Fortune's Flames Page 16

  “There’s so little to do at home,” Beth wailed. “I wish we lived in New Orleans, or Baton Rouge. There’s always so much going on here, so much to do and see; and I sorely need distractions while Bart’s away. I’m going mad at home, but I plan to have lots of fun today. I hope you’ll join me,” she coaxed. “It seems to me that these celebrations get larger each year, especially since this nasty war began.”

  “It’s probably a show of defiance,” Maren suggested. Then, in order to let Beth ramble on while she collected her thoughts, she asked, “Have you heard from Bart since we talked?”

  Beth’s green eyes glowed with love before they were dulled by worry. “No, and he couldn’t be much farther away; he’s in Maine. He told me not to fret, but he said there’s heavy fighting there. Men,” she scoffed in annoyance. “They act like little boys playing a game. But war isn’t a game, Maren; it’s lethal. I do wish he would return soon so I can see for myself that he’s all right. Sometimes I think about going after him and dragging him home by the ears,” she whispered.

  Maren smiled at the petite girl with the fair skin. “I don’t blame you, but it would be very reckless. You might be captured and used against him. I’m afraid that women always get left behind.”

  “I know, but it isn’t fair. I’d bet you and I could fight as well as most of the men on the front lines. And I would be with Bart. I do miss him so, Maren. I shall wither and die if anything happens to him.”

  “He’ll be careful, Beth. He has you waiting for him.”

  “But I am dampening our festive mood,” she scolded herself. “I promise to be cheerful the rest of the day.”

  As they dined, they talked about old friends, past occasions, and their plans for the day. Slowly they consumed a crisp salad, steaming shrimp creole, hot bread, and a dry white wine. Later as they sipped dark coffee with a heady aroma and savored rich slices of cake, their conversation shifted to the future.

  “Now that you’re back, will you stand with me at my wedding?” Beth asked eagerly.

  “You know I will,” Maren replied quickly. “It will be wonderful. I’m so glad you snared Bart. I know you’ll be happy.”

  “Have you met anyone to spend time with, someone special?”

  Maren had been waiting for this moment. “Do you remember when we talked about my secret partner?” she asked, and Beth nodded, fully anticipating Maren’s next words. “He appeared last Thursday and made his claim. Yesterday, he moved into Lady Luck without even telling me first. He took over Dan’s old suite. Oh, I didn’t tell you; Dan moved out last Sunday. He feared there’d be gossip about us living there together, and that would hurt me and the business.”

  “Well? Are you going to keep me in suspense? Tell me who he is.”

  Maren did not laugh with the bright-eyed Beth. “Would you believe it’s Jared Morgan, alias Captain Hawk?”

  Beth’s mouth flew open, and she gaped at Maren. “You’re jesting!”

  When Maren shook her dark head, Beth clamped a hand over her mouth and tried to suppress her giggles.

  “What’s so amusing, Lilibeth Payne?”

  “For years you’ve wondered where he is and if you’d ever see him again. Now he’s suddenly thrust into your life. First he attacks your ship and then he strolled into your home and moves in with you. It’s perfect, Maren. You have him right where you want him, right where you can work on him. How romantic and tantalizing. Whatever did you say when he appeared? And what did he say when he realized his partner was a victim of his last raid?”

  “This might be funny to you, Beth, but it’s very serious to me,” Maren declared. She told her friend about the money she owed Jared and described his proposition.

  “You mean he actually said you must marry him or go to jail?”

  “That’s his proposition. I must repay him by the first of the year. Heavens, Beth, that’s less than six months away, and I owe him a lot of money. I thought he was just joking at first, trying to get…”

  “To get you into bed with him?” Beth teased after her friend fell silent. “What’s wrong with that, Maren? You’ve craved him for years.”

  “Lilibeth Payne,” Maren whispered sternly, “that’s wicked.”

  “How so? You love him, and he’s asked you to marry him. I’ve made love to Bart several times,” the blond young woman confessed shamelessly. “It’s the most natural and wonderful thing in the world to share yourself with the one you love. Don’t be a coward; that isn’t like Maren James.”

