M. Donice Byrd - The Warner Saga

by No Unspoken Promises

Donna moved to sit next to him on the sofa. She placed her manicured hands on his wrist. Her eyes met his. “Why can’t you be that man?” she asked quietly.

  Blake’s expression became guarded. He had never told anyone about his mother. No one could understand what he’d been through and how it affected his life. They could never fathom what that did to him. No, he could never love her. “Because I can’t.”

  “Meredith… Meredith…” Blake crooned.

  She opened her eyes to find the water cool and Blake standing over the tub lightly stroking her breast with one finger.

  “I guess I fell asleep,” she said sinking into the water up to her chin. Finding the melted cake of soap, she began to wash her arm. “Did you want something or did you just come to ogle me while I bathed?”

  “What do you think I’ve been doing for the last five minutes,” he teased reaching for a towel. “Actually, I just wanted to say good night before you went to bed. I asked Donna to move you into my room. I hope you don’t mind. I think you’ll be just as comfortable there and since it’s in the corner you can get a cross breeze if you open both windows. Cassie put your clean clothes in the wardrobe and will wash the rest in the morning.”

  He would not tell her the real reason was because he wanted to know she was sleeping in his bed. He felt a tightening in his stomach at the thought. “Stand up and I’ll rinse you,” he said throwing the towel over his shoulder and reaching for a pail of clean water.

  Meredith soaped her hair before she complied. The water cascaded over her breasts then between them, down her flat stomach to the juncture of her legs.

  “All right, turnaround,” he said gruffly.

  The suds work themselves through her hair leaving it smooth and flat against her back and exiting the reddish tresses darkened by water where it came to it natural point at the small of her back.

  Blake’s eyes followed the natural progress of the water as it went further. By the time Blake drizzled the entire bucket over her, he was close to losing control. Had it not been for his respect for his sister’s wishes, he would have taken Meredith then and there standing up with her back pressed against the wall and her legs wrapped around his hips.

  After toweling dry, Meredith reached for her nightgown but found it was gone. “I gave it to Cassie to wash. I thought you might like something clean,” he said handing her a man’s shirt. “I know how you have a fondness for my shirts.”

  “I do not. I thought that shirt was my dress,” she said repeating her lie as she pulled on his shirt and buttoned it.

  His grin told her he didn’t believe her. It hung down to her knees and he rolled up the sleeves to make it fit her better. Blake wrapped her in a thick robe that bore his initials and hung to the ground and led her into his room. It was in the back of the house, over the study. A sleigh style bed as large as the one she’d given up dominated the room. By the dark fireplace sat a leather wing chair that matched the ones in the study and she could imagine him sitting there in the winter staring into the fire or reading into the late night by its light. Leather bound books and a ship in a bottle adorned the mantle. On the dresser sat an array of personal items, a shaving kit, hair brush and comb. Three framed photographs adorned one end of the dresser. Two were taken at Donna’s wedding; one a picture of the newlywed couple and the other, a large group picture taken of about a hundred guests seated on the wide church steps with Donna and her groom in the middle.

  Meredith searched the rows of happy faces for Blake and frowned when she found he was not among them. “You didn’t go to her wedding?” Meredith asked setting the picture in its place.

  “Look in the doorway,” he said bringing one of the lanterns closer.

  There he stood in the shadows of the church’s open doorway, leaning against the jamb with his arms crossed and a crooked grin on his face. He looked like a mischievous rogue sneaking into the picture.

  In the third picture, a man shook hands with President Lincoln. It was a warm greeting if the men’s body language meant anything. Lincoln’s left hand was on the man’s shoulder as his right was clasped in both the other man’s.

  Meredith wondered who the second man was but didn’t ask. It was daunting to realize Blake knew people who knew the president.

  “Bedtime, my treasure,” Blake murmured as he unbelted the sash of her robe. “You’ll have all day tomorrow to examine my things.”

  Meredith would have protested that she was no snoop but Blake kissed her soundly when she opened her mouth.

