Unspoken Love (24 page)

Nakao studied her. He knew Gilbert had not returned to the house and sensed Blake was too courteous to enter her room uninvited, even if he did desire her. Baffled by Jenny’s claims, he knew the married houseguests shared rooms together. Briefly, he told her that he had seen Gilbert last night and spoke of his intentions. “I took him into the woods, Jennifer. Gilbert Johnson did not enter your room.”

Surprised by his revelation, he saw Jenny’s trusting eyes focus on him for comfort and support. He knew the friendship that had formed between them the last three years was steadfast. “I will see you at the morning meal, Jenny,” he said.

Jenny walked him to the door. “We’ll leave immediately after breakfast. We have a store to run. Besides, I miss Abigail and Aaron. Perhaps Lily will bring them to the shop today.”

Flossie entered the chamber, halting their discussion, as she lugged two buckets of water to the tub.

With a curt nod, Nakao acknowledged Jenny’s words, then stepped into the corridor. He closed the thick wooden door behind him, then rushed outside and stepped into the garden, fully expecting to find Gilbert cold and angry. He found instead the rope that had bound him and a woman’s frilly undergarment lying nearby. He wondered if someone had found Gilbert and sent him on his way. If so, no rumors had filtered into the mansion this morning. He studied the silky garment and knew it had come from Jenny’s establishment. Confused by his findings, he stuffed the camisole into his shirt. Before joining the others for breakfast, he sought out Blake Preston.

Nakao reserved comment on Blake’s appearance which reminded him of someone who had been on a drinking binge. During their conversation, he revealed Terrence for the unscrupulous servant that he was. “You don’t want a man like Terrence working at your mansion,” Nakao said.

Blake nodded. “I believe you. You have nothing to gain by exposing my servant. Terrence will no longer be in my employ,” he assured him.

Together, they waited for Jenny to enter the dining hall.

At the plantation, Nicholas awakened to Doc Jones bending over him. “What happened?” he moaned.

“Warren tells me you’ve been knocked out cold for two days,” the doctor said. “Do you remember the journey back to the plantation?”

Nicholas shook his head and flinched at the pain. “Journey back from where?”

Warren stepped forward. “You delivered a load of cotton to Vicksburg, Nicholas. It’s a good thing a worker found you. He sent word that you were injured. He said you fought hard to put out the fire.”

“You have a nasty bump on the head, Nicholas,” Doc Jones chimed.

Nicholas touched the swollen lump on his head. “I don’t remember being in Vicksburg.” He sat up slowly and winced as pain shot through his head again.

“Sit still,” Doc Jones instructed. “We don’t know much about the head, but I suspect you’re in shock from the trauma. Give it some time, Nicholas, you’re bound to remember something. Then again, maybe it’s best that you don’t.” He put his instruments in his medical bag. “My guess is that with time you’ll be just fine. I’ll leave the medicine with you. See that you apply it to your head twice a day. Good day to you.” He then exited the room.

Nicholas’s mind worked feverishly as he lay back down. “How did this fire start?”

“A careless soul hiding onboard the ship got drunk and tripped over a lantern. We lost the cotton, Nicholas.” Warren twisted his hat in his hand. “I’m here until you get back on your feet. Thomas has been asking about you, too. You know, I think that old man is going to outlive us all.”

Nicholas ran his hands through his thick hair, making a point to avoid his injury. “If what you say is true, I lost an enormous profit when that cotton burned.”

Warren looked at him pensively. “Just be happy that you survived the accident. You can grow more cotton but not another life. Now, take it easy. I’ll have Hattie bring you something to eat. Billy’s here, too, if you need him.”

Nicholas managed a smile that looked more like a grimace. “Thanks, Warren, I know I can count on you.”

With time, Nicholas regained his strength, and his head healed.

As he and Warren were riding in the fields overseeing the plantation workers, he confessed to Warren,“I feel as if the weight of the world lies on my shoulders. I have this nagging feeling I should remember visiting Vicksburg.”

“Doc Jones thinks you’ll remember with time. Don’t let it get you down, Nicholas.”

