Seeds of Love: Prequel to Lily in Bloom (4 page)

“And down in South Carolina?” James added leaning back in his chair.

“That remains to be seen.”

Regina nearly choked on her cake. To be so obvious was not usually her mother’s way.

It was not lost on James either. His eyebrows rose but he did not comment. Instead, he pushed back his chair. “Ladies, this was a wonderful treat, but if you will excuse me, I have a meeting I must attend before I travel to your home. But,
perhaps
I will see you later.”

They stood as he stood and Regina watched his broad back as it headed for the door. Suddenly, it occurred to her that James had ordered nothing. “How curious. He came into the restaurant but had nothing to eat or drink. Why was he here?”

“Curious,” her mother repeated and sat down to eat her cake.

Three hours later, Regina lurked in the music room. There was no other word for it. She had tried to play a few times. She couldn’t concentrate. She had tried standing by the door to watch her father’s study, but it felt strange. She had opened a book but snapped it closed again.

James had been in her father’s study for the better part of an hour. Her hands fluttered to her chest as she wondered how much longer until he came out. She turned back to the window when she heard the door to her father’s study open.

She raced to the entrance of the music room, peeking her head out. Her father faced away from her but James was looking in her direction and their eyes locked for a split second before he turned his focus back on her father.

“I am looking forward to doing more business with you.” Her father reached out to shake James’ hand.

“As am I,” James’ masculine rumble sent excitement racing through her.

“I trust you can see yourself out.” Her father turned back into his study as James headed for the door.

Regina let out a breath of disappointment. But as her father’s door closed she simultaneously stepped from the music room as James turned back around.

Regina gave him a glowing smile as he approached and he quickly moved down the hall. His hand came to her back and he ushered her back into the privacy of the music room.

James returned her smile and his other arm came around her waist. His face dropped so that it was next to her ear. “Perhaps?”

She gave a soft giggle, not wanting to be heard. Her hands rested on his chest. She wanted to slip them over his broad shoulders and around his neck, but she didn’t dare be that bold. “I was in front of my mother. I didn’t want to be too obvious. I should have stayed away, I just…” she stopped talking, afraid to reveal too much.

“I keep telling myself the same thing.” His jaw rubbed her cheek. The feel of his rougher skin against her smoothness sent shivers racing down her spine.

“What do we do?” She leaned back to look in his eyes. As her sea blue orbs met his brown ones, she realized her mistake. The warmth she found in them drew her in like not even his touch had done. She was mesmerized.

“That depends. If you plan to marry Mr. Stillwater, then there is nothing to be done.”

“Stillwell, his name is Stillwell.”

James cocked an eyebrow. “He seems like still water to me. But that wasn’t the question. Will you marry Stillwell?”

“I don’t know. No, I would rather die than marry him but to disobey my father—” She stopped, taking a breath. “What if I don’t marry him? What would you do?”

He looked at her for a long time, scanning her face. Regina realized she was holding her breath. Finally he spoke, “I would make you my wife.”

A gasp escaped her, “But your ships. Your business!”

“Some things are worth the risk.”

Regina closed her eyes. . She took the easy path. The path that caused the least trouble. The pad of his thumb brushed her lips. She shivered again. “Oh,” she breathed.

“Regina, you have to decide if you can take the risk.”

“I’ve never been very good at that. Besides, how do I know you mean what you say. We’ve only known each other a few days and…”

“How do you feel about me?”

Her eyes snapped back open and met his again. She wanted to lean up and place her lips on his but to do so would be terribly bold and somehow it was a commitment that she wasn’t sure she could make. “I’ve never let a man hold me the way I let you.”

His lips turned up a fraction of an inch. “Well, that admission is a start.” His hands slid away from her back. He stepped away from her.

Regina knew she had said the wrong thing, or perhaps she just hadn’t said enough. “Please, I…” she trailed off again.

His hand reached up and touched her cheek. “It’s all right. I have only known you for a short while and yet I already know that you like to go with the grain and not against it. I will try not to push too hard but our time is limited.” His hand left her cheek and then he turned and left the room.

SEEDS OF LOVE

CHAPTER FOUR

Regina spent the
better part of the next day thinking about Obediah, James, her father, but mostly she thought about what she wanted from this life. James was a risk. He was handsome and young and already talking of marriage. Her Grandmother Lafayette would have told her to run away from such a man. But her heart told her that he was true. And her mind told her to take the risk while she had the chance. She might never have the opportunity again.

That night she dressed carefully. She picked a pale blue organza silk gown that fit her perfectly. It came just off her shoulders and showed more plump cleavage than she usually allowed. It also brought out the blue of her eyes and the rosiness of her skin. Her hair was pulled loosely back and twisted into an elaborate design with some tendrils falling artfully around her face.

