Rapture's Tempest (7 page)

“The office is on Fourth Street. Are you familiar with the area?”

“Yes, I know where it is.”

“Good. See that my brother Marshall gets the papers personally. It’s important that he sees them right away.”

Groaning to herself, she took the proffered envelope and
went back to her cabin to get her new coat and the stocking cap Ollie had advised her to buy.

As she started to leave she turned to Jim who was once again working at his desk. “Thanks for the clothes. I appreciate it.”

Jim gave her a brief, distracted smile and then motioned for her to be on her way. “There was no doubt you needed them. Now hurry, he needs to review those contracts tonight.”

“Right.” And Delight left the boat, anxious to prove her worth to her demanding boss.

Her trip to Marshall’s office was fruitless, for he had already gone for the day. Remembering that Jim had been adamant about his brother’s seeing the papers right away, she headed for Lucas Place and Marshall Westlake’s house.

Keeping her head down and clutching the important envelope, Delight made her way quickly down Lucas Place. She was glad for the snow now for there were few people out walking. She could just imagine running into Sue or Martin or one of her neighbors…it was going to be bad enough handing the contracts over to Marshall without being recognized. Delight hoped that Renee wasn’t around, for although the secret of her real identity would be absolutely assured if ever her friend did recognize her, still she didn’t want to take that chance.

The impressive three-story brick home that belonged to Marshall and Renee loomed over her as she paused to ready herself on the freshly shoveled front walk. Finally, feeling in control and reasonably certain that no one would recognize Delight de Vries, the society belle, in the guise of a young errand boy, she mounted the steps and knocked at the front door.

It was answered almost immediately by Renee’s maid, and she was ushered inside.

“I have some contracts here for Mr. Westlake. They’re from the captain.”

“Of course. Wait here. I’ll go get him.”

As the servant disappeared upstairs, young Roger Westlake peeked out of the front parlor.

“Hi,” he greeted.

“Hi,” she returned.

“I’m Roger. Who are you? Do you work for my Uncle Jimmy?”

“If you mean the captain, yes. My name’s Del—Del Murphy.”

Roger ventured bravely out into the hall, smiling warmly at this person who worked for his adored uncle.

“I bet it’s fun working on the boat with Uncle Jimmy.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s fun exactly, but it is interesting.”

“What do you do? I haven’t seen you before and Papa takes me on the boat all the time.”

“I’m new. Your uncle just hired me yesterday. I’m his new cabin boy.”

Roger seemed really impressed and Delight stifled a smile. While she hadn’t thought of it before, to a young child her position would seem really adventuresome and exciting. At the sound of footsteps in the upstairs hall, Delight looked up to see Marshall coming down the staircase.

“Ah, good. You’ve brought the contracts. Thank you.” He greeted her cordially.

“Yes, sir.” She handed him the papers, trying to keep her face averted without being too conspicuous. “The captain said I was to give them to you personally.”

“And I appreciate it—uh—I don’t believe we’ve met before, have we?” Marshall was looking at her curiously.

“No, sir, Mr. Westlake. I’m the captain’s new cabin boy, Del Murphy.”

“Well, Murphy, you’ve done a good job.”

“Thank you, sir. I’d better be going now,” she told him as she heard the sound of feminine chatter coming toward them from the back of the house and recognized Renee’s voice.

“Of course.” Marshall walked her to the door.

“Good-bye.”

As Marshall closed the door behind Delight, his wife spoke. “Who was that, darling?”

“Jim’s new boy, Murphy.”

“Oh.” Renee looked puzzled for a moment. “Well, no matter, but he sounded so familiar. Have I ever met him?”

“No. He’s new.”

“I suppose it’s not important.” She smiled at him and they went into the parlor with their son.

Delight was so nervous that she ran all the way back to the riverfront. Thank God that she’d gotten out the door before Renee came in. She wouldn’t have thought that she’d be thinking of the steamer as home so soon, but she did. And she didn’t feel really safe and protected until she was up the gangplank and heading for Jim’s cabin.

