After explaining his self-appointed mission to France, Jared decided it was best to turn half of the gold over to the naval officer. He had some of his crew recrate it and transfer it aboard the warship. That way, if anything happened to the Sea Mist, not all of the gold would be lost. The commodore was delighted by Jared’s victory and his trust. He vowed to use the gold to obtain supplies for their country, and to do that with dispatch.
Since Jared could not get to Washington, the sloop’s commander suggested he unload the remaining gold at Charleston, where several naval ships were docked. Then, after taking his wife to Savannah, Jared could rejoin the American forces as a privateer gathering supplies.
In less than a week, the Sea Mist had put into Charleston, had sailed, and had dropped anchor at Savannah. Although a few ships had been sighted en route, none had approached them. As quickly as possible, supplies were purchased and loaded, and the ship was readied to sail at dawn the next day.
Maren’s packing was done when Jared came for her. He drew her to him and rested his cheek atop her head. “I hate to leave you, love, but we must defeat those Brits. I’ll take you to Shady Rest and get you settled, but I can’t spend the night with you. I must be back on the ship before midnight in case the weather changes and we’re forced to sail early.”
He lifted her chin and gazed into her sad eyes. “I think it’s best to let everyone there know you’re Mrs. Jared Morgan. That will make it easier for you to deal with Willa. You will stand up to her, won’t you?”
Maren was too concerned about her husband’s departure to concentrate on Willa Barns Morgan. “I’ll try to keep peace until your return, but I’ll remember what you told me about her. Please be careful, Jared.”
“I will, love. Let’s go meet a she-devil,” he said with a scowl.
Maren was impressed by her first view of Shady Rest Plantation, and she realized that it deserved its name. The main house, slave quarters, blacksmith shed, smokehouses, gardens, stockyards, fowl pens, stables, and barns were all shaded by moss-draped live oaks, elegant magnolias, sweeping willows, and a variety of other trees. A narrow road led straight to the main house which was spanned by porches that ran the entire length of the first and second floors. These were supported by many Grecian-style columns. The mansion was painted white with green trim and was in excellent condition. Areas were fenced off, and the grounds were enlivened by flowering bushes. Near one barn stood a huge stack of firewood and several chopping blocks, and in the distance were fruit trees and several small ponds.
After leaving the main road, they had ridden for several miles, flanked on both sides by cotton fields which stretched nearly as far as the eye could see. Clearly this sprawling plantation was self-sufficient and well managed. Even without cotton and rice exports, it could survive many years of war. Maren now understood why Willa Barns Morgan refused to leave this Georgian paradise.
In the rented carriage Jared had quietly watched his wife absorb her new surroundings. Finally she met his gaze and said, “It’s magnificent, Jared. Even our place wasn’t this large or well laid out. Mr. Lawton, your overseer, is a jewel; you never want to lose him.”
“There he is now,” Jared pointed to the muscular man approaching them on horseback. “He lives with his wife and three children on a small parcel of land west of the house.” Jared halted the carriage and waited for Jim Lawton to join them. After introducing Maren as his wife, he instructed the overseer to watch over her for him, explaining that he must return to sea.
When Jim had swept off his hat and nodded at Maren, he’d revealed a steadily balding head. At forty-one, his skin was deeply tanned and wrinkled from countless days beneath the sun, but his dark gaze appeared gentle and friendly. After wishing them a happy married life, Jim quickly gave Jared a report on the plantation. Then he wished Jared safety and success at sea.
Jared asked the overseer to show Maren around the plantation on the morrow and to help her with any problems before the man bade them farewell and rode off. He then smiled at his wife and said, “You’ll like Jim and he’ll take good care of you. There is one thing I want to explain: our slaves are treated better than most hired workers. We feed and clothe them properly, and they’re never whipped, not by Willa or Jim or any of the black bosses. And we allow them to marry and to keep their children. If you ever catch anyone breaking any of those rules, correct the situation at once, no matter who it is. My place is a happy one; that’s why things go so well here.”
