“Nothing? She’s my sister and you’re our cousin, adopted or not.”
“Will, you’re the last person I want to have this conversation with. Let’s just say we come from two different places on the subject and leave it at that.”
Will scratched his chin. “You haven’t made it easy.”
They were interrupted by a soft knock. Jacob slapped his knees. “My mother, no doubt.” He opened the door. Standing in front of him in an ivory-colored robe was Jessica. Or was it an angel? Her dark hair shone over her shoulders, and her creamy skin glowed in the lamplight. Her beauty threatened to sweep him away. He gripped the door frame.
“I just wanted to say goodnight. I had a wonderful day. I’ll never forget it. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you both safe.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek and returned to her room across the hall.
“Night, Sis,” Will called from his bed.
Jacob stood as helpless as a newborn babe. “Good night, Jess.”
~
A quiet knock on the door sent a flash of excitement through her body. Jessica sat up and whispered, “Come in.” He slinked into the room and locked the door behind him. Drawing back the covers, she welcomed him into her bed. Throwing his shirt to the floor, his naked body was soon engulfing her own unclothed flesh. She embraced him and his smell hit her with a lusty explosion. No longer held back by the rules of society, in the shadows of this room, they unleashed their love. Her lips and tongue tasted his neck and mouth as he met her with equal eagerness. Mind-numbing sensations filled her from inside out as his hands caressed her breasts and slid to her buttocks, drawing her under him with an urgency she had not experienced with him before. When she touched his manhood, his lust let loose with a feral passion. A gasp escaped from within as she met him with her own greedy desire. Tonight, she would satisfy her hunger for him.
Lifting themselves from the confinements of their lives, only their heavy breaths exchanging between them could be heard in their hushed lovemaking, the rhythm of their dance flowing into the night.
Finally, they lie spent. Languishing in the moment, Jessica turned her back to him and he cupped her with his strong, lean body. Kissing the top of her head, he asked, “Are you comfortable?”
Letting out a sigh, she replied, “I feel more comfortable than I have in a long time.” His arm was around her and she felt safe. “I’ve dreamed of this. I know it’s wrong, Jacob, but I prayed for it to happen.”
Jacob gently squeezed her, and she could feel the strong beat of his heart against her back. “I don’t want to hear that it’s wrong. This is only a speck in time. We’re together for only a brief moment. I’ll take that, but I won’t say that it’s wrong.”
Turning to look at him, she saw a man whose experiences had brought him to a place she had not come to. “What will become of us? Is this all we have?”
“I don’t know,” he whispered, letting out a puff of air.
Frustration broke into her state of nirvana. She resumed her position, and he held her tight, his lips touching her moist cheek. “I’m sorry.”
The dawn was breaking, and it was time for them to part.
The door quietly closed behind him. Rolling over, she wept into her pillow, heaving sobs so great, her stomach hurt. The cruelty of the world broke her heart, and she wrestled with her anger. Pounding her fist against the mattress–once, twice, over and over–her arm became as weak as her ability to change her life. If only she could run into the hills and scream to the world to hear her heart. Crawling out of bed with the coverlet wrapped around her, she went to the open window and peered out onto the dusky landscape. Except for a few chirping birds, the new day began in a gray-blue world of silence. This peaceful stillness penetrated her forlorn spirit, and she returned to the bed where the heady smell of Jacob’s body surrounded her. She lie on her back, her arm covering her wet face. Then a thought rushed to her so loud and foreboding she couldn’t move—He hadn’t pulled out of her at the crucial moment. Oh, dear God.
Jessica woke with a start. She could feel him still with her, the taste of him in her mouth, his body pressed against hers. Wondering what his life was like, she imagined herself running away with him. The thought tested her values. Would she be able to live outside the boundaries of society? What about Will? Frederick? Aunt June? The hopelessness tortured her at every turn.
