Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou)

by Arlene Lam

  “Did you care?”

  Sobering some Jordan gave Margaret a heated look. “I love Georgia.”

  “Then act like it, be her big brother. Shave, put on some clean clothes, and for God’s sake quit drinking.”

  “Will that be all?” Jordan spat feeling like a scolded child.

  “No that is not all.” Walking over to him Margaret cupped her cousin’s face. “Jordan what are you doing—just look at you, really, what are you trying to prove?” Jordan would have moved his head from her but she held him fast. “Stop, look at me.” Margaret smiled warmly at him. “I never would have thought it possible for you to love anyone again after Regina.”

  “Margaret …”

  “No listen, Jordan I admit it would have been so much easier if you’d only let someone else capture your heart but you haven’t.”

  This time Jordan did break away to sit back down on the overstuffed bed. “I do not want to hear it.”

  “Amelia is not Regina.” Margaret stated leaving no room for argument. “Don’t give up on someone who loves you so much. She thought that she would be protecting you by not telling you about the baby. It’s still news to her for goodness sake”

  “She had no right to keep it from me.”

  “But she did Jordan and now it’s out and over with, Amelia made a mistake you can’t blame her forever.”

  “I want to.” Jordan pouted loudly.

  “Jordan stop acting like a child.” Moving to him again Margaret let him lay his head in her lap and patted his head comfortingly. “Now let’s be honest here for a moment.”

  “Margaret.” Jordan said to let her know he only wished for her to massage his scalp.

  “You love her.” That was the first question that needed to be verified.

  “I don’t want to talk about her.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  “Take it as you will, but the words were never spoken.”

  “Don’t be stupid your whole life Jordan.” Warning him Margaret rose and began to stalk across the room. “What am I going to do with you? Jasper told me all about your antics, if I were Amelia I’d rather die twice than forgive you.”

  Jordan rolled over onto his back and laid his arm across his eyes. “I don’t want her to forgive me. After she has the baby the devil can take her.”“Rubbish all of it; things are going to have to change around here. We’ll need to get a cradle and have a room prepared...”

  “I’m leaving Sunday.” Jordan cut her off.

  Eyeing him skeptically Margaret placed her hands on her hips before speaking. “Where are you going Jordan?”

  “I’m going back to London then maybe France.”

  “So you’re taking a sabbatical from life? What about your child?”

  “It will be with me of course.”

  “Oh that’s rich. How do you plan to pull that off?”

  “What do you mean?” Jordan wanted to know.

  “So you think that everything will be forgiven like that. That Amelia is just going to go along with you and have the baby just like that.”

  “It’s my child.”

  “The baby belongs to her as well. Its growing inside her, you don’t think the situation is going to require a little finesse.” Margaret threw her hands up in frustration.

  “Tonight I’m going to get her.”

  “I see.” Quirking an eyebrow up at him Margaret drummed her fingers along her hip. “And does she know Jordan.”

  “She will.”

  “You’ve taken to abduction?” Rolling her eyes Margaret poured herself a glass of the water teetering off his desk and swallowed it down fast. “You can’t do that Jordan.”

  Jordan paid her no heed and continued to lazily lounge about. “I can. Actually I think it should be relatively easy. She can’t be extraordinarily strong, I have no doubt I can take her. Once I get her in the carriage all I need do is drive off she won’t jump out, then I’ll get her to the ship I’ll carry her on tie her up if I have to and set sail.”

  “Easy indeed!”

  “Exactly, I knew once I explained it to you, you’d see just how well thought out my plan was.” Thrumming his fingers on his chest Jordan smiled to himself, if that woman thought she was going to keep his baby from him she had another thought coming. “Have Georgia ready.”

  “Jordan you’ve lost your mind,” Margaret balked before staring him down sternly. “You cannot take that child.” He wouldn’t go to abduct Amelia either if she had anything to do with it.

  “I am her guardian, I will be taking her with me make no mistake about that.” Margaret was beginning to get on his nerves.

