Fire and Ice Page 17

  “It is best you go, Kathleen, best for all of us, for reasons Reed has not even thought of.” His voice was huskier than usual. “We will meet again, little sea witch. Reed was so right to compare you to Venus.”

  She tried to turn her face from his view. “Oh, Jean,” her words caught on a sob as her eyes filled with unshed tears.

  He jerked her head around with more force than necessary, and his tone was now harsh. “Listen to me! Reed has told me all of it. You are hurt. I understand that, but what you are doing is wrong. You are fighting dirty, like a little alley cat! You are using the lowest form of revenge on the man who is your husband and my best friend.” His look was now condemning.

  Kathleen could not face that look, and lowered her eyes to the floor. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m sorry to hurt you and Dominique in what I am doing. I don’t really think of you as pirates. Surely you know that.”

  “I am glad to hear it, but it does not whitewash what you are planning. What you are doing to Reed is hateful and spiteful and will come back to haunt you. Believe me when I say that you misjudge him. I know him very well, little love.” The endearment slipped out.

  “Do not sing his praises to me, Jean. I do not want to hear them.” Her chin jutted out angrily. “I thank you for what you are trying to do, but just let it be. He and I are like oil and water. It’s regrettable, but we are just not compatible.”

  “There you are wrong again. You and Reed are like fire and ice. Whenever you come together it is with a hiss and a cloud of steam, never quietly. One day the fire will melt the ice and only the love will blaze on.”

  Kathleen shook her head. “Perhaps the ice will kill the fire.”

  Now it was Jean’s turn to shake his head. “No, Kathleen. As much as I should wish it for my own sake, I think not. The fire is too great. To deny it is to fool only yourself.” His face was sad and gentle now, and he released her face from between his hands. “Go now. Do what you must as we all must do. The Spanish have a saying for it. Que sera, sera, what will be will be.”

  Kathleen nodded past the lump in her throat. “Fare thee well, Jean. I will think of you often.”

  “I will hope so,” Jean answered softly with a smile. When they boarded the Kat-Ann, Reed headed straight for the bridge. Kathleen secretly instructed Bobby to take her trunks to Nanna’s old room. Hurriedly she cleared most of her remaining things from her cabin and the captain’s quarters, and instructed Dan to install a lock on her door immediately. She shut herself up there and breathed a sigh of relief. At least on this voyage she would not have to bear Reed’s odious presence!

  Kathleen had just finished her dinner when there came a furious pounding on her door.

  “Kat! Open this door at once!” Reed ordered her.

  “Go hang, Reed!” she screamed back at him. “As of now I am Kathleen Haley once more, at least as far as I am concerned. ”

  “I care little for your silly games, wench. I haven’t the time to argue the point with you now, but rest assured I shall deal with you yet—and soon!”

  She released her breath in a rush as she heard his footsteps receding. “Surely after all the harsh words we have exchanged, he does not mean to carry this ridiculous mockery clear to the shores of Savannah before he relents?” she speculated tremulously.

  Much later she discovered how wrong she was as her door burst open to admit Reed’s tall form. He strode to where she lay staring at him wide eyed. Silently he gathered her into his arms, ignoring her protests, and carried her struggling into his cabin. He kicked the door shut and threw her onto the bed, pinning her down.

  “You are still my wife and always will be,” he stated tersely. “You have backed me into a corner for the moment, but not until I deliver you to your aunt does your little deception begin. Until then I intend to enjoy you in my bed at my will.”

  Before she could reply he brought his mouth down savagely on hers, bruising her lips beneath his. She struggled ineffectually beneath his weight. He caught her hair in his hand and jerked her head back painfully. Thus caught, she could do nothing as he raised himself from her, and with his free hand removed his clothing. With one mighty wrench he ripped her gown completely to the hem and threw himself on her.

  Kathleen screamed up at him, “I hate you, Reed Taylor! Do you hear me? I loathe you!” She tried to claw his face, but he caught her wrists and jerked them above her head.

  He grinned down at her devilishly. “It matters not to me whether you hate me or not as long as you respond to me in bed.”

  “You insidious cur! You rutting beast!” she spat out.

