Kitty: Bride of Hawaii (American Mail-Order Bride 50) (5 page)

He knocked back the drink, embracing the malty burn.

He’d never connected so firmly with another human being as he had during the storm. Sure, he could chalk up his feelings to the chaos, to the danger. But it was so much more than that.

When he thought she’d go over…

He poured another drink.

He sloughed off his coat and cravat, throwing them over the nearest chair in the immaculate room.

He didn’t have any power over her. If he did, she’d never marry another man. A part of him hoped that she’d come to her senses before they docked, that she would acknowledge the pull between them, trust him with whatever was in her past and to handle the situation with Banner.

She hadn’t.

It was unfair to rail against her, but he couldn’t stop. She’d chosen the honorable path. She’d kept her promise to Timothy Banner. He admired that quality, respected it.

Demanded it.

But right now, he resented it.

A light knock sounded on the door. “Sir?”

“Not now.”

“All right.”

Warren cursed, stomping to the door and wrenching it open. Taking a deep breath of beeswax-tinged air, he calmed his anger. “I’m sorry, Wallace. It was a hell of a trip. Did you need something?”

The aging estate manager bobbed his head, using a handkerchief to blot droplets of sweat from his brow. “Most of it can wait if you’d prefer, but there’s one thing you must be made aware of.”

“Come in.” Warren walked around his desk toward his chair. “Would you like something to drink?” he offered, still holding his own glass.

Wallace eyed the jostled decanters. “No, thank you, sir.”

Warren settled at his polished desk, but Wallace rooted to the floor opposite him, not taking a seat. Had he truly upset the man? “I’m sorry again for my tone, Wallace.”

“It’s no trouble, sir.”

“All right. Why don’t you tell me the bit of news that can’t wait? We’ll put off the noncritical reports until later.”

The graying gentleman nodded, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the movement. “I’m not sure how to put this.”

“Directly is best.” Wallace looked pale. Perhaps Warren would need another drink.

“Mr. Banner was in a fatal accident yesterday in the field.”

Warren blinked several times as thoughts flooded his brain. His foreman died. In an accident. In the fields.

Kitty’s Mr. Banner.

Warren shot from his chair. “He’s dead?”

More emphatic nodding. “Yes. There wasn’t anything we could do. His injuries were too severe.”

“What happened to him?”

“Machete mishap. Severed a main artery in his leg. He bled out quickly.”

Poor soul. There were worse ways to die, but he’d been so young. Too young. His whole life had been ahead of him. He’d had a fiancée…

Warren had to get to Kitty. She’d have heard by now. She was alone, with no prospects and no direction. She had to be afraid.

And while they’d left things rocky between them, he wouldn’t make her suffer. No woman should have to face homelessness and hunger because she’d rejected him. He would help her with whatever she needed. He cared about her too much not to. His pride be damned.

“Thank you for telling me, Wallace.” He didn’t bother donning his coat or tie before leaving the room.

All that mattered was her.

“
M
iss Jones
, are you all right?”

Mr. Pratt stepped closer to her when the blood rushed from her head, no doubt worried she’d disgrace herself and faint.

Kalea pushed past him, taking control. “Sit down. You’ve had a shock. Rest here, and I’ll get you something cool to drink.”

Kitty nodded but didn’t care about eating or drinking anything. She needed to get to Warren, to straighten things out before dark. “Mr. Pratt, would you mind bringing me to the main house on your way out?”

“Of course not, miss. I’m happy to help in any way.”

Her smile wobbled. “Thank you. It’s urgent that I speak with Mr. Castle.”

“Of course.” He fitted the cap back on his head. “I’ll tell Kalea to skip the drink.”

“Thank you.”

Kitty rose from the couch as he left, straightening her appearance. She’d put on her best gown to meet her fiancé—the green silk. But she hated the dress now. It would forever remind of today. And the day she’d met Warren.

A tear escaped. She sniffed hard against the emotional reaction, telling herself it was dust tickling her nose.