She rubbed the back of her aching neck and lingered in the memory of last night. It soothed her, if only for now. Frederick would be arriving today.
Chapter Forty-six
Tearing himself away from Molly’s warm bed and perfumed body to travel to Clermont City had Frederick in a foul mood. He was expected to be overjoyed to see Will and Jacob, but it was hardly the case. Neither he nor his mistress were happy about the interruption. Yet, his wife’s rush to get to her aunt’s home did allow them to be together for an unexpected visit.
Frederick’s secretary, Annabelle Albright, arranged for the lovers to be together regularly under the guise of Frederick working hard for his investors. He had set Molly up in a tiny, one-bedroom apartment not far from the bank. It was convenient for him, although it was not the level of accommodation she was used to. At least he had allowed her to furnish it as she pleased, which she did with all the finery she could find within the city until it resembled a cramped palace. Purple velvet on carved, wood chairs and ivory, satin curtains. Chandeliers. Cut-glass vases filled with hothouse flowers. Thick, wool rugs on the floor and oil paintings on the walls. He felt that his generosity was enough to keep her satisfied. When she did complain, he would buy her a bracelet or necklace to silence her. He would remind her of her own words whenever she became restless. Mostly, he reminded her of her place—being his mistress.
Between his wife and mistress, the whores in Chinatown, and a night of gambling, Frederick was fervent to expand his personal wealth, including a few not-so-legitimate dealings to speed up the process. Several of his transactions involved taking large sums of money from investors and placing them into his own personal safe, which he would then use to invest in highly profitable enterprises for himself. The monthly reports would show his clients their investments were making some strides, giving them confidence in his ability to choose wisely, when all along, most of the sizable profits were going into his own pockets. When any of the investors decided to withdraw, he would find someone else willing to take their place. There was never a shortage of persons who yearned for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, no matter how sunny the skies were above their heads. Greed, he concluded, was a vein that ran through every human’s body, and he was more than happy to tap into it. His conscience remained clear however, since he never took from the poor. He let the bank he worked for do that. He hadn’t the expertise or the stomach for loans and mortgages.
Frederick shifted in discomfort. His stiff waistcoat and the carriage’s jostling teased his patience. Finally, the horses turned onto the gravel drive in front of the Stanfords’ home. Sam came around and opened the door. Frederick stepped down and was greeted by his wife.
~
“Hello, Frederick. How was your trip?” Raising on her toes, Jessica gave him a peck on his cheek.
“Long and uncomfortable.” The irritation in his voice revealed his lack of interest in being at her aunt and uncle’s home again so soon.
“I want to warn you that Sophie, and Carl, and the children are inside.”
He rolled his eyes. Austin’s daughter, and son-in-law, and two boys lived in nearby Brandon and visited their family most every Sunday. Taking his bag, Jessica went before him into the house not knowing what to expect. Hoping his mood would improve, she placed the bag in the foyer and entered the parlor with a smile.
“At last, Frederick has arrived,” June said. “Now our gathering is complete.”
“Hello, everyone. And how good it is to see our prodigal sons return. Will, Jacob, I see you both have grown into your manhood while in the wilds.”
Jessica looked at Ja
cob. His expression remained polite. Her brother shook Frederick’s hand, but Jacob only gave a smile then took a sip of his drink. Jessica felt the butterflies dancing in her stomach. Perhaps some wine would help with her nervousness.
Carl was nibbling on a biscuit, his waistline showing an appreciation for food, and Sophie was talking loudly about some woman’s gaudy hat to her mother, Laura. Their boys sat, fidgeting like two mischievous raccoons. Jessica knew her extended family was not to Frederick’s liking. After first meeting them, he told her he was quite disappointed she had such unfortunate relatives, reminding her of his own family tree of prestigious members.
“Boys, say hello to your cousin Frederick,” said Sophie. When the boys didn’t respond, she became shrill. “William and Franklin Raymond, I said greet your cousin!” The boys mumbled a hello. Jessica cringed inside.