“I don’t understand how I can remember everything else but the night of the accident.”

“It beats me too, Nicholas. I’m no doctor.” Warren sent him a questioning look. “By the way, the man at the pier said he found you at Blake’s mansion in Vicksburg. He overheard you asking at the tavern where Blake lived. Do you recollect that?”

“Not at all,” Nicholas responded. “Why would I visit Blake?”

“Maybe it has something to do with Jenny.”

“I don’t see the connection,” Nicholas said. “Let’s get back to work. I’ll be heading to Vicksburg soon enough on another business trip.”

Chapter 22

The days passed swiftly, and Jenny continued to prosper at the shop. She began to feel ill in the mornings and became increasingly alarmed. She feared her business would suffer or that possibly Abigail and Aaron would contract her illness. Jenny was frantic with worry, but several days later her sickness abated. Thankfully, she was able to resume her usual routine, and no one was aware of her unsettling experience.

As dusk settled over Vicksburg, Jenny put the twins to bed, then went into the parlor for solitude. She moved aside the lace curtain from the window and gazed outside. A myriad of thoughts raced through her mind. Her lifelong dream of owning a shop had come true. Extremely proud of her accomplishments, she still felt a void in her life. Deep inside, loneliness gnawed at her, and she longed for a loving relationship. She longed to be back at the plantation with Nicholas, but she knew the trust issue held her back.

She saw a man standing in the yard, and she withdrew from the window. Though the intruder quickly disappeared, she had cause to reflect on Nicholas. The tall muscular silhouette standing by the house looked so much like him. Surely, he wouldn’t be in Vicksburg,
unless
he had left Warren in charge of
Small Timbers
while he delivered goods. Even so, he usually handled his business in a concise manner then promptly returned to the plantation by steamboat. Besides, he didn’t know where she lived. She dropped into a chair and sat by the fireside browsing through a
Godey’s Lady’s Book
in the dim lamp light. Becoming drowsy, she prepared to retire to her room when again she saw someone outside. Worried that Gilbert had found her, she grabbed the rifle off the wall and loaded it. She would go to any lengths to protect her family. She crept into the garden, ready to confront the person trespassing on her property. With the moonlight guiding her, she inched around the grounds, her heart racing. “Leave at once, or I’ll shoot you to kingdom come,” she shouted, pointing the riffle in the shrubbery.

A man came from behind and yanked the rifle out of her hands. Her heart pounded wildly, and she screamed. A hand was placed over her mouth. “We’ve been down this road before,” he said. “Why are you trying to shoot me?”

Jenny stopped struggling and brushed his hand aside. “What are you doing here, Nicholas?”

“Let’s go inside where we can talk.” Carrying the rifle in one hand, he walked Jenny into the house and guided her to her chamber, closing the door behind them.

Inside her chamber, Jenny scolded Nicholas. “What were you doing skulking around my garden? You scared the living daylights out of me. I could have died of fright.”

“That was not my intention, Jenny, but when I saw you with a gun, I had to do something, as I did not care to get blown to smithereens. Besides, another scream from you, and the whole town would think I was a prowler and descend on me with clubs.”

Jenny took in his handsome face and tall muscular form. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see my children.”

“Oh,” Jenny whispered, averting her gaze. His nearness was conspicuous as he towered above her
He has made himself clear tonight. He doesn’t want me. He only came to see the twins.

He interrupted her thoughts.

“By coincidence, I happened upon your residence,” he lied. “I’ll be staying in Vicksburg a while and with your permission, I’d like to return at my convenience to see Abigail and Aaron.”

Although frustrated by their relationship, she sympathized with him, sensing the loss he must feel in not having his children present. She lowered her lashes. “I owe you that much. I won’t refuse you your fatherly rights,” she answered softly.

“I’ll return tomorrow,” Nicholas said, then strode from the room.

Jenny shivered. Looking back, she realized what a horrendous mistake she’d made by rushing outside to catch a prowler. She could have been hurt or killed before she could summon help. She sighed, thankful to be safe in her home.