Maren hugged him and said, “I’m glad, Jared. I’m going to love it here. Suddenly New Orleans and Lady Luck don’t seem to matter. When the war’s over, let’s get rid of everything there and live here.”
“That sounds good to me, love. You’re home, Maren Morgan,” he remarked, halting the carriage near the front door.
Instantly three servants left the house and joined them. Jared greeted them like old friends and made the introductions. “Robert is our butler, and he takes good care of me when I’m home. He’s been with us since he was knee-high. Suzy is our housewoman and she sees that everything’s kept clean. Little Suzy was born here. Her mother still helps out when she’s able, but most of the time she looks after children while their parents are in the fields. And Bertha is our cook, the best in the land. I hope you’ve got something special cooking for tonight, Bertha, ’cause I’ve brought home my wife. This is Maren Morgan.”
All three servants—the petite Suzy, the stout Bertha, and the elderly Robert—were overjoyed.
“Lordy, Mister Jared, you done found yourself a beauty,” Bertha said. “I’ll git myself in that kitchen and cook up a storm for you two. A shame your papa ain’t here to see this glorious day.”
Jared told her, “I can only stay until midnight; then I must sail. This infernal war’s still going on and there’s no end in sight.”
“I’ll git your room ready, Mister Jared,” Suzy declared, “and I’ll take care of your wife whilst you’re gone. Don’t you worry none about her. Robert, help me git them trunks upstairs for Missy Morgan.”
Jared protested gently. “They’re too heavy and awkward, little Suzy. Fetch a couple of the men to carry them upstairs. I don’t want you and Robert hurting your backs or falling. I need you three healthy to take care of this woman for me.” He drew Maren against him and kissed her forehead, revealing his deep feeling for her.
“Where are Willa and the children?” Jared asked, knowing they should have appeared by now.
“Missy Morgan done moved them chillun into town with Bessie so they be near the school,” Suzy revealed. “She buyed a little house, and they lives there when school’s going on. Missy Morgan says they hasta git up too early to git there from here when the weather gits bad this time of year. She says they git more resting and studying done living in town. She only let’s ’em come home one time a month and on holidays. Big Bessie lives with ’em and looks out for ’em.”
“When did Willa get this crazy idea?” Jared asked, annoyed.
“When school started this time,” Suzy replied.
“That’s too long for those young children to be away from home.”
“You’re right, Mister Jared,” Bertha agreed. “Ever’ time they comes home, they cries and begs Missy Morgan to let ’em come back, but she tells ’em it’s best for ’em.”
“I’ll take care of that tonight before I leave. Where is Willa today?”
“She went to the Clarys yesterday. She’s suppose to be home by now,” Bertha answered.
“I’d like to speak with her before I leave, but I hope she doesn’t return until after dinner. Let’s get Maren inside and settled.”
Maren and Jared had enjoyed a romantic dinner and were about to sneak upstairs for an hour alone when Willa arrived. It was after dark, so they had assumed she would not be returning that night.
Jared met his stepmother, who was only seven years older than himself, on the front porch. She was a strawberry blonde with hazel eyes, and she had not had time to collect her poise
after being told Jared was home. Still, she eyed him up and down as she smiled and said, “Nice to have you home again so soon, Jared. Can you stay long?”
“I’m leaving within the hour. I was afraid I would miss you before I sailed.” Before he could explain what he meant, Willa had stepped closer to him and was trailing her fingers over his chest. Jared seized her hand and pushed it away. “I wanted to introduce you to my wife and to get things settled before I return to the war. She’ll be living here.”
“Wife?” Willa echoed. “You got married? She’s here?”
“Her name is Maren James Morgan. She’s the daughter of Papa’s old friend Cameron James of James Shipping in New Orleans. We got married there on July tenth. Maren’s parents are dead, so I brought her here to wait for me. She’ll be the mistress of Shady Rest, not you. I hope you understand that and don’t give her any trouble.”
