Leigh had remained silent and alert. If Chad had endured such a “terrible ordeal” in Africa, why would he come back?
As if reading her thoughts, he absently remarked, “Maybe I had something to prove to myself by coming here. Maybe I needed to pit myself against the jungle and its perils again; maybe that’s the only way I can accept what happened years ago. Sometimes I still have nightmares about it.”
That sounded more like the truth than anything Chad had told her. Yet there were contradictions in his words. “Are you sure you want to go on this safari, and with Jace Elliott?”
“They are the only two unresolved problems in my life, Leigh. I’m thirty-two. I want to settle down in the near future. I have to get rid of all my ghosts before I can be free and happy.”
Leigh eyed her guardian closely. For the first time, Chadwick Hamilton looked contrite and vulnerable to her. He looked and sounded like a man who had suffered greatly in the past. She had nothing firm to hold against him, and what he had told her did explain the feud between the two men, though she needed more details. “Thank you for trusting me with this vital information, Chad. I can see that mistakes were made on both sides. Perhaps this trip will settle everything for everyone. I hope so. What do you say to a glass of wine and an early dinner? I skipped lunch and I’m starved.”
“You can tell Jace what I’ve told you. I don’t mind. You can listen to his story and decide whom to believe and trust. I just don’t want you to be upset and scared.”
“Let’s make this one of our secrets. Jace might get nervous if he discovers I know the truth about his past.”
“Whatever you think best, Leigh. Let’s go eat. I can use a drink. This revelation was hard. Even Louisa doesn’t know the bitter truth.”
“I’m sorry, Chad, but I had to know.”
“I should have told you sooner. I was afraid you’d think me a scoundrel for being weak and rash.”
“I don’t think any such thing. We’re friends, family.”
“Please don’t let me do or say anything to destroy that bond. If something troubles you, come and discuss it with me. I won’t keep any more secrets from you. You don’t know how much you mean to me, Leigh. These past months have been good for me. I didn’t realize a woman like you existed.”
When Leigh tensed, Chad frowned and said, “I’m sorry. That was a little too personal. Let’s go eat before I get into trouble again.”
Leigh and Chad took a small table in the tranquil garden. Verdant trees and lush vegetation made a semicircle of their secluded area. A cooling breeze swayed the greenery around them. The sun was setting, creating colorful streaks on the horizon. Fragrant flowers blossomed in the private location and sent forth heady smells. Musicians played softly in the adjoining room. It was quite a romantic setting. Chad and Leigh both noticed but pretended not to.
A waiter took their order for two wines. When he returned, Chad toasted her. “To a most unique woman, my beautiful ward.”
Leigh smiled. “To my friend and guardian.”
As they dined, Leigh asked, “I’d like to ask one question. Why did you give me the necklace on Friday?”
Chad realized Jace must have told her about it. “Actually I brought it to give to Jace. It belonged to his mother. I figured, if we ran into him and he caused trouble, it might soothe his ire against us. Then, I decided that was foolish. William earned it legally and fairly, and it was your property. I had no right to make it a peace offering. I wasn’t truthful with you about it, Leigh, and I’m sorry.”
“Jace was furious when he saw it on me that night. When he came to my room to discuss our wager, he told me why. I offered it to him, but he refused to accept it. He seemed to think it was odd that I was wearing it that night. Now that I know about the trouble between you two, it makes sense.”
“If it hadn’t matched your gown, you wouldn’t have worn it and he wouldn’t have gotten suspicious. I didn’t know what you were wearing, and I didn’t know he had arrived and would be at the party. It wasn’t a trick on my part, Leigh, honest.”
Leigh didn’t doubt his logical speculations. “I believe you, Chad, but I’m sure Jace wouldn’t.”
“Let’s forget about him tonight. He’s only our hired man. If things go sour, I’ll call off the safari. I don’t want you unhappy or frightened.”
Leigh recalled the contract she had created and signed with Jace Elliott. If she let Chad call off the safari, Jace would win his bet with her. If she refused to honor her wager, he would show it to Chad. Her guardian would wonder why she had made such a rash and intimate bet, and she would be humiliated. Then, Jace would delight in exposing her wanton deed to Chad and others. If not for the paper, it was her word against his. She had to go on the safari and she had to win. Afterward, she would refuse his plantation—purchased with part of Chad’s blood, sweat, and pain—and sail home, a place where Jace couldn’t pursue her. If he still wanted to do so.
“What are you thinking? You’re so pensive.”
She knew she must lie. “About the safari. I want to go, Chad. I want to best that arrogant beast. You promised to make certain I don’t lose. It’s not the money, it’s my pride at stake. I’m holding you to your word. Don’t let him make it extra tough to break me.”
Chad grinned. “If you get weak or have a problem, let me know. I’ll find a way to help you. I’ll take the blame so you’ll be in the clear. We make a good team, Leigh. I’m looking forward to many years with you.”
His tone and gaze told Leigh what kind of years he had in mind. Jace was right about one thing: Chad did want her. Was it the money, she fretted, her, or both he craved? She was a desirable woman according to Jace, so why couldn’t it be only her?
“Would you like to take a stroll?” Chad hinted, after their dinner was finished. “The garden trail is lovely this time of night. It’s well-lit with torches.”
Feeling brave and bold and spiteful to Jace and Louisa, Leigh smiled and said, “That sounds very nice, Chad. But what about the others? We were to meet them at eight for dinner. They’ll be down soon.”
He shrugged. “I’ll tell the waiter inside to give them a message that we’ve already eaten and left for a walk.”