Time After Time (67 page)

“Emily — ” Jonathon began. The waltz ended, and he saw Phillip approaching to claim the next dance. “We will pursue this later,” he whispered urgently. His hand pressed her waist so fleetingly before he released her that Emily wondered if she had imagined it. They turned, and Jonathon presented her to Phillip and watched them dance away.

“How do you like Virginia, Miss Wentworth?” Phillip asked.

“Please, call me Emily.”

“Virginia is beautiful, Phillip, just as Cap… Jonathon said it would be,” she answered.

They chatted as they danced and between the champagne and the closeness of the room, Emily began to feel dizzy.

“Would you mind terribly if we stepped outside, Phillip?” she asked.

“Not at all,” he replied and led her from the floor.

The evening air felt cool and refreshing. They strolled along a path and sat on a bench in the garden. The moon was a silver crescent hung against a backdrop of a star-speckled sky. The breeze stirred gently, feeling cool against Emily’s skin.

“Tell me about yourself, Phillip.”

“I am a student at the College of William and Mary. At present, I am studying at my parents’ home here, and after the holidays, I shall return to Williamsburg. I enjoy it there, I have many good friends, and we have a grand time together.” He smiled thinking about it. He began to relate stories about their escapades, and Emily laughed with him although a part of her mind wished to be back in the ballroom where Jonathon was. They talked for a while; then Phillip looked a bit self-conscious.

“Emily,” he started, “may I call on you?”

Emily looked at her hands; she felt confused. This, of course, was what was supposed to happen — young men coming to call on her. But somehow the prospect of Phillip’s attention made her uneasy.

“Of course, Phillip,” she said softly. “That would be very nice.”

“There is our guest of honor,” Jonathon called as he approached them. Phillip rose quickly. “You are disappointing several young men whose arms are aching to lead you in a dance, Emily.”

“I needed some air,” she replied. “It was very warm in there and — ”

“And champagne will do that, as will brandy,” he winked at her.

Emily rose and frowned at him. She started to turn to Phillip, but Jonathon stepped forward and offered her his arm. Having no choice, she took it and Phillip followed them in. Jonathon led her right to the dance floor and took her in his arms once more.

“What about all those young men and their aching arms, Captain Brentwood?” Emily asked coolly.

“Their arms can ache a bit longer. Are you pleased with the crop of eligible young men here tonight?” Jonathon teased.

“Most pleased. But were one of them to become enamored of me and ask for my hand, you would probably find a reason not to approve the marriage.”

“Probably.”

“Then it makes no difference, does it?”

He laughed. “You are charming. Happy birthday, Em. I have a present for you.”

She looked up at him. “A present? For me?”

“Yes, but it is in the study, and you will have to see it there. Emily, I want to talk to you about Deidre.”

“Captain Brentwood, how you live your life is none of my concern.”

“Deidre seems to think it is.”

Emily looked away. The music ended and everyone headed for the refreshments. Jonathon lightly held Emily’s elbow, and the spot burned where he touched her. He got them each a glass of champagne and, turning to her, saluted and said softly, for her ears only, “To the most beautiful ward a man could have.” Their glasses clinked and Emily warmed at his compliment.

“How cozy,” Deidre snarled behind them.

Jonathon’s eyes never left Emily’s as he said, “Would you like to join our toast, Deidre?” Slowly moving his eyes to hers he continued, “It was to Emily’s beauty.”

Deidre bristled. “How convenient for you, Jonathon, to have such
beauty
,” she sneered at the word, “right under your own roof.”

Jonathon moved toward Emily and placed his arm around her waist. “Indeed.”

Deidre glared at each in turn and left. Jonathon looked down at Emily.

“Well, I did not want to make a liar out of whoever it was that told her we were lovers,” he whispered down at her, caressing the last word, his eyes dancing.

Emily squirmed at his words. She had certainly made a mess out of things. The price of letting Deidre continue to believe there was romance between them was allowing Jonathon to act as if there were. And Emily was not sure that she wanted Deidre to think differently — or Jonathon to act differently.

Randy approached and Jonathon slowly removed his arm from Emily’s waist.

“Well, as usual, the party at Brentwood Manor has outdone all in the countryside. Emily, may I claim you for the next dance?”

