“Now who is the blackmailer? Play your games, Frederick, but I doubt if my niece will consent to this. I implore you to take responsibility for your actions, and if you truly want to live up to being a gentleman, act accordingly. Have the signed documents back to me by tomorrow, or I can assure you, the police will come knocking at your door instead of me. I will be at the Yorkshire Inn another day. Goodbye.”
Letting Burt show himself out, Frederick returned to his safe, transferring the remaining cash to the leather bag. He struggled to organize his thoughts. First, he’d take the cash to his secretary’s apartment. Faithful Annabelle would be his new conquest and eventually provide him with an ally who wouldn’t think of betraying him. He knew she would eagerly welcome his advances and his prosperity. As for Molly, she would have to curb her spending.
Stabbed by sadness, he leaned against the cold, steel safe. Jessica had carried another man’s child. Jacob’s child. He threw the paper bills into the leather bag, then hurled the loaded case across the room, scattering his money along the desk and onto the floor.
Chapter Fifty-seven
The driver pulled up to her former home, and Jessica waited for him to come around and help her out. Her fear at meeting Frederick face-to-face was great, but her need for his silence was greater. After her uncle had revealed to her, most hesitantly, what he had said about her own infidelity and the suggestion of another man’s child, she felt compelled to take action. Burt’s droll dismissal of the accusation gave her no reassurance of Frederick’s discretion. She feared her estranged husband could indeed ruin her life forever, and her dreams of becoming an artist of worth would dissolve. Who would buy a painting from an adulterer? Then there was her family and the shame it would bring upon them. Her guilt rose to the surface, and she struggled again to put her love for Jacob in a place far away from those dark feelings.
Today she stood on the front porch of the decorated house she had once called home, feeling apprehensive about her decision. Thinking of Jacob and his love for her would protect her heart. If they were to have any future at all she would have to be brave. Stamping her feet to get her legs to stop shaking, her thoughts pulled her in different directions. Stay with Frederick and forgo all this nonsense, and he will provide stability. What woman truly had her freedom? No, I must hold my ground so that Jacob and I can have a chance, if only in our own private world.
Hannah answered the door. “Oh, mum! You’ve come back. I missed you so.” She stepped to the side to allow Jessica to enter.
Pleased to see her former maid, a lump of longing formed in her throat. However, she couldn’t allow sentiment to sway her. “It’s lovely to see you, Hannah. I’m here to discuss some matters with Mr. Moore.”
“I’ll inform him you’re here, mum.”
Jessica saw Hannah about to curtsy but catch herself then hurry away. The large foyer and the rooms beyond still gave an atmosphere of a pleasant and bright place. Perhaps she could find it in herself to forgive Frederick and rejoin him here. Her shoulders rose as a shiver went up her spine, and the room tilted. Tugging on her gloves and straightening her purse strings, she was determined not to let her nerves get the best of her.
Finally, Hannah returned with a smile on her face and wide, blue eyes and instructed Jessica to enter Frederick’s office. Sensing Hannah’s hope of reconciliation, Jessica shook her head and the housekeeper sadly bowed hers.
Jessica had forgotten how imposing his presence could be. “Welcome,” Frederick said, not unkindly. Reassured that the fullness of her deep-blue skirt hid her shaking legs and the waistcoat over her ruffled blouse hid her pounding heart, she entered his study. The moment was awkward.
Two carved, wooden chairs faced each other in front of his desk. The smell of this room took her back to her time with him. The scent of brandy mixed with cigars and the spice- scented cologne he wore were all too familiar. She sat on the edge of one of the carved, wooden chairs and folded her hands on her lap. He took the seat facing her and crossed his legs. “You’re looking well,” he said. “Your uncle’s visit was a shock. Did you mean to catch me off guard like that? And now you’ve requested to see me. To what do I attribute this great pleasure? Your telegram gave no indication of your intentions.”
