Unspoken Love (13 page)

Yes! He has come to take me home!
Jenny wanted to shout. She looked to Nicholas for support, but his handsome face was empty of emotion. He stared at her without flinching.
Is he angry with me for leaving? I abided by his rules.
She wondered how could she explain Nicholas to Preacher Johnson without making it appear that she had wronged him. Once married, a woman became tied to her man or faced life as an outcast. “I refuse to speak of my private life.” The shock of seeing Nicholas had left her feeling weak.

Gilbert pressed her for information. “We don’t keep secrets in our group, Jennifer. I repeat, do you know this man?”

Jenny contemplated how she should answer him. She had told no one of her marriage, and now divorce. Society frowned on divorces, and she couldn’t very well claim him as her lover. She couldn’t figure out why Nicholas didn’t acknowledge her. The words tumbled from her mouth and, regretfully, she lied. “No, I don’t know him. Excuse me, Gilbert, I want to be alone.” She spun on her heels and hurried to the house.

Dismissing the incident, Gilbert demanded everyone’s attention. A silence fell over the crowd as the women harmonized, softly singing in the background. Gilbert began preaching, drawing the folks into his confidence. His voice rose as he condemned sinners and begged them to repent. Moved by his sermon, the crowd responded in kind, loudly agreeing with the charismatic evangelist.

Once she made it to the loft, Jenny slipped out of her gown and prepared to retire. Clad in her undergarments, with shaking fingers she freed her hair and let it flow softly about her shoulders. Seeing Nicholas had completely unnerved her.
His arrival had to be more than a coincidence.
She spun around and saw him striding toward her, his expression grim. “Why are you here, Nicholas?”

“I’ve searched for you ceaselessly only to hear you disavow me.” His cool eyes raked over her. “What drove you to lie, tonight? Deceiving people is cruel.”

“Except when you have something to gain,” Jenny countered defensively. “You could have told Preacher Johnson that you knew me. Instead, you left me feeling awkward and afraid to admit the truth.”

Nicholas drew her to his chest and wrapped his fingers in her hair. Holding her firmly within his grasp, he focused on her. “Will you ever let me forget that I married you without love?”

“I was reminded for a year, Nicholas. I can’t even go home to Father least I break his heart!”

Nicholas was consumed by Jenny’s beauty. He’d been possessed with finding her and vowed to lay open his heart, but he could not live with the woman he loved when she wouldn’t let go of the reason he married her. Her voice broke into his thoughts.

“I think you should leave, Nicholas.”

Choked with pride, he answered, “I’ll abide by your wishes. I shouldn’t have come tonight.” Drawing on all of his strength, he spun on his heels and withdrew from the room.

Racing to the window, Jenny searched for him in the darkness. A throng of people mingled near the flickering firelight, but Nicholas wasn’t among them. She had broken off any chance of reconciliation by disavowing him, no doubt causing him embarrassment and widening the wedge of misunderstanding between them. She sank onto the pallet, feeling great despair, and knew it would be days before she could put this night behind her.

Nicholas made his way back to the tavern. A broken man, he was in a quandary as he hashed over the evening. He thought it would be simple to convince Jenny to go back to the plantation with him, but he couldn’t speak his mind while she was distraught over his arrival and reminding him of the life he’d imposed on her. Loneliness tore at his heart as he thought about the woman he wanted but couldn’t have. It occurred to him that at the very least he should be celebrating the fact that he’d lived up to the terms in his uncle’s will and inherited the plantation. He’d regretted the marriage at first and felt saddled with a wife he didn’t want. But now, he craved Jenny’s affection. Somehow he had to forget her, but in his heart, he knew it was impossible for she had become a part of him.

Chapter 14

A slight breeze caressed the air, gently rustling the autumn leaves as the ladies disrobed and waded into the water. Jenny sensed lurking eyes upon her. As her imagination ran rampant, she sank lower into the frigid water and scanned the woods for trespassers. Seeing no movement, she inwardly chuckled. She recalled her unyielding trust in others before leaving the plantation. Fearing she was just paranoid, she disregard her instincts quickly lathered her body, and rinsed in the water. Shivering from head to toe, she dressed and returned to camp.

