Fire and Ice Read online

  “Drat!” she swore to herself. “Don’t tell me I’ve done all this cutting and measuring for nothing!” Crossing the hall into the sewing room, she searched everywhere for sturdier utensils, but discovered nothing to suit her need. Finally, out of desperation, she hid her material in the rear of her armoire and hurried downstairs.

  There she found Ted wandering about harassing the housemaids and generally getting in everyone’s way. “Ted! Leave those poor girls alone. They’ve work to do!” she chided him with a smile. “Have you nothing else to better occupy your time?”

  “Not until you arrived. Everyone seems to be busy but me.”

  “Well then,” Kathleen said, taking him by the arm, “I think I’ve solved your problem. How would you like to ride into Savannah with me?”

  “I’d love to, Cinderella, but shouldn’t you be getting ready for your ball? Susan and Amy have been cloistered away in their room for the past hour with all sorts of mysterious creams and lotions designed to make them soft and lovely.” He grimaced playfully.

  “Oh, there is plenty of time, Ted. It’s only eleven, and if we go on horseback instead of taking the carriage, we can be back with time to spare. I absolutely must get some things in town, and I assure you that you will be pleasantly missed around here,” she added jokingly. “Maybe a little work will be accomplished in your absence.”

  “I see. You are doing your good deed of the day by removing me from the premises. Very well, cousin, I’ll see to the horses while you dress, but hurry. I don’t want Mother blaming me if you are late for your own welcoming party.”

  Ten minutes later they were on the road to Savannah, Kathleen proudly atop the golden Zeus. On reaching the outskirts of the city, Kathleen headed directly for the docks. “Where are we going?” Ted queried confusedly. “I assumed you intended to shop.”

  “I do, Ted, after I attend to another matter first,” she answered. She pulled up before an old hotel and started to dismount.

  “Just a minute, Kathy! You can’t go in there alone. Besides, Mother would have my hide if she even suspected I let you come to this end of town. This is no place for a lady!”

  “Oh, bother!” Kathleen retorted huffily, then retreated partially. “All right, I’ll stay here. You go in and ask after a Mr. Dan Shanahan. If you find him, tell him I wish to speak to him immediately.”

  “What about? Who is this man?”

  “It is personal, Ted, and if you refuse to do it I’ll have to see to the matter myself,” she declared stubbornly, jutting out her chin in a determined manner.

  “Oh, all right,” he grumbled. “I just hope you know what you are doing.”

  The next few minutes Kathleen spent uncomfortably perched upon Zeus, deliberately ignoring sly looks and catcalls from several grubby men and a couple of rather blowsy women from one of the nearby brothels. She breathed a sigh of relief when Ted appeared at last, followed by a grumpy-looking Dan. Dismounting, she tossed her reins to Ted and pulled Dan aside. Quickly she gave him her instructions, and before Ted had time to collect his thoughts they were mounted once more and riding into a more respectable section of town.

  For the next three hours they scurried from one elite shop to the next as Kathleen chose dress patterns and materials, was measured and remeasured for outfits. Deftly, she explained styles she wanted created especially to suit her, and the colors and fabric she desired. By offering bonuses to already staggering prices, Kathleen obtained promises of swift completion and delivery of most of her purchases. Not only did she order several new gowns and the accessories to match, but also a beautiful moss-green velvet cloak and bonnet for cooler weather. She left with hasty promises to return in two weeks for fittings.

  As she and Ted headed toward her aunt’s home on Oglethorpe Square, Ted exclaimed, “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything like it before! In just three hours you have purchased what would have taken Mother and Amy a whole week to select, and most of the designs were unique, so especially you. I’m very impressed, Kathy! I didn’t think women could make up their minds so quickly or be so—so organized.”

  “Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment. You know, Ted, contrary to popular opinion, women do have quick minds and the ability to use them,” Kathleen answered indulgently.

  “I didn’t mean to imply that they don’t,” he said hastily, “only that they don’t often show it. At least not in front of me.”

