Scarlet Destiny (The Hearts of Liberty Series, Book 5)

Scarlet Destiny

The Hearts of Liberty Series

Book Five

by

Phoebe Conn

New York Times Bestselling Author

Published by ePublishing Works!

www.epublishingworks.com

ISBN: 978-1-61417-524-7

By payment of required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this eBook. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented without the express written permission of copyright owner.

Please Note

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

The reverse engineering, uploading, and/or distributing of this eBook via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated.

Copyright © 2013 by Phoebe Conn. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

Cover by Kim Killion www.thekilliongroupinc.com

eBook design by eBook Prep www.ebookprep.com

Chapter 1

Williamsburg, Virginia, 1793

Why are you so eager to see me wed to some rich rascal? Liberty clenched her fists to control her temper rather than twist frantic pleats into the skirt of her emerald satin gown.

Stop fidgeting, Liana replied, exasperated with her strong-willed daughter. She finished tucking Liberty's glowing red curls into an upswept hairstyle and stepped back to admire her work in the dressing table mirror.

Your beauty will bedazzle the men at the Benhams' party, but from my tally, you've already insulted every eligible bachelor within fifty miles. You shouldn't expect any marriage proposals this evening.

Then why must I attend? Liberty turned away from the mirror. She had inherited her mother's fair complexion and vibrant red hair and her father's long-lashed dark eyes.

Because I insist you practice how to behave as a lady must in polite society.

Displeased by the unwelcome reminder, Liberty offered a ready argument, Yet Father takes my brothers to run up and down the Ohio River in buckskins? Why aren't they made to act like proper gentlemen?

They will be soon enough, Liana promised. But your father insists they know your Seneca relatives first.

But he stubbornly refuses to introduce me to any of them. Is he afraid I'll run off with a bare-chested brave?

No, of course not, but I most certainly am. Now the carriage is waiting, and it's time we left for the party.

Liberty rose and slipped on her green satin slippers. The spring parties are simply exhausting, and they'll prompt no summer wedding for me. You and Father were fortunate to fall in love as children.

Liana paused at the doorway, her smile soft and sweet. "We didn't fall in love that young, my sweet. We merely noticed each other in town at a very early age."

Liberty raised her skirt slightly as they descended the wide staircase. You wouldn't call it love at first sight? Father insists it was. He says you were an adorable little girl, and he must always have been handsome.

Oh, indeed he was, and he has a very romantic nature. That's precisely the kind of man you need too, my darling.

Disgusted by the thought, Liberty hissed, I'm sick of fools slobbering kisses on my cheeks, but I swear Randall Mapleton positively drools on me.

How incredibly annoying, but you must still consider his feelings and be kind. Perhaps there will be someone new and especially appealing at tonight's party.

Liberty knew better than to curse in front of her mother, but she truly believed a Seneca brave might be a far better match for her than any of Virginia's finest sons.

* * *

Stephan MacLeod leaned close to his sister-in-law to whisper, Who's the young woman with the glorious red hair?

Sarah followed his glance to the opposite side of the glittering ballroom, and amused, she smiled knowingly. The daughter of an Anglican priest, as soon as she had been tall enough to peer through the keyhole, she had been fascinated by the tantalizing gossip revealed in her father's study.

She's Liberty Hunter, Sarah confided softly. From what I've heard, she prefers horses to the young men who trail her like adoring ducklings.

Stephan's grin widened. I've always relished a comely challenge.

His elder brother, Christopher, stifled a laugh. Didn't you swear off tiresome flirtations only last night?

Stephan's voice deepened as his gaze lingered on Liberty. True, but there's nothing tiresome about a woman of such rare beauty.

Sarah tapped her fan against Stephen's chest. She has an elegant, almost fawn-like grace, doesn't she?

Yes, indeed, he agreed. Liberty was tall, and he judiciously kept his appreciation of the length of her undoubted shapely legs to himself. It appears I've been away from Williamsburg too long.

