Pirate's Promise

by Smith, Bobbi

  Still, she had to tell him, she knew that. With the big party only a day away, Lianne decided to wait until afterward to approach him. Things would be calmer then, and it would be easier to find time to speak with him alone. Just the thought of being alone with him again left her tense, but with a major effort of will, she faced up to her responsibility. Adam had to be told, and she would do it just as soon as she could get up the nerve.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The musicians began to play, and the lilting strains of the music drifted through the open windows out into the velvet night. Belle Arbor was ablaze with lights, and to the late arriving guests it appeared almost castle-like in its newly renovated splendor.

  In the hall at Adam's side, Becky was filled with excitement as she greeted their guests. She couldn't believe the long weeks had passed so quickly. Tonight was the night she would get to see Beau again! Her heart thumped wildly at the prospect.

  Becky knew that Beau and Adam had been in contact. Several times during the past five weeks Adam had been called into town on 'business,' and she knew that 'business' was with Beau. Still, Beau had never found the time to come to Belle Arbor as she'd hoped he would.

  Becky worried continually that her bold kiss at the hotel had ruined the very special relationship that existed between them, fir having him as a friend was far better than not having him at all. She missed him terribly and planned to act as though nothing had changed between them when he arrived. Her determination faltered, however, as her lively imagination conjured up a worst-case scenario. What if Beau was angry with her? What if he shunned her now because of her brazenness? A shadow of fear shown in Becky's eyes, and the tension within her became even more sharp-edged. Things had to work out tonight. They just had to.

  Adam's deep voice as he spoke to some new arrivals forced her back to the present, and Becky smiled her most charming smile as she turned to welcome more of their friends from New Orleans.

  As the party got in full swing below, Lianne lingered in Alex's room. She had little desire to go below and join the celebration.

  "The music's started, Lianne." her brother pointed out. Aren't you gonna go downstairs?"

  "I guess it is time, isn't it?" She gave him a small, half-smile as she leaned over the bed and kissed him good-night. "You stay in bed now and get some sleep, love"

  "Do I have to?" Alex protested, not at all pleased with missing out on all the fun. It had been years since there had been a party at Belle Arbor, and he wanted to go.

  "Absolutely." She suppressed a smile as she started from the room.

  "Lianne, it's not fair, you know," he argued, pouting. "You're going to have fun, while I'm stuck staying up here."

  Lianne gazed back at him adoringly. He was still so innocent and precious. He had no idea how difficult it was going to be for her to go down there and act like she was having a good time. If she'd ever wondered about a career on the stage, tonight would be the test. She would have to greet old friends and pretend that life was wonderful, when in truth things had never been worse.

  "Sometimes I think I would rather be up here with you," she told him honestly.

  "You would?" Alex's eyes widened in surprise.

  "Yes, but, unfortunately, tonight is not one of the times when I can stay. Becky's expecting me now, and I have to go, Alex. I'm a little late already. Be good for me?"

  He looked decidedly grumpy as he gave her a slow, less-than-enthusiastic nod.

  "Promise?" she challenged, not completely trusting him until she heard the answer out loud.

  "Yes." His expression was sullen, and his bottom lip stuck out.

  "Then I'll try to find Sarah and have her sneak you up a treat. How's that?"

  "Gee, thanks, Lianne!" All semblance of disappointment vanished, and he grinned at her. "And, Lianne?"

  "Yes?"

  "I like your new dress. You look real pretty."

  "Thank you, sweetheart." She went back to the bed to give him one more hug and then left his room smiling. Even when things appeared the darkest, she could always count on Alex to brighten her mood.

  Wanting to check one last time to make sure she did look her best, Lianne stopped off at her own bedroom for a minute. She paused before the mirror over her dressing table to check her hair. Sarah had styled it up away from her face on the sides and then fashioned the back into a loose flowing cascade of curls. At her ears, she wore her mother's diamond-and-pearl earbobs. She was pleased that she still looked fine even after all of Alex's hugs and kisses.

