Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) (18 page)

Inside the house the family butler walked quickly toward them. “Mr. Davis!” he said. “What a pleasant surprise. Miss Elizabeth will be only too happy to know you’re home safe and sound.”

“Thank you, Jason. It’s good to be home.” Parker clapped him on the back.

Parker had no more than taken off his jacket and handed it to Jason, when he caught sight of his mother moving at a fast pace down the stairs.

Elizabeth Davis, now
in her fifth decade, still had a youthful look about her, giving him a glimpse of what his sister Catherine would look like in twenty-five years. Except for the small lines surrounding her eyes and a few telltale gray hairs, she favored her youngest daughter more than any of her other children who, like Parker, took after their dead father.

“Parker!” she gushed. “Thank God you’re home. Lucas said you might not be back for weeks.”

“It’s good to be here.” He hugged her. “You’re looking well, Mother.”

“That’s because all my babies are close by. Catherine is all excited about the houseguest you brought home. You’ll have to fill me in.” Her smile increased tenfold as she linked arms. “How long are you staying?”

Arm in arm, they headed for the inner room.

“I’m not sure about my schedule.”

“Oh?” Elizabeth said. “I thought for sure Jonathan would have you out and about in no time.”

“I may take a little time off after my last case,” he said evasively, not wanting to discuss tendering his resignation when he met his superior. “What has Lucas said about our houseguest?”

Elizabeth stopped and eyed her son.

“Mother, you’re being obvious.” Parker ignored the feeling in the pit of his stomach he always got when she gave him that look. “I can see your brain working from here.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Really?”

“Yes. So let me put your speculations to rest. The lady followed me home, at my request, because it was much easier on both of us for her to do so. She’s meeting her fiancé and I mean to keep her safe until she does.”

“Humph,” she grunted in a most unladylike fashion. “I must be slipping. I remember a time you had no idea what was on my mind.”

Grinning, he kissed her cheek. “You forget, I’ve had years to perfect reading people’s faces and you’ve been out of practice for years.” Parker led her to a plush chair in the richly decorated room with varying shades of crimson and gold. The russet velvet draperies were drawn to let in the midday breeze that drifted through the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a veranda with the view of the bay. Parker sat in a settee across from her, stretching out his long legs, and sighed.

“I asked Jason to have Pearl bring in some leftovers from the noon meal,” Elizabeth said, pulling his attention. “I’m sure you’re famished. I instructed him to tell Catherine to bring your guest down as soon as she’s ready.”

“Thank you, Mother. I’m sure Penny will appreciate it.”

“Penny?”

Chuckling at his mother’s sly grin, especially after noticing more speculation in her eyes, he admitted, “It seemed silly to use formal names when we’ve been in such close proximity for three weeks.”

At the knock on the door, her attention turned to a woman carrying a tea tray.

“Place the tray on the cart and move it over by Parker, would you, Pearl?” Turning back to Parker as the woman pushed a tea cart toward them, Elizabeth said, “Lucas called her Miss Layton.”

“Your youngest son was too busy sailing the vessel to become familiar with anyone. Besides, you know he avoids such obvious marriage traps like the plague,” Parker said, shaking his head.

Elizabeth chuckled softly. “I have to meet this woman. She must be lovely to have you calling her a marriage trap.”

Parker cleared his throat, wishing his mother weren’t so astute. “She is, but she’s also engaged to another.”

“Where is this fiancé? I thought the English were much more protective of their females. How is it she sailed unescorted across the ocean?”

“Ask Lucas. She’s a close friend of the family of one of his biggest clients. I think Lucas was that escort, if you want to know my thinking,” Parker said, none too happy his mother’s questions were some Lucas should have asked before letting the woman board his ship.

Just then Parker remembered her mention of a guardian during their drive. He was almost certain she hadn’t even realized she’d spoken of one.
Definitely something to ponder.

