Love Me Again (20 page)

“You have made my old plantation a home, Abby. Even though you were birthed by other parents, I still see so much of Martha in you. You are as sweet and caring, with a strong devotion to the people you love. Something tells me you were better off raised on a small farm in Tarboro.”

“I’m sure you are right. I would probably have been so spoiled no one would have been able to tolerate me if I would have been raised in this huge house.”

Taylor’s demeanor changed. “I have a confession, Abby.” Taylor took a deep breath and plunged in. “I am responsible for Cord being at the Lewis party. I thought you were making a huge mistake seeking to marry another when it was obvious you were still in love with Cord. Please forgive my meddling but I could not stand by and let you make a mistake.”

“You were right, Uncle Taylor. I should not have been so stubborn and admitted how much I was in love with Cord.” Abby cupped Taylor’s cheek. “Thank you for meddling.”

Suddenly Nick stood in the doorway. “We had better get this wedding started before a feud starts between the McDonalds and Suttons.”

Chapter Fourteen

At the top of the stairs clutching Nick’s arm for support, Abby felt she might faint. She glanced around the huge foyer and noticed how the room was divided. Cord’s family was on one side, along with Taylor and Judith. Her new family was on the other side. Her stomach fluttered nervously because she felt she was going into the tiger’s lair. How had her simple, peaceful life on a farm changed so drastically?

When she hesitated, Nick whispered in her ear, “If you have changed your mind, we can go back
home. You do not have to marry Cord.”

Abby gazed down at Cord and their eyes met. She smiled with new found courage. “I love him. I want to spend my life with him.” They descended the stairs slowly and stopped in front of Cord. 

Abby fought the tears that threatened to spill forth as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed Nick on the cheek. He embraced her before stepping back so the ceremony could begin. Cord tucked his arm into hers and smiled as his gaze started at her toes and ended at the top of her perfectly styled hair.

“I have never seen you look more beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Abby faced the preacher and tried to focus on his words. Sweat pearled on her brow, and she felt nauseous. When it was time to say, ‘I do’, Cord squeezed her hand. She turned and met his dark eyes when she said the words with conviction. He had to grip her trembling hand when it was time to slip the beautiful diamond ring on her finger.

Cord
took her in his arms and gave her a firm kiss on the lips. He whispered in her ear so only she could hear, “I love you.”

It was the second most important day of her life. The most important day of her life was
the birth of Daniel. 

It amazed Abby how Grace and her servants had prepared such a wonderful feast with such so little notice.
Bowls of food filled the table and every dish was scrumptious. Now that the wedding was over, everyone seemed to be more at ease. Abby thought maybe the wine had something to do with everyone seeming so jovial. The moment a bottle was emptied, Ian opened another in its place. The man was the most gracious host, laughing and joking with the wedding guests.    

Abby had finally met the last of Cord’s f
amily. His two younger brothers, Samuel and Jesse, who resembled Adam with brown hair and blue eyes, had introduced themselves. His sister, Meredith, favored Cord with black hair and dark eyes. They were warm and friendly, making Abby feel like part of the family.

As the night wore on, several of the slaves were summoned into the house to play music and everyone danced. Abby couldn’t help but notice Nick watching Cord’s beautiful sister, Meredi
th, as she flirted outrageously and danced with the McDonald men.

Back home, her behavior would be considered scandalous, not to mention the low cut dress she wore showed a bit too much skin. Still her brother seemed very interested.

Standing beside Jeremy McDonald, Abby heard Nick ask, “Why hasn’t Meredith been married off? Abby said she was twenty years old. That’s old even for the wealthy isn’t it? She is mighty pretty not to have caught the eye of some man.”

Without taking his eyes off Meredith, Jeremy smiled wickedly. He seemed to find humor in Nick’s interest in Cord’s sister. “Adam has attempted to f
ind a good match for her. Every time she does something to ruin his plans.”

Abby leaned in to catch Jeremy’s next words because he lowered his voice not wanting anyone else to hear.

“The last time she was to marry Howard Smith, a wealthy plantation owner. He caught her kissing his stable boy, caused quite a scandal. She is beautiful isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is a fancy piece, especially with all that coal black hair hanging free down her back.” 

Meredith flounced off the dance floor and didn’t stop until she was standing mere inches from Nick. She replied with absolute assurance, “Well, plow boy, since it seems you aren’t going to ask me to dance, I guess I’ll have to do the asking.” Her dark brown eyes sparkled mischievously. Abby thought she was awfully bold.  

“Sorry, ma’am,
I don’t know how to dance.” Nick clasped his hands behind his back and fixed his eyes on Meredith.

