Destiny for Three Page 9

  “Trey?”

  He didn’t look up, just shook his head as he worked. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let that happen.”

  Apprehension gnawing at her belly, Elise reached out and touched his arm. “I don’t want you to be sorry. I’m not.” He stopped what he was doing and gave her a sad smile, then took her hand and kissed it. “Trey, my feelings for you are genuine. They’re not going away.”

  “I know you believe that now. But what if your memory--if Elizabeth--does come back? You don’t have any real control over that. It could just happen.”

  Elise shuddered at the thought of Trey having to deal with the aftermath of Elizabeth’s return. “Then you end it with her. I don’t expect you to marry me. I wouldn’t ask you to tie yourself to me.”

  “What if we make a child?”

  “We’ll be careful.” Elise wasn’t sure what they used for birth control in this time, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to find out. She would never want to leave a child in the care of that woman.

  Trey walked away and finished dressing. “Pregnancies happen even when you’re careful, Elise. Not only that, but if we keep on like this, I won’t be able to help…” He paused on his way out the door then looked back at her, the pain in his eyes made her heart ache. “I won’t be able to keep myself from loving you.”

  Chapter Seven

  The sight that met Elise's eyes as their coach pulled to a stop in front of a Fifth Avenue mansion was enough to momentarily pull her out of the melancholy that had held her fast since that bittersweet afternoon with Trey. Elise peered out at the enormous granite Greek Revival home set away from the street behind an iron fence. It had a variation of the usual full height entry porch, sporting a second story balcony above the front door, supported by an upper and lower set of columns. Sprawling half a block in width, it looked more like a museum than a home.

  "We’re stopping here? Don't tell me you actually know the residents of this mausoleum."

  Trey frowned slightly. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do." When the driver opened the door, he climbed out and offered Elise a hand, then arched an eyebrow and said dryly, "Welcome to my home, Elise."

  Elise took a moment to recover from her shock then bit her lip and accepted his hand down. "I guess I kind of put my foot in it, didn't I?"

  "Everyone's entitled to their opinion," he replied diplomatically.

  "Yes, I guess so. But I shouldn’t have called it a mausoleum." She cast a sweeping glance at the house as they went up the walk. "It is a beautiful building, really. It's just so...well, big."

  Trey escorted her up the steps as the black lacquered front door seemed to magically swing open for them. A smartly dressed butler materialized from behind the door when they entered the enormous entry hall.

  "Welcome home, sir. I trust you had a pleasant voyage?"

  Trey nodded then handed the man his hat and gloves. "Albert, I'd like you to meet the guest that I wired you about, Miss Elizabeth McBride."

  Albert bowed his macassar-slicked head. "How do you do, Miss McBride? It's a distinct pleasure to meet you and it will also be my pleasure to serve you. Please do not hesitate to come to me should there be anything you need during your stay with us."

  "Thank you, Albert. I'm very pleased to meet you.”

  "See, Oliver, I told you it was them!"

  A young woman rushed through the doorway and launched herself straight into Trey's arms. For a second, Elise was seared by a raw bolt of jealousy at the way Trey hugged the girl and smiled warmly, tiny crinkles forming at the corners of his eyes. Then she realized by the similarity of their features that this pretty, dark-haired girl must be his sister, Rachael, and felt appropriately foolish.

  "Oh, Trey, I'm so glad you're here!" Rachael exclaimed, the dark chestnut ringlets that escaped her bonnet bouncing at the sides of her face. "When you took longer than expected, I was afraid you wouldn't make it back in time for the Vanderbilts' ball and I'd be left without an escort, because you know I can't count on Rad." She stopped for a breath and turned to Elise, giving her a beaming smile. "And you must be Elizabeth. Goodness, it's been such a long time, I hardly recognize you. But then, I was barely thirteen the last time we saw each other. Remember? I was the scrawny little girl who used to tag along practically tripping over your skirts at Papa's neighborhood barbecues?"

  "Elizabeth suffered an injury not too long ago, Rachael," Trey cut in. "It caused her to lose much of her memory, and she's still recovering."

  "Oh, dear, Elizabeth!" Rachael's liquid, brown eyes were wide. "Are you in any pain?"

