Because of Rebecca(17)

“I know, but you must try.”

“They hurt.”

“Sorry. They were the closest I could get to the measurements I took. You won’t have to wear them long,” he assured her.

“Now, try to relax and I’ll tell you a tale about Madame Monique and her girls.”





Chapter Nine

“What do you think of this pattern?” Josephine held up the quilt topper she’d been sewing for the last few days.

Rebecca examined it from her place on the floor by Lucas. “Very pretty. Do you think they’ll give it to a little girl?”

“I can only hope.”

She smiled, refolded the missive from Jared she’d received earlier that afternoon, and slipped it into her pocket.

“You’ve read and reread that since it came by messenger today. I can only assume it is from Mr. Hollingsworth?”

Her cheeks warmed. “Yes.”

She picked up one of the blocks on the blanket, and turned it over, thinking about Jared. She longed to see him and apologize for her behavior the last time they were together. His letter indicated he was eager to see her again and hoped they could meet later in the week.

“Rebecca, are you in love?” Josephine asked.

Caught off guard, Rebecca’s head jerked up and she stared at her aunt, “In love? I—I…”

“No need to answer, dear,” her aunt amended. “It was a silly question. You hardly know the man. I can see you’re troubled by the mistake you think you made. If it has nothing to do with him, then I suggest you put it behind you and go forth with the relationship.”

If you only knew how much I wanted to do just that. Rebecca stacked the block on two others, making a small pyramid. Lucas squealed in protest, knocked them down, and laughed.

“Oh really, sir?” she said, gently ruffling his hair. “Do you really want to do that?”

He grinned. She glimpsed the first signs of a tooth underneath the gum. He reached his arms out for her to take him. She obliged and he cooed, blowing spit bubbles.

“You spoil him, Rebecca.”

She wrinkled her nose at her aunt. “Isn’t that what children are for? To love and spoil?”

Josephine mumbled something under breath and went back to her sewing. Rebecca loved Lucas and she’d dote on him all she wanted, no matter what her aunt thought.

“How’s Doctor Gordon?” she asked, breaking the momentary silence.

Josephine dropped her needle, but recovered it without looking up. “How should I know?”

“I thought he attended Midday services with you.”

“Yes, he does.” Her voice took on a defensive note. “But that doesn’t mean I speak with him regularly.”

“Really?” Rebecca managed not to smile. She’d watched from the hotel window and seen them meet at the corner before walking to the church together almost daily. If that didn’t suggest a developing friendship, what did?

“Weren’t you going to pay a visit to Mrs. Paxton this afternoon?”

Rebecca jostled Lucas on her lap and gave her aunt full points for smoothly changing the subject. She’d put off going to Oak Hill for a few days, but now that she’d heard from Jared she didn’t have to worry about accidentally seeing him while there.

“I guess I should go on if I want to return before supper. Charlotte, will you put Lucas down for his nap?”

“Yes miss,” Charlotte said, coming into the room with a spool of thread Josephine had requested.

Rebecca kissed Lucas good-bye, and handed him to the maid. “Mama will be back soon. Have a good nap.”

“M-m-m,” Lucas cooed.

“Enjoy your visit, dear,” Josephine called.

****

Frowning, Jared exited the bank. He’d expected the news he’d received, but had hoped for better. Even though he’d paid his monthly note on time for the last year, he’d been turned down on a further note to cover Rory’s gambling debts. It had taken the bank three weeks to make this decision leaving him little time to come up with an alternate solution and prevent Delaney from claiming Oak Hill.

Mitchell’s inquiries into Rory’s whereabouts had produced nothing. It didn’t look as if his cousin would resurface in time to make good on his markers to Delaney either. For that, Jared vowed to do bodily harm to Rory when he saw him again despite his resolve not to strike another human being.

He crossed the street to where Higgins waited. Mitchell had also suggested at their last meeting that he consider remarrying a wealthy woman. But to marry for money wasn’t something he wanted to do. And even though he had met Rebecca and found her extremely desirable, he was hesitant to enter into a marriage with her just to save Oak Hill. He knew of marriages based on financial need, and they were rarely happy unions. He felt it was only right that Rebecca have love in their marriage.

The thought stopped him dead in his tracks, and he stared off into the distance as he thought about what he wanted. When had he started thinking about marrying Rebecca?

“Where to sir?” Higgins asked.

Did he really want to marry her?

He’d married for love the first time, but losing his wife and child had left him cold. It had taken several years for him to even allow another woman to get close to him again. But Rebecca had. He’d realized that whole-heartedly when he’d kissed her. She’d been so soft and trusting in his arms.

He felt in time he could love her the way a husband should his wife. There was no question about it. This realization made him feel hope was within reach. Oak Hill could be saved and he wouldn’t have to compromise his principle to do it.

“Mr. Hollingsworth?” Higgins called again.

Hearing the concern in his driver’s voice, Jared looked up. “Wait here. I have another errand to run.”

“Certainly, sir.”

Jared turned and headed toward the Bakersfield Hotel. Rebecca hadn’t invited him, but his letter had said he would call within the week.

He straightened his waistcoat as he walked down the street imagining what he would say. That is, if she would accept his call. She must. He would not go away until he spoke to her. He needed to know whether she had developed feelings for him or not before he spoke of marriage. He knew he was rushing this, but if he gave himself too much time to think he’d back out.

“Jared?”

He looked up at the sound of her voice. Grinning at his own folly, he hurried toward her. “Rebecca, I didn’t see you.”

“You looked as if you were on an important errand.” She tilted her head to the side. Her emerald eyes twinkled.

“Yes I was. In fact, I was on my way to see you.” He took her hand, and she stepped closer. “Why is it you look more lovely every time I see you?”

Her cheeks flushed. “Do I?”

“Oh yes.” He lifted her hand to his lips, brushing them gently across her gloved knuckles. “Where, may I ask, were you going?”

“I was on my way to hire a carriage so I could pay Mrs. Paxton a call. I didn’t see her the last time I was at Oak Hill as I had planned.”

“Were you? How fortunate for you that I’m in town on business. Would you consider sharing my carriage so we may talk...privately?”

She nodded.

“Excellent.” He placed her hand in the crook of his arm and led her back to his carriage. “How is Lucas doing?”

“Very well. The rash is gone and his first tooth is visible under the gum.”

“Good for him.” He smiled and stopped beside the carriage. Motioning for Higgins to stay put, he opened the door and helped Rebecca inside. Instructing the driver to return to Oak Hill, he settled next to her.

He took her hand in his again. “I’ve missed you.”

“You have? Even after I…”

“Yes.” He turned to face her. “I didn’t like the way our visit ended. Something upset you, dear Rebecca, and I apologize if I somehow caused it.”

She smiled. He’d called her dear. Her pulse quickened and she covered his hand with her other.

His blue gaze met hers. Heat radiated off his body, enveloping hers in a warm cocoon. Her mouth dried, and she yearned for him to pull her into his arms and kiss her like he had in the library.

“You said you wanted to speak to me in private?” Her voice wobbled.

Abruptly, his smile vanished. He released her hands, and leaned back, his shoulders squared as if preparing for battle.

“Oak Hill is in danger. I’m afraid I’m about to lose the plantation.”

His flat tone sent a chill racing along her skin. “Surely not.”

“The bank refuses to extend any further loans on the property to cover a new debt I’ve accrued at my cousin’s negligence,” he continued, staring at the opposite seat. “He’s gambled and lost a small fortune, and he’s signed my name to cover the note. To make matters worse, a river boat gambler holds Rory’s markers and is coming at the end of the month to auction Oak Hill if I don’t come up with the money to purchase the markers back.”