by Jerri Hines
Easing back toward the door, Andrew took his leave. Cullen closed the door soundly behind him. Jo made no protest to stop him. Instead, she rose and strolled over to the window. He watched her stare out into the street.
Beneath her anger, he saw something else while she observed Andrew’s departure. Her manner bore an edge that suggested her actions had been quite deliberate. For a long moment, her eyes were fixed on the street below.
He had not expected such a reaction. Andrew’s odd behavior would have most women in tears. Not Josephine. She had come to confront him…to deliver a clear message.
Pouring himself another drink, he said, “It seems you are having your fiancée followed. I would have to agree with the sentiment that your marriage seems doomed from the start. Truly, Jo this is what you want?”
Jo faced Cullen. “None of this is what I wanted.”
“Neither was it my preference.”
Her chin came up in defiance. She met his eyes, and her gaze softened. He saw something deep in those eyes—raw anguish.
Lowering her gaze, she said, “You must believe I never wanted to cause you distress. I have found it best not to think of what might have been. It may be the best for you as well.”
Swirling his drink in his hand, he laughed. “Madam, I have not given you advice on how to live your life. Please, do me the same favor.”
“Sir, I have no control of my fate. You do.”
He cut her off with a snarl. “As you told Andrew, it was your decision.”
“It was for the best.”
“Do I dare defy you? Because in my eyes, I cannot see for the life of me how it is for the best.”
Jo looked at him askance. “Convince me otherwise.”
Suddenly, his pent up frustration overwhelmed him. He had not expected the effect she still held over him…driving him to such a violent reaction within him. How dare she!
“I offered you a life beside me. I offered you my heart.”
“Did you?” She raised her eyebrows and stared at him. “Or were you caught up in the moment? I do not deny we shared a tenderness, but when life stepped in-between us, where did you go?”
“Woman, are you mad? Do you not recall…”
“Recall that you made no protest when I told you I had decided to honor Papa’s wishes… or that it was I that begged you to take me away before Papa fell ill.”
“Because I put your needs before my own,” he said before he considered his words.
“Because you came upon the realization that it was not meant to be,” she said softly, calming the rising tension. “There was too much against us. You are a proud, honorable man, Cullen Smythe. You could never have lived with your family losing their heritage. I realize that Papa played upon your feelings, also.”
“And now you are to live with your Papa’s arrangement?”
“Papa is dying.” Her tone betrayed welling emotions. “He devoted his life to fulfill his promise to my Momma. I will see that it is fulfilled. It is why I am here!”
Cullen cut her off with a snarl as he slammed his glass down. “My God! You are committed to marrying a man you do not love!”
“You understand nothing!” Her voice was sharp and pointed as she whirled to face him. “I came to discover what secret Andrew is keeping.”
“Secret?” His voice faded. Her confidence dealing with Andrew had given the distinct impression she had arrived with a plan. “Why on earth would you think he has a secret?”
Her face expressed her sorely strained demeanor. “You Montgomerys meddled in the arrangement thinking I am only a pawn, mistakenly assuming I’m desperate. There is only one of two outcomes to my appearance here in Philadelphia. Either Andrew and I marry or we do not. If I do not, the arrangement is no more. Papa has already taken measures if that is the case.”
“He will take Magnolia Bluff.”
“Need I remind you, it is his already,” she countered.
“I can’t imagine Wade would simply let…”
“No,” she laughed caustically. “He tried to persuade me to marry him. He even professed his love. Perhaps there are some deeds the matrons of Charleston would overlook, but marrying Wade less than a year after Clarissa passed and being engaged to his brother are not among them.
“My reputation would be ruined beyond repair. Shunned for a lifetime. Moreover, he withdrew his offer when I told him that if I disgraced Papa I would receive nothing. Magnolia Bluff would be lost forever.”
“Ah, the golden ring—Magnolia Bluff. May it be damn!”
Lost in a darkness that raged within him, he closed the gap between the two of them. Dangerous in the state he was in. It was Josephine before him, the woman who haunted his dreams.
