“Oh—it was the most wonderful time of my life!” Estelle said exuberantly.
“I’m afraid Estelle has fallen hopelessly in love with one of the passengers we sailed with—a friend of John’s,” Kareen said.
“He’s the handsomest man I have ever laid eyes on, and I know he feels the same way about me,” Estelle replied happily.
“You take too much for granted, Estelle,” said Kareen. “Just because he paid you some attention doesn’t mean he loves you.”
“He does, too!” Estelle cried. “And we’ll meet again, even if I have to go to London. I intend to marry Philip Caxton!”
They all jumped at the crash of dishes in the kitchen, and Christina knew that Johnsy had been listening to the conversation. Philip had come back, and he was in London! A wave of jealousy swept over Christina when she thought of Estelle with him on board ship.
Why had he come back? And why had he left Nura? Perhaps he had tired of her, too, and now Estelle was his new plaything. Was there no end to the women he would captivate?
“Crissy, you remember Philip Caxton, don’t you?” John asked, unaware of the emotions she was fighting to control.
“You’ve met him, Christina?” said Estelle. “Then you must know how I—”
Johnsy came into the room, pale as a ghost, and said, “I’m sorry about the dishes—they slipped. Miss Crissy, could you ’elp me to my room? I don’t feel too well.”
“Of course, Johnsy,” Christina answered gratefully, going to her and pretending to help her out of the room.
When they were out of hearing distance, Johnsy said, “Oh, baby, I’m sorry. You must be miserable. That scoundrel’s back in England, and what are you goin’ to do?”
“I’m not going to do anything, Johnsy. He won’t come here, and I’m not going anywhere that I might run into him. And I am not miserable—I’m angry! That man is despicable. He has to destroy every pretty woman he meets!”
“It sounds to me like you’re jealous, love,” Johnsy remarked.
“I amnotjealous,” she scoffed. “I’m mad. I didn’t blame him for what he did to me, but I should have. He has probably broken Nura’s heart, and he’ll do the same to Estelle. Estelle doesn’t even know he’s married!”
“Nor do you, Miss Crissy. You don’t know for sure that ’e married that other girl. ’E may ’ave kept her as ’is mistress, as ’e did you.”
“He wouldn’t dare! Her family wouldn’t have allowed it.”
“Well, you still don’t know for sure.”
Tommy came for dinner that night, but he didn’t pay any attention to Estelle, nor she to him. After dinner, Christina found a moment alone with John and asked him to help in dealing with Tommy. She explained that Tommy had bothered her ever since her return and she didn’t know what to do.
“Can’t you talk to him, John? Tell him to stop asking me to marry him?”
“But I don’t see why you won’t marry him, Crissy. He loves you. He would make you a very good husband. And he would be a father to your child. You can’t go on living with memories, and I’m sure, in time, you could learn to love Tommy.”
Christina was surprised for a moment. But then she realized her brother might be right. There was no longer any reason why she shouldn’t marry Tommy.
PHILIP POUNDED HEAVILY on the single door. It was opened by a dour-looking manservant. “Mr. Caxton, sir, ’tis good to see you again. Mr. Paul will be delighted.”
“Where is that brother of mine?” Philip asked, handing over his greatcoat.
“In his study, Mr. Caxton. Shall I announce your arrival?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Philip replied, and walked down the short hallway until he came to the open door of Paul’s study. “I can come another time if you are busy, little brother,” Philip said mischievously.
Paul looked up from his papers and rose quickly, a bright grin on his handsome features.
“Damn, but it’s good to see you again, Philip! When did you get back?” Paul came over and embraced his brother warmly.
“I only just arrived,” Philip answered. He sat down in a large leather chair by the window.
“I wrote you a letter not too long ago, but apparently you sailed before it had a chance to reach you. Well, no matter—now that you’re here. This calls for a drink,” Paul said, walking to the small cabinet where he kept a decanter of brandy and a supply of glasses. “And congratulations are in order.”
