Grayson Brothers Series Boxed Set (4 books in 1) (96 page)

“And ruin all my work on your shoulder? Not a chance. Besides, you would break your back if you tried to lift me. I’m wrapped in yards of material.”

“Careful, you’re tempting me to unwrap you.”

“And you’re tempting me to run back to my safe little greenhouse.”

They laughed quietly in the dark, the two of them sneaking away from a world that judged too harshly and asked too much. The night air was soft against her face and smelled earthy fresh in her nostrils. She liked this place already, and knew she would find her way back as soon as possible. The sound of night peepers filled the night, and she could hear the plop of a toad or frog jumping into the water as they approached a large pond.

The lantern shimmered across the water and gilded the leaves of a maple tree growing at the edge of the pond. Duke set the lantern beneath the tree and spread the towels on the grass. He dimmed the lantern until it illuminated a small circle around it.

“Look up, Faith.”

Standing, she lifted her face to a vast night sky peppered with bright glowing stars. Her tension flowed out with her breath. “I haven’t looked at the stars or watched the sunset in two months.” Sadness filled her. “How do we forget so quickly? How do we allow ourselves to get too busy to appreciate such simple things as a night sky?”

He didn’t answer. Because there wasn’t an answer. You either looked for the stars or missed them.

He stood behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, holding her loosely. “My dad could clap his hand on my shoulder and make me feel ten feet tall. A small gesture, but one I’ll never forget.”

In life, those were the things that mattered most—a night sky, a touch of affection, a smile of approval, all without cost but of immense value to a person’s soul. Faith finished her wine in silence, looking at the stars, listening to the rhythm of the night peepers, wishing she could enjoy this without memories and guilt weighing her down.

“My mother visited Fredonia one fall when the leaves were turning, and the smell of ripe grapes filled the air. She told me the church bells sounded like angels singing.”

Duke’s arms tightened in a gentle hug, as if he understood her heartache, and that words would never console her.

“She wanted to live here in a small house with a big porch and a rose garden, but she never came back.”

“Why not?” he asked softly, echoing Faith’s own relentless question. Why not? Why hadn’t she dared what Faith and her aunts were doing? What had stopped her?

“I don’t know.” Faith sighed. “Maybe it’s best. She would have been disappointed to know there are horse thieves and men like Archer living here.”

“Weeds grow in every garden, Faith.”

She laughed at his analogy. “You’ve been spending too much time in my greenhouse.”

He nuzzled her neck. “I like spending time with you.”

What she felt for him went far beyond like. Hot desire, deep admiration, and an embarrassing fondness for his kisses could only begin to describe her feelings for him. Her body was tingling in a so many places, she would sound like the peepers if her nerve endings could emit sound. She wanted to make his body sing like hers, to give him one good reason to marry her. Wasn’t that what mattered most to a man? To have a submissive and pleasing wife?

“Faith, why don’t you ever talk about your late husband?” He may as well have shoved her into the cold pond. “Doesn’t Cora ask about him?”

Her heart clamored, but she warned herself to stay calm. “I don’t want her to know the caliber of man who fathered her.”

Duke turned her to face him. “Did he hurt you?”

“Not the way you think,” she said, trying to find an explanation that would allow them to permanently bury the subject. “Her father was corrupt. I was relieved when he was no longer part of our lives.” Her conscience barely balked, because every word was the truth.

And she was done talking about her life for the night. She wanted to head toward her future, not linger in her past. For her own sake. For Cora’s and Adam’s sakes.

She frowned and upended her empty glass. “We should have brought more wine.”

“Are you thirsty?”

“No.”

“Nervous then?”

“Yes. I’m not used to standing in the dark with a shadow man.”

His mouth quirked. “This shadow man would like to kiss you.”

“Permission granted,” she whispered, and lifted her mouth to his, giving him her trust and her passion.

