Flames of Passion

Standard disclaimers apply

***CHAPTER 4***

Kaoru shrank back against the tree, unable to believe her eyes. She had seen him only once, and then in darkness. But the joyous beating of her heart was like a soaring song of recognition.

Shogu, observing her radiant expression, demanded suspiciously, ā??Do you know this person, Kaoru?ā??

ā??If you have anything to say, say it to me, and stop harassing the lady,ā?? cut in Kaoruā??s rescuer.

ā??Who the devil do you think you are?ā?? demanded Shogu.

The red-haired strangerā??s voice curled like a whiplash. ā??Iā??m a gentleman. But, I couldnā??t say the same thing about you!ā??

ā??No gentleman I know would deem it necessary to carry a sword, since the Meiji government banned it in public,ā?? sneered Shogu. He took a step forward. ā??Iā??ll teach you to interfere in my affairsā??ā??

ā??On the other hand,ā?? declared the mysterious stranger coldly. ā??Iā??m the one who will teach you some lessons. You deserve some thrashing for forcing yourself on a lady in that hateful manner.ā??

Shogu drew back his fist, and roared, ā??Youā??ll pay for that!ā??

He rushed at the man, but the stranger was swift. As Shogu lunged, the man brought the hilt of his sword at his opponentā??s jaw. Shogu staggered, his eyes glazed and rolling. Then he fell, in an unconscious heap, to the ground.

It was only then that Kaoru realized she had been holding her breath. The man dusted down his gi and hakama and turned to Kaoru.

ā??That bastard deserves to die,ā?? he said, in a self-mocking tone. ā??But I donā??t want to waste my time on a scumbag like him.ā??

ā??Iā??m so glad,ā?? murmured Kaoru, her blood beginning to race as she stared into the amethyst eyes of the man.

He laughed. ā??You appear to be a girl with a singular talent for adventure. I believe this is the second time I have come upon you struggling to resist the unwanted attentions of a rogue.ā??

Kaoru clasped her hands. ā??But this time the situation is far worse! When you came to my rescue that night, my attackers were merely common thieves. But this unspeakable man wants to marry me. And my father seems ready to give his consent!ā??

ā??If Shogu Amakusa is offering for your hand,ā?? mused the stranger, crossing his arms before his chest, ā??then I doubt very much if you are a doctorā??s daughter, as you led me to believe. It is common knowledge that Amakusa is angling for a bride with wealthy and influential parents.ā??

Kaoru flushed. ā??Iā??m sorry if I mislead you. But at the time I wasā?|unsure of your motives. Iā??m afraid that if I introduced myself as Kaoru Kamiya, daughter of Saitou Kamiya, a former high-ranking government official, you might break into the mansion and steal all our valuable possessions.ā??

The man threw back his head and roared with laughter.

Kaoru said indignantly, ā??It is not a farfetched idea! Why, the countryside is teeming with rogues.ā?? She paused, and then continued in the same, spirited way, ā??And now, sir, I have told you my name. I think itā??s time for you to tell me who you are?ā??

ā??Boldly spoken,ā?? smiled the man. ā??My name is Kenshin.ā??

ā??And have you mislaid your surname?ā?? Kaoru inquired.

Again that warm, fascinating smile. He had, Kaoru observed, a firm, well-bred mouthā??a welcome contrast to Shoguā??s thick lips.

ā??For the moment,ā?? he said, ā??you must simply know me as Kenshinā??and ask no further questions.ā??

ā??Very well,ā?? said Kaoru, responding to the authority in his voice. She glanced down at the still unconscious Shogu. ā??Oh dear, my brothers will be here soon. How am I going to explain what happened? They will never believe that Mr. Amakusa made advances toward me, let alone that I was rescued by a red-haired man, whom I know only as Kenshin!ā??

ā??Tell them,ā?? he suggested, ā??that Mr. Amakusa unfortunately tripped over a tree root and knocked his jaw on the tree. I imagine that Shogu Amakusa himself will support your story. He would not wish to admit that he was bested in such ignoble circumstances.ā??