  “You’ve not cared enough to see to her wellbeing until now, why the sudden change of heart.”

  “I know you love Georgia so I will forgive you for that. Have her ready by this evening Margaret.” Enough was enough, getting out of bed Jordan took Margaret by the arm and forced her to the door. “Always a pleasure cousin,” Kissing her forehead sweetly Jordan just as rudely shut the door leaving Margaret speechless.

  Flopping down into the permanent groove in his bed Jordan reached for the bottle of wine he had stored near his pillow and put it to his lips, and disappointment soon followed finding it empty. “Come out my dear.”

  From the side closet a form did appear, Melanie continued to brush glossy red locks as she walked out to Jordan as if she had heard none of what had just transpired as she hid.

  She hadn’t known until then what had plummeted her lover into the depths of despair, but had been willing to give all she could, even if it was just her body to try and heal him. It was now apparent that it would take more than she could offer.

  Jordan in love was hard enough to bear. Jordan expecting a baby was true heartache. He always took precautions with his women, with her. How could he let this happen and with Amelia?

  Settling down beside him her heart lurched when he placed his head to her chest. She had always hoped that she would be the one to steal his affections. It was a silly dream but one she held close nonetheless. He had been the only one of her men she’d ever allowed herself to love and now her heart was crushed because of it. But after all it had only been a dream, and she’d always been content with being his friend, and had always wanted to see him happy.

  “You never told me about Amelia, was that why you asked about her that night?” She purred sweetly into his ear and patted his head.

  “Who?” Jordan kissed her arm.

  “Don’t play dumb Jordan I know you are very witty.”

  “She’s a harpy and now she’s run off, besides I only want you.” Kissing her lips Jordan ran his hand along Melanie’s thigh.

  “I’ve been here four days and you haven’t managed to want me. Jordan you’ve always been honest with me why stop now. Tell me about Amelia and the baby.”

  “Curse you and all women.” Playfully Jordan tugged at her hair. “Why would you want to hear about that harlot?”

  He had said it so maliciously Melanie did a double take. “Amelia had many conquests before you? I would have never guessed.” Melanie wanted to see if he would prove himself a liar.

  Burying his face in the nook of her neck Jordan nipped the soft flesh there. “I never said that.”

  “But you did say that she was a harlot or am I mistaken?” Pulling away she captured his eyes with her own and awaited his answer.

  “No, you’re not mistaken but she’s not been with many men.” Begrudged he rolled over to his side. “I was her first.”

  “Slander has never been a part of your personality don’t add it now. If you are mad at the woman be mad but don’t label her a whore, it’s a nasty mark to bare. Besides what has she done to earn your wrath?”

  Jordan sighed heavily. Women would be his downfall. Asking so many questions, causing all his problems, he’d be happy if he didn’t have a damn irrefutable weakness for women. “She betrayed me.”

  “You are not innocent.” Rolling her eyes Melanie tossed her hair of
f her shoulders before shaking her head. “I know she can’t be completely to blame. But tell me your sordid side.”

  “There is not much to tell. She tried to leave and never tell me about my baby.” The statement was so matter of fact and left no room for argument Jordan thought.

  “Did you ever stop to think she was doing it because she thought it was right? Are you willing to deal with the complications of claiming a colored child? Be reasonable, that child will be considered a mutt, a half-breed bastard.”

  “I advise you to shut your trap and never again speak ill of my child.”

  “They are not my opinions, I’m only telling you what I know and if you’re upset with me you better prepare yourself, because if you manage to do what you’re setting out to do every day thereafter you will be livid.” Fluidly Melanie maneuvered herself before him, noting the frown still marking his forehead, no doubt still irritated at her statement. “We are friends, first and foremost and I don’t want to offend you, you know that. So let’s leave that one little moment in the past. Your cousin however was right, Jordan you’re not taking care of yourself you drink too much and you haven’t been outside in days.” Smiling she kissed his cheek. “Talk to me, we’ve always been able to at least talk, I’m willing to listen.”

