Lynna's Rogue

by Kitty Margo

  Suzanne sat by the pond, her wet hair plastered to her head and her soaking wet clothes clinging to her shivering body. She was in a glorious rage. Somehow she had known Joshua would not make an appearance tonight. He had met her every night for the past fortnight. And now, the very night that treacherous slut arrived, he neglected to meet her. Oh true, there was a torrential downpour at present, but had it detained her from coming? Hell, no! If he was as eager to be with her as she was him, would a little rainfall deter him?

  Suzanne was certain of one thing. Joshua was not at fault here. Oh no. Lynna was! She had not failed to notice how the shameless hussy had practically thrown herself at the poor man. What red-blooded man would not have been sorely tempted by such an open display of wantonness? Oh, Lynna desired Joshua, that much was obvious. Any fool could see that. But if she got her hands on him, it would be after Suzanne's was in the ground!

  The rain poured down steadily throughout the night, drumming on the tin roof and settling the occupants of Cedar Hill into a peaceful slumber. By morning the lawn was standing in several inches of water and turning the oyster shell driveway into slush. Still the rain continued to fall over the hushed plantation.

  The field hands enjoyed a day of much needed rest and most were still abed, however those who were awake were smiling broadly as the rain turned the fields to mire, assuring them of at least one more day from the fields.

  Going to the French doors, Lynna saw that the storm had set in to stay. The sky was a leaden, ominous grey, draping an eerie cloak of darkness over the land as far as she could see, and promising more rain to come. Dressing in warm clothes against the damp chill that invaded the house, she proceeded downstairs in search of a steaming cup of coffee. She also had in mind to sample the country ham and buttered biscuits that smelled divine.

  “Lynna!” Bethany Breanne called from the dining room. “Will you sit beside me at breakfast? Please?”

  Lynna scooped the darling child into her arms and tickled her ribs, sending her into peals of laughter. “I cannot imagine anyone I would rather sit next to.”

  “I can!” Suzanne sneered from behind her. “You may hope to entice Joshua with your wanton ways, but I assure you, you will not succeed! I noticed, as did everyone else, how you batted your lashes throughout dinner, dallying with him like the common white trash that you are!”

  Lynna's own temper was beginning to rise. Suzanne was jealous and spiteful, that was painfully obvious. “None of the accusations you have leveled against me are true, Suzanne!” she spat, arching her eyebrow meaningfully. “And if you will recall, I was not the one making overtures last night. It was your Captain Jordan who seemed to have some difficulty keeping his hands to himself!”

  Suzanne gasped, incensed. “Why, you devious little twit! You would give Daniel up just like that, wouldn’t you? You never had any intention of marrying him. You were just toying with him until you found a man with a wealthier purse. And you think my Joshua is that man? Be warned, he is mine!”

  Bethany Breanne’s voice chirped in, “Joshua called Lynna ‘his sweet’ last night, didn’t he, Lynna? The thunderbolts woke us and Lucy and I went to my balcony. He was talking to you under your balcony during the storm, wasn’t he, Lynna?”

  Suzanne seethed as she watched the betraying blush stain Lynna's cheek. Of all the nights she and Joshua had spent together making love until sunrise, he had never once used that, or any other term of endearment with her. Spinning on her heels, she fled the room, humiliation causing her cheeks to flame. So, the little brat had heard Joshua’s words as well as that prying bitch, Lucy, her nanny. She knew Lucy would giggle and gossip about the incident for days, causing all the housemaids to snicker behind her back. She had to put a stop to this nonsense before it got further out of hand!

  The rain continued even heavier than before. Lynna passed the morning lounging in her room and reading to Bethany Breanne. After lunch, she stitched needlepoint with the other ladies, huddled close to the fire. Well, all of the ladies except Suzanne, who remained closeted in her room. Lynna enjoyed the peaceful day, and by nightfall was pleasantly tired, quickly drifting off to a dream-laced sleep with visions of a swarthy, raven-haired sea captain.