He took a cup and poured coffee, filling his plate with food while saying with irritation, “I’m not privy to the lady’s dealings, nor was I there when Lucas guaranteed her journey. All I know is I didn’t feel comfortable letting her out of my sight.
Which was a good thing too. I interrupted a robbery.” When his mother’s eyes grew larger, he gave a disgusted snort. “Two thieves relieved her of her bag and I thwarted their activities. Not wanting a repeat scenario, I convinced her to come home with me, telling her she could work here rather than in California while she waited for her fiancé.”

“Surely you don’t expect her to work? Not a friend of Lucas’s business associates.” Elizabeth’s appalled expression said it all. No one could be so cruel.

“I hadn’t planned on it, but the lady’s a bit stubborn and may have other ideas. It was hard enough getting her here without the promise of a job. I was hoping you could find something to make her feel useful?”

“She means to work?
Really?” Her gaze flew to the door. “How interesting. I thought all well-to-do Englishwomen were spoiled.”

“This one’s a bit different. Reminds me too much of Catherine. Maybe that’s why I like her.”

“Even more interesting,” she added, watching her son’s face closely.

“I see that look in your eye, Mother,” Parker chastised before taking a sip of coffee. “Do not even think of playing matchmaker here. You’ll only be meddling where you’re not wanted.”

“Humph, as if that would stop me. But I know when to quit. I’ve already thrown the best of the area at you and not one holds your interest, so I’m giving up.”

Parker grunted. But he almost choked on his coffee when she said, “No, I was wondering what it is about this lady that brings out both my sons’ protective sides.”

She paused for a moment, then asked, “So she reminds you of Catherine?” He examined her expression, which was still far too assessing for Parker’s peace of mind.

“Mother,” he ground out.

“Oh, go on with you.” She dismissed his warning with the wave of her hand. “I’ll drop it for now.”

“Good. Where’s Lucas?” he asked, intentionally changing the subject.

“He left early to work on provisioning his ship. He’ll be here for dinner and then he’s leaving at dawn to sail back to England. I gather after this trip, he’ll be spending some time with us?”

“So he says.” Parker smiled at the pleasure in her voice.

“You can’t know how much it will mean to have all my children close at hand.”

“Yes, well, please try and remember we’re adults and don’t need mothering anymore.”

“I’ll try.” Her soft laugh burst forth. “But it’s hard to stop mothering simply because your babies grow up. You wait until you have children of your own. Then you’ll know what I’m talking about.”

“You don’t give up, do you?” He rolled his eyes and counted to ten.

Elizabeth shook her head. “It simply isn’t in my nature.”

“No, I don’t guess it is.” Parker broke off a piece of bread to add to his cheese.

“Beth Thompson had her baby. A six-pound boy. The papa is quite proud.”

Parked drank his coffee and ate, listening with half an ear while his mother updated him on the happenings in the area during his latest absence.

“Maryanne Walters is betrothed. She’ll marry her intended next spring. I was surprised, especially since she claimed to have such strong feelings for you.”

He grunted. “Her strong feelings for the state of matrimony were no doubt aided by my obvious success.”

Elizabeth shrugged, then added, “Emily Anderson is expecting. Gertie had almost given up hope of having grandchildren, much like me.”

This comment earned Parker’s short burst of laughter.
“Mother.”

Undaunted, she continued without missing a breath.

A few minutes later Penny’s clipped English accent drew Parker’s attention, just as she and Catherine stepped into the room, interrupting Elizabeth’s monologue. A sensation, not unlike the first time he spotted her, rolled over him. The lady was simply the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Earlier, during the drive, he’d had a hard time ignoring her, especially when her delicate fragrance had wafted over his nostrils any time she’d point something out. It had been pure torture. How could one woman be so enchanting? After seeing the countryside through her eyes, he realized how much he enjoyed showing her his world. That thought was even more disconcerting. Ignoring his uneasiness over where his thoughts drifted, he let his gaze follow her progression into the room.

She stopped short, sparing him a glance as pink stole up her face.

