Enchanted Ecstasy (10 page)

Kane stood beside the punchbowl, surveying the many beautiful young ladies who danced by in the arms of their well-dressed gentlemen friends. He had danced with many of the young ladies himself, but he was feeling bored and restless. He wondered why he had bothered to come tonight. He was considering returning to the fort when he saw a familiar face. The girl had just entered the ballroom escorted by a redheaded man. Betsy took Bob's arm and led him across the room to where Kanen Benedict stood. After introducing the two men, she looked about her, waiting for some of the gentlemen present to approach her and ask her where Maleaha was, for she knew it was bound to happen, as it always had.

"Tell me, Miss Kincade, have you seen Miss Deveraux lately?" Kane asked.

"Yes, major, as a matter of fact I saw her only tonight."

"Is she faring well?"

Before Betsy could answer, she saw Vernon Cribbs approaching. She knew he would ask her about Maleaha, and she was not mistaken.

"Betsy, have you seen Maleaha? I was told she would be here tonight," the handsome sandy-haired man asked.

"Oh yes, she will be here. I have it on good authority."

"I have not seen her since you two returned from that fancy school in Boston. I have called at the ranch several times but she was never at home."

Just then Trace Blackwell approached Betsy. "Is Maleaha coming tonight? I have been watching the door, hoping to be the first one to see her."

"She is not here yet, Trace, but she will be, have patience," Betsy said, beginning to enjoy herself. "Why do you not dance with some of the other young ladies, Trace?" Betsy asked him.

"Not on your life, I want to dance with Maleaha. Lord, it has been a long time since I have seen her."

Just then they were approached by a third man. "Betsy, where is Maleaha? Isn't she coming?"

"She will be here, Bill, just have patience," she answered smiling delightedly.

Kane was curious. "Who is this Maleaha, Miss Kincade?"

"Oh, I am sure you know Maleaha, major. Everyone knows her.'' Betsy was hardly able to suppress the giggle she felt rising in her throat.

"No, I have never met her. What is so special about her?"

"Here comes Frank Taylor, let us ask him what is so special about Maleaha." Betsy said, smiling.

"Betsy, have you seen Maleaha?" Frank asked.

"She will be here, Frank. Would you answer something for the major here, Frank? He wants to know what's so special about Maleaha."

Betsy could have chosen no one better than Frank Taylor to ask. He had been half in love with Maleaha for years.

"What's so special about Maleaha? Good Lord, you could never have met her, or you would not have to ask. It's more than the fact that she is the most beautiful, most graceful, kindest, most sought-after young lady in the New Mexico territory. It does not matter that her father is the richest man in the state. Maleaha—is Maleaha."

"I would like to meet this paragon of beauty," Kane said, half serious, half amused.

"Now is your chance, major. I believe Maleaha has just arrived." Betsy was looking toward the entrance of the ballroom.

Kane's eyes switched to the entrance and rested on the lovely vision on the arm of Jonas Deveraux. It seemed the whole room became silent as Maleaha raised her head and smiled at Betsy, ever so slightly.

Kane's eyes widened as he recognized the lovely vision in white. Maleaha. Maleaha Deveraux!

Maleaha was instantly surrounded by half a dozen gentlemen, and Kane heard her laughter as she spoke to each of them in turn. Surely he was mistaken! His face lost its color as the full impact of the situation hit him. God, what a fool he was. His eyes followed her as she walked gracefully down the three steps that took her to the dance floor. Apparently she had turned down the other gentlemen in favor of first dancing with her father. His eyes followed her around the room. Kane wondered how long he had been staring at Maleaha, and he turned to Miss Kincade.

"I don't understand."

"What is it that you do not understand, major?"

"Maleaha is Miss Deveraux!"

"Perhaps I can enlighten you, major. Maleaha is my best friend, and as you know, she is the daughter of Jonas Deveraux. She is the most sought-after young lady in the New Mexico territory, as you heard. She went away to finishing school with me, to Boston, at the request of her father. She has also been to England and France. There is not a man here tonight, with the exception of my Bob, who isn't half in love with her. She has received so many proposals of marriage, I'm sure she lost count long ago, but then, she is only seventeen. I am sure there will be more, as she grows older. She can outride and outshoot most men, but I am sure you already know that. She teaches at the Indian mission twice a week, and there has never been the slightest bit of scandal attached to her good name. We all love Maleaha, major, and would not take kindly to anyone who hurt her.''