His arms slipped around her waist, his empty glass dangling from his long fingers, hers resting against her thigh as their bodies met. She thrilled to his touch, and her wishful heart beat hard, begging him to hear her prayer, to marry her and make her dreams come true. And she would give him the one thing she’d never been able to give another: her heart.

His mouth grew more eager and she fit herself against body, making him groan. He kissed her hard and fast, like he was starving and couldn’t control his greed. But maybe she was greedy. She felt desperate and needy. He ground his hips against hers, his hard thigh riding high between her legs as he kissed her like she’d never been kissed in her life.

Because none of the men before Duke had cared about her. She was a whore’s daughter unworthy of them.

Her body trembled as she broke the kiss. “Have you ever been in love?” she whispered.

He braced his chin against her forehead, his breathing ragged. “Once,” he said. “When I was ten.”

She smiled at his honesty, and at the thought of him as a dark-haired, wide-eyed boy.

“She was my teacher, and she had the nerve to marry a man her own age and move away.”

Touched by his mix of humor and sincerity, Faith caressed his warm cheek, loving the prickle of new whiskers breaking through his recent shave. “You are so charming. I don’t know how any woman could walk away from you.”

He leaned back, revealing the sculpted shadows of his face. “Don’t walk away, Faith.”

“I won’t.”

“I mean ever.” He broke away to kneel by the lantern. He raised the wick, illuminating his handsome face and the hand he held out to her. “Will you marry me?”

Her breath whooshed out. She stared at him, so golden and beautiful kneeling beneath the gilded maple tree, offering the life she’d prayed for.

“I’ve seen how happy my brothers and their wives are with each other. I didn’t think I’d ever find that with anyone until I met you. My head, my heart, and my gut say you’re the one for me, and that we can share that same joy and passion. Say you’ll be my wife, that we can create a good, happy life together.”

To see him on his knee, his gorgeous gaze filled with trust and desire, made her eyes fill with tears.

“Say yes, Faith. Say you’ll meet me right here beneath this tree three weeks from now and take your vows with me.”

“Oh, Duke...” She linked her fingers with his, wishing she could be more for him, tortured by her conscience, torn by her need for truth and her need for security. She knelt in front of him. “I’d be honored to be your wife.”

“I’ll make you happy,” he promised then sealed the vow with a tender kiss.

“You already have.” She cradled his face, the face she would kiss each night and wake to each morning, and vowed in her heart to be perfect for him, to bring him joy and laughter if not truth. Starting now, right here beneath these beautiful stars, she would put her past behind her and think only of their future, of pleasing him, of making sure he never regretted marrying her.

Radford dropped his hand maul in the lumberyard and gaped at Duke. “You’re what?”

“I’m marrying Faith on August second.”

Boyd and Kyle exchanged a shocked glance.

“Stop looking like someone died, fellas. I’m not new at this. I’ve been courting women since I was sixteen. I don’t need months to decide if Faith is the right woman for me. She is, and I’m going to marry her in three weeks. Radford, I’d like you to be my best man.”

Radford’s jaw dropped farther.

“I stepped in so Evelyn had someone to give her away when she married you. I was hoping you’d stand for my wedding, too.” Duke had considered asking Patrick or Boyd, but he wanted Radford to stand beside him and give his blessing, to witness their vows, and to accept Faith and Adam and Cora as part of their family. “I’d like you to do it.”

Radford gave him a half nod. “All right. I will.” He shook Duke’s hand. “Congratulations,” he said, but sounded like he was offering his condolences.

Kyle gave Duke’s shoulder a hard squeeze. “Does Mother know yet?”

“I told her this morning, and she was pleased. She wants to help Faith plan the wedding.”

Boyd whacked Duke upside the head. “You just cost me a two-hour body rub. Claire said you’d propose before summer ended. I said you’d hold out until Christmas.”

“So you’ll have to rub your wife’s body for two hours? What a hardship.”

