Love Me With Fury (32 page)

She gaped at him as enlightenment settled in, caution promptly filling her. “What are you doing here, Joe? I wasn’t expecting you today. I hate to disappoint you, but I didn’t require any help. I had him under control; we were racing the wind. I ride all the time and I’m good at it,” she petulantly stated in pride and annoyance.

He grinned. “I see. But my panic was reasonable and my rescue well intended.”

“In the future, make sure I need help first,” she snipped at his smug look. “Were you looking for me or taking a ride?” she asked as she calmed down.

“Both,” he casually informed her. “The ride first, then I was coming to see you later.” He reached out to push some hair from her face, then smiled.

She flushed at his smoldering gaze which engulfed her. His appreciation was bold and strangely disturbing. What was he doing? His manner had altered drastically since Sunday!

“How can a female be so devastatingly beautiful? You’re enchanting, Alex, utterly and irresistibly bewitching,” he murmured in a husky tone. “Have dinner with me tonight?” he entreated, grinning roguishly.

Unnerved by his forwardness and the effect of his mood and appeal, she stammered, “But we…just had dinner together. And we’ll…be going out again in a few days.”

“I doubt it’s possible for a man to see enough of you, but never too much. Please,” he coaxed in a tone which lacked any real hint of weakness.

“I have other plans tonight,” she only half lied. Had she become so wanton since her sojourn with Joshua that a handsome and virile stranger could entice her to the point of temptation and desire?

“Are you afraid of me, Alex?” he unexpectedly asked, utterly serious.

“Why should I be? You’ve been a perfect gentleman and you’re from a fine family,” she replied unconvincingly.

“Any man makes you uneasy, doesn’t he? Why?” he demanded.

Alex’s face whitened beneath her tawny skin. A tremor swept over her; she moistened her suddenly dry lips. Feeling she had to give some explanation, she said, “Perhaps in some way I am. I resent overly eager men who forget their place and mine. I don’t like being stormed for attention or pressured for responses which I don’t feel. Now, I better get back before Uncle Henry starts to worry. I said I was takinga short ride.”

Joe gently caught her arm and denied her skittish retreat. “In my case, Alex, you have nothing to fear or resist. I can assure you my intentions are most honorable. Will you marry me?”

“Marry you?” she echoed in astonishment. “But we just met. I like you and enjoy your company, Joe, but I don’t love you or wish to marry you. I’m sorry to be so blunt. I hope I haven’t given you any reason to misunderstand my friendship. If so, I’m sorry,” she repeated in rising disquiet.

A pleased grin captured his sensual mouth and softened his eyes. She stared at him in utter
bewilderment. He drew her into his arms and kissed her soundly—a masterful, heady kiss which revealed his experience and skill. Caught unprepared for this pervasive assault upon her starving senses, Alex swayed against him and accepted the passionate kiss without returning it.

When he pulled his mouth from hers, she stared at him. His igneous sapphire eyes devoured her features and exposed his desire. “Marry me, Alex,” he coaxed. “We’re perfectly matched and I’ll make you forget every man you’ve ever known.”

“What wicked sport are you playing, John?” she angrily accused.

“How did you know it was me? I had hoped to sweep you off your feet and have you legally bound to me before you guessed the truth,” he candidly declared, grinning at her.

“You might look like Joe, but you’re nothing like him,” she responded in a shaky voice.

“We’re more alike than people realize, Alex,” he indifferently dropped a hint which agreed with her uncle’s perceptions. “I’m glad you aren’t falling for Joe; he could never make you feel the way I can.”

“You overestimate your charms and powers, John. Needless to say, I am aware of your reputation,” Alex declared, angered by his game and her response to him.

He laughed cheerfully and challenged, “If there’s one thing I recognize, Alex, it’s a woman’s interest. You might think you feel nothing for me, but you do. I know that look and sense a warring air in you. As to my
reputation, men always get a colorful one when they take and enjoy what pleases them. I don’t care what others think or say. You should know envy causes more gossip and exaggeration than the truth. My proposal was deadly serious. If you agree, I’ll make the best husband possible,” he stated confidently.

To lead this conversation to safety, Alex asked, “Why were you looking for me?”

Guessing her ploy, he chuckled. “To return this,” he replied, handing her the heart-shaped necklace which she had given to Daniel.

