Chapter Nine
It was one of those perfect spring mornings. The sky was a cloudless blue. A gentle breeze carried the intoxicating scent of early lilacs. Ivy shielded her eyes from the glare of the sun and watched a pair of ducks make a lazy circle in the air, then land effortlessly on the smooth water of the pond.
Leaving the flagstone path, she veered into the wooded area behind the pond. The secluded woods were alive with sound. Birds chirped. Frogs croaked. Insects hummed. Shoving her hands deep into the pockets of her jeans, Ivy filled her mind with the sights and sounds of the place. She might never get another chance like this, to explore this wonderful old estate that owned her heart.
She bent to examine a tiny blue flower and wished she’d brought her sketch pad. Straightening, she turned back toward the house.
As she emerged from the woods, she spotted a movement on the upstairs balcony of the house. Something fluttered in the breeze. Probably a maid shaking a rug, she thought.
As she circled the pond, she continued to stare, trying to make out what the figure was doing. By the time she was close enough to see clearly, it had disappeared. The balcony was empty.
Ivy quickened her pace. The long walk had sharpened her appetite. She was looking forward to a hearty breakfast.
As she paused in the doorway of the dining room, Ivy noted that only Caine and Gertrude were downstairs ahead of her. They were seated on a small love seat in front of French doors that opened onto a lovely terrace. Their heads bent closely together, they were engaged in earnest conversation.
“... leaving today. I’m willing to bet that before lunch, our letter writer will make a move.”
Caine’s head came up sharply, as if sensing Ivy’s presence.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
“It’s all right, child. Come in.”
Ivy crossed the room to stand in front of them. “You’re not going to pay the money, are you?”
The old woman smiled gently. “I couldn’t possibly come up with that kind of cash.”
Ivy let out a long sigh of relief.
“Of course, if they’re willing to take jewelry, stocks, bonds, I could probably manage.”
“Aunt Tru.”
The old woman leaned forward to pat her hand reassuringly. “I’m only thinking out loud. I have no intention of giving in to blackmail.”
“Then you’ve called the police?”
Gertrude glanced at Caine. “I don’t think this is a matter for the police. I think this can be handled without them.”
Ivy swallowed. “Aunt Tru, there’s something I think you should know. Last night, I had a visitor.”
Caine stood and touched her shoulder. To his aunt, he said, “Your guests are arriving for breakfast.”
“Good, I’m ready for something a bit more solid myself.” Gertrude took Caine’s hand and stood. Squeezing Ivy’s arm as she moved past her, she whispered, “We’ll talk later, child.”
Jacob was the first to arrive, leaning heavily on the arm of his grandson. The old man looked dapper in a dark suit, crisp white shirt and bright silk tie and handkerchief in his breast pocket.
His grandson wore a dark suit as well. His only concession to the casual mood of the morning was the lack of a tie.
Watching them, Ivy thought that the only thing missing were their briefcases.
David’s eyes lit up at the sight of Ivy.
“You will go riding with me today, won’t you?”
“We’d have to go right after breakfast. I’d like to get an early start back to New York.”
Jacob’s head came up as he accepted a cup of coffee from a maid. “Where are you two going?”
“I wanted to show Ivy some of the countryside before she left.”
“And just what did you intend to drive?”
Ivy saw the slight flush that stained David’s cheeks.
“David said you drove up here in an Excalibur, Judge Tisdale. I’ve never seen one before. So, he generously offered to take me for a ride.”
“Did he now?” The old man’s eyes met his grandson’s. “That’s a very expensive piece of machinery.”
“I doubt there’s much traffic on a day like this,” Ivy said quickly.
The old man considered. “Yes. I suppose you’re right. Why not? Enjoy the day while you can, David.”
The young man flashed a brilliant smile. “Thank you, Grandfather.”
Across the room, Ivy felt Caine’s dark eyes boring into hen She tried to ignore the stab of regret. She hadn’t wanted to spend any time with David Tisdale. But she resented the way his grandfather controlled him.
Caine watched David smiling down into Ivy’s face. His eyes narrowed a fraction. Her lips were upturned and slightly parted. Her eyes when she laughed were the green of the sea. He could smell the fragrance of her delicate perfume. David touched her arm and whispered something. Caine’s hands tightened at his sides. He was jealous. It was a feeling that was almost alien to him. What had this woman done to him? He was a man who always kept his emotions in check. During the short time he’d been with Ivy, he had experienced fury, desire, jealousy, and one thing he was afraid to even allow himself to give a name to—love.
