Because of Rebecca Read online

  Walking behind the screen, she poured water from the pitcher into the bowl and washed her hands and her face. After a quick sponge bath she put on her robe and began to brush the tangles from her hair.

  The door opened again and she looked up to see Jared.

  “I thought I left instructions for you to stay in bed?” He smiled at her.

  “You did.”

  “And yet you chose to disobey me?” He frowned but there was no mistaking the twinkle in his eyes.

  She smiled. “I wanted to be presentable when you returned. If you had tarried a little longer I would have been back in bed waiting for you.”

  He crooked his finger at her and she went to him. “I made you a promise that I intend to keep, Mrs. Hollingsworth.”

  “And I intend to hold you to it.”

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her snug against him. “I missed your kisses.”

  “Is that all you missed?” She ran her hand up his arm to his shoulder. “Or did you perhaps miss all of me?”

  “What do you think?” He captured her mouth with his and hungrily kissed her, his tongue slipping into her mouth and matching the kisses from the night before. As they kissed, his hands roamed over her body renewing the feel of his caresses. Her robe fell to the floor around her feet and he ran his hand down her stomach and touched her mound, letting one finger trace a path until it sank into her wetness. He rubbed circles around her clit and she moaned. Sweeping her up into his arms, he prepared to carry her to the bed when a knock sounded at the bedroom door.

  Without waiting for a response, Mary pushed open the door and entered with a breakfast tray. Her eyes widened when she saw them and she looked away quickly. “I didn’t hear you come into the house, sir. I had no idea you’d returned.”

  “Obviously.” His tone reflected his annoyance. “Leave the tray and go, Mary.”

  “Yes, sir.” She hurried across the room, put it on the table, and retreated with the same speed. “I’m sorry to have disturbed.”

  As soon as the door closed Rebecca giggled. Jared laughed as well. He carried her to the bed and laid her down.

  Unbuttoning his shirt, he pulled it from his trousers and tossed it onto the floor. Sitting down he pulled off his boots and socks before he unfastened his pants. Discarding them he joined her on the bed. “Now where were we?”

  “I’ll never be able to face her again.” Rebecca hid her face against his shoulder.

  “Don’t give it another thought. She’ll try to forget it as well. In a few days no one will remember it.”

  “That is easy for you to say, darling. You weren’t the one naked.”

  “I don’t think there is a more beautiful sight than you naked.” He picked up her hand and began to nibble kisses at her fingertips, her palm and her wrist. “In fact, I think I’d like to keep you in this room…in my bed…just as you are.”

  “You would, would you?”

  “Yes.” He looked up at her. “And do you know where I’d be?”

  She shook her head and made her eyes go big with mock innocence.

  “I’d be right here with you. Feasting on your beauty. Making love to you night and day.”

  “I’m sure you’d lose interest eventually when I became all sluggish and fat with child.”

  “Never.” He pulled her to him and kissed her again, rolling her until he was lying on top of her.

  She wrapped her arms around him, shifting to adjust to his weight. “I love you, Jared Hollingsworth.”

  He nibbled kisses at her mouth. “I love you and I need you more than I ever thought I could need anyone ever again.”

  “I know what you mean, darling. The feeling is overwhelming.”

  He smiled, slipping a hand under her bottom and brought her leg up over his hip. His entry was effortless as he sank into her wet depths, but he took it slow and enjoyed the way she tightened around him. He watched her lips part and her eyes close as he moved in and out. Her back arched and she moaned.

  “Oh Jared. Jared.”

  “Yes, darling.” He squeezed her breast and she bucked against him. He kissed her as she climaxed. She wrapped her legs around his waist and she climaxed a second time as he came. He collapsed on her, rolling them over until she was lying on top.

  She sighed, trailing kisses up his chest. “If we were to start every day like this I may not want to get out of bed either.”

  A rumble of laughter escaped him. He held her secure against him and turned them onto their sides until they were facing. He brushed a tendril of hair away from her face and ran his finger down her jawline. “What shall we do today?”

  “We have to prepare for Lucas,” she reminded him.

