by Sharon Drane
Chapter 8
Aboard the Dixie Queen – December 6, 1865
Amelia fought to hold on to Dougie, as he pulled her to the railing.
“Mama, look!” He was thrilled at the sight of the water rushing through the paddle wheel as it churned a foamy wake.
She held his hand securely and bent down to his level. “You must be very careful on the boat. If you fall into the water, you could be hurt. Hold on to Mama’s hand.”
“That’s sound advice.” A deep, familiar voice spoke behind her.
Amelia turned to find Joshua standing by the entryway. “What are you doing here?” Thrilled to see him and yet so angry he would try to interfere, she remained motionless. Confused, her mouth sagged open like a fish exposed to the air.
“I have urgent business in St. Louis. I was fortunate to find accommodations on a riverboat so quickly.”
She regained her senses and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “What business could you possibly have in St. Louis?” How dare he stand there and look so satisfied. He’s up to something.
He smiled at her. “I have government business.”
“Are you following me?”
“Mrs. Wilcox, I think you doubt my word.” He leaned toward her. “I can assure you, I am here on the direct orders of General Grant.”
“Humph.” She could find no way to argue with that. Perhaps it was just coincidence. On the other hand, how could she be sure he even knew General Grant?
Joshua grinned as bent down to Dougie. “Hello, when we met before we were not properly introduced.” He held out his hand. “I am Joshua Hawthorne. What is your name?”
The little boy slapped Joshua’s hand. “Dougie!” he shouted cheerfully.
Amelia looked at Joshua. “His name is Douglas, but we call him Dougie.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dougie. I hope you’ll be my friend.”
The boy shook his head from side to side. “You damn . . . .” he looked at his mother. “You Yankee, not friend.”
“I hope I can make you change your mind. Your mama is my friend. I hope you will be, too.”
Mariah walked up to them. “The stateroom is ready, Miz Wilcox. The bags are there.”
Amelia turned, anxious to leave. “Major Hawthorne, I wish you a pleasant journey. Come along, Dougie. We’ll come back to watch the water later.” She hurried her small entourage away, putting distance between them and Joshua.
Amelia could feel his gaze boring into her back as she walked away. Drat the luck. He would have to pick the same vessel on which she traveled to St. Louis. It was almost as if he planned it. But he couldn’t possibly. How would he have known? She shook her head as they entered the inside corridor.
I wonder if Jo Beth had a part in him being aboard. She better not be involved this time. She’s meddled in my life once too often as it is. If I find out this is her work, I’ll personally go back to New Orleans and wring her interfering neck.
Amelia stood at the entrance to the well-appointed dining saloon. It appeared safe enough. Still, as a woman alone, she felt uncomfortable among the crowd of strangers.
She looked around the room, unsure of where she should sit. The steward was across the large chamber speaking to a table of passengers.
As she hesitated, a strange man approached her. “Are you lost?” he asked, his smile too assured, his clothing too rich. He stood with one hand in the pocket of his elaborate silk waistcoat. He held out his other hand. “I’m Logan Matthews. And who are you?”
“Mrs. Wilcox, forgive me for being late.” Joshua appeared at her side and took her arm. “We have a table assigned to us. If you’ll allow me, I will escort you.”
“Now just a minute,” Matthews protested. “Perhaps Mrs. Wilcox would prefer to dine with me.”
“No, thank you,” Amelia spoke softly. “Major Hawthorne and I have a previous engagement.”
Joshua smiled and led her to a table in the far corner. He helped Amelia to her chair.
She looked at him. “Thank you for intervening. Mr. Matthews reminded me of the blockade runners in Galveston.”
“He might have been one. There have been rumors of him recently. I heard he is making quite a name for himself at the gaming tables these days.”
Amelia sighed. “It seems I can’t escape men like him.”
“Don’t worry, you are safe with me. Let me escort you during our voyage. It will keep him and the others like him from you.”
“I’m not certain it is wise to spend so much time with you.”
He looked at her, his expression serious. “I would never hurt you or force you to do anything. All I offer is my service as an escort while we’re on this journey. You have my word of honor.”
Amelia glanced at their surroundings. She saw Logan Matthews staring at her from his table with a cheroot between his teeth and a glass of whisky in his hand. His sly grin broadened as he raised his glass in salute to her. She turned her head away.
Joshua is correct. I don’t want to be bothered on the trip. From the look of Mr. Matthews he is a man who goes after what he wants. I would be foolish to reject Joshua’s protection when it is so freely offered.
“Thank you, Major Hawthorne. I will accept you as my escort.”
“You’re making a wise choice, Mrs. Wilcox. I promise not to bite.” His eyes sparkled as he smiled.
“It is best that you keep that promise. I would hate to have to toss you overboard or demonstrate my prowess with a gun.” Thank goodness I have Clayton’s Deringer.
“I will remember your warning, Ma’am.”
The steward arrived to give them the dinner menu and take their drink orders.
Amelia relaxed for the first time that she could remember. The dining saloon glittered with chandeliers and gilt fixtures. The aroma of rich food overwhelmed her at first. It had been so long since she was presented with such abundance from which to select.
The soft glow of candlelight mingled with the hushed conversation of the passengers and the accompaniment of the small orchestra, mesmerizing her with familiar opulence.
Her throat tightened at being able to experience such luxury once more, if only for a few days. When they had eaten their fill of the excellent dinner, Amelia sighed comfortably. I had forgotten what life could be like, away from war and hunger. Across the table, she saw Joshua looking intently at her. “Is something wrong?”
He shook his head. “No, it’s just that I’m glad to see you look so happy, so relaxed.”
“I am rested. I’ve enjoyed this evening very much. But I must return to my child soon.”
Joshua rose from his chair. “I will escort you back to your cabin and see you safely inside. But first would you like a brief turn about the deck? It’s a beautiful clear night.” He offered his arm to her.
“That would be lovely.” She took his arm. As they walked out she saw Logan Matthews staring after them. Instinctively, she moved closer to Joshua.
The starlight shimmered on the water. The night was crisp, cool, with the promising nip of winter soon to come. Joshua led her to the railing. They stood side by side watching the occasional lights from shore.
Amelia remembered making this same journey before the war. There had been an abundance of lights sparkling from the great houses onshore. She shivered beside him, as she wondered if those houses still stood in the darkness. The enormity of her own losses slammed into her.
So much was gone from the war, her husband, her home, and the man who was her soul mate. She could not believe Joshua stood beside her as if he would never leave. Could she trust him? Did she want to? Heaven help me, I do.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“Just a little, I’ve grown used to the heat of Galveston. I’ll have to get reacquainted with cold weather.”
He put his arm around her and drew her close. “I’m certain you will adapt easily to any situation.” He turned her face to his.
Drawn to him by the warmth of his strong body and her memories
of him, she did not object. Is he going to kiss me? I hope he is, just to get it over with, certainly.
Joshua stared down at her for what seemed to her to be a long time. Gently he cupped her face with his big hand. He leaned down until their noses nearly touched.
She swayed even closer to him and closed her eyes.
He patted her cheek. “It’s time I saw you to your cabin. Dougie will wonder where you are.”
She opened her eyes and glared at him. What? Why he just teased me!
Joshua offered his arm and led her to the inside corridor. When they reached her cabin, he unlocked the door for her and stood aside to let her pass.
“Goodnight, Mrs. Wilcox. I will see you in the morning.” He bowed and shut the door behind him. “Remember to lock the door,” he called from the corridor.
She locked the door as she listened to him walking away from her door. Drat the man, why didn’t he kiss me? Not that I really wanted him to, of course. It would merely satisfy my natural curiosity....
