Unspoken Love
Page 30
“Move, and it will be your last,” Nicholas warned, resting his finger on the trigger. He jerked the rope from Gilbert’s saddle and bound his hands. Retrieving the money Gilbert had stolen earlier, he stuffed it in his pocket. “You won’t need this where you’re going.”
Keeping watch over Gilbert, Nicholas glanced at the group standing around him. Half dressed and with their hair mussed, the slaves had come to his aid. With gratitude, he addressed the people.
“Your loyalty knows no bounds, and I am grateful for your intervention. You may return to your quarters. Mr. Johnson will be properly punished.”
As the slaves dispersed, Warren Bond rode up with Sheriff Miller. The sheriff leapt from his mount and listened as Jenny explained her harrowing experience.
When she had finished speaking, he said, “I’m sorry a delicate lady like you had to suffer such indignities, Mrs. Grant.” Then to Nicholas, he stated, “Gilbert will be brought to justice. He has an extensive record of thievery and assaults. Judge White will put him behind bars for a long time.”
Gilbert sat astride his horse, thwarted and downtrodden. Cruelly, his eyes raked over Jennifer. She had humiliated him far more than any man ever dared.
Sheriff Miller grabbed the reins. “We’ll be heading for the Greenville jail,” he announced, leading Gilbert away. He tipped his hat and slapped the reins. The horses followed the path leading out of the forest.
As the workers chatted amongst themselves and sauntered back to their quarters, Warren addressed Jenny. “I’m glad you’re safe, Jennifer.” He glanced at Nicholas. “I’ll take my leave. See you tomorrow.” Sending them a curt nod, the worthy overseer made his departure and rode to his cabin.
Nicholas placed his jacket over Jenny and led her out of the forest. Moonlight danced across the pond, which was surrounded by weeping willows draped with Spanish moss. They strolled along the winding road as the moon guided their way, outlining the plantation. He stopped walking, placed his arm around Jenny, and drew her into his embrace.
“How did you find me?” Jenny asked.
“I saw Gilbert ride into the woods, giving me cause to reflect on his actions. When I saw the blaze, I knew where to find you.” He pushed a lock of hair away from her face. “Speaking of Gilbert, you’ll have to calm Millicent down. She is quite upset that she allowed him entrance to our house and has been begging for forgiveness.”
“I’ll talk to her,” she said. “No doubt, Gilbert tricked her with his hypnotic ways. Thank goodness those days are over.” She sent him a look of terror. “I nearly burned the forest down tonight in my haste to summon help.”
Nicholas cupped her chin in his hand and forced her to meet his gaze. “We can plant more trees, Jenny, but there is only one you.” He kissed her deeply. “Ah, my sweet lady, will we ever be free of our past? Must I always play cloak and dagger with the men in your life?”
“Perhaps,” Jenny teased and ran her fingers over his handsome profile. Bringing his lips down to meet hers, she kissed him profoundly. “I was destined to be with you, Nicholas. You are, and always will be, my one true love.”
She gave him a smile that sent his senses reeling. Her brilliant green eyes innocently enticed him. He hugged Jenny and said the words she longed to hear.
“I love you deeply, Jennifer. You are my very life.”
Also by Lynn Gale:
GARTH’S WOMAN
Proud but penniless after her father’s death, Cathleen Foster takes a job on a nearby ranch. The foreman hires her, unaware that she and owner Garth Evans, who has a Texas-sized mistrust of women, have already met. Cathleen finds herself falling in love with the brooding rancher and over time, her determination and kindness chip away at Garth’s walls. But standing between the two and their growing love are the efforts of a backstabbing ranch hand, a rash of cattle rustling, and Garth’s black-hearted cousin who covets Cathleen for himself.
Available now from Amazon http://tinyurl.com/ma856b4