Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou)

by Arlene Lam

  “Language Mr. Bradford.” Johanna laughed. “Jordan I understand you wish to rush your wife away but you’ll have her for a lifetime, you surely can allow us as new friends a few more moments?”

  “Let’s stay awhile longer Jordan please.” Amelia smiled. She was enjoying herself immensely and wasn’t ready to leave just yet.”

  Leaning to her ear Jordan gave in easily and whispered. “If it pleases you Princess you know we can.”

  The endearment however faint managed to reach Johanna’s ears who then turned to Margaret to say. “Love and Jordan are a perfect match.”

  “Yes it fits him rather well, true love that is.”

  “Gossips the lot of you.” Jordan grunted taking a seat next to Amelia but not before kissing Margaret on the cheek and taking up Johanna’s hand to do the same.

  “Amelia what have you done to the man he’s positively refined.” Johanna balked happily. She hadn’t seen Jordan truly happy in years and the sight warmed her heart.

  “She had nothing to do with it, I’ve always been a gentleman.” Jordan’s eyes sparkled as he shot Jo his trademark smile.

  “You cad don’t try to woo me with that smile, I’ve seen it at play before.”

  Margaret took a sip of her tea before joining in. “He saves the really devilish ones for Amelia.” Placing the tea cup back on the table she continued on. “We were just giving Amelia a lesson in etiquette but I’m sure she is exhausted by now. I think that it would be best we continue tomorrow Jo. We’ve been at it for hours.” She herself was growing weary and missed Jasper and his jovial ways.

  “Yes of course but you can’t blame me for wanting to steal you both away, I haven’t seen you in years Margie and Amelia and I we’ve only just begun to get acquainted.”

  Margaret walked over to her friend and gave her hand a pat. “Tomorrow Johanna and make sure your husband is here he’s been missed, and Jasper wishes to speak with him as well.”

  “Yes of course, I’ll inform Will at dinner tonight.” Rising Johanna escorted her friends to the foyer engulfing them in tight hugs. “Until then.”

  Jordan ushered both his ladies out quickly before they could have a change of heart. He didn’t even wait for the valet to open the door but pulled it open helping Margaret then Amelia in before clambering in behind. Giving the roof a quick rap the carriage lurched on moving at first sluggishly then into a trot along the cobbled road.

  “Jasper would have liked you home hours ago Margaret.”

  “I can handle my husband.” Margaret remarked a smirk on her face. “Though I believe you’d have had us home much sooner as well. It’s okay to miss your wife Jordan, perfectly natural.” She was teasing him and it felt good. They hadn’t been able to interact with each other this way in months.

  “Hush brat.” Jordan’s tone was light and his smile gave way to his good nature. “I trust you’ve spent a fortune today preparing for this ball.” He now directed is attention to Amelia

  “A tiny one yes, but all for good I’m told.” Amelia responded. “I think I will eventually get the gist of it all.”

  “With Margaret and Johanna at your side I’m sure you could at that Amelia.”

  “I’ve never been to a masquerade before.” Amelia wished she had her mask with her now to show Jordan. “I’m excited and terrified at the same time.”

  “I’m bored and annoyed at the thought.” Jordan added. “I can’t stand these events.”

  Amelia frowned at him. “You’re the one that insisted that I get out into London and meet important people what do you mean you can’t stand such events.” Her cheeks had become flushed with mild annoyance at his remark.

  “Calm down I’ll still be going. Not as decked out as most but there nonetheless.” Jordan let his hand snake down and clasp hers. “It’s your debut, how can I not.”

  “You shouldn’t worry her Jordan this is all new and would be intimidating to the average English socialite, and under her circumstances it is also rather risky. No one can project what may happen. She needs you by her side.” Jordan gave her an understanding node. “I remember when I first visited London, being an American in a new land I was terrified. Jordan was my escort to my first showing in English society he held my hand the whole time I was so frightened I’m sure he’ll do the same for you if not more.”

  Amelia knew he would. “What was it like?” Amelia asked referring to Margaret’s first official outing.

