Dakota was thoughtful while he pondered Levi's words. Suddenly he smiled. "I am ashamed that you had to be the one to point this out to me." Suddenly he looked troubled. "Do you think Breanna would go with me?"
"I know how you can find out. Why don't you ask her and see?"
***
That evening after dinner, Levi and John excused themselves as usual, leaving Breanna and Dakota alone. Dakota was seated beside Breanna on the cream-colored settee. He tried several times to tell her what was on his mind, but he was finding it difficult to express himself. Finally in exasperation, he blurted out:
"I have a proposition to offer you, Breanna. One day while Levi and I were riding over the Weatherford estates we chanced upon a cottage in the woods. I was told by my grandfather's gamekeeper that it is a hunting lodge. How would you like to spend a few days there . . . with me so we can become better acquainted?"
She did not see the eagerness in his green eyes, but he saw the fear and uncertainty in hers. "Do you mean just the two of us alone?"
"Not exactly. We would have someone to clean and serve the food. Of course they wouldn't stay at the lodge at night"
Breanna felt her body tingle with excitement. "I am your wife, my lord. I will go wherever you say."
He turned back to the window, watching pearls of moisture roll down the glass surface. "I only want you to accompany me if this is what you want," he said.
Breanna moved to Dakota's side and glanced out the window. "I want to go . . . but it's just that . . . I . . ."
"We will maintain separate bedchambers, if that is what troubles you. I will not insist that you come to me until it is right for you."
She suddenly became aware of a great sadness and bewilderment in her husband. But certainly she was mistaken. He appeared so sure of himself, so masterful and in command of every situation. Why did she sense this turmoil going on inside him? "I will go with you, my lord."
A slight smile tugged at his lips, and he turned to face her. "I have many things to discover here in England, Breanna, and you are first and foremost."
Thrill after thrill moved through her body as she considered what that might entail. "When will we leave, my lord?"
"Do you think you could manage to call me Dakota, and drop the 'my lord'? And we shall leave tomorrow if this is agreeable with you. In anticipating that your answer might be yes, I have had the hunting lodge made ready."
"I will go up and instruct Etta to pack what I will need, my . . . Dakota."
Turning back to the window, he listened to the soft rustle of her gown and the sound of her footsteps fade away. With her, he felt somewhat like a man who was reaching for a brilliant star. Would he ever hold her warmth in his hand, or would he find her cold and unobtainable? Perhaps her brilliance would be the light he needed to guide him through the baffling times ahead.
Could he possess her, make her his own? If she had been an Indian maiden, he would have taken her to his bed the first night, but she was different from the women he had known. Dakota could not imagine Breanna being acquiescent. He wanted her more than anything he had ever wanted in his life, but she had to come to him freely. He did not know if it was love he felt for her, or if he merely wanted to possess her and burn his brand on her so all would know she was Dakota's woman.
***
While Breanna supervised Etta's packing, her heart fairly sang. She looked forward to becoming better acquainted with her husband. She found him fascinating and intriguing. He was kind and understanding to allow her this time to get to know him. She did not believe there were many men who would demonstrate so much forbearance. In Breanna's eagerness to be with Dakota, she looked forward with great anticipation to the next day.
***
A dispute had arisen between two of the tenants, and Dakota had sent word to Breanna that he would meet her at the lodge as soon as he had made peace between the two men.
The day was bright and sunny as the groomsman, Frazier, accompanied Breanna to the hunting lodge. She felt the sun on her face as Joya galloped down the well-worn path, and she had a feeling of well-being. It was good to be alive.
Later, after Breanna had unpacked, she walked through the hunting lodge, examining every nook and cranny. There were five bedrooms, a common room, and a kitchen. She almost felt like an intruder because this was definitely a man's domain with its unpolished wooden floors, stiff rugs, and leather furnishings. Guns hung on the wall, and the large windows allowed sunlight to illuminate each room. The lodge had been built on an isolated spot, inaccessible except by boat or horseback. Dense woods were located fifty paces from the back door, while the front of the lodge faced a steep incline that descended to the ocean.
Suddenly she felt a desire to be out in the sunlight. Feeling young and carefree, she grabbed her shawl and moved out the front door and down the rocky path toward the sound of the roaring surf.
Breanna walked along the jagged shoreline, glancing out to sea. She tried to picture the land that had fostered her husband. Was America as wild and unpredictable as Dakota? Would he ever feel that England was his home?
Dakota had come up behind Breanna so silently that she was startled when he touched her shoulder. I would have announced myself, but your thoughts seemed far away, Breanna."
She smiled up at him. "Actually, I was wondering about America. What is it like?"
"I cannot say. I only know about the land which belongs to the Arapaho."
The Arapaho, that is the name of the Indian tribe that raised you?"
He watched as sunbeams played across her hair, making it flame, almost as if it were on fire. "Yes, that is the name of the tribe, but I was raised by the war chief, Two Moons. I was proud to call him father. I would challenge any man to produce a more patient and loving parent."
Her eyes glowed softly. "Tell me about your Indian mother, what was she like?"
