She could only imagine what Hudson thought. “It couldn’t be helped.”
“Really.” She stuck a pin into one braid then stepped back, her hands on her hips. “You’d best be explaining yourself to me. I’m none too happy with Mr. Hudson either. What if your uncle’s men had come by to check on you? What then?” She shook her head. “Mr. Hudson knows better than that.”
“I guess that’s why he’s known as a rake and scalawag.” Jorgine sighed. If only Sally knew the real Hudson, the man who had held and encouraged Lizzie during her most painful hour. Her heart melted at the memory. But telling her the truth might put Hudson in danger. Better to let her friend believe the worst.
Sally scoffed. “You mean those rumors about his time in Atlanta?” She began pinning Jorgine’s hair again. “Don’t believe them.”
Jorgine stiffened. “Of course they’re true. Why, everyone says so.”
“If Mr. Hudson is a rake, then I’m pale as a bowl of sugar.” She shook her head again for good measure. “A rogue.”
Dear heavens, if Sally suspected Hudson’s secret, who else knew? Jorgine met Sally’s gaze in the mirror. “Everyone in Anderson County has heard about Hudson’s reputation.”
Sally glared back at her. “Have you ever actually talked to anyone who’s had a flirtation with Mr. Hudson? Can you name one?” Then she added, “I mean, besides you.”
“Me?” Jorgine squeaked. “When has Hudson Wallace ever flirted with me?”
“Only every time you see him. It’s like he can’t help himself with you.”
Jorgine shook her head. “You’re wrong.”
“All right then. Name someone else he’s had a flirtation with.”
“Well, there’s…” No, Jorgine had heard that from a friend of a friend. “And there’s…” But she’d never actually met the lady in question. Jorgine pressed her lips together. “But the stories from Atlanta…”
“Can anyone you know prove they’re true?”
Jorgine slumped slightly in her chair. Convincing Sally was harder than she’d anticipated. “Just because we don’t have proof doesn’t mean Hudson’s not a rake.” She chuckled. “I mean, who would want a reputation of a never-do-well rake?”
“I’ve been thinking on that.” Sally pulled up a chair and sat down next to her. “I think them stories benefit him.”
Sally was too close to the truth. Jorgine huffed. “You think he likes having such a reputation? Do his parents and Liv like it too?”
“Now listen to me,” she admonished as she straightened her collar. “Mr. Hudson always acted the gentleman before he went to Atlanta.” Sally glanced at her in the mirror. “Even when he broke your heart, he tried to be kind. Then he goes to Atlanta and suddenly he’s a rake. It don’t make no sense.”
Jorgine’s heart thudded in her chest. “People change, Sally, sometimes for the worst.”
“Maybe. But wouldn’t a rogue and a scalawag be the perfect disguise if someone was ferrying people to their freedom?”
It was useless trying to convince Sally of something Jorgine knew to be false. The man she’d worked with these past few weeks was caring, strengthened by the certainty of his convictions and fiercely devoted to the cause with a heart for the downtrodden. Her heart swelled with tenderness at the memory of the genuine joy on Hudson’s face when Lizzie’s son had been born. She pressed her fingers to her lips.
“Did that man kiss you?”
Heat flooded Jorgine’s cheeks. “Why would you think that?”
Sally pointed her finger at her face. “You’ve got that cow-eyed look Big Jim gets around Miss Jocelyn. Then you touched your hand to your mouth as if you was remembering something sweet.” She glanced toward the closed door then whispered, “So? Did he kiss you?”
She’d never been good at keeping secrets from Sally. Jorgine nodded. “It was right after we delivered a baby, and I guess we got caught up in the moment.”
“Y’all delivered a baby!”
“Shhhh!” Jorgine pressed a finger to her lips. “Big Jim might have his ear to the door. I don’t want to have to explain what happened last night, all right?”
Sally stretched out as if to get comfortable, her slim ankles crossed one over the other. “Maybe you should start from the beginning.”
