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.”
S
urprised 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.
Love,
Father
A lump formed in her throat, and loneliness gnawed at her heart as she realized how much she missed her father. Reflecting on his letter, she knew she had to go to Greenville and visit with her friends. She set the letter aside. When Nicholas came in from the fields, she would ask if they could attend the celebration. Meanwhile, she headed to the kitchen to feed William before sending him on his way.
Later that day, Nicholas saw the invitation lying on the desk and skimmed the note as Jenny came into the room.
“May we attend the dance, Nicholas?”
“I have a plantation to run, Jenny. I can’t ride into town every time you get a whim.”
“A whim? I haven’t left the plantation since you brought me here.” She pursed her lips in defiance. “Very well, I’ll go without you!” she shouted and stomped from the room.
Nicholas caught up to her in the corridor. He cupped her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. Jenny stared at him defiantly. After a few minutes, he let out an exasperated breath. “Plan to leave Saturday about mid-afternoon. We’ll have ample time to get there before the festivities begin.” He released her, then walked away.
Jenny’s lips parted into a smile as she watched him saunter down the corridor. “Thank you, Nicholas. I’ll be ready,” she called, eagerly looking forward to the event.
Saturday came quickly, and Jenny did not keep Nicholas waiting.
She stepped into the foyer wearing an emerald gown covered with white lace flounces. Nicholas sighed when he took in her appearance. She wore her hair up, leaving wispy tresses to fall about her beautifully sculptured face. A sprig of flowers enhanced her coiffure.
Jenny grabbed homemade pies that she had baked for the occasion and started for the wagon. Nicholas took the pies from her and placed them in the wagon along with their overnight bags. He lifted her onto the seat, then jumped aboard. With a flick of the reins, he set the carriage in motion.
Rays of sunlight filtered through the trees as they enjoyed light conversation on their ride to Greenville.
Several hours later, they arrived at the Greenville Town Hall. A bevy of excitement echoed through the town as Nicholas helped Jenny down from the carriage. People surrounded them, dressed in their finery and ready for the celebration. Men escorted women into the building, nodding a cordial ‘hello’ while carrying their wives’ favorite dishes to share at the festive occasion.
The aroma of mouth-watering foods wafted in the air as Jenny and Nicho
las stepped over the threshold. They set the fruit pies on the table, appearing blithe and happily wed. Jenny glanced up and saw Aunt Thelma and Uncle Edward coming toward them. They embraced. “Nicholas, this is Aunt Thelma and Uncle Edward. They are my only living relatives besides Father.”
Nicholas shook Uncle Edward’s hand and then smiled warmly at Aunt Thelma.
“I’ve seen you at the inn,” Edward said to Nicholas. “Stop in anytime you’re in town. We let Jenny stay with us when she visits Greenville. Now that you’re family, we’ll do the same for you. No charge, of course.”
“Edward thrives on making the Hearthside Inn the best in Mississippi,” Thelma said. “He wanted to stay home tonight, but I insisted he come. He’s overworked and needs time away from his busy schedule.” Thelma glanced from Nicholas to Jenny. “Thomas sent word that you might make the festivities. We expect you to stay at the inn tonight.”
Soon others joined them, and Jenny introduced Nicholas to Judge White and his wife, Ellie.
“These people are like kin,” she said, recalling the kindness they had shown her over the years.
Nicholas nodded to the tall, thin man with white hair and vivid blue eyes. His gaze shifted to the brown-eyed Ellie White, an attractive woman with flaxen hair twisted into a bun.
As they conversed, Clara, an old schoolmarm, came to greet them, accompanied by her bachelor nephew, Sheriff Miller. Jenny introduced the frail-looking teacher to Nicholas, along with the tall, lanky sheriff. As more people crowded into the hall, the small group disbursed to greet the others.
Food was plentiful, and drinks flowed freely as the townsfolk and countrymen made merry. Soon Jenny and Nicholas separated when Jenny crossed the room to be with her young friend, Billy.
Unspoken Love Page 5