Lady Overton's Perilous Journey (Honorable Rogue Book 1)

by Vikki Vaught

  Lifting a trembling hand, she knocked and heard Alex say, “Come in.”

  Turning the knob, she pushed the door open and entered, shaking like a leaf blowing in the wind. He stood in front of the fireplace. “Good afternoon, Anissa. Please…sit down. I hope you’re feeling well?”

  She took a seat in one of the wing back chairs in front of the empty hearth. Trying to keep her voice steady, she answered him, “I’m fine, Captain. Harry is pleased to see Melanie. I spoke to Georgia. She told me Kathleen did not come with you.”

  Alex knelt in front of her and took her hand in his warm, large one. “My dear, I’m so…so sorry for taking advantage of your vulnerability. It was not well done of me. Then to leave without seeing you the next mornin’ was unconscionable. I thought, at the time, you would never want to see me ever again after what I did to you. I have no excuse for my ignoble behavior. Can you ever forgive me?”

  She could no longer keep the tears from falling. A sob slipped out. “I-I d-don’t know what to say. I…it was as much my fault as yours.” As she broke down completely, great, wracking sobs tore from her throat.

  Alex put his arms around her and pulled her close. “Please, sweetheart, don’t cry. I promise it will be all right. I never thought you would blame yourself.” Rocking her back and forth in a soothing manner, he continued, “I would rather cut off my right arm than cause you this much pain.” Fishing in his pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her face with it. “I’m a low-down good for nothing. I’ll understand if you can’t forgive me.”

  As a small hiccup slipped out, she whispered, “Oh, Alex, of course I forgive you. Once I was honest with myself, I knew I wanted you to make love to me. I have been so lonely…so very lonely for such a long time. I never dreamed I could give myself to a man outside of wedlock. I’m so ashamed of my wanton behavior.”

  Tears fell from her eyes and he picked her up, then carried her over to the sofa and sat down with her on his lap. “Listen, none of us are saints, not even you, even though you’re as close to an angel as a mere mortal can be. Sweetheart, let me assure you, you are not immoral or wanton. You know as well as I do there’s a powerful attraction between us. It’s been there from the very beginning. Please stop crying, it’s tearing me up to see you like this.”

  Laying her head on his shoulder, she murmured, “I’m s-so relieved you d-don’t think of me as a hussy or a…a…s-strumpet. I have been so worried. I thought you left because of my behavior.”

  “I’m an idiot,” he pleaded, “I never dreamed you would feel that way. By the time I reached Baltimore, I realized I’d made a terrible mistake, but I didn’t know how to fix it. I wanted to turn around and come back, but by then, I figured you never wanted to see me again.”

  “I could never hate you, Alex. Looking back at it now, it was probably best that you left without talking to me. Obviously, both our emotions were on edge. We may have said things neither of us meant.”

  He held her close. “God, sweetheart, you’re so forgiving. I don’t deserve it, but I’m grateful you are.”

  Pulling back, she looked at him as she vehemently replied. “Yes, you do deserve my gratitude. I will never be able to thank you enough for giving us sanctuary. Harry and I would have had a much more difficult time finding a place to hide without you.”

  “From the moment I heard your story, I wanted to offer you my assistance. I could never have lived with myself if you had gone off on your own. I would have worried about you and Harry.”

  “Oh, Alex, you are one of the most honorable men I have ever met. That is why I admire you so much.”

  He raised her chin and met her gaze. “I feel the same way about you. You have more honor and integrity…and more courage in your little finger than many men I know. You’re a brave woman, and I greatly respect you. Honey, I know there’s a million and one reasons why we shouldn’t marry, but I need—no, I want—to do what’s honorable and right. Besides, I’ve grown prodigiously fond of you and Harry and want to have the privilege of protecting both of you from harm. Will you…marry me?”

  Pulling back a bit, Anissa looked at him. She hesitated before she spoke. “I suppose I must, or in eight months everyone will know I should have. So, yes…yes, I will marry you.”

  Looking shocked beyond words, he blurted out, “Oh, my God, are…are you sure? You mean I’m going to be a father—in truth this time?”

