Cora primped in the mirror. Pulling back her hair, she tied it with a red velvet ribbon. Jenny remembered Nakao’s comment. Their resemblance was striking, but the snobbish Cora did not notice. She forced herself to be kind.
“I just received a shipment of vivid ribbons. I’ll get them from the stockroom.”
“Is your Indian clerk in the back room?” Cora crooned.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“I’ll go myself, Dear. I must see that handsome Cherokee again!”
Cora swished past Jenny, giving her little recourse but to step aside lest she lose her balance and fall into the china.
Jenny started to intervene but realized that Nakao would censure Cora for entering his domain.
She walked to the glass shelf to remove the bracelet Cora had asked to see. As she was looking at the bracelet, she was attacked from behind. A cloth was placed over her mouth, and she passed out.
Cora came from the supply room in a huff. “How dare that Indian insult me!” she stormed. She looked around the room for Jenny. “Jennifer, where are you?” When she received no reply, she stormed out of the store. Rushing from the shop, she shook her henchman awake and instructed him to take her home.
Nakao entered the room, sensing Jenny would be displeased with him for banishing Cora from the stockroom. Even though Cora was a rich client, he refused to accept her overtures. As he searched the store for Jennifer, he spotted a bracelet that had fallen to the floor and returned it to the case. Baffled as to Jenny’s whereabouts, uneasiness swept over him. It wasn’t like her to walk away during store hours. He closed the shop to search for her. He scanned the surrounding area for clues. Seeing fresh hoof-prints leading out of Vicksburg, he mounted and followed the path.
Jenny awoke with a throbbing headache. She lay on the floor with her hands bound. Weak from the chloroform, she slowly brought herself to a sitting position and shook her hair away from her face to get a clear view of the room. Memories flooded her consciousness as she recalled Gilbert Johnson attacking her in this very place. She studied her abductor as he peered outside and knew it wasn’t Gilbert, for this man was smaller. With unsteady legs, she came to her feet, looking for a way to escape.
The man turned toward her.
Jenny’s mouth flew open. “You!” she shouted, recalling their previous encounter. Jake’s seedy brown eyes remained fastened on her.
“Well, I’ll be darn! You look enough like Cora Andrews to be her twin.”
“You thought I was Cora?” Jenny asked, perplexed.
“I did, and as I’ve captured the wrong woman, I can’t let you leave this place alive.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just this, pretty lady, I can’t chance you contacting the authorities.”
Jenny feared talking to him was a lost cause. Still, she gave it a shot. “Please reconsider and allow me to return to town, Mr.—?”
“Jake Parsons,” he boasted. He ran his fingers through his unkempt black hair, his eyes blazing with malice. “I thought you’d get lost in the swamps or be consumed by alligators, but I see you escaped unscathed. You, a mere slip of a woman left me beaten and unconscious. Do you know how humiliated I was when Bonita laughed in my face?”
Jenny stared blankly. “Bonita?”
“She hired me to get rid of you so that she could charm Nicholas.”
The shock of his words hit her full force. She had no idea that Bonita had been behind her abduction. “Were you supposed to kill me?” she asked, barely above a whisper, fearing he would now carry out the deed.
“I was to take you to Natchez to be sold into slavery or kill you, but you, wicked woman, escaped me,” he sneered. “Bonita was livid when she received the news, but I convinced her you would die in the swamps. Still, she refused to keep her end of the bargain.” He moved closer to her. “She promised me some loving and then refused me. I beat the living daylights out of her.” Jenny gasped at his revelation as he continued, “She’s not a pretty sight. She’s missing some teeth, and her comely face is a thing of the past.”
Jenny felt disgust as she digested Jake’s news. She held no love for Bonita but didn’t wish her preyed upon. Yet, that is exactly what Bonita had done to her. Jake’s voice broke the deadly silence.
“All of this has been for nothing. Blake Preston won’t pay a pittance for you.”
Jenny didn’t acknowledge that she knew Blake. If Blake learned of her abduction, she knew he would spend all his worldly goods if necessary to free her.
