Unspoken Love (17 page)

“Now that we know Jenny is okay, we’ll be going to our cabin,” Warren whispered. “We don’t want to awaken her.” Beaming with pride, he and Billy strode down the corridor. He slapped his hat against his pant leg before shoving it on his head. “Our Jenny has twins!” he exclaimed to Billy.

Nicholas chuckled as he heard Warren and Billy boasting about Jenny and the twins.

Jenny stirred from her sleep and recalled her difficult labor. Tired, but happy, she inspected her precious arrivals.

“We have two beautiful and healthy babies,” Nicholas said, covering her hand with his own. “You have made me, and your father, proud.”

Again, Jenny gazed down at the sleeping infants, noting they favored Nicholas.

“I never expected twins,” she whispered. A smile escaped her lips before her long lashes fluttered shut, and she fell into an exhausted but contented sleep.

Jenny and Nicholas marveled over their precious twins. The arrival of Abigail and Aaron brought new meaning into their lives and brought them closer than ever before.

As Jenny recuperated, Nicholas had cause to ponder their relationship. He had insisted Jenny return to the plantation for the birth of their child, never guessing he would be the father of twins. Now that the babies had been born, he knew he couldn’t let her go and wanted her with him regardless of the barriers between them. “Let’s call a truce, Jenny,” he pleaded. “I want us to live in harmony as we raise our children.”

Jenny gazed into his eyes. “You are the babies’ father and a good man. You looked after me when I was sick and helped me birth the twins. I owe you my life. If you hadn’t found me in the woods, I’m sure I would have died.”

Their eyes remained locked as Nicholas awaited her answer. He drew her into his embrace and lavished her with kisses. “You’re driving me crazy with desire, Jenny.” He ran his fingers over her curves, his touch exciting her senses. Fire smoldered from within, sending their passion soaring as Jenny eagerly returned his kisses.

“We must not. It’s too soon,” she cautioned, gently breaking away.

“I can wait,” Nicholas replied. “I have your affection, Jenny, and that greatly pleases me.” He continued to hold her, savoring the moment, sensing they were destined to be together as they began their life anew.

Chapter 17

Leaving the six-week-old twins in Lily’s care, Nicholas and Jenny set out for Greenville to buy supplies. The sun beamed down on them as they rode along the path, a peace enveloping them. The clip clop of the horses and the sound of the creaking wagon echoed in their ears. Birds trilling in the forest hushed their singing and flew away as they passed by. Skittish chipmunks scurried to their burrows.

Arriving in Greenville, their tranquil spell was broken as horse-drawn wagons sped by and people loudly greeted one another.

“May I visit Aunt Thelma?” Jenny asked excitedly.

“Sure, Jenny. I’ll take you to the inn, but we can’t dally long. I have work waiting for me at the plantation.”

“I’ll hurry,” she promised as he pulled up in front of the Hearthside Inn.

Nicholas helped her down from the wagon. As his arms circled Jenny’s waist, her bosom brushed against his chest, sending his senses reeling with desire. His fiery gaze riveted on Jenny. In a low voice ,he said, “I want to trail kisses along your body and make love to you.” His lips brushed her ear as he continued, “Soon, my sweet—” He regained his composure as people milled around them. Releasing Jenny, he leapt onto the wagon. “Meet me at the general store in half an hour.”

Jenny tingled with passion and attempted to keep her emotions in check as she watched Nicholas ride down the street. Contentment washed over her as she took in his broad shoulders. Tearing her gaze from him, she stepped into the inn and sought out Aunt Thelma.

“Jennifer, I am delighted to see you!” Aunt Thelma said, giving her a hearty hug. “Come join me for a cup of tea.”

Jenny followed her into the kitchen. Aunt Thelma filled their cups with freshly steeped tea and joined her at the table. Sipping the refreshing brew, they chatted about Thomas and the babies until a fair-skinned maid came into the room. The young servant bubbled with enthusiasm as she loaded clean mugs onto a tray. Her curly blonde tresses bounced in the air as she hurried about the kitchen with efficiency, then returned to the dining room. “Where is Bonita?”

