Unspoken Love (14 page)

“Nakao is my husband,” she blurted. “We would only require one room, even the loft if need be.” She looked into the proprietor’s eyes, pleading for his help.

Nate looked from Jenny to Nakao. The Indian was staring at him with intensity but had not yet spoken. “I suppose the Indian doesn’t speak the white man’s language,” the proprietor voiced. The patrons demanded service, giving him little time to dwell on the Indian. Gruffly he addressed Jenny, “I’m Nate Collins. I’ll show you to your quarters.” Jenny and Nakao followed Nate down the crowded corridor. “You can start to work immediately. We’re swamped with travelers and merchants who are delivering their goods. Many of them prosper by shipping cotton along with a host of other commodities. It brings in good business.”

Nate opened the door to a small room. He stepped aside, allowing Jenny and Nakao to pass through. He glanced at the cramped chamber. “This will have to do. I need my large rooms for the rich clientele. “Where are you from?”

“I’d rather not discuss our private lives,” Jenny answered.

Nate’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You ain’t in trouble with the law are you?”

“No,” Jenny answered adamantly.

Nate observed Jennifer as the sun beamed into the tiny window. “You have an honest face. I’m convinced you’re not criminals. Strange people wander the wharf, so I won’t meddle in your affairs. I’ll give you a minute to wash up, then come to the kitchen. Bring the Indian, ah- I mean your husband with you.” Abruptly, the stocky proprietor left them alone.

Jenny faced Nakao, her eyes expressing apology. “I am sorry for claiming you as my husband, but we needed food and lodging. Besides I didn’t want us to part company as I have not done too well on my own.”

Nakao stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder. His dark eyes sought her out. “I will lay down my life for you if need be.”

Deeply moved by his words, tears sprang into Jenny’s eyes, and she wiped them away.

“How fortunate I am to have your friendship,” she said, clasping his hand.

“I will be with you as long as you need me, Jennifer Grant. Be strong. Better times lie ahead.”

“Thank you, Nakao. I am truly grateful for your presence.”

Someone knocked at the door, interrupting their poignant conversation. Jenny opened the door to a young girl timidly awaiting entrance. She carried a pitcher of water and towels. “For you to wash,” she announced and entered the room. She set the towels on the washstand, then removed a tortoise comb from her pocket and handed it to Jenny. “Father asked me to give you this. He said you need to look presentable.” She lingered. “I’m Tessie.” She prepared to leave, then stopped abruptly. Her blue eyes strayed to Nakao who stood in the corner silently watching her. Tessie gasped and scurried from the room, her chignon coming undone, leaving long, golden curls tumbling down her back.

Jenny’s lips parted into a smile. “I believe you startled Tessie,” she teased.

Nakao grinned but remained silent and waited his turn to wash.

Jenny glanced into the mirror and, indeed, found her hair disheveled. She hadn’t any toiletries since leaving Gilbert’s company and owned only the clothes on her back. Pouring water into a basin, she splashed her face, then dried her hands on the faded towel. She combed the tangles from her ebony hair, allowing it to fall in soft waves down her back.

When she had finished, Nakao cleansed his face and combed his straight black hair. Together, they went down to the kitchen, and Nate immediately put them to work.

Chapter 15

In the six weeks since Jenny and Nakao had been at the Riverside Inn, she saved their meager wages, hoping someday she and Nakao could forge a better life. Foregoing Nicholas’s stipend from the marriage contract had set her back considerably. Still, in her heart, she knew she did the right thing by not accepting his money. She still dreamed of running a ladies boutique even though it might take years of scrimping and saving to do so. The reality seemed unattainable, but she firmly held onto the belief that it could happen.

In the kitchen, Nate pulled Jenny aside. “The Indian is doing good work, and you are proving efficient and charming as you serve food and ale to the patrons.” He piled food on the tray and continued, “You’ve nearly tamed the men. Once they realized a lady was amongst them, they toned down their behavior.”

“Nothing could tame those men,” Jenny replied congenially. Picking up the food tray, she hastened to the dining hall to feed the patrons.

