Unspoken Love

by Lynn Gale - Unspoken Love

  “I’ve come to propose to you.”

  “I must be going daft. I distinctly thought you said you were going to propose—”

  “Be quiet and listen,” he cautioned and released her. Leaving nothing unsaid, he relayed everything about his inheritance. Summing up, he said, “You can see why you are my first choice.”

  “Well, I refuse your offer. How could you expect me to marry you? I don’t know you, and I certainly don’t love you.” She started for the wagon, but Nicholas seized her arm.

  “You don’t understand. I’ve been honest with you, and I need your help. But if you don’t consent to marry me—”

  She raised an eyebrow. “But what?” she demanded to know.

  “Bonita threatened to spread rumors about me sharing your chamber.”

  “What would Bonita have to gain by starting such gossip?” She didn’t expect him to answer. She knew all too well about Bonita’s jealous streak.

  “My father is ill and can’t stand the shock of hearing about such conduct, even if it isn’t true.”

  Concern edged its way into Nicholas’s voice. “The respectable thing for you to do is marry me.”

  “You’re insufferable!”

  “Call me what you will, but I have a contract to honor, and that’s what I’m going to do. After a year, you will be free to go. I’ll compensate you handsomely for your trouble and inconvenience,” he said.

  “You want to pay me for marrying you?” Jenny gasped.

  “It’s not like it sounds. My reason for choosing you is twofold. I know I can take you into my confidence. We will marry to keep your name reputable, and I won’t have to contend with a conniving wife who, at the end of the year, will not divorce me.” A look of disdain came over Jenny as he continued, “I’m convinced that you would be more than willing to release me from a marriage contract. Now do I have your cooperation?”

  Jenny digested his words carefully. “A divorce would crush father worse than the gossip Bonita could spread.”

  He gave her a sympathetic look. “I mean no disrespect, but if your father has health issues, he may not even be living by year’s end? If he is, we will work something out. It is not my intention to hurt any of you.”

  “What about my respectability?”

  “What about your reputation now?” He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I’ll build a home for you on the plantation or set you up in finery wherever your heart desires.”

  “My heart desires to stay at the farm. Period.” He gave her a resolute look, and she knew he wouldn’t relent. She realized the consequences if she didn’t cooperate. She didn’t want to upset her father and see him regress. As crazy as it seemed, her father would probably be thrilled at the news. Just last week he had offered to find her a suitable husband and even suggested Blake Preston as a possible suitor. Her father was forever meddling in her affairs, but she knew he meant well. She recalled telling him that Blake and she were friends. Now, standing before her is a gentleman of some wealth who could offer her security.

  She gazed up at Nicholas. He focused on her with intensity, waiting for an answer. She made one more effort to keep him out of her life. “Surely you can find someone more compatible. If you recall, Mr. Grant, I was an innocent victim the other night. It was you who detained me in bed in an attempt to defile me.”

  “But you, dear Jennifer Morgan, came to my chamber and got into my bed wearing only your unmentionables. That’s not very becoming of a lady of respectability.”

  Jenny cringed at his stinging words and again thought of Molly’s warning. I am not a harlot! A vexed expression stole over her features as his proposal drummed in her head. He is demanding that I become his bride!

  “Do you realize what you are asking of me? To leave my home and take up residence with you?”

  “I do.”

  “How do I know Father won’t have a relapse if I tell him I’m engaged?”

  “Wouldn’t it bother him more if he thought you had been in bed with me?”

  She knew Nicholas was immovable. An idea inched its way into her thoughts. If she did, in fact, marry Nicholas and he paid her for being his temporary wife, she would have enough money to open the women’s boutique she had been dreaming of. After some serious contemplation, she sighed with resignation. “You win,” she said, barely above a whisper. Her manner changed, and she eyed him with contempt. “Don’t think to exercise any husbandly rights. I fully expect to leave this marriage as I came.”

  Nicholas tossed his head back in laughter. His throaty deep voice caused Jenny’s face to cloud with anger.

  “Don’t worry your pretty little head. I’m entering into a business venture with you. I don’t need to marry someone to sleep with them.” She reflected on their arrangement as he continued, “We’ll go to your father’s home together, and you will introduce me as your fiancé. Tell your father we will marry within the week.”

  “A week?” Jenny exclaimed.

  “Correct.” He grinned. “Did anyone ever tell you the tip of your nose twitches when you pronounce certain words?”

  “We have more important things to discuss than my nose.”

  Nicholas chuckled and gazed down at her.

  “I like your spirit.” He softened toward her, but only for a moment. “Let’s get going. The sooner I marry you, the quicker I gain my rightful inheritance.”

  Hurt and angry, Jenny’s thoughts ran rampant as she guided Bessie up the steep lane leading to the farm. As the wagon wheels churned homeward, she reflected on her dilemma. When she had set out for Greenville the other day, she certainly hadn’t expected a marriage proposal from a stranger! How could she go through with this farce? Nicholas was forcing her to take sacred vows that only those in love should pledge. He would have his way, and she could do little about it for she loved her father above all else and would not see him suffer.

  When they arrived at Jennifer’s home, William, the stable hand, came from the barn. Jenny sent the dedicated worker a genuine smile. He treated her as if she were his own kin. “Hello, Miss Morgan, welcome home,” he said kindly. He nodded to Nicholas, then guided Bessie to the stables. Unhitching her from the wagon, he loudly remarked, “Land sakes, Bessie, you look like you’ve been wallowing with pigs! You got mud caked from one end to the other! I’ll be all day scrubbing you down.” He reached into his pocket, brought out an apple, and shined it on his sleeve. “First, a little something for you,” he said less gruffly. Bessie was his favorite mare, and he couldn’t treat her with anything but kindness.

  Jenny turned her gaze to a cluster of cabins that housed the laborers. They, too, stood in need of repair from the ravages of the storm. The men removed damaged boards while the women emptied buckets of water that had collected in their lodgings. Turning from the devastation, she took a deep breath and said, “Let’s go into the house, Nicholas.”

  Molly glanced up to see them step into the foyer. A curious expression crossed her pleasant features when Jenny and Nicholas approached her. She set aside her dusting cloth and beeswax.

  “Molly, this is Nicholas Grant,” Jenny said, barely able to remain civil as she glanced into his compelling green eyes. “Nicholas, this is Molly Hayden, our dear friend and housekeeper. Molly has practically raised me since my mother’s passing.”

  Nicholas stepped forward and took Molly’s hand. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Miss Hayden.”

  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.

&nbs
p; 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.