Sea of Fire (13 page)

The four retrieved their outerwear and seconds later Elizabeth sat in Walter’s carriage with her hip and leg pressed against Christian’s, facing Walter and Charlotte.

It was hard for Elizabeth to ignore the muscled feel of him next to her. She pretended to straighten her skirts and scooted over a more comfortable distance. No sooner had she done so than Christian adjusted his coat and resumed a position where his shoulder, hip, and leg touched her. She wondered if that action was deliberate. When she glanced at him and saw his sly smile, she knew it had been. The cad. She’d pretend otherwise.

“Did you get the shipment of spices you expected to when we last talked?” Christian asked Walter.

“Aye, but it wasn’t unloaded until the next day,” Walter answered.

Elizabeth glanced from Walter to Christian. The two apparently had become good friends of late.

“Tell them what happened.” Charlotte touched Walter’s arm affectionately. “ ‘Tis all quite bizarre.”

“Have either of you heard the latest story that has been rumored along the wharf?” Walter asked, yet didn’t wait for their reply. “I’m sure you’re aware of the sailor’s tale where if a red glow is spotted on the sea—’tis a bad omen and whoever sees it—’tis a sign that their death is imminent.”

“I’ve only recently heard of it,” Christian admitted “I’ve not met anyone who saw this red glow or knew anyone else who had.”

“Many feel it’s the imagination of superstitious minds, yet, my shipment was not immediately unloaded for this very reason. A seaman swore he saw way out beyond Dublin Bay over the horizon to the Irish Sea a red glow on the water. The sailor stared at it for several minutes before the red glow disappeared.” Walter cleared his throat and continued. “So upset was he, the entire crew raced to the wharf to calm him. He collapsed. I don’t know if he did so from exhaustion and recovered, or ...” Walter held both hands out and shrugged.

“Surely, it was a glow from a ship’s lantern light,” Elizabeth offered.

“Nay,” Walter said. “The crew tried to convince him of it. He said it was not from a lantern light that comes from a ship. He swore on his mother’s grave that it was ungodly and unnatural.”

Elizabeth remembered the man who had died at White’s Inn and shivered.

“Hm. Interesting,” Christian said. “I was returning from Howth late one eve and thought my eyes had deceived me when one moment I thought I saw something red over the sea in the distance and next, when I blinked it was gone.”

Elizabeth sensed Christian’s gaze on her, and that this little tidbit was more to remind her that he had gone to Howth and discovered she lied, rather than to share any ideas about a red glow.

‘Tis all too frightening, regardless,” Charlotte spoke out as she snuggled next to Walter. “Please, say no more.”

Thank you, Charlotte, Elizabeth silently agreed.

“Perhaps calligraphy is more in order,” Christian suggested.

Walter sputtered. “Don’t get them started.”

Elizabeth darted a curious glance at Christian’s smug countenance. Had Walter voluntarily told him that she and Charlotte enjoyed calligraphy, or had Christian been asking questions about her? He mustn’t get too inquisitive or find out she protected her father by counterfeiting.

“When you enjoy something as much as we do, ‘tis easy to do. Right, Elizabeth?” Charlotte said as the carriage came to a halt.

Elizabeth smiled and nodded.

“Is there nothing else you enjoy as much?” Christian asked.

Though Christian was directing his question to Charlotte, once again, Elizabeth could feel the heat of his gaze upon her. She also had a good idea what he was referring to—the incorrigible man.

“Why of course there is. I enjoy my Walter,
and more,”
Charlotte said and smiled at her fiancé.

Walter, being the gentleman that he was, ignored the double entendre. He obviously understood that Charlotte had not meant it as a reference to their coupling. Instead, he took Charlotte’s hand and affectionately patted it. “We’ve arrived. Time to go.”

From the corner of Elizabeth’s eye, she saw Christian blatantly stare at her.

“Walter is a fortunate person,” Christian told Charlotte.

“As am I,” Charlotte added and descended the carriage.

Christian leaned closer to Elizabeth and whispered, “It’s the
and more
I wonder about.”

“Mr. Traynor! It’s not polite to speak of such.” Elizabeth turned to face him. “You must know Charlotte did not mean ... she meant ...” Elizabeth stopped when she realized that Christian was attentively listening with feigned innocence.

