Golden Paradise (Vincente 1) (9 page)

Valentina sat beside Don Alonso at dinner. She enjoyed his sharp wit and winsome ways. He was charming and attentive. She could only imagine the number of women who had fallen victim to his charm in his younger days. He must have been every bit as devastating to the female heart as his grandson was now.

As the evening progressed, the guests began taking their leave. Suddenly the guitars slowed, and one of the men began singing a beautiful love song. Valentina was startled when Marquis appeared at her side and held out his hand.

"Will you do me the honor of dancing with me, senorita?"

Valentina hesitated only a moment before taking his hand. She was in a daze as he led her across the flagstone walkway to the fountain. Slipping his arm about her waist, he moved her into a slow Spanish dance step. The music was hauntingly beautiful, the night sky reflected a thousand twinkling stars, and Marquis's eyes were as soft as black velvet.

Valentina gave into the gentle enchantment that drew her under Marquis's spell. She could feel herself falling in love with him. Could love come so quickly? Would she ever be able to forget this dark man who had taken her heart without even being aware of it? Hurt and heartbreak would come later when reality settled in, but for now she was caught within a magic moment of time.

Over his shoulder Valentina could see Isabel's face distorted with anger. Glancing up at Marquis, she smiled slightly, breaking the enchantment. "I fear your lady love is not happy that we are dancing together. It is not my intention to cause trouble for you."

His eyes moved to her creamy lips, and she felt a shiver of delight run the length of her spine. "I believe you will cause me much trouble if I am not on guard."

"I don't know what you—"

"Do you not?" he interrupted, tension clouding his expression. "You cannot tell me a woman with your intelligence does not suspect when a man is fascinated with her."

"I believe I have been a nuisance to you," she said, choosing to misunderstanding his meaning.

He smiled down at her and shook his head. "A nuisance? Not hardly." A shiver of astonishing delight ran through her body at his deep, caressing tone. "If I kissed those lips, would I lose my heart for all eternity, Valentina Barrett?"

Her face flamed, and she looked into the depths of his eyes to see if he were jesting. There was no laughter or mockery in the velvety depths, only a soft glow of sincerity that made Valentina's knees turn to water. "I don't believe you should be saying these things to me." The words were spoken breathlessly, without reprimand.

"Must one hide the truth behind the false face of deception? Must I pretend that you have not disturbed me beyond reason?" he asked in a sharp tone. "Do not pretend you do not know you have been tying me in knots all day."

Valentina was young and inexperienced. She had never before had a man make love to her with words. She had no doubt that Marquis was accustomed to making pretty speeches to all the women of his acquaintance. He would not know that he was breaking her heart by pretending to feel something for her that he did not feel.

"Please, don't," she pleaded, staring into his eyes. "Don't do this to me."

Her words did not deter Marquis. She felt his hand tighten on hers. "If only I could hold you like this for all time. If we were alone I would kiss you." The soft sound of his voice vibrated through her body, wreaking havoc in her tortured mind.

"Beautiful English rose," he whispered, fanning her face with his warm breath. "Silver-eyed goddess, why do you torment me?" Valentina trembled all the way to her toes. She felt his hand move across her back to still the motion. "You have nothing to fear from me, Silver Eyes. I will never do anything to harm you."

His words were not very reassuring to Valentina. She feared what he was doing to her safe little world. He was turning her from an innocent to a woman fully awakened by frightening longings.

While he spoke, he was assessing her every feature. Her facial structure was delicate, each shape existing in perfect harmony with the whole. She would be beautiful carved in stone. She was a thing from which dreams were spun. But a second look told him a sculpture could never capture the true Valentina. She was brimming with life, vitality, and hidden passion.

She was so beautiful to look upon that it took his breath away. His eyes roamed across her bare shoulders where the skin was as soft and white as alabaster. As the soft moonlight touched her hair, making it sparkle, Marquis could feel himself falling more in love with her. Her eyes, reflecting silver, were soft and innocent. She was fascinating and he could not keep his body from trembling at the thought of making love to her. He saw uncertainty in her gaze, as if she did not know what his intentions were regarding her. It pained him to know she was frightened of him. He smiled, wanting to reassure her, but she pulled back in fear.

"I would sooner cut off my arm than cause you distress, Senorita Barrett. If I have frightened you, forgive me."

