Destiny's Temprtress

by Janelle Taylor

  He grinned when he realized she hadn’t mentioned this evening’s dinner engagement. “I’ll walk you to the stairs. If you gentlemen will excuse us,” he remarked courteously, rising to help Shannon with her chair.

  One of the officers said, “We’ll wait here, Captain Carter. There is a matter or two we’d like to discuss with you.”

  “I shall return shortly.” Elisha guided Shannon around the tables and out of the room. He noticed Sarah Jane watching them oddly. Then, his keen gaze caught Molly and the black serving woman doing the same. He mentally shrugged, assuming it was his colorful reputation with the ladies that had them worried. This was one time it wasn’t necessary. Shannon Greenleaf was a special and provocative woman.

  “I’m sorry about that, Shannon,” he apologized at the steps.

  “Don’t worry about it, Eli,” she softly commented.

  “Can we have lunch, tour the docks and shops, then have dinner tomorrow night?” he inquired, smoothly filling her schedule.

  “I promised to help with the train passing through tomorrow at midday. Could we do those things Friday?” she compromised.

  “Can we at least have dinner?” he coaxed persistently.

  Shannon smiled. “That would be lovely, Eli. Seven o’clock?”

  He nodded, then watched her ascend the stairs. He turned to find Molly standing behind him. She asked if she could speak with him. He nodded, then followed her into the private parlor. He dreaded to discover what she wanted, yet quickly changed his mind.

  The next day was cold and windy. Shannon bundled up snugly in the wool cape that had been given to her by one of the local ladies. The brisk walk to the depot put color into her cheeks and caused her to breathe rapidly. Upon her arrival, Mrs. DeRossett cordially greeted her and thanked her for her assistance before introducing her to the other ladies present. She escorted Shannon around, showing her where to find things on the long tables and cautioning her on proper conduct around these emotionstarved men. She smiled as the woman hurried away to take charge of other matters and giggling females.

  The train would be in Wilmington for several hours while the Ladies’ Relief Society ministered to the wounded men. Those able to walk left the train to mingle among the ladies and to feast on hot food and special treats. Smiles, laughter, gossip, and news were exchanged. Men in need were given new garments and little items to enjoy while confined in the hospital. Letters were written for those with injured hands. Clean bandages replaced dirty ones. In some instances, emergency medical attention was required to save a life or to ease agony. Those too weak or injured to leave the train were nursed aboard it. Medicines were administered. Food, treats, and gifts were brought to their makeshift bunks. More letters home were written, and often a last will and testament. The women worked and shared unselfishly.

  The sights and sounds at the depot were similar to those in the hospital at Danville, Shannon soon realized, and they refreshed horrible memories of that terrifying episode in her life. Shannon wondered if Major Clifford had sent anyone after her or news about her. Then she began wondering about General Moore and Simon Travers. If only her looks didn’t provide such a revealing description! Maybe it was a mistake to be using her real name, for it would make her easier to trace. What if one of those villains arrived during Blane’s absence? What if she were taken prisoner? She would have to be very careful to do nothing to incriminate herself. If she tried to get to General Bragg or General Holmes, her actions might endanger Blane upon his return, whenever that might be. He had been gone for twenty-one days—three weeks without a word! Maybe she would require Elisha’s assistance and protection after all, for she couldn’t remain here as a guest indefinitely. She needed and wanted to get home—Sherman or no Sherman, war or no war!

  To distract herself from her own cares in the presence of such misery, she chatted with the wounded while she tended their needs. “Is there any news from Georgia? From Savannah?” she inquired.

  The man whose chest she was wrapping replied in a raspy voice, “He’s a mean one, that Sherman. Pickin’ Georgia clean as a buzzard o’er a carcuss. He’s takin’ his ease through ’er. I hear tell Wheeler’s cavalry is dancin’ afore him and harassin’ him every step of the way. They’s sendin’ supplies up the river from Savannah to Augusta. Once they gits there and the Rebs pick ’em up, they’s gonna head across to cut ’em off about midways. They’s moving the treasury from Macon to somewheres in Alabama. Them bummers is doin’ more lootin’ and killin’ than Shermy’s men. What’s done happened to men?” he fretted aloud.

