“Miss Pierce. You do not know to whom you speak. My father is General Webster. He works for General Grant. We northern ladies are fastidious about our ties to the Union and see outsiders as a threat.”
Rachel arched a brow. To think she had the fate of the entire Union on her head and she had to deal with the name-dropping Miss Webster who secured her status through her father’s rank. Wouldn’t she be surprised to learn Rachel had met with General Grant, and his generals, including Susan’s father.
“I am humbled by your admission, Miss Webster, and most happy with your allegiance to the Union.” Her tone carried a whiplash of scorn. “I’m sure someone of your consequence must be busy with sewing socks and polishing boots for our boys in blue.”
Like the hair on a spitting cat, Susan’s bosom rose. She lifted her arm to give Rachel a full-handed slap.
“Rachel, I forgot to ask if your recent journey to Washington was pleasant,” Lucas said, towering behind them. “General Grant sends you his warmest regards.”
Susan’s hand wavered then dropped.
“Miss Webster.” He sounded startled as he folded his arms, yet his dubious look mocked her and indicated he’d seen and heard everything. “I didn’t notice you. I hope, Miss Pierce, I’m not interrupting your chat with Miss Webster.”
A wave of crimson climbed from the girl’s bodice to the tip of her forehead. Had she broken out with hives?
Susan snapped her fan open and waved it. “I didn’t see you, Lucas.”
“I suppose not.” His eyes flicked over her, making clear his contempt.
Shrinking from the confrontation, Susan’s support group wavered, and then flew from the hall.
Susan pointed her chin to the ceiling. “Miss Pierce is from the south, and in light of this long-suffering war, her loyalties should be questioned.”
Bored with maintaining his indolent pretense, Lucas unfolded his arms and moved to within inches of Susan. “Miss Webster…” He drew on a deadly silence until she squirmed. “There is no question about Miss Pierce’s loyalties to the Union. Your lack of warmth and welcoming to a newcomer I find short in feminine qualities. Most certainly, I find envy and pettiness bad mannered and unattractive. Since you are guilty of all negations, I suggest you find other company to keep yourself occupied.”
“I-I wouldn’t marry you even if you asked me.” Red-faced, Susan glared at Lucas.
“Next time, Miss Webster, you should allow the gentleman to do the asking. It might be an occasion to have your dignity restored.”
She clamped her mouth shut, pivoted and marched to the ballroom.
Then, as a dark tower of lordly grace, Lucas lazily stalked Rachel…a man who moved with such finesse, she’d not marked his footfalls.
“I thank you for championing me, but I really had the matter in hand.” She took a step backward.
“A skunk hidden in your purse? A snake concealed in your pocket? I came to save Miss Webster from you.”
Rachel laughed, but as he stepped closer, she danced from his reach. “Lucas, you cannot compromise me here. I need twenty-four hours. I’m so close…” Lucas’ lips hovered…so near…she could almost taste him.
“What about your betrothal to Miss Webster?”
Lucas frowned as if the thought pained him. “That was her idea. In my absence, she told all of Washington we were engaged. Of course, that had to be clarified.”
“Wait…you are not to marry Susan?”
His eyes blazed into hers. The candlelight, turned his eyes into dark embers, flashing every bit as hard and hot as tempered iron. Rachel licked her lips.
“Have you not been paying attention?”
He was not marrying the general’s daughter.
Her chest burned, and her heart heaved against her rib cage. Finally, her body forced her to drive out a breath she’d kept wedged in her lungs.
The movement drew his gaze to her bosom.
Glancing down, Rachel found that her bodice had drifted lower. Her corset squeezed her breasts high enough that the shameful rosy crescents of her areolas crested above the contrivance, the ample flesh quivering in time to the trembles of her body. To yank her bodice up would give him power over her.
“I’ve missed you, Rachel.” His warm breath caressed her face.
