Beresford's Bride Read online

  “You’re not suggesting women don’t.” Byrne’s tone was mild, but his eyes were like an electric charge.

  “I’d better go.” Joel, too, began flinging on clothes. “I left the Jeep a way back.”

  “Why?” Byrne turned to survey his brother. “Could it be you were trying to creep up on Toni?”

  “I wanted to surprise her.” Joel scooped up his shoes hastily.

  “I’m sure you made a good job of it.”

  “See you later, Toni,” Joel called, his expression regretful. “You could come back with me in the Jeep, if you like. Your horse can find his own way home.”

  “Goodbye, Joel,” Byrne said firmly.

  That settled it. Joel loved and respected his brother deeply. He spent most of his time trying to please him.

  “I’m looking forward to dancing with you at the party, Toni,” he called as he made his way up the bank.

  Toni reached for her pink shirt, just missing it in her haste. Byrne picked it up and passed it to her, his mouth curled into a laconic smile. From the very first time at the hotel, his silver gaze had made her incredibly aware of her body. It was exciting and frightening at one and the same time. Her two-piece swimsuit, like her shirt, was pink, but a deep fuchsia, chic but not much in the way of coverage. She knew how she must look to him, from her long wet hair to her bare feet. The fact she had her jeans on would accentuate the skimpiness of her bikini top. Though it was hot, she felt her nipples peaking against the Lycra as though they were being stroked. If he hated women so much, why did he look at her like that?

  Almost angrily she shouldered into the cotton shirt, doing up a button here and there but allowing it to hang out.

  “Are you out to seduce me?” he asked.

  For a moment she said nothing, nothing at all. “I’m sorry, Byrne. Too risky.”

  “But you admit the danger?”

  “Sure I do, but I choose to resist it.”

  He stared at her. “You were having a glorious time with Joel.”

  “You were watching?” Her eyes kindled with blue fire.

  “Looking for you would be closer to the truth. I saw the Jeep. I knew I’d find the two of you.”

  “Doing what?” She flushed. “Joel is nothing to me.”

  “And it has to stay that way, Toni.” He reached out and stroked her hot cheek very gently, feeling the warmth bloom. A simple gesture, but it brought every fiber of her alive.

  “Why exactly?” Despite herself, her voice was tremulous.

  “A romance just isn’t on. Joel has a lot of growing up to do. He’s being incredibly insensitive where Fern is concerned.”

  “I’m aware of that, as it happens. What disturbs me is you think he’s perfectly safe with Fern but I’m a moral danger.” Temper was bubbling within her. Temper and a whole lot of feelings that were putting her under pressure.

  “In a very short time, too.” Byrne’s tone was dry. “It’s not your fault, Toni, but nothing is going to alter the fact your effect on Joel has been explosive.”

  “So what on earth am I supposed to do about it?” She looked at him. Looked away, startled at the expression she saw in his eyes.

  “Tell him there’s someone in Paris you miss terribly,” he suggested.

  “I see. Lie.”

  “Didn’t you tell me that there was someone called Akbar?” Slowly, disturbingly, he smiled.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Akbar’s only a friend.”

  “Lord, and I thought you made him up.”

  “I might as well go back now.” Toni’s tone was crisp. “There’s no peace here.”

  “Really? I think it’s beautiful. So restful.”

  “Do you bring Andrea here?”

  His amusement faded. “Don’t listen to gossip, Toni.”

  “Then it’s not true?” She turned, wanting to goad him as much as he had goaded her.

  “What?” He wasn’t about to help her out.

  “I spend a lot of time studying faces. I couldn’t miss Andrea’s adoration.”

  “That sounds painful. I’m not involved with Andrea yet. I’ve partnered her a few times at various functions.”

  “And made love to her once or twice?” The very thought left her dazed.

  “You think that has something to do with you?”

  “You’re the guy who’s interfering in my affairs.” She stood her ground.

  “Watch yourself, Toni,” he said in a soft, dangerous voice.

  “I don’t toe the line for you, Byrne Beresford,” she retorted with tart honesty.

