Unspoken Love (4 page)

“You mustn’t be so harsh,” Nicholas remarked, walking her to the front entrance. He opened the door and ushered her into the house. “I’ll take you on a tour,” he stated proudly.

Jenny peered into the sitting room containing a red velvet sofa with two matching chairs. A low mahogany table sat in front of the divan for serving refreshments. Expensive vases graced the mantel while portraits of several generations hung on one wall. The brocade draperies were a deep, rich red and lined with white lace curtains. A beautiful oriental rug covered the spotless floor.

Nicholas gave her a moment to take in the furnishings, then escorted her to the study. “This is where I do my transactions. I spend a great deal of time here when I’m not working the plantation.”

Jenny gazed at the masculine-looking room. She ran her fingers over books that neatly lined the shelves of an antiquated bookcase. A quill pen and several sheets of parchment paper lay neatly stacked on a mahogany desk. A worn, soft leather chair sat behind the desk, providing evidence of the hours Nicholas had sacrificed to make the plantation prosper. Decanters of liqueur and drinking glasses filled a large hutch, along with a few personal mementos.

“Let’s move on to the next room,” he commented.

They came upon the spacious dining room containing a fine oak table with eight matching upright chairs. A beautiful ivory lace tablecloth spread across the table. A candelabrum was placed in the center of the table. A sparkling crystal chandelier hung gracefully from the ceiling, and a silver tea service sat on a serving cart.

Nicholas’s deep voice echoed throughout the room. “Except for social gatherings, we will seldom use the dining room.” They stepped into a roomy kitchen that contained two wooden tables. “As you may know, the large table is for preparing food, baking and the like,” Nicholas said. “We take our meals on the table by the window where we have an ample view of the gardens.”

Jenny nodded and continued her tour of the kitchen, learning which cupboards held pots and pans and where the herbs and spices were kept. Culinary utensils and large wooden bowls hung on the wall a safe distance from two pewter lamps. A finely carved hutch contained a complete set of china with premium silverware. Impressed with her surroundings, she knew she would not be living in poverty as she bided her time with Nicholas.

“Now that you’ve seen the ground floor, I’ll show you the upstairs,” Nicholas said. He showed her the guestrooms, which were tastefully decorated so that guests would feel welcome and then he took her to the master bedroom.

An air of masculinity filled the room as Jenny took in the bedroom suite finely carved of oak wood. Heavy brocade draperies hung from the windows that opened onto the balcony. Her gaze fell upon a razor and personal effects neatly placed on the washstand. Polished boots sat beside the fireplace.

“Your room is next to mine,” Nicholas said, nudging her along. His touch sent another tingling sensation racing through her.

This feeling has to stop!
Why does he affect me this way?

When they entered her chamber, she found the room beautifully furnished. White lace draperies and a decorative bedspread gave the room a feminine appearance. A wooden washstand held a rose-colored pitcher and basin. A vanity with an attached mirror sat a good distance from the washstand. As Jenny took in her accommodations, she noticed a door along the wall. “Is there another room?”

“The door leads to my room.”

Jenny stiffened. “Does it have a lock?”

“No, my aunt and uncle never had any use for a lock. They were madly in love. I suspect they slipped through the entrance many a night.”

Jenny gulped with apprehension as she realized how close she would be to Nicholas each night. A slight smile escaped her lips as a thought struck her. At least she would not be in the same bed with him. He pulled her out of her thoughts.

“It’s getting late. I suggest we have supper and then retire. Tomorrow, I must resume my duties.”

“I’ll prepare the meal,” Jenny offered.

“Thank you. Since my uncle passed away, I let the cook go. At my request, Hattie, one of the laborers, cooks for me and stocks the larder with food. Sometimes she comes to the house and does the chores and laundry, then returns to her cabin, leaving me to enjoy the solitude.”

“Please don’t engage her on my account,” Jenny volunteered. “I prefer to do my own cooking and housework. Besides, I’ll need to keep busy in the next twelve months lest it seem an eternity.”

