The Cumberland Plateau

by Mary K. Baxley

  ~*~

  Joseph and Georgiana returned three hours later, laughing and talking. Georgiana actually flirted with the young officer, and he seemed to enjoy it. All of this did not go unnoticed by David, who had been walking around the farm, getting a feel for the place. He only smiled as he watched them go into the house. It was about time Georgiana showed an interest in a man, and Bennett appeared to be a rather nice sort of chap. David thought they would suit each other quite well.

  Turning back to his purpose, he walked through the gardens and into the barnyard to find all the horses there. Uncle Henry had told him it would be all right for him to saddle a horse and ride out over the farm. He’d even gone so far as to suggest which horse might suit him. Of all the horses Henry had described, David thought he would prefer the black stallion, but since Joseph had just ridden him, David would have to select another.

  Carefully watching so as to not step in a cow-pie or a horse-apple, he ambled towards the mares grazing at the feed trough. David examined each horse meticulously, finding them all to be well-kept and healthy with great conformation, but the only spirited one amongst them appeared to be the black stallion snorting and stomping in the yard. Yet, upon closer inspection, he determined that the chestnut mare held more spirit than any of the others available, so he chose her.

  “Come on, milady,” he said, taking her by the bridle and leading her into the barn where he found saddles and a bit laid over a rail. Saddling the horse, he thought of the cove Joseph had described. He desperately needed some place of solace to sit and think—someplace quiet and peaceful where he could sort out what he was discovering about Fitzwilliam’s new family. And then there was the woman who continued to invade his thoughts and haunt his dreams. He’d think about her, too.

  As David mounted the horse, he bent low and stroked her neck while he whispered in her ear. “Lady, take me away to some place where I can hear myself think.” He gently caressed her mane. “You’re a good girl, so let’s find the cove.”

  The mare snorted and tossed her head as if she understood and was off like a bullet when David gently set his heel to her flank. He didn’t know the horse’s name, so to him, she was ‘Lady,’ for she held herself well and gaited with a smooth grace, having characteristics he could only assign to a sophisticated lady of noble birth. When she took the first fence, her jump was made with ease, as fluid and effortlessly as any horse he’d ever sat.

  It was not hard to find the cove with the instructions he had received, and the horse seemed to instinctively know where to take him. Slowing down to a canter, David smiled as he leaned forward to rub her neck once more. He had a way of making a connection with mares, and Lady was no different. He slowed the horse down even more and trotted into the heart of the cove where he came to a stop by the stream and dismounted, tying the mare to a nearby tree branch. Lady shook her head, whinnying and pawing the ground as her master walked over to the flat rock and took a seat.

  Sitting there, he felt the peaceful, easy feeling this place had to offer. It was very much like his favorite place in his boyhood home in Derbyshire where he would steal away any time he needed quiet relaxation. The fresh aromas of cedar and pine from the woods, mixed with the smell of a recent rain, soothed his spirits while the steady rush of water and the crash of the falls tumbling into the pool relaxed his body, setting the mood for deep concentration.

  …Fitzwilliam may not agree, but it would be best if no one in England learns of his marriage, and consequently, this sordid affair with Elizabeth’s family. They’re all involved with it…as is to be expected, I suppose. The stupid girl has to be protected, even if it is mostly from herself. If it were reversed and one of our cousins was involved, Fitzwilliam would do all that he could to help, whilst Father would try and distance himself from it. What would I do? I don’t know. What will I do now?

  He mulled it over, trying to decide. …I’ll protect my brother, that’s what I will do. I’ll help Father to keep Fitzwilliam’s marriage a secret, and I will try and keep this information about the Bennett family away from my father, even if it puts me between the two of them. Elizabeth makes Fitzwilliam happy, and anyone that makes my brother happy is important to me, therefore, I will protect her, too. Father must not discover any of this.