Nicholas stood outside the house, tempted to return and profess his love to Jennifer. He had not meant for her to see him tonight, but now he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her as she stood at the window. Angry, hurt, and confused, he had spent the last several days pacing her courtyard. He tried to catch a glimpse of her every day as she returned from the shop. Because his pride had been injured, he refused to beg her to return with him, but he couldn’t get her off his mind. His torment was extreme as he made his way to the Vicksburg Inn.

Nicholas and Jenny were forced together as he spent more time with Abigail and Aaron.

Fearing he might take the babies back to
Small Timbers
, Jenny stayed at home and sent Lily in her place to
Ladies’ Delight
. To Jenny’s pleasure, Lily thrived at the opportunity and proved herself worthy of running the shop.

Tension permeated the air each time Nicholas came to the house. Neither Jenny nor Nicholas would unleash their tormented hearts, and they suffered their unspoken love in silence. Still, Jenny rejoiced in her heart, grateful that Nicholas loved his children and was kind and caring to them.

After visiting one afternoon, Nicholas went to the stables to untether his horse. He stopped abruptly when he saw an Indian. “You must be Waoota,” he said. “Your likeness to Nakao is striking.”

“Yes, I am Waoota. Nakao sent for me at Jennifer’s request. She has been kind to Nakao and me.”

Nicholas recalled Jenny standing up for Nakao time and again, including the night she had spent with him at the inn in Natchez. Even now, she displayed trust and respect to those around her. He nodded to Waoota and understood how grateful he must feel for Jenny’s part in winning his freedom. He mounted his borrowed horse and rode down the cobbled lane.

Since it was Sunday, Jenny was enjoying a day of rest. After she finished a warm, leisurely bath with her rose-scented soap, Lily arrived to help her dress.

“This corset is way too tight for you, Jenny. You are gaining weight.”

“My clothes
have
been a little snug lately,” Jenny answered. “I’ve been ravenous, too!”

“Your stomach is becoming bigger. Are you with child again?” Lily asked.

Jenny’s mouth flew open and her expression registered surprise. She reflected on Lily’s question. Her garments were extremely tight, and she had been showing all the signs of pregnancy. “No, it can’t be,” she said, more to herself than Lily. Suddenly, she recalled the night she had spent at Blake’s home. She thought she had dreamed that Nicholas made love to her, but realized it really happened. A blush came into her face as she recalled how she’d responded to him and how he had set her aflame with his seduction.

Lily put her arm around Jenny’s shoulder and led her to the bed. “May I get you something?”

“No, Lily, you may leave. I’ll call you when I need you. Please send Nakao to me.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Lily said and quickly left the room.

While Jenny waited for Nakao, she got dressed.

Within minutes, Nakao appeared at Jenny’s door. “What troubles you Jenny? Has Nicholas upset you?”

“No,” she answered. “Nakao, I am with child. The only time I could have conceived was at Blake’s dinner party. Do you remember the dream I tried to explain to you?”

“Yes.”

“It was not a dream. Someone actually entered my chamber. I’m convinced it was Nicholas.”

Nakao contemplated her words. “If it was Nicholas, how did he find you?”

“I don’t know, but it had to be him!”

Nakao attempted to assuage her troubled mind. “I know for certain that it was not Gilbert Johnson. I found out that Cora Andrews freed his bonds and ran off with him. Blake Preston was the only other person available, other than myself.”

“Do you think Blake entered my chambers?” Jenny asked, horrified.

“I doubt it. But for your peace of mind, you should confront him,” Nakao answered.

“You are right. Will you take me there now?”

“Yes.”

Nakao rode beside Jenny. When they arrived at Blake’s residence, Jenny asked Nakao to wait in the carriage.

“Grasping the knocker, she rapped loudly on the thick oak door.

Travis, the butler, bade her enter and showed her to the parlor. The minutes seemed like hours as Jenny anxiously paced back and forth. She heard a movement in the corridor and looked up to see Blake striding toward her. He grasped her hand and held it warmly.

“Ah, Jenny, to what do I owe this delightful visit?”