Kaoru shuddered as she recalled the horror of Shogu Amakusaā??s kisses.

ā??Whatā??s the matter?ā?? inquired Kenshin gently.

Kaoru gazed up at him. He was so handsome and strong. Why, even the sound of his voice sent tremors running through her.

ā??He made me realize that I can never marry!ā?? she blurted. ā??If marriage means enduringā?|thatā?|then I must forget all about it. Oh, it was too horrible!ā??

Kenshin took her hand. His voice was low as he inquired, ā??Was that your very first kiss, Kaoru?ā??

She blushed. ā??Of course. And it will be my last. Iā??m sure of that.ā??

Kenshin smiled and looked deep into her eyes. Not for all the world could Kaoru have looked away. His expression was compelling, passionate and tender all at the same time.

ā??I think,ā?? he said softly, ā??that one day, at a more convenient time, and in a more romantic place, I will have to teach you what a joy it is to kiss, Kaoru.ā??

Kaoru felt her blush start somewhere around her waist. Oh, how embarrassing to permit him to address her like this! And yet, deep in her heart, she knew that if the enchanted time came when Kenshin should kiss her, then she would prove the most willing student.

He briefly touched her cheek. ā??I have to go,ā?? he murmured. ā??I hear voices, further up the path. No doubt your brothers are looking for you.ā??

ā??Whenā?|when will I see you again?ā?? whispered Kaoru.

He smiled. ā??Perhaps, sooner than you may imagine.ā??

He bowed, turned, and in an instant had disappeared around a bend in the river path.

For a moment, Kaoru stood staring along the deserted track, unable to believe that she had really encountered him again. Oh, he was the most amazing man! Just to be in his presence aroused the wildest, most heady emotions within her. And he had said that they would meet again, sooner than you may imagine.

Exultant at the prospect, Kaoru gazed down on Shogu, who was beginning to rub his face and groan. Hastily, she composed herself and gathered her wits, the better to explain to her brothers how her rich, legendary beau came to be lying by a tree, with a bump the size of a henā??s egg swelling on his jaw.

For Kaoru, the ride back to the mansion seemed endless. Aoshi and Soujirou had assisted the dazed Shogu to his feet, and then to his horse. They had accepted Kaoruā??s explanation of his sorry condition without question.

ā??What bad luck, tripping over a tree root like that,ā?? declared Aoshi.

ā??Absolutely,ā?? agreed Soujirou. ā??Could have happened to anyone. You will find a good brisk ride, Mr. Amakusa, the ideal thing to clear your head.ā??

As Soujirou spoke, he cast a sidelong glance at his sister. She fidgeted uncomfortably under his scrutiny. From childhood, Soujirou had possessed an uncanny sixth sense as far as Kaoru was concerned, and she knew she would have to endure some penetrating questions from her brother as soon as they were alone.

Throughout the ride, Shogu did not utter a single word to Kaoru. She was glad. Had she succeeded in dampening his desire for her? Did he now consider her an unsuitable candidate for the honor of bearing his name? Surely, decided Kaoru, her spirits rising as she studied Shoguā??s averted head, the events of the day must have turned him against her. Oh, how fortunate if he now leave Tokyo and left her alone!

Shogu disguised his coolness towards Kaoru by joining the Kamiya brothers in their dispute about the horse they had viewed that morning. Although Shogu had not himself seen the animal, that in no way prevented him from voicing an opinion on it.

Soujirou was very much for the horse. ā??He was lively and full of spirit,ā?? he declared. You would be a fool not to buy him, Aoshi.ā??

Aoshi shook his head. ā??I was disturbed that the groom had just exercised the horse,ā?? he said cautiously. ā??He knew we were coming, and I suspect that he had cantered the horse deliberately, so we would not realize that the animal was slightly lame.ā??

ā??That is my opinion too,ā?? put in Shogu. ā??It is a fact that certain kinds of lameness are less apparent after exercise.ā??