“I fired her when I found her in bed with one of my patrons,” Aunt Thelma said. “For some time I suspected that she was sleeping with the customers.” Aunt Thelma took another sip of tea. “Inga is working out quite well. A young Swedish woman, she needed room and board when she arrived from her homeland. She settled in Greenville, much to my delight.”

“I’m glad you’ve found someone reliable, Aunt Thelma,” Jenny said, relieved that Bonita was no longer there, not so much for what Bonita had done to her but for Aunt Thelma and Uncle Edward’s sake. The unstable woman was not an asset to their business.

Jenny enjoyed her visit with Aunt Thelma. The minutes ticked on as they continued to discuss a host of topics. Suddenly she leapt to her feet. “Time has flown! I promised Nicholas I wouldn’t be long. Come visit us soon, Aunt Thelma, and see the twins.”

“I will,” Thelma promised and fondly bade her farewell.

Leaving the inn, Jenny headed for the general store. A shadow fell over her, and she gazed up, locking eyes with Blake Preston.

“Hello, Jennifer.”

Surprised, yet delighted to see him, Jenny responded, “Hello, Blake, what brings you to town?”

“Business. I head back to Natchez tomorrow.”

Jenny noted his striking face and confident stance as he towered over her. “How is business?” she inquired with a strong interest, still daring to dream that she might someday own a shop.

“Quite profitable, Jenny, thanks for asking.” His expression became somber. “Thelma said you had twins. Motherhood agrees with you.” He clasped her hand. “You know, I could be the father of your babies if my plans had gone right.”

“Let’s not talk about what might have been.” Her eyes softened. “Abigail and Aaron are adorable.” She added determinedly, “I can’t stay and chat, Blake. It’s been good seeing you. Good day.” She withdrew her hand, and giving him a curt nod, headed for the General Store. Blake grasped her arm and stopped her.

“You look exquisite, Jenny. I’m glad I got to see you, if only for a moment.” Catching her unaware, he kissed her on the forehead. “If I had the chance, I’d take you away and love you for eternity.”

“Blake, I’ll always be your friend, nothing more,” she relayed kindly.

She breathed a sigh when he released her hand and moved on. Their friendship had changed drastically since he’d disclosed his feelings. Starting on her way, she saw Nicholas. His accusing eyes made her burn with unwarranted guilt.

Nicholas helped her onto the buckboard laden with staples, then jumped up beside her and started the horses in motion.

Nicholas drove the horses hard, his mind on Jenny and Blake’s meeting. Eyeing her furtively, he observed that she was sitting erect and proud, her shiny black hair blowing in the breeze. Doubts tore at his troubled heart. He pulled into a secluded area and brought the wagon to a stop. Lifting Jenny to the ground, he forced her to meet his gaze.

“Were you swooning over Blake Preston?”

“Swooning over Blake? Absolutely not, Nicholas! The man was only greeting me.”

“You cannot deny he is a striking man.”

“He is handsome, Nicholas. Even so, I made no overtures to toward him.”

Nicholas eyed her speculatively. “When I saw Blake kissing you . . .”

“He only brushed my forehead with his lips, Nicholas. It was hardly a kiss for lovers.”

He drew her to his chest and passionately kissed her on the lips. She wrapped her arms around him. Unable to resist his fiery touch, she let him take her to the grassy slope and make love to her. With slow sensuous strokes, he caressed her body and kissed her lips. Heightened pleasure coursed through them, and a sense of urgency filled their being. Over and over, Nicholas plunged into her softness, consuming her with passion. Ecstasy claimed them as he gave one last thrust and spilled his seed inside her.

Aglow with happiness, Jenny murmured, “I don’t want this moment to end, but we must hurry home, Nicholas. I need to nurse the babies. My breasts are tender with milk.”

“Then, by all means, let’s head home.” He helped her to her feet and led her back to the wagon.

As they rode home, Jenny saw a hint of a smile cross his features, and he gathered up speed, stealing glances at her. Blissfully happy, she knew he was fighting the urge to stop the wagon and love her again.

