Captives' Charade (8 page)

Shaking the flowing tresses from her face, she continued, “You are such an inept swain, lacking in the art of seduction, that you must force your intentions upon me like a rutting stallion. And when I counter your attack, you choose to ridicule me to save your own pride.

“Your behavior is despicable, Mr. Chamberlain, and I heartily regret tendering a truce between us. And,” she bit off, shaking a finger at his face, unmarred by her tirade, “I will make absolutely sure that our paths never cross again!” CHAPTER 7

Sarahhadneverbeensofuriousinherlife. Stewart Chamberlain, with his superficial charm thinly veiling a total disrespect for gently-bred women, had affronted her beyond her own comprehension. He was a brute without morals, an unscrupulous cad parading himself as a gentleman of taste, discretion and elegance. She hated and feared his composure and his complete domination of every encounter. He was like a beautiful black panther she had once seen in London – cool, aloof, disdainful – until he scented the trepidation of his prey. Then, without warning, a spring, and in one fell swoop, total annihilation.

Her breast heaving beneath the rose gown, she jerked her blazing blue eyes from Stewart’s face, and, forgetting the pain in her left side, stomped off toward the library doors. So overwrought by her own anger and humiliation, she did not realize he was right behind her until she felt his long fingers clamp ever so gently but firmly on her upper arm. Before she could scream for aid, his other hand covered her mouth and pushed her head back against the hollow beneath his chin.

Stewart’s uncompromising hold and the knowledge that she was completely helpless to defend herself so shocked Sarah that she could not summon the will to even attempt escape. The panther, indeed, had sprung, and her fate was frighteningly obvious. Simultaneously cursing her own stupidity for being caught off guard and praying for mercy, she did not realize she was shaking and sobbing in his grasp.

“You will not cry out?” Stewart demanded in the quietest of tones. Weakly, she shook her head, a move barely possible because of her imprisonment. His voice, ever so ominous, stirred the hair covering her ear, sending chills up her spine. “You are safe,” he breathed, his tone defying her to conjure any doubts as to that fact.

Slowly, his hand left her mouth, slipping to her shoulder as he gently turned her around to face him. Keeping one hand on her arm, he used the other to retrieve a muslin handkerchief from his coat pocket. As he daubed at her tears, still streaming silently down her face, she cast her eyes straight ahead, seeing only his chest. Using his free hand to tilt her chin upward, he sought to repair the damage to her distraught face. Sarah kept her eyes closed tightly, clamping her mouth shut to hold back her sobs, as her mind reeled with anger, fear and foreboding. As if he were merely continuing a quiet conversation, Stewart began speaking in a gentle voice.

“My mother used to warn me that my terseness would someday be my undoing,” he said, brushing at her thick lashes clumped into spikes by her tears. “I often wished to show her that such forthrightness had brought me much success in business. But it now dawns on me that she was referring to matters of a much more personal nature – and I fear she was right after all,” he said, and Sarah detected a wistfulness in his tone. Her eyes still shut, she listened to the rustle of his coat as he returned the cloth to his pocket and then placed both hands on her upper arms. He was so close that she could feel his warm breath on her upturned face.

“It has not been my desire to woo a lady, for my use of women has been simple and basic,” he continued, feeling her arms stiffen at his frankness. “But it occurs to me now that I might have underestimated the value of a woman as a companion – perhaps even a friend.”

Sarah, unable to hide her curiosity over his surprisingly conciliatory words, opened her puffy eyes slightly to look upon his face. His flared eyebrows were knit in a thoughtful, serious pose and his brown gaze penetrated hers with an intensity she had not seen before.

“Sarah,Icannotapologizeformywordsor my actions, for they stem from the truth of this matter between us ... which is a mutual attraction.” Sarah quickly dropped her head, stemming the contradiction on her lips. He seemed to know what she would have said. “I know you cannot admit it to me, for you were reared to speak naught of such things. But I would not wish to be spurned before we have had the opportunity to know and understand each other ... and I see that my words have nearly done the deed. For that,” he whispered, pulling her closer, “I am truly sorry.