Delight was so glad to be back on board that she entered Jim’s cabin without knocking. The sight that greeted her left her momentarily frozen in place in the open doorway.

“Murphy! Damn it! Close the door, it’s freezing out there!” Jim bellowed as he stood at his washstand, stripped to the waist.

Delight quickly shut the door and, keeping her eyes carefully averted from the broad expanse of Jim’s bare, furred chest and broad shoulders, headed for her own room.

“Well?” he questioned.

“Well, what, sir?” she asked, stopping abruptly.

“Did you give the papers to my brother?”

“Oh,” she almost sighed. “Yes, sir.”

“What the hell took you so long?”

“He wasn’t at the office, and, since you’d told me to make sure that he got them personally, I took them by his house.”

Jim regarded her with open approval. “Good. And now that you have finally gotten back, you can start getting my clothes ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“I’m going out tonight. I’ll need my dress clothes.”

“Yes, sir.” She was jittery as she shed her new coat and set about getting out his evening wear.

Delight had never been around a naked man before and, although the most intimate parts of him were still covered, she felt overpowered by his very maleness. She tried not to stare, but her gaze continually returned to visually explore the powerful corded muscles of his back.

Suddenly, it again occurred to Delight that she found Jim Westlake very attractive. Disgusted with herself for even having such a thought, she forced her attention back to what she was doing. This was not the time for romance, for heaven’s sake! He thought she was a boy! Delight was saddened by the realization that had they met under other circumstances they might have had a relationship, but there was no chance of that now. Her life was in a shambles, and she doubted that she would ever have any real happiness in her future.

No, she would have to make the best of her situation and pray that she could save some money. For when the truth finally did come out about her identity, Delight knew she’d be looking for other employment. Jim Westlake would be furious at her deception, and she wouldn’t blame him.

“Your clothes are all laid out.”

“Thank you. I won’t be too late, but there’s no need for you to wait up.”

“Yes, sir.” Delight started to go to her room, but Jim was talkative and seemed to want her company.

“How do you like working on the ship?” he questioned earnestly as he stripped off his trousers.

Delight cringed inwardly at the sight of Jim in only the bottom half of his long underwear and when he started to peel them off, too, she hastily looked around for something to occupy
her hands and her eyes. Turning her back to him, she straightened a few odd things on his desktop.

“I like it just fine. You’ve been very generous, and I hope I can repay the trust you have in me.”

“You’re doing very well for only your first day on the job,” he commented.

“Thank you. I want to do my best. You really helped me out last night and I appreciate it…more than I can tell you.”

Delight glanced quickly over at him to find that he had already put on his dress pants and was pulling on a clean white shirt.

“Keep on top of things around here and there’ll be no problems.” He moved to stand before the small mirror over his washstand to tie his cravat.

“I will,” she pledged, more than seriously. She would have to stay at least one step ahead of everyone, including him, if she was to maintain her secrecy.

Delight knew she should beat a safe retreat to her room, but she wanted to be with him. For some reason, she was beginning to feel very secure in his company, which, when she considered it, was totally ridiculous. For if Jim Westlake ever found out about her, no doubt he would take her back to her home with no questions asked….

“Get my coat,” he instructed. “I’m late enough.”

Coat in hand, Delight went to him, and he turned away from her so she could help him slip it on with more ease. She watched with avid interest as the fine material stretched in a perfect fit across his wide shoulders. Delight wondered what it would feel like to run her hands across his back and to know the strength of his embrace. As soon as the thought came she berated herself mentally for losing her perspective. There could be no time for that. And who was to say that he would even have noticed her if he had met her as Delight de Vries.

“I’m ready,” he informed her. “Take the night off.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You might remind Ollie that I’ll be at the Morgans’.”

“I will.”

“Good. I’ll see you in the morning, then.” He turned to face her, and he looked so handsome in his evening dress that Delight felt as if her breath had been stolen away.

“Yes, sir,” she managed.

“Are you all right, Murphy?” He noticed a change in her expression and wondered what was wrong.

“I’m fine, Captain,” she protested, quickly masking her feelings.

“Well, good night.”

