Promise Me Forever

by Janelle Taylor

  “Here we are. Just spread your quilt, have a seat, and enjoy yourself,” George said.

  Rachel glanced around the crowd and searched for Harold Seymour. She didn’t see him and sighed in relief, though he could still come later, she knew.

  Dan witnessed her tension and noticed her scan the crowd. He knew why. As he pretended to watch the teams practice, he drifted into deep thought. His brother had never been a gambler, but it sounded as if Phillip had gained a love of that expensive and risky sport. Dan prayed it hadn’t become a weakness, a dangerous threat. If a man owed someone a lot of money, he would be tempted to do anything to settle that debt. Or if a man gambled with someone else’s money and lost all or part of it…Dan didn’t want to think his brother could be so foolish. If—

  “Did you see that, Dan? It’s going for a mile before it lands!”

  “He’s a hard and straight hitter, George.”

  “Some of these boys amaze me. We have a good team this year.”

  The practice continued for another hour before the picnic began. Molly Sue and George fetched the food basket from the wagon and spread out a feast on a tablecloth on the grass. They chatted as they feasted on cold fried chicken, pickles, biscuits, and strawberries.

  Dan watched Rachel lick her greasy fingers and use her tongue to collect the crisp pieces of chicken that clung to her lips. “Don’t let anything get the best of you, Cousin Rachel,” he jested.

  She leaned forward and pushed a ripe strawberry into his mouth. “Aren’t they the finest you’ve eaten?” she asked, then licked her fingers.

  “Sinfully so. I should also buy two cases of them for my ship.”

  “They would be ruined by the time you set sail.”

  He stopped nibbling on the chicken to reply, “I keep forgetting my holiday is so lengthy; I’m unaccustomed to being in port so long.”

  “Do your men stay aboard the ship when it’s docked?”

  “Some do at all times. They rotate taking shore leave. It isn’t wise to leave a ship unguarded in port even if your cargo’s been unloaded.”

  “I know what you mean. One of Phillip’s ships was robbed, burned, and sunk last month. It was loaded to sail, but fortunately no crew was aboard to be attacked. Phillip’s firm had to cover the client’s loss, and it was a very big one.”

  Dan scowled at that news. “Did they catch the culprits?”

  “No. We also had a warehouse vandalized last month, then a dockworker was murdered. It seems trouble comes in bunches. The police are too busy chasing people for minor offenses to spend the time needed to catch real criminals.”

  “That happens everywhere, and it’s a shame. I’m sure those incidents upset a peace-loving man like Phillip. If Phillip hasn’t taken the precaution to hire men to guard his possessions, he should. Sounds to me as if that bunch is rotten and needs attention.”

  “That’s a good idea; I’ll tell him.” Rachel concluded Dan hadn’t known about those threatening episodes, and congratulated herself for her cleverness in mentioning them.

  “If you two don’t mind,” George said, “Molly Sue and I are going over yonder to speak with some friends. We’ll return shortly.”

  “So, you were the baby of your family,” Dan remarked when he and Rachel were left alone. “What was it like to live at White Cloud? If you don’t mind talking about it,” he added.

  “Until the war, wonderful. It was one of the most beautiful and prosperous plantations in Georgia; I suppose it still is; I don’t know, because I haven’t been there in years. Mama and Papa knew how to throw such grand parties and everybody loved them—my parents and the splendid events. People came from miles away to attend. Sometimes I would sneak out of bed, peek through the railing, and watch the dancing for hours. Until I was caught,” she added with a laugh.

  Her tone and expression became somber as she went on. “After my father died and Earl came, it was awful, like living in a prison. Nobody was happy anymore; nobody smiled and joked. The air in the house always seemed cold and hostile. We’d get up, eat, do chores, eat, study lessons, eat, and escape to our rooms until bedtime; then repeat that depressing schedule the next day, and the next, and the next. After the twins left, things didn’t get any better. Earl kept me and Mama on the plantation like captives, as if he was ashamed of us. I was educated at home by private tutors and taught the social graces every southern girl should know. But Earl rarely gave me a chance to practice them on others, unless he gave a big party to show off to everyone. Then he’d flaunt us like expensive possessions. Some old friends and neighbors wouldn’t attend White Cloud functions or even speak to us anymore. I can’t blame them for viewing Mama as a traitor and weakling. She changed so after Papa died. By the time I was eighteen, I was suffocating; I couldn’t wait to get away from there. I still don’t understand why Mama can’t see how terrible he is,” Rachel murmured with sad eyes, then went silent as the Leathers returned to join them.