“Why would he return it? No matter, I can’t take it back. I want no obligations to that offensive creature,” she protested.

“I purchased it from him. It’s yours…without any obligations. Its color matches your eyes and its shape proclaims your nature. Please accept it,” he urged tenderly.

“I can’t take it, John. You shouldn’t have bought it. Still, it was a generous and thoughtful act, but too extravagant. Thank you,” she whispered softly, touched by his genuine sincerity.

“What can I do with a gem like this?” he teased her.

“I’m sure you’ll find some lucky female who’ll cherish it,” she replied, smiling.

“No one could do it the justice you do. Besides, after snuggling so close to you, how could I bear to see it upon another female?”

“Then hold it for your future wife,” she playfully suggested.

“Which won’t be you, right?”

“I must decline, John. I hate to admit it, but I don’t trust you,” she ruefully, but honestly, replied.

“Only because you don’t know me, and you’re afraid to trust yourself with me. Can I at least hope you’ll consider my proposal?” he pressed.

“Please don’t. In light of the trouble with Daniel, I wouldn’t want to inspire any false hopes or impressions. But I am extremely fond of you already. You are much too disarming, you dashing rogue.”

“As are you, my lovely angel,” he murmured.

“Don’t call me that!” she screamed at him, pale and rigid.

Startled by her outburst, John was taken aback—until he saw the tears in her eyes. A connoisseur of women, it took little imagination to comprehend the source of Alex’s distress. Careful not to frighten her, he pulled her into his arms and comforted her. He fiercely controlled his raging desire for her. He could spoil any hope of winning her over if he took advantage of her now. When she regained her composure, he smiled and offered to see her home.

She returned the smile and thanked him, knowing how tightly he was restraining himself. He grinned and bid her a hasty farewell at the door. Halfway down the front steps, he halted and turned to say, “If you need or want to see me, will you send a message?”

Alex readily agreed, then watched him mount up and ride off while waving to her. Despite everything, she wished she dared to encourage him. But now it was better for both of them if they stayed apart. For the first time in her present state of turmoil, Alex realized
she was holding something. She glanced down at her hand; John had pressed the necklace into it while saying goodbye.

That next morning an urgent message came for Henry from President Madison who was requesting his prompt visit to Washington. Alex witnessed his curious reaction to this prestigious summons. He was furious about something in the letter. He was mumbling about the heavy fighting going on to the northern border, Rogers’s defensive movement to New York, and Madison’s pre-occupation with the upcoming presidential election. Two other facts elated him: Perry had defeated the British fleet on Lake Erie and Elliott had captured two other British ships.

Henry halted his nervous pacing to ask her if she wished to tag along. “The fighting’s getting rougher, Alex, and nearer. I couldn’t rest easy worrying about your safety. Might be a pleasing outing,” he needlessly coaxed.

Overjoyed at some excuse to avoid the men around Philadelphia, and excited about such an adventure, Alex instantly agreed. “I’ll send Joe a message to let him know I’ve left, but only after it’s a fact. When do we leave?”

“In the morning. I’d best get there quickly and see what the old bird wants. Probably needs help getting re-elected. With so many people growing weary of this war, he could inspire them to elect another man.”

“I don’t see why; they forced him to declare war,” she astutely surmised. “Washington…” she dreamily murmured.

The ride took three and a half days of arduous and bumpy travel in the otherwise comfortable and roomy coach. Sensing her uncle’s haste and vexation, Alex kept her discomfort to herself. How she wished this queasiness would stop assailing her during the early morning hours. At least her excessive sleepiness could be abated with occasional naps while her uncle read his papers. Even though her monthly was very late, she hoped it would be delayed a while longer until after their arrival.

Once ensconced in the hotel, Alex rested that first day. Caught up in business and political meetings, Henry was gone most of the time. Placed under the eagle eye of one of Madison’s trusted employees on that next day, Alex was given several tours to intriguing locations around the large city. Later, she was invited to dinner at Madison’s home.

She was overwhelmed by the illustrious guests present. She found herself smiling and enjoying the amiable, balding man who ruled this promising land. His features hawkish and harsh, his mellow mood and lively blue eyes still relaxed her. Even at sixty-one, he radiated an intelligence and warmth she found appealing and delightful.

