by Kitty Margo
“Do you never get enough?” he inquired insolently.
“Do I hear complaints?” she inquired just as insolently, reaching to caress his neck and twirl a lock of his hair around her finger.
“Never, my love. And while I am both ready and willing, my body may require sustenance if I am to continue to be able through the remainder of the day and night,” he chuckled, lifting her up to sit her exactly where he wanted her.
A few hours later, Lynna was in the kitchen washing breakfast dishes when, thankfully, they heard a carriage approach. “It is Aunt Judith!” Lynna giggled. “Quick, Joshua, go out the back door before she catches you here!”
“I will return shortly, my love,” he whispered against her hair before placing a passionate kiss on her lips and closing the door behind him.
“Lynna! I am home. Darling, it was so horrible at the Morehead plantation, you would not believe…oh, dear God!” Judith cried, her hands going to her mouth in horror. “When was he here?”
“Who?” Lynna asked, shame faced. How did she know?
“Oh, you poor dear,” her aunt cried. “Let me look at your face.”
Good grief, her aunt was referring to her uncle, not Joshua. She had all but forgotten the incident with Tobias. “It isn’t that bad, Aunt Judith, honestly. It should heal quickly.”
“When was he here, Lynna?”
“He was here to greet me last night when I came home from helping in the infirmary. I volunteered to help, since so many of our slaves were sent to aid the burn victims. Now let us change the subject, this one will only depress us. How are things over at the Morehead plantation?”
“Things are better now, but they lost seven slaves and nine were badly burned. Miss Fannie, the most knowledgeable healer in these parts, is tending them. We can only pray they will survive.”
“Yes, Aunt Judith, we will certainly pray. Now sit down while I cook you some breakfast.”
“Thank you, darling. Now tell me about you. Why are you so cheerful, all things considered?” Judith inquired, nonplused. “Apparently you had a good night.”
Chapter Fourteen
Lynna leaned over the steaming pot, stirring the grits in earnest and hiding her face. She would find it too difficult to explain why her aunt’s choice of words delighted her so. “I have never rested better, Aunt Judith.” If only she could share her happiness with this woman whom she loved so much. But it would be best to wait until Joshua actually proposed, then they could all join in the celebration. “After breakfast I am going to work in my flower garden. The weeds have taken over lately. Then I will come inside to begin work on Suzanne’s new gown.” She smiled, humming gaily. “If anyone from the big house should see me, I will say I fell off the porch. They will not doubt my words for a second, since everyone knows I am eternally clumsy.”
Judith was intrigued by her niece's ebullient mood. Normally, after one of Tobias's visits, she would be in a state of depression that would last for days. Now here she stood, almost euphoric. Something out of the ordinary had happened during her absence. Of that she was certain.
Lynna turned to discover her aunt eying her curiously. “I know what you are thinking, and I have no words to explain it. Except that today I suddenly feel like a woman. Let me think of a comparison. Yesterday, I was a flower bud all closed up inside and protected by layers of darkness, whereas today I have blossomed and my petals have opened, showing the world my gay colors and hidden beauty.
“Your beauty has never been hidden, my dear.”
“This is an inner beauty, Aunt Judith. Perhaps it has always been there, just under the surface, waiting for me to set it free.”
Judith now understood completely what her niece was trying, in a round about fashion, to tell her. Lynna had been introduced to the precious love that a man and a woman can share. She wondered if it was Joshua. She knew Lynna did not love Daniel and, therefore, would never yield herself to him. It had to be Joshua. Judith was thrilled. She realized she should not be happy about the fact that her niece was no longer chaste. Nathan had placed his trust in her and would be furious to learn his daughter was no longer an ingénue, but that was of little importance now. What mattered was that Lynna was happy and could put the pain of the past behind her and begin to enjoy the life she had been born to live.
Clearing the table and washing dishes, Lynna gathered her gloves and garden tools, kissed her aunt’s cheek, and strolled to the garden. After carefully weeding and loosening the dirt around her roses, she picked one ruby red rose and started toward the house.
“Good morning, again, my love.”