  Anissa touched his cheek. “Does this mean you are happy about the babe? I was so worried that you would be angry and would resent being put in this less than desirable situation.”

  “It takes two to make a child. I would never resent you or the babe. I will love this little one with my whole heart.” He kissed her forehead and stroked her back. Then a frown marred his face and he tilted up her chin. “Are you well? Have you had any morning sickness or anything?”

  “That’s how I know I’m increasing. I became violently ill this morning when I smelled bacon cooking. Then, after I ate dry toast, I was fine the rest of the day. I reacted the same way when I carried Harry. If you want, we could wait a couple of months to see if I will carry the babe to full term. Most miscarriages happen in the first few months.”

  Alex shook his head side to side forcefully. “No, we’re not waiting. I don’t want a breath of scandal to touch you from my mistake. We’ll marry on Saturday. I’m sure Father Muller will agree to marry us. Anissa, I know we’re not in love, but there’s a powerful attraction between us, and I believe we’ve become friends. That’s more than many couples start with. Can we build on that?”

  Touching his face, she whispered, “Yes, yes we can.” She reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Anissa and Alex entered the parlor and Georgia looked up, then smiled. “Do you want a glass of lemonade? I was beginning to think you weren’t going to join me.”

  Alex cleared his throat. “Ma, Anissa has accepted my marriage proposal. We’re getting married on Saturday, as long as Father Muller agrees to marry us on such short notice.”

  Getting up, Georgia rushed over and gave Anissa a hug. “Oh, how wonderful. I wish you all the happiness in the world. That doesn’t give me much time to plan a wedding, but I’m sure I’ll be able to arrange a small reception at the church. Have you told the children yet?”

  Anissa tentatively smiled. “No, we haven’t. We are going to tell them now. Then Alex is going to see the rector. Georgia, we do not need a reception, a simple wedding with a few witnesses will be fine.”

  “Don’t worry about a thing. I will send a note ’round to Mary Lou and a few of my other friends telling them to pass the word. We’ll have a church full of folks on Saturday, you wait and see.” With that said, she turned and rushed out of the parlor.

  Alex rolled his eyes. “That’s my ma. She’ll have the church decorated and plenty of food for the reception with no problem. When Georgia Hawks makes up her mind to do something, she always succeeds.” Grabbing her hand, he added, “Let us go tell Melanie and Harry.”

  After Alex and Anissa told the children they were getting married, Melanie squealed as she ran over to Harry. “You’re goin’ to be my brother.”

  “You’re going to be my sister,” Harry shouted, then jumped up and down, and they ran to Anissa and hugged her.

  “Hey, wait a minute,” Alex interjected, as he knelt on the porch, “don’t I deserve a hug too?” Then the children ran over to him.

  Melanie whispered in her father’s ear, “Thank you. Daddy. for gettin’ me my very own Ma. Jus’ what I’ve been prayin’ for, for a very long time.”

  His voice clogged with emotion, he whispered back, “For you, darlin’, I would give you the world. I’m glad you’re happy.” Standing, he turned to his betrothed. “I’ll go to the church right now and talk to Father Muller. If I don’t hurry, he’ll hear about it before I have a chance to tell him. Once Ma tells all her friends, the whole town will know. I’ll be back in an hour or two. I have some shopping t
o do while I’m out.” Giving Anissa a quick kiss on the cheek, he turned and headed down the sidewalk to the church.

  Once he was out of sight of the house, he relaxed the tension in his shoulders and shrugged to work the knots out of them. They would have some monumental issues to overcome, but he was happy Anissa had agreed to marry him. He respected and admired her a great deal. She was such an honorable woman, and he could trust her in a way that he had never trusted another woman before. He prayed she meant it when she told him they could build this marriage on friendship and respect. He did not deserve her respect after what he had done to her, but he was grateful to have it.

  The children were certainly happy, and Ma was ecstatic. His mother had prayed he would find someone he could trust enough to marry. While she did not know Melanie was not his daughter, she did know Pamela had been a very unfaithful wife to him. One thing for sure—Pamela had not been discreet.

