A Taste of Paradise (16 page)

“Good morning, mistress.”

“I don't know what's good about it,” Sophia complained.

Kateena flashed a smile. “This is Jamaica, mistress. The rain will stop soon, the sun will come out, and the day will be glorious.”

Sophia wasn't at all interested in the day, glorious or otherwise. “I suppose.”

“Your bathwater is heating in the kitchen.”

Sophia perked up immediately. “Thank you, a bath is just what I need.”

An hour later, Sophia descended the stairs and proceeded to the dining room. She was ravenous and asked for eggs, ham and toasted bread. Due to the late hour, she dined alone.

“Is Captain Radcliff still in the house?” she asked Chuba.

“No, mistress, he and Casper left for the distillery hours ago.”

“In this rain?”

“There was trouble in the distillery; Mundo summoned the master early this morning.”

Chuba poured Sophia's tea and left. The thrum of rain against the windows reminded her of England, making her realize how little she missed her home. She wondered if there was any place in the world she would be happy. If things were different between her and Chris, Jamaica would be the Paradise she had always dreamed about.

Sophia finished her breakfast and wandered into Chris's study, perusing the bookcases lining the wall. She chose a book on world history and settled down in a comfortable chair near the window to read.

Chris spent the entire day in the distillery. The rain had stopped shortly after noon, and the sun now rode high in the sky. Sweat dampened his shirt and dotted his brow as he labored beside his slaves.

The rich scent of rum permeated the air, making Chris slightly ill. After last night, he doubted he would imbibe again anytime soon. What had he been thinking? Making love to Sophia hadn't been the wisest thing he had ever done. Had he the sense God gave him, he would have steered clear of her room last night. Nothing good could come of his indiscretion.

After solving the problem in the distillery, Chris rode out to the cane fields to check the crop. Everywhere he looked, slaves were busily employed. But he could sense their discontent; tension was thick in the air, as if they were merely biding their time. Chris hadn't told them he intended to free them, and wouldn't until their freedom actually became a fact. If his efforts failed, he didn't want them to be disappointed. He intended to return to Headquarters House in a few days to see if the remittance papers had been processed.

Meanwhile, Chris had created another problem for himself. What was he going to do with Sophia? She adamantly refused to return to England, and he couldn't blame her. Perhaps, with his recommendation, she could find a governess post in Spanish Town or Ocho Rios. He discarded that notion as soon as it was born. He was uncomfortable sending her off on her own.

Chris didn't return to the house until dinnertime. Staying busy kept his mind and body occupied. He worked feverishly during the next several days, leaving the house early and returning late. He saw Sophia only during dinner and retired to his study immediately after the meal. He deliberately avoided rum and late night wanderings. He refused to become involved with her again.

When Chris first met Sophia at her come out, he had been entranced by her angelic beauty and lively spirit. So had Desmond. The last thing Chris wanted now was to fall into her trap again. Once bitten, twice shy: the adage expressed his sentiments perfectly.

Chris liked his life just the way it was. He had his plantation and distillery, and women to assuage his needs were at his disposal in Kingston.

Despite his mental rejection, Chris couldn't forget how good Sophia felt in his arms, her innocent passion, her alluring scent; the way she shattered beneath him. Damn! He went hard just thinking about her. Desire pulsed through him. Heat surged to his groin. Clamping down on his lust, he turned his mind in another direction.

Sophia was bored. She needed something besides Chris to focus on. The weather had been hot and sultry for the past few days. There wasn't much one could do during the heat of the afternoon but fan oneself and think. Unfortunately, her thoughts never strayed far from Chris.

She had figured out why he was acting so cool and remote toward her. He was afraid of her. Afraid he might develop feelings for her. If he wanted her to leave, why didn't he just tell her instead of letting her remain in limbo?

When Chris returned early from the fields one day, Sophia learned from Chuba that he was expecting visitors. Sophia was sitting in the parlor reading when she heard voices in the foyer. She paid them little heed until Chris and his guests entered the room.

