Timeswept Brides

/ love thee with the breath,

smile, tears of all my life!

and, if God chose, I shall but

love thee better after death.

– Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Prologue

Not a breath of air stirred the gray Spanish moss that hung from the gnarled old oak trees as Jade St. Clair rode heedlessly through their spidery net on her way to the cathedral of St. Louis.

Frantically, she urged her gelding into a thundering gallop down Chartres Street, afraid that she would be too late. Raige Belmanoir, the man she loved and was to marry, had challenged Tyrone Dunois to a duel, and she had to stop it!

Raige was too proud to ever forgive a misdeed, but she had to make him understand that Tyrone was innocent of any wrongdoing-that she was innocent, that no matter what he thought he had seen in the garden last night, she had not betrayed their love.

A crowd had gathered at St. Louis Cathedral to watch the predawn encounter, and as Jade approached, the people scattered to keep from being trampled by the flying hooves of her great black horse.

Not waiting for her mount to come to a halt, Jade leaped to the ground in a flurry of petticoats and ran to the garden behind the cathedral. But when she heard the sound of clashing steel, she knew that she was too late!

For a fleeting moment her eyes rested on Raige, who stood, rapier poised, ready to strike a haggard and weary Tyrone. Raige looked forbidding-white-lipped, unforgiving, his features savage in anger. He was the better swordsman, so it was just a matter of time before he killed Tyrone.

Jade watched in horror as Raige's sword flashed in the sunlight, his movements like quicksilver as he relentlessly drove Tyrone against the garden wall. He slashed through the air with practiced skill, merely toying with his foe, and soon Tyrone's white-ruffled shirt was bloodstained in several places.

"Stop this at once!" Jade cried, heedlessly trampling delicate flowers beneath her riding boots as she raced toward the two duelists. She reached Raige, and in desperation grasped his arm. "Please do not do this," she pleaded. "You have already drawn blood; will that not suffice to appease your pride?''

Raige gave her a long, level stare. Where once his tawny eyes had been warm and loving, they now appeared cold and implacable. Roughly, he shoved Jade aside, then turned his attention once more to his opponent. "Would you hide behind a woman's petticoat, Tyrone?" he asked contemptuously.

Tyrone raised his blade. "Keep Jade out of this," he replied angrily. "What transpires here concerns only you and me."

"Ah," Raige said, his words mocking, "so noble of you to defend the lady's name against me, who was to be her husband."

Where once there had been friendship between the two men, there was now only hatred. Neither heeded Jade's pleas as they became locked in a fierce contest, each intent on the death of the other.

Jade cried out as Raige's blade slashed across Tyrone's face, leaving a deep gash. Poor Tyrone, noble fool that he was, would die-and for what? Honor? Pride? What good would they do him if he were dead?

Without considering the consequences, Jade moved toward the two men, dread engulfing her like a shroud.

Pierre Monier, the gentleman who was acting as Raige's second, caught her arm and shook his head. "It's gone too far, Mademoiselle St. Clair. No one can stop them now."

She thrust Pierre's hands away, and in a last desperate attempt, ran to Tyrone, who had fallen to his knees and was struggling to rise.

"Non, please, Raige, no more," she implored. "Do not do this to Tyrone."

Raige paused for a moment, his eyes driving into hers. "You have the face of an angel, my lovely. Pity that I did not see your true character until it was too late. There is no more fool than I."

For a fleeting moment Jade saw what looked like a flash of pain in Raige's opaque eyes, and then he turned away.

"Stand aside," he ordered. "I will finish what I have begun."

Unmindful of the peril to herself, Jade threw her body in front of Tyrone, trying to shield him from the oncoming thrust of Raige's sword. There was a look of surprise on her face as she felt a sharp, stinging pain in her chest, and it took a moment for her to realize that the blow Raige had intended for Tyrone had struck her instead.

She saw the look of disbelief on Raige's face as he threw down his sword and grabbed her in his arms.

"My God, Jade, what have I done?" he cried in a strangled voice. He could tell by the position of the bloodstain on the front of her dress that the wound was fatal!

Jade reached her hand up to her chest and felt a wet stickiness. Strange, she thought, there was hardly any pain.

"It wasn't your fault, Raige," one of the observers said, as the crowd gathered about them. "We'll all bear witness that she just ran in front of your sword."

Raige's hand trembled as he gently touched Jade's face. "Did you love Tyrone so much that you were willing to die in his stead?" There was pain in his voice, but accusation as well, the accusation of a man who thought he had been betrayed by the two people he trusted most in the world.

Jade licked her dry lips. "I… love…" She was screaming on the inside, but she could not give voice to the words that would make him understand. She wanted so desperately for Raige to hold her and keep back the darkness that hovered over her.

In that moment, Jade knew she was dying, and she saw that Raige knew it as well. She wanted to comfort him and tell him not to grieve-not to blame himself-but she was too weak.

She closed her eyes for a moment and whispered a prayer that God would be merciful and give her another chance- if only she could turn back time and relive last night, this would not have happened.

Jade focused her eyes on Raige, wanting his face to be the last thing she saw before she died. She loved him with her whole being, but he would never believe it now.

Raige had dropped to his knees and was cradling her head on his lap. Jade, his only love, her delicate face now so pale, her glorious green eyes dull with pain. He was tormented and would gladly give his own life to save hers if he could.

"Why, Jade-why?" His voice was choked, his eyes were bewildered and swimming with tears. "We were to be married in two days. Why did you betray me?"

She tried once more to speak, but could not-her throat was too dry and the darkness was winning over the light.

Helplessly, Raige watched as she struggled to breathe. Then he felt the life leave her body as she went limp in his arms.

A large crowd had gathered and pressed forward to witness the aftermath of the tragedy. A doctor appeared, but sadly shook his head, turning away from Jade to treat the wounded Tyrone.

Raige lifted Jade in his arms, refusing all those who offered to help. He raised his head to the heavens as an agonizing sound issued from his lips.

"Dear God, non-I killed that which I loved most in life!"

Chapter One

Seated in the window seat of the 747, Olivia Heartford unconsciously uncapped her ballpoint and began to trace an outline of a face in her open notebook. The pen seemed to move of its own volition, tracing the manly beauty of a godlike person.

There was arrogance in the lofty tilt to his chin, and although she had never met him, she knew that his eyes were golden brown. She had imagined this face many times, but never before had she drawn him. In fact, Olivia had not even known she could draw.

The man was not real, but a vision she had conjured up out of her loneliness, a face that came to her almost nightly in her dreams. Her pen dipped down to trace the sensitive mouth and its mocking twist. A strange yearning mixed with sadness came over her as it always did when she thought of him.

At times Olivia was afraid that she was losing her mind-she must be, to chase a dream all the way from Boston to New Orleans.

The roar of the giant aircraft was deafening as it dropped its landing gear and tilted to the right on its final approach to New Orleans International Airport. Olivia pressed her forehead against the oval window for her first view of New Orleans-lush and green, with fingers of waterways weaving their way through the land like a colorful tapestry.

"Quite breathtaking, isn't it," Ada Harmon, the grandmotherly woman seated next to Olivia, observed. "You are going to love it here-everyone does. New Orleans is like no other city in the world."

Ada was returning from visiting her daughter in Boston, and she and Olivia had become acquainted on the long flight. Olivia had found her to be a fountain of information, and Ada could not have found a more attentive listener, because Olivia was fascinated with everything that concerned old New Orleans.

"I must say," the older woman observed, glancing over her bifocals at Olivia, "for one who was born and raised in the East, you are very knowledgeable about our history. One would almost think you were a native."

"I have been interested in your history as long as I can remember. As a child, I read every book I could find on it." Olivia smiled shyly. She had never revealed so much of herself to a stranger. "As I told you, I'm a librarian and have access to many books."

Stuffing her knitting gingerly into a canvas bag, Ada eyed her young companion critically. Olivia seemed nice enough, but she was not a woman who would stand out in a crowd. There was nothing remarkable about her face, and she wore such thick glasses that it was difficult to tell if her eyes were blue or gray. Her hair was a nondescript brown, and although she was young, she wore it pulled away from her face in a tight little bun.

Ada somehow found herself pitying her companion, who could certainly use some advice on how to dress. The pale yellow suit she wore made her skin look washed out and sallow, and the skirt was much too long to be in style.

With interest, Ada noticed the drawing on Olivia's lap. "You are quite good. Did you have art lessons?"

"N-no," Olivia admitted. "Until this moment, I had no idea I could draw."

Ada looked doubtful, but then she smiled in her friendly Southern manner. "Where will you be staying in New Orleans, dear?"

Olivia's face became flushed with excitement. "At a bed-and-breakfast called the Bridal Veil Inn. Have you heard of it?"

Ada looked dismayed. "Yes, I have, but it is so far from the city and it's desolate and run-down-hardly anyone stays there." Not wanting to criticize Olivia's choice, she selected her words carefully. "Bridal Veil was once a great plantation, until the daughter of the house met a tragic end. They say the inn is haunted."

Olivia nodded. "I know. I have read the legend of how Jade St. Clair was accidentally slain by her intended husband."

Ada shrugged. "There are those who say it was no accident." She saw Olivia tense, so she tried to reassure her. "But, there now, you have come to enjoy yourself and don't want to hear old ghost stories."

Olivia could have told Ada that every choice she had made in her life had brought her to this moment. She could have told the kindhearted woman that Olivia Heartford was not her real name, but a name the Catholic sisters had given her at the orphanage where she had grown up, because no one knew who her parents were. She had never told anyone about the vivid dreams she'd had since childhood, dreams that were so real they were more like visions, and the people in those dreams were more real to her than the people she knew in everyday life. The odd thing about her dreams was that they were from a bygone era, which her research had indicated was the early 1800s.

Olivia would never forget that day two years ago when she had been thumbing through a travel magazine and came across an article featuring the Bridal Veil Inn. Her throat had tightened and she had felt frightened, for she knew that house well. Although the years had changed the facade and grounds, it was the house in her dreams. That very day she had started planning this trip, not knowing what she would find at the Bridal Veil Inn, but knowing she had to go.

The plane landed with a soft thud and taxied down the runway toward the terminal. Soon everyone was pushing and shoving in the aisles, and Olivia said a hasty good-bye to Ada Harmon.

A short time later, with her luggage in tow, Olivia stepped out into the humid afternoon air. There was no way to describe the feeling she experienced, the tightening in her chest, the hammering of her pulse-it was almost as if she had been on a long journey and had come home at last!

She was soon seated in a taxi, and the driver spoke to her in a thick Cajun accent. "Where to, ma'am?"

"To the Bridal Veil Inn," she answered, anxious to reach her destination. "Do you know where it is?"

Through the rearview mirror, he gave her a measured glance. "I know about it, lady."

With a honk of his horn, he pulled into the traffic and they left the airport behind and merged onto the freeway. Olivia soon became so absorbed by the scenery that she hardly noticed when they left the city behind and turned onto River Road.

Excitement throbbed through her when she first saw the Mississippi snaking its way through the lush countryside. Before long, she had her first view of a swamp, and though it was merely a narrow inlet with ghostly moss hanging from strangely shaped cypress trees, she found it fascinating.