  “Well after the nerves wore off and I realized that not all eyes were on me, I had a wonderful time. Everyone was courteous and in no time I fully relaxed and had a marvelous time I danced the whole night through. What’s nice for you however is that you have an advantage. This is no regular social gathering this is a masquerade and mysterious masks make for more fun.” Giving her a wink Margaret could tell Amelia was anxious to get underway with everything. “Wait until you see her Jordon you’ve quite an eyeful coming your way.”

  Jordan chuckled at that, he couldn’t wait to see what Amelia would be wearing as it was still a mystery. Looking to her he felt his heart do that now familiar skip before settling back to normal. It was amazing how after so long she still had that effect on him.

  He wondered now if he was asking too much of her, or of the world in fact, and for the first time in a long time he felt unsure of his choice to try his hand at making her a part of the rich English elite. Chances were it wouldn’t happen, more than likely she’d be snubbed. She was not English and more important she wasn’t white a fact that was very clear in a sea of faces with very little brown. Sure they might tip their hats in passing, even humor her with a friendly chat but invite her into their homes maybe not.

  He just wanted her to have a normal life. Or what he deemed as normal with all the advantages he could afford her and their child. The chances of that happening in America were slim to none but it wasn’t as if he’d improved his chances tenfold here. Still there was no going back. As he was settling his affairs earlier he’d been stared at by those in the know on the streets, and at a pub where he’d stopped in for a drink he could hear whispers of “There he is the one who is married to the moor.” Or “He is actually married to a negro.” They’d said it in hushed voices yet he still managed to hear and this caused him to down his drink quicker than he’d wanted, throw some coins on the table and leave.

  After that he’d gone to visit a few old friends. At first they looked at him incredulous as if afraid to ask if it was really true. Deciding to put them out of their misery and himself Jordan quickly informed them of the truth dispelling any elaborations or rumors that might have been added to the story. After a few slack-jawed stares, some of them seemed to accept it. Of this he was glad, it was more than he’d realized he’d expected. They even slapped him on the back with genuine congratulations once shock wore off, most of their shock stemming from the fact that he’d actually married again. Still these were his friends and colleagues if anyone accepted his marriage they would, they shared ties and friendships years long. He could not expect the rest of London to do the same.

  Sighing deeply Jordan squeezed his wife’s hand before placing the backside of it to his lips and placing a kiss there. She of course rewarded him with her brilliant smile as she often did and leaned into him. The action warmed him deep within. When she smiled at him he knew then that what he was trying to do was for the best, he just hoped to God for his family’s sake it worked.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Jasper placed the tragic face mask on his own with precision then moved to secure the red cloak at the back of his neck. “I look like a damn fool.” He informed Jordan who donned at the moment a simpler attire of dark brown trousers, calf high black boots, and a crisp white tunic.

  “My wife loves me, yours apparently not so much.” Chuckling Jordan secured the plain black leather eye mask about his face tying it securely around the back of his head. “But don’t feel too bad, I feel like an ass myself.”

  “You both look handsome and you k
now it though my Jasper puts every man to shame in comparison.” Margaret shuffled about the two men easily in her vibrant red chiffon dress looking more beautiful than ever. The deep maroon of the delicate dress complimented her sun kissed porcelain skin to perfection.

  Her glossy chestnut hair hung in loose curls down her back ending at her slight waist. The tight corset she donned beneath of the same color pushed up her breast invitingly and she could feel Jasper’s eyes devouring her and she made a mental note to thank Monique because tonight was bound to be filled with pleasure. Holding her white feathered mask to her face she twirled around for Jasper. “What do you think?”

  “I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world and we’d have a far better time tonight if we decided to stay in.”