Kaoru trotted her mare steadily behind the three men, thankful that they were too immersed in their argument to bother with her. When the great iron gates of the Kamiya mansion came into view, Shogu slowed his horse and prepared to take his leave. Hopefully, thought Kaoru fervently, this will be the last time I will set eyes on Shogu Amakusa. He will make an excuse to the Widow Sekihara and leave Tokyo without attending the masked ball. He will trouble me no more!

Shogu politely inclined his head towards Kaoru. ā??Goodbye, then, for now, Miss Kamiya. It has been a most interesting morning. I look forward to renewing our meeting at the Widow Sekiharaā??s ball.ā??

Kaoruā??s heart sank.

ā??Ah, yes,ā?? said Aoshi, ā??the ball. We will all be attending.ā??

ā??Iā??m glad,ā?? said Shogu, his pale eyes still fixed on Kaoru. ā??And I give you fair warning, Miss Kamiya, that I intend to claim the first two dances with you. There are so many things I wish to talk with you.ā??

Soujirou laughed. ā??You forget, Mr. Amakusa. It is to be a masked ball. How then will you recognize my sister in order to claim your dances?ā??

ā??I assure you,ā?? said Shogu, ā??no maskā??whoever it was worn byā??would stop me from my chosen course.ā??

With that, he raised his hand and galloped away. Kaoru shivered. His tone had been bland enough. But she had understood the menace behind his words. The malice in the manā??s pale green eyes had sent a chill of foreboding through her bones.

I will never forgive you, those eyes had said. I will have my revenge on your red-haired, cross-scarred friend. And I will make you mine, never doubt that.

Back at the Kamiya mansion, Kaoru changed from her gi and hakama into a pink kimono and joined her mother and brothers for a light late luncheon. Saitou had taken Misao for a ride around the estate.

Kaoru desperately wanted to be alone, to reflect on the events of the morning and her encounter with her red haired friend. But this, she realized, was going to be impossible. Already, Soujirou was making their secret signal indicating that he wanted to talk with her privately, while her mother, across from Kaoru at the dining table, kept raising her eyebrows at her daughter in a manner which indicated that she had certain questions to ask of her.

As the servants cleared away the dishes, Kaoru excused herself, saying she would like to rest after the morningā??s exercise. She hastened from the room, but to her dismay, Soujirou followed her.

Holding her arm, he pulled her into a quiet room out of earshot of the dining room and hissed, ā??What happened on the river path today?ā??

ā??Happened?ā?? asked Kaoru, wide-eyed. ā??Whatever do you mean, Sou? Poor Mr. Amakusa tripped over aā??ā??

ā??Oh! For heavenā??s sake!ā?? exclaimed her brother. ā??I donā??t believe that tree root nonsense for a moment. We have never had any secrets, Kaoru. Surely, you can tell me?ā??

Kaoru shook her head and said softly, ā??Trust me, Sou. Whatever happened today is something I cannot share with youā?|at the moment. If I could confide in you, I would, you know that.ā??

She felt horrible as she observed his confused, hurt expression. But I cannot even tell my beloved brother, she thought wildly, about Kenshin and my feelings for him. Why, it is all so new, so bewildering and fascinating that itā??s hard to find words even to myself to express how I feel when I gaze into Kenshinā??s eyesā?|when I see him smileā?|the way I sense Iā??m on fire whenever he so much as touch my cheek.

No, I cannot share him, yet, with any living soul. Just to speak of him would spoil it all for me. After all, this is the first big adventure of my life. To confide, even in someone as dear as Soujirou, would destroy for me all the magic and excitement.

ā??Darn it, sister!ā?? Soujirou blurted. But before he could continue, the door opened and Yumi entered. Her mouth was set in determined line, and with no more ado she waved Soujirou from the saloon, proclaiming that she wished to talk to Kaoru.

When the door had closed behind Soujirou, Yumi crossed to a brocaded chair, drew her shawl around her shoulders, and inquired, ā??So, Kaoru. Did you enjoy your ride with your brothers and Mr. Amakusa?ā??

ā??Just fine, Mama,ā?? murmured Kaoru.