  “Your situation is very different from mine. You and Bart know all about each other; you’ve spent so much time together. I’m just learning about Jared Morgan. But sometimes I forget he’s practically a stranger to me. When we’re together, it seems we’ve always known each other, and I end up acting foolish and bold, like a flirt or a tart.”

  “Obviously he doesn’t mind; he’s determined to win you. Why not let him? At least give him a chance to woo you properly. Mercy, girl, you’ve got him snared, so why cut him free?”

  “But how will it look with us living in the same house?”

  “You can’t spend your life worrying about what other people think. Mercy, Maren, are you going to risk losing him when you’ve just found him? Don’t reject him without ever giving this romance a chance to bloom.”

  “That’s good advice, Beth, but following it can be dangerous.”

  “What do you mean, dangerous?”

  Maren worried over how much she should confide to her best friend. After all, they had been separated for two years, even if neither of them seemed to have changed much. “He’s a privateer, almost a pirate, Beth, and I don’t know what else. How would you feel about being blackmailed into marrying an arrogant, domineering rogue?”

  Beth sighed. “You’re right, Maren. He could be dangerous, and he could be after more than your hand in wedlock.”

  “Yes, like my share of Lady Luck. He’s already tried to purchase it, but I refused to sell. And he was here for days before he dropped the stunning news that he is my partner. He claimed he was checking things out before enlightening me. There’s something about Jared Morgan that I can’t put my finger on. He questions me all the time, as if I were a criminal. He seems very suspicious of my British roots and of my sudden return home. Like you, he hates Eric and wants to know everything about him. He’s admitted that he’s hanging around to study my cousin. And would you believe, he and his father were friendly with Papa? He claims that’s why he wants to marry me, to take care of Cameron James’s daughter.”

  “Criminal…a spy, a traitor, a thief, or what?”

  “All of them. He’s ordered me to prove that I’m innocent of any wrongdoing or to become his slave. What shall I do, Beth?”

  “First of all,” she said seriously, “don’t tell anyone what you’ve just told me, particularly Eric James. Second, I would prove myself to Jared Morgan. You must admit, Maren, your recent adventures would sound a mite curious, especially to a certain Captain Hawk. I think the best course to pursue is the one you’ve already decided on, to learn more about him. Get close to him. Let him get close to you. It’s surprising how much you can learn from a man when his head’s next to yours on a pillow.”

  “What if I discover he’s all wrong for me, even dangerous?”

  “Do you honestly believe either of those possibilities could be true?”

  “I guess not, but I’m so afraid I’ll fall prey to temptation.”

  “From where I’m sitting, Miss Maren James, that’s already happened,” Beth declared. “Jared has dropped his apple at your feet; you’ve picked it up and studied it. Now, decide on whether you want to bite it or not.”

  “Wanting to bite it isn’t the problem. What happens afterward is.”

  Following their lengthy lunch, Maren and Beth strolled about, observing the holiday activities and enjoying the beauty of New Orleans. They halted here and there to peer into shop windows; and they chatted as they walked. After a while they stopped to have tea and c
ookies at a sidewalk café which was surrounded by numerous flower boxes. Refreshed, they then strolled on. New Orleans was a city which enlivened the senses with its unique blend of sights, sounds, smells, and people; and both women were delighted to be part of it.

  It was after five o’clock, and they stood watching dancers in the street, when Beth reminded Maren that she had to be back at the hotel by six, “Papa said things could get wild on the streets tonight, so I promised I would have dinner at the hotel with the Bleakers and would stay in tonight. I wish I could sneak into Lady Luck with you, but Papa might be there or someone might tell on me. Until I get away from home, I have to obey him, at least as far as he knows.”

  “Good evening, ladies.” The skin-tingling voice came from behind them.

  Both women turned and gazed at a handsome face, tawny eyes, and a stirring smile. Jared’s unexpected nearness made Maren quiver, and her smoldering heart melted.