  He nodded. “I haven’t forgotten, but I was hoping to postpone that a little while. Delaney is coming back and I’d rather he be gone before we send the carriage into town to fetch him, Charlotte, and your aunt—if she decides to come live here.”

  Recalling his departure from their marriage bed, Rebecca frowned and asked, “Why is Delaney returning? And what was going on at the Paxton’s that called you away this morning?”

  He propped himself up on his elbow. “Rory got the man drunk last night and they were thrown out of Madame Monique’s. They walked back to Oak Hill, but got themselves turned around in their drunken stupor and ended up down at the field hand quarters. My men were not happy when they were disturbed from their sleep at four this morning. Paxton was roused from his bed and so was I.”

  “Where are Rory and Mr. Delaney now?” Rebecca asked.

  “Passed out in the stables where Paxton and I dumped them. Hopefully they will sleep it off until noon giving us more time together.”

  “And will Delaney leave then?”

  Jared shook his head. “He told me he wanted to talk to me.”

  Rebecca sat and pulled her knees up to her chest, hiding her face in the sheet. “Why can’t that man move on? Don’t you know what it does to me to have to see him? Knowing what he did to sweet Mariah? If he were to find out about Lucas—”

  “Shhh. I’m sorry, darling.” Jared sat up also and rubbed her back. He kissed her shoulder and she looked back at him, kissing him. He pulled her into his arms and lay back with her, holding her close.

  A knock at the door disturbed their solitude. “Who is it?” Jared called, getting out of bed. He reached for his pants and put them on.

  “Rory,” a voice called from the other side of the door.

  “Go away,” he called. “I’m not ready to see you again today.”

  “Come on, Jared. How many times do I have to say I’m sorry for disturbing the Paxton household or your field hands?” A solid knock sounded on the door. “I’m not going away until you open this door.

  Jared turned to Rebecca. “I’m sorry. It looks like we’re going to have to…”

  “I understand.” She moved from the bed and picked up her robe off the floor, putting it on.

  He opened the door and braced one arm on it. He placed the other on the doorframe, blocking any attempt by Rory to enter. Glaring, he demanded, “What’s so damn important that you couldn’t wait for me to come downstairs?”

  Rory shrugged. “Sorry, but Delaney is insisting that he speak with you and Rebecca before he leaves. He doesn’t care that it was your wedding night last night since he thinks he bedded her first.”

  “He what?” Jared’s question rang down the hallway. “Where the hell is he now?”

  “In the dining room having breakfast.”

  “Tell him to be patient. We’ll be down momentarily and I’ll speak with him.”

  Rory nodded and tried to see past Jared into the room. “Sorry, Rebecca.”

  Jared slammed the door. Rebecca came from behind the screen wearing a cream colored frock with a pale green sash that tied at the back. Fury or embarrassment stained her cheeks bright pink, and her hand seemed determined to choke her hairbrush.

  “I hope you know I never slept with that man. Of all the nerve…”r />
  “Has anyone told you how beautiful you are when you’re angry?”

  She blinked and shook her head. “No, and I have no intentions of starting my married life being angry.” She smiled and added, “But you may tell me how beautiful I am as often as you like.”

  “I’ll tell you every day if you wish but mine is a biased opinion.”

  “One I’ll gladly accept,” she said with a laugh then her smile vanished and she cast a glance at the untouched tray. “I don’t want to hurt Mary’s feelings, but I don’t think I can eat until we finish this business with Delaney and send him packing.”

  “Just coffee, then.” He poured from the carafe into the lone cup and drank before refilling it and handing it to her. She drained it and set it on the table. “That will do for now.”

  Jared took her hand. “Let’s go face Delaney and see him off. Then we’ll have a proper breakfast.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “I thought you said they’d be right down?” Delaney held his cup out for Mary to refill.

  “They will. You need to be patient. It isn’t like you have anywhere you must be within the hour, do you?” Rory said.

  “Would you like more eggs or sausage, sir?” Mary asked.

  “No, Mary. The meal was delicious.”

