Diane T. Ashley (17 page)

Sarah’s hug was scented with a floral fragrance that made Lily’s nose itch. “I had hoped we could go shopping, but this is more important. I’ll collect your sister right away. We’ll go back home and word an invitation to him.” She stood and swept toward the door. “I’m sure he’ll agree. And then you can see for yourself what a nice man he is.”

Lily sneezed twice in swift succession.

The sound turned Sarah around. “I hope you’re not catching a cold. That would unravel all of our plans.”

Holding a finger under her nose to avoid another sneeze, Lily shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’m sure it’s only temporary. I never get sick.”

She went to the trunk and drew out her silk scarf. It seemed she would need it again after all.

V
ance Hargrove was standing in the Cartiers’ foyer when Jasmine and Sarah returned. Jasmine’s breath caught when she saw the large bouquet he had in his hand. Blood red roses and parchment-hued lilies nodded as he swept a bow. “I was so cast down to learn that you were out, Miss Anderson. I had thought to leave this little token with your butler, but now I do not have to deny myself the pleasure of giving them to you myself.”

Jasmine thought she might swoon with the pleasure of the moment. The recent scene at the Thorntons’ house faded as she once again looked into Mr. Hargrove’s coffee-colored gaze.

He offered the flowers to her.

“They’re beautiful.” Jasmine buried her nose in them, enjoying the sweet aroma.

Mr. Hargrove put a hand on his chest. “They’re not half as lovely as you are. But alas, they were the prettiest blooms in the shop.”

Sarah sighed. “Will you give us a moment, Mr. Hargrove? Jasmine and I need to freshen up a bit. You can make yourself comfortable in the music room while you wait.”

“Of course.” He kept his hand on his chest. “I would wait twice—no thrice—as long for your company.”

Jasmine floated up the stairs behind Sarah. She put the flowers in her water pitcher for the time being, pulled off her hat and gloves, and sat down in front of her mirror. Her mouth was slightly parted, and her eyes glowed with pleasure. At least her coiffure was not windblown from the drive. She pinched her cheeks and checked her collar to make certain it was still pristine. The dress she had worn to lunch would have to suffice as she had not brought an extensive wardrobe with her.

Putting a hand on her stomach to still the fluttery feelings that had returned, she rose and walked to the bureau that held her pitcher and basin. Should she take the flowers with her so one of Sarah’s maids could put them in a vase? Already the heady fragrance filled her bedroom. Deciding to leave the flowers where they were for the moment, she went in search of a fan. If Mr. Hargrove continued his compliments she was sure to need it.

Wondering why Sarah had instructed their guest to go to the music room instead of the parlor where she usually entertained visitors, Jasmine slipped down the stairs. She could hear the
plink
of a piano chord and wished she knew how to play. Perhaps Mr. Hargrove did. Of course singing was another accomplishment she lacked. Which meant she would never get any parts in operettas or other productions requiring singing.

She peeked into the room to see if Sarah had arrived before her, but the room was empty except for the tall man towering over the keyboard. With a deep breath, she swept into the room, her skirts rustling around her. “Thank you for waiting, Mr. Hargrove.”

He spun around, and a wide smile broke out on his face. “That didn’t take long. Dare I hope you are as anxious for my company as I am for yours?”

Why had she pinched her cheeks? They were bound to be flaming at the moment.

Sarah swept into the room before Jasmine could come up with an answer to his daring question. “Mr. Hargrove, I know you and Jasmine made plans to visit the beach at Pontchartrain this evening, but I have an alternative invitation for you.”

Jasmine could not have been more surprised if Sarah had pulled out a pistol and aimed it at her heart. This was the first she’d heard of a new arrangement. Lily might have forbidden her outing, but as an adult Jasmine could arrange her time according to her own desires.

“Jasmine’s sister was so upset she didn’t get a chance to meet you last night.” Sarah’s laugh tinkled. “She saw you on the stage, and I believe she was a bit jealous that we got to share a meal with you while she was stuck at dinner with my parents.”

At least Sarah had come up with a good excuse to give the man. But Jasmine knew the real reason for the suggestion. Lily was determined to control her life.

“I … of course I would be delighted.” Vance looked confused. And why not? He was probably not familiar with meddling relatives.

She wouldn’t have thought it was possible for anyone to extract the pleasure from her visit with Vance. Her lips thinned. If she got a chance to talk to Vance alone before he left, she would tell him that they need not change their plans. Or maybe she could send a note to the theater. She would make some excuse to Sarah and Kenneth and send them off to dinner with her sister. As long as Vance didn’t arrive before they departed, the two of them could still go to Pontchartrain together. Alone.

“Excellent.” Sarah looked pleased with herself. Her smile encompassed both Jasmine and Vance. “And now, if you don’t mind, I am going to the parlor. I’m expecting a few of my friends to drop by for tea.”

Masking her surprise, Jasmine nodded. She had never thought the opportunity to talk to Vance alone would be so easy.

Sarah paused at the doorway. “Make sure you don’t close this door. I would hate for Lily to think I wasn’t being careful of your reputation.”

Jasmine’s cheeks flushed again. She opened her fan and used it to cool her face. Her gaze met Vance’s. Was he laughing at her? Her family?

The room was furnished with half-a-dozen straight-backed chairs, arranged in rows for musical evenings. Choosing one on the front row, she sank into it, her fan fluttering fast enough to lift her collar. “I … I’m sorry about—”

“Don’t apologize.” He sat next to her, his voice pitched low. “I think you’ve seen that I know how to make myself popular with chaperones.”

Jasmine doubted her sister would be won over by a few compliments. Besides, she didn’t intend to remain under Lily’s thumb any longer. She would be free no matter what it took. “You don’t have to do that. I’d much rather spend the evening alone with you.”