  “I thought you might enjoy a fresh one, Maren,” he remarked, holding out a lovely nosegay as he had done years ago in this same city. “If you like, we can escort your friend to her hotel; then I can walk you home. It’s getting a bit rowdy on the streets for ladies to be alone.”

  Beth smiled. “I take it you’re Captain Jared Morgan. I’m Lilibeth Payne, Maren’s best friend.”

  A broad grin captured Jared’s lips and eyes. Executing a half-bow, he told her, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Payne.”

  “Beth, please,” she corrected genially.

  “Only if you call me Jared,” he replied, impressed with the blond Lilibeth.

  She, too, was impressed, and she understood why Maren was so smitten by this attractive man. No. He was more than a man; he was a male animal and it showed in his gaze and stance. Hoping to help her friend discover more about Jared through observation, she remarked, “Maren tells me you’re her partner in Lady Luck. Is it too presumptuous to ask whether you plan to remain here to help her run the business or you intend to go back to sea?”

  “I intend to do both, depending on Maren’s needs,” he replied rather boldly. “My crew is taking a much-needed rest while my ship is being repaired and resupplied. While I’m here, perhaps you would join Maren and me for dinner one night.” He glanced at Maren.

  She immediately said, “That sounds wonderful to me. Would it be possible for you on this trip, Beth?”

  Lilibeth’s disappointment was evident. “I’m afraid Papa insisted we return home the first thing in the morning. But I’ll be coming back in two weeks to stay for several days. I’ll send word ahead so we can make plans. I’ll be getting some things I’ll need for my wedding when Bart returns.”

  Maren turned to Jared. “When the war began, Beth’s fiancé was attacked by a severe case of patriotism, and to soothe his ailment, he sailed away to fight the British. As with so many eager patriots, he left before their wedding, so when he returns he and Beth plan to be married. Perhaps you’ve met him, Barton Hughes?”

  “I’m pleased to say I have met Bart. I’ve done business with him. I don’t know who is luckier, Beth or Bart. This appears to be a very good match. I’m certain you both will be very happy.”

  Maren added, “Bart is fighting near Maine, but he manages to get messages to Beth every so often. You know how it is, Jared, some people will do anything to earn money during a war.”

  Jared chuckled. “Including buying a wife,” he jested. “Did Maren tell you I proposed to her yesterday?”

  “Proposed? Is that what you call it?” Maren protested.

  Jared winked at Beth. “I know she wants to say yes, but she’s stubborn and proud. I think she’s more afraid of giving up her freedom than I am. Maybe you can talk some sense into her.”

  “Me? Surely you jest, Cap—Jared. I’ve never been able to control this wild seed, especially where that blasted Er—Whoops!”

  Maren frowned at Beth, who shrugged her shoulders and made a wry face. “I think you’ll be late for dinner if we don’t hurry, Miss Payne,” she said in a frosty tone.

  “You’re right, dear friend. I’ll take one strong arm and you take the other,” Beth suggested, then slipped an arm through Jared’s.

  Jared smiled at the petite woman to his right and then cocked an elbow toward Maren. She sighed resignedly as she laced her arm through his. Then the three of them walked jauntily down the street, Jared and Beth chattering away like old friends.

  At the hotel, Maren asked Jared to wait outside while she went in with Beth to speak with the Bleakers. Assuming Maren wanted to have a few private words with her friend, he did as she asked. He hoped Lilibeth liked him and spoke in his favor, and he wondered if he could sneak back later to ask Beth why she detested Eric James.

  Inside, Maren was scolding Beth, “You shouldn’t have mentioned Eric to him. Jared hates him. He blames Eric for all of our problems.”

  “Then perhaps you should listen to your fiancé.”

  “Jared isn’t my fiancé.”

  “Oh, but he is, dear friend. Why not be happy about it? He’s the best thing I’ve seen besides Bart. Go after him, Maren,” she coaxed.

  “Are you sure to have to leave in the morning? Couldn’t you persuade your father to let you stay with me for a few days? I desperately need a friendly ear.”

  “Papa let me stay at Lady Luck?” Beth laughed.

