Alice: Bride of Rhode Island (American Mail-Order Bride 13) (8 page)

Chapter Sixteen

J
ames left his meeting with Lillie Jenkins. He’d returned to the party in search of a drink to cool his panic over the sudden turn of events between him and Alice, only to be shocked further when he found Lillie at Endicott’s little soiree. From the solicitous way that Daniel Endicott had hung on Lillie’s every word, it was clear that the man was once again mixing business with pleasure.

Stephen Jenkins had been James’ good friend, and when he’d died the previous year from a sudden illness, it had devastated James. Stephen’s wife, Lillie, had been shaken as well. James had tried to be there for her, to ease her grief as well as to help with Stephen’s businesses, which overlapped with Martel Fishing. In fact, James had offered to buy out her holdings—consisting of three very profitable fish oil factories—although he didn’t have enough capital for it at the time. In truth, a partnership between his company and Lillie’s made the most sense, but he was having trouble convincing her.

Now he knew why.

Endicott was laying the charm on, and to James’ utter disbelief, she appeared to be falling for it. The man had stolen everything from Gavin Harrington, then Jean Martel, and now Stephen Jenkins. It made James’ blood boil.

He stopped outside Alice’s bedroom door and knocked. After several long minutes, it opened a crack. Alice looked disheveled.

“Let me in, Alice.”

“No. I don’t want to see you.”

She tried to close the door but his hand braced it open. “Please. We need to talk.”

“About what?”

“I know you’re upset.”

“I’m not upset. I’m perfectly fine.” Her pinched face and reddened eyes told a different story.

Frustration taxed his patience. “Let me in.”

She turned, leaving the door cracked, and was across the room by the time he entered, still wearing the crimson gown that distracted him far too much.

He closed the door. “I should’ve told you about my connection to your stepfather.”

The light of only one lamp illuminated the room, leaving much of it in shadows. Alice stood beyond, cloaked in darkness, but he could make out her face, and the anguish was like a punch in the gut.

“I imagine you want a divorce,” she said, her voice low.

That had been the plan all along...until tonight. “I don’t.”

Her eyes snapped to his, then welled up with tears.

He crossed the room. “Don’t cry, Alice.”

Bringing a hand to her cheek, he nudged her chin up to look at him. Seeking to strengthen the tenuous bond with his wife in the only way he knew, he carefully brought his mouth to hers. At first, she didn’t respond, but neither did she withdraw.

He slid a hand to her waist and drew her closer, keeping his lips upon hers. She trembled.

Deepening the kiss, a fierce hunger took hold of him. During the last two kisses with his wife—at their wedding and in the hotel room—he’d held himself in check. Releasing his control, he gave in to the need he’d tried his damnedest to ignore.

He covered her mouth fully with his, and she yielded at last. James crushed her against him. He laid a trail of kisses down her neck, intoxicated by the underlying scent of lemons on her skin and the soft moan that escaped her lips. Inch by inch, she ceded territory. Covering her mouth once more with his, he nudged her toward the bed.

“I want to make this marriage real,” he murmured against her lips.

She froze, no longer responding to him.

“Alice, I want you to be my wife.”

She stepped back, but he refused to release her completely.

“Are you not certain anymore?” he asked.

“No, I’m not. It seems a tad too convenient that you’re ready to bed me now that my stepfather has learned of our union.”

“I know how it appears, but I won’t hurt you.”

She raised her face, locking her gaze to his. “You already have.”

He sensed the change in her—the resolve and the cynicism. In only one day, his wife had transformed into a creature he’d never anticipated. He knew now that he’d played this all wrong.

“Give me a chance, Alice.”

She put more distance between them, and he was forced to let her go. “You have much to overcome, James. I’m not sure you can do it.”

He grinned, seeking to dampen his ardor. “You underestimate me. I like a challenge.” He’d lost this round, but judging by her response, she felt the heat between them as much as he did. He still had a chance. “I’ll be in your bed, Mrs. Martel, because you’ll beg me to be.”

“Hardly,” she replied.

Retreating, he paused at the bedroom door, unleashing his desire for her into his gaze. “This isn’t over.”

* * * *

As the door closed behind James, Alice stood unmoving, stunned by what had just occurred.

She could still feel the warmth of his mouth on hers, the seduction of his lips as he nibbled at the sensitive skin along her neck. She’d been drawn to him from the start, but this new side of James would be her absolute undoing. She almost didn’t care if he had another woman, so long as he’d share himself with her as well.

This is madness.

She’d barely managed to keep her wits about her before succumbing to something foolish, like falling into the marriage bed with her husband. She’d been so very close to giving in.

Enough. I refuse to think on this another second.

