Unspoken Love (7 page)

Having replaced her fear with empathy for the Indian, Jennifer watched Nakao ride into the forest. After a quick visit with Aunt Thelma who looked the picture of health, she stepped outside and turned her attention to Daisy. Mounting the docile mare, she rode the short distance to Judge White’s house.

Reining Daisy to a halt, she dismounted and tied her to the hitching post. She approached the White’s modest home and rapped on the door. Ellie peered at her from the window and sent her a warm smile. Her brisk footsteps echoed on the floor as she hastened to the door and motioned her inside. “Good evening, Jenny. Why are you out so late?”

“It’s a long story, Ellie. May I speak with John?”

“Certainly, come with me to the kitchen,” said the small-stature woman with cheery brown eyes. We were just sitting down to dinner.”

As the two women stepped into the kitchen, John stood and greeted Jenny. He gestured toward the food on the table. “Will you join us?”

Jenny looked at the appetizing food. Steam curled upwards on freshly baked biscuits, ham, and boiled potatoes.

“I’d love to, John.” Famished, she sat down at the table and waited for Ellie to join them.

Ellie set out another plate and silverware. After pouring freshly brewed coffee into their mugs, she dropped into a chair beside John.

“Thank you for preparing this bountiful meal we’re about to eat,” John said. Jenny knew he loved Ellie deeply. His quick blue eyes left Ellie and fixed on Jenny as she helped herself to the mouth-watering food. She had taken several bites when he gently coaxed, “Jenny, why have you graced our home this evening?” The genuine smile he sent Jenny gave her the courage to speak her mind. John listened attentively as she told him about Waoota, saying he was in jail and awaiting trial for murder.

“Please don’t be too harsh on the Indian,” she pleaded. “When Waoota found his wife dead, he was devastated. Wilbur Hall was going to shoot Waoota, so he stabbed him in self-defense.” Grateful that Ellie and John sat quietly engrossed, feeling the depth of her words, she continued, “The thief was robbing them of their few possessions, and Sarah tried to stop him. Wilbur Hall strangled her rather than chance getting caught. For a few pieces of jewelry, Sarah died, causing Waoota unbearable heartache. Surely, you can see the man was justified.” She concluded by saying, “Waoota is tormented by the loss of Sarah. I hope you will spare him from hanging.”

John placed a hand over Jenny’s trembling fingers. “Having come to a better understanding of the Indian, I will weigh the evidence carefully. Waoota deserves no less consideration than a white man.” As he finished his coffee, an intrigued expression crossed his fading, but still handsome features. “Did you say the outlaw’s name was Wilbur Hall?”

“Yes,” Jenny replied. “Did you know him?”

A grim look shadowed John’s face. “Wilbur Hall was a criminal. Sarah was not the only victim to die at his hands. A vicious man, he robbed and murdered many. He was wanted across Mississippi.” John shoved his plate away and stood. “I’m much obliged for the revelation, Jenny. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go to the study and review some law cases.”

“Thank you for allowing me to speak in the name of justice,” Jenny said.

Judge White squeezed Jenny’s hand. “Come over anytime.”

As he ambled toward the study, Jenny sent Ellie a gracious smile.

“Thank you for the fine meal, Ellie. I must take my leave.”

The women said their farewells, then Jenny jumped astride Daisy and headed homeward.

When Jennifer didn’t return home within a reasonable time, Nicholas rode to town in search of her. Riddled with anxiety, he wondered if his defiant wife had met with foul play or was taunting him for wanting her to stay home that morning. He called upon Mary Butler and asked of Jenny’s whereabouts.

“Jennifer should have returned to the plantation hours ago, Nicholas.” She closed the door, then quickly opened it. “Jenny did say she planned to visit Thelma Smith before going home.”

“Thank you, Mary. You’ve been very helpful.” He sent her a sincere look. “I’m sorry about your loss but most happy that your family survived the fire.”

Mary nodded.

“Good day, Mary.”

Nicholas entered the Hearthside Inn and saw Bonita carrying a tray of ale to the patrons.

“Have you seen Jenny?” he asked.

Bonita set the tray on the bar and sashayed over to him. Speaking in low tones, she lied to suit her purpose. “Your wife left with another man today, Nicholas. I saw them ride out about midday. He was very handsome and virile. You should watch your wife more closely.”

