Savage Spring (15 page)

“You will have to forgive my young ward, Claudia,” Tag said, smiling in amusement. “He is a very spirited lad and can sometimes be a great trial.”

“It has been my experience that strict discipline will soon pull naughty children into line. Haven’t you found that to be the case?”

“No, not at all. I wouldn’t want to crush the boy’s spirit. Do you and Mr. Landon have children?”

“Goodness, what would I want with children? It’s hard enough to look after my husband, Howard. He is about as helpless as a baby.”

“I see…you sound like a devoted wife.”

Claudia thought she heard sarcasm in his voice, but when she looked at him, she could see nothing more than a sparkle in his blue eyes.

“Let’s not talk about unimportant matters. I want to hear all about you. Why did you come to the United States?”

“I’m interested in acquiring some property,” he answered, looking into the face of the woman to whom all his anger and hatred was directed.

“What kind of property?” Claudia wanted to know, giving him her prettiest smile.

“I was thinking about the shipping industry,” he said, looking at her through narrowed eyelashes.

“La, I hope not. I myself am in shipping. I wouldn’t welcome the competition.”

“I am aware of who you are. Perhaps you would consider selling me your shipping company, Claudia?”

Claudia was thoughtful for a moment. “No, I couldn’t do that, although at times it’s a real trial for a woman alone to run such a large enterprise.”

“I can well imagine. I wonder if you could help me, Claudia,” he said, changing the subject. “I am looking for a good lawyer. I need someone who is reliable and trustworthy. Could you recommend such a man to me?”

“Indeed, I can. My lawyer fits that description very well. I will give you his name and address before you leave.”

Tag stood up. “I have taken up too much of your time already.” Taking her hand, he raised it to his lips. “I thank you for your hospitality, and I will look forward to seeing you again in the near future.”

“I am giving a dinner party tomorrow night. I would be delighted if you would attend.”

“It would be my pleasure, Claudia,” he said, looking deeply into her eyes.

She smiled and touched his hand. “The other women will be pea-green with envy when I show you off.”

Alexandria watched Farley pull his cap over his head and sit down in the shade, bracing his back against the coach. She turned her gaze to the big house, watching for Falcon to return and wondering what was keeping him so long. She didn’t want to think of him and Mrs. Landon being together.

“I don’t like that woman!” she said, kicking out at the wagon wheel.

Farley pushed his cap back and looked at Alexandria. “Be you talking ’bout Claudia?”

She spun around and faced the old man. “Do you know Mrs. Landon?”

“I knowed her.”

“How can that be? Falcon only met her today. I don’t understand any of this.”

“Look, he be coming back now,” Farley said, standing up and climbing onto the coach. “You better be getting inside…he’ll want to be leaving right away.”

As Tag approached the coach, he saw a man watching him from just beyond the gates. He wouldn’t have thought much of the incident if the man hadn’t ducked out of sight when Tag drew near. All he had been able to tell from that distance was that the man had been dressed as a sailor. He remembered Mrs. Green’s telling him about a sailor who had been hanging around and asking questions about him and Joanna.

Climbing into the coach, he looked out the window, but the man was nowhere in sight, and Tag dismissed him from his mind as unimportant. When the coach pulled away, he saw the sailor step into the road, staring after the coach.

“I hope you know you made a proper fool out of yourself over Mrs. Landon!” Alexandria said hotly.

He smiled. “Did I, Alex? I thought I was rather clever in my dealings with her.”

She didn’t understand when he leaned his head back and laughed deeply. “This is going to be easier than I thought. I believe the lady in question is more than a little attracted to me. I don’t think I ever considered that possibility before.”

“Why should that surprise you? Since I’ve known you, all the ladies seem to make fools of themselves over you,” Alexandria said, turning her face away, fearing her jealousy would show in her eyes.

“Alex, Alex,” he said in amusement. “You have a lot to learn about the opposite sex.”

“I have a lot to learn about men like you. I don’t know how you can be interested in a woman whose husband is a cripple. Have you no shame?”

His eyes narrowed as he seemed to look right through her. “I have no shame and no scruples where this lady is concerned…none at all. I will do what I must to get close to her and her husband.”

Alexandria closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. Had he been so attracted to the woman that he would do anything to be with her? Alexandria had thought she knew him, but apparently she was wrong. She didn’t know what kind of game he and Farley were playing, but whatever it was, she didn’t want to be any part of it.

“I am going to need your help, Alex. I wonder if you trust me enough to do anything I ask of you without question?”