“So,” he said rather gru ffly, and Sarah sensed this speech was an effort for him, “I will give you my word that no harm will come to you at my hands and I beseech you to reinstate your offer to allow me to court you – ‘as a gentleman courts a lady’ – I think you said. Whatever springs from our liaison will be because you desire it. Can you agree to this now?”

Her head still bowed and her mind tumbling with a gamut of disjointed thoughts, she answered with the only comment she could honestly make. “I do not trust you.”

“I can understand your feelings,” he replied. “And all I can tell you is that I am a man of my word. Your father knows this. Look at me, Sarah,” he implored and she raised her head slightly to seek his face beneath her thick, black lashes. “You have my solemn promise that your feelings will be considered in this relationship. And if I play you false,” he added, his sensual lips curling up in a slight grin, “you only have to tell your father. Indeed I have much to lose that is of no small importance to my future. I trust the terms are fair?”

“Oh,” she sighed and her breath came out in a shudder. “I-I cannot say ... I feel ‘twould be simpler to drop the whole matter, for it has been going badly for me since the moment we met,” she answered, wincing as she rubbed her left hip.

Stewart laughed aloud, visibly relaxing as he looped his left arm through her right one and began moving her toward the library doors. “Lady Sarah, your wit is a delight to my ears. Come; let me escort you to the servants’ stairs. You needn’t make any decisions tonight, for I have decided to show you what a charming, trustworthy companion I can be. If, by week’s end, you find me thoroughly revolting, then you can tell me so and I’ll never impose myself on you again.”

As he guided her to the door to the back stairs, he continued gallantly, his handsome dark eyes brimming with humor. “Good night, Lady Sarah. Pleasant dreams and I look forward to our next meeting. Until then,” he gestured, bending to make a magnificent leg, especially for a Yankee. And with that he turned on his heel and strolled casually back down the hall toward the library, leaving Sarah to gawk at him, a look of total surprise on her innocent, tear-stained face. CHAPTER 8

True to his words, Sarah could find no fault with Stewart’s behavior over the following days, even though at first she tried. During their times together, at dinner and afterwards in the parlor, he was poised, polite, complimentary and the conversations they shared were fascinating to Sarah, who had never ventured farther from her home than Brighton Beach. Stewart was full of stories about the many places he’d visited during his days as a sailor. Minimizing the dangers involved in his exploits, he spoke easily of the many people he had met and the exotic places he had been.

Though she tried not to show it, Sarah was impressed. Stewart had lived a life she had known only through her books. In vain, she sought to quell her curiosity, but because Stewart maintained a certain modesty about his adventures, she found herself asking many more questions that she meant to. The last thing she wanted to do was give Stewart the idea that she was interested in him, but alas, she could not hide it.

Late on the fifth afternoon of his visit, shortly following the departure of Weston’s business associates with whom he and Chamberlain had been meeting, Sarah heard a quick rapping on her door.

“Yes?” she responded, marking the place in the book she had been trying to read. The door opened and Tegan stepped into the room, a cheery smile on her rosy face.

“LadySarah,Mr.Chamberlainhasaskedme to see if you would care to join him on a walk to the stables. He feels the need for some exercise, he said, and would enjoy your company.”

Sarah was delighted to hear the invitation, but she refused to give Tegan the satisfaction of knowing her feelings. Ignoring the maid’s beaming expression, she replied offhandedly, “Tell Mr. Chamberlain I will be down shortly. I should visit Serena, since I have not seen her since the fall. I wouldn’t want her to think I bear a grudge ....”

“Nomum,”Teganchuckled,notatallfooled by her mistress’s nonchalance. “You wouldn’t want that. I’ll tell Mr. Chamberlain.” As she turned to leave the room, she added, “It’s a lovely day. I think all you’ll need is a shawl.”

AssoonasTeganwasgone,Sarahjumped out of her chair, rushed to the mirror and furiously began brushing her dark hair until it shone. As she carelessly pinned it up off her neck, she chided herself for suddenly feeling so radiant. “It’s simply that he is someone new to talk to,” she muttered to her reflection in the mirror, but she knew that didn't fully explain the glimmer of excitement in her deep blue eyes, or the sudden rosiness of her cheeks. Dismissing the inexplicable thoughts beginning to surface, she abruptly turned from the mirror, grabbed a shawl and bonnet from her bureau and hastily ran from the room.