Jorgine told her everything; the hours of intense labor Lizzie had endured and Jorgine’s fear of losing them both. Sally went wide-eyed when she heard how Hudson had stepped in to help her and sniffled loudly went Jorgine shared the moment little Joseph had been born. “Hudson only kissed me because I was nervous and he wanted to reassure me.”
Sally snorted. “Mr. Hudson don’t strike me as the type of man to go around kissing nervous young ladies just to comfort them.”
“You thought he was a rogue at first!”
“Like you said, people can change.” Sally threw Jorgine’s own words back at her. “But that ain’t why a man kisses a woman.”
“What other reason could it be?” Jorgine traced the lace doily on her dresser. How tender Hudson’s fingers had felt against her cheek, warm and reassuring. And when he’d kissed her, it wasn’t in the excitement of the moment. It had felt natural, as if they’d both discovered a home in each other’s arms. When he had reluctantly broken off the kiss, she’d known she was in serious trouble, and from the look in his dark eyes, she suspected he felt the same way.
“Do you love him?”
She couldn’t say the words out loud. Those were meant for Hudson. Jorgine met her gaze and nodded.
“Then you’d best be careful.” Sally took her hand and squeezed it. “Your uncle done promised you to Mr. Wakefield. I don’t know of any man who would take too kindly to his intended being in love with another man. You know how mean Mr. Win can be. That’s why you want me gone.”
Jorgine shook her head. “I’d never want you gone. You know that, don’t you?”
Her friend continued. “And Lord help us if your uncle finds out. He’ll lock you in your room until the wedding and kill Mr. Hudson, that’s for sure.”
She had no doubt Sally’s words were true. “Then we can’t let them find out.”
But it didn’t stop her from worrying. Uncle Richard was desperate for the wedding between her and Win to take place. But murder Hudson? Jorgine had to believe her uncle wouldn’t do anything so rash. If he did, he’d have to kill her first.
Chapter 9
Sally, tell Big Jim I’ll be right there,” Jorgine called out as she hurried up the stairs to her room for the third time. Hudson had sent word this afternoon that he’d booked passage for Sally, but she’d have to leave tonight. Jorgine’s valise was bursting at the seams when she’d checked it a few minutes ago, and she realized she’d forgotten the pin money in her nightstand. Sally could use that for food or to establish herself once she was north.
She had barely crossed the threshold to her room when he spoke.
“Niece.” Richard Emerson made a dashing figure, leaning against the mantel with the air of an orator ready to deliver a rousing speech to his waiting admirers. Yet she sensed a tension in him, a brooding anger, as if he might attack if provoked. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.
Taking a deep breath, Jorgine crossed the room to her dresser. “Uncle Richard, to what do I owe this special surprise?”
“You can cut out the niceties, Jorgine.” He stretched his arm across the thick oak mantel. “You and I don’t have a great deal of fondness for each other, so why pretend we do?”
“All right then.” She glared at him. “Why are you here?”
“Close the door, Jorgine.” The menacing tone of his request set her nerves on edge.
“There’s no need. No one will hear us.”
“Where are your slaves?” He took a few measured steps toward her then sank into a nearby chair. “You didn’t free them, did you? There was no one downstairs to answer the door when I arrived.”
“And yet you managed all by yourself.”
He charged
out of the chair after her, lifting his fist as if to strike her. Slamming her eyes shut, Jorgine braced herself for the blow. But it never came. Instead, his hot breath seared the tender skin of her face. “I’ll leave it to Win to teach you the proper decorum of a political wife. For now, he doesn’t want that face of yours marred by bruises and such.” He pinched her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “But you will give me the respect that’s due me or you’ll pay the price.”
Hadn’t she already paid enough? Marrying a man she could never love and leaving behind the only man she could. Opening her eyes, she glared at him. “Yes, Uncle.”
“Good. Now, take a seat. We have much to talk about.”
“What could we have to discuss?” She sat across from him, arranging her skirts as if she were expecting company. “In less than a week, I’m marrying the man you chose for whatever reasons.” Jorgine sat straight with her hands folded in her lap. “So please forgive me if I think talking with you is a huge waste of my time.”
