A Scarlet Bride (4 page)

He crossed his arms over his chest. "What does it matter now? It's over and done with. We must concentrate on finding you a new husband. One you can hopefully keep."

No matter what she said, the old codger would never listen to reason. She had been to hell and back, and his only thoughts were about his bank, himself, and his lack of a male heir.

One day she would tell him to keep his money. One day she would no longer have to depend on him for her support. One day the publication of
Hester's Revenge
would sustain her, and that day was only weeks away. After all, Lady Caroline Lamb had done it eighty years ago with
Glenarvon
, her expose of Lord Byron, and so could she.

Alexandra smiled at her father. Only recently had her father's stubborn streak surfaced within her, and obviously he was blind to the changes in his daughter. True, he was her parent, but his lack of faith had killed whatever feelings she'd once held.

"'Do whatever you think you must, Father," she replied, hoping time would work in her favor.

She watched as he straightened his coat, his movements nervous."Good. I'm glad to see that bit of unpleasantness is settled. I think I'll remain in Charleston for a while. The chances of finding someone for you might be better here than in New York, where your name is much more prominent"

Alexandra shook her head. Why waste her time fighting him when all she had to do was wait him out? Soon, she would no longer need his money. Let him plan all he wanted. He couldn't drag her to the altar.

"Good day, Father."

She swept from the room, anxious to be away from his cold presence. The reunion was over.

***

Connor tied Jackson, his chestnut horse, to the hitching post in front of the
twostory
LaRoux
home. He'd been here many years ago and remembered the
screenedin
porch that ran around the back of the house, looking over a lovely view of the Ashley River. The home had a quiet elegance about it that hinted at grandeur on a smaller scale.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into accompanying you on this trip," William said, dismounting from his black Thoroughbred.

"You wanted to watch this lady make a fool of me, remember?"

William chuckled."I remember. I just hope she doesn't have her servant throw us both out on our rears."

"What, you doubt my charm?"

"That charm of yours has gotten us in trouble before."

"Sit back and watch a master."

Though he spoke with confidence, doubt lingered. How would he be received? Would Alexandra welcome him or send him packing? Last night she had lied about her dance card being full, but he hadn't been able to put her out of his mind. Somehow her deception had only increased his interest.

He smiled at the memory of their
innuendoladen
conversation. She had returned his insinuations with stiff rebuffs. Never once had she acknowledged that she knew their banter was about anything other than horses. Never once had the lady lowered her guard.

The woman was a tempting morsel, much too sweet to resist. A woman who didn't easily fall for the considerable Manning charm always piqued his interest. He'd had his fill of easy women and their false smiles. And he knew Alexandra would resist him every step of the way to his bed, right up to the moment she let her passion overwhelm her.

"Come on, William, quit dawdling," Connor demanded as he strolled down the path lined with pink azaleas and wisteria. Bees buzzed around honeysuckle climbing the latticework that framed the stairs. Its sweet fragrance filled the air.

"I can't remember the last time you were in such a hurry for a
setdown
. This woman must have your blood simmering."

"She's an irresistible challenge." Connor smiled at William, who raised his eyebrows with disdain.

Reaching the door, Connor brushed the dust from his suit before he knocked. A few minutes later, a manservant answered his summons.

"Connor Manning and William Cunningham to call on Mrs. Thurston and Mrs.
LaRoux
."

The man swung open the door. "I'll show you to the parlor and tell the ladies you're here."

"Thank you."

Handing the servant his hat, Connor followed the butler down a short hall to a room elegantly furnished with a rosewood piano, surrounded by a love seat and chairs. A picture of a beautiful woman hung over the fireplace and dominated the room.

The same emerald eyes that had intrigued him the previous night stared down at him. The woman's head was tilted back, a smile on her lips. She looked as though she'd just whispered a secret to her lover.

The rustle of silk announced the arrival of Mrs.
LaRoux
, followed by an obviously reluctant Alexandra. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," Mrs.
LaRoux
said. "What a pleasure to have you call upon us."

Connor kissed the back of her hand.
"My pleasure, madam."
He glanced at Alexandra and nodded his head in greeting. "Mrs. Thurston."

She bobbed her head in return. "Hello, Mr. Manning."

Connor smiled. "You ladies look even lovelier in the daylight."

Aunt Clara laughed.
"Always the charmer, Mr. Manning.
And who is your friend?"

"I'm sorry. This is William Cunningham."

William bowed slightly from the waist.
"Nice to make your acquaintance, Mrs.
LaRoux
."
His gaze shifted to the Thurston woman. "I don't think you remember me, Mrs. Thurston, but my sister is Bernadette Cunningham
Smythe
."

Connor watched as she smiled at William, the corners of her mouth turned up sweetly. "Yes, I know who you are, though it's been years since we've met. How is dear Bernadette?"

"She's fine."

Aunt Clara pointed to the love seat against the wall. "Please, be seated."

The two men sat down beside one another. Connor kept glancing up at the painting over the mantle, his eyes drawn to the lovely woman in the picture.

"That's my mother," Alexandra said when she caught him staring at the portrait.

Turning, he met her gaze. The afternoon sun touched her high cheekbones, turning her complexion rosy. He glanced back at the picture of her mother and raised a brow. "Now I know where you inherited your beauty. She's lovely."

"Thank you. What brings you to Summerwood, Mr. Manning?" Her voice was as distant and chilled as last winter's storms.

