dancing will start soon …” She paused, her eyes sweeping her anxious guests. She felt terrible about the ruckus she had caused, and all because of… Oh, she didn’t want to think about it!

  “Please, help yourselves to more food and drink,” she added graciously. “Prue will be so disappointed if her good cooking goes to waste. And don’t worry about me. This is such a small mishap, it’s truly not worth your concern.”

  Before anyone could say another word, she hurried toward the house. She had almost reached the French doors when she spied Adam rounding the corner with a smiling Celeste clinging to his arm.

  Susanna shivered as his questioning gaze met hers, his eyes intensely brown and piercing. She stepped inside quickly, trying not to slam the doors behind her.

  Chapter 10

  �
�Oh, do you ever look pretty, Miss Camille,” Corliss said, her hands clasped in front of her. “Prettier than any other woman I’ve seen in these parts, I do swear. And it’s only fitting that you should be the belle of the ball tonight. It’s your house party, after all.”

  Studying her reflection in the full-length mirror, Susanna didn’t fully agree with her maid’s flattering pronouncement, but she did feel wonderful in this gown. The shimmering pearl-gray satin felt cool and silky upon her skin, and it was nice to be out of that damp one. The rounded neckline was a bit low and certainly Re nothing she had ever worn before, with her breasts swelling seductively above the glittery lace edging, but she knew it was fashionable for formal gowns to reveal more of a woman’s assets than day wear.

  “Don’t worry none about these stains on your blue dress,” Corliss added, picking up the soiled gown and draping it over her arm. “I’ll take it over to the laundry right now, before the spots have a chance to dry.” She shook her head disapprovingly. “I can’t understand why that Thomas Dandridge was so clumsy—”

  “It was my fault,” Susanna said, sighing with exasperation. “I didn’t see him handing the punch cup to me and when I rose, I upset it. It was a silly accident, nothing more.”

  “Well, he should have been more careful, just the same,” the maid insisted, then her comely face broke into a grin. ” ‘Course I can understand why he was so nervous, there being those other fine gentlemen around him and all of them wanting your undivided attention. Have any of those young bucks tickled your fancy, Miss Camille?”

  Susanna couldn’t suppress a smile at Corliss’s description of her suitors, but it quickly faded when she recalled her thoughts just before her little mishap.

  “No,” she answered, deeply troubled and equally angry with herself. It seemed only one man had struck her fancy thus far. The wrong one.

  “Well, don’t you worry about that either. They’ll be plenty more parties coming up and more menfolk who’ll be wanting to meet you. You’ll find that husband of yours. Just keep your eyes wide open.”

  She fully intended to, Susanna silently agreed as Corliss bustled to the door. Especially now. As soon as she gathered herself together, she was going to plunge right back into the frivolity and give the young gentlemen present another chance to prove themselves. Surely there had to be at least one among them who was worthy of being a serious suitor, one who could kiss as well as Adam Thornton!

  “Are you coming down now, Miss Camille?” the maid asked over her shoulder.

  “Shortly. I’d like to stay here for a little while and enjoy some peace and quiet. There’s been so much commotion, so many people around. It’s been overwhelming.”

  “Yes, these gentry sure take their fun seriously. I ‘spect the house will be jumping till early morning, what with all the card playing, drinking, and dancing.” Corliss opened the door, then seemed to start as she began to close it behind her. “Oh, Mr. Thornton. I didn’t see you standing there.”

  Susanna froze, staring blindly at her shimmering reflection.

  “I have some important business to discuss with Miss Cary. Would you ask her if she’ll see me?”

  “Miss Camille—”

  “Thank you, Corliss. I heard him. Mr. Thornton may come in.”

  Susanna’s gaze broke away from the mirror and she inclined her head, listening breathlessly as the door closed behind the maid with a soft click. Her body tensed at the sound of Adam’s footfalls slowly approaching, although when they stopped, she couldn’t tell how far away from her he was standing. Nor did she want to peek in the mirror. She was afraid she might discover he was right behind her.

  Oh, dear God, they were alone for the first time since last night, she thought, her emotions in an uproar. Buffeted by anger, excitement, and an inexplicable longing, she knew she should turn around and face him, yet for some reason she couldn’t. Her silver shoes seemed rooted to the floor.

  “I heard what happened, Camille. Why didn’t you stop when Miss Grymes and I saw you earlier?”

  “I wanted to change as quickly as possible,” she said in hasty explanation, her heart thudding at the deep resonance in his voice. “I was practically soaked to the skin.”

  “Well, I very much like the gown you’ve chosen for tonight. Turn around so I can see you better. Slowly.”