  “Yes, I suppose you are right,” she conceded. “Many men would be scared off by any hint of brains in a woman. Silly, isn’t it? They expect women to be beautiful but dumb. One would think they would value intelligence in a mate.”

  “Some do. Especially the men who are intelligent enough themselves not to worry that their wives might be smarter than they are.” Ted snickered.

  “I like the way you think, cousin!” Kathleen said with a laugh.

  Dan was waiting for them outside the gate when they arrived at Aunt Barbara’s. He approached Kathleen with a bundle in his arms. “Got the stuff ye asked fer,” he grunted.

  “All that?” Kathleen exclaimed, eyeing the bundle.

  “Found some other things, too. There’s a note inside that explains,” he said shortly, eyeing Ted suspiciously.

  Kathleen nodded. “Thank you, Dan. I appreciate the trouble you took. By the way, how are things going for you?”

  “Jest fine, Miss. Don’t ye worry ’bout nothin’,” he said with a wink, and walked off whistling.

  “What was that all about?” Ted asked with a frown.

  “Nothing to concern yourself over,” Kathleen replied casually. “Come on. We’d best head back to Chimera before Barbara and Mary start to panic.”

  The ride to Savannah and back had made her hot and dusty and wet with perspiration, and Kathleen was in no mood for what she found awaiting her at Chimera. Both Barbara and Mary were irritated with her, and Mammy’s frown lines were clearly visible.

  “How could you think of going off today, of all days!” Barbara scolded. “You’ll never be ready in time!”

  “Oh, posh! Barbara, I have plenty of time. If need be, I could be dressed and down in half an hour. Such a fuss over nothing!” With an exasperated sigh, Kathleen mounted the stairs to her suite.

  Yet another encounter awaited her when she entered her bedroom. There at the dresser stood Amy, calmly rifling through Kathleen’s jewel case. Kathleen tossed her bundle on the bed. “Just what do you think you are doing?” she demanded, her cool voice laced with barely leashed fury.

  “Why, cousin dear, I was hoping to borrow a few of your baubles for this evening, of course,” Amy answered in a honeyed tone. “I was sure you wouldn’t mind.”

  “I would not mind half so much if you had the decency to ask me first. Now, if you don’t mind leaving, I’d like to start my bath.” Kathleen was already unbuttoning her riding habit.

  “Oh, so there it is,” Amy announced, catching Kathleen’s left hand. “I was looking for this ring. It would go so nicely with the emerald ear bobs.”

  Snatching her hand away, Kathleen headed for the water closet. “This, of all my jewels, is especially not for loan, Amy. It never leaves my hand. In fact, there are several of my pieces I am overly fond of and would not think of lending.”

  “My, my! I’d always heard it was the Scots who were so tight-fistted and stingy! Perhaps that goes for the Irish, too,” Amy said sarcastically. “Oh, well, nevermind. I will have all the jewels I’ll ever need in a few months anyway. I suppose I can wait.” Amy paused for the effect and added, “I’m sure Reed will buy me as many rings as I desire after we are married.” Amy tossed her blonde ringlets haughtily.

  Kathleen’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied her cousin. “Married? I didn’t realize the two of you were even engaged. Captain Taylor never mentioned it,” she said evenly.

  “Oh, yes! Of course it is not official, you understand, but there has been sort of an understanding between our families for years. I expect he’ll give me a ring by Chris
tmas and we’ll announce the date.”

  “Really? I was under the impression that the captain had thus far shown no interest in any of the women around here. Are you so sure he’s ready to settle down?” she said slyly, green eyes flashing.

  “Now you sound like some of the others around here who insist that Reed is not the marrying type!”

  “Oh, no, Amy. I’m not suggesting that at all. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if he has a wife stashed away somewhere already!” Kathleen smiled inwardly.

  “What a silly thing to say!” Amy exploded.

  “Well, he is a seafaring man, dear, and they are notorious for the way they carry on in ports around the world,” Kathleen needled.

  “That’s ridiculous! Besides, Reed is mine. Do you hear? Mine! And you keep your grubby Irish hands away from him! You may have all the other men in the county charmed, but Reed would see right through you, Kathleen. He’d see right away that you are nothing more than a little Irish potato farmer, a red-haired baggage like your mother!”