  As they entered the hotel, Dan tried to imagine a proper young lady of eighteen being thrust into the world alone to support and defend herself. Did that harsh experience and her losses explain why her first choice was a man old enough to be her father? Yet he suspected there was more to her reason for leaving home than she had confessed. Why wouldn’t a killer of men get rid of the one she despised and resented the most?

  As they strolled through the lobby, a waiter approached them offering them two mint juleps, as the drink was a hotel treat on Saturday nights.

  Dan looked at Rachel in askance, then grinned before she could reply and said, “Yes, that should relax us nicely for a good night’s sleep.”

  The waiter lowered his tray and handed each a tall glass filled with ice, which was covered with a golden-brown blend of sugar, bourbon, and mint leaves. It was a potent mixture, a symbol of Southern tradition and hospitality.

  Rachel and Dan took their drinks and strolled onto the second-floor veranda to sip the juleps and chat before parting for the night. Others were there for the same purpose, so the couple sought a quiet and private area. They sat in comfortable rocking chairs with a small table between them. For a while, they only enjoyed the pleasant evening and heady refreshment. Their moods mellowed, their spirits soared, and their bodies warmed with the intoxicating drink and the close proximity of the other.

  “Tell me about Turkey and why arms are needed there,” Rachel coaxed, needing a distraction from Dan’s overwhelming pull.

  Dan lowered his glass from his lips, licked them, and replied, “If you’re not familiar with that area, you’ll need some background on it first.”

  “I’m not, so a history lesson is required.”

  “At one time, Turkey pretty much ruled that part of the world under the Ottoman Empire. Years ago, people of certain areas started demanding better treatment and independence. The Tanzimat Reforms were issued to appease them.” Dan related the problems for and between the Christians and Muslims of the region, then halted to sip his drink to wet his throat. To keep from staring at her, he rested his head against the chair back and gazed toward the building across the street.

  It was night, but the waning moon and gas lamps cast soft glows on the cozy setting and highlighted their features. Most of the other people had left the porch for late dinners, strolls, visits, or to retire to their rooms. It was becoming more intimate and romantic in the shadows.

  Rachel was partially turned in her rocker to watch Dan as he spoke. He had the most compelling smile and arresting blue eyes she had ever seen. His complexion was darkly tanned from hours on his ship’s deck beneath the sun. His features were bold and rugged. His hair was as dark and shiny as a crow’s wing in the moonlight. He caused her heart to flutter and her slumbering desires to awaken.

  Dan lowered his glass. “Some reforms worked, despite opposition. But the sultan was left with too much power and control. The rebelling peasants asked for help from other European and American powers. The sultan has run up a big foreign debt, and one he is unable to repay si
nce the ‘73 worldwide financial crisis and Depression.”

  Rachel remembered that panic, an event that had helped push her into Craig Newman’s arms and life, into his wicked power.

  “No nation will loan him more money, so he isn’t about to give up any of his profitable possessions. When war breaks out, other nations will get involved, mainly Russia; the United States can’t allow her to steal control of such a large and important region.” Dan hoped his truthful explanation would satisfy her curiosity.

  “It sounds awful, but crucial. Everyone wants freedom,” Rachel said and thanked Dan for the interesting information. “It’s late now and we have church early in the morning. If you’ve finished your drink, we’d better go to our rooms and retire. My glass is empty, and I feel it working on me from head to toe.” She laughed and rubbed her tingly nose. She hadn’t intended to consume the whole drink, but had, she was so distracted by him.

  Dan held her elbow as they walked up the steps to the third floor. In her weakened condition, it was the perfect moment for his next move, as he could always blame his own light head for his loss of self-control.