Nakao, too, labored long hours. In addition to making repairs, he assisted in the hot kitchen. Both he and Jenny were exhausted at the end of each day when they retired to their room.

Jenny usually retired first, giving herself time to wash and disrobe before Nakao bedded down for the night. It had taken her a while to adjust to sharing a room with him, but she knew they had to continue their charade lest Nate banish him to the stable.

She brought the covers to her chin as Nakao slipped into the room and lay down on the pallet at the foot of her bed. “Will you trade places with me?” Jenny begged. “I feel guilty for always taking the bed.”

He smiled at her thoughtful ways. “No, Jennifer, I am accustomed to sleeping on the ground.”

As strange as their sleeping arrangement seemed, Jenny knew she could trust Nakao. Indebted to each other, they vowed to remain friends only and protect each other.

Jenny labored about the crowded tavern and diligently tended to the patrons’ needs. Rushing to the kitchen, she filled another order, placing platters of food on a tray.

Nakao entered the room with an armload of firewood and sent her an encouraging grin when he took in her weary appearance. “It’s almost closing time,” he said. “Then we can rest.”

Jenny returned his smile. “Thank goodness, my feet are killing me!” she exclaimed, then rushed back to the dining room.

On the outskirts of Natchez, having transported goods downstream and secured a lucrative deal for future business, Nicholas headed homeward. Along the way, he stopped at the Riverside Inn. A good night’s rest and a decent meal would go far, he surmised. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and tailored brown suit, he stepped into the inn and recognized Jenny as she hurried into the kitchen. His heart raced with joy at the sight of her. Amazed to see her dressed in servant’s clothing, he wondered why she was filling such a lowly station. He wanted to confront her but chose not to embarrass her around the noisy crowd. When she returned from the kitchen, he shielded himself from her view. While Jenny served the customers in the corner of the room, he sauntered to the bar and sought the owner of the inn.

Nate glanced at him and smiled. “What do you need, my good man?”

“A room and the finest bottle of wine you have,” Nicholas replied, dropping several coins onto the bar.

Nate raked the coins into his hand and pocketed the money. He yelled for Tessie, his voice nearly drowning in the din.

The blonde-haired girl came running, her hands still wet from washing dishes. She dried her hands on her apron. “Yes, Father?”

“Tessie, take this gentleman to the best room in the house and see to his needs. It’s almost closing time. I’ll have Jennifer deliver the wine to him.”

Tessie glanced at the stranger. “Land sakes, you’re a handsome gent,” she said, then returned to propriety. “Follow me, Sir. Will you require water for a bath?”

“Perhaps later, Tessie. Right now, I would like supper brought to my room, if it’s not too late.”

Tessie smiled; her blue eyes twinkled. “For you, Sir, I’ll bring the best we have.”

Amused at her congenial manner, Nicholas followed her upstairs.

Once the crowd finally dispersed, Jenny breathed a sigh of relief and locked the door. She cleaned the tables and hung her apron on the rack, then sought out Nate. “My work is done. I wish to retire.”

Nate motioned her to the bar. “You have done well, Jennifer. Deliver this tray of wine to the first door on the right and then you may go to your quarters.” He shoved the tray toward her. A grin emerged, and his eyes held a hint of humor. “The gent has money. He may toss you a few extra coins for delivering the beverage.”

Jenny nodded and carried the tray upstairs. Tapping on the door, she announced her presence. A muffled voice instructed her to enter and set the wine on the table. Anxious to retire, she obeyed and prepared to leave the room. She heard the door swing shut and someone turning the key. Startled, she spun around.

“Nicholas!” she gasped, taking a step backward. Many emotions claimed her as they stood face to face. No longer fatigued but filled with renewed energy, she took in his strapping form and handsome face. Clad only in trousers, he exposed a muscular chest that expanded with each breath he took. She stood rigid and aloof. “I didn’t expect to see you again. You’re a long way from home. What brings you here?”