  Lianne was still troubled over the gown she wore, though. When the seamstress had come to the house to take Becky's measurements for a new ballgown, her friend had insisted that she take Lianne's statistics, too. She had tried to discourage it, reminding Becky when they'd had a moment of privacy that she had no funds for a new dress. Becky had simply pooh-poohed her arguments, telling her it was a gift for all her help in restoring the house. She had continued to protest, but finally quit when Becky threatened to order a dress she liked for her without her approval. After having convinced her to accept the gown, her friend had enlisted her help in choosing the style and materials. Now she stood arrayed in the most beautiful dress she'd ever owned in her life.

  The gown itself was elegant perfection. Created of the finest watersilk, it shone white, but shimmered and appeared to change colors in the light. Simply cut, it was off the shoulder in style with a fitted waist and full, flowing skirts.

  Lianne stared in dismay at her bosom. The measurements for the dress had been taken before her pregnancy had begun to affect her, and though her waistline hadn't been affected that dramatically to alter the fit, her fuller breasts were now swelling dangerously above the décolletage. The three-strand choker of pearls she wore only seemed to enhance that expanse of creamy flesh.

  For a moment, Lianne thought of changing, of finding something less daring to wear, but it was too late. Becky had gone down to greet the arriving guests half an hour ago, and she had promised her that she would be right down.

  Lianne squared her shoulders and held her head high as she swept from the room. Many of those Adam and Becky had invited were longtime acquaintances of her own family, and though she dreaded facing them, she knew she could not appear cowed or helpless before them. She was a Ducharme, and if nothing else, she had her pride.

  The gentle, soothing rhythm of the music touched her battered soul in a way nothing else had in a long time, and she felt young and almost carefree as she started down the staircase. The feeling lasted only a moment, though, as she was Adam standing near the foot of the steps with Becky at his side. At the sight of him looking so utterly handsome, her heart swelled painfully in her breast. His white shirt was a vivid contrast to the dark suit he wore and his cravat was, as always, perfectly tied.

  Adam hadn't seen her yet, and Lianne hesitated in her descent. She thought about turning around and fleeing back upstairs to wait until he'd gone to join his guests in the parlor-turned-ballroom. She had avoided him totally since discovering her condition, and she wasn't ready to talk to him yet. She was afraid she'd betray herself and reveal the torrent of emotions that were troubling her before she was fully ready to discuss them with him.

  "Lianne . . ."

  Just as Lianne was about to retreat, Becky caught sight of her, and it was too late to seek refuge.

  "Adam, look. Lianne's finally coming down to join us," Becky announced to her brother, pointedly drawing his attention to her.

  Since there were no other guests to greet, Adam had no choice but to look up as Lianne made her grand descent of the staircase. He had thought he had conquered his attraction to her. He'd thought that all these weeks of staying away from her had cured him of the compelling need he'd felt for her or he'd thought what had happened between them had been an aberration that would never happen again. He had been wrong.

  As Adam stared up at Lianne, he felt a lurch of excitement within him. She was a vision of loveliness as she seemed to float toward him. He
r gown was heavenly, its pale shimmering color enhancing Lianne's emerald eyes and perfect complexion. Adam's gaze dropped from her face to her bosom, and he froze at the sight of her creamy breasts swelling so temptingly above the bodice.

  The memory of their loving hit him an almost physical blow. He remembered the feel of her long, silken limbs wrapped around him. He remembered the taste of her satiny flesh, and the velvet clasp of her body sheathing his. He remembered, and he desired, and he cursed himself silently as he forcefully brought his surging passion for Lianne under tenuous control.

  With supreme effort, he shuttered his emotions behind a mask of hostlike politeness. Turning to greet her, he reminded himself that tonight was the night he and Suzanne would become officially engaged. It wouldn't do for him to be leering at Lianne while he pledged his undying love to another woman.

  "Good evening, Lianne," he spoke with little emotion.

  Lianne felt her soul go cold as she met Adam's cool gaze. She had hoped to see some warmth in his expression, but there was none. She forced a smile as she returned his greeting.

  "Good evening."

  "Lianne, you look absolutely gorgeous," Becky said enthusiastically. "That gown is perfect on you, but then we knew it would be!"