“I would be delighted, Randy,” she gave him a dazzling smile. Jonathon looked a bit vexed.

• • •

The evening flew by and Emily danced with all the young men who attended. She charmed the older ones as well, who were quickly claimed by watchful wives and drawn safely away when the music stopped. Emily noticed that Jonathon danced with Deidre twice, and they seemed involved in a lively conversation. Then they disappeared into the gardens for a large part of the evening. Emily’s gay laughter sounded hollow in her ears during their absence.

The guests were thinning out — those who lived in the vicinity leaving in their carriages, and a few who had traveled long distances retiring to the guest rooms.

Jonathon approached Emily, who was saying good-bye to Phillip and his parents. Phillip bent to kiss her hand. When he rose, his eyes held hers.

“Good-night, Emily. I shall be calling soon,” he promised.

Jonathon cleared his throat. “Quite so, Phillip. Good night,” and he urged the young man to the door. Closing it, he turned to Emily.

“Will you accompany me to the study, Miss Wentworth?” he asked, holding out his arm. His eyes twinkled in anticipation. “Andrew, come along,” he called out over his shoulder.

Joanna and David joined them as they entered the study. A large box sat before the desk, and Emily looked from the box to Jonathon. Earlier that morning, Andrew had given her soft, leather riding gloves. At dinner that afternoon, Joanna and David had given her a silk bonnet with satin ribbons that matched her eyes. It had not occurred to her then that Jonathon had not given her a present.

“Go ahead, open it,” he laughed.

Emily tore at the wrappings excitedly. Lifting the cover off, she gasped. It was a miniature of her father’s ship, the
Spirit
. It was authentic even down to the ropes coiled on the deck. Emily stared at it, tears stinging her eyes.

“Oh, Jonathon,” she whispered. “It is beautiful!”

Impulsively she threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. Then, embarrassed, she withdrew them. Softly she said, “You have given me a part of my father to have with me always. Thank you.”

Jonathon was grinning from ear to ear, but now he wished he had not invited the others. Perhaps that embrace would have lasted longer.

Chapter 5

The early October morning was crisp and cool. The horses were saddled and stamping their hooves in anticipation as Emily, Jonathon, and Andrew approached the stables. Dora was putting the last of a generous repast in three saddlebags.

“There are only three of us, remember, Dora,” Jonathon called to her.

Dora laughed, “But I know how you and Master Andrew can eat, Cap’n Brentwood.”

Suddenly they heard a horse approaching and spotted a lone rider coming up the drive. Calvin Wheeler waved his hat and whistled for them to wait.

“Hey, Andrew, are you ready to go hunting?” he asked.

“Is this the day we had planned on? I was just about to take a ride with Jonathon and Emily,” Andrew answered, walking to meet him.

“You go ahead if you have made plans, Drew,” Jonathon called.

“Wait, perhaps we should go another day when Andrew can …” Emily paused.

“Chaperone, Miss Wentworth?” Jonathon whispered so only Emily heard.

Seeing the disappointment on Andrew’s face and the challenge on Jonathon’s, Emily spoke. “You go ahead with Cal, Andrew.”

Grinning from ear to ear, Andrew jumped on his horse. The two boys raced down the drive and were quickly out of sight.

Jonathon turned to Emily. “I have a gift for you,” he said, holding out a small package.

Reaching to take it Emily’s hand brushed his sending a feeling of excitement through her. Tearing away the wrappings she held up a small compass encased in gold, lapis lazuli and mother of pearl. Smiling in bewilderment, she looked up at him.

“Thank you. It is lovely.”

“And it is practical. Now you will see that we will not ride only in small circles on my property all day as you suggested when we were aboard the
Destiny
.”

Emily laughed. “You are out to prove all of your boasting, are you not, Captain?”

“Of course, Miss Wentworth.”

Jonathon helped her to mount her horse, and they started off in good spirits. As they rode west, Emily was taken with the beauty of the countryside. After a time, rolling hills gave way to steeper foothills, so they forded a stream and rode its path until the sun was high.

Jonathon led the way into the trees, and they came upon a grassy hill dotted yellow with wild sunflowers. Riding to the top they had a sweeping view of a valley, and beyond they could see the land climb toward the mountains. They dismounted and spread out a blanket for their picnic. Before sitting down Emily walked around the hilltop breathing in the fresh air. The land was vast and untamed, its beauty enhanced by wildflowers and ancient trees.