Jake interrupted her wanderings. “So, that brings us to you, my fighting wildcat. Would you like me to untie your bonds so you can have a go at me? I hate to strike a woman who can’t defend herself.”
“Please do untie me,” Jenny pleaded.
Jake’s evil laughter filled the room as he spun her around and released her bonds.
Gilbert Johnson stood outside the house, eavesdropping. He couldn’t believe Jake had mistaken Jenny for Cora. Regardless, he had a score to settle with Jenny and didn’t feel his time was wasted by being there. He started for the house until he heard a rustling nearby. He hid behind a tree and waited.
Nakao had ridden along the path, looking for clues to Jennifer’s whereabouts. He recalled the deserted house where Gilbert had attacked her. Wondering if her abductor had taken her there, he followed the trail to the abandoned dwelling. Cautiously, he dismounted and peered into the window. He had watched Jenny awaken and listened to the conversation that followed. When he witnessed Jake releasing her bonds, he knew it was time to intervene. He crept to the entrance, and as Jake’s hand struck Jenny’s face, he crashed into the room. With one swift movement, he brought Jake to his knees and bent both of his arms behind his back.
Jake cried out in pain. “Let me go,” he begged.
Nakao tightened his grip. “Not yet.” He glanced at Jenny. “Are you all right, Jennifer?”
“Thanks to you, I am,” she answered, rubbing her tender cheek.
“Then let’s get out of here.” Nakao bound Jake’s wrists and shoved him toward the door. “We will drop the scoundrel at the sheriff’s, if I don’t slay him before then.”
“Take me to jail? Sure you will. You’ll beat me to a pulp,” Jake babbled.
Nakao tied Jake to his mount then leapt astride his horse and helped Jenny up. Gathering both reins tightly, he started the trek back to Vicksburg.
From his hiding place, Gilbert saw the Indian lead Jake away. Since Jake had captured the wrong woman, he knew contacting Blake would be futile. He scowled as he realized how much money had slipped through his fingers. Now that others knew of Jake’s plot, he regretfully had to cancel his plans. Thankfully, Jake hadn’t mentioned him. He was pleased, however, that the day was not a total loss. Now that he knew Jenny was in Vicksburg, he would find her. He recalled how Nakao had saved Jenny from him in that very house when he pretended to be a preacher. She was the downfall of his comfortable life. Within days of her leaving, his women had left him, and with no money coming in, he had to find another way to survive. She will pay, he vowed.
Later that day, with Jake behind bars and dusk upon them, Nakao saw Jenny safely home.
Jenny clasped Nakao’s hand. Grateful for his intervention, she said, “I’m in your debt once again.”
“When I followed the trail to the house in the woods, I thought Gilbert had kidnapped you again,” Nakao confessed.
“The last time I saw Gilbert he was wagering on the Marylou,” Jenny replied. “He is not a preacher.”
“I suspected as much,” Nakao said. He stood in the corridor while Jenny stepped into her chamber.
Lily rushed into the room.
“Nakao told me what happened. Are you okay, Jenny?
Jenny nodded.
Lily noted her disheveled state.
“I’ll prepare your bath and bring you a cup of tea to soothe you harried nerves.”
Jenny disrobed and sank into the tub. She let the warm water glide over her and relax her stiff muscles while she sipped the tea. She gazed at Lily and forced a smile. “Thank you, Lily. The tea is steeped just the way I like it. You may retire,” she instructed Lily.
“You’re still upset about the kidnapping,” Lily said. “I prefer to stay and take care of your needs. I don’t want to leave you until I know you are all right.”
“I appreciate your thoughtful ways, Lily, but I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow, and we’ll resume our duties as usual.”
Lily hesitated. “If you insist. Call me if you need anything.”
Lily stepped into the corridor and found Nakao waiting for her. His strong arm rested on her shoulder as they made their way down the hall and retired to their chamber.
The following day Blake returned to Ladies’ Delight and sought out Jennifer.