“You’ve always had a sharp tongue.” Richard reclaimed his seat across from her, his booted foot resting casually on his knee as if this was a cordial chat between relatives. Jorgine wasn’t fooled. Her uncle didn’t believe in polite conversation; he never had. “I always find it amusing when someone tries to pull the wool over my eyes. It’s like they have no idea who they’re dealing with.”
Nerves caused her stomach to churn. She felt like a mouse being toyed with. “I could see where that would be annoying.”
“That’s interesting you should say that, my dear niece.” His low chuckle held no humor. “Considering you’re the one doing it.”
Jorgine’s mouth went dry. If Richard knew the extent of her involvement with Hudson or her plans for Sally’s escape, he would have stopped her before now. Besides, she’d been careful. “I don’t know what you mean, Uncle.”
“Of course, you’d deny it. What kind of lady would you be if word got around of your involvement in the runaways’ escape?” He shook his head. “Underground Railroad. Who do they think they’re fooling? Nobody with a brain in their head, that’s who.”
Jorgine’s thoughts scrambled. Richard knew of her work with the slaves, but did he suspect Hudson and his family? It would be best to stay silent rather than incriminate anyone else.
“No witty retorts, Niece? I didn’t think so.” He shook his head. “Did you really believe you would get away with stealing people’s property without anyone finding out?”
“No one can steal a person, Uncle, any more than you can own them,” she answered finally.
His harsh chuckle grated on her. “No wonder your father left me in charge of you. I thought it was my penitence after the trouble I gave Elliott in our youth. But now I’ve determined he must have known you didn’t have any sense.” He flicked a glance at her. “Your father would have been so disappointed.”
“You’re wrong. Papa would have believed in what I’m doing. He probably would have joined me if he’d lived.” She sat quietly for a moment then added, “It was his desire to free our slaves.”
“Then Elliott was as stupid as you are.” His face went taut. “Do you realize the scandal you could have caused? Win wouldn’t want you. No man would, not even for the precious Emerson name. You’d be a social pariah if the crowd didn’t tar and feather you first.”
“I doubt they’d go that far.”
His nostrils flared as he snorted. “What do you think your ‘friends’ will say when they find out you, an engaged woman, have been traipsing around at all hours of the night with a rake like Hudson Wallace? They’ll not see you as much of a lady then, now will they? You’ll be dead to them, and Wallace won’t be around to save your scrawny little hide.”
Fear shot through her like a bolt of lightning. Dear heavens, he knew all of it, including Hudson’s involvement. “What do you mean Hudson won’t be around?”
“That boy will be in prison along with the rest of his traitor family, if he is not shot first.” Richard turned to her, his eyes hard and menacing. “I’d put a bullet in him myself, but that would ruin my plans.”
“Plans?” she whispered.
“A political career, my dear. With the Wakefields in my pocket, I can aspire to any office in the land. Though I’m holding out hope for a Cabinet position in the Southern Confederacy once South Carolina secedes from the Union.”
She froze in stark horror. “You’re mad.”
Richard laughed. “I like to think of myself as more of a visionary, my dear. Much like your fiancé. The Wakefields were barely scrimping by with the monies made in their cotton fields, but Win saw where the true value lay. In the slaves.”
Jorgine mashed her lips together in disgust. “Yes. I know all about Win’s business, among other things.”
“Win is too smart to get his hands dirty, though he has made some wise investments in such companies.” His lips turned up at the corners. “Like the one who is going to raid Wallace’s operation tonight.”
Shock pulled Jorgine to her feet. “No, Uncle! Please! Hudson’s done nothing.”
But Richard ignored her. “Within a few hours, Hudson Wallace will be in custody.” Triumph showed on his face. “Or dead.”
Jorgine’s heart spluttered. This was all her fault. If she hadn’t been so desperate to see Sally safe, then her uncle never would have learned of Hudson’s involvement in the underground system. Of course, she wouldn’t know what a good man Hudson was either. She’d do anything for him, even die if she must.
“I thought you might say that.”
Jorgine blinked in confusion. “What?”
