Unspoken Love (6 page)

Nicholas sat on the bed and removed his boots. Dropping them to the floor, he stood to undress.

Jenny turned from him and faced the dresser, allowing him some privacy. She realized that she could see his reflection in the mirror. Aglow with innocence, she was mesmerized as he removed every stitch of clothing before slipping between the sheets. She swung around and faced him. “Didn’t you bring a nightshirt?” she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I don’t sleep in them.”

“Oh,” she responded. Shocked at his disclosure, she found herself at a loss for words. With shaking fingers, she unpinned her hair and brushed it until it glistened. She riffled though her valise and removed a crumpled nightgown. The minutes ticked by as she painstakingly smoothed out the wrinkles, deliberately giving Nicholas time to fall asleep. As she prepared to change, she glanced his direction and found him watching her. “You are not making this easy for me,” she said. “You could feign sleep.” Extinguishing the light, she quickly disrobed and slipped into her nightgown. Reluctantly, she lay on the edge of the bed. “Please move over, Nicholas.”

Nicholas relinquished a few inches to allow her some room.

“Aunt Thelma was right. This bed is way too small for two people.” She rolled against him and fought the urge to remain there. She tried moving from him only to find she was on the brink of falling from the cot. Stubbornly, she refused to give up the bed since she didn’t relish sleeping on the hard floor.

Completely content, Nicholas smiled as Jenny tried to find a comfortable position. Strongly attracted to her, he didn’t make any overtures as he lay beside her. Desire pulsed though his veins, but he willed himself not to reach out and caress her. Though he wanted to make tender love to her, he couldn’t antagonize Jenny. It was a long time before he slept.

During the night, he awoke to find Jenny lying in the crook of his arm. A grin captured his face. As the moonlight fell upon her face, he watched her sleep.
She would have gotten from the bed posthaste had she realized her position
, he mused. The minutes ticked by as he enjoyed her closeness, feeling the need to protect her.

The next morning, Nicholas was the first to rise. Promptly he dressed and woke Jenny. “I’ll be in the dining hall,” he said, allowing her privacy to take care of her ablution.

A half-hour later, Aunt Thelma served Jenny and Nicholas a delicious breakfast of ham, eggs, and biscuits and gravy with buttery hotcakes and warm maple syrup. Piping hot coffee rounded out the meal.

“Sit with us, Aunt Thelma,” Jenny said as she helped herself to the food.

“Maybe for a few minutes,” Aunt Thelma replied. “It might be a while before I see you again.” Leaving Edward to oversee the servants, she joined the handsome couple and visited with her one and only niece.

After they had eaten, Nicholas pushed himself away from the table. “Excuse me while I put our baggage in the carriage and see if Billy has arrived.”

While Nicholas ran his errands, Jenny commented, “Aunt Thelma, I didn’t see Blake Preston at the dance last night. How is he doing?”

“Blake went to Natchez on business. He’s due back any day,” Aunt Thelma explained. She leaned toward Jenny and spoke in hushed tones. “Blake hasn’t heard of your marriage yet. You know, Jenny, I think he fancied you, but Nicholas beat him to the altar.”

Taken aback at Aunt Thelma’s candor, Jenny’s mouth flew agape. Before she could reply, Nicholas appeared in the doorway. If he had heard Aunt Thelma’s remark, he didn’t let on.

“Billy’s waiting outside. If you’re ready, we’ll be on our way.”

“I’ll be right out,” Jenny answered. She hugged her aunt. “Thanks for your hospitality, Aunt Thelma. You and Uncle Edward must visit us at the plantation.”

“Perhaps someday, Jenny, but duty keeps me here, and I can hardly get Edward away from the inn.”

Nicholas escorted Jenny to the carriage and helped her aboard. She squeezed between Nicholas and Billy.

“Have you eaten breakfast, Billy? It will be a while before your next meal.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Thelma let me eat in the kitchen early this morning. I’ve been in the stables talking with Davy.”

“Then we can leave for
Small Timbers
,” Jenny said.

As Nicholas guided the horses home, he casually brushed against Jenny’s shoulder and rested his knee against hers.

She glanced at Billy. Oblivious to the friction between Nicholas and her, a wide grin replaced his usually somber expression.

“I’m so happy, Jenny! I’m going to a new home!”

“You’ll like
Small Timbers
. It’s a beautiful plantation,” Jenny assured him.

When they arrived at the plantation, Nicholas dropped Jenny at the house, then took Billy to the fields.

Warren saw them approaching and came to greet them. He removed his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow. Shoving the hat back on his head, he sent Nicholas a questioning gaze.