  “You will while you’re here.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  His eyes gleamed pure silver. “Of course it is.” He pushed his Akubra back on his head, releasing a crisp lock of black hair onto his forehead. “Enjoy yourself all you want. Just don’t steal Joel’s heart away.”

  She made a strangled little sound in her throat. “Who said I was even trying? At least he’s a risk taker.”

  “And you’ve identified I’m not?” He let his eyes rake her, while his heart most unaccustomedly gave a series of jolts.

  “Sounds like it,” she said sweetly.

  “I’ve got more on my mind than falling for women, Antoinette.” So why did he let his eyes settle on her mouth as if he was thinking of kissing her?

  “Not anyone?” she asked carefully.

  “You’re my type, but it simply isn’t possible.”

  That stunned her to silence. She put up a confused hand and drew back a straight, shining sheet of hair.

  “Cat got your tongue?” he asked sarcastically, studying her intently.

  She returned that beautiful sparkling gaze. “Actually for once I agree with you. But don’t wait too long. Time whizzes by. You might wake up one morning and say, what the hell happened? Where’s my wife and kids?”

  He laughed. Pure male. Pure dynamite. God’s gift to women. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready to settle down. Who knows? I might even consider you when you grow up. But for now my life is packed.”

  She felt so startled, excited, all sorts of things, she didn’t quite know what she would say or do. Byrne Beresford to consider her? She nearly fainted at the idea, but worked hard to answer. “Are you saying you might consider me in time?”

  “That depends entirely on you, Antoinette. I’d like you to know your own mind. Be a little wiser. Get it all together and so forth.”

  She realised suddenly those brilliant, intimate eyes were dancing with amusement. “Are you sure you’re not stalling for time?”

  He was silent, looking over the shining waters of the lagoon. “You’ll never believe this, but I’m afraid to think.”

  She was familiar with that feeling. Everything was moving so fast. “And I’m talking wildly.”

  “Don’t apologise,” he drawled. “I’m enjoying it.”

  “You’re not serious, either.” Her chin went up. “You might consider you have absolutely no right to lead me on.”

  “Oh, dear, don’t I even get a smile?” He moved to her, tipped her face for his inspection. “Don’t be mad at me, Antoinette.”

  Surely he knew his slightest touch made her quiver. She looked deeply into his eyes, trying to disentangle all his mixed messages, his motives. “I should be but I’m not.”

  “And don’t make a fool out of Joel,” he added briskly, giving the point of her chin a little pinch.

  That did it. She pulled away in utter exasperation. “Oh, goodness. I should have known. A tip for Toni.”

  He bent his rangy body to pick up her things. “Hey, I’m not trying to spoil your fun. Just a word of advice. You’d have my heart, as well, if you could figure out a way to do it.”

  “Well, it would be one way of getting square,” Toni responded tartly.

  “For what?”

  She looked at him, unbearably handsome, sexy, the arrogant male. Hard to tell him, for all the magic he worked. Instead she said, “I’m off.” She started up the grassy slope as if the devi
l himself was after her.

  “Are you going somewhere or am I allowed to keep you company?” He caught her easily, laughter in his dark-timbred voice.

  “This is your kingdom, Byrne Beresford. You’re totally in control.”

  He caught her hand. Wouldn’t release it, though she was desperate to pull away. “Not with you around, Antoinette,” he said.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  TONI couldn’t remember agonising more over her image for a party. She’d brought only one evening dress. Though it suited her beautifully, she was anxious it might be a little too dressy. For all her good looks she wasn’t really one to flaunt them. She had a nonthreatening nature. She wanted the other young women to like her, not see her as competition. She felt sympathy for Fern, but there wasn’t much she could do about that situation. Joel was still in his early twenties. He obviously needed time. Byrne was overreacting.

  Because she had little option, she slipped the short evening dress over her head. It was a soft golden yellow in colour. A silk jersey sprinkled all over with tiny gold sequins, with the neck, hem and cutaway armholes defined by a gold border. Zoe’s dressmaker, who had once worked for Chanel, had run it up for her.

  “What’s the point of being beautiful if you can’t wear a gorgeous dress?” Francine had said.