A wicked grin lit Boyd’s face. “I’ll hate every minute of it.” He caught Duke’s hand in a firm clasp. “Congratulations. Where’s the party?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“We can have it at our house,” Radford said.

His offer surprised Duke, and it meant a lot that Radford was trying to be supportive despite his reservations. “Thanks, Rad. I’d like that.”

“What can we do to help?” Boyd asked.

“Welcome Faith and Adam and Cora to our family.” he said, swelling with pride that his beautiful Faith, his soon-to-be wife, would take her place alongside his lovely sisters-in-laws.

* * *

On Tuesday afternoon Dr. Paul Milton limped into the greenhouse. He was the last person Faith wanted to see while feeling so disheartened. The new owners of the Colburn house were beginning to move in. She’d seen men carrying furniture inside all week, and this morning, Nancy Grayson had delivered a housewarming gift.

Aster puffed up like an angry bulldog as she faced the doctor. “If you’ve come to give us another lecture, Dr. Milton, you just limp your sorry self right back out the door.”

Faith gawked at her aunt. Aster had always been blunt, but never intentionally rude. When they’d heard that the doctor had had a buggy accident on Saturday, Aster said he’d needed to be taken down a peg. Faith sent a note wishing him well, and apologizing for her unladylike outburst at the lawn party. She wasn’t sorry at all, but she didn’t want to antagonize any of Duke’s acquaintances, especially when he might need their vote in the election.

“I’d like to speak with Mrs. Wilkins,” the doctor said, but Aster blocked his way to the counter where Faith was showing Cora how to use a mortar and pestle to crush peppermint leaves.

“My niece is planning her wedding to the sheriff, and I won’t let you rain on her happiness.”

Iris and Tansy were a row away clipping herbs for two customers. All four women turned their attention to Aster and the doctor.

His face flushed. “I have no intention of raining on anything, Miss Wilde. I’m seeking a turn in this bath I’ve been hearing about.”

Aster arched a white eyebrow. “Are you referring to the herbal bath we’re using as a means to ‘swindle money from the innocent ladies in town’? Isn’t that what you accused us of?”

“I’m willing to try the bath myself and change my opinion.”

Aster shook her head. “Sorry. Doctor, but the bath isn’t available to men.”

“Sheriff Grayson comes here for treatment, does he not?”

“The sheriff is using our services to assure you kind citizens we’re running a respectable business.”

“Those of us in the healing profession would like that same assurance.”

“Rubbish, Doctor. You’re here because your own medicine won’t relieve your pain, and you’re desperate enough to try our bath. I should boot your arrogant carcass right out the door— but proving you wrong is going to be much more satisfying.” She ignored the gasps and titters from Iris and the ladies, and headed toward the bathhouse. “Come along, Doctor. You have the pleasure of being my patient for the morning.”

The doctor limped along behind Aster, looking a bit bewildered and browbeaten, which Faith found immensely satisfying. Her aunts gave her constant lessons in handling men. She just wished they could help her silence her conscience. It was killing her to let Duke walk into their marriage blind.

Three days had passed since she’d accepted his proposal, and she could barely think of anything but their upcoming marriage. Their commitment to each other had eased her anxiety about the future and allowed her to return his warmth and affection. Each night after stretching his arm and shoulder, they kissed passionately. She trusted Duke to keep them from going too far because his honor was solid, and because she had no willpower when his hands were on her. But she felt deceitful and undeserving of him, and that wouldn’t change as long as her black secrets were between them.

“Is this squished enough?” Cora asked, peering into the mortar bowl at the greenish paste.

“Yes, sweetie. We’ll add some lavender after lunch.” She kissed the top of Cora’s head and reminded herself that marrying Duke was the right thing to do.

Faith fed Cora then put her down for a nap in the pasture, as Cora now referred to their pretty bedchamber. Tansy’s talent was impressive, and Faith felt a sense of peace and wonder as she gazed at the pony and the expansive view Tansy had painted on her wall.

