“You really have a lovely home,” he commented, trying to break the silence.
“Thank you. It’s been in the family for several generations. We were very fortunate the Yankees didn’t burn...” Her eyes widened when she snapped her head to look at him. “I mean I’m grateful the war didn’t destroy our home.”
“Yes, yer very fortunate.” He rubbed her hand resting in the crook of his elbow. “I hope ya don’t mind me askin’, but how did your parents die?”
Sadness encased her face. The small wind teased her hair, brushing it gently over her cheeks. “The war seemed to take away everything I held dear to my heart. My mother caught yellow fever and died. My father almost had his knee blown off, and he was sent home not long after she died. His mind was as shattered as his leg, and he was never the same. We found him one morning, lying on the side of the river, dead.” She pointed toward the river. “He’d wandered off into the night, and we figured he slipped on a rock and drowned.”
“I’m sorry. I’m certain it was hard for ya.”
“It was. I had an older brother, too, and he died in the war.”
Blake’s chest clenched. He knew her pain. “I, too, had loved ones die in the war.”
Along the right side of the property, a row of small huts lined the dirt road. Several servants lingered nearby, eyeing Blake carefully. “Are these yer servants?”
“Yes, but they are more like family to us, especially now that the war has ended.”
He nodded. “That’s the way it should be, if ya ask me.”
She stopped and glanced back toward the house, and then met his gaze. “All right, do you think we’re far enough away that we can talk without people overhearing us?”
Silently, he groaned. They were too far away. He just hoped Phillip wouldn’t try to steal Claudia’s jewels, yet. Blake really needed to catch him. “I suppose.”
“So, tonight at dinner... I’m quite certain my cousin will be there. He must believe we are very fond of each other.”
Blake grinned. That was exactly what he’d planned on doing. “I promise.” He stroked her cheek, pushing back a lock of shiny soft brown hair that the wind had blown across her face. “I plan on devotin’ my attention to ya only, my sweet. By the end of the evenin’, those who are here for supper will know for certain who I’m wooin’.” He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “But before then, I think we should concentrate on convincin’ my betting friends.”
He pulled her into his arms and up against his chest. A gasp sprang from her as her head tilted back and she met his eyes. He winked. “Don’t look now, but I believe they’re watchin’ from the corner of the house.”
Her eyes drooped and thick lashes swept her pink tinted cheeks. “Do... do you plan on stealin’ a kiss?”
“I don’t steal kisses. I wait until they are freely given.” He trailed his fingers down her neck to her shoulder, his gaze following the path. Such delicate skin – skin that was so incredibly soft, he didn’t want to stop touching her.
He lowered his mouth until it was a breath away from her lips. He’d wait for her approval, but every second she hesitated broke his resolve, making him yearn for her kiss that much more.
“I...” Her tongue swept across her raspberry lips. “I suppose a small kiss would be—”
Before she could finish, he brought his mouth to hers. A pleasurable moan released from her throat as she clutched the front of his frock coat. She was still too stiff for their kiss to look natural, so he moved his lips over hers, silently urging her to relax. But before he could coax her, she pulled away and stepped out of his arms.
“I think that was enough to satisfy our audience’s curiosity, don’t you?”
No, he didn’t, but he’d let her believe it was enough for now. He offered his elbow, which she took, and he walked them back to the house. As they passed his betting friends, their eyes were wide, mouths gaped open. Although he hadn’t yet won the bet, victory was within reach.
FIVE
Blake’s kiss had made Claudia breathless and weak in the knees. How she managed to walk back to the house, she wasn’t certain, unless he carried her without her knowledge. The imprint of his mouth pressed against hers still had her burning with excitement. A thrill she wished she hadn’t experienced.
Her soldier, Johnny, would return for her soon. She must keep this belief alive and not let another man make her think otherwise. Especially one that created confusion in her head every time he touched her.
Blake Bentley was merely a man just like all of those who’d tried to court her. Although, this one was definitely more robust and handsome. So far, his charm was noteworthy, too.
