Unspoken Love (27 page)

At the crowded table, to Nicholas’s chagrin, Molly sat to Jenny’s right, and Blake sat on Jenny’s left, placing them in proximity.

Everyone engaged in pleasant conversation as they passed mouth-watering carved turkey with all the trimmings around the table.

Molly and Jenny chattered jovially, speaking of Christmases past as they consumed plum pudding and mince pie. Father joined in the discussion as vivid memories filled his mind. Soon Ellie White, and Thelma Smith, shared their favorite holiday stories, feeling the Christmas Spirit at the festive dinner. Doc Jones, and Jason Walker, talked about medicine and politics, while Judge White spoke on a myriad of law topics.

When dinner concluded, the guests adjourned to the parlor. Under Molly’s guidance, the men made ready for dancing. Moving aside the furniture, they pulled the pianoforte forward, and the band readied their stringed instruments.

Nicholas and Jenny danced, their bodies attuned to each other. When the music ended, Jenny said, “I’m parched. Excuse me while I get some punch.”

As she made her way to the refreshment table, Nicholas and Wade became engrossed in conversation. When they had finished speaking to one another, Nicholas reflected on Jenny’s whereabouts.

Trying not to disrupt her relationship with Nicholas, Blake kept his distance from Jenny and refrained from asking her to dance. He stood afar, his eyes fixing on her angelic face. He consumed a brandy, then another. He was an affluent man, yet unable to obtain the only woman he truly desired. Knowing that she belonged to another and would never be his, he knew he had to get a grip on his feelings.
Jenny’s happy, leave her alone
, his inner voice warned. Yet, he was already moving across the floor, pleading for a moment of her time.

Jenny looked into Blake’s bloodshot eyes.

“You’re intoxicated,” she admonished. Escorting him into the study, she reprimanded him. “You must get your thoughts in order and stop this insipid drinking!”

Blake sent her a curious gaze as he tried to comprehend her words. He swooned and fell against her, his fingers closing over her necklace, unintentionally popping her pearls and scattering them in every direction.

Jenny attempted to steady his weaving form, but her strength was no match for his weight. She could only try to cushion his fall as he passed out and plummeted to the floor.

She knelt down and examined him, looking for signs of bleeding or injury. Confident he was only sleeping off the liquor, she didn’t call for Doc Jones, saving Blake embarrassment when he awakened. Someone entered the room, and she looked up to see Nicholas staring down at her. Jenny gasped as she realized the picture she presented. Her petticoat and gown were draped across Blake as she knelt beside him. She averted her gaze. Searching the floor, she collected her precious pearls, not for the monetary value, but because Nicholas had given them to her after Nicky was born.

Nicholas helped her to her feet. Fully immersed in each other, neither heard Thomas come into the room.

Thomas cleared his throat to make his presence known. “I’m sorry for the interruption, but it’s time we head home.” He lowered his gaze and saw Blake lying on the floor. “What the devil happened here?”

Jenny stepped away from Nicholas and addressed her father. “Blake imbibed too much, Father. He will be fine eventually,” she assured him. His face softened with relief at her explanation.

Molly and Wade entered the study. They saw Blake sleeping on the floor, his loud snores echoing in the room.

“Blake celebrated too much, Molly,” Thomas said. “You’ll have an extra guest for the night. He’s in no condition to return to town.”

Molly looked to Nicholas. “Will you and Wade carry him to the guestroom?”

“Certainly,” Nicholas replied, belying his disgruntlement at having to haul his adversary off to bed. He and Wade lifted Blake and carried him from the room.

Molly studied Jenny. “Since it’s a long journey home and the weather is frigid, some of our guests are staying the night. Will you join us, Jenny?”

“Thank you, Molly, but we must return home. I’ve got to nurse Nicky and see to the twins. Millicent is doing a splendid job with the children, but—”

“I understand, Jenny,” Molly interrupted. “I know how much you love your babies and can’t bear to be away from them. Another time then. We’d love to have you stay with us.” She handed Jenny a large burlap bag filled with gifts for the family. “Take this home and think of us when you open them. Our love will be with you.”

Jenny peeked into the bag and found gifts for Nicky, Aaron, and Abigail and presents for her and Nicholas. She hugged Molly with deep affection. “Thank you.”

Molly and Wade followed Jenny, Nicholas, and Thomas to the door and bade them a cheery farewell. “Good-bye all, and do have a delightful Christmas,” Molly said.

