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  “I’m not sure,” Reed said thoughtfully. “I rather like creamy white complexions in a way.”

  “Oh, so it’s that kind of game we’re playing now,” Kathleen thought furiously. She faced him squarely and commented sweetly, “Really, Captain Taylor? I’d pictured you as the type who would favor the dark Latin look.”

  “I enjoy many different types of women, Lady Haley,” he countered lazily.

  “Beware of spreading yourself too thinly then, Captain,” Kathleen replied smugly. “It is said that he who burns his candle at both ends stands in danger of being burned.”

  “I’ll try to remember that,” Reed assured her, obviously amused.

  “And what type of gentleman strikes your fancy, my dear?” Barbara interjected, taking advantage of the underlying current between Kathleen and Reed. “I’m sure Theodore has many friends from whom you could choose a suitor.”

  “I find I have a decided preference for the tall, dark sort, Barbara,” Kathleen answered, once more looking at Reed. “One such gentleman I met had the most interesting dark eyes, and though most people would find him fearsome, I found him quite gentle, with a warm, sincere heart. We became quite good friends and may have become more than that but there were circumstances against it, and he was too much the gentleman to cross the bounds of propriety,” Kathleen continued, deliberately reminding Reed of Dominique.

  “Such a pity!” Barbara mused. “But perhaps you will meet again and the fates will be kinder.”

  “I doubt it, but regardless, I know that we shall always remain friends. He is a very loyal person, so trustworthy, and he has the most remarkable brother!”

  “What does he do for a living?” William asked, totally unaware of the byplay going on.

  “His family is in the business of transporting trade goods,” Kathleen improvised, chancing a look at Reed who seemed as if he were about to strangle.

  “It is rare to find such a fine friend,” Barbara noted.

  “Yes,” Reed agreed. “Usually when you do you will find they also have a few unsavory relatives skulking about to balance the scales,” he pointed out, his jaw muscle twitching in a manner Kathleen had come to associate with his dark anger.

  After the men had finished their brandy and cigars, they joined the ladies in the parlor.

  “Will you be seeing your mother soon?” William was inquiring of Reed as they entered the room.

  “I’ll be riding out this evening.”

  “Please tell her we will be following in a few days, as soon as I can close up the house,” Barbara requested. “Your mother has invited us for the summer as usual.” Reed’s dark eyebrows jerked upward on hearing this, and he switched his gaze to give Kathleen a quick look of barely hidden humor with a definite touch of gloating thrown in. Kathleen stared back at him defiantly.

  “It is indeed a pity that I shall miss you, but I’ll be gone before you arrive,” Reed told Barbara. “I’ve pressing business to attend to, and shall only be staying a day at Chimera. I would dearly love to be there when you arrive, but I shall endeavor to return soon, believe me.” The double message of his words was not lost on Kathleen, nor was the swift look of triumph he shot her as he left.

  Chapter 12

  TWO days later Dan came by and told Kathleen that Reed had sailed that morning. “I’ve found a cove at the mouth of the river b’tween a couple o’ islands thet are well hidden. The passage at first looked ta be too shallow, but on closer inspection I’m sure a ship could clear it if she has a sharp captain,” he reported.

  “Is the Starbright in readiness, then?” Kathleen questioned.

  “Crew an’ all,” he assured her.

  “Fine. I’ll sneak out tonight. Meet me at the end of the drive.”

  Late that night Kathleen sailed the Starbright down the Savannah River. Careful of the tides and currents, she skillfully maneuvered the ship into the narrow channel Dan indicated and around the backside of a small island. The crew held its breath the while, praying they would not run aground. There they dropped anchor.

  “Congratulations, Cap’n. Not many could have navigated thet channel durin’ the day, let alone at night,” Dan said proudly.

  “I hope you remembered to have someone meet us with horses,” Kathleen said as Dan rowed them toward the mainland in the dinghy.

  “He’ll be there,” Dan alleged.

  “The crew looks to be all men who have sailed with me before,” Kathleen commented. “However, I do not want too many from the Kat-Ann. They will be too easily recognized. Bobby especially must go. Also, I should like it if a few of the men are willing to be assigned to Reed’s ship in case we should need their aid there. You and I must devise costumes to disguise our identities.”