“I transported several bales of cotton to Natchez.” He made no move toward her, causing Jenny to feel less tense. “I didn’t expect to find you here working in a tavern. Why did you leave?”

“Why prolong the inevitable? I fulfilled my obligation.”

“Maybe I didn’t want you to go.”

“What are you saying?”

“I liked having you around.”

“Don’t tease me, Nicholas. You were less than cordial the last time we met.”

“Because you disowned me and reminded me about our forced marriage. You just won’t let it go.”

“I want to put that night behind me. If you’ll excuse me, I am about to retire.” She stepped around him. “Unlock the door—”

He pulled her into his embrace, pressing her against his hard body. Uncontrollably he kissed her, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.

Against her will, Jenny felt herself warming toward him. Throwing caution aside, she ardently returned his kisses. She watched in silence as he shed his clothes, then helped her disrobe. The soft glow of the lamp exposed his rugged physique, and she blushed as he swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

He joined her on the mattress and drew her into his embrace. Sensuously, he caressed her body, kissing her deeply, teasing her with his tongue, and bringing her ripples of pleasure.

“Love me!” she cried, writhing beneath his masculine frame. He fulfilled her needs as gratification consumed them both.

She lay in his embrace, bathed in euphoria. Nicholas cupped her chin and planted a deep kiss on her lips. Fires of passion consumed them again as they lay entwined. His kisses became more demanding, and he penetrated her softness, sending them both into sheer rapture. He continued to ply her with kisses and sensuously caress the outline of her shapely hips and taut breasts. Sweat clung to their bodies as they made their passion known, each reveling in the exquisite pleasure the other gave.

Jenny clung to Nicholas.

“I can’t believe you’re really here,” she said, basking in his company. It had taken months for her to realize that she loved him. If they had met under different circumstances, she would have been smitten with him long before now. Since leaving the plantation, he had constantly invaded her thoughts.

Unbeknownst to Jenny, Nicholas held similar thoughts. He never wanted the moment to end, but there was much they needed to discuss. He loved Jenny and longed for her to return to the plantation. About to pour out his heart and beg her forgiveness, someone rapped on the door.

“Is Jennifer Grant in there?” a deep voice inquired.

Nicholas sent Jenny an inquisitive look. Rising, he slipped into his pants, unlocked the door, and peered into the corridor. His eyes narrowed as he recognized Nakao. “What is the meaning of this?”

“I came to check on Jennifer’s safety. I did not know you were here,” Nakao said.

Jenny wrapped the sheet around her and faced her protector. “I am fine, Nakao.”

Nakao caught a glimpse of Jenny and silently begged her apology before discreetly leaving them alone.

Nicholas’s slammed the door shut and swung around to face Jenny. A mixture of love and anger embroiled his consciousness. “Why is Nakao here?”

“Nakao and I share the same chamber. He was concerned for my safety.”

“You and Nakao are living together?”

“It is not what you are thinking, Nicholas. We share a room and nothing more.” She steered the conversation away from Nakao. “If you had not come into my life a year ago, I would not be here, groveling for work and food.”

Nicholas looked at her for the longest time, his thoughts unreadable, then he turned away, poured wine into a goblet, then gulped it down. He tossed the glass aside and drank straight from the bottle, unable to relish its bittersweet taste.

As he continued drinking, Jenny slipped into her clothes. Silently she watched him. She yearned to wrap her arms about his broad shoulders. Since there was little she could say, she prepared to leave. Nicholas spun around and faced her.

“Why was Nakao at my door?”

“He was looking out for my interest. He’s been a great help to me. I must go to him now and apologize for your rude behavior.” She took a step forward, but Nicholas held her back. His eyes pierced hers.

“Go to apologize?” he taunted.

“Yes, he has been nothing but kind to me. He’s never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do.”

“Like marry you?”

Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her to the bed and fell atop her. He kissed her hungrily, and caressed her shapely form. Consumed with passion, he removed his trousers and pulled Jenny into his embrace. In spite of her discontent, Jenny accepted his advances. As they lay entwined, he made love to her again.

