Unspoken Love

by Lynn Gale - Unspoken Love

  “If only I could bring Jenny back,” Nicholas sighed.

  “Where is Jenny now?”

  “I wish I knew. The last I saw her she was working at an inn in Natchez. She disappeared before I could beg her to come home. If it hadn’t been for that Indian…”

  “Indian?”

  Nicholas nodded.

  “His name is Nakao. Jenny befriended him when his brother, Waoota, was charged with murder. She spoke to Judge White on Waoota’s behalf. Eventually Waoota was freed, and Nakao felt indebted to Jenny.”

  “I could be wrong, Nicholas, but I think Jenny is in love with you. There is no place in her heart for Nakao or any other man.” He took a deep breath and continued, “I’m sorry for your discontent, yet I can’t blame Jenny for leaving. She’s a good woman, but headstrong. Give her time to know her own heart.”

  “If you consent to go home with me, Hattie, my faithful servant, will see to your needs, or you can bring Emma along if you like.”

  “You’ve certainly enlightened me today, Nicholas. Let me think about your offer.”

  Nicholas leaned forward. “I also have another proposition for you . . .”

  Over the next several days, Jenny found herself waking up with severe nausea and often sipped ginger tea to sooth her queasiness. She recalled Doc Jones’ previous diagnosis. As Lily entered the room one morning carrying a savory breakfast, Jenny retched into the basin. She set the food down, grabbed a wet washcloth, and wiped her brow. She then led her back to bed.

  “How far along are you?”

  “What—what do you mean?” Jenny stammered, dropping onto the mattress.

  “You are with child, are you not?”

  “No, I can’t be.” She pressed her fingers to her temples. “It’s my nerves. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

  “I think otherwise.” Lily answered, wise beyond her seventeen years. “I don’t wish to alarm you, Jenny, but you are with child.”

  Jenny bolted from the bed to protest until blackness engulfed her.

  She awoke to Nakao bending over her, his face grave with concern.

  “Lily tells me you are with child. Do not be afraid, we will see this through together.”

  Jenny focused her eyes on Nakao. No words were spoken, but they knew it was Nicholas’s child that she carried. “I need a breath of fresh air. Will you help me outside?”

  Nakao lifted Jenny off the bed and steadied her. Confident that her legs would support her, he agreed to let her leave the cottage. “I need time alone to sort my thoughts. I’ll call you if I need you.” Deeply worried, she walked into the forest.

  Blake Preston rode into view and dismounted. Nakao motioned him aside.

  “What is it, Nakao?” he asked, impatient to see Jenny.

  “Jenny is with child.”

  “Jenny is pregnant? How? We have not—” His eyes narrowed. “Are you the father?”

  “No, Nicholas is the father. She was with him the night before you found her at the cafe. They could not come to terms, and she insisted that we leave as he slept at the inn.”

  “Jenny has not been truthful with me, but I respect her privacy. I love her regardless of her condition. I’ll marry her,” he said thoughtfully. “I can give her and the baby everything they desire.”

  “We will let Jenny decide,” Nakao said.

  Lily came from the house and flashed Nakao a big grin. Nakao watched her approach, feeling soothed by her presence. He drew strong support from this compassionate and loving woman. Passion surged through him when he clasped Lily’s hand. He planned to make her his wife someday. But for now, his thoughts were on Jenny and her dilemma.

  Jenny ambled from the woods with purpose, the solitude having brought her peace. She wanted this baby with all her being, regardless that he would not have a father and that she might become an outcast for rearing a child alone.

  Blake rushed to her side with Nakao fast on his heels. He grasped her hand. “I want to marry you.”

  Nakao brushed his hand aside. “I will speak with Jennifer first.”

  Jenny stood in the clearing as Blake and Nakao continued to argue. She ordered the men to be quiet.

  “Thank you for caring,” she said. “But this is my problem, and I will face it alone.” She heard someone approaching and spun around to see Nicholas riding toward her. She gasped when his deep voice cracked into the air.

  “You can’t marry Jennifer! She’s my wife.”

  “In case you forgot, we divorced long ago.”