Why was life so hard? She hadn’t loved Mr. Banner; perhaps that’s what made this even worse. Part of her was relieved, even as another part of her regretted not having his protection.

“Kitty.”

Her breath hitched, hearing her name whispered from the doorway. She knew that voice.

“Warren?” Her lip trembled. “Mr. Banner…”

He stepped into the house slowly, as if moving too fast would spook her. “I know.”

Why did his gentleness make her heart hurt more? Why did seeing him here, now, at such a time, make her feel like her trials were over? That she could break down, release all her pent-up worry?

She sniffed again, reining her control into a tight ball. No man wanted to be around a watering pot. “I’m glad you’ve come, Mr. Castle.”

He stepped farther into the room, eyeing the door to the back of the house. “Where’s Kalea?”

“In the back. Getting me a drink.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “I heard about Timothy. I came to see how you’re doing.”

Her hand fisted at her stomach. “Not well. It’s a shock,” she said, deciding not to lie.

“I imagine so. Timothy was a good man and a great foreman. It’ll be hard to replace him.”

What was she supposed to say to that? Agree? She hadn’t known if Mr. Banner was a good employee or not.

“Please sit, Kitty.”

She lowered onto the couch as he took his seat opposite of her.

She’d needed to talk to him, to ask him for a favor. Why was this so hard? She’d like to think they’d become friends while on the ship, regardless of how the voyage ended. She wasn’t asking too much, but she knew why she struggled.

Pride.

Gulping, she twisted her fingers in her lap before looking him in the eye. “It’s fortunate that you’re here. I asked Mr. Pratt to bring me to the main house so that I might speak with you.”

He held out his hands. “I’m here. Ask away. I’ll do anything I can to help you.”

“Well,” she swallowed any misgivings, “as I mentioned on the ship, I’ve been educated in many areas. I’d always hoped to enter into a respectable arrangement with another family. Perhaps as a governess. Or a teacher. Unfortunately, I have no references, no recommendations, and I don’t know anyone. As this is what I’ve been trained to do, I’d hate to waste my education and take a different kind of work, but I’ve done so in the past and will again if forced to. But I’d hoped…”

“Yes?’

“I’d hoped you might assist me in finding a position.”

There. She’d said it. She’d laid her cards on the table, had asked for his help.

Silence echoed in the room.

Why wasn’t he saying anything? Had she done something wrong? Overstepped by asking him for help?

He leaned forward in his chair, steepling his fingers. “Be at ease. I don’t want you to worry. I’ll find you a suitable position if that is what you wish.”

Relief gushed through her. She closed her eyes in a quick prayer of gratitude. When her eyes opened, they glistened. “Thank you, Mr. Castle.”

“Kitty—”

Footsteps sounded down the hall, and Warren swallowed whatever he was going to say. But the yearning in his voice touched her.

Warren stood when Kalea and Mr. Pratt entered the room.

“Mr. Castle, it’s good to see you.” Kalea smiled a greeting.

Warren stood and took the woman’s hand. “How are you, Kalea?”

“I’ve been better, but I’ll survive this. Mr. Banner will be missed.”

“He will. I want you to know that you’re always welcome here. Should you choose to leave, you will have our fondest regards, but if you’d like to stay, I will find somewhere for you to work. We are always in need of your skills.”

A large smile crested the woman’s lips. “Thank you, Mr. Castle. I wish to stay on.”

“Excellent.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll have something for you within a few days. Just sit tight.”

Kitty watched the interaction between the master of the property and a lower servant. He knew her name, cared about her. Their interaction touched her.

A swift ache filled her belly as she studied the dark lock of hair caressing his forehead, the chocolate brown eyes filled with compassion for the older woman. Kitty’s desire built swiftly, filling her stomach and heart until it brimmed.

She wanted this man. Oh, how she wanted him. Why did it have to be so impossible?

