Destiny's Temprtress

by Janelle Taylor

  Without hesitation, she vowed, “I promise.”

  Blane quickly went over the changes in his orders and new facts he had learned about their roles and assignments in Wilmington.

  Having been alerted to their pre-dawn arrival by Jeremy, Sarah Jane was up and preparing to carry out her daily chores when Shannon and Blane rode up. Because they had encountered no person or obstacle along the way, they had covered the distance quickly and appeared without detection at the Resting Place just before six o’clock. Shannon was surprised to find that the hotel was large, beautiful, and well kept. The lovely, serene structure softly and quietly suggested money and elegance. Shannon was most impressed and pleased.

  No sooner had the younger Sinclair sister told them that she rose early and handled the morning chores while Molly rose later and handled the evening tasks when Molly gracefully stepped into the receiving hall, all smiles and sparkling eyes for Blane. The ebony-haired beauty warmly greeted Blane before turning her curious attention to Shannon. Molly’s smile froze. Her green eyes narrowed like a feline’s stalking its tiny prey. It was obvious to the others present that Molly found Shannon’s youth and beauty disturbing and objects of envy. Clearly she did not care to have such matchless competition around Blane, especially traveling with him. The twenty-eight-year-old widow visually appraised Shannon as if considering her purchase on the auction block.

  Comprehending the woman’s distress and suspicion, Shannon tried to dispel such hazardous feelings immediately. Her weary gaze swept over Blane with cool disinterest. “I’m so delighted to arrive finally. Major James has driven me as if I were a beast of burden heading for market. President Davis should recall him for lessons in courtesy and kindness. Perhaps it is this horrid war that causes fighting men to forget they should remain gentlemen at all times. I would never survive if the War Department paired me up with such an inconsiderate slave driver. I do hope this is the last time we shall be called upon to work together, sir.”

  Blane grasped his part in her cunning ruse and retorted nonchalantly, “It isn’t my fault I was assigned to get you to a safe and comfortable resting place. As you can see, Cockade, you arrived in perfect condition, despite all of your grumbling and complaints. It astonishes me how you get anything done with that sorry attitude.”

  “Not only are you a beast—a crude and hateful beast—but you are also a fool. Never use my code name where it might be overheard. Very few people are as trustworthy and courageous as these two ladies. I shall not warn you again of such recklessness, sir. Anyone would think you an amateur at this dangerous and crucial business. I shall file a full report on your despicable behavior when I return to Richmond.”

  Molly hurriedly inserted, “But Miss Greenleaf, you judge Major James too quickly and harshly. Perhaps you are overly tired from your journey and work. I can assure you, Steven is a fine gentleman and an exceptionally brave man. We.are most honored to assist you both.”

  Shannon sighed heavily as she critically eyed Blane. “Perhaps you are right, Mrs. Ryan. I am thoroughly exhausted and out of sorts. I have a head wound that still pains me occasionally. Perhaps I am being hard on him. Surely he cannot be as terrible as I imagined if you speak and think so highly of him. Nor can he be a bad judge of character, since he has selected you two as good friends and helpers. We have traveled swiftly under frightful conditions, so there has been little time to get acquainted. I apologize to you, your sister, and Major Stevens for my silly and offensive behavior. I am most grateful for your patriotism. Your hotel is lovely. I know I shall enjoy my visit.”

  Grinning playfully, she teased, “Perhaps there will be enough time for a little entertainment. I hear many handsome soldiers are on duty in your fine city. How I long to hear the rustle of satin, the tinkling of wine glasses, the sound of lovely music, and the laughter and flattery of a handsome man. How exciting to think of dancing and dinners and smiles and fun. Wilmington seems so far from the noises of cannons, and gunshots, and exploding mines, and screams of pain and death. Perhaps I shall become spoiled here and never leave.”

  After introductions were made and genial banter was exchanged, the younger sister took command of the situation. Knowing they must be exhausted, the plump and jolly Sarah Jane immediately showed them to their rooms, returning to Shannon’s with a hot meal and warm water for washing her hands and face. Shannon gazed around the spacious bedroom of the suite that Sarah Jane Sinclair and Molly Sinclair Ryan had insisted she use without charge during her stay in Wilmington. She astutely presumed that Molly was tending to Blane’s food and water, and she vowed she would not feel or show jealousy toward the buxom female who was half-owner of the establishment.