Shock, then torment, washed over Nicholas as he hung onto her every word. Jenny hadn’t been unfaithful to him since they had been married. Suddenly he thought of the man who had kissed her at the church the day they met. “Who was this man? Can you describe him?”

“Yes, his name is Nakao. He is a Cherokee Indian. He is tall and strong, and his muscles ripple like yours, Nicholas. He is very, very handsome.” She taunted, “They shared one horse. He was holding her in his arms as they rode out. Just think what he must be doing now, Nicholas.

“That’s enough!” Nicholas admonished. “Which way did they go?”

Bonita pointed into the forest. “You will not find them now. Why don’t you spend the night with me?” she cooed. She wrapped her arms around him, feeling his hard muscles, wanting more.

Nicholas shook her loose.

“I made a decisive blunder in ever knowing you.” Swiftly he strode from the inn, leaving Bonita embittered and humiliated. Jealousy tore at his heart as he ventured behind the inn. His thoughts were in turmoil as he visualized Jenny in the arms of the Indian that Bonita had described.

Chapter 7

Jenny tensed when she heard hoofbeats approaching and wondered if the mysterious Indian had returned. She glanced back and saw Nicholas riding toward her. A sigh of approval escaped her lips, and she sent him a captivating smile. “I’m glad to see you, Nicholas. You won’t believe what happened to me.” She stopped talking when she saw his green eyes blazing down at her.

“We’ll converse when we get home,” he answered gruffly.

Piqued at his brusque response, she inwardly chastised herself for actually being glad to see him. Nicholas didn’t respond, and they rode home in silence. The tension became unbearable for Jenny.

When they arrived at the plantation, she dismounted and sent Daisy to the stables. Ignoring Nicholas, she rushed into the house.

Nicholas followed fast on her heels. “I want answers, Jenny. Were you with a man today?”

Innocent of what had befallen her and refusing to be less than honest, she replied, “I was.”

“And was this man an Indian by the name of Nakao?”

“Why, yes,” Jenny said puzzled. “I’m amazed that you are so well informed. I didn’t tell anyone.”

“You dare to stand here and admit that you were with another man?”

“I resent your accusing tone!” She stood her ground refusing to let him bully her.

Nicholas glowered at her before striding from the house. He paced the garden path, anguish filling his mind, for Jenny had still not spoken of her time away from him. His imagination ran rampant as he conjured her lying in the arms of another.
Did that Indian caress her skin the way I have wanted to? Did he trail kisses down her bosom and cause her to writhe with desire? Had he loved her passionately? Had Jenny responded in kind?
Questions continued to torment him, and he refrained from rushing back to the house and demand that Jenny reveal everything to him.

After a lengthy trial, Judge White released Waoota and felt at peace with himself for having done so.

Moments after the Judge’s decision, Nakao stood outside the jailhouse with two horses tethered to the hitching post. Waoota stepped outside and took a deep breath. “I am glad to be out of confinement.”

Nakao clasped his brother’s hand in victory. “You are free, Waoota!”

Waoota gave him a puzzled look. “You helped win my freedom, but how?”

“I will explain everything to you soon.” He placed his hand on Waoota’s shoulder. “I brought your horse. Go home, and be in peace. I will join you later, but first I have a woman to see.”

Waoota gazed at Nakao with questioning eyes. “You found a sweetheart while I was in jail?”

Nakao broke out in hearty laughter. “No. Now, go!”

With pleasure, Nakao watched Waoota leap astride his horse and ride out of town. After seeking Jennifer’s whereabouts, he headed for
Small Timbers
.

Nearing sundown, a misty rain began to fall as he rode onto the plantation grounds. He cantered up the winding lane and saw the field hands, their shoulders slumped and feet dragging from a full day’s work, retiring to their quarters.

Jenny rushed about, preparing the evening meal. The aroma of fresh baked bread and hot bubbling stew filled the kitchen. Careful not to burn herself, she removed the loaves from the oven, then set the table for two. Hearing distant thunder, she peered out the window and saw dark clouds rolling in. She grabbed an empty bucket to fetch water before the storm came. When she opened the door, Nakao was standing in the entrance, a look of gratitude on his face. “I came to thank you for speaking to Judge White. You kept your word and spoke on Waoota’s behalf. The Judge released Waoota today, clearing him of murder. I’m deeply indebted to you for your help.”

