by Vikki Vaught
“Almost,” Bridges answered, “and with the profits we’ll make, we can hurry along the completion of our new ship. I’ve found a captain with plenty of experience to command it. I think you’ll like him. He’s a bit older, yet still hale and hearty. He said he knew your father. His name is Captain Merryweather.”
Alex looked surprised. “I remember Merryweather, but hasn’t he been sailing with Bronson Shipping for the last few years?”
“He has. However, they’re running slaves now. Merryweather wanted no part. He is firmly against slavery, and he knows we feel the same way.” Then giving Alex a sly look, he asked, “Was that a woman and child coming off your ship? I thought you never took on passengers. What’s the story?”
Alex sat down behind his desk. “That, my friend, is the Marchioness of Overton and her son, the marquess. However, she is using the name Mrs. Carlson. Nobody can know who she really is. She needed to leave England right away and asked me to take her onboard. At first, I told her no, but she seemed so desperate, I didn’t have the heart to refuse her.”
“I still can’t believe you let them on your ship,” Bridges stated.
“Well, it’s a good thing I did. As we were leaving port, a man showed up. Turns out, he’s her son’s great-uncle, and the marchioness had overheard him plotting to kill her and her son.”
Bridges swore, “Damn, Hawks, I can’t believe you got yourself involved in this. With your attitude toward women, I would never have imagined you would allow a female to talk you into anything. What’s she going to do here in America? Of course, it’s none of your concern. I guess you parted ways right after you arrived.”
“Not exactly,” Alex replied, “I couldn’t send her on her way. She doesn’t know anyone here. Lord Howard is bound to follow her. As long as her son lives, he can’t have the title. I’ve promised to help her. I’ll be leaving in a few days to take her to Meadow Grove, my mother’s home. Anissa should be safe there.”
Looking Alex straight in the eye, he drawled, “Hmm, you must have gotten close if you’re calling her by her first name. She must be beautiful, and she’s a widow.” Then he slapped his knee. “I’ll bet she’s a ‘merry widow’ and you’re having a fling with her. Have you allowed her into your hardened heart?”
He needed to be more careful. He should not have used Anissa’s given name. “Of course not. I feel sorry for her. There’s nothing of that nature going on, nor will there be.” Then to draw his partner’s attention away from that nonsense, he said, “Oh, and as it turns out, Barrington is the boy’s godfather. She admits that in her fright she didn’t think to go to him. Her concern over getting her son as far away from Lord Howard as possible kept her from even remembering. I’m writing the duke regarding her situation. She’ll be returning to England as soon as I hear from him, and I know he’ll be willing to protect them.”
Bridges gave Alex a look that bordered on disgust. “Well, this is a fine kettle of fish. I hope you don’t live to regret this. Come on. Let’s make sure all goes well offloading your ship.”
Standing up, Alex asked, “Can you handle it on your own? I need to meet up with Mrs. Carlson’s carriage, since I want to be there when she meets my mother. I know it’s a lot to ask.”
“I’ll handle it.” Bridges voice dripped with exasperation. “I’m sure you’re anxious to return to the charming widow. We’ll need to meet tomorrow to go over everything.”
Alex stared at Bridges as he proclaimed, “Mrs. Carlson is not a ‘merry widow.’ She is a proper lady, still grieving for her deceased husband. You know I don’t mess around with ladies, so drop it, why don’t you. I’m leaving now, but I’ll return in the morning.” Then, he huffed out of the office.
Alex went back to his ship, retrieved his horse, and headed south. He should have realized Bridges would question him about Anissa. He hoped he had convinced him they were not involved in a liaison. When he examined his feelings for her, he realized he had a powerful attraction for her, but regardless of that, he would keep his distance. Thank God he only needed to be around her for a few more days. Once he left her at Meadow Grove, then he could get back to business. One thing he did know; he needed to go visit Carla to relieve all this sexual tension.
After all, he’d been in Anissa’s company for the past five weeks. That was probably why he felt so attracted to her. As soon as he had her settled, he would leave the woman in his mother’s care and head back to town. Soon he would be able to purge her from his mind.