Nicholas smiled. “Warren, this is Billy. He will be staying with you. He’ll need your guidance. Show him how we run the plantation, then give him some work to do.”

Warren grinned, and his soft brown eyes sparkled. He reached out his calloused hand to the wide-eyed boy and shook his hand mightily.

“Welcome, Billy. I’ll show you around the place.”

Billy’s face lit with glee as he stood at attention. He responded with excitement, “I’d like that very much, sir!”

Nicholas grinned. Convinced Billy and Warren had become allies, he said, “I’ll leave you two to get acquainted.” Sensing the boy was going to work out well, he left the field and turned the carriage toward the stables.

Over the next several days, Billy stayed by Warren’s side, learning all the farming knowledge that he could. As they watched the slaves load cotton, Warren explained how it was prepared. “When the wagons are full, they’re taken to the gin for processing. After the seeds are removed, the cotton is pressed into bales, then wrapped with burlap and tied. Then the heavy bales are ready to sell.”

Billy listened, engrossed in all that Warren taught him.

Jenny knew Billy was happy with his new life. Warren made him feel important and took the time to care, even with his busy schedule. For this, she was grateful.

Jenny didn’t fare as well. Her thoughts became chaotic, and her tension considerable, as she continued her existence with Nicholas. . . .

Davy rode up and handed her a letter from Aunt Thelma. Jenny gasped as she read the news and planned a trip to town the following day.

Chapter 6

At dawn, Jenny awoke and took care of her ablution. Hastily, to take away the chill, she stepped into a tan skirt with a buff-colored bodice trimmed in a blue braid. Brushing her locks, she swept her hair back and tied it with a mauve ribbon, then slipped on her boots and went downstairs to the kitchen. Donning an apron, she fixed breakfast, then set the table for her and Nicholas.

Seconds later Nicholas entered the room. Her gaze swept over his brawny stature and handsome face.

He sat down to hot buttered biscuits, poached eggs, and sliced ham. “Good morning, Jenny.” His pleasant demeanor changed to one of surprise as she came around the table and poured coffee into his cup. “You are dressed for riding.”

“Yes,” she replied, her mind preoccupied with troubling news that she’d received yesterday. He continued to gaze at her with a questioning look. “I’m leaving for Greenville this morning. Aunt Thelma sent word that the Butlers’ home burned down, and I want to extend my sympathy. The Butlers are staying with relatives over the gunsmith shop until they can rebuild.”

Nicholas sent her a reproachful glare. “I’m sorry for the Butlers’ misfortune, but I don’t think you should go riding alone. It’s not safe for a woman.”

Jenny met his gaze. “I’ve been riding to town for years without incident. Besides, I know most of the townsfolk. They’re friendly, and I trust them immensely. Granted, I have a further piece to travel than when I was living with Father, but I’ll be fine.”

Heedless of his viewpoint, she gathered a basket containing fruits, breads, and jams, then defiantly strode to the barn. Throwing caution to the wind, she saddled Daisy and rode out unchaperoned.

As Jenny set out for Greenville, she reflected on her mission. Thankfully, the Butlers were not hurt, but she deeply regretted their loss. The Butlers had taken pride in their small cabin home and compact gardens. Often they helped others in the community. Now it was time to repay them in kind.

Once in Greenville, she stopped at the gunsmiths. Eager to see Mary, she tied Daisy to the hitching post and unstrapped the basket of food. She rapped on the door that led upstairs. While she waited, she gazed down at the sidewalk and saw Old Sam, the Butlers’ family dog, lying on a threadbare blanket. The animal raised his head and looked at her, then wagged his tail in a friendly salute and resumed his position to nap.

Mary peered out the door. Her sad blue eyes warmed with recognition, and she welcomed Jenny into the building. She brushed aside unruly brown hair and smoothed the wrinkles from her calico frock. “Come upstairs to our temporary living quarters,” she invited. She ascended the stairs, her breathing labored. “It’s an effort for me to climb steps with the baby due in two weeks.”

Jenny followed Mary up the steep staircase. When they reached the landing, she passed the basket to her. “There’ll be more food to come,” she promised.

“Thank you. I’m glad to see you Jennifer, please come into the parlor.”

She glanced about the cramped quarters that were remarkably clean considering two families were living under the same roof.

The women sat and sipped tea and talked about the fire. Mary’s face grew pale as she relived the incident. “We were asleep. I suspect hot cinders strayed from the fireplace. The fire spread rapidly. Old Sam alerted us in time, barking to high heaven as flames licked the walls.” She ran her fingers over her throat. “I felt the life being squeezed from me.” She took a deep breath and continued, “We choked on the smoke but miraculously made it out alive.” She twisted the edge of her muslin apron with nervous energy. “Neighbors helped Tom put out the blaze. It’ll be a while before we can move back home. My brother, Jonathon, and his wife, Martha, invited us to stay here until our house is rebuilt. We are inspired by their kindness.”

