Because of Rebecca(6)

“None taken,” she replied, smiling. “I loved him from the moment I first saw him. I’ll never forget how soft he felt when the doctor laid him in my arms.”

A smile tugged at his mouth for a moment as she described that experience, feeling the joy of the new life through her enthusiasm. However, the joy soon faded to pain as he recalled how he’d longed to hold his son, but the child had been breech, the doctor inexperienced, and Charisse too weak from a difficult delivery for either of them to live.

He clutched at the cloth napkin lying on the table in front of him a little too tightly. Miss Davis’ green eyes widened with acknowledgement. Embarrassed, he cleared his throat and placed the napkin in his lap.

“Have you always lived in Jackson?” she asked, adroitly changing the subject.

Jared silently expelled a sigh of relief. “Yes. Oak Hill has been in my family for many generations. It started out as ten acres and over the years each generation acquired more land until it now stands at over two thousand acres. I love the land. The history it holds.”

“It sounds lovely,” she said. “I’d enjoy seeing your plantation before I return to Memphis.”

“I’d be honored to show it to you.”

She smiled. “Wonderful. Do you ever imagine living anywhere else?”

He shook his head. “The only time I’ve not lived at Oak Hill is the four years I attended West Point and the four years of military service in Texas after graduation. Nowhere else comes closer to my heart than being home at Oak Hill.”

“I think having a home of your own is very important in life. That’s why I want to see Ruth reach her family again.”

Ruth?

Jared was about to ask what she meant when their meal arrived. The waiter sat the hot plates before them then refilled their wine glasses.

“Can I get you anything else?” he asked.

“No, thank you,” Jared said and the waiter disappeared as quietly as he’d appeared.

“How’s your pot roast?” he asked after he’d taken several bites of his own meal.

“Delicious. The roast is very tender.”

He watched as she carefully placed a small combination of carrot, potato and pea on her fork with the pot roast before taking a bite. She closed her eyes, chewed slowly and savored the experience. Her movements made eating appear an art form and her facial expression as she chewed made him long to taste the flavorful palate as well.

He watched as she repeated the action with each bite until she put her fork down and reached for her napkin. She touched the corners of her mouth with it then replaced it in her lap. “Is something wrong, Mr. Hollingsworth? You’ve hardly touched your food.”

Jared blinked, embarrassed at being caught staring. “No—no. I’ve never seen anyone find so much enjoyment out of eating before.”

She flushed and looked down at her plate. She loaded her fork with a precise portion to create the perfect bite then looked up at him. “It’s a terrible habit I have I know. It bothers my aunt immensely.”

He smiled and they continued their meal in pleasant conversation. When the waiter offered dessert Miss Davis declined.

“I need to get back to Lucas,” she explained. “Thank you for inviting me. I’ve enjoyed our afternoon together.”

Jared nodded, wishing there was a way to detain her from leaving. “Be sure to contact me at Oak Hill if you need anything while you’re in Jackson. I will be honored to assist you in any way I can.”

The waiter returned with their bill, and Jared paid him.

They stood and she leaned forward. “Then we shall meet again about Ruth?” she whispered.

“Ruth?”

“About getting her home?” She smiled and looked hopeful.

He found her comment odd. “Tomorrow is Sunday. Shall I call on you and Lucas after church services? We can have a picnic.”

“That sounds wonderful, but would you mind if I invited my aunt? I hate to leave her at the hotel alone again.”

“The more the merrier,” Jared said, as they walked to the stairs. He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. “Until then.”

Rebecca bit her lower lip as she watched him walk away. Tingles lingered across her hand from his kiss. Warmth pooled in her stomach and she smiled. She couldn’t remember when she’d spent a more delightful day.





Chapter Three

“Rebecca! I can’t believe you’d agree to a picnic without even consulting me,” Josephine complained the next morning, as they dressed for Mass.

“If you don’t want to go, I’ll make your excuses for you, but I’m going,” she said firmly. “Mr. Hollingsworth is being very hospitable by inviting us to a picnic and tour of his plantation. The least you can do is join us.”

Josephine muttered something under her breath as she put on her dove-gray bonnet. She looked older than her thirty-six years in the outfit.

“What did you say?” Rebecca picked up Lucas unable to hide the grin that crept to her mouth. She knew her aunt well enough to know the woman stewed behind her cool demeanor.

“I’ll go, but if my headache returns then I will insist we leave.” She headed toward the door. “Come along, Charlotte. Don’t dawdle.”

“Yes, Miss Josephine.” The maid hurriedly followed her out the door.

During Mass, Rebecca went through the motions of the service, but her mind was on Mr. Hollingsworth. She couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss he’d placed on her hand last evening, or the way it had warmed her flesh. Having never been kissed, she found her reaction to the simple gesture frightening. Yet exciting. If she wasn’t careful, she might lose her head and do something foolish. They were working together. She had to try to remember and not fantasize like a schoolgirl. Neither of them could afford for the mission to go awry. It would put everyone in jeopardy.

“Rebecca?” Josephine called to her from the end of the pew. “Aren’t you coming, dear?”

Startled, she stood, following the parishioners outside.

“Are you all right?” Josephine asked. “You’re cheeks are flushed.”

“I’m fine,” she assured her. “It’s a very warm day. Let’s go change into something cooler for our outing.”

“It’s not proper to appear so eager to see a man,” her aunt scolded, “especially one you just met.”

“I wa—,” Rebecca began, but realized she was eager to see him. Mr. Hollingsworth had made an impression on her. Taking a deep breath, she silently chastised herself then conceded, “You’re right. I need to hold my enthusiasm so he doesn’t get the wrong idea.”

“Enthusiasm is good, but not too much. I can’t endure another Mariah incident.” Josephine pressed fingertips to her temples as if another headache brewed.

Rebecca bit her tongue and ignored the comment, not wanting to spoil the day. She wished her aunt would forgive Mariah. It would make their lives together so much easier.

****

Jared hesitated before climbing down from the carriage as it stopped in front of the Bakersfield Hotel. His housekeeper had outdone herself preparing the picnic lunch, and he wondered if his invitation to Miss Davis wasn’t a rash decision. If Mitchell hadn’t suggested he consider remarrying, would he even be contemplating spending time with her?

Yes. He believed he would. His interest in her had nothing to do with Mitchell suggesting he remarry. He wouldn’t mind if their acquaintance turned into more.

“Mr. Hollingsworth!” Miss Davis called, startling him out of his reverie as she came out of the hotel.

Despite her pretty smile, he recognized a note of concern etched on her face. “Miss Davis, is something wrong?”

“Aunt Josephine has come down with a dreadful headache. I was just going to get her a tisane when I saw you arrive. I’m afraid she won’t be joining us after all.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Should we have our picnic inside so she can at least eat with us and then proceed on to Oak Hill for a tour?” he asked, motioning to the basket on the carriage seat.

“What a splendid idea. That would be lovely.”

He turned to his driver. “Change of plans, Higgins. I’ll be staying in town for a while. You can go around to the carriage house.” He lifted the basket from the carriage seat. “I’ll send for you when we’re ready to leave.”

“Yes sir,” Higgins replied.

Once inside the hotel, Jared waited while Miss Davis ordered the tisane to be delivered to her suite, then he followed her upstairs.

He watched closely as she took the stairs before him, trim hips swaying as she moved, exposing a tiny glimpse of her ankle with each step. Her hair, swept into a chignon showed off the slender scope of her neck. She was a fine specimen of a woman. Whenever she was near he couldn’t stop watching her closely.