Looking up ahead, Alex spied the carriage, so he sped up and joined it as it rambled toward his home. He hailed the driver and signaled for him to pull over, then brought Blazer to a halt beside the carriage. “Hallo, Rufus. Did you have any problems?”
“None at all, Captain,” the driver, replied. “Once we cleared town, I doubled back jus’ like ya told me t’.”
“Good, good,” Alex said, “I’ll speak with Mrs. Carlson, and then I’m going to ride ahead. Well done, Rufus.”
By this time, Anissa had opened the window. “How much farther, Captain?”
“My home’s a mile up ahead. I’m going on. I’ll make sure my mother has everything ready. Once you’re settled, I need to return to town. You’ll be fine with my mother. I need to help Bridges get everything settled. The sooner I accomplish that, the sooner we can leave for Meadow Grove.”
Disappointment and apprehension flashed across Anissa’s face. Knowing what he had planned sent a shot of guilt through him. Not that he had any reason to feel guilty.
“Oh, I thought you would want to spend time with your family, since you have been away for several months. Of course, I understand if you have business. I am sure Harry and I shall be fine.”
Now, Alex definitely felt like a heel. However, he had to get away from her for a few hours. This attraction for her had to be broken. “Oh, I’ll spend a couple of hours with them before I head to town. Well, I will see you at the house.” Tipping his hat, he rode away.
Giving Blazer full rein, Alex reached his home in a few minutes. As he rode up, his mother and Melanie came out of the house. He jumped off his mount, grabbed Melanie up and spun her around, giving her a kiss on her sweet-smelling cheek. “How’s my little darlin’? I’ve missed you.”
“Oh, Daddy,” Melanie cried, in her sweet little high-pitched voice, “I’m so glad you’re home. You’ve been gone forever. Please say you’ll be home for a long time. I’ve missed you so much.”
Alex realized it would be unfair to disappoint her simply because he needed to be away from Anissa. He clenched his jaw as guilt assailed him. He would not be going back to town tonight after all. “I will be. I’ll still have to work during the day, but I’ll be here every night.”
“Yea,” she cried. “Will you tell me all about your a’ventures?”
Alex hugged her close. “You bet, darlin’, and guess what? I brought you a playmate. His name is Harry, and he’ll be arriving here shortly. Harry and his mama will be staying with us for a few days, so make sure you make him feel welcome.”
Melanie threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, thank you, Daddy. How old is Harry? Where did he come from?”
Alex sat Melanie down on the porch. “He’s six and he has traveled all the way from England. Now, sweetie, he talks different from you and me, so don’t go saying anything.”
“I won’t, Daddy. Can I show you my new kitty? Sally Cat had kittens and Granny let me have one. She’s orange with a white face and paws, and I love her bunches and bunches.”
Shaking his head, he looked over at his mother. “Mornin, Ma. Do you think she’s ready for a pet?”
“Land’s sake, of course she is,” she replied. “You had your first pup at the same age. It will help teach her responsibility. Alex, it’s so good to have you home.”
Rolling his eyes heavenward, he said, “You always get your way, so I bow to your authority. I suppose a pet will teach her some responsibility.”
“Now tell me all about this woman and her little
boy. I was ever so surprised when Bennett brought me your note. I’ve never known you to bring a female here before, so she must be special. Dare I hope you’ve found someone to settle down with?”
Alex should have realized how his mother would perceive this. “Now, Ma, you know me better than that. The woman is titled and so is her son. She’s going by Mrs. Carlson, though. I don’t have the time to explain everything to you at the moment, but she needs my help and as a gentleman, I feel obligated to assist her. I would appreciate you welcoming her for now, and I’ll explain it all to you later.”
His mother placed her hands on her hips and said, “Just so long as you tell me later. I’ll want to know everything concerning this Mrs. Carlson.”
He barely kept from rolling his eyes at her. It was so typical of his mother to insist on hearing all the details. “By the way, where’s Kathleen?”