“We will, Molly. Thank you for the yuletide party.”

“And don’t forget our discussion,” Wade interjected, addressing Nicholas.

Jenny pondered their secret business when Nicholas smiled and assured Wade that he would remember.

Nicholas helped Thomas to the carriage, then returned for Jenny. Thoughtfully, he placed thick blankets around them and, with Sherman’s help, put foot warmers beneath their feet.

As they rode home in the brisk night air, Jenny recalled Nicholas finding her in what looked like a compromising situation with Blake. He had kept his composure, and she was grateful.

When they arrived home, she lovingly bid her father goodnight. “See you tomorrow, Father,” she said, kissing his chilled cheek.

“Goodnight, Jenny, Nicholas,” he said, giving them a cordial nod. “I had a great time tonight.”

Jenny saw a cheerful glint in his eyes as he left the room, and she was happy for him. Her mood shifted when she looked at Nicholas. Forcing back her desire to rush into his arms, she said, “Goodnight, Nicholas.” Refusing to beg for his love, she made fast strides to her room.

She dropped her garments one by one, then slipped into her negligee. Angry with herself for wanting Nicholas, she vowed to get a tighter rein on her emotions. She heard a movement and looked up to see him coming through the door, his eyes filled with passion. He towered over her, powerful and confident.

“I’m tired of playing games, Jenny. You are driving me insane with desire.” He drew her into his embrace and fiercely kissed her, allowing flames of passion to ignite between them.

Jenny found herself responding to his searing touch, wanting him to love her forever.

Briefly, Nicholas released her and peeled away his clothes, revealing his masculine frame. He took Jenny to the bed and resumed his uninhibited lovemaking.

As his lips captured her warm mouth, she clung to him, no longer able to restrain her feelings. With urgent haste, Nicholas claimed her body and, together, they gave the other fulfillment that only they could impart.

Nicholas lay atop her, reveling in her softness. Sensuously, he caressed her creamy breasts and kissed them all over. “Jenny, Jenny,” he whispered. “Do you have any idea the torment you’ve caused me?”

“I’ve caused you?” she queried. “Nicholas, you cannot know how much I’ve suffered, all because of your insane jealousy.”

He continued to lay open his heart. “About our marriage, I could have found a woman to be my bride for a year as Uncle James requested, but when I offered to marry you to save your reputation, it was because I wanted
you.
I knew the moment I saw you that we were destined to be together, but I became possessive and nearly chased you away with my foolish pride. Can you ever forgive me?”

Jenny wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Bringing him to her bosom, she sealed their truce with a passionate kiss. “I forgive you,” she whispered, moving beneath him.

Aroused, Nicholas brought her to sweet ecstasy, wishing he could hold the moment for eternity.

Jenny glowed from the passion that they had just shared. At last, she felt that Nicholas had taken her into his confidence.

That night, they continued to share intimate moments and discussed misconceptions of the past.

“About Blake Preston,” Jenny teased. “I’ll take it upon myself to find him a wife. Perhaps then, he won’t be infatuated with me.” She thought of Inga, the dear sweet maid who worked for Aunt Thelma, and anticipated just how and when they should meet. Although Blake was above Inga’s station, he was a fair man and didn’t measure his friends by their wealth but by their virtues. She smiled, and her eyes lit with mischief. Nicholas didn’t try to convince Jenny otherwise as he brought her into his embrace. “I have news for you,” he said. “Wade Dillon wants to expand his farming and buy your homestead.”

Jenny shared stories of growing up on the farm. “I suppose we should sell the farm to Wade,” she sighed. “Running
Small Timbers
is quite taxing. I can’t expect you to oversee the farm, too.”

Nicholas saw her pensive look. “You don’t have to sell the farm if you don’t want to, Jenny. I know you have strong ties there.”

“My family lives here, now,” she replied. “I’d like Wade to purchase the land. He’ll take good care of the property.”

“Think on it, and be sure,” Nicholas encouraged. “You don’t have to make a decision tonight.” A sparkle came into his eyes, and he kissed her. “Will you sleep in my room from now on? I have a big bed waiting.”

“Yes,” she replied. “There will be no barriers between us ever again, including this,” she said, pointing to the thick wooden door adjoining their rooms.

They stepped into Nicholas’s chamber, and as the night progressed, they talked of the past and their hopes of the future. Feeling blessed and at peace with their newly declared love, Jenny strolled to the window and gazed outside.

