Savage Spring (14 page)

Alexandria felt tears in her eyes at his beautiful words. He would never love her, but she could tell he did have a special feeling for her. She knew she would have to be content with that.

“Sweet, sweet,” he murmured against her ear. Alexandria could feel her body building up to a climax, as she had the other time. Groaning, she moved forward, and her body seemed to explode in a feeling unlike anything she had ever imagined, leaving her breathless. As the feeling seemed to lift her higher and higher, she felt Falcon shudder, and they both went limp.

As he rolled over and clasped her to him, it seemed they were both floating on a soft, downy cloud high above the earth.

“I don’t know what you are doing to me, little one. You seem to have magic in your fingertips. I would be loathe to give you up. Can you stay with me tonight?” he asked, stroking her breasts until they swelled in his hands.

She shook her head no and sat up, wishing with all her heart that she could stay with him.

“Will you come again?” he whispered, running his fingers up and down her arm.

Alexandria nodded, knowing she would come each time he asked it of her.

“How will I know where to get in touch with you?” he wanted to know. Suddenly, he feared that she would just disappear with the morning mist and he would never see her again. “Shall I tell Alex when I want you to come again?”

She took his hands and placed them on either side of her face while she shook her head yes. She stood up and reached down to the floor, picking up the velvet spread and draping it about her shoulders.

“Tomorrow…will you come tomorrow night?”

She said nothing as she made her way to the door.

Tag heard the door open and close softly and he felt a deep sense of loss and loneliness. He was intrigued by his silent lover—no, more than that, he was bewitched. He had the urge to get up and follow her, but he decided against it. He had given his word, and he would keep it. Tag knew he would be looking forward to tomorrow night with urgent impatience.

He was caught between wanting to know more about his mystery lady and wanting her identity to remain a secret. He felt he wasn’t really being disloyal to Morning Song if the woman who he made love to had no name and no face. For the first time, he began to examine his feelings for Morning Song. He had loved her above all others…and yet…he had never felt the overwhelming, unleashed passion with her that he felt with his mysterious love. Love? No! Not love. Lust…and yet not lust. He was too confused to examine his feelings too deeply. He had a mission to complete, and he wouldn’t allow anyone or anything to get in his way—still, he was looking forward to tomorrow night.

Tag picked up the necklace from the night table and held it against his face. He purposely hadn’t returned the cameo to her tonight, wanting to hold on to something that belonged to her.

When Alexandria reached her bedroom, she allowed the velvet covering to slip to the floor. Without lighting the lamp, she walked over to the bath water and stepped into it. By now the water was cold, and it helped to cool her heated skin. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes. If only she didn’t love Falcon. If only they had met under different circumstances. What would he do if he knew she had killed a man?
Placing her hands over her face, she let a sob escape her lips. There was no turning back now.

Alexandria knew she was hopelessly in love with Falcon. She would go to him tomorrow night, and every night he wanted her. She thought of the possibility that she might become with child. After all, she had been brought up on a farm and wasn’t completely innocent of how babies were conceived. It didn’t matter—nothing mattered except that Falcon needed her. She would give to him, and keep on giving, as long as he wanted her.

Alexandria realized that since she had come to know Falcon, she very rarely thought about her own troubles. The life she had led at Meadowlake now seemed long ago and far away to her. She hardly gave Barbara and Rodney a thought. Being with Falcon had given her a sense of comfort and well-being. It was as if she had no past and no future…only the here and now.

Stepping out of the tub, she dried herself off and lay down on the bed. Tomorrow she would be Alex again and would have to play a part. She knew that as time passed it would become more difficult for her to conceal her identity.

It was a beautiful spring morning, and Alexandria was weeding the garden. Her heart felt free and happy as she hummed while she worked. Hearing someone coming down the brick path, she looked up to see Mrs. Green approaching. The older woman smiled brightly at her and shook her head.

“I always know where to find you when the master wants you. All I have to do is search the garden, Alex.”

Alexandria stood up and dusted her hands. “Was Falcon looking for me?”

