Because of Rebecca (29 page)
She pointed down the street at two men walking in their direction. “Isn’t that Mr. Hollingsworth with that gambler?”
Ancil turned and looked at the two men. “That isn’t Jared.”
“It looks like him.”
“Yes it does, but Jared has a cousin that could be his identical twin if you didn’t know the difference.”
“You don’t say. What is this cousin’s name?”
“Rory Hollingsworth. He’s a free-spirit, but I didn’t realize he was back in town. I think the last time I saw him was when his mother passed away. Once her will was read and he received his inheritance he left, bidding Jackson and Jared good-bye. I wonder what brings him back now.”
“Interesting. You know, that man he’s with looks vaguely familiar for some reason.”
Ancil laughed. “You think you know that gambler?”
“Good Lord.” Josephine stopped and clutched at his arm as the men came closer. “That’s Stuart Delaney. The man who…the man who…seduced Mariah.”
Ancil dropped his bag and caught Josephine as she fainted, collapsing against him. “Josephine. Josephine.”
“Doctor Gordon, do you need help?” Rory asked, running toward him.
“Yes.” He glanced at Rory. “In my bag there are smelling salts.”
Rory knelt and opened the bag. He rummaged around until he found what he was looking for. “Got them.”
Ancil took the vial and removed the lid, waiving it underneath Josephine’s nose. She jerked and sputtered, blinking madly.
“Wh-what happened?”
“You fainted, darling,” he explained, recapping the vial and handing it to Rory. Ancil helped her stand on her own, but kept a supportive arm around her waist in case she had another spell.
“I thought I saw…” her words stopped and her eyes enlarged as she saw the man standing beside Rory.
“Hello, Miss Davis,” Delaney said. “I almost didn’t recognize you without your rosary.”
“I still have it,” she retorted. “What are you doing here?”
“Last time I checked it was still a free country for white men. That means I have the right to go and do whatever I like.”
“Let’s go, Ancil. We’ll be late for Mass.”
“Yes, run away to your precious church. You were always good about that. Did you know Mariah despised you for it?”
She gasped.
“Come on, Delaney.” Rory advised. “You’ve upset Rebecca already. You don’t have to upset her aunt as well today. Besides if we don’t go now, you’ll miss your train.”
Delaney checked his pocket watch. “Quarter till twelve. Another few minutes and that whistle will blow as the train pulls out. I guess I could stay in town another day.”
“I think not.” Rory grabbed his arm and urged him forward. “I don’t relish the idea of going back to Oak Hill and informing Jared you are still in town. If he didn’t do you bodily harm, Rebecca might scratch your eyes out. I’ve never seen her so upset.”
Delaney chuckled and nodded toward Josephine. “Good day, Miss Davis.”
When they were gone Josephine turned to Ancil. “He’s been to Oak Hill. What if he’s seen Lucas?”
“There’s only one way to find out. We must go to Oak Hill immediately.”
*****
Jared and Rebecca were coming from the back of the house to the verandah when a carriage pulled to a stop. Ancil jumped down and helped Josephine out.
“Your aunt doesn’t look happy,” Jared said.
“No. She doesn’t. I’d better go see what’s wrong.” Rebecca rushed over to them. “I’m so glad you came. Charlotte said you’d be out after Mass.”
“We didn’t go. I had to come see you and Lucas were safe.” Josephine paused to take a breath. “I saw Stuart Delaney in town.”
“Oh. You did?” Rebecca planted her hands on her hips.
“Yes. That man is still unpleasant to be around.”
Rebecca nodded. “He was supposed to be catching a train.”
“He did, or at least Rory was trying to make sure he did,” Doctor Gordon offered.
“What happened, Rebecca? Rory said Delaney upset you. Please tell me that man didn’t see Lucas,” Josephine said.
“Everything is fine. Delaney did upset me, he was still here when Lucas arrived, but he paid little attention to him. The good thing is Delaney’s gone now. Hopefully we will not see him again. Come inside. We’ll have some sandwiches and lemonade and I will tell you all about it.”
Josephine nodded, wiping moisture from her eyes. “A part of me wishes the man knew so we didn’t have to keep the secret. I’m tired of secrets.”
Rebecca swallowed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Then let this be my secret to bear the burden.”
After they ate, Rebecca took Josephine upstairs to see the nursery. Lucas was sitting on a blanket in the middle of the large carpet with Charlotte, playing with his blocks.
“It’s a nice room. I know he will be happy here.” Josephine went over and picked him up. She kissed him and he squealed in protest. “He’s got a temper.”
“I think that goes with his hair coloring,” Rebecca said. “Don’t you agree?”
“Yes.” Josephine smiled, putting her grandson back on the floor. “Are you liking your new home, Charlotte?”
The maid looked up. “Yes ma’am. So far it is heavenly here.”
“I’m glad.” Josephine walked to the doorway and looked back at Lucas. “He’ll do just fine here.”
Rebecca closed the door and they returned downstairs to the parlor. “I never imagined when we came to Jackson for Elizabeth’s wedding that our lives would change.”
Her aunt laughed, settling on the settee. “And to think I protested about us making this trip. I shudder now to think how alone I would have spent the rest of my life if we hadn’t come.”
“Would you like more lemonade?” Rebecca asked. “I’ll be happy to get you a glass from the kitchen.”
“No, dear. I’m fine. I wonder where Ancil and Jared have gone?” Josephine asked.
“Having cookies in the kitchen,” Mary said, coming into the parlor. “Would you like to join them?”
“Thank you, Mary. We’ll be right out.”
They walked arm in arm out to the kitchen where their men sat at the wooden table eating cookies and drinking coffee.
Josephine took the chair beside Doctor Gordon, but Rebecca went over and sat on Jared’s knee. She kissed him on the cheek. “Life couldn’t get any sweeter than this.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “But we can spend the rest of our life trying.”
A word about the author...
Award-winning author Leanne Tyler lives in the South and her writing reflects her heritage. She writes Sweet and somewhat Sensual Southern romances, whether historical or contemporary. Leanne’s debut release
Victory’s Gate
was the 2007 American Rose winner of the Through the Garden Gate contest and was released electronically by The Wild Rose Press in December 2007. Finally in December 2009 the Through the Garden Gate Anthology became available in print and includes the four winning entries.
Stepping into the Contemporary circle, she debuted with her Class of ’85 Reunion story
It’s Always Been You
in August 2011. And her first full-length historical novel
Season of Love
(Nov. 2011) is a time-travel set in 1850 Charleston, SC. A recent release from Books to Go Now,
A Country Kitchen Christmas
(Feb. 2012) is a light inspirational romance. In May and August 2012 the first two books of The Good Luck Series were released from Amazon:
The Good Luck Charm
and
The Good Luck Spell
.
Ava
, a short story in the Love Letters Series, was released in November 2012.
Leanne invites readers to step into her world and enjoy the passion.
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