Unspoken Love (22 page)

Jenny stood at the entrance unnoticed as Cora continued to rake her eyes over Nakao. Perturbed by Cora’s display, she went back inside to replenish the stock.

As she was admiring the workmanship of some Chinese vases, Nakao returned from his errand.

“So, Blake Preston is in Vicksburg,” he stated.

“Yes,” Jenny answered as she continued with her task.

“Cora Andrews is a selfish woman. Blake Preston should not marry her.”

“Perhaps he doesn’t know her real worth,” Jenny said pensively. “I don’t wish the viper on Blake. Yet, if I intervene, Blake may think I have an interest in him. Still, I can’t imagine Blake choosing her for his bride. Surely, he can see she is only interested in his wealth.”

“You and Cora bear a striking resemblance, Jenny.”

Jenny flicked her head up, surprised by his comment.

“Now that you brought it to my attention, I believe you are right. Surely, you don’t think Blake is courting Miss Andrews because she looks like me?”

“I do,” Nakao answered and then returned to the back room to unpack a new shipment.

On many occasions, Lily brought Aaron and Abigail to the shop. Lily kept a watchful eye on them as Jenny patiently explained the buying and selling process to her.

Lily gazed at Jenny with admiration. “I admire your skills,” she said. “And I love this quaint store.”

The crying of the twins ended their conversation and Jenny moved to the back room to feed them.

As time passed, Nakao too, learned many aspects of being a merchant and was dedicated to Jenny and her shop. He organized the stockroom, sorting the diverse items so Jenny could display them in an attractive setting and catch the customers’ eyes.

One day while working at the store Jenny had her back to the door as she rearranged books of poetry and stationary etched with roses. Engrossed in her work, she didn’t hear anybody enter the store.

“Cora, I’ve been waiting for you at the seamstress so you can be fitted for a new gown for the ball.”

Jenny spun around at the sound of Blake’s voice.

A look of surprise crossed both of their faces.

“Jennifer! What a pleasure to see you.”

“It’s good to see you, too, Blake.”

Eloquently, Blake touched her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

“How have you been?” Jenny asked.

“Missing you,” Blake answered. “Have lunch with me today.”

“I can’t leave the shop, but thank you. Perhaps another time.”

“The loss is mine. Now tell me, you own
Ladies Delight?”

“Yes.”

“And Nicholas? Has he given up
Small Timbers
for Vicksburg?”

“No. Nicholas and I parted company some time ago.” The pain was evident in her voice.

“Do you still love him, Jenny?’

“Deeply.”

“Then why do you run from him?”

“It’s of little consequence now,” she answered, brushing the issue aside. She changed the subject. “I thought your business was in Natchez.”

“I’m expanding throughout Mississippi. It’s been a lucrative opportunity for me.”

After some casual conversation, Jenny asked, “What can I do for you, Blake?”

“I want to purchase a gift for someone, perhaps a piece of jewelry.”

“For Cora?”

“You know?”

“Yes, she recently made several purchases here, but I can assure you that she has no knowledge of our friendship.”

“Did she tell you we are betrothed?”

“Yes, and overstepping my bounds, I beg you to reconsider.”

“Does that mean there’s a chance for us? Can we at last be together?”

“Please don’t misunderstand, Blake. You are a very special friend, but my love for Nicholas outweighs any I could ever have for another.”

“I know I can’t compete with Nicholas,” Blake responded. “Therefore, I’ll accept you as my dear friend.” Being proud and perhaps a bit obstinate, he added, “I won’t break my engagement to Cora.” He chose a necklace, then drew out his pocket watch and noted the time. “I must return to the shipyard. We’ll meet again soon, Jenny.”

As he left, his tall frame and strong build caused Jenny to think of Nicholas. Her heart was heavy as she reminisced.

Chapter 21

Nicholas pondered how Jenny was faring. He’d thought of little else since she had left him. Life wasn’t the same without her. He recalled the day he married her and how he felt saddled to save her reputation. He never anticipated falling in love with her, but that’s exactly what happened. He ached to have her back in his life again. The torment in which he lived was horrendous, and he knew only Jenny could fix his broken heart. But he had given his word to Thomas to not go to her. Now all he could do was wait and hope she would come home. He regretted his accusations and jealousy. He truly didn’t mean to chase her away. If only he could get her back, he’d make it up a thousand ways. Meanwhile he had a plantation to run, and he knew that work was the best thing for his troubled mind.