Or not nearly long enough, Sarah teased.

Stephan laughed at her joke. His brother's wife was a cool blonde he had always admired, but the flame-haired Liberty Hunter simply took his breath away.

As though sensing she was the subject of their conversation, Liberty turned toward them. When their glances met, Stephan nodded a greeting, but she offered only a fleeting smile.

It was acknowledgment enough to inspire him to make his way through the crowd to reach her. However, before he could take the first step, an insistent young man caught her elbow and gestured toward the French doors opening onto the terrace. Liberty hesitated a moment, and then left the ballroom with him.

Don't be discouraged, Sarah whispered. Liberty didn't appear to welcome Randall's touch. A word of caution though, he's Judge Howard Mapleton's son, and it wouldn't be wise to make an enemy of him and his father.

It's never wise to make enemies, Stephan countered, and leaving Sarah and his brother to enjoy the evening, he circled the crowd to wait for what he hoped would be Liberty's swift return. When she rushed through the open doorway at a near run, he caught her waist to swing her into the gathering dancers.

May I have this dance? he asked.

Liberty shook her head, but with couples forming behind them, she was trapped in the moving line. She tapped her foot to join in the steps but glared up at Stephan. We have not been properly introduced, sir, and I'm dancing only as a courtesy to our hosts.

Delighted by her low sultry voice, Stephan raised her hand to draw her close. I'm Stephan MacLeod, Miss Hunter. The Benham family finds my company tolerable, and that should recommend me.

The dance parted them for a quick step, and Liberty regarded him from head to foot with a dismissive glance. The fine fabric and tailoring of his black suit were elegant proof of his means. The other men present were dressed in brighter colors, but few were as attractive. His hair was the same glossy ebony as her brothers', but his eyes were a vivid blue. He was a handsome devil, which undoubtedly fed his easy confidence.

She also recognized his family name. There are some MacLeods who are marine architects and own a shipyard. Are you related to them?

That's my father and elder brother. I'm an attorney.

Liberty turned with the other ladies in a swirl of satin and lace. Her mother had taught her how to engage men in conversation with brief comments which kept them talking for hours, but her head had begun to ache and the ballroom was far too noisy for lengthy chats.

She could barely concentrate on the steps of the dance, and when it finally came to an end, Stephan's inquisitive glance brought a plaintive sigh. I'm sorry, but I would prefer a cup of punch to another dance.

Stephan offered his arm to escort her, but before they reached the heavily laden refreshment table, a woman's hysterical screams pierced the warm, perfumed air. As they turned back toward the dancers, Stephan raised his arm to circle Liberty's shoulders in a protective embrace.

A sobbing young woman clung to the terrace doorway and the pale young man with her could barely speak. Randall Mapleton is dead, he announced shakily. We found him by the fountain.

A startled gasp rippled through the crowd, and the string quartet's music fluttered into silence. A woman standing nearby fainted, and her escort barely caught her before her cheek brushed the parquet floor.

As guests began to whisper and churn excitedly, Liana Hunter made her way around the edge of the dance floor to reach Liberty's side. She looked up at Stephan, puzzled as to who he might be, but her anguished expression made her fright clear. She wasn't the only one who had seen Liberty leave the ballroom with Randall, and she was appalled to hear her daughter's name circulating in hushed murmurs.

Stephan recognized Liberty's mother by her stunning coloring, but the fear in her green eyes was as shocking as the scream. If Liberty's own mother were so concerned, then the striking young woman might actually be capable of murder. It was a chilling thought.

Please remain here with Liberty, he directed her mother, and with a long brisk stride, he followed the other men out through the open French doors.

Lanterns lit the way from the terrace through the rose garden to a low marble fountain filled with sweetly blooming water lilies. Rather than a romantic scene, all Stephan saw was Randall Mapleton's body awkwardly sprawled against the base of the circular fountain. A dozen other men had rushed from the ballroom with him, but they hung back while he knelt beside the body.