Yumi smiled. ā??Mr. Amakusa seems a most admirable man, isnā??t he? Your father is most impressed with him. He has a sizable income, you know, and will be given a high-ranking position in the government. What is more, he is anxious to take back a wife to Shimabara.ā??

ā??I know, Mama,ā?? said Kaoru sarcastically. ā??I was interviewed for the position this morning.ā??

Yumi looked taken aback by Kaoruā??s caustic tone, but inquired pleasantly, ā??And what is your opinion of Mr. Amakusa?ā??

ā??I have no wish, Mama,ā?? said Kaoru clearly, ā??to be either Mrs. Shogu Amakusa or Battousaiā??s wife.ā??

ā??Then youā??re a foolish girl,ā?? snapped Yumi. ā??You may never have a chance as good as this again.ā??

ā??Then I will cheerfully remain a spinster and devote my life to good works.ā??

Yumi reached for her smelling bottle. ā??Kaoru, child,ā?? she pleaded, ā??I must advise you that your father will not take kindly to a refusal of Mr. Amakusa. Twice your father has allowed you to spurn beaux who would have made very good husbands. Iā??m afraid that this time, he will not be so lenient with you.ā??

Kaoru swallowed. It distressed her to see her mother so upset, and she had no wish to cause friction between her dear parents. She took her motherā??s hand. ā??Donā??t fret, Mama. Time has a way of solving most of lifeā??s problems. And after all, Mr. Amakusa has not yet proposed to me. So perhaps we are speaking too early.ā??

But as mother and daughter looked at one another, they both knew that the masked ball was fast approaching. This, surely, would be the occasion for Shogu Amakusa to propose to Kaoru.

Soujirou, his good humor quickly restored, informed Kaoru the next day that there had been a danger of the Kamiya family not attending the ball at all.

ā??Our unsociable father is, as usual, most reluctant to set foot outside the Kamiya estate,ā?? he told his sister, as they took a morning stroll across the front lawns. ā??You recall how he hates the Widow Sekiharaā??s house, and the long flight of steps leading up to the entrance?ā??

ā??I donā??t know why he hates the Widowā??s house,ā?? mused Kaoru. ā??To me, the steps lend a certain elegance to the house.ā??

Soujirou grinned. ā??Ah, but Papa is convinced that the weather is certain to be harsh and windy when we arrive. He is afraid that by the time we have climbed up the steps we will all be looking disheveled and wild as weathercocks. ā??

ā??And how did Mama reply?ā??

ā??She reminded him that friend Shogu Amakusa will be at the ballā?|ā??

Kaoru shuddered. ā??Iā??m afraid so. Oh, Sou, what am I to do? I can never, ever marry such hateful man.ā??

Soujirou took her hand. ā??You know I will help you in any way possible, Kaoru. Whenever you wish to confide in me, Iā??m here, waiting.ā??

She looked at him gratefully. ā??But you have problems of your own, Sou. Mama informs me that Papa is eager for you to begin studying books on estate management and animal husbandry.ā??

Soujirou nodded gloomily. ā??I must confess, I wake up each morning feeling as though a black cloud has settled above the bed curtains and is waiting to envelop me.ā?? Then, after a moment, he brightened. ā??Letā??s not be sad, sister. We are going to a ball! I know that you will have to bear the presence of the dreadful Shogu Amakusa looming over you, but there will be music, and dancingā??ā??

ā??Oh, yes!ā?? exclaimed Kaoru, ā??I intend to enjoy myself, despite Mr. Shogu Amakusa!ā??

As was only to be expected, Saitouā??s party traveled in style to the ball, in two carriages.

Saitou, it was clear, was sorely wishing he was safely at home in his library, sipping his sake. He glared from the carriage window as they swept up the drive of the Sekihara mansion, past a front lawn adorned with marble statues.

ā??What the devil are they supposed to represent?ā?? he demanded.

Kaoru hastened to explain. ā??Why, Papa, look, there is Mars, the god of war, and on the other side of the drive you can see Neptune, bearing his trident.ā??