  “Lord, it’s hot in here,” he said setting her away from him. A fine film of perspiration appeared on his forehead. He knew the temperature had little to do with it. “Get into bed before I make us unwelcome in Donna’s home.”

  She stretched toward him to kiss him again. “I don’t mind getting kicked out if I get to spend the night with you.”

  “Minx,” he said giving her a peck before putting the robe on a hook inside the wardrobe. He opened the windows as she climbed into bed. After extinguishing the lanterns, Blake leaned over her and gave her a peck on the cheek. “Good night, Meredith.”

  “Good night, Blake.”

  16

  Meredith awoke slowly as a languid laziness compelled her to shut her eyes and try to go back to sleep. The sounds of birds singing outside her window drifted into the room pulling her further into awareness. Like a fat feline, Meredith stretched and took in her surroundings. The curtains moved gently in the soft breeze letting in extra light. It was well past midmorning if the rays on the floor were any indication.

  Blake.

  He was her first thought as her mind clear of its sleep cobwebs. Picking up the collar of the shirt he had given her to sleep in, Meredith held the material to her nose and inhaled the spicy scent of his soap that clung to the fabric.

  Meredith pushed aside the covers and climbed out of bed. Anticipating seeing Blake, she dressed quickly in a brown homespun skirt and white blouse. It was plain but it was clean and it fit her well. She brushed her long strawberry blond hair then expertly braided it, tying it off with a simple white ribbon. After brushing her teeth, Meredith left the room hoping to find Blake downstairs waiting on her.

  Resisting the urge to gallop down the stairs, she descended in a manner that befitted the stately home. She couldn’t wait to see him. But he wasn’t there yet.

  She quickly found Donna who showed her into the dining room where breakfast awaited her in chafing dishes on the sideboard. Donna sat with Meredith as she ate her breakfast and chatted amiably. Meredith heard Donna’s voice waver when she spoke of her husband, Hamilton, who was the manager of the Western Bank but who was, at the moment, living the life of a soldier. She heard his unit had been in the battle at Lone Jack recently and was desperate to hear from him.

  As Meredith pushed her meal around her plate, Fulton stepped into the room. “Mrs. Daily, Miss Grant is in the parlor.”

  “Oh my, I didn’t even hear the door.”

  Donna looked ill at ease. “I-I….Meredith, feel free to finish your meal. I’ll just go see what she wants.”

  “Good morning, Donna.”

  “Rebecca! I’m surprised to see you this morning. Have you seen Blake? I told him you were here.”

  “I just came from his room. He asked me to bring a message to his wife.” Rebecca looked towards the stairs and down the hall.

  “Perhaps I should relay the message. I’m sure this is an uncomfortable situation for you.”

  Rebecca lowered her voice. “Actually, I want to meet her, though I can’t say why. Is she hideous? I couldn’t get one word out of Blake what she’s like, you know how he is.”

  “Actually, she’s quite lovely. What did Blake say to make you think otherwise?”

  “You’ve always been generous to a fault, Donna. But if she’s as lovely as you say, why is he already divorcing her?”

  Donna pursed her lips. “I had hoped to stop this talk of divorce or at least convince them to give it more thought before rushing i
nto anything. If you must know, I suspect the reason behind having the marriage dissolved is the same reason he never married you.”

  Rebecca looked at Donna quirking her eyebrow. “Donna, why won’t you accept that I don’t want to marry Blake? I’m content with the way things are between us. The only reason I’m at all upset about this marriage – as selfish as it may be – is that I know nothing between Blake and I will change and I don’t particularly like the idea of being linked with married or divorced man.”

  From the hallway, Meredith heard Rebecca speaking. She pulled back her shoulders and entered the parlor. The woman stood up with the guilty start. She wore a skirt of tartan plaid, belled out with hoops and worn with a matching short jacket. The woman was as tall as many men with rich brown hair she wore elegantly coiffed in sausage curls. Chocolate brown eyes smiled at her.

  “You must be Meredith. I’m Rebecca.”