Vance took her hands in his own, pulling her fan away and placing it on the chair behind him. “I would like that, too, but I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

“What is going on in here?” David’s voice caused Jasmine to jump.

Vance dropped his grip on her hands and stood to face the man at the door, the man whose eyes blazed green lightning.

Something must be wrong with Jasmine’s heart. It felt like a frightened bird trying to escape a hunter’s noose. She lifted her chin and willed it to slow down. She had done nothing wrong. Her eyes narrowed. Was Lily behind David’s appearance, too? It would make sense as she had seen nothing of him for the past day and a half. Her chin went up another notch. Would she ever be free of chaperones?

David could hardly believe he’d walked in on Jasmine making eyes at some stranger. Had she lost her mind? She glared at him like he was the one in the wrong, but he refused to accept any blame. He had not closeted himself with an unmarried lady. Which led him to another question. Where was Sarah Cartier?

“I suppose this is another of your swains?” The stranger’s question interrupted their staring match.

“What?” Jasmine looked as though she’d forgotten he was in the room.

“Not at all.” It was one of those moments when David knew exactly what to say. He smiled at Jasmine, causing her eyes to narrow in suspicion. But she need not worry. She was the one who had suggested their relationship after all. “Jasmine is my sister.”

He felt the twin pricks of their stares. Jasmine looked as though he had slapped her. Then guilt entered her expression. It was too late for that. And posing as her brother would scare off the man he’d found her with. The man who shouldn’t be alone with her.

“Indeed?” The stranger infused a large measure of disbelief into the two syllables.

Jasmine briefly closed her eyes. All the color had drained from her cheeks. For a moment David almost recanted. But then she opened her eyes. The deep purple in them seemed sad, mournful even.

“David, this is Mr. Hargrove. Mr. Vance Hargrove.” The way she said the man’s name made it obvious she thought David should know him.

Unable to put any significance on the name, David gave a brief nod.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Anderson.” Hargrove offered his hand, and David shook it, barely managing to suppress the urge to wipe his hand on his trousers afterward.

“Mr. Hargrove is a famous actor here in New Orleans.” Jasmine recovered her composure and cast an admiring glance in his direction. “He is the star of a current production.”

Which explained Jasmine’s fascination with the man. David ignored Hargrove. “Where is your chaperone?”

Another wave of red darkened her cheeks. “Sarah is in the parlor.”

“Does she know you’re in here with … him?” David couldn’t bring himself to repeat the man’s name. He didn’t like Vance Hargrove. He didn’t like the shiftiness in his eyes or the wet gleam of his pomaded hair. He didn’t like his voice or his clothes. But the thing he didn’t like the most was the admiring glances he was exchanging with Jasmine. Something was not right. It made David itch to pull Jasmine out of the music room—get her to a safe place and convince her to avoid any future dealings with the actor.

“Of course she does.” Jasmine sniffed. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Sarah left a few moments ago and told us to leave the door open.”

“I see.” David walked to the piano and sat on the stool, resting his arm across the keys. Sarah might trust Hargrove to act the gentleman, but he didn’t. Looking at the man put him in mind of a snake. A snake on the hunt for prey.

“Are you enjoying your visit to New Orleans?” Hargrove directed the question toward him.

“David is working.” Jasmine answered the question for him.

“Yes,” he interrupted her. “I’m working my way through every bar and card game in town.”

“I suppose that’s why you didn’t join your sister at the theater last night.”

David hid a yawn behind his hand. “I had more than one reason to choose other entertainment.”

An understanding smile curved Hargrove’s lips. “Have you enjoyed much success?”

“Not yet.” He winked at the man. “But I’m sure my luck is about to change.”

Jasmine was wearing a frown as her gaze bounced between him and Hargrove. At least she didn’t challenge him. She had enough sense to know he had a reason for his falsehood.

Hargrove bowed to Jasmine. “I do have an appointment this afternoon, but I’ll see you this evening.”

David felt the hair on the back of his neck rising. He didn’t like the idea of the two of them spending any time together.

The actor turned to David. “It was a pleasure to meet another member of Jasmine’s family. I’m looking forward to meeting your other sister this evening.”

This sounded much better. David allowed a little smile to relax the muscles of his face. Lily and Blake would put an end to the man’s pretensions. “I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.”

Jasmine stood. “Let me show you the way to the front door.”

Having risen when his “sister” did, David made as if to accompany them. Jasmine’s warning glare stopped him, however. “I need to talk to you after you see Mr. Hargrove out.”

She nodded and reached for the arm the actor presented. “I’ll be right back.”

David returned to the stool and tapped an impatient rhythm on the wooden top of the piano as he waited for her.

It took several long moments, but she finally reappeared, her cheeks suspiciously red. “Why did you lie to Vance about who you are?”

“Because you were about to tell him I’m a Pinkerton detective.”

“At least it’s the truth.” She lifted that chin of hers again.

He pushed a hand through his hair. “I don’t need everyone in town to know my business.”

“But the Thorntons and Cartiers know. And Papa. And Aunt Tessie. Jensen and Tamar, too.” She ticked off the names on her fingers as she listed them.

“They are all either family or close friends.”

“Well, Vance is a close friend of mine.”

“A close friend? How well do you even know him? Where is he from? How long has he been in New Orleans? Does he have family here? You don’t know anything about him except that he’s an actor.”

“I can tell what kind of man Vance is by looking in his eyes and listening to him.”

David couldn’t believe how foolish she was being. Jasmine couldn’t really think she knew Vance well enough to consider him a trusted friend. “We aren’t children anymore. You seem to think life is nothing but a game, a theatrical production that will end after all the lines are spoken. But it’s not. People aren’t always what they seem.”

“Vance Hargrove is.” She turned on her heel and stomped toward the door.