Cora (Southern Hearts Book 3)

by Felicia Rogers

  Gathered below, a group of men milled about with readied horses, torches, and farm instruments. The mob trudged along the street in unison stopping at a two-story white house with a wraparound porch and artistic landscaping. Her heart thumped madly in her chest and she shot a glance over her shoulder at Frederic. Should she wake him?

  A sound like thunder drew her back to the window. Men stomped their feet in unison outside the house. A man opened the door, snapped his suspenders, and moved onto the porch. Someone in the crowd yelled and the man widened his eyes.

  Every individual in the group stepped forward and laid a slender stick, like a switch, on the edge of the porch. Each one took a turn adding to the pile. One of the participants yelled something Cora couldn’t make out, and the group marched away.

  The man on the porch stared at the switches and knit his brows. A woman joined him. He raised his hand as if to strike, but before he did, he studied the switches once more, and his hand fell to his side.

  Cora breathed a sigh of relief. She took two steps around the sofa and sank into its plush softness. She narrowed her eyes and stared into the darkness, confused by what she'd witnessed.

  Hot breath struck her neck and she drew in a sharp breath.

  "What are you doing up?" asked Frederic.

  She moved and her shoulder almost bumped his chin as he leaned over her. Their bodies were inches apart. She stammered, "I-I saw a-a light outside."

  He glanced over her shoulder. "I see the mob visited Mr. Timmons."

  "Wh-what?" she asked. His nearness was causing her brain to stop working.

  He came to the front of the sofa and squatted. "Mr. Timmons apparently thought it was all right to beat his wife. The men of the town decided to tell him otherwise."

  She waited, hoping he would stop talking and kiss her, but instead he moved farther away. "I don't understand," she added, now hoping he would talk more.

  "They took him a pile of switches. It means if he ever beats on his wife again, they will beat on him."

  "I see," she said gnawing on her lip.

  Frederic moved back toward the bed. Glancing over at her, he said, "Go back to sleep, Cora. We have a big day tomorrow and you need your rest."

  She pulled the cover to her neck. Poor Mrs. Timmons forced to live with someone who mistreated her. Cora smoothed the folds of the quilt. If she was with Frederic she would never have to worry about such a thing. He would be caring and never mean. Oh, he might poke fun every now and then, but that was part of his charm.

  She rolled onto her side. If only she could find the courage to ask his plans. Was he going to drop her in Bayou Sara then rush back to New York as fast as a horse could carry him? Did he have something waiting for him that she didn't know about? What if she asked him to stay with her? Would he do it or would he have some excuse to leave her?

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Roosters crowed in succession. Sunlight filtered through the glass pane window, striking his eyes, until he threw his arm across his face. From below the breakfast bell tolled, signaling all it was time to rise. Frederic rolled over and buried his head under the pillow.

  The restless night had Frederic dreading the day. He'd mulled over what to tell Cora about his past. Why should he tell her anything at all? In a few weeks they would never see each other again. His responsibility to her would be over. He could go back to New York City, tell his story, and either retire or find another line of work. Maybe woodworking. It kept his hands busy, but allowed his mind to think on other things.

  Quietly Cora shuffled around the room. The closet door creaked open and she slipped inside. From beneath the pillow he saw her as she stepped out in the lavender gown. She hummed as she stood before the mirror and arranged her hair. For her final touch, she pinched her cheeks. He tried to breath evenly, the sight of her during her morning ritual caused heat to pool in his center and he squeezed his eyes shut. When the door clicked closed, he opened them. The room was empty and so was his heart. He shoved the pillow off him and sat up on the side of the bed. Cradling his head in his hands, he pondered his next move.

  He lost track of how long he waited. Cora bounced back into the room, her eyes alight with excitement.

  "Good morning. Isn't it a fabulous day for travel? The coach driver says this is a perfect day." She went straight to the window.

  He lifted his head as she stretched and tugged in an effort to part the curtains. The actions highlighted her small waistline and her slim arms.

  A frown settled on her face as she faced him. "Why aren't you dressed? Are you ill?"

  He shook his head.

