Ecstasy's Promise (Historical Romance) (12 page)

He rose to his feet, and looked down at her. "No, Clarissa, I do not think I do. I have watched your performance today. You tried to crucify Miss Farraday. Women never cease to amaze me. They can be far more ruthless and deadly than the male of the species."

"Edward, I did not mean to be rude to Victoria. I only wanted to show her for what she was."

"And what was that?" Edward asked.

"She has something in her past, other than what she revealed to us today," Clarissa said, "and I do
not think it will be to her credit. She pretends to be such a lady, but I can tell she is not."

Edward gave her a look of contempt. "I thought she handled herself rather well, Clarissa."

"Please, do not let us quarrel over something so unimportant," Clarissa said, rising to her feet. "Let us sneak away so we can be by ourselves." Her arms went around his waist.

"Clarissa, when I want a woman, I do the pursuing."             
„             

She stepped away from him, tears in her eyes. "If I have been too forward, it is only because I love you.

"Clarissa," he said, "do not waste your time on me. I have had many women, and I can assure you, you would not like to be just one of many."

She looked at Edward in horror. "You are arrogant and insulting," she said, crying aloud. "I wish I had never laid eyes on you. Someday, I hope someone hurts you, the way you have hurt me today."

"That will never happen, Clarissa. As I told you, I have no heart."

He walked away from her, wishing the scene could have been avoided. Why did women always try to lure him into their traps? Not that he minded that so much; but just once, he would like to meet a woman who was not so easy to get. He thought of Victoria Farraday.

Victoria and Dan walked beside the river. "I am sorry if Clarissa hurt you," he said, longing to comfort her.

"I am sorry I made such a fool of myself. I can only ask you to forgive me. It was most unladylike of me."

Dan took Victoria's hand in his and was relieved when she did not draw it away. "I hope you will allow me to be your friend," he told her.

"I already consider that you are, Dan."

"If Paul O'Brian comes for you, will you marry him?" Dan asked.

"Yes," she said softly. He had known the answer before she gave it. At least he would have her friendship. It was enough for now.

After their walk along the river, Dan returned Victoria to her grandmother, who was anxious to introduce her to her neighbors. Many of the older ones commented on how much she resembled Mary Elizabeth. Victoria warmed to the friendly Texans. They were honest and open, and they accepted her easily.

The sun was going down and the music had started. Already couples were dancing in the dimly lit pavilion. The older couples were sitting around in conversation, willing to let the young people enjoy the dance. The small children were curled up on quilts, tired from the day's activities.

Victoria found herself searching the crowd for Edward Hanover. With a sinking heart, she realized he must have left. Or perhaps he was with Clarissa somewhere, for she had not seen Clarissa either. She wanted to apologize to them both. She was embarrassed by her outburst of the afternoon.

Dan came up to her. "Would you like to dance, Victoria?"

"Yes, I would like to very much," she told him.

He took her in his arms and danced her onto the floor. She felt young and lighthearted. The problems of Georgia, which Clarissa had caused her to remember, began to fade. She danced with many partners, but was always returned to Dan, who was feeling very proud to be the escort of the beautiful Victoria. They had just finished a dance, when a woman ran up to Dan all excited. "Tommy Nelson has fallen from a tree, Doctor. I think you had better come quickly."

Dan excused himself and ran to the aid of the injured boy. Victoria was about to return to her grandmother, when she felt someone come up beside her. She did not need to look up to know it was Edward Hanover.

"May I have this dance, Miss Farraday?" Edward asked.

She turned and looked up into his face. "If you wish, Mr. Hanover." She felt his arm go around her waist. He took her hand in his. A waltz was playing. He whirled her onto the dance floor. They danced in such perfect harmony that their bodies seemed to be attuned to each other.

Edward looked down at Victoria. His nearness was overpowering. Her legs felt weak. "You are so beautiful," Edward whispered. His eyes traveled to her lips, and she felt almost as if he had kissed her. She did not know what was happening to her, but it frightened her. She tried to think of Paul, but she could not. All she could think of was the pressure of Edward's hand about her waist, and the magnetic look in his eyes. The music stopped, and still he held
her. "I need to talk to you," he said urgently, as he led her from the dance floor.

"What is it you wish to say?" Victoria asked breathlessly.

"Not here. Meet me on the hill where we were today. We should not be seen leaving together," Edward told her.

"No. I will not do that," she said, her heart pounding.

"Please, Victoria, it is very important." His eyes pleaded with her.

Her defense against him was her anger. Anger that he would think she was the kind of woman who would sneak off into the night to meet a man. Her eyes grew stormy "I did not give you permission to call me by my name. You, must call me Miss Farraday."

He smiled down at her. "It was a slip of the tongue. I apologize." He was certain she had felt as he had. Ever since they had met, he had wanted to take her in his arms and kiss the lips that were so inviting. He was so used to women who gave in to his slightest whim, it never occurred to him that she would be any different. "Perhaps I spoke out of turn. You are so lovely,"—his voice was caressing, his eyes burned into hers—"you caused me to forget my manners."

"Please do not continue, Mr. Hanover. I do not even know you."

"That is a situation I would like to remedy," Edward told her.

"If you will excuse me, Mr. Hanover, I want to find my grandmother," Victoria said scorchingly.

Just then, a young boy, in his early teens, came up to them. "Mr. Hanover, Mammaw asked if you would see her granddaughter gets home all right. She has gone with Dr. Dan to take Tommy Nelson home. The doctor asked if you would drive his buggy. He said he would pick it up later."

"How is the boy?" Victoria asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. "They carried him off on a litter, ma'am."

