Paradise Wild by Johanna Lindsey
Jared released his hold so suddenly that she stumbled. She didn't stop to see the pained look on his face as she ran up the stairs.
He is mine—Jared heard her scream again over and
over in his mind. Not "ours," but "mine," she had said.
It didn't occur to him that she was simply upset. No, this
proved what he had once suspected. •*
The baby was Drayton's, all right. That was the only possible explanation for Corinne's keeping the truth from him. If the child were Ms, Corinne would have told him the truth.
Corinne fell back in a chair and sighed deeply. She was exhausted and looked it.
"Here, I think we can both use some of this." Florence came into the room with a bottle and two glasses.
"Did you see Dr. Bryson out?"
"Yes."
"You know, I don't understand why I did it." Corinne sighed. "After all the trouble and the lies to keep Michael a secret from Jared, I just screamed the truth at him. And it wasn't even necessary! There was no danger. Michael wasn't seriously ill at all."
Dr. Bryson had been amused when he discovered that the "emergency" was teething. Michael was simply cutting molars.
"Don't worry about it, Cori. It's time he knew, anyway."
"Don't say that, Florence." Corinne shook her head from side to side. "What if he tries to keep Michael now?"
"You have more money with which to fight him in court if it comes to that. But I don't see why you two just don't settle your differences."
"It's too late for that," Corinne said quietly. "I couldn't live with him, knowing he doesn't love me—not even a little bit.",
"Who says he doesn't?" Florence asked huffily.
"I do." Corinne sat up and moaned. "Oh, I wish we hadn't missed that ship today."
"There will be another, if you're really set on going."
"Yes, but what's going to happen in the meantime? What am I going to say to Jared when he demands to know why I kept the truth from him?"
"You tell him the truth, that's all."
But Jared stayed away all that night. Nor did he return the following day. Corinne waited nervously, frightened of a confrontation, but wishing to get the inevitable scene over with.
But Jared stayed away from the house until the fourteenth. By then, Corinne had given up hoping.
Chapter 44
WE certainly didn't pick a good day to be leaving this island."
Corinne tamed, putting on her bonnet. "Why? It's a nice day."
"Haven't you been reading the papers, Cori?"
"Whatever for? News is too depressing."
Florence shook her head. "There has been nothing but talk of revolution."
"You mean war?"
"I don't know. But there seem to be a good many people on Oahu and all over Hawaii who want to get rid of the monarchy. It will all come to a head very soon. And today is important."
"Why?"
"Queen Liliu—Oh, I just can't pronounce the name. She's planning to throw out the present constitution and introduce one of her own. The foreign citizens here, mostly Americans, are set against that. It's all a test of strength between the revolutionaries and the monarchists—and between the foreign settlers and the Hawaiians."
"Then it's a good thing we decided to leave early today. We can take a roundabout way to the harbor and stay well clear of Iolani Palace."
"You're still not going to wait a little longer to see if your husband will come home?"
Corinne didn't hesitate before answering. "No. It's been a week. He's either too angry with me for keeping Michael a secret from him, or he just doesn't care."
"I can't believe he doesn't care, Cori."
"I can. I know Jared better than you do. Now let's go."
She picked up her gloves and purse, and left the room to get Michael. The luggage was already in the cart. After perfunctory good-byes to Akela and Malia, they set out for the harbor with Soon Ho driving.
Before long, another carriage came bounding after them. Both carriages stopped. Corinne tensed when she saw Jared. He left his carriage and approached hers.
"I didn't think you would be leaving this early. I almost missed you."
He was so casual about it! "Why did you bother?"
"I came to escort you to your ship. There may be trouble today. Already people are fired up in the streets—a bunch of hot-heads."
"We know about the trouble, Jared. We had planned to go around the palace."
"The trouble is everywhere, Corinne. There will undoubtedly be street fights."
"And you're worried about me?" she muttered sarcastically.