  She lifted her skirts and moved closer, placing her hand on his forehead. "Do we need to wait a few days? Just let me go tell the–"

  He grabbed her hand. "No, I'm fine. Let me dress and pack my things."

  "I'll meet you downstairs." He released her and she backed out of the room her gaze never wavering from him.

  Once the heat of her stare was missing, he dressed in his old white shirt and trousers. The frayed edges of his coat tickled his wrists and he sighed. Something else that needed to be repaired. Time and money was the essence of everything. Now if he could acquire some funds and find the time…

  Lest she come for him and find him unprepared, he hoisted the knapsack on his back and strode leisurely to the downstairs dining room. There was just enough time for coffee and a biscuit before the coach announced departure.

  After he ate his meager meal he followed Cora outside into the bright morning sunshine. The driver had been correct. Today was a good day for travel and they made excellent time.

  That night when they stopped they were given two rooms. They both promised to make sure the other was up in time for breakfast before they parted ways. Unfortunately that became was the model for the rest of the trip. Everything went so well that they shaved days off their time. Soon they reached the small town of Bayou Sara and Cora was hyped with excitement.

  They had a few hours before their ride arrived to escort them to the Beaumont Plantation. Giddy, Cora bounced along the sidewalk greeting people she remembered and introducing him only half the time.

  Cora pointed out buildings and shared tidbits of information. Then she came to a dead stop. "We need to hide."

  "Hide? Cora, we're on an open boardwalk. There is nowhere to go."

  "I don't care!" she whispered harshly. "We have to get away from–"

  "Well if it isn't Miss Cora Beaumont." The elderly woman, with poofed blue looking hair, eyed them from head to toe, her voice full of surprise.

  "Hello, Mrs. Turnbuckle. How are you?" Cora tensed.

  "I'm curious." Mrs. Turnbuckle lifted her lips on one corner, the smile not quite reaching her eyes, as she tapped her finger to her hair dotted chin.

  Cora squeezed his arm. "Whatever about?"

  "Well I'm curious about this young man on your arm, of course. Is he a cousin from faraway that escorted you home for the party?" Mrs. Turnbuckle's eyes darkened and she clasped her hands before her, and twisted back and forth, like a child who needed the facilities. Her smile widened as she said, "Because if he is available my daughter is looking for a companion for the event."

  Cora opened her mouth but nothing came out.

  It seemed the young lady needed yet one more rescue… or perhaps he was in need of the rescue. He shuddered at the thought of escorting the overly ambitious woman's daughter and forced a smile. "I’m very honored," Frederic answered, then cleared his throat so he could finish, "However, I'm already spoken for. If you will excuse us, we have a ride to catch."

  The elderly woman pointed her chin and strutted away. Frederic pulled Cora off the boardwalk and settled her on a bench before the stage office. He placed their sack of belongings beside her, bent onto his haunches, and looked up at her.

  He plastered a warm smile on his face, and whispered, "I know you're mad. What did I do?"

  Between clenched teeth, she responded, "You just hinted to the biggest rumor mill i
n town that we are a couple!"

  He tapped his lips. "Hmm, I see the problem. Perhaps I should go back and tell her that I was mistaken and that I am indeed free to take her daughter to the party."

  Leaning forward, her cheeks flaring red, she said, "You wouldn't dare!" He stood and she followed suit, clutching his arm. Her amber eyes mimicked burnished gold as she controlled her fury. "If you do so, I shall never speak to you again."

  He hid his laughter behind his hand. "Then what would you have me do?"

  "I-I would have you come with me to the house and be my companion for my parents' anniversary party," she said, pausing and sending him a sidelong stare, "if you can stay that long."

  He shrugged, a thrill of excitement wafted over him. "I don't see why not. The party will take place in a few days. I'm sure that amount of time won't matter."

  "Of course, just a few more days and then you can be rid of me for good." She released him and he went to touch her again but a wagon stopped before them.

  A lanky, elderly black man stepped from the driver's seat. Cora lifted her skirt and ran toward him. They hugged and Cora exclaimed, "Isaac, it is so good to see you!"