“She meant what?” Christian goaded.

“I don’t care to discuss it.” She shoved off from the carriage seat to exit.

Strong hands grabbed her by the waist and returned her to her previous seat.

“What are you doing? Take your hands off me.”

He obliged her, but the warning in his eyes gave her pause.

“We have some unfinished business.”

“Can we talk later? Walter and Charlotte will be wondering.”

“In that case, let us give them something to wonder about.” He wrapped his arms around her and his mouth came down on hers. Her lips betrayed her silent words of protest and accepted the kiss as if it was his due. Her stomach fluttered in delight. Next instant, he released her and she slowly opened her eyes to find his dark and glowing gaze transfixed to hers. She should speak up. She should demand an apology for such behavior. Yet, she could not.

Seconds later, he inhaled deeply and in a controlled voice said, “You’ll not leave this eve until you’ve answered all my questions satisfactorily.”

Perhaps it was the fact that she could not tell what he thought of their kiss, or that he thought nothing of the kiss or that he stole it with no apology or concern for propriety that prompted her response.

“You’re wrong. I’ll tell Charlotte you’re Adam’s brother and Walter that you assaulted me. Furthermore, don’t try to kiss me again. I don’t like it.”

Christian laughed, “First of all, little liar, you wouldn’t want to embarrass your friend, Charlotte. Secondly, you wouldn’t want the attention from the scandal of an assault. Besides, a kiss is hardly an assault; however, if you’d like ...” His eyes took on a suggestive gleam.

She grabbed her muff and descended from the carriage.

This time he didn’t stop her, but followed close behind her. The evening was not going as she’d planned, but it wasn’t over yet.

Chapter Nine

“We raced inside because of the rain. I was getting worried about you. Walter and I thought you were behind us.” Charlotte rushed up to Elizabeth once she and Christian entered the lobby of the William Street Exhibition Hall. The blonde curls by her ears bobbed and her large blue eyes showed concern. “What kept you?” Charlotte cocked her head in a curious expression at Christian.

“The skirt of my gown caught on the step of the carriage and Mr. Traynor was helping me unhook it,” Elizabeth answered and lowered the rain-splotched hood of her cloak.

“Charlotte is a bit anxious,” Walter said. “The performance will be starting shortly.”

Christian helped Elizabeth with her cloak and handed it and her muff along with his wet overcoat to a valet who appeared and took them. With their programs they hurried to their seats, which proved to be in a not-so-excellent location. Though they were far enough from the orchestra to appreciate the music at a pleasant level of loudness, they were at an angle from the center and in the middle of the row.

She and Charlotte sat down between Christian and Walter. Barely had Charlotte seated herself when she whispered to Elizabeth, “I’m going to ask Walter to change seats with me. The man’s head in front of me blocks my view of the maestro.”

Elizabeth nodded. A few seconds later Walter sat at her side. He smiled, leaned towards her and quietly said, “Many thanks for keeping our secret about Christian being Adam’s brother. I fear that knowledge would have upset Charlotte, but not as much as if I had not invited some gentleman this eve. The man I originally planned to introduce you to became ill.”

Before he could say more, Charlotte peeked around Walter’s shoulder. “What is it? What are you two whispering about?”

Walter was obviously at a loss for words. Neither could Elizabeth think of a response. It was Christian who piped up, “Walter was discussing my finer attributes with Elizabeth.”

Finer attributes, indeed. The conceited ... Elizabeth bit back her tongue. Charlotte, however, took Christian seriously, and said, “I do hope Elizabeth approves.”

“Aye. Well.” Walter faced Charlotte and started to talk about the orchestra.

Elizabeth dared not glance at Christian. She knew he’d have a grin from ear to ear. She also soon realized he would be angled in her direction most of the evening. Consequently, she was ill at ease.

Fortunately, the lighting soon dimmed and the music began. The audience was mesmerized. Other than an occasional cough or clearing of the throat, no sounds from the crowd were heard. The music, andante at first, crescendoed into an allegro rendition that awed her. So engrossed was she with the music, she momentarily forgot Christian was at her side.

When the first set of music ceased and everyone stood for intermission, Walter excused himself and Charlotte. “I’ve spotted an old chum I haven’t seen since last year. We’ll return shortly.”