  Nicholas dismounted and strode to Jennifer. He gave Nakao and Blake a curt nod.

  “Excuse us, gentlemen. Jenny and I need a moment of privacy.” Escorting her away from the men, he walked her down a path until they were hidden from view.

  “I was so close to having Jenny all to myself only to have Nicholas show up!” Blake angrily spouted to Nakao. “He’s bound to hinder my plans.”

  Nakao grinned, knowing to which man Jenny belonged. Lily came to his side, and they strolled into the gardens, leaving Blake alone and frustrated. He paced the ground, impatiently waiting for Jenny’s return.

  Jenny could hardly believe Nicholas was standing beside her. She feasted her eyes on his handsome face.

  “Are you so popular that men must fight among themselves to have you?” he demanded to know.

  “Oh, Nicholas, you misunderstand. I am with child. I conceived the night we were together at the Riverside Inn. Blake offered to marry me lest our child be born a bastard.”

  “Your child will have a name, Jenny. We are still married.”

  “Surely you jest! We were to be divorced when I fulfilled your contract. I left word with you to proceed with it.”

  “I couldn’t do it, Jenny.” He gathered a section of her ebony hair and rolled his fingers through the silken tresses. A look of determination came over him as he gazed into her eyes. “I want you to return to the plantation.”

  Jenny studied Nicholas and focused on the best way to approach her problem. She knew that she could nurture the child growing inside her but also knew that the baby would need security, and she could not forget that Nicholas was, indeed, the father.

  “If I go with you to Small Timbers, I insist that Nakao and Lily, if she chooses, come with me.”

  “Whatever you wish, Jenny. I just want you to come home.” He cupped her chin and gazed into her eyes. “I promise not to make unwanted advances.”

  Jenny nodded her consent. “Then it’s settled. Let’s tell the others of our plans.”

  When they returned from the woods, Jenny motioned Blake aside. “Nicholas just informed me that we are still married. I’ll be returning to Small Timbers with him.” Guilt tugged at her heart as she watched Blake’s features change from shock to anguish. She squeezed his hand. “Thank you for everything, Blake. You’ve been very generous and I’ll always remember your kindness to me. I’ll reimburse you for the gifts you gave to me.”

  “My dreams are dissolving, Jenny. I thought we had a chance—”

  “I value your friendship. Let’s leave it at that,” she said and joined Nicholas.

  Blake strode up beside them and sent Nicholas a reproachful glare. “If you weren’t married to Jenny, I’d challenge you to a duel.”

  Nicholas sent him a lethal look that caused Blake to be the first to look away.

  Blake faced Jenny. “I’ll leave you to your packing, Jenny.” With haste, he strode to his horse, mounted, and galloped away.

  Nicholas unhitched the reins from the hitching post. “Pack your things. I’ll hire a carriage to take you to Small Timbers. I’ll return shortly.” He jumped astride Dexter and rode down the path.

  Jenny motioned for Lily and Nakao to join her. “I’m going back to the plantation with Nicholas. Would either o
f you care to go with me?”

  Lily stepped forward. Her eyes sparkled with glee. “I’d consider it an honor to go with you.”

  Nakao placed his hand on Jenny’s shoulder. “I’ll follow, too.”

  While Jenny and Lily rode in the carriage, Nicholas and Nakao rode their stallions alongside the coach. During the many hours of riding, they became better acquainted. When Nicholas learned that Lily was Nakao’s love interest, he became more hospitable toward him. Still, not clearly understanding why Jenny and the Indian had been at the Riverside Inn together, he kept a watchful eye on him when they stopped to rest and take their meals.

  Once they arrived at the plantation, Nicholas helped Jenny alight from the carriage. As his arms circled her waist, their eyes met. Flames of passion engulfed her, and she knew, regardless of their conflict, she was still attracted to him. She moved away from him and started toward the house.

  Thomas stepped onto the veranda and flagged her attention. She rushed into his robust arms. “Father!”

  He gave her a hearty hug and held her at arms’ length. His bright blue eyes searched hers. “Why didn’t you share your problems with me?” he scolded lightheartedly. “Don’t you know that I have always been here for you?”

