Fortune's Flames (19 page)

Trying to clear their heads and calm their agitated nerves, Maren and Jared returned to Lady Luck without discussing Eric James. After Maren went upstairs, Jared asked Mary to prepare a nice meal for them to be served at five, and to chill a bottle of champagne. He requested the early dining hour so they would have time to eat in a leisurely fashion before their employees arrived at about six. Jared grinned at the genial housekeeper as he left her.

But Maren was surprised when Mary came to her room and revealed Jared’s plans for that evening. Noting her reaction, Mary told her, “He’s something real special, Miss Maren; I hope you realize how much he likes you.”

Maren didn’t respond, but after Mary had departed she scoffed, “Or how much he wants from me. Damn you, Jared Morgan, what are you up to?”

Suspicions flooded her mind. Suppose she did
recover her losses from Eric, when she had “willed” everything to Jared, couldn’t something happen to her? The man she loved and desired might be the greedy conniver, not her cousin. But what if Jared was right about Eric? And if she surrendered to Jared, did he really care for her?

Flustered, Maren muttered, “Life is all about taking risks, isn’t it, Maren ol’ girl? If only there wasn’t so much at stake…”

When Maren descended the steps at five o’clock, she was dressed in a light rose taffeta gown. A darker shade of tulle edged the hem, the neckline, and the puffy sleeves. And the gown had a raised waistline, but it was not banded tightly just beneath her breasts, nor was the bodice cut very low. Maren had removed several tiny roses from the nosegay Jared had given her the day before, and had secured them amidst the curls atop her dark brown head. She wore no jewelry, so nothing drew attention from her silky shoulders and her slender neck, which was made more noticeable by her unswept hairstyle. She trod softly in the dark rose slippers, but Jared’s keen ears heard her approach.

He met her at the base of the stairs, and, entranced, he let his gaze roam over her appreciatively. “You look beautiful, Maren. I’m glad you agreed to join me for dinner, even if I did irritate you today.”

“One has to eat, doesn’t one?” she replied politely, still somewhat miffed because of their earlier dispute. “Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Morgan. You look quite dashing yourself.”

Jared’s slim hips and hard-muscled thighs were clad in close-fitting breeches with button fastenings below the knees. His ma tching dove gray coat was cut square across the front to the waist, and had wide lapels and revers. His white ruffled shirt had a high collar, and a neatly tied dark gray cravat set it off. His coat sleeves were slashed at the wrists, and his exposed shirt cuffs were also ruffled. A green- and wine-striped vest, gray silk stockings, and leather shoes completed his immaculate attire.

Maren noticed that his sun-tipped locks had been brushed away from his tanned face, and that some curled over his collar at the nape of his neck. His tawny eyes glowed as he looked her over from head to toe, and she was glad he was so tall. His height made him seem so masterful and so self-assured. She even liked the way his jawline curved, and the shape of his nose. Even his brows enhanced his looks. Indeed, Jared was a man who seemed to have everything: looks, wealth, confidence, breeding, intelligence, and prowess.

Jared was deeply affected by her admiring scrutiny. “Do I pass inspection, partner?” he teased, to gain time and regain mastery of himself.

Suddenly aware of her devouring gaze and predacious mood, Maren silently chided herself for such a display. She meant to think her next words, but she spoke them aloud. “You look perfect, Jared, too damned perfect.”

“Why should my gentlemanly facade annoy you, Miss James? Don’t you want me to keep our female
patrons as happy as you keep our male ones?” he inquired, grinning at her dismay and her slip.

“How do I deal with someone who knows and has everything? With a man who has no faults— according to him.”

“I don’t recall ever claiming to be anywhere near perfect. What’s wrong, my lovely feline? Something has your back up tonight.”

“Sorry,” she murmured, vexed with herself for acting so foolish. “I guess I’m still upset over our quarrel this morning.”

“Can we forget about business for tonight?” he entreated. “I was hoping we could have a nice dinner to celebrate our agreement.”

“Forget business or celebrate your victory, which is it?”

A look of disappointment came to his eyes. “It seems as if my idea was a bad one.”

