by Vikki Vaught
As the swing moved back and forth, it stirred a gentle breeze. Alex responded, “Captain Merryweather assures me the ship’s ready. We should catch the Endurance, and possibly beat her to port. My ship can travel faster. I’m not bringing any cargo and it’s built for speed.”
“Oh, that is good news. If we reach England before he does, we could get Harry away from him as soon as we arrive, before he has a chance to harm him.”
Placing an arm around her shoulders, Alex pulled her close. “I want you to rest your mind, darlin’. Even if Lord Howard does make it to port before we do, I will get Harry back for you. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Let’s go to bed. I want to hold my pretty wife in my arms as I sleep. I’m sure I shall rest better tonight than I have in days.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Once in bed, Alex wrapped his arms around his wife and held her close, murmuring words of love in her ear and kissing her pretty face. He wanted to make love to her so badly it hurt, but he could tell she needed more time. He hoped her memory of the attack would not cause her to feel repulsed by lovemaking. After she had her strength back, he needed to be gentle with her to help her put the horrid experience behind her.
Long after Anissa fell asleep, he continued to lie awake, enjoying the feel of her in his arms again. A whippoorwill sang outside the window, a gentle breeze softly ruffled the curtains, and he reveled in the aroma of roses from his grandmother’s garden. Even though they had many uncertainties in their life, he felt more peace and contentment than he could remember feeling in a long time.
The healing balm of his wife’s love calmed his ragged heart, torn so many years ago by the betrayal of his late wife. His cynicism fell away as leaves fall from an autumn tree.
He would get her son back. Once he found the boy, he could live in England with her and Harry, if need be. Any sacrifice he made would be worth it as long as he had Anissa in his life. As his limbs grew languid, he lost his battle to stay awake.
Alex awoke with energy surging through his body, eager to start their journey. He arose and hurried behind the screen to take care of his personal needs. Beyond the window, the sky turned vivid shades of pink and purple as the sun rose on a glorious day. Not wanting to awaken Anissa yet, he grabbed his shaving implements and went down the hall to another bedroom to finish getting ready.
When he entered the kitchen, Lucy stood in front of the stove cooking breakfast. His mother entered shortly after, and Alex ate a hearty meal of fried eggs, bacon, and biscuits smothered in white gravy. Once the little woman had his wife’s dry toast, soft-boiled egg, and tea ready, he took it upstairs to her.
Once, he set the tray down on the table, he gently kissed her awake. “Good mornin’, love. I’ve got your breakfast.”
Stretching, Anissa smiled as she opened her eyes. “Hmm, good morning. I slept wonderfully last night. Thank you for bringing me my breakfast.”
“Anything for you, darlin’. While you eat and dress, I’ll go downstairs and help Rufus with the horses, then load our trunks in the carriage. I hope to leave by nine. Even making frequent stops, we should reach Baltimore no later than five o’clock. Give me a kiss, and I’ll be on my way.” After a playful kiss on her sweet lips, he rushed from the room.
Alex achieved his goal and they pulled out of the drive a few minutes before nine o’clock. A light shower started an hour down the road, but it did not impede their journey. Even stopping every two hours, they arrived in Baltimore well before he had expected.
When he pulled in front of the house, Kathleen and Melanie stood on the porch and waved. As soon as he dismounted, his daughter made a mad dash for him and threw herself into his arms. “Daddy, am I really goin’ to take a trip on your ship? Aunt Kathleen told me we’re leaving tomorrow.”
After twirling her around, he set her down on her dainty little feet. “Yes, you are. I need you to promise me you will behave for Granny. Can you do that for me, darlin’?”
“I will, Daddy.” Looking in the carriage, Melanie turned around with a crestfallen look on her face. “Where’s Harry? Isn’t he coming with us?”
Oh, Lord, what should I tell Melanie?
He did not want her to know about the kidnapping. It would scare her to death. He had not given this consideration prior to her asking. Looking at Anissa, she gave a slight shake of the head, and he took that to mean she did not want Melanie to know either.
