Shannon paled and trembled as she witnessed his accusatory expression and mood. She reached for the cabinet to steady herself. “You didn’t…” She couldn’t complete the terrifying question.
Blane forcefully drilled his gaze into hers. “You deceived me, woman. Isn’t it time for the truth—every word of it?”
Jeremy stated, “I told you she was lying about that half-breed.”
Blane watched the effect of his words on her. “Not lying, Jeremy, just keeping silent because she is stubborn and had been hurt. She never loved him or planned to marry him, because Hawke is her half brother,” the angry Texan disclosed. “That’s who you sent to marry Ellie, isn’t it? Like you said, I was chasing the wrong man, or rather the wrong brother. Why didn’t you tell me about Hawke in Savannah? How could you let me ride off thinking and feeling like that? Why didn’t you explain in Georgetown? You knew I was still seeking the wrong man. Lord, Shannon, I could have slain Corry by mistake. All this time you knew you were letting my sister marry…”
Shannon went straight and stiff as she cut off the words she feared were coming forth, “Silence! He’s my brother. Don’t you dare call him names! He loves Ellie and she loves him. Stay out of it.”
He insisted on finishing his statement. “…Marry the right man. I should have guessed the truth when I saw those pictures. Thank heavens Corry has chestnut hair and blue eyes. Ellie is a blue-eyed blonde. They couldn’t possibly have a son with midnight hair and eyes who favors Hawke. Now I know why I found his looks disturbing. Why did you tell me Corry had gone to Texas to marry her?”
“I didn’t. I said she was marrying a Greenleaf, the man she loved, the father of her child. That’s Hawke Greenleaf.” She smugly related how she and Hawke had figured out the truth and how he had left to marry Ellie. She didn’t care if Jeremy was hearing Ellie’s secrets. She told Blane about the romance between Hawke and Ellie and the reasons for Hawke’s ruse, and why the truth about him had been withheld from Ellie and Blane. She told Blane that Ellie was sending him a letter of explanation via Lincoln, stating it was Ellie’s right and duty to clear up this torturous misunderstanding.
“Your family sent their threatening letters to the wrong man; that’s why Corry claimed innocence and refused to wed her. Or perhaps my father dealt dishonestly with Ellie’s claims. He’s dead, so we’ll never know what he did or why. After we went to Boston, Papa disowned Hawke and sent him away for refusing to fight for the Union. Everyone involved has suffered enough. Please let Hawke and Ellie be happy together. He’s bringing her to live with us, so you won’t have to see him again. He can’t help being part Comanche, just as he can’t help what happened years ago with your sister.”
“If Ellie and Hawke want each other, that’s fine with me. Since he’s your brother, he’s got to be special. But you should have been honest in Georgetown. I thought Corry was with Ellie. When I confronted him, I was shocked and infuriated.”
“You instantly assumed I had lied to you! That should teach you not to jump to hasty conclusions on crucial matters. Don’t you see, Blane? How could I tell you about Hawke, knowing how you feel about Comanches? I wanted you to hear about their love and happiness from Ellie; then maybe you wouldn’t mind their marriage. And I wanted you to deal with your doubts about me and him while you still viewed him as a rival. I wanted you to realize you’re the only man I love and want, before I told you why Hawke was no threat to us. I wanted to see if you could love me and trust me on sheer faith. Did you hurt Corry? Where is he? How is he?” she pressed eagerly.
“Calm down, Blue Eyes. I only thought you were trying to protect him until we could settle matters. He’s been with the Union Navy for the past seventeen months. His ship was docked at Charleston. We actually ran into each other. I recognized him instantly. Needless to say, we uncovered many truths during our quarrel. As soon as I made my charges, Corry started guessing the truth.”
Blane chuckled. “Since keen intelligence runs in your family, Corry and I figured you and Hawke had also solved this mystery. But Corry knew something you didn’t: he knew that Hawke loved Ellie and had returned to Texas.to find her when Corry went off to war. It was clear to me he didn’t know about the letters, just as Hawke didn’t know where to seek Ellie. I was hoping you had supplied that information. I can understand why you kept silent, and I hope you can see why I did the same about chasing Corry. If I didn’t know before Georgetown that you loved me and could be trusted, I sure learned my lesson there. Corry’s safe and healthy. I didn’t tell him about your troubles with Simon Travers. I thought you would prefer to explain them.”
