Harnessed Passions

by Dee Jones

  When the sun began to set, he could no longer find an excuse to stay at the stables. Several of the men were planning on going to town to celebrate the windfall Victor had left them, and were eager to clean up and quit working. With a reluctant eye toward the house, Daniel slowly made his way back up to the old mansion. He slipped quietly through the back door and up the kitchen stairs to his room, before anyone could see him. He washed up in the porcelain basin then changed out of his soiled clothes, tossing them aside for Bridget to clean. He knew Louise would stall supper until everyone was there; it was her tradition for the family to be together at suppertime. Skipping breakfast and lunch was one thing, but the evening meal was the only time the family could spend together and she was determined to keep order to her household.

  He ran a comb through his long hair, silently vowing to cut it and turned with a start as a soft knock sounded at the door. Daniel was certain Thompson would be standing outside to inform him supper was ready, but to his surprise it wasn’t the old dark man at all, but rather Jeremy who stood on the other side of the door. The look on the younger man’s face was stern and set, much like that of his father’s, though Daniel would never have mentioned it.

  “Mother said dinner will be ready in a few minutes,” Jeremy said, receiving only a nod from the taller man. “Could I speak with you for a moment?” Daniel should have anticipated this, as he stepped aside and waved entrance to his visitor. He was certain the time had come for the boy to stand up to him as the man of the family, and order him out of the house and away from his sister, neither of which he could or would do.

  Jeremy stepped through the threshold and waited for Daniel to close the door before turning to look at the man through the dimly lit room. He had grown to think of Daniel as a friend and still thought of him as an honest person, but there were some questions that had been eating at him since the contents of his father’s will had been revealed.

  “How much of the will did you really know about?” Jeremy asked straight out.

  “I knew about the money Victor left the staff and I knew he was planning on leaving half of the stables to me,” Daniel answered honestly. “I believed him when he said you and Julia didn’t want the place. He asked me to keep it running until you two either chose to take over, or until Louise passed on. At that point, he hoped fate would take a stand and there would be an heir to take his place.”

  “You didn’t know about that condition he put on Julia?”

  “No I didn’t,” Daniel growled. “If I had, I would never have agreed to help him in the first place. I honestly believed him about you and Julia. He was a very convincing man.”

  “Among other things,” Jeremy said bitterly. “What are your feelings toward my sister?”

  “I’m not sure how to answer that.”

  “I was under the impression, before the will was read, that you had feelings toward her that had nothing to do with the stables. Was I wrong?”

  “No,” Daniel answered. “I do care for her, greatly. But I doubt there’s any chance of ever convincing her of that now.”

  “My sister is stubborn and temperamental, but eventually she will start to see reason. She’s just very confused right now.”

  “Aren’t we all?” Daniel asked, watching the smile cross the young man’s face.

  “He was right about one thing,” Jeremy said. “I don’t want this place, but for reasons he made me see. I won’t have this monster interfering in my family, the way it did his. I don’t hold a grudge against you, Daniel. I know how convincing the old man was and I believe that you didn’t have anything to do with his decisions. Just be patient with the rest of the family. She’ll come around sooner or later.”

  Daniel smiled as the boy turned and left the room without another word. At least there was hope for a relationship with one of the Turner brats, he thought, even if it wasn’t the one he wanted.

  Dinner was served at six o’clock as usual, yet those seated around the table hardly noticed the offering. Too many thoughts were consuming their attention like demons riding their backs. It just didn't seem possible that the past forty-eight hours had existed, let alone taken the turn they had.

  Louise glanced around the table and tried hard to put into perspective all that occurred the night before. She understood her husband’s reasons for what he had done, although she could hardly agree with them. She didn't like the idea of her children being hurt, and try as she might, she just couldn't accept that any of this was going to prove harmful. She knew there was a strong attraction between Daniel and Julia and she was certain given time, they would be able to sort through the problems and find that attraction again.

  She considered whether or not to postpone her trip to Europe, knowing full well she really didn't want to leave Kentucky. This place was her home; it was where she met fell in love and married her husband, gave birth to her children and now buried her beloved soul mate. This place had grown on her over the years and she didn't feel right leaving it behind.

  Jeremy tried to concentrate on Malinda and their upcoming wedding. He considered where they would live once they said their vows. He had always loved West Virginia, and South Carolina was recovering from the attacks of the Civil War at an astonishing rate. With the money he inherited, he'd be able to make a good life for himself and his new bride; they would never need a thing, now or in the future, but his thoughts kept traveling back to his sister. He loved Julia as no brother ever had; she had been his best friend growing up, his confidant and his companion through the dark times of their father’s nocturnal acts. Yet he could help but accuse the old man of instigating this whole event. The great Victor Turner never could accept the fact that his children didn't need him, or want his interference. They wanted to live their own lives, without his meddling.

  A glance in Daniel's direction brought a frown to his thick brows. Jeremy truly liked the man and honestly felt that he would be good to his sister. But he didn't feel it was right that she should have to marry a man, just to be rid of what she had never wanted in the first place. He knew Julia would be a great wife and together she and Daniel would find happiness that span the boundaries of time and space, but first she had to open up and talk to him; not an easy task for the woman.