ā??I never heard such nonsense,ā?? snorted Saitou. ā??I have never in my life seen such badly executed statues. Mars appears more like a common foot soldier than a god of war, and as for Neptune, stuck there on that miserable patch of grass instead of an ocean, and brandishing that pitchfork thing, why, to me he resembles no more than a lowly cart-filler.ā??

Kaoru laughed and tucked her arm into her fatherā??s. ā??Now, Papa, do not be grumpy. I have an idea why you insist on fighting with the Widow Sekihara. She has always been kind to me.ā??

Yumi sighed. ā??Your father does not approve of her riding to hunt, Kaoru.ā??

ā??Thatā??s right,ā?? nodded Saitou. ā??A woman of her years should behave with dignity and decorum. Yet here she is, galloping around the countryside like a man, and then choosing to live in this ridiculous house with statues and colonnades, and inconvenient flights of steps.ā??

Yumi patted his hand soothingly. She was aware that once he was settled in a comfortable seat within the ballroom, with a glass of good wine in his hand, Saitou would thoroughly enjoy this evening.

He was simply a man who found pleasure in complaining. To admit that he was enjoying himself he would regard as a sign of weakness. And despite all his fears, the night was warm and still, enabling the Kamiya family to ascend the long flight of steps and enter the house in perfect style.

Kaoru felt a tremor of excitement tingling through her as she tied the ribbons on her velvet mask. From the ballroom came the tantalizing sound of music and laughter. Oh, how wonderful it was to be at a ball! To be aware that for the next few hours she could give herself up to the exquisite pleasures of dancing and conversing with the many friends from the county she had not seen for months.

She gasped with delight as her party entered the ballroom. It resembled something from a fairytale with the candlelight shining like clusters of brilliant stars from the blue-painted ceilingā?|the marble columns entwined with gaily colored silk ribbonsā?|and the perfumed revelers, their eyes behind their masks glittering as bright as the jewels that adorned their elegant ball gowns. And even the members of the band, playing at the end of the ballroom, were masked.

As Saitou and Yumi were so seldom seen in society, they were greeted with delight and soon found themselves the center of an animated party. Kaoru and her brothers and Misao formed their own group in one of the silk- lined arbors that graced the ballroom.

Misao quietly studied all the dancers and then commented to Kaoru, ā??You are by far the most beautiful girl in the room.ā??

Kaoru flushed. Then, to her delight, the band struck up into the lilting rhythm of the waltz. ā??Oh, Sou, they are playing the waltz!ā??

She and Soujirou had often secretly practiced it together, in one of the quieter rooms of the mansion.

ā??Come now, Kaoru, surely you do not wish to dance with your own brother,ā?? teased Soujirou. ā??How boring!ā??

ā??But so few of the other people here are familiar with the waltz,ā?? pleaded Kaoru. Besides, her eyes implored him, at any moment Mr. Amakusa will appear to claim his dances. Save me!

ā??I cannot say I approve of this dance, Kaoru,ā?? said Aoshi, frowning. ā??For once, I agree with that poet fellow, Shishiou Makoto. He said that the waltz encourages wantonness. The minuet is a far more appropriate dance for young ladies.ā??

Soujirou grinned. ā??Nonsense, brother. You are perfectly well aware that the only reason Shishiou Makoto hates the waltz is that he has an injured foot which prevents him from dancing it successfully.ā??

Misao raised an inquiring eyebrow at her husband. ā??Why, Aoshi, Shishiou Makoto has a bad reputation. Iā??m surprised to learn that you are acquainted with him.ā??

Kaoru exchanged a smile with Soujirou as Aoshi hastily explained, ā??I only met him a few times. We both have the same kenjutsu teacher. We are merely on nodding terms, Misao, nothing more.ā??

To Kaoruā??s relief, Soujirou took advantage of his brotherā??s discomfort to lead her onto the floor.

