Roy took Kate’s hand and pulled it to his chest. “My dear, you have plenty of time to decide. You are still very young. I’m sure Jacob will not mind a long courtship. Take some advice from someone with the experience of age. Be sure you marry for love, not because you feel beholden to someone.”
Maybe he was right. Time was in her favor. Under the circumstances Jacob would be considerate of her feelings, and not press her to make a decision she wasn’t ready to make.
****
“Miss Monroe, will ya please come with me? I need ya help.”
It took Kate a few seconds to shake the sleep from her brain. She rolled over to her back and blinked. “What is it, Lila?”
“I need ya help, Miss Monroe. Please, day is no time for questions. We muss be very quiet so we don wake up a soul in da house.” Her voice strained, Kate could tell Lila was upset.
She followed Lila to the servant’s quarters where Lila resided in a small room in the very back of the townhouse. She entered and stepped to the side waiting for Kate to follow. An oil lamp burned on the table causing a soft light in the room.
A huge, dark, form lay face down on the small bed. After hesitating for a moment, she moved into the room feeling a little apprehensive. Lila lifted the lamp and carried it closer to the person lying in her bed so she could get a better view.
Her hand flew to her mouth and she gasped when she saw his injuries. His back was in shreds and blood oozed from the deep wounds.
From the look of his injuries he should have been screaming in pain. Horrendous wounds covered his back. In a furious whisper, she asked, “What happened to him, Lila?”
“His Mistress, Abigail Weatherly, had him whupped.”
“Why is he not screaming in pain?”
“I gave him some’em to make him sleep, Miss Kate. He was in awful pain. I had to do someting for him.”
Resting her hand on his arm, Kate asked, “Who is he, Lila?”
“My brother Jim. We were both slaves at da Weatherly Plantation. Mr. Talbert bought me when his maid died a few years ago. I han’t seen Jim since I left Weatherly Plantation, when he was just a boy.”
Kate told Lila the things she needed from the kitchen. While Lila was gone, she squeezed the water out of the washcloth in the pan by the bed. Dirt and debris were embedded in the deep gashes. A tear slipped down her cheek as she touched the cloth to his wounds. It was beyond her understanding how someone could be so cruel to another human being.
Lila returned with the ointment and Kate gently administered the cream to Jim’s back. “That will have to do until we can get him to the hospital tomorrow so Jacob can examine him.”
“No, Miss Kate, Jim can’t go to no hospital. If Miss Weatherly finds out where Jim is, she’ll have him killed. He muss stay here till we can help him to escape to da North.” Her mouth twisted in fear. Every muscle in her body was tight. “I’m sure she already has da law lookin for him.”
Curious, Kate asked, “How did he get here?”
“He made it to Mr. Talbert’s Plantation and asked for me before he collapsed. Some of the slaves managed to hide him in a wagon, and brung him here about an hour ago. Day helped me get him into my room without anyone seeing us. If Miss Weatherly finds out day helped Jim, day will be in powerful trouble.”
Kate placed her hand on Lila’s shoulder to calm her. “He is injured. Surely Abigail would understand and want Jim to get the proper medical attention he needs.”
“No, she is mean.” She took Kate’s hand and squeezed. “Please don tell her.”
She felt a faint flutter in her stomach. If Jim died from his injuries, she’d feel responsible for not getting him proper care. “I’ll ask Jacob to come here and give Jim medical attention.”
Tears swam in her eyes. “No, please don tell anyone he is here, not even Dr. Greene. You new to the way of maser and slave, Miss Kate. You don understand. The law says Miss Weatherly owns Jim. She had him whupped because he stole food. He was hungry. Miss Weatherly does not feed her slaves enuf. Jim’s a big man. He needs more food dan she gives him.”
Outraged, Kate sputtered, “Do you mean to tell me she had him flogged this severely for stealing food?”
“Yes, ma’am. I lived at Weatherly Plantation. She’s a cruel maser. Her father was a fair man, but when he died everyting changed. Miss Weatherly whups her slaves all da time. She has worked several to death. She is da devil herself.”
She could not believe David was engaged to such a heartless, evil person. How in the world could he tolerate her behavior?
They would be lucky if Jim’s back did not get infected. Rather than treat him herself, she would feel better if Jacob examined him. But then Lila was paralyzed with fear he would tell Abigail. In the end she relented.
“I’ll be back tomorrow with medicine from the hospital. Keep his back coated with this ointment until then. Do you remember everything you put together to make it?”
“Yes, Miss Kate. I so beholdin’ to ya. I knew I could trust ya. You are so sweet and kind.”
Guilt tore at Kate. She did not feel comfortable keeping secrets from her grandfather or Jacob. “Are you sure you don’t want me to talk my grandfather? He might be able to help us.”
“Please don. Your grandfather might turn Jim over to Miss Weatherly. She owns him.” Tears began to flow down Lila’s cheeks.
Kate squeezed Lila’s hand to reassure her. “Okay, Lila. This will be our secret.”
Chapter Thirteen
When Kate arrived at work the next day, investigators were questioning Jacob. By the time the interrogation was over, her nerves were strung tight. It wasn’t enough she had Jim to worry about, now Jacob added even more stress. As soon as the investigators exited his office, she hurried inside shutting the door behind her.