"I do not admire insincerity," she said, finding that her voice came out in a breathless whisper. "I do not want to be told the things you probably tell all other women. You would do well to save your praise for the woman you are to marry, Senor Vincente."

His smile was soft as he cocked his head. Valentina had not noticed that he had danced her to the far side of the fountain, which was out of sight of the others.

Before she suspected his intentions, he pulled her up on tiptoes, and softly touched her lips with his. Valentina melted against him, feeling as if her whole world was whirling and spinning out of control. Her heart was thundering against her ribs and she had the strangest feeling of unreality.

Raising his head, Marquis frowned at her with eyes like swirling storms. "Does that not prove that I was not being insincere?" Reaching for her hand, he placed it against his chest. "Feel the beating of my heart, Valentina. Feel what you have done to me."

She heard the ring of longing in his voice. Tears sparkled in her eyes as she felt his heart beneath her fingertips beating as wildly as her own. Pulling her hand away, she shook her head, unable to speak.

In that moment he saw the hopelessness of their situation. They could never be together. They were not meant to fall in love. She could never belong to him. "Perhaps it would be best if I take you back now."

Valentina did not wait for him to accompany her. Lifting her skirt, she hurried away, fearing her heart would burst with the frightening new feelings Marquis had awakened in her.

When she saw Rosalia standing beside her mother, she hurried in that direction. She was so confused that she hardly noticed when Marquis excused himself. In the periphery of her mind, she heard Dona Anna excuse her son's departure, explaining how one of the vaqueros had been attacked by a bear the day before and that Marquis needed to see to his comfort.

No one seemed to notice that Valentina was unusually silent the rest, of the evening—no one but Isabel and Eleanor.

Isabel elbowed her way past her mother and father to stand beside Valentina. "Tell me, Senorita Barrett," she asked, artfully opening her fan and running delicate fingers over the ivory carving while her dark eyes pinned Valentina with their heat, "is it usual for a woman from your country to go about in the company of a man, without a proper chaperone?"

Valentina's glance was drawn to Eleanor. She saw the smile of encouragement, as though the younger Estrada were offering her sympathy. Apparently she did not approve of her sister's rude tactics.

"It would be most unusual in England, Senorita Isabel," Valentina answered, "but, you see, I had no choice in the matter. I had no one to accompany me but Santiago, whom I consider a very able guide."

Isabel smiled spitefully. "A woman in Spain would never be allowed to travel alone with a man, even if he were an old man," she said, snapping her fan shut.

Rosalia, who was seated near Valentina, leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "Do not let anything Isabel says trouble you. She is only jealous that my brother finds you beautiful."

"I hardly listen to her, Rosalia." It was true. Valentina had been so deep in thought about Marquis that she paid little heed to the barbed remarks Isabel had made.

Don Alonso and Dona Anna watched the woman who was to marry Marquis. They both realized that Isabel did not have a sweet disposition. She was deliberately being rude to Valentina Barrett. Don Alonso shrugged his shoulders and lowered his voice so only his daughter-in-law could hear. "Marriage has changed many a young woman into a suitable matron. I am sure the same will happen when Marquis takes Isabel as his wife."

Dona Anna nodded her head in agreement. It did not matter overmuch if Isabel had an ungracious temperament. Once she became mistress of Paraiso del Norte, she would change. Opening her black lace fan, Dona Anna whispered behind it so only her father-in-law could hear, "I cannot really blame Isabel for being in an ill humor tonight. Marquis did pay marked attention to our houseguest. It was shameful and unforgivable."

The grandee blinked his wise old eyes. "Let it be, Dona Anna. Marquis could have behaved no differently." There was more to it than rudeness on Marquis's part. It was as if the young English maiden had brought his grandson to life. Marquis had been stunned and overwhelmed by her beauty. Don Alonso could feel in his bones that trouble lay ahead.

"Valentina, would you like to go riding with me tomorrow?" Rosalia asked. "I am sure the doctor would allow it." Feeling she should include Isabel and Eleanor, Rosalia quickly added, "The two of you would be welcome to come along too if you like."

Isabel's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Will Marquis be going with you?" She had no wish to ride with Rosalia and Valentina. However, she had no intention of allowing Marquis to go with them unless she also went along. Marquis belonged to her. This woman with delicate beauty and strange silver eyes would never take him away from her.