Gilbert Johnson sat at the Pier Tavern conversing with Jake Parsons. “We will kidnap Cora Andrews and hold her for ransom. Blake Preston will pay a hefty sum for her safe return. Their wedding day approaches, and I’m sure Mr. Preston would not like to be standing alone at the altar.” His eyes flickered with amusement as he said, “He would be the laughingstock of Mississippi!”

Jake concurred and greedily rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “Tomorrow, I’ll follow Miss Andrews, and when no one is watching, I’ll capture her. I’ll take her to a deserted house in the woods. It’s located several miles south of Vicksburg. The house is hidden in the forest, but if you veer right a mile past the landmark, you can’t miss it. It’s an old red brick building with white pillars, and one of the downstairs windows is broken. Meet me there by late afternoon.”

Gilbert had cause to reflect on the past as Jake described the very house where he and his women had stayed months ago. He recalled Jennifer and her Indian friend. The humiliation they caused him was staggering, and he vowed vengeance if they ever crossed his path again. He had seen Jennifer on the
Marylou,
but she had departed the ship before he could learn her destination.

Jake’s voice drummed in his ears, dissolving his wicked thoughts of Jennifer.

“Miss Andrews won’t escape me,” Jake said. “After I secure her, you can contact Blake and demand the ransom.”

Gilbert glanced around the room and made sure no one was listening. “We’ll divide the winnings, then get out of town for a while.” With their plan agreed upon, they parted company, convinced they would soon be very rich men.

The next morning, Cora Andrews stepped into
Ladies’ Delight
.

“I do declare, Jennifer, you have the most superb items.” She pointed to the glass enclosure. “I want to see that shiny bracelet. I’ve come to buy more ribbons and gloves, too. I must look my best for Blake when he gives the ball next week.”

Cora primped in the mirror. Pulling back her hair, she tied it with a red velvet ribbon. Jenny remembered Nakao’s comment. Their resemblance was striking, but the snobbish Cora did not notice. She forced herself to be kind.

“I just received a shipment of vivid ribbons. I’ll get them from the stockroom.”

“Is your Indian clerk in the back room?” Cora crooned.

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“I’ll go myself, Dear. I must see that handsome Cherokee again!”

Cora swished past Jenny, giving her little recourse but to step aside lest she lose her balance and fall into the china.

Jenny started to intervene but realized that Nakao would censure Cora for entering his domain.

She walked to the glass shelf to remove the bracelet Cora had asked to see. As she was looking at the bracelet, she was attacked from behind. A cloth was placed over her mouth, and she passed out.

Cora came from the supply room in a huff. “How dare that Indian insult me!” she stormed. She looked around the room for Jenny. “Jennifer, where are you?” When she received no reply, she stormed out of the store. Rushing from the shop, she shook her henchman awake and instructed him to take her home.

Nakao entered the room, sensing Jenny would be displeased with him for banishing Cora from the stockroom. Even though Cora was a rich client, he refused to accept her overtures. As he searched the store for Jennifer, he spotted a bracelet that had fallen to the floor and returned it to the case. Baffled as to Jenny’s whereabouts, uneasiness swept over him. It wasn’t like her to walk away during store hours. He closed the shop to search for her. He scanned the surrounding area for clues. Seeing fresh hoof-prints leading out of Vicksburg, he mounted and followed the path.

Jenny awoke with a throbbing headache. She lay on the floor with her hands bound. Weak from the chloroform, she slowly brought herself to a sitting position and shook her hair away from her face to get a clear view of the room. Memories flooded her consciousness as she recalled Gilbert Johnson attacking her in this very place. She studied her abductor as he peered outside and knew it wasn’t Gilbert, for this man was smaller. With unsteady legs, she came to her feet, looking for a way to escape.

The man turned toward her.

Jenny’s mouth flew open. “
You
!” she shouted, recalling their previous encounter. Jake’s seedy brown eyes remained fastened on her.

“Well, I’ll be darn! You look enough like Cora Andrews to be her twin.”

“You thought I was Cora?” Jenny asked, perplexed.