"Is it much farther?" she asked when they turned down what appeared to be a country lane. Ada Harmon had been right-it was desolate here.

"Just up the road," the man muttered. "Looks like fog's settling in," he observed in irritation. "It'll take me an hour to get back to town now."

Olivia felt that he was asking her to apologize, although she could have pointed out to him that nature, and not she, controlled the elements.

She turned her attention to the long, oak-lined drive, which was eerily enveloped in a swirl of mist. But neither fog nor ghost stories dampened her enthusiasm, because even though she could not see the landscape very well, she already knew what it looked like.

Until that moment, she had been lonely and incomplete. Now she knew that whatever her destiny was, she would find it at Bridal Veil Inn.

The sensation that she had been there before intensified as they stopped in front of the great house that rose from the mist. Olivia paused with her hand on the door handle, knowing that when she stepped out of the taxi, her life would change forever.

It suddenly had turned cold and a shiver went down her spine. Olivia had the curious feeling that she had just stepped back in time.

Just then, Betty Allendale, the owner of the Bridal Veil Inn, threw open the door and descended the steps. Her blonde hair was flawlessly styled, and she wore a green print dress and a white organdy apron. Her smile was genuine as she greeted Olivia.

"Miss Heartford, at last we meet-welcome, welcome! Come inside; Harrison will see to the driver and place your luggage in your room."

"Betty, please call me Olivia. After all, we have been corresponding for two years."

"Very well," her hostess said. "I do feel that we know each other well."

At that moment, Olivia could not have spoken if her life depended on it. Suddenly, she could hardly breathe because there was a heavy sadness in her heart. Betty did not seem to notice anything unusual in Olivia's manner and chatted endlessly as she accompanied her guest inside.

Olivia was confused by the change in the entryway. The floor was polished wood with a red Turkish runner, and she was quite certain that it had once been black marble.

Betty Allendale led her into the front parlor, where a blazing fire was a welcoming sight. Hungry flames licked at the applewood log, filling the room with a sweet scent.

"Where are the other guests?" Olivia inquired.

Betty looked apologetic. "I hope you won't mind being my only guest. It seems that most people today want all the conveniences of the big chain hotels, and we are a bit far from town."

Mind! Olivia was elated, because she didn't want to share her time at Bridal Veil with other people. "No, I prefer it this way, Betty."

"Through our correspondence," Betty said, "you learned quite a lot about Bridal Veil Inn-still, I will give you the same speech I give all my guests." After a small pause, her voice took on the tone of a tour guide. "This was once the main house of Meadow Brook Plantation, owned by the St. Clair family. It passed through six owners before my husband and I bought it. Since John died seven years ago, I have sold off most of the property and opened the inn. Besides myself, I have a maid, a cook, and Harrison, who acts as gardener and handyman."

Betty added a log to the fire before she continued. "When we first purchased the house twenty years ago, it had not been occupied for over fifty years. Although we did extensive renovations, we chose to add few modern conveniences. You will find the plumbing is quite modern, but everything else is as near to the original house plans as our limited knowledge would allow."

"You did an exceptional job," Olivia said, turning around in the room that felt so familiar. "Was this not once the master's study?"

"Why, yes, although not many people know that. I'm sure I never wrote you about that-did I?"

"No. It just seems obvious."

"Yes, I suppose so. Logically it would be advantageous to the master's needs," Betty admitted. "As you know," she continued, "tragedy befell the daughter of the man who built this house. Although it was hushed up at the time, it is reputed that young, beautiful Jade St. Clair was tragically slain by the man she was to marry. Not many details have come down to us, although we know that soon after Jade's death, her fiancé, Raige Belmanoir, disappeared. Some say he went into the swamps and never came out because he couldn't live with what he had done."

Olivia felt as if a hand had just clutched her heart. "It was not his fault. Jade St. Clair stepped in front of his sword."

"So you wrote in your letters," Betty said dismissively. "Everyone who comes here has a theory on just how Jade St. Clair died. While some try to glamorize her demise, the probable truth is she was slain by the man she loved while he was in a jealous rage. Some overimaginative guests have sworn they saw Jade's ghost roaming the halls in her wedding gown and veil, and I must say that at times even I have seen things out of the ordinary. I know it adds to the romance of the inn to have a legendary ghost, but I hope Jade St. Clair has found peace."

"Do you have a portrait of her, or any other possessions besides the wedding veil you named the inn after?"

Betty shook her head. "No, nothing else of hers has survived. But come with me-you will not be disappointed."

Olivia followed Betty Allendale up the wide stairs to the second-floor landing. There, on a rosewood table, covered with a tall glass dome, was Jade St. Clair's faded lace wedding veil.

"It's so delicate, so beautiful," Olivia said in a trembling voice, reaching out toward the glass enclosure and then allowing her hand to drop away. "The pearls are from the Orient, and the lace was made in Brussels."

"You have done your research," Betty said, becoming disturbed by Olivia's obsessive interest in Jade St. Clair. This had been apparent in her letters; it was even more apparent in person. Betty thought there was something very sad about the lonely young woman.

"May I… would it be possible to try on the… veil?" Olivia asked hesitantly.

Betty looked horrified at the thought. "I never take it out of the protective case. It is fragile and very valuable."

There was pleading in Olivia's eyes. "I will be careful with it if you will only allow me to touch it."

Betty felt a rush of pity for the plain young woman who was so entranced by the legend of this house that she had saved her meager salary for almost two years so she could make the trip. "I suppose it will do no harm," she said, at last capitulating. She lifted the glass and laid it aside. "You can see that it really is quite delicate."

With trembling hands, Olivia reached for the veil, almost touching it and then drawing back, only to reach out again. At last her fingers brushed softly against the lace and she felt as if a shock of electricity had gone through her body. She had touched this veil before; she knew she had. It had once sat atop her own head.

Seeing the longing in Olivia's eyes, Betty Allendale made a quick decision. “If you will never tell a living soul, I'll allow you to put the veil on. But just for a brief moment, and just this once."

Olivia stood statue-still as her hostess gently lifted the lace veil from the wooden form. When the material floated across Olivia's head and brushed her cheeks, Betty Allendale faded from view and another woman stood in her place, a woman dressed in a floor-length gown-a woman that Olivia knew was Jade's mother, Emmaline St. Clair.

"Jade, dearest, you will make a lovely bride. Wait until Raige sees you!" her mother exclaimed.

Olivia felt paralyzed and she wanted to cry out. She was so frightened that she wanted to rip the veil from her head, but then the ghostly face of Emmaline St. Clair faded and Betty Allendale once more stood in her place.

Olivia carefully removed the fragile lace veil that had given her a glimpse into the past and handed it to Betty, who did not seem aware of what had occurred.

Betty smiled as she took the veil and replaced it under the glass dome. "Now," she said, turning to Olivia, "I'm sure you are tired after your long flight. I'll show you to your room."

As they walked down the long hallway, Olivia only half listened to Betty's chatter. She was trying to close her mind to frightening sensations-the feeling of familiarity, the knowledge that she had walked these halls before.

“Dinner is at seven; we are rather informal. Breakfast is served in your room unless you are an early riser and wish to dine on the veranda."

"I'm an early riser. I was always the first one to arrive at the library."

Betty didn't doubt it. She opened the door and the strong scent of roses permeated the air, a smell so nostalgic that Olivia leaned against the wall, trying to stop her body from quaking.

"Are you ill?" Betty asked in concern, noticing how pale her guest was.

"No. I'm just tired. You must have other things to do- I can get settled in myself."

Betty looked concerned. "If you are sure. Perhaps I should send Rosalie to help you unpack."

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I like to do my own unpacking."

Betty smiled. "If there is anything you need, just let me know."

Olivia watched Betty Allendale move down the hallway with a gracefulness known to a bygone time, or perhaps it was a gracefulness inherent in Southern women. Then Olivia entered the bedroom and closed the door behind her. For a long moment, she kept her eyes cast downward, almost afraid of what she might find. She had requested Jade St. Clair's bedroom, and she already knew what it looked like.

Slowly she raised her eyes-yes, the double doors that led to a balcony, the fireplace carved with cherubs, the poster bed, they were all the same. Here, as downstairs, there were changes, but subtle ones. Olivia hoped that the rose arbor she had so often dreamed about would still be in the garden.

Stiffly, almost reluctantly, she moved across the room, holding her breath. Taking her courage in hand, she stood on the balcony, her hands gripping the cast-iron railing. Yes, there it was, the white arbor covered with climbing roses. It hadn't changed at all!

"I'm home," she said to no one in particular, wondering how she could explain her knowledge of a house she had never been in before.

The last crimson rays of the sun lingered against the horizon as Olivia descended the stairs to the dining room. Soft candlelight mellowed the rooms she passed through and she felt more alive than she had ever felt before. She dined on baked chicken served in wine sauce. Afterwards she went into the parlor and curled up on the overstuffed sofa while Betty Allendale played the piano and the maid served fruit punch and coffee.

At last, feeling contented and at peace, Olivia wished her hostess good night and made her way up the stairs. For so long she had imagined herself here at Bridal Veil, and she was not disappointed by what she had found. Boston seemed so far away, another world, another time-mis was where she belonged; she knew that now.

When Olivia reached her bedroom, she undressed and slipped into her nightgown. She turned off the lamp and the room was illuminated by the soft moonlight that spilled through the open door that led to the balcony.

Climbing into the soft featherbed, she sank into comfort of the mind and body, feeling warm and protected. Lying where Jade St. Clair had once lain, she could feel the young girl's thoughts, experience her emotions and her loves.

Olivia was no longer frightened, for there had been love in this house. She could feel it. Jade had known the love of her mother and father and a much younger sister. She'd had a friend named Charlene, with whom she'd shared her deepest secrets.

While Olivia knew well the faces of Jade's family members, and even the face of the man Jade had loved, she had never seen an image of Jade herself. With new understanding, Olivia realized that was because she had been seeing life through Jade's eyes.

She knew that with sleep would come the dreams, and she welcomed them. She had come here for a purpose, although she had not known it until now. She was here to help the tormented ghost that walked the halls of Bridal Veil Inn.

"I don't know exactly why, Jade St. Clair, but I am here," she whispered.

Was it her imagination, or had she heard a sigh from somewhere in the darkened corners of the room?

Chapter Two

In the fallen dusk, Olivia's steps were guided by the light from the Chinese lanterns that danced against stone walls. With one purpose in mind, she moved down the path at the back of the house in the direction of the rose arbor, knowing that something out of the ordinary was about to happen. She could hear music and laughter in the background, and was puzzled. Betty must be entertaining.

When she reached the arbor, Olivia went inside and sat on a cushioned bench. She was feeling sad and could not have said why.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Olivia pressed herself back against the bench, not wanting to see anyone just now. A form in the shape of a man detached itself from the shadows, and she knew at once that it was Raige Belmanoir!

His voice was deep and laced with humor. "I know you are here, Jade, so do not try to hide from me."

Olivia realized she must be dreaming again, only she was not seeing the dream as a third person, an onlooker-she was Jade St. Clair!