She opened her eyes and looked at him. “I don’t know. Are you wanting me to do anything outside the law?”

He laughed. “It might appear that I am doing something underhanded, but if I do, it will all come right in the end. Do you believe me?”

She turned her head away. “Yes, I believe you.”

“You will do what I ask even though it might be against what you feel is right?”

“Y…yes,” she whispered, knowing she would do anything he asked of her.

“Good. We are a small force…you, Farley, and myself…but together we may just win out.”

“I suppose if I ask you to tell me what this is all about, you will refuse?”

“Yes; for now, the less you know, the better.”

“I think our friendship is all one-sided, if you ask me to trust you, and
you
won’t trust me.”

Tag moved forward and rested his hand on Alexandria’s shoulder. “In the short time I have known you, I have come
to trust you entirely. I will tell you this, Alex. No matter how it looks, I am doing nothing wrong…but it will be dangerous. Guard your tongue and say only what I tell you. Will you do that for me?”

“Yes, Falcon.”

He leaned back and smiled. “You are a most unusual and intelligent boy. When this is all over, I’ll see that you want for nothing.”

Alexandria lapsed into silence and stared out the coach window thoughtfully, listening to the horses’ hooves clopping on the cobblestone streets. There were many things she didn’t understand, but one thing she was sure of…Falcon was in some kind of trouble and she would do anything she could to help him. Anything!

Falcon had left the house early in the evening. Alexandria was angry and jealous that he had accepted Claudia Landon’s party invitation. She had asked him to take her with him, but he had only laughed and told her he wasn’t attending a party for children.

After he had gone, she paced the floor. She didn’t know what was going on between Falcon and Mrs. Landon, but for some odd reason she thought Falcon might be in some kind of danger. Alexandria knew she couldn’t just wait around not knowing what was taking place. She waited until Farley had gone up to bed and all the lights were out to sneak out of the house. She then made her way into the Landon garden.

Alexandria had hidden behind a hedge that gave her a good view of the people dancing inside the house. It was a cold night, and she hoped no one would come into the garden.

She could hear the laughter from inside—Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. She wished with all her heart that she could cast her awful boyish clothing aside, don a lovely gown, and join in the merriment. She had never seen women wearing such beautiful gowns before. Her eyes searched the crowd of faces, looking for Falcon, but she couldn’t locate him anywhere. Hearing loud voices coming from the doorway, she ducked down so whoever it was wouldn’t discover her presence. When the man and woman drew even with the hedge Alexandria was hiding behind, she recognized Mrs. Landon’s voice.

“You had better have a good reason for bringing me into the garden, Melvin. My guests will be wondering what happened to me.”

“Your guests, as you call them, will think you are off in the bushes with some gentleman. They are accustomed to your disappearing during your parties.”

“I don’t have to stay here and be insulted by you! You weren’t invited to my party tonight, and you can just leave now.”

Alexandria heard the man’s snide laughter. “Perhaps I have come to save you from yourself. I have been doing some checking on your friend, Falcon Knight, and no one knows anything about him.”

“Why should that surprise you? I told you he has only recently come over from England.”

“Yes, but isn’t it a bit strange that no one seems to have had any contact with him?”

“As usual, Melvin, you are being overcautious. He is exactly what he seems—a wealthy Englishman looking for a way to invest his money in America.”

Alexandria heard the man’s amused laughter. “Shall we help him find a way to spend his money?”

“No! You aren’t to do anything that will make him suspicious. In the past, I have provided you with wealthy men who were fools and could easily be parted from their money. Falcon is different; he is no fool.”

Alexandria could hear the sound of struggling, and the woman cried out in pain.

“Why do I think you care more for this man than the others, Claudia? I had better not find out that you are playing me along,” Melvin said.

“I don’t owe you anything, Melvin. You don’t own me!”

Alexandria heard the man’s deep, ominous laughter. “I know so much about you. If I should talk to the right people, it would blow you right out of this comfortable nest you are living in, Claudia. Don’t think for a minute I wouldn’t do it if I thought you were going to betray me.”

“You have no right to threaten me, Melvin. If I go down, I’ll take you right along with me.”

“It would seem, Claudia, that you and I are dependent on each other. Go ahead and play your little game with this Falcon Knight, or whatever his name is. Just watch your step until I can find out more about him.”

“I told you to leave him alone. He is exactly what he seems and nothing more.”

“You, more than anyone, know why you must be suspicious of every man who is new in town. Must I remind you that Taggart James and his sister aren’t dead?”