“Ah, here we are. Come over here and have some tea.” Oblivious to the suddenly charged atmosphere, Catherine chatted on, pulling Penny to a chair next to Parker and patted the seat. “Though it’s not teatime yet, you must be hungry and exhausted after your drive. Mother, this is Penny. Isn’t she charming?”

Penny stood beside the chair, appearing bewildered. Parker grinned. Catherine had that effect on people.

When Parker happened to look up at his mother, noticing her total interest, his grin died. He rolled his eyes, swearing under his breath.

Elizabeth stood and smiled, holding out her hand. “My dear Miss Layton, I’m Elizabeth Davis. My son wasn’t embellishing tales of your beauty.”

“I’m pleased to meet you.” Penny took her hand and curtsied. “Parker didn’t tell me how lovely you were.”

“You’re too kind.” Elizabeth sent Parker an “I was right” look as Penny sat in the chair Catherine indicated.

“I’d love a cup of tea and I have to admit I’m famished,” Penny said to Catherine, who was now pouring.

“Cream?
Or we have honey to sweeten it?” Catherine asked.

“Honey will do fine,” Penny murmured as Catherine added a teaspoon,
then handed it to her.

Penny filled a plate with meats and cheeses.

No one spoke while they ate and drank.

Once Parker sipped the last drop, he stood, brushing nonexistent crumbs away. “You said you enjoyed riding. I’m going this afternoon, Penny.
If you’d care to join me?”

His plans included visiting his sisters, in hopes of persuading them to join the family for dinner. Elizabeth Davis relished any opportunity to have all her children under one roof, if only for a short while, and tonight would be no different.

“I’d love nothing better, but I’m a little overwhelmed right now.” Penny smiled, yet wouldn’t look at him. “Perhaps another time.”

Parker waited until she looked up. He caught her gaze and held it without hiding his thoughts. He didn’t believe her. When her chin jutted out, daring him to refute her words, his smile tugged free.
“As you wish. Perhaps another time,” he said in a mocking voice, before giving his mother a peck on the cheek and striding out of the room.

~~

“Interesting.”

The one word drew her attention and Penny looked up in time to see Elizabeth’s gaze follow Parker’s departure.

Catherine glanced at her mother with raised eyebrows. “What’s interesting?”

“Nothing,” Elizabeth replied, smiling too brightly, her focus returning to Penny and her daughter. “So, you two seem to have become fast friends.”

“We are.” Catherine heaved a regretful sigh. “It’s too bad you’re overwhelmed. I was going for a ride before I spotted the carriage.”

“I love to ride,” Penny said before taking a sip of tea.

“Didn’t you just say you were overwhelmed and wanted to rest?”

“Yes, I guess I did.” Penny stared wistfully at her plate, swallowing her regret at her choice of excuses. A ride sounded perfect.

“Maybe it was the company that was overwhelming.” When Penny’s questioning gaze met Elizabeth’s, the older woman shrugged. “Parker can be a bit intimidating at times.”

Penny let out a long breath. “He does like to take charge, which is nice.” Only she wasn’t inclined to let him take charge of her.

“Don’t mind him.” Catherine’s unladylike snort was telling. “He likes to lord it over anyone he thinks is under his protection.”

“He is the head of the family, Catherine,” Elizabeth chided.

“I guess that’s why he reminds me of my fiancé’s brother,” Penny stated honestly. The duke was also the head of his family.

“Are you sure you’re not too tired to ride,” Elizabeth asked. “I’m sure Catherine would love the company.”

“Oh yes, Penny. You can rest later.”

Torn, Penny set her cup in the saucer. “I suppose I could delay my rest.”

“Good.” After nodding to Catherine, Elizabeth rose, sighing loudly. “Remember, she’s a guest and try not to kill her on her first day out.” She placed her hand on Penny’s shoulder, squeezed gently, and said, amusement showing in her tone, “You’ll do. I’m delighted to have you as a houseguest.” She then left the room, her step lively.