Turning, her heart skipped a full beat and she had to restrain herself from rushing headlong into his arms. “Good morning, Joshua.” Wishing her aunt had remained at the Morehead plantation, Lynna scolded herself for the thought.
“You look exceptionally lovely this morning. I trust your night was satisfactory?”
“I look hideous and you well know it. But, to answer your question, I have no complaints, sir.”
“It you had, it would have indeed been a first.” When he smiled, his eyes shone and a dimple formed in his cheek.
“You sir, are outrageously conceited.” She tried to sound convincing, but failed as she herself could not keep a straight face.
“Admitted.” He took the red rose from her fingers and brought it to his lips, wishing it were some part of her anatomy instead. “Shall we take a walk…?” The slamming of the door halted him abruptly. He glanced up with an irritated frown to find Judith approaching, bearing a tray.
“Joshua, I did not realize you were here.” So, it was Joshua! She could tell by the glazed look of lust in their eyes and the way Joshua’s lips were almost caressing Lynna’s rose. “Come join us for a glass of lemonade. I fear it will be another scorcher today.” Setting the tray on the porch rail, she returned to the house. “I will just get another glass.”
“Any chance of your aunt being called away again tonight?”
“Joshua!” she chastised him. “Of all the nerve! You sir, are far too self-assured of your charm and good…” she stopped herself short.
“Go ahead and admit it,” he teased, “my dashing good looks. I have been told that once or twice in the past by members of the opposite sex.”
She was about to berate the arrogant man when her aunt returned. Lynna removed her gloves and sipped the lemonade as Joshua’s heated perusal caused a knot to steadily tighten in the pit of her stomach.
“How have you been, Joshua?’ Judith queried.
“Never better, I can assure you,” his answer was directed toward her, but his smile was solely for Lynna’s benefit. “As of this moment, Judith, I am the happiest man alive.”
Lynna blushed and averted her head from the other two.
“Will you be staying with us for awhile?” Judith smiled, thinking that maybe if she kept talking, she might succeed in gaining a minute portion of his attention.
The smile left his face immediately as he looked at Lynna. She had succeeded in making him forget his purpose again, for he had wanted to be alone with her when he broke the news. “Unfortunately, no. In fact, I’m afraid I must leave today.”
Lynna gasped as the glass she was holding slipped from her hand and she watched as the dry earth greedily absorbed the liquid. Of course, he would eventually return to Sea Grove, by why today? They had just found each other again. Bending to pick up the broken glass, her hands brushed Joshua’s as he bent to help her. They had only parted a few short hours ago, yet she pined for his touch. When their eyes met, their hunger for each other was clearly evident to Judith.
“How clumsy of me. My hands perspired in the gloves and the glass…slipped,” Lynna stammered, hoping she sounded convincing.
Judith took the broken pieces. “I’ll just take this broken glass inside before someone gets cut.”
Lynna waited until her aunt was safely in the house. “When are you leaving?” She could not bring herself to look at him. Her eyes star
ed unseeing into the copse of trees behind the cottage as the thought of the lonely days and nights to come settled around her.
“Within the hour, I fear. I could not leave without seeing you. But it will only be a few short weeks until we can be together again at the Harvest Ball. It is my hope that this will be our last separation, Lynna.”
Tears formed behind her thick fringe of lashes. It wasn’t fair! She shouldn’t have to give him up so soon. But wait! Their last separation? What did he mean? She was about to ask, when much to her dismay, Suzanne came waltzing toward them. She primly held her elegant gown, a gown that would have been more appropriate for a lavish ball, off the ground to keep the soil from staining the lacy white hem. She glanced at Lynna and cried, “Oh! Dear Lord! Lynna, your face! Whatever happened this time?”
“Another accident, as usual.”
“I see, well you have forever been exceedingly clumsy. Oh, Joshua, darling, there you are.” Ignoring Lynna, she leaned toward Joshua to brush nonexistent lint from his sleeve. “I have hardly had a moment alone with you and now I hear you are leaving us today. Why,” Suzanne continued her mewling drivel with a brilliant smile, “I must be losing my charm. Nonetheless, there will be sufficient time for us to get reacquainted during the journey.”