The situation struck Willa hard. She started to protest, but decided to handle Jared’s wife after he departed. However, she was not prepared for the woman who joined them. Maren was beautiful, and she had strength. Willa realized she had a formidable rival in this stunning creature. She smiled with feigned warmth, then hugged Maren. “This is quite a surprise. I’m sure you’ll be very happy here, Maren. I’ll introduce you to everyone, perhaps even throw a welcoming party. We’ll get along wonderfully, Jared; you don’t have to worry.”
“One thing that does worry me is what you’ve done with Cathy and Steven. They’re too young to be living away from home.”
Willa frowned, sighed heavily, and tossed her reddish gold hair. “You know how far it is into town, Jared. Every morning those children had to be up before dawn to get to school, and they didn’t get home until dark. They were so exhausted they couldn’t study, and never had time to play. They were getting scrawny and sickly covering so many miles every day, especially in stormy or cold weather, so I rented a nice house near the school and moved Bessie in with them. This way, they can sleep later every morning, they’re close to the schoolhouse in bad weather, and they’re home before dark. They have more time to study and to play. They’re near other children, and they’re healthier. Bessie cooks and cleans and protects them.”
“But they must be miserable,” Jared asserted.
Willa covered her vexation and slyly said, “What’s a little unhappiness when their education and health are at stake? I haven’t deserted them or sent them off to boarding school. I visit them every time I go into town, and they come home every few weeks. I have to do what’s best for them; they are my children, Jared.”
“I want Maren to see them and talk with them. If she agrees it’s best for them to live in town during the school year, then it’s fine with me. If she disagrees, I want them brought home immediately. Understand?”
Willa glared at the handsome Jared for a moment. “You have no right to interfere. I’m not your slave. We’re family. If you want me to leave Shady Rest now that you’re married, just say so. Don’t try to embarrass me or make me cower before your new bride.”
Maren excused herself from the unpleasant confrontation by saying, “I’ll let you two talk for a few minutes while I freshen up.” She went into the house, and as she retrieved her shawl from the sofa in the sitting room, which opened onto the porch, the tone of Jared’s voice caught her attention and she halted to listen.
“I promised Papa I would take care of Cathy and Steven, and I intend to keep that vow. Remember, Maren is in charge here until I return, and don’t give her any problems.”
Willa inquired angrily, “Did you tell her about us? Does she know Steven isn’t your father’s child?”
“I told her part of it, but not about Steven. Maybe I’ll tell her one day, and maybe I’ll let it lie. But I won’t let you hurt that boy, Willa. He’s a Morgan, and I’ll never let you make him a bastard.”
“He looks more and more like you, Jared. He’s quite handsome and bright. I wish you would spend more time with him after you come home. He needs you. Stop downing me and help me with him.”
“I have to get back to the ship. Behave yourself, Willa, or…”
“Or what, Jared love? You’ll tell little Maren all about me?”
“You’re a bitch, Willa, a real bitch. Why don’t you latch on to another rich man and get off my plantation?”
“Half of this plantation should be mine, or my son’s!”
Jared said coldly, “Don’t worry about Steven; I won’t let him lose his rightful inheritance.”
“Why did you marry that girl and bring her here?”
“Because I wanted to.”
“And you always get everything you want, don’t you, Jared?”
To annoy Willa, he replied, “Yes, I do. Now, let’s go inside.”
Maren did not know what to make of the conversation. She took a seat on the sofa, sipped the cold tea, and when Jared entered the room, she rose and smiled at him. “Is it time for you to leave?”
“I’m afraid so, love, but I’ll be back soon,” he promised. Taking her hand, he coaxed, “Walk me to the carriage.”
As they headed for the door, Jared glanced at Willa and said, “Remember, behave yourself, or you’ll be sorry.”