“Yes, but don’t you think it would be more respectful if you would call him Mr. Knight, Alex?” Mrs. Green scolded lightly, thinking she was speaking to a young boy.

“Falcon gave me permission to call him by his first name, Mrs. Green.”

The housekeeper smiled fondly at the boy. “I suppose it will be all right, then, but you had better run and get dressed. Mr. Knight says to put on one of your best suits.”

“Did he say where I was going?”

“The young master doesn’t confide in me, but unless I miss my guess, you had better do as he says.”

Alexandria felt excitement that Falcon was going to take her somewhere. For the past week she had hardly seen him at all, since he had been away from the house most of the day. Of course, she had gone to his bedroom twice at night in that length of time, and he had made love to her.

Racing up the path, she entered the house by the back door. Taking the stairs two at a time, she reached her room and stripped off her clothing. She was humming to herself as she put on her best suit. Alexandria wrinkled her nose in distaste when she saw her reflection in the mirror above the washstand. She hated to wear the horrible clothing of a young boy. Her wardrobe was filled with the latest fashions—all were suitable for a twelve-year-old boy.

She was straightening her necktie when a rap came at the door. When she called for whomever it was to enter, Farley poked his head around the door.

“You ready to go, Alex?”

Alexandria stared at the old man in surprise. He was wearing the gray pants and jacket of a coachman and had a matching cap which was pulled low over his forehead.

“What are you dressed up for, a masquerade ball?” she laughed, thinking how strange he looked.

“Yours ain’t to question. You’d do well to just follow orders.” The harsh words were softened by the twinkle in his eyes. “Today you are to do exactly what you’re told, is that clear?”

Alexandria nodded and followed the old man downstairs.
When they reached the front of the house, Falcon was standing beside the coach impatiently. Without a word, he swung Alexandria into the coach and climbed in himself. Alexandria could hear Farley talking to the horses as the coach started off with a jerk.

Tag stuck his head out the window and called up to Farley, “Stop here, Farley.”

Alexandria sat on the plush black leather seat across from Falcon, and he gave her a crooked smile. “You look bored, Alex. Perhaps the life of the streets has more appeal than living the life of the idle rich.”

“I can take it either way—it’s all the same to me.”

“Pest,” Tag said good-naturedly.

“Why are we stopping here, and why is Farley dressed like a coachman?” she inquired, looking out the window and seeing they were on a fashionable street much like the one on which they lived. Her eyes fastened on the big house that sat several acres back in a grove of dogwood trees.

“Who lives there?” Alexandria wanted to know.

Tag didn’t answer her, but merely pushed the door open and gazed up at the big house. Alexandria climbed out and stood beside him, noticing the muscle that was twitching in his jaw.

“Do you know who lives here, Falcon?” she asked again.

His eyes narrowed, and he acted as if he hadn’t really heard her. “Oh, yes, I know who lives here. It’s been many years since I’ve been on the inside of this house. It seems that it has changed very little.”

“Are we going calling at the house?”

He looked down at her. “Yes, in a way. You are going to go up to the house and introduce yourself as the ward of Falcon Knight. Say our coach has broken down, and we need assistance.”

“I don’t understand—the coach hasn’t broken down.” She was further puzzled when Farley began loosening the coach wheel.

The old man grinned at Alex. “It ’pears that it’s broken now. You best skedaddle on up to that house and do as you’re told.”

Alexandria looked from Falcon to Farley as if they had both lost their minds. “I don’t understand.”

“Damn it, Alex, do you always have to question my every decision? Can’t you just once do as I tell you?” Tag said in an irritated voice.

She shrugged her shoulders and pushed the iron gates aside, walking up the coach road. “Alex!” Tag called after her. “Don’t mention Farley by name,” he said, causing her further puzzlement.

Twice she stopped and looked back to where Falcon and Farley stood watching her. She couldn’t see what they were up to, but she would do as she was told all the same. Apparently they didn’t trust her enough to let her in on their plans.

When she reached the big ornate door, she lifted the heavy knocker and rapped several times. The door was opened almost immediately by a stiff, sour-faced butler who looked down at Alexandria through bushy eyebrows.

