Contract for Love

By Rhonda Leibel

Otea Emmons, the vainly arrogant young lass, would stop at nothing to prevent her from engaging in the arranged marriage to a stranger. She stubbornly maintained that no one would break her strong resolve, especially not him! Securing passage on a ship would allow her to sail away from the impending marriage and she would be rid of her prospective suitor.

The young and very dapper, Devry Smith, was hindered from receiving what he felt was due to him. He only needed to fulfill the terms of one contract and she was the perfect solution. Only one night of passion to secure the terms of the contract, but would love get in the way, as he sailed right into her arms on a sea of love!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhonda Leibel
• Release date: Mar 25, 2018

Rhonda Leibel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Rhonda Leibel is an aspiring new author, regaling her tales of historical romance and love conquers all. She resides on the Canadian prairies with her husband and lovable pets. Also read her inspirations, Princess Knight' and Deep Beauty and Contract for Love.

Book preview

Dedication:

To all of the aspiring hopeless romantics and their enduring love.

Preface

Devry …! The way she said his name with her seductive voice was making it more and more difficult to maintain his composure.

Do you know how exceedingly handsome you are? Why won’t you kiss me, Devry? Don’t you like me? Otea muttered in a pouty tone.

Be careful of what you ask for. Devry said solidly.

One kiss. One kiss is all I ask—!

Devry lost his resolve and could resist no longer. He pulled her face to his and kissed her long and deep and Otea moaned against his mouth and pulled his head closer to hers urging him on. She opened her eyes slowly as he released her head and sat back staring at him.

Hmmmmmm. More, Devry. More … !

Chapter One

Otea Emmons fluffed the sleeves on her dress and fussed with the ringlets in her hair, while repetitively ogling herself in the mirror. There were discarded dresses, shoes and hats of various colours strewn about her bedroom. It was her mission to complete her ensemble to a tee, delineating her features to the absolute best of her ability. This was a daily occurrence for Otea, often found admiring her self-proclaimed beauty in the mirrors or mirrored glass in any of the rooms throughout the large house that she had shared with her family and an abundant number of servants. Since a very young age, her desire of vanity grew to outlandish proportions until she no longer allowed anyone, including members of her own family to see her, before she had performed her necessary ritual and approval of her perfect image.

She was vastly opinionated; noting her opinion on any subject was the only one that could possibly matter. She often manipulated the occurring discussions to converse about herself, submitting to others how beautiful she was and how privileged they were to make her acquaintance. Her wellbeing was of the utmost importance and her vain and manipulative attitude had people running to do her bidding in an effort to maintain her happiness.

Her father was one of the wealthiest businessmen in Grandlane and her mother’s background stemmed from a modest and hard-working household. After her parents’ marriage, her mother adapted quite readily to the easier lifestyle, having no worries about where her next meal would come from. They often wondered how their own child became so vain and noted that the lifestyle they had raised her in may have contributed to her present demeanour.

Her mother did not find the need for the numerous staff that they employed, which left very little for her to do and even less for Otea to learn. So Otea grew up having anything she desired and it was of the highest quality and a less equivalent item simply would not do. She had never attempted to cook or clean and she acquired the attitude that servants were beneath her and were meant to look after her every whim. Her mother had often queried the need for the abundant staff with her husband and he was in complete agreement with her; however, he was unable to release any of their staff from employment. His reasoning was heartfelt, as he quipped that everyone deserved to make a living and if he was able to provide gainful employment, he would do so.

Her mother and father had wished that their daughter would marry at a young age and have lots of children to fuss over and it was their hope that she would change her wild ways. Otea always thought that they were unaware of her frequent disappearances in the middle of the night, while engaging in a game of cards, drinking spirits and smoking cigarettes. She had led them to believe that she was meeting with friends of her age group and drinking tea and shopping, acting as a normal young woman should. After all, Otea paid an exorbitant amount of money to her personal driver, over and above the wage that her father bestowed upon him, to keep her alternate life a secret. She had thought she could maintain this control on the various people that she knew. For the most part, that in fact was true; mostly because of the types of people that Otea chose to deal with were also paid a tidy sum to keep their mouths shut.

The money supply seemed endless and if she did find herself lacking in funds, she simply enticed her father to give her more by telling him that she had given her money to a beggar on the street because she pitied him. Ultimately, Otea’s father would be so proud of her generosity, that he would immediately give her access to more money.

Otea? Where are you going? Her mother asked gently.

I am off to meet the ladies’ for our afternoon tea mother, remember? Otea replied as she turned to look back while she surveyed her looks in the hallway mirror, turning to and fro.

Yes, of course, but you will be back in time to dine with us, correct? Her mother prodded.

Yes mother. I won’t be long. Otea answered.

And you will be attending the ball with us as well? Her mother ventured.

I wouldn’t miss it! Otea said cheerfully. Good bye, mother!

Iris stared at the door as Otea departed.

Otea impatiently waited for her driver to pull ahead to where she was standing. Emil, where have you been? I don’t like to be kept waiting!

I’m sorry, Miss! It won’t happen again! Emil replied.