Warren’s attention turned to the sailor. “Mr. Pratt, Miss Jones will be staying at the main house as a guest this evening. Will you arrange to have her belongings directed there instead of the bungalow?”

“Yes, sir.”

Shock filled her. Warren agreed to help her, but taking her to the main house? It made sense. They had much more to discuss, and what other option did she have?

“Shall we?” Warren offered his arm.

She accepted the gesture, gasping at the contact when she touched him.

Heated eyes met hers. It was the first time they’d touched since the day of the storm. And oh, how she wanted to touch him more. How her body craved to feel him, how her lips begged to taste him.

Hot color flooded her cheeks, and she looked away.

She was a bad person. She’d just learned that her fiancé was dead, and she continued to lust after another man. Why couldn’t she stop?

If she was to be a guest at his house, even for a night, she needed to get herself under control. Nothing could ever come of her feelings, and she only hurt herself by relishing the rush of being around him.

She’d show her gratitude to Warren for all he’d done for her and then leave him to live his life with someone who wouldn’t bring him down. Someone who was his equal.

And no matter how much she wished it, that woman would never be her.

T
aking
Kitty to his home gutted Warren. In the days since the storm, he’d started to believe some of his own lies. That she wasn’t as desirable as he’d originally thought, that the connection they shared was nonexistent and only seemed like one because of their close quarters.

Utter falsehoods.

“Thank you for offering me accommodations tonight.” Kitty shifted in her seat in the cart to view him more easily.

He cleared any hint of longing from his throat. Having her suspect his thoughts was the last thing he wanted. “Of course. It’s the least I can do. The house is massive with plenty of space. My mother is in residence, so the arrangement is perfectly respectable,” he added, doubting anyone had mentioned it to her.

While his mother’s nearness was a constant thorn in his side, he praised it now. It lent an air of decency to this arrangement. For once, his mother would be useful; her mere presence acted as a chaperone instead of an emotional drain.

The unkind thoughts left a bitter taste in his mouth. While younger, he’d forgiven her selfishness, justified it, and only hurt more in the end when he realized his own mother didn’t love him. In truth, she resented him.

But one didn’t turn their back on family. His bane in life would be to care for the woman until her passing.

He shook off the thoughts, refusing to allow his mother to sour the moment.

“I’m assuming Mr. Pratt brought you down the main drive earlier?”

“Yes. He was kind enough to point out several points of interest.”

“So, you’ve seen the house?”

Her lips curved. “Yes. Impressive. I hadn’t expected anything so grand.”

Warren chuckled. Other plantation homes on the island were much smaller than Castle House, but his father had wanted the grandeur of it. “Most houses aren’t. It was important to my father, and he had it constructed before he married my mother.”

As they pulled up to the towering structure, Kitty’s eyes took in the details. The thick stone steps, the hundreds of gleaming windowpanes, the lush flowers that seemed to grow wild around the property.

The house had always been a part of his life. He was grateful for it, but he’d never been more proud of it than in this moment. He dragged in heady island air as his chest puffed up, looking over all he possessed.

He rounded the wagon and lifted his arms to help her down.

His skin tingled when his hands grasped her tiny, corseted waist, the soft silk of her dress tantalizing him. She weighed nothing compared to the sacks of sugar he’d hauled in his youth.

Damn, it felt good to hold her again.

He wanted to keep his hands around her waist, needed to bring her body against his. But it wasn’t his right. He was nothing more than a friend to her. And with the cheerful sound of workers going about their business around them, this wasn’t the place.

He placed her on the ground softly and tactfully removed his hands.

Another blush crept to her cheeks, and a thrilled raced through his veins. As much as she might deny it, she couldn’t ignore her reaction to him any more than he could to her.

“What do you think?” Warren asked as they walked up the steps.

“It’s the finest house I’ve ever seen. Absolutely beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He wanted her to. Her approval mattered.