  Acutely aware of her homespun skirt and juvenile hairstyle, she felt awkward and embarrassed to be standing in front of a woman whose appearance screamed of sophistication and wealth. This beautiful woman might have someday been Blake’s wife or still could be. If not her, someone quite comparable to her.

  Meredith just wanted to hide under the rug until the woman departed. As Meredith wondered if Blake had told Rebecca about the forced wedding, her cheek began to glow.

  Before Meredith could respond, Rebecca began chuckling. She tried to suppress it but it just made her laugh harder.

  “I’m sorry. How rude of me. I didn’t mean to…” Then she laughed again fanning her face as it became flushed.

  Meredith’s expression said it all. She didn’t understand why this woman was laughing at her but it hurt her feelings nevertheless.

  Donna, sensing Meredith’s distress, scolded Rebecca. “I fail to see anything remotely amusing, Becca. Meredith is a guest in my home and I’m…”

  Rebecca cut her off. “No, it’s not her I’m laughing at. It’s the situation. I’m laughing because every debutante and her mother tried to get Blake to the altar and this sweet-faced, guileless girl has done what all the conniving women of Chicago could not. She is certainly not his usual taste.”

  Despite her not unkind words, Meredith felt like she had been attacked and lashed out. “And what kind of women are those; women like you, world-weary and past your prime?”

  “Ouch. Not that I didn’t deserve that but the little kitten has claws.” Rebecca said. “I like her. Can we keep her?”

  “Apparently not,” Donna answered. “He’s already asking me for the names of lawyers and judges to take care of the matter.”

  Rebecca looked Meredith directly in the eye. “Yes, he went to a lawyer this morning. And how do you feel about that?” Rebecca Grant asked her.

  Meredith could only shrug.

  The tall woman tilted her head to one side, a sympathetic smile on her face. “Whatever you do, don’t fall in love with him.”

  Meredith stared silently at the woman. She was too embarrassed to admit she already had. Fisting her hands behind her back, she lifted her chin.

  “Oh, you poor thing, don’t feel bad. Blake’s left a very long line of broken hearts behind him.”

  “Including yours?” she asked Rebecca.

  “No, not mine. Blake and I have no say in each other’s relationships. People make assumptions about us but they are always wrong. I have my own life and so does he.”

  Meredith was less than convinced that she should not be jealous. She heard Blake and Donna’s conversation the night before and nearly the first words out of her mouth after learning about their marriage were, What about Rebecca? Was Rebecca not upset because she knew Meredith would not come between them or was it because there was nothing to come between? What difference did it make? Blake was divorcing her regardless.

  Rebecca turned to Donna. “I think you need to take Mrs. Warner shopping. She deserves to take something away from her marriage.”

  Donna smiled widely. “I couldn’t agree more. And Blake can have a big fat bill to remind him of what he gave up.”

  “Oh no,” Meredith protested, feeling more than a little uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation. “As soon as we are divorced, I’m going to live with my aunt and uncle. I’m sure the clothing I have will be sufficient.”

  “Nonsense,” Donna said turning to Rebecca. “Did you say he already went to the lawyer?”

  “I went with Blake this morning to see a Mr. Lowell.” Rebecca’s dark chocolate eyes glanced at the rug in obvious discomfort. “He asked me to tell you, so it won’t come as quite a shock, that he’s divorcing you on the grounds of adultery.”

  “That’s ridiculous. Blake hasn’t been unfaithful. There hasn’t been time. Has he?” Meredith looked pointedly at Rebecca.

  Rebecca’s hand flew to her throat at the implication. She stammered a moment before gaining control. “I’m sure I wouldn’t know. Lordy, I think this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’m never going to forgive Blake for making me do this,” she said. “You’ve misunderstood. The solicitor said his infidelity was not enough to end the marriage in the court’s eyes. Yours, however, is.”

  “Mine!”

  “He lied. He had to. Divorces are nearly impossible to get. He told him you weren’t a virgin when you were married.”

  Meredith gasped.

  “It was the only way. He could hardly claim abandonment or cruelty. As it is, Blake is paying a fortune in bribes to get this over with as quickly and as quietly as possible.”