Controlling her pace just before she reached the stairs, Sarah took a deep breath and slowly descended. Seeing Stewart’s casually-attired form, his back to her as he stared out the foyer window, Sarah could not resist the urge to smile. He looked so tall and handsome standing there with his hands behind his back, his curling hair sweeping the collar of his white shirt.

As if he knew she was there, Stewart suddenly whirled about and Sarah had no chance to hide her happy expression. “Good afternoon,” he said warmly, grinning pleasantly, his eyes reflecting his approval of her appearance. She was glad that she had chosen this pale green dress. Though simple, she knew it flattered her figure and set off her eyes dramatically. “I am glad you decided to walk with me,” he said, coming toward her. “That must mean you are recovered from your spill.”

“That’s right,” she replied, suddenly shy. “I feel nearly as good as before. Perhaps I’ll be able to ride tomorrow.”

Stewart politely took her elbow and led her to the front door. “I wish I could join you, but I will be returning to London tomorrow. I’ve an engagement I’m unable to break. But,” he added, as they stepped out onto the portico, “perhaps we could ride during my next visit?”

Sarah found it di fficult to hide the sudden quickening of her heartbeat. “So you’ll be coming back?”

“Why yes,” Stewart answered. “I think I told you before. Your father and I have found it much more suitable to arrange our business in relative seclusion. We are not eager to deal publicly at this time, since it might arouse undue suspicion. Therefore, I will be visiting again.”

As they walked toward the stables, Sarah asked casually, though she did not feel at all casual with him so near, “You must miss your home and family being away as long as you are.”

“Well,” Stewart replied as they neared the paddock fence, “I am used to being away for longer periods than this, but since I’ve acquired some property near Boston, I must admit I do find myself occasionally longing for a visit there. I have a farm and have hired a couple to care for it. It’s a peaceful place, a far cry from city life, and I find I enjoy the times I can help with the planting, the harvest and caring for the animals.”

As Stewart rested his elbow on the fence, Sarah pulled herself up to get a better look at the yearling Silas was working with in the yard. “I don’t understand,” she said quietly, studying the spirited filly, “if you enjoy your farm so much, why do you bother pursuing these business interests? You have no need of money. Father told me you’ve amassed quite a fortune ... for a Yankee,” she added, a twinkle softening her eyes.

Stewart laughed easily and leaned a bit closer to her. “Well. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and I’ve been rather fortunate in my pursuits. I still have my life, my health and I am able to live comfortably, when I so desire. But – and your father can vouch for this – life can seem somewhat unfulfilling when there is no challenge, so I keep my hand in business interests I think can turn a profit – and which are beneficial to my country,” he concluded, looking away as if embarrassed to express his patriotism.

“IamnotsosureIcanbelieveyour gallantry,” Sarah replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You strike me as someone who enjoys nothing more than besting others. That it profits another besides yourself seems inconsequential.”

Stewart sighed and seemed to concentrate on watching Silas and the filly. “As usual, Lady Sarah, your judgment of me is harsh. In truth, I share with my countrymen a great love of opportunity and equality for all. And since I have not the burden of family responsibilities, I can spend my time working to bring greater wealth to America.”

“For some,” Stewart answered matter-offactly. “It’s not a subject I consider often, since it does not apply to me.”

Once again, he had sidestepped the issue of marriage, Sarah noticed with contempt. He is a rogue to the soles of his boots, she thought, irritated with herself for even caring. Her feelings for him were an inexplicable mixture of interest and disdain. Every time she tried to dismiss him from her thoughts, something drew her closer. She looked forward to seeing him and yet when they were together, she found herself wary and skittish. His overpowering attractiveness frightened her even as she was drawn closer to it. She could not conceive of a happy relationship with him, and yet she could not deny that she hoped to see him again.

In many ways she was pleased with the way things were between them – happy, congenial, and often companionable with only occasional episodes of tension – as now. It was this basic difference between them – he seeking a lover he could talk to, and she longing for a friendship that might blossom into marriage – that made it impossible for Sarah to be completely relaxed in his presence.