by Arlene Lam
She didn’t like being left alone but she was happy for both her friends and their beaus. Things were as they should be. Now the task of finding somewhere to sit out the wait. If Morgan had come she’d have spent the night hanging off his arm as he played a game of poker in the back. Being by herself for a moment outranked that a thousand times.
Besides, tonight had turned out better than she could have ever hoped. Just like Jessie said something wonderful had happened she thought, smiling a smile that went right down into her bones.
CHAPTER NINE
Jasper McMahan had paced the office floor going on more than a half an hour and Jordan still hadn’t shown. He’d been biding his time trying to figure out how best to bring up a certain event that occurred last week. Sipping his port Jasper replayed what he was going to say over in his mind.
Opening his study door Jordan was greeted by the sight of his close friend “What brings you here today, better yet what do you want?”
Jasper let a wide grin spread across his face. “Is that the way to treat your best friend?” Setting aside the glass Jasper took the seat across from the large desk Jordan now rested in. “Late night?”
Jordan grinned over at his friend. “Of course.”
“Of course you say.” Getting out of his chair Jasper went to stand a good distance away. He was a big man and could hold his own but he knew Jordan and any good man could admit when he was defeated or could be defeated. Jordan could best him in a fight.
But it was just a safety precaution after all. He was planning on pricking Jordan’s nerves today. All in good sport of course, what else were friends for? “How is that girl, you know the one, your sister loves her. Margaret’s friend, what’s her name again? Amelia is it?”
“You know her name is Amelia, what are you getting at?”
“How’s she been since the cotillion?”
“I’m not sure, she is barely here anymore. I’ve been looking for another maid to help.” Taking out a cigar Jordan lit the tip and blew out a small puff of smoke.
“Margaret voiced that you might have an interest in her.” Jasper nearly choked with laughter at the cold stare that was being directed at him. “I never really figured her to be your type.” He managed to bark out.
Reclining back Jordan kicked his feet up onto his desk ignoring Jasper completely. He had business to attend to. By the end of the month he would be setting sail for England.
Jasper quieted his laughter until there was no more than a faint smile upon his lips. He was getting nowhere with this. Sometimes it was easier to tame a wild boar than it was to get under Jordan Bradford’s skin.
The main reason he had brought the subject up was Margaret. The two of them had been getting some fresh air when they stumbled upon Jordan and the young Ms. Marriott engaged in a kiss. She had been so upset after seeing it she wanted to go straight home. Telling him the whole time how it was wrong for Jordan to take advantage of an innocent woman. That he should care more about others and stop thinking only of himself, and also that he shouldn’t even carry on with a woman like Amelia if not for obvious reason, but for the sheer fact that she was soon to be married. “Margaret would like to have some words with you, consider it fair warning.”
“Tell Margaret she needs to mind her own affairs and stay out of mine.”
Jasper drained his port quickly. “You tell her yourself, this has nothing to do with me. I try to avoid war when I can.” Taking his seat once more he continued.” She does have a point Jordan; you would be doing yourself a favor and her. You know better.”
“For God sake what are you babbling on about? I said the woman had a nice smile I didn’t know it was a crime.”
“You also kissed her.”
Jordan fell silent for a moment. Never once did he contemplate being seen. “It was just a kiss; I didn’t take her back to a barn and ravish her.”
“That’s not what I’m getting at.”
Jordan stared his friend in the face and let a smile come back to his face. “I know she’s colored. I know exactly what you’re getting at.”
Turning toward the window Jordan let another puff of smoke waft out into the room. “No need to worry. I don’t want her.”
“If you say so.” Jasper ran his hand through his hair. He knew Jordan almost better than he knew himself. “Just make sure that when you do want her, you hightail it into Melanie’s arms instead.”
CHAPTER TEN
I’ll say I’m ill, I am ill it wouldn’t be a lie. Amelia turned over in her straw bed for at least the thousandth time she was sure. Her mind just refused to run straight whenever she looked Lorraine in the face a deep blush would come to her cheeks and she felt as if the world could see into her soul and would know just what it was she did last week.