  "No, I'm fine, physically," Elise assured her. "I just don't remember anything before the accident."

  "How terribly unnerving for you," Rachael said sincerely. "I do hope you'll recover soon. And please accept my condolences on the recent loss of your brother." The sound of a throat being cleared erupted from what looked to be a walking mountain of hat and dress boxes in the doorway. "Oh, Oliver!" Rachael exclaimed, "I'm so sorry! Here I am rattling on while you are bearing the weight of my afternoon's shopping. Do come in and set those things down."

  "Good lord, Rachael," Trey declared. "What exactly was your aim today? To buy something from every shop on Broadway?" He relieved the frazzled young man of some of his load. "It was my intent that you enjoy some well-deserved time off during my absence, Oliver, not become Rachael's personal slave."

  Oliver blushed and nervously pushed back a lock of black curls that had fallen across his forehead. "I didn't mind at all, sir. It's my pleasure to help Miss Rachael." His voice possessed the soft lilt of brogue.

  "You see, Trey?" Rachael pointed out, "I do not take advantage of the help while you're away. Oliver and I enjoy one another's company. Isn't that right, Oliver? He's a simply splendid escort."

  Trey eyed Oliver knowingly and replied, "Yes, I'll bet he is."

  Elise watched the poor fellow blush an even deeper shade of magenta and felt sorry for him. She suspected that Oliver had feelings for Rachael and wondered if Rachael returned those feelings or if she regarded Oliver as a convenient source of admiration, but ultimately beneath her.

  "Oh, Trey, stop it." Rachael gave him a tap on the arm with her gloved hand.

  “I've got some things to see to at the Exchange,” Trey said. “I'll be back in time for supper this evening. Rachael, I think Elizabeth would like to freshen up and rest for a time before supper. Would you mind showing her upstairs to the Rose Room, please?"

  He nodded to Elise in a business-like manner. "I'll have your trunks brought up immediately."

  Her fingers itched to curl into his hair and drag him closer so she could kiss all the tension from that too-serious mouth. He’d grown increasingly distant since their afternoon of lovemaking on the steamer. The closer they got to New York, the more he seemed to pull away from her emotionally. He was protecting himself, she knew, from the specter of Elizabeth’s return. Elise desperately wished she could reassure him that Elizabeth was gone for good, but she couldn’t know that for certain. The more time that passed, however, seemed to be a positive sign that her stay in this life would be permanent.

  Elise prayed that was true, for she was definitely falling for Trey in a big way. It was hard to believe that a couple of weeks ago, all she wanted was to return to the future and her old life. Now, she wished she could go back just long enough to say goodbye to Tanya and thank Bruce for calling off their wedding. If he hadn’t, she’d still be in 2010, married to a dull man who was a workaholic and a selfish lover, probably never knowing what she was missing.

  After Trey left, Rachael took Elise by the arm and led her up the wide, curving staircase then down a hallway lined with marble sculptures and pedestals. Rachael chatted animatedly with Elise the entire way, and Elise couldn't help but wonder how much Trey's sister knew about what went on between her brothers and Elizabeth. Certainly if Rachael knew how cruelly Elizabeth had treated them, she wouldn't be this friendly. Trey and Rad must have kept the details of the sordid affai
r to themselves.

  They entered a large bedroom tastefully decorated in shades of rose, ranging from the shell pink wallpaper to the rich burgundy of the window hangings and damask coverlet on the bed. It was a vast improvement from the garish shade that had graced her room at Cottonwood. The decor was also a departure from the clean, classic style of the hallway. The sensuously curved lines of the Belter furnishings and the lush floral pattern in the Brussels carpet gave a distinctly feminine aspect to the room that left Elise delighted.

  "Well, here we are," Rachael said. "I think you'll be quite comfortable." She pointed out a door to the right of the marble fireplace. "You'll find the necessary right through there. It has a commode and even a tub with hot and cold running water. Trey saw a similar modern arrangement at the Vanderbilt home and was so impressed, he had the same installed here." Her head tilted to the side and a sad expression passed over her features. "Oh, it's such a shame you're in mourning when the Vanderbilts’ ball is coming up. I'd adore introducing you into society, and you'd have such a grand time, I'm sure. You're very lovely and I know the men would be buzzing about you like bees around a blossom."