“Don’t be a fool, Melvin. I would know Tag and Joanna the minute I set eyes on them. Falcon Knight is not Tag!”

“I wonder what you would do if the brother and sister were to show up on your doorstep, Claudia? Would you have the nerve to kill them? You are good at hiring others to do your dirty work for you…what would you do if you were confronted with them in the flesh?”

“I would have no trouble ending their lives. I would take the greatest pleasure in seeing Joanna dead.”

“I could never understand why you are so obsessed with this Joanna. You really hate her, don’t you?”

“Yes!”

“Strange that you should hate the ones who have provided you with such luxuries. Were it not for them, you would still be a trollop, searching for someone to make an
honest woman of you. Don’t forget I knew you before you became Mrs. Howard Landon.”

Alexandria heard a loud slap, and she knew that Mrs. Landon had struck the man. She heard his muttered oath and crouched lower behind the hedge, fearful of being discovered.

“Lawyers like you are easy to find. I could easily replace you.”

“You slut! If it hadn’t been for me, you would have nothing. Was I not the one who forged the papers that put you in charge of all the wealth you now enjoy? If you ever cross me, I’ll see you dead!”

“Where would you be, Melvin, if it weren’t for me? You have been paid well for what you did for me. Don’t ever forget you have benefited as much as I have from the James money. Now I’m going back in to my guests. I suggest you leave immediately. I’ll get in touch with you should something come up.”

“You can’t wait to get Falcon Knight into your bed, can you? I can remember a time not so long ago when you were after another gentleman, trying to entice him into your bed. I wonder whatever happened to him?”

By now they had moved away from the hedge, and Alexandria could no longer hear their conversation. She found she was trembling all over. What she had overheard had not been meant for other ears, and she knew she would be in grave danger if Mrs. Landon and her friend ever found out she had been listening to their conversation.

Alexandria knew she should tell Falcon what she had heard, but how could she? Wouldn’t he be angry with her if he knew she had sneaked into the Landons’ garden?

Standing up cautiously, she watched as Mrs. Landon and her gentleman friend disappeared into the house. She decided it would not be wise to tarry any longer. Melting into the shadows, she made her way back the way she had come earlier. Somehow, she would have to gather the courage to tell Falcon what she had overheard in the garden tonight.
She realized she was jealous of Claudia, and perhaps if Falcon knew what the woman was really like, he wouldn’t see her again. Would he believe her? Alexandria shook her head. He might not believe her as the boy Alex…but he just might listen to her if she spoke to him as his silent lover.

Claudia saw Mr. Knight surrounded by a group of women, and she elbowed her way toward him. Linking her arm with his, she smiled at him possessively.

“Are you having a nice time, Falcon?” she crooned, giving him a provocative smile.

“Indeed, I am, but the hour grows late and I have an appointment. Will you forgive me if I leave now?”

“Would your appointment be with a lady?” she asked, giving him a hurt look.

Tag could hardly stand for her to touch him, and he felt distaste as she licked her lips and smiled slightly. “Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?” he replied, wanting to leave as soon as possible. He had found that the kind of parties that Claudia gave weren’t at all to his taste. There had been dancing in the ballroom, and he had been forced to beg off since dancing was the one thing that Joanna had neglected to teach him. He knew there had been much speculation as to why he didn’t partner anyone in the dance. That was one thing he had overlooked, and he knew he must rectify it at once. He couldn’t afford to make another mistake like that one.

“She is very fortunate, whoever she is,” Claudia said. “I had hoped that you and I…”

He smiled at her and bowed politely, cutting her off. “Until next time,” he said, moving toward the door.

Tag had no way of knowing he had only heightened Claudia’s interest by being so elusive. She stared at his retreating back, knowing she had never been so drawn to a man before. She wasn’t one to give up easily, and she was determined that she would have him before too long.

When Tag reached the house, he went directly to Alex’s
room and rapped on the door. The evening had left a bad taste in his mouth, and he found himself wanting to be with his silent lover. He would send Alex to bring her to him. She was so sweet and loving—perhaps she would help ease his troubled thoughts. When there was no answer to his knock, Tag thought the boy was asleep and decided against waking him.

When he entered his own bedroom a short time later, he didn’t light the lamp but sat down in a chair and leaned his head back, staring into the darkness. He wished there was some shortcut he could use to see that justice was done, but he couldn’t see any way to get the information he needed from Claudia other than to try and get close to her.

Hearing a movement near his bed, Tag tried to see in the darkness. He could only see a shadowy form moving toward him, and he knew his silent lover had come to him. As she knelt down in front of him and began removing his shoes, he reached out and touched her soft cheek.