She watched as Raige's bold stare turned into a flashing smile. Her eyes fixed anxiously on his while he appraised her. She had first become aware that she loved Raige when she was only twelve years old. Tonight she was celebrating her seventeenth birthday, and he had not paid the slightest attention to her until this moment.

"I just came out for a breath of air," she said, fanning herself with an ivory fan, knowing her cheeks were flushed, but not from the heat. "It was stifling in the ballroom."

Raige moved closer to her and took the fan, her birthday gift from Tyrone, carelessly tossing it onto the cushion. "It is little wonder you escaped. Every gentleman in the room, be he old or young, wanted to dance with you."

"Not every gentleman, Raige. You did not ask me to dance," she said flirtatiously.

"Don't do that, Jade."

Her lashes swept over her eyes, a tactic that had worked magic on countless admirers. "Do what?" she asked, feigning innocence.

"Never treat me like those simpletons who are satisfied with just a smile. It's more than flirting I want from you, Jade."

Excitement throbbed through her body like a raging tide. "I was not flirting with you. I don't know what you mean."

His voice was deep. "Do you not? Let's just say that I have an aversion to being just one of the adoring crowd."

She looked at him, admiring the cut of his green tailcoat. The matching trousers hugged his lean body, and an elaborately tied cravat circled his throat. He was tall and lithe, slender of waist and wide of shoulder, quite the handsomest man in three parishes. She raised her eyes to his, suddenly feeling shy.

He smiled as if he knew what she was thinking and feeling. Then he took her hand and studied the tapered fingers. "How could you not know that I am jealous of every man that looks at you?"

Jerking free, she clasped her hands behind her, still feeling the warmth of his touch. Jade felt as if butterflies were fluttering in her stomach. Of course Raige did not mean what he was saying; he had always teased her.

"You have been in Europe for almost a year, Raige; I believe you never gave me a thought in all mat time."

"You are wrong-I thought of you. And now I have returned to find you have grown into a young lady." His voice deepened and she thought she might faint when he sat down beside her. He was so near that she could feel his breath warm against her cheek.

"I have been waiting for you to grow up, Jade, and now you have."

She could imagine him saying this same thing to other females and it hurt so badly. Raige could have any woman he wanted. She had seen how silly girls simpered and giggled when he walked by. She had heard them sigh and make remarks about his manliness. She did not want him to think that she was like them.

"Please don't tease me anymore, Raige."

Standing, he pulled Jade up beside him, his eyes sweeping over her golden hair and dipping down to assess her beautiful face. "And why is mat?"

The night was like black velvet, without benefit of moon or stars. His eyes were probing, seeking, entering her mind and making her ache and tremble. Her tongue flicked out to moisten her dry lips, a move that was not lost to him. It was difficult for her to concentrate with him standing so near, touching her.

"As… as you said, I have grown up."

He touched her hair, his hand drifting down the silken curls, causing her to shiver with longing.

"It was your eyes that haunted me while I was away. Did you know I have never seen a woman with green eyes like yours?" Gently his hand went to her waist and he pulled her to him. She did not resist.

He took a guarded breath. "I have wondered what I would do when this moment came, Jade. Have you any notion how a man can ache for a woman? While I was gone, I could imagine the numerous admirers who might come to your door beseeching you to marry them."

There was fever in her blood and longing in her breast. He was only toying with her, but what did it matter-at last she was in his arms. "You have quite an imagination," she said, trying to show that she was immune to his charm.

"You missed me, Jade," he said with bold determination. "You cannot deny it."

At that moment Jade knew that she could not bear to be just another of Raige's many conquests. She was determined to shake his cool confidence as he had shaken hers. "You hardly crossed my mind at all," she said, turning her back to him so he would not read the truth in her eyes. "And, yes, there have been many gentlemen who have asked me to be their wife, while you do no more than torment me, trying to make me think you really care."

He turned her around to face him and laughed triumphantly at the uncertainty he saw in her eyes. "What is it you think I want from you?"

She was very near tears. "To mock me, as always."

He placed his hands on either side of her face, forcing her to look at him. “Jade, I would sooner rip out my own heart than to hurt you. Do you not know that?"

"I…"

He dipped his dark head, his lips lightly touching hers. She could neither breathe nor move as she clung to him.

When he raised his head, he gave her a devastating smile. "You see how it is with me?"

The chaste kiss he had given her so carelessly left her heart hungering for more. "N-no."

He moved away from her, as if he feared he would take her in his arms again if he did not put some distance between them. "How could you not know how I feel about you? Everyone else does."

She dared not hope he was being serious. "How can that be, when you have never paid the slightest bit of attention to me? Even tonight, when I had not seen you in over a year, you ignored me-and do not try to deny it."

He moved back to her, lightly touching her cheek. "My eyes followed you around the room all night. And when you danced with Tyrone, even though he is my friend, I wanted to rip you out of his arms. I have always felt that you belonged to me."

His words sent her heart soaring. The love she felt for him flowered until the pain was almost more than she could endure.

"What do you want from me, Raige?"

Gently his arms circled her and he cradled her against his chest so she could hear his heart thundering.

"Jade, my dearest love, I want the right to go to your father and ask for your hand in marriage. Will you grant me that right?"

As his words penetrated her thoughts, she stepped away from him. "You… want to marry me?"

He reached over her head and broke off a rose, handing it to her. She clutched the token to her. "There has never been a time when I considered anyone but you as mistress of Tanglewood."

Suddenly a swirling mist engulfed them both and she reached out to him, pricking her finger on the rose and dropping it to the floor of the arbor. He was gone, and she felt empty inside.

"Raige," she cried, "don't leave me-I cannot find you in the dark."

Olivia awoke, sitting upright in bed. She was wringing wet with perspiration, and her heart was drumming in her ears. The dream had been more real than any she had ever had. For a short time, she had been allowed to dwell in Jade's body, to feel what Jade had felt and to know a love so strong that it could not die.

She lay back against her pillow as tears filled her eyes. What fate had drawn her into the tangled lives of the star-crossed lovers? She was in love with a man who had been dead for well over a hundred years, and there would be no escape until she lived the dream to its heartbreaking conclusion.

There was a light tap on the door and Olivia reached for her robe.

"Morning, Miss Heartford," Rosalie said cheerfully as she swept into the room. "I'm to ask if you want breakfast on the veranda."

"Yes, I believe so." Olivia smiled at the maid, who was tall and slender and looked to be about thirty. Then she turned to the balcony door and saw bright sunlight filtering into the room. ' 'Luckily that thick fog that hit last night is gone."

Rosalie looked puzzled. "There was fog yesterday afternoon when you arrived, but a northerly wind blew it away. Last night was a full moon, and bright as daylight."

"But, I-" Olivia turned pale as she remembered the heavy mist. Was nothing at Bridal Veil what it seemed?

' 'I ran your bath for you across the hall, and while you bathe, I'll straighten your room," Rosalie offered.

Olivia agreed with a nod and moved out of the room, carrying her clothes and toiletries. After a refreshing bath in an old-fashioned bathtub with claw feet, she dressed in a pair of jeans and an oversized T-shirt. In slight irritation, she wiped the steam from the small mirror that hung above the sink. Was she mistaken or was her hair lighter in color? And why was it curling about her shoulders-her hair was straight. She shrugged; perhaps it was from the humidity. She reached for her glasses and realized that she'd left them in the bedroom.

The mirror had steamed up again, and in exasperation, Olivia applied a thin sheen of pale pink lipstick. She would leave her hair down today-no reason to pin it back.

When Olivia came downstairs, she was thinking about her dream the night before and did not see anyone until Betty stepped out of the dining room, carrying a pitcher of orange juice.

"Good morning," Betty said, indicating that Olivia was to precede her to the veranda.

"It's a glorious morning," Olivia replied, sitting at the table, which was covered with a white damask tablecloth and set with antique china and silver. She took a napkin and spread it across her lap while Betty poured her a cup of coffee.

"Betty, was there a heavy fog last night?"

"I don't believe so. The fog that hit at your arrival dissipated before sundown. As I recall, there was a bright moon last night. Why do you ask?"

Olivia shrugged and changed the subject. "I thought I heard music-did you have guests arrive after I went to bed?"

Betty looked perplexed. "No. There was no one here and there was no music."

Olivia picked up a blueberry muffin and spread it with butter, trying to calm herself. Betty must think her a complete fool, and she didn't blame her.

"Olivia, I must say that I like your hair worn loose. It's quite lovely." With a bemused look on her face, she watched Olivia for a moment. "You know, I could have sworn that your hair was darker. Perhaps it just looks that way when you wear it up."

Olivia could only stare at her hostess. "But I do have dark hair."

"Oh, I see-you colored it. Well, it looks very natural."

Olivia tilted the silver coffee server until she could see her reflection. Her hands were trembling as she reached up and touched the golden curls that spiraled about her face. What was happening to her?

There was something else that could not be explained, Olivia thought in a panic as she pushed aside the coffee server. She had forgotten her glasses, yet her vision was perfect. How could that be when she had worn thick bifocals since childhood?

Could this be a gift from Jade?

She stood up, placing her napkin beside her plate. "I find that I am not hungry. I believe I'll go for a walk before it gets too hot."

Betty was busy watering the flower boxes on the veranda, so she was unaware of Olivia's distress. "Yes, do that. Be sure to walk by the rose arbor; it's quite lovely there. If you keep to the path, it will eventually take you to the river."

Olivia moved quickly down the path, the same path she had walked last night. Of course there was no sign of the Chinese lanterns because they had not really been there- she had only dreamed them.

When she reached the rose arbor, she sat down on the cushioned bench. Last night had seemed so real. She glanced at her finger where she had pricked herself with a thorn and found a small wound. Her eyes dropped to the floor of the arbor, and there, crushed beneath her feet, was a single rose.

Olivia was suddenly terrified. With no aim in mind, she moved out of the arbor and ran down the path as if she could escape what was happening to her. She ran until she came to the spot where the path met the river. She had the strongest urge to leave this place and never come back. If she had Betty drive her to New Orleans this morning, she could spend the night in a hotel and catch a flight to Boston tomorrow.

She turned to glance back at the plantation house, with its mellow red bricks shining in the sunlight, beckoning to her like a ghost from the past. No, she could not leave. Not until this drama came to an end.

Perhaps the dreams would not come again, but that thought brought her no comfort. She ached to see Raige, to have him hold her in his arms. Last night he had asked her to be his bride-he must love her.

"No, fool," she told herself. "He did not ask you to marry him-he asked Jade St. Clair to be his bride. It was Jade he loved, not me."

Chapter Three

Olivia was torn between not wanting to dream of Raige Belmanoir and fearing that she might not. She tossed and turned, thinking she would never sleep. At last a cool breeze came through the balcony doors, and she drifted off to sleep.

Until now, all her dreams had taken place at night. But the part of her that was Jade was growing stronger, and she made her first appearance in daylight.

As Jade stepped out the front door of the plantation house, she flipped open her green parasol and positioned it between herself and the sun.

"I have grown accustomed to these annual outings at Fairmont," Emmaline St. Clair remarked. "I do think it is lovely there this time of year."