The thought was so shocking he could only stand numbly and stare at the woman who had stolen his heart. No other woman would every satisfy him now. He wanted her. Wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Love. The thought left him stunned and shaken.
Diana entered the dining room wearing white linen slacks and a peach silk shirt, with a mandarin collar and long, pleated sleeves. With her blond hair and tiny figure, the pastels made her look like a dainty confection.
In sharp contrast, Ivy studied her own faded jeans and simple cotton shirt, unaware of how they flattered her long legs and slender, youthful figure. She knew only that her mother would be appalled at her careless disregard for appearance.
Darren was the last to arrive for breakfast. He looked slightly better than he had the night before. Wearking khaki pants, a crew-neck cotton sweater and a pair of Italian leather loafers without socks, he still managed to give the impression of a playboy on the prowl. His eyes looked weary, but his smile was in place.
“I hope everyone slept well,” Gertrude said as she filled a plate and carried it to a table on the terrace. “Like a baby,” Jacob muttered, following suit.
The others took their time, looking over the assortment of fresh fruits, eggs and sausages, cold meats and pastries.
On the terrace, a maid circulated, pouring coffee and juices.
Ivy took a seat between Caine and Darren. Across the table, Diana gave a small frown of disapproval.
“Did I understand Gertrude to say that you drove all the way up here on a motorcycle?”
“It’s all right, Mother. I’m a very good driver.”
“But what will you do if it rains?”
“Pull on a rain cape.”
“Oh, Ivy. Don’t you think you’ve carried this off-the-wall artist pose a little too far?”
Embarrassed at the sudden silence at the table, Ivy fought to keep her voice steady. “We’ll talk about it later, Mother. I’d like to see you alone before we leave.”
“What about?” Diana was suddenly suspicious.
“We’ll talk, Mother. I promise. Before we leave today.”
Ivy ducked her head and ate her breakfast in silence. Everyone, it seemed, was under a great strain this morning.
As soon as they finished second cups of coffee, David eagerly escorted Ivy to the garage, where he proudly showed off his grandfather’s car. The low-slung bronze car, with gleaming chrome, had been carefully polished since their arrival from New York.
David held the door. “Isn’t she a beauty?”
“Yes.” Ivy laughed as David turned on the ignition. “Why do we refer to cars as she?”
“Because to a collector they’re as sleek and sensuous as a beautiful woman.”
“And are you a collector?”
He gave her a look before starting down the long, curving driveway. “Not yet. But soon, I hope.”
“Does your grandfather allow you to drive his cars often?”
“As I’m sure you’ve noticed, my grandfather believes that what he has worked for is his alone. I have to prove myself before I can enjoy the fruits of his labors.”
“How will you prove yourself?”
Leaving the private driveway, David turned onto the highway and floored the gas pedal. The sleek car flew along the pavement. “By working long hours for no pay. By seeing to my grandfather’s every need. By dancing to the tune that he plays.”
“He’s lucky to have you, David.”
The car hurtled faster along an open stretch of highway. When the road curved, Ivy felt the first thrill of fear. With a laugh, David pressed down even harder on the pedal, until they were nearly flying.
With the top down, the wind clawed at Ivy’s hair, flailing it across her face, then whipping it out behind her in a long, dark stream. David’s fine hair dipped and fell on the wind, making him appear even younger, more fragile.
It was impossible to talk while the car sped along the highway. The words would have been torn from their mouths and carried away on the wind. Ivy’s heart raced as she watched David’s hands on the wheel of the car. Their safety, their lives, depended on him. The look on his face was one of pure joy. Ivy suddenly realized what this speed meant to him. This was freedom from his grandfather’s domination. This was control of his own life. This was release from the pressures of always having to live up to someone else’s expectations. This was David’s form of rebellion.
As last, he slowed the car and drove at a normal speed.
“Did you ever think about becoming a race driver?”
David laughed. “My grandfather would never have allowed it.”
“I think you should consider it. That was some display.”
“Are you afraid of speed?” he asked quietly.
