Bayou Bride

by Bobbi Smith

  Fury filled Nick. He wanted to scream his anger, he wanted to hit out at something or someone, but he was helplessly caught in a web of lies, and they were all of his own making.

  Control, Nick told himself firmly. Self-control was his only hope if he was going to get through this. He'd always been proud of the firm rein he had on his emotions, and he drew upon that strength now as he went back to lie down on the bed and await her return. The sheets were icy beneath him, and he knew if he tried hard enough, his heart would soon be the same.

  It was very late, almost near dawn, when Philip heard the sound of a very soft knock at his door. He lay still, thinking at first that he'd imagined it, then, when it came again, he flew from the bed to see who was there. There were no words to describe the shock he felt when he threw wide the portal and came face to face with his sister. She was barefoot and looked to be wearing only her gown and wrapper.

  "Jordan?" he whispered in disbelief. Without another word he quickly ushered her inside and closed the door. "You shouldn't be here." He closed the shutters to his one window to insure their privacy, then lit a lamp. When he turned to her, he saw her tearstained face and thought something tragic had happened. "Jordan... what is it? What happened?"

  "Oh, Philip..." she cried heartbrokenly as she went into his arms. "What am I going to do?"

  "What's the matter? What has Kane done to you? I swear if he's hurt you, I'll kill him..."

  "No.. .no..." Jordan protested quickly.

  "Then, what?"

  "Philip, I was afraid this would happen and now it has..."

  "What?"

  "I've fallen in love with Nick ...I can't deny it any longer."

  Philip's hands tightened on her upper arms as he forced her to look up at him. "Jordan, you know the danger..."

  "I know," she admitted, "but I want him so. I keep thinking that there must be a way I can make this work. Philip..." She paused, her tears fading as her eyes took on a glow that reflected the glory of her love. "We're so perfect together. He's everything I've ever wanted... everything I've ever needed."

  Her brother held her close. "I know. I feel the same way about Peri."

  "You do?"

  "Yes," he confessed with a heavy heart. "I love her, but it can never be."

  "Why not? There's no reason for you two not to be happy."

  "I'm an indentured servant, Jordan. I've lost everything. I have nothing to offer her, not even my good name."

  "But, Philip, what if we're really safe here? What if all our worries are needless? We're in a new country. Our names are different. Who would come after us? Even if they did, how would they ever find us?"

  He looked a little more hopeful, but he still had his doubts. "But what if they did manage to track us down?"

  "Listen to me, big brother, this may be our one and only chance for happiness. Shouldn't we take it?"

  "I want you to be happy, Jordan. It's just that I'm afraid for you, that's all."

  She managed to give him a small smile. "I know, and I thank you for caring. But I think this time we have to risk it. What kind of life will we have if we cut ourselves off from the very people we love? Would it even be worth living?"

  "Whatever you decide, you know I'll support you, but you haven't said how Kane feels about you."

  "I'm not sure yet, but I think he loves me too."

  "For your sake, I hope he does, Jordan." He kissed her cheek. "Now, you'd better go back to the big house right now before someone sees you. God only knows what would happen if you got caught down here with me."

  "You're right." She kissed him quickly, then fled back into the night to return to her marriage bed.

  Jordan's spirits were high as she hurried through the garden. Talking things out with Philip always made her feel better, and she knew now what she was going to do. She was going to take the chance. She was going to do everything in her power to make Nick fall in love with her. His lovemaking tonight couldn't have been a lie, and physical desire, while not in and of itself love, was still a good place to start in building a permanent relationship between them. As she slipped back into the house, she only hoped that Nick had not awakened while she was gone.

  Nick was lying in bed, his hands clenched into fists of fury at his sides, staring sightlessly into the darkness, when he heard the bedroom door open. He heard Jordan enter and cross the room. He felt the bed dip under her slight weight as she lay down beside him again, but through it all, he did not stir. In silent testimony to his fury and pain, he pretended to be asleep. He knew this was definitely not the time for a confrontation. He couldn't talk to her right now. Morning would be soon enough. Only then would he feel in control enough to deal with the terrible mistake he'd made tonight.