“Harry has left for England with his uncle, but he will be in London waiting for us. Now, darlin’, no more questions. We need to get your trunk so I can take it to the ship tonight, along with everyone else’s belongings.” Melanie wiggled out of his arms and ran into the house. She came back in a few seconds, struggling to pull her trunk behind her. Laughing, he grabbed her traveling case and put it in the back with the rest of the luggage.
Kathleen spoke up, “Mine’s in the hallway. I also packed Mama’s trunk. It’s ready to go as well.” Turning to her mother, she added, “I think I packed everything you’ll need. I hope that’s all right?”
Georgia smiled over at her. “That’s wonderful, honey. I’m sure you did a splendid job. Did you have a chance to tell Louise we’re going to England?”
She nodded. “Yes, Mama. She was surprised but wished us well. I’ve had Wilma cover the furniture and pack away the fine china so the house is ready for our departure.”
After Alex assisted Anissa out of the carriage, he turned to his sister and asked, “Kathleen, did William agree to watch over the place while we’re gone?”
“He said he would be happy to do it, but he would like to talk to you tonight before we leave. He is coming for supper. I hope that’s not a problem?”
He did not want to take the time to speak with her beau, but seeing Kathleen’s pleading look, he nodded, resignation settling on his shoulders. “I guess I can talk to him briefly. We’re leaving for the ship at ten. We’ll board tonight, since we leave with the tide. Well, if I’m going to get all our belongings to the ship, I need to pack my own trunk.” Glancing at his wife, he said, “I’ll escort you to our room so you can rest before supper. I’ll be back by seven, and we can eat then.”
Having done it so many times before, Alex quickly packed his trunk and was on his way. He hated to leave Anissa alone, but she needed to rest anyway.
Merryweather waited for him when he arrived, and Alex asked, “Is everything ready for our departure?”
“Yes, Captain,” he replied, “I’ll brief you as we get all your belongings onboard. I’ve taken the first mate’s cabin so you and your wife can take the captain’s quarters. I’ve also had the second mate’s cabin prepared for the rest of your family. It will be a tight fit, but we will manage. The tide will be right for us to leave around four o’clock in the morning.”
Alex heaved his trunk onto his shoulder and started up the gangway. “Good, the sooner the better. Once everything is onboard, I’ll go get my family and return by eleven, at the latest.”
With the help of several of the sailors, they stowed all the luggage in the cabins, and then he headed back to the house. He rode up top with Rufus, to give him some last-minute instructions.
Alex made it back to the house in time for supper. Anissa looked rested, and he introduced her to his sister’s beau when he arrived. “Darlin’, this is William Jones. He’s going to look after the house while we’re gone.”
Anissa smiled as she inclined her head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jones. I’ve heard many good things concerning you from Kathleen.”
William bowed over her hand. “The pleasure is all mine, ma’am. Kathleen has told me about you as well. Let me congratulate you on your recent marriage.”
Before she could respond, Wilma entered and announced supper. Alex kept the conversation light during the meal, and everyone enjoyed the scrumptious food Mina had prepared. He had a fairly good idea why William wanted to talk to him, but he would have preferred to put off this discussion until they returned next year.
Afte
r supper, he led William to his study. He poured two glasses of whiskey, then handed one to his sister’s suitor and offered him a seat. Once Alex took his seat behind his desk, he asked, “What did you want to discuss? We’ll need to keep this brief. We’re leaving shortly for the ship. Oh, by the way, thank you for agreeing to watch over the house while we’re away. Did Kathleen tell you how long we’ll be gone?”
“No problem, Captain. I’m happy to do it. Kathleen wasn’t sure when you’ll return. She seemed to think it could be an extended stay.” He pulled out a handkerchief and dotted his brow, then continued speaking. “Sir, I want to ask you for your sister’s hand. I understand she’s young, but we don’t plan to marry for at least another year, if not longer. I want to secure your consent before she leaves for England. Do I have your permission to pay my addresses?”