Nicholas smiled. “By all means, you may have the run of the house.”

Jenny wanted to remove her wedding dress before going into the kitchen. “Will you bring in my luggage so I can change clothes before I fix dinner?”

“Certainly,” Nicholas replied and stepped outside.

Jenny waited in her chamber and watched as Nicholas set her trunks down by her bed.

“I might as well change into something more comfortable,” he said and headed to his room.

Jenny unpacked a dress and started to disrobe only to discover she couldn’t reach the buttons on her gown. She wondered why she hadn’t changed before coming to
Small Timbers.
Because the day had been unconventional, and she had been disconcerted, she reasoned. Regardless, she couldn’t cook in her wedding dress. She knocked lightly on Nicholas’s door.

Nicholas opened the door and peered at her. Clad only in trousers, his bare chest rippled with muscles. Jenny saw his startled look, then his eyes twinkled with mischief as he smiled at her seductively. “Have you decided to join me on our wedding night?”

“Hardly.” She swallowed hard, trying to look away from his broad shoulders and muscular arms. Embarrassed at their intimate meeting, she felt the blood rush to her cheeks. He distracted her thoughts with his virile form, and she nearly forgot why she was there. “I-I’m sorry to bother you,” she stammered. “I-I need help with my gown.”

Nicholas spun her around and touched his long fingers to the satin material. The dress fell away as he carefully and slowly unbuttoned the long row.

His strong fingers melted her skin. When he had finished, she cast her eyes downward.

“Thank you,” she mumbled, then scurried from the room.

As she closed the connecting door, she heard his laughter. “The pleasure was all mine.”

Carefully placing her cherished wedding gown in the wardrobe, she dressed and headed to the kitchen.

She donned an apron that was hanging on a hook and brought food from the pantry to prepare a meal.

Leaving Jenny in the kitchen, Nicholas sauntered outside and took the carriage to the barn. After tending the horses, he returned to the kitchen to await dinner. He sat at the table, his expression grim as he watched Jenny move about the room. He regretted the role he had played in gaining a wife and knew it was unfair to her. Although he had shared a strong bond with his uncle, he still resented the fact that he was forced to marry.
Would anybody think a forced marriage would last more than a year?

Using the food on hand, Jenny set to work making a meat dish, sweet potato pie, coleslaw, and apple pie. As the aroma of cooked foods wafted through the kitchen, she set the table, then served the piquant foods and joined Nicholas.

Nicholas arched his eyebrow as he sampled each dish. “This food is scrumptious. I have gotten a fringe benefit from our marriage.”

After they had eaten, Jenny cleared away the dishes. Much to her chagrin, Nicholas remained seated as she washed, dried, and returned the dishes to their original place. She began to feel uneasy, knowing he hadn’t taken his eyes from her the whole evening. She placed the last dish in the cupboard.

“Goodnight, Nicholas,” she said, then hurried from the room. His heavy footsteps sounded behind her as he followed her up the stairs. Her heart thumped wildly. Hastily she stepped into her room and closed the door. Standing in suspense, she listened for his footsteps, sighing loudly as he strode on to his room.

She donned her nightgown and crept into bed. In her wildest imagination, she never expected to spend her wedding night alone, and unloved. Convinced Nicholas would not come to her tonight, her body relaxed, and she drifted off to sleep.

Nicholas stepped out of his trousers and dropped into bed. Sleep was not in the offing as his thoughts strayed to Jenny. He conjured up her clear face, those innocent but alluring green eyes so vivid in his mind, and her thick, silky hair that he was tempted to touch. This was only his wedding night, and he had a full twelve months to live with her.
Uncle, what have you done
, he pondered, for already his body throbbed to have her. He pounded his pillow in anger.
This is ridiculous! I have exactly what I want. I will not allow her to disrupt my life.
Yet deep inside, he knew Jenny would plague his existence from this day forth.

Chapter 5

The day after his wedding Nicholas set out to find Warren Bond. He could see that he was working in the fields, overseeing the men who were loading cotton onto the wagons.