  “Father, you were gravely ill, and I couldn’t chance jeopardizing your health. Dr. Jones stressed that we were not to upset you.”

  “Well, I’m fine now, Jenny.” When she gave him a skeptical look, he shrugged his shoulders. “Okay,” he sighed. “I do have to be careful and not tax myself, but I get around well.” He added, “Nicholas and I have been waiting for you to return to the plantation. I moved in at his request. I sold the farm and invested the money.”

  “You sold the farm?” she gasped. “It was your prized possession.”

  “I’m too old and infirm to run it, Jenny. I had to let it go. By investing the money, you’ll be a rich heiress someday.”

  “I don’t care about being rich, Father. I only want to be with you.” A wistful look came into her eyes. “I’m saddened that you gave up our cherished farm, but your health takes precedence over all else.” Feeling betrayed by Nicholas, she spun around and faced him. “You didn’t tell me Father was here.”

  “I wanted to surprise you,” Nicholas answered.

  Jenny gave Nicholas a reproachful look then addressed her father. “Clearly, Nicholas has confided all in you, Father.”

  “Let me explain,” Nicholas responded. “In the beginning, I did not intend to tell Thomas about us. When I found out that you had not gone home, I had little recourse but to reveal your dilemma lest your father imagine the worst and actually have a relapse.”

  “And a wise choice he made,” Thomas interjected. “I knew you were heavily burdened, Jenny. As to Nicholas’s wayward scheme, I can forgive him. He has assured me he is in love with you. It takes a strong man to confess his wrongdoings, and I admire him for his honesty.”

  Jenny doubted that Nicholas truly loved her and couldn’t fathom why he had owned up to it. Her eyes softened when she glanced at her father. She couldn’t scold him for siding with Nicholas. Besides, she felt a huge relief that her secret was out in the open. She glanced from Nicholas to her father. They reeked of conspiracy, and she could tell they had become allies in her absence. She knew she wouldn’t get any sympathy from either of them. “Men!” she scoffed, stomping into the house as their laughter rang in her ears.

  Thomas sent Nicholas a conspiring wink.

  “Give her time,” he encouraged. “I am old and decrepit, but my romantic heart knows that you and Jenny are meant to be together.”

  Seconds later, Jenny returned. Engrossed in her own problems, she had left Nakao and Lily standing by the coach awaiting her instructions. She averted her eyes when she saw Nicholas’s mocking grin and addressed Lily and Nakao. “Come inside.”

  Nicholas watched the threesome enter the house. His lips parted into a wide smile as he and Thomas joined them. “I’m so glad Jenny is home again.”

  When it was time to retire, Nicholas met Jenny at her bedroom door. He reached into his pocket and pulled out her wedding band. “Will you please wear this?” he said and slipped it on her finger.

  Jenny touched the beautiful ring and remembered leaving it behind when she left the plantation. “Of course I will. I’d be honored,” she answered. She gazed into his eyes and saw tenderness.

  “It is rightfully yours,” he replied. He lingered. Neither was in a hurry to part ways. Finally, he said, “Let’s get some sleep. We have to get up early.”

  Jenny watched him stroll to his room, then stepped into her chamber. A smile formed at the corners of her mouth as she got ready for bed. She was so glad to be back home.

  In the following days, Jenny watched her father’s health prosper. He was proud that he was about to become a grandfather. Blessed with a talent for carpentry, he painstakingly carved a baby cradle out of dry lumber. He worked on it in increments, and when he felt taxed, he rested. At other times, she hardly knew he was around as he spent hours in his bedroom or read on the veranda. Occasionally, he strolled through the orchards to strengthen his heart.

  Jenny extended an open invitation to Nakao to visit anytime he wished since he’d returned to his house with Waoota, while Lily remained at the plantation. As Jenny’s pregnancy progressed, Lily took over many of the household chores.

  Jenny became sweetly tortured with Nicholas being in her every waking thought. She saw tension in Nicholas’s eyes and suspected intense feelings clutched at his heart as did hers. With neither willing to confess their love, they continued to sleep in separate rooms as on their wedding night.