  “Hush dear we’ve plenty of time for that later.” Kissing him on the lips she lingered a bit not wanting to end it. But she needed to help finish Amelia’s hair, she’d left her upstairs in her and Jasper’s room to retrieve some twining wrapped in gold ribbon and upon seeing Jasper nearly forgot about her. “We will be down shortly, behave yourselves until then.” Kissing Jasper’s cheek Margaret scurried upstairs breathing away a few butterflies in her stomach. She was nervous for Amelia of course this night would mean so much for her. However she was nervous for herself as well. It had been a long time since she had really dressed up and had a good time. Even longer since she’d done it in London, the thought of seeing all of her old friends sent a happy thrill through her.

  Pushing the door open in a rush Margaret found Amelia as she had left her perched at the end of her chair in front of the vanity. “Here it is.” Producing the gold twine Margaret immediately began weaving it through loose and tight curls they’d pinned strategically to her scalp holding each purposely-stray tendril in its place.

  “Look at me with my big belly and fancy dress, this doesn’t seem fit.”

  “Who cares? You’re beautiful.” Amelia had been trying to get out of going to the Masquerade ball all day after she had informed her that it was unusual and rarely ever done for a woman who was so far along to attend such an affair. She wished she hadn’t mentioned anything at all. “You and Jordan are breaking all the rules anyway why not one more?”

  “People are going to think I’m tacky showing up big as a house when I should be at home in bed.”

  “It’s too late, you’re expected.” Margaret said tying the gold ribbon together at the nape of Amelia’s neck. Tilting her head to one side Margaret observed their work with approval. Amelia’s wildly curly hair had been the perfect touch and the simple gold twining an added accent. It was simple but it suited her. “What do you think?” Her answer was a weak smile. “Come on Amelia can’t I get a real smile out of you, you’re not the only woman to ever be with child.”

  “But the only one to try and show her face at a ball in bad taste.”

  “It’s not in bad taste if the party is in honor of you.” Wrapping her hand about Amelia’s, Margaret gave her a little tug.

  Hesitantly Amelia rose from the chair running her hand down her swollen belly she felt foolish in the dress she thought was so lovely. “Is Jordan downstairs?”

  “Yes of course he is.” Margaret gave her a little nod of encouragement and was pleased when Amelia headed out the door ahead of her.

  Amelia took the steep stairs one step at a time as to not lose her footing for the train that lay about her feet. She could hear Jordan’s voice coming from the foyer and soon found herself walking a little faster to meet him. When she could see his back she called out. “I’m ready.”

  Turning on heel at the voice of his wife Jordan could not help but smile. “Princess you are breathtaking. “

  “I’m big.”

  Jordan ignored her and crossed the space between them and held her hand in his own. “You’re embarrassed of me aren’t you?” Amelia whined turning her head into his chest.

  Jordan engulfed her in a hug, as of late her emotions ran away from her from time to time and with the added stress it was no surprise she was having such a moment now. “Don’t be silly. I adore you and your big belly.” He whispered in her ear not wanting Jasper to hear. Stroking her arm he continued. “You’re my perfect Princess Amelia, I could never be ashamed of you.” He could feel her smile. “Ready for the world?”

  “Yes and please Jordan stop calling me Princess.” Amelia held back a sniffle but almost laughed right after at the sight of Jasper. “I do not like the red cape Jasper.”

  “Thank God I thought it was just me, I’m taking it off Margaret.”

  It wasn’t that bad Margaret thought but seeing Jasper’s discomfort she gave a reluctant nod. They had no festive spirit at all. “We’ll be late if we don’t leave now.” Bustling past them Margaret halted as Helmsly the new butler opened the door and thanking him she moved along. “Come on then.” She called back hearing no footsteps behind her.

  Jordan again took Amelia’s hand and led her outside to the waiting carriage. He could feel her holding her body next to his side as she walked alongside him and for a the first time in a long time thought that perhaps there was such a thing as a happily married couple.

  There was a cool breeze blowing, prompting Amelia to pull the warm cloak around her shoulders tighter. They’d arrived in record time it would seem to Johanna’s house and already Jordan was giving their names to the Lusby’s butler for announcement. She’d received a few curious stares from the moment they’d vacated their carriage. “Don’t worry my Princess you’ll be the belle of this ball.” Jordan squeezed her hand in assurance.