He didn't answer. He ordered Soon Ho to take his carriage home, while he climbed up on theirs. Corinne simmered silently. Jared hadn't said one word about Michael. He must have seen the child on her lap. Not one word! Why had he come? Probably to make sure that she left.
The streets were more crowded than Corinne had ever seen them. There was a great deal of noise, mostly shouting. People were running in the direction of the palace, and Corinne spotted several weapons. She became frightened, then, especially for Michael, and put him down on the floor of the carriage. Then she began to worry about Jared, sitting high up in the driver's seat, in plain view. He hadn't even brought a gun, although he'd known what was happening. Just as she was wondering why he hadn't, shots rang out from in front of the carriage and Corinne screamed. The carriage stopped slowly, and Corinne screamed again as she watched Jared slump over on the seat.
She jumped out of the carriage and climbed up to the driver's seat. When she got there, Jared was sitting up, breathing heavily. "Are you all right?"
"I only got a little dizzy," he replied roughly. "I'm fine."
But she saw the blood on his side, and her heart stopped. "You've been shot, Jared!"
"It's only a nick."
"I don't care, I'm taking you to a doctor."
"I don't want a doctor."
But he swayed as he spoke, and she grabbed the reins he had dropped and started to Alakea Street.
Luck was with them. Dr. Bryson was at his office and he helped Corinne get Jared inside. She refused to leave the room while he examined Jared, but stood by helplessly, anxiously watching the doctor probe his wound, while Jared tried to hide his pain.
Dr. Bryson peered over his shoulder at her. "Why don't you wait in my outer office? This will take a while."
She shook her head firmly. "Not until I know he's going to be all right."
"I can assure you of that right now. The bullet has not damaged any vital organs. It's just a matter, of removing it. H&'ll be as good as new in a week."
"Very well," she said, not wanting to get in the doctor's way.
But Jared sat up, his face a stony mask. "Never mind waiting, Corinne. You go on and catch your ship."
"Don't be ridiculous, Jared!" she cried* "I can't leave you like this."
"You will, damnit!" His voice rose harshly. "I'm not going to be responsible for your missing your ship. You wanted to leave today—just get out of here and do it!"
She thought he would say something about their son before she left. "What about Michael?" she ventured.
Jared closed his eyes against the pain and anger. Love for Corinne was driving him crazy. And she was mocking him with Drayton's child! She must surely loathe him! Jared said coldly, "You take your son and get out of my life. Go back to Boston where you belong. And you damn -well better get a divorce this time, Corinne, or by God I will!"
She turned blindly and ran from the office. So! His own son meant less than nothing to Jared.
Jared slumped back on the examining table, drained. It had taken all his strength to tell her to go when he really wanted to beg her to stay.
"Don't you think you were a bit harsh with her?"
Jared opened his eyes and stared at Dr. Bryson. He had forgotten the man was in the room.
"It was necessary."
"You mentioned divorce. I don't un
"Yes," Jared interrupted sharply. "I understand. You thought she was Mrs. Drayton. But you see, she's my wife, although the baby you treated is Drayton's child. It's a very... complicated story," Jared finished wryly.
"Well, well." Dr. Bryson was thinking rapidly. "This explains a lot. You're the 'Jared' that pretty woman cursed up and down when she was giving birth. I never did understand why, if her husband was called Russell."
After a pause, Jared asked, "How would you know? Corinne had her child in Boston. Were you there?"
"I don't know what misconception you're under, Mr.—"
"Burkett," Jared supplied impatiently.
"Mr. Burkett. Your wife delivered her child here on the island. I saw her the first time in December before last, shortly after she arrived, and regularly after that until she delivered in June. At her request, I even had a family ready to adopt the child."
Jared sat up abruptly. "My wife arrived here in August of last year!"
Dr. Bryson did not wish to argue with such a large and belligerent man, wounded or not. He shrugged. "If you say so."
Jared scowled. "But you say otherwise?"
