Threads of Betrayal

by Monica Koldyke Miller

  “Don’t be overly concerned,” Beau said, patting her hand. “It’s a disease I’ve experienced many times myself. Your brother is infected, though he doesn’t yet know it. I’m only helping to open his eyes. Someday he’ll thank me. But as yet, he thinks me his enemy.”

  “Let’s hope you cure him. I’ve never seen him so agitated,” she replied.

  Once everyone was seated in the parlor, Amanda took the piano bench and tested the keys. In a nearby chair, Reagan envisioned his courtship slipping away with each passing hour. He wasn’t amused at the interest Thomas paid at his lack of progress and imagined there’d be precious little help in the matter from him.

  “What shall I play?” asked Amanda.

  “Do you have any favorite pieces?” asked Katherine.

  A popular tune soon filled the room with a melody that had everyone humming and tapping their toes. Beauregard, in a show of genteel flair bowed to Amy before taking her hands. In brotherly fashion, he demonstrated a few steps and then picked up the pace to match the tempo. Amy giggled as she spun around the room completely unaware of the scowl forming on her brother’s brow.

  Sinking deeper into his chair, Reagan watched the unfolding gaiety and silently cursed for tomorrow he’d leave with no advantage gained. It was one thing to match wits with an outsider like Derrick Banning, quite another to be bested by his own friend. He knew there was no accounting for Amanda’s heart. If she found appealing Beauregard’s flattery, his own overtures might lack sufficient charm.

  Amanda ended with a flourish while Beau spun then whirled his partner in a final pirouette. Amy clapped her hands as the Frenchman bowed his thanks before turning to Amanda.

  “Such gifted fingers!” he quipped, bringing her hand to his lips.

  Amanda laughed. “My music tutor would disagree, having declared my abilities unfit for any respectable parlor.”

  “Nonsense! That was wonderful,” exclaimed Katherine. Recognizing Reagan’s gathering fury, she gave him a warning frown. “Do play another piece, won’t you Amanda?”

  Amanda smiled as the mantle clock chimed the hour half past eight. “Although I’d love to, I must be getting home.”

  “Surely you could stay for some fresh tea. It’s become our favorite after-dinner pastime,” Katherine said, leaning forward.

  “Oui mademoiselle, do not depart,” Beauregard urged. “You could play another tune while we wait for refreshments.”

  “Yes, stay,” said Amy, joining Amanda on the bench. “I could learn another dance.”

  “Another time, I promise,” Amanda said. “I had a lovely time. Thank you for having me.”

  “We’ll expect you again,” Katherine said warmly. “You’re welcome anytime.”

  “I’ll tell our driver to bring around the carriage,” Thomas said, rising. “He’s in the kitchen with Sarah.”

  Reagan nearly vaulted from his seat. “Have him ready the surrey instead. I’ll be taking Miss Bruester home.”

  “But ami,” Beau said, grinning. “If you use the smaller conveyance, how can I join you?”

  Reagan’s face darkened. “If you’ve lost the buggy you came in, our driver’s still available.”

  “Non,” Beau said. “On second thought, another time. I’m looking forward to Madam Burnsfield’s tea.”

  “Reagan dear, sit a moment,” Katherine said, patting the sofa cushion beside her. “I’ve yet to hear of the plans for your trip. We were so engaged at dinner, I forgot to ask. Amanda, this chair next to the sofa is more comfortable than the bench. Why don’t you rest yourself while we wait?” As Reagan joined her on the sofa, he found Amanda sitting near him for the first time. “Thomas, tell the driver to put warm furs in the surrey,” Katherine continued. “It’s a bit nippy tonight.”

  “I’ll be right back,” Thomas said.

  As he made his way to the kitchen, Thomas wondered if Reagan could actually succeed in making Amanda his daughter-in-law. The thought did not displease him even as a distant recollection stirred, one that had taken place almost two score ago. Though faded, he recalled the bitter memory of having his own proposal rejected because he had little wealth. Her words still echoed in his mind, “…Papa said he’d disown me! If I defy him, I’ll lose my inheritance!”

  “I can replace anything you have,” Thomas had reassured her. “Not right away, but in a few years.”