Warren looked up from his tedious chores as Nicholas rode toward him, and he waved a calloused hand in the air. “Hello Nicholas! Welcome home,” said the burly man of fifty. His gaze swept over acres of cotton plants, then reverted to Nicholas. “We got us a good crop of cotton again this year.”

“I’m delighted to hear it, Warren. It’s only August, a little earlier than usual to be harvesting the first crop of the season. As the pods ripen, we’ll probably pick the fields three more times before frost. It’s a good thing the heavy rains that hit Greenville didn’t come this far east or we wouldn’t be enjoying this early bounty.” He saw the laborers filling bags with cotton and bringing them to the wagons. Beads of perspiration trickled down their faces. Damp clothes clung to their sweat-laden bodies as they stacked the bumper crop onto wagons. “I have some news for you. I’ve taken a wife. We married yesterday and arrived home last night.”

A throaty laugh escaped Warren, and his friendly brown eyes beamed with merriment. He slapped Nicholas on the back. “Congratulations, Nicholas! I never thought I’d live to see the day you married. It’s about time you took yourself a bride.”

“If my memory serves me correctly, you are not married,” Nicholas replied jovially.

A sheepish grin stole over Warren. “I ain’t found a woman that will have me yet, but I’m still looking! I’ve always had a hankering for a son, but at my age, I doubt if I would live to see him grow up. Besides, my devotion lies at
Small Timbers
. I’ve been here for two decades.”

“I’m much obliged for your staying on after Uncle James passed away,” Nicholas said. “You’re an honest, dependable man and know the plantation as well as I. Why don’t you come up to the house and meet Jenny?”

The horses neighed in unison as Warren trotted alongside Nicholas, their friendship steadfast. As they arrived near the clearing, they saw Jenny vigorously beating a rug across a makeshift clothesline.

Warren stopped abruptly and dropped his jaw. He was barely able to compose himself as he spoke. “You sure outdone yourself, Nicholas. She’s the most beautiful woman I ever laid eyes on!”

Nicholas grinned. “She cooks as good as she looks.”

They rode to the house and dismounted. Warren dropped back as Nicholas strode to Jenny and slipped his arm around her waist. He brushed his lips against her mouth. “Hello, Dear,” Nicholas said.

Perturbed at his behavior, Jenny stiffened and moved away.

“What has come over you since breakfast?” she asked, recalling they had spent a civilized time over hotcakes and coffee.

“It’s time to play the loving wife,” Nicholas whispered. Speaking in a level tone, he said, “I want you to meet Warren Bond. He oversees the plantation.”

Warren stepped forward and removed his hat. A proud grin spread across his rugged features, weathered from years of hard work in the fields. “Howdy, Mrs. Grant. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Hello, Mr. Bond,” Jenny cheerfully responded, belying her anxieties since Nicholas had embraced her. She sensed they were in for a long friendship.

“If you can’t reach me, seek Warren for help. He’ll know what to do in case of an emergency,” Nicholas said. He glanced up at the blue sky and squinted his eyes at the bright sun. “Warren and I have hours of work ahead of us. I’ll be back at sundown.”

Sensing Warren was a sincere, dedicated man, Jenny regretted his leaving so soon. “Stop by again,” she said, smiling at the amicable worker.

Warren jumped astride his horse. “Thank you, Ma’am. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

Catching Jenny unaware, Nicholas swept her into his embrace and fastened his lips over her honey-sweet mouth once again. When he released her, she sputtered in embarrassment. She kept her voice low so that Warren could not hear.

“You are acting out of character, Nicholas. You seize liberties with me that are not yours to take. Besides, a gentleman does not kiss a woman in the presence of others.”

“We just got married yesterday. Warren will think it’s unusual if I don’t show you affection.” He sent her a titillating smile that defied her to rebuff him in Warren’s presence. “Good-bye, Mrs. Grant,” he whispered, his hot breath caressing her ear. Releasing her quaking form, he mounted Dexter.