The tone of his voice was repugnant. This once handsome and gallant man had become utterly vile. He knew he held her future, and he seemed bent on making her squirm. The smell of liquor on his breath put her on guard. She was brief and to the point. “Frederick, what will it take for you to keep your opinions of my relationship with Jacob to yourself?”
“Such assertiveness.” He came forward and frowned. “I’m not impressed, my love. So very unladylike, I must say.”
Determined to have this meeting go her way, she ignored his barb. “What is your answer?”
With a caustic laugh, he stood and looked down at her. “You thought it appropriate to expose my infidelity. Now I’m supposed to keep your own infidelity secret? A child? My dear, you are in an awkward situation. Was the miscarriage a misfortune or was it deliberate?”
The blood left her head and the room spun. Clenching the arm of the chair, she took a deep breath and found her confidence. “Why would I get rid of a child from the one and only man I’ve ever loved? I suppose it could have been yours. No matter, I lost my child.”
“It certainly wasn’t mine, for you see, I have not the ability to provide such a blessing.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me this?” Her back tightened and she rose slightly off her seat. “How do you know?”
“Doctors, doctors, and more doctors. Scarlet fever.” He looked down his nose at her. “And to be vulgar, as you know me to be at times, no woman I’ve bedded has ever come down with the condition.”
Stabbed by renewed sadness, she held tight to her courage. “I see.” Before she could rise he was bent over her, a hand on each arm of the chair.
“Continue to be my wife and all this goes away. There are children who need a good home, and here we sit in one. Your uncle will help me get out from under this misunderstanding at the bank, and we can live as, they say, happily ever after.”
Alcohol clouded his usually clear, hazel eyes, adding to her uneasiness. With caution, she rose from her seat and he took one arm away. Having to meet his chest as she got around him made her ill. She decided to stand near the door. “Is it money? I can take far less than what my uncle has in mind.”
“It all comes down to money as it should, my dear. Tell me what has your lover to offer you? He’s a rogue and by some accounts an outlaw.”
“Money is your life. Tell me how much.”
“Will he provide you with all this?” Frederick waved his arms around the room. The gesture seemed childish to her. “You used my money as you used me—a cover for your incestuous affair. What will you live on now, the measly pennies you get for your art?” He continued to test her steel.
“Love and art hold greater value than money.” He could not taint what was in her heart.
Nostrils flaring, he came closer. “Good luck living off either one.” His devilish grin gave rise to her fear. Suddenly, his arm was around her waist, and she was being pulled into his body.
“Frederick, get ahold of yourself!” She tried to get away, but he tightened his grip.
“I won’t hurt you, my love. I thought since we are about to end our marriage that perhaps we might kiss and be friends. Your bedroom is as you left it.” He kissed her cheek.
The tepid moisture touched her face, and she could smell the liquor-tainted sweat rising from his body. Pulling her head back, away from his lips, she pleaded for him to let her go. “My uncle can still ruin you.” With that she was freed. Wiping her face, she then straightened up her body and pulled on the hem of her waistcoat. “I’ll ask again. What will it take?”
Frederick put a finger to his lips and slowly drew it around his mouth. “You still tempt me. It’s a shame your immorality excludes me.”
It was no use. Her plan
was failing and she was in danger. As she opened the door to her escape, his hand caught it and the door slammed shut. Abruptly, her body was turned to face him. Even through the layers of her skirt, she felt his hardness on her thigh. Pushing him back did nothing. His strength only seemed to mount. The doorknob pressed against her lower back as his hand came to her bodice. She scratched his face as he kissed her hard on the lips. “No!” she shouted. Struggling to reach the knob, she failed to turn it before he was swinging her to face the door.
“So, that’s the way you like it now.”
His tongue was slithering up her neck and sucked her earlobe. Fear tightened her throat, and she could barely send up a squeak. She took in several quaking breaths before she felt herself being swung around into the wall. She cried out, “Hannah! Help!”