Bonita had stood lurking in the shadows as she watched Nicholas and Jenny leave Greenville. It had been months since Nicholas had rejected her, but the memories were still vivid in her mind. She studied Jenny’s extraordinary beauty. The woman had regained her shapely figure after the birth of her babies. She vowed to destroy Jenny for taking the one man she could not have. She recalled the tongue-lashing that Nakao had given her when he learned that Jenny was not Ellie White, and that, too, weighed heavily on her mind, for she had lost his friendship because of her deception. Since Thelma had sent her packing, she had become one of many prostitutes at Ethel’s brothel, pleasing the men who entered her chamber. Earlier, hidden from their view, she had watched Jennifer and Blake talking and then witnessed the look on Nicholas’s face when he saw Blake and Jenny together. She smiled maliciously as she sought to punish those who had not succumbed to her wishes.

Later that night in her room, Bonita watched Jake Parsons with revulsion as he undressed. Her senses rebelled against the husky man. His greasy hair, offensive smell, and lecherous leer nearly made her vomit.
How did I sink so low that I must now accommodate such a vile excuse for a man?
Jake was in stark contrast to Nicholas, the only man she’d ever wanted. Nevertheless, she needed Jake. She’d heard of his unscrupulous dealings and shady past. Rumor was he’d killed a man. She had a job for him. She wanted to exchange her services for his. She moved her body seductively as she propositioned him. “I’ve got a deal for you.”

“What kind of deal?” Jake asked, shedding his clothes and dropping onto the bed, taking her with him.

“You may enjoy my services for nothing now,
and
later,” she offered, her voice low and beguiling. “Provided you abduct Jennifer Grant. Take her to Natchez and sell her into slavery, or kill her. Just get rid of her.”

“That’s against the law, woman,” Jake exclaimed. “Do you know what you’re asking of me? I’ve done some seedy things, but I never kidnapped anyone.”

Bonita ran her fingers down his neck, her long nails digging into his back. “And do you not realize your reward?” she asked, pressing her form against him.

Jake’s beady eyes bore into her as a strand of dark shaggy hair fell across his forehead. His sexual urges intensified, and he drew Bonita in even closer. Unable to refuse her wanton body, he moaned, “Whatever the lady wishes.” Then he drew her into his embrace and proceeded to have his way with her, his loud grunting filling the room and echoing in Bonita’s ears.

Moments later, Jake dressed. Placing a wide-brimmed hat on his head, he asked for more details about Jenny. When Bonita had told him everything, he pulled her into his embrace and playfully slapped her rump. “When I take care of Jennifer, I’ll be back to collect on your promise.”

“Until then,” Bonita answered, forcing a smile upon her lips as she gently shoved him out the door. When Jake had gone, she retched at having to endure his touch. Scrubbing her body, she vowed he would never touch her again, regardless of her promise. After washing, she forged a note to Nicholas that simply stated:

Nicholas,

I left with Blake, my one true love.

Jenny

Once she learned that Jake had abducted Jenny, she would make sure the note reached Nicholas.

The following day Jake rode to
Small Timbers
. Hiding behind the trees, he gazed at the workers who were laboring in the fields. He was pleased when he saw Nicholas deep in discussion with the overseer. Assured he wouldn’t be in the way, Jake maneuvered his mount toward the house.

He rapped on the door and stood with his hat in hand. Jenny stood in the entrance, surprised to see the unexpected visitor. “Can I help you?”

Jake dripped with politeness. “I wonder if I could have a drink to quench my thirst, Ma’am.”

“You’ve come a mite far in search of water,” she said, reaching for the dipper hanging on the wall. “Help yourself.”

“I will, Ma’am. Thank you.”

“Leave the dipper on the veranda when you are you finished.” She started to close the door but, quick as lightening, Jake grabbed her from behind and placed a cloth soaked in chloroform across her mouth. Like a withering plant, Jenny dropped to the floor.

Jake slung her over his horse and covered her with a blanket. Nonchalantly, he kept a steady pace as he rode away, giving no one cause to notice him.

From behind the trees, Bonita saw Jake pick up speed as he left
Small Timbers
. She rode across the meadow, waiting for a chance to deliver the note to Nicholas.