  Elise felt herself blushing at Rachael's words. "Thank you, but as you said, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to attend so soon after Edward's passing." She was actually thankful that, at least for now, she wouldn't have to be subjected to the rigors of nineteenth century ballroom etiquette.

  Smiling sweetly, Rachael reached out and gave Elise's hand a little squeeze. "I'm going to adore having another woman in the house. I love my brothers dearly, but after Mama died when I was a small child, it was just Papa, Uncle Lawrence, my brothers and I. I've been the lone female in a houseful of men ever since. This will be so nice, just like having a sister."

  "I'm sure we'll be good friends, Rachael," Elise replied and returned the squeeze. It was a real pleasure for her to be able to relate with someone who didn't have a negative opinion of Elizabeth. "And please, call me Elise. It’s my nickname, but I prefer it."

  “Elise..." Rachael repeated as if testing out the name on her tongue. "Yes, I like it better, too. It fits you. Elise it shall be." She smiled brightly. "Make yourself at home, take a nap if you like. Supper will be at seven. I'll send someone around later to help you dress."

  Elise took a few moments to look about the room after Rachael left. It was so incredibly luxurious! She felt like a fairy princess surrounded by all the priceless antiques. She ran her hand over the undulating rosewood footboard of the bed. Well, they weren't exactly antiques yet, but they would be someday. Following a golden shaft of sunlight to one of the tall windows, she looked out across the street at Washington Square where elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen strolled upon the brick footpaths. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined living in such a place as this, just a stone's throw away from nineteenth century New York's version of royalty: the Vanderbilts, the Astors... It was fantastic! It was definitely going to be an interesting stay.

  A small furrow creased her brow as she wondered just how long her stay would be. She loved being close to Trey, but if he continued with his doubts about their relationship, she should probably give him some space. And if she left here, where would she go? She had very little money with which to support herself, and she knew nobody in New York--in this century! But she didn’t want to rely on Trey's charity for long; she’d supported herself since college and she balked at the thought of being a burden.

  And then there was the mysterious Radcliffe. She hadn’t even met the man, but he was already complicating her life. The thought of having to deal with another hurt and angry Kingston brother made her stomach clench.

  Elise sighed. She would simply have to cross those bridges when she came to them. She hoped that they could all find a way to sort out their problems, but if not, she’d leave. She’d survive on her own somehow.

  ****

  That night Elise dreamed she was again a child.

  She was at a party of some kind, a large picnic. Hugging her doll tightly to her chest, she threaded her way between the myriad of laughing, chattering adults to find a quiet, shaded spot beneath a tree. Just as she was about to sink cross-legged upon the grass, a boy appeared from behind the tree and snatched the doll from her arms.

  He ran away laughing and taunting, her precious rag doll held aloft, arms and legs flopping obscenely. She valiantly gave chase, but in the end the boy, who was older than she, eluded her, laughing as he told her he was going to throw her doll into the river. She sank down, her head resting upon her crossed arms, utterly defeated, and cried. Then she heard a noise, looked up and saw before her two other boys. The one with dark hair was smiling. Not a teasing or cruel smile, but full of empathy and warmth. Kneeling beside her, he laid her doll upon her lap. “Here, I got it back for you. Don’t cry.” Then the other boy, with messy hair the color of straw leaned down and flashed a grin. He offered her something from his grubby hand: a piece of butterscotch hard candy. She took it, sniffling, and gave him a shaky smile. He grinned again then gave her braid a playful tug.

  And then he was humming...

  Someone was humming... quite loudly and quite badly.

  Elise realized the noise was coming from outside her dream. Somebody was in her room! Her eyes flew open and she fumbled to light the lamp next to her bed and turn up the flame.

  The soft glow illuminated the figure of a man standing in the center of her room pulling clumsily at his neck scarf. The off-key humming stopped and he turned to face her, weaving slightly, then regaining his balance.

  "Who are you and what are you doing here?" Elise demanded.