Staying clear of the blood pooling beneath Randall's head, he felt for a pulse in his neck. Finding none, he rose slowly. He is as dead as he looks, but let's not move him until we've ascertained what happened here.

Horrified that such a gruesome murder could have occurred at his home, George Benham shoved his way forward. Look, there's the bloody stone that killed him by his side. It's one of those bordering the path. I'd never considered how easily one could be used as a weapon. They'll all be removed tomorrow.

Stephan had already noted the smooth round stone. Randall had been struck in the back of the head and fallen forward against the marble fountain's curved edge. A man could have swung the stone with a brutal force, but he doubted a slender young woman could have inflected the fatal wound.

Randall must have been looking out toward the garden, Stephan mused aloud. Clearly he didn't see the fatal blow coming.

George Benham's son, Hugh, took a tentative step toward the body. He wouldn't have been out here admiring the garden alone. Does anyone know who was with him?

Liberty Hunter, and she returned to the party alone, a portly fellow named Everhart exclaimed. She must know what happened.

The beautiful moonlit garden reeked of spilled blood and death rather than the fragrance of roses and jasmine. Overcome, one man lumbered off the path to retch into the bushes. Disgusted, other men turned away, but all looked equally nauseous.

Stephan had expected someone to mention Liberty's name, but he had a more pressing interest. Where do the paths lead, Mr. Benham? he asked.

Most wind around to where they begin here at the fountain, while one does lead to the stables.

Will you show me there? Stephan inquired.

This is scarcely the time for a tour of the grounds. George countered crossly. I want to hear what Liberty Hunter has to say.

When the other men echoed his sentiment, Stephan shrugged. You can't possibly believe she did this. It's far too vicious an attack. You're simply giving the murderer more time to escape.

Hugh's laugh held no trace of humor. You obviously know nothing about Liberty Hunter, but from the ease with which she handles her stallion in a race, it's clear she has both the strength and daring to kill. We're wasting our time out here. Let's confront her at once.

Stephan couldn't believe the graceful beauty was the same woman Hugh described. Quite naturally perplexed, he was among the first to return to the ballroom. Liberty and Liana were right where he'd left them, but the surrounding crowd had backed away to leave them standing alone. Liberty's posture held an unmistakable pride, but he feared others might call it bold defiance. He quickly joined them.

Say absolutely nothing, he warned before the first question could be asked.

Liberty shook her head and frowned, but his stern glance reminded her of her father's gaze when he demanded obedience. With her name floating upon so many whispers, she wisely chose to follow his advice.

Miss Hunter, George Benham called. Many guests saw you leave the ballroom with Randall Mapleton and return alone. Now the poor young man is dead. We demand an explanation of what occurred between you.

Stephan took Liberty's hand to offer a comforting squeeze. I'm Miss Hunter's attorney, and I've advised her not to respond to any questions tonight. First, the authorities must be called to investigate this awful crime.

Well, yes, of course, George sputtered, but she'll have to answer their questions.

She will tomorrow. Please excuse us. This was a wonderful party, but it would be unseemly for us to remain any longer.

On any other night, Liberty would have loudly objected to his outrageous claim. She certainly didn't rely upon him for advice, but she was far too relieved to escape the accusing stares and undercurrent of whispers to complain now.

You must allow us to give you a ride home, Mr. MacLeod, Liberty murmured softly. You owe us some answers of your own.

Stephan turned to catch his brother's eye and waved. I'll be more than happy to talk all the way there. Now where is your carriage?

The Hunters' driver, Roscoe Niles, saw them at the Benhams' door and hurriedly brought up their carriage. The horses were as white as cream and nearly danced in place at the door. A footman leaped down from the back of the carriage and quickly opened the door and drew out the steps.

Thank you, Edmund, Liana said. She took his hand to enter the carriage. Liberty followed, and Edmund was startled when Stephan climbed the steps behind her.