During the remainder of the party, Blake stayed by her side. She danced a few times with other men, Blake danced with other women, but their gazes continued to meet no matter how far apart they were.
Finally, she stood by her grandmother and bid farewell to their guests. As she’d assumed, her cousin had invited himself to stay for dinner. Chaplain Vincent Brooks, the man whom Blake had come to the party with, was also invited to stay for supper.
So much of Blake’s life intrigued her. Chaplain Brooks was no relation to Blake, yet their families had known each other somehow. Chaplain Brooks looked to be at least five years older, and was as charming as Mr. Bentley. Apparently, they’d been schooled at the same academy for wooing ladies, except how they become friends when their political opinions ran in different directions, she’d never know.
As they sat in the parlor conversing before dinner, she found Blake’s hazel-eyed gaze on her more times than she could count. Warmth spread through her limbs and increased the beat of her heart. On occasion, she caught his attention skimming over her from head to toe. His lazy grin made her wonder what he was thinking. Or perhaps it was best that she didn’t know.
He escorted her to the supper table and sat beside her. She happily conversed with the others at the table, but she was more aware of the charming presence beside her. His elbow bumped into hers, or his leg accidentally brushed her leg, causing unexpected tingles to shoot through her body. When he talked directly to her, the warmth in his eyes could melt a glacier. Slowly, she became enthralled in his hypnotic gaze.
The topic of conversation mostly remained on the job market in Charleston. She knew why her cousin pushed the matter. Inwardly, she prayed the night would go quickly so her cousin would leave.
“I’ve noticed a few postings at the lumber yards, Mr. Bentley.” Phillip smirked behind his glass of wine.
“Yes, I have noticed those, as well,” Blake answered. “Unfortunately, that’s not what I’m lookin’ for.”
“What exactly are you looking for, Mr. Bentley?” Phillip snapped.
“When Mr. Bentley worked for me,” Chaplain Brooks quickly cut in, “I admired his ability to do whatever was asked of him. He was a strong, hard worker, and any employer would be grateful to have him.”
Blake gave his friend a nod. “Thank you, Chaplain Brooks. I appreciate your praise.” He moved his attention to Phillip and his pleasant smile disappeared. “What I’m lookin’ for is a place I will be able to work my way to the top. Not too long ago, I co-owned a glass company with a man I thought was my friend. When this person took the money and disappeared without a trace, the company went under.” He dabbed his linen napkin to the corner of his mouth. “What I want is to find another person willing to take me as a partner. I won’t take anything less.”
Claudia’s heart skipped a beat. That was exactly their bargain – a partnership. She touched his arm. When his warm gaze met hers, she smiled. “And you shouldn’t accept anything less, Mr. Bentley. That’s terrible what your partner did to you. I can see why you would want to be choosy in your next endeavor.”
“I’m grateful that ya understand. I can assure ya, I’ll be more choosy next time.” He winked.
“I agree with my cousin, Mr. Bentley,” Phillip chimed in. “It’s so disturbing to think your own friends will turn on you.”
“Exactly.” Blake nodded. “In fact, I think you might know this man, Mr. Matthews.”
Phillip’s eyes widened and his body stilled.
“His name is Lewis Christensen.”
Phillip’s throat jumped in what seemed to be a hard swallow. Why did her cousin look like he’d been caught in crossfire? She glanced back to Blake. And why didn’t Blake tell her he’d known her cousin before tonight?
“Me?” Phillip lifted his wine glass to his mouth and sipped. “Why would I know anyone from Texas?”
Narrowing his gaze on her cousin, Blake leaned his arms on the table. “I didn’t say Mr. Christensen was from Texas.”
Unnerving silence spread around the table. Claudia shifted in her chair. What was going on? And why was her cousin looking guiltier by the second?
Suddenly, color seeped into Phillip’s pale face as he glared at Blake. “Pardon me for assuming as much, Mr. Bentley, but the fact remains, I do not know this man.”
