No Law Against Love

by Deborah MacGillivray

  “My assistance?” she asked curiously, swallowing the lump growing in her throat.

  “I am new here in Downing’s town and though I do not plan to remain here, I will need a place to stay. Would you be able to direct me to a respectable establishment that might put me up?”

  Maryette let out a relieved sigh and turned to look up the street.

  “Certainly, Sir. Downingtown has some of the finest establishments one can find along King’s Road, the best being Hammond’s, there on the left.”

  “And is it an honorable business?”

  “Most assuredly, Sir. I know the Hammond’s well and there is no finer family in the county. You will find no gambling or other debauchery there.”

  The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully and gave her a scowl.

  “Shame,” he said, cracking a sly smile. “I could go for a bit of faro.”

  Maryette gasped and covered a giggle with a delicately gloved hand. “Sir!”

  “Johnathan…” he said, offering her a broad, genuine smile and a formal bow, removing his hat to reveal a head full of lush golden curls.

  “I beg your pardon?” She gasped again at the sight of him.

  “My name is Johnathan.”

  Maryette could feel the heat rise up her neck as he smiled proudly, expectantly. When she did not respond, he tilted his head, his sapphire blue eyes twinkling devilishly.

  “And would I have the honor of your name?” he asked.

  “Maryette,” she offered beneath timid lashes.

  “Well then, Miss Maryette, would you do me the added honor of accompanying me to Hammond’s for a touch of tea?”

  “I – I do not feel ‘tis proper, being I have no chaperone.” She averted her eyes from him diffidently.

  “’Tis the middle of the afternoon. We are in full view of the town, Miss Maryette, and I have no mind to do anything untoward to damage either of our reputations.”

  Maryette gave him some consideration and looked about the street. After a moment’s pause, she nodded to him.

  “Very well, I shall accompany you.” She smiled demurely as Johnathan offered his arm, which she took gladly.

  Walking up King’s Road on the arm of such a fine looking man made Maryette feel regal, as though everyone in town should be looking at her with astonishment. Her manner, her posture, her very air changed as they rambled toward the inn at the end of the street. She felt beautiful, important—and just a bit scandalous for being so brash in broad daylight. She also wished she were dressed in an amazing gown, her hair topped with a fine Parisian bonnet of velvet and feathers. As it was, she was mortified she’d stepped out in one of her duller walking dresses instead of something more tasteful. Still, her escort didn’t seem to mind.

  He’d been rambling on about his travels and how weary he was from them. She smiled and nodded up at him decorously as her mind continued with its daydreams. How deliriously happy she would be to have a man such as Johnathan in her life. They could attend the theater, be invited to high society balls – they would be the talk of the county. And then her smile suddenly faded as her father’s voice came crashing through her fanciful thoughts. “The man has offered for your hand, Maryette. I’ve given my permission and that’s the end of it.”

  She was to be married in three days to some stodgy businessman who was probably old, fat and more concerned with his wealth than her happiness. The mere thought of having to be coupled with such a man made her stomach lurch. She suddenly felt ill.

  “Are you quite well, Miss Maryette?” Johnathan asked as they stepped off the street. “You are looking quite piqued.”

  “I shall be fine once we sit. I suppose I have taken too much sun,” she offered weakly, looking away from his concerned gaze. She could never tell this stranger what was really wrong.

  Without a word, he took her elbow and, placing a hand at the small of her back, helped her up the stairs to the inn. The feel of his warm touch made her gasp and she bit her lip to conceal her quickening breath. As he ushered her around to the veranda, she thought for sure she would swoon. He smelled so wonderful standing so close to her, a mix of saddle leather and lavender, his breath warm against her neck as he helped her sit.

  “I shall be just a moment,” he said with a nod as he turned and strode purposefully into the inn. Maryette was finally given the opportunity to catch her breath and she blotted her forehead with her handkerchief as he left her. Her father would be furious if he found her in the company of a strange man when she was, for all intents and purposes, engaged.

