Authors: Tender Torment
"Be gone with you. We've got woman's work to do."
With that Jake was pushed out the door, and Leona turned her attention to Alexandra.
"You're sure a sight, child. Now, get in that bath while I see what I can do about clothes. You're taller than Miss Caroline so I'll have to let some-thin' out."
Alexandra stepped gratefully into the bath, delightedly feeling the warm, fragrant water swirl up around her hips then over her breasts. "I'll be happy to wear whatever can be spared," she said.
"No
lady
can go down with her gown too short, and that's a fact, Yankee or no Yankee."
There was no answer to that so Alexandra turned her attention to her bath, scrubbing her skin until it glowed pink and healthy again. Then she washed the sea water from her hair until it shone brilliantly. When she emerged from the bath, Alexandra was feeling her old self again, except for the unaccustomed weakness from her sickness and the coldness that had invaded her heart.
"Be through in a minute, honey. You sure look better. Before you looked like a drowned rat. This is one of Miss Caroline's second dresses, but we didn't know what to expect so we'll find something better later."
"This will be just fine. I don't need much."
They both continued in silence for a time. Alexandra dried her hair while Leona hemmed the pale green dress. Alexandra was pleased that the gown was of a style and color that would look good on her. For once she really wanted to look pretty. The woman downstairs was certainly lovely, and seemed to know Jake very well; for some reason, Alexandra did not like that at all.
Finally, Leona broke the silence by standing up and saying, "This is ready so we'll just get you into it, child."
There were soft cotton undergarments for Alexandra to put on. They were not the sheer silk ones she was used to, but they were comfortable and serviceable. She was grateful for anything to wear. Leona expertly dressed Alexandra, then led her to a full-length mirror.
Alexandra was a little taken aback by her appearance for she was unaccustomed to seeing herself in such soft, revealing garments. She had always worn high necked, heavy silk dresses in New York, but this gown was of thin cotton and cut low to reveal the swell of her breasts. Also, her hair hung down in riotous curls to her hips, still damp and drying in the air, giving her a sensuous look that she had never connected with herself before. The contrast was even greater because her skin was so pale and finely drawn over her bones from her illness that her eyes appeared large and luminously green in the soft light of the room, giving her the look of an enchantress. And she wondered if losing her virginity had made her look more sensuous.
"You're sure a pretty thing. No wonder Mister Jake took such special attention with you," Leona said behind her. "But remember, child, he's Caroline's man, and she'll take no one coming between her and her man."
Alexandra whirled abruptly to look closely at the woman, but there was no trace of expression on the soft black face.
"I—I hardly know the man, and I have no plans to know him any better. He is merely doing a stranger in distress a favor."
Leona chuckled to herself, then motioned toward the door, saying, "They're waiting for you, honey."
"Thank you. You have been very kind," Alexandra said before leaving the room and the old woman behind.
Chapter 5
Alexandra had followed the lights and laughter to a room just off the foyer. She stood there now, just within its entrance, watching the occupants of the room. Jake was leaning against the fireplace. He had changed clothing and looked much more the Southern gentleman than the ship captain that she had known before, but still there was that feeling of carefully restrained energy about him, like a tightly coiled steel spring.
For the first time she looked closely at her host and hostess. Jake had called them Hayward and
Caroline. They were both handsome people, having soft dark eyes and hair. There was a calmness about them which contrasted sharply to the intensity of Jake's presence.
Alexandra's thoughts were abruptly stopped when she realized that the group had noticed her, and were now staring at her intently. She smiled at them, then stepped into the warm light of the room. Hayward gallantly escorted her to a seat by Caroline on a settee near the fire. She smiled gratefully at him, then sat down by the lovely woman.
Alexandra felt frankly disturbed by the look she had caught on each person's face when she had realized they were staring at her. Jake was openly pleased with her transformation, as was Hayward. Caroline's expression had turned hard, calculating, almost filled with dislike, but it had lasted only a moment, then it became soft and lovely again.
"Alex," Jake said, breaking into her thoughts. "I believe this is the quietest you've been since you were seasick."
She smiled softly at him. "I'm afraid I've just not adjusted to land yet."