“I’m giving a ball this Friday, and I want you to come.” He passed the invitation to her.
Jenny read the note. In beautiful script, he begged her attendance at eight o’clock prompt.
“We’ll have a full course dinner, then dancing in the ballroom. Please don’t refuse me, Jennifer.”
“I can’t arrive alone, and certainly with Cora Andrews in attendance, I’ll set tongues wagging.”
Nakao stepped forward.
“If you want to attend, I will escort you, Jennifer.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll see you both this Friday,” He started to leave, then stopped abruptly. “Since there will be entertainment and imbibing well into the evening, the guests will spend the night. You are both invited. I’ll be disappointed if you don’t stay.” He bid her farewell and dashed out the door.
Jenny studied the embossed invitation. Her eyes sparkled. “Perhaps I should indulge myself in a little pleasure,” she said, a bit mischievously. A grin escaped her still slightly bruised lips as her eyes swept over Nakao, noting that his shirt barely covered his chest, and his muscles strained at the seams. She rushed to close the shop. “It’s time we visit the tailor. A new suit is in order, for we want you looking your best.”
Nakao grinned at Jennifer. “What are you up to, Jennifer Grant?”
Jenny only smiled as she grabbed his hand and guided him to the clothier.
On the evening of the ball, Lily raved over Nakao’s handsome appearance. “You look immaculate in your new attire,” she bragged, watching him squeeze into his jacket. She wasn’t envious that Nakao was escorting Jenny to the ball, for their love was pure, and she trusted him completely. Besides, she knew Jenny needed Nakao’s protection.
They met Jenny in the foyer.
Feeling hampered in his new clothes, Nakao sent Jenny a vexed look. “I prefer loose-fitting garments that allow room for comfort,” he told her.
Jenny pouted.
He flashed her a sheepish grin. “All right, Jenny I will tolerate the clothes for one night.”
Jenny smiled, then ushered him from the house before he changed his mind.
That very same day Nicholas arrived in Vicksburg. Leaving a trusted helper to keep watch over his shipment of cotton, he took care of business matters on land. He dined alone and then took a stroll along the cobbled streets. Nearing a small but grand house, he abruptly came to a halt when he saw Jenny and Nakao dressed in finery and stepping into a carriage. As the coach moved forward, he stepped behind a tree. Many emotions swept over him as his gaze fixed on Jenny. He wanted to call her back as the coach picked up speed but dismissed the notion, knowing she didn’t reciprocate his feelings. He’d promised Thomas not to interfere in Jenny’s life, but he made no such promise regarding the twins.
He strode to the house and peered up at the window. As he stood hidden in the shadows, he saw Lily tending to Aaron and Abigail. Tears scalded his eyes and his heart went out to his children. He realized just how much he had missed them. He watched Lily tuck them in bed, then blow out the lamp. She then stepped outside to speak with Waoota.
Nicholas stole into the house and looked in on his precious twins. “You’ve grown,” he mused, placing gentle kisses upon their brows. Assured they were thriving well, he left the room and went out the back entrance. When he entered the garden, he overheard Lily and Waoota discussing Blake Preston’s ball.
“Jenny is long overdue for a pleasurable evening,” Lily said. “I’m sure Nakao will be the perfect escort for her.”
“And they will stay the night?”
“Yes, Blake wants his guests to stay until breakfast. I’m sure Jenny will have a delightful time. It will be a nice respite from the many hours she puts in at Ladies’ Delight.”
Lily returned to the house, and Waoota went to the stables. So Blake Preston resides in Vicksburg now, and Jenny is to stay the night along with Nakao. This day has indeed been full of revelations.
Nicholas went to Pier Tavern and pumped the gents for information. He learned all that he needed to know about Blake Preston and the mansion in which he lived.
With invitation in hand, Jenny and Nakao arrived at the palatial mansion on the hillside overlooking the harbor.
James, the prim and haughty servant showed them to the parlor, then excused himself to take Jenny’s valise to her prearranged room.