  Johnathan rushed inside to find the innkeeper. He’d hoped to make this a quick stop, deal with his pending business and be on his way in but a few days, but after running into the enticing Maryette, he wondered if his life wouldn’t soon be fraught with some huge complications. Making his way inside, he rang the bell and was met at the desk in short order. A tall, lanky man with wire-rimmed glasses approached him, quite eager to serve.

  “How may I help you, Sir?” he asked, smoothing his thinning hair across his brow.

  “I shall need a room for the next two or three nights, if you will. I would also have some refreshments brought out for myself and my companion, and quickly if you will, as she is feeling a bit ill from being in the sun overmuch.”

  “As you wish, Sir. Do you have baggage that needs to be brought up?”

  “I shall bring it in later. For now I should go out and tend to the young lady.”

  “Of course. We’ll have some refreshments brought out to you at once.” The man quickly disappeared through a door and Johnathan could hear him shouting orders for what he’d asked. He nodded, knowing they would be taken care of quickly, so he made his way back out onto the porch. Turning the corner, he stopped for a moment to take in the scene before him.

  Maryette had removed her modest fichu, baring a delicate expanse of neck and shoulder for him to view—and he was more than happy to partake of such a vision. She seemed to be quite flushed, and his eyes followed the rosy glow down over her gracefully swelling bosom, where it disappeared beneath the fabric of her pale yellow dress. At the sudden thoughts that rushed through his mind, his mouth went dry. He took a deep breath and adjusted the fabric of his trousers, thankful he’d worn his broad-falls rather than the more fitted breeches he normally wore on his travels. Gaining some composure, he stepped toward her and offered a broad smile, removing his hat as he took a seat next to her.

  “And how does the beautiful Miss Maryette fare?” he asked as he removed his gloves and placed them in his hat.

  “Please, Johnathan,” she said with yet another intriguing blush.

  “Please?” he asked as his brow rose quizzically. The sound of his name on her luscious, rose-tainted lips sent a jolt of passion to his groin and he fought to control his demeanor as his fingers itched to touch her velvety skin. If only he could hear her beg for something more, he would be a happy man, but he knew all too well what women were about these days. All modesty and propriety, without a hint of mischief—and once married, they became confined and dreary. In view of the woman before him, he considered that to be quite a waste.

  “I am here strictly as your guide and nothing more. I do not care to draw any more attention to us than has already been managed,” she offered in hushed tones, nearly a whisper, which sent yet another jolt through him. He shifted in his chair, hoping she didn’t notice his discomfort.

  “I apologize for my impropriety, Miss Maryette. I meant no indecency with my words, though I must admit to beauty when I see it.” He gave her a coy smile and leaned back in his seat as an older woman approached their table with a tray of drinks and pastries.

  Maryette grimaced at Johnathan’s forwardness, knowing she should be appalled by his rudeness, but she couldn’t help the flutter in her heart knowing he thought her beautiful. His blue eyes watched her vigilantly and she fidgeted with the folds of her skirts nervously while their tea was poured for them. Once the servant had left the table, she took up her cup and sa
ucer, ignoring his previous remarks.

  “What brings you to Downingtown, Sir?” she asked as she sipped her tea.

  Johnathan, not missing her formal address, dipped a biscuit into his cup and brought it to his mouth with some enthusiasm. After devouring the small pastry, he licked the tips of his fingers and gracefully dusted the crumbs from his lap.

  “Business, mostly,” he offered, taking up the small cup and taking a sip. “I have some investments in town and need to take care of them before I return home.”

  “And where is your home, if I may ask?” she placed her saucer and cup neatly in her lap as she awaited his response.

  “’Tis hard to say these days, as I have been abroad, though I hope to build near Philadelphia soon enough.”

  “That must be very exciting, traveling as you do. Although, do you not miss having a home to return to?” she asked curiously.

  Johnathan nodded. If only she knew what he wanted to return to when his travels were completed. Having the means to build houses in every county was a luxury, but having a woman like Maryette waiting for him would make him never want to travel again.