“What can I do to help you, young man?” he asked, noticing that the young boy was fashionably garbed.

“My name is Alex, sir. I am the ward of Mr. Falcon Knight. Our coach broke down in front of your gate, and my guardian wishes to know if we could enlist your help.”

“Who is it, Graves?” a feminine voice called out from inside.

The butler turned to address his mistress. “A young lad, ma’am. He says he is traveling with his guardian, and their coach broke down at your front gate.”

The door was pushed aside, and Alexandria knew she stood face-to-face with the lady of the house. Her blond hair was coiffured in the latest style and hung down her shoulders in ringlets. Her pink gown could have come from nowhere but Paris, and the black pearls she wore about her neck were certainly not imitation. Her face was pretty enough, but
there was a coldness about her eyes that seemed to chill Alexandria to the bone. She judged her to be about ten years her senior.

“What is the name of your guardian, young man?” the woman asked, with little interest.

Alexandria met the woman’s eyes without flinching. “His name is Falcon Knight, lately of London, England, ma’am. We are staying at the Carson mansion while we are in this country.”

Alexandria watched as the woman’s face changed from bored indifference to interest. “I had heard that someone had moved into the Carson place. I had intended to call on you to extend a welcome. Where is your guardian now?” Claudia had been told that a very handsome young gentleman had moved into the neighborhood. Claudia always liked to be the first with an invitation if she thought the person worthy of the parties she gave.

“He stayed with the coach, ma’am,” Alexandria said, amazed at the change that had come over the woman.

“That simply will not do. Graves, tell Millard to take the buggy and bring Mr. Knight up to the house. Tell him to do whatever he must to see that the coach is mended.”

The butler nodded stiffly and walked away while the lady of the house stared at Alexandria. “Come into the sitting room and tell me all about this guardian of yours,” the woman said, taking Alexandria’s hand and pulling her forward.

Alexandria stared about her in awe. The Carson house was nice, but this house was built on a much grander scale. As she followed the woman into the sitting room, her feet sank into deep-pile Persian carpet. The settees and matching chairs were covered in maroon velvet.

“Be seated, Alex. My name is Claudia Landon, and I want to ask you all about your guardian before he arrives.”

“I am pleased to meet you, ma’am,” Alexandria said, bowing formally from the waist.

“My, my, what pretty manners. I assume you went to the best schools in London?”

“Did you decorate this room, Mrs. Landon?” Alexandria asked, changing the subject quickly.

Claudia looked about her assessingly. “No, this is one of the few rooms in the house that I didn’t decorate. It was decorated by a former owner. It’s not to my taste, but my husband refuses to let me touch this room.”

“Will we be meeting your husband, ma’am?” Alexandria asked, trying to make conversation until Falcon arrived.

“No, the poor dear, he is bedridden and rarely comes downstairs.”

“I’m sorry,” was all Alexandria could think of to say. She felt very awkward and was still wondering why Falcon had wanted her to help get him into this house under false pretenses.

“Yet, it’s a pity,” Claudia said, looking at Alexandria with interest. “How did you become the ward of Mr. Knight? Is he a friend of your family?”

“Ma’am, would you mind if I had a drink of water? I am parched from the heat,” Alexandria said, still side-stepping Claudia’s questions.

Claudia’s eyes gleamed angrily for just a moment, then she walked over and tugged on the bellpull, which brought an immediate response. She sent the servant off for refreshments, then sat down and motioned for Alexandria to join her.

Alexandria sat on the edge of the seat, feeling very uncomfortable, knowing she must avoid answering any questions, since she didn’t know what Falcon would want to tell this woman.

“Tell me, what does Mr. Knight look like? Is he old or young?”

“I suppose I never paid too much attention, Mrs. Landon. I guess the ladies might think him handsome.”

“Indeed,” Claudia said with interest.

“Tell me, what business is he in?”

At that moment, the front door opened, and Alexandria breathed a sigh of relief. The butler showed Falcon into the room, and Claudia stood up with a bright smile on her face.