  “What are ‘bummers’?” Shannon questioned in confusion.

  “That’s them marauders which rides on Shermy’s flank. Nothing but deserters and renegades if you askst me. Shore wish Jackson and Stuart wuz still alive. They’d stop them devils in three steps.”

  “What about Beauregard? I’ve heard nothing of him recently.”

  “You ain’t the only one. He’s practically dropped outta sight. Some says he’s battling sickness. Some says he rubbed Davis wrong. Can’t win no war when leaders are being kilt and soldiers are desertin’. These is sorry times, miss, sorry times. What we need is help from the likes of that Blade and Flame that the Yanks have. ’Course we got us a Flame now, but nobody knows who or where she is.”

  Shannon trembled and paled. “Who did you say?” she asked.

  “You ain’t heard of ’em? Whyst they goes everwhere stealin’ our secrets and slippin’ through our lines. Can’t nobody catch ’em. They say she looks like an angel with hair like flames. Like you, miss. But they’s got hearts of ice and nerves like stone. Theys best be leavin’ this area. Theys got three murder charges aginst ’em.”

  “What?” Shannon blurted out incredulously. “Three murders?”

  “Yes’m. Theys kilt a Major Clifford and one of his men, a Reb named Thornton. Then theys kilt Lieutenant Pike, one of General Moore’s officers whilst he was chasin’ after ’em. Yes’m, cold ones them two,” he remarked, lying down as she finished her task.

  “James Thornton and Lieutenant Zachary Pike?” she probed.

  “Yes’m, that’s them, all right. Theys kilt ’em deader’n a rock.”

  “That’s impossible. Who said they did such evil things?”

  “Theys left their marks, like always.”

  “I don’t understand,” she pressed anxiously. “What marks?”

  His res ponse shocked and dismayed her. “Theys draws a knife and a flame as their signs. On bodies, theys carves ’em with a blade. Ain’t no purty sight. We shore would like to catch ’em.”

  “Where are they now?” she asked fearfully.

  “Word is theys been kickin’ up a ruckus all around this state lately. The Rebs’ll git ’em. I heared we got us a Flame now. Don’t know much about ’er, but she’s makin’ havoc of them Yankee spies. Shore would be somethin’ to see them two Flames at each other.”

  Shannon moved on to her next patient, afraid to ask more questions and praying this man was mistaken. Confused and alarmed, she knew she had to get those deaths off her mind. She hadn’t committed those deeds. Where had she gotten such a reputation? Two of them! She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she was unaware of the green eyes that watched her every move. When she completed her chores, she was exhausted mentally and physically. She was surprised to find Captain Carter waiting to escort her back to the hotel. When she questioned his presence, he told her he was worried because it was nearly dark. Shannon smiled and thanked him for his concern and kindness. She tried to cancel dinner, claiming fatigue, but Elisha urged her to eat a good meal before retiring.

  That next day, Elisha coaxed her into taking a ride around the city, but he couldn’t persuade her to visit his ship. Following a rushed dinner and a stroll, Shannon returned to her room, leaving a frustrated Elisha watching her mount the stairs wearily. He decided he should talk with Molly again, for he was sure something was troubling Shannon deeply.

  Molly suggested, “Perhaps she’s afraid
you’re falsely trying to charm her rather than seriously romance her. You two haven’t known each other long, so she doesn’t know if she can trust you. Considering her work, Eli, you can hardly blame her for being wary of people. She has to be careful and alert for Union spies trying to unmask her. If I had done the things she has, I would find it hard to relax around people.”

  “Maybe I should talk to her,” he suggested.

  “No, you mustn’t! She would panic if she learned you knew the truth. She would be furious with me, and so would Sarah Jane. You gave me your word,” she angrily reminded him.

  “Are you positive she’s a Rebel agent?” he pressed skeptically.

  “I swear it. Just court her; don’t question her.”

  “Are you positive there isn’t something between her and James?”

  “Yes. Steven is mine. I would know if she had eyes for him. Besides, if she did, would she be seeing you?”

