Karen Michelle Nutt

by A Twist of Fate

  Keldon pulled her into a hug. “Ye’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

  She closed her eyes. For the moment, she relished in his happiness.

  As soon as she felt better, she left the house in search of Nicholas Sherborn. She didn’t know how long he intended to stay at Willow Bend and she could pretty much count on him not seeking her out to say goodbye.

  She spotted Nicholas’ lean frame resting against the side of Buchanan’s Mercantile and Trade. He was clearly surprised to see her, but he tipped his hat and smiled, showing his charming dimples. "Mrs. Buchanan, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

  Arianna swallowed hard and squared her shoulders. "I need to talk to you in private. It's vitally important.”

  His eyebrows raised and his mouth curved. “Come now, do you really think that’s wise?”

  "I have no choice.” She sensed his hesitation, but she wouldn’t let him brush her aside so easily and held her ground. "I think what I have to say, may very well concern you. And you owe me."

  “Owe you!” His voice rose an octave, clearly indicating his irritation.

  Good, it was about time she put a chink in his composure instead of the other way around.

  “Are you all right out there?” one of the men yelled to Sherborn.

  He waved him off and lowered his voice “If you must insist, let us part from prying ears. I’ll escort you back to the house and you can speak your mind.”

  “Fine.”

  Nicholas glanced at her as they walked. “Whatever you have to say must truly be dire.”

  She cut him a sharp look. “What? Why do you say that?”

  “You’re wringing your hands.” He pointed with a nod, daring her to argue the point.

  Arianna looked down and quickly pulled her hands apart wiping them on her dress.

  Once they started down the path leading to the house Nicholas looked at her again. “I believe we can speak freely now.”

  “I'm going to have a baby."

  She didn’t miss a step as she made her announcement, but his gut clenched with unease. "Congratulations," he said carefully.

  "That's all you're going say?” She threw up her hands in exasperation.

  "Bloody hell! What exactly did you want me to say? You tell me you don’t want to see me anymore or least that was my impression. So I wonder why I would care that you and your husband are about to start a family?” His lips thinned with displeasure.

  She placed a hand on his arm bringing him to a halt. Her eyes searched his for God knew what. He wanted to pull away, but her next questioned stopped him cold.

  "I wouldn’t have sought you out, but you see, I had no other choice.” She took a deep breath. “Could the baby possibly be yours?"

  He stood there, while her words sunk in. Was the baby his? Could it be possible? He thought back to the last time he made love to her. For about half a second, the thought of having a child pleased him. A smile spread across his face, but when he looked at Arianna—the way she chewed on her lower lip, he knew with a pulse-pounding certainty she he didn’t want this baby to be his. His smile vanished and relief spread through him as he realized he was no longer in love with her. He had fallen in love with a woman who ignited his own passion of hatred and vengeance. He’d been wrong about Keldon Buchanan. They both had. He didn’t want revenge and it was obvious she didn’t either.

  "It doesn’t matter if I am the father or not.” He shrugged. "Anyway, chances are Buchanan is. You shouldn’t worry overmuch."

  "How can I not? How can I expect Keldon to care for a child who may not be his?"

  "He need never know. Forget the past,” he pleaded with her. “Forget our time together. I know I will.” He caressed her cheek. “Your different now. It’s like I had an affair with another woman.” A smile touched his lips and he let his hand fall away. “Let it go.”

  How easy he made it sound. How easy it would be to do as he asked. For truth be-known, she didn’t recall ever being with Nicholas. He thought he made love to a different woman. Well, the intimacy they must have shared was lost to her all together.

  He took her hands. "Be wise and never reveal our involvement. Nothing good will come from it. Why cause, undo pain when there is no need to?”

  Arianna wanted to believe Nicholas was right, but she had a nagging feeling the past would one day come back to haunt them all.

  ****

  Leighton finally arrived and took a seat in front of Higgins. He was glad the lad had seen fit to show up. Of course, it helped matters that he dangled the pouch of coins in front of his face for his trouble.