Kanen's eyes narrowed, "She told you about me?" he asked pointedly.

"Major, Maleaha and I have no secrets from one another. As I stated earlier, she is my best friend. You hurt her very badly, and there is not a gentleman here tonight who would not shoot you on sight if they knew how you had insulted Maleaha. The best thing you can do is stay away from her in the future." With that Betsy Kincade moved away from him on the arm of her future husband, Bob, who was looking puzzled.

"What was that all about, Bets?"

"Nothing, just settling a score for Maleaha," she said as Bob swung her onto the dance floor.

Kane's eyes followed Maleaha around the dance floor as she changed partners many times. She was so graceful, and her white gown swirled about her as she danced across the room. Her laughter drifted back to him and he clenched and unclenched his fists. Lord, she must hate him, he thought. He had decided he would leave, rather than face her, when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Major Benedict, I believe," Jonas Deveraux said.

Kane turned to face the older man, thinking how out of place he looked in the black suit and tie. He waited for the man's anger to show itself at the way he had insulted his daughter, but the smile on his face startled him, until he realized Maleaha must not have told her father all that had transpired between them.

"I want to thank you for saving my daughter's life, major. I was angry when I first heard about her going to Mangas's camp, but knowing Maleaha as I do, no one could have talked her out of going. You will find I do not forget a debt, especially one such as I owe you."

Kane could not have felt worse had the older man accused him of insulting his daughter. He did not want Jonas Deveraux's gratitude when he knew he deserved his contempt.

"Please do not think of it, sir. I did nothing."

"You are too modest, my boy. I can assure you I will always be in your debt."

Maleaha's laughter floated to the two men and Kane saw the pride in the old man's eyes.

"I want you to come to dinner tomorrow night, major, and I won't take no for an answer."

"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Deveraux," Kane replied in total confusion.

"None of that Mr. Deveraux stuff, I want you to call me Jonas."

"All right, Jonas, what time would you like me to arrive?"

"Come early. About five o'clock, if you can arrange it."

"Sir, I would ask one favor of you. I would like to talk to Miss Deveraux, but I can't seem to get close to her," Kane said daringly.

Jonas laughed. "That's easy, my boy." Kane watched as Jonas walked across the dance floor and took Maleaha's arm, leaving her startled dancing partner alone on the dance floor. "See how easy it is, major, when you are her father," Jonas said, shoving Maleaha forward.

Kane's mouth twitched as he tried not to smile. "Miss Deveraux, would you honor me with a dance?" he said, bowing gracefully before her.

"I shouldn't," she said.

"Maleaha, how can you refuse to dance with the man who saved your life? Go on, dance with him," her father urged.

Maleaha looked as if she might refuse, then as if she'd thought better of it. Her father would not understand her attitude toward Major Benedict. Kane smiled at her, knowing what was going on in her mind.

Kane took her hand and swung her onto the dance floor. Maleaha was stiff and unyielding in his arms, and she refused to look at him.

"I see your ankle has mended, Miss Deveraux."

Maleaha gave him an icy glare, but said nothing.

"You are really enjoying yourself at my expense, aren't you?"

Her eyes half closed, and she felt his hand tighten about her waist. "I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about, major."

"Do you not?"

"I'm sure if you are feeling guilty about anything, it is of your own doing." She could feel the pressure of his hand, and it spread a warm glow throughout her body. All evening she had danced with many different partners, but none of them made her feel all funny inside, as Major Kanen Benedict did.

"I feel like hell, Miss Deveraux. I think you could safely say you got tit-for-tat. I wonder if you could find it in your heart to forgive me for my ungentlemanlike manners?"

"What do you mean?" she asked gazing across the dance floor. Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly breathe.

"Do you want me to state, word for word, all I said to offend you? I feel like a perfect fool." His voice came out in a deep raspy sound, and it sent tiny shivers down Maleaha's spine.

"Oh you are not perfect, major, but a fool nonetheless."

"You won't accept my apology, then?"

"Why should I? I am the same girl now that I was when you insulted me . . .no, perhaps I am a little older, and a little wiser now."

"Is there nothing I can say?"

