“No, I saw him move when we left the house. He is lucky that I let him live.”
Jenny lay down again. Her mind drifted to Selma’s absence in the wagon on her first night there. She felt her cheeks flushing as she realized Selma had lain with Gilbert Johnson. Thinking of the beautiful women whom Gilbert had charmed, it dawned on her that their appearance was not a mere coincidence. How could they be so naive? Perhaps they were all lonely, destitute, and lacked self-assurance. Why else would they let themselves be used like that?. With his hypnotic ways he forced the women to appease his baser appetite in exchange for the promise of taking care of them, when in reality, they were supporting him. The runaway women had become dependent upon him. She was distressed that he was taking advantage of the innocent in such a despicable way.
Nakao sensed her restlessness. “What is troubling you, Jennifer?”
“I’ve got to go back and speak with Selma. The women can’t continue to live under Gilbert’s coercion. He’s a vile man.”
“If it comforts you, we will retrace our path. Now sleep, Jennifer, you are safe.”
The next day they returned to the camp.
Nakao stood watch as Jenny cautiously moved behind the brush and surveyed the situation.
She saw Gilbert sitting on a stump, appearing to read the Good Book. A bruise and scab had formed on his upper lip where she had bitten him. The women stood apart from him. Grouped together, they practiced their singing. She crept around back and gently tossed a pebble at Selma’s feet to get her attention. When Selma glanced up and saw her, Jenny touched a finger to her mouth, indicating she wanted to keep her presence secret. Slowly, Selma moved away from the others to where Jenny stood. They spoke in hushed tones.
“Why have you come back, Jennifer? Preacher Gilbert was furious when we returned yesterday. He said you had caused his foul mood.”
Jenny grasped Selma’s hand. “Selma, I beg you to listen. Gilbert’s teachings are all wrong. He’s coerced you into believing his word is law. It isn’t natural for him to sleep with you. Surely, you can find a better way to live.” As they stood in the woods, Jenny continued to persuade Selma. She concluded by saying, “You women are keeping Gilbert by soliciting donations and are giving yourselves to him. He has turned you into slaves, Selma!”
Selma listened intently. Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. “Gilbert would not mislead us. He has been our salvation.”
“No, Selma, Gilbert is cruel and cunning. Just once refuse to do his bidding and see how vile he becomes.”
Selma gazed into Jenny’s honest eyes, weighing her words carefully. “I want to believe you, Jennifer, for surely you wouldn’t risk your life to come back and warn me. Yet, I can’t believe Gilbert would play on our sympathies to get his way.”
Jenny saw Selma’s eyes harden with resolve and knew she wasn’t ready to accept Gilbert for the conniving man that he was. She relinquished her hand. “In time, you will come to know the real Preacher Gilbert. Be careful,” she warned. “He is extremely corrupt. Don’t blame yourself. Many desire to please others and have fallen prey to those less worthy.” Leaving Selma to ponder her words, Jenny faded into the woods. Glancing back, she watched Selma take her place beside the women and then she joined Nakao.
Jenny marveled at Nakao’s dedication as they trudged through the forest and followed the trail to Natchez. Constantly with her, he fiercely offered his protection.
Along their journey, Nakao caught fish in the stream and cooked it over hot coals while Jenny collected ripe berries. As they supped on the juicy fruit and delectable fish, Jenny shared stories about living on the farm and her friends in Greenville. She didn’t mention Nicholas or explain why she was traveling alone. Nakao didn’t ask. Their friendship flourished, and a strong bond grew between them.
They finally arrived in the city of Natchez. Nakao and Jenny came upon the waterfront where inns were plentiful and ships were anchored in the harbor. “I’m famished and long for a good meal,” Jenny said. She rubbed her lower back, thinking of the nights she had slept on the trail. “A decent roof over my head with a mattress beneath me would improve my disposition.”
Nakao grinned and gazed at her with admiration. “You have held up well in the outdoors. Many women could not withstand sleeping in the forest without the comfort of a bed or sleep through the chilly nights with the woodland creatures.”