"No, he will be hunting the rogue bear that is stirring up trouble for the nearby ranches," Rosalia answered.

Isabel shrugged her shoulders. "My sister doesn't ride, and I don't care for horses. I prefer to do my riding in the inside of a coach."

Valentina had seen Eleanor's eyes light up only to become empty moments later at her sister's refusal on her behalf. Eleanor had wanted to go, but evidently her sister controlled her so completely that she dictated what she could and could not do. Valentina felt pity for Eleanor but knew it was not her place to interfere.

"I would be delighted to ride with you tomorrow, Rosalia," Valentina declared, wishing herself a hundred miles away from here. There was trouble brewing in this house just below the surface. Valentina knew it would take very little to bring it all to a head.

Marquis had awakened feelings in her that would have been better left untapped. She had been subjected to Isabel's poisonous barbs all evening and was relieved when she could politely excuse herself and retreat to her bedroom. Soon she would be on her way back to San Francisco, and perhaps she would be able to forget about today.

In the early morning hours, too troubled to sleep, Valentina stood by the window watching the stars disappear one by one. She looked at the fading silvery moon that cast shadows over the landscape. She could see the road that led away from the house. Soon she would take that road and disappear from Marquis Vincente's life forever. He would marry Isabel, they would have children, and she would be no more than a memory to him—if even that. Running her hand down the window casement, she wondered if she would ever be able to forget the things Marquis had said to her tonight. She would have to have been a fool not to know he had been attracted to her.

She wished Salamar were with her so she could ask her if there was a difference between attraction and love. Turning away from the window, she moved to the bed. Valentina knew she was treading a dangerous path. Soon she would be with Salamar, who would help her regain her perspective so she could put her priorities in order.

8

Beneath a bright canopy of blue sky, with fleecy clouds floating lazily by, Valentina and Rosalia rode away from the
hacienda
. It appeared to have rained during the night because the grass and trees sparkled with dampness and gave off a freshness that filled Valentina's nostrils. The dun-colored mare she rode pranced and tossed its silken mane, showing its superior bloodlines.

Laughter and lightheartedness overcame all else as the spirited horse Valentina rode covered the distance with wide strides. She felt invigorated, alive. She had not enjoyed the freedom of riding across grassy meadows since she had left England. An expert horsewoman, Valentina gloried in the feel of the wind in her hair, and her cheeks were awash with excitement as they moved out of sight of the house. Galloping up hills and across valleys, she felt she could ride forever and never come to the end of this wild, unpredictable land.

When they topped the next hill, Rosalia pulled up her horse and pointed down the valley. "Look, a herd of antelope," she cried excitedly. Valentina leaned against her saddle and watched the graceful animals as they grazed on the sweet, grassy slopes. Her heart was pounding from beholding such beauty. Nature had splashed blue across the heavens, thrown in green for the trees and grasses, adding a multicolored kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Truly this land was blessed. The perfume of lavender, mint, and heliotrope filtered through the air, alluring, tantalizing the senses. It took very little imagination for Valentina to envision mounted
conquistadors
, their ranks marching behind with clanking armor.

"This is Vincente land as far as you can see," Rosalia announced with pride. "God be willing, it will be in our family until the end of time."

Valentina nodded. "I, too, have land that has been in my family for many generations. I am sorry to say my family does not cherish our land as you Vincentes cherish Paraiso del Norte."

Rosalia looked astonished. "My grandfather says land, like God, is eternal, it being the one thing a man can bequeath to the children of the future."

"Your grandfather is right. I envy your family your sense of belonging."

Rosalia nudged her horse in the flanks and laughed back at Valentina in order to overcome the awkwardness of the moment. "I will race you to the river," she challenged.

Valentina dug her heels into her mount and the two girls raced down the hill, scattering the herd of antelope. As they neared the river, Valentina could feel her horse tense. The animal whinnied and shied to the right, almost unseating her. Before Valentina had time to wonder what had spooked the horse, a loud growl came from a clump of scrub oaks just ahead. She held her breath when a huge brown grizzly bear came lumbering toward her.

Rosalia's horse reared on its hind legs and began racing back toward the
hacienda
. Rosalia tried to pull up the frightened animal to no avail. Twisting around in her saddle, she screamed back at Valentina, "Follow me. That is the rogue bear!"