“What journey?” Lynna could not help but ask.
“Why, my journey with Joshua, of course. Father has granted permission for me to return to Charleston with him.”
“To do what?” Joshua’s tone was menacing as he glanced from Suzanne’s jubilant face to Lynna’s look of stunned shock.
“For me to accompany you to Charleston, silly. You would not mind dropping me off at Cedar Hill, would you? Father would be sorely disappointed if you refused, after he has extended you so much hospitality. The remainder of the family will be following later to attend the Harvest Ball, but as I explained to father, Beth certainly could use my help with that spoiled little Bethany Breanne as she prepares for the Ball. So, willing to help in any way I can, I graciously volunteered to go on ahead and help with the plans. Surely you do not mind.” Tucking her arm in his, she maneuvered him away from Lynna.
Lynna’s heart plummeted as Suzanne snatched the red rose from Joshua’s hand, broke the stem and tucked it behind her ear. “Oh, thank you, Joshua, darling. That’s just what this outfit needed!” Silas appeared around the corner of the house and Suzanne tugged on Joshua’s arm to steer him toward her father. “Father wishes to have a word with you before we depart. Let’s not keep him waiting. And please,” she leaned toward him to whisper, “just agree with him when he prattles on about the dangers of us sharing a carriage for that length of time, and how it is of the utmost importance that my virtue remain intact.”
Lynna remained inside, heartbroken, until the carriage rolled away in a swirling cloud of dust. She could not bear to witness Joshua’s departure or Suzanne’s gloating victory.
Several days later, still inconsolable, Lynna went to the big house to visit with Jasmine and in search of her favorite comfort food, blackberry cobbler.
“Miz Suzanne sho nuff is taken wit’ Mist’ Joshua, ain’t she?
“Yes, she certainly does seem to be.”
“He sho ain’t taken wit’ her though. Actin’ like po white trash and runnin’ after dat man. Why Miz Mary let dat chile go, when Mist’ Joshua sho ain’t wantin’ to take her, plum confusin’ me!”
“You know Suzanne always get her way, Jasmine. I expect to hear any day now that she is moving to Charleston.”
“Ole Jasmine ain’t miss much whut goes on round heah and I’s heah to tell you dat Miz Suzanne ain’t gwine be da one whut moves to Char’ston wit Mist’ Joshua.”
Lynna knew Jasmine spoke one truth. She did not miss many of the happenings around Magnolia House. And what little she missed was soon filled in by one of her daughters. Rose, being Suzanne’s chambermaid, often was presented with the opportunity of listening to her mistress’ most private conversations. While Iris, the downstairs maid, reported the most infinitesimal details that may have slipped by the other two sets of ears. So, Lynna knew better than to deny anything Jasmine said. “Whatever do you mean, Jasmine? Who do you suppose is moving to Charleston with him?”
“You is.”
Lynna was struck dumb. Had Joshua been revealing his innermost secrets to Jasmine? She had to know. “Why Jasmine, I fear you are dreadfully mistaken. If anyone relocates to Charleston to reside with Joshua, it will in all likelihood be Suzanne.”
“I ain’t wrong,” she replied adamantly. “I could not love dat chile no mo ifn she drapped out my own body. But she ain’t da one whut Mist’ Joshua done set his cap on.” She just could not keep a secret, no need in trying. “He done much as tole me so.”
Lynna dropped a spoonful of cobbler and was immediately by her side. “He told you what, Jasmine?”
“Well, he ain’t come rite out an tole me, but silent rivah’s run deep. His querstions done tol me all I need to know.”
“Querstions? I mean, what questions?” she inquired, wanting to know every word that had passed between them.
“I cain recollect jus’ when it was, he jus’ come in heah one day axkin’ did I see yo face an axkin’ a bunch of querstions.”
“You did not tell him about Uncle Tobias, did you?” Lynna prayed that she hadn’t. She could not bear the shame if Joshua discovered her own uncle held such a deep, abiding hatred for her. She would never be able to face him again. “Please tell me you did not, Jasmine!”