It wasn’t as if she had committed the worst of sins. She wouldn’t even say that it was a sin; no it wasn’t a sin at all just a very big mistake. The worst mistake she’d ever made. Still she couldn’t use that as an excuse. She could just picture it now. “Lorraine I cannot go with you to church today because I have made a mistake.” Wasn’t that what church was for? To ask forgiveness for one’s mistakes.
Then again maybe she had it all wrong. Maybe for the last several days Lorraine wasn’t asking what was the matter because she figured there was something amiss, maybe she really thought she was sick. That was it, she was sick. Sick in the mind or body, all the same it was sick. “Lorraine, I don’t think I can make it to church today I’m feeling a little down.”
Placing her hand on her niece’s forehead Lorraine then placed the other upon hers. “You don’t feel hot”
“No…” Amelia cast her golden eyes skyward in mock shock. “Well it’s mostly stomach pains.”
“Hmm.” Lorraine disappeared into the kitchen, that child was no sicker than the sun was green. Nonetheless she wouldn’t say anything. If she didn’t feel like attending the church service that was to be on Amelia’s conscious not her own. Still she would fetch her a cool glass of water.
Taking the cup from the cupboard Lorraine decided to pour a glass of fresh lemonade rather than water. It might just perk her up. She couldn’t put her finger on why Amelia was acting so funny the last couple of days. She blamed most of it on jitters which she understood. But it wasn’t as if it was news she’d just found out.
Wiping the subject from her mind Lorraine made her way back into the living room where Amelia now sat slouched over in a chair. Handing her the glass Lorraine gave her one more once over before giving her a disapproving glare. “I will be back shortly, I want this house spotless you hear.”
Waiting impatiently for the tell-tale soft clicking of the door shutting. Amelia hopped from her position as soon as it sounded. She was going to drive herself out of her mind’s wits if she kept this up. She had sent a note to the Bradford house saying she had come down with a cold and wouldn’t be able to come in to work. Completely forgetting the fact that she had been allowed to work at the Bradford’s just three days a week for going to the party and not asking permission.
Aunt Lorraine might need money but she felt that soon enough she would be set for life and could deal with having Amelia about a few extra days. Even if that mean the girl would be bringing in less money.
It was all for the best in the end she figured, after all she just couldn’t picture strolling in the house preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner as if nothing had happened. Something had indeed happened.
Shutting her eyes tight Amelia groaned in desperation it was coming near close to having a second job keeping Jordan Bradford off the brain and even harder a job keeping it all to herself.
Kisses now were taking on a whole new meaning. She never even knew that a kiss could make the world around you feel like it was spinning. Matter of fact, she never knew that a kiss could make your whole body feel as if it had just caught fire. Morgan never made her feel those things.
Amelia groaned loudly at the remembrance of that name. No, Morgan no doubt would
never make her feel as if the earth was shaking when he was around. Of course that didn’t really matter one bit. He would give her a home, a name, maybe even a few children to call her own and that had to be enough. And maybe down the road, she could learn to love him, but if not who needed extravagant kisses anyway. Kisses, there she was again. She was never going to let it go, no matter how hard she tried to push Jordan out of her mind, he would always find a way to creep right back in and take top priority.
Well the least she could do was get dressed. She needed to get started cleaning if she wasn’t going to let Lorraine come home to an untidy house. Around noon she would throw on her old scratchy wool dress and go outside to dig around in the garden. Sighing Amelia looked around her; she was quickly becoming tired of what was her life. Spotting a large brown package at the foot of her bed, Amelia smiled to herself. She hadn’t even opened it yet. It was the dress she had ordered it came all the way from New York. There was no time like the present to try it on.
Tearing away the brown paper, Amelia laughed at meeting yet another layer of it. At least they didn’t want it sent damaged. Pulling away the last of it, she carefully pulled out and unfolded the material on her bed.