  “I wouldn’t know where to start.” Grumbling Jordan took the opportunity to reach on the floor for his linen shirt, pulling it on he rose from the bed to settle down in the cherrywood chair.

  “Start from the beginning. Tell me what made you fall in love with her.” Staring away from him she waited for him to grumble all the more but nothing came. Looking to him she only found him staring back as if lost. “It’s rare to find someone you truly love, even more scarce is when you feel that for someone and they feel the same. Don’t stay mad at her too long, especially since you love her so.”

  “I don’t.” Running a hand through unkempt hair Jordan took a ragged breath as his heart lurched at his words unrepentantly.

  “Deny your heart all you want but it speaks volumes and eventually will win.” Fastening her hair into a loose braid Melanie shrugged out of her robe and went to the task of slipping into her dress.

  “Are you tired of talking foolishness yet or should I prepare myself for more of your mindless drabble concerning that harpy?”

  “It’s been my experience that men who have slept with harpies and harlots would be done with them the moment they left their beds, not drink themselves into stupors because they missed them. “

  “I do not miss her.”

  “Then why are you constantly drunk of late.” It was a fair question.

  “It keeps me in good spirits, and I like to.”

  “No you don’t, not like this.”

  “Perhaps it is time you take your leave as well.. I don’t need you here to tell me what I like and feel.”

  “Yes you do I am wondering however after you abduct the little Miss what do you plan to do with her? Being pregnant on a cramped ship for a months won’t go over well I assure you.”

  “She will be comfortable in my quarters. I gave every thought to her condition.”

  “You’ll never be able to show your face again. How do you intend to hide this.”

  “I do not intend to hide my family.”

  “Family is that what you’ll be?” Checking herself over, Melanie grabbed for her parasol.

  “What else would we be, me and the little wife, my child, and Georgia.” “Wife, you can’t be serious.” The news was more than alarming. “You’re going to try to marry the woman.”

  “I’m going to marry her—no child of mine will be called a bastard.” “It’s illegal, you’ll never find anyone to perform it.”

  “What do I need state law for when I have the church? I’d rather have God on my side than government any day.” Confidently Jordan stood his ground.

  “What if she refuses?”

  “Woman haven’t you figured it out by now? I always get what I want.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Amelia sat down in the rocking chair on the porch silently beside Nina as the sun started to creep below the horizon. Nina smiled sweetly and patted her own huge belly before rubbing Amelia’s tiny burgeoning bulge.

  Almost three months had passed since the night she’d last seen Jordan. The days felt so dark and lonely and though she had many things to celebrate in her life like the tiny cabin Jasper and Margaret had made her own six weeks ago and so many good friends she now passed the hours with, she often found herself lost in thought or her heart aching for wanting Jordan.

  The first week had been hell as scores of the clothing and jewels he’d purchased one day ended up in the dirt in front of Nina and Cole’s house. Days later followed a basinet, and each following day after they would happen upon another item for the baby. “I should go before it gets too dark.”

  “It will be dark midway down to your house, why don’t you stay a while longer. Cole hates the fact that you take that ol’ trail by yourself and so do I.”

  “I want to lie down in my own bed Nina.” She did that lately, nothing felt as comfy as climbing under her thick blanket and resting. She would let her mind wander, or fantasize about Jordan. Wishing she could revisit lost moments. She missed him so very much.

  Gathering up her scarf Amelia wrapped the thick wool material about her neck so it could ward off the chilly night air. “See you tomorrow?” She asked, they had planned on having lunch at her house.

  “Alright bye sugah.” Nina waved her friend off.

  Walking was suddenly starting to become harder than it used to be, her feet were now beginning to hurt. Amelia made her way past the tattered wood fence of her friend’s yard to the harshly carved dirt road.