“Frederick, we are so pleased you were able to get away,” said June.
“I am quite busy, but after all, this is a special occasion.”
Extra chairs had been brought into the parlor to accommodate the group, and Jessica settled into a seat next to her aunt, who was seated by her son. It was the closest she would get to Jacob while Frederick was around. Avoiding eye contact with him would test her strength, but she was reminded of Frederick saying they looked like love-struck puppies. Today she would show her husband a model of a good wife. He would have no reason to accuse her otherwise.
At supper Sophie’s ongoing chatter left Jessica to feign interest, that is, until Sophie addressed Jacob.
“So, Jacob, is there a special lady in your life?”
“Not at the moment, Sophie.”
“Well, that’s a shame. Hmm … let me think. She put a long finger to her pursed mouth and looked up at the ceiling. “I’ve got it! A few young ladies in my cribbage club might fill the bill. Auntie, we must have them over while Jake and Will are here. Will, you might benefit as well.”
June was alight. “We can serve those fish puffs you found in your new cookbook!”
“Mother, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Jacob glanced over at Jessica.
“I think it’s a grand idea,” said Frederick. “Jessica, you might want to help Sophie with her generous offer.” He turned to Jacob. “My wife knows of many eligible ladies to add to the list. There comes a time when a man needs to settle into matrimony. You are nearing twenty-five now?”
Jacob returned with hooded eyes. “I’ll be the judge of my own needs.” The discussion ended abruptly.
“My dear,” Burt said to his wife, “I can speak for all of us when I say bravo to another fine feast! Gentlemen, shall we leave the ladies to what they do best? Let’s retire to my study where we can discuss important things, like the fine art of smoking cigars.”
The men were all for his suggestion. They rose as one and left the table.
~
June, Laura, and Sophie retreated to June’s kitchen. Jessica found her own retreat in one of the white rocking chairs on the front porch. She wanted nothing to do with their scheming. To her surprise, Jacob stepped out and took the chair beside her.
“No cigars?” Her pulse beat a little faster.
“It’s not my type of tobacco.”
It occurred to her that he had developed preferences she knew nothing about. The tiny scar over his eyebrow wasn’t there the last time she saw him, and the small string of turquoise beads he wore around his tanned neck were all indications of a life beyond her reach. Who was he now? The young man she had known was gone, and he looked as if he were of a different world entirely. Even his expression of love was more aggressive. She had welcomed it with all her heart, but in the full light of day, she was confused about his true intentions.
She looked over at him. “Last night was different from what I remembered it being with you,” she said in a whisper. “You didn’t–”
“Jess, not now.”
“She lowered her head. “This might not be a good idea, us sitting together, alone.”
“Why should anyone question two cousins visiting?”
Her fingers tapped on the arm of the rocker as she moved it back and forth. Remembering the newspaper article, she decided to tell him about it.
“I read about Keaton and the camp.” She studied his face.
His look of shock raised her curiosity.
“What? When?”
“On my train trip out here. It was in one of the local papers we got in Wyoming. I read that Mr. Keaton was killed and the campsite burned.”
“Jesus,” he muttered. “Why didn’t you tell me this before? What else did it say?”
“I’m telling you now. It didn’t say much more, only that they were considered outlaws and were tracked down.” In a low voice, she asked, “Were you and Will with him at that time?”
“No.”
“Did you leave the group before this happened?”
“Yep.”
She put a hand over her chest. “What an awful thing. It’s what I had figured all along, but I was so scared, Jacob.” Her voice cracked, then she stopped the rocker and came closer. “Were you aware of this, that this was an illegal business?”
“Jess, it doesn’t matter.”
“Why do you think it happened? Have you been able to talk with any of the other men? Were there survivors? Why were they in a camp and not a hotel?”
“What are you, some kind of inspector? I told you it doesn’t matter. We left the group. We’re here, aren’t we?”
