Traveled Hearts (First In Series Book 1)

by Veronica Mahara

  Frederick came up behind her, putting his arms around her waist, and kissed her cheek. “Shall I leave you to yourself for a while, my dear? I know it’s been quite a day for you.” He turned her around, and she looked into his hazel-colored eyes, but she had no reply. “You are the most beautiful bride any man could ever hope for.” His lips curled in a grin. “Thank you for marrying me.”

  For the first time all day, she truly saw him and he seemed quite happy and sincere. She shyly offered him her mouth and without hesitation, the force of his passion was upon her. He led her to the foot of the stately bed and began to undress her. As he slowly removed one layer after another, she could feel the weight of the world literally being peeled away.

  His lovemaking felt foreign, and his larger frame seemed to consume her as she lie underneath him. Bringing her arms above her head, he smothered her breasts with kisses. She didn’t know how to react. Shutting her eyes tight, she waited for it to be over.

  After he was done, she was still, wondering if she had met his needs. To her relief, he seemed quite pleased. She’d fulfilled her wifely duties. There would be no hiding in certain places or catching a moment here or there as it was with Jacob. She and Frederick had announced their union in front of everyone and did what was naturally expected of them–not what would be abhorred and unlawful by society–yet she felt dirty and ashamed. She gathered up the sheet and blanket to cover her naked body. Her eyes lowered, a tear or two escaping.

  “Jessica, my love, what is it?”

  “I’m fine, Frederick.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, yes. It’s been a grand day.”

  “Then why the tears? Did you not find it, or rather, me, satisfactory?”

  “No. I mean yes, it was, more than … satisfactory. And was I?”

  Frederick pursed his lips and leaned into her ear. “I will ignore the fact that you are not a virgin. It will be our little secret.” He came away from her and sat up. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have married you. I will not ask about the circumstances. Your fall from grace is safe with me.”

  Her body stiffened and a sharp, cold ripple ran down her spine.

  Frederick’s mood quickly changed. “Now, dry your eyes, I have some news. It’s my wedding present to you, my darling.”

  “What is it?” She was barely comprehending his knowledge of her body.

  “We’re moving to San Francisco.”

  “San Francisco?” She sat up straight. “Whatever for? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” He must be mad. “When?”

  “Very soon. I know it’s a shock, but I didn’t want to burden you before the wedding. I thought it would be a brilliant surprise.”

  Searching for the proper response, it came to her like a flash of light, and her thoughts went to her brother and cousin. They were headed to California and perhaps would visit Aunt June’s brother and his family, who lived across the bay from San Francisco. Popping up on her knees, she blurted out, “Jacob will be there … and Will, of course. They said their business would take them out West.” His reaction had her sitting back, regretting her outburst. She had angered her new husband.

  “Jessica, that is not the reason for our move. I think you ought to know the truth—most men in the business your brother and cousin have chosen don’t always make it all the way out West.” Then he said, under his breath, “And from what I’ve seen of those two, they’ll probably have a slimmer chance than most.”

  Jessica was appalled by Frederick’s assumptions. “Why would you say that?” Her regret fell by the wayside as she came to their defense.

  “My dear, I’m sure you’ve been kept in the dark, as you should be, of the antics of your brother and cousin.”

  “What do you know about them?”

  “Let’s not argue over such nonsense.” His anger was at the surface, and she brought the covers up tighter. He left the bed and swung his robe around his body. “The whereabouts of your brother and cousin have little to do with our lives now– especially your cousin.” Lowering his tone, he remained defiant. “We will move to San Francisco where I will start work as a financier.”

  “I’m sorry. I was feeling homesick, and now this.”

  Frederick came back to bed. She felt the warmth of his body on her skin. He slowly swept a lock of her shiny, dark hair off her bare shoulder. “I’ll protect you, my sweetheart.” His quiet gallantry did not release the anxiety building in her.

  Jessica witnessed his sincerity, along with his ability to change from a puppy to a beast, then back again. He could decide her life in an instant, giving him a power over her she had not expected. She searched his eyes while his hand caressed her cheek.

  “Hadn’t you considered making a home with me after our marriage? Or was your mind simply set on finding a way to be free from your parents? And now on our most precious wedding night, you say you’re homesick?”

  Though she felt ill at ease, she let Frederick kiss her forehead, then her lips, giving her no chance to speak. Slowly, she gave up her grip on the blanket.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  The uncomfortable silence surrounding June’s table had Jessica’s aunt in a state. The announcement from Frederick left them all speechless. Their move to San Francisco in a few weeks came as a shock to the group, and Jessica was stunned that his own parents were unaware of their son’s plan.

  Finally, Charles spoke. “We’ll be discussing this between ourselves after dinner, Frederick.”

  “There will be no discussion,” Frederick stated firmly. “My mind is made up.”

  Again, there was silence. Jessica watched the exchange of looks between father and son. “Pardon me.” She cleared her throat. “We are aware of the suddenness of this news, and we respect your concerns, but this is something my husband has chosen for us and we hope to have your support in it.” She looked at Frederick, and although he didn’t acknowledge her, she noticed the corners of his mouth turned up in a devilish smirk. Lowering her head, she stared at her folded hands, her integrity now compromised.