  "Weel lad?"

  "She met with Sherborn at Buchanan’s Mercantile and Trade.” Higgins licked his dry lips and looked nervously over his shoulders.

  "Weel?"

  "They just talked."

  Bah! Talked? If they be meetin’ of course they’d talked. I be wantin’ to know what was said.”

  Higgins squirmed uncomfortably.

  Leighton decided he would risk losing a few more coins to loosen the lad's tongue. "I'll offer ye double, if ye ken anythin'."

  Higgins’ glanced at the pouch Leighton shook in his hands. "I'd say they were real comfortable like with each other. They went walkin’. Sherborn held her hands at one point."

  Leighton grinned. "Thank ye lad. Ye have done real good, ye did.” Now, he had ammunition to fire at Keldon, force him to open his eyes and see his wife as she truly was.

  Pleased, Leighton joined the other men in a drink, but one drink turned out to be many before the night was over. He passed out sometime in the early morning, while the others continued their merriment.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  "I want to take ye back to New Orleans with me," Keldon announced at dinner.

  "Is it safe to go back? They have a warrant out for your arrest.” She wouldn’t allow him to take unnecessary chances if she could help it.

  "It's safe enough.” He smiled over the rim of his glass. "Besides people see what they want to see and no’ a mite more. They're lookin’ for a Highland Pirate, a short stocky fellow. They willnae be lookin’ for a distinguish gent."

  "Hmm, yeah I get it. Something like Clark Kent and Superman.”

  Keldon’s eyebrows arched.

  "You don’t know who Clark Kent is, do you?”

  “No’ that I know.”

  “Clark Kent is Superman, a man with super human strengths. He fights evil. Clark Kent puts on a suit and a pair of glasses and..." Arianna could see she had lost him. "Well anyway it's like you say, people see what they want to see."

  "Ye have a fanciful imagination. A man with super human strengths..." He shook his head.

  I didn't make up the comic book character?” She tried to explain. “Superman isn’t the only super hero, you know.”

  Keldon wasn’t interested in super heroes at the moment. He was more interested in her second sight. "Ye know I have been thinkin’ of the things ye be knowin’.” He met her gaze with a long and interested search. Her blue eyes were vivid and questioning, but he didn’t have all the answers. He only had the inkling she was different in some way and it was important he pay attention. “Some of the events have actually happened, just as ye said they would."

  "Then I am not losing my mind.” She sighed in relief, making him realize she had been dwelling on the possibility. She leaned forward anxious to know the truth. “What I told you really did come to pass?"

  "Aye, some. I want ye to meet with a gentleman who might be interested in what ye be knowin’. Would ye be willin’ to do this for me?"

  "But what if I'm wrong and I say something that might be harmful?"

  "He doesnae have to take yer advice. We are people of free choices. But if my hunch is right, ye’ll be a help to his cause."

  "I guess I'll talk to him. Who is this man?” Arianna asked as she sipped her tea.

  "General Andrew Jackson."

  She choked. “The Andrew Jackson?” She put the teacup down.

  "
He is the only General Andrew Jackson, I know of. Does the name mean somethin’ to ye then?"

  "Only that he will lead our men against the British in the battle of New Orleans. I told you about him. Weren't you listening to me?"

  "I do remember ye talkin’ aboot some general, but at the time ye had me preoccupied.” He winked at her. Then seriously, he added, "Then ye will talk to him. If there is anythin’ that could aid him, ye must help."

  "I will tell him what I can."

  "We'll leave early on the ‘morrow. Changes on the ship should have already been made."

  "What changes?"

  "Oh, like the name. We couldnae verra weel come into port with the known pirate ship of the Highlander."

  “I suppose not.”

  They finished their dinner and Keldon pushed himself away from the table. "Come here.” Keldon motioned to her with the crook of his finger.

  “I don’t know.” She chuckled. “The gleam in your eye makes me think you want to devour me.”

  “Ah perhaps I only wish to claim my dessert. Aye?”