“No, Jared,” she protested quickly. “It’s a wonderful idea and a kind gesture. I’m the bad one. It’s just that…”

“That what, Maren?” he inquired tenderly. He captured her hand in his and, carrying it to his mouth, let his lips lightly brush her fingertips. “What’s wrong, love?” he asked, kissing her palm.

Maren shuddered with an overwhelming need for him. She withdrew her hand from his. “You stroll into my life and instantly try to change it. You don’t even ask what I think or how I feel or what I want. You make demands, make decisions, and you make
threats. You want everything to go your way. I am supposed to fall in with your plans as if I have none of my own, as if I have nothing to lose. For your information, Jared Morgan, I have a lot at stake, financially and personally. If you expect me to take great risks with you, then allow me to have some sayso, and if I feel it is necessary, I will change. I’m not a child or a dunderhead.”

“I know you aren’t, Maren. If you were, I wouldn’t be interested in you. I suppose I have been too bossy and overbearing. I’m a man, and such behavior comes naturally to me. And I’m new at partnerships, especially one with a woman. I’m used to being in charge of everything and everyone around me, to doing things a certain way, but suddenly I don’t know where I stand or what I’m doing. That makes me a little edgy and defensive, perhaps too demanding. I apologize for my behavior.”

“If this partnership is going to work, we both must make some changes and some compromises. Just because I’m a woman, it is no easier for me to accept the situation. You seem used to women who obey your every command, but let me tell you, women have feelings and goals, too.”

“You’re right, Maren. I’ll do my best to remember your warning.”

Maren closed her eyes for a moment. “It wasn’t a warning, Jared. Why do you see everything as a power play?”

“Calm down, Maren. It really bothers you to think
I have power over you, doesn’t it?” he asked seriously.

“Wouldn’t it bother you if our positions were reversed? You make me feel helpless and vulnerable, insecure and utterly confused. My father taught me many things, but not how to deal with the emotions I’m feeling or the predicament I am in. He taught me to be strong and independent, to attack problems head-on. But you strolled in and decided to take control of me and my life. Why did Papa give you so much authority?”

“Please don’t take offense at my answer, but he did it because I’m a man, and because I’m older and I know more about business. I think Cameron would have changed the terms of my agreement with him if he had lived until you were older and knew the business better. I’m sure he only intended to protect you while you were young, or from…”

“From what? Go ahead, say it. From Eric.”

“From anyone who might take advantage of you during my absence.”

“Darn it, Jared! I’m not stupid! Don’t you think I realize things are strange when…” She frowned and, turning from him, leaned against the staircase, intending to get some self-control.

Jared remained silent and alert. He could tell how troubled she was. He had been pushing her a mite hard since his arrival. After all, she didn’t know of Eric’s evil deeds, so he shouldn’t expect her to react in the same way he did. He had to relax and pull back or he was going to spoil everything. “I seem to be saying
this a lot, but I’m sorry.”

Finally Maren faced him again. “All right, Jared, the truth. Yes, I’m suspicious of Eric; I have been since I left London. But this is something I have to handle myself, and without intrusion. You’ve already alerted that lawyer to my doubts about him. He’ll tell Eric about our visit; then Eric will close up tighter than a clam. I was planning to work on him when he returned, but now he’ll be on guard. I’ve known him all my life, and we’ve been very close. We’re kin. I can’t just turn my back on him, believe the worst of him, until I gather proof. And I must do it, Jared, not you or anyone else. Maybe Eric’s in trouble; maybe he’s been greedy, made mistakes or intentionally erred. If so, I can help him. Please, let me stand on my own two feet for a while so I can resolve this situation.”

“That’s dangerous, Maren; he’s dangerous,” Jared warned.

“That’s only your opinion,” she declared. “You could be wrong, and I hope you are. No matter what I just said, you aren’t perfect.”

“But I’m not wrong this time, Maren, nor is the President. He ordered me to look into Eric James’s dealings with the British. There was an American spy on the
Martha J;
he passed me a note when we boarded her. He’s the one who asked me to sail in your shadow and to watch your cousin closely. And he asked President Madison to send me here to unmask a traitor.”

Maren quickly reflected on that voyage. “It was Peter Thomas, wasn’t it? The sailor with sandy hair.”

“How do you know about Peter?” he asked worriedly.

“It would have to be him; he was always watching me.”