Since no guests had arrived at Sunset Hill since her arrival, Sophia was surprised to see Chris usher a distinguished-looking man and a handsome woman into the parlor. Despite Chris's frown when his gaze found her, the visitors seemed delighted to see her.

“I brought my wife so she could meet your betrothed,” the man said. “They can get acquainted while we conduct our business.”

Sophia rose, visibly startled. Betrothed?

“Ah, there she is,” the woman said. “Welcome to Jamaica, my dear. I hope you'll allow me to help plan your wedding. A celebration is just what we need to take our minds off all this nastiness with the slaves.”

“No, you must be mis—”

“Sophia, please make your curtsy to Lord and Lady Chester,” Chris said. “My lord, my lady, meet Miss Sophia Carlisle.”

Sophia made a halfhearted curtsy, confused by the sudden turn of events. What in the world was wrong with Chris? “Lord and Lady Chester, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Please, my dear, call me Agatha,” Lady Chester said. “We English have a tight-knit community on the island, and we don't always adhere to protocol.”

“Now that the ladies are acquainted, we can retire to your study and get down to business,” Lord Chester said. “The unrest among my slaves is becoming troublesome. I'm calling on Wombly tomorrow to discuss the situation. We neighbors must stick together.”

Sophia sent Chris a pained look. She knew nothing about a betrothal. It wasn't fair to let the Chesters believe she was his bride-to-be. But Chris's shrug was all she received. It looked as if she was on her own with Lady Chester.

“I'll have refreshments sent in,” Chris said.

“Enjoy your visit,” Chester added. “I'm sure you ladies have a great deal to discuss, what with planning the wedding and all.”

“Captain Radcliff is so handsome,” Lady Chester gushed. “Have you known him long?”

“Over seven years,” Sophia answered truthfully.

“I can understand why he brought you to Jamaica to be wed. It's a perfect spot for a wedding. Will any of your relatives be attending the ceremony?”

“I have no relatives. My parents, Viscount and Viscountess Carlisle, died several years ago.”

Agatha clapped her hands. “You're highborn—how delightful! I don't know Captain Radcliff well, but I understand his brother is the Earl of Standish. Have you no brothers or sisters?”

“No, my lady,” Sophia replied. She didn't count Rayford because they didn't share the same blood, and both her parents had been only children.

“You are to call me Agatha, remember? And I shall call you Sophia. Such a lovely name. Now then, Sophia, have you set a date for your wedding?”

“Er . . . no. Chris and I have only just arrived at Sunset Hill. We're just getting settled in.”

The tea cart arrived, allowing Sophia a few moments to collect her thoughts. Whatever was Chris thinking? How could he let people believe she was his betrothed? She knew he had no intention of tying himself to a woman who provoked memories he'd rather forget. He might lust for her, enjoy making love to her, but his heart was in no way engaged.

Over the rim of her cup, Sophia watched Lady Chester sip her tea and munch on a small frosted cake.

“This is delightful,” Agatha cooed. “I love my children, but I do enjoy an afternoon away from them now and again.”

“You have children?”

“Indeed. Two lively boys of six and eight.” She set her cup down and leaned toward Sophia. “Tell me, what was that little ruckus with Sir Oscar Rigby at the King's Arms all about? Why were you seeking employment as a governess? I'm just dying of curiosity.”

Though Sophia had expected the question, she still wasn't prepared for it. “It was a case of mistaken identity.” She held out her arm. “As you can see, I tan rather easily, and Sir Oscar mistook me for . . . someone else. As for the governess position, I thought it would keep me occupied until Chris and I were ready to wed. He has a great deal to learn as a new plantation owner, and I didn't want to become a burden to him.”

Agatha sent her a skeptical look. “How could you ever become a burden to your fiancé? It all sounds rather mysterious, if you ask me.”

Sophia took another sip of tea while she considered her answer. Relief flooded through her when Chris and Lord Chester returned to the parlor.

“Tea, gentlemen?” Sophia asked, grateful for the interruption.

Both men nodded, and Sophia poured.

“Captain Radcliff, Sophia and I were discussing her quest for employment. I vow I was surprised.”