Stepping into the Riverside Inn, they could see that merchants and seamen were eating heartily in the dimly lit room and downing mugs of ale. A minstrel was singing on a platform, strumming a guitar.
“Bring another round of drinks!” someone barked above the entertainment.
“What’s the holdup?” another complained.
Nakao stood a good distance from Jenny, giving the impression that Jenny was alone. As she glanced about the crowded inn, an idea came to her. With an air of confidence, she walked up to the bar and approached a man filling a mug with ale.
“May I speak to the owner?” she asked.
“I’m the owner,” replied the man behind the counter. “What can I do for you, Miss?”
Jenny pointed at the many patrons awaiting service. “You could use some help,” she replied.
“You’re right, Miss. I am about run ragged trying to keep up this place,” answered the proprietor. “My wife died, and the barmaid ran off with her lover. My only daughter, Tessie, services the rooms, leaving me in dire need of help. Would you be in need of work?”
“Yes, we are interested in work. Could you find quarters for Nakao and me?”
Nakao stepped forward, his stance tall and proud. The owner stared at him with hard, green eyes.
“We don’t allow Indians in here. Tell your friend to leave.”
“If he goes, then I must also,” Jennifer pouted. “And you will be in the exact same predicament.”
One of the patrons overheard their conversation, and as word passed from one to the other, the customers eyed Jenny from a distance. One person yelled, “She sure is a pretty gal, Nate. Let her serve us!”
“Hear, hear!” shouted the men, between mouthfuls of ale. The crowd roared, begging him not to let the enchanting woman escape them.
“Gauging from the reaction of the patrons, perhaps I’ve been a little hasty in my reply,” the proprietor said. “I can’t pass up an opportunity to reap business. Still, I don’t cotton to the Indian.”
Jennifer leaned toward the proprietor and stated her case. “I can be of great service to you. In addition to serving customers, I can cook delicious meals and perform domestic chores. Nakao can do repairs and make the inn much more habitable. We would only ask a small pittance.”
Nate ran his fingers through his sandy-colored hair. “The inn is filled to capacity, where would I put Nakao, Miss?”
Jenny glanced at Nakao. He had come to her aid, and she wouldn’t let him down. She moved over to where Nakao stood and spoke in hushed tones. Nakao nodded to her. Jenny approached the bartender.
“Nakao is my husband,” she blurted. “We would only require one room, even the loft if need be.” She looked into the proprietor’s eyes, pleading for his help.
Nate looked from Jenny to Nakao. The Indian was staring at him with intensity but had not yet spoken. “I suppose the Indian doesn’t speak the white man’s language,” the proprietor voiced. The patrons demanded service, giving him little time to dwell on the Indian. Gruffly he addressed Jenny, “I’m Nate Collins. I’ll show you to your quarters.” Jenny and Nakao followed Nate down the crowded corridor. “You can start to work immediately. We’re swamped with travelers and merchants who are delivering their goods. Many of them prosper by shipping cotton along with a host of other commodities. It brings in good business.”
Nate opened the door to a small room. He stepped aside, allowing Jenny and Nakao to pass through. He glanced
at the cramped chamber. “This will have to do. I need my large rooms for the rich clientele. “Where are you from?”
“I’d rather not discuss our private lives,” Jenny answered.
Nate’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You ain’t in trouble with the law are you?”
“No,” Jenny answered adamantly.
Nate observed Jennifer as the sun beamed into the tiny window. “You have an honest face. I’m convinced you’re not criminals. Strange people wander the wharf, so I won’t meddle in your affairs. I’ll give you a minute to wash up, then come to the kitchen. Bring the Indian, ah- I mean your husband with you.” Abruptly, the stocky proprietor left them alone.
Jenny faced Nakao, her eyes expressing apology. “I am sorry for claiming you as my husband, but we needed food and lodging. Besides I didn’t want us to part company as I have not done too well on my own.”
Nakao stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder. His dark eyes sought her out. “I will lay down my life for you if need be.”