  Jordan had slept soundly after she'd crept back into bed with Nick. She'd given thanks that he hadn't awakened to find her gone, and she vowed from that moment on that she was going to make him the best wife in the world.

  It was very late when she awoke the next morning, the bright morning sun streaming in the bedroom window. Knowing what an early riser Nick was, she wasn't at all surprised to find that he was already up and gone, but she was a bit disappointed. The wonder of the night before was still warm within her. Jordan smiled a satisfied, catlike smile as she stretched languidly. Nick was a marvelous lover, and could hardly wait to see him again. She shivered deliciously at the thought.

  Jordan believed she had everything figured out. Her life would be simple from now on. She loved Nick, and she was going to make him fall in love with her. Philip was her only problem, but since Nick had promised her a wedding present, she knew what she should ask for...she would ask for Philip to be released from his indenture now. That way he would be free to marry Peri and everything would work out perfectly. With Philip married, Nick would have abso lutely no reason to be suspicious of him any more. She hoped one day to be able to tell him the truth about her brother, but for now, as much as it pained her, there were some things she had to leave as they were. Jordan bounded from the bed to get ready so she could hurry downstairs to find her husband.

  Slater knocked once on the study door and stuck his head inside to speak to Nick. "Weddington said you were in here. You busy?"

  "No, come on in."

  Nick voice was terse, and Slater wasn't really surprised. He could just imagine the kind of night his friend had just passed.

  "Bad night?"

  Nick shot him a black look that silenced any further questions Slater might have had.

  "What's on your mind?" Nick asked, turning their thoughts away from the obvious.

  "Late last night, after you'd gone upstairs, I got a message from one of my contacts in New Orleans."

  "And?" Nick's interest was immediate.

  "It seems Kirkwood, our prime suspect with the English connections, has put out feelers, letting it be known to a privileged few that he's looking for new investors in a very private yet very profitable shipping enterprise. He's in New Orleans now."

  "Is there any chance that we can get in to see him?"

  "I was going to go into town today and see what I could arrange."

  "I'll come with you," Nick announced with no hesitation.

  "But Nick..." Slater protested. "You just got married. Don't you think it will look a little suspicious if you rush out of here the morning after your wedding?"

  "Not if I tell my father there's a pressing business problem I have to deal with personally."

  "What about Jordan?"

  "What about her?" His voice was flat and emotionless.

  Slater knew not to press when he heard that tone. "Never mind. Look, this is the way I thought we'd handle this thing with Kirkwood..." He began to explain his strategy.

  Jordan descended the staircase, her mood happy and lighthearted as she was met by the butler at the foot of the steps.

  "Good morning, Weddington," she greeted, her gaze scanning the hall in hopes of seeing Nick.

  "Good morning, ma'am," he replied, his deep v
oice holding just a touch of puzzlement. When Nick had come downstairs several hours before his mood had been poisonous. He'd been so close-mouthed and grim that he'd been barely able to get a word out of him during breakfast. The butler had been wondering what could have caused Nick to be so sullen and angry, and he'd waited for Miss Jordan to come down, hoping she would provide a clue. He could tell there was no answer to be found with Jordan, though, for she looked positively glowing this morning in her turquoise daygown.

  "Have you seen my husband anywhere around?" Jordan asked, cheerfully.

  "Yes, ma'am. He's in the study."

  "Is he alone?" She didn't want to interrupt him if he was talking business with anyone.

  "Mr. Slater's with him, Miss Jordan," he replied.

