6
"I was distraught when the gift I had sent as a sign of my admiration was returned," Mr. Forsyth said as he placed his coffee cup back on its saucer. "Mr. Murray, unless his conveyance of information was in error, caused me to believe that you had been pleased. But perhaps you had been offended; Misters Murray and Sawyer are not the most perceptive of men. But it wasn't my intent to offend although perhaps it was injudicious of me to have sent the small token to a married woman. I do hope that Mr. Cartwright wasn't angered or made jealous by my open admiration of you, Mrs. Cartwright."
Amanda had been correct, Ultima thought; Matthew Forsyth was handsome—thick blonde hair, bright blue eyes and classic features. He was tall as well—as tall as Hoss. She decided that Forsyth and Adam were about the same age—in their forties but Forsyth didn't have the effects of weather and hard work on him. And his fine clothes were immaculate as were his fingernails.
"Of course not, Mr. Forsyth," she offered. "My husband did not want to have the perception of any impropriety since you are both in the mining business." Ultima noticed that after the first sip, Mr. Forsyth didn't seem to care for the coffee. "Is there something wrong with the coffee, Mr. Forsyth? Perhaps more cream?"
"No, although you are kind to notice that it's not to my taste." He smiled blandly and Ultima became nervous. She didn't see the desire in his gaze that she usually saw when a man looked at her, especially one as attractive as Matthew Forsyth.
"Perhaps a splash of whiskey? My husband keeps some fine Kentucky bourbon."
He smiled in gratitude. "Why thank you. That would be most appealing. Actually, if you have no objection, I would prefer the whiskey without the coffee."
Ultima rose and opened a cabinet, taking out a bottle and a small glass. "Please," she said, "pour the amount you would like. I am not overly familiar with spirits." She handed the bottle to Forsyth who thanked her and then filled the glass half full.
He sighed as the golden liquid lay on his tongue and then warmed him as he swallowed. "That's fine whiskey. You husband has good taste…in all matters." He raised the glass to Ultima and she caught for the first time a glint of desire in his eyes. Now she was back in familiar territory.
"My husband tells me that you are a part owner of the Empire Mine in California."
"Yes," he said and smiled. He was determined to make her ask what she wanted to know; he would volunteer nothing.
Ultima waited. She then realized that Forsyth was toying with her and decided to go ahead and state her mind. "It seems to me that since you and Mr. Cartwright became acquainted a few years ago, that you would meet with him and reveal your interest in purchasing stock. I don't understand why you are visiting me-and why you sent the two…gentlemen to visit the other day. My husband is befuddled as well."
Forsyth chuckled and Ultima sat up taller. There was something in his laugh that set her on edge.
"I doubt that Adam Cartwright is befuddled by anything…except perhaps by you."
"Is it your intent to insult me?"
"No. Not at all." He poured himself another drink and Ultima noted that he didn't ask her permission. She began to feel nervous; she wasn't certain she could control him. "Your husband is no fool, Mrs. Cartwright, and neither are you. I have heard that you are usually at the shareholder meetings and business dinners—usually the only woman. That is either because your husband doesn't trust leaving you alone or he wants your opinion afterwards; I think it's the latter although it wouldn't surprise me if you had a lover. Now, I want you, Mrs. Cartwrigth, to convince your husband—however you choose to do it—to sell me some of the shares since you are, as I understand from my source, joint owners of the shares. I will make it worthwhile as I will pay twice their value. And for you, Mrs. Cartwright, I will make you a gift of ten more nuggets, each one as large as or larger than the one I had already offered. You can secret them away and know that part of your wealth lies hidden from your husband."
Ultima stood up. Even though he frightened her, she was determined that Mr. Forsyth wouldn't know.
"I think that you had best leave now, Mr. Forsyth. I will relay your request to my husband but I'm certain—as you already know—that he will ask my opinion on the matter and I will recommend that he not sell to you. I'm sure that he would find your behavior most inappropriate."
Forsyth stood up and approached Ultima. He loomed over her.
"Don't be a damned fool, Mrs. Cartwright. All I ask is that you use that delectable body of yours to influence your husband; all men can be swayed through the delights of a good bout of fornication. And your husband is not one to school me on matters of 'appropriateness'. You were a widow less than a week before he married you and from what I heard, most enthusiastically bedded you." He smiled at Ultima's look of outrage. "I have found that dismissed domestic staff is most willing to talk about their former employer." He smiled down at her and moved closer but Ultima was determined to stand her ground despite the fear that gripped her. She reminded herself that she was Mrs. Adam Cartwright and need not fear any man. She looked up at him, her mouth firm. She could smell the whiskey on his breath. "I would suggest," Forsyth said in a low, threatening voice, "that you do as I ask or you may regret it."
He smiled again and then turned and walked away to pick up his hat where he had left it. Ultima watched him, her mind racing.
Forsyth turned again and looked at her, holding her determined gaze. "It has been a pleasure," he said and walked out of the drawing room and into the foyer. She took a shaky breath. She was angry at herself for allowing Forsyth to upset her. Adam had told her not to see Forsyth should he visit but she was certain that he could be easily won over but then, perhaps Forsyth's desire for money overshadowed his carnal desire and her attraction to men was her greatest weapon. She now knew that Forsyth was formidable and his threat stayed with her; she would play the scene over and over all afternoon, trying to discern just how matters came to such a stress point.
Amanda was waiting in the hall in the hopes of seeing the handsome Mr. Forsyth leave and now she fetched his hat, walking stick and gloves that he had left with her when he entered. She shyly handed them to him.
"Quite the pretty one, aren't you?" Forsyth said to her and Amanda blushed.
"Thank you, sir," she replied with a slight curtsy.
"Quite the pretty one, indeed." Forsyth looked at her appraisingly, then reached down and pinched one of her full breasts. Amanda's mouth dropped open and Forsyth chuckled, opened the door and walked out. Amanda rubbed her breast where the cruel pinch had stung not knowing what to think. Then she smiled gently to herself. He had said she was pretty and that was just after he had left the Missus who everyone thought was beautiful. Well, Amanda thought, he thinks I'm pretty, maybe even prettier than Mrs. Cartwright. And Amanda hoped Mr. Forsyth would visit again.