  The hallway was empty and quiet. Dim lights cast seductive glows and shadows. He guided Rachel to her door. Dan asked for her key to unlock it. After doing so, he led her inside. “I’d better help you, woman,” he said as excuse, chuckling all the while. “You don’t seem too steady afoot right now.”

  Rachel gave a soft laugh. “I’m not,” she responded. “I shouldn’t have drunk all of that mint julep. I’m not used to strong spirits. My head feels like a bird in dizzy flight.”

  “I know what you mean; I’m not a drinker, either, and that mixture was potent. You need any help with unreachable buttons?” he offered.

  “I don’t think so, but thank you.” She looked up into his eyes, and their gazes locked. “You’re the kindest man I’ve ever known.”

  “And you’re the most bewitching woman I’ve ever known. It takes a strong will not to caress this satiny skin, this silky hair, and these soft lips.” As he mentioned those forbidden areas, his defiant fingers trailed over each one with sensuous caresses. His thumb rubbed over her parted lips as he fused his eyes with hers. He felt her tremors of arousal, and he witnessed kindled desire in her gaze. He noticed how her breathing became fast and shallow and how her cheeks flushed even brighter.

  Dan’s eyes never left hers as he slowly lowered his head and sealed their lips, bringing fiery flesh into contact. His arms circled her back and drew her against him. He closed his eyes as his lips feasted on hers. His deft tongue explored her mouth and danced wildly with hers as they savored the taste of each other and the lingering one of the drinks. Dan groaned in need, tightened his embrace, and deepened his kiss. She was responding to him. Was it her unleashed passions or the debilitating bourbon controlling this blissful but wanton behavior?

  Rachel allowed the rapturous feelings to continue for a while. Flames of desire leapt throughout her body. Her heart raced and she felt weak and shaky. She had never experienced anything like this with any man. She yearned to give free rein to the emotions, to let them sweep her away. She couldn’t, though, not yet, not until the mystery of Phillip was clarified between them. She didn’t want to give Dan the worst—-a wicked—impression of her. She decided the best path of escape was to go limp in his embrace as if she’d passed out.

  Dan caught her sinking body and carried her to the bed. He sensed it was a defensive ploy, but he had learned what he needed to know. Tonight wasn’t the time to further explore her weakness for him. They still had work to do before their return to Savannah, work that could be halted by a guilty conscience or fear of a repetition of their behavior. He removed her shoes, covered her, and gazed down at her. Assuming she was awake, he murmured, “Stars above, Rachel McCandless, you’re too much of a temptation to resist. I wish you weren’t married, at least not to a good friend of mine. I can’t steal Phillip’s wife or compromise her. You’re much too special for that. It’s best to ignore this accident; it wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t taken those drinks. If you recall this weakness tomorrow, I hope you forgive it and don’t mention it. For us to discuss it would expose things better left hidden. Sleep well, my fetching siren.” He kissed her forehead and left the room. He locked the door and shoved the key under it into her room.

  Rachel rose quietly, removed her clothes, and returned to bed without donning a nightgown. The cool sheets rubbed against her flaming flesh. She curled to her side and nestled her face against the pillow. She had made a thrilling discovery; Dan did want her, and, if not for his friendship with Phillip, he would pursue her. She had to trust Dan, and couldn’t think of a tangible reason not to do so. For a while she would pretend their indiscretion hadn’t happened. What she had to worry about was Dan’s reaction to her deceptions. She must pray, and pray hard, it wouldn’t destroy any chance she might have with him in the future, because she wanted him. Forever.

  Fears attacked her. If no man who married her could survive long, could she endanger Dan’s life? Wouldn’t it be wiser and safer, she reasoned, to try to become his lover, not his wife? It couldn’t injure her reputation, as that was already ruined. Besides, Dan loved the sea, his ship, and his adventurous existence. With her as his mistress and waiting in port for his visits, that arrangement should suit the carefree bachelor fine. Besides, there was a strong possibility she couldn’t have children, and Dan would surely want them.

  “Please don’t hate me and spurn me when you learn the truth about me,” she murmured to herself. “I swear, I’ll promise you forever as your mistress.”