“No. As a matter of fact, I like it. When I’m doing the driving.”
“Did your mother tell you that she called me a few weeks ago?”
Ivy’s head swiveled sharply at this unexpected twist in the conversation. “No. Why should she do that?”
“She was looking for some of your father’s papers. Grandfather’s firm has handled all the legal work for your father’s family since they first came here.”
Ivy felt her mouth go dry. “What kind of papers?”
“Just some legal papers. We have copies of everything from the time your grandparents first started as tenant farmers and caretakers for Miss St. Martin’s father.”
“Why would my mother need those papers?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I didn’t ask.”
“Did you get her the papers she wanted?”
He nodded. “Sure. It took a little digging, but I came up with them. Odd,” he said, chuckling, “all my work seems to come in bunches. The same day your mother called, Darren stopped by.”
“I thought Darren was in California.”
“He was, earlier. But he came up to New York for several days.”
“Does Aunt Tru know that?”
“I doubt it. He said he was staying with friends in New York.”
Everyone, Ivy realized, had had a chance to mail those terrible letters from New York.
“He just drove up to talk to me about a land deal.”
“Land?”
David slowed the car, then brought it to a smooth stop. Reaching out, he caught a strand of Ivy’s hair. Avoiding her eyes, he watched the way her hair lifted in the breeze. “Darren and I talked to a developer about his aunt’s property. It seems they’d be willing to pay a fortune to develop her land into a subdivision. That’s prime land she’s living on.”
“Aunt Tru would never sell.”
David ran a hand along Ivy’s arm, feeling the slight chill from the rush of cold air. “That’s what I found out when I approached her about the deal.”
She let out a long sigh. “So you’ve given up on the idea.”
“For the time being. Of course, she can’t live forever. But in the meantime, there are other ways to make a dollar.” He lifted his arm to the back of the seat. “Slide over here and I’ll keep you warm.”
“No. I’m fine.” She glanced at her watch, wishing she’d never agreed to this outing. “We’d better get back, David. I still have to pack.”
“I’m going to be coming up to the city soon, Ivy. And when I do, I’d like to see you.”
She should have known where this would lead. Trying for a note of enthusiasm, she said, “That would be nice, David. Give me a call.”
“Caine St. Martin isn’t the only man who has achieved success, Ivy. I intend to be very wealthy. I could show you a good time.”
She blushed, remembering that David had seen her in Caine’s bedroom.
Something clicked in her mind. “How are you planning to earn all this money?” Her heart nearly stopped, waiting for his reply.
“I have plans, Ivy. A lawyer learns a lot of things about his client’s business.”
The band around her heart tightened. “Let’s go back now. Please.”
“You will let me see you in New York?”
She swallowed. “Just give me a call.”
He smiled, glanced at his watch, then started the car. Within minutes, they were at the private driveway leading to the St. Martin estate. As soon as she could politely get away, Ivy fled up the stairs. Outside Gertrude’s room, she knocked.
“Come in.”
“Aunt Tru. We have to talk.”
“Not now, Ivy.” The old woman’s voice quavered. “The rendezvous is set. The note was under my door after breakfast. I’m to leave the money at the gardener’s cottage. The note said I’ll be watched. I’m to go alone. When the money is delivered, I’m to return to my room. The blackmailer promised a packet of documents and information about my past, some of which I have kept secret for a lifetime, and some of which I apparently never knew.”
“You said you didn’t have that kind of cash here in the house.”
“I don’t. Caine knew how distraught I was. He went to our banker this morning. He drew up a cashier’s check for one hundred thousand dollars. Anyone can cash it at any bank.”
“You’re not going. You’ll be hurt.”
“Ivy.” The old woman stood and took her cold hands. “I have to go. I have to know what this person knows about my past.”
Ivy snatched her hands free and ran to the door. “I’m going to find Caine, and talk some sense into him. He’ll stop you from going into a trap.”
“Caine has already said he approves.”
Ivy turned. Her face mirrored her shock. “I don’t believe it.”
“Then ask him. He said he understands what this means to me. And he wants me to see it through to the end.”
Ivy’s face darkened with fury. “Where is he?”
Gertrude shook her head. “I have no idea. You can try his room.”