Delight didn’t relax until the door was shut firmly behind him. Her shoulders drooping, she shuffled into her own little room and sat down wearily on her bed. Oh, how she wished she was the woman he was going to visit….

Jim stopped by Marshall’s house first. After being admitted by the servant, he was swept into a warm embrace by Renee, who happened to be in the hallway as he came in.

“I didn’t know you were coming by. What a wonderful surprise!”

“It’s good to see you, too,” he told her.

“Here, let me take your coat. Come on in; Marshall’s in the study.”

“All right.” He shed his heavy coat and then followed her down the hall.

Marshall looked up questioningly as the door opened.

“Jim,” he greeted his brother, coming around the desk. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

“I’m on my way to Annabelle’s, and I thought I’d pick up those contracts. Are you through with them?”

“I was just finishing up. Get yourself a drink and sit down for a minute while I go over the final details.”

“Fine.”

“I’ll leave you two to business,” Renee told them before disappearing out into the hall and closing the door behind her.

“Where is everybody tonight?” Jim wondered at the absence
of his parents and his sister Dorrie, who lived with Marshall and Renee whenever they were in town.

“They were all invited to the Taylors’ for dinner tonight.”

Jim nodded and fell silent again as Marshall continued to work. When at last Marshall looked up, Jim was waiting expectantly.

“Well?”

“They’re all in order.”

“Good. I’ll sign them tonight. Mark said they were the same as the last ones we signed.” Jim took the papers his brother held out to him and put them safely in the inside pocket of his coat.

“They are,” Marshall agreed. “Do you have time to visit for a while?”

“No. I’m expected at the Morgans’.”

“Have a good evening.” Marshall’s eyes twinkled knowingly, but Jim looked uninspired.

“I think I’m too tired,” Jim remarked. “I’m going on forty-eight hours with no sleep.

“Well, once you’re married, I’m sure you’ll be spending a lot more time in bed,” Marshall chuckled.

“I may be in bed, but I doubt that I’ll get much more rest,” Jim countered.

“When are you leaving again?”

“Mark said sometime after midnight tonight. You know how he likes to keep the exact time quiet. I think he’s worried.”

“I was wondering if the rumors I’ve been hearing had any truth to them.”

“What rumors?”

“Just the usual, really. That Rebel spies and informers are everywhere. Not that there have been any new developments. There haven’t. But with the situation for the South becoming so desperate…I guess the sympathizers are getting more desperate, too.”

“No doubt,” Jim agreed. “I’m always cautious, but I’ve had
no reason to be afraid yet. When that day comes, I may tell Mark to find me an ironclad.” He laughed, trying to ease any fears his brother might have. While they were equal partners in the steamship line, Jim had the more dangerous work.

“Tell Mother and Father that I was sorry I missed them…Dorrie, too.”

“I will. You’ll take care?”

“I always do.” Their eyes met in understanding.

Shaking off a strained feeling of déjà vu, they smiled and walked to the study door. Just as they were about to turn the knob, the door flew open, seemingly of its own accord, and a miniature Westlake dressed in warm winter-weight pajamas ran full steam into the room.

“Uncle Jimmy!” Roger Fontaine Westlake launched himself into his favorite uncle’s arms. “I didn’t know you were coming to visit!”

Jim returned the child’s hug enthusiastically. “I had to talk to your father for a while, but we’re all finished. I thought you were asleep. What are you doing up so late?”

Roger grinned mischievously, a grin that in later years would steal many a heart. “Don’t tell Papa,” he whispered. “But Mama came and got me up just so I could see you.”

“Don’t worry,” Jim confided. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Marshall hid a smile as he watched the two. Roger and Jim had always been close, and the love between them was almost a tangible thing as they stood together, deep in their own private conversation.

“When do I get to meet your wife, Uncle Jimmy?”

Jim chuckled at the boy’s excitement. “Miss Morgan’s not my wife, yet, Roger, but she will be soon. And if you weren’t already in your nightclothes, I would take you with me now to meet her.”

“You’re going to see her now?”

“Yes, if my estimate of the time is correct, she’s waiting for me right this minute.”