  That finally decided, his mind drifted to the woman…the woman who wouldn’t leave him alone. No matter what he did, he could not squash those thoughts or repress those feelings—feelings he was unsure of, feelings he had never felt before. For whatever foolish, or perhaps impulsive, reason, he’d bought Cecilia a gift. Except for his sister, he’d never given any girl or woman a gift, and even now, he wasn’t sure he would actually go through with it. He struggled. …I’m only a few hundred miles away…I want to see her. I have to see her. I have to know what it is I’m feeling. I know it’s not what they call love. I don’t have the tender disposition Fitzwilliam has. I never have. I’m not romantic.

  I’ve got to get a hold of myself. I’ll go to Charleston, see Cecilia, give her the gift, and then I will have it out of my system. Yes, that’s what I will do. I’ll spend two days with her. She can be a lot of fun, and I do enjoy her company, so what does it matter? I’m not in love. It’s just a fantasy—one we can both enjoy for two days, and then I can go back to London to Cybil or Sandra, or whoever else I choose. I will take what I want and leave when I want.

  He smiled, content in finally having come to an understanding with himself. Lying back on the rock, he closed his eyes, allowing visions of Cecilia standing there before him naked and dancing in the light of a harvest moon to take his mind captive. She was beckoning him with an outstretched hand to join her. In his mind’s eye, he stripped off his clothing and danced with her before they both dove into the pool. He could feel her soft wet hand stroking the side of his face. Hear the muffled sound of her gentle voice. It was so real—too real. He woke up to find one of the farm hounds whining and licking the side of his face. Shocked, he jumped up, glaring at the Redbone who apparently thought she had found a buddy. Unable to resist, he reached over and rubbed her head, scratching behind her ears. Pushing himself up, he promptly went to the pool to wash his face and hair.

  When he felt sufficiently clean, David stood erect and walked back to the hound, patting her once more. “Come on, Lassie. Let’s return. Would you like to run? Well, let’s see if you can keep up.” David grinned, ruffling her ears before turning to walk in the direction of the mare. With one smooth, fluid motion he mounted the horse and tore out of the cove in a full gallop. To his amazement, the hound kept pace quite well, even clearing the fences with ease. Back in the barnyard, he unsaddled the horse, rubbed her down, and gave her a scoop of grain, and then gave the dog a biscuit from the dog tin by the barn door. Once the horse and dog were attended to, he left for the farmhouse.

  With a light step, he walked towards the house, intending to rest on the porch swing, but as he approached, he noticed it was occupied by his sister and Joseph. Springing up the steps, he greeted them. “Bennett, you have some very fine animals. I rode your chestnut mare. She has a fine gait and a strong run. Jumps very well, too. How old is she? Two…three years?” he asked. “And what is her name? I called her Lady,” David laughed, “and she seemed to respond quite well.”

  “Well, that’s because she is Lady Macbeth. She thought you knew her.” Joseph chuckled. “I believe she’s three and a half. She was a foal the last time I saw her, and yes, I think she is a fine animal. She’s the lead mare. I noticed Sally Mae coming back with you. She appears to be taken with you, too.”

  “So that’s her name. Yes, I think she does like me. She woke me up with her kisses when I napped after my ride,” David smirked. “Not exactly the way I’d like to be awakened, but it served its purpose. Had it not been for her, I might very well still be out there. Does she usually travel that far out from the house?”

  “All the time. She loves to track and often goes to the woods. Sometimes she’s gone for days, so I’m glad you br
ought her home. Like I said, she likes you, or she wouldn’t have approached you like she did. I guess she’s like all the rest of the ladies. She can’t resist your charm either.” Joseph laughed.

  “Well, Sally Mae’s kisses are one lady’s affections I think I could very well do without.” David grinned as he walked over to the wicker bench and took a seat. “Tell me, Bennett, how much longer are you going to be here before you leave for your next duty station?”

  “It was supposed to be a full month, but I received a call a few hours ago. The general wants us all back at Camp Pendleton in two weeks. I’ve been cut short a week. How about y’all? How much longer will you be staying?”

  “We should probably leave at about the same time. I have a lot of work to do when we return to London. That reminds me,” David said, turning to his sister. “Georgiana, I am leaving in the morning for South Carolina. I have some things there I need to attend to. Do you think you will be all right at the townhouse by yourself?”