  Already he was kissing her body with his warm, insistent lips; already her treacherous body was responding to his mouth. She hated herself for having so little control, but when he caressed her as he was doing now, she was lost. Soon she was moaning in her desire, her body craving his.

  He raised his frosty blue gaze to meet her eyes of luminous green. “Admit you want me, Kat. Let me hear you say it!” he demanded triumphantly.

  She hesitated only a moment and then hissed at him, “All right! I want you, you damned devil!”

  He laughed wickedly and shook his head. “No, Kat. That won’t do. Beg me prettily for what you want.”

  Her body aching for relief, she whispered defeatedly, “Please, Reed. Make love to me.”

  Chapter 11

  SAVANNAH was everything Reed had told her it would be, and more. They sailed sixteen miles up the Savannah River, passing plantations along the way, and suddenly the port of Savannah lay before them. Ships lined the docks for miles along the shore, and even though trade was limited to coastal trade by the Embargo Act, the port bustled with activity. At this point in the river, a high bluff rose above the water. The shoreline was packed with numerous warehouses built against the white bluff and rising above it. Savannah itself lay just beyond, extending southward from the river.

  After the relative quiet of Barataria Bay, the bustle of this teeming port seemed almost confusing to Kathleen. She stood on deck observing the activity while Reed docked the Kat-Ann. As the gangplank was put into place, she suddenly felt unsure of herself. After weeks of coming to rely on Reed and drawing from his strength, she felt alone and weak, and more than a little frightened. She clasped the rail so tightly that her knuckles turned white. With all her being she regretted having to leave the Kat-Ann and Reed.

  “I would give ten years of my life to turn around right now and go back to Grande Terre. Why does Reed have to be so stubborn? Everything was working out so well. I was beginning to think Reed might even care for me. Even now, if he were to tell me he loved me, I would back down and go live with his mother,” she admitted silently.

  Kathleen started as a warm brown hand covered hers on the rail. She looked up into icy blue eyes and blinked back her tears. Reaching up, she automatically brushed back the stray black lock from his forehead.

  “Your hands are cold, kitten,” Reed stated gently, searching her face.

  “I know,” she replied lamely. “It’s foolish, I know, but I’m scared.”

  “Of what?”

  “Scared of leaving what is familiar and venturing into the unknown; new people, new faces, a new town, actually a new country,” she admitted.

  “What? My brave Irish vixen with the sea-green eyes afraid of anything? I can scarcely believe it! You brave storms and calms at sea with a daring few men possess, rush headlong into a duel, and charm the very sharks of the deep, yet you balk at this! Kat, you truly amaze me! Could it be you are regretting your threats?” Reed asked curiously.

  “The only thing I regret is leaving Grande Terre,” Kathleen pouted. “Oh, Reed! Take me back to that beautiful island and let’s forget any of this has happened!” she pleaded.

  “I can’t do that,” he said firmly.

  “Why?”

  “You know why. Let’s not go through it all again.” Turning her to him he said, “Let me take you to Chimera, Kat.”

  “I would, Re
ed. I would if only—” her voice trailed off as she turned her head to hide the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

  “If only what, Kat?” he asked tenderly.

  She smoothed her mint-green dress and straightened her shoulders. Throwing out her chin, she answered, “Nothing, Reed. Forget it. Some things are just not meant to be in a million years, I suppose. Will you take me to Aunt Barbara’s now?”

  The light went out of his blue eyes and they became shielded once more, his face stony. “Have Bobby bring your trunks up. I’ll go hail a carriage,” he said gruffly and strode away.

  Dan ambled up and stood beside her. “Cap’n.” He nodded.

  “Hello, Dan,” she mumbled. “What is it?”

  “The men and I have told Captain Taylor that we’ll be leaving him here and takin’ the first ship home to Ireland. In the meanwhile we’ll be stayin’ in a hotel on the wharf. We’ll be near. If ye need us just whistle, Cap’n.”