Jenny envisioned smoke-filled rooms and flames spreading throughout the house. She placed her hand on Mary’s shoulder to comfort her. “You’ve been through a horrendous ordeal, Mary. My heart goes out to you.”

“The fire still plagues my waking days, reminding me how close I came to losing my family in the blaze.” Mary’s voice faltered.

Small footsteps bounded up the staircase, interrupting the poignant moment, and Mary’s two sons poked their faces in the doorway. Four-year-old Tommy followed his older brother, Joey, who was five, into the room. The blue-eyed, sandy-haired boys clung to Mary and curiously studied Jenny.

Jenny’s face lit up when she saw the boys. Reaching into her cloak pocket, she pulled out two packages and held them out to the children. “I brought some special gifts for you,” she said. She smiled as the boys shed their shyness and opened their presents. Their eyes sparkled with excitement when they discovered the contents. Upon further scrutiny, they hesitated and sent their mother a questioning look. “This is an acrobat,” Jenny explained to Joey. “The little man turns cartwheels if you squeeze the handles like this. See?” Leaving Joey to practice with the acrobat, Jenny showed Tommy how to use the teddy bear on a string. “Pull the string and make the bear walk,” she said, delighting in his joy when he saw the bear moving.

The boys wrapped their arms around Jenny’s neck and hugged her tightly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Grant,” they shouted in unison. We’re going to show our friends!” Jenny smiled and watched them scamper down the stairs.

The words
Mrs. Grant
rang in her ears. The children had innocently reminded her that she was married to Nicholas, and for a moment, she was back on the plantation, remembering his discontent when he learned she was riding to town alone.

Mary’s soft voice pulled Jenny out of her daydreams. “That was very thoughtful of you,” she said wistfully. “The children’s toys burned in the fire.”

“I am delighted to be able to bring them a bit of happiness,” Jenny said. She saw Mary’s forlorn look and placed her hand on her shoulder. “You’ve been through a lot, Mary, but look on the bright side. Soon you’ll have a new home, and most importantly, no one perished in the fire.”

“You’re right, Jenny. I guess I’m just tired and ready to have this baby.”

Jenny stood. “I’ve enjoyed our visit Mary, now I must hurry along.” She slipped on her gloves. “I want to stop by the inn and see Aunt Thelma before I head for home.”

Feeling lighthearted, she ambled down the stairs and untied Daisy from the hitching post before heading for the inn.

Nakao, a full-blooded Cherokee Indian, also rode toward the Hearthside Inn. A handsome man of thirty and a proud individual he’d lived in the white man’s world but never gave up his heritage. Waoota, his younger brother, was in jail for murder. Waoota’s trial was in two days with Judge White presiding over the case, and he planned to visit his brother before his trial.

On an errand for Thelma Smith, Bonita rushed out of the inn and collided with Nakao. As Nakao steadied her, she took in his handsome profile. His shoulder-length black hair glistened in the sunlight, and a red headband kept it from falling in his face. His dark brown eyes darted about, looking for danger. Although he had never made any overtures toward her the few times they had met, Bonita imagined he would make an excellent bed partner. She realized why he was in town, for she, too, had heard the rumors about Waoota. “Did you come to Greenville because of Waoota?”

Nakao’s eyes blazed with purpose. “Yes,” he responded. “I am angry that Judge White has not released Waoota. “

She glanced past Nakao and saw Jennifer approaching the inn. She hated Jennifer because she had stolen Nicholas’s heart and married him. Jenny had ignored her since they had words about Nicholas being in her bedroom. Envious of Jenny’s position, she devised a plan that could destroy her. “If you kidnap Judge White’s wife, Ellie, he will know how it feels to lose a loved one. He might free Waoota. “

Nakao’s face registered surprise at her chilling suggestion. Still, he contemplated her words. What did he have to lose? He gazed into Bonita’s large brown eyes. “Will you go with me and point out Judge White’s wife?”

She nodded. “We don’t have far to go, Nakao. Ellie White, the woman you seek, is coming toward us.”

Nakao followed Bonita’s gaze and saw a beautiful young lady striding toward them. “I expected an older woman.” She brushed past them and entered the inn. “Find a reason to send her out back. I will be waiting for her,” Nakao commanded.

Forcing back an evil smile, Bonita nodded her consent. “Good luck with your mission, Nakao.” She moved away quickly in order to catch Jenny before she found her Aunt Thelma.