The women were preparing the morning meal.

“Let me help,” Jenny said, stirring the ashes and adding kindling to the fire. She dropped bits of smoked pork into a kettle of beans that had been simmering since the night before. Adding a pinch of seasoning to enhance the flavor, she gently stirred the soupy mixture.

Selma brought flour from the food storage and made bread dough. Kneading the dough thoroughly, she placed the mixture in a pan and put it over the hot coals to bake. “It’s not a typical breakfast, but it is food,” she told Jenny as they gathered around the campfire to eat.

The rising sun radiated down on the small group, drying the dew that covered the ground. Gilbert approached them, a smile lighting up his face. “Ah, my dear sweet ladies, it’s so nice to have your presence on this beautiful morn.”

Pleased at his compliment, the women giggled shyly.

“Preacher Gilbert is a man of few words except when he is in the pulpit,” Selma whispered to Jenny.

Intrigued, Jenny watched the women rush to please him. One lady filled a plate with food, another poured hot coffee into a mug. Yet another found him a comfortable place to sit.
Why did the women tend to Gilberts every whim?
Were they so dependent on him that they had to treat him like royalty?

When everyone had eaten, the women washed the utensils and stored them, then spoke amongst themselves.

Gilbert waved his hand in the air to hush their silly chatter. “We’ll stay one more day and then continue to Natchez. Ladies, please divide into groups and scout the area for lost souls. Tell them of our meeting tonight and encourage them to attend.”

Gilbert glanced at Jennifer. She returned his gaze, noting his gray eyes darkening as he studied her. She became uneasy.
Why does this handsome man disturb me so? Does he hold some sinister secret?
She averted her gaze and joined Selma. She had gone but a few steps when Gilbert called her back.

“Jennifer, I would like a word with you. Please stay.”

“And Selma?”

“No, let her go with the other ladies.”

Jennifer watched the women leave with Selma bringing up the rear. Selma sent her an encouraging nod, silently conveying to Jennifer that she should feel privileged that Gilbert had asked her to stay.

Gilbert broke into her thoughts. “I have need of your services today. Please step inside.”

Jenny followed him into the red brick dwelling. “What can I do for you Pastor Gilbert?”

Gilbert quickly closed the gap between them and drew her into his embrace. Catching Jenny unaware, he forced her to the floor and fell atop her. “I saw you by the stream this morning. Your beauty is captivating.”

Jenny choked on her saliva as Gilbert forced kisses on her and tugged at her garments. As his lips touched Jenny’s, she sank her teeth into his skin, then lashed out and slapped his face.

“Get off me, you brute!”

Gilbert’s eyes blazed with anger as blood trickled from his lip. Straddling her, he pressed her head against the floor and pinned her in place. He grabbed her chin and forced her to meet his gaze.

“I will kiss your sweet lips again!”

Jenny refused to comply and clamped her mouth shut.

“You will obey me!” Gilbert shouted. “The women always do as I say.” Suddenly, a look of confusion crossed his features, then he toppled to the floor.

In shock, Jenny gazed up at Nakao. He looked like a giant from where she lay. She felt his strong hands helping her to her feet. Grateful for his intervention, she trembled as he steadied her. “Where did you come from?”

Nakao’s deep voice calmed her. “I have been following you since you boarded the
Marylou
. You are far too beautiful to be unchaperoned, Jennifer. Bound by your kindness, I wanted to watch over you.”

“I never felt completely comfortable in Gilbert’s presence. Until today, he’d kept his dark tendencies hidden beneath his saintly actions. I’m grateful for your protection.” She tried to bring some semblance to her appearance by straightening her clothes and her hair.

Nakao removed his bandana and gently wiped Gilbert’s smeared blood from her face. His dark eyes bore into her. “So what is your wish, Jennifer? Where would you like to go?”

“I was on my way to Natchez,” she replied thoughtfully.