  Two days later, the rain still fell. The river rose rapidly, swelling out of its banks and flooding the lowlands, causing a sizable loss in profits. That was one of the risks taken when planting in the rich fertile soil abutting the river. Just before dark, the men were returning from the stables, drenched, when Joshua galloped up on his magnificent black stallion. The ladies rushed to the verandah, fearful that only bad news would bring him out in such inclement weather.

  “Two fools tried to cross the river!” he shouted, trying to be heard above the pouring rain, tipping his hat at Lynna, and not so much as noticing Suzanne. “The ferry broke loose from its mooring. I strongly doubt they survived, but we should form a search party, nonetheless.”

  Samuel and Daniel immediately mounted and followed Joshua, all the while realizing the chances of the men being found alive were slim, indeed.

  Lynna wondered what could have been important enough to risk crossing the swollen river. It was suicide, and as they feared, they were unable to rescue the runaway slaves, who treasured their freedom more than their lives. Ike Forrest, who ran the ferry on daily trips across the river, had tied it up and spent the rainy days inland. He never knew two courageous souls had attempted to brave the raging water until it was too late to warn them.

  The rain finally stopped three days later and the bodies of the men were found far downriver. The two men were interred at the bottom of the hill, since the superstition prevailed that wherever a drowning victim was laid to rest, water would eventually cover his grave.

  After a day of warm sunshine and a steady breeze, the ground was dry enough for Lynna to venture outside. Vowing she could not have stood one more day of being cooped up in the house with the insufferable Suzanne, she skipped down the steps in search of Daniel, hoping to persuade him to go riding. She would gladly face his pressuring questions of matrimony this morning in exchange for an opportunity to get away from Suzanne’s veiled barbs. But, unfortunately, the many days of forced confinement had left Samuel's chores backed up and Daniel had volunteered to help with his brother’s tasks.

  Before Lynna could ride off on her own, which she would have dearly loved, Suzanne came traipsing out of the house, elegant in a midnight blue velvet riding habit. She had a matching sunbonnet tied under her chin with three feet of streaming satin, and the brim pulled low over her face. “Are you two going riding?”

  “Lynna is,” Daniel replied. “I was just coming to find you so the two of you could go together. I promised to help Samuel today and I prefer she not go riding alone.”

  “Daniel, honestly, I am quite capable of riding without a chaperone tagging along, for heaven’s sake,” Lynna admonished, unknowingly striking a most alluring pose with her hands on her hips and eyes flashing. Daniel had successfully sent her pleasant day to hell in a hand basket.

  “Do not be a goose, Lynna! I shall accompany you.” Suzanne scurried by Lynna into the stables and returned leading two chestnut mares. “If I have to remain inside that house another second I shall simply go stark raving mad.”

  It would be a short trip, Lynna thought sourly. But she did not question Suzanne’s sudden mood change. At least she would be out of the house and enjoying the glorious sunshine.

  Saddled up, they cantered down the path behind the house at a leisurely pace. Lynna held her face to the sun, soaking up the rays as a warm breeze fanned her hair behind her. Feeling lighthearted and wanting to feel the wind, she glanced over at Suzanne, who refused to allow her horse to move at a pace above a trot, lest an errant breeze muss her elaborately styled coiffeur. Throwing caution aside, Lynna raced with the wind, leaving a preoccupied Suzanne far behind. She was some distance ahead, racing at a speed most would consider risky on a sidesaddle, laughing gaily, when she spotted a lone figure watching
her from the shadows of a sycamore tree. She immediately recognized the black hair and broad shoulders. Must he be at every turn? Her first impulse was to turn and rejoin Suzanne, but he was already galloping toward her.

  “Hello, Lynna.” His eyes moved over her slowly and appreciatively, pausing often at points of interest. “You look enchanting this morning, as usual. And how fortuitous it is for me that you should show up this morning just when I was thinking of you.

  When she ignored his compliment, he continued, “I have been wanting a private moment with you. Would you care for some company?” His eyes pleaded with her to be agreeable. “We could ride down by the river.”