  Daniel watched Julia intently when she wasn’t looking, then dropped his eyes when she saw him staring. He could see the emotions wash over her features and prayed she would calm down enough to listen to reason. He never wanted anything to do with Turner's land in the first place and if he had known Julia before, he would never have agreed to Victor leaving him the stables. He thought of all the things she could do with her life; all the things she could become and the only thing that brought peace to his own mind, was taking her as his wife. He admitted silently, he had been upset with that condition at first, but as the hours of the day had passed by, the thought had taken hold and seemed to find a place in his heart.

  He felt a pang of guilt when he looked at her again; Julia was too beautiful and too caring of a woman to be put through any of this, especially by her own father. Daniel just couldn't believe Victor had intended to do any serious harm. He knew how much he adored his daughter and that was the crazy thing about all of this; he knew her father never intended to hurt her. Daniel didn’t think his friend would do anything to cause harm to either of them, but he couldn’t help wondering what was behind his motives. He knew they could contest the will, but it would take time, perhaps years and by then God only knew what would happen to the stables. All of this happened because of them; by the time the courts made a decision, the reputation that had been built over a period of a hundred years, would be ruined.

  Daniel thought of Julia and tried to understand what she was feeling. She was young, vibrant, and more sensuous then any three women he'd ever known, although she was stubborn and strong willed; two traits he normally didn’t like in women. He considered what married life with her would be like and had to smile as the visions began to dance before him.

&nb
sp; He could see Julia, swollen with his child growing inside her; he thought of the long endless sections of love making that would bring about the event and even the arguments that would end in hours of playing. He wanted Julia to be with him when he fell asleep at night and he wanted her in his arms when he woke up. He didn't know if this feeling he had for her was love, since he had no emotional experience to base his analysis, but he did know he cared for her beyond all else. There was nothing he wouldn't do to make her happy, except let her go. He knew she wanted to leave Kentucky and would, given the chance, but he just didn't know how he would exist without her, if she left.

  Julia could feel Daniel's eyes watching her, but chose to ignore him at all costs. Deep down, she knew he wasn't to blame for her father's actions, but since Victor wasn't there to yell at, Daniel would have to be a suitable substitute. She felt as though the whole world had collapsed around her and she was trapped beneath the debris. She just couldn't understand what her father had been thinking when he made those ridiculous conditions. He claimed to have loved this land, but if he cared so much for it, why didn't he leave it to someone he knew would want it? Why her?

  Thompson stepped into the room, feeling the tension and anxieties swelling up around him. He cleared the dinner away and sighed at the amount of food left on each plate. He placed the chocolate cake Mrs. Lester had made, in the middle of the table, but found the offering as noticeable as he was. Hell, he could have sprouted horns and a fork tail and nobody would have noticed him - or the cake.

  The clock ticked by the seconds, causing the tension to mount even higher. Julia felt like running and locking herself away in her room, never to emerge again. The silence was so consuming that it was no surprise when a heavy step fell outside in the hall, startling those who were suffering from the silence.

  Rally Overton turned the corner of the dining room, his sun worn hat held tight in his hand, his boots caked with horse dung and the smell of sweat and dirt filled the air. He searched out the faces of those around him, until he at last came to the emerald eyes of his new employer. He opened his mouth to speak, but when she rose to confront him, he forgot what he was going to say. He felt a sudden tightening in his breeches, as he admired the woman's beauty openly. Julia's tiny waist was accented with perfection, in her amber gown. Her well-developed breasts rose and fell at a steady rate beneath the lace trim of the collar. Rally could hardly breathe, as his eyes traveled up and caught her staring at him.

  "What can I do for you, Mr. Overton?" Julia asked, her soft tone made the bulge in the man's breeches, even more unbearable.

  "We's got a problem at the stables, ma'am," he began, receiving a soft grunt form Daniel. Why did everything to this man, have to be a problem?

  "What is it, Mr. Overton?"

  "Well ma'am...," he stuttered, uncertain how to explain his reason for being here. "Ya see, it's like this... the fellers used some of the money Mr. Turner done left 'em and bought some whiskey. I wouldn't have mentioned it, if'n it weren't fer the...well um...I mean they brought some...well, what I mean is..."

  "Out with it Overton," Daniel snapped, stepping forward to divert the man's attention from Julia. Rally grew in confidence, having a man to speak with now, rather than having to report to a woman.

  "Whores Mr. Brownin'," he announced boldly. Louise gasped, Jeremy choked on his coffee and Daniel hid his laughter as best he could, while Julia only grunted disapprovingly.

  "Am I to understand," Julia began, forcing control in her posture, "that there are concubines on our property?"

  "Yes ma'am, that's it right 'nough. We's got whores in the bunk house." Daniel could no longer contain his laughter, he and Jeremy hooted with amusement at the man's words. Jeremy tried desperately to contain his amusement, but when his chair tipped over backwards sending him sprawling across the floor, he gave up the effort. Julia and Louise stared at each other in amazement. If word was to get out that there were prostitutes at Turner Stables, it could cost the entire success of the sales.