  Elisha wasn’t convinced that Molly was telling him everything. He decided there was only one way to uncover the truth. The next day he took Shannon to the shops owned and operated by some of the blockade runners. He tried to purchase several gifts for her, but she politely refused them. He tried to discuss the war many times, but Shannon would not allow it. For an agent, she certainly wasn’t interested in obtaining information, at least from him…

  After dinner, Elisha walked her to the stairs as usual. “I’ll be sailing with the morning tide, but I’ll return in a week or two. I’m using that plan I told you about the other night. We’re taking a load of supplies up the York River under the Union flag and dressing in Federal uniforms. We have to get them to Richmond for dispersal. Lee needs them to hold off Grant.” He awaited her response as an agent.

  “Eli, do you realize how dangerous that is?” she asked worriedly.

  “Somebody has to do it. We’ll get past the Union lines by claiming they’re supplies for Grant. They’re practically breathing on each other, so we’ll get through. Don’t worry about me, Shannon. I sail through Union lines on every voyage.”

  “Everyone’s luck runs out sometime. Don’t go, Eli, please.”

  “You’re my luck, lovely lady. I might as well be honest, Shannon; I fully intend to return and make you my wife.”

  Shannon stared at him in disbelief. “You what? Surely I did not hear you correctly,” she probed apprehensively.

  “I’m not an impulsive or reckless man, Shannon. But I do know what I want when I see it, and these last four days with you have shown me what my life and heart were missing. I’m afraid circumstances prevent me from having the patience or the time to court you properly. I’ve never met a woman more perfectly suited to me and my lifestyle. If I’m lucky, I’ll obtain your promise of marriage before I sail. Of course, nothing would suit me better than to marry you tomorrow and to have you waiting here for my return. If you’ll agree, I’ll arrange everything, then wait to sail with the evening tide.”

  Shannon was stunned, but intrigued. “Eli, we only met a few days past. You know little about me and my family. This is a very serious matter. I hope you don’t feel that I’ve led you on or behaved falsely. I couldn’t possibly accept. How can you propose to a stranger?”

  “I’ve known plenty of women, Shannon, but none as special as you. If I leave without telling you such things, I could lose you before having a chance to win you. If you can’t agree tonight, at least give me time to prove I would make a good husband for you. I’ve faced death enough times to know who and what I am. Do you have someone waiting for you in Savannah? Are you betrothed?”

  “No, but I cannot give you false hopes. We are strangers in too many ways. You should not speak of such matters so soon and during such times. We are at war. At this very moment, my brother’s life and our home are in peril. I cannot think of such things as courting and marriage. You ask too much, but I am deeply flattered.”

  “We are at war, Shannon; that’s why I am forced to speak so bluntly and quickly. A man would be a fool to sail off without telling you how much he wants you. At least promise to grant me the time to prove my honesty and feelings, time to prove my suitability as your husband. If there were time for wooing you slowly and properly, I would do so. Forgive my rush, but please understand it. Destiny has thrown us together, and I won’t give you up without a battle. When this war ends, you may be left without family and a home, Shannon. You might need me, as I need you.” Elisha’s eyes searched her face for clues to her emotions. He had perceived her attraction to him and her fear of it. He wanted her as his wife, and he would have her.

  “I’m sorry, Eli, but I cannot make such promises. It wouldn’t be fair or right. I am very fond of you, but I haven’t fallen in love with you. Please don’t delude yourself about me and my feelings.”

  Behaving as the masterful gallant he was, Elisha confidently vowed, “I’m going to win your heart and your hand, Shannon Greenleaf, and you won’t be sorry for losing either. I won’t press you or panic you further tonight. Just know if you need anything—anything at all—you can have it from me. Prepare yourself for my siege when I return.” With those staggering promises, he smiled and left whistling.

  Jeremy Steele watched the man swagger out of the hotel, then focused his keen gaze on the beautiful redhead who was staring at the man’s back. He glanced at Mattilu and frowned. “We need to talk, Matti,” he informed her after Shannon’s departure.