"But you are not fond of Felicity Dunois," Jade's sister, Lizette, said with the honest observation of a young girl.

Jade's father arched his brow at his wife, but made no comment.

"I have no antipathy toward Felicity… exactly," her mother answered carefully. "I am just not one of her close confidantes."

"I know a secret," Lizette said, beaming at her sister. "Would you like to hear it?"

Jade smiled at the young minx. At eleven, she was forever being scolded by their mother for not acting in a ladylike manner.

"Oui, please do tell us your secret, Lizette," Jade cajoled dramatically. "I am waiting with bated breath-on tenterhooks-with wild anticipation."

"You would not jest if you knew what I had overheard Madame Dunois say to her husband after Mass on Sunday. They did not know I was within hearing.''

"It is not polite to repeat gossip," her mother admonished her. "You will say no more on the subject."

In her eagerness, Lizette continued as if her mother had not spoken. "Madame Dunois told her husband that she wanted Jade to marry Tyrone so she could get her hands on Meadow Brook."

"She did not say such a thing!" their mother exclaimed in disbelief and indignation. "The boldness of that woman is not to be endured!"

"She said it. I heard her as clearly as I hear you," Lizette stated emphatically.

Jade only smiled. "I adore Tyrone, but he is like a brother to me. And, chatterbox," she said, tugging on one of her sister's curls affectionately, "Tyrone only thinks of me as a sister."

"Little you know," Lizette said with a toss of her head. "You have been mooning after Raige for so long that you never can see what's before your own nose. I've watched you standing at the mirror, primping and daydreaming, ever since Raige came home."

"Lizette, we'll have no more of your mischief," her father said sternly. "Is that understood?"

Jade looked at her father, wondering if Raige had approached him with an offer of marriage. Obviously he had not, or her father would have told her. Raige had not meant anything he'd said that night in the rose arbor. Well, if he came to the outing today, she would just ignore him and let him see that she had not gone into decline because of him.

Jade glanced down at her new white silk dress, which was embroidered with pink rosebuds. The Grecian style, with the high bodice and puffed sleeves, was flattering to her and did little to hide her womanly body. Would Raige like the dress on her? she wondered, then chided herself for being a fool. What did she care if Raige noticed her? There were many other gentlemen who would.

By now they had reached the Dunois house, a great white pillared mansion. Monsieur and Madame Dunois came down the steps to greet them, and Jade noticed her mother's forced smile. But her mother was a lady born and bred, and she would never be discourteous when she was someone's guest.

Jade smiled as Tyrone rushed down the steps to her. He was about the same height and build as Raige, but there the similarity ended. Tyrone, tall and fair, was popular with everyone, while Raige was often dark and brooding and intimidated most people. Despite their differences, the two men had been friends since childhood.

Tyrone helped Jade out of the carriage and she linked her arm through his.

"Please rescue me," he said, laughing down at her. "The gentlemen have gathered in the library and talk of nothing but the American upstarts who will surely be the ruination of us all, by making us a star on their flag-and how France has sold us out for thirty pieces of silver. And I'll rescue you from the women, who will talk of nothing but the latest fashions from France."

Jade wrinkled her nose. "You are right, of course-that is exactly what they always do, and it would be a bore."

"You are the most beautiful girl here today," he said earnestly. But then Tyrone had always told her she was pretty; she'd come to expect it of him.

' 'And you, monsieur, are surely the most gallant gentleman here."

They walked along the path that led to the back of the house, where other young people had gathered.

"I do not see Raige anywhere," Jade said, glancing through the crowd.

"I invited him, but I doubt he'll come. You know how he detests parties." Then Tyrone grinned down at her. "Should I worry that he will take my place with you now that he has returned?"

She looked at him carefully, remembering what Lizette had said. "No one could take your place. You are the brother I never had."

Was that anger she saw in his eyes? When he laughed, she was sure that she had been mistaken.

"I must be the envy of every gentleman from Baton Rouge to New Orleans since you favor me with your… friendship. Will you eat your picnic lunch with me?"

She felt that someone was watching her and turned back to see Tyrone's mother staring at her. There was definite dislike in the older woman's eyes, though Jade could not have said why.

"Of course I'll eat with you," she said, turning back to Tyrone. "That is, if you are not carried off by all the females who will want to scratch my eyes out."

Jade expected him to laugh, but he looked preoccupied, as if he had something on his mind.

"Jade," he said at last, "don't… allow Raige to treat you in the manner he does other women."

She raised her eyes to him, pretending a disinterest she was far from feeling. "Whatever do you mean?"

A shadow fell across Jade's face and she stared into the mocking eyes of Raige himself. "He means, Jade, that he feels honor bound to protect you from me-do you need protection from me?"

She raised her chin defiantly and tightened her grip on Tyrone's arm. "I can take care of myself."

"I have little doubt of that, Jade St. Clair. You see, Tyrone, my friend, it is I who am in danger from our charmer-who will save me from her?"

Jade spoke haughtily. "You are in no danger from me, Raige. I have no designs on you."

After a long, poignant silence where Jade and Raige stared into each other's eyes, he offered her his arm. "Will you picnic with me?"

"No" she said almost too quickly. "I promised Tyrone I would lunch with him."

Raige's eyes moved to his friend. "You will excuse her from her promise, won't you?"

Jade held her breath, unsure if she wanted Tyrone to relent or not.

"I would be a fool to forfeit her company," Tyrone said, his hand going to Jade's arm possessively.

Raige bowed to Jade and then placed a hand on Tyrone's shoulder. "The day will come when you will have to give her up, my friend-and soon." His eyes moved to Jade. "I grow impatient to claim what has always been mine."

A rooster crowing in the new day brought Olivia back to the present.

"No," she moaned in distress. Why did she always have to be pulled back to the present? Why couldn't she remain in the past? It was where she wanted to be-it was where she belonged.

For a long moment she lay there, listening to the sounds of the house coming to life. With a resigned sigh, she slid out of bed. How much longer could she stand being pulled from one world to another? Surely she would soon be a raving lunatic!

It was a dull, gray day. The sky was overcast, and it would surely rain before noon. But that did not keep Olivia from going horseback riding. Bridal Veil boasted a fine stable of horses, and while she was not an experienced equestrienne, she did like to ride.

It was midmorning before Olivia, dressed in jeans and sneakers, rode down the worn path that led away from the river. She was assured that the mare she rode was gentle and would give her no cause for alarm. She bounced along jauntily, feeling the wind in her hair and thinking about nothing in particular.

Suddenly, without warning, her mount reared on its hind legs and bolted across the meadow. Olivia clung to the animal with every ounce of strength she possessed, fearing she would be thrown. Her heart was pounding with fear when the supposedly gentle mare became uncontrollable.

Jade was an excellent horsewoman and she allowed her gelding a free rein. They raced across the meadow, past the ripening corn and into the valley beyond. The sun felt good against her face and the wind had torn the ribbon from her hair, allowing it to blow free.

Her gelding picked its way down the incline to the stream, where she allowed it to drink from the clear water.

Jade could not have said at what moment she realized that she was no longer alone. It was not a sound that alerted her, but more a feeling of being watched. Slowly, she turned, her stomach knotted like a tight fist.

Tall and erect, Raige stood poised against the trunk of an oak tree. The sunlight shimmering through the branches glistened on his thick black hair, and his golden eyes flamed with the fire of life. He was magnificent.

Raige casually propped a booted foot against a wide tree root while his horse grazed nearby.

"You seem surprised to see me, Jade."

She quivered as his dark eyes raked hers.

"How long have you been here?" she demanded.

"For over an hour. But I know your habits and I knew you would come if I waited long enough."

"You shouldn't have troubled yourself."

He grinned. "It was no trouble, I assure you."

Jade held herself stiffly as he walked toward her with lithe movements.

"I was in New Orleans this morning and met your mother and father at the Exchange," Raige told her. "They said they wouldn't be home until tomorrow. Do you know what that means?"

She pushed her tumbled hair away from her face, wishing she hadn't lost the ribbon. "Non, I don't."

He drew in a tolerant breath. "It means, Jade, that we can spend the day together."

"I was on my way to visit a friend." She wasn't, but she was afraid that if she remained, he would surely discover that she loved him.

His strong hands circled her waist, and before she could protest, Raige lifted her from the saddle. Instead of setting her on her feet, he held her close.

"Do not play coy with me, Jade. You know how I feel about you." She saw his nostrils flare and wanted to run away, but he still held her close.

At last he set her on her feet, and she had to crane her neck to look up at him.

"You don't really have anywhere to go, do you, Jade?"

"I… I do later in the afternoon."

Without a word, he swept her into his arms, and his lips descended to kiss her mouth.

It was torture, it was bliss, as her hair entwined around his fingers. He pressed her tightly against him and she could feel the bulging outline of his manly body. Wave after wave of emotions tangled her mind, and she pressed tighter against him, needing to feel his very essence.

Suddenly, in a moment of sanity, she tore her mouth from his and took several retreating steps.

Raige merely smiled and held his hand out to her. "Come here, Jade."

She hesitated, trembling with emotions she did not understand. "Non. This is not right."

He took two long strides that brought him to her. "There is nothing more right in this world than you in my arms. We were created to be together. You belong to me; do you not know that by now, Jade?''

Her eyes searched his, and in mat moment, he saw agony.

"But you went away and left me." It was a cry from her heart.

"I had to."

"Why?"

"To allow you time to grow up."

She looked puzzled. "That is no reason. I would have grown up even had you stayed. Do not say things to me that you don't mean, Raige."

"I will never lie to you, Jade. I want us to have a marriage based on complete honesty. That's why I want you to tell me this moment that you love me."

Her admission came out in a rush that surprised her. "I thought I would die when you left. I counted the days until you would return." She had to look away from the brilliance in his eyes. "And then you came back, and you seemed to ignore me."

Gathering her close, he kissed her earlobe and nuzzled her neck. "There was not one day in that long year that I did not think of you. But, you see, I am a patient man, Jade. I always knew you would one day belong to me. I told you this that night in the rose arbor. Did you doubt me?"

She looked into his eyes. "I thought you were just… there have been women-"

His grip tightened on her shoulders. "Let there be no misunderstandings between us, Jade. I have been with other women, but I have never spoken to them of love. Whether you allow it or not, I will love you until the day I die."

Such a beautiful declaration melted her heart, but caution made her afraid to believe him. He could have any woman-why her? "Are you sure you love me?"

His laughter was warm and his eyes held a light of triumph-he was a man who had just won the woman he loved.

"Shall I tell you the first day I knew I loved you?" he asked, trying not to think of the soft young body that enticed him.

Jade looked at him eagerly. "Oui, please, tell me."

Olivia felt rain on her face and sat up in a daze. The sun was gone, and Raige was gone. She looked about in bewilderment. The horse had thrown her. Slowly coming to her feet, she tested her legs and arms to see if they were broken-they weren't, but she was going to ache for several days.

Looking about her, she took in the stream and the oak tree where Raige had been waiting for her. Everything was the same as she had envisioned it. Raige had been about to tell her when he had first realized he loved her. Why, oh why, did she keep getting pulled away from him?