“She went over to her friend Regina’s house this morning. She’ll be home in time for supper. Guess what? Kathleen has a beau. Remember William Jones? He’s come a-courtin’, and he’s grown into a nice young man. I’m sure you’ll like him, once you get to know him.”
Alex searched his mind. “Oh, I remember him. Isn’t he the banker’s son?”
She nodded as she replied, “He is, and while she is a bit young, he would be a wonderful catch for our girl.”
“I can’t believe my sister is old enough to have a beau. It seems like yesterday she was climbing trees and riding her pony all around. I guess I will have to get used to the idea that she’s grown up now.” Hearing the carriage coming down the drive, he looked up. “Our guests have arrived.”
Once the carriage pulled to a stop, Alex helped Anissa out, and then reached for Harry, giving him a hand. He watched her face as she took in the front façade of his home—her expression clearly showing her appreciation—and felt an odd twinge in the region of his heart. Her beauty captivated him. Even dusty from her trip, she looked radiant.
He released her hand and turned to his mother, who was standing at the foot of the stairs leading up to the porch. “Ma, this is Mrs. Carlson and her son, Harry.” Then he looked at Anissa. “Mrs. Carlson, this is my mother, Georgia Hawks.”
Anissa stepped forward and extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hawks. Thank you for your hospitality. I hope my arriving so unexpectedly has not caused you too much of an inconvenience?”
“Not at all,” she replied as she shook Anissa’s hand, “and call me Georgia. Welcome to our home.”
Anissa released the woman’s hand and gave her a friendly smile. “You have a lovely home. I love the large porch. It gives you a wonderful view of the bay. I imagine it is a spectacular place to view the sunrise.”
Alex relaxed as his mother beamed at Anissa. He could always count on her to make his guests feel welcome.
“Thank you. I do enjoy sitting in one of the rockers as dawn is coming up.” She pointed toward the front door. “I’m sure you’re tired from all the traveling. Let me show you and your son to your rooms, so you can freshen up. I’ll have lunch ready when you come down.”
“I would indeed like that, and a meal would be much appreciated.”
Once they were up the stairs, his mother led Anissa through the front door into the entryway. “I’ll send Wilma, our maid, up to help you unpack.”
“Please don’t go to any trouble,” Anissa said, “I can do my own unpacking.”
Smiling, Georgia, replied, “All right, Mrs. Carlson. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you upstairs. Once you’ve had a chance to freshen up, please come down to the dining room. It’s the first room to the right at the base of the stairs. And again, it’s a pleasure to meet you and your son.”
“And you as well. Since you have asked me to use your given name, I would like you to call me Anissa.” While no one in England would ever use each other’s given names on such a brief acquaintance, things were obviously much more relaxed in America. Georgia had certainly accepted her with open arms. It was actually comforting. The older woman seemed so friendly, so different from what she was used to. “Please lead the way, Georgia. I shall follow you and will return after I have washed away my travel dirt.”
Chapter Seven
Once the door closed behind Alex’s mother, Anissa glanced around the room, noticing the pleasing, soft yellow walls. The window had a built-in seat below it and looked out over the back garden. She could imagine being curled up on the seat, with the sunlight filtering through the pretty lace curtains and a good book in her hand. The bed had a lovely homemade quilt with yellow and blue patterns forming circles. A dressing table sat against the wall on the other side of the bed and a wardrobe against the opposite wall. Overall, a pleasant room.
Anissa went over to the washstand and wet a cloth. Turning to Harry, she wiped off his face and hands, and then she did the same for herself. She would have liked to change, but since she already had on her best gown, she decided against it. She straightened her hair and finger combed Harry’s as well, trying to smooth down his cowlick, a stubborn clump of hair that would not stay tidy. “I do believe we are presentable again. Let us go down to luncheon.”
“Great, because I’m starving,” he told her, then asked, “Do you think that little girl will be at luncheon?”
“I’m sure she will. Now, remember to play nicely with her. She is a bit younger than you and a girl, so no rough play. All right, darling? Now, let us hurry down to the dining room. We do not want to keep everyone waiting.”