Her painted lips parted in a smile. “Don’t you have barn dances and church socials where you come from?”

Nick laughed loudly. “I never have time for such nonsense. Where I come from you work from dawn to dusk. We don’t have slaves to wait on us hand and foot.”

The color drained from Meredith’s face and Abby felt sorry for her, but only for a moment. “Touché, plow boy.” She plopped her hands on her hips and raised her chin.

“You can call me Nick, anything but plow boy.” 

Meredith boldly tucked her arm into Nick’s, and pulled him away from Jeremy.  “If we can’t dance, then let’s at least get something cold to drink. I’m hot and thirsty.”

Eyes crinkling, Jeremy whispered to Abby, “Nick better tread carefully, or he won’t know what hit him.”

Well, Abby wanted Nick to meet a woman and settle down, but she feared Meredith would break his heart. Spoiled rotten and beautiful, she could take advantage of Nick’s good-natured ways.

****

Anxious to get his family home, Cord made several excuses to leave. Every time he tried to depart, Ian insisted they wait until the other guests left. Sick and tired of Ian always having his way, Cord was ready to tell the man he would leave when he was good and ready.

Before he got the chance Adam approached. “It’s getting late. I hate to leave you in the midst of the enemy camp, but I’m tired. I’ve invited Taylor, Judith, and Nick to stay with us tonight. I think they’ll be more comfortable at Sutton Plantation than here.”

“We won’t be far behind you.”

As Adam slipped into his jacket, he asked, “Do you want us to wait for you?”

“No, you go on. I’ll help Abby pack her things and we shouldn’t be too long.”

Adam shook Cord’s hand. “Congratulations, you are a lucky man, Cord. You have a beautiful wife and a strong son.”

“Thank you, Adam. I’ll be glad to get Abby home where maybe we can have some peace. She has been through a lot.”

Cord stood back and watched as Abby said her tearful goodbyes. “I’ll miss you, Judith. Please let me know when it is time for your baby to be born. I want to be there.” Abby touched Judith’s belly with her hand. 

“I’ll miss you, Abby.” Judith dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief as Taylor rolled his eyes and helped her into the carriage.   

Taylor embraced Abby. “I hope you will be happy, Abby. If anyone deserves it, you do.” 

“Thank you, Uncle Taylor. I hope we can visit you on occasion. I don’t want Daniel to forget his Uncle Taylor.” Obviously upset, Uncle Taylor quickly climbed into the carriage taking his seat next to Judith.

Abby fell into Nick’s arms, and burst into tears. “Nick, you have been the best big brother anyone could ask for. I love you.” The moment Abby felt Cord’s hands on her shoulders she relinquished her hold on Nick, and leaned against Cord taking comfort in his warmth. Her brother climbed into the carriage too choked up to say goodbye.

  As the carriage pulled away, Abby sighed loudly. Cord wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. “How about we go get our son and go home, Mrs. Sutton.” Abby turned and embraced Cord. She would miss her family, but now she belonged to him. Abby held
up her hand and looked at the ring that had belonged to his mother. Three diamonds sparkled in the moonlight. “Thank you for the ring, Cord. I love it. I have never seen anything more exquisite.”

“It is nothing compared to your beauty, Abby. You have been through a lot the past few days. I promise it will be different when we get home.” Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, Cord led her into the house.
Happiness surged through him as the realization hit him, now nothing could keep them apart. 

  The minute Cord and Abby stepped into the foyer, he sensed something was not normal. Ian stood in the middle of the foyer holding Daniel, his five sons by his side. Gone was the happiness they had portrayed just fifteen minutes earlier. Cord stiffened and asked in a deceptively quiet voice, “You have no intention of letting us leave, do you?” 

“You must see things as I do. I am Abby’s father. I feel responsible for her.” It was the first time he had heard Ian call her Abby. “I know who kidnapped her when she was but a wee babe, and until I have dealt with that person, she will not leave this house,” Ian proclaimed in a strong voice letting them know arguing would do no good.

“Who?” Abby asked her expression incredulous.

“Someone from my past, lass, someone with a vendetta.”

His countenance darkly threatening, Cord replied in anger, “You can’t keep us here against our will. I am taking my family home.” He marched toward Ian intending to take Daniel from him. He got in two good punches as he tried to fight his way through Abby’s brothers. In short order, he found himself thrown to the floor and held down by four big, burly men. He struggled furiously, but his strength was no match for men their size. They quickly tied his hands to restrain him from inflicting anymore pain on them. 

Abby raced forward, but James who had only stood by watching, grabbed her arms restraining her. “You can’t do this, Ian. He is my husband. My life is with him now. Can you not be reasonable?”