  The man’s arrogance knew no bounds. “Captain Jordan, it would seem you either suffer from hearing loss, dementia, or a sad combination of both, as I have told you in every way I know how to speak, in two languages in fact, that I do not wish to have any private moments with you ever again. I made a huge mistake once, but I have put it behind me. Now, I would be eternally grateful if you would do the same.”

  “Ah…but what would it hurt, my sweet?” He smiled, showing perfect white teeth. “Or are you perhaps afraid to be alone with me? Afraid you would not be able to…”

  “To do what, Captain Jordan? Resist your irresistible charm?”

  “Those were your words, not mine,” he chuckled. “But yes, something alone those lines.”

  “Then you, sir, are sadly mistaken. I would be perfectly content to never lay eyes on you again. In fact, it was a rather marvelous day, until you rode up. Now, I ask only to be left alone.”

  “And what if I choose not to do as you ask?” His dancing eyes dimmed as they flickered only briefly over Suzanne as she appeared from behind a thicket of trees.

  “You have no choice in the matter whatsoever, sir.” She answered with a definite tilt of her pert nose. “The decision has already been made.”

  Suzanne positively glowed upon seeing Joshua and snatched off her bonnet, yanking pins haphazardly from her hair to shake it loose in what she hoped was a provocative gesture. “Why Joshua, I certainly did not expect to see you this morning. What a pleasant surprise.”

  “I was assessing the damage to the crops when the river left its banks.” He smiled lazily, lighting a cheroot and sending smoke circling around his head. “I was just asking Lynna if she cared to accompany…”

  Suzanne interrupted him, having no qualms with either including herself in the invitation or answering for both of them. “Why, we would love to, Joshua. How very considerate of you to ask. I feared I might take leave of my sanity being shut up in that dreary house with that noisy and bothersome child. It simply baffles me why children feel the incessant need to prattle on and on about such inconsequential things.” Suzanne surreptitiously steered her horse next to Joshua’s. “Why, I might become as famous as Mr. Eli Whitney and his cotton gin were I to invent a muzzle for little girls,” she laughed gaily, totally dominating the conversation and leaving Lynna to follow behind, which suited her fine. From this angle, she could observe Joshua at her leisure without him ever knowing, and hopefully not get caught in the act this time.

  Joshua knew he was being watched when the hair on the back of his neck stood up. He smiled broadly, leaving Suzanne with the mistaken impression that he truly delighted in her inane chatter.

  The land was fresh and green after the rain, the fields a gay riot of wildflowers. Joshua nudged his horse off the main path onto a narrow trail that led through the woods. The damp leaves muffled the sound of the horse’s hooves, with the only noise being the flapping of wings as frightened birds left the trees in droves.

  “Ouch!” Lynna cried as a limb in front of her that was bent back by Suzanne, whether intentional or not, slapped her sharply across the face. Rubbing her stinging cheek, she could already feel an ugly, red welt rising. Clenching her teeth and muttering under her breath, she drew back and allowed them to proceed some distance ahead of her. Suzanne could be a royal pain in the derriere, especially when she was jealous, and the green-eyed monster was perched high on her shoulder today.

  A short while later, they left the forest and entered a clearing dazzled by iridescent sunlight glittering off a sparkling pond. Lynna was about to dismount when, much to her dismay — yet still, not as much as Suzanne’s — strong, deeply tanned hands gently lifted her from the saddle. She glanced toward Suzanne and noticed her mouth forming a perfect O of outrage. However, caring little for Suzanne’s infuriated stance, instead of releasing her immediately, Joshua’s hands remained tightly clasped around her tiny waist. The pressure of his hands brought back such passionate memories, that in complete bewilderment, Lynna had to struggle with the urge to brush her lips against his as he lowered her to the ground. Why did this man affect her so? The feeling was so strong it was almost impossible to deny. She could almost taste his lips on hers. Thank God Suzanne was only a few feet away or she might have succumbed to the unrelenting urge.

  “What about me?” Suzanne whined, sounding on the verge of a childish temper tantrum. “Would you have me break my neck taking leave of this huge beast unassisted?” The high color in her cheeks was the only sign of the fury mounting inside her.