Shannon stated softly, “That was considerate and compassionate of you. You’re sure he was all right? How long will he be in port?”
“He sailed before I left town. He said not to expect to see him before the war is settled. I also didn’t tell him about your home. He can’t do anything at sea but worry. I promised I would locate you so we could settle our differences and get married. He was most agreeable about me and my sister joining his family.”
She shook her head sadly. “Just like that—forget and forgive the past? Heavens, Blane! How can I marry you when you’re always ready to doubt me at the slightest provocation? What if Hawke hadn’t been my brother or Corry had been guilty? Would you be here now? Why can’t you have faith in me? When have I lied to you? When have I harmed you? I even told you that Hawke was a brother to me.”
“Listen to me, woman. We’ve both been stupid and impulsive. You know perfectly well you implied the truth all the time, but you didn’t speak it clearly and openly. How was I to know, Shannon. I admit I’ve been spiteful and mean at times. I’m sorry. I acted out of jealousy and torment. You and Ellie and this war have made me act crazy. The truth is out. It won’t happen again. I swear it, Shannon.”
“No more twisted code of honor and justice? No more making me suffer for the sins of others? No more suspicions and doubts and charges?”
“I’m not the only one guilty of those things, Shannon,” he replied tenderly, rebukingly. “You have to accept some of the blame. We can’t change our past actions, but we can have something special if you’re willing to help me build it. We’re a perfect pair, Blue Eyes.”
“It’s so hard to know what to do. I’m so afraid to trust you again,” she confessed hoarsely. “I know about so many things you’ve done, like those two betrayals of Eli. How can I be sure you aren’t still deluding me and using me? You said and did such awful things.”
“I know I hurt you, Shannon. All I ask is another chance.”
There was one way to test his love and faith. She looked into his eyes and inquired gravely, “If I told you I was pregnant, would you ask me who the father was? Would you have any doubt it was you?”
His heart thudded wildly and joyfully at her words. He grinned as he recalled mentally plotting to ensnare her with a child. Another thought shot into his head. Women had died in childbirth, including Shannon’s mother. Could a daughter inherit such a condition? The smile faded as worry filled him. “Are you pregnant, Shannon?”
“You didn’t answer me, Blane,” she persisted.
His gaze shifted over her supple figure. “Surely you wouldn’t have married Simon Travers while carrying my child? You couldn’t possibly give our son that bastard’s name.”
“Not for any reason, Blane?” she probed. “Not even to protect your child after you deserted his mother? Not even to give him a name other than bastard? Not even when you couldn’t be located to marry her? Not even for money to ensure his survival? Not even to destroy false evidence against his mother so he wouldn’t be born in prison or die before he left his mother’s body? Not even to reclaim his rightful maternal heritage? Not even because you hurt and shamed his mother so deeply that she couldn’t tell you about him? Not even because she feared you wouldn’t believe her, if she could find you?”
Blane tenderly caressed her damp cheek. “She would be justified in doing so, even if for only one of those r
easons. I have no doubts, Blue Eyes. But you’ve made a terrible mistake. By marrying Simon, you’ve given him a claim on our child. Do you realize the law will be on his side? If he learns the truth, he’ll use our child to hold you or to punish you.”
Shannon’s legs went weak and tremors swept through her. She had not taken her pregnancy into consideration when planning her divorce. Could Simon lay claim to her child? A pregnancy could have a dire effect on her charges. “I was planning to end the marriage before my condition became obvious. I was hoping to find you and marry you before the baby was born. I want your son to have your name. So much had happened during those few days: seeing Greenleaf destroyed, finding Hawke there, enduring that…situation with you in Charleston and at home, learning all about Ellie and Corry and Hawke, then Simon appearing with his blackmail scheme. I was alone. I was so tired and hurt and confused. It all started while I was waiting for you in Sherman’s office.”
