Threads of Betrayal

by Monica Koldyke Miller

  Indignation filled Reagan’s eyes as he abruptly headed toward them. Derrick turned. He then left the same way he came, uninvited, and through a side door.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  As revelry of the wedding celebration stretched into evening, Reagan longed to be rid of the fanfare. He took Amanda aside when the hall clock chimed nine tones, suggesting it was time to leave. As Amanda went upstairs to change, Katherine quietly gathered her family. It wouldn’t do to have an empty house greet the newly married couple.

  While Amanda packed her gown and jewelry, she couldn’t help but wonder if the evening’s gaiety had mocked the integrity of her vows. Was she truly wed before God if her pledge was spoken under false pretenses? She determined that despite the circumstances she would try to be a good wife. Perhaps, she would eventually be forgiven for her part in entangling Reagan with her troubles.

  Descending the stairs, she found Reagan standing near the bottom step. “I hope this is suitable,” she said, smoothing her skirt.

  “You look captivating,” he said.

  “Truly spoken like a husband,” she said taking his arm.

  “In this case, madam, it’s most assuredly true. Now, let’s find your parents and bid them goodnight.”

  “Must you leave?” Emily asked, setting down her wine glass on the parlor table. “Amanda may wish to bid her guests goodbye.”

  “No, dear,” George said. “We should see to the task ourselves.” He planted a kiss on Amanda’s temple. “I bid you good evening, daughter. Or, should I call you Mrs. Burnsfield?”

  Amanda wrapped her arms around his neck and gave a quick squeeze. “Oh Papa, what am I to do?” she whispered.

  “Why, you’re going to make a home for yourself,” he said in her ear.

  “Thank you, Papa, I will.”

  She then kissed Emily while Reagan extended his hand to George. “Good night, sir. This has been the most significant day of my life.”

  George accompanied the couple to the door and waited with them until Wills brought their wraps. Once their carriage was brought around, Reagan assisted Amanda inside before settling on the seat next to her.

  As the carriage took off, Amanda sat in silence, all schooling in conversation fleeing as Reagan drew near and draped an arm over her shoulder. Unaccustomed to sitting closely, Amanda tried moving away but found herself trapped against his side. Moments later, her qualms only increased when his thumb found her cheek and stroked it gently. Her ring reminded Amanda she was a married woman, but it couldn’t alleviate her feeling like a helpless prey about to be devoured.

  “Aren’t you going to light the lamp?” she asked.

  “No love,” he whispered in her ear. “It isn’t necessary.”

  “But-it’s too dark.” Amanda’s heart quickened when she felt him bending toward her. “Reagan, please,” she breathed, pulling back. “I’d like the lamp on.”

  “It’s better this way,” he said, following her retreat. “You wouldn’t want it on. It’d only distress you more.” Having curbed his thoughts all evening, Reagan allowed his imagination to follow its own path as he nuzzled her ear before grazing her temple with his lips. “Come here,” he whispered, turning her face toward him. Savoring the moment, he hovered above her lips as his breath caressed her face.

  Amanda trembled as a budding excitement stirred her emotions and when his mouth finally touched hers, she wondered anew at the sensations coursing through her body. Yet, the pleasure of this game turned alarming when Reagan rested a hand on her thigh. She resisted by brushing it aside.

  “Don’t pull away, love,” he said, boldly reclaiming the spot. “Just relax and let me…get to know you.” He waited until she allowed his hand to remain and then lowered his mouth to hers. Under his insistent pressure, her lips parted and she falteringly allowed his tongue to come into contact with hers as his hand crept upward. Just like the night by the river, she marveled at this new and strange activity that left her feeling as if she had consumed a goodly amount of wine. She didn’t realize Reagan’s hand had slipped past her cloak until he brazenly cupped a breast. Fiery heat flooded her being at the unexpected contact and she gasped as much from embarrassment as the pleasure she felt.

  “Please,” she breathed, staying his hand. “I beg a moment. I know we’re wed good and proper, but I pray you’ll wait until we reach your chambers.”