  “Of course,” Meredith murmured, bleakly.

  Donna took Meredith by the arm and led her to the sofa. They sat down together and Rebecca squeezed in next to Donna, sitting at the sofa’s edge.

  “You know you can fight this,” Donna said.

  “He already hates me. If we can’t get divorced….”

  “He doesn’t hate you.” Donna said kindly. “I actually suspect he may find he has feelings for you.”

  Meredith couldn’t tell her the only feelings he had for her involved his enjoyment of what they shared between the sheets. He would never forgive her for allowing him to think she was married and no longer a virgin. She looked up at the woman with all seriousness and announced in whispered tones, “He didn’t propose to me.”

  “We know,” Donna said patting her arm. “Blake never wanted to marry anyone. He’s a rake and a philanderer, if ever there was one. It was bound to catch up with him sooner or later.”

  “Poetic justice,” Rebecca said with a snicker. “Oh, good heavens. Don’t get me started again.” Rebecca covered her mouth and looked away trying to keep from laughing. “Tell me honestly was he falling down drunk or was your father holding a shotgun on him?”

  Donna elbowed Rebecca.

  “My parents died recently.”

  Rebecca’s expression grew serious. Her eyes widened with understanding. “You’re one of his orphans? I suppose that shouldn’t surprise me but it does.”

  Meredith had overheard Donna the night before referring to her as a stray but she didn’t understand what that meant and now with Rebecca referring to his orphans, Meredith was even more confused.

  “I don’t understand what you mean.”

  “Blake can’t walk past a child on the street without making sure that there is someone taking care of them.”

  Meredith felt guilty knowing Blake was seeking out the offspring of the couple he had found so he could help and she had repaid his kindness with a lie of omission. It was no wonder he wished he’d never met her.

  “Oh my, is that the time?” Rebecca asked spying the clock on the mantle. “I’m going to miss the stage if I don’t hurry. I wish they’d get that trestle repaired. I swear I’m black and blue for a week just riding the stage from here to Macon.

  “Do I need to have Fulton take you to the station?” Donna asked.

  “No, I’ve rented a little surrey and livery boy is going to pick it up at the station this morning.”

  She gave Do
nna a polite hug then turned to Meredith. “Don’t let him divorce you. If you want to stay married to him, fight for him. You may be his only hope for love because he just won’t allow himself to get close to women.”

  Donna looped her arm through Rebecca’s arm and gently guided her to the door.

  “You shouldn’t build up her hope like that,” Donna said in soft tones hoping Meredith didn’t hear her. “You aren’t going to tell anyone that he’s gotten married, are you?”

  “No, of course….” A look of mischief came over Rebecca. “Yes, I am. You tell him I’m going to tell everyone who will listen and let’s see if he still goes through with divorcing her.”

  “You aren’t really going to do that, are you?”

  Rebecca thought about it for a moment before answering. “Probably not, but tell him I am.”

  “Maybe you can tell people he’s met someone special that way if he does show up with a wife, it won’t seem so scandalous. And if he doesn’t, everyone will assume he’s just up to his old patterns.”

  Rebecca hesitated. She looked at Donna, then over Donna’s shoulder at Meredith. “For you and for Meredith, I’ll do it. Not for Blake,” Rebecca answered as she opened her ridicule and fished out a folded paper. “He’s been called away. I have no idea where but he said he’ll be back in a week or two. Here.”

  She handed the paper to Meredith. “It was nice meeting you,” Rebecca said and made a swift departure.

  Meredith unfolded the paper and began to read.

  Meredith,

  My work has called me away and I don’t have time to explain. Wait to tell your relatives about your parents until I return. I don’t want to worry you but it’s a bad sign if I’m not back within a month. I am headed south so it is possible that I could be taken or killed. Show this letter to Donna. I am authorizing you to take an allowance of $30 a month out of my account until I return. I’m sure a lawyer can instruct you on what to do if I don’t return. As my widow, you would be entitled to it all but please, do not be too eager to declare me dead as captured is as real a possibility as death.