  Ever the gentleman, but with great reluctance, Joshua released Lynna, noticing the vivid red welt rising on her cheek. Guessing correctly that Suzanne was to blame for marring her porcelain skin, he wrested her rather unceremoniously from her steed.

  “Well!” she hissed, smoothing her skirt. “I would have been better off falling from the blasted thing!”

  Lynna could not suppress a giggle, which she quickly covered. Too late, it only served to infuriate Suzanne and caused her eyes to blaze with smothered fury.

  Releasing a seething Suzanne, Joshua returned to Lynna's side. Gently taking her hand, he led her to the pond. “Allow me put some cool water on your face. Perhaps it will take some of the sting out. Or,” he whispered for her ears only, “I would be more than agreeable should you desire me to kiss away the pain.”

  She was about to sting his ears with a sharp retort when she felt herself being drawn down beside him to the water’s edge, watching as he dipped his kerchief in the cool water and with a feathery touch gently caressed her cheek. His touch was soothing and immediately removed any trace of pain from her skin, leaving in its place a warm, tingling sensation that left her face and rapidly spread throughout her midsection and to parts beyond.

  Joshua witnessed her struggle to remain aloof and his willpower altogether deserted him. The world around them ceased to exist as his hands moved behind her head, through silky golden hair and his mouth descended to hers. His lips were so close he could feel her warm breath against his cheek. Suddenly a splash, followed by a cooling spray of water, made them both glance up.

  Horrified, Lynna's hands flew to her mouth as Suzanne cavorted in the pond, absent her clothes, with her small breasts bobbing out of the water.

  Suzanne laughed derisively at Lynna's shocked expression. “Lynna, honey, close your mouth before a June bug flies in it, and come join me.” Then to Joshua, “The water is heavenly, Joshua. Much warmer than it was last week when we got chilled to the bone before…”

  “Enough, Suzanne!” Joshua warned.

  “Oh, do not be shy, darling. Lynna knows how we feel about each other, don’t you, Lynna? We do not have to hide our true feelings around her.”

  “I said that was enough!” he ground out between clenched teeth.

  Heading toward her horse and intent on fleeing Suzanne’s humiliating display, Lynna was stopped by Joshua's hand on her shoulder. “Do not leave. I don’t expect you to remove your clothes and join her.”

  “How very generous of you.” She thrust his hand away and again headed for her horse. “However, I do not intend to be a witness to Suzanne’s appalling lack of morals.”

  “Please stay, Lynna.” He grabbed her hand, seemingly not at all shocked by Suzanne’s wanton behavior. That should have been some indication that the man was accustomed to vi
ewing Suzanne in all her glory, but she was too besotted by his devilish grin to think rationally. “Let’s take a walk until she cools off. Hopefully she will get dressed and forget this ever happened.”

  Reasoning that Joshua could not be blamed for Suzanne's disgraceful conduct any more than she could, she allowed him to take her elbow as they moved toward the shadow of the trees. After all, he was an innocent bystander to Suzanne’s revolting escapades, and his dreamy eyes were coming closer, fusing with hers, his moist, soft lips inches...

  “Joshua, honey, are you coming in?” Suzanne called, standing temptingly so that her bosom jutted out of the water. “We have not been able to meet here in forever because of the rain. But we are here now, and I’m sure Lynna could be prevailed upon to leave us alone for a while. Couldn’t you, Lynna?”

  “Certainly!” Incensed by Suzanne’s words, Lynna snatched up her skirts and raced to her horse. Joshua had brought her to the very spot where he and Suzanne…! Of all the low…!

  Joshua was behind her, trying to help her mount, but she roughly brushed his hands away. How could she have been so blind? Such a naïve fool! Of course they were lovers! His arrogant attitude should have told her he was accustomed to having any woman he desired at his beck and call, just as he had her and countless others before her. Now it was painfully obvious he had tired of Suzanne and was ready to discard her like yesterday’s stale bread and start anew with her. What a fool she had been! Without a word, she mounted her horse and raced from the clearing.