by Jerri Hines
“It is a relevant fear. Have you considered leaving Josephine here in Philadelphia while you settle issues in Charleston?”
“More than once, Father. She will have none of it, especially after she sees this telegram. She is deeply concerned about her papa. Granted, I wanted to be married before we depart for Charleston, but now…”
“Tear it up.”
Cullen was stunned by his father’s utterance. “I could never do that to Jo. She has been deceived by everyone she has known. I refuse to do so to her.”
“Tear it up,” Jonathan repeated. “You do not know your grandfather…”
“What can Grandfather do, Father? This is now out of his control.”
An awkward silence ensued. For a brief moment, he considered doing as his father suggested. But he didn’t.
“Andrew has already departed to rectify the situation the best he can. Wait to see what he has to say.”
“It is always, Andrew, with you, Father. May I remind you that it was his reckless behavior that led cause this whole diabolical.”
“He is remorseful for his actions and is taking responsibility for them.”
Resentment, frustration, anger raged inside of Cullen. Andrew, who chose to go against the establishment that had long been the South, ; Andrew, who devoted his life to helping those in need; Andrew, who almost let Harry Lee, get his hands on Jo…
“Cullen, are you planning on visiting Washington on your return?” Hugh questioned, directing the rising tension to another subject. “I was told you have not responded to Commander Davis’ correspondence.”
Cullen shot his friend a hard look. “Hugh, I told you before I’m not reenlisting.”
“I believe that Commander Davis wants to convince you otherwise. Feelings are escalating on both sides. If it doesn’t calm soon, Davis wants to be in readiness to make a show of force to discourage further threats of seceding. He believes your knowledge of the area would be an advantage.”
Cullen frowned. “I’m well aware that the talk in Charleston has intensified. The people are fueled with secession enthusiasm and threaten more often than not to secede from the Union, but don’t ask me to take arms against my brothers. And God have mercy on our souls if we are pushed to that point.”
* * * *
Harry Lee heard the key turn and the door open. From the corner of his eyes, he saw who it was. He made no effort to greet his guest, only felt to make sure his pistol was secure in his belt. He didn’t trust the bitch, not after the botched attempt to get Josephine.
Thankfully, he had had luck with that slave catcher, Earl Mann. Earl sure had been fired up after he had been duped by sweet little Josephine. He was willing to do almost anything to help Harry Lee in his venture. Mann had gone out of his way to complete their special project to the satisfaction of all parties.
He had even found Harry Lee another apartment. This one was down at the docks away from all prying eyes. Temporary, but their work was completed.
At the moment, Buck was out finalizing the details with Mann. The brothers would be gone in the morning.
Finally, he turned around. Chewing on the wad of tobacco in his mouth, he spitted into the spittoon beside the door. “How did you find me?”
“You know you are the most disgusting man,” Kathleen said, smoothing her skirt and smiling. “Buck sent me word. I should have my feelings hurt that you would leave without a goodbye.”
“Spare me the dramatics,” he sighed heavily. “I don’t have the time. What do you want?”
“Oh, lover, you sound so gruff.”
“I am,” he snapped. “Things didn’t exactly go the way I wanted. I’ve had to…”
“I know what you have done. Buck told me,” she said without betraying any annoyance. Matter of fact, she appeared quite smug. “Calm yourself, Harry Lee. All is not lost. For Heaven’s sake, all of this can work to our benefit. I promise you the Montgomerys are fighting among themselves.”
Harry Lee stared incredulously at Kathleen, restraining the urge to strangle her. He would have Josephine now if she hadn’t signaled Buck to make his appearance at the reception too early. The plan fell apart with Buck being recognized. It allowed Josephine to slip through his fingers…once again.
Moreover, Kathleen had foolishly miscalculated her husband. Overconfident, she had discounted the man’s conscience.
“Tell me, my dear, exactly how to do you see us turning the events into our favor,” his voice was flat and deadly. “I don’t have Josephine…Cullen Smythe does. He probably has already married her!”