Wails echoed in the room as Daniel began to cry. To be heard over Daniel’s cries, Ian shouted, “Abby, my love, the person that stole you away from us will know that you have returned to us. I will not risk them trying to kidnap you again, or this time maybe even murdering you. You are safer here. We can protect you.”

A mighty roar echoed off the walls as Cord struggled to get away from the strong arms holding him down. “I can protect her.”

Ian handed Daniel to Abby as his wails became louder. “James, please take Abby upstairs.” Ian reached out to touch her cheek, but she stepped back. Dropping his hand to his side, Ian replied sadly, “You can be angry, but it does not change the fact you are in danger. You can leave when I know the danger is over.”

She snapped as she seared him with a look, “I will never forgive you for this. He is my husband.” Abby tried to pull away as James took her arm to lead her upstairs with Daniel. “What are you going to do to Cord?”

“Don’t worry. He will be comfortable. I would do no harm to my son-in-law.”

Cord did not miss his sarcastic tone. Cold rage surged through him as he watched James lead Abby up the stairs. 

When she got to the top she stopped, gazed down with sorrowful eyes, and shouted, “You had better not hurt him, Ian!”

Now that Abby was out of sight, he replied in a menacing tone, “You have no idea how much I wish I could kill you, say it was an accident, and be done with it. You get my baby girl with child and desert her.” The anger was unmistakable in his voice. “You have some nerve. If she wasn’t in love with you, I would beat you to an inch of your life. Give me good reason and I still might. You don’t deserve someone as sweet and caring as Ellie.”

Through gritted teeth, Cord hissed, “Her name is, Abby, Abby Sutton.”

“You have no idea how close you are to getting a thorough trouncing from me. If I were you, I wouldn’t be so cocky.” Ian replied vehemently, “Put him in the cellar!”

Chapter Fifteen

Already in bed, Grace wrapped her arms around Ian when he crawled in beside her. She gently laid her hand on his massive chest. “I hope you know what you are doing. Abby may never speak to you again for keeping her here against her will. I doubt she will ever forgive you.”

Ian insisted Grace remain upstairs out of the line of fire when he put his plan into action. Attempts to talk him out of it, hoping they could convince Cord to stay w
ithout force had fallen on deaf ears. Not for one minute did Ian believe his son-in-law could be swayed.

“That is a chance I must take. She is in danger and this time I will protect her.” Shadows of fatigue under her green eyes caused him concern. Worry and stress were taking a toll on her health.

“Are you sure the handwriting on the letter was Lydia’s?”

“I’m sure. I would never forget that scribble as long as I live. She was involved somehow. She may not have been the one that climbed in our window and stole Ellie, but she probably hired the person that did.” He hated to make her rehash all the terrible memories of their daughter being kidnapped. Anguish over losing her baby daughter almost destroyed her. The only thing that helped her survive was her sons. “Tomorrow I will go into town and hire some Pinkerton Agents to find her. Hopefully, she
didn’t go back to Scotland. Even if she did, there is no place on earth for her to hide.  I will find her.”

“Don’t you think you should get the authorities involved? She did commit a crime. It may have been nineteen years ago, but I’m sure they will still lock her away.”

His tone brusque, Ian announced, “I will decide the punishment for Lydia.”

****

Feeling as if he had not slept at all, Cord moaned from the body aches as he rolled around on the tiny, lumpy cot trying to get comfortable. The cellar smelled of mildew and rotten potatoes. Several times he heard hungry rats foraging for food. It was difficult to fall asleep fearing they might want to invade his bed and take a bite out of him.

Vengeance was on his mind as he thought of how he was going to kill Ian. Would it be slow and painful, or quick and merciful? As all the ways to murder Ian tumbled in his head, reality took over. Hell, he knew the man was Abby’s father, and he would never get his revenge. Of all the people, she would have to be Ian McDonald’s daughter. The man was known to be ruthless when crossed. Even though he had been born in the states,
people still considered him Scottish. He still hung on to his barbaric heritage, cutting down anyone who got in his way.

Cord sat up when he heard someone unlock and push against the thick, old oak door. He had tried to kick it open last night, but to no avail. The hard wood would not give.

Lantern light spilled into the dark, dank cellar causing Cord to blink several times to adjust his eyes. The doorway filled with Ian’s massive body and he smiled wickedly.

“I hope you had a restless night.” When Cord ignored him, Ian stated, “Ellie insists you join her and Daniel for breakfast.”  

Furious, Cord hissed loudly, “Her name is Abby.” Cord held his hands out in front of him so Ian could cut away his bonds.