  Amelia could hear Mulligan rattling off names in a boisterous voice and mentally calculated when she’d hear her own. Three more names then it was her turn. “I wanted to tell you something now in case I forget later.”

  Peering down at her Jordan gave her his full attention. “What is it?”

  “Just that no matter what happens here tonight, I love you always and any moment spent with you is the best time ever.”

  Jordan just grinned as his heart swelled. Offering her his arm he took a step forward after her own entwined with his, ready to be introduced. He winked at Mulligan slyly remembering their interactions a few days prior. He was pleased to see the same smug look on the butler’s face with that all too familiar hidden smirk.

  “Our honored guests Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Bradford.”

  Amelia could feel a tiny tug and finally her feet moved at Jordan’s prodding. “I feel I might trip.” She whispered as they took each step that led into the ballroom slowly.

  “I’ll be here to catch you Princess, just smile and relax and let me take care of the rest.” Jordan had all but finished his sentence when a whirlwind of taffeta, silks, chiffon, and satins of all colors engulfed them.

  “It’s been so long Jordan, we thought we would never see your face again, and you’ve hidden your new wife from sight since arriving.” This came from Lady Arlington.

  “Mrs. Bradford what a lovely lass you’ve turned out to be, please come sit. We cannot have you on your feet all night.” This voice was not English but Scottish and belonged to the Baroness Kilborne.

  The dark haired freckle-faced woman had snatched her away from the rest of the group and Jordan before anyone had time to utter a word. “I had to take you away, I did indeed. Else those English twits would talk your ear off. And bout’ nothing of much worth. By the way I’m Katherine Kilborne. My English breed husband afforded me a haughty title but I like to be called Katherine all the same. None of this Lady or Baroness nonsense.”

  “Katherine it is.” Amelia peered over the shorter woman’s head to find her husband being shuffled away on the arm of a beautiful blonde and looking none too glum about it. For the first time she felt a pang of jealousy. Who was this woman who leaned into Jordan’s side and linked her arm with his?

  “That’s Charlotte Tarleton, oh she makes me irate she would steal a man right off the alter, but I don’t think you’ve anything to worry about. Seems Mr. Bradfo
rd is all yours. I’ve caught him several times already stealing glances at you, that is a man in love I’d say sure enough.”

  Amelia nodded her head politely, that being the only thing she could think of to do. Katherine was talking so fast and barely gave herself a chance for a breath. Still her warmth was genuine and Amelia knew that if given time with one another they could be good friends.

  Tilting her head curiously Amelia took her chance to speak as Katherine took a sip from her wine glass. “Which lucky beau belongs to you Katherine?” She asked leaving all formalities behind.

  “Awe let me see.” Katherine let her eyes wander the lavish ballroom searching here and there and finally falling on a rather tall fellow with golden hair. “Look, just there.” Katherine pointed her new found friend toward the left. “The one in the plain suit that’s my Eric. A kill joy at a party but I love em’ all the same.”

  “He’s very handsome.” It was true Amelia realized as she observed the man all the more who gave a sly smile from across the room to his wife. Eric was tall and lean with an attractive face, which drew a few ladies to his side. Yet he was no comparison to Jordan at least in her eyes, with his dark locks strong body and sinful good looks.

  She could see that he himself had drawn a few fillies to his side, more than a few. All flittering fans and tilting away their masks laughing in unison at some joke Jordan must have just told. Amelia again felt a pang of jealousy but it lasted only a second. After all she was his wife; he could laugh with those women even flirt and dance. But he belonged to her.

  Even from across the room Jordan could feel his wife’s eyes on him and gave a cringe as Lady Norrington linked her arm with his and took him to the dance floor. Falling easily in step Jordan began to whisk the green eyed beauty across the polished marble in a graceful waltz.

  “I recall you held me much closer last time we waltzed.”

  “Last time I was not married with my beautiful wife only steps away.”

  Lauren inched closer closing the gap, a slightly scandalous move but she did not care. “Please tell me that you being married to that colored thing is a cruel joke.”