  Reagan groaned inwardly as he straightened in the seat. “As you wish, my dear,” his voice was ragged and tight. “My apologies.” Though every fiber in his being urged him on, Reagan sensed he had pushed Amanda to her limits. If he pawed her like a rutting blackguard, he risked frightening her unduly.

  Amanda’s hands shook as she straightened her cloak. She knew she was being cowardly. Women from the beginning of time had endured the joining of husband and wife. And yet here she was, resisting her husband’s touch. Throughout the planning of the wedding, Emily made no mention of Amanda’s new role as wife. She had secretly wished her mother had given council of what to expect. Her own embarrassment had kept her from asking and now it was too late. She quaked as she wondered if Reagan would take her brutishly, ravishing her in a heated moment.

  As the landau came to a halt, Reagan wasted no time opening the door and lifting Amanda to the ground. He fully intended to whisk her to his chambers without delay. Much to his chagrin, Katherine stood just inside the door.

  “Welcome, my dear.” She planted a motherly kiss on Amanda’s cheek as a servant stood near to take their wraps.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Burnsfield.”

  Katherine turned to Reagan. “Your father’s in the study. I believe he wants a word with you.”

  “Tonight?” He could barely contain his agitation. “Surely, mother, it can wait until morning!” He rested a hand stubbornly on the small of Amanda’s back. “Besides, Amanda’s unfamiliar with the house and needs to be shown our rooms.”

  “I’ll take Amanda to your chambers,” Katherine offered. “And don’t smoke one of those foul cheroots you’re so fond of.”

  Exasperated, Reagan threw up a hand before turning toward the study. “I’ll make short shrift of whatever he has the audacity to require me this night!”

  Katherine chuckled as she led the way upstairs.

  “A ruse?” Amanda asked.

  “Of course!”

  “But, why?”

  “The men folk in this family are single minded to a fault. And, I wanted a word alone with you,” she said.

  “Oh.” Amanda’s heart leapt, fearing she would now be accused of tarnishing the Burnsfield name. But Katherine said nothing until they reached the top of the staircase.

  “This is Amy’s room,” she said, pointing to the nearest door. “I hope her comings and goings won’t unduly disturb you.”

  “I’m sure it won’t,” Amanda said, expecting a reprimand at any moment. She suspected that if Katherine were anything like her mother, she would give her criticisms when no one was around to witness them.

  Katherine led Amanda along the corridor where several gas sconces lit the hallway. “At the end of the hall are Thomas’s and my private quarters, but here,” she said, stopping at a door in the middle, “is where you’ll share Reagan’s chambers.” Turning the knob, Katherine went inside. “As you can see, your trunks are at the foot of the bed. They were delivered earlier today.”

  Inside, a fire crackled behind the grate giving the room comfortable warmth. Amanda counted two chairs near the fireplace where one might relax while reading. An armoire resided against a wall next to a matching dresser. The nightstand next to the bed held a kerosene lamp and beside that was a tray with a glass and decanter.

  If Katherine was about to upbraid Amanda she gave no indication as she presented the chambers, including a connecting room with a tub, commode and two bureaus. She opened drawers to show Amanda linens, towels, and various accoutrements. A blush darkened Amanda’s cheeks when she saw a newly installed changing partition and turned her attention to a dish of
scented soaps. When Amanda drew near a brush and comb set on top of the nearest bureau, Katherine smiled.

  “You didn’t think I’d forgotten your wedding tribute, did you?” Amanda saw kindness in the elder’s eyes and realized Katherine was welcoming her into the family.

  “Thank you! You’ve been most kind, despite…the situation…”

  “Oh posh! We were so pleased Reagan finally chose a wife, we couldn’t be happier.” Putting an arm around Amanda, she led her back into the bedroom. “Now you just put any disagreeable thoughts out of your mind. You’re a Burnsfield now. Any unpleasant experiences should be put behind you. What’s important is what you do now. Which reminds me,” Katherine mused, looking around. “I’ve something else for you.” She walked over and picked up the crystal decanter. After pouring liquid into the tumbler, she pressed it into Amanda’s hands. “Here, drink this. Does a world of good for calming nerves.”