  His unsteady gaze swept over her. He blinked, shook his head and looked again. Grinning crookedly, he exclaimed, "I'll be damned! You a figment of my ‘magination, or are you real?" Shaking his head once again, he answered himself, "Hell, what am I talkin' about? ‘Course you're not real. Christ, when Morty said sniffin' that ether would knock me for a loop, he wasn't exa-exager... lyin'." His smooth southern accent was heavy and slurred by his intoxication.

  He took a couple more weaving steps toward the bed and when his face was fully illuminated, Elise knew exactly with whom she was dealing. Beneath his tousled mop of dark golden hair were features that were unmistakably Kingston.

  Her stomach lurched. Climbing to her knees, she blurted, "Radcliffe Kingston, you're sloshed. And you're in the wrong room."

  He only grinned like a satyr and grabbed the footboard of the bed to steady himself. "That's right, my lovely little halluci- hallucination. I've got one helluva brick in my hat."

  Elise gulped. Even completely wasted, Rad was too damned handsome for his own good. His features were softer than Trey’s, his wide mouth framed with fuller lips than his brother’s and a dimple notched one cheek.

  Rad swayed forward, squinting to focus on her and the dimple disappeared. His eyes widened. “Holy mother…’Lizbeth?” He blinked and shook his head like a puppy with a chew toy, then looked again. “It ca-can’t be you.”

  Elise grabbed the chance to put off their inevitable confrontation. “It’s not. I’m not really here. It’s just your imagination.” She rose from the bed, hoping to escort him gently out the door. “Now, why don’t you just run along to your own room and sober up.”

  "So-sober up? Why would I wanna do that when I'm in the middle of the best fantasy I've ever conjured? Seein’ how I'll be payin' dearly for this in the mornin', I might as well make the most of it while it lasts. C’mere, ‘Lizbeth. I’ve missed you."

  With a quickness Elise would have thought well beyond his present capabilities, Rad grabbed her arm and pulled her up against him before she could get away. "Hey! Watch it, you big ape!" His other arm came around her and pulled her tightly to his chest, forcing the breath from her. "Oof! All right, now I'm mad. Let me go right now or I'll have to hurt you."

  Rad only grinned wider. "Ahh, my fantasy kitten has claws. All the better to sink into my back while I make you purr, hmm?" He
hoisted her up so her toes barely touched the floor, burying his face against her neck. His lips moved against her skin. “Mmmm, sugar, you still taste so--pppffftt, aack--damn, I think I swallowed some of your hair.”

  “Rad, put me down. Now.”

  “Honey, that’s no way for a dream lover to act. You’re supposed to be beggin’ me.” His voice rose to a ridiculous falsetto. “Oh, Rad, darlin’, I want you! I need you! Fuck me, pleeeaase!”

  "Okay, that's it. Don't say I didn't warn you." Elise began to struggle. Bringing her arms up between them, she tried to push him away, but only succeeded in knocking him off balance, sending them both tumbling to the floor beside the bed.

  *

  Trey sat up in bed at the sound of the muffled crash coming from down the hall and made a noise of exasperation. Rad must just be getting home, and from the sound of it, his brother had a snoot-full--nothing new. He’d better go help him to bed before the whole household woke up.

  Hell, he wasn't having much luck at sleeping, anyway. His mind was filled with thoughts of Elise. Elise. He'd begun to think of her by that name. It was easy, too easy. As much as he tried to keep in his mind the very real possibility of Elizabeth's return, he was losing. Little by little, like a fistful of sand, his strength, his willpower were slipping away from him. The memory of their lovemaking ate at him night and day, firing a harsh need in his gut to take her again and again, keep her in his bed forever.

  Trey got up, grabbed a pair of trousers and tugged them on, grimacing as he forced down his still hard shaft and buttoned up the fly. It had been like this every night since the afternoon on the ship. And having her here, under his own roof, just down the hall... he wanted her so damn badly, he ached with it.

  Throwing on a robe and grabbing his cane, he strode from his room and headed down the hall toward Rad's bedroom, his frustration fueling his foul mood. He had just passed by Elise's door when another sound stopped him in his tracks.