  After devouring the tasty meal and freshening up, Shannon slipped into a flannel gown that Sarah Jane had given her. She smiled and sighed peacefully as she stretched out under the covers. Ignoring all sounds and thoughts, she slept tranquilly until midafternoon.

  Upon awakening, she stretched over and over. How she wished Blane were lying beside her. How wonderful it would be to marry him and to awaken at his side each new day, she reflected silently. She could almost feel that last feverish kiss he had placed on her lips just before they had entered town. He had pulled her across his thighs to embrace and to kiss her a final time. He had reminded her to call him Steven James and had cautioned her to do nothing more than what they had previously discussed. He had released her horse with its identifiable markings and had disposed of the incriminating Confederate gear. They had arrived riding double.

  Shannon got out of bed and walked to the windows. From the third-story suite, she had a marvelous view of the city and riverfront, and she saw that both were very busy. She noticed boats and ships of varying sizes. Perhaps she had a bit of the sailor in her as Corry did, she mused, for such sights always thrilled her, especially viewing the tall-masted sailing ships. A burst of anticipation and energy surged through her. She wondered if Sarah Jane or Molly knew any of their captains. It would be so exciting to tour one of those beautiful frigates. Surely she would be safe on the wharves if escorted by a powerful sea captain and friend of the Sinclairs.

  She mentally reviewed the tale that Blane would relate about them. She prayed that Blane had been right in ordering her to use her real name. She also prayed that Jeremy Steele had been right when he had assured them that Moore’s troops were gone. She mentally prayed for her two brothers, her home, divine guidance for Lincoln and all soldiers, and for her beloved. She prayed for the courage to confide in Blane, and for his understanding.

  There was a knock on her door before Sarah Jane let herself in to deliver Shannon’s meal and to see if she needed anything before she began her afternoon chores. The woman’s entrance warned Shannon that she would have to bolt her door from the inside from now on. She smiled warmly at the woman who was eyeing her with fascination and respect.

  “Good afternoon, Sarah Jane. This is most kind of you, but you shouldn’t go to such trouble because of me. I can take my meals downstairs. You must be busy, and I don’t wish to impose.”

  The hazel-eyed woman quickly retorted, “Impose? Heavens no, Miss Greenleaf. It’s an honor to serve you. I know you must be exhausted, and I hated to awaken you. But we have strict dining hours; once lunch is served, no food will be available until six. I wanted you to eat before everything was chilled or discarded. You see, what isn’t eaten or can’t be saved is given to the poor or to soldiers. I told the cleaning woman not to disturb you until you were ready for your room to be straightened and to have your bath prepared.”

  “Could you join me for a cup of tea while I eat?” Shannon inquired, knowing the woman was bursting with questions. She knew it would be best to begin her stay in a genial and trusting atmosphere.

  Sarah Jane beamed with pleasure and appreciation. She poured the tea and arranged the table while Shannon slipped into her garments. After joining Sarah Jane, Shannon sighed heavily. “Please excuse my clothing. I fear I have nothing else to wear. What wasn’t stolen
along the way or discarded during moments of peril was left in Richmond. Do you think I could help with chores to earn money for a few items?”

  “I couldn’t possibly allow someone such as you to do menial chores. You are here to relax, Miss Greenleaf. My sister and I have numerous gowns and undergarments. We will be more than happy to share some with you. We owe you much for your services to the Confederacy. I’m sure I can obtain needed items from other ladies without revealing your identity. Don’t you worry; I’ll handle everything. By tomorrow, your closet will be bulging, but your colorful name will still be a secret.”

  “You are far too generous, Sarah Jane. Accepting charity comes hard at times, for so many Southerners and soldiers are sadly lacking in food and clothing, and even weapons. Please, call me Shannon.”

  “Major James told us what a terrible time you had getting here. I’m so happy you arrived safely. Your missions must be difficult when you don’t know whom to trust.”

