Counterfeit Lady (James River Trilogy 1)

“Hate me?” He was suddenly serious, and he pulled her close to him. “We’re alone, you and I. We have only each other. You must promise never to hate me.”

“Clay,” she gasped, trying to breathe. “I didn’t mean it. How could I hate you when I love you so much?”

“I love you, too,” he said, then released his hold on her slightly. “It’ll probably take about three days to prepare everything for the wedding, but you do agree, don’t you?”

She laughed against him. “You ask me if I agree to the thing I want most in life? Yes, I’ll marry you. Every day, if you want.”

He began kissing her neck hungrily.

Nicole’s mind soared. She’d wanted this day to last forever. Maybe she’d never have to return to a life where she lived in one house and Clay in another. If they could only be married publicly before they returned, she felt she’d be safe. There would be witnesses to the fact that Clay loved her and wanted her.

The word Bianca flashed across her mind, but Clay’s kisses sent all thoughts far away. Three days, he’d said. What could happen in three days?

Chapter 11

WHEN NICOLE AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING, SHE COULDN’T believe the things that had happened the night before. It all seemed too good to be true. She was alone in the bedroom, and the sun was streaming through the window. She smiled as she heard the excited voices beneath the window. The horse races were about to begin. She jumped out of bed and quickly dressed in a simple gown of butterscotch muslin.

It took her several minutes to find her way out of the house to the tables set up for breakfast. She was eating a plate of scrambled eggs when she felt a hush fall over the people around her. One by one, they all seemed to grow quiet.

She stood up and looked toward the wharf. What she saw threatened to stop her heart. Wesley walked beside Bianca. Nicole had felt safe in this place, away from Bianca, but now she saw her world starting to crumble about her.

Bianca walked toward the group confidently. She wore a gown of mauve satin with large black flowers embroidered around the hem. There was a row of wide lace at the high waist and neckline. Her large breasts were only barely concealed by the brilliantly colored dress. She carried a parasol of matching satin.

Even as Nicole watched them approach, she began to wonder at the silence of the others. She knew that Bianca’s presence upset her, but why did it affect the people who did not know her? She looked at them and saw the looks of surprise on their faces.

“Beth,” she heard repeatedly. “Beth.”

“Wesley,” Ellen called across the lawn. “You gave us such a fright!” She started walking across the grass toward them. “Welcome,” she said, and held out her hand.

Even when they were close to the tables, Nicole still couldn’t move. Wesley broke away from Bianca, who had already taken a plate. The women surrounded her.

“Hello,” Wesley said to Nicole. “How do you like our Virginia parties so far?”

When Nicole looked at him, her eyes were full of tears. Why, she wondered. Why had he brought Bianca? Did he hate her for some reason and want her away from Clay?

“Nicole,” Wesley said, and put his hand on her arm. “Trust me. Please?”

She could only nod. She had no other answer for him.

Ellen walked behind Wes. “Where did you find her? Has Clay seen her?”

Wesley smiled. “He’s seen her.” He held his arm out to Nicole. “Would you like to walk to the racetrack with me?”

Mutely, she took his arm.

“What do you know about Beth?” Wes asked when they were away from the others.

“Only that she was killed, along with Clay’s brother,” Nicole answered. She stopped suddenly. “Bianca looks like Beth, doesn’t she?”

“It’s a shock at first. Standing very still, she does look like Beth, but once she opens her mouth all resemblance disappears.”

“Then Clay—” she began.

“I don’t know. I can’t speak for him. All I know is that at first I thought she was Beth. I know Clay’s…concern for her is based on her resemblance to Beth. There couldn’t be anything else, since she’s not what I’d call a pleasant woman.” He grinned. “Clay and I had a few words about her.” He flexed his jaw. “I just thought maybe it would do him some good to see the two of you together.”

Nicole realized he meant well, but she’d seen the way Clay looked at Bianca, had seen the way he adored her. She didn’t know if she could stand to see him look at another woman that way again.

“What happened in the races yesterday? Did Clay beat Travis? I hope so.”