The mare was grazing along the riverbank and did not move as she approached. Carefully Olivia mounted and turned in the direction of the house. She had ridden up the hill before she realized she was riding like one born to the saddle.

This, like her newfound ability to draw and her changed eyesight, was another gift from Jade.

Chapter Four

Olivia was delighted when Betty suggested that she accompany her into New Orleans for a day of shopping. They climbed into the late-model van, and on the long drive, the two of them talked about their favorite subject-the legend of Bridal Veil.

"Is there nothing more you can tell me about the friendship between Jade and Tyrone Dunois?" Olivia asked.

"Not too much. However, Jade's friend Charlene, who eventually married Tyrone, kept a written account of her own life. According to her, Tyrone's mother pushed him forward and made him believe he could win Jade. He wasn't a bad sort, but his one weakness was his love for Jade. In the end, it destroyed three lives, four if you count Charlene."

"There is such a quagmire surrounding the truth. I wonder why," Olivia speculated. Many things were becoming clear to her, as she became more entangled in Jade's life. Of course, she knew details she could share with no one, not even Betty.

"After Jade's death," Betty continued, "Tyrone quarreled bitterly with his mother. Until the day he died, he never spoke to her again. In later years, he was so eaten up with hate and bitterness that he became something of a recluse."

Olivia thought of the boyish Tyrone she had met through Jade. It was hard to imagine him an embittered old man. "I wonder what really happened to cause the rift between Tyrone and Raige?"

Betty shrugged. "We will never know for certain. But I believe that Jade truly loved Raige, and I don't think she betrayed him with Tyrone, as many others do."

"What more can you tell me about Tyrone's mother?"

“There again, because of Charlene we know quite a lot about Felicity Dunois. She was an outsider, not a drop of French blood, which was unacceptable in the aristocratic Creole circles. William Dunois brought her here as a bride. She was from Philadelphia, and not from a wealthy family, but she certainly married well. The strange part is that she was no beauty and she was ten years older than her husband. Still, she bore him a son and a daughter, and by all accounts, William was a contented man."

By now they had reached New Orleans, which was teeming with life. While Betty did her shopping, Olivia strolled down the narrow streets of the French Quarter as any tourist might. For some reason, she avoided St. Louis Cathedral, not wanting to visit the site where Jade had died. She wandered through quaint shops and walked through the colorful open-air markets, where vendors still displayed their wares much as they had in Jade's time.

After exploring a stall where there were dried spices and herbs, she left the market and climbed the wooden steps that led to the top of the levee so she could see the Mississippi in all its glory.

Colorful paddle boats seemed to skim the murky water, their huge wheels making a melodic sound. It took Olivia several moments to realize that something was wrong.

Paddle boats? she thought with trepidation, counting three, four, five, six! There might be one or two of the graceful old relics that ferried tourists up and down the Mississippi, but not half a dozen.

She glanced down and saw that she was wearing a long gray silk dress with an empire waist and puffed sleeves. Dear God, she was Jade, but with the consciousness of her own mind! This had never happened before. Somehow she and Jade were beginning to merge into one being, and Jade was growing stronger every day, while she was becoming weaker. How much longer could she hold on to her identity-did she even want to?

One thing she was certain of was that Jade was not aware of her existence.

Behind her, Olivia could hear the sounds of horse-drawn buggies clattering down the street. She felt herself getting dizzy and she seemed to be falling into a dark crevice, into the very arms of oblivion.

Betty Allendale elbowed her way through the crowd to Olivia's side. The girl was pale and shaken and was being assisted by a policeman.

"Olivia!" Betty cried with concern. "What has happened to you?"

"She just collapsed," the policeman stated, putting away his notebook. "I offered to take her to the emergency room, but she says she's fine. Are you a friend of hers?"

Betty took Olivia by the arm. "Yes, I am, Officer, and I'll take care of her."

Olivia pushed a damp curl from her forehead and smiled with embarrassment. "There is nothing to be concerned about. This has happened before. Could we return to Bridal Veil now?"

Betty looked doubtful. "Yes, of course, if you are sure you're all right. Lean on me and I'll help you to the van."

Once they were speeding along River Road, Olivia closed her eyes and tried to comprehend what was happening to her. She felt like she was suffocating, so she adjusted the air conditioner vents to direct cool air on her face. Her nerves were raw and her mind was being tugged in two different directions.

The transitions were happening more frequently and they could happen at any time. How much longer could she dwell in this twilight of unreality?

"Betty," she asked, turning to her companion, "have you ever had an out-of-body experience?"

Betty turned to her, her brow furrowed in thoughtfulness. "I'm not sure I know what you mean."

"I can't explain it. But something is happening to me. I don't expect you to believe me, but I have walked in Jade St. Clair's shoes, felt what she felt, and for reasons I cannot explain, I often occupy her body."

Betty had growing concerns about Olivia's fixation with Jade. She was getting worse, as if she were truly obsessed. "I have watched you change your appearance to what you think Jade might have looked like. You lightened your hair, and I assume you've changed the color of your eyes by wearing green-tinted contacts. What you're doing is unhealthy, Olivia."

"Betty, you don't understand." Olivia knew that she sounded demented, but she had to tell someone what was happening to her. "The changes you see in me are not of my doing-you must believe me! I did not color my hair and I am not wearing contacts. Explain how this has happened to me."

Olivia seemed so sincere. That was the pity of it, Betty thought. She actually believed that she was becoming Jade. "Perhaps all you need is a good night's sleep."

"Betty, have you noticed-have… have I been absent from Bridal Veil for long periods of time?"

"Not that I am aware of."

Olivia buried her face in her trembling hands. "More and more I am becoming Jade St. Clair. I believe Olivia Heartford will soon cease to exist."

"And / believe we should turn around right now and take you to a doctor. You're scaring me."

"And tell the doctor what-that I am losing my mind? I think not. Besides, a doctor wouldn't be able to help me."

"What can I do to help you, Olivia?"

"Nothing. But thank you for not calling me a lunatic."

"I admit," Betty said, gripping the steering wheel until her knuckles whitened, "that ever since your arrival I have felt something was wrong. Although I can't explain what it is, I do know it's unnatural."

"Sometimes I'm frightened, and other times I feel more alive than I've ever felt in my life," Olivia said softly.

"Perhaps you should return to Boston," Betty suggested, thinking that everything might return to normal when Olivia left.

"Whether I go or stay won't make any difference-I know that now because I have no control over what's happening to me."

Betty pulled into the driveway and switched off the ignition. Then she turned to Olivia, her eyes filled with sympathy. "You must be careful. Remember that Jade St. Clair died tragically."

That night, dark nightmares stalked Olivia. All through the early hours of a restless night, vague sketches of memory were beating against her mind like flashes of lightning, striking and then disappearing. Her mind was a vast wasteland-no memory, no thoughts, no love or hate-nothing.

Cold, clammy hands reached out to her and baleful eyes burned into hers.

"Jade, my dear, I have been wanting to speak to you for some time. I am glad you accepted my invitation for tea."

The young girl blinked her green eyes. After a moment, she looked into Felicity Dunois's pale gray eyes, which seemed like those of a statue-blank, cold, dead of feeling. Madame Dunois was a thin woman, almost too thin. Her cheeks were sunken, her small, pinched mouth was held in a spiteful pose, and her breath was sour, causing Jade to move back in her chair.

"You said you had a reason for asking me here. I cannot remain long, because I am on my way to Charlene Brev-elle's."

Harsh laughter grated on Jade's ears. "You are just like your mother, cutting right to the point. But, very well, I shan't waste your time or mine. How would you like to marry my son, Tyrone?"

Jade had just taken a sip of tea and choked. It took her a moment to catch her breath. Felicity Dunois's audacity angered her.

"Madame, Tyrone is a dear friend to me and I hold him in high regard. However, I shall never marry him, nor would he ask me. His feelings for me are not what a man should have for the woman he would marry."

The air was suddenly thick with evil; Jade could feel the malice, and it was directed at her.

"You are mistaken. Tyrone loves you a great deal and he would make an admirable husband." Felicity measured her words. "I know you think Raige Belmanoir will ask you to marry him, but he will take what he wants from you and then replace you with another."

Jade was too shocked and angry to reply to the woman's vicious assessment of Raige's character.

"Well," Felicity said at last, taking Jade's silence for consideration of her proposal, "do you make my son a happy man or condemn him to a life of loneliness?"

Jade came to her feet, her anger overcoming the good manners her mother had instilled in her. "Tyrone cannot know that you have asked me here to propose marriage for him. He would certainly disapprove of your boldness, as will my mother and father." She reached down for her riding gloves, which had fallen to the floor, and clutched them tightly in her hands. "I will wish you a good day, madame."

Felicity laughed, undaunted by Jade's resistance. "The young are often so foolish. You will soon see that I am right."

Jade hurried out of the room and through the front door. A swirling mist blocked out the sun just as she was assisted into her saddle by the Dunois's groom. She urged her horse forward, knowing she had to get away.

Jade had not realized where she was going until she found herself by the stream that ran through Meadow Brook. Sliding to the ground, she leaned her head against the oak tree, wishing she could stop shaking.

At that moment, she felt comforting arms go about her and she was held in a strong embrace.

"I have been waiting for you," Raige whispered against her cheek. "Time has no meaning when you are not with me. I need you, Jade. Say you will be mine." His passionate glance burned through her body. "To love a woman as I love you is like a fever in the blood. There is but one cure."

She tried not to think about the conversation she'd just had with Tyrone's mother, but it hung over her like a dark pall. She was in the arms of the man she loved, and nothing else should matter.

Raige gripped her shoulders and held her away from him, studying her intently. In his eyes a sharpness, an intelligence, told her that he was not a man to be easily duped. He knew that something was wrong.

"What has happened to upset you, Jade?"

"It's nothing. Anyway, I don't want to think about it."

"If you are troubled, I want to help you-do you not know that by now?"

She softly touched his face and he closed his eyes. "I don't want anything unpleasant to spoil our time together."

Raige smiled, pressing his lips against a golden curl. "You are becoming a bold little baggage. But I'm glad you came."

"I hoped you would be here," she said, touched by the love shining in his eyes. Madame Dunois was wrong about Raige. Jade knew in her heart that he meant to marry her.

"This morning you were going to tell me the first time you fell in love with me," she said, smiling up at him. "Will you tell me now?"

Amusement danced in his dark eyes. "It happened the year you were thirteen and I was nineteen. Your mother was having a lawn party, and you were playing with several other children, tossing a ball. Someone threw the ball over your head and you ran backward, determined to catch it-you tripped and fell into the fountain."

"I remember that day," she said with irony. "But I can see nothing to love in the half-drowned girl who had to face a crowd of scandalized onlookers."

He tilted her chin upward. "You were like a shimmering mermaid rising to the surface. I tried not to notice how your wet gown clung to your young curves, but discreetly concentrated on your eyes. You stood there haughtily, your hair streaming down your face, your satin slippers ruined and your expression daring anyone to laugh. With your head held high, and your eyes sparkling, you announced to everyone that you had caught the ball. Little did you know that you took my heart with you that day, and you have had it ever since."