  It looked wildly expensive but Francine had only charged for the material as a gesture of friendship. Toni on many occasions had done favours for Francine. It seemed right to pull back her hair, cooler, too. In the last Paris collections the models had their long hair fashioned into updated knots, chignons, buns. The chignon worked best, arranged fairly low on her neck. The only jewelry she needed was a pair of earrings. The pearl and gold Zoe had given her.

  As guest of honour, Toni found herself once again at Byrne’s side. Cate sat opposite her, Kerry alongside, with Andrea between him and James Patterson. For the gala occasion they were using the formal dining room, a very large room balanced by a magnificent Georgian mantel of white marble complete with a beautiful mirror, two splendid light-filled paintings of Venice, of all places, to either side. Toni, who had become something of a connoisseur, could identify the gleaming mahogany pedestal table and the elegant chairs as Regency, and there was a vividly toned antique Heriz carpet over the glowing parquet floor. Two beautiful arrangements of flowers stood at either end of the mantel, set with famille rose porcelain, and two exceptionally fine gilt and crystal chandeliers were suspended from the lovely molded ceiling. The table was set with Royal Crown Derby, the cutlery sterling silver, the wineglasses Baccarat, with pairs of silver candlesticks at intervals the length of a table, and with low floral arrangements, white lilies interspersed with butterfly orchids, Geraldton wax buds, ivy and magnolia leaves, all Sonia’s doing. Sonia, in an ankle-length slim dress of silver moiré, held court at the opposite end of the table, with Fern and Joel nearby. As far away from me as possible, Toni thought.

  It was a privileged world and it had strict rules. People like Zoe, who lowered the standards, would get swept under the carpet. Even Kerry, so much in love, looked a little uncomfortable in his evening clothes, but handsome , and nothing could dim his smile, Toni thought lovingly. It flashed, illuminating his young, tanned face, sparkling golden lights in his brown eyes. How like their father he was.

  The conversation, as was to be expected at such a gathering, was lighthearted, a bit gossipy, nothing of great consequence, allowing them to enjoy the delicious meal served by Bridie’s smartly uniformed and well-trained staff. Baby lobsters in a lime sauce comprised the entree, followed by seared marinated melt-in-the-mouth beef fillets served with a selection of fresh vegetables and a choice of desserts—ricotta, orange and mango tartlets served with thick cream or caramelized coconut cream with mango. Toni let the talk eddy around her, content to give herself up to the pleasure of fine wine in her mouth and beautifully presented, delectable food on her plate.

  After dinner the young women retired briefly to the powder room to make a few running repairs, leaving the men to enjoy a few minutes of private conversation—business, the state of the economy, what federal minister should be sent packing and so forth, all washed down by an excellent port.

  Toni waited her turn at the mirror to reapply a coat of lipstick as Andrea came alongside. Only the two of them were left, which Toni sensed was deliberate.

  Andrea stood studying their reflections before she spoke. “You must have paid a great deal for that dress.” For the first time her green eyes showed a trace of envy.

  Toni saw it but responded pleasantly. “Actually a friend of my mother’s ran it up for me.”

  “It’s beautiful. Your mother... That would be the legendary Zoe.” Andrea took out a compact and touched pressed powder to her nose and chin. “I’ve heard so much about her.”

  “From whom?” Ever defensive, Toni reacted a little shortly.

  “Why, Byrne, of course,” Andrea answered, as though surprised by such a question. “Forgive me, but you do realise Joel and Fern have been going together for the past year?”

  “So?” Toni was puzzled.

  “You’re rather putting a damper on it.” Andrea’s voice was laced with censure.

  Toni felt her patience slipping. “Maybe you’re all putting too much pressure on him,” she retorted.

  “I gather you don’t like being spoken to.” Andrea flushed.

  “You gather correctly.”

  Their conversation, scarcely amiable, was interrupted by a smiling Cate, who popped her head around the powder room door.

  “Plenty of time for you two to become better acquainted.” She smiled, totally unaware of any tension between her two bridesmaids. “It’s time for dancing now.”

  She sounded so bright and excited Toni planted a smile squarely on her face.