“Oh my.” It was more than what she had expected she had to say. She had gotten more than her money’s worth with this dress. It was of pale yellow, and all around the hem they had embroidered golden flowers that faded out and then reappeared at the bodice. It was done in the new more modern style so there would be no hoop, she would need her crinoline for the tons of layers that fell down behind it.
Hurrying over to the second box she made short work of it and reached in to reveal the hat that went with it. It too was very pretty, with its bobbing little hummingbird that clung onto the shear lace. It was made so that the lace came down to barely cover your eyes and the hummingbird looked as if it was hovering over a flower on the far left side of the hat.
There were gloves shoved in the bottom made of the same lacey material that hung from the hat and packed down at the very bottom was a parasol to match. Smiling to herself Amelia flicked the back of the hat. “Well Amelia today we’re going to play dress up.”
Cleaning could wait. Grabbing her white undergarments she quickly threw them on and then went over to the dress. Carefully she undid the tiny yellow buttons that lined the back and daintily stepped in.
Pulling it up and sliding her arms within the sleeves Amelia reached around the back and frowned it would have been easier if someone was there to help her button the back, still she could do it. She’d done it many times before.
Spinning in the mirror Amelia twisted to the side to make sure she had done them correctly and was more than happy to see that she did. Dragging the brush through her hair once, she decided not to brush out the soft ringlet curls she had at the ends, but instead reached for a clip and pulled the top portion into it so that it still hung down but half was up and neatly pinned the hat into place. Next came the gloves, which she slid on with ease in spite of the fact that they were made of lace. Frowning Amelia picked up her camisole, she was all dressed up, but where exactly was she going.
*
Melanie linked her arm with Jordan’s holding him to her snuggly to her. She wanted everyone to know that at least for the time being Jordan Bradford belonged to her and no one else. Tilting her head up she smiled sweetly at him. He was bored she could tell but she wouldn’t fold and suggested they go indoors for maybe some more entertaining activities.
In a few days, he would be gone, and once again she would be left behind for who knew how many months. No, today was her day and no one was going to spoil it. She was sure she’d miss him a little more this time around. He would write her one letter upon arrival stating he was well and his health was fine, and another upon departure, both short and to the point. Feeling a slight rumble in her stomach Melanie turned her attention back to the present and her apparent hunger. “I’m famished, couldn’t we stop for a bite.”
Jordan tilted his head in her direction, they had just not too long ago eaten breakfast, but if she was hungry she was hungry. Hell at least she would eat, he hated a woman who picked and pecked at her plate.
Looking down the cobblestone street Jordan took in the sights and searched for a decent place for their early lunch. Fancy French restaurants lined the streets but he had tired of their cuisine some time ago.
At the moment he wanted good old fashioned cooking without all the sauces and wines. Flicking the tip of her chin playfully he waved his hand down the vast street. “And where would you like to dine, my dear?”
“Let’s see such a large variety, Hartman’s, no that doesn’t seem like your taste. Then there’s Elaine Bower’s, or maybe even that little French restaurant on the corner what’s it called, oh never mind I can’t recall.” Melanie said in a huff.
“We could always go back to the hotel and entertain ourselves there.”
Squinting her nose up in disapproval, Melanie continued to scan the area. None of the restaurants would want her as a patron. “As pleasant as your last proposition is, it’s a divine day and I’m not actually starving so I’ve devised another plan since I have every intention of spending my time out here with you. I’d love to go to the park the river is bound to be stunning.”
“The park? Where will we find privacy in the park”?
“It’s not about privacy it’s about scenery.”
“Whatever you desire my dear.” Jordan teased. He would go this once not because he wanted to but because after all it would pay off greatly by the end of the night, and he would do most anything for a pretty face.
Melanie pulled him behind her as they made their way up the small hill and to the bench that sat on top of it. Pulling him down alongside her she gazed out contentedly at the water. “It’s beautiful isn’t it?”