From a distance, Warren had been watching them, completely in awe of Jenny. “You two make a handsome couple,” he commented loudly. “I bet it won’t be long until you have youngsters running through the meadows.” Jenny gasped at Warren’s assertion. “Excuse me, Ma’am. I shouldn’t have spoken so boldly to such a sweet delicate lady as yourself.”

Jenny regained her composure. “That’s quite all right, Mr. Bond.” She cast a look at Nicholas. “Nothing surprises me anymore.”

Declining a reply, Nicholas tipped his hat and winked, then rode out to the fields with Warren.

Jenny watched them leave, then resumed her work. She beat the rug with a vengeance.
He didn’t tell me that I must suffer his attention in the presence of others! There’s no telling what he might do since he has gained leverage with a marriage license!

Refusing to let Nicholas dampen her spirits, she dreamt of someday returning to the farm and her dear father. Moreover, she would be in a position to open the boutique that she had always wanted. She planned to visit Thomas and Molly soon. Being an independent woman, she thought nothing of riding out unchaperoned.

Jenny returned to the house and strode into the kitchen. Rolling out a batch of dough, she divided it into loaves and placed them in the oven. As the aroma of baking bread filled the kitchen, she checked the pantry and planned the week’s menu. There would not be a moment’s rest, she mused, aware of the upkeep needed for such a grand home.

The days passed swiftly as Jenny confidently eased into her new role. Once a week she spent the day heating water for the laundry, lugging it outside, and then pouring it into a tub. Diligently, she scrubbed Nicholas’s soiled garments over the washboard, then rinsed and hung them on the clothesline to dry. When she finished, she rubbed her aching back and remembered how Molly had always helped with laundry at the farm. Perhaps she had been too hasty in refusing Hattie’s help, for she could surely use her services right now.

Upon returning to the house, Nicholas found Jenny mending a stack of his torn shirts. He watched her weave the needle through the tattered garments, making dainty stitches. She became aware of his eyes upon her.

“Your clothes were in need of repair,” she said.

“Thank you for sewing them,” Nicholas answered, his voice sounding tender to her ears. “You’re an immaculate housekeeper, a superb cook, and you sew, too. I am impressed with your talents.”

Jenny glanced at the clock. “What brings you home at this time of day? It’s only three in the afternoon.”

“I came to take you to the stables. I know you have a fondness for riding, and I have just the mount for you.”

Jenny set aside her mending. “Wonderful, I do so enjoy riding,” she exclaimed. “Though charming your house may be, it has been somewhat oppressive staying inside all day.”

He sent her a thoughtful look. “I know I’ve taken away your pleasures and, for that, I’m sorry. I’m not proud of the fact that I forced you to leave your ailing father to further my own gain, but I can’t turn back now. Thomas would have a setback, and your reputation would suffer as gossipmongers would question a separation so soon after our wedding.”

Jenny acknowledged his comment and walked to the stable with him. Once inside, Nicholas took her to a spirited mare.

“This is Daisy, one of our finest horses,” he said. “Daisy is my gift to you.”

Surprised that he would give her such a valuable gift, Jenny graciously thanked him and watched him saddle the mare. She stroked Daisy’s sleek forehead, noting flecks of gray blending into her white coat and a splotch of black covering her fetlocks. Gazing into Daisy’s large brown eyes, she spoke softly to her. “Hello, Pretty Lady. I hope you like to ride across the meadows.”

Daisy neighed, immediately accepting her as an ally.

Nicholas smiled at the amicable meeting. “A long time ago Daisy got scared from a severe storm. Since you won’t be riding in thunder and lightning, you’ll do fine.” He gave her a thoughtful look. “Will you ride with me and let me show you around the plantation?”

“Yes, I would love to see all of
Small Timbers
.”

Leading Daisy outside, she prepared to mount. As she put her foot in the stirrup, Nicholas boosted her onto the saddle. Waves of pleasure spread over her as he touched her buttocks and steadied her. She strived to ignore the intense emotions that were gripping her.