  At about that time Lori and Tana walked out onto the porch. “Heavens, no, she won’t. Georgiana, dear, you are invited to stay here with us while your brother is away. In fact, just stay for the next two weeks,” Aunt Lori said.

  David smiled, catching the gleam in the ladies’ eyes and the embarrassment on Bennett’s face while Georgiana’s lit up.

  “I’d love to stay, Mrs. Simpson.” Georgiana rose from the swing to greet the Aunts. “Mrs. Bennett, will you be here, too?”

  “Yes, I’ll come out for some of the time, but it will have to be after five. That’s when I close the flower shop. Miss Darcy, if you would like, you can visit me in town at the shop.”

  “Oh, I’d like that, but do call me Georgiana. Miss Darcy sounds a bit stuffy.”

  “Georgiana it is, then, and you can call me Tana.” Turning to Joseph, she said, “Do bring Georgiana to town while you attend to whatever business you have with Robert tomorrow. We’ll all have lunch together down at Loony’s Diner.”

  “I’d love that,” Georgiana replied. “So you own a floral shop?”

  “Yes, I do. I’ll show it to you when you come in, then we can meet the men for lunch.” Tana clutched Georgiana’s hands as the two women laughed.

  “How about you, Mr. Darcy, would you like to stay with us?” Lori asked.

  “Ah, no, I thank you. I’m going to South Carolina in the morning, and I plan to be gone for a couple of days. When I come back, I will stay with my brother and have a look around town. I’d like to get a feel for the small rural atmosphere of a Southern town.”

  “Well, you’re most welcome to stay with us when you return if you change your mind.”

  “Oh, and do drop in on us while you’re in town,” Tana interjected. “Usually we’re at our farm, but this month we’re stayin’ at our townhouse on Vine Street. It’s just down from Willow and Elm. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam can give you the directions.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Bennett, I would love to.” Turning to Lori, he continued. “And thank you, Mrs. Simpson for your kind offer. I’ll consider it. Now, if you will excuse me, I think Georgiana and I should be on our way back to town. I will drop her off early in the morning on my way to South Carolina.”

  Lori spoke up in alarm. “Oh, but you cannot leave. You must stay for supper. I can’t bear the thought of you two havin’ to eat cold leftovers or goin’ out. You must stay. It’s already fixed. I just need to set it on the table.”

  “Yes, you both must stay. We have all this food here. It would be a shame to let it go to waste,” Tana pleaded.

  The aunts were so insistent that David felt compelled to comply.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  …I will never forget anything about you…

  Cecilia paced back and forth in her executive office, exasperated. “Cameron, what do you want from me? I’ve agreed to co-sponsor the Camellia Festival with you. I’ve even gone so far as to foot the bill for most of the preparations. I’m even hosting the ball in the Lawton Ballroom. Is that not enough?”

  Cameron Taylor let out a sigh as he sat down and crossed his legs. “No, Celia. No, it’s not. If you are gonna co-sponsor the event with me, then we need to attend together…as a couple. It’s less than two weeks away. We need to settle this now. If we appear as a couple, it will generate more publicity, and consequently, more donations for the Charleston Arts Foundation. You do care about that, don’t you?”

  She strolled across the floor to the window and looked out at the busy street below, her hands held behind her back as she rubbed them together in frustration. “I care,” she gently nodded, “but that’s not the point. I just don’t want or need a date. I would much rather watch this year than dance, and if you and I are there as a couple, I won’t be allowed to stay in the background. Besides,” she softly said, glancing over her shoulder, “people will view us as an item and begin talking.”

  Folding his arms across his chest, he rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “Since when do you give a damn about what people think or say?” He gave her a pointed look. “But I know what you are alludin’ to. Don’t worry yourself darlin’. I have no intention of announcin’ an engagement. Not yet anyway.”

  She turned sharply on her heel and shot him a warning glare.

