Wanton Splendor Read online

  "Are you sure Mark and I will be welcome?" Katie ventured.

  Suzanne turned to look at Katie, her expression one of shocked disbelief. "But of course. You are Kingsfords. Your name alone guarantees you entry anywhere here in polite society."

  "Oh." Katie was silenced by Suzanne's haughty reply and her instincts warned her to tread easily with this woman.

  "I don't think you realize how fortunate you are that your uncle is Isaac Kingsford." Suzanne wanted to impress these two with Isaac's vast wealth and power so that they would be more aware of their social positions. "He is the richest man in the parish, possibly in the state."

  Katie watched Suzanne as she spoke of her husband. And while money wasn't important to her, it seemed to be the measure that Suzanne used to gauge a person's true worth.

  While Katie was busy trying to analyze the other woman's motives, Mark was rapidly falling under the spell of her charm. From her perfectly coiffed hair to the impeccable elegance of her dinner dress, Mark found Suzanne to be the very picture of Southern beauty and grace.

  Feeling his rapt gaze upon her, Suzanne gave Mark a warm attentive smile and, with that one gesture, captured his inexperienced heart completely.

  "Tell me more of this new neighbor we're getting. I'm sure Isaac will want to know everything we can find out about him."

  "He's a Northerner, Mark began.

  "A Yankee?" Suzanne paled.

  "A very nice Yankee," Katie put in and Suzanne looked at her sharply.

  "I wouldn't be too quick to sing the praises of Yankees in this house, Katie Kingsford. The abolitionists have caused so much trouble for us..." she controlled her temper with an effort.

  "I'm sure Fletcher is no abolitionist. He travels with his own black slave," Mark continued, hoping to calm her fears.

  "Thank heavens for that." Suzanne was relieved.

  "There was no planning to the bet...Montard needed more money in the final hand and Fletcher accepted his offer of Greenwood. That's all."

  Suzanne nodded in understanding, "Well, it will be interesting to see how this Mr. Fletcher fits into our community."

  Katie wanted to tell her that Christopher would do well anywhere.. .but she had felt the bite of Suzanne's disapproval earlier and was at a temporary loss as to how to deal with her. Obviously, straightforward discussions were not the answer.

  Up until now, Katie had lived a very simple life: basic honesty and the acceptance of each person on his merit were the standards she had lived. But now, here, the rules were different and Katie would have to learn how to do things their way.

  "And if nothing else," Suzanne went on. "It will certainly give us something to talk about at the Fontaine's."

  Suzanne knew that Mark found her attractive. Eager once again to feel a man's adoration, she subtly flirted with him as the evening progressed, asking him personal questions and encouraging him to talk about himself... two ploys guaranteed to win any man's devotion.

  Mark, innocent in the ways of sophisticated women, thought she was truly interested. And as the hours passed, he fell ever more deeply under her spell.

  Katie took little notice of the web Suzanne was weaving around Mark. She was too busy enjoying his light-hearted banter.

  An unbidden thought had come to Suzanne as she talked with Mark. What an interesting conquest he would make! And what a perfect opportunity she had to make that conquest. Why he'd be staying right here in her home-her husband's nephew.. .who would ever suspect? Pondering the possibility, she noted the powerful width of his chest and shoulders. He would be entertaining and she doubted that it would take much effort on her part to encourage him. Having never had an inexperienced lover before, Suzanne found the prospect of instructing him in the finer art of lovemaking quite stimulating.

  Finally, realizing that it was getting late, she suggested that they call it a night.

  "A good night's rest will do wonders for you and in the morning, if you like, we can go riding."

  "I'd love to!" Katie came to life.

  "Fine. Mark? You'll join us, won't you?"

  "I wouldn't miss it."

  "All right. Then plan on breakfast at 7:30 and our ride at eight. That way we'll be back before it gets too warm."

  Agreeing to meet the next morning early, Katie and Mark went up to their rooms. Katie was surprised to find a young black woman waiting for her.