  She sauntered over to him and he welcomed her into his arms so that he cradled her on his lap. “So, I’m a tasty dessert, am I?”

  “Dinnae I tell ye? My favorite.”

  When Keldon bent his head, she met his lips halfway, a kiss full of passion and need. His hand moved down her arm to her midsection. Unfurling streamers of sensations hit him—happiness, apprehension. He wanted to make love to her, but the memories of doubt crowded his thinking, like a hidden current. He had to know the truth. He had to be sure she wouldn’t do anything drastic about the pregnancy. He tore his lips from hers so he could see her face clearly. "Ye are content to be startin’ a family? Aye?” He knew she didn’t understand the strange urgent unease about him since she didn’t remember the loss of their first child. He held his breath afraid of her answer.

  She cupped his face her gaze never wavered. "I want nothing more than to be carrying your child."

  Keldon felt the tension leave his limbs and he surrendered to the crush of feelings that drew him to her. He rubbed her stomach as though he could feel the baby growing beneath his hand. “Our baby will be strong.” He looked at her with longing. “I sense this.”

  “I hope so and I pray the child will be born with your dark hair and cat-like green eyes.”

  Wrapping both arms around Arianna, he pulled her to him not realizing her trembling was not solely passion, but fear she carried someone else’s child.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  No one knew General Jackson was anywhere near New Orleans. He was on his way to secure the army’s position in Spanish Florida. Secretary of War, James Monroe was opposed to this action, but Jackson was sure he could capture Pensacola with little or no trouble at all. If his plan succeeded, it would open the door to invade Florida.

  Jackson agreed to meet with Keldon Buchanan and his wife—a personal favor from a mutual friend of trade. He vouched that Keldon had vital information he shouldn’t ignore.

  Jackson stood tall. Arianna could see why Jackson led an army. He had an air of authority about him, a don’t-mess-with-me attitude or you’ll be sorry. Jackson eyed Keldon closely as if deciding for himself if he should think of him as an enemy or adversary. He then looked at her with appreciation, his expression softening for a moment before he cleared his throat. He offered them a seat and Arianna began to tell him what she knew. “I don’t have all the details just the outline of the events,” she admitted.

  “You want me to stop the battle from happening. How do you suppose I do this?”

  “I don’t know. Send word to General Pakenham. Inform him of the Treaty of Ghent.”

  “Mrs. Buchanan, I cannot in all good faith, send word of an event of which I have no knowledge of.”

  Arianna sighed and leaned forward. “So many will die and for nothing. It’ll be a slaughter.”

  “You come to me with this information, Mrs. Buchanan and you seem sincere in your belief of these fantastic claims, but I can’t just take your word. I worked with concrete proof and so far all you’ve given me is conjectures. How do you know this? From whom did you acquire your information?” Jackson looked at Arianna then to Keldon.

  "We cannae say," Keldon answered. "Ye must understand we are only here to help."

  Arianna noticed the flicker of skepticism cross Jackson’s features. He didn’t believe them and why should he?

  She folded her hands on her lap and glanced at Keldon. "We have to tell him the truth.” She ignored Keldon shaking his head no and looked at Jackson. "We didn’t come here to waste your valuable time. The truth of the matter is that I’m unsure of how I know. It’s more like an intuition.”

  "Pray tell, Mrs. Buchanan surely you are not trying to tell me that you’re a medium and can tap into the future.” A chuckle escaped him.

  Arianna pursed her lips, wishing she had listened to Keldon. Now Jackson was going to think she was a crackpot. Maybe this had all been a mistake anyway. Maybe what happened was supposed to be and she couldn’t save Pakenham and his men even if she tried. Or maybe her warning prevented a complete annihilation by saving the men under Jackson’s care. No matter what the outcome might be, she wanted a clear conscience. She had to give the information to Jackson. After that it would be out of her control.

  "I think our meeting is over.” Jackson stood expecting them to do the same.

  "If I reveal something that proves I'm telling you the truth, will you at least consider what I’ve told you?” This caught his attention and he motioned for Arianna to continue. "I know you haven’t received orders to attack Pensacola, but you will—on November 7th, 1814."