  Amanda took a sip. “No, drink it all,” Katherine urged, pressing the glass to her lips. “It’s only sherry, but it’ll give you fortitude.”

  Amanda coughed, smiling weakly. “Is it so obvious I’m a coward?”

  “We’re all cowards at first,” Katherine said, taking the glass. “But no matter how frightening tonight may seem, what you’ll share, will become a thing to be cherished.”

  “I suppose,” Amanda said, blushing. But, I-I don’t know…”

  “You may experience pain,” Katherine said bluntly. Amanda’s eyes widened as Katherine shed her normal mien of propriety. “Many things a woman must bear, involve pain. But it’ll be short-lived. You’ll soon enjoy the blessings that come with the respect and commitment you extend each other. I promise.” She squeezed Amanda’s hand reassuringly. “I’ll make sure you’ve time to prepare yourself before Reagan barges in like a mad bull. I told his father if he knows what’s best, he’d better keep his son downstairs until I returned.”

  “I also took the liberty of purchasing a nightgown,” Katherine said, indicating the wardrobe. “As your mother had more pressing matters to attend.”

  “You needn’t have. I have several of my own.”

  Katherine winked as she stepped across the threshold. “Oh, I’ve a feeling this will be exceedingly more appropriate,” she said, closing the door.

  Perplexed, Amanda opened the armoire to find a large space had been cleared and in its center hung a translucent shift. Removing it from the hanger, she approached the lamp to get a better view. Under the light, the indigo silk shimmered, reflecting a myriad of silver and gold threading. She ran fingers over the garment, awed by its beauty. As she undressed she folded then placed her clothing in the trunk. She wasted no time lest Reagan find her completely disrobed and donned the gown which opened to her cleavage and ended several inches above her knees.

  In the antechamber, Amanda removed her hairpins. Shaking her hair loose, she barely recognized the woman-child gazing back whose curves were softly draped by the shift.

  Then climbing into bed, she kept glancing at the sherry until with trembling fingers she filled the tumbler. After draining the glass, she blew out the lamp, leaving only firelight to illuminate the chamber.

  A soft tread forewarned Amanda that her husband was approaching, and after a warning knock, entered. A bursting log sent cinders into the air, revealing his missing jacket and loosened tie. A heady euphoria settled over Amanda as the sherry took effect, giving a sense of composure she hadn’t felt all night. When Reagan sat beside her, she no longer quaked, but calmly awaited what this night would bring.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  After his encounter with Amanda, Derrick left the Bruester manse in a fit of rage. He viciously kicked his horse, sending it into a dangerous run until reaching his hotel.

  Once inside his room, Derrick opened a bottle of whiskey. It was he, not that roughneck who should’ve married the Bruester heir! Leaving for a few weeks had proven disastrous, for the lumberman had worked quickly. Derrick flung himself into a chair as he recalled his string of bad luck. Born the son of an illiterate dockworker, Orville Farnsworth had spent his youth carrying luggage for families of privilege. He had walked among them, but by their indifference it was clear he could never be one of them. Resentful of his meager lifestyle, Orville learned to pilfer valuables from bags he carried, and when theft failed to satisfy his lusts, he learned ciphering to secure positions of trust. To sever himself from his humble beginnings, he changed his name. Overnight, Orville Farnsworth became Derrick Banning.

  After embezzling money where he worked as a lowly bank teller, he had fled New York in search of his next mark. Derrick recalled meeting George Bruester while masquerading as an escort for the New York Bank. Besides spending money like it couldn’t be exhausted, George also mentioned having a daughter of marriageable age. With any luck, the girl would be unattached. Although Derrick disliked the idea of marriage, the thought of going to prison seemed even worse. He simply must wed the girl. If he were later apprehended for his crimes, a discreet payment and banishment from New York would take care of things nicely.

  In Cantonsville, Derrick had easily manipulated his visit into a pursuit for Amanda’s hand and when she requested he leave her home to formally court her, he had willingly complied. But once on his own, his funds rapidly dwindled. Forced to look for other sources of income, he daringly stole a bank draft from George’s office. Cashing the cheque required opening an account in a different city under his true name Orville Farnsworth. He waited several days before withdrawing the substantial sum. It was following this caper that he had returned to discover the nuptials had already taken place. Though enraged, Amanda had unwittingly presented him with another course of action.