“What do you mean?” Blane asked, holding her tenderly.
She told him about the soldiers’ enlightening conversations. “I was mad at you. I was hurt. I wasn’t feeling well. That’s when I realized I was pregnant. Maybe that’s why I was so jittery. I had to get out of that vile beast’s office. Mister Barnes took me home, and you know what I saw and endured there. What have I done?”
“Relax, love. I’ll think of something. Until we can get you free of Simon, you’ll have to stay hidden and keep the baby a secret.” He glanced at Jeremy and asked, “Can I depend on you for help and loyalty? If you hadn’t interfered, this might not be happening.”
Without thinking, she unselfishly chided, “Don’t blame him. He was only trying to help you. In view of all the false evidence Simon created, it’s no wonder he didn’t like me or trust me. We have enough trouble without you two splitting your friendship over me.”
Blane speculated sullenly, “Lord, Jeremy, don’t you realize the truth? Look at Shannon. Who are you really seeing and punishing?”
He looked at Shannon’s hair and eyes and complexion and size. Shock registered on the man’s face. “God, forgive me…”
“It’s Shannon you’ve wronged, Jeremy. I should have guessed the trouble before now. She isn’t anything like Cassandra.”
Jeremy’s remorse couldn’t be denied. “I’m sorry, Shannon.”
Blane stayed with Shannon for eight days. They talked and loved and made plans for their future. He was afraid to leave her, even under Jeremy’s protection. On March 5, Sarah Jane and Jeremy were married. Shannon was moved into Molly’s old suite of rooms, which afforded secrecy of location and quicker aid from her two friends. As Blane checked news of the events occuring in the South each day, he began to realize it was selfish and wrong of him to be lazing around with his love.
Confederate General Johnston arrived in Raleigh and was greeted jovially by Governor Vance and his staff. General Schofield’s Union troops were making a move on Goldsboro, having taken New Bern. On the sixth, General Bragg alerted Johnston to the Federal attack planned on Kinston. The following day, the Union Army was dealt a stunning defeat. Unfortunately Sherman was on the move…
Blane received orders from General Grant to resume his duties. He was relieved when Shannon did not argue or plead with him. During the last two hours they spent together, they did nothing but lie snuggled together, silently enduring their thoughts of this torturous separation. He made her promise she would remain inside Molly’s suite until he came back for her.
During Blane’s absence, Shannon read every printed word that Jeremy could provide for her. This war was such a tragedy, she thought sadly as she scanned the newspaper accounts one afternoon. It should never have begun! Most of the Southern states had not intended to secede. If only President Lincoln had not illegally instigated hostilities against certain states, others would not have been forced or compelled to go to the aid of their “Southern brethren.” The North had actually invaded the South and had inspired this bloody conflict, she realized. Lincoln himself had admitted in July of ’61 that “except perhaps South Carolina, a majority of the people were for the Union.” All of this for male honor and pride?
General Johnston claimed a defense post at Smithfield, between Raleigh and Goldsboro, a hundred miles from Wilmington. From there, he could wait for Sherman or move to intercept him. When news arrived of Sherman’s march toward Goldsboro, the Rebel forces went into action. Hoke’s Division, Stewart’s command, Bragg’s force, Hampton’s units, Hardee’s troops, Kirkland’s Brigade, the Junior Reserves, and other regiments prepared to surprise, confront, and defeat General Sherman at Bentonville on March 19. It was an awesome and costly battle for the Union. The Rebel strategy was cunning, but a lack of fighting men and supplies eventually forced their retreat. It was a glorious mark on Johnston’s record, though he lost the town.
Sherman joined Schofield in Goldsboro, where incidents of looting and plundering and burning and slaying of men became common news. It seemed that Georgia, South Carolina, the lower half of North Carolina, and Tennessee were conquered territory. That left the upper section of North Carolina and most of Virginia to be defeated by the Union forces.
On March 23, Captain Elisha Carter sailed into the port near Wilmington, flying a Union flag. After meeting with Jeremy, the two men visited Shannon with dire news.
“Are you sure?” she probed frantically.