  In Jenny’s ninth month of pregnancy, she oversaw the household but could no longer do her chores. To break the monotony, she stitched baby garments in preparation for her child’s birth. She also spent time sitting on the settee, deftly working on a sampler. Still, she felt restless as her time drew near, and she yearned for something more meaningful.

  One afternoon, to occupy her time, she filled a basket with gifts and sweetmeats, then boarded the wagon. Refusing to dwell on what Nicholas would say if he saw her riding out in her condition, she cautiously rode out on the plantation to visit the workers and their families. The young children, at first shy, beamed with delight as Jenny dispensed the treats.

  “Little yarn dolls for the girls,” she said, passing them around. “And buzz saws for the boys.” The children giggled when they had mastered the new toys.

  One of the mothers spoke to Jenny. “Thank you for bringing joy to my child. You have done something unheard of to most plantation laborers.”

  Jenny replied, “It’s my pleasure, Hattie.” Noting their frayed garments, she made a mental note to ask Nicholas for material to stitch them new clothes. She prepared to return to the house and climbed slowly onto the buckboard. Setting the empty basket beside her, she grabbed Daisy’s reins.

  “You better hurry, Miss Jenny,” Hattie warned. “A storm is coming.” As she spoke, heavy winds whipped across their faces, and dark clouds appeared. Hattie’s voice sounded grave. “You want one of us to see you home, Miss Jenny?”

  “No, thank you, Hattie. I’ll be fine.” Jenny turned the wagon around and guided Daisy toward the house. As she left the slave quarters, she saw the workers drop their tools and leave the fields, trying to outrun the storm.

  Streaks of lightning lit the sky, and thunder rumbled across the countryside as she slapped the reins across Daisy’s back. Still a good distance from the house, she heard a loud clap as lightning struck a tree. Miraculously, the rains came, preventing the smoldering tree from becoming engulfed in flames. Another clap of thunder rolled by, and Daisy reared up in panic, causing Jenny to release the reins and grab the wagon for support. Unable to hang on, she tumbled to the ground as Daisy galloped away, still hitched to the wagon. Je
nny recalled Nicholas saying that storms frightened Daisy, and she knew the scared mare wouldn’t stop running until she reached the stables. As another gust of wind blew, the wicker basket soared through the air across the meadow, its yellow ribbon flapping in the breeze. Heavy winds whipped her hair, and the rain came down in torrents, chilling her to the bone. Praying lightning would not strike again, she ran into the woods and sought refuge beneath a large tree.

  Pain ripped through her abdomen, and a wetness soaked her undergarments. Clutching her stomach, she knew her time was at hand. She twisted in pain. I’ve got to get to the house before the baby comes.

  Seeking a shortcut, she ran into the forest. As the pounding rain continued, she took refuge under a large pine tree, hoping the rain would ease so she could retrace her steps. Darkness descended as she called out for Nicholas, but she held little hope that he could hear her. The steady beating of the rain and howling wind drowned out all other sounds. Panic seized her, and tears of frustration sprang into her eyes as she sank to the ground and rested against a large oak tree.

  Nicholas had labored on the plantation until a deluge of rain ended his work. Drenched, he returned to the stable and found Daisy still attached to the wagon. He recognized Jenny’s shawl as it dangled from a piece of splintered wood. His heart raced with apprehension as he rushed to the house, praying Jenny hadn’t ridden out in her condition.

  A wide-eyed Lily met him as he stepped into the kitchen. “Jenny hasn’t returned home, Mr. Grant. She rode out to the fields this afternoon.”

  “I’ll ride to Warren’s cottage. She’s probably taken refuge there,” he said and darted out the door.

  Galloping across the field, he pulled up at Warren’s lodgings and tied Dexter to the post. Pounding on the door, he hoped against all odds that Jenny would be there.

  Warren opened the door and let Nicholas inside. “What’s the ruckus about?”

  Nicholas gasped for breath and wiped the rain from his face. “Have you seen Jenny?”