Chris looked at Sophia, as if expecting her to answer. When she didn't, he cleared his throat and said, “Sophia likes to be useful. As Mr. Ludlow will attest, I put an end to her quest rather quickly. I moved her from the King's Arms to keep her safe from men like Rigby.”

“I'm ashamed to count Rigby as one of us,” Chester acknowledged. “Things neither of us would approve of go on at his plantation. He abuses his women slaves and works the men until they drop from exhaustion. If there is a revolt, his plantation will be the first to come under attack.”

“Oh, dear God, John, do you really think it will come to that?” Agatha cried, clutching her throat.

“Now, now, Agatha, don't fret. This is all speculation.”

Agatha rose abruptly. “I have reason to fret. The children are home alone with the maids. Perhaps we should leave.” She turned to Sophia. “We'll discuss wedding arrangements at a later date, my dear. Have your handsome captain bring you to Orchid Manor soon.”

“I'll let you know what the other plantation owners decide, Radcliff,” Lord Chester said as he escorted his wife out the door and into their carriage.

“All this talk of revolt is serious, isn't it?” Sophia asked as she waved the Chesters off.

“I won't lie. It's serious enough for the plantation owners to band together for their own protection. But I hope it won't come to that. But if it does, Sunset Hill will remain safe, my slaves will be free, so they will have no reason to revolt. Repairs on the slave quarters are under way. I wanted my people to know I have their best interests at heart. I'm hoping they will remain to work for wages once they are freed.”

Chris turned away. Sophia stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Oh, no, you don't. Kindly explain why the Chesters believe we are betrothed. You should have corrected them instead of leaving me to deal with Lady Chester's questions.”

“Come into the study,” Chris said. “We need to talk.”

“Indeed we do,” Sophia replied, preceding him into the chamber.

“Sit down, Sophia.”

“I prefer to stand, thank you.”

“As you please.” He paced away, then spun around. “I claimed you were my betrothed to save your reputation. Lord Chester heard about your confrontation with Rigby and actually believed what the innkeeper said about you. I set him straight, but in the process was forced to tell him you were my betrothed.”

Anger swamped Sophia. “Forced? You lied! Now you have to fix it.”

“There's no fixing this, Sophia. I suppose we will have to marry. You have a choice. Either marry me or return to England. If we break this sham engagement, you will never find work here. You're living in my home; therefore a wedding is expected. If you leave, your reputation will be in shreds.”

“Humph, it won't be the first time. Besides, we both know you don't want to marry me.”

Chris shrugged. “What I want is no longer important, it's what people expect. Fate brought us together again, and we have to make the best of it.”

Sophia searched his face. “That doesn't mean we have to marry. You don't even like me.”

“Be that as it may, you are living in my home and I am responsible for you. We will wed, Sophia, sooner rather than later.”

Sophia couldn't believe it. Did Chris actually think she would agree, knowing he didn't want her? She couldn't bear loving Chris, living with him, and not having her love returned. “No, Chris, I won't marry a man who doesn't want me.”

“Not want you? Oh, I want you, Sophia. Never doubt it. One night in your bed was scarcely enough.”

His words stunned Sophia, even if she didn't believe him. A man wouldn't leave her to languish in boredom if he wanted her. He wouldn't ignore her or refuse to make small talk at the dinner table. He wouldn't treat her with disdain and try to send her away.

Sophia wanted to believe Chris cared for her. Dear God, she wanted it desperately. She wanted to reach up and kiss him, wanted to feel his mouth moving on hers. She yearned for his touch, for his sweet caresses. She wanted him to make love to her again and really mean it.

Sophia licked her suddenly dry lips and gazed into his eyes. “Prove you want me, Chris.”

At first she didn't think he would react. Then something seemed to snap inside him as he slid his hands into the dark strands of her hair and pulled her head back, crushing his mouth down on hers.

The kiss wasn't gentle, but Sophia didn't care. At least he was showing something for her besides apathy. He kissed her fiercely, plundering her mouth with his tongue, cupping her bottom and hauling her against him. She felt the swelling thickness of his sex beneath his trousers and suddenly recalled where they were.