“It’s not a happy occasion,” Jenny answered. She searched for the right words to broach a delicate subject and felt her cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Did you have cause to enter my chamber the night of your party?”

“I may love you beyond belief, but I would never invade your privacy, Jennifer,” Blake said, appalled. “Besides, I got stinking drunk and passed out in the study after I sent Cora on her way. Why do you ask?”

“I—I—” Words failed her, and she realized she couldn’t tell him about her pregnancy. “Did you see Nicholas on the night of your party?”

“No. But I had so many guests that I could have missed him if he showed up uninvited.”

“Thanks for your help, Blake. You’ve been most enlightening,” Jenny said, rushing from the room.

Jenny climbed aboard the carriage. “Blake isn’t the father,” she told Nakao as they started home. She heaved a sigh and shrugged her shoulders. “Regardless of who the father is, this is my child, and I shall love him or her as I do Abigail and Aaron.”

While Jenny was in the garden playing with Abigail and Aaron, Nicholas stepped into the courtyard and startled her. “I do wish you would announce your arrival as others do,” she said. Coming quickly to her feet, she fainted.

Nicholas broke her fall and carried her to the bench. Placing her on his lap, he gently patted her face in an attempt to revive her.

When Jenny regained consciousness, she kept her eyes closed, feigning the vapors a moment longer just to be in his arms. It felt right to her to be there. When she did open her eyes, she found Nicholas studying her.

“Why did you lose consciousness, Jennifer?”

“I stood up too fast,” she answered, breaking free of his embrace. “It can happen to anyone.”

“You are in excellent health, Jenny. Are you keeping something from me?”

“No! Yes!” She couldn’t make sense of her situation let alone explain it to Nicholas. Still, she had to try. “I will give you no less than the truth,” she sighed. “One night, Blake gave a party at his mansion. Someone stole into my chamber. We made love,” she whispered. She fidgeted with embarrassment.

“And who was this person?”

Jenny pointed a finger at him. “You were the man in my room.”

“Me?”

“I know it sounds crazy Nicholas, but it was you!”

“How can that be?”

“I don’t know. Gilbert Johnson planned to enter my chamber, but Nakao put a stop to his devious scheme.”

“What about Nakao? Did he enter your chamber?”

“Certainly not, he was only my escort. Did you know he and Lily married shortly after we left
Small Timbers
?”

“I am elated at the news and, quite frankly, relieved,” Nicholas announced. “What about Blake Preston? Perhaps he entered your chamber.”

“No, Blake had sent his gold-digging fiancée on her way, then drank himself into oblivion. It was not him. I vaguely remember you joining me on the bed.”

Nicholas shook his head. “Maybe it was me, Jennifer. But I have no recollection of the night you are speaking about.” He gazed at her with lovelorn eyes. “Regardless who the father is, I want you to come back to the plantation. I will see to your needs.”

“I cannot, Nicholas. If you are not the father of this child, I would be doing a disservice to you. It’s my problem. I’ll stay here in Vicksburg and continue working at the shop. When I am too far along, Nakao and Lily can take over for me. They have acquired a good knowledge of running the store.” She gave him a quizzical look. “If you don’t have any memory of spending the night with me, how did you find out where I live?”

A teasing smile formed at the corners of his mouth. “A tip and a few inquiries about town was all I needed.” He glanced around the beautifully landscaped gardens and remembered being here before. Still, he couldn’t piece together coherent thoughts and didn’t explain his memory loss to her. Before he left, he said, “I’ll stop by the next time I’m in Vicksburg and see how you are doing.”

“As you wish,” Jenny answered and then entered the house with her babies in tow.

Nicholas stood alone in the garden wondering why he couldn’t remember entering Jenny’s chamber. He was disappointed that he couldn’t recall the glorious union Jenny spoke about.
Did the shock of losing my cargo make me black out that night?

His heart was heavy as he returned to the plantation. He wanted Jenny by his side, not separated by miles and so many unspoken feelings. Someday, somehow, he vowed to see her back at
Small Timbers
.