  "Thank you, Weddington." She practically danced down the hall, her whole being vibrant and alive at the thought of seeing Nick. She wanted to kiss him good morning. She wanted to tell him he was the most wonderful man alive. She wanted to hug him and never let him go. Jordan knocked lightly on the study door, and when she heard Nick respond, she opened it and went in. "Nick, Slater, good morning."

  Nick had known the moment was going to come when he was going to have to face Jordan. He just hadn't expected that seeing her again would hurt him so badly, but the sight of her looking innocent and completely happy wrenched at his vitals.

  "Good morning, Jordan," Slater said, truly perplexed by the couple's mood. He sensed Nick was tense and angry, while Jordan was obviously very pleased with herself.

  Jordan was feeling so good she didn't even notice that her husband hadn't greeted her. Singleminded of purpose, she went straight to him, lovingly linked her arms about his neck, and pulled him down for a kiss. "Good morning, Nick," she said in a low, husky voice when the kiss ended.

  Slater watched the whole scene with something akin to amazement. There was no need for Jordan to play the loving wife for him. He wondered at her motive, then pondered the possibility that she had no motive.. .that things really had worked out between them and she did feel that way about Nick. But if that were true, why in the world would Nick be in such a frame of mind? It didn't make sense to Slater, and since something was obviously amiss, he decided to get out of there and give them time to talk.

  "I think I'll leave you two lovebirds alone for now. I'll be in my room packing." He left quickly.

  Jordan stepped back, smiling brightly, thrilled that they were finally by themselves. "Remember last night, when you asked me what I wanted for a wedding present?"

  "Yes," Nick replied cautiously.

  "Well, I've finally decided what it is I want."

  "Oh? What is it?"

  "I want you to release Philip from his indenture now instead of later."

  Nick paled and stood absolutely still. Anger surged through him, and he knew a sudden desire to hurt her as she was hurting him. He didn't doubt for a moment that Philip's freedom was her heart's desire, he just wondered why she'd bother to wait until this morning to request it of him. Why hadn't she asked him last night when she came back from Montgomery's bed?

  "I see," he said brusquely, through tight lips. His eyes were hard and his face a mask of stone. "I'll take care of it right away."

  "Thank you, Nick." She threw her arms around him, unaware of his volatile mood.

  "Spare me your gratitude, Jordan."

  She was surprised when he extricated himself from her embrace and moved coolly away from her. "Nick?" She found herself speaking to his back.

  "I'm leaving for New Orleans with Slater," he informed her as he walked toward the study door.

  "Now? Today?" Her heart lurched as she stared at him. She was suddenly aware of the terrible coldness in him.

  "Yes. There's some business I have to attend to." He paused at the door to look back.

  "But what about our marriage? What about last night?"

  "Jordan, please, I don't need all this play-acting. It's just you and me here."

  "I don't understand..." She suddenly had a horri ble sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  "I deeply regret last night. I should never have touched you, but..." Nick gave a casual, expressive lift of his broad shoulders. "I'd had too much bourbon, and, well, things just got out of hand. I apologize for not sticking to our original bargain. I assure you what happened didn't change anything, and I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

  Jordan's spirits crashed from the heights of happiness to the depths of despair in that one brief minute. All of her hopes and dreams were dashed upon the craggy rocks of the reality Nick had just revealed to her. Later, she would never know how she managed to stay in control of her emotions.

  "You're right, last night was a terrible mistake," she stated with a calm composure that surprised even her. "In the future we'll have to be more careful."

  Her cool manner and indifferent words sounded a death knell to Nick. "I have to pack. My father's still resting. Please tell him when he gets up that I couldn't delay the trip, but that I should be back in a couple of days." He opened the door, and with one last look at her he was gone.

  Jordan stayed where she was, staring blankly after him. Then, ever so slowly, she sank down in one of the wing-backed chairs, her strength suddenly drained from her. She tried to make sense of the past twelve hours, but her thoughts were despondent. Her dreams had been only fantasies, and stupid ones at that. She should have remembered that Nick had never wanted to marry. She should have remembered the bargain...