  “I do miss not having a home, but I hope to resolve that soon enough,” he offered with a kind smile. “And what of you, Miss Maryette? What does your future hold?”

  Maryette’s gaze dropped to her lap as she toyed with the handle of her cup. She feared telling him the truth, else he would flee and leave her sitting there wallowing in her own pity. This was her last chance for folly and she wished to enjoy herself while she could. If her father meant to saddle her with a pompous lout of a man, then she saw no flaw in taking some liberties with what time she had left to herself. Lifting her gaze to Johnathan’s once more, she gave him a shy smile while she patted her lips with her napkin.

  “My future?” she asked, cocking her head. “Much like your own, I suppose…uncertain.”

  “You must have some desires for your life, no?”

  “I assume I shall be like every other woman, married off and asked to serve her husband’s needs,” she said despondently.

  Johnathan choked on his tea at her response. Having her serve his needs would be a dream, but he did not have needlepoint and cooking in mind for this alluring woman.

  Throughout their tea they covered topics ranging from fashion to politics and Johnathan grew more and more intrigued by Maryette. When their refreshments were depleted, he shook out his napkin and stood.

  “Would you accompany me for a stroll about the park?” he asked, offering his hand to her. “I hear it is lovely this time of year.”

  “That is true. The leaves have taken on their autumnal hues and they are afire with color.” She took his hand and came to her feet, allowing him to lead her off the porch, across King’s Road to the strolling path.

  They ambled for what seemed like hours, enjoying the views and one another’s company. All thoughts of impropriety fled Maryette’s mind as the handsome Johnathan escorted her along the meandering path to a secluded gazebo in the far corner of the park. He’d laughed at all her jokes, listened to her thoughts and offered his opinion as though she was his equal. Quite a refreshing change from what she was used to in her father’s care. Once seated beneath the confines of the gazebo, Johnathan gave her a wide smile.

  “I must say, Miss Maryette, you have been a most agreeable companion this afternoon. If only I had met you earlier, I daresay my travels would not have been such a bore.”

  Maryette stifled a giggle behind her hand.

  “Johnathan, you flatter me overmuch.”

  “Do I?” he asked, moving closer to her on the narrow bench. “I daresay I could praise a woman of your splendor incessantly.”

  Maryette flinched as he placed his arm across the bench behind her. She wanted to flirt with him, giggle and be girlish, but the very thought of it made her weak with anticipation even as his daring words set her blood on fire.

  “Please…” she begged, her voice nearly inaudible.

  “No need to beg,” he said, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. “I shall do anything you ask of me, Miss Maryette.”

  She gasped breathlessly, biting her trembling lip.

  “What is your deepest desire?” His eyes were a shade of beguiling blue now as their gaze wandered to her lips. “Please tell me, Maryette.”

  She felt she would surely swoon as his gentle fingertips traced circles on her shoulder as he spoke. She had never felt anything so delicious in all her life.

  “I daresay, Johnathan, we should not be—” She made to move away, but his hand grasped her shoulder tenderly and turned her into his arms as his kiss took her words from her lips. His mouth was soft and inviting and she could not deny the heat that spread through her body as he pulled her closer, deepening their kiss into something desperate and searching.

  “Maryette,” he moaned into her ear as he nibbled there, “how you make my blood rush through my veins.”

  “Oh, Johnathan.” His name left her lips in a sultry sigh that nearly cost him his composure. Their kiss had turned from innocent to sinful in mere moments as Maryette slowly wrapped her arms about his neck and clung to him wantonly. The swelling in his groin was growing agonizingly painful as her soft moans drove him to the edge of madness. He pulled away from her abruptly before he could no longer stop himself.

  “Miss Maryette, I cannot begin to describe my hunger for you and I pray you do not disrespect me for what I have done or said.”

  “I do not,” she said breathlessly. “I only wish I could speak my heart to you after what we have shared.”

  Johnathan blinked at her answer, half expecting her to slap him for his forwardness.

