me.” Lakewood smiled and motioned to the chairs. “Please sit.”
Faith frowned. What was he up to? She remained standing.
“I know we last parted under less than comfortable circumstances, but I wanted you to come here today so that I might explain,” he said.
“Explain why you had me expelled from college just weeks before my graduation?”
“Yes, well, once it was learned that you were part Indian, that certification would have been rescinded anyway. Now, please sit.”
Faith didn’t want to argue about chairs and tea when she had her heritage and college degree to focus on. She took her seat on a silk upholstered throne chair and fixed him with a stern gaze.
He smiled. “You look like Queen Victoria holding court.”
“But Queen Victoria isn’t part Indian.” Faith saw no reason to avoid the truth.
He chuckled and sat on the settee. “I thought you might deny it.”
“Why should I? I am curious how you know anything about me.”
“Well, it wasn’t that difficult.” He crossed his legs and folded his arms. “Your father’s family made no secret of your grandmother being half Cherokee.”
Faith sighed. He thought she was Indian because of Isaac Browning, just as her father had suggested. She could manage that well enough.
“Now, I understand that makes you only one-eighth Indian, but blood is blood. It’s a wonder, however, that you have those beautiful blue eyes.”
“A gift from my mother’s side,” she said, then drank the last of her tea.
“Now that the truth is out, I asked you here to tell you what I want to do about it. I know you’re dismayed over losing your chance to play doctor, but I have a much better future in mind. I want you to help me with the Indians. And to become my mistress.”
Faith nearly dropped her cup. She steadied her hand and looked at Lakewood. “You cannot be serious.”
“But I am. You see, I find you to be the most exotic and intelligent of creatures. I suppose that’s why I looked into your background and family. I longed to know more about you.”
“You mean you hoped to find something you could use against me. Something that would silence me. Well, I won’t be silenced, and I won’t be your mistress.”
Lakewood shook his head. “You aren’t thinking this through. If you did, you would see how your cooperation will ultimately help the Indians.” He leaned over and poured himself a cup of tea. Holding the pot aloft, he asked, “More?”
“No.” She put down her cup and started to rise. “This conversation is over.”
“Sit down, Miss Kenner. You really have no choice in this.”
She sank back onto the chair. “I have plenty of choices. You can tell the world about my Indian heritage. I don’t care. As for helping the Indians, I don’t believe you would lift a finger to aid them, given your feelings on people of color.”
“Do you care about your cousin’s husband?” He stirred sugar into his tea.
Faith felt as if he’d kicked the wind out of her. She could say nothing for several moments. What was he getting at?
“I see I have your full attention. You are surprised by my knowing about Mr. Carpenter. The simple fact is that I arranged his beating and fully planned to see him killed, but then I got another idea. Perhaps if I allowed him to live, you might be grateful and do my bidding.” He put the teaspoon aside and sampled his tea. “Perfect.”
Faith felt sick as the truth began to wash over her. This man was cruel and heinous. He didn’t care at all who he hurt.
“Simply put, my dear Faith, if you do as you’re told, your cousin’s husband will be allowed to live.”
“He’s in a bad way,” Faith said, shaking her head. “The doctors aren’t holding out much hope for him. I saw him myself last night, and it will take a miracle—an act of God—for him to pull through.”
“Yes, well, Berkshire’s lackeys were a little too enthusiastic. If he doesn’t make it, then there are always others with whom to contend. Your cousin, for instance. She’s expecting a baby. It would be such a pity if something were to happen to her . . . or to the baby.”
“Stop it! You have no right to threaten the lives of innocent people.”
“Ah, but they aren’t so innocent. You may or may not realize what Mr. Carpenter has been up to, but he has caused me a lot of grief. And before that, his wife interfered with my plans.”