  "Ah'm Lottie. Miz Suzanne says that Ah'm to be your personal maid while you're here."

  "My maid?" Katie hadn't expected this.

  "Yes, ma'am. Let me help you outta your dress." Lottie automatically started to help Katie disrobe.

  "But..." A knock sounding at the door cut off her protest. "Come in."

  Suzanne swept in, "Lottie, I'm so glad you're already up here. Katie, Lottie has been fully trained as a ladies maid and she's yours for as long as you stay. She is just a marvel at styling hair... There's no one better."

  The slave glowed under her mistress' compliment. "Thank you, Miz Suzanne."

  "It's the truth, and you know it. Why I've had offer after offer for you," Suzanne told her smiling.

  Katie was not yet used to the master/slave relationship and she observed the exchange in silence.

  "So, if you need anything at all, dear, you just let Lottie know and shell take care of it for you." Suzanne spoke with finality.

  "I will," Katie answered, not knowing quite what it was Lottie was to help her with but not wanting to challenge Suzanne.

  Then, with a quick goodnight, she was gone, leaving Katie and Lottie alone.

  "I'm afraid, I'm not going to be very good at this, Lottie."

  "Pardon?" The black woman was confused.

  "I've never had a servant before," Katie confided. "I've always taken care of everything myself."

  "You don't like me?" Lottie was dearly disturbed.

  "I like you fine. I just don't know what to do with you," Katie smiled and Lottie relaxed.

  "Doan worry, Miz Katie. Ah'll take care of you. Seems to me it was time you was pampered a bit."

  Katie found it difficult to accept her aid. But later she did admit to herself that it was easier to undress with help.

  After dismissing Lottie and settling into the wide comfort of the bed, Katie sighed with relief. It had been a very long day and she was glad that it had finally come to an end. And, as she drifted off to sleep, her last conscious thought was of a tall, dark-haired man with the look of a one-eyed pirate about him.

  A Seduction

  The morning dawned brightly, but a low-hanging fog obscured the river and its banks, giving Kingsford House the appearance of a cloud kingdom, a magnificent palace set apart from the rest of the world.

  Katie had been on the balcony since sun-up, patiently watching the plantation come to life and wondering if she would ever really belong in this kind of environment. She hadn't called Lottie to help her dress, for this morning there was no need. Today, she was going to be comfortable. She had put on her favorite split skirt, and along with her white blouse and riding boots, she was ready for anything.

  Thoughts of Christopher crossed her mind as she stood on the second floor gallery. Katie realized that a sophisticated lady like Suzanne would have handled the encounter with him on the boat in a completely different manner... She would have enthralled Christopher while maintaining her virtue and still somehow managed to keep him interested. But, though Katie couldn't argue with the end result, using of such feminine wiles, she knew that that kind of game-playing was not for her. She had needed that night to learn how to deal with the new feelings he'd aroused. Christopher had not been willing to wait.

  Leaning back against a column, Katie sighed as memories of his embrace swept through her. She shivered as she remembered the flame of desire his one touch had evoked. There could be no comparison between his exquisite caress and Andre's fumblings. She felt nothing but revulsion for Andre but Christopher... Katie wistfully hoped that she would get another chance to be with him. And when she did,
she would make sure that she didn't bungle it. She would handle herself in a proper ladylike manner that even Suzanne wouldn't be able to find fault with. And then... well, then Christopher would know that she was a woman... in all ways.

  Thinking of Suzanne, Katie grudgingly admitted to herself that she had managed to intimidate her last night with her perfect dress and impeccable manners. But after sleeping on it, she knew she would no longer be afraid to stand up to her, hostess or not. She had been off-balance yesterday. Her frustrated parting with Christopher and the necessity of making a good first impression had been worrying her, but today, she was Katie again....

  By seven o'clock, Katie could wait no longer. She was eager to be gone ...to feel the wind and sun against her face once more. Escaping into the hall of the stillsilent house, she went to get Mark out of bed. Without knocking, she entered his room and shook him unceremoniously, waking him from a deep sleep.

