Rebel Temptress (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  Adam laughed heartily. "What is said about southern ladies who try to woo a man with their charms, Mrs. Daniels?"

  Honor looked at him indignantly. His barb had struck a nerve. For the first time she could see herself as he must have seen her, and she was more than a little embarrassed. She had sparred with him and felt she had held her own up to this point. All of a sudden it became important to her that he not think she was the kind of woman who would seek out a man and offer her favors freely.

  "I would not have . . . I do not want you to think I am a . . ."

  Adam lifted her chin and studied her face. "Do you not think that I know that? I pride myself on being a good judge of character, and I judge you to be innocent, and somehow untouched." His voice deepened. "What is your name?"

  Honor felt confused. She had expected anything from him but the compassion she saw on his face. "My name is Honor," she whispered through trembling lips.

  He stared at her long and hard. "Yes, the name fits," he said softly. He released her and opened the door for her to leave. "You may go now, Mrs. Daniels, but within an hour I shall send Sergeant Simpson to you to escort you on your daily walk."

  Honor swept past him and ascended the stairs, knowing he watched her. She did not breathe easy until she reached the safety of her room. Her encounter with the Yankee major had left her drained. She knew that she would be watched carefully; there would be no way for her to pass on the information she had overheard today. It was a helpless feeling knowing that she could help her fellow Confederates but for one man —Major Adam O'Roarke.

  Funny, she thought, now that it was over she found she had enjoyed sparring with him, even if she had come out the loser this time. She had never known anyone quite like him. He was polished and sophisticated and obviously a man who was used to getting his own way. He had called her beautiful. Why would he say that?

  Honor wondered if he had merely been playing with her, or if he really thought her beautiful. She removed her shawl and looked down at her swollen stomach. No, of course he could not think her anything but clumsy and ugly. Honor wondered why that thought hurt her so deeply.

  Adam closed the study door and walked over to the window, looking out without really seeing the landscape. He was haunted by green eyes and a soft voice. Was he mad to covet another man's wife? He found himself wondering about the man who was her husband. Did he know what a treasure he possessed?

  Of course he did. Was she not carrying his child?

  Closing his eyes, Adam saw her beautiful face, her silver-white hair, and her soft lips. Shaking his head, he walked over to the desk and sat down, wondering what it would feel like to hold her in his arms and to kiss those tempting lips.

  * * *

  Honor stood looking out her bedroom window to the many tents that dotted her front lawn. She could see the soldiers moving about performing their duties. It was still hard for her to comprehend that she was a prisoner in her own home, by order of one Major Adam O'Roarke. She heard a rider coming up the driveway and pulled the drapes aside wondering who it could be, knowing it would have to be a Yankee since her home had become a virtual stronghold for the enemy. She had given up the idea of trying to pass on the information she had overheard that day concerning the bridge. The major had made it impossible for her to talk even to Clyde without Sergeant Simpson present.

  She saw the rider was none other than the major himself and drew back as she saw him glance up at her window. Her heart was pounding wildly, and she knew he must have seen her, from the knowing smile on his face. Her cheeks turned red as she pulled the drapes tightly together. She wondered why she always had such strange reactions where he was concerned. It should not matter to her that he was most probably the handsomest man she had ever encountered. She frowned and caught her lip between her teeth. No, there was more to it than that. Major Adam O'Roarke was so . . . male. Like a beautiful animal, deadly, but beautiful nonetheless.

  She had found herself wondering if he were married. She considered asking Sergeant Simpson, but she did not want to appear interested in his major.

  Honor scolded herself. She was married. She had no right to be thinking about anyone but her own husband.

  Honor looked up as Darcy entered the room mumbling under her breath. "I's about fed up with them Yankee's hanging around the house. A body can't walk without bumping into one of them." She gave Honor a disgusted look as she hung her freshly laundered gowns in the wardrobe.

  "Well, it seems we might as well get use to it, Darcy. I do not see any signs of their packing up to leave."