  "How did— Only the men who are apart of my unit know of this plan and they wouldn’t dare defy me by breathing a word of this to anyone."

  "That's right, they wouldn't, Old Hickory."

  Jackson was silent for so long that Arianna wondered if she had pushed too hard, but then a slow smile spread across his face and he sat back down.

  "Old Hickory, is it? Only my men call me that. Maybe, I should hear the information one more time."

  Keldon and Arianna exchanged knowing smiles. They had accomplished what they had set out to do.

  ****

  Leighton awoke with a horrendous hangover and staggered back to Willow Bend. He was furious when he discovered Keldon and Arianna left for New Orleans. They wouldn’t be back for a few days. Vincent and Samuel didn’t understand what was so dire that Leighton needed to talk to Keldon. All but the minor details were needed for the goods to be delivered. Leighton being snappish as ever refused to enlighten them of the trouble. Nor did he explain why he wanted Nicholas Sherborn found and held.

  "Mista Leighton.” Samuel entered the study with the news he dreaded to tell him.

  "Weel what is it? Where’s Sherborn?"

  "Dat's whut I come ter tell you. He ain't nowhere. And we found dat de long boat is missin' along with the boy Higgins."

  "Curse me! I should have known, he’d flee.”

  “Higgins?”

  “I doonae give damn aboot Higgins. It’s Sherborn.” Leighton paced a few moments before coming to an abrupt halt. "This could be good. Aye. It's just what I want. Sherborn fleein' shows his guilt."

  “Guilt fer whut? He was offered his cut and wuz free ter go.”

  “Did I ask ye for yer opinion?”

  Samuel shook his head as he left Leighton to his ranting.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Arianna snuggled closer to Keldon and he pulled the covers over them as he planted a kiss on the top of her head. "The meetin’ went verra weel with General Jackson.”

  "Uh huh," she answered, but he could tell she was distracted.

  “What is troublin’ ye?”

  She tilted her head to look at him. Dark shadows filled the blue of her eyes and the knowing arch of her brow creased. She lifted her hand, cupping his face as her thumb gently caressed his cheek. "Promise me you won’t take anymore chances with
your life. No more pirating, I couldn’t bear losing you."

  He chuckled, a deep throaty chuckle, but became serious when he realized she wasn’t joking.

  “Promise me,” she insisted.

  He gently kissed her brow, smoothing away the worry lines. "Aye, I will promise ye. No more piratin’, I give ye my word.”

  Arianna was grateful for his promise, but she worried he’d come to resent her for it. He loved the sea. His eyes lit up when he was at the helm. She chewed on her lower lip. She couldn’t have it both ways. He either was happy and alive with never going out to sea again, or he could continue his destructive path doing what he loved best. She shook her head. He couldn’t go out to sea with the price still dangling over his head. It would be suicide. She had to hope he’d find something suitable for him on land, something within the law.

  She looked up at him again. "Is it possible for us to head home now?" she asked, suddenly, feeling homesick.

  "Are ye no’ havin’ a good time?”

  He had shown her New Orleans. Its French ambiance and Spanish influenced architecture with wrought iron fences. The city was both beautiful and haunting, but most of all, she enjoyed being swept away by Keldon’s charm and experiencing how it was to be his wife. "I love being with you, but I miss Maeve, Sally Mae, and the others. I won’t even recognize baby Elijah."

  He gave her an affectionate squeeze. “If that is what ye wish, I'll will be verra glad to take ye there."

  "Thank you.”

  "There's no place like home. Aye?”

  Arianna's brow wrinkled. How strange, the phrase made her think of ruby slippers.

  ****

  Keldon had some last minute business to take care of, giving Arianna ample time to set her plans into motion. She sent a note to Jackson requesting to meet with him one last time.

  She breathed a sigh of relief when he sent a driver to pick her up. This time the meeting took place in a building at the far side of town. She entered the one room building at the same time as a man was leaving and ended up colliding into him.