Because of Rebecca(29)

“Ruth. But that’s another confession all together. I can’t tell you everything.”

He leaned against the dresser again. “Then tell me what you can.”

“I wish it was that easy.”

“I want to hear it all.”

Rebecca swallowed and stood, clutching the skirt of her dress. She’d confessed about Lucas, so she might as well confess about her secret life. “We’re much alike in our principles, Jared. You use hired labor on your plantation, and I work with a committee that supports emancipation. I joined an organization while at the Women’s Seminary in Virginia where I met Elizabeth. I know you’ll find it hard to believe, but Rory works for them too.”

Jared laughed, but sobered when she did not break a smile. “Go on.”

“My visit to Jackson was to attend the wedding, but also to complete a mission. Rory was my liaison. We’d never met, which is the way the committee works to protect all involved. After arriving in town, I received a correspondence from him and it was signed Hollingsworth. He said I’d know him by the yellow rose in his lapel. When I met you at Elizabeth and Mitchell’s wedding you wore a yellow rose. A simple mistake for me to make, don’t you agree?”

He stared at her. “So our relationship has all been a charade?”

“Oh no, Jared.” She rushed across the room and stood before him, taking his hands in hers. “You mustn’t think that. My feelings for you are real.”

His expression was unreadable and she held her breath, fearing he didn’t believe her.

“Why did you agree to have dinner with me after Elizabeth and Mitchell’s wedding?”

“I won’t pretend I didn’t hope we’d discuss our mission,” she admitted, “but I was also interested in getting to know you better. If I may be so bold as to say, I found you very attractive. I still do.”

A quirk of a smile formed at his mouth, but a stern look quickly replaced it. “And the weeks that followed? Were you toying with my affections, especially after you realized I wasn’t your contact?”

“No.”

“But that’s what happened in the library, isn’t it? You realized your mistake. That’s why you rushed away.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry. I feared my mistake had cost Ruth her life. I’d been spending my time falling in love with you instead of getting her out of Jackson.”

His brows arched at her confession. “And in the carriage that day, is Ruth the reason you refused my proposal?”

Rebecca swallowed. “It broke my heart you chose that moment to propose because the last thing I wanted to tell you was no. But, until my mission was complete, I couldn’t even begin to think about a future with you. That’s the only reason I turned you down. If I was caught...”

His features softened. “And is your mission over now?”

“Yes.”

The beginnings of a smile formed at his mouth. “So if I knelt down right now and asked you to marry me, would you say yes?”

She half-grinned. The edge had gone out of his voice, and the talk of marriage meant he still wanted her, even after her deception. But the butterflies were back, playing havoc in her stomach. Her pulse quickened. “No,” she said playfully. “I don’t suppose so. I’d like the circumstances to be different.”

“Different?”

She considered for a moment. “More romantic.”

“I see. What would make it more romantic? A large bouquet of flowers? I’m sure I could arrange it.”

“That would do for starters.”

“Followed by what? A dinner by candlelight with violins playing?”

She smiled. “That would be pleasant.”

He cleared his throat. “Will you be visiting any more brothels?”

She laughed. “Not if I have any say in the matter.”

“Will there be any more missions?”

“If the committee needs me, I may consider it, but as my husband I would discuss it with you before deciding.”

Jared nodded and held out his hand. She slowly placed hers in his and with one fluid motion; he pulled her into his arms. “Miss Davis, you utterly charm and amaze me.”

“Is that a good thing, Mr. Hollingsworth?”

“A very good thing.” He smiled, lowering his mouth to hers for a kiss.

“Then you forgive me?” she asked, stopping him in mid-motion.

“Yes. But you must promise to keep no more secrets.”

“I promise.”

Before she could distract him again, he tilted her chin upward and brushed her lips with his. Nibbling with kisses, he swiftly parted her lips and captured her mouth with his own. His tongue darted in and out joining hers in a glorious, fevered dance.

As the kiss deepened, Rebecca slid her hands up his chest, over his shoulders until she wrapped her arms around his neck. A lusty moan startled her, and she pulled away.

Breathing labored, she placed a hand at her throat and felt the open collar. She quickly buttoned it back and looked toward the door.

“My heavens! I’m in your room with the door closed. If anyone found me here...” She turned back to face him. “Or if Aunt Josephine were to find out.”

Jared pulled her back into his arms. “Let her.”





Chapter Sixteen

Rebecca had difficulty convincing Jared to go downstairs for lunch. He kept pulling her back into his arms for another kiss each time she broke free.

“That’s enough, Jared.”

“It’ll never be enough,” he groaned, reaching for her again.

Sidestepping him, she went over to the mirror and refastened a few loosened hairpins. When she turned, she found him sitting on the foot of the bed, watching her. He patted a spot next to him.

“Come here.”

“No, Jared. I have already risked convention by being alone in your room with you for more than a minute. You forget this is my hometown. If anyone I know were to see me coming out of this room…my reputation would be ruined. And if Aunt Josephine’s church friends were to find out...well, she’d disown me.”

“Then that settles it. You’ll have to marry me now.”

She laughed and placed her hands on her hips. “As if you’d have to force me.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Perhaps.” She turned back toward the mirror and checked her hair one last time to make sure every pin was in place.

“What would it take to make it a definite yes?” He stood.

“A real proposal. Not one in jest. Not one after an argument. But one when I least expect it.”

“Fair enough.” He came to stand behind her and trailed kisses up her slender neck before nibbling at her earlobe.

She smiled at him in the mirror, enjoying the tingles running over her body. “Jared, you must behave yourself.”

“Only if you’ll marry me,” he said.

“Jared, please,” she pleaded.

He nodded. “All right. And to save your reputation, dear one, I’ll exit the room first, go downstairs, and wait for you in the dining room.”

“Thank you.” She faced him and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him one last time before he left.

He groaned, pushing away from her. “Don’t be long.”

She swallowed and waited until he was gone before she walked over to the window and watched the hustle and bustle of the people going about their business. She spotted a few familiar faces, and then she saw Stuart Delaney leaning against the post outside the candy shop, smoking a cheroot.

She truly didn’t understand what Mariah had seen in the man. Sure he was handsome to a fault with dark hair, broad shoulders, and brooding eyes. But Rebecca would take ten Jareds over him any day. She only prayed Lucas took after the Davis side of the family in looks when he grew older. She didn’t fancy the idea of being reminded of Delaney every time she looked at her boy.

Sighing, she turned away from the window and went downstairs to the dining room. She found Jared at a corner table already enjoying a cup of coffee. He stood when she approached and pulled out her chair.

“I went ahead and ordered for us. I hope you don’t mind. I remember you liked pot roast.”

“That’s fine. I have a meeting at two o’clock with my lawyer. Would you like to come with me?”

“Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.” She smiled and placed her napkin in her lap.

“Then I’d be honored to join you.”

“Good. I’ll show you around town afterward.”

Jared reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I’m glad you aren’t upset with me for following you.”

“I should be very angry that you didn’t trust me enough to take care of my business without following me, but I understand why you came. And now that you’re here, I’m glad.”