  “Perhaps in two million years,” Maren added, and they both laughed.

  “Papa’s probably afraid I’d see him there with one of his sugar-teats. Maybe I should tell him I know all about his fooling around so he’ll stop pretending with me and dashing my plans to protect his secrets. When I come back in two weeks, I’ll find some way to sneak a night or two with you. I won’t show my face downstairs, but I’d love to get a glimpse of the action. It must be exciting.”

  After Maren told her she could observe from behind a drapery, Beth asked in a whisper, “Do men really take women to private rooms upstairs to play around for a few hours?”

  “We don’t allow any prostitutes there, but a man sometimes brings his sweetheart or mistress for a rendezvous. As to what goes on while they have the room rented, we can only guess.”

  “I’ll bet Papa used to rent one of those rooms regularly. But, he might be leery of playing around at Lady Luck since you took over. Do you know any of the men who use the rooms?”

  “Even if I did, Miss Nosy, I couldn’t tell you or anyone.”

  “Just imagine, hours alone with your true love… If Bart were home, I’d let him rent one all night. Maybe for two nights straight.”

  “Lilibeth Payne, whatever am I going to do with you?”

  “Let me stand with you when you marry Jared Morgan on January first. Darn it, Maren, if this war continues, you’ll have married your second fiancé before my first one returns. If I could get a letter to Bart, I’d warn him to get home before I find me another man—such as Jared Morgan if you foolishly reject him.”

  When Maren returned to Jared’s side, she was grinning playfully. He questioned her behavior, but she refused to explain it. “I’m starving, partner. Let’s hurry back so we can eat before we open. From the look of things, it’s going to be hectic tonight. I hope so; I owe a big debt to some persistent rogue.”

  “Agree to marry me and you won’t have to worry about repaying it.”

  Maren glanced at him and smiled provocatively. “It’s certainly a mighty tempting offer, Mr. Morgan. I will promise you one thing; I’ll give you an answer before you sail. That way, if I say yes, you won’t be searching for a wife in every port you visit.”

  “You’re tempting me to sail at this very moment just to get your answer.”

  “Please don’t. I need a little more time to decide. And if I were to say yes, would you remember you have a fiancée waiting for you no matter where you sailed or how long you’re gone?” she probed coquettishly.

  “Would it make you happy to know I haven’t been out with another woman since I met you?”

  “You’re a clever rake,
Captain Hawk, but I won’t fall for that ruse. How could you see another woman at sea? Do you normally carry women aboard your ship?”

  Jared halted their progress and faced her. “Let me put it another way, my fetching siren; I haven’t wanted to see another woman since I met you, nor have I thought about one.”

  “You flatter me, sir,” she murmured in a heavy Southern drawl.

  Grinning, he replied, “No flattery intended, ma’am. I’m afraid I’ve met an all-consuming vixen who doesn’t know when she’s licked.”

  Maren suggestively licked her lips; then she fluttered her lashes mischievously. “Oh, sir, but I do. And I must confess that I find it most intriguing… and stimulating.”

  “Maren James, have you been drinking in the middle of the day?”

  Again she affected a heavy Southern accent. “Little ol’ me, Captain Hawk? Why shame on you for thinking such wicked thoughts about me.” When Jared eyed her humorously, she grinned and explained, “I just feel particularly good today. I needed to spend time with a friend, and Beth is my best friend. I guess I’ve been a little lonely since I returned, sort of feeling sorry for myself. But if you dare tell that to Mary and Dan, I’ll deny every word I’ve said.”

  “It’s only natural for you to feel low, Maren, considering all you’ve faced since your return,” he said tenderly.

  Maren’s gaze lingered on his, and she responded to his gentleness. “You constantly amaze me, Jared Morgan. Thank you.”

  Jared was not embarrassed in the least by his show of emotion, and realizing that, he knew how deeply Maren had affected him. Since he could be this open and relaxed with her, his feelings for her were special. That discovery pleased him. He smiled. “I should be the one to thank you, Maren, for entering my life at the perfect moment.”