  "You're a big help, Browning," Julia snorted, punching Daniel in the arm so hard it knocked him off balance as she hurried to the door. She was determined to put a stop to this nonsense once and for all, even if her new partner wasn't. She was nearly to the back door, when a hand caught hold of her arm, pulling her to a halt.

  "And just where do you think you're going?" Daniel asked; his face flushed from his recent bout of good humor.

  "I'm going to put a stop to this escapade and have those hussies thrown off my property."

  "Ya can't go there ma'am," Rally insisted, hurrying behind Daniel. "Ya don't know what them fellers are capable of, 'specially with a purty little filly like yerself 'round. They ain't 'zactly in a respectable mood."

  "He's right Julia," Daniel insisted, his face taking on a serious look. "Do you have any idea what those men would do, if you went barging in there?"

  "I don't see that it's any of your concern, Mr. Browning, and if Mr. Overton was doing his job, those women wouldn't be here in the first place."

  "Now ya hold on there just one goddam minute - beg pardon - but I was doin' my job. Hell ma'am - beg pardon - you should be happy them women is out there. Them fellers reckoned to yer daddy real well and his death sort of left them feelin' blue. If it weren't fer them whores, them fellers might just have come up here, lookin' fer a little 'fection. Hell - beg pardon - I wouldn't have mentioned it at all, if'n I were wantin' them fellers to get a ridin'."

  “Then why did you come up here, Mr. Overton? Looking for a handout from the main house? Something to tide your men over until those tramps had time for them?"

  "If'n I were ta look ma'am," the man snarled with venom, "it sure's hell wouldn't be at a spoiled lil’ brat like yerself."

  “That's quite enough Overton," Daniel insisted, taking up Julia's defense.

  "Yes sir," the man said, staring down at his feet. Daniel was certain the man's anger and grief had gotten the better of him, or else he would never have overstepped his limits. Julia thought about what Rally had said in silence, ignoring his rude comments. It was the idea of having women like that on her land that proved to be a heavier demon to deal with.

  Without warning, Julia turned on her heel and continued her march towards the bunkhouse. Her actions caught Daniel and Rally so off guard, they had to run to catch up to her. Daniel grabbed Julia around the waist and ordered Rally to get to his men and keep them quiet. Tossing Julia over his shoulder like a sack of feed, he carried her back in the house. He assured Louise and Jeremy that she was fine and ordered them to stay out, as he carried a kicking, screaming Julia into the sitting room. He shut the door behind them so hard, several small books fell from the shelves behind the wooden barrier. He tossed Julia into a chair near the fireplace, pinning her into it with an arm on either side of her.

  "How dare you treat me like a..."

  "Yes, like what Julia? A spoiled selfish little brat?"

  "You have no right speaking to me like that," she snapped, struggling to push the arms that pinned her in the chair aside.

  "Are you so damned reckless, that you didn't even hear what you were being warned against?" Daniel had always prided himself on his control, but this woman had a way of blowing whatever restraint he had all to hell.

  "I'm not a child, Browning. I know exactly what would have happened."

  "Then tell me. Spell it out for me, so I know."

  "I would have witnessed the scenes of a brothel. Those women would have no doubt been naked and the men would have invited me to stay, and I'm quite certain I would have heard a great deal of vulgarity, when I refuse."

  "Close Little Princess, but not exactly true. You would have seen those women naked, there's no doubt of that and the men would have been more than eager to accept their invitations. At least two of them, more depending on the women’s experience, since Overton said they brought only two back with them. The rest would have been very hard to contain. They would have seen you enter and assumed you were with the
other two, since most of them have never seen you before. There would be no asking on their part. You would have been raped and beaten when you tried to fight.

  "There are twenty seven men out there, Julia. Each and every one of them would have had a piece of you. They would have taken great pleasure in relieving you of your virginity and your reputation without regard to you or who you are. When they were finished, they would continue drinking until the urge to start over hit them then the whole nightmare would repeat itself. You would have been lucky if you escaped with just a few bruises to show for your ordeal."

  When Daniel finished speaking, Julia was as white as a linen sheet. His words had done their job and the visions that passed before her eyes were less than appealing, leaving her feeling nauseated and disgusted. Seeing the fear echo through her eyes, he sighed deeply, gently pulling her from the chair and into his arms. His heart was beating rhythmically under her ear, as she laid her head against the warm wall of his chest. She didn’t resist him; she needed the security he offered in order to hide from the thoughts of all he told her.

  They stood in each other’s arms for several long minutes until he at last tipped her chin up and looked into her pale face. Her eyes were misty with emotion and visions of his tale still danced before her.

  "No matter how angry I get with you, I will never allow anything like that to happen. I don’t know what I’d do if another man touched you." He bent his head down and kissed her trembling lips. His need to comfort and to be comforted outweighed his logic and warning of resistance. He pulled her closer to him, until her breasts were pressed tightly against him, feeling the searing heat through his shirt. He wanted her, he needed her and he didn't care about the consequences.