Their eyes held for a moment and she felt a shattering inside herself, a weakening, and hated herself for it. His eyes were too blue, too piercing, she thought angrily, and turned from him to stare into the fire.
"Let me introduce you, Alex, to two dear friends of mine. This is Hayward Graves and his sister Caroline."
"I'm delighted," she said graciously. "And I do want to thank you for your generous hospitality."
"Think nothing of it," Caroline returned, her smile edged with ice.
"We're only too glad to be of help," Hayward said, holding her eyes with his warm brown ones for a long moment.
"And," continued Jake, "I can only present my ward as Alex."
"Your ward?" Caroline asked, too quickly.
"That seems to be the way I must think of her."
"Whatever do you mean, old boy?" Hayward asked.
"I did promise them a tale, Alex. What shall it be?"
She looked down at her hands, then raised her clear green eyes to his. "Really, Jake, you know perfectly well that anything you say will be as much as I know," she said innocently, sweetly. Then she turned to her hostess.
"You
see, I remember nothing."
Jake laughed out loud, then quickly agreed by saying, "And that my friends is our plight. She has no memory. And since I saved her I must see her to her destination. Isn't that right, Alex?"
Her eyes glinted mischievously in the firelight as she looked up into his handsome face. "Yes, Jake. You see," she said, turning toward Hayward, "Jake actually fished me out of the ocean."
"And what I catch, I keep, or so the saying goes," Jake mumbled but loud enough for the others to hear.
"I had nothing with me—nothing. I was desperate until Jake helped me. And now the two of you are being so kind. I cannot thank you enough."
"We are delighted to help you, my dear," said Caroline. "Such a terrible story. You must have been a pitiful sight when Jake brought you in."
Jake laughed deeply, then said, "For once you're absolutely right, Caroline."
Alexandra flushed deeply and turned her back on Jake.
"But then how did you come by the name Alex?" Hayward continued. "It really doesn't seem to suit you."
Alexandra smiled at him. "It seems to be the one word I do remember."
"Ah, perhaps it's the name of your fiancé, or husband?" Caroline asked, then glanced quickly at Jake to see his expression, but he was finishing his drink and she could tell nothing.
"Why, that is interesting, Caroline," Alexandra said, "though somehow I don't think so."
"But you don't know?"
"No."
"Wait," Hayward said excitedly. "Suppose it's a shortened version of another name."
Alexandra sat very still. The others waited attentively as Hayward struggled in his mind with names.
"I've got it. Alex—Alexandra! Now that is a name that fits you perfectly. Alexandra." His eyes glowed as he regarded her intently.
She paled slightly, then turned a bright pink.
"Is that it, Alex?" Jake asked, watching her closely.
She didn't dare look at him, but instead kept her eyes on the floor. "I don't know. I can't remember."
"Well, we'll call you whatever you want, Alex," Caroline said as if she would be done with the subject. She was used to being the center of attention, especially the center of Jake's attention, and this girl was an unwanted obstacle to her desires.
Alexandra looked up at her quickly, but before she could say anything, Hayward continued, "Well, I'm going to call you Alexandra. Nothing could be more perfect."
"Alex is really fine, but you may call me Alexandra if you like, Mr. Graves."
"You must call me Hayward, otherwise I shall be deeply hurt."
Alexandra laughed for the first time and all their eyes were drawn to her brightened face. "Well, I certainly don't want to hurt you, Hayward, especially since you and Caroline have done so much for me already."
"Not nearly as much as we'd like to do," he said solemnly.
"Oh, my brother is such a helpful man," Caroline said, trying to lighten his words. "He'll help anyone, any time. Isn't that right, Jake?"
"Undoubtedly, Caroline. Undoubtedly he has great heart."
She laughed lightly, then continued, "Do you ride, Alex?"
"Yes. I—I'm not sure."
"Well, we love to and always do when Jake is here. Perhaps we can find out tomorrow. One never knows how long he will be here so we must take advantage of the opportunity."
"Don't make any plans for me, Caroline," Jake said. "The ship was hit hard, and I'll have to be there most of the time."