  “Jest what is this plan ye have in mind, Cap’n?”

  “You will have to sound out the men and make absolutely sure they are all loyal to me,” Kathleen went on, ignoring Dan’s questions. “Explain about the Kat-Ann and find out how each man feels about practicing a bit of piracy.”

  “Piracy!” Dan exploded.

  “Yes, piracy,” Kathleen reiterated with a secretive smile. “It is the perfect way to pay back that pirate devil I’m married to! What better way can you think of, Dan?”

  “Then ye mean to steal the Kat-Ann back from him?” he asked.

  “In a way, old friend, but I shall do it slowly. I have given it a lot of thought. I shall relieve him of all his stolen booty every chance I get until I finally drive him to ruin. That ship means a lot to Reed, and it will be very painful to him to be forced to sell it.”

  “You’ll be drivin’ yerself to the poor house too, then, won't ye lass?”

  “Not as long as I keep Papa’s shipping line a secret. I’ll have the company buy back the Kat-Ann through an agent.”

  “It’s a dangerous game ye’ll be playin’. What if ye’re caught?”

  “That is why I must be sure all our men are loyal. Any who do not wish to join us must return to Ireland immediately and reveal nothing if they value their necks! I’ve too much at stake to risk harboring an informer. Also, I must find a way to disappear from here when Reed sails without arousing suspicion. As soon as I have a plan worked out I’ll let you know. In the meantime, prepare the ship and crew.”

  They reached the shore and were climbing out of the dinghy when a man approached leading two horses. Kathleen and Dan mounted up, leaving the boat for the young sailor.

  “Have ye realized the Starbright is registered in several countries includin’ this one?” Dan questioned.

  “Aye. That is why we must disguise her too. The figurehead must be removed and a new one affixed.”

  Dan looked startled. “Beggin’ yer pardon, Cap’n, but ye know that’s bad luck.”

  “What else do you suggest?” The figurehead they were discussing was that of a buxom young maiden with long flowing locks curling about her bare breasts. Her arms were thrust above her head, and in each hand she held a shining star.

  “Let me think of it a bit,” Dan suggested past a wad of tobacco. “I’ll figure somethin’ out.”

  “You do that,” Kathleen agreed, “and while you’re at it, set the sailmaster to making up a new flag to fly. I should like a pot of gold with crossed swords through the handle on a backdrop of emerald green. I want you to have the entire ship painted green, sails and all. The green will blend with the sea by day, and the sails will not show up in the moonlight. Also, her name must be painted over so she can’t be traced to me. We shall give her a new name,” Kathleen announced with pride. “We shall call her the Emerald Enchantress. ”

  Dawn was nearing as Kathleen climbed the outside veranda stairs to her room. She felt she had just closed her eyes when Mammy shuffled in with her breakfast tray. “What time is it?” Kathleen mumbled sleepily as Mammy drew aside the mosquito netting.

  “ ’Most nine o’clock,” Mammy answered with a smile. “Since you’re usually up by now I got your breakfast fo’ you. ’Sides, we gots to leave ’bo
ut ’leven fo’ Chimera.”

  “Thank you, Mammy. Just set the tray on the table.” The aroma of fresh coffee was already working its magic, and after all her activities the night before, Kathleen’s stomach felt as if it were touching her backbone. “Is Ted up yet?” she inquired.

  “Master Theodore jes’ got up, too.”

  “Will you ask him to stop by my room after he’s dressed? I need to consult with him about a horse.”

  It was a short while later that Ted appeared at her door. He eyed Kathleen appreciatively, noting how the forest green of her riding habit accented her eyes. “You wanted to see me?”

  “Yes, Ted. Come in.” She led him to a chair. “I wish to buy a horse and I need you to tell me the best places to start looking.”

  “What kind of horse do you have in mind?”

  “A young thoroughbred or an Arabian, I suppose. Fast, surefooted, good lines and breeding,” Kathleen enumerated. “I’m not sure if I want a mare or a stallion. I’ll know when I see the horses.”