As they rode across the plantation, Jenny asked questions about cotton, saying they had not grown it on the farm. With renewed enthusiasm, Nicholas answered her inquiries. They came upon the black field workers. Jenny saw the robust men and knew that Nicholas treated them well. She marveled at their dedication as they put down their implements and greeted him.

The laborers stepped forward and formed a group. Nicholas closed his hand over Jenny’s. Proudly, he introduced her, “My bride, Mrs. Jennifer Grant.”

Immediately, the workers showed Jenny the proper respect that a plantation owner’s wife deserved. Adam, the oldest of the men, removed his straw hat. Moving slowly, he faced Jenny and nodded politely. The other slaves followed suit, wiping the sweat from their brows before donning their hats again.

Still astride Daisy, Jenny returned the amenities. She reached down and shook their calloused hands, an unheard of occurrence. Charming them with a genuine smile, she memorized their names. “Hello Adam, George, and John.” She faced the women who eyed her distrustfully. She noticed their light-colored garments and red bandanas covering their hair. “Good day to you all,” she said kindly.

Adam’s wife, Hattie, sent Jenny a curious stare while the younger women eyed her with reserve, not yet ready to trust the mistress of
Small Timbers
. A few of the women, smiled shyly.

Jenny and Nicholas left the fields, leaving the workers to grab their tools and return to their task.

“That Miss Jenny, she’s gonna be good for Mister Grant,” Adam remarked.

George moved a hoe across the fertile soil, ridding the area of weeds.

“Yes, sir,” he agreed, “I think the Master gonna be real happy with his new bride.” He held up his hand where dirt clung beneath his fingernails. “Mistress Grant touched my unclean hand. I never had a mistress of a plantation do that.” Word spread quickly throughout the fields as one worker passed it on to another, telling of the unconventional woman.

The sun beat down on Nicholas and Jenny as they cantered back to the house. He stole glances at her as she sat astride Daisy, noting she had gained a healthy glow from riding. Her ebony hair glistened in the sun, and rosy cheeks enhanced her creamy complexion. He lowered his eyes to her bunched up gown that hinted of shapely legs beneath her petticoat. He tore his eyes away from her as they reached the barn.

“I’m pleased the day has gone well,” he said. Masking his desires, he jumped from Dexter and helped her dismount.

As Jenny’s feet touched the ground, her ankles became entangled in the layers of her petticoat, causing her to lose her balance and land on a pile of hay.

Nicholas tossed his head back in laughter as he watched her struggle to keep atop the haystack. He helped her up and brushed the straw from her hair. The humor left his eyes when he met her gaze and suddenly found his heart racing with passion.

Jenny was the first to glance away. “I would not have stumbled if you hadn’t insisted I quit wearing boy’s garb,” she said flippantly. “Skirts hamper me considerably.”

“You are Mistress of
Small Timbers
, Jenny. You must dress accordingly.”

Jenny smoothed out her gown. “Again, thank you for the fine mare. I’m going to the house to start supper.”

“I’ll be along shortly,” Nicholas said, watching her walk proudly up the path. He remained at the barn to groom the horses. Whistling a happy tune, he tended to Daisy, pleased that he’d brought a little joy into Jenny’s life. He knew his feelings for Jenny were changing.
She is not yours to keep,
a voice inside him warned.

A few days later, William, the stable-hand, arrived at Jenny’s door with a message from her father.

“Thank you, William,” she said kindly. “Go to the kitchen for some refreshments before you head back home.”

“Much obliged, Miss Morgan, er, Mrs. Grant,” William said and headed toward the back of the house.

Jenny tore open the letter from Thomas and knew he had written it with shaking hands.

Jenny,

The people of Greenville are having a dance Saturday to honor the folks who helped after the devastating storm. Doc Jones wants you and Nicholas to attend. I can’t come as my illness keeps me home, but please go if you and Nicholas can get away from the plantation. The festivities begin at the Greenville Town Hall at seven o’clock. Give my regards to Nicholas.