Ian growled, “No, you will keep your restraints. Jeremy and Kevin have hideous purple bruises marring their handsome faces because of you. I don’t think I want you messing up my pretty face.” He stepped to the side and let Cord pass him to climb the narrow steps leading to the first floor.

Cord knew he would be able to move faster than Ian. But if Ian got his beefy hands on him it would be hard to get out of his grasp.

When Cord entered the dining room, Abby was already at the table. It looked as if she had not fared any better than he had. Her eyes were swollen and red from not getting enough sleep.

He took the chair beside Abby and asked, “Where is Daniel?”

“Grace is playing with him. The moment she heard him cry from hunger this morning, she has been by his side.” 

Ian sat at his place at the head of the table and began to ladle out a huge portion of food into his plate. “Please eat, there is plenty.”

Thoughts of how he would love to strangle Ian returned. The man acted cordial when Abby was in his presence. The moment she was no longer watching, Ian treated him horribly.

“Untie his hands, Ian. How is he to eat with his hands bound?” Anguish and anger caused her blue eyes to storm violently.

“Abby, love, I fear he will do something stupid. The man is angry enough to commit murder, and the one he wants to murder is me.”

Abby slammed her fist on the table. “I don’t think I blame him, Ian. You are keeping us here against our will.”

“Now lass, I have explained the reasons. You must accept my hospitality for a few days. I swear as soon as I find the person responsible for kidnapping you, you can go home. Let me enjoy my daughter and grandson.” Ian leaned over and gently patted Abby’s hand. “I’m sure once Cord gets you home, I will rarely get the opportunity to visit.”  

Cord huffed loudly, “You will never be invited to our home.” Abby pulled her hand away from Ian, filled Cord’s plate with food, and sat it in front of him. “I seem to have lost my appetite, honey.”

“Please, Cord you have to eat.”

Putting his fork down, Ian leaned back in his chair and replied, “I’m sure Adam will be paying us a visit when he realizes the three of you didn’t return home last night. When he arrives, I want you to tell him you decided to stay here for a few days for Abby to spend some time with her family.”

Cord was incredulous. “He won’t believe for one minute I consented to stay here. He knew how anxious I was to take my family home last night.”

“Then tell him the truth. I know who kidnapped Abby and until that person has been dealt with, she is in danger. You tell him you decided to stay here where she can be protected. Whatever you tell him needs to be convincing. I do not want bloodshed. If Adam and your brothers storm in here and try to take Abby and Daniel by force, someone will get killed. If you love Abby and Daniel as much as you say you do, then you had better persuade him you are here on your own free will.”

The thought of giving in to Ian didn’t sit well, but he knew he was right. Someone would get hurt if he
didn’t convince Adam he and Abby were staying with the McDonalds on their own free will.

****

Locked in the cellar, Cord stood when he heard the key turn in the lock. His eyes narrowed when Ian appeared.

In a stern voice Ian stated, “Your brother is here. Remember what I said. Convince him that you are here willingly. There is no reason for anyone to get hurt.”

Without saying a word, Cord held out his hands as Ian cut away his bonds. Nothing would give him more pleasure than to knock his father-in-law out cold. But as much as he hated to admit it, he did agree with him. The last thing either of them wanted was bloodshed.

Thoughts of spending more time in the uncomfortable cellar infuriated him. Adam and Nick would stand and fight with him, but he would not risk their lives. Still, he decided it would give him a little satisfaction if he inflicted some pain on the person responsible for his incarceration. His shoulders slumped as if in defeat, he walked toward the door. Suddenly turning, Cord landed a punch to Ian’s stomach, doubling him over. He raced up the steps and glanced back when he reached the top step feeling a moment of pleasure seeing the pain on Ian’s face.

His arms wrapped about his stomach, Ian shouted, “When I get my hands on you, you’ll be sorry!”

Chuckles echoed off the walls of the cellar. “If you put a bruise on me, Abby will know. I suggest you be a little kinder to me.” Cord could feel Ian’s angry glare as he hurried through the doorway not chancing his fate. Ian may cause him bodily harm even if it meant Abby’s wrath. 

Before entering the parlor, Cord took a few moments to collect his thoughts. If he didn’t choose his words carefully, Adam would know something was amiss. His brother was pacing the floor when Cord entered as if he had not a care in the world. Nick stood propped against the cold fireplace, Meredith by his side. 

Immediately, Adam turned his frustration on Cord. “Why didn’t you let me know you were going to stay a few days? I thought maybe you had been set upon by highwaymen or something.” Angry blue eyes fixed on Cord. “Everyone in your household has been worried sick. One of your servants almost broke down my front door this morning because you did not come home last night.”