"Her name was White Wing. I suppose she was little different from most mothers. She worried about my health, saw that I ate properly, and she kept a pleasant home to which the men in her family were always eager to return."
"I don't remember much about my parents, Dakota. Do you ever wish you had known your real mother and father?"
"You will have to understand that I have some very confused feelings about that just now. I have known from an early age that I was white, but inside I felt like an Indian —I still do." Suddenly he remembered Breanna referring to him as a savage, and he gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look into his green eyes. "You must understand that I do not apologize for who I am. I am just as proud of Two Moons and White Wing as you are of your parents."
Unexpectedly, her eyes softened. "I am glad you feel that way," she said, deeply moved by his devotion to his Indian mother and father. "I would be disappointed in you if you had nothing good to say about two people who loved you and gave you a home."
He released his hold on her, but still held her gaze. "Were you happy growing up in your brother's home?" he wanted to know.
"Most of the time. It was a strange life in a way because we were considered nobility, yet we were very poor. Sophie always told me that one is never poor unless one feels poor, and I found this to be true."
"I think I would like this Sophie. Who is she?"
"She is my brother's wife. I would like to be the kind of wife that Sophie is to Fielding."
She tried to hide her blush, but Dakota saw it and smiled. "Would you, Breanna?"
"Yes. She is patient and understanding. Only once have I heard her voice raised in anger, and that was done in staunch defense of my brother when I pointed out his shortcomings" Her eyes were troubled as she continued. "I fear I am neither patient nor understanding. I have been told I am obstinate, and as you surmised that first day we met, I sometimes have an explosive temper." She shook her head while pain throbbed in her every word. "I have always attempted to be better, but I fear I will never be like Sophie."
His eyes danced across her face, and she reminded him of an endear
ing child. "It is not Sophie I am married to. I like a woman who stands up for her beliefs. If you are angry with me about something, tell me. I would not want a timid wife who only agreed with me out of loyalty or devotion."
"Truly?" she asked innocently.
"Truly," he answered in a deep voice.
"I am amazed at how quickly you seem to adjust to your new life, Dakota."
"Breanna, this is a confusing time for me. I am no longer a member of the Arapaho tribe, I am not an American, and I do not feel like an Englishman. I cannot decide just what and who I am."
Once more her heart went out to him because she was aware of his vulnerability. "You are English by birth, and will one day be the Marquess of Weatherford. That is your birthright, my lord. No amount of uncertainty and introspection will change that. It is the law, and no one can deny you that heritage."
"What you say is true. But I want to be honest with you from the first. If I decide that I do not fit into the mold of an English gentleman, I may return to what I consider my real home."
She searched his eyes. "Would you ask me to go with you?"
He hesitantly reached out and touched her face. "No, Breanna, you are an English rose that would never bloom anywhere but in England." He was silent for a moment, as if trying to decide how to tell her what was on his mind. "What I want to say is, if you do not wish to be married to me, I will free you. We were never married in a proper ceremony, and I am told that we could petition for a document of annulment because our marriage has not been consummated."
Something akin to pain stabbed at her heart. "Do you wish to have our marriage dissolved?"
"It is not my wish that must be considered, Breanna. I want no wife that comes to me out of duty or fear."
"What are you saying?"
"I am saying that you can walk away right now and I will give you your freedom. I will also endow you with a generous settlement, so you can have your own household and would not be forced to return to your brother's house where you were unhappy."
Dakota hoped his eyes did not betray how desperately he wanted her to choose to remain with him and become his wife in every way. He had given the matter much thought before making Breanna this offer of freedom. In all fairness, Dakota felt he could not consummate their marriage unless he gave her the opportunity to leave if she so desired.
Breanna had an urge to throw herself into his arms and beg him to hold on to her. She wondered how she had ever felt alive before he came into her life. "I still don't know what you expect of me, Dakota."
"You can do one of two things. If you want to leave, I will see that you are transported to the destination of your choice. But if you want to see if we can have a life together, remain here with me until we come to know one another."
"And if you decide to return to America?"
His heart sank. "Then we would both be free to do as we chose."
"What if I agree to stay with you?"
He took her hand. "Then I will strive to woo you with patience and understanding. You have my word that I will not force my attentions on you. If, and when, you decide to consummate our marriage, it will be when you come to me."
A blush tinged her cheeks and her heart throbbed. "For now, I choose to remain with you," she said through trembling lips.
His laughter was infectious as he hugged her to him, and Breanna felt happiness surge through her body. "Today we begin to know one another. You can ask any question of me, and I will endeavor to answer it as honestly as I can, Breanna. But the same must be true of you. Will you answer all my questions honestly also so we might get to know one another?"
"I will," she said with determination.
"Good." Taking her hand, he led her toward the water's edge. "Can you imagine how wide this ocean is, Breanna?" He glanced down at her, awaiting her answer.
"I know it would take many days to cross to America."
"That is true, and that is how wide the gap is between you and me. We were both forced to wed against our will. Do you think we can close that gap?"
"I don't know, Dakota, but we can try." She glanced up into his handsome face, wishing she could bridge that gap. A moment ago when he had held her in his arms, she had felt safe and secure, as if nothing could harm her. She felt that if he let her go, she would flounder like the restless waves that now washed upon the shore.