“I did, and as I’ve captured the wrong woman, I can’t let you leave this place alive.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just this, pretty lady, I can’t chance you contacting the authorities.”

Jenny feared talking to him was a lost cause. Still, she gave it a shot. “Please reconsider and allow me to return to town, Mr.—?”

“Jake Parsons,” he boasted. He ran his fingers through his unkempt black hair, his eyes blazing with malice. “I thought you’d get lost in the swamps or be consumed by alligators, but I see you escaped unscathed. You, a mere slip of a woman left me beaten and unconscious. Do you know how humiliated I was when Bonita laughed in my face?”

Jenny stared blankly. “Bonita?”

“She hired me to get rid of you so that she could charm Nicholas.”

The shock of his words hit her full force. She had no idea that Bonita had been behind her abduction. “Were you supposed to kill me?” she asked, barely above a whisper, fearing he would now carry out the deed.

“I was to take you to Natchez to be sold into slavery or kill you, but you, wicked woman, escaped me,” he sneered. “Bonita was livid when she received the news, but I convinced her you would die in the swamps. Still, she refused to keep her end of the bargain.” He moved closer to her. “She promised me some loving and then refused me. I beat the living daylights out of her.” Jenny gasped at his revelation as he continued, “She’s not a pretty sight. She’s missing some teeth, and her comely face is a thing of the past.”

Jenny felt disgust as she digested Jake’s news. She held no love for Bonita but didn’t wish her preyed upon. Yet, that is exactly what Bonita had done to her. Jake’s voice broke the deadly silence.

“All of this has been for nothing. Blake Preston won’t pay a pittance for you.”

Jenny didn’t acknowledge that she knew Blake. If Blake learned of her abduction, she knew he would spend all his worldly goods if necessary to free her.

Jake interrupted her wanderings. “So, that brings us to you, my fighting wildcat. Would you like me to untie your bonds so you can have a go at me? I hate to strike a woman who can’t defend herself.”

“Please do untie me,” Jenny pleaded.

Jake’s evil laughter filled the room as he spun her around and released her bonds.

Gilbert Johnson stood outside the house, eavesdropping. He couldn’t believe Jake had mistaken Jenny for Cora. Regardless, he had a score to settle with Jenny and didn’t feel his time was wasted by being there. He started for the house until he heard a rustling nearby. He hid behind a tree and waited.

Nakao had ridden along the path, looking for clues to Jennifer’s whereabouts. He recalled the deserted house where Gilbert had attacked her. Wondering if her abductor had taken her there, he followed the trail to the abandoned dwelling. Cautiously, he dismounted and peered into the window. He had watched Jenny awaken and listened to the conversation that followed. When he witnessed Jake releasing her bonds, he knew it was time to intervene. He crept to the entrance, and as Jake’s hand struck Jenny’s face, he crashed into the room. With one swift movement, he brought Jake to his knees and bent both of his arms behind his back.

Jake cried out in pain. “Let me go,” he begged.

Nakao tightened his grip. “Not yet.” He glanced at Jenny. “Are you all right, Jennifer?”

“Thanks to you, I am,” she answered, rubbing her tender cheek.

“Then let’s get out of here.” Nakao bound Jake’s wrists and shoved him toward the door. “We will drop the scoundrel at the sheriff’s, if I don’t slay him before then.”

“Take me to jail? Sure you will. You’ll beat me to a pulp,” Jake babbled.

Nakao tied Jake to his mount then leapt astride his horse and helped Jenny up. Gathering both reins tightly, he started the trek back to Vicksburg.

From his hiding place, Gilbert saw the Indian lead Jake away. Since Jake had captured the wrong woman, he knew contacting Blake would be futile. He scowled as he realized how much money had slipped through his fingers. Now that others knew of Jake’s plot, he regretfully had to cancel his plans. Thankfully, Jake hadn’t mentioned him. He was pleased, however, that the day was not a total loss. Now that he knew Jenny was in Vicksburg, he would find her. He recalled how Nakao had saved Jenny from him in that very house when he pretended to be a preacher. She was the downfall of his comfortable life. Within days of her leaving, his women had left him, and with no money coming in, he had to find another way to survive.
She will pay,
he vowed.

Later that day, with Jake behind bars and dusk upon them, Nakao saw Jenny safely home.

