Lynna's Rogue (Curse of the Conjure Woman, Book One)
Page 38
Lynna found it impossible to be still. “Aunt Judith, this is absolutely your most stunning and fabulous creation ever,” she marveled, twirling in front of the cheval glass.
“I am so pleased that you approve,” Judith smiled radiantly
Lynna spun around the room excitedly. “Oh, aunt Judith, can you believe that I am marrying the man of my dreams today?”
“Yes, I can,” Judith beamed, “and in less than one hour your dreams will at long last become reality.”
The wedding gown was a magnificent work of art. Off the shoulder creamy organza with row upon row of lacy ruffles cascading over the full, flowing skirt and hand sewn beading, causing the gown to glitter. Her tulle veil fell over her face, and a long train, attached to the skirt, trailed behind her.
Miles away at Magnolia House, Suzanne clutched a voodoo doll that had been made to the likeness of Lynna. She fell back on her bed laughing maniacally as a malicious smile curved her lips. Enjoy this day of happiness, Lynna, for it will surely be your last.
Lynna stood at the top of the mahogany staircase at Sea Grove with their family and friends gathered below. Her wish was that Joshua admired the gown as much as she did and considered her to be as beautiful as she felt in it. She heard the music begin downstairs and knew that was her cue.
Lifting the skirt of her wedding gown, she slowly descended the stairs as the soft strains of a pianoforte filled the air. Many gasps, sighs, and whispers were heard as she reached the bottom of the stairs and slowly came into view.
Peering into the ballroom, she saw Joshua watching her with eager anticipation and a wide grin splitting his handsome features. She saw her Aunt Judith in widow’s weeds. Her uncle had met with an early demise in a drunken brawl in one of the taverns he frequented, shortly after their return.
Judith smiled a secretive smile, noticing the slight rounding to Lynna’s stomach. Just yesterday she had altered her wedding gown, again.
Lynna smiled at Aunt Gypsie, Aunt Bertie, and Uncle Cliff, who returned her smile with tears of joy. She noticed Joshua’s parents and sister gazing at her with loving eyes, next to a beaming Samuel and Beth.
Everyone that she loved was in attendance, except her beloved father. But she could not allow herself to think about that now and spoil her wedding day. Instead, she drew a deep breath and held her body erect as she walked down the aisle toward the man she would love until the day she drew her final breath. And he was so handsome in his wedding raiment.
At last, she stood in front of the pastor and Joshua took her hand.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...”
Lynna barely registered his solemn words as she gazed into Joshua’s sea green eyes. She tried to concentrate on the pastor’s voice as he intoned, “If there is anyone here who objects to the joining of Lynna Makensie Mathison and Joshua Daniel Jordan, let him speak now or forevermore hold his peace.”
“I object!” came a loud voice from the entrance. “And her name is Lynna Makensie Rhodes.”
Lynna gasped as a hush fell over the waiting crowd.
Could it be?
At the sound of the familiar voice she turned toward the door. “Father!” she cried, as her suddenly trembling legs threatened to give way beneath her. Leaving a grinning Joshua at the altar, she rushed down the aisle to launch herself into her father’s outstretched arms. “Father, where have you been? What took you so long? I have so much to tell you. Oh, Father, you have made me the happiest bride on earth.”
“My own darling daughter is about to be wed. I would not have missed it for the world.” Nathan Rhodes struggled to maintain his composure as he held his daughter close. “Here, my child. Let me look at you.”
Thank God, Joshua thought, breathing a deep sigh of relief. Months earlier, just after he and Lynna had become reacquainted and he knew that he would conquer all odds to make her his wife, he had sent a ship to France with orders to bring Nathan Rhodes back to Charleston, hogtied if necessary.
After several minutes of holding his cherished daughter in his arms, Nathan brushed a betraying tear from his cheek, cleared his throat and said, “As the father of the bride, I have but one objection. I was not permitted to give my daughter away. I would but request that the wedding be started again from the beginning, so that I may have the honor of escorting my beautiful daughter down the aisle.”
“Of course, Father,” Lynna laughed and cried at the same time as she walked with her father to the bottom of the stairs to begin the wedding march again. “But, father, why didn’t you write me? I have been so worried about you. It has been so long since you sent me away. And why didn’t you send funds as you promised?”
“Why didn’t I send funds?” he blustered. “Why you were given a monthly allowance that should have kept both you and my sister living like queens. What is the meaning of this? Are you telling me that you did not receive your monthly allotment? Who had access to my sister’s account?”
“Tobias.” All of a sudden, Lynna knew the answer to the puzzle. “I should have thought of him sooner. One of his relatives owns the bank.”
Nathan held his daughter as though he would never let her go. “Each and every day was torture for me, Lynna. However, I simply could not risk corresponding with you, my darling. I refused to leave a paper trail leading the villains straightaway to you. Nevertheless, when I received word from Joshua stating that you were to be wed, I had to come. I could not miss the wedding of my most beloved. And now that I am here, I find that I enjoy having my feet planted in Georgia soil again and just might decide to remain for a while.”
“I have something to tell you, Father, that might help with your decision.” Patting her stomach, Lynna blushed prettily as she whispered in her father’s ear.
Nathan’s fists clenched at his sides and he gave his soon to be son-in-law a quelling glance before relaxing and taking a deep breath. What was done was done, and his daughter had never looked happier. According to Jeremiah and Patricia, Joshua had proven his love for Lynna many times over.
Placing his beloved daughter’s hand in the crook of his arm, Nathan walked her down the aisle and handed her over to Joshua with a broad grin. “Again, I implore you, Captain Jordan. Guard my most treasured procession well.”
“With my life, Mr. Rhodes,” Joshua promised. “With my very life.”
The End
Continue reading for a sample chapter of
Book Two in the
Curse of the Conjure Woman Series,
Lynna’s Beau
Chapter 1
Charleston, South Carolina
Mid September, 1854