  "Get up! It's already after seven!"

  "Get up for what?" he grumbled, pulling the covers over his head.

  "Because we're going riding!" she informed him, yanking the blankets away.

  Opening one eye to glare at the pesky woman-child who was his older sibling, Mark growled, "I think I'll pass up the ride today and just sleep this morning."

  "Oh no you don't!" she laughed, tugging at him playfully. "C'mon, get up. I want to have some fun."

  "I thought you enjoyed the trip downriver?"

  "Are you really serious?" Katie was taken back by his observation.

  "You had men courting you the whole time-Andre and then Christopher..."

  "Have you ever known me to care about a man that way?"

  Mark looked suitable chastened but added hopefully, "Well, no. But, Katie, maybe it's time you thought about it."

  "Now you sound just like Father!" she charged, angry that everyone wanted to change her life. She had come in here in a good mood and now...

  "But he's right, you know," Mark continued as he sat up on the edge of the bed. He was not afraid of Katie, even though at times she could cut him to the quick with a sharp word. Mark just couldn't understand her objection to getting married. "What's so terrible about settling down?"

  "Nothing. Nothing at all. But Father needs me with him and I liked the life we were living..."

  "You liked it because it was the only life you knew. And I can understand that. But instead of fighting this whole visit, why don't you look on it as a challenge-a game. You never were one to turn down a dare," he taunted.

  Katie stared at him thoughtfully, "What kind of dare?"

  "Like I dare you to try to enjoy life here. Surely it can't be hard for you to accept being waited on hand and foot."

  "Well..."

  "Look, big sister, you know Father would love to have you with him, but he wants to give you every chance for happiness. Sure, you were content in camp, but that was only because you didn't know any other way of living. Try this for his sake and then go home. He'll welcome you with open arms."

  "Do you really think so?"

  "I'm sure."

  "How do you know?"

  Standing before him dressed in her riding clothes with hair tied back with only a ribbon, Katie looked very young and very confused. Getting up, Mark went to hug her.

  "Because, Katie my love, he told me so."

  Protected in his brotherly embrace, Katie took a minute to digest everything he had just told her. What did it matter if for a few months she let Suzanne take charge of everything? No one could force her to marry and when her visit was over, she could go home to her father once more.

  "You're right."

  "As usual," he countered, teasingly. Normally it was the other way around though, with Katie giving the advice. "Now, get out of here and let me get dressed."

  "I'll go.. .now that I know you're awake."

  "Well, maybe I'll just lie back down... it is still early," he started for the bed.

  "Mark Kingsford!" she threatened.

  "All right, you hard-hearted woman. I'll stay up, but if I fall asleep before dinner tonight, it's all your fault!"

  Katie left his room smiling and made her way slowly downstairs, taking the time to admire the beauty of her uncle's home.

  Suzanne had heard their voices and taking the time to throw on a silken wrapper, she'd started down the hall to Mark's room. His door was ajar, but she knocked softly anyway.

  "Mark? Katie?"

  "I'll be right there," Mark answered, opening the door wide as he shrugged into a shirt.

  The sight of Suzanne at the door to his bedroom, so scantily clad, teased his imagination and Mark fought off all thoughts of what could happen between them if she wasn't married to his uncle.

  "Mark," she spoke a little breathlessly, pleased by the sight of his bare, muscular chest. His body had to be beautiful, she thought... "I thought I heard Katie."

  "You did," he smiled. "She just got me up so we wouldn't be late for our riding date."

  "Oh." She pulled her clinging robe more tightly about her and while the action was one of modesty, the calculated result was to perfectly outline her lush curves for him under a shimmering layer of silk. "I'd best get dressed then, too."

  Turning, she walked back to her room, leaving Mark watching her hungrily.