She found Tansy whisking her brush across the parlor wall, creating a green and cranberry paisley pattern. “I’ll finish the rest tomorrow,” the woman said, her eyes lit with excitement.

“It’s going to look gorgeous,” Faith said. “We’ll be the envy of every woman in town.”

“Wouldn’t that be ironic?”

Faith laughed. “It surely would be.” She helped Tansy carry the pails and paint brushes to the greenhouse where they found Aster, Dahlia, and Iris at the counter howling with laughter.

“Dr. Milton shucked his arrogance right along with his clothes,” Aster was saying.

“What are you old hens cackling about?” Tansy asked, plunking her pail and brushes on the counter. Faith followed and set her bucket beside Tansy’s.

“Aster’s telling us about Doc Milton’s visit,” Dahlia said, her bosoms bouncing from her chuckles.

Faith scanned the greenhouse and was relieved to see it empty.

“Well, you should have seen that man,” Aster said, her cheeks more flushed than Faith had ever seen them. “When I dug my fingers into his sore left buttock, he squeaked like a frightened mouse. He says, ‘Miss Wilde! What are you doing down there?’” She cackled and pressed her hand to her stomach. “I said, ‘Surely, Doctor, you’re intelligent enough to realize I’m massaging your ass.’”

“Oh!” Tansy squealed with laughter. “I wish I could have witnessed that.”

“Doc says, ‘Woman, you do have a foul mouth on you, but I could surely get used to those hands of yours?” Aster slapped the counter and laughed until she coughed. “You know, I actually liked the man.”

Faith’s laughter mingled with their howls. She loved these bawdy women and their honest revelations.

“Did you ladies scare away our customers?” she asked. Two women had come earlier for a mix of chamomile and bee balm to make a tea to ease their monthly discomfort. One woman stopped for rosemary and mint oil to help her sleep better. But Faith’s busy greenhouse was empty of customers for the first time all week.

“It’s been quiet all day” Dahlia leaned her elbows on the counter, resting her ample bosoms on the surface. “I may as well go help Anna and her houseguest Millie with a quilt they’re working on.”

Dahlia and Anna had become fast friends, and Faith was glad her aunt was settling in to their new life. They all were in small ways, and it pleased Faith, but she was worried about their income. If the customers stopped coming in, so would their money. She couldn’t expect Duke to provide for all of them.

“I can’t imagine our hot bath has much appeal in mid-July” she said, hoping it was just the weather keeping the women away. “Maybe we should offer a cold bath instead.”

“That would have seriously shrunk the doctor’s arrogance,” Aster said, setting everyone off again.

When the door opened, their laughter ceased, and they turned to see a boy Adam’s age carrying a large package in his arms. “I’m looking for Mrs. Wilkins,” he said.

Faith identified herself, and the boy brought the package to the counter. She gave him a nickel she had in her skirt pocket, and he scooted outside with it clutched in his fist.

“What is it?” Tansy whispered.

“I don’t know. I didn’t order anything.”

Iris, who had behaved herself all week, poked at the package. “I’ll bet it’s from the sheriff.”

It was. He’d sent a dress in sky-blue silk patterned with tiny white dewdrop flowers and decorated with blue satin ribbons. He’d included matching shoes and a shawl as he had for her other dress. Faith had planned to wear that dress again to the theater performance tomorrow evening, but he clearly had a better idea.

Iris heaved a dramatic sigh. “Now I regret not trying to steal him away from you.”

“You couldn’t have,” Tansy said. “The sheriff wanted Faith the minute he set eyes on her. But I think Mr. Lyons will buy you lots of dresses if you marry him.”

“What I want from that man doesn’t involve wearing a dress.”

Tansy whacked Iris’s arm. “You are utterly crude.”

“Don’t play innocent with me. I’m sure Mr. Dahlin’ has found his way under your petticoats by now.”