  "I ran into that Yankee major in the hallway and he asked for you to eat with him tonight. I told him no decent married lady would have dinner with a man that ain't her husband."

  Honor was taken aback. "I wonder what he is up to?"

  "You ain't about to eat with him," Darcy said, becoming suspicious.

  "Be quiet a moment, Darcy and let me think."

  "I don't like it none when you get that look in your eyes. It don't mean nothing good."

  Honor found herself wanting to dine with the major. Perhaps if she asked him once more he would allow Jordan's parents to visit her. "Darcy, tell Major O'Roarke that I will dine with him tonight, and find out what time."

  "Over my dead body. It ain't decent."

  Honor looked at Darcy in exasperation. "I told you what I overheard the other day. I feel it is my duty to try and find out all I can. Besides, I want to ask him to allow Mr. and Mrs. Daniels to visit me."

  "You ain't never struck me as a scatterbrain, but if you see that man I will think you is one. I see the way he looks at you, and you about to have a baby, too."

  "I am sure you are mistaken, Darcy. Now go and do as I told you to."

  "Well I ain't blind even if you thinks I is."

  "Darcy!"

  "I'm going. But you ain't going to eat with him less I is in the same room," Darcy said stubbornly.

  "Of course. I would not even consider going otherwise."

  Darcy was still grumbling when she pushed the study door open and stood with her hands on her hips facing Adam.

  Adam smiled at Darcy, knowing she was angry about something. "Did you deliver my message?"

  "Yes I did, and she said she would eat with you, but I don't like it none. If you have any ideas about getting her to yourself, you can forget it. I will be in the room with her."

  "Of course. I expected as much." He smiled. "You do not like me much do you, Darcy."

  "Like as not you won't lose no sleep worrying whether I likes you or not."

  "Sit down, Darcy, I would like to talk to you for a moment, if you can spare the time."

  Darcy gave him a haughty look and sat down. "Why do you want Miss Honor to eat with you?"

  "Good Lord, You do not think I have any devious plans toward her? Surely you know by now that I would never harm her."

  "You like her. I know you does, and I told her so too."

  "What was her reply to that?"

  "She said I was wrong."

  "I see. I think perhaps you can see things that others miss, but you need not concern yourself on Mrs. Daniels' behalf. I received a package from my sister this afternoon. It contained a ham, sugar and flour, which my cook is turning into a culinary delight this very moment. I want only to share my bounty with her."

  "What's that?" Darcy asked as he piqued her interest.

  He laughed. "I suspect it will take the form of a cake or some other desert."

  "Miss Honor ain't had no meat to eat in a long time," Darcy admitted grudgingly.

  "Tell me why you think of me as the enemy?"

  " 'Cause you is."

  "Are you aware that President Lincoln freed all the slaves?"

  "I ain't no slave. I ain't ever been," she told him angrily.

  "Do you mean to tell me you receive money for the work you do?"

  "I did when there was money."

  "I see. So you would never consider leaving Landau?"

  "No, and
you can't make me," Darcy said as her black eyes spit fire.

  "No, I would never encourage you to leave. I believe Mrs. Daniels depends on you. I was merely curious. I have never conversed with anyone . . . of your race before."

  Darcy stood up and Adam noticed that she seemed to be having trouble with her legs. He saw pain flash across her face. She faced him with her hands on her hips, a gesture she often used to assert her authority. "Now that you has, did you learn something?"

  Adam laughed heartily. He found Darcy totally endearing and her sharp wit hard to challenge. "Oh yes, I have been taught a lesson in love and loyalty. I can see you love Mrs. Daniels a great deal."

  "I has looked after her for a long time and I would never let anyone hurt her, like you would find out if you has any plans in that direction tonight."

