Unspoken Love (3 page)

By the look on Molly’s face, Jenny could tell his striking appearance and charming manner had easily won Molly’s affections.

“Welcome to our home, and please call me Molly,” she responded.

Jenny observed Molly.
She’s always been such a good judge of character. Can’t she see through his deception? Why, she is acting as if she and Nicholas are friends from way back!

Following the introductions, Jenny addressed Molly.

“How is Father?”

“He’s doing just fine,” Molly said. “He’s awake. Go in and see him.”

Leaving Molly to tend to the housekeeping, Jenny sought her father’s room. Nicholas followed on her heels. Standing outside her father’s door, her hand rested on the doorknob.

“Wait here until I speak with Father.”

Nicholas placed his hand over hers. “I’ll go with you. With my presence, you’ll be less tempted to change your mind.”

She shrugged her shoulders and waltzed into the room. “Hello, Father,” she said and planted a kiss on his forehead. Silently, she prayed that he would forgive her for what she was about to say. “I want you to meet someone very special. This is Nicholas Grant. He owns a plantation near Leland.” With piercing blue eyes, Thomas studied Nicholas as he stepped forward and gave him a hearty handshake. “Father, I have some wonderful news for you. I know it is sudden, but please hear me out. Nicholas and I are getting married.”

Father’s complexion became ashen, and an unintelligible sound escaped his lips. Fearing the shock was too much for him, Jenny quickly sought to console him, but he signaled to her that all was well. “I’m not ill, Jenny, but overjoyed at the news. I have to admit it is a hasty decision, but I trust you to know your own heart.”

Jenny let out a sigh and relaxed her position. “We wish to marry right away, Father.”

Nicholas placed his hand over hers and caressed her milky white fingers. While gazing into her eyes, he addressed Thomas. “I love your daughter and want to marry her. We hope to wed within the week.”

Jenny sensed her cheeks were turning crimson. His words stung her sorely, and she could hardly contain her temper. Why was Nicholas making this so hard for her? How dare he flaunt such deceit by claiming to love her? Stealing an angry glance his way, she conveyed her disapproval. She deeply regretted being a part of his deception, but she couldn’t back out now.

She watched her father regain his color and a peacefulness settle over him. A twinkle shone through his tired blue eyes.

“Congratulations to the both of you. You have my blessings.”

Grateful that her father was taking the news so well, Jenny suppressed her rage.

Molly entered the room carrying a tray of refreshments. As she served them coffee and fresh baked apple tarts, Thomas cheerfully revealed the good tidings to her.

“Jenny and Nicholas are to wed, Molly.”

“Mar-marry?” Molly uttered.. After a few seconds, a wide grin replaced her surprised expression. “I’m happy for you both. We’ll have to invite our friends. Let’s see,” she began, counting on her fingers, “There’s the Whites, Thelma and Edward, the
—
” She stopped abruptly, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Better yet, let’s invite the whole town of Greenville. You can marry at the church!”

Nicholas interrupted Molly’s wanderings. “We don’t want anything elaborate and prefer a small wedding here in the company of Mr. Morgan. We will be leaving for my plantation immediately following the ceremony.”

Upon seeing Molly’s plans struck down, Jenny chimed, “I fear the excitement could prove too much for Father.”

“You are right, Jenny, but we should have a small dinner party. I’ll invite Wade Dillon. We can be witnesses to your marriage.”

“Let’s do that,” Thomas agreed. “I feel a load lifting from my weary shoulders now that Jenny is actually getting married.” He grinned mischievously. “You make a striking couple. I may get to see a grandchild or two before I die.”

Still holding Jenny’s hand, Nicholas nodded his approval as his gaze swept over her well-proportioned figure. “We’ll certainly work on it, Mr. Morgan. He released Jenny’s hand and faced Thomas. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I will take my leave. I’d like Jenny to walk me to the door.”

Thomas grinned and waved the two of them from the room.

Jenny followed fast on Nicholas’s heels and stepped outside with him. Once they were out of earshot, she gave him a sound tongue-lashing. “You are despicable to declare your love for me in the presence of my father. There is no affection between us. How dare you deceive him?”

“I had little choice, Jennifer. The news was unexpected, and your father needed reassurance. Don’t think about changing your mind. You will see this marriage through. Do I make myself clear?”

“Quite!” she answered, looking up at his tall frame.