Valentina tried to spin her dancing horse around and follow Rosalia, but the dun mare had a mind of her own. With rolling eyes and laid-back ears, the horse reared up on its haunches. Valentina lost her grip on the saddle and felt herself slipping. At that instant the mare took a frightened leap into the air and sent Valentina flying. She landed with a heavy thud on the rocky ground, which knocked the breath from her body. She did not take the time to find out if she was hurt. The grizzly had paused, as if sniffing the air, and Valentina scrambled to her feet, then made a dive for the horse's trailing reins. With a frightened snort, the horse twisted and whirled, pulled the reins from Valentina's hands, and galloped away in a cloud of dust.

Fear sharpened Valentina's wits. She was alone with the bear and there was no one to come to her aid. The grizzly was standing up on its hind legs and still sniffing the air. At the moment, it seemed he had lost interest in her, leading her to believe he had caught another scent. She took a cautious step backward. A thin sheen of perspiration covered her body and she recognized the bitter, acid taste of fear in her mouth.

There was a tree about fifty yards to her left and she could see what appeared to be the river just beyond that. Valentina did not know anything about a bear's habits. If she made her way to the tree and climbed into the branches would the animal follow? she wondered. Would it be better to run for the river and plunge into the water? She weighed her options carefully, all the while taking cautious steps backward.

Now the bear returned his attention to her. Bellowing and snarling, he dropped down on all fours and clumsily plodded in her direction. Valentina's legs suddenly felt rooted to the spot. What should she do? God help me! she silently cried, unable to move.

With flared nostrils and reddened eyes, the brute quickly closed the distance between him and Valentina. Somehow finding strength she did not know she possessed, she forced herself to turn around and run in the direction of the nearest tree.

Seemingly from out of nowhere, a rider appeared. Simultaneously a shot rang out, and the rider caught Valentina about the waist, lifting her onto his horse and placing her across his lap. Marquis held Valentina against his body while he murmured huskily into her ear, "Easy, do not panic. You are safe now, Silver Eyes."

Her strength drained, her courage wilted, she melted in his arms, pressing her head against the lapel of his coat. Tremor after tremor shook her body as he ran a soothing hand across her back. "Must I spend my life rescuing you from trouble?" he asked with amusement in his tone.

"It does appear to be the case, doesn't it?" she replied in a little-girl voice that endeared her to him, wrenching his heart. Marquis had the overwhelming«desire to take care of her, to always protect her from harm. "I do seem to get into a lot of difficulty, don't I?"

He smiled down at Valentina, warming her with his soft glance. As his eyes looked deeply into hers, she saw his pupils dilate darkly. "You can stop trembling, Silver Eyes. You were never in any danger. We have been tracking the bear all morning. I saw you fall from your horse and had the bear in my rifle sights the whole time."

"Rosalia—was she hurt?" Valentina inquired, looking in the direction Rosalia's horse had taken.

"No, she was not hurt. I saw her bring her horse under control. I told one of my vaqueros to see her safely back to the house."

Hearing the bear's loud bellows of rage, Valentina turned to find that several of Marquis's vaqueros had thrown a heavy net over the beast. With pointed sticks they were urging the grizzly up the ramp and into a heavy cage that rested in the back of a wagon. "Was the bear wounded?" she asked.

Marquis swung around in his saddle to see his men herd the animal into the cage and lock the door behind him. "I did no more than graze his head, dazing him so my vaqueros could easily get him into the cage."

Already a man had climbed onto the wagon and was driving the horses forward. "What will be done with the bear?" Valentina wanted to know.

"He will be used in the bear and bull fight later in the year. The bear will be allowed to recover from his slight wound before he is matched against one of our bulls."

Valentina's mouth flew open in horror. "You cannot mean . . . you wouldn't have a bear and bull fight against each other?" Her eyes sought his questioningly. "You wouldn't do such a thing, would you?"

His mouth quirked upward briefly. "Indeed yes. It is one of the sports enjoyed by my people. I can assure you it is a more even match than you may suppose. A bull can hold his own with a bear."

Valentina shuddered, thinking about the cruelty of such a match. She tried to remember she was a guest in this country and had no right to challenge the native customs. "I . . . thank you for coming to my rescue," she said, glad to change the subject. "Again I am in your debt."

"Are you hurt?" he inquired, looking her over carefully.

Her smile was like a breath of springtime. "No. Only my pride in my horsemanship was wounded when I fell off the horse."

