Love's Vengeance (47 page)

Desiree felt more at ease with an escort but that ease fled quickly upon crossing the threshold of the ballroom. Stephen stood close to the entrance, conversing with a group of men and as they entered, his companions’ eyes came to the door and Stephen turned to see where their attention strayed. Desiree smiled softly at the group as her eyes locked with Stephens and she could not seem to pull them away.

He was dressed in a dark midnight blue that set his hair off to a molten gold and accentuated his tall lean frame. The white shirt and stock brought out the deep tan of his face. He looked magnificent, she thought.

Stephen turned away first and the group of men nodded at Desiree and smiled with appreciation until Stephen prodded them back into their conversation. Desiree could feel tears welling up and she had been in his presence only one short moment. She wondered how on earth she was going to manage an entire evening. Her eyes darted about the room barely seeing the bright dresses of the women and the fine suits of the men about her. She tried to concentrate on the music from the musicians at the far side of the room as they started up a soft melody and couples gathered on the floor to dance beneath shimmering light cast from lighted chandeliers.

“Would you honor me with the first dance?” A friendly voice asked grandly near Desiree’s side; taking her hand in his own.

Desiree looked up into the hazel eyes of Stephen’s father as he awaited her reply. He was very distinguished looking in dark brown, with a gold trimmed waistcoat. She smiled, relieved to have the awkward moment brought to an end. With thanks to Davison and a glance at Bridgett for her assurance, she took Michael Colter’s arm and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. She was miserable but was determined not to make that truth known to Stephen’s father. He was an excellent dancer and as they swirled gaily about the room, she caught sight of Stephen watching them. She tried not to notice, talking lightly with Michael and keeping her mind filled with other thoughts.

The interlude reminded her of dances at her home when she and her father would take to the floor and it seemed like only yesterday. They had been gone now for over six months and she wondered what they would think of the person she had become. She had changed so, in only a few short month’s time and most—for the worse. If she could only have the opportunity, she might reverse a few of those changes but by Stephen’s attitude she doubted she would have her chance this night to make amends.

As they danced, a very dapper looking Timothy in a stunning forest green suit approached them. He politely tapped his father upon the shoulder.

“Mind if I cut in?”

Michael frowned at his son with feigned annoyance, “Of course I mind. I happen to be dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room and you expect me to give her up to
you
?” he quipped with a chuckle.

“Well then I see a beautiful creature entering the room. Perhaps I shall claim her first dance.” Tim said starting off.

Michael looked to the door and his wife and Desiree saw the sparkle of love in Michael’s eyes, “Timothy come back.” he beckoned, “Desiree my sweet I suppose I must send you among the wolves at some point this eve, sooner than I thought it seems.”

“Thank you very much.” Tim interjected.

“But I think I should go and see about a dance with that lovely lady at the door before she is stolen away from me.”

“Fear not Michael I understand.” Desiree assured.

“I will take over here—go ahead.” Tim urged, trying to hurry his father on his way with a wave of his hand.

“Thank you for the dance my dear.” Michael bowed over Desiree’s hand with a kiss.

“My pleasure.” Desiree barely was able to say before Tim scooped her into his arms, starting across the room, leaving his father behind.

Tim grinned foolishly down into Desiree’s face and she bubbled happily, “What is on your mind? I can see something brewing behind that silly smile.”

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. My brother is a fool or perhaps insane would be more accurate.” Tim declared, pulling her close and swinging her about.

“You should have seen the deadly glare I received from him on my entrance. I nearly burst into tears and would have, had your father not approached. I might have gone blubbering up to my room for the entire evening.”

“I saw—I do not think that was a deadly glare. A painful longing would better describe his expression. Are you going to tell him tonight?” he whispered confidentially.

“No! I told you that I am not going to tell him Timothy and I told you all my reasons earlier today. Please do not try to play matchmaker or pressure me into that. It would be disastrous! You simply do not understand. He hates me—he can’t stand the sight of me.” She assured softly with a tremble in her voice.