  Rising from his chair, Derrick stared into the mirror above the washstand. He ran a hand across his jaw, deciding that side burns and an unclipped beard would go a long way in hiding his identity. He would move into less conspicuous lodgings and once again change his name. Then, Orville thought shrewdly, he would apply for a job at the Burnsfield lumber mill.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  During the days leading up to Christmas, Amanda found herself graciously included in family activities. On Christmas Eve when Katherine insisted on going shopping, Amanda found gifts for everyone. For Reagan, she had selected half a dozen embroidered handkerchiefs. Later recalling the jewelry she received from him, she also purchased a gold plated timepiece. As much as Reagan hadn’t declared his love, she decided to only have it inscribed with ‘Eternally Yours, Amanda’.

  A light, powdery snow fell as the Burnsfield women journeyed home, their treasures placed securely in the rear compartment. Tomorrow was Christmas and Amanda felt more at ease than she thought possible, as the family seemed to accept her without reserve. Reagan, though attentive, was always constrained in front of others. It wasn’t until behind chamber doors that he displayed an unquenchable desire to possess her. His passions were easily kindled and he took delight in introducing Amanda to the more pleasurable aspects of marriage. She blushed when she thought about her abandonment while in the midst of their love play. Reagan would chuckle at her embarrassment, and snuggling under the quilts, he would bring her to that place of bliss she was learning to relish.

  Christmas day proved delightful. She received many wonderful gifts, including two bottles of French perfume Beau had delivered by courier. The Burnsfields declared the gifts they had received from her were just the things they needed. Afterward, they had enjoyed a leisurely breakfast where much laughter was shared.

  Later that evening, Reagan and Amanda spent time in the library, she, to finish a book, and he, to read yesterday’s paper. Amanda stole glances at the man she had married, admiring his handsome profile and powerfully built frame. Outwardly, Reagan had not shown resentment for snatching her and Aunt Ella from the jaws of the law. Yet, neither had he demonstrated the affection one would expect from a man who wished to be wed. Perhaps, his fondness would grow, she thought, turning back to her book.

  Witho
ut warning, Reagan broke the silence. “I’ll be leaving for camp the day after tomorrow and won’t be returning until spring.”

  Bewildered at his brusque manner, Amanda tried hiding her sudden hurt. “Must you?”

  Reagan laid the paper down, frowning. “Yes, Amanda, I must. My foreman has only so much authority. I need to be there.”

  “Will you be home for visits?” she asked hopefully.

  “There are few roads and even fewer towns where I’m going. Travel is dangerous enough in winter and you suggest I trot back and forth just to visit?”

  “I thought we’d have more time…” She stopped as sudden tears brimmed her eyes. Hiding behind her book, she daubed her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’d be leaving so soon.”

  Avoiding Amanda’s eyes, Reagan stood to gaze out the window. “I thought it best to say nothing until now. We had enough to deal with these past weeks, but now it’s time I go.” He had put off his announcement, thinking a short notice would be easier. Instead, he had turned the situation into an exchange of disagreeable words. He didn’t understand his lapse in manners and sought relief by pouring a drink. Rather than apologizing, he turned his anger outward. “Damn it, Amanda, lumbering is what I do. You can’t expect me to ignore my obligations simply because we are wed.”

  “I know,” she said, her voice cracking. “It was foolish of me to think you’d stay this winter. You never anticipated being…I mean…of course this was unexpected…” Amanda struggled to remain calm but as her control dwindled so did her composure and she soon fled the room.

  Reagan started after her but stopped at the door. He couldn’t explain his haste in leaving for tomorrow Amanda’s dowry would be transferred. Until the documents were signed, he dare not risk exposing his rationale for marrying Amanda. He returned to his chair and picked up the newspaper. Yet, all he could see was the anguish provoked by his retched behavior and that he was the cause of Amanda’s unhappiness.