  She had shaken her head. “It’s too humiliating. We’d live like paupers! You must go and ask Papa again!” He had pleaded, but nothing could convince her he could restore her position if she were cut from her father’s will. Unable to bear being rebuffed again, Thomas had eventually found solace in the arms of another.

  Strands of nostalgia tugged at Thomas’s heart as he mused how Emily’s daughter could still become his own after all.

  Chapter Twelve

  Beauregard joined the Burnsfield’s in the hall as they bid Amanda farewell. While a servant brought their wraps, Amy touched Amanda’s arm. “I don’t know what you see in my brother,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “But, I hope you come again even if he stays gone all winter.” Catching her words, Reagan swatted at his sister’s backside but she avoided the cuff by skittering behind her parents.

  Beau took advantage of Reagan’s distraction and lifted Amanda’s hand. “It’s my good fortune to have enjoyed your company once again. Au Revoir, mademoiselle.”

  “Good tidings to you, Mr. Barrington,” Amanda said as she accepted her jacket. “It’s been a pleasure.”

  Beau grinned at Reagan over his shoulder. “Don’t be gone overlong, my friend. I fear such a flower of savoir vivre will not long last.”

  Reagan furrowed his brow, thinking, the little weasel is practically proclaiming his intentions!

  “I consider myself duly warned. Now, if you’ll excuse us,” he said, giving a halfhearted smile. “We’ll take our leave.” He led Amanda to the porch, listening with satisfaction as the door closed behind them.

  “That was quite an experience,” she said, feeling the cold settle over her like an icy shawl. “I had no idea an evening could be so extraordinary.”

  Reagan assisted her into the surrey. Then climbing in, he unfolded a fur pelt, spreading it over her knees. “I have to confess, I was unhappy to find Beau a guest at our table,” he said.

  “Seething seems a more accurate word, Mr. Burnsfield. Why, you were wretchedly rude during dinner as well as in the parlor.”

  Relaxed now that he had Amanda to himself, he smiled while snapping the reins. “Was it that noticeable? I’m afraid I’m not a gracious loser when Beau intrudes where he’s not wanted.”

  “Intruding? Mr. Barrington was merely being clever and charming,” she said as he eased the conveyance into the lane.

  “As charming as a cobra,” Reagan snorted. “As long as I’ve known him, Beau’s sown mischief. But until now, I’ve never felt the bite of his foolishness.”

  “After tonight, I’ll not be surprised if you’ve so offended him, he’ll not visit your table again,” Amanda said, her fingers sinking into the fur. “Why, he must think you’ve taken leave of your senses.”

  “Hardly. I doubt that anything can insult your Mr. Barrington, especially when it comes to his trifling with every pretty skirt he sees.”

  “I can scarcely be considered a-a twitching skirt,” she said, her voice growing irritated. “I certainly didn’t encourage Mr. Barrington to be ought but himself.”

  “Well, you didn’t dampen his tomfoolery in the least! I won’t be surprised if he pursues you while I’m gone.”

  “What if he does?” Amanda’s chin rose. “Who are you to say yea or nay to whomever I choose to entertain?”

  “I only wish to protect you from scoundrels,” he replied. “Beau fancies himself a ladies man. It’s my duty to warn you.”

  “I’ve yet to see the menace, Mr. Burnsfield. You have a lot of gall for someone who’s turned his foot at every corner.”

  Reagan gripped the reins tightly. “It’s no sec
ret the man dotes on every female he sees. Yet, none hold his favor for long. I hope you realize his attentions are nothing more than passing interest.” He glanced toward her as if expecting her to agree, but was met with stony silence. Reagan realized his words weren’t serving his cause and tried again. “Amanda…”

  “You insolent whelp!” she cried, drawing away. “You strut and preen in front of me like a rooster, all the while accusing a true gentleman of buffoonery!”

  Viewing her up thrust chin, Reagan perceived he was the cause of his own undoing. “I apologize madam for putting you in a temper,” he said, sighing. “I’m at a loss for my ill manners.”

  “Ill manners aren’t the half of it,” she sputtered. “You treat me as if I were some kind of possession.”

  “No, you’re more like a gem of exquisite beauty,” he said softly. “I’m forever losing my head in your presence. Can you forgive me?”

  When she didn’t answer Reagan reached over and laid his hand over hers. “Amanda, you’re shivering!” he burst. “Why didn’t you tell me you were cold? Come closer where I can keep you warm.”