“Yes I suppose it is.”
“You suppose. Come on Jordan look its simply gorgeous.”
“You’re gorgeous.” Jordan grinned at her.
“Well thank you very much.” Melanie leaned against his frame lazily. Amazed at how happy the man next to her truly made her. “How has that sister of yours been doing? I saw her not too long ago at this very park with Amelia.”
Jordan looked down to her his interest peaked. “Is that a fact, just the two of them?
“No Amelia was with that beau of hers but they must have got in some tizzy, I seen her flying out of there not too long after she arrived. He was looking madder than a wet cat”
The memory of a night a few weeks back flooded back into his mind and he started to put the pieces into their proper place.
“How long will you be away?”
“What?” snapped out of his thoughts he answered “I don’t know, a few months, why want to come along?” Jordan looked into her green eyes and smiled. It would after all be nice to have a woman to take along on his trips, to hang on his arm at all the pointless parties.
“You’d tire of me rather quickly.” Melanie spoke, being the voice of reason. “And I think I would become deliriously jealous. I’m not naïve enough to think I’m your only woman, just the only woman in New Orleans.”
“You’re my favorite woman.” Jordan joked trying to lighten the mood, but knew that there was no chance, seeing her pouting face. “We made no promises to each other Melanie. You know that, I’m not the marrying type.”
“No but you’re not the one woman type either.” Melanie retorted bitterly.
“Why are you ruining a perfect day? You know as well as I that talking about you and I and trying to be serious is going to lead to an argument.”
“Because…do you have any idea how utterly frustrating you can be Jordan Bradford.” Melanie finished in defeat, while standing up and heading down the hill. Turning around she looked at the only man who had managed to get under her skin in her whole life. “I can’t stay mad at you for more than a few hours. So…I’ll see you tonight.” And with that she hurriedly went back in the direction she had come.<
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Nodding his head in agreement Jordan reached inside of his coat pocket for his cigar. Who would have thought that today he would end up on the park bench all by himself. Jordan lit the tip and inhaled deeply. He would make it up to her somehow. A necklace or maybe some earrings, any trinket would do.
Amelia peered over the top of her book; she had watched the whole scene, intrigued to say the least. Everyone knew Melanie and what she was, on occasion they exchanged words as Amelia never judged the woman. However she had never once mentioned knowing Mr. Bradford. Not that she should care of course, but seeing the two of them so close together bothered the hell out of her. Maybe she could just go over there and ask how he was doing. She could say that she had seen Melanie with him and she was wondering where she went.
No, it was none of her business what they were doing and she shouldn’t give a hoot what they were doing for that matter. Glancing once again over at him, she gave a sigh. She couldn’t help herself she was nearly dying to find out why he was so close to Melanie, dying to have him confirm if they were acquainted for other reasons than the obvious, and most of all dying to see him up close once more.
Gathering up her shawl and purse she took in a deep breath, and told herself for the fifth time it was silly to be nervous and willed her heart to slow its pace as she hurried over to him. “Mr. Bradford.” There she had done it, now it was his turn.
Jordan looked up at the face that matched the voice that was now becoming so familiar to him. Letting his eyes take in the sight of her he couldn’t help the deep dimpled smile that came over his face. She was clad in a silk yellow dress with gold daffodils lining all around her bodice, giving him a view of her honey brown breast that swelled at the top of it.
But that wasn’t the loveliest part. She looked downright beautiful today. He had to admit he’d be lying to himself if he tried to deny it. She had the blackest hair he had ever seen and it hung down past her shoulders freely and curled in large ringlets at the tips. This only complemented and set off her flawless skin that now seemed to glow in the sunlight. And her eyes, those eyes were pure gold—never had he seen the likes of them on anyone before. Her long lashes jutted out and curled and fine eyebrows arched ever so slightly in question. Extending his hand toward her, he kindly tugged her down intentionally eyeing her lips, deliberately making her uncomfortable.