Deeply moved by his words, tears sprang into Jenny’s eyes, and she wiped them away.
“How fortunate I am to have your friendship,” she said, clasping his hand.
“I will be with you as long as you need me, Jennifer Grant. Be strong. Better times lie ahead.”
“Thank you, Nakao. I am truly grateful for your presence.”
Someone knocked at the door, interrupting their poignant conversation. Jenny opened the door to a young girl timidly awaiting entrance. She carried a pitcher of water and towels. “For you to wash,” she announced and entered the room. She set the towels on the washstand, then removed a tortoise comb from her pocket and handed it to Jenny. “Father asked me to give you this. He said you need to look presentable.” She lingered. “I’m Tessie.” She prepared to leave, then stopped abruptly. Her blue eyes strayed to Nakao who stood in the corner silently watching her. Tessie gasped and scurried from the room, her chignon coming undone, leaving long, golden curls tumbling down her back.
Jenny’s lips parted into a smile. “I believe you startled Tessie,” she teased.
Nakao grinned but remained silent and waited his turn to wash.
Jenny glanced into the mirror and, indeed, found her hair disheveled. She hadn’t any toiletries since leaving Gilbert’s company and owned only the clothes on her back. Pouring water into a basin, she splashed her face, then dried her hands on the faded towel. She combed the tangles from her ebony hair, allowing it to fall in soft waves down her back.
When she had finished, Nakao cleansed his face and combed his straight black hair. Together, they went down to the kitchen, and Nate immediately put them to work.
Chapter 15
In the six weeks since Jenny and Nakao had been at the Riverside Inn, she saved their meager wages, hoping someday she and Nakao could forge a better life. Foregoing Nicholas’s stipend from the marriage contract had set her back considerably. Still, in her heart, she knew she did the right thing by not accepting his money. She still dreamed of running a ladies boutique even though it might take years of scrimping and saving to do so. The reality seemed unattainable, but she firmly held onto the belief that it could happen.
In the kitchen, Nate pulled Jenny aside. “The Indian is doing good work, and you are proving efficient and charming as you serve food and ale to the patrons.” He piled food on the tray and continued, “You’ve nearly tamed the men. Once they realized a lady was amongst them, they toned down their behavior.”
“Nothing could tame those men,” Jenny replied congenially. Picking up the food tray, she hastened to the dining hall to feed the patrons.
Nakao, too, labored long hours. In addition to making repairs, he assisted in the hot kitchen. Both he and Jenny were exhausted at the end of each day when they retired to their room.
Jenny usually retired first, giving herself time to wash and disrobe before Nakao bedded down for the night. It had taken her a while to adjust to sharing a room with him, but she knew they had to continue their charade lest Nate banish him to the stable.
She brought the covers to her chin as Nakao slipped into the room and lay down on the pallet at the foot of her bed. “Will you trade places with me?” Jenny begged. “I feel guilty for always taking the bed.”
He smiled at her thoughtful ways. “No, Jennifer, I am accustomed to sleeping on the ground.”
As strange as their sleeping arrangement seemed, Jenny knew she could trust Nakao. Indebted to each other, they vowed to remain friends only and protect each other.
Jenny labored about the crowded tavern and diligently tended to the patrons’ needs. Rushing to the kitchen, she filled another order, placing platters of food on a tray.
Nakao entered the room with an armload of firewood and sent her an encouraging grin when he took in her weary appearance. “It’s almost closing time,” he said. “Then we can rest.”
Jenny returned his smile. “Thank goodness, my feet are killing me!” she exclaimed, then rushed back to the dining room.
On the outskirts of Natchez, having transported goods downstream and secured a lucrative deal for future business, Nicholas headed homeward. Along the way, he stopped at the Riverside Inn. A good night’s rest and a decent meal would go far, he surmised. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and tailored brown suit, he stepped into the inn and recognized Jenny as she hurried into the kitchen. His heart raced with joy at the sight of her. Amazed to see her dressed in servant’s clothing, he wondered why she was filling such a lowly station. He wanted to confront her but chose not to embarrass her around the noisy crowd. When she returned from the kitchen, he shielded himself from her view. While Jenny served the customers in the corner of the room, he sauntered to the bar and sought the owner of the inn.