Then, there was the famous orator and outspoken Warhawk John Calhoun. He flaunted a curious beard underneath his chin but sported no hair upon his stubborn chin or strong jawline. Bushy brows perched over dark and piercing eyes. He had a rapidly receding hairline which generously allowed his thinning hair to flow back to his nape. She couldn’t decide if she liked
this powerful and repellent man.

Henry Clay was a different matter. A self-educated lawyer who was known for his boldness, ardor, and frankness had no trouble winning friends and supporters with his magnetic charm and invigorating zeal. Although a Southerner, he fiercely opposed slavery, as she did. Also an ardent Warhawk, he had done much to inspire this war. But for his cleft chin and shapeless mouth, his features bore an aristocratic quality.

The most impressive man present was Daniel Webster, a dashing man in his early thirties. A staunch Federalist, he was also a lawyer. From the Northeast, his resentment of the predominance of Virginians and Southerners in government could be detected in his brazen statements. Unlike the others present, he had vigorously opposed this war. Known to be an eloquent speaker, that time his arguments had fallen upon deaf ears and hardened hearts. His features were large and most prominent. His sharply pointed brows gave him a satanic look. Added to that disadvantage, a bulbous nose, thin upper lip, and large lower one presented a false impression of sullenness.

While the few ladies were present, there was no mention of business or politics during dinner or the brief piano recital by a talented, blond woman who was married to Madison’s assistant John Lindsdale. Clearly vexed by Alex’s beauty and unintentional rivalry for masculine attention, she reminded Alex of Helen Gillis. As if unmindful of her husband and noted guests, her outrageous flirtations with other men took
Alex by surprise. Why did Lindsdale permit such wantonness?

Entrapped in the drawing room with the ladies after dinner, Alex was compelled to listen to their frivolous conversations while waiting for this now dull evening to end. To sneak a breath of fresh air, she pretended to excuse herself, then hurried outside.

Leaning against the wooden facade of the President’s mansion to the dark side of the lengthy U-shaped porch, Alex overheard a curious conversation between Cassandra Lindsdale and another young woman who was still unattached.

“I can’t believe it, Lucy; he’s finally back. He’s been gone too long,” she stated petulantly. “There’s no other man alive to compare with him. He’s a god and a devil.”

“But what about John; you’re married now,” Lucy argued. “It’s my turn to woo him.”

“You know Spence always preferred me over all other women,” she vainly announced.

“But you’re married now. Spence never fools with married women and you know it, Cass! Besides, he said he never wanted to see you again!”

“That was a silly misunderstanding. I’ll straighten it out,” she smugly vowed.

“Misunderstanding?” Lucy shrieked in amusement. “Catching his lady friend in bed with another man to make him jealous is more than a silly disagreement. Have you forgotten you pulled a knife on him and tried to castrate him?” she reminded the molten-blooded, hot-tempered woman with tawny hair
and flashing green eyes.

“He knows I was only upset by his rude dismissal. He’ll forgive me; you’ll see.”

“Spence doesn’t care what any woman feels or thinks. I hate him!”

“Liar,” Cassandra cooed. “You’ll accept any amount of attention from him like every other female does.”

“Only because he’s so handsome, virile, and wealthy,” she sneered.

“I would give my soul to have him,” Cassandra truthfully vowed. “What female wouldn’t after meeting him?”

“Spencer Farrington can have any woman he chooses for as long as he wishes and he’d accept none of them afterwards. When he marries, it’ll be to a wealthy, beautiful, and highborn lady. You mark my words, Cass; he’ll never settle for less.”

“Let’s sneak into the kitchen and get some wine; my throat is drier than cotton.” When Lucy agreed, they left.

Spencer Farrington? Could it be Sir William’s grandson, their future neighbor, the catty women had been discussing? Alex had heard wild tales about him, but had yet to meet him. Could he be as irresistible and aloof as they alleged? Alex laughed as she recalled her father’s last words to her about discussing an arranged marriage between herself and that rogue. Strange, Sir William had been the first to mention it. If this Spencer Farrington was such a catch, why didn’t he select his own wife from his endless list of conquests?
Could he be as reluctant and discriminating as she was? Could he be forced to marry a woman of Will’s choosing, possibly even her? Comparing their personalities and reputations, it could be a perfect match and solution!