“I know he has not,” she said with a sneering grin. “I told you the Montgomerys are as desperate as you. Elizabeth told me that the Smythes received a telegram from Brantley Wright requesting Josephine return to Charleston. The dutiful daughter will wait to marry until after she sees her dear papa.
“Andrew has already left to go home in a vain effort to repair the damage done. You need to do the same. Go home. Get down there before Miss Wright. Set in motion the wheels of justice.”
Her eyes narrowed dangerously and stepped towards him. He stilled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. “We both know that Wright couldn’t have sent the telegram, which means trouble brews within Magnolia Bluff.”
He jerked her back roughly. “Do not attempt to play your games with me. I promise you I’m not your sniveling husband.”
“I know,” she uttered in a low seductive tone. She took his hand and placed in on her stomach. “You have to suspect the child, I carry, is yours. It is all that has gotten me through the last days, knowing it is yours and not Andrew’s.”
Withdrawing his hand, he suddenly laughed, “You do not stop.”
“Never,” she said, tracing her finger around his lips. “Do you want me to? We have so much to look forward to. You reclaiming the money that Wright stole from your family. I…you know what I want.”
He snickered. The woman had gall, but if what she said was true, if Jo wasn’t married to Smythe, he had a chance, especially with the little surprise he already had in store for Jo. He was anxious to get back to Charleston.
“So, your husband has left town?”
Kathleen smiled, took his hand and led him to the bedroom.
* * * *
Cullen watched the dolphins leap alongside the breaks from the coastal steamer. He loved the sight; he loved the feel of the ocean’s breeze against his face. He felt at home; he felt like he was going home.
The steamer cruised into the harbor with a barrage of travelers standing along the railing. The familiar sight of the white church peaks signaled the return to Charleston along with a warm breeze. They had already passed Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney.
Soon the ship would be docked. He looked forward to it. All the turmoil of the last weeks would end. His plan was simple. He would escort the ladies to their Charleston residence. Then, he would accompany Josephine to her father at Magnolia Bluff and send for the reverend. By evening, she would be his bride.
He had dismissed his father’s concerns. His father had been an outsider here in the South; Cullen was born here. His blood was their blood. It was the tie that bound him to this place.
His attention turned when he caught sight of Jo. Walking beside his aunt on the deck, she gave him a mischievous smile. Her mood was gay, which, Cullen was certain, confused his poor aunt.
He supposed most would have expected Jo to be desolate. Her fiancée had secretly married another, leaving her in the most humiliating fashion. Yet, she strolled alongside the Montgomery women with a brilliant smile. Happiness radiated from her being.
Watching his aunt leave Jo at the side railing to talk with Jenna, he strolled over to Jo. Smiling broadly, he was amazed that he found himself more enamored with her every day. The woman took his breath away.
“We’re home. I’ve missed it so,” she said, gripping the rail. She tilted her head and looked up at him with impish eyes. “I’m wicked, but I do not believe I have ever
been happier. Papa will see…”
“It will lift his spirits, I’m certain, because I do not know a more beloved lady, even if it is by one of those damn Yankees.”
“Adored Yankee,” she corrected, glancing out at the pier where Negro stevedores waited to lift the gangplank in place.
He laughed soundly, “I will do my best to convince your papa of my worth, my darling, but know if he doesn’t agree I will take things in my own hands.”
“But of course, Papa will have to after…”
She lowered her gaze and blushed so prettily. He knew exactly where her mind had wandered; where his was also. He was most anxious to get her back into his bed, ached if the truth be known.
“Cullen,” his aunt said behind him.
Cullen turned to acknowledge her, reprimanding himself. He had quite forgotten he needed a chaperone to talk with Jo in public. “Aunt Marie, I beg your pardon. With docking, I got caught up in Jo’s excitement of returning home.”
She shrugged in a self-conscious way. Her smile had faded; she seemed tense. “Dear Cullen, do you suppose I could bother you for a moment and impose upon Josephine to keep my daughters company? I need to talk to you before we disembark.”