“Shut up!” he roared. “My household needs none of your shrill drama.”
Pressing his chest against hers, he grabbed a handful of her skirt and tugged it up above her knees. “Hannah! Help! Help!”
The door came ajar, but Frederick kicked it shut, throwing her to the side. She stumbled to the floor, hitting her head on the hard surface. The lock clicked, and a lightning bolt of panic struck her. She dared not yell to Hannah, as it would surely add to his rage. It took her a moment to stand again, and she shook uncontrollably. Then, as if a storm had passed, Frederick retreated behind his desk. His heavy breath and hooded eyes made him seem demonic.
Swiping the spit from his mouth, he spoke hoarsely. “I will give you five hundred dollars, not a penny more.”
Recognizing this strange sort of calm in him after his rage, she waited not a second longer. Her wrist and arm throbbed as she extracted the folded piece of paper from her handbag. The edges caught on the striped material and she yanked it out. “Write the figure down and sign it.” The paper vibrated as she extended it to him while she remained as far from the desk as possible. She felt like a frightened mouse, but she was almost free.
“You came prepared, for what it’s worth.” Snatching the paper, he scribbled with such violence, she thought he’d shred it with his pen. “You are more foolish than I could ever imagine.”
Words tumbled out of her mouth. “I will have my uncle revise the amount from two thousand to five hundred and add your agreement to never discredit me. He will send you the amended documents.”
Rubbing his chin, he said, “I see. Well then, I shall never utter another word of you, your family, or anyone you are associated with.” He brushed off his vest with the back of his hand. “No court or judge would listen to the ranting of a silly girl. I am well rid of you, you bloody whore.” He picked up the signed paper and waved it teasingly in front of her.
Jessica lunged forward and grabbed it, then rushed to the door. Her fingers worked nervously to unlock it. Opening it, she ran out of the room and down the hall. The stained-glass door was in sight. Once out in front, she felt safe and the driver helped her in the cab.
Her thoughts went to his mistress. Now she can live in this prison with that madman. I will take my freedom and never return to this place.
Chapter Fifty-eight
A week after her ordeal with Frederick, Jessica still trembled when she revisited the scene in her mind. She tried to reconcile the purpose with the trauma, but she cursed herself for even attempting to see him. What would she tell her uncle? Today as she faced him and her aunt, she once again told herself that her life depended on the deal she made with Frederick.
“Uncle, I know this seems out of line to you, but I saw Frederick and I offered to take a lesser settlement for his silence on such delicate matters. I’ve come to peace with it, and I will find great joy in my freedom.” She handed him the paper Frederick had signed.
Burt looked at it. “I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry you didn’t consult with me first. Five hundred dollars?”
June chimed in. “Oh my, that is a tidy sum, but it won’t be enough to support your next endeavors. A lady needs certain adornments to attract a man. She must be seen at certain clubs and social events. I assume you have thought of remarrying as soon as possible. We can only keep up this charade for so long.” She began to wring her hands.
“I ask only that I may stay here until I can make a living with my paintings. Then, I feel I will be able to perhaps have a small place of my own.”
“Jessica, you may stay here as long as you wish.” June turned to her husband. “We would never let you live on your own. You’ll stay until you marry again.”
“Auntie, I hope I won’t disappoint you too greatly, but I have no intentions of finding another husband.”
“I would hate to see you as a spinster. You are much too talented and beautiful for that sort of life.” Her aunt raised her teacup to her lips and looked at the floor.
Burt sat with his brows knitted and his arms folded across his chest.
“Uncle?”
He cleared his throat. “My dear niece, why was it necessary to make such a bargain?”
Jessica had thought about the answer to that question. “I couldn’t let him scandalize me or our family. I knew I could persuade him with money. It’s all the power I had to keep this … to keep what lies festered in him quiet.” She flushed, afraid her actions had spoken too loudly.
“He was ready to concede,” her uncle said.
Jessica teared up.