Nate glanced at him and smiled. “What do you need, my good man?”
“A room and the finest bottle of wine you have,” Nicholas replied, dropping several coins onto the bar.
Nate raked the coins into his hand and pocketed the money. He yelled for Tessie, his voice nearly drowning in the din.
The blonde-haired girl came running, her hands still wet from washing dishes. She dried her hands on her apron. “Yes, Father?”
“Tessie, take this gentleman to the best room in the house and see to his needs. It’s almost closing time. I’ll have Jennifer deliver the wine to him.”
Tessie glanced at the stranger. “Land sakes, you’re a handsome gent,” she said, then returned to propriety. “Follow me, Sir. Will you require water for a bath?”
“Perhaps later, Tessie. Right now, I would like supper brought to my room, if it’s not too late.”
Tessie smiled; her blue eyes twinkled. “For you, Sir, I’ll bring the best we have.”
Amused at her congenial manner, Nicholas followed her upstairs.
Once the crowd finally dispersed, Jenny breathed a sigh of relief and locked the door. She cleaned the tables and hung her apron on the rack, then sought out Nate. “My work is done. I wish to retire.”
Nate motioned her to the bar. “You have done well, Jennifer. Deliver this tray of wine to the first door on the right and then you may go to your quarters.” He shoved the tray toward her. A grin emerged, and his eyes held a hint of humor. “The gent has money. He may toss you a few extra coins for delivering the beverage.”
Jenny nodded and carried the tray upstairs. Tapping on the door, she announced her presence. A muffled voice instructed her to enter and set the wine on the table. Anxious to retire, she obeyed and prepared to leave the room. She heard the door swing shut and someone turning the key. Startled, she spun around.
“Nicholas!” she gasped, taking a step backward. Many emotions claimed her as they stood face to face. No longer fatigued but filled with renewed energy, she took in his strapping form and handsome face. Clad only in trousers, he exposed
a muscular chest that expanded with each breath he took. She stood rigid and aloof. “I didn’t expect to see you again. You’re a long way from home. What brings you here?”
“I transported several bales of cotton to Natchez.” He made no move toward her, causing Jenny to feel less tense. “I didn’t expect to find you here working in a tavern. Why did you leave?”
“Why prolong the inevitable? I fulfilled my obligation.”
“Maybe I didn’t want you to go.”
“What are you saying?”
“I liked having you around.”
“Don’t tease me, Nicholas. You were less than cordial the last time we met.”
“Because you disowned me and reminded me about our forced marriage. You just won’t let it go.”
“I want to put that night behind me. If you’ll excuse me, I am about to retire.” She stepped around him. “Unlock the door—”
He pulled her into his embrace, pressing her against his hard body. Uncontrollably he kissed her, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.
Against her will, Jenny felt herself warming toward him. Throwing caution aside, she ardently returned his kisses. She watched in silence as he shed his clothes, then helped her disrobe. The soft glow of the lamp exposed his rugged physique, and she blushed as he swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
He joined her on the mattress and drew her into his embrace. Sensuously, he caressed her body, kissing her deeply, teasing her with his tongue, and bringing her ripples of pleasure.
“Love me!” she cried, writhing beneath his masculine frame. He fulfilled her needs as gratification consumed them both.
She lay in his embrace, bathed in euphoria. Nicholas cupped her chin and planted a deep kiss on her lips. Fires of passion consumed them again as they lay entwined. His kisses became more demanding, and he penetrated her softness, sending them both into sheer rapture. He continued to ply her with kisses and sensuously caress the outline of her shapely hips and taut breasts. Sweat clung to their bodies as they made their passion known, each reveling in the exquisite pleasure the other gave.
Unspoken Love Page 15