Cullen lifted an eyebrow. The seriousness of her expression conveyed she had something important on her mind. He turned to Jo. “Wait with Jenna and Amy. I will come to escort you as soon as we are finished.”
He watched Jo sauntered over to Jenna, who wrapped her arm about Jo’s and commenced chattering. The girls were giddy and animated, but his aunt…A look of panic flashed across her face. Quickly, she suppressed it, but she frowned as if carrying about a great worry.
“I’m glad you sought me out,” Cullen began. “I assume you realize my intent towards Josephine. I want to assure you that I have no desire to…”
“Oh, Cullen,” she shook her head. “It was obvious that Jo and Andrew should have never become engaged. I am happy that it did not turn into the catastrophe it could have become. That is not my concern…not really.”
A sudden ominous feeling replaced the hope he held for the day. He questioned, “Aunt Marie, what is wrong?”
“Everything, Cullen. Everything.”
* * * *
Jo glanced over her shoulder and watched Cullen talked with Mother Montgomery. Immediately, she noticed Cullen’s expression alter. Something was wrong. Lines tensed on his face.
Puzzled, she watched him look out across the pier, and then back at her. Mother Montgomery gripped his arm and said something. Cullen nodded impatiently and started toward her…almost running.
Not even bothering with a semblance of politeness to his cousins, he took her arm. “We need to leave immediately.”
He gave her no time for protest. Her feet floated over the gangplank and stone pathway until she stood in front of one of the Montgomery carriages. She recognized the footmen. Her heart pounded wildly.
Pivoting back around to face Cullen, she was about to question what was the matter when Andrew emerged from the other side of the carriage and gestured for them to follow him.
“I have another carriage waiting for you,” he said, pointing to one to the far corner of the street. “Come. You need to hurry.”
Cullen scowled but wasted no time in ushering Jo forward. “Andrew, what is going on? What have we walked into?”
“It is confusion,” Andrew began, looking anxiously behind them. “You need to go home. It will be explained in detail. Know, though, I had nothing to do with this. I came back only to undo the damage I had done. I sent a telegram warning you, but you must have already left.”
“The Buchanans know we have returned?” Cullen asked when his hand gripped the handle of the carriage door.
“It is worse,” Andrew informed him crisply, holding the door open wide of Jo to enter. He motioned for Cullen to do the same and waited until Cullen sat to answer fully. “Harry Lee has also returned. You need to hurry. Trust me, Cullen, I want only to right the wrong. Go now. Wade is waiting at the house. Hurry.”
Andrew promptly shut the door. The carriage swayed rolling away from the pier. Jo fell back against the cushions. It would not be a long ride, but she was well aware of the Cullen’s scowling brow. Her heart pounded so hard it felt as if it would burst out of her chest.
Cullen sat solemnly; his breathing became rapid.
“Cullen,” Jo found the courage to voice her concern. “What has happened?”
Her question hung in the air. Something within her told her not to ask…she didn’t want to know. For once in her life she was happy, truly happy. If she didn’t ask…
He grimaced, taking her hands in his. “The news isn’t good, Jo. I’m afraid it couldn’t be worse.”
“You are scaring me.”
“Josephine, I’m sorry. It’s your papa.” He wrapped his arms about her. “He has passed away…”
Jo heard nothing else he said. She was lost in a spiraling abyss.
Chapter Eleven
It took an effort of sheer will for Jo to follow Cullen around to the garden’s rear gate. He had the carriage driver dropped them a street away from the Montgomery Charleston house. Her mind reeled.
She had come to know a strong, determined, courageous, and loving Cullen. Something was different with him at this moment. She saw fear.
He stopped abruptly in front of the back door. He did not speak but took her by the shoulders, forcing her look into his eyes. Finally, he said, “I don’t know what we are walking into. Aunt Marie confessed that Grandfather intentionally kept back the information that your papa passed. Jo…Grandfather was the one that sent the telegram.”
Jo’s confusion ran deep; barely comprehending she had lost Papa. “I don’t understand.”