  “I implore you then, please speak your heart, for I am eager to hear it.”

  Maryette shuddered, her words stuttering on her lips as Johnathan kissed her hand. As panic slowly closed in on her, she could think of nothing more to do but run. Offering one last, feverish kiss with every ounce of her being, she touched his face tenderly before dashing out of the gazebo, down the path to her father’s house where she rushed to her room and locked the door tightly against a world she would never know again.

  ~~~

  “What am I to do, Hannah?” Maryette sobbed into her handkerchief as she sat at her vanity. Her dearest friend, Hannah, had come to help her prepare for her wedding, which was to be held at St. James Chapel in only an hour.

  “I do not know, dearest,” she offered as she worked on Maryette’s hair, placing the combs high on her head to hold the veil which her mother had loaned her. She’d carefully placed several tiny, pink rosebuds around the crown of her head and though she looked every bit the beautiful bride, she did not feel the part at all.

  “Was there no word of Johnathan? Have you not seen him about town?” she asked, her tears streaking her face.

  “No, dearest. I went to Hammond’s, but there was no Johnathan lodged there and I have seen no man of your description. Perhaps he completed his business and already left town.”

  “Perhaps he has,” she said, her words stuttering through her sobs. “Dear God, Hannah, he is lost to me.”

  “All you can do is make the most of this match and move on. It is what is expected of us all,” Hannah offered sorrowfully, brushing her own tears from her cheek.

  “I cannot, Hannah, I tell you truly. I love Johnathan deeply and I must find him before it is too late. We must delay this marriage until he is found. I am sure he will offer for my hand without fail. He is an affluent businessman and I am sure more than adequately moneyed to appease my father. We must delay this wedding, Hannah…but how?” Maryette stood and paced the room, wringing her hands against the beautiful cream damask of her gown.

  Hannah paced with her, biting her lip and then she turned abruptly.

  “Wait!” she said excitedly. “Wait here!” Hannah rushed from the room and after a few moments returned to Maryette and slammed the door, locking it behind her. When she turned, she held out a bottle and a glass to her frien
d.

  “Hannah, this is no time for a toast.” Maryette threw her hands in the air exasperatedly as she continued to pace.

  “No, dearest, drink! Drink the entire bottle. ‘Tis the law, you know. The minister cannot marry you if you arrive at the altar inebriated.”

  Maryette caught her breath in her throat and her heart skipped a beat.

  “You are aright! Oh, my dear friend, how brilliant and devious you are. I shall love you forever for this.” She took the proffered bottle, removed the cork and drank as much as she could in one breath. Feeling immediately dizzy, she sat, and over the next several minutes, finished off the bottle. After nearly a half hour, her head was spinning and she began to giggle uncontrollably.

  “I do believe, Hannah, that I am right and thor…thor…thoroughly inedibated…” she said with a hiccup.

  Hannah giggled, taking the empty bottle from her hand.

  “Good girl, Mare, now let us get you to the church so your nuptials may be suspended, hopefully indefinitely.”

  Hannah helped her to her feet and they made their way out of the house and down the block to the chapel where her father and mother waited impatiently on the outside stairs.

  “Please, go inside,” Maryette announced rather exuberantly. “I want to make a grand entrance.”

  Her parents nodded dutifully and went inside as Hannah fixed Maryette’s veil and fluffed her gown to make her more presentable. When all was readied, Maryette gave her a wink and the two stumbled up the stairs and entered the church with wide smiles. Maryette stood, wavering, at the back of the church while Hannah made her way down the aisle. When she reached the end, she turned and gave her a nod.

  Maryette walked slowly, trying her best to keep even footing as she made her way down the aisle, a grin spreading across her face at the secret she kept hidden. When she finally made her way to the altar to face her new husband, she nearly fainted.

  “Jo-Johnathan!” she cried, her voice slurred. She blinked her eyes several times trying to ensure he was really there. She reached out a hand to his arm in effort to steady herself.