Fire and Ice Read online

  This year, Amy, who had turned sixteen in the spring, would make her social debut. So would Kathleen who, although she had turned seventeen in April, was new to Savannah. Since Susan’s birthday was but a few days after the ball, she too would be presented.

  Havoc reigned at Chimera as preparations were underway for all three girls. Kate had alerted Kathleen a month previous, and only a final trip to the dressmaker for a fitting of her gown was required. Since all the gowns were to be white, competition for originality was furious, and Kathleen allowed no one to see her gown but Eleanore. The design was Kathleen’s own idea and she paid Mrs. Fitz extra to keep it secret, especially from the ever curious Amy.

  Reed, of course, was being a problem. “But darling,” he told Kathleen in his cynical way, “you are supposed to be an unwed, untouched maiden when you are presented. That is why all the debutantes wear white, don’t you know? You are flaunting tradition by doing this.” He smiled crookedly.

  “Go to the devil, Reed!” she snarled.

  “Only if I can take you along.”

  “I can’t very well come out and say I’m not a virgin, Reed. Barbara would have fits.”

  “Can’t or won’t? You could always tell them the whole story if you wanted.”

  “You don’t have to escort me, you know. I’m sure I can find someone else to do so.”

  “Never fear, fair lady. I shall be only too glad to do so. It will seem a bit odd, however. I’ll wager I’m the first husband ever to escort his wife to a coming-out ball.”

  “What they don’t know won’t hurt them,” she replied stubbornly.

  The day of the ball Kathleen rode into Savannah and collected her dress personally. That afternoon she closeted herself with Eleanore, refusing entry to anyone else. She took a light supper in her room, giving Amy no opportunity to sneak in and see her gown.

  Eleanore dressed her hair for her, sweeping it up into a soft coiffure with gentle waves framing her delicate face. Just above each ear she pinned a jeweled butterfly. When the time came to depart for Savannah, she wrapped herself in a hooded, white satin cape that covered all but her face. Even once they had arrived at the ball she refused to show even a glimpse of her gown.

  “Not until we are announced,” she said firmly.

  “This had better be worth all the suspense,” Reed grumbled.

  Kathleen merely smiled up at him sweetly. Then she let her eyes rove over him. Once again she was struck by his handsomeness. He looked so debonair in his formal attire.

  He caught her look and grinned knowingly. “Your thoughts are showing, Kat,” he whispered. “Beware! One of these days someone is going to see you eyeing me in that fashion and know immediately that here is one maiden who is not as virtuous as she would lead others to believe.”

  Kathleen favored him with a scathing look and said nothing.

  Soon they were at the head of the stairs hearing their names announced. “The Lady Kathleen Haley and her escort, Captain Reed Taylor.” All eyes focused on them as Kathleen slipped the cloak from her shoulders and handed it to the attendant. A collective sigh rose from the crowd below. Reed turned to offer her his arm and nearly lost his balance as he beheld her.

  She stood regally in a dress of shining pure white satin with a plunging vee neckline and an empire waist. It clung sleekly to her figure. The sleeves were long and tightly fitted, but overlaying the sleeves and draping beneath her arms like angel’s wings was the sheerest white pleated chiffon. The gown was embroidered with scores of brightly jeweled butterflies that twinkled and shone against the snowy satin. About her neck a choker of perfectly matched pearls clung, their mates kissing her dainty earlobs. Kathleen herself looked like the rarest of winged creatures newly emerged from its cocoon, all shiny and new and beautiful.

  Reed could not believe his eyes. As many gowns as he had seen her in, she had never looked more beautiful and radiant than now. Almost reverently, but certainly proudly, he led her down the staircase. At the foot of the stairs they faced the committee of dowagers and town leaders whose acceptance she was symbolically seeking. He held her arm firmly as she gave them a low, graceful curtsy. She rose and they took their places to await the rest of the announcements.

  Amy was livid! She had chosen a dress with rows of delicate ruffles edged in fine lace. A beautiful old cameo rested at the base of her throat, a gift from her parents. To offset the white gown she had a wreath of pink roses about her head. She really looked quite lovely, but next to Kathleen’s smoothly draped sophistication she felt like a little girl at her first party.