"Let me take you back to the lodge, Breanna. I have to call on another tenant who claims his house will fall down around his head if he doesn't get a new roof. It seems that since I arrived, the tenants expect me to take control just because I am a Remington."
"You will not be here to dine with me?" she asked, disappointed.
"No, not tonight. But we shall spend tomorrow together."
As they moved up the path, he assisted her. Later, as she watched him ride away, she realized she had never wanted anything as much as she wanted to be a wife to this complex man who was her husband.
15
The clouds moved away from the moon and a beam of light fell across Breanna's face, waking her from a troubled sleep. Hearing the waves crashing upon the cliffs, she climbed out of bed and moved out of her bedroom.
The night was warm, and she could feel the ocean calling to her. Glancing down at her filmy white nightgown, she decided no one would be about, so she opened the front door and made her way down the path to the ocean.
She was delighted that the hunting lodge was located in a secluded bay and surrounded by rock-face cliffs that offered complete privacy.
She hadn't heard Dakota returning to the lodge, so she concluded that she was alone. Wading out into the foamy water, she felt it swirl about her bare feet. This was something she had wanted to do since she had first arrived at Weatherford Hall.
Kenton Estate, where Breanna had grown up, was located far from the coast; therefore she had never seen the ocean before coming to Cornwall.
She found the restless waves invigorating, and joyfully she moved backward as if being chased ashore by the waves. She became so caught up in her childish play that she did not see Dakota on the cliff above her. Her foot became entangled in her gown and she tumbled into the water. Laughing at her own misfortune, Breanna scrambled to her feet.
Dakota stared at his wife as she weaved in and out with the waves. Her filmy nightgown clung to her soft curves, and the bright moonlight made it seem as if she wore nothing at all. He moved silently down the slope to stand just behind her.
Breanna whirled around, attempting to miss an advancing wave. She was startled when she slammed into someone, and stared up at her husband. The smile froze on her face, and she ducked her head to hide her embarrassment for being caught behaving in such a childish manner.
"Is the game for just one, or may I join in?" he asked, raising her chin and smiling down at her.
"I fear I got carried away, my lord. I do not usually give in to such childish antics. Am I disgraced?"
"On the contrary," he said, slipping off his boots and flinging his shirt down on the sand. "I beg to be allowed to join your game"
She smiled at him with uncertainty, while her eyes avoided his bare chest. "I should go back to the lodge," she said, only half-convincingly.
He caught her arm. "I wish you wouldn't."
Breanna looked at him through silken lashes. "You will surely think you married a child"
His laughter was warm. "Believe me, Breanna, you do not look like any child I have ever seen." His eyes ran over her soft curves, and she felt a tingling all the way down her body. She became aware that her wet gown clung to her, and she crossed her arms over her breasts.
Dakota saw the blush on her face and quickly spoke, hoping to take her mind off her embarrassment. "How would you like to go for a swim?"
"I do not know how to swim," she confessed ruefully.
"Then you must learn. An Indian maiden learns to swim almost as soon as she learns to walk."
"I . . . have always wanted to learn, but it is immodest for an English girl to—"
"Nonsense." He took her hand, slowly leading her to waist-deep water. "Everyone, even properly brought up English girls, should know how to swim."
She was frightened of deep water, and yet she wanted very much to please Dakota. Even more, she wanted to be with him, to come to know him . . . to become his wife . . .
When a wave splashed against her body and salt water stung her eyes, Breanna gasped to catch her breath, clinging to Dakota's neck as if it were a lifeline.
"Easy," he said soothingly. "I am going to turn you on your back so you can float. You trust me, don't you?"
"Yes, but-"
He eased her onto her back, noting the fear in her eyes. "Relax, Breanna. I can assure you I am a very good swimmer and I would never allow anything to happen to you. Do you believe this?"
". . . Yes." She willed her body to relax and finally succeeded because she could feel his firm grip about her waist.
Dakota needed to concentrate on what he was doing, so he tore his eyes away from her soft curves that were visible through the transparent nightgown. His deep voice lulled her into a state of tranquility. "Close your eyes, Breanna, and think of something very pleasant. You are floating, floating on a peaceful sea of dreams."
Cradled by the warm water, and soothed by the sound of his voice, she was unaware of when he released her, and she remained afloat on her own.
"I knew you could do it, Breanna. Now open your eyes slowly." When she did as he instructed, she saw she was indeed riding the waves without his aid.
"Don't panic," he urged. "I am going to turn you over on your stomach, and I want you to relax as you are doing now. I warn you that you will be submerged, but remain calm and you will not sink."
With ease, he rolled her over. For a moment, Breanna felt panic, but his hands were firm on her waist, and she began to relax again, her desire to please Dakota giving her the courage to follow his instructions.
"You are doing well, Breanna." He lifted her out of the water. "Now I want you to continue to float, but this time kick your feet and use your arms." He demonstrated by moving her legs and showing her what to do with her arms. "Now you are ready. I will stand right here and you can swim toward the shore."
Dakota Dreams (Historical Romance) Page 14