  The setting sun cast shades of dark purples and deep orange hues that stained the sky and it was a breathtaking sight, crossing her arms over her chest Amelia warmed herself and hummed a childhood lullaby mindlessly.

  Feeling a little lighthearted she let her eyes drift closed for a moment as she walked and a smile crept over her lips.

  What would her baby look like? She couldn’t wait to hear him or say her name for the first time. Would he or she favor her or Jordan? She would love for their baby to have his odd violet blue eyes. Yet having eyes that color would confirm everyone’s belief about her, would let everyone know her child’s father was indeed a white man.

  She didn’t care, in truth she knew they already knew. They could whisper and laugh and call her a fool behind her back. They could tell her how hard things were going to be for her since she was not to marry Morgan. They could tell her how stupid she was to keep a baby who was half white but never white enough to be accepted by those who were white. Who was black but not black enough to escape stereotypes of the only community it had a chance to grow in. They could tell her, and would tell her, but it wouldn’t change a thing.

  Tightening her arms about herself once more, she turned her attention toward the crooked curve of the road that led to her home. Intrigued by the strange firelight glowing from within.

  Perhaps Margaret had come to visit and let herself in to wait on her. She visited often, always with some newly knitted quilt or clothing. Her baby was loved, no one could ever deny that.

  Quickening her step, she hurried up the cobblestone path not wanting her to have to wait on her any longer. Tugging the door open she entered the cottage, grateful for its warmth that was now chasing the chill from her skin. “I didn’t think you were visiting today. I was over at Nina’s.” She called out blindly, hanging up her scarf on the coat rack Cole had fastened for her a week ago, saying “A fancy house like dis’ needs fancy things.” Fancy indeed the smooth oak was a welcome gift. “Margaret?” She called out when the woman did not answer. Peering into the sitting room she let her eyes glide over the space to fall on the broad back of a man.

  It took her a moment to catch her breath and the lurching in her chest finally began to slow with each deep gasp..

  “I’m not
here to harm you.”

  Those words did little to calm Amelia’s jumpy nerves. For here was a man she did not recognize standing in her living room. “Sir?” She questioned.

  “The good Pastor Greggs is here to marry us.”

  The voice came from within her kitchen and it needed no introductions. Amelia felt she would faint. “Marry us?”

  “Yes.” Stepping out from the dark shadows of the kitchen the newly shaven and sober Jordan painted a handsome picture. “Come stand here sweet, so we can get this done quickly. The Pastor is in a hurry, has to get back to Boston.”

  Amelia was still trying to recover when he walked over to her and grabbed her by the arm, positioning her in front of the Pastor. Tilting her head up at him she took in the sight of him standing tall and straight faced at the other man. What was going on here?

  Shaking her hand loose from his she noticed the annoyed look he gave her but gave no never mind. “I’m sorry Pastor… Greggs is it? There will be no wedding today. Please let me show you to the door.” As the man nodded his head somewhat confused but compliantly, Amelia was already at the door opening it wide for him.

  Jordan shook his head, then with long strides cut the older man off and then making his way over to Amelia slammed shut the door. “You Pastor were paid a handsome sum for this jamboree so you best believe there is going to be a ceremony.”

  “But Mr. Bradford, the lady doesn’t wish to wed.” Fumbling for his pocket watch the man looked at the time. “And as you know I am short on time. I should have been on my way some time ago.”

  Jordan silenced him with a look before turning to his surprised would be bride. “Here take this.” Taking from his coat pocket a shiny gold ring Jordan shoved it into her hand.

  Amelia nearly dropped it before again staring up at him, no longer dumbfounded but angry. “Get out of my house! How dare you?”

  “How dare you!” Jordan threw back. “Liar that you are you should be glad I am willing to marry you.”

  The ring in her palm suddenly felt very heavy but she still hurled it in this face and it hit him square in the forehead. “You are not a great gift.” She spat. “I haven’t seen you in months; you refused to hear me out. You called me a whore. You who I thought put the stars in the sky can kiss my behind.” She said with finality.