  “Has this been your plan all along, Frederick?” Thomas asked.

  Charles interrupted. “Excuse us, please. Frederick, may I see you in the next room?”

  Frederick followed his father down the hall and into the first open room, and on their right was the home’s library. Jessica waited with the others for the muffled rumblings to stop. Charles returned, seething with anger. He turned to his wife. “Did you know about this?”

  All eyes were on Lillian. “No. I’m just as shocked as you.”

  “Father, this has nothing to do with her.”

  Jessica’s mother turned to her. “Jessica, do you want to move so far away? Maybe take some time there first to see how you would like it. You can return and make a more rational decision.”

  “Yes, yes,” her aunt chimed in. “And perhaps Uncle Burt and I could escort you both to my brother’s home in Clermont City. It’s across the bay from San Francisco. I’ve mentioned it many times to you, Jessica. He could show us around. Get the lay of the land, so to speak.”

  “We’ve made our plans.” Frederick turned to Thomas and Burt. “I’m grateful to you both for allowing me to work with you. I feel the time has come for me to expand my potential. The arrangements have been made for our leave.” Frederick looked at his father, then offered Jessica his hand. “Please excuse us.”

  Jessica slowly took her husband’s hand and stood by him, making her allegiance clear. If only her nerves would settle, but she had never treated her parents with such disregard and it created great discord in her. Surely she and Frederick would consult with them on this. Her loyalties were ripped in two and she wanted to quickly stitch them back together. When she was about to speak, Frederick tightened his grip and soon they were out the door.

  ~

  “What do you make of all this?” Thomas asked Burt.

  Sitting in an overstuffed leather chair, Burt tipped his head and shrugged, then sipped his brandy. Tho
mas sat in a gold-striped, high-back, brandy in one hand, thin cigar in the other. They had left teary-eyed Bethany and June in the parlor. The men smoked in quiet contemplation.

  “I don’t know what to make of a man who says he’s going to do one thing, then pulls the rug out from under all of us,” Burt answered as he puffed his cigar.

  “Now I’m not sure what his intentions were,” Thomas wondered aloud. He feared his own perceptions may have prejudiced his judgment.

  “Had Jessica spoken to you about these plans? Surely he would have let her in on it before the marriage took place.”

  “No, not at all. This comes as much of a shock to me as it does to you. Charles was quite put back as well.”

  “Yes, he and his son seem to have a troubled relationship,” Burt noted.

  “I see that now. And to think I once envied it.”

  “This could go very badly,” Burt stated.

  “I agree. Frederick may have money, yet we’ve both heard stories of the rich being bankrupted in the West by unbridled greed.”

  “With all due respect for your new son-in-law …” Thomas’s brother-in-law paused and swirled the amber liquid in his glass.

  “Let’s not stand on ceremony now, Burt. We’ve known each other too long for that. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

  Burt looked up at him beneath his brows. “I’m thinking that Frederick seems more of the type who would be doing the taking, instead of the one being taken.”

  “You’re just seeing the lawyer in him. I feel whatever he has in mind will be legitimate. I’m grateful that June’s family is close to San Francisco. At least they will have some connections there.”

  Burt walked over to a tin plate and rested his cigar. “Well, since June sort of let the cat out of the bag, I guess I will tell you.”

  “What cat out of the bag?”

  “About us going to Clermont City … for a visit.”

  “Oh, yes. I recall she jumped to one of her solutions before thinking it through. Just like our June.” Thomas raised his glass to his lips.

  “We are going to Clermont City. We’re moving there.”

  “Moving?” Thomas rose from his chair and began to pace. “I knew you wanted to travel after retiring, but move? How could you even consider it?”

  “We want to be in a more temperate climate and away from all the busyness of a city. June wants us to get some land. She misses her brother and his family, and now with Jacob heading that way”– Burt scratched his head, “we thought that you and Bethany would come out to visit and maybe …”

  Rubbing the back of his neck, Thomas conceded. “I suppose I saw this coming, but I didn’t think you’d move to the other end of the country. You know I have no use for the West Coast, not to mention how this will break Bethany’s heart.”

  “It will be difficult for us all. We feel it would be the best time to do this as we’re not getting any younger.”

  Thomas never considered either of them to be old, but now he felt he had aged with Burt’s statement. This large, sentimental, and gracious man, whom he trusted as a brother, was telling him they were no longer in their prime. They returned to the parlor where Bethany and June quietly sat, sipping their tea. Their silence disturbed Thomas. The two couples said good night. The future weighed heavily on his heart, and Thomas rubbed his chest to disperse the dull ache.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  The fire crackled in the hearth, and the room smelled of burning pine. Frederick and Jessica sat in the intimate parlor of his suite of rooms, each sipping their chosen nightcap–his, a bourbon and tonic, hers, a sweet red wine. It had been only a week since their wedding, and Jessica felt her marriage was already in turmoil.