  Then it hit him like a ton of bricks—he was going to be a father, and this time there was no doubt he was the father. One thing he knew for sure, Anissa would always be faithful to her wedding vows and so would he. She deserved his complete loyalty. His darling Melanie would always be the daughter of his heart, but he could not help being pleased over having a child of his loins.

  Ah, hell, in all the excitement, I still did not tell her about Lord Howard.

  She always had fear in her eyes whenever she heard his name mentioned. He would make damned sure Lord Howard never had another chance to harm either of them again. No wife of his would live in fear. With Barrington’s assistance, he would put a stop to the man for good, even if he had to kill him and his son. Of course, he prayed it would not come to that.

  Looking up, he saw the parsonage. Father Muller stood in his yard, trimming a bush. Alex opened the gate and called out to him, “Father, can I have a few minutes of your time?”

  The priest glanced up. “Good afternoon, Captain. I didn’t realize you were in town. Of course, I have the time to talk. Why don’t we go into my study? I’m sure my wife can bring us some tea.”

  Five minutes later, Alex had a big glass of chilled tea and a comfortable chair to sit in as he spoke with the rector. “Sir, Mrs. Carlson has done me the great honor of agreeing to be my wife. We would like you to perform the ceremony on Saturday. I know it’s short notice, but my mother is in town and I want her at the wedding.”

  Father Muller smiled. “Congratulations. Mrs. Carlson is a fine woman. I know what a devout Christian she is, and I’ve known you since you were a young lad, so I will be happy to perform the ceremony. You know the congregation is going to want to participate. I hope it won’t be a bother.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, my mother is already passing the word to all her friends—who in turn, will pass it on to their friends. I’m sure we will have a full church on Saturday. My mother will make sure of it, whether I want it or not.”

  The priest laughed. “Knowing your mother, I’m sure you’re correct.”

  After he finalized the details, Alex said, “Since I have a present to buy for my bride, I will take my leave. Thank your wife for the tea. I’ll see you on Saturday at eleven o’clock.” After shaking Father Muller’s hand, he departed for the shopping district.

  Alexandria had a fine jewelry maker, and he should be able to purchase an engagement ring there, along with the wedding band. When he entered the shop, a little bell rang over the door.

  Mr. Dyer moved behind the counter as he greeted him. “Good afternoon, Captain Hawks. It’s a pleasure to see you again. How may I help you?”

  Alex looked over the glass case in front of him. “I want to see some of your betrothal rings. In fact,” he said, pointing down to a circlet of gold with brilliant gemstones in the glass case, “that one there is exactly what I’m looking for. May I see it, please?”

  “Ah, an excellent choice, Captain,” Mr. Dyer replied, as he reached into the case and pulled out the ring. “It’s a two carat blue sapphire with baguettes on each side, and it’s set in platinum.”

  Reaching for the ring, he held it up to the light. “I’ll take it. I also need a wedding band to match.” The jeweler handed him the matching ring. Noticing a stunning blue topaz set, he pointed. “I’ll take this necklace and bracelet as well.”

  “Oh, very good, Captain Hawks. I will box them up for you immediately.” When Mr. Dyer handed him the velvet boxes, Alex took them, and after shaking his hand, he went back out on the street.

  Pleased with all his purchases, Alex turned toward Meadow Grove and made his way to the house. He could visualize Anissa wearing the blue topaz necklace. It would match her brilliant blue eyes perfectly. She had been through so much during the past year. She deserved a little spoiling. So what if he had been a bit extravagant. After all, she would be his wife for the rest of his days. He could afford it, just this once.

  * * * *

  After spending thirty minutes with the children, watching their antics with Barney, Anissa went back in the house to find Georgia. She found her in the kitchen, talking to Lucy regarding preparation of the food for the reception and the wedding cake.

  Mrs. A beamed at her as she entered. “I’m so happy for ya. I’m sure you’ll make a good wife for th’ cap’n, not like dat hussy he married afore. Th’ stories I could tell bout th’ times she came t’ visit. I suppose I’d better not speak ill o’ th’ dead. I’ll jus’ say th’ cap’n deserves t’ have a loyal, lovin’ wife.”