Nicholas glanced up at the window.

“Your friend, Molly, is watching us. It would be unnatural if we didn’t kiss good-bye.”

“Then give me a peck on the cheek and be done with it!” she retorted, presenting her face to him for a hasty kiss. He swiftly brought her into his embrace and kissed her fully on the lips. Unexpected tremors of delight shot through her, and he nearly wiped out her senses with just one kiss. When he finally released her, she scolded, “That was hardly a peck! Molly must be scandalized by our behavior.”

“Shall I kiss you again?” he teased.

“One kiss is convincing enough, Mr. Grant,” she countered with frosty reserve. “You may leave now.”

“I’ll return Friday with the parson and marriage license,” Nicholas said. He grinned provocatively, and his green eyes twinkled wickedly. Tipping his hat, he left the premises.

Jenny watched him until he was but a speck upon the land. Her lips still tingled where he had kissed her. Deeply troubled, she returned to the house.

She found Molly in the kitchen rolling out dough. Molly chattered enthusiastically about her upcoming wedding and discussed the menu at length. Forcing herself to appear eager, Jenny helped with the plans. She wanted everything to be perfect for her father. She did not want him to know this marriage was not of her choosing.

Chapter 4

Thomas called Jenny into his room.

“Yes, Father?”

“I want you to bring your mother’s bridal gown out of storage and wear it for the special occasion.”

“But we should save it—” She choked on her words for nearly saying
a real marriage
. Instead, she said, “If that’s what you want.”

“It is,” Father said.

“Then I better get a move on. Time is wasting.”

Yielding to his request, she and Molly scurried to the attic and rummaged through trunks laden with family history. Finally, they located the bridal gown.

Jenny’s eyes misted as she touched the luxurious material, now slightly yellow with age. A long stemmed red rose, faded and withered, lay beside it. For a moment, she reflected on the past.

“I never had the privilege of knowing Mother since she died giving me life,” Jenny sighed.

“Thomas said she was a grand lady of virtue and grace,” Molly volunteered. She lifted the gown out of the trunk.

“I’ll make it like new,” she promised, and carried it downstairs. Meticulously she labored over the once white satin dress, cleaning and pressing the tiny rose petals intricately woven into the lace trim.

After breakfast on the day of her wedding, Jenny bathed and washed her hair. She lingered in the tub, splashing the steamy water over her skin, wishing that somehow her problems would disappear.

Molly burst into the room. Full of excitement, she handed Jenny a thick, soft towel.

“You mustn’t dally. You have a wedding to attend,” she sang lighthearted.

How well I know
, Jenny thought. Disenchanted, she dragged herself from the tub, dreading what should have been the happiest day of her life.

Clad in her undergarments, she vigorously towel-dried her silky black tresses, then let the warm air finish the job. Molly carefully placed the wedding gown on the bed and put a veil beside it.

Jenny slipped the gown over the layered petticoat.

Painstakingly, Molly fastened the long row of buttons down the back of the dress and then stepped back to admire the formal garment.

“Who would guess this gown wasn’t made especially for you?” she beamed. “It fits perfectly.” She brushed Jenny’s hair until it glistened, then pinned it high atop her head, leaving wispy tendrils to fall about her face. With loving hands, she placed the white lace veil over Jenny’s head. Jenny draped it away from her face, allowing herself clear vision until the wedding ceremony. Tears of joy and sadness filled Molly’s soft brown eyes. “I’m happy that you are getting married, but I am sad that you are leaving,” she said. “I’m going to miss your charming wit and friendship.”

Jenny fought back her own tears as a lump formed in her throat. “I’ll miss you immensely, too, Molly.”

Molly brushed aside her tears. “Come along. Let’s show Thomas how pretty you look.”

Jenny sensed that fond memories filled her father’s mind as she stepped into the parlor.

“You look beautiful, my dear, as your mother did.”

With misty eyes, Jenny hugged him.
If only I could tell him the truth and put a stop to this mockery!
She heard a carriage approaching, and her heart fluttered with apprehension. Racing to the window, she saw Nicholas coming up the drive and the parson following in the distance.

“Go to your room until the moment is at hand,” Molly instructed kindly.

Molly watched as Nicholas and the preacher walked to the front door. Wade Dillon arrived shortly after the other men, and Molly ushered them into the parlor, paying particular attention to Wade who directed an engaging smile her way.