  “Thank you, Dan. It’s comforting to know I still have someone I can rely on. I’ll pay your lodgings until you can find a ship to sign on, and thank you for all you’ve done for me.” Turning her attention to the other ships, she added, “Mr. Kirby said the Starbright would be sailing to Savannah soon. I wonder if she’s here yet? We spent over six weeks on Grande Terre. She could be in any day now. ”

  “I’ll scout around fer ye and let ye know the minute she docks.”

  “I’d appreciate it Dan, and don’t let Reed know, or he’ll have two ships.”

  “Aye, Cap’n. I’ll start checkin’ right now.”

  The day was bright and hot, but the breeze from the river kept the residents of Savannah from suffering too greatly this first week of August. Most of the more affluent families had gone to country homes or the plantations of friends or relatives for the summer to better escape the heat. Reed had told Kathleen that there was a chance her aunt’s family would not be in Savannah for a few weeks yet.

  They rode together in the open carriage as Reed pointed out landmarks to her. The streets were wide and shaded, made of cobblestone brought to Savannah as ballast on ships and put to good use in this and other ways. Many of the beautiful homes they passed had fancy iron gates and fences. Some had iron grillwork on windows and doors and around balconies, giving a delicate, intricate, and novel look to the city. The iron had also been brought as ballast and put to use decorating this fabulous southern port.

  Away from the docks, the streets were quiet, the people they passed pleasant and unhurried. The entire atmosphere was one of ease and dignity.

  Reed explained as they passed square after square that James Oglethorpe, who founded Savannah in 1733, had planned the layout of the city. As it grew, parks and squares were to be constructed at spaced intervals, enhancing the charms of Savannah and making her the gem of the south. The residents of Savannah were proud of their unique city, and justifiably so. These quiet green oases were a balm to the spirit, with trees and tropical plants and flowers to delight the senses. Birds and squirrels flitted about, totally unconcerned with the humans around them. Spanish moss hung from tall oak trees, creating the impression of an emerald fantasy world veiled in mist.

  Kathleen fell in love with Savannah on that short ride to her aunt’s home. “I’ve never seen anything like it, Reed.” She sighed in awe, her eyes as wide as green crystal saucers. “It rivals even Ireland!”

  “You would never guess to look at it that twelve short years ago, in 1796, almost two-thirds of Savannah was leveled by fire,” he commented. “I was just a boy then, but I remember it well. Even from Chimera you could see the entire sky red with flame. The devastation was unbelievable! But the people rebuilt quickly, and more and more homes were built of brick and stone and stucco instead of wood, especially in the town itself.”

  “It is very beautiful. No wonder you are proud of it.”

  “I can take no credit for it, of course, but thank you. I’ve traveled a great deal, but I consider Savannah one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen.”

  The carriage stopped before a wide iron gateway on Oglethorpe Square. A negro servant looked out, and upon seeing Reed, opened the gate with a wide grin. “Afta-noon, Cap’n Taylor, suh!” he cried.

  “Good afternoon, Willy. Is the family at home or have they gone to the country for the summer?”

  “They’s heah, suh. Been waitin’ on some relation from ’cross the sea, so’s I heah.” He glanced quickly at Kathleen.

  “Then they’ll be glad to know the wait is over. This is,” Reed hesitated slightly and continued in a tight voice, “Miss Kathleen Haley, Mrs. Baker’s niece.”

  Willy bobbed his head toward Kathleen. “Ma’am. I’ll run on ahead and tell ’em yoah heah.” With that he loped down the drive and out of view around a curve.

  Kathleen looked at Reed’s set jaw and said, “You’d better get used to it, Reed. From now on I am Miss Haley to you. ”

  “For now, Kat,” he said bitterly, “but mark my words, someday you’ll have to pay the piper.”

  The carriage rounded a curve and came upon an impressive red brick home trimmed in white and shaded by huge oak trees. It sat on a well-trimmed lawn as smooth as green velvet and dotted with small flower gardens. A sparkling fountain lay directly opposite the house on the outer side of the drive. Six huge brick pillars supported the house’s upper veranda and were covered with twining ivy. Curtains fluttered at the open windows. As they approached, the wide white double doors flew open and a petite blonde woman of about forty walked briskly across the porch and down the steps toward the carriage.