He had tried to fill the void, but only she could quench the urge within him. Her eyes blazed fiercely at him. A gentleman would step back. Let her leave to savage the life she envisioned, but tonight he was no gentleman.
“You are no more than a sacrificial lamb, my dear,” he said harshly, showing no mercy. Ignoring the voice within him for caution, he responded to the sexual aura surrounding her and sensed her own need.
“I know,” she whispered. “Do you not know I realize it well? Why do you press me so?”
“Because,” he said in a low, hoarse voice. “You are here.”
He reached across and untied the ribbons of her bonnet. He removed it and set it down on the desk. She made no movement to leave, though her eyes said she was befuddled.
Given her no time to bolt, he lowered his face to hers, kissing her in a way that told he was not playing games. He desired her. Wanted her. He did not care about any agreement that would separate her from him with the morning light. Tomorrow was another day. Tonight she was his.
He kissed her again and submerged himself in that abstruse world where the past and present fused. It was all too vivid in his memory of the passion they shared. It flamed once more. She returned his embrace.
It felt good. The pleasure offered a blissful escape from the reality around them if nothing else. Her lovely sighs resounded as a melody in his head. He cupped her breast with his hand. She arched into him welcoming his touch.
He felt for the laces that tied her gown in the back, loosening it enough to caress her bare skin. Kissing her hard, he pressed her back against the wall. He made quick work of the bodice of the dress, exposing her to his view.
“You are so very lovely.”
He kissed her neck; her bare shoulder. He wanted to taste all of her. His lips moved down, savoring each kiss. He buried his face in her soft breasts and brushed his thumb over her erect nipple. She cried out in delirium of pleasure arousing him to the point where he could barely control himself.
His mouth suckled her breast and pleasure surged through him at her gasps. He was lost in her essence, caressing her silken skin halted by her gown. This would never do. The damn hoop interfered with his intent. He needed it off. She was not naked.
He whispered, “Come with me upstairs. Don’t leave me this night.”
Cullen overwhelmed her. With one touch, one kiss, he brought down the façade she presented to the world. Peeling away the layers until all that was left was her bare emotions and the all-consuming need to be loved by him.
His warm breath on her skin sent delicious shivers through her; his mouth seared flames against her breast. He made her forget everything else, and she melted into him, creating rapture within her she had never felt. It would be so easy to accept his offer. To take this night and make it their own.
Somewhere deep in her consciousness, the voice of reason emerged. Softly at first, then roaring…He’s a Montgomery! Despite the label, as one of those dreadful Yankees…he was as much a Montgomery as Wade…as Andrew. They protect their own!
She had taken so many precautions not to see this man, knowing the affect he had upon her. She had let her guard down. Reprimanding herself for not knowing that this was Cullen’s office, she fumed at Andrew! At all the Montgomerys!
/> Her ire stirred. She pushed back against him, but he would have none of it.
“Ah, no, my love. Do not leave me like this.”
He ravished her with kisses, urging, compelling her until her resolve weakened. His hand slipped down her body and lifted her up into his arms.
Abruptly in the distance a sound resonated in the room. Louder and louder the noise intruded into her consciousness. Slowly, she recognized the knock on the door.
“Miss Jo, Miss Jo,” Rosa’s voice carried through the closed door. “Mr. Finn is asking where you are. We need to return to the hotel.”
“Good Gawd!” Cullen rasped hoarsely. Primitive fury erupted. Cullen grounded his teeth as he released her. The moment shattered and with it the knowledge his desire would be denied.
Stumbling slightly, Jo regained her footing and pulled at her gown to cover her naked breasts. Her face flamed a deep red; she lowered her gaze.
“Go away, Rosa,” Jo said in a weak whisper. “I will be down shortly.”
“I ain’t going, Miss Jo. Don’t trust ‘im. I don’t,” Rosa stated firmly. “I’ll wait right here.”
“Get back down stairs,” Cullen growled. “She is unharmed if that is what is worrying you.”
Jo heard no footsteps walking away. She realized Rosa was true to her word and stood outside the door.