He raised a questioning brow. “Miss Monroe, aren’t you afraid the gossip tongues will wag being alone with me in my office?”
Irritated, she snapped, “Do you ever take anything serious, Jacob?”
“Of course, my dear, I take you serious.”
She ignored that remark and asked, “What did the investigators ask you?” Palms on the top of his desk, she leaned over. “Are you in trouble?”
“They had been informed of my confrontation with Dr. Wilson. I explained the reason I broke his nose. I told them he raped a young woman at the hospital, and when I learned of his behavior I punched him. When they wanted to know whom, I would not tell them. I communicated to them I would not ruin the young girl’s reputation. During their investigation they uncovered unsavory behavior of Dr. Wilson while employed at other hospitals. Stop worrying, Kate. They don’t suspect me of anything. They think Dr. Wilson left town before all his discretions caught up with him. Remember Kate, he disappeared.”
Deep down she knew Jacob killed Dr. Wilson. She did not know how and thought it better she did not know. “Well, if you’re sure everything is okay.”
“I’m sure.”
“I’d better get back to my duties. I’ll see you tonight for supper.” Kate replied, but not with much enthusiasm. Too much plagued her mind.
“Wait a minute. What’s your hurry?” He stood and moved around the huge oak desk. He propped a hip on the desk and pulled her between his legs. Their lips met. He parted his lips dipping his tongue in the silky depths of her mouth. She could feel his arousal pressed against her thighs. A deep growl rumbled in his chest.
His eyes were so hot they seared her when he broke the kiss and peered down at her. “You know what you do to me don’t you, Kate?”
Heat tinged her cheeks. “Yes, I think I do.”
He placed both hands on her shoulders and pushed her away. “I think you’d better get back to work.”
Without being told twice she hurried from the room. Standing on the other side of the door, she cursed. Jacob was more handsome and honorable than David. Why didn’t he make her heart pound with desire?
****
Kate plopped into her chair at the restaurant w
here she was meeting Myra for a quick lunch. “I’m sorry I’m late. We had an emergency and I was delayed.”
Myra gave her a dazzling smile. Her auburn hair was swept up on top of her head. Dressed in a simple button up shirt and flowing skirt she looked elegant without even trying. “It’s okay. I haven’t been waiting long.” She placed her napkin in her lap. “I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of ordering for you. I knew you wouldn’t have much time for lunch.”
“Thank you, I hate we don’t have more time. I miss you.”
Myra reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “You have no idea how much I miss you. My morning rides just aren’t the same.”
The ambiance of the restaurant wasn’t as luxurious as the ones she and Jacob had been frequenting, but it was warm and cozy. Kate was glad for the opportunity to talk to Myra. Since she had moved into town she rarely saw David’s mother.
The waiter arrived and placed their dishes in front of them. The moment he disappeared, Myra replied, “I heard Jacob gave you an expensive gift.”
Her hand automatically went to her throat but the necklace was not there. Because of its value, she only wore it for special occasions. Besides, it would look out of place with her nurse outfit she was now wearing. “Yes, a beautiful diamond necklace. How did you know?”
“Gossip spreads quickly. A friend of mine was in the restaurant and saw Jacob fasten the necklace around your neck. She said it was all so romantic.” Myra nibbled on her bread and asked, “Do you think he is going to propose soon?”
“Yes, I think he will.”
A light blush tinted Myra’s cheeks. “What have you told him about your relationship with David?”
“The truth. He already suspected I had feelings for David. I told him he was in love with Abigail and planned on marrying her. I convinced Jacob he was not a threat to our relationship.” Every time Kate spoke of David and Abigail it felt like someone was squeezing her heart in a vise. She wondered if the pain would ever go away. What frightened her most was what if she never felt the passion with Jacob that she did with David. What if he was the only man she would ever love?
“What will be your answer if he asks you to marry him?” When she said nothing, but just kept looking at her plate, Myra leaned in close so the other diners would not hear and asked, “Have you told him you slept with David?”
As if pondering the question, Kate looked into her concerned eyes. “I will have to tell him. I can’t very well go to my marriage bed and let him find out then. I’m taking everything one day at a time.”
She shifted uneasily in her chair and took a drink of water from her glass. “I’m sorry my son used such bad behavior. I feel terrible he has caused you so much pain. Do you think Jacob will marry you knowing you were intimate with David?”
Kate gave her a weak smile. “Yes, he loves me.” She toyed with one of the white daisies arranged in the center of the table. “I would like to wait and see if David might change his mind and break his engagement to Abigail. I don’t know if I can convince Jacob to wait without causing him to become suspicious. But then I don’t want to lose Jacob either. He is a wonderful man and will make me happy, Myra. I want children and home of my own. I do love him but not as I love David.” Perhaps she was being a fool, pining over a man promised to another. Why couldn’t she commit to Jacob and move on with her life? She screamed to herself, because there was still a glimmer of hope. David and Abigail were not married yet.