  “I’m glad you are enjoying our hospitality, Mr. Delaney,” Jared said as he and Rebecca entered the dining room hand in hand.

  Delaney stood and bowed to him. “Good morning, Mr. Hollingsworth. Mrs. Hollingsworth. Your cousin has been a most gracious host. He told me about your run in with those ruffians yesterday. It was a good thing he was there to stop them and return Mrs. Hollingsworth to you safely.”

  Jared looked at Rory, who shrugged. Leave it to his cousin to retell the story with a colorful twist.

  “I pray you have concluded your business?” Jared said.

  “Yes. I have agreed to take the money he owed me in exchange for the plantation. After touring the grounds upon my arrival, I realized managing property this size would require more effort and energy than I have the patience for. I’m a gambler. I enjoy my freedom.”

  Jared nodded and led Rebecca to the far end of the table. He pulled out her chair and she sat. “I’m glad to hear that.”

  Delaney took his seat again.

  Jared pulled out a chair and sat next to Rebecca. “This land has been in our family for generations and I long to see it stay for many more.” He waited until Mary filled his coffee cup before adding, “To getting what we all want.”

  Delaney held up a hand. “However, there is one matter that is unsettled.”

  A knot formed in Jared’s stomach at Delaney’s words and he prepared himself for what the man would say next. “What’s that?”

  “I finally figured out where I know your wife.” Delaney smiled and winked at Rebecca. “By the way, congratulations on your nuptials.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Delaney,” Rebecca said and reached for the coffee cup Mary sat before her

  “Cut the pleasantries,” Rory ordered. “I already told Jared that you believe you bedded Rebecca in New Orleans.”

  “Good Heavens,” Mary gasped. “Rory, watch your language.”

  Rebecca sipped her coffee and looked up at the housekeeper. “He did not.”

  “I think I did.” Delaney smirked. “Why else did you faint when I first saw you at the Exeter Hotel?”

  “This is absurd.” Jared laid his hand over Rebecca’s.

  “Furthermore, I married her myself in New Orleans. We spent one hell of a night together. It’s hard to forget a woman like that.”

  Rory laughed. “Isn’t that the funniest thing you’ve ever heard? Rebecca and Mr. Delaney?”

  “No. It’s not,” Jared barked, moving to stand behind Rebecca’s chair. He held her hand tight and squeezed her shoulder with his other hand to reassure her. “And it couldn’t be farther from the truth. I insist you stop with this idiotic nonsense at once and apologize to my wife.”

  “Of course the wedding wasn’t real.” Delaney confessed studying his fingernails. He glanced up at Jared and Rebecca. “I tricked her by having a friend pose as a priest and I believe that is why she pretends not to know me. I upset her by my ruse.”

  “I’m not pretending anything, sir. I never met you before our meeting at the Exeter hotel. And I fainted because…because I knew you…you held the markers to Oak Hill.”

  Delaney shook his head. “I find it hard to believe you, my dear Mrs. Hollingsworth. I wonder why that is?”

  “Are you calling my wife a liar?” Jared demanded, stepping toward the man.

  Rebecca held his hand firmly, preventing him from harming Delaney. “Don’t let him upset you, darling. He isn’t worth your energy. He’s nothing more than a riverboat gambler who takes advantage of innocent young girls.”

  Rory looked at Jared. “Am I missing something here? Is any of this true?”

  Jared shook his head. “I think you’ve outstayed your welcome, Mr. Delaney. If you’ll gather your belongings I’ll have my driver take you into town.”

  “Not just yet. I’m never wrong about the women I bed.”

  “You’re wrong about this one,” Rebecca said. “I can assure you, Mr. Delaney, I never visited New Orleans, nor did you trick me with a false wedding at a Mardi Gras party just so you could bed me.”

  Delaney jumped to his feet, knocking over his chair. “What did you say?”

  “Good Lord.” Rory pushed back from the table.

  “I said I never married you.”

  “You said Mardi Gras. How did you know about Mardi Gras?”