“Did Eric notice him too?”

“How should I know? Why?”

“He’s still sailing with your cousin; his life could be in danger if Eric suspects him.”

“I don’t think so. Maybe he was just admiring me,” she jested.

“That’s more likely,” Jared agreed. “Peter overheard Eric tell Wolfe you had fooled me completely, and when Peter told me you were James Slade’s wife, I thought that was what Eric had meant. Later, I realized he was referring to the ruse you used to keep the necklace. Eric also said you had a big part to play in his scheme, that you were clever and trustworthy. I believe he was referring to you having provided a cover for his trip to London. Can you see why I was angry and doubtful?”

“Do you still mistrust me, Jared?”

“Certainly not,” he vowed. “Peter left us in Washington to return to Baltimore and rejoin your cousin. One way or another, the truth about Eric James will be exposed in the next few months.”

“So, you did come here for a reason other than finding me.”

“I have several missions in this area, but I
volunteered for them so I could be with you while carrying them out,” he admitted. “Take a chance on me, my talented gambler; I’m worth the risk.”

“Perhaps you are, Captain Hawk, perhaps you are. Let’s eat.”

“I guess that means our conversation is over?”

“You’re right, Jared, at least for now. No more talk of wars and business tonight. Please.”

They dined on a juicy duckling which had been baked and browned to perfection, along with lowcountry wild rice, succulent carrots, hot croissants, and creamy butter; all delectably washed down with champagne. Mary served them in the front room, ata table near an open window through which a gentle breeze carried a floral odor.

When they were alone, Maren teased Jared as she sipped her second glass of champagne. “Isn’t it a bit early in the day to be getting me intoxicated, Captain Hawk? I could go wild and attack you.”

Jared laughed. “You’re limited to two glasses, so that’s your last one. Your reputation would definitely be endangered if our patrons arrived to find you chasing me around the house. I can’t allow that.”

“Why would I have to chase you? I thought you were going to pursue me.”

“This isn’t Thursday night; my siege begins then.”

Maren put her glass aside and asked, “Are you truly making an appointment to seduce me, as you would arrange a business meeting?”

Jared did not chuckle when he said, “Never, my enchanting siren. It’s a promise, an enticing threat you might call it. I don’t want to start us boiling like wild rice when we don’t have time to cook properly. That would only create a sticky mess. I’m giving you plenty of time to decide what you want in a man, because once you’re mine, I don’t want you to think I pressed you unfairly. At midnight on Thursday, I’m going to knock on your door. Don’t open it if you have any doubts about me or about us. If you do open it, I’ll consider that an acceptance of my proposal and we will marry on January first or when the war ends, whichever comes first.”

“The war could end any day, Jared, even tomorrow.”

He grinned devilishly. “I know.”

Maren shook her head very slowly. “You are the most exasperating and bewildering man I’ve ever met. I never know when you’re joking.”

“Yes, you do, Maren; you’re just afraid to admit it to yourself.” He pulled a box from his pocket and passed it to her. “For you.”

Maren’s heart began to thud heavily, and she wondered if he could hear it. “What is it?” she asked, clutching the small gift tightly.

“There’s only one way to find out.”

Maren lowered her gaze to the box and with shaky fingers, she opened it. She withdrew an oval locket on a gold chain. “Where did you get this?” she asked. “When?”

Jared came around the table and bent forward to
explain. “I stole your parents’ picture from your rooms upstairs and I already had the one of me on my ship. I had an artist do miniatures of both. When I left this morning, I went to pick up this present. I ordered it yesterday, before I met you and Beth. It may be presumptuous and vain of me, but do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful. Thank you, Jared.”

He looked into her misty eyes and said, “If you reject me, you can always remove my picture and replace it.”

Maren focused her dewy gaze on his painted image and smiled. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll leave it here for a while. Will you put the locket on for me? I’m so excited and pleased that my hands are shaking.”

Jared stepped behind her and fastened the clasp, allowing the locket to settle near her heart. After Maren caressed it fondly and thanked him again, he strewed kisses from her left ear to her shoulder. When she lifted her head to look at him, their eyes locked, and for a long time they gazed at each other. Then their hands joined, and their lips drew nearer.