  Susan delighted everyone, and was probably the second most beautiful young lady there. She appeared in a charming gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a peasant ruffle of Irish lace flowing gently over her shoulders and bosom. The bodice was just low enough to reveal a glimpse of her maturing breasts. The waistline was fitted and the skirt flowed gently to the floor with an overlay of Irish lace. Tiny miniature orange blossoms of coral studded her ears, with a larger matching pendant hanging from a gold chain around her neck. A sprinkling of genuine orange blossoms set off her dark hair to perfection. She was charming as she was escorted by a bedazzled Ted.

  Somehow word had gotten around that Kathleen had rejected Gerard Ainsley. The attention Reed was lavishing on her this evening left no doubt in anyone’s mind that Kathleen and Reed were now an item. By some unwritten code, and in some intangible way, Reed had officially staked his claim to her this evening and everyone knew it.

  Amy was not the only one angered by this turn of events. Kathleen was a confused mass of conflicting emotions. While she enjoyed tantalizing Reed and reigning supreme at the ball, she was upset that, in some way she could not pinpoint, she had given Reed the upper hand. She was proud to be at his side, knowing what a sensational pair they presented, yet angry that Reed had taken advantage and publicly earmarked her as his alone. She was highly irritated both at herself and at him.

  When he held her close against him as they danced, she was alarmed at her own reaction. She felt her breathing become shallow and her heart pound faster in her chest. Reed felt it too, pressing his advantage. He held her even closer and whirled her about until she was breathless and nearly helpless in his arms.

  “Reed, please,” she complained faintly.

  “Please what, my sweet?” he taunted. “Please take you home and make mad, passionate love to you as you know you want me to?”

  Kathleen nearly choked keeping the word yes from her lips. He was so handsome and strong this evening, his arms so familiar and powerful, his breath warm and tingling on her neck. His lips were too close and inviting, the masculine scent of him made her head spin. The timbre of his voice loosed butterflies in her stomach, and the sensuous look in his incredibly blue eyes set her pulse pounding crazily.

  How easy it would be to surrender to him this evening. There was magic in the air and the promise of heaven in his arms. Her body ached for the feel of him and her lips tingled to feel his upon them. Her heart yearned for him even as her head called her seven kinds of fool. The memory of that incredible night aboard the Enchantress lingered and served to fuel her hunger.

  She lowered her gaze from his searching look and murmured fervently, “Damn you, Reed! Damn you to hell and back again and myself as well!”

  He chuckled warmly in her ear. “Give in, Kat. You know you want to. Stop tormenting yourself.”

  Kathleen was both disappointed and relieved when the evening ended. The ride back to Chimera seemed endless. The three men rode beside the carriage, Uncle William nearly asleep in his saddle. Inside, Susan sat with a dreamy look on her face, while Amy was purely petulant. Kathleen sat quietly staring at her folded hands in her lap and fighting the rising tide of need for Reed. From time to time she glanced up to find Mary or Barbara eyeing her expectantly, or to meet Eleanore’s understanding look. More irritating than anything else was Reed’s cheerful whistling as he rode near her door.

  “He knows and he’s gloating,” s
he thought. “Well, go ahead and enjoy yourself for all the good it will do you, Reed Taylor! ”

  Once undressed and tucked into her own bed, Kathleen found sleep elusive. She tossed and turned and argued with herself until she finally gave up. Rising, she donned a light robe over her sheer nightgown and tiptoed barefoot onto the veranda. Her feet led her unerringly along the veranda toward Reed’s room as if drawn by a magnet. Her good sense told her to flee back to her room, but she could not.

  She found him outside his room quietly smoking and evidently expecting her. Tossing his cheroot over the rail, he took her arm and steered her inside his door. Without a word he closed the door and, turning to her, slipped the robe from her shoulders. Words were not necessary as he threw off his own robe, pulled her gown over her head, and led her to the bed.