While Nakao waited behind the inn, Bonita ran inside to find Jennifer. When she had caught up to her, she shared a falsehood. “Jennifer, your aunt is sick.” She barely gave Jenny time to digest the news as she shoved an empty basket into her arms. “Would you gather some flowers from behind the inn while I find a vase? I’m sure it would cheer Thelma up immensely.”

“Certainly,” Jenny replied. “I’ll check on Aunt Thelma first.” She started for her room.

“Wait!” Bonita called. “Thelma isn’t bedridden. It’s just that she’s feeling tired, and I thought the flowers would cheer her up.”

Jenny breathed a sigh of relief. “If Aunt Thelma is up and about, then I can take a few minutes to make her a bouquet. I’ll take Daisy to the stables and stay a while.”

Jenny walked into the forest with the basket on her arm. As she stooped to pick bluebells and purple violets, a wild rose caught her eye. Walking deeper into the woods, she bent down to retrieve the fragrant blossom. The basket tumbled to the ground, scattering the flowers, when a man’s muscular arms subdued her and a strong hand clamped over her mouth. She yanked his hand away from her face.

“Let me go!” she screamed.

“I will not hurt you, Ellie White.” He gazed at her, his dark eyes reflecting glimmers of determination. “I am Nakao. My brother is in jail facing a murder charge for killing the man who killed his wife, Sarah.”

Jenny tried to make sense of his words. “I am not the judge’s wife. I am Jennifer Grant. Ellie White is my friend.”

Nakao released her. His voice deepened with apology, and his eyes softened.

“I’m sorry. I have wronged you.”

Jenny stepped back and observed him. He seemed sincere enough, for surely he could have harmed her. She relaxed a little. “Tell me about your brother.”

“Waoota is a good man. We have been through difficult times. When the government forced us to leave Georgia twelve years ago, we escaped and hid in the hills until it was safe. We found work on a small farm growing corn and wheat in exchange for a place to live. The landowner became our friend and held no ill will against the Cherokees. Three years later, his daughter, Sarah, married Waoota. Sarah was a good woman and lived a happy existence with Waoota until she was strangled by a vicious outlaw.” Pain filled his eyes as he continued, “We were working in the fields and heard Sarah scream. By the time we reached the cabin, she was dead. Waoota confronted Wilbur Hall as he sped down the road. I followed and watched them dismount and face the other. Wilbur Hall taunted my brother, saying he wasn’t sorry for killing Sarah. They fought. Wilbur pulled his gun and aimed it at Waoota. Waoota plunged his hunting knife into Wilbur’s chest, killing him instantly. Travelers arrived in time to see Waoota kill Wilbur and claimed he did it in cold blood. I was the only witness, but because I am an Indian, they ignored my words. With no other witnesses to prove Waoota’s innocence, the sheriff arrested him and charged him with murder.” Nakao’s eyes filled with sadness as he continued, “I watched this happen with hardness in my heart. The white man had spoken, and my word was worthless in defending Waoota. With no money, I could not pay anyone to help him.”

“You’ve been through a great tragedy, Nakao,” Jenny said, deeply moved by his story. “Would you like me to speak with Judge White on your behalf?”

“You would do that for me?”

She nodded.

“You are the only one who might save my brother from a hanging. I accept your help.” A breeze stirred, and autumn leaves scattered across the forest as the brawny Indian became melancholy. “Waoota and Sarah were married less than a year. Sharing our Indian customs, Waoota had taught Sarah how to make jewelry. We sold it in town to increase our income. Now she is dead, and Waoota may soon join her.” He gave her a sincere look. “You are easy to talk with. Until now, I have suffered in silence. He took a deep breath, then continued, “When Sarah returned to the house, she found Wilbur Hall stuffing jewelry into his pockets. Wilbur strangled Sarah to silence her screams, then he ran from the house with our precious stones.”

Jenny felt empathy for the Indian and became more convinced than ever to speak with Judge White. Still she scolded, “Taking a hostage is not the way to get your brother released, Nakao.”

A sheepish grin came over the big Indian. “Perhaps not, but I did not have anyone to speak on my behalf.” He gave her an intense look. “Maybe I was meant to find you.”

“For a moment I suspected my husband planned my abduction,” she told Nakao. “Nicholas chastised me for riding out alone. I thought he was trying to teach me a lesson.”

“Kidnapping for another man would not be honorable,” Nakao answered solemnly.

Jenny glanced around the side of the inn. “Go before someone sees you.”

Nakao’s dark brown eyes pierced hers, and he nodded. With agility, he leaped astride his stallion. Proudly, he sat in the saddle and, again, his eyes locked with hers.

“Good-bye, Jennifer Grant.” Leaving her behind the inn, he guided his horse along the narrow path and into the woods.