Dressed in black, the somber Parson Williams waited for everyone to take their places, then instructed Molly to summon Jenny.

Determined not to let Nicholas see how disgusted she was that he had ruined her life, Jenny took a deep breath and entered the room with her head held high. Elegantly, she glided across the floor, clutching a colorful bouquet of freshly cut flowers that Molly had put together for the occasion.

She took her place beside Nicholas and gazed at his striking appearance. A white shirt offset his tight-fitting black suit. His neatly combed, thick, raven hair lay in soft waves and fell across his forehead. Jenny bristled.
How dare he look so handsome and complacent?
He gazed down at her, his bright green eyes shining with excitement. He took her hand and smiled captivatingly.

“The wedding may begin,” he said matter-of-factly.

Jenny nearly swooned at his touch.
How can I live with this man for a year and remain chaste?
Although she felt trapped into marriage, she wondered if she was a willing bride because of his persuasive manner or if she was deeply moved by something that even she didn’t understand. The magnitude of her situation struck her.
I can’t go through with this wedding!
She opened her mouth to protest, but Nicholas tightened his grip and gazed into her eyes with purpose. She looked away and glanced at her father. He smiled and nodded, silently encouraging her and sending his approval. She couldn’t disappoint her dear, sweet father. Knowing she could not gracefully back out now, she waited for the pastor to begin.

Parson Williams extolled the holiness of matrimony, then told Nicholas and her to repeat the wedding vows after him. Before she knew it, Nicholas was slipping a gold wedding band on her finger.

To her amazement, the ring fit perfectly. She wondered why he’d gone to the expense of buying such a beautiful band. Inwardly warning herself to be wary, she disengaged her hand.

The tall, wiry preacher broke into her thoughts as he pronounced them husband and wife. Briefly, he relaxed his stiff demeanor and smiled as he looked at Nicholas. “You may kiss the bride.”

Nicholas moved Jenny’s veil aside and drew her into his embrace. Gently lifting her face, he gave her a lingering kiss. Once again, when their lips touched, an unfamiliar pleasure aroused Jennifer. She was
Mrs. Nicholas Grant
, now bound to Nicholas by law. Panic nearly seized her as she wondered what she had gotten herself into but was saved by those around her as they congratulated her. Heartily, the men shook hands with Nicholas and wished him abundant happiness.

Molly hugged Jenny. “Enjoy your new status. You’ll make Nicholas a fine wife,” she said proudly.

Everybody sat down to Molly’s savory midday lunch. As Parson Williams said the blessing, the aroma of freshly prepared foods wafted into the room. After consuming the hearty fare, they adjourned to the parlor and engaged in pleasant conversation. Thomas made a toast to Nicholas and Jenny. “To the newlyweds, may you be as happy as Jenny’s mother and I were.”

Nicholas swallowed the bittersweet wine and looked at the handful of trusting, smiling faces. He saw Wade assessing Molly and sensed he was enamored with the attractive woman with feisty brown eyes. His gaze shifted to Molly. Her blonde hair held streaks of gray, and he guessed her to be about thirty-five. Her brown eyes danced when she glanced at Wade, and he could tell she had feelings for him.

The small group socialized a while longer and then Nicholas spoke. “Thank you all for the pleasant day. We must be leaving for
Small Timbers
.” He addressed Jenny. “We have a good distance to travel. Have you packed your things?”

“Yes,” Jenny answered solemnly, knowing she was going to miss her father and Molly’s companionship.

Nicholas took Jenny’s trunks to the carriage. After he secured the luggage, he returned for her.

Thomas Morgan hugged Jenny with all the strength he could muster and kissed her cheek. With misty eyes, he gazed into her face. His voice quivered. “Good-bye Jennifer. Be happy.” With a newfound vigor, he addressed Nicholas. “Take good care of my daughter. She’s your responsibility now.”

“I will do my utmost, Mr. Morgan.”

“Please call me Thomas now that you are a member of the family.”

Nicholas gave him a sincere handshake.

“Thomas it is!”

Gently pressing his fingers into the small of Jenny’s back, Nicholas guided her out the door.

“You come back real soon,” Thomas said, raising his voice.

Tears rolled down Jenny’s cheeks as Nicholas started the carriage in motion. She waved a final farewell and then turned her head away so Nicholas would not be able to see her tears.