Relief swept over Jenny as she listened to Nakao. “I am happy for you both.” She glanced past Nakao. “Is Waoota with you?”

“No, he has gone to the farm.” Nakao grasped Jenny’s hand. “I will always be in your debt. If I can ever help you, send for me.” He released her hand, and with agile grace, mounted his roan and left as quietly as he had come.

Upon returning from the fields, Nicholas saw the Indian riding down the lane. He caught up to him and eyed him with skepticism. “Who are you? What business brings you here?”

“I am Nakao. I came to see Jennifer Grant.”

A confounded expression swept over Nicholas. The Indian had boldly admitted that he came to see Jenny.

Warily, Nicholas and Nakao faced each other as they sat upon their mounts, the drizzling rain soaking into their garments. Each waited for the other to speak.

Nicholas’s stormy eyes raked over Nakao as Bonita’s words came back to haunt him. The Indian was indeed handsome. A twinge of jealousy rose to the surface, and he spoke through clench teeth. “Don’t come here again to see my wife. I will not tolerate it.”

Nakao’s expression remained devoid of emotion. Speaking nary a word, he sat erect in the saddle, revealing strong broad shoulders as he rode away.

Nicholas galloped to the house, his anger mounting. He marched into the kitchen and found Jenny making a pot of coffee, a cordial smile playing upon her lips. He tossed his hat on the coat rack, and stood beside her.

Jenny glanced up at his tall frame, her eyes inching past his chest and fixing on his green eyes. Since their disagreeable meeting the other day, she had tried to replace her animosity with kindness, for the thought of living out a year of turmoil was not to her liking. “Hello, Nicholas,” she sang cheerfully, still feeling the effects of Nakao’s glad tidings. In a flash, she realized that Nicholas didn’t reciprocate her congenial mood.

His temper flared. “Your
Indian
left only moments ago, and now you are ready to play the docile wife with me?”

“What?” Jenny gasped.
Why does Nicholas keep referring to Nakao as if I am his woman?
Fearing she would speak unkind words to him and not being able to tolerate being falsely accused, she stormed out of the house, wanting time alone to sort her troubled thoughts. Unhindered by the rain, she ran into the forest. She glanced back, saw Nicholas following her, and ran deeper into the woods to elude him. Brushing against the wet trees, the water seeped into her garments.

“Stop!” he called, quickly gaining ground on her.

“I will not!” Jenny shouted and continued running. Hampered by her waterlogged skirt, she tripped over a tree stump and sprawled to the ground.

In one swift moment, Nicholas was upon her, his green eyes burning with fury. He straddled her and pinned her arms against the wet earth. “What is between you and the Indian?”

As the scent of pine filled the air, Jenny felt his brute strength against her. Her heart pounded. “I am soaking wet and chilled to the bone. Can we return to the house and discuss this like civilized adults?” Her eyes searched his face as she waited for his reply. The rain steadily fell about them, and darkness blanketed the forest.

Rain dripped from Nicholas’s hair and trickled down his face. “You’re playing havoc with my emotions,” he said. He sprang to his feet, bringing Jenny with him. Lifting her into his arms, he started for the house.

“I can walk,” Jenny stated, struggling to free herself. His handsome face took on a tormented look as he held her firmly in his embrace. A battle of wills passed between them before Jenny resigned herself to weather his temperament. Even so, her heart raced wildly, and she felt breathless in his arms. She clung to him, savoring his nearness.

When they reached the house, Nicholas released her and steadied her on her feet. “What is Nakao to you?” he asked.

“A friend.” She wrung the water from her hair. “I am going to my room to change into dry clothes. Perhaps, then, we can sit down to dinner and be civil to one another.”

He gave her an uncomfortable look. “I don’t want you to become sick due to my lack of foresight. Put on dry clothes. I’ll see you here in ten minutes.” Abruptly, he left the room.

Bewildered by his actions, Jenny went to her room and removed her sodden garments. Swiftly, she dried her hair with a towel, then slipped into a clean cotton gown. She combed her dark locks, leaving her hair to fall in soft waves about her shoulders.

She returned to the kitchen and saw Nicholas sitting at the table. He’d changed into dry clothing as well. She gazed at his profile, taking in the tight brown trousers covering his long muscular legs. A white cotton shirt opened to the waist exposed tuffs of dark curly hair. Damp raven hair fell sensuously across his forehead, enhancing his striking looks. She wondered what it would be like to run her fingers through his glistening locks? Striving to gain control of her emotions, she pushed the fantasy from her mind and chastised herself for her weakness. She poured coffee into their mugs and then filled their plates with stew. Slicing the freshly baked bread, she placed it on the table and joined Nicholas.