  Reed handed Kathleen down, and the lovely lady threw her arms about her and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Kathleen, it is so good to see you at last. We were beginning to think something had happened to you.” She held Kathleen at arm’s length and studied her with a smile. “You definitely take your coloring from your mother, but the set of your jaw and those high cheekbones are your father’s.” Turning to Reed, she extended her hand. He bowed slightly, much to Kathleen’s amusement, and kissed her fingertips.

  “Barbara, it is my pleasure to see you once more. You are as radiant as ever.”

  “And you are just as flattering, Reed,” she said with a smile. “If I had known it was your ship Kathleen had sailed on, I needn’t have worried so.”

  “Thank you, madam. We had a little trouble at sea, which is why we arrived in Savannah so late, but nothing too serious. As you can see, your niece has arrived safe and sound into your care.”

  Barbara glanced back to the carriage and turned to Kathleen curiously.

  “Where is your Nanna, Kathleen? I was sure Kirby said she was accompanying you.”

  Kathleen bit her lip and answered shakily, “That is one of the problems Captain Taylor was referring to; and to me it was very serious. We lost Nanna part way over, Aunt Barbara. She was drowned in a storm when she washed overboard.”

  “Oh, my poor dear! How terrible for you, especially so soon after losing your dear father.” Barbara took Kathleen’s hand in hers and patted it sympathetically. Suddenly a frown crossed her brow. “That must mean you crossed the ocean alone, with no one to look after you, or did some kindly matron take you under her wing?”

  “Ahem!” Reed cleared his throat, looking abashed. “If I might explain the situation to you,” he addressed Barbara. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kathleen stiffen and pale visibly. “Lady Haley was the only woman on board after Mrs. Dunley’s death. I assure you that I gave her my protection throughout the voyage. None of my men attempted to bother her. I even gave her the added comforts of the captain’s quarters for her own,” he added innocently.

  Kathleen choked at his half-truths and quickly covered her open mouth with her hand and coughed delicately. From behind her aunt’s back, she glared at him as her aunt said, “Reed, dear, that was so gallant of you. I really must commend you for being more of a gentleman than I have given you credit for. You seemed to have a wild streak in you, which is why I have
not especially approved of you as a beau for my Amy.”

  “I still have that wild streak, dear lady. Sometimes, though, I manage to restrain it for a short while,” he admitted, grinning rakishly down at her.

  “Oh, you bad boy!” Barbara laughed, shaking her head at him. Quickly changing the subject, she said, “Come, let’s all go into the house where it is cooler. Reed, you will stay for dinner, of course.”

  “I really have some other matters to take care of at the docks. I will send Lady Haley’s trunks along directly.”

  “Fine. Take care of your business and return for dinner at eight. William and Theodore will be home by then, and I’m sure they will want to see you. I won’t accept no for an answer,” Barbara insisted firmly.

  “Yes, ma’am. Eight o’clock,” Reed answered. “Till then, ladies.” He bowed again, climbed into the carriage, and drove off without a backward glance.

  All at once Kathleen felt bereft. The urge to call him back was nearly choking her. Her aunt was leading her into the house. “My dear, I suppose you will think me very rude, but there is something I simply must discuss with you,” she was saying as they seated themselves in the parlor.

  “Yes, Aunt Barbara?”

  “Reed Taylor is as charming as any of our boys, perhaps more so, but he is much bolder, more of a rogue. That is why I have tried to discourage Amy’s interest in him. However, if the two of you should become enamored of one another, I would understand. I shall treat you like my own and love you, Kathleen, but I shall try not to dictate to you over much. After all, any young woman who has had to endure the hardships you have suffered these last few months becomes mature much faster than a sheltered, pampered young girl like Amy. She has her mother and father to guide her, but then you have your station and title to consider, and I’m sure you don’t take the responsibility lightly.”

  “What is it you are trying to say, aunt?” Kathleen interrupted.

  “Just that if you become interested in Reed, I will not try to interfere merely because my daughter fancies herself in love with him. I have other plans for her, but you may be mature enough to handle him where Amy is not. She is headstrong, and I cannot make her see that she could never hold him. He would make her very unhappy.”