“My dear, I know this ordeal has taken a great toll on you. I feel, and I know your aunt will agree, that you need to rest. Stay out of society for a while, and I’ll see what I can do to reinstate the original agreement.”
“Your uncle is right, Jessica. A good rest and you’ll think more clearly.”
Jessica had taken up a sword in her mind and heart to defend her decision. She had come too far to back down from life now. “I know Frederick. I did what I believe to be the best course of action. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate all your help, Uncle. Truly, I do. But this … this false accusation.”
“What false accusation?” June was sitting up straighter.
“It’s nothing, June. Frederick was being vengeful. I thought nothing of it, and you should follow my lead on this.”
Jessica kissed first her aunt then her uncle on the cheek. “Thank you both for your support and love. I will live here until I find my own home.”
~
The judge’s small chambers in the Clermont City Courthouse gave Jessica a great sense of relief. She didn’t have to go through the divorce court. Her uncle’s acquaintance with Judge Meed offered her a more private proceeding. The judge sat behind an impressive wooden desk, his chair rising behind him like a throne. His meticulously groomed young clerk sat behind a much smaller, plain desk on the same side of the room. Standing with her uncle, Jessica waited for Frederick, the thud of her heartbeat drumming in her ears. She shifted her weight to release the tension in her spine.
Time ticked by. Frederick was not only late, but after thirty minutes, the judge concluded he was absent from the proceedings. She was able to breathe, and she studied Judge Meed’s every move. He looked over the papers in front of him. Hannah had given her affidavit, but Kevin refused to. Jessica prayed it would be enough. He went back to the former pages he had consulted then leafed through others. Then he rose and went to a row of thick, gold-embossed books and took one off the shelf. Watching with anticipation as he settled back behind his desk, she felt the sweat underneath her blouse. The judge began to sign the last pages, and Jessica held her breath, her insides a jumble of anxiety and hope.
Taking the papers from the judge, the clerk stamped several of them. Then the judge spoke to Burt. “The record will show that the marriage of Frederick Bennett Moore to your client, Jessica Elisabeth Moore is dissolved under the laws of California.”
Jessica turned to her uncle, tears welling in her eyes. Touching her waist, she bent over slightly. It was done, and she was eager to thank the judge. Her uncle touched her sleeve and shook his head. She got the message and remained still.
&nb
sp; Looking directly at her, the judge said, “The circumstances under which I grant this divorce here and not in a courtroom full of jurors is as follows: Your uncle’s credible standing in the law back in New England, and Mr. Moore’s lack of defense in this case. I also, just now, took into account his disrespect of the court. I will take his absence as an admission of guilt to the charges of infidelity. As is stated in the formal decree, Mr. Moore retains full custody of all his and your assets and all of the assets you brought into the marriage and were provided within the privileged state of matrimony, excluding your personal belongings such as clothes, etcetera. Is this clear to you, Mrs. Moore?”
“Yes,” Jessica stated soundly.
“Now, as to this paper he signed with the amount you shall receive, it is entirely between you and him. Is that clear? I will uphold the non-slander agreement. However, if at any time you feel he has broken this agreement, you must present the court with sufficient evidence, and in writing.”
“Yes.”
The judge dropped his tone of authority. “We must get together for a drink, Burt. I’d love to share more stories with you.”
“Yes, soon. Thank you, Judge Meed.”
Feeling a heavy burden had been lifted from her, she hugged her uncle. “Oh, Uncle Burt, I’m free!”
He returned her hug and she heard him say in her ear, “But penniless, my dear.”
~
The postman delivered the letter Jessica had been nervously anticipating for days since she had written to her parents of her changed circumstances. She pulled up her skirt and sat on the bed. The room had become her hideaway. Seeing her mother’s beautifully even script always made her homesick. Hoping the words written inside wouldn’t be too stinging, she read its contents.
My Dearest Daughter,
Traveled Hearts (First In Series Book 1) Page 25