  Kathleen, who had wandered over and was leaning against her desk, reacted instantly and instinctively. In a flash of movement she had snatched up a letter opener that lay atop the desk, and now stood with the point pressed firmly against Amy’s throat.

  “Never—I repeat, never—say anything vile about my mother or her family again!” Kathleen growled in a low, menacing tone. “She was more of a lady than you will ever think of becoming. You are nothing but a spoiled brat with a vicious tongue which you had better learn to control before someone else does it for you!”

  As Kathleen was talking, Amy backed all the way to the door, eyes wide with fear. Kathleen lowered the letter opener and stepped aside. “Might I further suggest that you leave my rooms now and never enter again unless I request it.” She motioned toward the door.

  Amy felt behind her for the doorknob. “You are as crazy as a loon!” she exclaimed excitedly. “You may be sure I will tell Reed what you have done!”

  “You just do that, Amy,” Kathleen said with a wry grin. “He’ll probably wish I had at least removed your voice box. You screech like an old owl! I have no idea what he might see in you, except perhaps your pretty little face, which I shall ruin if you ever malign my relatives again.”

  Without waiting for any comment, she continued, “And one more thing. Should I decide to set my cap for Reed Taylor, I shall do so, and neither you nor anyone else shall stop me!” Returning to the desk, she replaced the small weapon. “Do we understand each other, Amy, dear?”

  “One thing I understand for sure is that you are looney! They should lock you away! I pity any man who marries you, Kathleen!”

  Kathleen threw back her tawny head and laughed aloud as she thought of Reed and all the problems she had already brought him—and those she intended to cause in the near future. “There, at least, we agree, cousin!” Amy gave her a queer look and departed hastily, muttering under her breath about insanity being hereditary, and hoping fervently it wasn’t prevalent on her mother’s side of the family.

  While the servants filled her tub, Kathleen unwrapped her bundle from Dan. The first thing her eyes lit on was a pair of brand new black leather boots. With them lay a wide black belt with a huge gold ornamental buckle. She ran her hand along the highly polished leather and let out a low whistle. They were beautiful! She pulled on the soft, supple boots, and they fit perfectly, coming to her knees.

  She unfolded the note Dan had included and read quickly.

  Cap’n. Found thees abored the Starbright in yer quarters. They arrived at the estate after we sailed. Yer Pa ordered 'em months ago fer ye. He said ye needed some decent boots ta sail in so ye didn ’t get soked and wet or brake yer neck. Kirty had 'em sent on the next ship out. Dan

  “Papa. Dear, thoughtful Papa,” Kathleen choked on the whispered words as the tears coursed down her face. “Always looking out for me. How I miss you!”

  Hearing Mammy’s heavy tread in the hallway, Kathleen scurried to the armoire. She pulled off the boots and hid them and the belt at the back of the highest shelf with her green material. Also in the bundle were needles and heavy-corded thread used in sewing up the sails. These she had requested of Dan to sew up her costume. Reasonably sure they were safe from view, she hurried to her bath.

  Chapter 15

  THE ballroom sparkled, but so did Kathleen that evening. Dressed in a leaf-green taffeta gown with silver threads interwoven into the fabric, each movement brought a shimmer of light. The bodice was snug, cut very low and devoid of any lace or trim, and caught beneath the bosom in the high-waisted style that was so popular in Europe. The gown seemed to flow to the floor from the raised waistline. There were no actual sleeves, as the dress was styled to be worn off the shoulder. She wore only an emerald pendant and ear bobs to set off the gown. Long kid gloves were her only other accessory, and the elegant simplicity of her ensemble was stunning.

  Mammy had coaxed her hair into an intricate coiffure of braids and waves, leaving a few soft curls to frame her face, and one long curl to fall over her left shoulder.