She squared her shoulders and rang for a housemaid. Once the bulky gown was exchanged for a nightgown, Alice settled into bed—her childhood bed—with a cup of warm milk and a fire blazing in the fireplace. Drained by the days’ events, she fell into a deep exhausted sleep, only to be visited by James in her dreams.

* * * *

Alice awoke with a start, a gray haze illuminating the room as the new day beckoned from the darkness. For a brief moment, she couldn’t remember where she was, then the events of the previous day came back to her.

Her body still hummed from James’ touch, his kisses, his declaration that he wanted her to be a real wife...but a part of her couldn’t afford to trust him. She knew it would be better if she remained a virgin, should he end the marriage. And why wouldn’t he? He had only married her to gain a way to Daniel Endicott. And what of the woman she’d seen him with earlier? Were they together? She wanted to believe that what she’d seen was something else, but she couldn’t behave like a fool.

Clearly she needed to have a more level head, especially if she hoped to gain the upper hand with her stepfather.

She rose from bed and donned a robe and slippers, then moved toward her mother’s painting which hung on the wall across from her bed. As the light in the room grew, Alice studied it. The intricate details of the design etched on the cup were lovely. Why had her mama ever only produced this one piece? Why had she given up an activity that she obviously had had a talent for?

Alice remembered a game she and her mother had played after Hazel had married Daniel. Her mama would often hide notes and treats—and, at times, money—around the house, frequently behind artwork, a secret communication that only they shared. Alice would find them and do the same for her mother, although hers were usually silly drawings.

Alice looked at the painting again and wondered if there might be such treasures still around the house. Curious, she grasped the frame on both sides and lifted it from its mount, carefully setting it on the floor.

She knelt and turned the artwork around, and elation filled her when she caught sight of a folded piece of paper secured to the back. Opening the letter, Alice expected to find a short note teasing Alice on her tendency to muddy her boots or to bring a book to the supper table. Instead, Alice sank to the floor at the serious tone of her mother’s handwriting.

My Dearest Alice,

I’ve become very ill. First, I want to convey how deeply you live in my heart. The despair I’ve felt with you so far away at boarding school has left me lost. I wish only to hold you close one last time and pray that I might have the chance to do so. The doctors have done what they can but I sense this life slipping from me. Please know that I’ve written to you many times but have recently learned that Daniel intercepted the letters at every turn. I think he believed that your presence would be too much for me, or maybe he simply didn’t want to spare the expense to bring you home. However, I fear I don’t have much time left, and I don’t ever want you to think that your mother never thought of you. You have filled my mind every minute of every day. It is my hope that you will one day find this letter, in honor of our game, and learn the truth.

Now, you must be strong, because I fear that Daniel will try to control your life. It was one reason I agreed to send you to the Troy Female Seminary: at least you would receive an outstanding education and could live a life of independence. Despite how painful it was for me to part from you, I have only wanted the best for you.

When I married Daniel, I wasn’t ignorant of the type of man he was, but I hoped for the best. Still, just before our wedding, I made a great scene of securing something of value for you, since he’d already acquired all of what your father had worked so hard for. He agreed, quite grudgingly, to bequeath a company to you on your twenty-first birthday—Menhaden Fishing. At the time, I didn’t inform you because you were only twelve years old, and you deserved the carefree life of a child. I regret this. Don’t let Daniel take this from you, but please know that you may require help in handling this company. I learned much later that Daniel stole it from the man who owned it. I have only one thought of where you can turn for help.

For years, your father was estranged from his mother, Edith Harrington. As I write this, she resides in Newport. It is my hope that you seek her out. As I have no family remaining, she would be your sole relative. I pray that you can find the peace and love with her that Gavin couldn’t. Family is important. And perhaps she can offer advice on your inheritance.

My heart is filled to brimming with love for you, Alice.

Your mother, Hazel

Chapter Seventeen

A
lice sat at the dining table—her stepfather to her right and the odious William Evans across from her—as breakfast was spread across a buffet table and served by a butler and housemaid. James entered the room, wearing his usual dark suit, his countenance remote and unreadable. Alice’s heart unwillingly skipped a beat when his handsome gaze briefly settled upon her.

Daniel grimaced as he shuffled several newspapers into a pile beside his plate. “Mr. Martel, I suppose you must join us.”

James ignored him and moved to the chair beside Alice.

Then, to Alice’s great surprise, the woman she’d seen with James the previous evening entered. Wearing an elegant, pale yellow bustle dress adorned with violets springing from a bed of vine leaves, her pretty features all but glowed.

Staring, Alice registered a deeper recognition. This was the woman she’d passed at the train station in Tiverton the day she’d arrived to meet Frank for the first time. Instead, James had found Alice.