“There is one way to stop the raid on Thorndike Hall.” He steepled his fingers over his chest as if to pray. No, men like Richard didn’t pray unless it suited him. “But you would have to make it worth my time.”
“What would that be?”
Richard glanced around the room, as if taking stock of the furnishings, trinkets, and tapestries for the first time. “I always did envy Elliott this place. With a bit of work and redecorating, this would be a fitting residence for a Cabinet member of the Confederacy.”
Bile rose in her throat. Her uncle in the house her father built. “You want Piney Brooke?”
He lazily picked a piece of thread from his wool coat sleeve. “Between your inheritance and the money Win is paying for the Emerson name, I will live very well indeed.”
Either Hudson or her home. She knew where her heart lay. “Piney Brooke is yours.”
“You’ve made a wise decision.” He stood then walked over to the open door. “For tonight, anyway.”
Jorgine whirled around. “What do you mean by that?”
A bulky giant of a man filled the doorway at Richard’s nod. “Our arrangement is only for the raid this evening, but there is tomorrow or the next day. But if you agree to my conditions, I can put off the inevitable.”
She drew in a shaky breath. What else did she have to give? Her uncle had taken her inheritance, her home. What more could he want? “What conditions?”
“In return for Wallace’s safety, you will stay here in your rooms under guard until I fetch you on your wedding day. If you try to escape, I’ll kill the man myself.”
Chapter 10
Boss, we can’t wait much longer. Miss Liv said them raiders are on their way.”
Hudson glanced back at the young Negro man his sister had sent to warn him, then turned his attention back to the dirt road. Win Wakefield’s men were sighted on the other side of the Miller farm a few miles down the road. A raid on his station was imminent.
But Jorgine was late. “She’ll be here. Just a few more minutes.”
Shaking his head, the man rejoined the group.
The moments were dwindling down. Where was she? He walked up the road a ways, expecting to hear the sound of a wagon rounding the corner. It wasn’t like Jorgine to be late, let alone tonight. Sally was moving north tonight. It was all arranged. She wouldn’t miss this opportunity for her friend.
<
br /> Unless they’d already been captured.
The clatter of wagon wheels approached at such a high rate of speed, Hudson had to jump out of the way or risk being trampled. The wagon barely stopped before Sally jumped down then ran toward him. “Mr. Hudson! Jorgine’s uncle! They’re on their way!”
Hudson glanced past her to where Big Jim helped an older lady down from the wagon. “Where’s Jorgine?”
“Back at the house.” Doubling over, Sally sucked in a short breath. “I tried to get to her, but that man put a guard at her door.” She glanced up at him. “Jorgine gave up everything to save you, Mr. Hudson. She didn’t even think twice when she gave that uncle of hers her inheritance and her home.”
Hudson’s heart exploded in his chest. “She gave up Piney Brooke?”
“Fool man. She would have given up a lot more.” Sally stood, her hands on her hips. “She loves you. She always has.”
“I love her too.” It felt good to finally say the words. The only thing better would be to tell Jorgine herself. Hudson started toward the wagon. “I’m going to get her.”
Sally pulled at his arm. “Mr. Richard aims to kill you.”
“I wouldn’t mind taking a shot at him either.” He reached for the reins then threw himself into the seat. “Jim, you remember the hiding places I showed you up at the house?”
The man nodded. “Yes, sir. I do.”
“Get everyone there. No lanterns, no talking. Quiet as a mouse until I give the all-clear.” He wrapped the reins around his hand then let go of the brake. “Take whatever food you can find. It could be a long night.”
The wagon teetered slightly as Sally joined him on the seat. “I’m going with you.”
“Jorgine didn’t do all this for you to get yourself caught.”
“She’s my friend, Mr. Hudson. The only one I’ve got.” She braced herself against the seat. “So you’d best be moving before I get out and find my way back home.”
Before he could snap the reins, the beat of a single set of hooves against the clay road jerked Hudson’s head up. As the rider came closer, her hair whipping around her like ribbons in the wind, his heart caught in his throat. “Jorgine.”
The Underground Railroad Brides Collection: 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War Page 33