Marquis helped her to the ground and dismounted beside her. "Under the circumstances you did well. As I said, you were never in any danger. I am going to give you a few moments to compose yourself before I take you back to the
hacienda
."

Valentina realized for the first time that she and Marquis were alone. So she would not be tempted to look into his wonderful, probing eyes, she gazed at the river. It was so" peaceful here. The glittering torrent swept the rushing water past the riverbank where Marquis's horse grazed on the fresh green grass, swishing its tail to ward off the insects.

Marquis was leaning against a wide-based oak tree. When Valentina turned sharply to look at him, she found he was staring at her. He shifted his stance and frowned. "You are an enigma to me, Senorita Barrett. I have never met anyone like you before."

The sun had already dropped behind the mountains and there was no warmth in the blood-red sky, yet there was fire and warmth in the dark eyes that assessed Valentina. She felt vulnerable under his intense scrutiny. If she were an enigma to him, he was a complete mystery to her. His dark handsomeness was in startling contrast to all other men she had known. He was like this land that had bred him—wild, beautiful, and totally unpredictable.

His eyelids flickered and the dark orbs stared at her. "What is it that makes you stand apart from other women I have known?" he asked softly, almost to himself.

"My maid, Salamar, would say it's my capacity to rush headlong into trouble without the means of getting myself out."

His laughter held amusement, delight. "Do you often find yourself on the wrong side of a carriage or left behind by a fleeing horse?"

"No, this was my first time for both those experiences. But you have already been warned that I am always in one kind of trouble or another. Salamar says I can't seem to keep my feet on the right path."

Marquis was completely enchanted by Valentina. Even the sound of her voice was uncommonly sweet to his ears. He found himself wanting to see her smile—really smile so that her silver-blue eyes would light up with laughter. He wanted to know everything about this charming creature—her past, her present. . . her future. She had aroused his desire, but he knew his passion would have to go unsatisfied. She was an angel, untouchable and pure. There was fire in her veins, but he would not be the one who would bring it to the surface.

In a daze, Marquis walked toward Valentina. Her back was to him and he reached for her hand, turning her to face him. "I could so easily love you," he whispered, surprising not only Valentina but himself as well.

Valentina stared at him, unable to look away. There had been something strong and electric between them from the start. His words danced through her mind and she knew she could easily love him also, if indeed she was not already in love with him. It never occurred to her to question his sincerity. She had the strangest urge to reach out and touch the dark lock of hair that fell carelessly across Marquis's forehead. Fearing she would do just that, she clutched her hands tightly behind her back.

"You should not say these things to me. It isn't proper." Her voice sounded unconvinced, her words meaningless, even to her own ears.

The dark eyes that caressed her face and finally rested on her lips were compelling, pulling at Valentina. "I do not know what is proper where you are concerned, Valentina Barrett. Do you know I dreamed about you last night?"

She shook her head. "I don't think you should—"

He placed a finger over her lips. "Shh, do not say it. You and I both know there is something powerful between us, something over which neither of us has any control. Do not bother to deny it." The yearning that lingered in his eyes caused the denial to die on her lips.

Color crept up her neck and suffused her face. She did not answer because she did not know what to say. She was unprepared for Marquis's next action. When he pulled her tightly against him, she felt as if a bolt of lightning had jarred her body. Dozens of scalding remarks formed in her mind, but she could not utter them, not while his hard, lean body stirred and stoked the fire within her.

Time and space fell away when he bent his dark head and ever so gently brushed her lips. Valentina was trapped by soft feelings of being wrapped in lamb's wool—she was safe, warm, secure.

Yet all too soon he raised his head and rested his face against hers. "Forgive me, Valentina. I had no right to do that. But like last night in the garden, I was compelled to kiss you," he whispered huskily. "Now if we never see each other again, I will remember the touch of your lips for the rest of my life."

Before Valentina could say anything, Marquis moved away, reached for his horse's trailing reins, and climbed into the saddle. Reaching out his hand, he lifted Valentina up beside him.

As they rode toward the hacienda, both realized they might be seeing each other for the last time. Aware that their bodies were touching, Valentina tried to hold herself rigid, though all she really wanted to do was melt against him.

As if it could not stop itself, Marquis's hand drifted up to touch her hair, and he pulled her back against him. They were both silent as the sun splashed its final dying rainbow of color across the horizon.