“I would never have allowed you to return if I had known of your papa’s fate. Father warned me about the lengths Grandfather would go. I refused to believe my own grandfather would do something so underhanded. He has put you endanger.”
“Andrew said Harry Lee…”
“He won’t harm you. I swear.”
A cold, tight feeling formed in the pit of her stomach. She clenched her jaw tightly to keep it from trembling. She uttered in a low voice barely above a whisper, “Don’t leave me, Cullen.”
“I will do anything to keep that from happening.”
He released her, turned and knocked on the door. His hand went behind her and steered her through the back entrance, up the servant stairs to the second floor. Emerging from the study, Clayton Montgomery gestured for the two to enter.
“Miss Wright, let me offer you my condolences. Most unfortunate state of affairs,” Clayton said. “Come in. Cullen did right by bringing you here.”
Jo raised her eyes and met the man’s gaze. She did not trust him and wanted nothing more than to refuse, but Cullen ushered her into the room. His arm rounded her waist and kept her tight against him.
“Be quick with it, Grandfather. I’m in no mood to be trifled with. You have tricked Jo into returning,” Cullen snapped.
“Hold your tongue. It was necessary. Sit, and I will explain…”
He hadn’t the opportunity to finish his train of thought before Wade rushed into the room. Hat in hand, relief flooded his face when he caught sight of Jo.
“They are here,” Wade announced. “Cullen, for God’s sake keep her out of sight.”
Clayton followed Wade from the room. Cullen walked to the door and closed it enough to peer through to the stairs.
“Cullen, what is going on?”
“Ssh, my darling, there are men at the door,” he said in a soft voice. Taking her hands in his, he kissed them.
Suddenly, she heard voices, loud and boisterous. Oh, Good Lord, are they after me?
“I know she is here. She arrived back in Charleston on the steamer.”
“Calm yourself, Vernon,” Clayton asserted in a firm voice. “You have quite lost your manners. I have not invited you into my home. The last we spoke a few days ago, I thought I
made it clear we are not on speaking terms.”
“Can’t say this is a social call, Clayton. Don’t usually bring the sheriff with me when I go calling.”
Confused and frightened, Jo shivered at her uncle’s voice. The sheriff? What was going on? She felt Cullen’s arm tighten around her.
“I know well what you are trying to do Clayton Montgomery. It is not going to work. I received word she arrived back with your grandson. Produce her immediately or…”
“Or what, Harry Lee, or what?” Wade pressed.
“Now…now…gentlemen. This can be settled quietly and quickly. Look, Clayton, is Miss Wright here? With her father passing like he did, it leaves her grandfather as guardian. You got no right to keep her.”
“Come now, Lucas McCoy, if you knew Josephine Wright, she would make her presence known if she was here. Do you not believe it is a little suspicious that Vernon there and Harry Lee brought you along? From what I hear, Whitney is her guardian. Wright didn’t want those two anywhere near his daughter.”
“Look, Wade, I’ve got a paper here that says she is the ward of her grandfather. All, I know, is the law. If you feel different, you will have to take it to court.”
“I will. That paper, you have, is worthless. You have it only because Buchanan called in a favor with old Judge Simmons. Everyone knows they’re kin. Simmons married Buchanan’s second cousin,” Clayton fired back.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” another voice emerged. Jo recognized it readily enough. Andrew. “I have just come from the docks. I picked up Mother and my sisters. They are waiting to enter their home. If you would be kind enough to back away and allow them entrance.”
“Not going anywhere without Josephine.”
“If its Josephine you are looking for here, then you will be sadly disappointed. We dropped Josephine off at the Pavilion,” Andrew said. “She checked into the establishment. I’m afraid she is still perturbed by my actions. When she saw me, she refused to come with us.”
A long moment passed. Then Harry Lee’s voice resonated throughout the house, “Jo has been devastated by your behavior, Dr. Montgomery. I want only to protect her from you Montgomerys. I warn you not to try anything…”