  Lucy was right. Alex did deserve to have a loyal and loving wife after having lived through Pamela’s betrayal. She prayed they could find a way to overcome their difficulties. “Thank you, Mrs. A. Please do not go to too much trouble on such short notice. I shall be pleased with whatever you do.”

  “Now don’t ya worry none,” she assured her, “I’m thrilled t’ help wit’ th’ weddin’. I’ve not had a chance t’ bake a perdy cake in ages. Things have been too quiet since th’ judge passed on. You’ve brung life back into this ole house. What’s yor favorite color?”

  “I have always been fond of blue,” she replied.

  “Good,” Mrs. A announced, “Now we got that settled I’d best be gettin’ on wit’ my work. Y’all got plenty other things t’ do, so get on out o’ heah an’ leave me t’ mine.”

  After Anissa and Georgia left the kitchen, they went upstairs to her room to see if she had anything suitable to wear for a wedding. Going through all her dresses, they both agreed none of her gowns were right.

  Georgia met her gaze and shook her head. “We’ll go see Madame Francine first thing in the mornin’. I’m sure she’ll have something that will be appropriate. I’ve used her since I was a young girl. She had recently started her dress shop back then, but she’s built her business through the years and has lovely designs. Now, I think it’s time you started calling me Mama. After all, you’re going to be my new daughter.”

  Overcome by her suggestion, her voice broke. “I would be honored. You have been so wonderful to me ever since I arrived in America. Thank you. I promise I shall be a good wife to your son.”

  “I know you will,” she replied, as she hugged her. “We’d better go downstairs and check on the children. No telling what they’ll get into, if left on their own for too long.”

  The children were in the back garden, playing with the cat. She sent them upstairs to clean up for supper. Melanie asked her to come with her. The child seemed so pleased that she would have a mother.

  The little girl looked up at Anissa, her eyes wide and filled with trepidation. “Miz Carlson, since you’re marryin’ my daddy…may I please call you Mama?”

  Anissa’s heart melted. “It would make me so happy if you did, my dear.” She pulled Melanie into her arms and gave her a hug. “Shall we pick out a dress for you? Then we will join everyone downstairs for supper.”

  Alex arrived back home as they were getting ready to sit down for their evening meal. After he said the blessing, Anissa asked, “Were you able to talk to Father Muller?”


  After he filled his plate with several pieces of trout, he handed the platter to her before he answered. “Yes, everything is set for eleven o’clock on Saturday. I’m sure Ma’s been planning everything all afternoon. Could you wear a blue dress for our wedding? That color brings out your pretty eyes.”

  After accepting the platter, she placed a piece of trout on her plate, and then passed it to Georgia. “Your mother is taking me to see Madame Francine in the morning. She is sure the dressmaker will have something ready in time. I shall see if it is possible to find something in blue. I’m fond of that color as well. Did you get your shopping done after you spoke to the priest?”

  He sent her a mischievous smile her way. “Yes, all taken care of.” Then he turned to Harry. “Did you catch all this fine trout, young man? You’ve become quite the fisherman, I see.” The child beamed at the compliment as everyone at the table agreed with him.

  After supper, Alex asked, “Would you care for a stroll out in the garden?”

  She agreed and took his arm as he led her out the back door into the garden. He had a playful look in his eyes, making her wonder what he had up his sleeve. He escorted her to the gazebo in the center of the backyard, the prettiest spot in the garden.

  “Please…take a seat.” As she sat on the bench, he looked around. “This garden is so beautiful. My grandmother was quite the gardener, by the way. She planted all the roses when she came here as a new bride.”

  “The roses are lovely. Every morning, I wake up to their scent filling my room. I had a rose garden at Overton Park and enjoyed tending it immensely. I can understand your grandmother’s love for them.

  A warm glow gleamed in Alex’s dark eyes as his gaze met hers. Sitting down beside her, he picked up her left hand. “I bought you something while out shopping. I hope you like it.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small velvet box.

  He flipped it open, and nestled inside was the most gorgeous betrothal ring she had ever seen. “Oh, Alex, it’s beautiful.”