Her stomach clenched. James had probably been dropping this woman at the railhead after a rendezvous.

Daniel stood. “Lillie, you look lovely this morning.”

She paused and smiled. “Thank you, Daniel.”

“I want you to meet my daughter. Alice, this is Lillie Jenkins.”

Alice could only bring herself to nod.

Lillie beamed. “Alice, it’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”

“Beside her is Alice’s new husband, James Martel,” Daniel said.

Lillie’s eyes widened as she gazed at James. “I had no idea that you’d married. When did this happen?”

“A little over a month ago,” James answered.

“Well, my apologies for not congratulating you.” She looked at Alice with compassion in her eyes. “I’m especially pleased to meet you now. James has always been a good friend.”

Daniel huffed a sigh. “Good friend or not, the man has a lot of gall to have snatched my little girl away from me without my permission. William, move down a seat so that Lillie can sit beside me.”

Everyone took their places, and the staff poured steaming coffee and fresh juice into waiting cups and glasses.

“And how is it that you and Mr. Martel know one another?” Daniel asked Lillie, the disdain in his voice hard to miss.

Lillie placed a cloth napkin onto her lap. “James and Stephen were good friends.”

Alice found her voice at last. “Who’s Stephen?”

“He was Lillie’s husband,” James said. “He passed away last year.”

A shadow crossed James’ face, and when Alice looked at Lillie she saw a similar pinch of sadness.

“I’m so sorry,” Alice said. “You must miss him very much.”

Lillie’s expression softened. “I do.”

Was this why James had been in a private conversation with Lillie? To console her grief? Or did he have an undying love for her?

Alice’s angry side longed to find something with which to impugn her scheming spouse. But try as she might, she couldn’t see a hint of anything in Lillie’s gaze toward James that would indicate something romantic.

Alice turned to Lillie as plates filled with sweet johnnycakes and corned beef hash were deposited at each place setting. “Do you live in Newport?”

“Yes. Daniel was kind enough to let me stay over last night after the party so that I wouldn’t have to return home so late.”

“It’s no trouble,” Daniel said. “You’re always welcome.”

William settled his gaze on James. “So I understand you’re looking to expand Martel Fishing.”

“I can’t imagine what business it is of yours,” James replied.

“Tiverton has never been the hub of the fishing industry,” Daniel said. “Remaining there will only limit your reach.”

“I now own three fish oil processing factories in Tiverton,” Lillie remarked. “And they’re doing quite well.”

“It’s such a messy business, Mrs. Jenkins,” William said. “You really ought to sell before it declines further. Get the best dollar you can for it.”

Lillie sipped her coffee and made a noncommittal sound.

Alice considered the contents of her mother’s letter. If what Hazel had said was true, then Alice had just become a major player in this discussion.

Was this what James was after? But how could he have knowledge of her inheritance? Alice hadn’t even known. If she told him, what would happen? Would he seduce her then steal it right out from under her?

She couldn’t trust him, that much was clear.

A glance at William Evans wasn’t even worth a glance. If her stepfather’s plans had played out, she’d be married to him now.

Unwillingly, Alice found herself admiring Lillie’s poise and beauty, despite the fact the woman might steal James from her.

Daniel waved off the housemaid when she tried to spoon more hash onto his plate. “I wonder if you’ll try to buy Lillie’s factories, Martel.”

“They’re not for sale,” James replied.

“Everything’s for sale.” Daniel settled back into his chair. “For the right price.”

“You gentlemen seem to think I don’t have a say in this,” Lillie cut in. “I’m not so easily pushed around.”

Alice sensed the tension from James beside her. Were Daniel and James fighting over Lillie’s factories or the woman herself?

“I fear that all this talk of business is boring to Alice,” Lillie added.

“No, not at all.”

“Well, nevertheless, I’m curious to know how you and James met.”

“As am I,” Daniel said.

Despite her misgivings about James and his intentions, she didn’t want to share the truth, knowing that it would cast her husband in a bad light and showcase what a foolish girl she had been. It would only reinforce her stepfather’s opinion that she needed his guidance to live her life.

“I met him while I worked at a factory in Massachusetts.”

She felt James’ eyes on her as she spoke the untruth.

“He was there on business, and we were introduced by mutual acquaintances,” she continued. “Our affection grew from there, and I finally came to Tiverton so that we could be married.”

“I understand the factory where you worked burned down and many of those girls became mail-order brides,” Daniel said.

“Yes, that’s true. Several of my good friends have traveled great distances to meet their future husbands.”

Daniel focused on her intently. “But you’re saying that’s not true for you?”

“No,” James said, his voice emphatic. “I knew I loved Alice the first moment I saw her.”