At the carriage, Maren softly chided, “You shouldn’t treat her like that in front of me and others, Jared. It will only create more trouble between you two, and between her and me. I would like things to run smoothly during your absence.”
“You’re right, love. She just riles me because I want her gone and I can’t get rid of her. And I have to think of Cathy and Steven.”
“I can hardly wait to meet them.”
Jared pulled her into his arms and kissed her hungrily. “Lordy, I crave you, woman.”
“I’m going to miss you terribly. Please hurry home.”
“Stay safe and well, Maren Morgan, or I’ll make you pay dearly,” he teased, then planted searing kisses over her face and throat. “I have to leave now, or I won’t be able to go.”
Maren watched him until he vanished from view.
Then she sighed heavily and returned to the house. Willa was nowhere in sight. Bertha told her that she had gone to her room and wouldn’t be back down that night. Maren thought it odd that the woman didn’t want to study her or to make her feel welcome, but she decided that perhaps Willa needed time to get accustomed to her presence, or to get over her embarrassment and irritation.
Maren went to Jared’s room, put on a nightgown, and got into bed. She felt strange in this huge room with such large furniture. It was too masculine and dark, too quiet and depressing. She wanted to brighten and enliven it. None of Jared’s fragrance lingered in the room, and she missed him already.
She wondered how she would get along with Willa and what the woman’s conversation with her husband meant. If Benjamin Morgan was not Steven’s father, but the boy was a Morgan, whose son was he? And how did Jared know the truth? She wondered why he had chosen to keep this matter a secret, but she was tired. She decided that when Jared returned, she would ask for an explanation of the implications that simmered dangerously within her.
Maren spent most of the following day in Jim Lawton’s company. The overseer gave her a tour of the plantation and introduced her to the workers and to his family. She enjoyed herself and was quite relaxed.
When Jim left her at the door of the main house, however, Maren noticed something odd; none of the servants came to greet her. She called out their names after entering, but received no response.
“Hello, little cousin.” The man’s voice filled her ears.
Maren whirled to find Willa standing between Eric James and Horben Wolfe. She was grinning devilishly.
Chapter Sixteen
“Eric! What are you doing here?” Maren asked incredulously. She did not like the familiarity she perceived between her cousin and Willa, and the wicked grins on their faces made her uneasy.
“Maren, my sweet,” he began playfully, “whatever are you doing here in Savannah? Why aren’t you at home?�
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Maren did not know how to answer because she couldn’t surmise how much Eric knew. His next response partially enlightened her.
“Why did you allow Captain Hawk to trick you into betraying me? I’ve just come from New Orleans and France, following your traitorous wake, little cousin. What will the President have to say about you two?”
“Jared left that gold with the President’s men, so he should be quite glad about that,” Maren replied, hoping her voice did not quaver. She tried to remain poised and clear witted, but it was difficult. She was shaking, and her palms were damp. Trying to focus attention on Eric’s foul deeds, she asserted bravely, “You lied to me about my parents’ deaths. Lilibeth Payne told me there was no hurricane last year.”
Eric did not appear to be bothered by her words or her tone. He asked casually “Is that why you turned against me and sided with that so-called hero? If you had given me a chance, I could have explained. I’ll do so right now; I thought that story would sit better with you than the truth. They were robbed, beaten, and murdered by runaway slaves from another plantation. I only wanted to spare you such gory details. Willa tells me you and Morgan are married. Is that true?”
“Yes,” Maren replied tersely, keeping her eyes fixed on his.
“Why?” Eric probed, his jaw clenched and his gaze impenetrable.
“That’s none of your business,” Maren told him.
Annoyed, Eric nonetheless asked in a deceptively calm voice, “Speaking of business, Samuel Lewis and Dan Myers tell me Morgan’s been sticking his nose into my affairs back home. Is that true?”
“Why would your hirelings lie to you?” Maren responded sarcastically.
He grinned and vowed smugly, “They wouldn’t.”
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