As the crowd gathered, they milled about the gracious reception room, sipping champagne. Soon, everyone had arrived.
“My friends, thank you all for attending.” Blake announced. “Let’s proceed to the dining hall.”
After the large party had seated themselves, Blake ordered dinner to be served immediately. During the meal, Jenny glanced at Cora as she sat beside Blake and noticed the smug expression on her face. She was already acting as if she were his wife and owner of the mansion. She watched as Cora cut into roast chicken and stole glances at Nakao. Obviously, she was still attracted to him even after he had scolded her the other day.
After dinner, the guests walked leisurely to the ballroom, giving Jenny and Blake a moment alone.
“I’m glad that you accepted my invitation, Jenny.” Gently, he squeezed her hand. Requesting a dance before the night ended, he released her and mingled with the other guests.
Jenny enjoyed the evening immensely as she conversed with other merchants and businessmen. Intrigued, she listened as they shared their insight, for she was open to new ways of keeping her business thriving.
As the evening wore on, jovial conversation and laughter set the mood. Soon, the orchestra played, and the guests danced across the floor.
Blake gallantly bowed before Jenny. “Shall we?”
“Yes,” Jenny breathed. She let him lead her onto the dance floor and took her position.
“I am in heaven,” Blake said, twirling her around the room, keeping time with the music.
“Don’t forget you are betrothed to another,” Jenny reminded him.
At the mention of Cora’s name, Blake glanced around the room in search of her. She stood among the large palm plants, her eyes raking over Nakao as he walked into the adjoining garden. Although they had their differences, Blake had no quarrel with Nakao. Yet, for the first time, he began to doubt Cora’s intentions and realized his own vulnerability. Brushing Cora from his mind, he lived only for the moment as he swung Jenny at arm’s length, then drew her back into his embrace.
When the music ended, Jenny graciously begged to sit out the next dance. As the evening progressed, she declined other would-be suitors, preferring instead to discuss business matters with some of the guests.
Gilbert Johnson stood in the garden and motioned for his unscrupulous friend, Terrence, one of Blake’s servants, to join him. Terrence had told him about Blake’s wedding plans, giving him a chance to enhance his coffers. Now he needed him
for another service.
Carrying a tray of glasses filled with wine, he nonchalantly made his way over to him. “What do you want, Gilbert?”
Discreetly, Gilbert passed him a vial containing an aphrodisiac and pointed to Jennifer. “See that she gets it in her drink,” he instructed. He dropped several coins into the servant’s hand. “Also, find out where she will be sleeping.”
Terrence nodded and pocketed the money. He mingled with the crowd, keeping a tight rein on the wine glass with the sedative. Within minutes, he sent Jenny a cordial nod and handed her the wine. After accomplishing the task, he reported to Gilbert.
Nakao stood in the garden and chanced to overhear the remnants of Gilbert and Terrence’s conversation. At the mention of Jenny’s name, he became alert and listened intently.
“Jennifer’s room is in the west wing, the third door on the right,” the shady servant announced.
“Thank you, my good man,” Gilbert said, dropping more coins into his greedy palm. Leaving Gilbert to his fantasies, Terrence discreetly moved to other guests to offer them refreshments.
Nakao crept behind a tall shrub and watched Gilbert step onto the terrace. Having figured out that Gilbert and Jake were somehow connected, he disguised his voice to sound like Jake and called, “Gilbert.”
Fearing Jake had escaped prison and could bring him ruin, Gilbert strolled to the dense shrubbery.
“Is that you, Jake?”
Strong hands wrapped around his neck and nearly strangled the life from him. Within seconds, he lost consciousness and sank to the ground.
Nakao carried Gilbert into the forest and quickly bound his hands and feet.
Gilbert gasped for air and saw Nakao standing over him.
“You will not seduce Jennifer, now or ever. I will be watching you every step of the way,” Nakao warned, his voice as cold as ice. “You will stay here tonight. I’ll return at daybreak and release your bonds.”
Unspoken Love Page 24