Green eyes collided with silver ones. "You can say good-bye, major," she said softly.

The music had stopped, and he led her back to her father. He then bowed to her and turned to Jonas. "I will see you tomorrow at five, Jonas," he said. With one last glance at Maleaha, he turned and walked away.

Maleaha stared after him. Somehow her triumph had become a shallow one. She noticed how straight he held his head and how proudly he carried himself. She knew she should feel elated; she had humbled him. Why then, did she feel no satisfaction? Hadn't he got what he deserved tonight? Why didn't she feel happy?

"Maleaha," her father said, frowning down at her, "What's wrong with you? I can't believe how rude you were to Major Benedict, after he saved your life. I have asked him to dinner tomorrow night, and by damn, you will make amends. What's gotten into you?"

"He is coming to our house for dinner?" she asked in an unsteady voice.

"Yes, I invited him. You may make light about his saving your life, but I am grateful to him. It's plain to me that he likes you, so be nice to him."

Maleaha had no reply. What could she say? Somehow the fun had gone out of the evening. Frank came forward and claimed her for the next dance, and Maleaha did not hear one word he said to her as he whirled her around the dance floor. She dreaded the next evening when she would have to welcome Major Benedict to Deveraux Ranch.

8

Kane dismounted in front of the huge, Spanish-style ranch house, and a man rushed from the barn to take his horse, and lead it away. Dusting an imaginary speck from the front of his blue dress uniform, he climbed the steps. Before he could lift the knocker, the door swung open, and he was greeted by a cheerful Mexican lady who was obviously the housekeeper.

"Senor Major, come in. Senor Jonas is expecting you," she said, in smiling welcome.

There was no entry hall, he noticed, as he entered the sitting room, which seemed cool and elegant. The room was huge, with stairs that led to the second floor. Kane looked about him. It was a comfortable room, a room that blended the Indian's and the white man's styles, and here they coexisted in perfect harmony, complementing each other.

"Senor Jonas will be down shortly. Please to be at home," the woman said as she left Kane to attend to her duties.

Kane walked casually about the room, examining the different objects. His eyes moved to the massive fireplace and the portrait that hung above it. Moving closer so he could have a better view, he stared up at the portrait in open admiration of the lovely Indian woman. She was sitting on a white bearskin rug, dressed in soft buckskins, her black hair hanging down her back like an ebony rivulet. Her face was breathtaking, her eyes a soft brown. Kane could see that the girl, for she could not have been much more than a young girl when the portrait had been painted, looked so much like Maleaha that there could be no doubt it was her mother. His eyes rested on the child who was sitting beside the lovely Cimeron, and he recognized the child as Maleaha. Her green eyes seemed to sparkle with mischief as she smiled up at her mother. The looks the artist had captured on the faces of Maleaha and her mother were of deep love. He was drawn to the portrait and found himself moved by the love between mother and daughter. Kane thought that if the portrait had a title it should be Mother and Child or Love Eternal. He was so absorbed in thought that he did not hear Jonas when he entered the room.

"I see you are admiring my wife and daughter."

Kane slid a sideways glance at Jonas. "Yes, your wife was lovely, Jonas."

Jonas's eyes moved lovingly over his wife's face. "Yes, and she was as lovely on the inside as she was on the outside. In all the time I knew her, I never saw her become angry, and no matter how badly she was treated by some people, I never heard her speak ill of anyone. Cimaron was gentle, patient, and loving."

Kane's eyes rested on the young Maleaha. At that early age her beauty had already been apparent. As he looked into the green eyes that had been haunting him, he spoke without thinking. "The same cannot be said for your daughter; she has the devil's own temper."

Jonas's laughter echoed around the huge room. "It seems you know my daughter very well. She may be like her mother in looks, but her temper she gets from me," he said with pride. "Would you like a drink, major?"

"I will have whatever you are having, and please, call me Kane."

"All right, Kane. How about a brandy?"

Kane nodded and watched as Jonas poured brandy into two crystal glasses. "I have been admiring your home, Jonas. It is lovely and there is a feeling about it that I cannot describe. It is a—home," he finished, for want of a better word, comparing it with the elegant house that he had been brought up in, where only the most expensive furnishings had been displayed. It had never been a home, with its cold, impersonal atmosphere.