Dr. Bryson nodded hesitantly.
Jared shook his head as if that would help him to understand. "You said she gave birth in June. When in June?"
"I can check my records for the exact day, but I believe it was in the middle of the month."
Jared calculated quickly. "You mentioned an adoption. She didn't want the child?"
Dr. Bryson frowned, remembering. "She certainly didn't. It was unnatural the way she seemed to hate that unborn baby. I never could understand it."
Words came back-to Jared, words of long ago. "I certainly wouldn't keep a child of yours."
"What did Drayton think about the coming child?"
"Well, that was puzzling too, since he was the husband, or so I'd thought. He didn't want the baby either. Now I understand about that situation. Why, they didn't even share the same room, not even after the birth."
"How would you know?"
"I was called on often enough before and after the birth.
This was all happening too quickly for Jared. "Why didn't she give the child up?"
Dr. Bryson chuckled. "That was Miss Merrill's doing."
"You mean Mrs. Merrill?"
"Oh dear, is she married?"
"Never mind," Jared replied curtly. "Go on."
"Well, Miss Merrill convinced me that Mrs. Burkett would regret giving away the baby* She said she was obsessed with other things and wasn't thinking clearly."
Jared grimaced. He was the other thing. She hated him so much that she couldn't bear to keep his child.
"Are you all right? I really should be getting that bullet out."
"It can wait a bit more. I want to know what happened."
"Well, Miss Merrill and I arranged it so that Mrs. Burkett was left alone with her new baby for a while. That was all it took. It was love at first sight, you might say. I rarely see mother love any stronger."
Jared sighed and lay back on the examining table. He was hurting badly. It was time to remove the bullet.
Just before the doctor administered pain killer, Jared realized everything fully. My, God, I have a son!
Chapter 45
CORINNE'S homecoming had been pleasant in one way. Her father was waiting for her when she stepped off the train in Boston, and his delight in Michael was heart-warming. From the moment of their reunion, Samuel Barrows doted on his grandson.
Corinne had been to a few parties in the two weeks since her return, and to teas and other social functions that Lauren had dragged her to during the days. She didn't mind. It kept her busy so she couldn't dwell on Jared too much.
The gossip about her reasons for leaving the city were now considered misinformation, for Lauren let it be known she had been living happily with her husband all this time, and was only in Boston for a visit. Lauren had acquired a great deal of sophistication and was now able to handle nearly everything with aplomb.
Corinne went along with her cousin's lie, because it was easier than telling the truth. But people's curiosity caused her much pain. Naturally, questions were asked about the exotic, fascinating island she had been living on. Corinne was barely able to hide her melancholy when she described Hawaii.
Corinne was saying, "You've never met a more friendly and fun-loving people than the Hawaiians." She sighed.
How was it possible that Hawaii had become her home in such a short time? Why, she had spent her whole life in Boston, walked among its stately homes, played on Boston Common, watched the rowers on the Charles River, and fed the ducks on Jamaica Pond. But all these things now seemed like old, outgrown friends. Boston just wasn't her home any longer.
Would she ever stop expecting to see the bright flowers of Oahu? Would she stop hearing in her mind the rushing waterfall she and Jared had seen that day? Would she ever see a Boston sunset without being disappointed?
It was her turn to entertain, and seven women, old friends, sat in her parlor sipping tea before the fire. Lauren and her mother were there. Heavens, how her cousin had grown up while she was gone!
"You must be eager to return, Corinne," one of the women remarked. "I certainly would be. We really didn't expect you to come home so soon."
"Well, my father hadn't seen Michael yet and he couldnt get away to visit us there."
"Your husband must have been reluctant to let you leave," Mrs. Hartman commented. "Look at the extreme measures he took when you were married."
"Extreme measures?" Corinne asked.
Lauren leaned forward and grinned. "I hope you don't mind, Corinne, but I confided to Mrs. Hartman why your husband put that outlandish notice in the newspapers before he left. I told her that it was his way of making sure you followed him without delay."