Liana raised a hand for silence until the carriage had swung out onto the road toward home. Dear God in heaven, Liberty, please tell me you had nothing whatsoever to do with Randall's death.

Liberty and her mother were seated opposite Stephan. In his dark clothing, he was nearly hidden by shadow, but when he leaned forward, his white shirt and cravat caught the moon's soft glow.

Make it the truth, Miss Hunter, he caution. I'll not condone lies.

If you believe I'll lie, we'll stop the carriage right here and let you out, she replied just as firmly.

Liberty, please, Liana cried. Answer me. Did you kill him or not?

No, of course not, Liberty swore. Why is everyone so eager to believe me a murderess? I didn't hear gunfire, was Randall stabbed?

No, Stephan answered. He described what he'd seen, which clearly sickened Liana while Liberty's glance remained curious. I'm sorry we're not better acquainted, Miss Hunter, he added.

We're not acquainted at all, Liberty stressed. Before tonight, we'd not even met, and now you claim to be my attorney. I fail to see why I should need one.

Let's hope that you won't. It's my fault we'd not met. I've been traveling and working in Boston. My trips home have been too brief to see anyone but family. But speaking of family, why didn't your father attend tonight's party with you?

He and my brothers have gone hunting in the Ohio Valley. They'll not be home for several weeks.

Isn't that a rather long way to go to hunt? Stephan inquired.

No, we have family there. My father and brothers often go in the spring, other years in the fall. Mother and I are fine at home.

Not this time, we're not, Liana argued. I asked you to be kind to Randall, but you needn't have strolled the garden with him.

I didn't. Liberty directed her response to Stephan rather than her mother. We went no farther than the fountain. We spoke briefly, and I returned to the ballroom and danced with you. I wasn't outside more than a few minutes.

I agree. What was the subject of your brief conversation? he prompted.

Randall has called on many young women of marriageable age, Liana interjected. He's been a favorite of some, but he pursued my daughter with an enthusiasm she found offensive.

More than offensive, Liberty stressed. He refused to accept my lack of interest, but I'd not have changed my mind. He may have had a pleasant appearance, but nothing else about him appealed to me.

Which you told him tonight? Stephan guessed.

Liberty raised her hand to rub her temple. I didn't even want to go to the Benhams' party. But once there, I made an effort not to disgrace my entire family. When Randall approached me, I'd hoped a private conversation might finally convince him to turn his affections elsewhere. He swore he'd stopped drinking, but drunk or sober, I just wanted to be rid of him.

Stephan leaned close to tap her knee. You must be far more circumspect in your comments. Your last one can be construed as an admission of guilt.

Liberty sighed unhappily. Which is why you advised me to say nothing.

Yes, precisely why. Whenever you're asked a question about Randall, you must stop before you speak and thoroughly consider how your response will be interpreted. Now let's return to tonight's conversation. Please repeat it as closely as you possibly can, and when we reach your home, we'll write it all down.

I didn't kill Randall! Liberty exclaimed. But you don't believe me, do you?

It's too soon for me to trust anything you say, Miss Hunter, so I'm merely being cautious.

I can say the same of you, Mr. MacLeod. How can I trust you to prepare a vigorous defense? I don't believe I'll actually require one, mind you, but it would help to have an attorney who believed in my innocence.

If such a man exists, Liana muttered under her breath. Forgive me, she exclaimed. We raised Liberty with the same freedom as her younger brothers. She demanded it in fact. Some young men actually consider her openly expressed opinions charming, at least at first. I'll be delighted, Mr. MacLeod, if you can teach her how to hold her tongue as well as her temper.

With the fire gleaming in Liberty's eyes, he feared it might be quite a battle. Believe me, Mrs. Hunter, I'll endeavor to do my best. Now please, Miss Hunter, begin at the point Randall Mapleton approached you.

Why not the moment before when I noticed you staring at me? she countered.

As you wish, he offered. You're a striking young woman and yes, I was staring at you. Then you turned and caught me. I apologize.