  Shielded by the exotic dragon-festooned black bed drapes, she felt wrapped in his love. As he caressed and kissed her, bringing her body to an agony of yearning, she felt her anger and frustration melt under his expert touch. She yielded to his mastery and as her passion mounted, she forgot everything but her need of him and reveled in the desires he awoke.

  Reed could barely believe it when he saw Kathleen coming to his room. He had hoped and prayed, but it seemed a miracle. She had actually come to him for the first time in months. If this was a turning point in his life, it could only be for the good.

  The glow of her body as he undressed her in the lamplight excited him. The sight and scent of her assaulted his senses, and he could barely keep control as he led her to the bed. With effort he controlled himself and took his time exciting her body. Her passions flared to match his. He felt her hands gently explore his sweat-filmed body and he groaned in anticipation. She brought her lips to his and he crushed her to him in a long, passionate kiss. Her lips were warm and pliant, her tongue a sweet, twisting snake entwined with his.

  Their breath mingled and their hearts beat in rhythm. He lowered his mouth to her rosy peaked breasts, and she moaned out her desire. Her hand caught the object of her need, and gently she led him inside her. Urgency took over and soon they were beyond themselves, taking and giving in return. Together they reached the summit and plummeted into rapture, clinging and crying out softly to one another. Kathleen felt as if she were drowning in ecstasy and her only solid safety was Reed.

  Their passion spent, they lay still entwined, her head pillowed on his shoulder. She traced her fingers along his ribs and encountered the still-red scar of his wound. “You’ve been hurt. This scar is new.”

  She felt him nod. “It’s healing well,” he said.

  “How did you get it?” She kept her face carefully hidden on his chest.

  “That sea-witch of a pirate left me a token of her abilities,” he growled softly.

  “She bested you?” Kathleen did her best to sound incredulous.

  “Yes,” he said curtly. “Now, let it rest at that.”

  Tactfully she changed the subject. “You knew I’d come tonight, didn’t you?” she whispered.

  He shook his head. “I waited and hoped you would come.”

  “This doesn’t change anything, Reed.”

  “I hadn’t expected it would,” he lied. “Will you stay the night?”

  “I’ll stay as long as I dare.”

  The rest of the night was heavenly, filled with tender loving and whispered words in the dark. No promises, no recriminations, no ill will or words, just love, pure and sweet and warm.

  As Kathleen walked back to her room the next morning, she did not berate herself for going to Reed. She only felt a bittersweet sorrow that things could not always be as good between them, but that was wishful thinking and better left alone.

  She had gotten up quietly, hoping not to awaken Reed. For a moment she stood looking down at him, wishing she could stay. Reed’s eyes suddenly opened, catching her by surprise. He noted her wistful expression and said quietly, “Anytime you want, things can change, kitten. Just say the word, and you need never leave my bed at dawn alone.”

  “Don’t Reed,” she answered softly, shaking her head. “Don’t make me hurt any more than I do already.”

  A couple of days later Ted came dashing up the stairs shouting, “Kathy! Kathy! Where are you?”

  “What in heaven’s name is going on?” Kathleen dashed from her room.

  “The greatest thing has happened!” he babbled excitedly. “There is a band of gypsies camped about five miles upstream. They’re dancing and horse racing and selling things . . . just everything! They are trading horses and selling the most beautiful crafted silver and gold jewelry. You simply must come see! They are even telling fortunes!”

  “And robbing people blind, no doubt,” she put in.

  “No doubt,” he agreed with a broad, boyish grin, “but it’s great fun! Say you’ll come.”

  “Of course I’ll come. Aren’t you going to tell Susan and the others?”

  “I already saw Amy downstairs. She just sniffed at me and threw her nose in the air.” Ted imitated his sister perfectly.

  Kathleen laughed at his antics. “You go get Susan and I’ll tell Eleanore. We’ll meet you at the stables.”

  Ted stopped in mid-stride. “You aren’t going to ride Zeus, are you?”

  “Why not?”

  “They might steal him.” Ted, for once, was serious.

  “They might try!” Kathleen retorted with a sly grin.

  She and Eleanore were dashing down the back stairs when they encountered Reed. “Where are you two going in such a hurry?” he inquired.