Reason returned as Cullen withdrew from her side. What had she almost done! A weakness, to be loved by this man, overcame her good sense. She needed to leave…immediately.
Disheveled, she tried to regain some of her composure. The back of her dress loosened. There would be no doubt of her actions once she left the room if the gown was not tied and her hair down.
Clutching her gown over her bosom, she turned to Cullen. Her lips quivered, unable to form the words she needed to ask.
“Don’t look at me.” His nostrils flared and glared her down. “I refuse to help you walk away from me.”
“Cullen, I never meant…” her voice faded.
His face tense and unsmiling, he stepped back to table with the decanter. “Impulsive actions can lead to more than just a kiss, Josephine. I make no apology. You choose to leave me again, do not believe I will play your fool any longer.”
“I wonder who is the fool,” she replied with a bitter laugh. “I wish…”
“Stop! It doesn’t matter anymore,” he cut her off sharply. “Go. Go live your life, and I will live mine without you. As far as I’m concerned, whatever has been between us is done.”
She watched him grab his glass and refill it. His words stung like salt to the wound, but she refused to let him see the hurt. She wanted to feel anger and rage at him for treating her in this manner, but she only felt disheartened.
Saying nothing else, she picked up her cloak and walked out of the door with all the dignity she could manage. Rosa fell in behind her in silence. Confused and daze, Jo climbed into the carriage.
Her maid sat beside her mistress and gently began tying up the back of her gown. There was nothing they could do about the bonnet she left, but otherwise she was quite presentable by the time the carriage rolled in front of the Girard House.
Her reputation was intact. Her emotions, though, toiled to a painful depth for it had taken all her willpower to walk out that door. Her heart wrenched. She had nothing left, but to fulfill her papa’s desire and marry Andrew at week’s end.
Chapter Seven
Rosa dressed Jo for the evening. Her maid had an amazing ability in styling her hair in an upswept coiffure. Her dark tresses were artfully interlaced into a swirled grandeur. It was a luxury that Jo admitted she enjoyed.
Gillie had been the best companion. She had shared everything with her Gillie. Alone together, the two would talk for hours on end. Rosa was not like that. Efficient in her duties, her new maid did not invite an intimacy that Jo shared with Gillie. It had surprised Jo that Rosa had retrieved her from a compromising position…grateful, though, Rosa had.
Her heart ached, but if she had stayed in his arms, she would have been ruined. A weak moment would have destroyed her life. Cullen was too dangerous to be around alone. She would not let it happen again.
She had taken great care in her appearance this night. Andrew had been true to his word and called upon his mother yesterday morning. Cordial if somewhat distance, he had presented himself the epitome of a doting fiancée, inviting the small party to the theater this evening.
Jo labored deciding which gown to wear, pondering whether to be demure or bold. She chose her midnight blue velvet gown with a low cut neckline. The skirt was domed with two tiers. She was determined to make an appearance.
She donned a matching hooded cloak with an exquisite fur trim along with a hand muff. She took one more glance at herself before exiting her room. Mrs. Montgomery and the girls had already headed to the lobby to meet Andrew.
At least, Jenna and Amy were excited about the performance. The two seemed to have been making the most of their adventure north.
Hurrying down the hall, Jo slowed on her entrance into the well-lit hall. She spotted Andrew standing by Cullen’s parents.
“Oh, Jo! There you are!”
Jo smiled at Mother Montgomery. The woman walked with spry in her step since Andrew had made an appearance. A worry alleviated, Mother Montgomery had relaxed and began to enjoy herself. She gestured for Jo to come to her side.
“I was telling Monica how we are looking forward to this evening. Jenna swears that Edwin Forrest is doing a reading.”
“If you haven’t seen one of his performances, you will be impressed, Miss Wright,” Monica Smythe said looking at Jo with a stiff smile. “We were disappointed you were not able to come to our dinner the other night. I was afraid we would not see you until the ceremony.”
“I did not want to impose,” Jo said in her soft Southerner drawl. “I, too, am disappointed we have not spent as much time together as we might wish. I had hoped Andrew’s extended family would have been able to accompany him down at Christmas, but then Andrew himself was unable to attend.”