“How did you sense that I needed you tonight?”

She laid her cheek against his hand, wishing she could tell him that she needed him also. Hearing his deep intake of breath, she set his shoes aside and stood up.

Taking her hand, Tag pulled her into his lap. “Why is it that lately when I am troubled I need you? I feel like I could tell you anything and you would understand.”

She placed his hands on either side of her head and shook her head yes. His soft laughter made her heart gladden. She was glad she could bring him joy and a release from whatever was troubling him.

“I find myself wanting to know all about you. If only I knew your name. I have never been so intrigued by a woman before. Perhaps you are becoming an obsession with me. If I could see your face, what would I see?”

Alexandria smiled at his words and laid her head against his shoulder. She wished she dared tell him that in a world of ugliness he had brought her a ray of hope. Would he turn away from her if she declared her love for him?

Kissing her on the cheek, he stood up and set her on her feet. “I have a dilemma that you can help me with, my silent lover. Can you teach me how to dance?”

She was shocked for the moment, wondering why he should ask her such a thing. Surely a man of his obviously wealthy upbringing would have learned how to dance by now.

“I can sense your disbelief, but I can assure you that I am serious. I never learned to dance. Will you teach me?”

Before she could react, he took her hand. “I will hum a lively reel, and you will lead me through the steps.” So saying, he began humming in a deep baritone voice, and she guided him through the first steps. Her heart felt crushed and trampled on, knowing that he wanted to learn to dance so he could dance with Mrs. Landon. Was he attracted to that kind of woman? Was he only using her? She had no claim on him, she reminded herself. If he wanted to learn to dance, she would teach him, but she decided she would never come to him again after tonight.

She had written him a note warning him about the conversation she had overheard in the garden, which she would leave where he could find it in the morning. If he chose to ignore the danger signals, then she could do no more to help him.

When they made a wide swirling turn, they bumped into a chair, and he stopped long enough to push the furniture against the wall, giving them more room to dance. For each dance, he hummed the tune, and she guided him in the steps.

It soon became apparent to Alexandria that Falcon was learning the dance steps quickly. They were dancing well together, gliding about the room as if their bodies were one. Finally, he drew her into his arms and rested his lips against her temple.

“You stir my blood, little one. I have no desire to dance with anyone but you.”

Alexandria’s body became soft against his as he raised her head and covered her lips with his mouth. Love so strong
she wanted to shout it to the world encircled her heart as he picked her up in his arms and placed her on the bed.

“I have a desire to do more than dance with you. I was forced to face a very unpleasant evening. Help me wipe it from my mind, little one,” he said, pushing the velvet covering from her shoulders.

Alexandria buried her face against his chest, feeling the soft golden hair tickle her cheek. Her heart was filled with so much love for this man that she could sense his unrest and wanted to bring joy into his life. Somehow she would put her shyness aside and give all of herself to him tonight. Alexandria turned over on her side and ran her hand down his chest and over his hips in a slow, circular motion.

“You have a magic about you, little silent one,” Tag groaned. He felt his body tremble as she moved her satiny breasts across his chest and brushed her lips against his ear. He felt as if his body was on fire as she kissed his closed eyelids and then allowed her mouth to move down to his lips. Another groan escaped him when she nipped at his lips with her teeth. Alexandria was determined to erase all thoughts of the other woman from Falcon’s mind.

He was fascinated by her actions tonight. Before, he had always been the one to guide her in the act of lovemaking. She seemed to know just what to do to excite him now, with a touch or a caress. She almost destroyed his mind as a soft purr escaped her lips and her tongue traced the outline of his mouth.

Alexandria ran her hand over Falcon’s chest and gently pushed him back against the pillow. In a daring attempt to please him, she slid her body on top of his and nipped at his ear.

“Love me, little silent one,” he groaned as he felt her breasts pressed against his chest. He felt her satiny legs move to either side of his hips when she straddled him, and he gasped with pleasure as she guided his pulsating manhood into the soft, warm recesses of her body.

Wave after wave of pleasure passed over Tag’s body as she
began her slow up-and-back motions. Never before had he felt such a deep pleasure. It was as if he were floating in an endless sky, and his body was more alive than it had ever been before. Her soft lips that were always silent sought his eagerly, and he clutched her tightly to him. Tag realized in that moment that before he had met this silent, mysterious woman, he hadn’t truly been alive. Turning her over, he crushed her into the soft mattress and plunged deeply inside her, feeling as if the two of them were the only people in the whole world.