  From the clues Simon had obtained through cunning, deceit, strength, or purchase, he saw what Major Stevens had in mind. Blane was scouting Charlotte, Columbia, and Charleston before joining up with Sherman in Savannah. He wondered how Shannon would feel about Blane’s part in the destruction of her state, town, and home, just as he wondered how Blane would be affected by the news of the destruction left behind him and Shannon.

  Major Blane Stevens was a force to be reckoned with, to be turned against Shannon. By the time he and his men reached Savannah—hopefully before Blane and Shannon—neither Shannon nor Blane would trust or like each other! The moment Blane left her side at Greenleaf—if he escorted her that far—Shannon would be helpless within his grip. Even Silas Manning wouldn’t believe he hadn’t been duped by this ravishing and tempting Rebel spy! Shannon would yield, or else…

  “Mister Travers?” one of his hired men called to him. When Simon turned to listen, the men reported, “Major Stevens has left town, sir, but he’s heading for Wilmington, not Savannah.”

  Simon digested those facts. Suddenly he flushed red with fury. “Damn that Pike! She’s been in Wilmington all this time! I wonder if he wanted us chasing Stevens to get him out of the way or because he was trying to protect Shannon. Doesn’t matter neither way. We’ll head for Wilmington at first light. Without any problems, we should be there within a week. If Blane’s gone after Shannon to take her to Savannah, they won’t get past us. Five hundred dollars extra to the first man who sights them,” he announced, hoping to increase their alert.

  Simon fumed over his errors. He had gone from town to town, thinking he was right behind them. After locating Blane in Charleston, he had ordered one of his men to shadow the Union agent until he led them to Shannon. No wonder no one had seen the ravishing redhead along the way! She was safely hidden in Wilmington. No matter, for he had left evidence for or against her along his way.

  “Jeremy, what are you doing in Wilmington?” Shannon inquired when she answered the summons at her door shortly after leaving Elisha’s company. She smiled genially, but she was curious about this late and unexpected visit. “Do you have news about Blane?” she asked, suddenly excited and tense.

  “No, I haven’t seen him since you two left the mansion.” Jeremy didn’t say he hadn’t heard from him, for he had several times. “I was hoping you had uncovered some facts I could send out in my next missive.”

  Shannon didn’t have to consider the consequences of her reply before making it. “No, Jeremy, I’m afraid not. I haven’t been asking any questions because I didn’t want to draw any suspicio
us attention to me. I have met a few people, but they haven’t revealed anything vital.”

  “Did you help with the hospital train?” he inquired.

  “Yes, but the men didn’t say anything we don’t already know. I was never alone, so I kept silent except for friendly conversation.”

  “Have you met any of the Confederate officers?” he probed.

  “A few. Like I said, I’ve been afraid to snoop. I’m sorry, but there isn’t anything to pass along,” she alleged, wondering why he was pressing her and staring at her oddly.

  “Sarah Jane told me you met Captain Carter; said you two had become good friends,” he hinted in a strange tone.

  “Is that a problem? I do want and need friends, even if they’re Rebels. I’m sure you know all about Eli…Captain Carter. Surely you don’t expect me to try to extract information from him? The moment I started asking such questions, he would suspect me of spying. I’m alone here, Jeremy. I’m vulnerable to discovery. I must be careful.” Shannon started to tell him what the wounded soldier had related to her, but she didn’t like Jeremy’s attitude and behavior. She decided to wait for Blane’s return, then let him handle that hazardous matter. “Do you know where Blane is or when he’ll return for me?”

  Jeremy shrugged, then remarked as if he didn’t know, “Can’t say. I guess if you don’t have anything to tell me, I’d best be going.”

  Shannon wasn’t fooled by Jeremy’s reaction. Why didn’t Jeremy or Blane want her to know of his location and assignment? It was almost as if they didn’t trust her! “I would like to mention one thing, Jeremy. I know this is none of my business, but do you realize how deeply Sarah Jane cares for you?”

  Jeremy stared at her. “Cares for me? How so?”

  Shannon sighed heavily. Were all men blind except Eli? “She’s afraid you haven’t gotten over the loss of your wife, so she’s afraid to let you know how she feels. She’s in love with you, Jeremy.”