He escorted her up the steps and opened the front door, allowing them access inside. “Makano,” he nodded to his butler, “please inform Laka we’ll need a room readied for a guest this evening. Miss Jones will be staying with us.”

His butler bowed his head, before taking her hat and gloves.

“Please have refreshments brought into the parlor.”

“Very good, sir.”

When Makano left to see to Warren’s wishes, Kitty asked, “Laka?”

“My housekeeper. You’ll get used to Hawaiian names quickly.”

Divested of their outerwear, Warren led her into the formal sitting room. He’d never taken time to notice the expensive decor, the thick rugs on the floor, the curvy furniture imported from the continent. No fire lit the grate, but that was for practical reasons. It already sweltered outside. He wondered if it met with Kitty’s approval. “Have a seat.”

Sitting in a chair, Kitty smoothed her skirts.

Was she nervous? She had to be. With the future so uncertain, any woman would worry.

He knew what he wanted to ask, what he wanted her to agree to, but it was too early to push again. And although she was free from her promise to Banner, there were still things in her past she refused to share, things that prevented her from agreeing to marry him.

After a maid delivered a tea tray laden with fresh biscuits and sweets, he took a seat opposite her. “Before we discuss anything else, I want to offer the option of returning East.”

Her hand froze above the teapot. “I have no money.”

“I’d be willing to fund your trip. You came for a husband, and I’m partly responsible that you don’t have one. He was working in my fields when the accident happened.”

He did feel responsible. Every single thing that occurred on his property happened under his care. He reaped success from his worker’s input, but he also harbored the responsibility when things went wrong.

Her hand shook as she retracted it from the pot. “That’s generous, Mr. Castle. But I’d prefer to stay in Hawaii.”

Relief swept through him. He’d made the offer because it was the right thing to do, but had she taken him up on it, he would’ve worked to persuade her to stay. He didn’t plan on letting her get away, and her desire to stay in Hawaii made things a little easier.

“Will you not call me Warren?” he asked quietly. He wanted the easy companionship they’d shared while on the ship. If he could resurrect that, perhaps she’d be open to more between them. “Even if only in private?”

She gulped. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.”

“I do not think of you as Miss Jones any longer.”

“You may call me Kitty, if you prefer.”

He leaned forward. “I do. And I prefer you call me Warren. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

She hesitated a moment, his breath freezing until she nodded. He wanted so much more than mere friendship, but it was a place to start.

Her hand returned to the pot, pouring two steaming cups, but she didn’t glance up to meet his eyes again. “Do you really think you can help me find a position?”

His hand smoothed over his chin as he leaned back into plush cushions. “Yes. I’m well acquainted with members of society here and should be able to find something quickly.” He waited until her eyes met his. “I would prefer to marry you, but as you mentioned on the ship, it isn’t possible.”

“It isn’t.”

His jaw clenched as unwilling frustration poured into him, but he asked calmly, “Why not? As a mail-order bride, you didn’t know Mr. Banner and therefore had no feelings for him. Yet you were willing to marry him. We’ve built a friendship over the past couple of weeks, and you can’t deny our connection. Ample reasons to marry, and yet you still refuse.”

She nodded once, unable to meet his eyes.

“And you still won’t tell me your reasons for rejecting my offer?”

She shook her head. “I can’t.”

He couldn’t decide which upset him more, the fact that she was willing to marry a perfect stranger but refused to marry him, someone she cared for, or that she wouldn’t tell him her reasons for rejecting him. He wished he could let it go—let
her
go. But as he watched her fidget with her skirt, he knew there’d never be another woman he wanted as much as her. “All right, then.”

There had to be something he could do—some way he could keep her close. Perhaps with time, she’d trust him enough to confide her past, and they could work through any issue she had. But what type of position would she accept? She wanted to use her education, but there wasn’t much need for a teacher or governess on the plantation. In fact, the only skills he needed at present were—

He froze.
That could work.

Switching tactics, he leaned back, resting an ankle over his knee. “So, you’d like to acquire employment?”