“Then I will be your guide and stay with you until you are safe.” Nakao led her to his horse and helped her mount. When she sat comfortably in the saddle, he jumped up behind her. Jenny felt Nakao’s hard-muscled chest against her back as he slid his arms around her and reached for the reins. She had experienced less than cordial encounters with Zachary Brown and Gilbert Johnson, but she was glad for Nakao’s company and knew she was safe with him regardless of their proximity.

The sun warmed them as they rode through the woods. Brilliant leaves of orange, red, and yellow dropped to the ground as the breeze intensified. Hollow trees housing chipmunks and other forest creatures caught her attention. Occasionally a snake slithered across their path into the shrubbery while squirrels scurried across the woods, storing nuts for the coming winter. They traveled a good distance, stopping as night descended. Nakao slid from his mount, bringing Jenny with him. “I must rest my horse. The forest is black. We cannot find our way until morning.” He searched his saddlebag, brought out two corncakes, and offered one to Jenny.

“Thank you, Nakao.” Hungrily, she ate the bland tasting food. “Were you aware that I ran from the
Marylou?”

“I overheard some women complaining about a woman running from the ship and realized it was you.” He let out a deep breath. “I saw you go to Zachary’s cabin willingly. So I grabbed a bite to eat and washed. I did not know you were unhappy or I would have protected you. I let you down.”

“Oh no, you didn’t, Nakao. You came through when I needed you the most.”

Tired from the day’s journey, they bedded down for the night. Nakao covered them with his only blanket and shared the warmth of his body. Jenny lay beside him, feeling protected from the dangers of the chilly night. As she recalled Gilbert’s attack on her, she sat upright as a thought struck her. “Did you kill Gilbert, Nakao?”

“No, I saw him move when we left the house. He is lucky that I let him live.”

Jenny lay down again. Her mind drifted to Selma’s absence in the wagon on her first night there. She felt her cheeks flushing as she realized Selma had lain with Gilbert Johnson. Thinking of the beautiful women whom Gilbert had charmed, it dawned on her that their appearance was not a mere coincidence.
How could they be so naive? Perhaps they were all lonely, destitute, and lacked self-assurance
.
Why else would they let themselves be used like that?
. With his hypnotic ways he forced the women to appease his baser appetite in exchange for the promise of taking care of them, when in reality,
they were supporting him
. The runaway women had become dependent upon him. She was distressed that he was taking advantage of the innocent in such a despicable way.

Nakao sensed her restlessness. “What is troubling you, Jennifer?”

“I’ve got to go back and speak with Selma. The women can’t continue to live under Gilbert’s coercion. He’s a vile man.”

“If it comforts you, we will retrace our path. Now sleep, Jennifer, you are safe.”

The next day they returned to the camp.

Nakao stood watch as Jenny cautiously moved behind the brush and surveyed the situation.

She saw Gilbert sitting on a stump, appearing to read the Good Book. A bruise and scab had formed on his upper lip where she had bitten him. The women stood apart from him. Grouped together, they practiced their singing. She crept around back and gently tossed a pebble at Selma’s feet to get her attention. When Selma glanced up and saw her, Jenny touched a finger to her mouth, indicating she wanted to keep her presence secret. Slowly, Selma moved away from the others to where Jenny stood. They spoke in hushed tones.

“Why have you come back, Jennifer? Preacher Gilbert was furious when we returned yesterday. He said you had caused his foul mood.”

Jenny grasped Selma’s hand. “Selma, I beg you to listen. Gilbert’s teachings are all wrong. He’s coerced you into believing his word is law. It isn’t natural for him to sleep with you. Surely, you can find a better way to live.” As they stood in the woods, Jenny continued to persuade Selma. She concluded by saying, “You women are keeping Gilbert by soliciting donations and are giving yourselves to him. He has turned you into slaves, Selma!”

Selma listened intently. Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. “Gilbert would not mislead us. He has been our salvation.”

“No, Selma, Gilbert is cruel and cunning. Just once refuse to do his bidding and see how vile he becomes.”