  “Well, Kathy, horse racing is a popular sport here in Savannah. We have races nearly every week. I’ll take you with me Saturday afternoon if you want. There will be horse traders and breeders there showing some of their available stock.”

  “That is only three days from now, Ted. Will it be possible to leave Chimera so soon after arriving and not seem rude?”

  “Oh, of course,” Ted said confidently. “It isn’t that far to ride, and there will be others who will want to go too.”

  “Then I’d be delighted. Meanwhile, do you have a horse you can loan me for today? I hate to ride in a carriage on a beautiful day. Barbara won’t mind, will she?”

  “Father will ride in the carriage with her. He always does. Come along and we’ll fix you right up,” he assured her as he ushered her out the door.

  As soon as they’d saddled the bay gelding for her, Kathleen asked Ted to accompany her to the bank where she cashed the check from Mr. Kirby and hurried home again.

  It was a leisurely hour and a half ride to Chimera over pleasantly shaded country roads. Kathleen enjoyed the ride, but regretted not being able to ride astride. Despite all of Mammy’s houndings, however, she refused to wear a bonnet. Instead, she tied her hair back loosely with a ribbon and revelled in the feel of the sun on her face.

  As Barbara had predicted, Kathleen was enchanted by her first glimpse of Chimera. It sat on a knoll a good way back from the road, surrounded by shade trees and the greenest grass Kathleen had seen since leaving Ireland. The air was filled with the scent from flowering trees and bushes. The house itself was a huge white wooden mansion with two wide wings angled back on either side of the center section. Eight immense pillars dominated the front of the structure, running the entire height of the house and supporting the second story veranda, and, farther up, the widow’s walk. Nearly all the windows and doorways sported fancy black iron grillwork. Beyond the main house, the kitchen, stables, barns, and other outbuildings could be seen, as well as neat rows of whitewashed slave cabins. Hidden from view, Ted told Kathleen, was an inner courtyard formed by the angle of both wings of the house, with flowers planted all around the edges, a beautiful fountain in the center, a lovely gazebo at the far end, and a high wall closing off the rear where the wings ended.

  They dismounted in front of the house where a servant took charge of the horses and baggage, and were ushered into the cool, darkened entryway by a young slave girl. When her eyes adjusted to the light, Kathleen was surprised to find that what she had assumed to be an entryway was actually a very large reception room from which two broad, open marble staircases curved majestically from either side of the room to a wide upper hallway. Intricately designed wrought-iron railings enhanced the beauty of the staircases and lined the outer edge of the hallway. Two magnificent crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling of the room itself, with another to match centered in the upper hallway. This main hallway, with doors and lesser halls leading to other areas, extended completely around the upper edge of the reception room, while the entire front of the upper level opened onto an outer veranda. On ground level, more doorways opened along the left side of the room and beyond the staircases. On the right side, wide, lacy ironwork doors could be folded open to join this room with an even larger elegant ballroom. Divans, chairs, and shining cherry tables were arranged on the highly polished marble floor for the comfort of guests, giving an aura of welcome in the midst of pure elegance.

  As Kathleen stood stunned at the splendor of the scene before her, doors to the left of her slid open and a graceful dark-haired woman glided toward them. She was of medium height, but her gleaming black hair was arranged atop her head, making her seem taller. Her gray eyes glowed in her delicate pale face as she approached them.

  “Barbara! I was so happy when Reed told me you would be coming soon. I’ve missed your company this summer.”

  The two women embraced each other lightly. Standing back, Mary Taylor accepted a light kiss on the cheek from William, and acknowledged Ted’s presence with a smile and a nod.

  Taking Kathleen by the arm, Barbara introduced the two ladies. “Mary, dear, I would like you to meet Kathleen, my dear brother’s daughter. She came over on Reed’s ship. I suppose he told you.”

  Mary Taylor faced Kathleen with a curious smile. Quickly her gray eyes assessed the young woman before her. Kathleen wondered how much Reed had told his mother, and it took all her willpower not to squirm under the woman’s evaluation.

  “Reed did mention something about having you aboard,” Mary said in her soft southern voice. “I’m surprised he didn’t mention how beautiful you are. Welcome to Chimera, Kathleen.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Taylor. I appreciate your including me in your invitation. I hope it is not inconvenient for you,” Kathleen said politely.