Victoria turned to Edward, feeling helpless. "I am sorry to impose on you, but it seems I have no choice."

"I assure you it is no imposition." He smiled. "It seems we can have our talk after all. Are you ready to leave now?"

She nodded, feeling very uneasy. He took her arm and led her to Dan's buggy. Victoria felt nervous at being alone with Edward Hanover, but since her grandmother held him in such high regard, she supposed it would be all right.

They drove away from the picnic area, with Edward's horse tied behind the buggy. Victoria heard the sound of music and laughter fading into the distance. She sat with her back rigid, her eyes staring straight ahead. There was a full moon overhead, lighting up the countryside. She could still feel the touch of Edward's strong hands as he had lifted her into the buggy.

Edward was the first to speak. "Have you forgiven me for being forward with you, Miss Farraday?" he asked, looking down at her.

"I cannot think why you would expect that I would do anything so outrageous as to meet you alone."

"I can only offer you my apologies." He grinned at her. "Let us just say it was poor judgment on my part.

Victoria nodded. "I would also like to apologize to you," she said hesitantly.

"What have you done to apologize for?" He smiled down at her.

"I am embarrassed by my bad conduct of this afternoon."

Edward looked at her and waited for her to continue. "I have already apologized to Dan, and I will do so to Clarissa when I see her again."

"It was not your fault. Clarissa provoked it."

"I should have handled it differently. There was no excuse for my outburst. Bess would have been scandalized if she had witnessed my performance."

"Was that the woman you spoke of earlier?" he asked.

Victoria nodded.

"Miss Farraday," Edward said, "it is plain that you suffered a great deal. I do not know what happened to you in Georgia, but you should try to put it behind you."

She clasped her hands together. "If only I could," she said softly.

Edward pulled the buggy off to the side of the road. He leaned back against the seat and looked at Victoria. "Would you like to talk about it?"

She shook her head. "No, I cannot. Please do not ask me any questions.  Could we drive on,
Mr. Hanover?"

"In a moment, Miss Farraday." He had an overwhelming urge to comfort her. "We will not speak of it if that is your wish."

She looked at him and wished she could pour her heart out to him. What was it about this man whom she had only met today that made her behave in such a strange way? She looked at his hands. His fingers were long and lean. She had felt the strength of them earlier.

"I have never met anyone like you, Miss Farraday. You are a puzzle to me." Edward reached out his hand and picked up a lock of her hair. She shivered as she felt the contact of his hand as it brushed her cheek. She knew she should insist that he drive her home, but she did not. His arm went around her shoulders slowly, and he pulled her against him. He tilted her chin up, and looked down into her face. "I have waited a long time for you," he whispered.

It was impossible for her to look away. "We only met today, Mr. Hanover."

"How can that be?" he whispered, "when I feel every day of my life has been leading me to this very moment."

Paul's face flashed through her mind, and she struggled against Edward. "Please let me go," she said weakly.

He held her firm. "You cannot tell me you did not feel something out of the ordinary when we met today," he whispered.

"You frighten me," Victoria replied.

Edward lay his cheek against hers and felt the silkiness of her skin. The scent of lilacs flooded his senses. "Oh, Victoria, there is nothing for you to fear from me." She closed her eyes and relaxed against him. She felt as though nothing could harm her as long as Edward Hanover had his arms about her. He slowly raised his face and stared down into her eyes. "I think I am a little afraid of you," he said, lowering his lips slowly to hers.

She knew he was going to kiss her, but was helpless to prevent it. A shock went through her body as she felt the touch of his lips on hers. It was a moment so beautiful they were both lost in the wonder of it. It was a gentle kiss that demanded nothing; yet neither seemed to be able to end it. Finally, Edward released her slowly. They looked into each other's eyes for a long moment.

"I think you should take me home," Victoria said breathlessly.

"I think that would be a good idea," he agreed abruptly.

She moved out of the circle of Edward's arms. He picked up the reins and guided the buggy back onto the road. Her thoughts were in a turmoil. She knew she would remember the touch of his lips for the rest of her life.

He seemed so cold and distant now. She blushed and lowered her head. He probably thought she had no morals. She wondered what had caused her to act so shamelessly. She thought of Paul, and felt even worse. They rode along in silence. Victoria wished she were safe at home. How would she ever be able to face this man again? She hated herself for her weakness.

"How old are you, Miss Farraday?" Edward asked, breaking the silence.

"Eighteen," she said softly.

"Eighteen," he repeated. "I am twenty-eight today. You are very young."

"I do not feel very young, Mr. Hanover."

"But you are, my sweet innocent. So very young. I am going to pay you the greatest compliment I have ever paid a woman, Miss Farraday. Maybe it is your age, maybe it is the respect I have for Mammaw."

"What is it?" she asked.

Edward smiled at her. "I have decided not to take advantage of you
;
"

Victoria felt anger rise up inside her so strong it almost cut off her breath. "How dare you?" she said hotly. "Do not mistake my conduct of this evening, Mr. Hanover. You flatter yourself if you think you would have gotten more than a kiss from me."

Edward smiled at her. "We will never know, will we?" he asked meaningfully.

"You are the most egotistical, conceited man I have ever met!"

"So I have been told on countless occasions."

They had driven up to her grandmother's house. Victoria jumped from the buggy before Edward could come around to assist her.

"Good night, Miss Farraday," he said politely.

"Good-by! Mr. Hanover," she stormed. She ran into the house and slammed the door. His laughter followed her up the stairs. She threw herself on the bed and pounded the pillow with her fists, wishing the pillow were Edward Hanover.