Blake shrugged and relaxed in his chair. A whoosh of air blew from Claudia’s lips before she even realized she’d been holding her breath.
The table conversation changed as Claudia’s grandmother started talking about something mundane. Claudia ignored the woman’s chatter and concentrated on the mysterious man sitting next to her. What was going on between him and Phillip? From the way they exchanged glares, she knew they had a past. Obviously, Blake disliked Phillip. Then again, that only made her like Blake more since she couldn’t stand her cousin, either. She’d definitely have to get Blake alone again tonight to ask him what he knew. Perhaps if he knew something that could make her cousin look bad in front of his peers, she wouldn’t have to worry about him taking over her family’s plantation. Then again, knowing her cousin, he’d find a way.
The meal concluded, and the men ventured outside to smoke their pipes and drink brandy, while Claudia and her grandmother returned to the parlor to work on their sewing. Claudia couldn’t concentrate. Too much filled her head.
Did she want to continue with the bargain she’d made with Blake? Although she wanted to marry Johnny, he wasn’t here to help save the plantation. She had no other choice. She and Blake must marry. And soon.
“Claudia, my dear.” Her grandmother set her sewing down in her lap. “I have noticed how much attention Mr. Bentley is giving you. Are you aware of this?”
She tried to give her grandmother a demure smile, but it was difficult to act surprised. “I have noticed, also. I think he’s a very charming man, and his mysterious past intrigues me.”
“I must say, I’ve not seen any man catch your eye since your Mr. Evans, and I wonder if you’ve finally put your soldier out of your mind.”
That she would never do. But she must make her grandmother believe she had. “I don’t know how I feel.” She stared at the needle in her fingers. “Mr. Bentley definitely makes my heart hammer in a different rhythm.” Which really was the truth. “And since meeting him, I haven’t been able to put him from my mind.” Another truth she admitted as she shyly lifted her gaze to her grandmother. “In fact, Mr. Bentley has asked to court me.”
Her grandmother’s eyes widened, and color left her face. “Wh... what did you tell him?”
Claudia shrugged. “Nothing yet, but I am considering it.”
Her grandmother gasped. “But why? He is a Northern sympathizer.”
Rolling her eyes, Claudia muttered underneath her breath. Why couldn’t people put the war to rest? “Yes, and so are a lot of other kind and decent people in Charleston.”
The older woman set her sewing aside and stood. Using her cane, she paced the floor. “I cannot feel good about this, my dear. I sense he and Phillip do not approve of each other.”
“Oh, for goodness sake.” Claudia scowled. “Phillip has no say in the matter. He is not part of our immediate family. He does not live here, and he certainly doesn’t rule over us. Please stop thinking he does.”
“But he cares about our welfare, can’t you see that?”
“No, I can’t. All I can see is that he cares only for himself.”
Her grandmother shook her head. “Your father thought a lot of him, or don’t you remember? Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“No, it doesn’t. Have you forgotten that my father also wasn’t in his right mind? Phillip probably played up to that and used it to his advantage.”
The older woman huffed and planted her hands on her hips. “Why do you constantly find fault with your cousin?”
As Claudia opened her mouth to explain her reasons, the men walked into the room. Under her breath, she cursed their bad timing. Her attention moved to Blake, and by the look on his sour expression, she surmised he wasn’t having a good time, either.
“Ladies,” Chaplain Brooks announced, “I want to thank you for being such fine hostesses and giving me an entertaining day, but I’m afraid I must be leaving.”
Her heart sank. That meant Blake was leaving, too.
After Chaplain Brooks shook her grandmother’s hand, Claudia gave him hers. “Thanks for coming, Chaplain. I enjoyed your company.” She turned to Blake. “And it was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Bentley. I hope to see you again really soon.”