  “I’m close enough, thank you,” Amanda said. “I might find your protection as insufferable as your words.

  “This is ridiculous. Come here,” he said. “There’s no sense in you catching your death.” He drew Amanda against him, feeling an undeniable rightness in holding her. “Now, stay put until I get you home.”

  Amanda willed herself to ignore her quickening pulse. Sitting stiffly, she listened to the hoof beats that steadily drew her home. But even after she felt warmed by his nearness, her heart still thumped at a maddening pace, betraying how little she controlled it. She thought to bolster her resolve by mentally listing Reagan’s faults and her reasons for rejecting him. Yet strangely, her ire gradually ebbed and within his embrace she felt only contentment. As she relaxed, she rested against his shoulder and thus nestled, the buggy’s motion lulled her into a drowsy state and her eyes slowly closed.

  Reagan felt her snuggling against him and taking advantage of the moment, redirected the mare. It wasn’t until the surrey began to undulate with the gentle rise of land that Amanda sensed a change and sat upright.

  “Where are we?”

  “I thought a ride to the river would be nice before going home,” Reagan said.

  “It’s late. Mother will be worried.”

  “I wanted to speak with you and I’ve had no opportunity all evening.” He drew in as they reached the river’s edge, resting the reins on the dash rail. “I ask for only a moment.”

  “Then, a moment I’ll give you,” she said. “Afterward, I’ll expect you to take me home, straightway.”

  Reagan took her hands into his. “As you’re aware, I’m leaving tomorrow and won’t return until just before the elections. When I do, I hope to convince your parents of my sincerity in courting you. Until then, I ask that you don’t troth your heart to another.”

  “Are you speaking of Beau?” she asked tartly. “If what you say of him is true, he’ll be on to another long before you return.”

  “Not just Beau, but anyone who’s interested in courting you,” Reagan said. “I realize from the beginning, I’ve handled myself badly. I’ve been reckless and uncouth--”

  “And boorish and rude,” Amanda cut in.

  “Yes,” Reagan said, laughing. “I seem to put my foot in my mouth at every turn. As you can see, I’m less than perfect. But, I want to make amends. I’m not so much a cad as when I’m around you, I lose control of my sensibilities. So, please, let me prove myself worthy to both you and your parents.”

  She smiled in the darkness, her ire forgotten. “Even if I overlooked your churlish tendencies, I doubt my mother will. Your chances of gaining her consent are slim, I’m afraid.”

  “That’s why I’m here,” he said, stroking her fingers, “to rid whatever doubts she has, so I may court you.”

  The small caress provoked shards of pleasure, causing Amanda to withdraw her hands. “But what of me? Doesn’t it matter what I think?”

  Realizing he’d been granted a measure of concession, Reagan lifted Amanda’s chin. “It matters very much,” he whispered.

  All at once, Reagan forgot this was about saving his business. He became enthralled by the moonlight in her eyes and as her breath forged a path over his mouth, it seemed natural to close the distance between them. He slid an arm around her and slowly, warmly brushed her lips. He intended only a small kiss but her parted mouth trembled, prompting him to linger. As he traced his tongue over the edges of her mouth, his hand slid down her back and pressed her close.

  The sensuous contact caused strange yet wonderful yearnings within Amanda. She let his lips move over hers as she experienced these new sensations. She found it decidedly pleasant as a fluttering ripple began in the pit of her belly, radiating upward and outward. Its pleasure dulled rational thinking and caught in its trap, she melted against him.

  Emboldened by her unresisting form, Reagan daringly slanted his mouth over hers, plundering that which he had only sampled. The sudden fervor and unexpected intrusion of his tongue caused a swift response. Amanda drew back, wedging a hand against his chest, her heart leaping to a dizzying pulse.

  “Reagan…” she gasped.

  Horrified at the pleasurable warmth that flooded her being, she turned her head, exposing a more delectable target behind her ear. There, the scent of her perfume clouded his judgment and like a man long starved, the taste of her only whetted his appetite. Much time had passed since he’d felt the gratifying release only a woman could provide and now, he wanted more. Reagan deftly plucked the buttons of her jacket, forgetting everything except his need to possess her. Like liquid fire, his lips scorched her throat while he ran a hand inside her jacket, causing it to part.