"Maleaha is responsible for the decorating. She wanted to utilize her Indian heritage. I remember when the house was completed, she told me it was a house where the white and the Indian world lived in perfect harmony."

"Yes, I got that feeling when I first saw it, Jonas."

Jonas motioned for Kane to be seated, then he handed him a brandy and sat down himself. "You know, Kane," he said, changing the subject, "I was as surprised as hell to find out it was the Arapaho, and not Mangas, who were responsible for the raids on the outlying ranches."

"Why?" Kane said in a surprised voice, "Your daughter was sure it was not Mangas."

"Don't misunderstand me. I like and respect Mangas. but he is full of hate for the white race, and with good reason, I might add. It was two white men who killed his father and his only brother. His mother died of smallpox, a disease unknown to the Indian until the white man brought it among them."

"I can see where he might not feel too friendly toward me, now. It's a wonder he did not shoot me on sight."

"Make no mistake about it, Kane. If Maleaha had not been with you, you would be dead at this moment."

"I noticed that Mangas seemed to be overly fond of your daughter. Do you think she returns his feelings?"

"Maleaha remembers Mangas from her girlhood; she does not know him as a man." Jonas was quiet for a moment as he studied the tip of his boot. "Maleaha does not know it, but Mangas came calling last week. He asked me to give him my daughter for his wife."

Kane took a drink of his brandy and waited for Jonas to continue, wondering why he felt jealousy burn within his heart.

"Mangas was mad as hell when I told him he could not have Maleaha. He is a fearless devil, and I would not put anything past him. I have asked Lamas to keep an eye on Maleaha when she is away from the ranch."

Kane frowned. "Would Mangas take her against her wishes?"

Jonas set his glass down on the long low table beside his chair. "You can bet he would take her without a by-your-leave, if he caught her alone. You see, if the chief of the Jojoba tribe sees a woman he wants, and if she does not belong to another, he can take her, with or without her consent. I have suspected for a long time that Mangas has not taken a wife because he has been waiting for Maleaha to grow up." Jonas paused, "Mangas considers Maleaha to be a member of his tribe."

Kane considered Jonas's words. "You do not think that Maleaha would want to marry Mangas? You said she was fond of him."

Jonas smiled, "Maleaha is fond of many people, but she would not want to marry any of them. No man has ever touched my daughter's heart as of yet, and besides, for all her loyalty to the Jojobas she has been raised as any other young white girl you might meet. You have seen both sides of her, the Indian as well as the white. You tell me if the young lady you saw at the ball last night would fare well in an Indian teepee."

"It is as if she were two different people, Jonas. I have never met anyone like her before. She has me completely baffled."

Jonas laughed. "Never judge her by the same yardstick you would use on any other young lady. Maleaha is a rule unto herself. Throw out everything you ever knew about other women and start from scratch with her."

Kane grinned, "I believe you are right there. But tell me, do you think Mangas would come here and take her by force?" Kane was beginning to feel a prickle of uneasiness where Maleaha's safety was concerned.

"I don't think he will attempt that. It's not because he fears me, but I was married to a Jojoba princess, and there is an unstated, unwritten law that affords me some respect where Mangas is concerned. You have to understand though, the Jojobas are a rule apart from all other Indians. The chief is absolute ruler, and his word is law. In Maleaha's grandfather's time that was not a bad thing. He was a wise and compassionate man, where Mangas is full of pride and bitterness. It scares the hell out of me that he wants Maleaha. So much so, that I am tempted to send her back East for a while. I'll have to tell her about Mangas's offer so she will be on guard."

Kane took a deep breath, "I noticed last night your daughter had more than her share of admirers."

"Damn right, but she cares nothing for any of them. They are all a bunch of puppy dogs sniffing around for a handout from her. Maleaha has yet to meet the man who can handle her, I know she is young yet, but if she ever met a man who could keep her in line, I would give him my full support—and sympathy. Lord only knows, she will be a handful. You saw how she rode off to the Jojoba village, with no thought of the consequences."

Kane realized that he had drawn the wrong conclusion about Maleaha and Mangas that morning he had seen her coming out of Mangas's teepee. In fact he had drawn one wrong conclusion after another since he had first met her. Maleaha was a priceless jewel, and he had treated her like someone unworthy of him.