Oh, blasted! You always say that, but you never correct your ways! I expect to be picked up promptly, Emil! Otea said snarling at him. Now, hurry or I will be late to my tea! Otea yelled.

Emil urged the horse to gather speed so he would not disappoint Otea, yet again. Emil pulled the horse and carriage to a stop in front of the Grandlane Hotel and jumped from the seat to assist Otea out of the carriage. Otea withdrew some money from her bag and held it in front of Emil’s face with warning in her voice.

You won’t be getting this now because you have made me late once again! Honestly, I don’t know what to do with you, Emil! I will be ready for you in less than an hour and I expect you to be waiting in this very spot when I emerge through that door! Otea put the money back in her bag and pulled the strings tightly shut. She looked at Emil and then sighed and rolled her eyes. Open the door for me, Emil! Blasted! Otea raged.

Emil jumped upon hearing her tone and opened the door to the hotel so she could enter. He closed the door behind her and looked from left to right to ensure no one was close enough to hear him.

I hate that woman! He said as he shook his head and then retrieved a bucket of oats to feed the horse.

Never fear ladies’, I am here! Otea announced loudly as she walked towards the ladies’ that were already drinking their tea. The ladies’ nodded and smiled as Otea took her seat and removed her white gloves.

Where is my tea? I thought you would have had them pour it for me. Otea looked at all of the ladies’ in succession chastising all of them.

Sorry, Otea. Last time you said it was cold when we had it pre-poured for you. A friend retaliated.

That doesn’t matter. That was before, this is now. Could I please get some tea? Otea said with condemnation to the gentleman waiting on their table.

Right away, Miss. He replied politely.

Blasted, I should hope so. Otea replied icily.

So, what did I miss? Otea questioned the occupants of the table.

Well, I have accepted a marriage proposal! A friend said bursting with excitement. The ladies’ at the table bubbled with excited chatter, congratulating her with words of joy and patting her hand with genuine acknowledgement.

Oh, splendid! Another occasion to which I may go shopping! As you know, I look best in white, so you will have to choose a different colour to be married in. Otea said quite seriously.

The members of the table drew very quiet, dismayed at the words they heard. Sadly, the newly engaged member tossed her napkin on the table and ran away crying. Another member went to console her friend.

That was very hurtful, Otea. Why did you say that? A young lady asked.

I just wanted her to know that my choice of colour was white, that’s all! Otea stated.

Which brings me to the foremost detail to discuss. As stated, I look ravishing in white, so I have chosen a white off-the shoulder ball gown with red bows. Therefore, if any of you have those particular colours chosen for yourself to wear tonight; I suggest you go shopping immediately. It would simply be disastrous if we were to be seen wearing similar colours. Otea stated nonchalantly.

The women continued to stare silently at Otea.

Oh, why so glum, everyone? It is in your best interest to check with me before selecting your apparel. You should know that by now. Otea commented.

The ladies’ remained silent, but fumed with insults to inflict upon Otea. One by one, the ladies’ backed their chairs away from the table and left without saying a word, remembering the phrase they had learned from their parents’, ‘If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.’

Otea watched each of them as they rose from their seats. Same time tomorrow, then? Otea bellowed at the departing group. Not one of them returned any comments.

Oh, blasted! What are they so upset about? Otea said to herself. She had a sip of tea, but became quite uncomfortable sitting by herself, so she examined her image briefly using her teaspoon and then got up and gracefully left the table.

Chapter Two

Devry Smith stood at the bow and watched the land gradually coming into view. He had been at sea for months and he was ready to step on land once again. He missed the camaraderie with various people that he had not visited in months and he knew that he must take care of some business before he set sail again.

His mother had passed away when he was six and his father would take him along on his sea voyages whenever he could, that is, until his evil step-mother appeared on the scene. His father met and married this woman on one of his trips to Ell Isles, where he transported goods and sold them at a profit. The woman completely dominated his father’s attentions from the moment their eyes met. Devry was quite jealous of Alice while she manufactured a world of malcontent surrounding his life. His father was so in love that he was unable to see her destructive mannerisms. She painted a portrait of a loving family, blissful and serene, but the reality was alarmingly different.

Devry had ill feelings about her from the beginning, but she had his father tied around her little finger and Malcolm Smith hung on her every word. Once they had arrived home, Alice began to spin her web of trickery. She would treat Devry as her own son in the presence of Malcolm and the servants, but when she had him alone, she would box his ears and tell him she didn’t like children. She constantly belittled and threatened him to keep up the persona that they were compatible convincing him that if he did not, it would ultimately kill his father. This, of course, frightened the young lad and he was afraid if he said anything against his father’s wife, he would lose his father forever.

As the years passed, Alice had manipulated Malcolm into staying at home with her and Devry rather than sailing the seas. For a time Malcolm relented, but the sea was always calling him and he began to resent Alice for taking that from him. In one of the many heated arguments Devry had heard, Malcolm proclaimed that he was leaving on the next ship that was setting sail. Alice forbade him to do so which made Malcolm resent her even further. He packed some things and woke Devry in the middle of the night to say good bye. He explained that he needed to get away for awhile, but promised he would return for him. Devry pleaded with him through tears that he should stay, but Malcolm left Devry with Alice, bravely saying that he would be in good hands and it was best for Devry to remain behind. Malcolm wanted to believe that some good was left in his marriage and that he could entrust the care of his son to Alice.