  Amanda never imagined a man could create such physical craving for she knew not what. Her heart thudded as she falteringly allowed his mouth to explore hers once again and not until she perceived a hand pressed to her waist did she awaken as if from a stupor. “Stop! Please stop!” she panted, pulling away. “We mustn’t do this…”

  Her panicked voice became a splash of cold water and though his belly roiled with desire, Reagan wrested control of himself, releasing her. “Amanda! I…my apologies,” he said, drawing in a ragged breath.

  Amanda had no time to respond as the mare snorted at sounds of loud splashing. Both peered toward the river where moonlight revealed a tree limb drifting toward shore. Another splash, closer this time caused the horse to prance and Amanda fearfully clutched together the edges of her jacket.

  Reaching under the seat, Reagan withdrew a revolver and cocked the hammer. He pressed his lips with a finger, motioning for silence before backing the surrey behind a nearby willow.

  Within moments they heard voices, hushed yet excited as three ghostly shapes rose from the branches. A prickling ran over Amanda’s scalp as she watched the figures hunch together, talking in an unfamiliar dialect. When the forms slinked from the waters edge and out of sight Reagan released the hammer, replacing the gun to its former place.

  “Do you suppose they were robbers?” Amanda whispered.

  With his passions sufficiently cooled, Reagan chuckled at her childlike conclusions. “There’s only one reason for a person to risk a night river crossing. We probably just witnessed escaping slaves from the South.”

  “Slaves? Why would runaways come to Cantonsville?”

  “Obviously, there are those who oppose slavery enough to aid them along the way.”

  “Poor souls! It’s so cold. Shouldn’t we try to help them?”

  “They seem to know where they’re going and wouldn’t likely trust strangers. The best we can do for them is to tell no one what we saw,” he said. “Otherwise, by law we’d be compelled to turn in any fugitives.”

  “You’re right,” Amanda said. “I’ll forget we ever saw them.”

  Reagan snapped the reins, crossing the meadow before spying a line of torches alo
ng the riverbank. Pulling up sharply, he veered off the path when a gunshot sounded, followed by shouts as several men with firebrands encircled three figures cowering in the dirt. Upraised torches revealed dark skinned people in filthy, ragged garments. But with hats covering their faces, it was impossible to tell whether male or female lay prone on the ground.

  “What’s happening?” Amanda whispered.

  “Slave catchers,” Reagan spoke low. “Most likely bounty hunters.”

  “Ho! Whut have we here?” A towering figure suddenly loomed from the darkness and as the mare skittered sideways, the monstrous apparition grabbed her by the bit, yanking cruelly. “Whoa there,” he growled. “Settle down, yu damn animal.”

  Amanda gasped, for though the voice was human, the wide, fur-clad shoulders gave the figure a beast-like appearance.

  With darkness still shrouding the conveyance, Reagan reclaimed the pistol, holding it within shadows. “Your business isn’t with us,” he stated. “Release the mare and we’ll be on our way.”

  The gravel-voiced man paused before answering. “Me’bee, me’bee not. Whut ya’ll doin’ here? Helpin’ some nigra’s perhaps?”

  “Nah,” Reagan drawled. “I’m just taking my lady out for a ride.” He then put urgency into his light banter. “We should return before she’s missed though. I’d be obliged if you’d let us pass.”

  “Well now,” the giant said. “Ah wouldn’t be doin’ mah job if’n Ah didn’t make sher yu wuzn’t re-eely comin’ fer these here fug’tives. Ted! Bring yer light over here!”

  As Ted approached, his light fell on the giant, revealing bearskin pelts covering massive shoulders beneath collar length hair. Though the giant’s hat prevented a satisfactory look at his face, it was apparent by the stubbled jaw he didn’t often use a razor.

  Holding high his torch, Ted peered into the buggy. He missed the subtle movement of Reagan’s gun, hidden at his side. His unwashed body emanated a foul stench as he poked around Amanda, lifting the fur pelt. She reacted by slapping his hand. Laughing, Ted pushed up his hat, exposing greasy hair. “Look’ee here, boss,” he cackled, ogling Amanda’s loosened coat. “‘Pears they’s doing more’n just taking a ride!”