  Peri had gotten very little sleep. Mostly she'd tossed and turned all night, trying to think of a way to con vince Philip that they could be together. When no bright idea came to her through the long dark hours of the night, she decided there was only one thing she could do. She would ask Nick for his advice. He'd been her confidant since she was small, and she knew he would help her.

  Peri came downstairs that morning eager to seek Nick out, but he was already closeted with Slater in the study. She lingered over breakfast then took a walk in the garden to pass the time while waiting for him to emerge. When she came back inside, she caught sight of him at the top of the staircase.

  "Nicky! Wait!" she called out, hurrying up the steps after him.

  Nick glanced back, wondering what was so important she had to chase him upstairs. "What do you want?"

  "I need to talk with you. It's important."

  "Peri, I really don't have a lot of time..." he hedged, in no mood to talk to anyone right now.

  "This won't take long, I promise." Peri refused to be put off, and she dogged his steps as he headed down the hallway.

  Nick grimaced, but held back any caustic comments. This was his Peri. He always had time for her. "Come on with me, then, but you're going to have to talk while I pack."

  "Pack?" She stopped short.

  "Yes, pack."

  "You're leaving? But why?"

  "There's a problem in town..." he replied evasively as he entered his bedroom.

  "Couldnt somebody else take care of it?"

  "There is no one else, Peri."

  "But you just got married. It doesn't seem fair that you have to leave already..."

  "I know, but it's something I have to do," he bit out tersely.

  Peri heard the aggravation in his voice and figured it was because he was upset over leaving his bride of less than twenty-four hours. "I'm sorry."

  "So am I.Anyway, what is it that's so important, you've got to pester me now?"

  Peri was glad to hear the teasing tone back in his voice. "It is important, Nick. Honest."

  "Well?" he asked as he started taking clothes out of his armoire and laying them out on the bed.

  "I need your advice."

  "About what?"

  "I'm in love and I don't know what to do about it."

  Nick arched a brow at her in disbelief. "I find it hard to fathom that you're at a loss to handle a man."

  "Nick! Be serious! I am."

  She sounded so upset that he dropped his joking manner. "
All right, darling, what is it? Tell me everything."

  "He's so wonderful, Nick. He's tender and kind and handsome..." She sighed. "I love him. I really do, but he doesn't want me."

  "How could any man not want you? You're one of the most lovely women I know."

  "Obviously, looks aren't enough..."

  "Does he knew how you feel?"

  "Oh, yes."

  "And he doesn't feel the same way about you?"

  "Well ...that's where the trouble comes in. He does care about me, but he says he can't marry me because he doesn't think he's good enough for me."

  "Who is this paragon you've fallen for?"

  "It's Philip... Philip Montgomery, and you've got to help me think of some way to convince him that he's wrong!"

  The name roared through Nick with brutal intensity, and he couldn't quite believe she'd said it. "Montgomery?"

  She nodded.

  "For God's sake, Peri! He's hired help!" Nick wanted to yell the truth at her and tell her that Montgomery wouldn't marry her because he was already in love with Jordan, but he couldn't. Nick silently cursed the roiling tangle of deception he'd created.

  "Nick... I'm disappointed in you. I never thought you'd be one to hold a man's fortunes against him. Philip cant help it if his parents were poor. It's not his fault he didn't inherit a fortune. He's willing to do an honest day's work for his pay, and that's more than I can say for a lot of men."

  "Peri, you're such an innocent. Be serious for a moment," he countered, fighting to appear calm and stay in control of his temper. "Montgomery is an honest man, true, but he's never going to amount to anything. He's not for you. He's even told you so himself. Why don't you listen to him?"

  "Nick!"

  "Listen to me, Peri, this is probably just an infatuation. You don't really love him, you just think you do."

  "I know what I feel for Philip, Nick, and I know he loves me, too. It's just that he refuses to do anything about it."