How wonderful it was to be loved by the man she had loved for so long. "I can only remember being humiliated because you witnessed my shame."

As he encircled her narrow waist, his touch moved through her body like a sword of flames. His lips were soft as they settled on hers, and she could feel herself going downward with him, soon to lie on the soft grass, while his kisses intensified and her body shook with new, raw emotions.

"What I feel for you is love in its purest form, Jade." His voice deepened with emotion. "I want you in every way a man can want a woman." He laced his fingers through her hair and gazed into her green eyes. "I must not forget how innocent you are. If I wanted to, I could take that innocence-your eyes tell me that. But I honor you too much to take advantage of you." His voice deepened and he laid his cheek against hers. "I shall wait until our wedding night, making the pleasure all the sweeter."

Jade didn't want to wait, she wanted the joy his hard body promised her virginal one. She moved toward him, her lips parted for his kiss.

With a smothered oath, Raige grabbed her to him, his lips hard and plundering, his tongue stabbing into her mouth, making her quake with yearning.

He pulled away, shaking his head. "I will not do this, Jade. You do not know the consequences of your actions."

"Do you not want me?" she asked, touching his face.

He took her hand and kissed the palm. "At this moment, it takes all my willpower to keep from giving you what you ask. For me, it would be to fulfill my most coveted dream- for you it would be dishonor. If you knew anything about a man's needs, you would require no more proof of my love for you."

Suddenly Jade was frightened and she did not know why. ' 'I thank you for your nobility, but I… am afraid if… that tonight is… our last…"

With a muttered cry, Raige crushed her to him once more. His hands were rough as they moved over her curves, and his lips moved across her mouth, drawing a moan from her.

"I must not do this," he whispered in her ear. "Sweet, sweet, Jade, I do not know if I can stop now."

She took his hand and placed it at the laces on her riding habit. With a questioning glance, he unlaced the bodice and exposed her breasts. It seemed to take him an eternity to lower his head. When his mouth moved over her skin, she cried his name and shivered with the delight he brought her.

Raige pushed her skirt up, his hand inching toward the core of her body. She buried her face against his shoulder while his fingers worked their magic. He stroked, kissed, and caressed her until she was mindless.

When at last she thought she would die with longing, his sensuous movements became more intense and she had a new awareness of her own body. Raige knew where to touch her to fulfill her needs. She clung to him while he kissed her lips.

Suddenly he raised his head, his voice deep with passion, for while he had satisfied her, his desire was raging out of control. With superhuman strength, he withdrew his hand, pulled her skirt down, and then fastened her bodice.

Jade did not understand when he stood and walked to the stream, then bent to splash water on his face.

When he returned, he took her in his arms, cradling her head against him. ' 'I did not intend to awaken your passion, but you did sorely tempt me. You will never know what it cost me to stop when I did."

He saw her blush and lower her head, and he cupped her chin, making her meet his eyes. "Never feel shy with me, Jade. What happened between us was nothing to be ashamed of, because we belong to each other. There will be many other pleasures I will show you on the night you come to me as my bride."

She laid her head against his chest, trying to imagine how it would be when their bodies finally joined and they became one.

Jade pulled back to look at him. "I must go now-it's late."

"Remember your mother and father are in New Orleans."

“Oui, and everyone thinks I am with Charlene."

He smiled. "Are you telling me that no one will miss you?"

"No one. I was to stay the night with Charlene."

"Stay with me, Jade."

She came back into his arms, giving her silent consent. "Raige, when will you speak to my father about our marriage?"

"Soon. I find I am impatient to have all of you. I will not want a long engagement."

"Nor do I."

There on the sweet-smelling grass, no nightmares chased Jade's dreams that night, for she lay in Raige's loving, protective arms. When she fell asleep, it was with his warm kiss on her mouth. He pressed her to him and she nestled against his hard body.

Once during the night she awoke, fearing Raige would not be there, but he was.

"Have you not slept?" she asked sleepily.

"I have been watching you sleep," he said. "For some reason, I also fear what the future might bring. You are my heart and soul, and I will never give you up."

They came together in a burning kiss that left them both breathless.

The silver hours of dawn found Jade still curled up in Raige's arms.

Chapter Five

At was a cloudless day and a slight haze covered the land. Olivia had taken a walk to clear her head. The shadowy world that was on the edge of her mind was so absorbing that it was becoming difficult to concentrate, and at times the past and present seemed to merge into one.

She had to force herself to remember who she was, especially after the night she had spent cradled in Raige's arms.

Olivia knew that Jade was definitely growing stronger and would soon take over completely, until there was nothing left of Olivia Heartford.

Sadly, Olivia had come to love Raige with her whole being, and when she was not the embodiment of Jade, she still longed to see him.

She pondered her situation. She had never really had a life, not a happy one anyway. She had belonged to no one, and no one belonged to her. Oh, she'd had men friends, but none of them had left a lasting impression on her. There was little to go back to in Boston.

On the other hand, as Jade, she had a family and she was going to marry the man she loved-or would she? She thought of the tragic way Jade had died and realized that it would probably happen again. And then where would she be?

Olivia feared there was no way to change history-or so the experts said. Popular belief was that if one could travel back in time, and if so much as a tiny grain of sand was disturbed, it would have a domino effect on the future and bode disaster.

There had to be a way she could change the past without disturbing the future; otherwise, why was she here?

Olivia had come to believe that God had given Jade a second chance, and she was to make certain that Jade did not make the same mistakes again.

Lizette ran to the garden, with petticoats flying and her cheeks flushed with excitement. She threw her arms about Jade, hugging her tightly. "Something wonderful yet quite disturbing is happening!"

"What are you talking about?" Jade asked, planting a kiss on the young girl's cheek. "Tell me quickly, before you burst."

"It's just that I am going to miss you much more than I realized. I always knew this would happen, but not just yet."

"What are you talking about? I'm not going anywhere."

"Oui, you will be. I heard Papa and Mama talking to Raige, and they gave their consent for you to marry him."

Jade clasped her hands, her face flushed with joy. "So, he has asked them at last. I feared this day would never come."

"I listened outside the door," Lizette boasted. "Raige told Mama that he loved you-did you know about that?"

Jade laughed down into the precocious little face. "I did, you imp."

"All the men love you, Jade, but I'm glad you chose Raige. I like him better than most."

Jade clasped her sister's hand and they walked down the path. "So do I."

As the two girls entered the house, Gideon, the butler, approached them. "Your papa wanted me to send you to the library the minute you came in, Miss Jade." He beamed, apparently aware that Raige had offered for her hand.

Jade quickly patted her hair into place and winked at her sister before she walked purposefully to the study door and knocked softly. On entering the room, she saw that her father was deep in conversation with Raige, and her mother had a pleased expression on her face.

"Jade, my dear," her father said in a jovial voice, "we have something to discuss with you-come in, come in."

"Oui, Papa," she said demurely, trying not to look at Raige.

"Greet our guest, daughter, and then be seated beside your mother."

Shyly Jade raised her head to look at the man she loved, but she could not bring herself to look at his face, focusing instead on the whiteness of the cravat mat lay in neat layers beneath his strong chin.

"Good morning, Raige. It's always nice to see you."

"And it always brings me pleasure to see you, Jade," he said, as circumspect as she.

She slipped onto the sofa beside her mother and received a reassuring pat on the hand.

"Jade," her father began, "Raige was just reminding me that his mother has been dead these last five years, rest her soul, and Tanglewood Plantation has had no mistress in all that time. And since his father died some time back, that leaves Raige with something of a dilemma."

Jade raised her face to her father. "What kind of dilemma, Papa?"

"He has been telling your mother and me how difficult it is without a woman to manage the household."

Now she glanced at Raige. He stood near the window, looking magnificent with the sunlight shimmering off his ebony windswept hair. He wore tight leggings and Hessian boots and a pleated white shirt and short-waisted tailcoat.

"I can see where that might be difficult," she said at last, feeling foolish because she could think of nothing clever to reply.

"Jade," her father continued, "your mother and I have always agreed that you and your sister would not be married against your wishes. Raige has asked for your hand in marriage. Is this agreeable to you?"

Again she looked at Raige, and he smiled slightly.

"Oui, Papa, I find it agreeable."

Her father looked pleased and her mother clasped Jade's hands joyfully, then hugged her. "I can think of no more suitable match. What a happy day this is for us all," Emmaline said.

Jade's father took her hands and pulled her to her feet, hugging her tightly. "Know this, Raige: When you take our Jade, you take one of our most precious jewels. We will expect you to treat her as such."

"Have no concern on that score, Monsieur St. Clair. She will be my greatest treasure."

Jade's father nodded in satisfaction. "That is how it should be. Now, I believe it would be within reason for the two of you to take a stroll in the garden. There must be many things you will want to discuss."

"Thank you, monsieur," Raige said, holding his hand out to Jade. His clasp was warm and stilled her trembling hand.

As they moved out the door, Emmaline St. Clair looked at her husband with an expression of elation. "Imagine our daughter as mistress of Tanglewood!" Her happiness suddenly turned to concern. "He will be good to her, will he not?"

"Have no worry on that, my dear," her husband assured her. "I have always said that you can tell a lot about a man's character by the way he treats his animals. No one keeps a tidier kennel for his hunting hounds than Raige. And he is against using a whip on his horses, nor does he allow anyone else to. Our daughter should be fine in his care."

She laughed at her husband's analogy. "Have you no shame that you would compare our daughter to a horse or hound?"

He was quiet for a moment, and then he spoke with feeling. "I have lately been concerned that Jade might one day marry Tyrone Dunois. His hounds are underfed, their ribs showing through, and I have seen him whip a horse until it bled."

Emmaline shivered. "I have seen this too, and it has been a concern of mine as well."

When they reached the garden, Raige took Jade's hand, turned it over, and planted a warm kiss on the palm. His eyes were so intense, she had to lower hers.

"You have made me a very happy man today, Jade."

She smiled at him, thrilled by his admission. "When you were acting so distant in front of my parents, I realized, Raige, that although I have known you all my life, I do not really know you."

“I thought that during the night by the stream when we shared such intimacy we became quite well acquainted."

She could feel her face burn and he laughed softly.

"What do you want to know about me, Jade?"

"Everything."

His eyes swept over her beautiful upturned face, and a feeling of ownership took possession of him. "I'd say, my dearest love, that will take just about a lifetime to tell- and a lifetime is what we will have together."

Jade greeted Tyrone as he stood at the front door, hat in hand. "Have you heard the wonderful news?" she said, placing her hand on his arm.

“If you mean have I heard about your impending marriage to a man I once called my best friend-Oui, I heard," he said stonily. "Bad news travels fast, as they say."

Jade looked into his eyes, trying to discern his meaning. "I thought you would be happy for me. Let us go into the garden where we can talk undisturbed, Tyrone."

With great long strides, he moved ahead of her and waited for her to join him.

"Why have you done this, Jade?" he asked coldly.

She was puzzled at his anger. ' 'Are you speaking of my betrothal to Raige?"

His one hand twirled and untwirled a gold watch chain in agitation. “You said nothing of this to me-neither did Raige. I had to hear it from my mother."