Tim pulled back, looking down into her eyes, “Don’t you dare cry! I won’t speak of it again, just don’t start crying.” He winced as if pained. “Come along, let’s get a glass of champagne—that might cheer you up.” He took her hand and led her to the bar at the far side of the room.

Tim placed the delicate crystal glass into Desiree’s hand and smiled softly, “Now this is your first.” he whispered, “One more—that is all. Understand?” He questioned as his eyes flitted downward briefly and Desiree nodded, touching his arm with affection.

Desiree raised the drink to her lips and her eyes scanned the crowd and again Stephen’s gaze pierced her and the depths of his dark eyes were unreadable. He downed his drink and then raised the glass toward her in a silent salute. She was not sure what the gesture meant but before she had time to ponder it, Vanessa sauntered up to Stephen and he turned his attention to her. Vanessa was dressed in a soft teal gown, covered in delicate lace and a
décolletage
that at least matched her own for daring. Vanessa raised on her toes, whispering something in Stephen’s ear and Desiree turned away, giving her attention to Tim and the young man he was in conversation with and she listened to them intently, trying to occupy her mind.

A moment later, she felt a light touch at her elbow and turned to look up at the tall, slim frame of Captain Anderson.

“I thought that was you.” He said with a smile and questioning eye.

“Why Captain Anderson, how are you sir?” Desiree exclaimed.

“What on earth are you doing here Miss Chandelle? I thought your destination was the colonies.” He laughed. “Stephen neglected to mention you were here, although I cannot imagine how that could slip his mind.”

“Captain I am afraid the story would take the majority of the evening to relate.”

“Well then I suppose I must speak with Stephen on that then. Might I ask for a dance?”

“It would be an honor.” Desiree agreed with a nod, taking Tim’s hand and pressing her empty glass into it. He turned from his conversation.

“Leaving me?” he said with a pout.

“Afraid I have had a better offer.” Desiree teased, with a giggle.

Tim laughed and nodded at Anderson, “Take it easy with this lady, she is to be pampered.” He smiled sweetly in the face of Desiree’s black scowl. She turned back to Captain Anderson with a ready smile in place and took his offered arm.

After leaving Timothy, it seemed that she went from one dance partner to another in rapid succession. Her only contact with Bridgett for the entire evening was a brief conversation as they filled their plates for dinner and an occasional word as they passed one another coming or going from the dance floor. Bridgett as well as she went from Ham, to Davison, to Harper, to a host of seaman they had become friendly with on the
Windward
and many that were new to them.

Desiree noticed Stephen from time to time in the company of different women, whirling about the floor and appearing to have an enjoyable time at it. However, as the night wore on she saw him more often alone at the bar and he seemed to hold an empty glass more often than a full one.

It was late in the evening when Desiree felt a need for a break from the dancing and moved to the veranda doors, looking out onto the lawn. The scene was awash in the soft light thrown by colored hanging lanterns. She was able to make out some of the guests clustered in groups chatting about the grounds, while others sat upon the benches placed about the clipped yard, sharing intimate conversations. Desiree moved out into the beckoning cool evening air and leaned against the railing, looking to the clear sky and the half moon that further lightened the night.

Bridgett had said she would outshine Vanessa as the sun to the moon but she had not yet been able to emit even a candle's brilliance, she thought dejectedly. With a whispering sigh, she turned to take a seat upon a small settee against the manor and gasped audibly when she saw that Stephen already resided there. He was alone and by the three empty glasses beside him, she surmised that he had been there for some time and she had intruded upon his solitude without realizing. She started to walk past him and return to the ball room but he rose, grasping her hand as she passed and pulling her gently to a halt. He smiled warmly and she could tell that he was in high spirits, but then she had incorrectly thought the very same last night.

“Miss Chandelle, I must tell you that you look ravishing.” He bowed deeply over her hand, placing a kiss there.

“
Merci
and you look most dashing this evening.” She replied softly, unsure of what his mood might yet reveal.