Nicholas stood.

“It is not food that I want, Jenny. I have been more than patient. What is Nakao to you?”

Jenny left nothing unsaid as she carefully explained all that had happened between her and Nakao. As Nicholas listened, his expression changed from incredulity to anger and then guilt as Jenny spoke of the platonic relationship that she and Nakao shared and how she had defended his brother to Judge White. “He came here to tell me Waoota was a free man and to thank me for my help,” she concluded.

Nicholas sank into the chair. “It’s obvious that you have won Nakao’s friendship. I have accused you unjustly. I apologize.”

“I forgive you.” She gripped his hand warmly. A thrill swept through her as they touched, but she brushed the feeling aside. “I wanted to tell you of my plight, but you made me angry at your insinuations. She withdrew her hand. “Now that we’ve discussed the matter, let’s forget it and move on.”

“Consider the subject closed,” Nicholas answered.

“Still, there is something that I’m curious about,” Jenny said puzzled. “How did you know about Nakao?”

Nicholas sent her a regretful look. “Bonita said Nakao took you into the forest.”

“Why would she say such a thing?”

“She tried to deceive me into thinking you had run off with him.”

“Why would she lie?” she asked, appalled.

“You were innocently brought into this. The first time I met you at the Hearthside Inn, I mistook you for Bonita. Later, she followed me into the corridor and begged me to be with her, but I refused. A week later I married you. Bonita must have been jealous and wanted to repay me for turning her away. She even schemed to get me in bed the day you met Nakao, but I refused her advances.”

“I am shocked at Bonita’s behavior. To have me kidnapped is a crime,” she said, stunned. “Now I know why she rushed me outside to pick flowers behind the inn.” She felt a prickle of jealousy as she pictured Bonita flirting with Nicholas. “If Bonita had gotten to your room before me, our troubles would not be,” she commented.

“I am thankful that you got there first,” Nicholas answered. “Bonita would have put a noose around my neck to marry her, then steal me blind.”

“But you are married, Nicholas. You just have me for a wife instead of Bonita.”

“And I’m delighted! You are by far more woman than Bonita will ever be. I have my name and land to protect, I would never marry her.”

Jenny became solemn. “Yes, your land comes before all else no matter who it hurts in the bargain.”

Nicholas leapt from his seat, pulled Jenny off the chair, and gripped her by the shoulders. “Don’t speak such words! I love the plantation, but I would not see you hurt. I do have feelings, Jenny. How do you think it feels to know your life was in jeopardy because of my dalliance with another woman? Do you honestly believe I don’t feel any shame? I have forced you to marry me and live here, but I would never wish you harm.” His eyes seemed to pierce her soul. “Do you realize if Nakao had chosen to he could have raped you or left you for dead somewhere? Do you think I could have lived with such torment?”

“You speak with sincerity,” Jenny murmured. Still, it troubled her to think of him and Bonita in a compromising situation.
Why should I care?
she inwardly scolded.
We’re living a lie for a marriage, and I mustn’t fall in love with him.
“Well, if anything good has come of this, at least Waoota was saved from the gallows and I have gained an Indian’s friendship.”

Nicholas eyed her sharply. “Let’s drop the subject. We will not speak of this incident again.”

“Nicholas?”

“Yes.”

“Can you let me go now?.”

“I’m sorry, Jenny.” He moved away from her. “Let’s sit down to dinner before it is cold.”

Jenny had seen the intense look in his eyes and tried to collect her thoughts. With all that had happened, she lost her appetite and picked at her food. Nicholas, however, ate ravenously.

Jenny cleared the dishes and then excused herself. As she prepared for bed, she heard Nicholas moving about in his room. She looked at the door that stood between them and wondered what the outcome would be if she were to enter. Flustered by her thoughts, she rolled back the covers and climbed into bed.

Nicholas lay in his bed thinking of Jennifer. Shivers of desire racked his body as he conjured up her image. Earlier in the rain, the titillating figure beneath her clothing had driven him insane with desire, and he could barely think coherently.
How much longer must I watch her tempting ways?
She is beautiful, defiant, and slowly driving me out of my mind..