  “To the gypsy encampment up river with Ted and Susan,” Eleanore called back over her shoulder.

  “Yes! If we don’t come back, you’ll know we joined up and ran off!” Kathleen teased with a cheerful laugh.

  “If you don’t come back, it will probably be because you’ve been kidnapped by some gypsy,” he informed them as he reversed directions and followed them.

  Kathleen’s green eyes widened in mock wonder. “Oh, my! That sounds intriguing! I wonder if they are good lovers?”

  Eleanore giggled excitedly.

  “That settles it!” Reed stormed. “If you are set on going, I am coming along.”

  “Spoil sport!” Kathleen stuck out her lip in a pretended pout.

  “Spoiled brat!” Reed shot back.

  The gypsy encampment was a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. The wagons were all outrageously painted, and their clothing was bright and cheerful. Susan hung back in awe of the gaily dressed, dark-eyed gypsies. Eleanore and Kathleen were simply delighted and eager to explore. They immediately gravitated toward the displays of jewelry.

  They were still browsing when Kathleen felt someone staring at her. She looked up into a pair of ardent dark eyes. The owner flashed her a daring smile, showing rows of startlingly white teeth. Instinctively she knew not to smile back, for that would only encourage the young rogue. Instead, she ignored him. From the corner of her eye she saw disappointment cross his face momentarily. Then he shrugged good-naturedly and transferred his gaze to Eleanore.

  “Fickle lad!” Kathleen chuckled inwardly.

  “If you think that passed my notice, think again,” Reed said smoothly in her ear.

  “You are going to be the nosiest old busybody in your dotage!” she grumbled playfully.

  They wandered down to a flat stretch of beach where the horse racing was being organized. Several of the neighboring planters were already there.

  “Hey, Reed! You going to enter Titan?” shouted one fellow.

  Reed shrugged.

  Dave Murdock came ambling up, followed by a middle-aged gypsy. “This fellow says he has a horse that can outrun anything we run against him.”

  The gypsy man shook Reed’s extended hand, bowing acknowledgment of the ladies.

  “Is this true?” Reed asked.

  “It is so.” The man pointed to a magnificent white stallion tied beneath a tree. “He is as fast as the wind.”

  “What is the wager?”
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br />   “We are simple people, but we love horses. I will wager my horse against yours. The golden stallion you brought with you for mine.”

  “The black stallion is mine. The golden one you speak of belongs to the lady.” Reed gestured toward Kathleen. “I cannot wager what is not mine.”

  “I understand. Perhaps your lady wishes to wager.” He eyed her hopefully.

  Kathleen walked slowly to where the snowy stallion was tethered. She walked around him, examining the horse thoroughly. Finally she spoke, “Your animal is indeed magnificent. He might truly be able to beat either my stallion or Reed’s, but I love my horse and could never part with him. If you would care to wager something else, perhaps.”

  The man grinned, showing a gold tooth in front. “Your man will race his black against mine.” He looked at Reed. “If I win, you will send two sheep to our camp, yes?”

  “Yes. And if I win?” Reed inquired.

  “Then you shall all join us and share our supper.” He grinned broadly. “Since it was probably your sheep that wandered into our camp and dropped over dead, how can I lose?”

  Reed threw back his dark head and laughed heartily. “How indeed? It is agreed.”

  The race was set. Just for sport, Kathleen decided to race Zeus with Titan and the white stallion to see how he would fare.

  “You can’t race him yourself, Kat.” Reed was firm. “You can’t ride astride in a skirt.”

  “Then I’ll ride sidesaddle.”

  He took her aside and spoke more gently to her than was his usual style. “Kitten, another time perhaps. I am asking you not to race today. Your fall is still too fresh in my mind. All I can envision is you falling again. Please wait awhile.” He looked down pleadingly at her.

  Kathleen closed her eyes against his look. The pain of her recent loss flooded her. When she opened her eyes again, she answered, “I won’t race Zeus myself, Reed, but I would like to see how he would do.”

  “I will ride him for you for a small price,” piped up an unknown voice.