  The ballroom looked splendid, a forerunner for the great day. Four chandeliers blazed, the woodwork glowed and the huge room was fragrant with flowers. Kerry and Cate, looking wonderfully happy, were already whirling on the polished floor. Fern and Joel had joined them with another beautifully dressed couple. Joel put up a hand, waving, and Andrea turned to Toni with a tight smile. “Just remember what I said, Toni. Joel was happy before you came.”

  Andrea’s assumption she was almost family quite took Toni’s breath away.

  “Andrea, I have nothing to answer for, and even if I did I wouldn’t be answering to you,” Toni said as calmly as she could. Across the room from them Byrne was talking to James Patterson. She had never seen anyone who exuded such crackling vitality. A quality that was palpable. He turned and saw them. She could hear his voice as he excused himself from James’s side. He was coming toward them, Andrea quivering with expectation beside her. Which one would he ask to dance? Suddenly it seemed imperative to simplify things. Somebody else called her name. Heavens, it was Joel. He reached her before Byrne, holding out his arms.

  “My dance, I think.”

  It was impossible to refuse him. Rude, as well. Joel was neither married nor engaged. Like his brother, it was apparent he was taking his time.

  “You look gorgeous,” Joel told her when they were out on the floor. “What was wrong with Andrea?”

  “What do you mean?” Toni feigned surprise.

  “It looked like you two were having words.”

  “Bad as that?” Toni wondered who else had noticed.

  “Andrea doesn’t cotton well to rivals.”

  “Are you saying she thinks I might want to take Byrne off her as well as you off Fern?” Toni asked with a breeziness she didn’t feel.

  “I don’t think that would be asking too much.” Joel grinned, abandoning himself to the pleasure of holding her.

  Although Joel was clearly out to have fun, it was with a sense of relief Toni was claimed by one of Joel’s friends. In fact, to no one’s surprise, she was kept in constant circulation until she began to feel breathless.

  Even then Joel, seeing her momentarily alone, moved across the vast shining floor to her, a moth to t
he flame, only to be forestalled as a man’s arm reached for her. Beneath the dark cloth of his sleeve, bronze skin, hard bone, rippling muscle.

  Byrne.

  “You’re not having a lot of success keeping Joel at arm’s length.” His eyes met hers, amused, half irritated.

  “Don’t blame me for Joel’s exuberance,” she said. “I wish he had your knack for keeping your distance.”

  “Does this mean you’ve missed me?” His voice was extraordinarily deep, dark, too damned sexy. It plucked her nerves like strings.

  “I was expecting one dance, at least.” She drew back slightly to look at him.

  “Well, I don’t think whirling off with Joel was the way to do it.”

  “Actually, I didn’t know who you intended to dance with. Me or Andrea. I decided to make your choice simple.”

  “Am I supposed to feel grateful?” He held her still for a moment, looking at the long, slender line from her throat to her breasts.

  “Yes. Very. I’m sure you’re aware I’ve started up a whole lot of tension?” Even as she spoke she caught sight of Fern and Joel by the door, Fern’s expression one of suppressed indignation.

  “Well, you’re much prettier than all of them,” he said lazily, thinking Joel would never respond to a tight leash. “Why don’t we go out onto the terrace for a breath of air? I’ll fetch us a glass of champagne.”

  “That would be lovely.” She suddenly relaxed and smiled at him.

  Within a moment he rejoined her and both of them moved onto the colonnaded terrace where the air was beautifully cool and balmy and the Milky Way streamed down the sky in a river of diamonds. Toni wandered toward the garden to inhale the scent of the massed gardenias. Being with Byrne was like basking in the sun after a frigid European winter. She sipped her champagne, wondering if he had the slightest inkling she was irretrievably in love with him. Had been for a huge part of her life.

  “Such a beautiful night!” She lifted her face to the luminous sky. High above her, almost directly over the house, hung Kirrunjoonga, the Guiding One, the Southern Cross in all its glittering splendour, Orion, the mighty hunter endlessly in pursuit of the Seven Sisters. In a part of the world where the stars were exceptionally brilliant, she felt transported by their beauty. At the same time her nerves were aquiver. Proximity to this man filled her with happiness, excitement and a whole lot of emotional confusion. Maybe it was a legacy from Zoe, this sensual awareness.