Jade gave him a questioning stare, and said in surprise, "And you are not happy for us?"

He regarded her with caution, then said with frosty politeness, "You know how I feel about you, you've always known. You played me for the fool, Jade."

Even though the day was warm, she shivered, feeling winter form in her heart. "I did no such thing, Tyrone. I will ask you to explain what you mean by that."

He stood ramrod straight, his eyes boring into hers. "I always thought, given time, you would come to love me."

Her anger melted, and she was anguished that she had hurt him. If only she had known how he felt about her. "Your mother told me as much, but I did not believe her. I promise you, Tyrone, I would never purposely hurt you."

He looked stupefied. ' 'My mother spoke of my feelings for you?"

"Oui."

He ran one hand nervously through his hair. "Forgive me. It's just that this has all been a shock." He smiled tightly. "I only need time to grow accustomed to the idea."

She brushed her cheek against his. "There is nothing to forgive among friends. We will pretend this never happened."

"You won't tell Raige that I was such a fool?"

"It will be our secret."

He tenderly touched her face. “I do want your happiness above everything else; I had only hoped it would be with me." Without another word, Tyrone turned and walked away.

Thick fog suddenly blanketed the land, and Jade walked numbly into the darkness. The black mist of dread engulfed her and she gripped the railing of the garden gate, which was cold beneath her hands.

She shivered as a raw wind hit her in the face with the force of a blow.

Jade was so busy with the many social gatherings held in her honor that there was little time to think of anything else. Then there was her trousseau to be fitted, and, of course, her wedding gown.

To her disappointment, she had not seen much of Raige. But it was planting season, and as master of a large plantation, he was needed at Tanglewood.

Jade stood perfectly straight as she was laced into the creamy white silk wedding gown made of brocade with sprays of cream flowers. A long train trailed behind her, and she could imagine how it would look as she walked down the aisle to join her love in marriage.

The dressmaker stood back with a look of satisfaction. "A perfect fit, mademoiselle."

"Jade, dearest, you will make a lovely bride. Wait until Raige sees you!" her mother exclaimed.

The gossamer lace veil was placed on Jade's head. It drifted softly across her face. She caught her breath as a feeling of foreboding swirled around in her mind. The wind sounded mournful as it rustled the leaves on the magnolia tree, and it seemed to whisper, "You will never be a bride."

Jade yanked the veil from her head and tossed it on the bed, covering her ears with her hands to block out the sound. "I am weary. I will try on no more gowns today."

Emmaline nodded for the dressmaker to leave, then she hugged Jade to her. "You are just tired, dear. Why don't you rest a bit."

Jade wanted to tell her mother about the feeling of deep foreboding that would give her no peace, but Emmaline would only worry.

She closed her eyes and thought of Raige, and was caught by a longing so sharp it was almost painful. She wanted desperately to make him a good wife. She would give him sons with his same dark eyes and sense of honor, and daughters with his wonderful humor.

Again she heard the voice, this time in the deep recesses of her mind.

"You will never be mistress of Tanglewood Plantation!"

Chapter Six

Betty Allendale chatted as she moved about the already immaculate living room, straightening a picture, centering a vase on a table, picking an imaginary speck of dust from the arm of the sofa.

"Tonight will be the masked ball I wrote you about. It's quite fun, really," she said, thinking it might be good to distract Olivia. "If you didn't bring a costume, we'll find you something suitable."

"Oh, I brought a costume. I had it made by a seamstress in Boston. It's a lovely creation. I'm going as Juliet." She did not tell Betty that she had once seen the gown in a dream, when Jade had worn it to a masquerade party.

"Good. The ball will last into the wee hours of the morning, so you had better rest this afternoon."

Olivia could not keep the excitement out of her voice. "Will there be a lot of people there?"

"But of course. We inhabitants of New Orleans never miss an opportunity to have a party, and a masquerade is always the most fun."

"Where will the ball be held?" Olivia asked with interest.

"This year it will be at another inn. It was once Brevelle Plantation."

"That was the home of Jade's friend Charlene before she married Tyrone," Olivia said, going over in her mind what she knew about the woman.

"Yes, it was. Sadly, Tyrone and Charlene never had children, so the plantation fell into ruin, and much of the rich bottom land was reclaimed by the swamp."

"Pity," Olivia said, her mind focused on the red gown and mask she would wear tonight. If only she could meet her Romeo, someone to love her, then perhaps she would not be so caught up in the life of a girl who had lived so long ago.

Dawn burst upon the land with the luster of bright sunlight. Jade yawned, stretching her arms over her head, watching the maid move about the chamber, tidying as she went. Remembering that today was the beginning of the carnival season, she threw aside the coverlet and slipped out of bed. Tonight she would be a guest at the most exciting party of the year, a private costume ball that was attended by all the elite families of New Orleans.

Jade had been looking forward to the masquerade for months, hoping Raige would be her escort, but she had neither seen nor heard from him in over three weeks. It was with profound disappointment that she realized she would be escorted to the ball by her mother and father. Why was Raige ignoring her when their wedding was only three days hence?

Jade was filled with doubts. Did he regret asking her to marry him? What would she do if he didn't really love her?

As far as Jade was concerned, the fun of the ball was trying to see how long she could keep her identity a secret. So she insisted on entering the ballroom alone, because everyone would recognize her mother and father, who once again wore their Caesar and Cleopatra costumes, the same ones they wore every year.

The room seemed to explode with shimmering lights, and Jade was equally shimmering in her red gossamer gown and matching red mask. Atop her head she wore a veil that concealed the color of her hair and atop the veil she wore a beaded cap.

Jade had taken great pains to keep her costume a secret, and she was irritated when she advanced into the room and several people greeted her by name.

The ball was not as much fun as it had been in previous years. Jade had hoped that she could spend some time with Raige, but as the evening progressed, it was apparent that he would not be attending.

Charlene appeared at Jade's side and whispered in her ear, "What a calamity. Everyone knows you are Juliet and I am Queen Elizabeth. Would it not be a lark if we exchanged costumes? I could be you for the evening and you could be me. Of course, we would have to speak as little as possible so no one would recognize our voices."

Jade was intrigued by the idea. "Oui, let's do it! I'm certain that we could fool everyone, because they would not be expecting it."

A short time later Jade emerged from Charlene's bedroom, where a maid had helped her dress in the dark green Elizabethan gown with lace ruff and red wig. Charlene was still in her room, being laced into Jade's costume.

Jade moved through the crowd of merrymakers until someone grabbed her about the waist and whirled her around the parquet floor.

"Charlene," he said laughingly, "you fooled no one with your disguise. We all knew you the minute we arrived."

Jade smiled, making no reply. The ball was becoming more amusing because of Charlene's plan.

It was later in the evening when the man dressed as a knight approached Jade and Charlene. He bowed before Charlene and spoke in a disguised voice, but they both knew it was Tyrone all the same.

"Fairest of the fair, my Juliet, you have won the heart of this knight," he said, unaware of the laughing glances the girls exchanged.

Delightedly, Jade watched her friend being led outside by Tyrone. Jade knew that Charlene desperately loved Tyrone, and she was certain that they would make an admirable couple, if only Tyrone would realize it for himself. Perhaps tonight Charlene would get her fondest wish.

Jade spent the rest of the evening dancing and posing as Charlene. The crowning moment came when Madame Brevelle mistook Jade for her daughter. But Jade soon became weary and made no objection when her father suggested they leave.

Once they were home, Jade went directly to her room. She undressed, carefully placing Charlene's costume across a chair so it would not be wrinkled-she would have someone return it tomorrow.

She climbed into bed and snuggled into the soft, downy mattress. As she lay there, she had the strongest feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

Her door opened slowly, and Lizette entered on tiptoes, placing a finger at her lips.

"Why are you up so late, little sister? You know Mama would scold you if she knew," Jade reprimanded mildly.

The precocious child plopped onto the foot of Jade's bed and propped her head on her hand. "Tell me all about the ball-was it glorious?"

"It's late, Lizette," she groaned. "I'll tell you every detail tomorrow."

Undaunted, Lizette swept a stray curl out of her face, looking smug. "Raige recognized you right away, didn't he?"

"Non he did not, little Miss Inquisitive. Raige did not even attend tonight."

Her sister looked perplexed. ' "Then why did he trick me into telling him you would be dressed as Juliet?"

"He did what! When?"

"Last week, when Mama and I were in New Orleans. I saw him at the bank and we talked while Mama was speaking to Mr. Franchette. Before I realized what he was about, he had tricked me into revealing your costume." She raised up on her knees. "I didn't mean to tell him, but he is very clever."

Jade smiled at her sister. "It is of no consequence since he did not go to the ball. Now off to bed with you-I am weary."

Her sister moved off the bed and walked to the door. "You promise to tell me about the ball in the morning?"

"I promise."

Lizette nodded and left, closing the door behind her.

Forgetting about her earlier premonition of disaster, Jade fell into a peaceful sleep, not knowing that at that moment, events were taking place that would bring the world crashing down on her!

Wearing black and disguised as Romeo, Raige moved about the ballroom, searching for Jade. When he did not see her, he moved out the door and into the garden.

The night was aglow with millions of stars and he quelled his impatience to be with his love. She must be wondering why he had not come to see her for several weeks. Tonight he would explain to her that he had been overseeing the redecoration of Tanglewood because he wanted it to be perfect when he brought her home as his bride.

Hearing voices on the other side of the box hedge, Raige rounded the corner and stopped in his tracks, feeling as if his heart had just been ripped from his body. For there, with the moonlight illuminating her distinctive red gown, was Jade in another man's arms.

Charlene knew it was wrong to keep up the pretense, but it was wonderful to be alone with Tyrone and have him make love to her, even if he thought she was Jade.

"You can't marry Raige," Tyrone said, pulling her into his arms. "You love me."

Charlene said nothing, but nestled against him. Neither knew that they were being observed by jealous eyes, golden eyes that closed for a moment, feeling the agony of betrayal.

"You do love me; you know you do," Tyrone stated with assurance.

Trembling, Charlene could only nod. Oui, she loved him and she would steal this moment of happiness for herself. Surely it would do no harm. Tyrone's warm mouth bruised her tender lips in a kiss that made her giddy with delight.

"I knew it!" Tyrone exclaimed, tearing his mouth from hers. "Mother assured me that you cared for me, and if I placed my heart at your feet, you would not turn me away."

His companion did not answer.

"Jade, my dearest love, you cannot marry Raige. Not after the way you just returned my kiss."

"He's right," a deep voice spoke up from the shadows. Raige moved into the light, his face a mask of fury. "I can see how it is, Jade." His eyes moved to the woman behind the red mask, the woman he had trusted with his love, the woman who had just admitted she loved Tyrone.

Tyrone stepped back, his arm going protectively around his Juliet. "I did not intend for this to happen, Raige, but I love Jade and she loves me."

Charlene knew that she should tell Raige that she was not Jade, but it would be too humiliating. Tyrone would hate her for pretending to be Jade.

Raige moved closer, his heated gaze on Tyrone. "You know what this means?"

"I do," Tyrone said with a sneer.