“
Small Timbers
looks like a winter wonderland with the dusting of snow covering the grounds,” she sighed, as it continued to fall. She gasped when her eyes fell upon what looked like a man’s shadow, partially hidden by a weeping willow tree. “I saw a movement from behind the tree, Nicholas,” she breathed, her heart racing wildly from the shock.

Nicholas sprang from the bed and stood beside her at the window. He gazed down at the snow-covered ground.

“I can’t make out any foot tracks,” he said, his eyes squinting in the darkness. “You probably saw a branch swaying in the breeze. The wind has picked up. I doubt that anyone would trespass in this frigid weather, especially this far out in the country. Come to bed, Jenny.”

As Nicholas returned to the covers, Jenny continued to stare into the blackness, battling her uneasiness. She finally joined him and snuggled against his warm body.

The next morning Jenny pondered what she had seen the night before. She remembered waking up twice to the disquieting memory of the shadowy trespasser. For her own peace of mind, she dressed and went outside to check for footprints but found that the snow had covered any tracks that may have been there.
Why was someone lurking about the plantation? Is the tranquil life we finally found in danger?

Chapter 25

Winter gave way to spring. One Sunday afternoon, as Jenny placed the china on the table and Nicholas and Father made there way to dinner, a carriage pulled up to the entrance. Jenny rushed to the door and saw Davy helping Aunt Thelma down from the carriage. “Aunt Thelma, I’m thrilled to see you! Come inside, Father will be glad you came to visit.” She turned to address Davy. “Help yourself to the dipper, Davy, then go to the stables and rest. Billy will enjoy your company.”

“Much obliged,” Davy replied, then hurried away.

“I hope I’m not imposing, Jenny, but Edward insisted I get away for a while. And of course, I wanted to see your little darlings.”

Jenny ushered her into the house. “We are happy to have you, Aunt Thelma. Please join us for dinner.”

Nicholas seated Thelma at the table while Jenny added another table service.

Jenny motioned Millicent aside and piled food high on a plate. “Take this to Davy,” she instructed, then concentrated on Aunt Thelma as she chattered about current events in Greenville.

“Poor Clara Miller, that fragile schoolmarm, fell down a flight of steps and injured her hip. She can’t teach the children for several weeks.”

“Who’s taking her place?” Jenny inquired.

“No one,” Aunt Thelma lamented. “The townspeople are extremely busy, as are the plantation owners.”

“I could teach them,” Jenny volunteered. “The children must continue their classes.”

“What about our children? Who will care for them?” Nicholas asked.

“The babies will be fine, Nicholas,” Thomas interjected. “Between Millicent, Hattie, and me, they won’t want for a thing.”

Nicholas met Jenny’s gaze. “I know from experience that when you get a notion to do something you follow through with it.” Reluctantly, he consented. “Go if you must, Jenny, but take Billy with you. I don’t want you riding out alone.”

Aunt Thelma’s expression turned to sheer joy. “Clara will be thrilled to hear the students won’t miss their schooling while she’s recuperating. I’ll inform the children to report to class as usual.” She continued, “You are quite knowledgeable, Jenny. You set up
Ladies’ Delight
. That took a lot of intelligence
.
It just proves you can do anything you set your heart on.”

After they had finished eating, Jenny took Aunt Thelma to the nursery. Charmed with the twins and Nicky, Aunt Thelma stayed longer than she had planned. When the clock struck five, she exclaimed, “I must hurry along, Jenny. Please visit me when you come to town.”

“I will, Aunt Thelma. I’ll be in Greenville bright and early tomorrow,” she said, welcoming the challenge of teaching.

After Thelma left, Nicholas drew Jenny aside. “So, my lady, you plan to leave tomorrow, but I have you for the remainder of the day.” His arms encircled her shoulders as he captured her lips, sending waves of desire between them. He carried her to their chambers.

“Nicholas, it’s still daylight! Surely, you are not—”

“I am, my dear sweet lady.”

“What about Father?”

“Need I remind you, your father was at one time very much in love? Don’t you think he absconded with his wife as the need arose?” He tried to put her at ease. “Besides,” he whispered, “Thomas is sleeping in the rocking chair on the veranda. He falls asleep at the drop of a hat.”

Jenny blushed like an innocent bride and wrapped her arms around Nicholas. Shivers of delight shot through her as she snuggled against him.