  "And you as well Miss Cora. I hope you don't mind that Miss Amelia sent me to pick you up."

  "No, not at all. How are Mother and Father?"

  Isaac threw their sack atop the covered carriage. Then he opened the door, and Cora climbed inside with Frederic on her heels. Cora leaned out the window, a smile covering her face.

  "Oh, they is doin' real well." He nodded his salt-and-pepper head and returned her smile. "Real well."

  "What did they think of me coming home?" she asked. She wrung her hands in her lap, where prying eyes couldn't see.

  "Well, now miss, that might be a bit of something we need to talk about."

  "What do you mean?"

  "You just sit back and let's git out of town a ways and I'll explain everything."

  Cora obeyed and settled in the seat. Isaac closed the door. The carriage rocked as he shifted his weight on the driver's seat and gave a final jerk as they rolled into motion.

  "What could he be talking about?"

  "I don't know."

  "Of course, you don't know!" She bit her lip, and said, "Sorry. It is just that I know something is happening that I'm not going to like, and I have the sneaking suspension that Amelia has plotted against me."

  "Plotted?"

  "Oh, yes. She has decided that since I love adventure this might be my last chance to have one, and so she has something worked out in her scheming brain and I'm at the center of it."

  "Don't you love adventure?" He fought the smile that threatened to consume his face.

  "You better than anyone should know that I've had enough adventure for two lifetimes. I just want to go home." Big tears welled in her eyes and coursed along her cheeks. Frederic moved to sit beside her and dab them away.

  "I'm sure everything will be all right."

  She nodded and leaned her head against his shoulder. He smoothed his hands over her lengthy blond hair and breathed in her scent of sunshine and his eyes drooped. No sooner had he fallen asleep then the carriage jerked to a halt.

  He blinked. "What? Why are we stopping? Are we already here?"

  "No," said Cora, disappointed. "We are at a cabin on the edge of the property. I have a bad feeling about this."

  Frederic climbed out first. The area looked secure enough. He offered his hand to Cora and she grasped it. As soon as her feet touched the ground, he tugged her against his side. A figure opened the cabin door. Cora stiffened. Amelia stood in the doorway, a smile lifting her lips. Cora covered her rounded mouth and ran to greet her sister. They hugged for a full five minutes. Stuttering and stammering no one seemed to be able to complete a full word.

  "What–"

  "How–"

  "When–"

  "Are you–"

  Words came out so fast Frederic couldn't tell who said what. He glanced from face to face to face but couldn’t keep up with them.

  They gave up trying to talk and started laughing. Frederic leaned against the carriage and waited for his introduction.

  Amelia pointed a shaky finger in his direction. "What is he doing here?"

  Cora blushed. "Oh, he escorted me home."

  "But why?"

  Cora frowned, but answered, "It's a long story."

  Amelia folded her arms over her chest. "I don't care how long the story is. If I don't hear it then he's not staying. That man brought me nothing but grief, misery, and worry for months. I don't want to even look at him."

  Frederic's heart beat rapidly against his chest. Amelia had just revealed she had nothing to do with him bringing Cora home. What would Cora do? What would she say? Would she send him away?

  Cora stepped away from her sister and came to his side. She wrapped her arm around his waist and looked up into his face. He gulped at the love he saw displayed there.

  "If he goes, I go."

  "Wh-what? You can't mean it," said Amelia, her jaw dropping.

  She faced her sister. "Frederic saved me. If not for him I wouldn't be here. So if you want me then you get him as well. Deal?"

  Amelia gnawed her lip and finally nodded.

  Cora released him, hitched her skirts, and headed for the house. "Good. Now, Frederic, I think we should go inside and sit down to hear my sister's plan. I have a feeling we're going to need a good strong cup of tea."

  ****

  "Now I know you're crazy." Cora couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her sister must be out of her mind if she thought she was going to go along with her plan.

  "Listen all I want is for you to wait here in the cabin for a few days and then surprise Mother and Father at the party."

  "Is that all? I've traveled all this time to reach home and you want me to wait longer?"