Raige worked his fingers out of his glove and slapped Tyrone across the face, leaving red welts. "Tomorrow in the gardens behind St. Louis Cathedral."

"I'll be there. My second will call on you early."

In a moment of wild panic, Charlene ran down the path, seeking the sanctuary of her room. She had to get away, to hide. Oh, God, what had she done!

Olivia awakened early and went for a long walk, trying to clear her mind. She was like a sleepwalker, because the dream she'd had last night had drained her of life and substance. She now knew what had caused the duel between Raige and Tyrone, and she had to find a way to stop it- but how?

As she approached the garden, she spied Betty Allendale picking fresh flowers.

"Good afternoon," Olivia said, stopping to admire the crimson-colored tulips and dipping her head to smell their light, delicate scent.

"Good afternoon," Betty replied stiffly, looking at the pale woman rather strangely. "Can I help you with something, miss?"

"No, I was just out for a morning stroll. It's so peaceful and beautiful at this time of day."

Betty gathered her bounty of flowers and smiled tightly, her eyes frosty. ' 'You are welcome to walk on my grounds if you keep to the path. This is private property, and I do not encourage trespassers."

Olivia was suddenly shaken by a cold dread that seemed to surround her heart. There was no recognition in Betty's eyes-she did not seem to know her. "Surely you are joking, Betty. I'm your houseguest."

"No, you're not, and I don't appreciate your trying that subterfuge." Her hostess's eyes flashed and she shook her head, her usual serene expression replaced with one of distrust. "I do not welcome strangers to my grounds, because this is not only an inn, it is my home as well."

Olivia was frantic, her eyes unseeing, her mind unfeeling as she tried to hold on to her identity. "Betty," she whispered through trembling lips, "you have to know who I am!"

Now there was fear in Betty's eyes. She took several quick steps backward, her eyes darting toward the house, planning her escape from this crazed woman. "If you don't leave now, I shall be forced to call for help."

The now familiar swirling mist descended, consuming Olivia within its murky depths. Reaching out her arms, she cried out to Betty, knowing that the woman was not even aware what was happening just a few feet away from her. She also knew in that moment mat she had ceased to exist as Olivia. She had no more substance than the mist that consumed her.

There would be no one who would mourn Olivia Heart-ford, if indeed she had ever really existed. There was no sadness in her heart as she became completely absorbed by Jade's world. But she must fight to retain some of what was Olivia if she was going to prevent the tragedy that would take place on a spring morning in 1813.

"Please, God," she prayed, "show me a way to help Jade St. Clair!"

Chapter Seven

It was still dark when Charlene dashed up the stairs, not even stopping to catch her breath; nor did she bother to knock on Jade's bedroom door, but threw it open and hurried to Jade's sleeping form.

"Wake up!" she cried, jerking on Jade's arm. "You have to help me; I've done something dreadful!"

Jade blinked her eyes, trying to focus on what Charlene was saying. Her friend had always overdramatized everything. "Tell me what has happened," she said, yawning.

Charlene tearfully explained what had occurred after Jade had left the ball the night before. "How could I know my deception would lead to a duel?" she sobbed. "It will be my fault if anyone is killed!"

Jade's mind was racing ahead as she stripped off her nightgown and took her riding habit from the wardrobe. "How could you have been so foolish, Charlene? You allowed Tyrone to believe he was making love to me, and you did not explain to Raige when he came to the same conclusion."

"I know what I did was wrong. I lay awake for hours, trying to decide what to do. Someone has to stop them before Raige kills Tyrone."

Jade turned so Charlene could fasten her blouse in the back. "Where is the duel to be fought?"

"In the city, behind the cathedral."

Jade nodded. "While I finish dressing, go to the stables and have someone saddle my horse and have a boat made ready to take me to New Orleans. And hurry, Charlene! Even now it may be too late."

As Charlene rushed out of the room, Jade pulled on her riding boots, her hands shaking so badly she could not control them. In the back of her mind, it seemed she had lived this day before. It was a vague feeling, a dream-she wasn't sure what.

Jade moved quickly toward the door and paused. Turning back, she saw the Elizabethan costume where she had placed it the night before. Grabbing it up, she ran out of the room and down the stairs.

She was the only one who could stop this madness.

After leading her horse off the boat, Jade frantically urged the animal into a thundering gallop as she raced toward the cathedral. When she neared her destination, she could hear the sound of rapiers echoing off the stone walls of the garden.

Not waiting for her mount to come to a halt, Jade leaped to the ground and hurried in the direction of the duelists.

For a moment, her eyes rested on Raige, who was poised with his rapier ready to strike. He was white-lipped, unforgiving, his features savage, intent on nothing but killing Tyrone.

She watched as Raige's sword flashed with lightning, his moves like quicksilver, driving poor Tyrone backward.

She cried out when she saw that Tyrone had already been wounded and his shirtfront was bloody.

"Stop this at once!" Jade cried, clutching the beaded costume and racing toward the two men.

In desperation, she reached Raige, taking his arm. "Please allow me to explain."

He gave her a long, level stare. Where once his tawny eyes had been warm and loving, they now appeared dispassionate and unforgiving. Roughly, he shoved her aside, turning once more to his opponent, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Would you hide behind a woman's petticoat, Tyrone?"

Tyrone raised his blade. "Keep Jade's name out of this," he replied with the same anger. “This is between you and me."

"Ah," Raige replied sarcastically, "so noble of you to defend the lady's name, when it was you who tarnished it."

"My name needs no defense from either of you," Jade said angrily.

Neither man seemed to hear her as they once again became locked in their deadly contest.

Jade watched in horror as Raige's rapier slashed Tyrone's face, drawing blood. Tyrone fell to his knees, too weak to stand.

Jade still clutched the costume she had brought to show them, but the combat had gone too far for either of them to listen to reason.

In that moment, she saw scenes of her own death, and a small voice inside her head directed her next actions.

Tossing the costume at Raige's feet, Jade hurried to Tyrone and ripped his rapier from his numb fingers. With the sun reflecting off the blade, she turned to Raige.

“If you want to avenge yourself on someone, try me. I am as blameless as Tyrone."

Raige looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. Then his eyes became incredibly sad. "You have the face of a seductress, my lovely, but I saw only the innocence of an angel. There is no more fool than I to have placed my heart with you."

In frustration, Jade slashed the sword through the air. "Do we fight or talk?" she asked heatedly.

Raige could only stare at her. She was glorious with her hair flying in the wind and her eyes sparkling with anger, a goddess ready to do battle regardless of the fact that she had never before held a rapier.

"Well, which is it to be?" she demanded.

Raige's hand trembled as he reached out to touch her face. "Do you love Tyrone so much that you are willing to die in his stead?" There was sadness in his voice, but accusation as well, the accusation of a man who thought he'd been betrayed by two people he trusted.

Jade licked her dry lips. "You fool-I love you-I always have. But if you keep on with this madness, I may reconsider."

Raige lowered his blade, looking at her mistrustfully. "How do you explain my finding you in Tyrone's arms last night?"

Jade speared the costume she'd dropped earlier and extended it to Raige on the end of Tyrone's sword. "That, my husband-to-be, is the gown / wore last night. Charlene and I exchanged costumes early in the evening because everyone recognized us.''

She turned her attention to Tyrone. "It was Charlene you were kissing last night, not me."

Tyrone struggled forward. "You need not lie. We both know it was you."

Jade's eyes blazed like green fire. "How dare you! I have told you on more than one occasion that I love Raige-is that not so? What made you think I had changed my mind?"

Tyrone met her eyes and realized his mistake. "But last night I thought-"

"Well, you thought wrong. You can ask my mother and father if you don't believe me. They took me home an hour before Raige arrived at the ball. I was asleep while you played out your little scene in the garden."

"How did you know about it?" Raige asked, not ready to believe her, even though he wanted to.

"Charlene came charging into my bedroom this morning, babbling about how she was the cause of the duel. I should have left the two of you on your own. I don't know why I bothered to come here."

By now, Charlene had arrived, frantically looking for Tyrone. Seeing him bloody, she ran to him. "What has Raige done to you?" she cried, dabbing her handkerchief at the wound on his face.

Tyrone looked confused. "Was it you I kissed last night, Charlene?"

Charlene looked at Jade pleadingly, but Jade had had enough.

"Tell them the truth," she demanded.

Charlene blushed and lowered her head. "I… oui, it was me."

Raige looked at her cynically. "You would lie for Jade."

Jade tossed the sword down and looked at him in disgust. "Do you think so little of me that you believe I would betray the vows I made to you? I do not want to marry a man who doubts my word or my virtue. What kind of marriage would we have, Raige?"

The three young people watched Jade as she walked away from them.

"You'd better go after her," Tyrone said at last. "I have a feeling that if you don't, you'll lose her. And you two belong together."

A slow smile lit Raige's face. "You are right." Forcefully, he threw his rapier upward, where it wedged in an overhanging branch of an oak tree. Without pausing, he ran after Jade, calling her name.

Jade had reached her horse, and since there was no one to help her, she was having difficulty mounting the sidesaddle. When she saw Raige approaching, she glared at him.

"Go back and finish what you started. And I am glad I know you for the kind of man you are. Are you going to challenge every man who looks at me to a duel?"

Laughingly, he came to her and turned her resisting face up to his. "I can't promise not to. You see, I'm hopelessly in love with you."

She lowered her eyes, studying the scuffed toe of her riding boot. "I don't… love you anymore."

He tilted her chin upward. ' 'Oui, you do. Your lips might deny it, but your eyes say otherwise." There was contrition in the depths of his golden eyes, and something more. "Can you ever forgive me for being such a fool?"

In that moment, Jade heard a voice in her head, a faint voice. She knew not where it came from, but it urged her to take the happiness Raige offered.

"Oui," she said at last. "I forgive you, and I did not mean it when I said I no longer loved you."

There was triumph in Raige's eyes as he pulled her to him. "For now and forever, and even beyond, Jade, I will love you."

It was a day like no other. The sun was shining and the birds were singing a melodious song that sweetened the air.

Jade hurried down the aisle, her lace veil trailing behind her, her gaze on the man who stood at the altar.

As Raige waited, his dark eyes locked with hers, and in that moment, Jade knew such intense happiness that she thought her heart would burst.

She took his hand, and there before God, friends, and family, she pledged him her life and love for all eternity.

Epilogue

Betty Allendale greeted the three young couples who had just arrived from New Orleans. The Bridal Veil Inn was prosperous, often booked a year in advance, and most often by honeymooners who found the isolation and the history of the old plantation house romantic.

Betty smiled as she recited the same historical facts she had told for years.

"The inn, of course, draws its name from Jade St. Clair's wedding veil. Jade lived in the early 1800s and was as spunky as she was beautiful. She once challenged the man she loved to a duel. She married that same man, and she and Raige Belmanoir lived happily until the end of their days. They had five children and nineteen grandchildren, and twentieth-century descendants include a senator, three doctors, two of whom are women, five lawyers, and me, your hostess."

She paused, gazing upon the faces of her guests, who were hanging on her every word.

"On behalf of us all, I bid you welcome to Bridal Veil Inn."