I was surprised to see a stranger and wondered who you were, Liberty admitted. She turned to her mother. You had hoped there would be someone new there, and there he was, tall enough to be seen above the crowd and boldly glancing my way.

I've already apologized for staring, he emphasized. Now please tell us what happened with Randall Mapleton.

Liberty rolled her lower lip through her teeth. What a ghastly evening. When Randall touched my arm, my first thought was to turn my back on him, but Mother had insisted I must consider his feelings. I struggled to do so. I moved out onto the terrace with him only to seek the privacy to tell him most emphatically that I had no wish to accept his attentions or calls.

Stephan nodded. How did he respond?

There was another couple on the terrace, talking and flirting, so when Randall wished to go on to the fountain, I didn't object. I had practiced what to say in an effort to be both concise and convincing. Unfortunately, he appeared to be perplexed, as though it were the last thing he'd expected to hear.

One would hope for compassion as well, Liana added.

Yes, I attempted to be a veritable paragon of virtue, Liberty insisted. But before I could say more than his name, Randall grabbed hold of me. He hugged me so tightly I could scarcely draw a breath, but I insisted his affection was most unwelcome as best I could. He swore he had stopped drinking, but I had never promised him so much as a kiss, let alone more, for reforming his ways. He kept saying that I'd bewitched him, but he only disgusted me. I don't know how to put this delicately, Mr. MacLeod, but when he refused to release me, I used my knee to inspire him to back away. He nearly fell into the fountain, but he was very much alive and swearing fiercely at me when I ran back into the ballroom.

You put your knee in his groin? he asked incredulously.

Someone with your fine manners doesn't run that risk, sir, Liberty stressed. How else is a woman to defend herself from an overly amorous suitor?

Stephan shook his head, for clearly Randall had made a serious mistake in luring her out into the garden. Could others on the garden paths have overheard your argument or Randall's curses?

Liberty frowned as she tried to recall. I saw only the couple on the terrace, no one else. When Randall began to swear at me, it was in a hoarse whisper, the way a man might speak to a stubborn mule, not a lady. She leaned back, laid her hands in her lap and fidgeted with the buttons on her gloves. Oh, no, I've lost another fan. Why can't I attend a party and return home with one? I've lost a half dozen at least.

Liana used her own lace fan to stir the air for them both. I fear I've given you the appearance of a lady, but utterly failed to teach you how to actually be one.

He thought it a minor complaint considering how poorly the evening had gone for Randall Mapleton. You dance beautifully, Miss Hunter, and I'd describe you as an exquisite lady no matter how many fans you lost.

Thank you, Mr. MacLeod, Liberty replied, but she was more frightened than she cared to admit. When they reached their home, she had to remind herself to remain seated until Edmund opened the door and lowered the steps. Mr. MacLeod might pay her compliments, but she possessed only a thin veneer of fine manners, and she sensed now was the time to display them.

Their three story brick home was an elegant example of the Georgian architecture popular in the former colonies. If not quite as large as the Benhams' home, it was also beautifully furnished and immaculately maintained. During the day, the white paint on the columned front porch and casement windows glistened in the sun, but in the moonlight, they reflected a soft glow.

After asking Roscoe to wait for Mr. MacLeod, Liberty led the way through the front door and into her father's study. She lit the lamp and leaned back against the desk. Must we write anything tonight? This was the most wretched evening of my life, and I'd rather go straight to bed.

Liana took one of the wing chairs facing the desk. Please sit down, Mr. MacLeod. I have a terrible feeling we may not retire before sunrise.

Thank you, Mrs. Hunter, but I prefer to stand for now. I would like you to be seated at the desk, Miss Hunter. Find some stationery and ink. You'll have a far better recall of tonight's events now than in the morning. We need to do all we can to keep your memories fresh and clear.

Liberty yanked off her gloves as she circled the massive mahogany desk. We've also more time to edit my comments, haven't we? Some people will say I should not have accompanied Randall to the terrace without a chaperon. Should we counter that criticism first?