Tag stared long and hard at the woman who had cost him so much. He waited to see if she would recognize him, but apparently she didn’t. Of course, the last time she had seen him, he had been only twelve. He noticed that she had barely changed at all, except that she was now dressed more expensively. He felt unleashed anger in his heart knowing it was his money that had bought her finery.

Claudia stared in open admiration at the handsome Mr. Knight. Her heart was pounding loudly as she looked into his deep blue eyes. He stared at her so hard she began to feel uncomfortable.

Tag saw no recognition in Claudia’s eyes, and he knew his identity was safe from her. Deciding that he must play a part, he smiled slightly at her. “I’m told your name is Mrs. Landon. I am indebted to you for your kindness, madam,” he bowed politely. “I am Falcon Knight, at your service.”

Claudia’s face brightened as she advanced across the room to him. Holding out her hand, she stared boldly into his eyes when he raised her hand to his lips.

“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. Knight. Your ward was telling me that you just recently arrived from England.”

“You look very familiar to me, Mrs. Landon. Could we perhaps have met in London?”

She laughed aloud, showing her perfect teeth. “I have never made your acquaintance, Mr. Knight. If I had, I would not have forgotten you.” Her eyes were assessing him, and there could be no mistaking the invitation she sent him. “I trust my men are seeing to your coach?” she asked, linking her arm through his.

“Yes, thank you, madam. They have been most helpful.”

Alexandria watched the shameful manners Mrs. Landon
was displaying. She reminded Alexandria of a tigress gazing at her prey with hungry eyes. Looking at Falcon, she felt angry that he seemed to be taken in by the woman. He seemed to be enjoying her fawning over him, Alexandria thought in disgust.

“Come and sit with me, Mr. Knight. I want to hear all about London and what you think of America,” Claudia said, pulling him toward the settee.

“Please call me Falcon,” he said, sitting down and crossing his long legs. He leaned back and studied her lazily through lowered eyelashes. “All my friends do.”

Claudia’s eyes ran over Falcon, taking in the wide breadth of his shoulders and the expensive cut of his coat. When she looked into his handsome face, she felt her heart flutter like a young schoolgirl’s. It had been a long time since she had felt so alive and interested in a man.

“I will call you Falcon only if you will call me Claudia,” she said, touching his arm and feeling the restrained strength of his muscles beneath his well-cut coat. Never had she seen a man who possessed such raw strength. Her heart skipped a beat just thinking how it would feel to have him make love to her. She knew in that moment that she must have this man.

“Is there a Mr. Landon, Claudia?” he asked, looking at her with piercing blue eyes.

“Yes, poor Howard. I was just telling young Alex that my husband is bedfast and has been for several years.” She looked deeply into his eyes and felt a quiver of delight. Claudia was hardly able to concentrate on the niceties that were expected of her as hostess. “You can’t imagine what it’s like being a young woman alone.”

“I can imagine it would be difficult, Claudia. Perhaps we can do something to relieve the situation,” he said, looking at her lips.

Claudia placed her hand over her heart to still its rapid beating. For the moment she was speechless.

Alexandria stood up with her amber eyes blazing. “If the
two of you will excuse me, I will go back and wait with the coach.” She didn’t try to disguise the anger in her voice and knew she was feeling jealous. She had never seen such a shameful display before, and she couldn’t believe Falcon was taken in by it. She felt betrayed, even though she knew she didn’t have any right to. Falcon didn’t have to answer to her for his actions. Walking across the room, she wanted nothing better than to get away from both Falcon and Mrs. Landon for the moment.

“Alex, haven’t you forgotten something?” Falcon called out.

Alexandria turned on her heels and glared at him. “No, I don’t think so.”

“How about telling Claudia how pleased you are to have met her,” he said, eyeing her lazily while a smile played on his lips as if he knew what she was thinking and was amused by it.

Alexandria would have liked to have said it was no pleasure to have met Mrs. Landon, but the look in Falcon’s eyes told her she had better reconsider. “Madam, you have been most kind,” she said with a quick bow. Then turning away, she walked out of the room.