Selma gazed into Jenny’s honest eyes, weighing her words carefully. “I want to believe you, Jennifer, for surely you wouldn’t risk your life to come back and warn me. Yet, I can’t believe Gilbert would play on our sympathies to get his way.”

Jenny saw Selma’s eyes harden with resolve and knew she wasn’t ready to accept Gilbert for the conniving man that he was. She relinquished her hand. “In time, you will come to know the real Preacher Gilbert. Be careful,” she warned. “He is extremely corrupt. Don’t blame yourself. Many desire to please others and have fallen prey to those less worthy.” Leaving Selma to ponder her words, Jenny faded into the woods. Glancing back, she watched Selma take her place beside the women and then she joined Nakao.

Jenny marveled at Nakao’s dedication as they trudged through the forest and followed the trail to Natchez. Constantly with her, he fiercely offered his protection.

Along their journey, Nakao caught fish in the stream and cooked it over hot coals while Jenny collected ripe berries. As they supped on the juicy fruit and delectable fish, Jenny shared stories about living on the farm and her friends in Greenville. She didn’t mention Nicholas or explain why she was traveling alone. Nakao didn’t ask. Their friendship flourished, and a strong bond grew between them.

They finally arrived in the city of Natchez. Nakao and Jenny came upon the waterfront where inns were plentiful and ships were anchored in the harbor. “I’m famished and long for a good meal,” Jenny said. She rubbed her lower back, thinking of the nights she had slept on the trail. “A decent roof over my head with a mattress beneath me would improve my disposition.”

Nakao grinned and gazed at her with admiration. “You have held up well in the outdoors. Many women could not withstand sleeping in the forest without the comfort of a bed or sleep through the chilly nights with the woodland creatures.”

Stepping into the Riverside Inn, they could see that merchants and seamen were eating heartily in the dimly lit room and downing mugs of ale. A minstrel was singing on a platform, strumming a guitar.

“Bring another round of drinks!” someone barked above the entertainment.

“What’s the holdup?” another complained.

Nakao stood a good distance from Jenny, giving the impression that Jenny was alone. As she glanced about the crowded inn, an idea came to her. With an air of confidence, she walked up to the bar and approached a man filling a mug with ale.

“May I speak to the owner?” she asked.

“I’m the owner,” replied the man behind the counter. “What can I do for you, Miss?”

Jenny pointed at the many patrons awaiting service. “You could use some help,” she replied.

“You’re right, Miss. I am about run ragged trying to keep up this place,” answered the proprietor. “My wife died, and the barmaid ran off with her lover. My only daughter, Tessie, services the rooms, leaving me in dire need of help. Would you be in need of work?”

“Yes, we are interested in work. Could you find quarters for Nakao and me?”

Nakao stepped forward, his stance tall and proud. The owner stared at him with hard, green eyes.

“We don’t allow Indians in here. Tell your friend to leave.”

“If he goes, then I must also,” Jennifer pouted. “And you will be in the exact same predicament.”

One of the patrons overheard their conversation, and as word passed from one to the other, the customers eyed Jenny from a distance. One person yelled, “She sure is a pretty gal, Nate. Let her serve us!”

“Hear, hear!” shouted the men, between mouthfuls of ale. The crowd roared, begging him not to let the enchanting woman escape them.

“Gauging from the reaction of the patrons, perhaps I’ve been a little hasty in my reply,” the proprietor said. “I can’t pass up an opportunity to reap business. Still, I don’t cotton to the Indian.”

Jennifer leaned toward the proprietor and stated her case. “I can be of great service to you. In addition to serving customers, I can cook delicious meals and perform domestic chores. Nakao can do repairs and make the inn much more habitable. We would only ask a small pittance.”

Nate ran his fingers through his sandy-colored hair. “The inn is filled to capacity, where would I put Nakao, Miss?”

Jenny glanced at Nakao. He had come to her aid, and she wouldn’t let him down. She moved over to where Nakao stood and spoke in hushed tones. Nakao nodded to her. Jenny approached the bartender.