“I revel in our time alone,” Nicholas whispered. With deft fingers, he removed her garments, then peeled away his own and joined her on the bed.

Desire held Jenny captive as his strong fingers caressed her skin. A thrill rushed through her as his lips found hers and he kissed her deeply, taking her breath away.

Passion consumed them as he moved atop her and entered her blazing body. Time was forgotten as ecstasy swept them away.

Jenny disregarded Nicholas’s plea that Billy ride with her. “Billy is needed here on the plantation. Hanging out in town all day while I teach the children would be a waste of his time when he should be here helping Warren.” She mounted Daisy and met his gaze. He rested his hand on hers.

“You’re too independent for your own good,” he said. His eyes softened with concern. “Be careful and come home soon or else I’ll tear the countryside apart searching for you.” He followed at a safe distance until she was well on her way, then veered into the fields.

Jenny inhaled the fresh morning air and marveled at nature’s wonders. Wrens gathered twigs for their nests, and robins searched for insects. Wildflowers sprang forth, and new growth blossomed in the thickets.

As she cantered along the road, she reflected on Nicholas and their children. She felt deeply blessed for her family, and the love she held for Nicholas was stronger than it had ever been. Though her life with him began as pure fabrication, she knew that he was now the very essence of her existence. She imagined their children growing up and getting married and having children of their own.

She arrived at the Greenville one-room schoolhouse and tethered Daisy to the hitching post. Inside, she found the scant school supplies consisted of small slate boards, chalk, and reading books. She skimmed over maps of the world displayed on the wall and then sat and prepared the day’s lessons.

She was soon greeted by a small group of students. “Come in,” she encouraged, “Take your seats so we may begin.”

Joey and Tommy Butler ambled into the room, their enthusiasm increasing when they learned that Jenny was going to teach them while Clara recuperated. The boys, now nine and ten years of age, told Jenny they still held vivid memories of her kindness to their mother when their house caught fire and that, even now, they still cherished the toys she had given them.

The remaining students straggled in and took their places. To the children’s delight, they found Jenny entertaining as she shared her knowledge with them. After teaching basic reading, writing, and arithmetic, she told exciting stories, embellishing them with different voices and hand movements.

For eighteen days, Jenny taught the children. She stayed at the Hearthside Inn for two- or three-day intervals. On other occasions, she would ride home to the plantation when she finished her day. Eager to see Nicholas and the children, she showered them with love before returning to Greenville the next day.

One afternoon, after the children had gone home, Clara Miller walked into the room. Leaning on a cane, her movements were slow. “I am happy to be up and about,” she said. She smiled. Her voice was frail. “I am well enough to resume my teaching.”

Jenny saw her blue eyes brighten as she mentioned each child and the unique qualities they possessed.

“I truly enjoy teaching the youngsters. I can start again tomorrow,” Clara said.

Jenny noted her pale complexion, giving evidence of the discomfort she had been suffering. She knew the lonely matron had devoted her life to children, sharing her love and knowledge as long as time allowed.

“Thank you for all of your help, Jennifer,” Clara said. She reached into her pocket and presented her with an heirloom pin made of ivory and trimmed in gold. “To show my appreciation, I want you to have this brooch.”

Jenny held the intricate piece of jewelry in the palm of her hand. “Thank you, Clara. My time has been well spent with the girls and boys. I will miss them.”

Placing the brooch in her pocket for safekeeping, Jenny bade Clara a good day as they left the schoolhouse and went their separate ways.

As Jenny started for the Hearthside Inn, she sensed that someone was watching her. A shiver ran down her spine, and she spun around and met the eyes of a stranger. She backed away and hurried along the path, ducking into the inn. Feeling safe in the confines of the building, she peered out the door and saw the man walk on. She breathed a huge sigh, thinking she had misjudged the moment.

Inga saw Jennifer enter the tavern and curtsied. “Mrs. Smith is upstairs speaking with one of the patrons. Will you stay and dine with her?”

“No, thank you, Inga. I just wanted to bid Aunt Thelma farewell. Today was my last day of teaching, and it may be days before I return to Greenville.”

“I’ll send her right down,” Inga said, then scurried from the lobby.

Jenny thought of Inga and her zest for life. Inga had many fine qualities, innocence and honesty among them. Soon she would ask Inga and Blake to a dinner party. Inga would make a wonderful wife for the unsuspecting Blake Preston.

