“If Chad learns what we’re up to, he’ll kill us.”
“He won’t,” the redhead vowed with hostility and smugness. “Besides, he should hate the old bird for almost excluding him from the will. William was like a father to Chad. I wonder what happened … No matter,” she stated. “I have him duped completely, and I’ll do anything necessary not to lose him, or ratherthat fortune,even lick Leigh’s feet for a while. When everything’s in his grasp and we’re married, he’ll be sorry for all he’s done to me. I’ve made a public fool and harlot of myself to trick him, but it will be worth it one day. Don’t fret, my sweet; we’ll triumph. Soon we’ll be very rich and powerful women, and Lord Chadwick Hamilton can go to the devil where he belongs.”
“I hope we don’t fail. With the Webster holdings, we can do as we please, just you and me. I only hope my money holds out until we succeed. If it doesn’t, I’ll have to sell the estate and possibly my jewels to survive. That could give us away as frauds.”
“Don’t panic, Cynthia, and don’t sell anything. Use your skills and beauty to settle any pressing debts. Most men are willing to collect in that delightful manner. We’ll be rich and free by June.”
“I’m scared. Chadwick Hamilton isn’t a fool.”
“But Chad doesn’t know I want Webster International more than he does and that I’ll do anything to get it.” She ran her tongue over her lower lip. “I wish I knew where Joanna Harris is; I’m certain she and Chad were involved in that Elliott mess. She would make an excellent blackmail tool.”
“Speaking of Jace Elliott,” Louisa continued, “I always wondered what happened between Chad and Jace, besides Joanna Harris. From what I’ve been told, they were best friends until Chad returned home alone around six years ago. Rumor said he was in terrible shape, but William took a liking to him and helped him.”
“Poor Chad was hit hard by his father’s violent death during the dock strike; he lost everything except his title. You and I know how that can affect a person.” They exchanged knowing looks.
“I don’t like mysteries, Cynthia, and Chad has many. Secrets conceal a person’s weak points. I’ve questioned him plenty of times, but Chad won’t tell me anything. I’m sure he wants revenge for something that happened during their seafaring days. It had to be bad to turn best friends against each other. Every time Jace’s name is mentioned, Chad’s eyes turn to blue ice. Whatever it was, I bet it’s the reason Chad took Joanna and ruined her. I wonder if it has anything to do with those dreadful scars on his chest and back,” she mused. “He’s never seen without his shirt; he even wears a nightshirt in bed or makes love in the dark. But I’ve stolen peeks and felt them. They look like pagan symbols, and they’re so deep. It must have been terribly painful.”
“How strange,” Cynthia murmured.
“I know Jace owns a coffee plantation in Africa and that he’s a safari guide. If those two meet again, it’ll be a violent clash. Too bad, because Jace Elliott is one desirable male. I won’t mind having him around for months in the hot tropics.”
“You’ve met him?” the brunette questioned.
“Several times. He was home in ‘92, ‘93, and ‘94. You were away each time with that old marquess. Actually I tried to seduce him, but failed. He was a good catch, and made me hot and tingly all over. He returned to Africa just before his father died.”
“He’s rich and handsome. If you can’t get Chad …”
“He’d be a good lover, but I’m not the pioneer type. A criminal in hiding makes a bad marital prospect.”
~*~
As Leigh danced with Chad, he remarked, “You smell like Louisa. I never noticed that before.”
Leigh smiled and related, “Louisa loaned me her perfume. We had a long talk. She was very nice.”
Chad looked surprised and pleased. “Good. I was hoping you two would come to an understanding.”
“We have,” Leigh assured him.
Afterward, as she danced with Reid Adams, she entreated, “Tell me about Chad’s mother. I recall little about her. I met her only once, and I’m sorry she isn’t here so we can get acquainted. It would be nice if she could have gone on safari with us as planned.”
“Mrs. Webster was deeply affected by William’s sudden death. Her visit to India will do her good.”
“What’s she like? From what I remember, she’s very beautiful.” The curious female probed for facts about her step-grandmother.
His grayish-brown eyes smiled as he answered. “Most men and women will agree that Fiona Webster looks very young. In fact, she can pass for my age, an older woman’s dream. She’s had a tragic life, losing two husbands. But she’s a strong woman, like her son. I met her years ago, after Chad and I became friends. You’ll like Fiona; everybody does. She’s a kind and gentle woman, a real lady. She’ll be home in July, and you’ll see for yourself.”
Leigh noticed how carefully Reid measured his words. She didn’t know if it was to make certain he got his meaning across or if she made him nervous, or if he’d had too much to drink. Maybe—she mused—he was always like that. After all, she didn’t know Reid Adams well. The dance ended, and Leigh was passed into another guest’s arms.
~*~
Monday, Leigh answered the knock on her door. “Ready to go.”
“I’m sorry, Leigh,” Chad told her, “but our ship needs repairs. From what I’ve been told, we’ll be delayed a week. Go back to bed and get more sleep. We’ll talk at dinner tonight. I’m sorry.”
Disappointment was revealed in her blue eyes. It was still dark outside, and her guardian looked weary and annoyed. “I suppose it can’t be helped.”
He tugged on a tawny curl and said, “I promise, we’ll leave by next Monday or I’ll buy my own ship to take us there. Everything’s set, and I don’t want my plans spoiled.”