“I know you and your father share a strong bond. I’m sure you’ll miss him sorely as you begin a new period of adjustment, but he is welcome to visit anytime,” he said kindly. Jenny could only nod as tears trickled down her cheeks.

Molly watched Jenny and Nicholas head down the lane. Her throat knotted, and she wiped a tear away. Jenny was the closest thing to a daughter she had ever had, and she loved her dearly. It was hard to let her go, but she’d manage. There was no sense in dwelling on Jenny’s hasty marriage if that is what she desired.

Parson Williams drew her back into the moment. “I must take my leave.” He nodded cordially and shook hands with Thomas and Wade. “Molly, Wade, I’ll see you in church. Thomas, I’ll be looking for you when your health improves. Until then, good day.”

Molly watched the no-nonsense preacher leave the house. Again, thoughts of Jenny’s departure unsettled her. She dabbed at her eyes. Choked with emotion, she said, “I’ll miss Jenny.”

Wade Dillon put a comforting arm around her shoulder. “I know you will, Molly.” He added, “Molly, I’ve been thinking, you cook a mighty fine meal. I should come over more often and partake of your talents.”

Molly’s face broke into a grin. “I’d like that very much, Wade. I enjoy your company immensely. With Jenny gone, I hope to see you more.”

With the promise to return soon, Wade bade her and Thomas farewell, then left for home.

Molly glanced at Thomas. Noting his pallid features, she placed her arm around his waist. “The day has taken its toll on you,” she said kindly. “I’ll walk you to your room.” Upon entering the room, she helped him out of his shirt and trousers, then rolled back the bedspread and fluffed up the pillow. “An afternoon nap is just what you need.”

A twinkle came into his eyes, and he smiled. “Ah, Molly, you mother me too much.”

“That I do,” she replied. She placed a hand on the doorknob and prepared to leave the room. “I’ll be in the kitchen cleaning up. Ring the bell if you need me.”

The carriage swayed, jostling Jenny and Nicholas as they entered
Small Timbers
. Jenny glanced about the plantation. “You have a charming piece of property. I can see why you are set on having the land for yourself.” In the distance, she saw rows of cotton growing in the fields. In lesser quantity, wheat and corn thrived. Acres of woods surrounded the plantation, and pine trees with lush green needles grew abundantly. Several small whitewashed cabins lined the fields.

“That’s where the workers are housed and fed,” Nicholas said. A larger cabin came into view with a scattering of purple wildflowers growing in the grass. “The overseer lives there. You’ll meet Warren later.”

With a slight nod of her head, Jenny acknowledged his words and continued to gaze upon the rich land. Her eyes were fixed on the well-kept barn and long stable beside it.

“The barn holds a tack room and a conglomeration of saddles along with carriages and wagons. The stable houses riding horses and plow horses,” Nicholas said. He directed her attention to the livestock grazing in the pastures. “The animals provide meaty fare and cure in the smokehouse after butchering.”

“I surmised as much,” Jenny stated brusquely, wondering if he thought her a simpleton. “The things you speak of are familiar to me. I did live on a farm. Perhaps on a smaller scale. Nonetheless, I know how one is run and what the buildings hold.”

Nicholas laughed. “Running a plantation is a considerably larger task than living on a farm, Jenny. I just wanted you to be familiar with the layout of
Small Timbers
.” They continued on in silence as Nicholas urged the horses up the winding lane leading to the grand house.

Jenny’s eyes were riveted to the magnolia trees flanking each side of the drive and then to the red brick building supported by white pillars. Tall windows showed fashionable drapes from the inside and held a candle on each window ledge. A veranda ran the length of the house and led into a captivating garden. A scattering of weeping willows surrounded the charming residence.

Nicholas brought the carriage to a halt, jumped to the ground, and raced around the buggy to help Jenny.

Jenny leapt up, ready to alight unassisted, but Nicholas lifted her from the carriage and set her feet firmly on the ground. His large hands lingered on her waist, causing a tingling sensation to ripple through her body.

“I’m capable of getting down from the carriage without assistance!” she snapped, flustered that he could affect her senses this way.

“I’m sure you’re capable of many things, Jenny. Still, the least I can do is to see you properly to the door on our wedding day.”

“Our marriage is a mockery, and you know it,” she spoke sharply. “You can disregard the formalities, given the circumstances.”