  "Why is that so difficult to understand? Why are you being so difficult? You used to love adventures and wild plans."

  Frederic leaned against the wall with his legs crossed at the ankles and his arms folded across his chest. "Perhaps things have changed."

  Amelia drew her brows together. "Of course they have. Otherwise you wouldn't be here."

  Cora fumed. "Leave Frederic out of this. I've already told you–"

  "Yes, I know. You either do it with him or you don't do it at all. One of these days I'm going to want more of an explanation, but right now I have to get back to the house before I'm missed." She stood to leave. "I do need to know, will you do as I ask? Will you wait until the party and then enter in grand fashion? Either I'll sneak you to the house or I'll bring your gown here as well as something appropriate for your…" She looked Frederic up and down, her nose wrinkled in distaste. "…companion."

  Cora opened her mouth to argue with her sister's continued disdain for Frederic but he moved closer, took her hand and squeezed. She released a heavy breath, and said, "I'll go along with your plan. But if the party is postponed past this weekend I will wait no longer."

  "Of course. Now, Frederic can return to town and I will send for him there–"

  "No, he is staying with me."

  "You can't be serious!" exploded Amelia, recoiling with a look of horror marring her face. "You t-two can't stay here together, b-because–"

  "Amelia, go home to your husband and children."

  Blushing a deep shade of rose, her sister clutched her skirt and exited with a huff. At the sound of the wheels leaving the yard Cora burst into laughter. "Did you see her face? She was completely scandalized."

  "Hmm, I did see. Maybe you should have allowed me to return to town. My presence will only ruin your reputation."

  "Nonsense," she said a little too quickly. "Besides, there is no way I'm staying here at night alone."

  He didn't argue and she was relieved. Together they explored the two-room cabin.

  "I remember this place." She stroked the mantel above the silent fireplace. An oak table and two straight back chairs dominated the front room. "Visi
tors would stay here when the house was full. Which didn't happen too often, mind you." She sighed and opened a door leading off the back wall. "Family from Baton Rouge would stay sometimes and I would come here to spend the night with them." A bed filled the entire space. Decorated with a homemade quilt, it hinted at warmth. Longing filled her heart and blood pounded in her ears.

  She leaned against the facing and stared at the bed. Frederic came behind her. His hot breath struck her neck and she looked over her shoulder and smiled. He returned the expression. Her breath backed up in her lungs. Their lips were so close only a hair's breadth apart, if she moved just a tiny bit…

  "I think your sister left some food."

  "Oh?"

  He pointed. "On the table."

  "Let's look and see what we have." Her heart felt like it dropped, but she was grateful for the distraction. Cora went to go around him but he didn't move. His eyes grew darker and she swallowed, anticipation made chills run along her arms. Then he stepped aside and lifted his arm as an indication for her to pass. Stifling her sigh, she maneuvered around him, keeping her face down and her expression of longing hidden as she approached the table.

  The brown sack unfolded with the pull of a string. Biscuits, bacon, ham slices, and other food items tumbled and landed. A jug of warm milk, with two cups attached, sat close by. Frederic drew out a chair and she settled into it. She lay out two plates, choosing the best cuts of meat and placing them before him. Her heart soared as a smile spread across his face.

  As he bowed his head and gave thanks, Cora studied him. Amelia had revealed what she'd known all along. Her sister had never asked Frederic to escort her to Bayou Sara. She chewed a bite of ham. She could confront him and make him feel bad for leading her on. But why? The fact remained he had made her arrival in Bayou Sara possible. Without him she would be at the church saving funds for a trip she might never be able to afford. And she was falling in love with him.

  The thought busied her mind and made her unable to converse during the meal. Besides, she took pleasure in watching Frederic eat his fill. The meal finished, Cora gathered the dishes and washed them in a stream behind the cabin. The cool water chilled her and she rushed through the process. The desire to know what Frederic was up urged her hastiness. Was he planning his trip home? Was he cataloging everything around him, investigating crickets and other creepy-crawlies that might harm her during the night? A smile twitched at her lips at the thought.