“I sympathize with your plight. I do believe you will come to love Jacob as he deserves. I had hoped David would come to his senses, and break his engagement to Abigail. To be honest I don’t think he will. He feels honor bound to her.”
“You know how Edward and I feel about you. We love you. But I think you should come to grips with the fact David will marry Abigail. Sometimes we have to make concessions in life.”
****
By the time Kate arrived home, her stomach was in knots. All day she worried Jim would die and then Lila would be in a mess of trouble. And then what would they do if he did die? A body his size would be hard to hide. How would they even get it out of the house?
She hurried to Lila’s room and silently stepped inside. She was sitting by the bed softly humming. There was no movement from the bed. “How’s our patient?”
“He made it through da day without waking once. I don tink day is any infection.”
“That’s good news. Let me have a look.” She moved to the bed and leaned over to inspect Jim’s wounds. The gashes made by the whip did not look as red and nasty as they had that morning. Only a couple deep gashes still oozed blood.
She removed the ointment from her reticule she brought from the hospital. With gentle strokes she rubbed it into the gashes. Jim began to moan and writhe beneath her fingers. “Don’t move, Jim. I know you are in extreme pain.” She put her hand on his shoulder to calm him.
In an instant, Lila was by her brother’s side. “It’s okay, Jim. You are here with me. It’s Lila.” Eyes glazed with anguish peered at them.
“It hurts so bad. I have never felt such pain b’fore.” His labored words caused Kate to pity him. He was in excruciating agony.
“I know, Jim. It gonna be alright. Miss Monroe is here and she gonna help you. She’s a nurse at da hospital and she knows a lot ‘bout medicine.”
Big, dark eyes stared at her when she dropped to her knees so he could see her better. “Hello Jim, I’m Roy Talbert’s granddaughter, Kate. I know the ointment makes your skin feel as if it is on fire, but it will ease the pain as soon as the burn is over.”
“Where am I?”
“We in Richmond. Ya made it to Roy Talbert’s Plantation, but den you collapsed. Some of Mr. Talbert’s slaves hid ya in a wagon and bought ya to me here at Mr. Talbert’s townhouse. Ya gonna’ have to be quiet and stay in bed till you bedder and den we’ll figure some’em out.”
“I don want you or Miss Monroe to get into any trouble for helpin’ me. I had no where else to go.”
She placed a soft hand on his arm. “It’s going to be okay, Jim. The important thing is to get better.” She helped Lila get some more of her concoction down his throat so he would sleep and stay quiet. In moments he was sound asleep.
“I must return or my grandfather will suspect something out of the ordinary. I’ll check on you later tonight. Make sure you put some more ointment on his back in two hours.”
With a slight nod, Lila took the ointment and placed it on the table by the bed. “Thank you, Miss Kate.”
Despite Lila’s fears she needed to tell her grandfather and Jacob there was an injured slave hidden in the house. All this secrecy had her tied in knots.
****
Kate was climbing the stairs to her room when her grandfather stepped out of his study. “My dear, you have a letter from David.”
She skipped down the stairs and took the letter as if it was a biscuit and she was starving. “Thank you, Grandfather.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I hope you had a great day today.”
“It was pretty normal, nothing too exciting. How about yours?”
“The usual, bed pans, sick soldiers, incompetent doctors. I’m exhausted. I think I’ll nap before supper. Don’t forget Jacob is dining with us.”
“Then I’ll see you at supper, Kate.”
The moment she was alone in her room she wasted no time ripping open the letter from the man she really loved.
My Dearest Kate,
I hope you’re doing well. I miss you terribly. Our last night together was spectacular and I’ll never forget the look on your face when I made love to you. You are the most passionate woman I have ever known. I think of our time together often. In fact it is hard to keep my mind on the war when I know you are so near.
I wish I had met you before promising Abigail’s father I would marry her. My heart is heavy knowing we will never marry. Even though I am promised to another, my heart will always belong to you.
Mother wrote to inform me
you are courting Jacob. I ache with the thought of you belonging to another man. It would not be fair to not wish you much happiness, so I hope he will make you happy. Jacob is a good man and will make you a wonderful husband.
I’m sorry I cannot give you back your innocence. I should never have made love to you knowing I had no intention of marrying you. Please forgive me my indiscretion. I hope Jacob will understand.
The war wages on. It seems the fighting has intensified. Some we win and some we lose. I hope we are approaching the end of this terrible, horrible, war. It has taken so much from me, as it has for many others. If we had known what we were getting in for, I don’t think we would have been so quick to go to war.
Please take care and remember my heart will always be with you.
Love, David
Before hiding it away with all the other letters she had received from him, she read it five times. He was not making it easy for her to fall in love with Jacob. Regardless of the fact he was going to marry another woman, she still loved him. She would have to write asking him not to send her another letter. If she were going to have a life with Jacob, she would have to give up all correspondence with David.
After supper Kate decided to check on Jim. She could not shrug off the sense of foreboding as she stood alone gazing at the sleeping slave. Once he had recuperated how were they going to get him to safety?
Removing the lamp from the table, she held it over his back to see the ghastly slashes. He stirred and was scared when he realized he was not alone. “Who’s dare?” He flinched and drew up a little.
Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) Page 19