How lovely Kaoru looks when she dances, thought Misao. The white silk of Kaoruā??s dress floated around her like a cloud, setting off to perfection her slim figure and translucent skin. The exertion of the dance brought a flush to her cheeks and a sparkle to the fine sapphire eyes, so that before long it was not only Misao who was regarding the graceful raven- haired girl. All those in the ballroom, it seemed, were turning their heads to regard the brother and sister, and to remark that Kaoru Kamiya had never looked so enchanting.

When the music stopped, there was an involuntary ripple of applause as Soujirou and Kaoru joined their family party. One person in the ballroom, however, did not applaud.

Shogu Amakusa approached Kaoru and smiled icily down upon her. ā??If you are not too tired by all that whirling and twirling, the next dance is a minuet. May I have the pleasure? You know that these more leisurely dances give one more opportunity to talk.ā??

Aoshi was nodding his approval, and a little way away, Yumi smiled encouragement. Shoguā??s fingers were like a vise on her hand as he led her back onto the dance floor.

ā??I believe,ā?? he said, as they moved forward, ā??that you owe me a certain explanation about a red-haired friend of yours.ā??

Kaoru inclined her head to smile politely at her hostess, the Widow Tae Sekihara. Still apparently smiling, she said through gritted teeth, ā??I owe you nothing, Mr. Amakusa. On the other hand, Iā??m waiting for you to apologize for your coarse, vulgar and unwarranted attack on me down by the river.ā??

He laughed. The bruise on his chin, she noticed, had now dulled to a blotchy purplish brown. The sight of it gave her considerable satisfaction as he tightened his grip n her hand.

ā??Anyone who crosses me,ā?? he muttered softly, ā??lives to regret it.ā?? Unfortunately, the venom in his tone lost much of its effect as he stumbled and missed his step.

He was, thought Kaoru, the most appalling dancer. Ungainly and totally lacking in style.

Kaoruā??s tone was sarcastic. ā??Iā??m afraid it is difficult to talk and dance at the same time, Mr. Amakusa. Why donā??t we concentrate on finishing this dance without disgracing ourselves by falling over?ā??

He colored brick red. ā??We will talk more at supper,ā?? he declared. ā??And it will be straight talking.ā??

They finished the dance in silence. Then they returned to the arbor, and before he left her, Shogu commented, ā??Do not forget, Kaoru, you are promised to me for the supper dance.ā??

Again, thought Kaoru, it was a simple statement which her listening family would take literally. But she knew that Shogu Amakusa was telling her: You are engaged to me for the supper danceā?|and promised to me for life.

Kaoru closed her eyes, so neither he nor her family would detect the loathing present there for him.

ā??Are you ill?ā?? inquired Misao. ā??You are suddenly pale.ā??

Kaoru smiled wanly. ā??It is merely the exertion of the dance, Misao. I will step outside and breathe the fresh air.ā??

Misao, who had been about to dance with her husband, said kindly, ā??Let me accompany you.ā??

ā??No, you enjoy the ball,ā?? insisted Kaoru. ā??I wonā??t take long.ā??

Leaving the ballroom, she wandered through the halls and rooms until she reached a large oak door. Pushing it open, she breathed a welcome draft of cool evening air. She stepped outside and found to her delight that she was in a courtyard. In the center gushed a small fountain, the sprays of water shimmering like diamonds in the light of the moon. Enchanted, Kaoru sat down on the fountain edge, enjoying the refreshing droplets of moisture misting her hair and bare arms.

From the ballroom came the strains of another waltz. And soon, Kaoru realized miserably, there would be the supper dance, which was promised to Shogu Amakusa to choose to propose before supper, so that with the business successfully concluded, he could digest his meal in peace.

Immersed in her thoughts, Kaoru did not hear the footsteps of the man crossing the courtyard. The man who all evening had watched her every word and smile and move. The man who had come now to claim her.

AUTHORā??S RAMBLINGS:

So, who do you think that is? ::evil laugh:: Youā??ll find out in the next chapter. THANKS A LOT MINNA for finding the time to review my fic. A special thanks goes to CHIBI-ANGEL forā?|she already knows what it was. Suggestions, comments, criticisms are very much welcome.

Chapter Three Chapter Five

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