Sated, he took a deep breath. “Remember the first time we met at Thelma’s inn? Neither of us expected the other to be there. If Bonita hadn’t threatened to ruin your reputation, we would have never gotten married. He loosened his hold on her. “I want you to go back to the plantation with me,” he mumbled, then closed his eyes in a drunken slumber.

Jenny gave serious thought to his words. Did he know what he was asking of her? How could she go to the plantation with him? He had divorced her. No matter how much she loved him, in good conscious, she couldn’t live on the plantation without the benefit of clergy. She wondered why he brought up Bonita’s name tonight? He made it pretty clear that he entered a forced marriage with her and that there was no love. She sobbed inside. She didn’t know what to do.

She figured it out as she carefully nudged Nicholas aside and studied his handsome profile. She caressed his raven hair and rained kisses upon his brow. He was too drunk to respond. One last time, she touched her lips to his soft mouth and drank in his striking appearance, wanting to remember him. Then slipping off the bed, she crept from the room.

Nakao waited for her in their chamber.

“I am sorry, Jennifer. I did not know you were with Nicholas Grant.”

“Oh, Nakao, it is I who am sorry. I’ve caused much friction between you and Nicholas. I didn’t know it was him when I delivered the tray of wine.”

“You are still in love with him.”

Jennifer nodded.

“I love him, but he is not in love with me. Besides, he divorced me weeks ago.” Deep in thought, she paced the floor. She stopped abruptly. “We must leave the inn before Nicholas awakens.”

“If you truly love Nicholas, shouldn’t you be with him?”

“I cannot live with a man who doesn’t love me.”

Nakao shrugged. “If you wish to move on, we will.”

Jenny scribbled a note to Nate, begging his apology for their abrupt departure and then, in the early morning hour, they left.

As the sun came over the horizon, they made their way into the elite side of Natchez and stopped at a cafe for breakfast.

“Maybe we can apply for work at one of the elegant mansions,” Jenny said thoughtfully. Again, she remembered her father’s farm where food and prosperity were abundant. She had sent a letter to her father saying she was fine. She hated to deceive him and longed to go home, but she couldn’t bear the shame.

Nakao consumed his breakfast and silently watched Jenny. “It pains me to see you so sad. I wish I could make you happy.”

She sent him a brilliant smile to cover her loneliness. “You once told me that better times lie ahead, and I firmly believe that,” she replied. She swallowed the last bite of her breakfast, then washed it down with the remainder of her coffee.

She stood to leave when a familiar voice called, “Jennifer!”

She spun around to see Blake Preston striding toward her.

“What brings you to Natchez?”

Jenny evaded a direct answer. “I came to Natchez several weeks ago.”

“Why have you been here so long?” Engrossed with Jenny, Blake didn’t see Nakao until Jenny made the introductions.

Careful to leave out the fact that they had run into Nicholas, Jenny said, “We are looking for work.”

Blake looked astonished. “Excuse me, Nakao, I must speak with Jenny in private,” Blake said. Blake escorted her to a table while Nakao skeptically looked on and waited by the door. “What really brings you here, Jenny? Are you and Nicholas not getting along?”

“Nicholas and I are divorced. I couldn’t tell Father. I feared it would set his health back. He thinks Nicholas and I are touring the country, but soon I’ll have to tell him the truth. Nakao is a true friend and has been a pillar of strength for me. We are both looking for work.”

“You and Nicholas are divorced?”

Jenny sent him a troubled look.

“Let me help you, Jenny. A woman of your upbringing shouldn’t be a servant to others. I own a few houses in Natchez and want you to move into one of them. I’ll also find work for your Indian friend. Please say you’ll let me help.” He pressed his fingers together and anxiously gazed into her eyes, awaiting her answer.

Jenny wrestled with her emotions. It would be so easy to accept Blake’s help Her gaze shifted to Nakao. He had diligently stood by her.
Can Blake really find him a steady job? One thing’s for certain, if I do accept Blake’s generosity, I don’t want people to think I’m his mistress.