When they entered the dining room, Alex stood. “I hope you found your room satisfactory? Harry’s room is next to yours. He has the one I used as a young lad, and there may even be some of my toys still there.”
“My room is lovely, and I’m sure Harry will enjoy seeing your old toys. Thank you again for your kind hospitality, Captain.” Then, looking over at Georgia, she added, “Please don’t go to so much trouble for us. I do not want to inconvenience you during our stay in your lovely home. I love the quilt on the bed. It looks homemade. Did you make it yourself?”
Georgia nodded. “I did, I made it last year at a quilting party I attended. All the women in the area get together once a week, and we quilt and sew, swapping patterns and whatnot, with plenty of congenial conversation. While we don’t have teas and parties often, we find ways to entertain ourselves and to socialize.”
“That sounds delightful. I find needlework comforting. I have never tried quilting, but I’m sure I would enjoy it.”
Now seated at the table, Anissa took a bite of the fried chicken. The salty taste intermingled with spices had her mouth watering and craving more. The creamed potatoes, smothered in gravy, tasted delicious, along with the fresh garden peas and the little round pieces of bread of which she had never seen before. They were light as air and tasty with butter slathered in the middle of them.
“Mrs. Hawks, the food is wonderful, especially these small pieces of bread, what are they called?”
“Biscuits, my dear. I’ll let our cook know you liked them. The peas are fresh from our vegetable garden. Please try some of the sliced peaches. They were picked this morning.”
Accepting the bowl, Anissa placed a few slices on her already full plate and laughed. “If I eat like this at every meal, I shall soon find that my clothes will no longer fit. These biscuits are different from what I call biscuits. I think I like them much better.”
Harry piped in. “Mama, this is the bestest food ever. I think I’m going to like being in America.” Then he tucked in, devouring his meal.
Everyone at the table laughed and resumed eating the hearty food. Once everyone had eaten their fill, Georgia rang a little bell and a very round and a squat woman entered with the blackest skin Anissa had ever seen.
The woman carried a berry tart that looked marvelous and set it down in front of Georgia. “Thank you, Mina, the blackberry cobbler looks scrumptious. Mrs. Carlson particularly enjoyed your biscuits.”
Laughing, Mina replied, “Thank ya, kindl
y, ma’am. You’ll get plenty opportunity t’ enjoy ’em, since I makes ’em at ever’ meal. By the looks o’ ya, ya could use some fattenin’ up. Ole Mina will make sure that happens while ya is heah with us.”
Mina’s boldness in speaking directly to her shocked Anissa. In England, none of her servants would have ever dared to voice an opinion. Everything seemed so informal in America.
By the time she finished her cobbler, her corset pinched around the waist. Harry had cobbler smeared around his mouth as he patted his little tummy with a look of satisfaction on his face. Anissa dipped her napkin in his water glass and wiped off his face as he squirmed, trying to get away.
Melanie looked up at her and asked, “Ma’am, can Harry go to the barn with me? I want to show him my new kitty. Her name is Punkin’, ’cause, she’s orange. Please, may he come with me?”
Anissa looked at the children’s expectant faces and did not have the heart to deny them. “As long as the barn is close by. Harry is unfamiliar with the area, and I would not want him to get lost.”
Alex spoke up. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Carlson, I’ll go with them. I want to make sure Blazer’s settled into his stall anyway.”
“Thank you, Captain. I trust Harry will be safe with you.”
Looking thoughtful, Alex replied, “I know you’ve been confined to the ship for quite some time. If the mood strikes you to go riding, I have several mares in my stable, and you’re welcome to use one of them while you’re here.”
Her belly fluttered, which gave her pause. Oh, goodness, why did Alex have to be so generous and kind? She refused to be attracted to this man, so she dismissed the feeling. “That would be much appreciated. Perhaps you could show me around your property before we leave for Alexandria?”
“I would offer to take you riding in the mornin’, but I have to leave early. Bridges and I have several things we need to handle. Especially since I will be taking you to Meadow Grove on Friday. My sister is an excellent rider, and I’m sure she will be happy to go riding with you and show you around.”