He touched his stock and chuckled, “Might I interest you in a walk about the grounds?” He gestured a wide sweep, taking in the yard and then his eyes met hers. “Please?”

Desiree’s heart raced and she smiled with new hope mounting, “Yes I would love to.”

Stephen walked with his hands loosely clasped behind his back and Desiree fell in step beside him, keeping a slight distance between them. They moved across the lawn and stopped near the pool. Stephen reached to touch the water, sending rings rippling across the smooth surface, then straightened up and turned to her.

“I wish to apologize for my behavior last night Desiree. It was uncalled for and I deeply regret it.” He admitted without looking into her eyes, “I seem to be forever apologizing to you for one thing or another, from the first day we met as a matter of fact.” He gazed at her warmly then and gave a heavy sigh.

“I also have much to apologize for. I wish we could find time to sit quietly and discuss matters without ending in a war of words.” Desiree answered honestly and clasped her hands together to halt the trembling which possessed them.

“I looked for you this afternoon in hopes of just that, but was unable to find you.”

“Oh…I—was out walking with Tim.”

Stephen nodded, “I saw him upon your return. He was being very cryptic; grinning from ear to ear. No explanation except to say that you had made his day. What was he talking about?” He cocked his head with curiosity, waiting for an answer.

Desiree had her last shred of composure take flight. She stood stock-still and he frowned in confusion, waiting patiently.

“Well…” she shrugged her bare shoulders and reached out to touch the pool of water, stalling for a few more moments to think of a response, “I—I don’t know why he would say something like that.” She lied. Timothy was going to get a few choice words for that slip, she thought angrily.

Stephen let her uneasiness go without comment; deciding instead to get on to more important matters, “Desiree I need to tell you something. And if you would please just allow me to get this out before you respond…”

“There you are Stephen.” A honey sweet voice purred.

Stephen turned to see Vanessa approaching.

“I have been looking all over for you. You promised me a dance and then you disappeared.” She looked to Desiree coolly, “Good evening dear. How are you?” She asked and then turned her attention back to Stephen before Desiree could even open her mouth to reply. “Stephen would you please—come dance. The evening is nearly over and you did promise.” She reminded him hanging on his arm possessively.

“I am afraid not Vanessa. I am very much occupied at the moment.” Stephen replied while looking to Desiree with a warm smile and disengaging himself from Vanessa’s grasp.

Desiree saw this as an opportunity for a substantial step forward and she smiled at Vanessa and then turned her attention to Stephen. “Please go on Stephen. If you promised you must not break your word. We will have the entire night to continue our conversation after the guests have gone.” She smiled and saw his face light up as he appreciated the definite invitation.

Desiree decided to set Miss Haines back a pace and she lifted on her toes, placing a gentle lingering kiss upon Stephen’s mouth. The contact set both she and Stephen aback more than either of them could have imagined. Desiree felt thankful for the dim light, which masked the obvious passion she knew was burning between them. She excused herself with a few soft words and hurried off across the lawn toward the manor.

“Come along Vanessa. The music awaits.” Stephen said brightly, pulling her along by her elbow in Desiree’s wake.

***

Stephen guided Vanessa about the dance floor but she felt as if—no she
knew
she did not have his full attention, in fact, she barely felt as if he were aware of her presence. His eyes averted toward Desiree constantly as she also took to the dance floor with Timothy. Vanessa noted Stephen was actually happy, when for most of the evening a dark mood had shadowed his features, and it infuriated her that he could be so completely taken with that French woman.

“She is quite lovely Stephen.” she remarked, looking back over her shoulder to observe Desiree and Tim as they danced across the room opposite them. She was not really seeing them at all, for her mind was moving ahead now, laying out her next words. It was time for her assault and she had to be convincing, “I can see why you are so taken with her. She is charming I must admit.”

Stephen looked slyly down into Vanessa’s eyes, “My dear I have never known you to be so gracious with compliments where other women are concerned. What has come over you?” He asked suspiciously with a raised eyebrow.