Malcolm returned to see Devry in between sea voyages, but found it harder and harder to visit with Devry in short spurts, so he stopped coming by at all. When he did visit, he would try to talk to Alice and she would threaten him and tell him what she was going to do if he didn’t come back to her for good. Each time there was a different threat and he was unsure what she was capable of doing. He chose to simply leave her behind in the house he owned and hoped that he would outlive her.

Devry was ignored for the most part, but Alice would take her anger out on him and beat him when he least expected it. When Devry had reached his breaking point and could no longer depend on the protection of his father, he ran away. He found odd jobs and begged for food and eventually found his way onto a ship and became a cabin boy. He was fed regularly and cared for by Sully, the captain of the ship. Sully became his confidante and he grew to love him like a father, as Sully raised him to manhood.

It was an incessant mission to find his father Malcolm and make up for the years that they were separated. After sailing the seas with Sully for seven years, Devry and Malcolm were reunited on a trip to Ell Isles. Malcolm had returned home once more to speak with Devry and Sully offered Malcolm to sail with them, so they could get to know each other again. Malcolm confessed the mistakes he had made in leaving him with Alice and begged for his forgiveness. He also thanked Sully each and every day for raising his son to be such a good man.

They worked side by side for months allowing them to share everything about their lives. Malcolm became ill on one of their voyages and he spoke with Devry who sat by his side the entire time. Malcolm was sure it was going to be his last trip and as he lay on his death bed, he proclaimed that he had changed his will after marrying Alice. He had not thought of it until that moment, but realized that he had left his entire estate to Alice instead of Devry. He had hoped that there would be a smooth transition of his estate to his son, but felt the need to prepare Devry for the worst, in regards to the amendment.

Alice had convinced Malcolm that in order to ensure a future for his son, he needed to add an amendment to his will. It stated that Devry must marry by the age of twenty-three and must have a child by the age of twenty-five or else the residue of his estate would all go to Alice. He realized years later that the many things Alice had had Malcolm alter, would ultimately be to her advantage. More than likely, she would do her best to prevent Devry from receiving anything. Malcolm had pleaded with Devry to act on this very deed and quickly, as he was already twenty-two years of age.

With this proposition in mind, it prompted Devry to elicit a visit with his step-mother and see what the terms of the will really entailed.

I’m here to see Alice. Devry announced as he stepped inside the house. The servant acknowledged and led him to the sitting room. Devry stared at the picture on the wall of his father and smiled briefly. He scanned the room for the picture of the three of them, his mother, father and himself, but was unable to find any pictures of his mother. This didn’t surprise him, believing that his step-mother would have burned them.

So the prodigal son returns. Alice said vehemently. So what do you want, Devry?

Alice. Devry said as he turned to look in her direction.

"So to what do I owe this pleasure?" Alice fired at Devry, accentuating the word pleasure.

My father is dead. He was buried at sea. I wish to settle his estate. Devry commanded.

There is nothing to be settled. Your father left everything to me. Alice said tightly.

I find that unlikely. I was with him for the past eighteen months. He disclosed the contents of his will. I want to see it. Devry stated calmly.

Alice frowned a little. The estate only contains this house. There is nothing else. Alice tried to dissuade him.

I believe my father over you and I wish to see the details of the will. If you won’t produce it, I will make you turn it over. Devry said as he slowly walked towards her. He stood in front of her glaring at her while sending her a warning with his eyes.

Alice sat back somewhat afraid. The last time she had seen Devry, he was a short, skinny young lad, who was powerless, but now Alice was intimidated by his brawn. Alice rose silently pushing her way past Devry retrieving the papers from the safe in the wall. She walked back to where he was standing handing him the notarized will.

Devry took a few steps into the large room and opened the envelope containing the directions. He read to himself, ‘This is the last will and testament of I, Malcolm Smith, being of sound mind and judgment … the residue of my estate shall go to my son, Devry Smith … Addendum: If my son Devry is unmarried by the age of twenty-three and has not produced an heir by the age of twenty-five, the residue of my estate shall be given to Alice Smith … ’

Devry folded the contents and placed them back in the envelope. When he turned to Alice, she was smiling.

It appears your father loved me more than you! Alice laughed. And since you are near the age where you are supposed to be married and have an heir, I believe your time is up! Alice laughed again. You might as well go back on that ship, because you won’t be getting anything from here! Alice spat. "You may leave my house now."

Devry was fuming inside, but chose to not let Alice see him diminished.

I want you out of this house within the day, Alice! Devry stated with an edge of fear. You have no idea what I have been doing these past years. It was my intention to not invite you to the wedding and I sure as hell would not allow my children in your presence. Devry continued.

Alice faltered slightly. "Nonsense!