  "You look pretty wonderful yourself," she remarked, admiring Becky's dress. Basically white, it was trimmed with turquoise ribbons and rosettes. The bodice was low, but not nearly as daring as Lianne's had turned out to be, and the skirts were full. At her throat and ears, she wore a matching set of sapphire and diamond necklace and earrings. Her hair was done in an unswept style with a coordinating turquoise ribbon woven through.

  "Do you really think so?" Becky asked under her breath, needing her reassurance.

  "Yes," Lianne answered firmly, and then lowered her voice to inquire, "Is he here yet?"

  "No. Not yet."

  "Well, don't worry. He'll come."

  "I hope so, Lianne," she said wistfully.

  Adam had turned away from them, and as he did he saw Suzanne's carriage draw up. He went forth to greet her, pushing Lianne from his thoughts as he prepared himself to play his part as adoring fiancé.

  "Suzanne, I'm glad you're here." He helped her down from the carriage and kissed her quickly. "You look stunning."

  Suzanne glowed under his compliment. She had worked for hours to look her very best, for tonight she would announce to the world her intention to become Mrs. Adam Trent. Her excitement knew no bounds. She had been anticipating this night for weeks and could hardly wait for the announcement to be made.

  She'd had her hair arranged up in an artful style that emphasized the graceful lines of her neck. The deep rose satin of her gown highlighted her glowing complexion, and the dress itself was magnificent. The décolletage was nearly as revealing as Lianne's, but strangely, when Adam regarded her, he felt no uncontrollable surge of desire. Her tiny waist and swaying hips beneath the full, bell-shaped skirts would have enticed many a man, but he felt completely unmoved.

  Adam said a silent prayer that he could succeed in carrying off his plan. If pretending to love her would net Shark for him, he would do it. Damn it! If he had to walk through the fires of hell to catch Shark, he'd do it! Camouflaging his grim determination, he escorted her inside.

  Lianne was still in the hallway with Becky when Adam entered with Suzanne on his arm. She saw the way they gazed at each other. When Adam spoke, it was to her and her alone. Lianne felt her spirits sink into an abyss of pain. Only her Ducharme pride kept her from running from the hall is distress.

  "I think I'll join the others," Lianne said to Becky as she disappeared into the ballroom.

  Becky, understanding her hatred of the other woman, let her go without a word. After a moment, she went to greet Suzanne.

  "Suzanne, I'm so glad you could come."

  "I wouldn't have missed tonight for the world, Becky," Suzanne responded, giving Adam a knowing look as she squeezed his arm more tightly to her breast.

  Becky watched Adam's reaction, and she couldn't believe that he actually seemed to enjoy Suzanne's clinging ways. She didn't understand what was going on with her brother, but she planned to find out. How could he pay so much attention to someone like her? Becky had known instinctively that Suzanne was a cold, calculating female. She'd felt that way about her even before she'd learned of her dealings with Lianne, and she couldn't figure out why Adam didn't recognize it, too.

  Though she had done nothing to encourage Suzanne, she had still occasionally dropped by unannounced to see Adam. Becky had tried her best to be cordial during those visits, but it had been difficult, especially since she knew how much it hurt Lianne to have the woman on Belle Arbor property. It made her feel slightly sick to know that Lianne was going to have to put up with Suzanne's presence all evening.

  The music began again and Adam glanced at Becky. "Shall we go on in?"

  "I suppose."

  Adam and Suzanne went on ahead of Becky as she lingered in the hall to take one last look outside for Beau.

  Cyrus Shackelford drank deeply of his bourbon as he watched Lianne enter the room. He'd always thought her attractive, but tonight she was positively ravishing. Seeing that she was alone and knowing that she wouldn't remain that way for long, he set his glass aside and headed straight for her.

  "Miss Ducharme, it's so good to see you again," he greeted her smoothly, his gaze lingering on her bodice. "You look marvelous tonight."

  "Why, thank you, Mr. Shackelford," Lianne returned, feeling uncomfortable under his avid gaze. She suddenly wished she could hide somewhere.