Kane's eyes were drawn to the top of the stairs, where Maleaha stood looking down at him. Her green eyes sparkled, as if she were preparing to go into battle.

Maleaha had been standing at the top of the landing that overlooked the sitting room. She resented the fact that her father had invited the major to dine with them, forcing her to be nice to him. She wondered why Major Benedict had accepted the invitation. Surely he could tell that she wanted nothing more to do with him. Her father and the major had not seen her, so she stood very still, observing them. They were in deep conversation, and her father's laughter drifted up to her. Her eyes moved to the major, and she could not help but notice how well his blue uniform fit his tall frame. Everything about him bespoke masculinity. Although she could not see his eyes, Maleaha knew they would be the color of liquid silver.

As he looked at her, Maleaha raised her head, gave him her haughtiest expression, and descended the stairs. Her yellow gown swirled about her, and as she walked across the room both her father and Kane watched her.

"That, Kane, is my real treasure," Jonas said, nodding toward his daughter and speaking in a low voice that only Kane could hear.

"Are you never sorry you did not have a son?"

' 'At one time I wished for a son, but I know if anything were to happen to me, Maleaha would be able to run Deveraux as well as any man."

Kane thought of how different Jonas was from his own father. Jonas loved his daughter and was not ashamed to show it. He wondered how different he might be today if his father had been more like Jonas Deveraux. But Kane realized in that moment that he could no longer blame his father for his own faults: The things he had said to Maleaha were his own doing, not his father's. Kane saw himself as Maleaha must see him and felt sick inside.

As Maleaha approached Kane she noticed he had the same arrogant tilt to his head, and his silver-gray eyes narrowed as she returned his wooden expression.

The smile on her lips was forced as she nodded slightly, "Major Benedict, welcome to Deveraux. It was nice of you to accept my
father's
invitation," she told him, letting him know that it was at her father's invitation that he was there, and not hers.

"Good evening, Miss Deveraux. It was kind of your father to have me to dinner," he told her, letting her know he had gotten her message.

Maleaha seethed inside. How differently he treated her now that he realized she was not a nobody and was respected by everyone. She had not missed the way he had risen politely to his feet when she entered the room, extending her the courtesy he had denied her on their first meeting. She turned to her father. "Dinner will not be for another hour and a half, Father."

Jonas sat back down and pulled Maleaha down beside him while Kane reseated himself on the sofa.

"Tell me, Kane, where is your home? I believe I detect a Northern accent."

"I was raised in Boston. My father still lives there."

Jonas leaned forward, "I know an Eli Benedict from Boston, but I don't suppose you would be related to him. Boston is a big place."

Kane looked at Jonas. "As it happens, my father's name is Eli. I wonder if he is the same man you are acquainted with?"

"The Eli Benedict I know has a large shipping firm. He would be about the right age to be your father.'' Jonas studied Kane's face. "He told me he had a son, but I do not recall what he said his name was."

Kane smiled, "It must be a small world, Jonas, because I believe you are speaking of my father.''

"Good Lord, Kane, imagine that. I know your father quite well. I have used his shipping company many times to transport livestock that I have purchased from all over the world. I have talked to your father on numerous occasions. Maleaha, you know the trip where I took you and Betsy to Europe? Remember how impressed you were with the ship we sailed on? That was Kane's father's ship."

"I am surprised major, that you are in the cavalry, and not in your father's business."

"I have never liked the shipping business, Miss Deveraux. I much prefer what I am doing now,'' Kane told her and then turned his attention to Jonas.

"May I ask you, Jonas, why you buy cattle from all over the world? It seems to me it could prove very expensive."

"It would be Kane, if I were not successful at it. Breeding cattle is a passion of mine, and I have had some damned good results. Deveraux cattle are shipped all over the world—allowing me to indulge in my favorite pastime and make a substantial profit while I am doing it."

Maleaha remained silent while Kane and her father discussed cattle ranching and then moved on to horse breeding, which, it seemed, was of interest to Kane. Maleaha watched Kane's eyes as he talked to her father about how he would someday like to raise blooded horses. She was surprised by his unlimited knowledge of the subject.

"Jonas, it has always been a dream of mine to raise Thoroughbred horses. It has always been in the back of my mind, but I suppose I dismissed it as a pipedream."