Jenny clasped Nakao’s hand. Grateful for his intervention, she said, “I’m in your debt once again.”

“When I followed the trail to the house in the woods, I thought Gilbert had kidnapped you again,” Nakao confessed.

“The last time I saw Gilbert he was wagering on the
Marylou
,” Jenny replied. “He is not a preacher.”

“I suspected as much,” Nakao said. He stood in the corridor while Jenny stepped into her chamber.

Lily rushed into the room.

“Nakao told me what happened. Are you okay, Jenny?

Jenny nodded.

Lily noted her disheveled state. “I’ll prepare your bath and bring you a cup of tea to soothe you harried nerves.”

Jenny disrobed and sank into the tub. She let the warm water glide over her and relax her stiff muscles while she sipped the tea. She gazed at Lily and forced a smile. “Thank you, Lily. The tea is steeped just the way I like it. You may retire,” she instructed Lily.

“You’re still upset about the kidnapping,” Lily said. “I prefer to stay and take care of your needs. I don’t want to leave you until I know you are all right.”

“I appreciate your thoughtful ways, Lily, but I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow, and we’ll resume our duties as usual.”

Lily hesitated. “If you insist. Call me if you need anything.”

Lily stepped into the corridor and found Nakao waiting for her. His strong arm rested on her shoulder as they made their way down the hall and retired to their chamber.

The following day Blake returned to
Ladies’ Delight
and sought out Jennifer.

“I’m giving a ball this Friday, and I want you to come.” He passed the invitation to her.

Jenny read the note. In beautiful script, he begged her attendance at eight o’clock prompt.

“We’ll have a full course dinner, then dancing in the ballroom. Please don’t refuse me, Jennifer.”

“I can’t arrive alone, and certainly with Cora Andrews in attendance, I’ll set tongues wagging.”

Nakao stepped forward.

“If you want to attend, I will escort you, Jennifer.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll see you both this Friday,” He started to leave, then stopped abruptly. “Since there will be entertainment and imbibing well into the evening, the guests will spend the night. You are both invited. I’ll be disappointed if you don’t stay.” He bid her farewell and dashed out the door.

Jenny studied the embossed invitation. Her eyes sparkled. “Perhaps I
should
indulge myself in a little pleasure,” she said, a bit mischievously. A grin escaped her still slightly bruised lips as her eyes swept over Nakao, noting that his shirt barely covered his chest, and his muscles strained at the seams. She rushed to close the shop. “It’s time we visit the tailor. A new suit is in order, for we want you looking your best.”

Nakao grinned at Jennifer. “What are you up to, Jennifer Grant?”

Jenny only smiled as she grabbed his hand and guided him to the clothier.

On the evening of the ball, Lily raved over Nakao’s handsome appearance. “You look immaculate in your new attire,” she bragged, watching him squeeze into his jacket. She wasn’t envious that Nakao was escorting Jenny to the ball, for their love was pure, and she trusted him completely. Besides, she knew Jenny needed Nakao’s protection.

They met Jenny in the foyer.

Feeling hampered in his new clothes, Nakao sent Jenny a vexed look. “I prefer loose-fitting garments that allow room for comfort,” he told her.

Jenny pouted.

He flashed her a sheepish grin. “All right, Jenny I will tolerate the clothes for one night.”

Jenny smiled, then ushered him from the house before he changed his mind.

That very same day Nicholas arrived in Vicksburg. Leaving a trusted helper to keep watch over his shipment of cotton, he took care of business matters on land. He dined alone and then took a stroll along the cobbled streets. Nearing a small but grand house, he abruptly came to a halt when he saw Jenny and Nakao dressed in finery and stepping into a carriage. As the coach moved forward, he stepped behind a tree. Many emotions swept over him as his gaze fixed on Jenny. He wanted to call her back as the coach picked up speed but dismissed the notion, knowing she didn’t reciprocate his feelings. He’d promised Thomas not to interfere in Jenny’s life, but he made no such promise regarding the twins.

He strode to the house and peered up at the window. As he stood hidden in the shadows, he saw Lily tending to Aaron and Abigail. Tears scalded his eyes and his heart went out to his children. He realized just how much he had missed them. He watched Lily tuck them in bed, then blow out the lamp. She then stepped outside to speak with Waoota.