  "Cyrus, please," he encouraged, "and may I take the liberty of addressing you as Lianne?"

  "Of course," she replied distractedly as she saw Adam enter the room with Suzanne on his arm. She watched as he swept the blond beauty out onto the dance floor, holding her close.

  Lianne expected anger, but all she felt was a deep, abiding hurt. One hand moved instinctively to her waist to hover protectively there over the new life that was nestled deep within her. Determined not to reveal any of her inner turmoil, she smiled brightly as she turned to Cyrus.

  Cyrus felt warmed by the sudden change in her. Tonight just might be the night he cracked Miss Lianne Ducharme's icy reserve. She had always been a bit standoffish with him, but maybe her attitude was different now that she'd lost her money and her plantation.

  Working in the bank had helped him develop the instincts of a predator, and he suspected that Lianne was vulnerable right now. Confirmed bachelor that he was, he had no interest in marriage, but thought perhaps that an arrangement could be made between them. From her financial situation, he knew she was in desperate financial straits and would remain so until her trust funds came payable the following year. Since she wasn't living with her uncle in town, he suspected that she was relying on the goodwill of the Trents to see her through until such time as she was once again able to support herself. He smiled to himself. He had wanted Lianne for a long time, and it looked like he was finally going to get her.

  "Would you care to dance?" he offered, eager to begin his seductive pursuit.

  "Yes, please," she accepted, and moved into his arms.

  The banker squired Lianne about the dance floor. He enjoyed the slight press of her body against his and the fresh, delicate scent that was her. He had always imagined that she would be an excellent dancer, and he'd been right. They moved easily together following the ebb and flow of the music. Cyrus knew without a doubt that they would be equally perfect together in bed. The heat of his true thoughts shone briefly in his pale eyes, but Lianne was not looking at him at the same time and missed it.

  Adam was managing to keep a smile on his face despite Suzanne's endless chatter as he maneuvered her about the room.

  "Darling, how soon are we going to make our announcement?" she badgered.

  He groaned inwardly at the thought, but then bolstered himself by remembering his purpose. "I felt mid-evening would be appropriate. What do you think?"


  "That sounds perfect," she cooed. "I can hardly wait, Adam. I want everyone to know just how much I love you, and how happy we're going to be together."

  "They'll know, my darling," Adam pledged.

  Adam made the mistake of looking up just then. He caught sight of that brief flash of revealing emotion on Cyrus's face as he danced Lianne around the room and felt murderous with unexplained rage. He had heard about Cyrus Shackelford and his reputation with women, and he didn't want his slimy hands anywhere on Lianne. Lianne glanced up at Cyrus and laughed lightly at something he'd said. When Adam saw this, he wanted to lunge at them and tear them apart. He barely managed to continue to dance with Suzanne and maintain his outward calm. Only his darkened eyes and tense jaw gave away his inner turmoil, and only someone who knew him very well would have noticed.

  For a lack of nothing better to do as she danced with one of the older married men in attendance, Becky was gazing about the dance floor watching the other couples. She heard Lianne's lighthearted laughter and at the same moment saw the fleeting change in Adam's expression. She blinked in stunned surprise, not believing what she'd seen, confused by it.

  Could Adam possibly be jealous of Lianne? In the beginning, when they'd first come to Belle Arbor, she'd had hopes that Lianne would be the woman to free Adam from his emotionless exile, but it had seemed that he wasn't interested. He'd paid little attention to Lianne, and, in fact, often made it a point to deliberately avoid being near her. Becky had slowly been forced to give up her hope that they would fall in love.

  Now, however, Becky thought there might be more to his ignoring of Lianne than she'd originally suspected. Perhaps his cold indifference was really a protective shield against caring for someone again. Perhaps he really did feel something for Lianne, but didn't want to show it. Perhaps . . .

  Of all people, Becky had understood what Adam had suffered in losing Elise as he had. She'd also known that he couldn't spend the rest of his life trapped in the same self-imposed nonexistence that held Elise. His life had to go on. The doctors had told him that. Common sense dictated it. Endless mourning would achieve nothing. He had done all he could for Elise. It was time to get on with his life.