Ivy hurried down the hall and pounded on Caine’s door. When there was no response, she turned the knob and let herself in. The room was empty.
She had to find him. She had to get him to stop his aunt from this meeting with a blackmailer.
As she moved past her room, the door opened and a hand was clamped over her mouth. She was unceremoniously hauled inside and thrown roughly up against the wail. With one hand the door was closed and locked.
She found herself staring into Caine’s scowling face. His gray eyes were bleak and his slanting black eyebrows drew together to form a deep frown.
“You went for your ride with young Tisdale.”
“Yes. Caine, I have to talk to—”
“And were you impressed by his expensive automobile?”
“Don’t be silly. I—”
His hands thrust into her hair, pulling her head back. “And did he tell you how much he admired you, and wanted to see you again?”
“Caine, stop this. I have important—”
“And did you tell him to call you when you got back to the city?”
She swallowed. “Yes, but—”
Slate-gray eyes met hers. Eyes that were cold and ruthless. His fingers moved to the buttons of her blouse. “Last night we started something. Today I intend to finish it.”
One by one he undid the buttons, all the while watching her eyes. Caught in the hypnotic spell of his steel gaze, she was powerless to stop him. He slipped the cotton shirt from her shoulders. Beneath it, she wore only an ivory silk chemise.
“Silk,” he breathed, running a finger along the narrow strap. “Silk against your flesh.” He ran an open palm across her shoulder. “Your flesh against mine. I’ve thought of nothing else.”
His mouth crushed down on hers, shutting off the protest she was about to make. Passion caught them both by surprise. His arms came around her, molding her tightly to him, until she could feel the wild thunder of his heartbeat through her skin.
She caught him by the shoulders, clinging as if afraid to let go. She felt the blood pounding in her temples.
His hands moved along her back, caressing, kneading, feeling the softness of silk and the even softer skin beneath.
He wasn’t gentle. She had always known he wouldn’t be a gentle lover. His rough hands moved along her sides, then upward to her breasts.
“Soft. You’re so soft,” he breathed inside her mouth.
Heat became flame, consuming them.
On a moan, she tightened her grip on his shoulders, knowing that if she let go, she would sink to the floor. Her legs could no longer support her.
While his hands worked their magic, touching her as no man had ever dared touch her before, he ran hot, moist kisses along the column of her throat.
She arched herself in his arms, loving the feel of his lips on her skin. Her body ached to be touched by those work-roughened hands.
“Caine, this is madness.”
“Yes. Yes.” His lips moved to her ear, where he nibbled the lobe, then darted his tongue with hot, quick thrusts.
He found her lips eager, parted, and covered them with a searing kiss.
Ivy had never known this raw hunger for any man. She was his. She could no more deny the need for him than she could stop breathing. She would give him anything he asked. There was nothing she could deny him.
As his lips moved over her throat, his name was a sigh on her lips. “Caine. Oh, Caine. We have to stop this. You know, we have to.”
“Why?” He lifted his head, then kissed her again. His voice was a raw whisper against her lips. “Why?”
“Because Aunt Tru is alone. And she needs us.”
A grandfather clock in the hallway chimed the hour. He stiffened. Pressing his lips into a tangle of her hair, he held her against him. Both of them were struggling to calm their ragged breathing.
“What’s come over me? I need to think.” He felt the press of her body against his, and fought the overwhelming desire to touch her again.
With her, he lost all control. At a time when his aunt needed him, he was selfishly thinking about his own needs. He had nearly taken her there, in broad daylight, on the floor of her room. What was happening to him?
He drew in a long, burning breath. “Just stay here, out of the way. I have to get to that cottage ahead of Trudy. I know a place where I can hide and see everything that goes on inside.”
“Like hell.” He blinked at her unexpected outburst. “We’re in this together. I have no intention of staying in my room while you and Aunt Tru face a blackmailer.”
He caught her roughly by the shoulders and backed her against the wall. “You’re staying here where you’re safe. There’s no telling what the blackmailer will do when confronted.”
“I’m going with you. And nothing you can say will stop me.”
He stared down into those fierce green eyes and knew defeat.
He let out a long sigh. “All right. Come along. And, Weed, remember. We’re going to stay out of sight so we can catch a blackmailer. Try not to knock anything over.”
“When this is finished, you’re going to pay for that remark.”