“Take your time,” Christian said. “Elizabeth and I will get to know each other better.”

“Oh, do,” Charlotte agreed. “I just know you two will mix wonderfully.”

Elizabeth smiled at her friend until she left. She glanced up at Christian.

“Shall we call a truce and enjoy the evening,” he suggested. “I won’t question you until the evening is over and Charlotte and Walter are gone. You might as well relax.” His eyes twinkled, indicating his sincerity.

Why not? The music was pleasurable. She had nowhere to go. And, Christian, she suspected, could be a charmer when he wanted.

“All right. What would you like to talk about?” she asked.

“Let’s find a quiet place away from the crowd, off the lobby.” Christian stepped aside so Elizabeth could leave the aisle.

He lightly placed his hand on her back to guide her. Somehow the non-threatening gesture made her all too aware of his virility. Under other circumstances his appeal would be hard to resist. He led her to a section away from the center of the noisy chatter. A few people milled about, conversing about the program, but more quietly since they didn’t have to raise their voices to compete against each other.

Elizabeth eyed him speculatively. She waited for him to speak and hated the awkwardness of their situation. She never was uncomfortable around men, but then again, Christian was not just any man. He was a threat to her father’s well-being and much too charming when he chose to be.

He flashed her a crooked smile, as if he had read her thoughts, and said, “You were rather quiet when Walter mentioned the tale of the red glow. Did it frighten you?”

“Somewhat, but not because I’m overly superstitious. It’s the idea I suppose. I really don’t have to worry though.” Despite her trips to the
Aurora,
she mostly concentrated on the ships and activity along the wharf rather than the horizon over the bay. “I dislike the water and the sea. The only water I plan to be near is in my bath.” She used her program as a fan, having forgotten her own.

“Have you never been on a ship?”

She shook her head.

“A barge?”

She shook her head again.

“A currach?”

“Not that I can recall,” she answered, and smiled. “Why are you so surprised? You look as if I’ve said something unpardonable.”

“If I could not sail, I’d shrivel and wither away like a dried apple.”

He was too strong-willed for such a fate. She smiled.

He returned the smile and said, “The sea to me is a place of solitude. Miles and miles of it and freedom from the formalities of everyday life. No cravats. No waistcoats. No boots if I don’t like. There’s naught like a salty sea breeze in your face by day, and stars so bright and plentiful by night, you feel you can touch them from here.”

For an instant, she glimpsed a peacefulness about him.

“You make it sound enticing, but when you can’t swim, it can be terrifying.”

“You can’t swim?” His amber eyes widened.

“Of course not. I told you I don’t like anything to do with the water.”

“You poor creature. And, I suppose you have no desire to travel?”

“Aye, by coach or carriage,” she said, unsure she liked being referred to as a creature.

“You can’t get to France by coach.”

“Unless I sprout wings and fly there, I’ll not be going,” she said a bit huffily. “And, I don’t particularly like being called a creature.”

“I meant creature in the most complimentary sense of the word. As in sea nymph or lovely goddess.” He stood with his hands behind his back, watching her.

She flushed and more quickly fanned herself. She wasn’t pressing for a compliment either. Gracious, how the man twisted the conversation to suit him.

“Blush becomes you.” His gaze wandered from her face to briefly take in the rest of her. “You look quite pretty this eve.”

She knew she must have turned scarlet. Quickly, she ignored his flattery and asked, “Have you traveled many places over the sea?”

“Aye, but mostly to America. New York and Florida in particular.”

“I’m not familiar with either place. You sound like you make the trip often.” The warmth in her cheeks subsided.

“I do. I operate a shipping line back and forth from Sligo to America,” Christian told her. He maintained his stance with his hands behind him.

She wondered how Adam fit into all of this. At once, she became quite interested in the family he had never talked about to her. “How nice for you. Is it your family’s business?”

“Nay,” he said and glanced around them. 

“ ‘Tis time to go back inside the music hall.” He extended his arm to her.

She placed her hand on him in a ladylike manner, and they proceeded to their seats. Still, she was not going to let slip the opportunity to find out more about the mysterious Traynors. “So the shipping line is yours?”