  “Not at all,” Mrs. Taylor assured her. Turning to Barbara, she continued, “Now, I must get back to my guests. I have a few ladies in for luncheon. One of the servants will show you to your rooms and help you get settled. As soon as you have freshened yourselves, please join us in the parlor, ladies. Amy and Susan are there as well as Kate O’Reilly and a few of the other neighbor women. Kathleen will have the opportunity to meet these select few in a quiet gathering.”

  As they ascended the curved staircase, Barbara explained, “The rooms at the head of the stairs are ladies’ resting rooms and a dressing room for the men. To the right are six suites, including Mary’s rooms to the front of the house, with Susan’s next to hers. Amy usually rooms near Susan or in with her. The other wing also has six suites, one of which is the master suite, belonging to Reed. That entire wing is off limits to single ladies, as of course, the other is to unwed gentlemen. That way reputations are not in danger of becoming tarnished or questioned.”

  Kathleen nodded. “Rather a good means of keeping temptation out of anyone’s way.”

  “Exactly,” Barbara stated firmly. Then, turning to eye Kathleen shrewdly, she added, “That is a very astute observation, Kathleen. Are you sure you are only seventeen?”

  They followed the servant to their rooms. Kathleen was delighted that her suite faced the open courtyard to the rear of the house. Barbara and William took the corner rooms farther down the hall. The apartment might have been designed with Kathleen in mind, it was that plush and pleasing to her. The bedroom, which opened onto the outer veranda, was done in shades of green with glossy cherry furnishings, and had a small bath with a tub. The sitting room was done in beige and apricot with delicately designed walnut furniture, and was very cheery.

  Quickly, Kathleen changed into a peach linen gown with deeper peach trim. The neckline was low, and a wide ribbon accented the tiny waistline and was tied in a huge bow in the back. Mammy arrived in time to help her sweep her shining hair up into a loosely curled mass atop her head. Devoid of any jewelry but her wedding ring and a pair of diamond earrings, Kathleen waited nervously in the hall for Barbara, unwilling to face the ladies in the parlor alone.
/>   Upon their entrance into the parlor, Mary Taylor rose and came to greet them. Heads that swiveled in idle curiosity remained turned to view the new arrivals. Kathleen stood quietly, hoping she appeared more calm than she was. Somewhere in this room, she realized, was her grandmother, Kate O’Reilly, whom she had not seen in fourteen years. Desperately she hoped that Mr. Kirby or someone had informed her grandmother of her impending arrival in Savannah so that the older woman would not be shocked into a heart attack.

  “I wanted to go to her house quietly first. This is no way to reacquaint oneself with one’s grandmother,” Kathleen thought anxiously. “How will she react? Will she understand that I am living with Aunt Barbara’s family? Will she despise me for it? Will she immediately declare that I am her granddaughter before all these women and embarrass Barbara in the process? What will she think of me?”

  Further worries on that subject were pushed aside as Kathleen realized she was being introduced to the group by Mary Taylor’s softly accented voice. Immediately two young girls detached themselves from a group of young women standing around the piano, and started toward them.

  One was a younger replica of Barbara, blonde, petite, and blue eyed. Kathleen knew this must be Amy. The other girl had dark hair and resembled Mary Taylor. Kathleen could also see something of Reed in her features.

  Barbara stepped forward and embraced her daughter. Then, turning back to Kathleen, she said, “This is my daughter Amy, Kathleen, and her friend Susan Taylor, daughter of our hostess.”

  A friendly smile lit Susan’s pretty face as she murmured a quiet welcome. Kathleen experienced a strange, hurtful tug at her heart as she realized that the smile was exactly like Reed’s. Her attention was drawn to Amy as the petite blonde spoke to her in an odd accent combining England and southern Georgia.

  “Well, cousin Kathleen, finally we meet. I’m sorry I wasn’t in town to greet you upon your arrival, but my delicate skin just can’t take the heat of summer as well as yours obviously can,” she said in a loud, overly sweet voice. “I do hope you had a quiet voyage.”