  It was almost an hour later when they finally rode away from the house. Suzanne had been stunned by Katie's insistence on riding astraddle and her choice of such mannish clothes. She had informed Katie pointedly that she had a position in society to uphold and she would be expected to live up to that. Katie had bristled at the criticism and had started to argue the point, when Mark's challenging look reminded her of her dare. Backing down, they had reached a compromise. Katie had agreed to ride sidesaddle whenever they were in public as long as she could ride astraddle whenever she was alone.

  Suzanne hadn't been too thrilled with the whole situation but she'd handled it the best way she knew how. At least, Katie wouldn't embarrass them in public with her uncouth behavior.

  They rode down to the landing and then followed a river trail to the south, as Suzanne engaged Mark in conversation, trying her best to ignore Katie. The girl was a vexation to her spirit. But Katie took no notice of them, being totally absorbed in studying the countryside.

  "Is this the road to Greenwood?" she finally asked, after they'd ridden quite a distance.

  "It's right up ahead about half a mile." Suzanne pointed toward a tall grove of oaks in the distance. "Would you like to stop for a visit?"

  "No," Katie said firmly. "I was just wondering where it was."

  "We'll turn off here, then." Suzanne directed her horse down a narrow path that opened into a wide clearing.

  Feeling free and uninhibited, Katie put her heels to her mount and flew past Suzanne and Mark. Leaning close over the horse's neck, she urged him on as the wind whipped at her face, tearing the ribbon from her hair. Laughter bubbled from her, as her spirits soared. And the sight of a low fence didn't deter them as Katie took the horse over it in a perfect jump.

  Suzanne gasped in shock as Katie jumped the fence at full speed. She had had no idea that the girl was such an accomplished rider and the discovery didn't sit well with her. She had always considered herself to be quite good on horseback, but compared to Katie...

  Redoubling her efforts to seduce Mark, she turned back to him irritated to find that he was smiling widely at his sister's wild ride. Sidling her mare closer to his mount, she touched his arm.

  "Wherever did she learn to ride so-well?" she pretended interest.

  "Father taught us both to ride almost before we could walk." Mark turned his full attention back to Suzanne.

  "Well, he did an excellent job. You're both quite good."

  Mark reined in his horse and paused to let his gaze sweep over Suzanne. She wore a tight-fitting riding habit that clung to her full breasts as sensuously as her robe had this morning and Mark had a difficult time controlling the desire he was beginning to feel for her. She was a magnif
icent woman. He hoped Uncle Isaac would return soon, so he could see them together and forget his fantasies of having her for his own.

  Suzanne knew he was studying her and she thrust her breasts forward in unspoken invitation.

  "I'm getting warm... Would you like to sit in the shade for a while?"

  "Sounds wonderful," and he followed her to a glade where they could both watch Katie and let the horses cool down.

  Picking a dry spot, Suzanne sat down gracefully and leaned back against a tree trunk. Taking off her bonnet, she set it aside as the dark mass of her hair tumbled free. Mark had been tying up his mount and when he turned to face her, heat surged through him. She had unbuttoned the top button of her bodice and was fanning herself gently. He had tried to picture her with her hair down, but the reality far surpassed his imaginings. She was exquisite.

  Suzanne sensed his quandary and held out a hand to him. "Come. Sit with me," she invited and she drew him down beside her. "So tell me, Mark. How do you like staying at Kingsford House so far?"

  "It's wonderful. You've been very kind." He held himself stiffly, fighting the need to have her.

  "I like you Mark." She told him simply, resting her head back against the tree and wetting her lips seductively.

  Had Mark been more learned in the ways of women, he would have known what Suzanne was leading up to. But he was totally unaware that he was being seduced. He was ashamed of the incestuous desire he had for her and yet he was powerless before her, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Mark was helpless to thwart her calculated scheme. Held captive by her smoldering look, he sat unmoving as she put a warm hand on his thigh, her fingers gently massaging the inner side of his leg.

  "Why don't you relax?" she began.

  In one last valiant effort to escape a situation he felt responsible for, Mark quickly stood up and started back to his horse.