  "Darcy, do you really think I would do anything to harm her? It is not in me to harm any woman, much less one who is with child. I like yourself am concerned about her health. My sergeant pointed out to me that Mrs. Daniels let it slip that she had had no meat to eat in a very long time. I was not entirely honest with you when I told you I had received a package from my sister. I have taken the liberty and had your smokehouse supplied with a side of beef, and some pork."

  Darcy's mouth flew open in surprise. "Why would you do that?"

  "I believe you know."

  Blue eyes stared into black eyes. "She will never take the meat from you."

  "That's where I want your help, Darcy, convince her that it is payment for the use of her house and grounds."

  "She ain't gonna like it any."

  "Somehow I think you will bring her around."

  Darcy smiled. It was the first time Adam had been the recipient of her good will. "Can I rely on you, Darcy?"

  "Yes, sir, you sure can. Where did you fin' the beef?"

  Once more he smiled. "You do not want to know, Darcy."

  Adam was startled as Darcy laughed out loud, and shaking her head, walked toward the door. "You is bad, Master Yankee, real bad," she said between fits of giggles.

  A smile played on Adam's face as he watched the door close. Crossing to the desk he sat down and propped his boots on the smooth surface. Darcy was no fool. She knew that he was becoming more then just a little interested in her charge.

  Good God, Adam thought, have I lost my senses? Not only was Mrs. Daniels married to another man, but she was carrying his child. He had known many beautiful women, but he had never had this strong a reaction to anyone in the past. Perhaps it was the war. No, Adam rejected that idea. He was beginning to love her. He removed his boots from the desk and sat forward, resting his chin on his hands. Love? his mind asked. Yes, love, his heart answered.

  * * *

  Honor entered the sitting room with Darcy trailing behind her. Adam was leaning against the fireplace watching her. His eyes swept her lovely face to rest on her well-worn gray gown. The white lace shawl she wore about her shoulders hid the fact that she was with child. Her silver hair was drawn into a bun at the nape of her neck.

  Honor looked into Major O'Roarke's blue eyes, willing herself not to lower her own. He was such a commanding figure that she shied away from him in her mind. His blue uniform fit his tall, muscular frame like a second skin, and once again Honor thought he was by far the handsomest man she had ever met. His eyes seemed to hold hers as if they were magnetized, and she could not seem to look away.

  "I am delighted that you agreed to have dinner with me tonight, Mrs. Daniels. I can hardly believe my good fortune."

  "Just because I have agreed to have dinner with you, does not mean I have forgotten you are the enemy, sir," she said, hating the way her voice seemed to tremble.

  He raised a dark eyebrow. "Surely you and I can put the war aside for this one night, Mrs. Daniels. Come, I will escort you into the dining room." Honor placed her hand on his arm and resisted the urge to look into his face. Could he feel her hand trembling? What was the matter with her?

  When they reached the dining room he pulled a chair out for her and she sat down. Darcy stationed herself by the door and Adam sat down beside Honor.

  Adam unfolded his napkin and placed it across his lap, saying, "I want to thank you for the use of your kitchen facilities, as well as the other rooms I have taken position of."

  "Do not thank me. You neither asked nor received my permission for the use of my home," Honor answered stiffly.

  "Good evening, ma'am," Sergeant Simpson said as he came up beside her and placed in front of her a plate filled with the most delicious-looking food she had seen in a long time. Honor looked up at the sergeant, whom she was beginning to like a great deal, in spite of the fact that he wore a blue uniform.

  She smiled. "This looks delicious, sergeant. Did you prepare it?"

  He looked pleased as he smiled down at her. "Yes, ma'am, and I hope it meets with your approval."

  "I can already tell you that it does indeed meet with my approval, Sergeant."

  Simpson placed Adam's plate in front of him and then retreated to the kitchen. Honor took a bite of the delicious-smelling ham and savored the flavor. There were candied sweet potatoes and corn on the cob.

  Adam sat watching her through veiled lashes. She was so exquisite, so perfect that he found himself wanting to reach out and touch her pale, creamy skin. He knew he would have to get a firm hold on his feelings or he might indeed reach out and touch her silky cheek.