The dining room began to fill with ravenous patrons, awaiting sustenance. Jenny caught sight of a tipsy man as he stumbled into the inn. Aimlessly flapping his arms, he tried to steady himself but knocked a lantern from the wall. Flames ignited his cloak and spread to the coat rack, sending billows of smoke into the room. Set ablaze, the man screamed and staggered outside. Someone rolled him to the ground, snuffing the flames from his clothes while others urged the women to run for shelter. Quickly, they formed a line and poured buckets of water on the blaze.

Jenny hadn’t seen such a commotion since the devastating storm a few years back. She rolled up her sleeves to help. As she fought her way through the smoke, someone threw a blanket over her and forced her from the inn. Swiftly, the mystery man put her on his mount and leapt up behind her. With urgency, he rode out of town and deposited her on a country road. Jenny glanced about her surroundings and realized she was but a few miles from
Small Timbers
. Baffled by the way she had arrived, she began the long trek home. She stumbled upon a man lying face down in the roadway, his horse grazing nearby. Unmindful that she was placing herself in danger, she went to his assist him. To her dismay, the stranger grabbed her ankles and sent her sprawling to the ground.

Dazed, she looked up as Gilbert hovered above her. Hastily, he gagged her mouth and bound her hands. Bringing her to her feet, he tossed her over his shoulder and carried her deep into the woods. Finding a secluded spot, he deposited her on a log and knelt beside her. Shock and contempt consumed her as she stared into Gilbert’s eyes. She tried to speak, but only muffled sounds came out. He seized her shoulders, his fingers digging into her flesh. “I’m going to remove the cloth for a moment. If you call out, I’ll snuff your life out this very second. Do you understand?”

Jenny nodded. She had little doubt that Gilbert would carry out his threat. “To what do I own this unexpected visit?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “And where is Cora? Is she still the love of your life?”

“Cora left me when another gent came along who could offer her better security. The fickle twit disappeared without a trace. She is even more sinister than I.” A malicious smile formed. “You broke up my group of women and sent them scattering in every direction. Without them, I couldn’t continue my work.”

“Your deception, you mean!”

Gilbert ignored her scolding words and continued, “Twice I’ve been thwarted by your Indian friend and decided that
you
must pay the price. I’ve been spying on you for months, waiting for the right time to take you. When your husband pays me what I’m asking, I’ll be on my way.”

“And if he doesn’t pay you?”

“Then you’ll be mine!” Catching Jenny unaware, he grasped her head and forced her to meet his gaze. His gray eyes pierced hers with intensity as he caressed her cheek. His breathing became heavy. His lips clamped over hers, and he kissed her savagely. He pulled back in pain and let out a moan as he tasted blood. “You have a penchant for biting,” he growled.

“Only those I detest,” she replied flippantly.

Gilbert glared at her. “Nicholas won’t pay me a cent if he sees you’re battered. Don’t injure me again,” he warned. Still forcing her to meet his gaze, he stared at her. “You will obey me,” he repeated several times.

Jenny jerked her head aside, determined not to let him see her fear. “Your hypnotic ways do not work with me, Gilbert.”

Gilbert chose to ignore her remark. “Where does Nicholas keep his money?”

“I will not tell. Nicholas works hard for his earnings, and I won’t let you run off with one cent of it.”

Gilbert shoved the cloth in her mouth. “So, you choose to be headstrong. Well, someone you love may suffer as a result,” he said angrily. “I’m going to see Nicholas. I’ll return by dusk.” He tied Jenny around a tree, allowing her little room to move. Assured she would stay put, he whistled for his mount and rode toward the house.

Gilbert dismounted and made his way to the front entrance. Millicent opened the door wide and bade him enter.

Gilbert poured on the charm, his eyes appearing mesmeric and demanding. “I wish to speak with Nicholas Grant.”

“Yes, Sir,” Millicent answered obediently and showed him to the study.

Nicholas sat at his desk, going over the accounts.

“You have a visitor, sir,” Millicent announced, then politely withdrew from the room.

Nicholas studied the stranger, trying to place his face. Vaguely, then more assuredly, he recognized Gilbert Johnson as the preacher in the woods. Fear gripped him just as Gilbert drew his pistol and pointed it at his heart.

“I have Jennifer. She is safe for the time being.” His threatening eyes said what words had not, implying he could kill her at any time.

Forgetting that his life was on the line Nicholas jumped to his feet, knocking over the inkstand. “Why have you kidnapped my wife?”