  As Susanna did as he bade her, the wide, bell-shaped skirt lilting gently around her feet, she told herself that she must continue to mislead him just as she had done the night before. She had no choice. She needed him here at Briarwood for as long as it took her to find a husband.

  Yet, after her disappointing day, she wondered with no small amount of apprehension just when that might be. She was not one to deceive herself. She could not deny that matters between her and Adam had taken a decidedly dangerous and perplexing turn, at least as far as she was concerned. She could sense a new urgency in herself, almost fear of what might happen if she didn’t meet the right man soon. Oh, please, please, may it not be too long from now!

  By the time Susanna was facing him, her gaze direct and her chin raised, she had somehow found the courage to continue with her plan even as her legs felt oddly weak. His eyes were raking over her in a manner that made her feel as if he could see right through her clothing, and when his gaze lingered overlong upon her breasts, it was all she could do to ask him lightly, “Do I meet with your approval?”

  “Completely.” It took her breath away to see desire written so plainly in the smoldering mahogany depths of his eyes. She hoped he couldn’t read it so easily in hers.

  How long they stood there looking at each other Susanna couldn’t say, but she finally regained enough presence of mind to notice he held the delicate silk fan she had left outside on the bench.

  “My fan.”

  He nodded, a smile on his lips as he held it out to her, although his eyes were serious.

  “Matthew Grymes wanted to bring it to you, but when I informed him that you and I had some plantation business to discuss, he agreed that I might return it for him. Yet he wanted me to tell you that he will happily buy you another as a gift if you find this one marred in any way.”

  “I’m sure it’s fine,” she said, walking past him to set the fan upon her dressing table. She had no wish to inspect it right now, especially not in front of Adam. Fans were one thing she had as yet failed to master, unlike hoop-petticoats, high heels, and dancing. There was a flirtatious artistry in the use of the accessory that left her all thumbs.

  Susanna moved to the separate sitting area near the fireplace and, taking a seat in one of the comfortable stuffed chairs, gestured for Adam to join her.

  “You mentioned some important business,” she said in an attempt to draw their conversation away from herself. As he sat across from her and stretched out his heavily muscled legs, she found herself thinking how handsome he looked in his royal-blue coat, damask waistcoat, and black breeches. He certainly didn’t lack for fine clothing; everything he wore was expertly tailored to fit his powerful body and appeared not foppish or overdone, but profoundly masculine. With effort, she forced her mind back to the matter at hand. “I hope it’s nothing serious.”

  “That depends,” Adam replied, searching her face, “although it doesn’t concern Briarwood. I only said that to deceive any curious souls who might wonder why we’re alone in your room, my love. A plantation manager speaking to his employer is one thing, but a man and the woman he’s courting … We’ve our little secret to maintain, remember?”

  She didn’t answer, sensing tension beneath his words. He suddenly seemed annoyed with her, but why?

  “Our business is of a private nature, Camille. It concerns the young woman you saw with me in the garden, Celeste Grymes. I believe you met her earlier?”

  “Yes, we’ve met,” Susanna said tightly. “She’s very pleasant—”

  “And very talkative and very, very cunning.”

  She was startled by his biting tone. That certainly wasn’t the way a man sp
oke of someone with whom he might be enamored.

  “Celeste told me that you agreed to accompany her on some outings. Is this true?”

  Oh, dear, she hadn’t expected to have to deal with this question so soon, Susanna thought, her mind racing. She had hoped he wouldn’t discover her plans until the Grymes’s carriage came to take her away next Tuesday, the day of Amy Johnson’s birthday party. How was she going to explain herself? Camille wasn’t supposed to like outings.

  “Y-yes,” she answered hesitantly, but before she could continue he cut her off.

  “You mustn’t let her force you into anything you don’t want to do,” he said, leaning forward in his chair. “She’s not to be trusted, Camille. She only wants you to accompany her so that her pompous idiot of a brother can spend more time with you …” He paused, sighing heavily. “Forgive me. I know that you have no intention of going anywhere with them—”

  “But I do,” she interrupted softly, flinching at his sharp look.

  “What?”

  “I’ve decided to attend a birthday picnic with Celeste and her brothers on Tuesday, and I’ll probably go to other events with them as well.”

  “Are you serious?” he asked, appearing both stunned and confused for a man who was usually so confident. “You yourself admitted to me that you prefer to stay at home, that you want a quiet life.”

  “I’m not so sure anymore, Adam,” she began, trying to sound uncertain as she spun her hastily concocted explanation. “I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it, during the voyage and then over this past week. I just hadn’t found the right moment to talk about it with you yet …”