On an errand for Warren, Billy rode into the clearing. He saw Bonita and brought his horse to an abrupt stop. “Are you lost? It’s unusual for a lady to be in the meadow.” He pointed in the direction of the house. “Take this path and veer right. You’ll come to the house, Miss.”

Like a witch turning into a beautiful enchantress, Bonita smiled at Billy. Her voice dripped with sweetness. “I have a note for Nicholas. Would you see that he gets it?”

“Y-y-yes, Miss,” Billy stuttered, captivated by her beauty. Grabbing the note, he took off for the fields to find Nicholas. “A message for you from a pretty lady,” Billy said. He swung his horse around and returned to his chores.

Nicholas scanned the note. He couldn’t believe what he was reading. Jenny had lied to him and was now in the arms of Blake Preston. Concerned that she may have taken the babies, he stuffed the note into his pocket and rushed home from the fields. As he stepped through the front door, he sensed an uneasiness in the house. Racing from room to room, he called Jenny’s name, but the only answer he heard was his echo. He realized she had already gone and rushed to the nursery, expecting to find it empty. The babies were lying in their cradles as Lily tended them. “Lily, Jenny is gone!”

Lily gasped; her eyes widened in surprise. “Gone? Jenny wouldn’t leave her babies. Something is very wrong—”

“I’m going after her. Take care of the twins, and Thomas, until I get back.”

“Yes, Mr. Grant. You can count on me,” Lily responded.

Angry and distraught, Nicholas stormed out the door and thundered toward Greenville in search of Jenny.

Holding his hostage tightly, Jake rode like the wind. By the time Jenny awakened, he had ridden miles away from the plantation. She opened her eyes, but the blanket blocked her view. She bounced about on the sweat-laden horse, pondering her situation until her abductor reined his horse to a stop.

Jake dismounted, bringing her with him. He removed the blanket and met her fiery green eyes.

“How dare you accost me!” she shouted, raking her nails down his face.

Jake backed away when she nearly gouged out his eyes, then lunged at her. Jenny fought like a wildcat, landing a few good punches to his face until he subdued her. Jerking her arms down to her sides, he held them tightly. “No woman strikes me!” he shouted, sending a forceful blow across her cheek.

Her senses clouded, and she fainted. She awoke to cold water dripping on her face and began to choke. Gasping for air, she rose to her feet to catch her breath. Jake stood in front of her, his canteen empty. A devious smile crossed his mangy features as he reached out for Jenny with a rope in one hand.

Mustering strength that Jenny did not even know she had, she kicked him in the groin and shoved him to the ground. Her head throbbed, and bruises covered her body. Yet, with a strong will to live, she forced herself to run. She ran into the woods, fearing retaliation from the brutal stranger. She scurried under a raspberry bush and caught her hair on the prickly thorns. She tugged her locks free, mindless of the pain as her abductor approached. Hearing a movement behind her, she stifled a scream and looked around for something with which to protect herself. She grabbed a small solid branch. Clutching it tightly, she swung it hard in his path and tripped him.

Jake fell to the ground, grabbed his shins, and cursed Jenny. “You’ll pay for this!” he yelled.

She knew she must take action while he was incapacitated if she wanted to live. With renewed vigor, she crawled out from under the briar and beat him senseless. When he no longer resisted, she dropped the branch and ran like thunder. She raced through the forest and into the swamplands, her sense of direction gone.

Tired and hungry and with darkness descending, she was unable to find her way out of the woodlands. She knew she’d have to stay the night or chance falling into the swamp. She gathered some leaves and made herself a bed under a willow tree. Surrounded by cypress, red gum, and swamp hickories, she lay in the darkness and pondered her dilemma. She knew that Aaron and Abigail were getting good care back at home, but she yearned to cradle them to her bosom and bestow her love upon them. Refusing to admit defeat, she bravely vowed to find the main road come morning. She stiffened with fear as snakes slithered in the tall grasses. Except for the pounding of her heart, she remained still trying not to draw attention to herself. Owls hooted in the trees. Bullfrogs bellowed in the distance, hopping to a scattering of huge lily pads. The sultry air brought her little respite as she snatched bits of sleep throughout the night.