Jo turned towards Andrew. Her lips curved graciously at her fiancée, but his eyes bored into hers for a moment. There was a whiteness about his tense lips at told he had not appreciated the comment. She wondered if she had gone too far in needling him about his absence.
He limped up to her side and extended his arm. “Come, my dear. Let us go and enjoy the evening.”
“Do not be such a bear, Andrew,” his eldest sister reprimanded. She rushed up to his other side and slipped her arm through his. “It is going to be such a wonderful evening. I have heard marvelous things about Mr. Forrest. Do you suppose we can meet him? Oh, the girls will be so envious back home if I tell have met the infamous Edwin Forrest!”
Exiting out of the hotel, Jo noticed the look Andrew gave his sisters who were laughing and giggling. She found herself envious. He had never looked at her with such ease or caring.
“Miss Wright?”
A strange man repeated her name twice before Jo realized that the man was speaking to her. She looked around to find two men staring at her. The larger one stood with his feet spread wide and his hands in his coat pocket. He wore a wide brim hat, dirty and worn as were his clothes.
His mouth twisted a smirk of a smile. Then he turned his head and spit, wiping his mouth with the cuff of his coat. “You be Miss Josephine Wright of Charleston, South Carolina.”
His accent bore from the South, but Jo could tell nowhere near Charleston. There was an arrogance in his demeanor that immediately annoyed her.
Andrew pushed her ahead. “Get into the carriage, Jo. I will deal…”
“Now…now, don’t be rushing her off. Only have a question for the lady.” The other man walked out of the shadows and nodded to Jo. “Won’t take but a minute of your night. I’m Constable Leo Channing, and this here is Mister Earl Mann.”
“Ain’t necessary I tell ya,” Mann complained.
“Calm yourself, Mann. Want it done all legal.”
Jo halted. “What do you mean all legal? What is the matter?”
“About a slave of your grandfather’s, Miss Wright,” Constable Channing stated. He held up a poster. “Mr. Mann here thinks he’s found the runaway.”
Comprehension dawned upon her. Earl Mann was a slave catcher. She shuddered at the thought and wondered who had run from The Groves.
“It has nothing to do with you,” Andrew whispered in her ear. “You don’t need to deal with these men. I will handle the situation.”
She nodded and took a step forward, only to be halted once more.
“Miss Jo! Miss Jo!” Rosa rushed forth and wrapped a lace shawl around her head. “You will freeze.”
Leaning down for her mistress’ ears only, she said in a low voice. “It’s Gillie, Miss Jo. The men are talking about Gillie.”
The name struck a cord, and Jo stiffened. She retreated a step and grabbed the poster from the constable. She stared at it in outraged disbelief.
$100 Reward. Ran away from my farm, near Charleston, South Carolina, my servant Gillie. She is five feet, slight built. Tiny weighs no more than a hundred pounds. Mulatto. Talks refine and walks with an attitude. I will give One Hundred Dollars reward to whoever will secure her in jail, so that I get her again, no matter where taken…Harry Lee Buchanan.
She squared in front of the men and demanded, “Tell me where is she?”
“Miss Wright, you need to understand what you face.”
“I am listening,” Jo answered.
The carriage rolled along the stone street. She sat across from Jonathan Smythe. Cullen’s father had offered to take her down to the courthouse. Andrew had argued there was nothing to be done until the morning, but Jo refused to listen to him. Gillie had been arrested!
With Rosa beside her, Jo breathed deeply. She needed to calm herself. She would be no use to Gillie if she let her nerves weigh upon her.
“Please, Mr. Smythe, tell me what I face.”
“I’m not certain, but I know that after the 1850 Fugitive Act, no freedman is safe on the street if a slave catcher decides they want them. It was set up to let slave-owners reclaim what they thought was theirs. But it has been abused. From what Andrew has told me, it seems your cousin, Harry Lee, has decided to use it to get back at you. It would be best if you let me handle the situation.”