  True to her word, Kathleen was ready and standing next to Barbara in the receiving line as the first guests arrived. She was surprised at the number of people she had not previously met, and it embarrassed her slightly that Barbara insisted on introducing her as Lady Haley. Her dance card became an impossible jumble of names, and soon she had to resort to promises of half a dance if she could manage it. Barbara laughed and told her, “Your slippers won’t last the evening, Kathleen.”

  “My feet probably won’t either,” Kathleen predicted.

  Kathleen danced the opening cotillion with her Uncle William and the next dance with Ted. Early in the evening she found herself rapidly becoming annoyed with Gerard Ainsley, who seemed to assume an attitude of superiority and possessiveness where she was concerned. By his actions he was openly telling everyone present that he was staking his claim on her. True, he was one of the most handsome and mature of her partners, but Kathleen was determined not to let him become too dominating. She found herself avoiding him when possible, and bestowing her most charming smiles on her other suitors. She remained very cool and aloof toward him, but it only served to aggravate the situation and make him more ardent.

  “I’ve got to do something about this Don Juan before things get out of hand,” she thought grimly as he claimed her for the next dance.

  They were but a few steps into the dance, with Kathleen trying valiantly not to let Ainsley hold her as closely as he would have liked, when she felt compelled to glance toward the open veranda doors. Suddenly her breath caught in her throat, for there in the doorway, looking impossibly handsome and elegant in black evening attire, was Reed. His icy blue gaze rested on her for a moment before he flashed her a dazzling smile. Then he was gone from view as Ainsley whirled her about the floor.

  Kathleen felt shaken, and her knees seemed to have turned to jelly. Her cheeks flushed with color as she struggled to regain her composure. Ainsley, taking advantage of her momentary lack of concentration, tightened his hold about her waist. In his conceit, he mistakenly contributed her confusion as a yielding to his charm. So confident was he, that by the time the music ended he had maneuvered her near the veranda. Taking her arm in his, Ainsley propelled her toward the doorway.

  Kathleen came to herself with a jolt. At once she stiffened, withdrawing her arm. “Mr. Ainsley, I do not recall requesting to go outside,” she said coldly, her eyes flashing in anger.

  “Come now, Kathleen. It is overly warm in here and you are quite flushed. Some fresh air would do you no harm.”

  “Neither do I recall giving you leave to use my given name, sir, and I can do without the fresh air. You are entirely too fresh as it is,” she continued sternly.

  “Just for a moment, surely,” he argued politely, taking a firm grip on her elbow.

  “I said no!” Kathleen almost shouted at him.

  “Release the lady’s arm, Ainsley,” came the terse command from
behind them.

  Turning to greet the intruder, Ainsley suddenly became very amiable. Thrusting out his hand, he said, “Hello, Reed, I haven’t seen you for some time. When did you get home?”

  “Just in time to rescue a damsel in distress, it seems,” Reed stated with a slight bow to Kathleen. Their eyes met and held for a long second before Ainsley broke, the spell.

  “Oh! Forgive my lack of manners. Lady Haley, may I present Mr. Reed Taylor. ”

  “We’ve met, thank you,” Kathleen said, presenting her hand to Reed.

  With an amused quirk of his-dark eyebrow, Reed lifted her hand to his lips. “You look ravishing this evening, Kathleen.” He grinned down at her.

  “Thank you, Captain Taylor. You look very dashing yourself, as you well know,” she countered with an easy smile.

  “How is it you two know each other?” Ainsley interrupted, attempting unsuccessfully to place his arm around Kathleen’s waist.

  Reed’s eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the movement, and. Kathleen found herself holding her breath momentarily.

  “I’d say we know each other rather well indeed, wouldn’t you, Kathleen?” His gaze shifted to her, resting lightly on her exposed bosom, then traveling downward and gradually up again, silently undressing her with his eyes.

  Kathleen blushed under his appraisal, but rallied quickly. Tossing her head, she looked coolly up at him and said, “Captain Taylor, you are much too bold, and you still have not answered Mr. Ainsley’s question.” Turning to Ainsley, she went on. “It is Captain Taylor’s ship I took from Ireland. Now, if you two gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I promised this dance to Mr. Turnbill.” With that, Kathleen walked calmly away.