Her eyes shifted warily toward him. “Yes.”

She wasn’t ready to accept marriage, but she might be willing to take on some of its duties. He kept his tone neutral. “You’re highly educated.” When she nodded, he continued, “A governess or teacher would be an excellent position for you, but might you consider another?”

Her teacup paused halfway to her lips. “What other type of employment do you have in mind?”

“A type of social secretary.”

“I don’t think—”

He held up his hand. “Please hear me out.”

She placed her teacup back on the saucer before setting both on the table, its steam curling up between them. “All right.”

“I’m in need of a social secretary of sorts—I’m not sure what the best name for the position is. With the new tariff recently in place, Castle & Snow Industries faces a new challenge. While Hawaiian sugar has dominated the market the last decades, that edge has been leveled. Mr. Snow mentioned we’ll need to court our clients in lavish style to control the market share as we have in the past. To do so, we’ll need to host parties, soirees, balls, et cetera.” He paused to sip his tea.

“It makes sense,” she agreed. “But what exactly would you need me for?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I have no wife. I’m inept at planning or hosting parties. While I’ve attended my fair share of events, my time is better spent on business endeavors where I’m most needed. Castle Sugar is a well-oiled machine, but someone still needs to oversee it, to make the large decisions.”

“I understand.”

She shredded a cookie in her lap, not realizing her nerves had made a mess. He hid his smile behind another sip of tea. “I’d like to hire you to handle that aspect of my business. From what you’ve mentioned, your education has trained you to handle those duties well.”

The duties of a wife.

“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “I can handle planning and arranging all types of social affairs.” She quieted, no doubt mulling over his offer. She had to be tempted.

He went in for the strike. “Your salary is negotiable, of course. Would two thousand dollars a year be sufficient?”

She choked on the offer. He was aware it was well above anything she’d earn as a governess or teacher.

Before she could interrupt, he added, “Unfortunately, with guests arriving at odd times, I might need you close by to step in. I realize what an inconvenience that will be for you. To alleviate some of the difficulty, I’d also like to offer food and housing as a bonus of your employment.”

Her lips pressed together as she shook her head. “I can’t live with you.”

He’d like nothing better than to have her under his roof. It wasn’t as good as marriage, but it would be a start. However, if she was adamantly opposed, he wouldn’t press. “I understand. Perhaps you’d consider a different option?”

When she didn’t immediately argue, he continued, “While Mr. Banner’s bungalow will belong to the next foreman of the plantation, there is another vacant house not far from here. You could reside there as a bonus during your employment.”

Her brows lowered, still not sold on the idea.

“In fact,” he smiled, knowing she wouldn’t turn down the chance to help another, “this would also allow continued employment for another person as well. Kalea. With Mr. Banner’s death, she lost her position. She would be your housekeeper and cook, seeing to all of your household needs at my expense.”

Her shoulders relaxed, and relief swiftly cut through him as he sensed her agreement.

“It’s too much.”

“Absolutely not. What I’m asking will take up much of your time and energy. Plus, with the need to have you close by, it’s only right I pay for that convenience.”

If she wasn’t ready to confide her reasons for refusing to marry him, having her by his side, helping him with his home and business, was the next best thing.

His chest expanded. Caring for Kitty, even without the benefits of marriage, felt good. Right, even. The need to protect her had become paramount, and this arrangement allowed him to do so.

“If that’s true, I accept.” She flashed him a bright, overjoyed smile. “I accept your offer.”

“Excellent.” It took every ounce of discipline he had to remain in his chair, to not take her into his arms and kiss her. “We’ll discuss the particulars after you’ve had a chance to settle in.”

“Thank you.” For the first time, excitement and happiness filled her eyes.

And he’d put them there. As he left the room to speak with Makano, his palm rubbed his chest. He didn’t know what to label his feelings for Kitty, but he didn’t need to. The label didn’t matter.

Kitty would be his.