  “Come on, Cecilia, you know it’s expected of us, and we were once very close. We can be so again. It’s time both of us thought about our futures. We have our families’ heritages to think about.” He got up from his chair and walked over to where she stood, placing his hand on her shoulder and leaning in close. “The merger of Lawton & Co. with Taylor Shippin’ would be a wise and very profitable move,” he hesitated just a moment, pursing his lips, “on both our parts. It’s time we grew up and thought about our responsibilities to more than just ourselves.”

  Refusing to face him, she jerked out of his grasp, snapping her head away from his feverish breath burning down the side of her neck. “No! I won’t do it. We’re not even dating, and you are already planning our future. What makes you think I would marry you? You’re still seeing Amelia. Why would I be so foolish as to align myself with you in any manner, let alone in matrimony?”

  He smirked at her reaction. “Because you need to secure your future, and you need a man who knows how to manage not only a business, but a home and a family, too.” He reached out and grabbed her arm. “You need a family. We both do. As for Amelia, I’ve already told you she means nothin’ to me, and as soon as you are back where you belong, I’ll drop her. But remember, a man has needs. You don’t expect me to be without while I wait for you to come around. do you? After all, you’re not—”

  She cut him off and jerked out of his grasp. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” She felt as if a large hand had just grabbed her middle section and squeezed hard.

  “You’re seein’ that Brit, and I know it.” He cast a feigned nonchalant look, retreating back to the other side of the room.

  “A man has needs, huh? And I guess you can’t temper your needs to suit the situation? Not much different than last time. Well, let me clue you in on something, Taylor.” Her eyes locked with his in a deadly stare. “A woman has needs, too, and they are not necessarily all in the bedroom, either.”

  “Oh, and I suppose your Englishman understands those needs, does he?” Cameron narrowed his gaze.

  “He knows how to treat a lady, unlike you,” she mocked. …At least he’s a quick learner, which you are not!

  “A lady, huh. I seem to remember you being a little less than a lady, but then that was a long time ago.” He chuckled, running his fingers across the back of the chair he’d sat in earlier.

  Cecilia’s chest tightened. Her eyes flashed a warning for him to drop it.

  “We’ll not discuss this subject any further for the time being.” Cameron stood, focusing intently on her. “Back to the Camellia Festival, are you goin’ with me or not?”

  She looked at him, shaking her head while wringing her hands as she stepped away to pace the floor, choosing to ignore hi
s last comments. Cameron was right. She knew it—and hated it. …Why did my brother have to die? If he had only lived, then I would not carry this heavy responsibility. I would be free to do as I please.

  Anxiety gripped her. She chewed on her lower lip, contemplating the situation. She threw up her hands.

  “Okay, I’ll attend with you, but it will mean nothing. That is, nothing more than that I’ve agreed to host the function with you and to be your date for the evening, but that’s all. Nothing more,” she firmly stated. “I want you to understand that. I am not the girl I once was, nor do I harbor any tender feelings for you, and I doubt that I ever will.”

  “You once did.” He laughed with a glint in his eyes. “You will again. I’m not the fool I was seven years ago, as you are not the naive girl. I’ll pick you up at your penthouse at six, and I won’t be late, so you be ready. Now, how about dinner tonight?”

  “No, not tonight. I’m very tired. I just got in from Peru late Sunday, and I’ve had a busy day. I’m going to call it an early evening and get some much-needed rest. Call me in a day or two, and we’ll talk more.” Cecilia dipped her head, rubbing her temples, trying to suppress the terrible headache threatening to erupt.

  “Suit yourself. I’ll call you by the weekend, and we’ll have dinner. Remember, I’d rather be with you than anyone else.” He crossed the room to where she stood and pulled her into an embrace, kissing her brow, and then he moved towards the door.

  Finally alone, Cecilia grabbed a couple of aspirin from her desk drawer, downed them with what remained of the bottled water beside her phone, and collapsed onto the small couch in her office. She threw her head back and closed her eyes. She must have sat there for over an hour thinking over the events of the afternoon. “How did I get myself into this mess?” she asked out loud, releasing a long breath.