  Rebecca stared at their unwelcome guest. “How else would you have tricked a girl into believing a priest performed the marriage ceremony except at a Mardi Gras party?”

  Jared stepped to stand behind her again. “I think you should leave, Mr. Delaney.”

  “No. I’m not going anywhere until she tells me what she knows about Mardi Gras.”

  Rebecca ran a hand over her face and shook her head. She’d done it now. That slip of her tongue told Delaney she knew more than she was willing to say. She pushed her chair back and stood.

  “All right, Mr. Delaney. I know about Mardi Gras because the woman you mistook me for at the Exeter hotel was my younger sister. When you first asked me about New Orleans I didn’t think it was possible that you had met her, but then you said your name. And that is the reason I fainted because I knew then that you were the man who broke Mariah’s heart.”

  Delaney clapped his hands together. “I knew it. I knew there was a reason I felt I had met you before. So Mariah is your sister?”

  “This isn’t something to celebrate. In fact, I can’t see how you can stand before me and be so happy. You tricked Mariah into believing you married her just so you could take her innocence and then you left her to face the wrath of my aunt.”

  “I went to get us breakfast, but when I returned she was gone. If anyone did the leaving, she did.” Delaney snapped his fingers. “Your aunt…I remember her. Scary woman, always carried that damn rosary. She didn’t want Mariah having anything to do with me. But I found a way around that. Do you know where I can find Mariah?”

  A silence fell over the room for a moment.

  “You can’t.” Rebecca closed her eyes and took a jagged breath. She opened them and glared at him. “She’s dead. She died last Christmas.”

  Mary gasped and covered her mouth with her handkerchief. “Poor child.”

  “Well that changes things,” Delaney said. He picked up his overturned chair and sat back down at the table.

  “How?” Jared asked.

  The man shrugged. “I thought I might try to find her. She was a sweet girl. Thought we might make a go of it, maybe even get married for real, but if she’s dead…can’t rightly do it now, can we.”

  “Thank God for that,” Rebecca cried and ran from the room.

  “Now I think you had better leave, Mr. Delaney. You’ve upset my wife and I do not wish to la
y eyes on you again. Rory, see him out.”

  Delaney laughed. “He acts like he owns the place instead of you.”

  “He does.” Rory stood and held out his arm toward the front door. “After you.”

  Delaney nodded and walked past Rory. “You’re a dishonest man, Rory Hollingsworth.”

  “It takes one to know one.” Rory followed him to the front door. But before they reached the foyer, Higgins opened the door and helped a pretty blond woman with a baby inside.

  “Higgins?” Rory looked from the driver to the woman. “Who’s this?”

  “Excuse me, Mr. Rory, but this is Charlotte, Miss Davis’…I mean…Mrs. Hollingsworth’s maid. And this young fella is Master Lucas.”

  “Well. Well. Rebecca has a son?” Rory turned around. “Jared! Jared!”

  Jared was half-way up the stairs to check on Rebecca when he heard Higgins in the foyer and then Rory calling for him. He returned to find Rebecca’s fear coming to light. Delaney had laid eyes on Lucas, but the man was more interested in collecting his belongings to more than glance at the boy. At least that was in their favor.

  “Charlotte? What are you and Lucas doing here so early? I was going to send Higgins into town to fetch you both this afternoon.”

  “Mrs. Hollingsworth said to be ready this morning and we were. And your driver did come to fetch us.”

  Jared looked at Higgins. “You did?”

  “Yes, sir. I thought after the incident this morning with Mr. Rory and Mr. Delaney, the last thing you needed to worry about was getting Master Lucas here. So I went on into town.”

  Jared nodded. “Thank you, Higgins.”

  “D-d-d-da,” Lucas said and reached for Jared.

  Charlotte laughed. “He knows you, Mr. Hollingsworth. He knows his papa.”

  “So he does,” Jared said.

  “I hate to spoil this little family reunion, but I believe I was being thrown out?” Delaney sneered.

  “Right.” Rory said and ushered the man out of the house.

  “Charlotte, Mrs. Hollingsworth is upstairs,” Jared said, getting the girl’s attention.