  Shannon stopped eating to respond. Knowing this woman might have heard of General Moore’s search for her, she thought it would be wise to make a valid explanation of that episode. “They are, Sarah Jane,” she concurred, then briefly related the occurrences in his camp before swearing her to secrecy. “That incident was most distressing. He deserved to know who we were, but it was too dangerous to confide in him. With clever and desperate spies everywhere, our missions and identities must be guarded at all times. We had no choice but to allow him to think he’d captured a Yankee spy with a vulnerable hostage. Now either he believes Major James took me captive again, or he suspects I was his Yankee accomplice. Here, you and your sister are the only two people who know I’m Cockade. You can imagine what the Federals would do to get their hands on me. It’s so hard being on alert all the time, being suspicious of everyone, running and hiding. I need this rest and peace. I cannot begin to express my gratitude.”

  “After what happened to Rose Greenhow, I can’t blame you for being afraid and wary. That handsome Lieutenant Pike went around giving your description and asking for news of you. Molly and I kept a sharp watch on him like Jeremy asked. You’re lucky he didn’t give your name or tell why he was seeking you, especially to General Holmes. Otherwise, you would be spending this rest time being questioned and trying to prove who you are. After a while, he seemed satisfied you hadn’t come this way. What if you two hadn’t escaped? What if General Moore had tried to execute you?” the woman asked worriedly.

  “Those are the risks agents must take to help end this war. It isn’t that we didn’t trust Moore; it’s just that damaging information is too frequently dropped by unthinking officers when they’re drinking or bragging. Even if I had told Moore the truth, our release would have inspired hazardous curiosity. Or worse, he probably wouldn’t have believed us; then we would have faced hours or days of badgering questions. We could have been sent to a fort or prison until our identities were proven. I was too exhausted to endure that. We can’t let anyone discover we’re in this area. I would be vulnerable to danger and the major’s work would be thwarted. No one knows I’m Cockade, or that Cockade’s a woman. You and Molly mustn’t drop even a tiny clue about me. After the war, you can tell everyone how you helped me and Major James.”

  Sarah Jane smiled at her new friend. “You shouldn’t feel guilty about deceiving General Moore. I’m sure he would understand.”

  “He should, considering he almost let me die in the line of duty. War causes men to think and behave stupidly. You can imagine me trying to tell him who I am. Many soldiers take one look at me and laugh skeptically. The only way I can convince them is to use certain code words. Evidentally, General Moore hadn’t received the new list, because he didn’t respond to my signals and I didn’t know the old ones for his area. Besides, our capture and escape should make them more alert and careful. Men can be such cocky, stubborn creatures. Some of them detest taking suggestions or orders from a woman. General Moore seemed like one of those overly proud males. One thing for certain, our actions were good practice for a real capture and escape.”

  “You and Major James make a good pair. He seemed so concerned about you when you arrived. He’s really kind and well bred. I’m sorry you found him so disagreeable. He’s very handsome and manly.”

  Shannon realized this woman was perceptive and still harbored doubts about her. She decided that partial honesty would win Sarah Jane’s loyalty and affection. “That false behavior was a wicked thing for me to do. I hope you don’t think badly of me, but I wanted to avoid any problems or needless anguish. It was clear how Molly feels about Major James, so I tried to ease her worries. I’m sure she doesn’t realize I travel with many handsome and virile men. I didn’t want to give her cause for alarm about me and him. You see, the man I love and plan to marry as soon as this war ends is not Major Steven James. When she looked so concerned, I wanted to tell Molly outright that I’m not a barrier between her and the object of her desires. But I’ve learned from past experiences, verbal protests and denials only cast more suspicion. I know little about Major James. Are they very close? Did I do the right thing?”

  Sarah Jane grinned, totally disarmed and deluded. Her sister was a spoiled brat who thought she could captivate any man she wanted. Maybe with her looks, wealth, and ripe figure, she could ensnare almost any man, but not Major James. He was just too nice to spurn her! Molly could be so vain and bossy, and she used her age and past marital status as excuses. At times, Molly refused to do her share of chores, assigning them to their hired servants. Sometimes Sarah Jane wanted to strangle or spank her older sister. She wasn’t fooled as to why Molly wanted the late shift of chores. It was the hour when numerous men came to dine and to chat with friends. She wondered how Molly was going to take to having this beauty around for competition, for Molly could be a spiteful thing. She liked Shannon, and would warn her.