Corinne was astounded by Lauren's ingenuity. "Yes, well. .." She groped for words. "My husband has a rather dry sense of humor."
"I can't imagine my Harold doing something like that," said Mrs. Nautily.
"Nor could we," Lauren laughed.
Corinne smiled. Harold Nautily was a timid man, a good five inches shorter than his large and imposing wife. He never said anything to his wife except "Yes, dear." Before Jared, that was the type of man Corinne had thought she wanted!
"How is that adorable little boy of yours, Corinne?" Mrs. Turner wondered.
"Michael is fine, though he's had a slight cold ever since we arrived."
"Nothing serious, I hope."
"No. It's just taking him a while to get used to the colder weather."
"That's understandable, since he was born in the islands," Mrs. Hartman said. "I'm sure he will be glad to get back, and you too, of course."
"Yes," Corinne whispered, her eyes on the floor.
She wondered what she would say to these women when it became apparent that she and Michael wouldn't be returning to Hawaii. Lauren and her father both knew what an effort it was for Corinne to pretend she had a happy marriage and a devoted husband waiting for her to return. But no one knew the real depth of her misery. Not even Florence. How long would she have to bear this aching pain before it began to fade?
The knocker sounded on the front door and Corinne saw Brock pass the open parlor door on his way to answer it.
Lauren smiled regretfully at Corinne. "That will be Cynthia. I ran into her yesterday and she said she would try and stop by. It looks like she's here."
Corinne grimaced. She dreaded the catty questions Cynthia would ask. Cynthia had probably never forgiven Corinne for snaring Jared.
Just as Corinne was bracing herself for Cynthia's appearance, Brock came to the doorway, looking quite put out. And then Corinne saw why.
"Well, heavens me!" Mrs. Hartman exclaimed. "It seems he couldn't wait for your return after all, Corinne."
Corinne stood up very slowly, hearing only the pounding of her heart and nothing else.
"Corinne?
She turned toward her aunt, but didn't really see her.
"Well, it looks as if you're as surprised as we are! Shame on you, Mr. Burkett. You have rather too much flair for drama."
Jared tore his eyes away from Corinne and turned on his most charming smile. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, Mrs. Ashburn. But you're quite right. It was most inconsiderate of me."
"I think we should be going, ladies." Lauren motioned to the other women. "I'm sure these two have missed each other. The honeymoon must not be over yet."
She winked at Corinne, who barely noticed. What was Jared doing here? And then suddenly she and Jared were alone and panic rose to choke her. Michael! That's why he was here! He had come to take Michaal away from her!
"Hello, Corinne."
She sat down again with as much composure as she could muster and her hands gripped in her lap to keep them from trembling. "You—you look well, Jared."
She imagined that she was as white as the china tea cups left scattered on the tables. She plunged into talk so he wouldn't notice her nervousness. "I hope your wound has healed."
He shrugged. "After a week it was only a minor discomfort. It's just an ugly scar now." He grinned. "Would you like to see it?"
"No!" she gasped.
How could he be so calm, as if they hadn't parted in anger? As if it were perfectly natural for him to be sitting here in her house, halfway around the world from Hawaii?
Corinne lowered her eyes. "What happened after I ftft? Was there a great deal of fighting?"
"Hardly. It had to be the most peaceable revolution in history."
"And the queen?"
"She no longer rules," Jared said with a touch of bitterness. "There is a provisional government now, under the American flag. And men were sent to Washington to petition for annexation."
"How did that happen?"
"January 14th, the day you left, Queen Liliuokalani went ahead with her plans to abolish the constitution. She tried to force her cabinet to sign her new constitution, but they wouldn't. A Committee of Safety was formed, made up of some of the most prominent men on the island, and given the power to keep order. They took possession of the government building and issued a proclamation that the monarchical system of government was abolished."