He paced slowly. Yes, an effective defense always stays a step ahead of the prosecution.

I want to be much further ahead than that, Liberty insisted. She sat in her father's chair, found his stationery in the top drawer, took a sheet of the expensive vellum and removed the silver lid from the small crystal jar of ink. She picked up a pen. I believe we should list every objection to my innocence anyone might raise.

Liana sat back and raised a gloved hand. Must we be so cynical, Mr. MacLeod?

I'm not being cynical, Mother. I simply want to have credible answers for any questions that might arise.

Stephan agreed. It's considered a clever strategy, Mrs. Hunter, and I'm at a disadvantage in not knowing your daughter well. Please don't be embarrassed. I'll not repeat anything you reveal, so if something worries you, please tell me now.

Liberty glanced toward her mother. I scarcely know where to begin.

Will you at least attempt to be serious, Liana scolded.

Liberty cocked her head. I am. I own the fastest stallion in Virginia, Mr. MacLeod. While many men scoff at the thought of racing me, a few have wanted to put me in my place. A lot of money has been wagered, but my Sunny has never been beaten. It's not my fault if fools bet against me, or that I profited from their misfortune. Were I a man, I'd be admired, but good sportsmanship apparently doesn't apply when races are won by a woman.

He kept pacing, his hands clasped behind his back. You mentioned brothers, couldn't one of them have ridden Sunny in the races?

Liberty gripped the arms on her chair. My brothers are fine horsemen, but I'm the only one who rides Sunny. I'm sorry it's so late, or I'd take you out to the pasture to see him. You're sure to be impressed.

Anyone would be, Liana added. Sunny was a birthday gift from her father. Liberty raised him from a colt. He's simply a magnificent horse, and some of the men who've loudly criticized her for riding him, have come here to offer us enormous sums for stud fees.

Amazed, Stephen nevertheless nodded thoughtfully. Clearly the Hunters were a remarkable family in allowing a daughter to race and be privy to discussions generally reserved for grown men. He cleared his throat. I doubt you accepted the offers, Miss Hunter.

No, I most certainly did not. None of them ownes mares as fine as ours, and I intend to raise Sunny's colts myself.

He stopped in front of the desk. So you may have made a few enemies with your racing. What about other amorous suitors like Randall? Are there many of those?

Liana nearly moaned. I do believe there may still be a young man or two who has not called on my daughter, but it would be difficult to think of their names.

He spoke an intimate aside to Liberty, You are lovely, but obviously too high-spirited for most.

It's a shame they lack your insight, Liberty responded. She adjusted the angle of the stationery. I'll list racing victories and spurned suitors as problems. Should we go on to the party?

Yes. If I hadn't asked you to dance when you reentered the ballroom, where were you bound?

You had a firm hold on my waist before you asked, she reminded him.

That's true. Now answer my question.

I was angry with Randall, and I meant to find my mother and insist we leave for home.

But we'd just gotten there, Liana argued.

I know, but I wish we'd left before Randall's body was found.

Had you left for home, people would have accused you of fleeing to avoid being caught, Stephan cautioned. It's actually to your benefit that I kept you at the Benhams'.

Liberty balanced the pen across the open inkbottle and then leaned back in her father's chair. I appear to be doubly fortunate to have you as my attorney.

I'll continue to prove it, he countered.

Mr. MacLeod, there is one other thing Liberty should have mentioned, Liana offered hesitantly. Her father is half-Seneca, and there are people who will damn her for having Indian blood. They'll say she's half-savage and capable of any crime.

Stephan fought to hide his shock. It was a trick he used in a courtroom, but the jolt sent a cold wave surging down his spine. Liberty's red hair had fooled him, but her heritage was plainly visible in her beautiful dark eyes.

This is proving to be the most extraordinary case I've ever handled, he remarked with admirable calm.

"I'll remind you once again that I didn't