Jessica pulled back. “Jacob, I was only concerned. What is your life like? Why do you look as if you haven’t eaten or slept or taken care of yourself? Will looks the same as you. What’s this all about?”
“Jess, you have to know I’m not living a simple life. You can’t be worried about me or Will. You have a good life and I want you to live it and be happy, not burdened with worry over something you can’t do a damn thing about. God knows, I don’t need that.”
She paused to let the rattled-off words sink in. His assumptions, though right, made her angry. “So you’re not worth worrying about?” It was more a statement than a question. She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. “Is this your speech to every woman?”
Jacob gave out a short, uneasy laugh. “Where the hell did you get that notion?”
“I’m right, aren’t I? We’ve both changed.” She looked away. “I know you think I live a secluded life away from the real world, but I don’t.” She came back to him, trying to read his expression.
“And what are your adventures these days?”
“Don’t you condescend to me, Jacob Stanford!”
“All right, all right. I’m sorry, Jess. What are your days like?”
She brushed her skirt. “I’ve been very fortunate to be able take art lessons from an old bohemian woman in the Tenderloin.”
“Tenderloin?”
“Yes, it’s a society of derelicts and the poor and a fascinating place. I’ve learned a lot from my teacher and the other students. I’m creating art. Not lady’s art, but real, emotional art.”
“Now, do I have to worry about you? Because I don’t need that, either.”
“Jacob, did you even hear me?”
“Yes, I heard you, Jess. I want you to play it safe though. Not just in the city, but with Frederick. Promise me you won’t let him hurt you.”
“Whatever gave you that idea?”
“I don’t know, Jess. It’s just a feeling.”
Her shoulders lowered, and she sat back. “You needn’t worry about the art lessons. Frederick found out I was leaving the house for classes, so he hired a teacher to come by to give me instruction. Mr. Calais is an old man with shaky hands. He teaches a method I hardly care for. I still manage to take a lesson once in a while from Lenny, my teacher, but now Frederick has the staff watching my every move. I miss her and the other students.” She heard the sadness in her tone and wished she could manage herself better.
“My God, Jess, it sounds as if you’re a prisoner. D
o you get out at all except for these trips to my parents’ home?”
“I do, but it’s to the park or an afternoon tea with the wives of his clients, many social events.”
“Promise me you won’t let him hurt you.”
“Jacob, he hardly does. …”
Jacob snapped his head toward her. “He hardly does what?”
“He has a temper, to be sure. I’ve learned to avoid arousing it.”
“Jesus. Promise me, Jessica. You will protect yourself, won’t you?”
Jessica wanted to scream. How? How do I protect myself besides behaving like an obedient child? She looked down and nodded her head. “I promise.”
There was a weighty pause. Then Jacob reached over and rested his hand on her arm. “You know how I feel about you.”
“Do I?”
He leaned over his chair to meet her ear. “Doesn’t last night prove anything to you?”
With a splash of dizziness, she was taken back to last night. “Sex is one thing. True love is much more.”
The grin on his face made her smile. “I like how you’ve changed, Jess.”
The feeling she got from his acknowledgment of the woman she was becoming made her think a deeper relationship with him may be emerging. Her heart begged to ask him where they went from here, but she knew he would have no answer. “Jacob, what will you do now?”
“Will and I are leaving in a few days. It was never our plan to stay long. We have our business to attend to.”
Her dream of him staying, of being a part of her life, was dissolving, and she pressed him to give her hope. “Will you be coming back to make a business in San Francisco? The opportunities there are endless.”
Jacob settled back in his chair, gazing out beyond the front yard. “I’m not ready for a stable life as you seem to think I am. Will you have me settled?” He looked at her. “A clerk or banker? Farmer? A single gentleman or married with a few offspring? Maybe Sophie will find a good match.”
His sarcasm riled her. “Why are you mocking me?”
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