Blake grinned, the dimples in his cheeks standing out. “I’ll call on ya tomorrow, Miss Cummings.” He kissed her knuckles, slowly and very tenderly. “I hope ya had a wonderful birthday party.”
“It was absolutely splendid, especially with such fine company as you and Chaplain Brooks.”
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Phillip’s face redden, and he scowled. She was not about to mention him, because she did not enjoy his company.
When Blake stepped back, she turned to the man she loathed. “Phillip, I hope you have a safe journey home.”
Her cousin’s mouth hung askew. Apparently, he wasn’t expecting to be dismissed, but there was no way she wanted him staying the night in the guest bedroom.
“Uh... yes, of course. Thank you, cousin, and of course you, Aunt Ruth.” He kissed her grandmother’s cheek.
Claudia waited by her grandmother’s side until the guests left, then she breathed a heavy sigh. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I am exhausted and wish to retire.”
“I do, too. Having afternoon barbecues are so much work, but I’m relieved your party turned out well.”
“As am I.” Claudia gave her grandmother a kiss and hurried to her room.
While her maid, Frances, helped ready Claudia for bed, she thought about how well the day had turned out. She was more confident now that the bargain she’d made with Mr. Bentley would be successful. Soon, Phillip would finally leave her alone, and get the notion of running her plantation out of his head.
Once she was clothed in her nightgown and wrap, she dismissed her maid and sat at her vanity. As she pulled the brush through her long hair, the bristles on her scalp helped to relax her. There was still so much she needed to discuss with Blake. She had no clue where to find him. Was he staying with Chaplain Brooks since they’d come to her party together? If so, she must find him tomorrow.
A noise at her window pulled her from her thoughts. It sounded like a pebble hitting the glass. She scrunched her forehead. Ridiculous. The wind wasn’t blowing that hard, so how would a stone be able to...
There it was again.
Curiosity led her to the window and she cautiously pulled back the curtains. The full moon lit the yard well, but the nearby tree caused shadows to play with her mind. In fact, it almost appeared like a man stood below her window.
Her heart jumped and she quickly opened the window. “Blake! What are you doing here?”
“We need to talk.”
She bit her bottom lip. Oh dear. They did need to talk, but not like this. There was no way he could come to her room since she was in her nightdress. And yet, part of her didn’t want to turn him away.
SIX
“You can either come down here, or I’ll come up there,” he said.
Claudia held her
breath, hoping the servants – or her grandmother – hadn’t heard him. If she met him outside, a servant would definitely see them. That couldn’t happen.
“Can you climb up?” she asked softly, motioning toward the window.
A wide grin stretched across his mouth as he jumped and grasped a tree limb. Of course, Blake could get into her room this way. Hadn’t the tall oak been her means of escape when she was a young girl and had the title of tomboy?
Every inch closer to the window, Claudia breathed a little slower, grateful he hadn’t fallen yet. She waited until he drew near, and then reached for his hand, helping him inside. When she pulled the window closed, he was laughing so hard, she couldn’t stop the smile from stretching across her face.
“Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve done that?” he said.
“Shh...” She placed her hand over his mouth. “We must be quiet, or the servants will hear.”
His eyes locked with hers and gradually, his laughter stopped. When the beat of her heart began racing again, she dropped her hand and stepped back. His attention immediately dropped to her nightdress. A different expression crossed his handsome features, darkening his hazel gaze. Heat surged through her, confusing her. She’d never had a man look at her so intently, making her legs weak and threatening to make her swoon. She pulled her wrap tighter around her shoulders.
“This isn’t proper at all,” she whispered.
“No, it’s not.” He stepped closer and caressed her chin. “However, we really need to talk. Besides, if we’re goin’ to get married, I’ll have to get accustomed to seein’ ye dressed this way, correct?”
“Well, yes and no. You see, you won’t be sharing my room, and—”
“Claudia,” he whispered, drawing nearer. “Did ya happen to see the way my bettin’ friends were watchin’ us earlier this evenin’?”
An Agent for Claudia Page 4