Tansy lifted her chin. “That man can barely find his way to my mouth without a map.”

“So he’s kissed you!” Iris clapped her hands together. “With you and Faith getting married soon, we won’t have to worry about our income. He’ll ask soon, Tansy”

“Won’t matter. I can’t marry a Yankee.”

“Why not?” Aster asked, her voice booming across the greenhouse.

Tansy pulled back as if Aster had slapped her. “Because Yankees killed my husband.”

Faith dropped her dress onto the counter and gaped with the rest of them.

“You were married?” Iris asked softly. “You never told us.”

Tansy released a trembly sigh. “I married Leroy when I was nineteen. I was two months pregnant when he went to war in ‘sixty-one. I lost the baby shortly afterward, and Leroy was killed three years later.”

“Oh, honey...” Iris stroked Tansy’s narrow back. “That’s heartbreaking.”

“It destroyed me,” she agreed, the sadness in her voice making Faith’s eyes tear. “When they gave me the news about Leroy, I thought of Mama and Daddy and all the people I loved and would someday lose, and I wanted to die right there. Everything in the South was destroyed by then, and I walked out the door hoping to find my own death, but I wasn’t that lucky. I became a prostitute, and y’all know the rest.”

Aster patted Tansy’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you ever share this with us?”

“Because it hurt too much to remember. And it never mattered until now” She hung her head. “Cyrus sings like an angel.”

Dahlia released a sad laugh and hugged Tansy. “No wonder we love you.”

“We surely do.” Iris hooked her arms around Dahlia and Tansy. “Maybe Cyrus wasn’t even in the war, hon. You should ask him.

Aster looked on like a mother hen, and Faith felt a deep sadness for all of them, for their lost innocence, for their lost dreams, for the love they were worthy of but didn’t have.

* * *

After supper, Cora rushed into the house with a note clutched in her hand. “A man said to give this to you.”

Faith had her hands in dishwater, so Aster read the note to her.

“‘Time for us to settle this matter’,” she said, a scowl drawing her white eyebrows down. “‘Meet me in the greenhouse tonight at ten o’clock. Come alone. I won’t take no for an answer.’”

Faith’s blood turned to ice and she froze with her hands in the water.

Aster’s face turned as white as her hair.

Tansy dropped the pan she was drying. It landed on the floor with a bong and rolled into the wall. “God in heaven, who sent that?”

“It doesn’t say.”

Iris and Dahlia rushed from their bedchambers. “What happened?”

Fingers trembling, Aster passed the note to Iris. “I think Judge Stone has found us.”

Iris and Dahlia read the note, and Dahlia slammed her hand on the table. “I swear I’ll kill that man.”

Cora cast a frightened look at Faith.

“Come here, honey” Faith wiped her hands on her apron then opened her arms. “Who gave you the note?”

“A man did,” Cora said, rushing into Faith’s protective embrace.

“What did he look like?”

“A bear with white hair.”

Faith had seen several white-haired men in the village, but the only man who would write a note like that was Judge Stone. Her stomach clutched with fear, knowing he had approached Cora and could have easily taken her, and would have done so deliberately to remind her of his power. She looked for Adam and panicked.

“Where’s Adam?”

“Under the bridge with Rebecca,” Cora said. “He told me not to come down there by the water.”

Faith trembled with fury and fear. Adam was supposed to be watching Cora while Faith was cleaning up. Instead he was flirting! Was that all boys and men could think about?

She handed Cora to Dahlia. “We need to make a plan. I’ll be right back with Adam.”

She stormed to the bridge that crossed Canadaway Creek at Water Street, and saw him sitting on the bank with Rebecca. “Adam Steven Dearborn! Get up here this instant!”

His head snapped up, and he stared in shock.

She had never screamed at him, but she was terrified. “Judge Stone just gave Cora a note while you were down here playing. He could have taken her!”

Adam’s eyes widened, and he clawed his way up the bank. “Is he here?”