Alex took a sip from his glass and stared at William, then sat his glass down. “I’ll give you my permission, as long as you’re willing to wait at least a year before you marry.”
William straightened his neck cloth as he replied, “Certainly, sir. I understand the need to wait. That will work well for me as well.”
Alex leaned back his chair and steepled his fingers as he asked, “Now why is that?”
William took a sip of his whiskey, then swallowed, before answering. “I will be quite busy over the next year. As you may well know, I’ve recently taken over my father’s bank. I want to bring it into the new century. Besides, as I have already stated, Kathleen is quite young.”
“She is, indeed. Kathleen won’t be eighteen for several months. She has led a very sheltered life. That’s why I think this trip to England will be good for her. It will give her the opportunity to see some of the world before she settles down to marriage.”
William drawled, “I’m sure she will gain some polish from mingling with London society, which will serve her well when she starts holding dinner parties after our marriage. I have a certain image I need to present, and it will serve me well to have a wife with a degree of sophistication.”
What in God’s name does Kathleen see in this sanctimonious prig?
Alex stood to signal the end of the conversation. “If that’s all, why don’t you go find Kathleen?”
“Yes, Captain,” William replied with an air of smugness, which did not sit well with Alex at all. “I shall do that. Thank you. I promise I will take good care of your sister. She will never want for anything. Please excuse me. I’ll go find her now.”
Of course, his sister accepted William’s proposal, and everyone drank a toast to the happy couple. A short time later, Kathleen walked her intended to the door. Alex had mixed feelings regarding this betrothal. She was so young, and she really had not met any other eligible men. He hoped she would not regret her decision. At least William had agreed to a long engagement. Much could happen over the next year. Once he had Harry safe, she would have the opportunity to meet other eligible men as they moved about in London society.
At nine o’clock, Alex assisted the women into the carriage. Melanie had fallen asleep. He handed her to his mother and climbed on top with Rufus to give the ladies more room. When the carriage arrived at the ship, he jumped down and relieved his mother of his sleeping daughter, then ushered his party up the gangway. After he had Anissa settled in their cabin, he escorted the others to their accommodations.
When Alex entered their quarters, his wife greeted him with a smile. “This cabin is much more spacious than the one on the Renegade. We should be quite comfortable here.”
Her hands clutched at her skirts, and she had a wary look in her eyes. He tried to put her at ease. “I’m sure you’re quite tired. It’s been a long day for you. Why don’t you get ready for bed? I need to speak with Captain Merryweather before we depart. I may be a while so don’t wait up for me.” Walking over to her, he gave her a gentle kiss. “Goodnight, my dear, pleasant dreams.”
He watched as relief washed over her face. Her fisted hands had relaxed after he told her not to wait up for him. Obviously, the thought of intimacy frightened her. It felt as if a knife slashed his heart in half at the thought of her being scared of him.
“Goodnight, Alex,” she murmured. “I will see you in the morning.”
Oh, God, why did that bastard have to violate her?
He needed all the patience he could muster to help her move past her horrific experience. Anissa was such a passionate woman. It would be a terrible blow for both of them if she could not enjoy intimacy anymore.
* * * *
Anissa awoke the next morning with her husband’s warm body surrounding her and felt safe. Even though she loved him in every corner of her soul, she greatly feared that if they made love, images of the rape would flash before her eyes. Every time she closed them, she could see that horrid man thrusting into her, feel the pain of his penetration, and smell his putrid breath.
Her bruised heart ached at the thought that she might not experience the passion of their union again. Surely, as time passed these images would lessen. Making love with Alex gave her immense pleasure, and she wanted those feelings again. She needed to bring forth visions of him making love to her instead, whenever she started to see that brute.
The cadence in Alex’s breathing changed, and he stirred against her, his warm body cocooning her. He pushed her braid to the side and gently kissed the nape of her neck. Desire rushed to her center as his hand cupped the orb of her breast. “Good mornin’, darlin’. It feels so good to wake up with you in my arms. Why don’t you roll over so I can give you a proper good morning kiss.” Breathlessly, she turned toward him, and he lifted her chin, then kissed her. It was a gentle kiss with only a trace of carnality. She responded and kissed him back.