A flutter of nerves overtook Alice, and her heart flip-flopped in her chest. She knew it was a lie, yet the words blew through her like a whirlwind, and she couldn’t quiet the leap of longing in her heart that it might be true.

“But she was more reluctant,” James continued. “When the fire occurred, I proposed. I had no intention of letting a woman like Alice go. I considered myself a very fortunate man when she agreed to come to Tiverton.”

“I’m sure your intentions were noble.” The tone of Daniel’s voice, however, contradicted his words.

Lillie smiled. “It sounds as if it were meant to be.”

William rose from his seat, all but snarling. “Am I supposed to sit here and take this?” He threw his napkin onto the table and left the room.

Daniel turned his attention to Alice. “You did hurt him when you left.”

Irritation bubbled to the surface at her stepfather’s attempt to manipulate her. “I didn’t love him, and he certainly didn’t love me. His reaction is unwarranted.”

“Be that as it may, William is my associate, and that broken engagement was an embarrassment on many counts. You’ll have to forgive me if it takes some time for me to become accustomed to you being married to a Martel now.” Daniel stood also. “I’d like to have a word with you, James, in private.”

James tossed his napkin onto the table as well. “I thought you might.”

“In my study then. Ladies, if you’ll excuse us.”

Before James departed, he leaned down and kissed Alice’s cheek, the simple gesture muddling her thoughts and unwillingly warming her heart. How was she supposed to make decisions about her future when all she wished to do was to let him kiss her senseless?

Once both men departed, Lillie leaned back in her chair. “It’s rather a relief to have them all gone.”

Alice sipped her coffee, unsure what she and Lillie Jenkins could possibly have to discuss. Except for James.

“I’m really so very happy that James has found himself a good match,” she continued. “Stephen and I always wondered when he’d finally find a woman who could tame him.”

Alice responded with a slight smile. “You must be very fond of him.”

“Yes.”

“Are you his mistress?” The words flew out of Alice’s mouth before she could stop them. Horrified by the desperation in her voice, she wanted to shrink into her day dress and disappear.

“Oh my word, no. Is that what you think?” The look of shock on Lillie’s face seemed genuine.

“I…umm…” How to explain?

Lillie sat up straighter, her expression serious. “I’ve never felt more than a brotherly affection for your husband, I can assure you. Whatever made you think otherwise?”

Feeling mortified, Alice said, “Never mind. I find myself fumbling a bit in my married life.”

“I can imagine how difficult it is. I gather you don’t have much support from your stepfather. I know we don’t know each other well, but I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”

The offer sounded sincere but Alice decided to steer the conversation away from the mess that was currently her marriage. “Would you tell me about the factories you own in Tiverton?”

* * * *

As soon as James entered the study, Daniel didn’t waste any time.

“You’ve compromised my daughter. I ought to have you arrested.”

James remained standing as he had the previous night while Daniel sat at his desk. “Go ahead and try.”

Disgust marred Daniel’s features. “What exactly do you want? Because you sure as hell didn’t marry my daughter out of love.”

“I would never hurt Alice.”

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you.” Daniel placed his interlaced fingers onto his belly. “I suppose you’re here for a cut of the Endicott money. So I’ll make this fast and easy for you. I’ll transfer $25,000 to wherever you like, as long as you divorce Alice immediately.”

“I can’t be bought.”

Daniel smirked. “Everyone can be bought.”

“Is that what you’re doing with Lillie Jenkins?”

“There’s nothing wrong in mixing business with pleasure. What’s the matter? Did you plan to marry her too once her husband died?”

Anger flared around the edges of James’ control. “No, that’s your method. Not every man seeks to gain the upper hand with women.” But as he said the words, the truth hit him square in the face and he flinched.

Dammit.

He had most definitely taken advantage of Alice. He was no better than Daniel Endicott.

“You’re telling me you’ve not influenced Alice in any way?”

“She’s not compromised.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow. “You’re saying her virtue is still intact?”

This really wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have with Daniel Endicott. “At least I didn’t try to marry her off to preserve her inheritance.”

“And what inheritance would that be?” Endicott pursed his lips. “You’re not getting a dime from me, Martel.”

“You just offered me $25,000.”

“That deal is no longer on the table.”

James temper was wearing thin. “You know what you did to my father. You
will
answer for it.”

Recognition registered on Daniel’s face. “Is that what this is about? Son, you’re sorely misguided. Business is business. Jean Martel knew that. I’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m sorry that you feel this way. What is unconscionable is that you would use my daughter in your supposed vendetta.”

“Alice is safe with me. I’ll take care of her.”

Daniel shook his head. “Empty promises in my book.”

“As I see it, you wrote the rule book on empty promises, Endicott.”

And with that, James walked out.