Plopping down in a chair, Cord replied, “I didn’t intend on staying. Ian can be very persuasive. He knows who kidnapped Abby when she was a baby and asked us to stay until the culprit is arrested. He fears they may make another attempt. Convinced she was kidnapped for the sole purpose of revenge by someone from his past he feels she may still be in danger.”

Before Adam could speak, Nick cut him off. “Who kidnapped Abby?”

Cord faced Nick. “He will not divulge the person’s name to me. He wants to have the honor of apprehending the person. I almost feel pity for the person knowing how much Ian is relishing his revenge.”

A little too sharply, Adam asked, “You do not believe we are capable of protecting Abby?”

It was going to take some convincing on his part to keep Adam from knowing he was there against his will. “Of course, I would like nothing better than to be home with my family. Ian is being difficult and I don’t want to upset Abby further. As you well know, she has been through enough turmoil. I will not subject her to more.”

Nick raised a questioning brow. “Is Ian that sure Abby is still in danger?”

“He seems to think so. In fact he will not let her out of his sight. I’m positive it is only a matter of days before the person will be apprehended and we can go home.”

There was worry in his voice when Nick asked, “May I please see Abby and Daniel?”

“Yes, Nick. I’ll go get them.” 

Agitated to find Ian eavesdropping outside the door, Cord furiously whispered, “Where is Abby and Daniel. Nick has asked to see them.”

“I’ll go get them. You stay with your visitors and make sure they don’t become too curious.” Ian hesitated and glared at Cord. “Remember what we talked about.  Do not tell Adam you are here against your will. Think about Abby and Daniel.” 

With an innocent look, Cord replied, “I’ll guess you’ll just have to trust me.”

Doubt reflected in his face as he looked Cord full in the eyes. After several seconds he turned and raced up the stairs to get Abby. 

****

When Abby swept into the parlor carrying Daniel, she appeared happy and content. No one would have guessed she was as nervous as a cat. Ian stressed the importance of their visitors believing she and Cord were there at their own choosing.

Meredith wasted no time and took Daniel out of Abby’s arms. “He is the most pleasant child, Abby. I can’t keep my hands off him.” Sitting on the sofa, Meredith settled Daniel on her lap and began to talk to him. He smiled sweetly, gripped both his chunky hands around her hair, which she had not bothered tying back, and pulled with all his might. Meredith smiled when Nick plopped down on the sofa beside her. Gently, Nick opened Daniel’s fingers releasing Meredith’s hair.

“I would like to visit with him if you don’t mind. I will be leaving in a few days and do not know when I will return.” Nick took Daniel from Meredith and began bouncing his nephew on his knee.      

Nerves on edge, Abby wished she could enjoy the scene of her brother playing with Daniel. Then hearing Nick say he would not be leaving today as he had planned caused her even more concern. “A few days? I thought you were catching the train home today.”

“I’m not leaving until the person responsible for your abduction when you were a baby is behind bars. I can’t go home knowing you are in danger.”

“What about the crops? Don’t you think father needs your help?” The last thing Abby wanted was for Nick to discover she was there against her will. His worry for her would only intensify.       

“He can handle it, especially with all the farm equipment Cord gave us. Stop worrying, Abby. It will give me more time to spend with my nephew.” Color drained from Nick’s face the moment the words left his mouth. Nick adored Daniel and was having trouble accepting the fact Daniel was not his true nephew.  

Abby sat down on the sofa beside Nick and rested her head on his shoulder. Neither said a word. They
didn’t need to because the bond was so strong each knew what the other was thinking.

****

The entire McDonald family grouped around the huge dining table for their evening meal. Abby felt melancholy. She should be having supper with Cord in their home. It wasn’t fair that Ian was forcing them to stay.

She had been married for four days and still had not been alone with her husband. At least Ian allowed Cord to join them for supper. But if she would not have asked Ian, her husband would have had a lonely meal in the cellar. Abby tried to lift her spirits for Cord’s sake, so she smiled prettily when he pushed her chair under the table after she sat down.

She felt her cheeks turn pink when Cord leaned over her shoulder and whispered in her ear, “I’ll be so happy when we are home having supper at our dinner table.”  

Around the table, the McDonalds were all talking at one time as they filled their plates. Conversations zipped back and forth and through each other. It dawned on her how happy they were. They were laughing and joking. In her father’s home, he led the conversation and rarely did she speak. That was until Cord came to be at their home. He would draw her into the conversation, but she knew her father
didn’t find pleasure in hearing her opinion.