Mrs.
LaRoux
waved her hand in disdain. "Alexandra, where are your manners? I'm certainly glad you gentlemen stopped by to visit us. It's not often an old woman like
myself
gets a chance to be entertained by two young men."

Alexandra sat across from Connor in a
wingedback
chair, her hands demurely folded in her lap.

"I did come by for a reason," Connor said. "I brought this for you." He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a small box of chocolates. "Since you gave me so many good tips on horses last night, I felt I owed you something in return."

She stared at him for a long moment as if she were contemplating telling him to keep the chocolates. Finally, she reached out and took the box. "Thank you."

Connor glanced into eyes the color of an emerald forest. "I had the feeling you weren't entirely pleased with me."

"Mr. Manning, I'm sure Alexandra thinks very highly of you,'' Aunt Clara replied, shooting her niece a warning glance.

He didn't dare look at William for fear of laughing. "It's quite all right, Mrs.
LaRoux
. Some of my
gender make
it difficult for those of us who genuinely appreciate women."

Alexandra raised a brow at him.

"You see, Mrs. Thurston, I'd be the envy of every man in Charleston if you were to walk down the street on my arm."

"I'm sure many ladies have walked down the streets of Charleston with you," she coolly replied.

Connor couldn't repress his smile.
''But none as lovely as you."

An overlarge graying man in a pinstripe suit entered the room. Alexandra stood. She glanced at the man, her manner becoming even more stiff and formal. "Gentlemen, let me introduce my father, James Halsted III."

The men stood as she made the introductions.

"Father, Mr. Connor Manning. He lives on a neighboring plantation and raises horses."

James Halsted gripped Connor's hand.
"Nice to meet you, sir."

"And this gentleman is William Cunningham."

William grasped her father's hand.
"Pleasure, sir."

The older man sized Connor up. "You raise horses, eh?"

"I own River Bend plantation."

The man glanced at Alexandra,
then
returned his attention to Connor. "Where did you meet my daughter?"

Connor smiled. "Mrs.
LaRoux
introduced us at the
Rutherfords
' ball last night. Your daughter's knowledge of horses intrigued me."

"Really?
She's like her mother in that. Always has shown an inordinate interest in things best left to men."

Connor couldn't help but notice the sparks that ignited in Alexandra's eyes at her father's criticism. He watched as she took a deep breath. The bodice of her soft pink dress rose and fell as she slowly inhaled and released a sigh. Whoever had invented corsets that pushed a woman's breasts up and over their dress deserved a
medal.

There was nothing more enjoyable than to watch the rise and fall of a woman's cleavage.

Alexandra cleared her throat in the uncomfortable silence, and Connor smiled, certain she'd known where his eyes had strayed.

He met her gaze. "There is another reason I came by today. A group of friends are going out to the
Middletons
' place. They have lovely gardens and I wondered if you'd like to join us for a picnic."

Alexandra stiffened, her eyes grew wide. "Thank you, Mr. Manning, but I'm afraid I cannot."

"Of course you will," her father declared. "You've nothing better to do."

She glared at her father, but Connor was quick to take advantage of the situation. "It's a week from today. We thought we would leave at ten o'clock in the morning."

"She'll be ready," her father replied.

Knowing Alexandra had never agreed, only her father, Connor couldn't help but feel it was time to make a quick retreat. "I'm honored you're going to attend." He stood. "Come, William. We'd best be going before we overstay our welcome."

"'Thank you for the pleasant company, ladies,'' William said as he tipped his hat in their direction.

"I'll walk you to the door," Alexandra said, her eyes clearly warning of retribution.

They walked in silence to the foyer and she went with Connor down the steps. When they were out of the others' earshot, she laid her hand on his arm, halting him.

"A moment alone with you, Mr. Manning."

"Goodbye, Mrs. Thurston." William hurried to his horse.

"Good day, Mr. Cunningham. Give your sister my regards."

Coward, Connor thought of his friend.

She turned and faced him, her brows drawn together in a frown. "Why are you pursuing me? I promise you, my objections are not personal. I have my reasons not to be interested in you or any other man."

Connor smiled, aching to reach down and taste her cherry lips. It would take time, but she would soon realize she had nothing to fear from him. "I need a partner for the picnic. You're the loveliest woman in town. I only take the prettiest, so I chose you."

She stared at him, her eyes dark with suspicion. "You could get any number of women to accompany you."

He walked toward his horse and mounted. Touching the brim of his hat with his fingers, he smiled. "True. But I want you."

The early morning sunshine sparkled off Aunt Clara's hat pin as she nudged her horse down Sycamore Road. "Dear, you don't know how much I've missed our rides together."

Alexandra couldn't help but think that at sixty years of age, her aunt still presented a graceful picture on a horse.

"In England, I missed spending time with you and Uncle Sydney and riding in the South Carolina sunshine," Alexandra said. "You know how I love coming here."

Her aunt turned and gave her an appraising look. "Is that why you came here first, instead of going home to New York, to your father?"

Alexandra sighed. Somehow she had the feeling this little excursion away from the house was the perfect excuse for Aunt Clara to probe her about her plans. "I have no intention of returning to New York."

"Dear, he is your father. A woman needs the protection of either a father or husband."

"Why, Aunt Clara? Are we such simpleminded creatures that we're incapable of living by ourselves?"