  "It seems that we are having an Indian summer this year, Mrs. Daniels." he said, bringing his thoughts to the weather.

  Honor wiped her mouth on her napkin. "Yes, and I must confess that I am enjoying the unusually warm weather."

  "I take it then that it is not usual for September to be so warm."

  "No, this year is the exception and not the rule. Most years we would already have had our first snowfall by September."

  They were both making small talk, and when Simpson brought in the yellow cake with white icing, Honor realized she had eaten every morsel on her plate.

  "I almost feel guilty for eating so well tonight, knowing so many are going hungry," Honor said.

  Adam did not answer her for a moment. He hated the thought that she had been deprived of proper food, and it seemed a shame that she should feel guilty for eating the first good meal she had had in a long time. He found himself wishing she were his wife so he could see that she had the proper care.

  "There is nothing for you to feel guilty about, Mrs. Daniels. Tell me," he said turning the conversation, "are you feeling well?"

  "Of course. Why should you want to know?"

  Adam paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. "Does it surprise you that I as a Yankee can feel concern for a woman in your condition? Underneath this uniform I am a man like any other who had to lay down the thread of his life to take up arms."

  Honor thought he was most certainly not like any other man. She was beginning to see the human side of Major Adam O'Roarke, and that disturbed her more than a little. She chose not to answer him.

  "I noticed all the books in your study, Mrs. Daniels. Do you read a lot?"

  "I seem to have a lot of free time on my hands lately, so I have gotten caught up on my reading."

  "I noticed that many of your books are in French. Do you perhaps read and speak French?"

  "Yes."

  "That is quite an accomplishment for one so young. Did you learn French in school?"

  "No, I was taught by my aunt. She was a very remarkable woman and a firm believer in education. Do you also read and speak French, major?"

  "As a matter of fact I do, although I learned mine at Harvard College."

  "Of course."

  "Why of course?"

  "You appear to be well educated."

  He smiled. "Is that in my favor?"

  "You have no favor with me. You are my enemy." she said, by way of reminding herself of that fact.

  His eyes narrowed. "I am sorry you feel that way. I find myself respecting you more each day. I am ama
zed at what you have accomplished on this plantation. Most of the farms and plantations in this area are overgrown with weeds, including Green Rivers where your in-laws live, and yet you, in spite of . . ."

  "In spite of the fact that I am a woman." she finished for him.

  "No, I was going to call attention to your age, but something tells me I had better let it drop."

  Honor smiled in spite of herself. "Your good sense does you credit, major, but I think I must point out to you that Landau is not the thriving plantation it was previous to the war. Lately things have gone from bad to worse. We have no market for our produce. There is so much work that needs to be done, and I am shorthanded. The South is suffering because you from the North think you can come in and dictate to us how we should live our lives."

  "There is the question of slavery. Do you think it is morally justified for one person to own another human being?"

  Honor did not know how to answer him. He was too intelligent, while she was in truth only a young and inexperienced girl. She said, "There is more than slavery at issue. Most of the people in the South have never owned a slave, yet they fight because they resent the North's thinking they can dictate to us. We are fighting because you have invaded our land and our homes. You yourself are an uninvited guest in my home."

  Adam scowled at her. "I do not wish to discuss the war with you. You have not got the slightest idea what is really at stake here, do you?" he said angrily.

  "I have never heard the North's point of view. Suppose you tell me."

  "What do you suppose would have happened if the Union allowed the South to remain a country apart?"

  "I do not know. You tell me." Honor liked to listen to him. She liked the way his eyes flashed when he was angry, and it kept her on her toes to fence with him. No man had ever talked to her as to an equal, and she found it both stimulating and intriguing.

  "I can tell you in a very few words. We would both be under the power of England before too long."

  "I do not believe you."

  "Are you not aware that England supports the South in this war? Why do you suppose that is?"

  "I do not know. You are the one doing the talking."