Caroline pouted. "You must save some time for your old friends, Jake."
The conversation was then interrupted by the announcement that dinner was ready to be served. Hayward quickly jumped up to give Alexandra his arm, while Caroline took Jake's arm.
Alexandra was able to get a better look at the house and she saw that while the furnishings were lavish, they seemed to be in a state of disrepair. She was disappointed to see this, and wondered about the financial state of the Graves' family. She had known that the plantations begun in the Bahamas by the English and Tories had not worked out as well as expected, but perhaps it was worse than she had realized.
They were led to a sumptuous dining room and seated at a long table with Caroline and Hayward at either end. Alexandra and Jake sat in the middle facing each other. She admired the beautiful silver, china, and crystal, but still felt that the whole setting had a feeling of degeneration.
The meal was delicious, the wine superb, and the company witty and sparkling. Alexandra was enjoying herself completely; her only uncomfortable moments were when Jake's eyes would settle on her, seeming to burn into her very being as if probing to find answers to unvoiced questions. Yet most of all she hated her own strange, unaccustomed feelings toward this suave, arrogant man. It was something she simply could not understand, especially after what she had suffered at the hands of men.
After dinner they went back to the drawing room, and Alexandra settled into a cozy chair. The warm room, the delicious meal, and the wine all began to tell on her tired, overwrought body. She could hardly follow the conversation, and finally, unable to keep her eyes open any longer, fell asleep.
She awoke with a start, turning red with embarrassment when she realized that someone had been speaking to her.
"I think the lady is exhausted and it's no wonder," Hayward said indulgently, smiling at Alexandra.
"I'm terribly sorry I'm such poor company tonight," she said regretfully, "but it has been a trying day."
"Of course, how thoughtless of me," Caroline said, standing up. "I'll just take Alex up to her room, then go on to mine. You men can stay and talk if you like, but we women need our beauty rest, don't we, Alex?"
"Indeed," Alexandra said, standing up.
The men rose, too. Hayward bowed over Alexandra's hand, then lightly touched it with his lips. "Please consider our home yours for as long as you would kindly grace it."
Alexandra smiled, thinking that this was the pose of the Southern gentleman she had imagined. "Thank you, Hayward, but I would not impose on your hospitality for long."
"Please—it is an honor."
Jake had come over, and Alexandra's eyes were drawn up to his as if by a magnet. "Sleep well, Alex," he said with concern. "Don't rise early. The day will be yours to rest."
"Oh, Jake, you do talk like her guardian. I never thought to hear the day," Caroline taunted.
Jake merely laughed, not taking her bait.
"Good night," Alexandra said. "Thank you for your kindness."
Caroline hurried Alexandra into the foyer and up the stairs as if wanting to get her away from Jake and Hayward. "Here is your room, Alex.
You
don't mind if I come in for a quick chat, do you?"
Tired, but aware that she could not deny her hostess this request, Alexandra said, "Please come in."
They settled into chairs near the fireplace where the low flames crackled faintly, casting strange shadows over the room.
"Is the room to your liking?" Caroline asked.
"Oh, yes, everything is quite wonderful. Thank you."
"I'm so intrigued with your story. Of course, you aren't from the South. Your accent tells us that much."
"Yes."
"You know, a lot of ships sail around the Bahamas. Not as many stop now as they did during the war so it's really quite easy to keep track of which ships are in port, at least on New Providence Island."
"Yes, it must be," Alexandra said sleepily.
"Take, for instance, just before the storm hit. Only one schooner docked."
"Oh?"
"I believe the name of that schooner was
The Charlotte,"
Caroline said softly.
Alexandra's drooping head jerked up. Fatigue left her instantly at the mention of Captain Sully's schooner. If Caroline saw any sign of the new interest in her story, she didn't show it; she continued talking just as before.
"Yes. I was talking with the captain—"
"You were speaking with the captain—of
The Charlotte?"
Caroline nodded, her eyes glittering in the dimness of the room. "Oh yes. He's an old acquaintance of mine from several years back. He was telling me how lucky he was to reach port just before the storm hit. Unfortunately, Jake was not so lucky."