As she started down the stairs, she felt beautiful. Her father raised his eyebrows at her. “When did you get that dress?”

“I bought it for her.” Her mother linked her arm with Regina’s as she reached the bottom step.

Her father’s mouth pinched. Normally Regina would have cowed to her father’s wishes but tonight she stood straighter and kept walking.

Her sisters came down the steps laughing and chattering. “Ooh Regina, your dress,” Clarissa breathed. Macie bounced in agreement.

“I forgot to mention, Mr. Carter will be joining us this evening,” her mother smiled innocently at her father as she spoke.

“We do not have the carriage—”

“I have the seven-person carriage waiting for us.”

“Anna—” her father started.

“It’s done now.” Her mother turned away.

Regina was aware that her mother had manufactured this chance, and she intended to take full advantage of it. She would need all of her courage tonight.

The butler showed Obediah and James in. The two men could not look more different. It wasn’t just that James was more handsome and masculine, it was that he looked at her with such warmth. Obediah’s eyes were always so cold.

“Wonderful to see you both.” Her mother reached her hands out to each man. Regina tilted her head slightly. She had thought her mother had chosen James over Obediah but she welcomed them both warmly.

“Shall we?” Mr. Lafayette gestured toward the door.

Regina passed by her parents. She heard her father say to her mother, “It doesn’t matter to me that you invited him, he is part of the plan too.”

“Your plans will backfire, God willing. You can’t mandate love.”

“What does love have to do with anything?”

“My husband, you are being foolish and pigheaded. Your plans will still work while making your daughters happy. Try to think of someone other than yourself.” Her mother turned and marched out the door in front of the others.

Regina walked toward Obediah and James. Both smiled in greeting, both extended their hand to her. Her smile faltered for a split second. To choose one over the other was a clear statement. To choose neither was as well. It told them both she hadn’t chosen her path yet.

Her father came up behind her, placing his hand at her back. “You look lovely, as always, my daughter.”

“Thank you, Papa.” As she spoke, Clarissa sailed past her, taking Obediah’s arm.

“Walk me out,” Clarissa beamed at Obediah.

He smiled back, a genuine smile without any reservation. It brightened his entire face. The pair turned and followed Regina’s mother out the door. As Regina watched them, it crossed her mind that they suited each other.

Macie came to her father’s other side. She was fifteen yet and blushed when she looked at James. “Would you escort me to the carriage, Papa?”

“Of course, my sweet.” He held out his arm to his third daughter.

“I will walk with James then Papa, to keep him company.” Regina gave her a father a weak smile and he grimaced in response. His look said that he knew exactly what she was about. But then he turned and headed for the door.

Regina turned to James. “Hello.”

“Hello,” his voice was cooler than normal but he held out his elbow to her.

She slipped her hand through it. His arm was like a hard, warm band of muscle. She turned toward him and caught his scent, clean and masculine. She wanted to say something that told him of her feelings but she was afraid. “Lovely evening,” was all she could get to come out.

“It is,” he replied blandly.

“James, I—” Regina knew that should have chosen James when he had extended his hand. She had missed her opportunity. Biting her lip, she looked up into his eyes.

“It’s all right Regina.” He patted her hand, tucked into his sleeve.

***

James took a deep breath. With her hand tucked under his arm and her face turned up to his, he wanted so much to believe that she could be his. But it was a fool’s dream.

She was beautiful and sensitive and easygoing. He was drawn to those traits in her but they were also the parts that kept her from defying her father. The parts that would make her a lovely wife for him made it nearly impossible for her to become his bride.

“But you’re upset, I can see it.” Her face pinched with worry and he realized his own brow must be wrinkled. He relaxed his features to put her at ease.

“I’m not upset, Regina. Don’t worry on my account.” He gave her a reassuring smile. She looked back at him skeptically but there was no time to say any more; they had reached the carriage.

Regina’s mother sat alone on one bench while the other four members had piled on the other bench. James handed Regina up and then climbed in to sit next to her.

Clarissa and Obediah sat with their heads together while Mr. Lafayette and Macie talked quietly. Regina’s mother gave them a glowing smile. “What a lovely spring evening, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Mama. It is,” Regina replied.

“The promise of summer brings such hope. Anything is possible don’t you think?”

“I do, Mama.” Regina looked at James. It was possible. And if she wanted it, she would have to make it happen. She knew exactly what to do tonight. She would set the wheels in motion.

They arrived at the party and slowly made their way through the double doors. Everyone was arriving and progress was slow. Regina, however did not mind at all. Her hand was tucked into James’ arm and her hip brushed his.

“Do you like parties or dancing, Mr. Carter?” Regina asked, hoping he would ask her to dance.