Jasmine was at once contrite, seeing the shame on Lynna’s face. She would never hurt Lynna by admitting her own breach of trust. “No chile, I ain’t tol’ him dat de man he searchin’ fo is Tobias.” She turned her head away, shamefaced, unable to look Lynna in the eyes. She had never lied to her before and did not like doing so now one bit.
Lynna moved to hug the rotund woman, “Thank you, Jasmine. I knew I could trust you.”
Jasmine was consumed with guilt as she wrapped a slice of cobbler for Judith. Watching Lynna walk home, she wondered if Joshua had found that low-life Tobias Mathison yet, and prayed fervently to the Good Lord in heaven that he had.
It had been an eternity, but at long last the day arrived for their departure to Charleston to attend the Harvest Ball. The morning dawned cool and overcast, promising a more comfortable journey than before. The birds chirping on her windowsill awakened Lynna, and she rolled over, deciding to sleep a while longer, when she suddenly remembered what day it was. Jumping up, she ran straightway to her aunt’s room. “We must hurry, Aunt Judith, and get dressed before the carriage leaves without us!”
“You certainly are anxious to get to Charleston. Why, I had no idea you missed Suzanne so much,” she teased, knowing full well that Suzanne was the last person her niece wanted to see.
Within the hour, Lynna, Judith, Mary and Rose were again settled in the carriage for the long ride to Charleston. Lynna was scarcely able to sit still, leaving Mary puzzled. Judith and Rose knew the reason for her excitement. She would soon be with the man she loved and the waiting was agony.
The ride was uneventful and they arrived at Cedar Hill late, extremely relieved to have finally reached their destination. Lynna fell into bed exhausted, and when she awakened the following morning, the guests had already begun to arrive. The lawn was scattered with brightly colored gowns of every color, matching sunbonnets and elaborate twirling parasols. She searched among the handsomely garbed men for Joshua, but he was nowhere to be found. She thought she might burst from excitement as she bathed and prepared herself to greet Joshua and a new day.
After soaking in a tub of lavender-scented water, she felt refreshed and the happiest she had been… well, she could not remember ever being this happy. Stretching lazily in front of the mirror, she closed her eyes and sighed, knowing soon she would be with her Joshua. Her hands trembled so she could hardly accomplish the task of dressing. Combing her hair until it shone, she entwined blue ribbons to stream down her back to match her dre
ss of blue watered silk, cut with a square neck and short puffed sleeves. At last ready, she was too high-strung and jittery to go down just yet.
Going to the balcony, she peered across the well-manicured lawn bustling with activity as couples strolled arm in arm and children romped with delight. The delicious aroma of cooked pork and poultry drifted to her from below and she realized she was ravenous. From her lofty perch she could hear the shouts and laughter coming from the slave quarters, as they, too, were having a feast.
On this day the field hands did no work and were fed as much as they could eat. Afterwards, there would be dancing and singing late into the night, as the slaves celebrated the harvest, birth and even death with throbbing music and dance. This was not the case on all plantations of equal size, but Samuel had inherited his father’s kind heart and belief that slaves were more productive when shown a fair amount of decency. When he enjoyed a day of revelry, so did his slaves.
Lynna turned from the gay vista below and drew in a deep, cleansing breath. This was it! The moment she had been waiting for. Picking up her skirts, she hastened down the stairs before she lost her wavering nerve. What she saw waiting patiently at the bottom of the stairs caused her heart to lurch.
Joshua was there with one foot propped on the bottom step. If possible, even more handsome than she remembered, in grey trousers and a fine white ruffled linen shirt. She took each step carefully, willing her feet to move, and watched his grin widen as she drew near.
“There you are, my love, and even more beautiful than ever. It has been a long time… much too long.” He smiled, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips. “I have missed you, Lynna. More so than you could ever imagine.”
They gazed hungrily into each other’s eyes for several moments until Lynna at last found her voice. “I have missed you, too, Joshua. I did not think this day would ever arrive.”