  “Molly would like for them to be close, but I doubt Major James feels that way. He’s much too kind and well mannered to hurt anyone, even that flirty and persistent sister of mine. I think he’s hoping she’ll find other prey. But Molly has her heart set on trapping him. Unless you really come to like him, it would be best if you continued that false behavior around my sister. When riled, she can get nasty,” she advised pointedly.

  “You’re a very bright and unselfish person, Sarah Jane. Is there a man in your life?” Shannon inquired genially as she sipped the tea.

  Sarah Jane blushed and grinned, then sighed in frustration. “I’m waiting for the day when Jeremy Steele forgets his wife and learns to trust again.” She went on to explain the tragic tale of Jeremy’s betrayal.

  “Perhaps we can find some reasons for Jeremy to visit frequently while we’re staying here. He seems very nice and cheerful. Does he know you find him attractive, that you want him?”

  “How does a woman let a man know such things without acting badly?” she questioned seriously.

  “When he comes around, talk to him, smile at him. Prepare something special for him to eat, perhaps a treat to carry home. Ask about him; lonely people miss conversation and kindness. Don’t be afraid to look him in the eye. Words and feelings can be exchanged with a special look. If he’s been hurt, he needs to feel your affection and understanding. Besides feeling anger and bitterness and wariness over his wife’s betrayal and desertion, he must have lost some of his self-esteem and confidence. Maybe he’s afraid to trust or love another woman, afraid she’ll do the same. Let him feel your love and warmth. Let him know you’re hurting for him. Find ways to touch him accidentally, to remind him of forgotten feelings. Smell good and look pretty to snare his nose and eyes. Work on the physical side first, because you’ve got to catch his attention before you can catch his heart.”

  “You know so much about men,” the woman declared in awe.

  “I had three brothers who talked a great deal about women, feelings, and such. They wanted me to understand those emotions and situations. The average woman doesn’t realize how scary it can be for a man to ap
proach her, to risk being an amusement or diversion, to challenge rejection. Men can be just as shy or intimidated. They told me that it helps encourage and relax a man if you boldly show interest and affection. You have to encourage and relax Jeremy.”

  “I’ll try my best, Shannon. Sometimes I wish I were more outgoing, like Molly. But if I were, I would never snare Jeremy.” She laughed after speaking that naughty conclusion aloud.

  “I’ll speak with Major James and see if we can’t get Jeremy to come here for some reason. I’ll help you win him. It’ll be fun.”

  Sarah’s joy faded instantly. “But Major James left this morning. I heard him telling Molly he wouldn’t be returning for two or three weeks. By then, it’ll be freezing or you two will be leaving.”

  “He’s gone? Without telling me?” she asked incredulously. That wasn’t their plan! What about his recent promise to warn her of separations? She promptly mastered her emotions and poise. “That shouldn’t surprise me, but I thought he was going to rest a few days. We aren’t partners, and I did treat him rather hatefully last night. He doesn’t owe me explanations, and he probably enjoys thinking he’s put one over on me. Men—they always have something to prove to themselves or to others. Damn such pride and ego. Since he’s left, that means I’m truly on a much-needed rest break. Wilmington seems so far from the battles and suffering and peril. I suppose I’ll feel guilty every day for wallowing in this lap of luxury.”

  “You look as if you need rest, Shannon.”

  Shannon nodded as she replied, “I do. My head and back ache, and my stomach is crampy. Probably all of this riding and eating on the run. I would love to soak in a hot tub if you don’t mind. And don’t worry about Jeremy. We’ll think of something. He’ll be courting you before Thanksgiving,” Shannon remarked confidently, then grinned.

  “Only a month? I hope you can work that quickly. I’ve made no progress with him in two years. I’ll send Mattilu Walker to help you. She’s a free black woman who works for me. While you’re here, she’ll see to your food, bath, laundry, and cleaning. You’ll like her. Just ask her for whatever you want or need.”