  Rachel heard a squeak, leaned up, and glanced toward the armoire. She listened, but heard nothing more. She surmised that Dan was putting away his clothes in the next room. She would enjoy doing all Dan’s chores for him, but probably would never get the chance. Besides, it might only be a physical attraction to her he felt. He might never want to marry a three-time widow, one husband having been his old friend. Then again, she could be mistaken, and prayed she was. She cuddled into the soft mattress, closed her eyes, and went to sleep to dream of Captain Daniel Slade.

  As the singing of hymns finished and the crowd took their seats in the large church, the pastor rose to stand behind his podium. He passed his gentle gaze over his flock, smiled, and opened his Bible.

  He began with shocking words: “In Exodus twenty, verse thirteen, the Good Book says, ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ Most people believe that only means not to take another’s life. I tell you, brethren and sisters, it means far more. There are many other ways to kill. You can murder someone’s reputation with cruel lies or by spreading destructive gossip. You can murder someone’s spirit by crushing it until it dies. You can murder someone’s hopes and dreams by preventing them from coming true. You can murder someone’s will by forcing him or her to be weak and useless so you can be stronger. I say to you, obey the Fifth Commandment in all ways.”

  Rachel hadn’t attended church in a while, but had been reared to do so and taught to honor the Bible’s words. She had tried to obey the Ten Commandments she had learned as a child. Even if she had surrendered to Dan, she wouldn’t have committed adultery. “Until death do you part,” the Book commanded, and it had, from all three husbands. Yet, she couldn’t vow she hadn’t broken the last one. She had coveted, hungered, and envied what others had: good names, friends, respect, honor, and happiness. Sometimes she was jealous of others for having what she wanted, and experienced bitterness and resentment for being denied. She wished every person who had been cruel to and judgmental of her could hear this message and obey it.

  Dan observed Rachel from the corner of his eye as the minister talked, but didn’t see a smidgen of guilt exposed on her face. They had eaten their early meal in a hurry, and neither had mentioned the heady incident last night. Both had put on cheerful moods and sunny smiles and chatted like good friends. He had seen Rachel relax the moment her gaze finished scanning the church and found no reporter. After the serv
ice, they were to have Sunday dinner with the Leathers, say their farewells, then return to the hotel to pack.

  At the hotel, Dan collected the photographer’s envelope from the desk clerk. He went to Rachel’s room and knocked at her door.

  She opened it and smiled, but looked tense. “Are you all finished this quickly?”

  “I haven’t even started yet. I went downstairs to get the pictures. They were just delivered as promised. They’re excellent, beautiful. I’m well pleased.” He withdrew and handed her three photographs. “Those are yours. These are mine,” he said, shaking the envelope and grinning. “Real treasures.”

  Rachel looked at all three. She smiled and concurred, “Yes, they are wonderful. He did a splendid job. Thank you, Dan. I would invite you in to chat, but that wouldn’t be proper.”

  He nodded agreement. “Besides, I have to pack, and you have to finish your chore. I’ll meet you downstairs at seven for a light meal.”

  “I’ll have something sent up, so I won’t have to stop work. This takes a long time. And after I finish, I need to rest. We have to rise, dress, and eat early to get checked out and to the station by eight-thirty. The train leaves at nine, and we first have to buy the tickets we ordered.”

  Dan reasoned her plans were meant to protect them from another untimely temptation. “That’s fine with me. Tomorrow will be a long and busy day. I’ll see you in the morning at seven. Good night, Rachel.”

  She almost sighed aloud in relief for his understanding. “Good night, Dan, and thank you again for these lovely pictures.”

  After she closed her door, Rachel recalled what George had said today about telling Phillip to send that advance to him as soon as possible.

  Rachel knew George was worried, but she believed—hoped—he had told her everything he knew about the mysterious order. She still wanted a look at the company books, but that wasn’t possible, not on this trip, at least.

  They boarded the Georgia Railroad train at Union Station. Everything had gone as planned this morning. They settled back in their seats and waited for departure. It wasn’t long in coming. The engineer gave several blasts of the whistle, then put the train into motion. At first it traveled slowly and carefully through the southwestern side of town, but when Augusta was left behind, it increased its speed. Soon the wheels were rolling with their clickity-clack sounds, steam was rolling over the top of the line of cars, and passengers relaxed to enjoy the day-long trip.