“He’s on his way here with five men, Shannon,” Eli told her. “If you don’t come with me, you know what he’ll do. He must have plenty of money and power, because he persuaded the soldiers to search Denton’s home from top to bottom and his ship from stem to stern. It’s the third time he’s been to Charleston seeking you. I had one of my crewmen watch him. As soon as Simon headed this way, I came to make sure you weren’t here. You can’t remain in Wilmington. He’ll find you.”
“He has no legal right to claim me,” she argued.
“If he didn’t, the authorities wouldn’t be helping him.”
Jeremy advised, “Go with him, Shannon. I’ll try to locate Blane and send him to help you. Travers is dangerous, and crazy.”
“But I have you and Eli to defend me,” she protested.
“What can we do if the law insists you leave with him?”
“Blane will be furious if I run off with you, Eli.”
“Look,” Elisha reasoned, “Jeremy has told me you two are in love and planning to marry. I’m not trying to steal you from him—not that I wouldn’t give anything to have you for myself. I only want to protect you. I owe you, Shannon, for helping me escape in Savannah and for misjudging you. Jeremy can tell Blane where you are. Besides, Matti would love to see you and take care of you.”
In three days, Shannon was sitting in Denton’s parlor. All three men had agreed this would be the last place Simon would look for her. The weather was improving and warming. Nature was busy making her changes. Shannon’s tummy was beginning to round slightly and the waists of her clothes were getting snug. By her best calculations, she was a few days over four months pregnant. She prayed this harrowing ordeal with Simon would end soon and she could begin her life with Blane, before anyone doubted the child’s paternity.
Mattilu Walker had been overjoyed to see Shannon. The first day, the. two women had spent hours exchanging stories and making plans. Matti was thrilled by “the little bun” that Shannon was “warming.” She insisted on waiting upon the laughing redhead who vowed she was in excellent health. For days, Matti worked on adjusting Shannon’s garments and talked of her newly found sweetheart, smiling happily as she did so. Clearly Matti was not ready to leave Charleston and Clem.
Shannon made certain no one caught even a glimpse of her at a window. If Denton went out at night, the apartment remained dark, for Matti had a small cottage on a dirt lane nearby. Shannon cautioned the adoring Denton not to buy anything unusual and warned Eli not to visit too often. Elisha and his brother took daring steps to prevent any hint of Shannon’s presence. While Shannon concealed herself behind a sof
a, Denton “entertained” a female companion until long after midnight. Another night, the two brothers hosted a lengthy card game while Shannon hid under Denton’s bed. When and if those visitors were questioned and bribed, none would report a guest at Denton Carter’s.
The end of March found President Lincoln visiting with General Grant at City Point and planning the final strategies. It was learned that General Sherman had met and talked with the two leaders on March 27. On the twenty-ninth, General Lee asked for supplies to be sent to Amelia Court House, as he could no longer battle Grant for the control of Petersburg and Richmond. Johnston was leading Sherman a vexing chase in North Carolina. On the thirty-first, the last Confederate victory in Virginia was enjoyed at Chamberlain’s Run under Barringer.
April arrived with grim defeats for the Confederacy. The war raged fiercely in Virginia, the last Rebel stronghold. Grant and Sheridan tightened their noose around General Lee and that area. The battle at Five Forks cost Lee a third of his army. On April 2, Petersburg fell to Union forces. On April 3, Richmond—capitol of the Confederacy—was conquered and looted and burned. Grant pursued Lee across the state, while Sherman chased the elusive Johnston. With the capitol lost and all supply lines severed, the Confederacy was on the brink of total ruin. Rebel soldiers now functioned on sheer grit and pride.
Amidst these struggles and agonies, Major Blane Stevens worked as an advance scout for General Grant. It had been over three weeks since he had left Shannon in Jeremy Steele’s care. To avoid making a lethal slip, he had forced his wits and concentration to stay clear and sharp, for the end of the war was near and it would herald the beginning of his life with Shannon. When a medical officer removed his stitches, the man praised the fine surgeon whose work barely showed. In time, Blane would have nothing more than two slender white scars to remind him of that fateful incident.
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