  “I think you should discuss this further with our fathers and Uncle Burt. They’re very upset by our moving across the country. My father for one is quite disappointed. He thought you’d be helping with the firm. My mother and aunt are beside themselves.”

  “So I must change my mind and forget my dreams, our dreams just to satisfy our families?”

  “Our dreams?”

  “Yes, our dreams. I thought you wanted to travel and paint and do ‘all sorts of things.’ Have you changed your mind?” His eyes bored into her.

  “No, but I had expected to be in on the plans, not to be told of them out of the blue as you saw fit to do. What else is there that I’ve not been informed of?” The wine had loosened her tongue.

  “Since you asked, my dear, I will be leaving early tomorrow for California–alone.”

  “What? What do you mean?” She placed her wine glass on the table by her chair and looked at him, her mouth agape.

  “I’ll need to travel ahead and prepare everything for our lives in a new city.”

  “Why can’t I go with you? I’m sure you don’t mean to have me travel by myself?” She wrung her hands, his unexpected news alarming her.

  “Of course I don’t. I’ve hired a man and wife from the help my parents brought with them. Their names are Kevin and Hannah Rolland. My mother agreed to let go of them as somewhat of a wedding present to us. I am now their benefactor. It’s all been arranged.”

  “Your mother knew?”

  “No, it was simply a gift. Where we choose to employ the Rollands is up to me now.”

  Fear coursed through her. “How could you?” She rose and walked to a window, then turned to face him, her cheeks flushed with anger. “How could you?”

  He stood and approached her. “Calm down.” He raised his hand.

  Jerking backward, she closed her eyes and brought her arm up and across her face. Then his large hand was on her arm, gently lowering it.

  “My love, my love. Come sit down.”

  Jessica moved from the window and slowly seated herself. Reaching for her glass of wine with a shaking hand, she finished what was left of it.

  “You’re no longer a spoiled child, Jessica. You are my wife, and as such, I need you to behave as an adult. From now on, we will discuss our affairs calmly. Do you understand?” He leaned back in his chair, considering his drink. “I’m sorry I lost my temper, but you provoked me, my darling. This is a very difficult time for me. Unfortunately, you’re seeing me at my worst.” He turned to her, and Jessica could only nod in agreement.

  “I thought you would be pleased about this. I have tickets for you and the Rollands. You will be well taken care of. Take this as a sign of my love for you instead of jumping to your own selfish conclusions.”

  There was no recognizing the truth in him as much as she searched his face. She decided she would have to tread lightly with her new husband for her own protection.

  “Please, sweetheart, don’t be angry. This is all for the good. You don’t want to live in a hotel in a strange city while we look for our own home, do you?”

  Taking a moment to compose herself, Jessica looked down at his hand holding hers, the same one that threatened to strike her. “I don’t know. I suppose. I’ve heard of husbands going out West first, then having their wives and children follow, but I thought with your standing with money and all, we wouldn’t need to do such a thing. I’m sure my father would be willing to help–”

  “Your father?” Frederick’s anger flared. Dropping her hand, he stood back. “Do you take me for some incompetent idiot? I can take care of my own affairs and that includes my wife.”

  “All right, Frederick. Please, calm down. Forgive me. This has all been so much for me.”

  His eyes were watery from the alcohol. “I forgive you. You must understand that it is prudent to let me go first and make it as comfortable a move for you as possible.”

  She raised the corners of her mouth. “Whatever you think is best for us.”

  The next morning, Jessica heard Frederick collecting his things. Lifting herself out of her warm bed, she put on her robe and stood in the doorway of the bedroom. There she witnessed the actions of a man determined to get out of town. His haste made her cold. Without hesitating she would prepare herself for the
goodbye at the train station.

  Seeing that she was awake, Frederick went to her and kissed the top of her head. She felt like a child. “Good morning, my love.”

  “Good morning.”

  “My love, we must be brave. We shall be reunited soon and have a wonderful life in our new home. This simple hotel will be a distant memory. I shall acquire a fine house for us.”

  Jessica wiped her moist cheeks. “Yes, Frederick, if you say so. I promise I won’t make a scene at the station. When will the carriage arrive?”

  “It will be here shortly, and I’ll be going on it alone. I couldn’t bear to see you off at some lonely, dusty train station. Let’s say our goodbyes here. I’ve arranged for you to be taken to your family later this morning. Go to them, my dear, and explain our plans. Don’t forget to let them know I’ve hired the Rollands to accompany you on your travels.”

  He kissed her on the mouth, and then he was gone.

  Opening the window, she could see the hackney driver below her, lifting Frederick’s suitcases onto the back of the cab. He climbed into the passenger seat without looking up. Following the carriage until it was no longer in view, a strange feeling of despair overtook her. The rooms she had begun to call home now felt foreign and uninviting. Instinctively, her thoughts went to Jacob, but she found no comfort in them. She would go to her family as Frederick had instructed.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  The loud knocking on the door was unusual for hackney drivers. Jessica called from her bedroom, “Yes, I’ll be down in a minute.” Donning a simple ensemble, she was just about to put on her hat when the knocking turned to pounding.