Emily knelt down on the blanket and began to set out the food from the saddlebags Jonathon brought over.

“Dora must have thought the whole household would be coming along,” she exclaimed when Jonathon brought over the third one. They laughed and began to eat. The food was delicious — cold chicken, cheeses, corn bread, apples, berries, yams and wine.

Jonathon gazed at the clouds gathering in the western sky. “We shall probably be wet by the time we arrive home.”

Emily followed his gaze. “The clouds look far off.”

“Sometimes they move in faster than you would think. Distance can be deceiving out here.” He turned to look at her. “Do you realize that this is the first time we have ever been alone together, Miss Wentworth?” Jonathon teased.

Emily looked down at her wine glass. “Oh, we have been alone many times.”

“I mean all alone. No one in the next room or ship’s cabin. Does that frighten you?”

“Should it frighten me? After all you are my guardian.” She looked him squarely in the eye, her heart racing.

Jonathon threw his head back and laughed. “You certainly know how to break a mood.”

Strangely disappointed, Emily laughed unsurely. “Besides, I am just a child, is that not correct, Captain? Only worth a ‘little incident’.” She could not hide the harshness in her voice. She began to pick up the food.

Jonathon stared at her. He reached out and stopped her hand, but she continued to look down.

“Have I hurt you that much?” he asked.

She pulled away and continued packing up the saddlebags. “Perhaps I am just becoming cynical.”

“Perhaps you have been hurt,” he answered. “I am sorry, Em.”

Slowly she raised her eyes to his. In them she saw his sincerity and his confusion.

“I wonder if Father was aware of the situation into which he was putting us. I am never sure how I should act,” she shrugged. “I feel too old to need a guardian, yet when women like Deidre are around I feel so childish.” She stood up and brushed off her skirt.

“When women like Deidre are around you, they pale in comparison.” Jonathon stood in front of her placing his hands on her shoulders. “Do you not realize your beauty? You not only are beautiful, you are charming, refreshing — and it is so natural. It is all a part of who you are,” he paused. “I am confused about all of this, too, Em. I am afraid to act affectionately for fear I shall get carried away as I did on board the
Destiny
. That was supposed to be an innocent kiss meant to tease you. Believe me, Em, I was as taken by surprise as you were. That is why I am afraid to get too close, why I tease and keep it light. What kind of guardian seduces his ward? George was a good friend — I cared a great deal about him. And I care about you, Em. My greatest desire is to see you happy.” He stopped and looked out toward the mountains. “You should be married to one of the fine young men around here — like Phillip Beaumont. But there are times I want to take you in my arms and hold you, to kiss you ‘til I take your breath away. I fight these feelings more and more, for if I do give in, I shall lose control and ruin your life.” He paused and looked down at her, “That is why I am leaving for a while. I have made plans to sail next week for the Committees of Correspondence.” He felt her trembling and saw the tears spring to her eyes.

“Oh, Emily,” he breathed, folding her into his arms. Her hair smelled sweet; he felt her tears on his shirt. “You tempt me so.”

Lifting her head she looked up at him. “I do not mean to, Jonathon.” Her hands rested on his chest, tears brimmed in her eyes, and she tried to force a smile.

He could bear it no longer. Their eyes locked and he slowly bent his head. Tenderly, gently, his lips brushed hers. Suddenly, he pulled away.

“No, Emily, I cannot do this to you. I cannot do it to George.”

Emily was breathing deeply, trying to clear her head.

“Jonathon, I do not understand.”

“Em, you need someone like Phillip. You would have a good, solid, stable life with him. He would not be off sailing all the time. Oh, Em, it is so wrong.”

Emily felt like she was tumbling to the ground. She fought to keep her balance and her stemmed passion turned to rage.

“If you wanted me to have a safe, stable life, why not leave me with Michael Dennings?” she cried. “At least I could have stayed in London. Instead you drag me over to this God-forsaken country!”

“Maybe I should have left you there. I would have considerably fewer problems!” Jonathon stormed. He stooped and began packing the saddlebags roughly. He was churning with unspent emotion. His rage was a wiser choice.