As he continued to kiss her, waves of delicious sensations rolled through her. Perhaps she had worried needlessly. Even as her husband plundered her mouth, turning it sexual, her desire spiraled upward. Reaching down, he slid his hand between her thighs, and the marvelous tingles she had grown to expect raced through her veins as he caressed her slick folds. Her body responded and moist heat pooled between her thighs.
Up to this point, he lay beside her and leaned toward her. Parting her legs, he slipped in between, placing his body on top of hers. She kept her eyes open and stared up at him, watching as his eyes glowed with love. When he probed for entry, her body tensed.
Determined to make love with her husband, she willed herself to open for him, to welcome him into her body. As he began to enter her, Frank Justice’s ugly face flashed before her eyes. She could not catch her breath, and she pushed against her husband’s chest. “No, stop, please stop!”
Alex immediately rolled to his side and wrapped her in his arms as he stroked her face. “Shhh, it’s all right. It’s me. I would never hurt you.”
Burying her face in his chest, she wept bitter tears. “Oh, Alex, I’m so sorry. I thought I would be fine, if I kept my eyes on you, but I could not block out the images of that man. When you rolled on top of me, I felt suffocated. My chest grew tight and I couldn’t breathe.” Hoarse, deep sobs erupted from her throat.
Darlin’, it’s going to be fine,” Alex, whispered in her ear, “we need to give it more time. After all, it hasn’t even been two weeks. I shouldn’t have tried to make love to you yet. It’s just…since we’ve confessed our love, I wanted us to experience our passion with no barriers between us. I love you so much. However, there’s no need to rush this, take as long as you need. We have the rest of our lives to work this out.”
Taking a shuddering breath, she sighed. “Thank you for understanding. I’m sure you’re right. They say time heals all wounds. I enjoyed the kissing and touching, but when you moved over me, the images started.”
“Then we shall figure out ways to love each other without me being on top of you. We’ll get creative. I need to be on deck, anyway. I’ll order your breakfast, while you get dressed. Let me give you some privacy.” Alex climbed out of the berth and hurried through his morning ritual. Th
en with a gentle kiss on her forehead, he left the cabin. She watched him leave, and sorrow rolled over her.
She clasped her hands together, raised her eyes and her voice to the heavens.
Oh, Lord, please help me overcome my fears. I know Alex will never hurt me. Help me block out the images when they force their way into my mind, so I can enjoy my husband’s attentions. I know You can help me, if I depend on You. My faith is strong in Your love for us. Through Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
Feeling better after she prayed, she rose and washed, brushed her teeth, and dressed. By the time she finished, the cabin boy knocked on her door with her breakfast. After she ate, the queasiness left her, and she went to find the rest of her party. They were up on deck and when Melanie saw her, she ran to her and threw her arms around her. “Look! The sea is everywhere. I can’t see land at all. When will we see land again?”
Kneeling, Anissa gave the child a hug. “It will be several weeks before we reach England. If you would like me to, I shall make you a calendar. You can cross the days off. It’s what I did for Harry when we came to America.”
“Oh, thank you ever so much.” Melanie jumped up and down, but then she turned pensive. “Do you think Harry’s uncle will make one for him?”
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Anissa pictured Harry, scared and alone. She could not show these emotions in front of her, so she forced them away. “I think he will take care of that himself, because he already knows how to make a calendar. Now, shall we stroll around the deck? We can enjoy this beautiful sunny day, all right, darling?”
Melanie hesitated, and shyly looked up at her. “I’m so glad you married my daddy. Now, you’re my very own mama. I prayed for a mama for a very long time and God answered my prayers.”
Greatly moved by the sweet child’s words, she blinked the tears from her eyes. “I promise to be a good mother to you, darling. It means the world to me to know you feel this way. Now, let us take a stroll, shall we?” Standing up, she reached for the little girl’s hand and as they began their stroll around the deck, Melanie skipped beside her.
