Authors: Teresa Greene
Why had she not come to town like she promised? Did Nick or Jacob catch her slipping away and prevent her from leaving the house?
Granted, he had made some major blunders. The first rule he broke was never sleep with virgins. The second was never mix business with pleasure. He let his feelings get in the way of his duties.
Remembering how Abby looked when Jacob slapped her caused his heart to constrict in pain. What hurt him most, he was responsible. He took an innocent girl and ruined her. Then he asked her to come with him. What was he thinking? He wasn’t thinking well, maybe only with his lower extremities. She definitely stole his heart. He would take her to his brother’s plantation until he finished what he started. He could not very well leave her with Jacob. He would force Abby to marry that little weasel Andrew.
As soon as he tracked down and killed Bart Langley, he would go home. Tired of his meaningless life, he would settle down with Abby. He found something pure and perfect. He could not imagine his life without her.
By the time night fell, Cord was pretty drunk. The longer he waited the more he feared Abby changed her mind about leaving with him. He would wait until morning and then he would continue his search for Bart.
His thoughts were interrupted when May, the barmaid brushed her breasts against his arm as she leaned over with another bottle of whiskey. She smiled prettily, bending low so Cord could see her small breasts which were about to spill over her much too revealing dress. The woman could not be more obvious. Several times he told her he wasn’t interested. The woman just did not know when to give up. She was determined.
Her eyelashes fluttering, she asked, “Can I git you anythang else, handsome?”
His voice gruff, Cord snapped, “No, just leave me be.” Cord saw the disappointment in her face, but ignored her. The only woman he wanted was Abby.
As the night dragged on, Cord’s fear turned to anger. Where was Abby? Had her father convinced her to marry Andrew instead? Jacob did have a lot of control over her. His temper was at the boiling point by the time some rowdy farmhands came in for a drink after spending several days on a cattle drive. One young cowhand, probably about seventeen or so, accidentally bumped into Cord. Looking for a fight, he stood and shoved the young man. His voice slurred he hissed, “Watch where you’re going.”
The young cowhand punched Cord only causing him more anger. Before Cord realized what was happening he was attacked by the young man and his friends. Too drunk to stand, let alone fight, he was knocked unconscious, and left flat on his back on the filthy saloon floor.
****
Still groggy, Cord woke to find Abby straddling him. He moaned, “Abby, you came.” The moment he wrapped his hands around her, he knew she was not his love because she was muc
h too scrawny. The woman didn’t have the bountiful curves Abby possessed.
Completely awake now, he glared up at May. She was pretty but she was nothing compared to Abby. He pushed hard sending the whore falling to the floor with a thud.
“What in the hell do ya thank you’re doin’?”
Pressing his hand to his throbbing head from the night’s drinking, Cord felt terrible. He drunk way too much and was now in misery. Even though he thought he would pass out from the effort, he bounded out of the bed and donned his pants. A low growl escaped Cord’s lips before he hissed, “Please tell me we did not do anything!”
Completely nude, May struggled to stand, and rubbed her backside. Eyes snapping with anger she asked, “What’s your problem, honey? You got a wife or some’em ya scared of.”
Not bothering with an answer, he slipped his shirt on and buttoned it quickly. After he gathered his things, he turned on May now sitting on the edge of the bed watching him curiously. “Did we do anything?”
“Is that anyway to show gratitude?” She stood with her hands on her hips. “I kept those cowhands from killin’ ya last night. I even talked ‘em into carryin’ your heavy, unconscious carcass up the stairs.”
Cord rubbed his temples trying to relieve the pain. “And why did you do that?”
May raked her eyes over Cord’s muscular body. “Why do ya thank? I was hopin’ we could have us a good time. It’s not everyday somebody that looks like you drifts into town.”
His voice rising in anger, Cord huffed, “Did we do anything?”
“No, honey. I didn’t even git a chance to git it up.”
“Thank God!” Relieved, Cord hurried fr
om the room. At least he didn’t have to feel guilty for sleeping with a whore. He had enough dark clouds hanging over his head. If he was serious about settling down with Abby, he would have to give up fast women and alcohol.
Stepping outside, the sun almost blinded him. He raised his arm and looked into the sky, estimating it must be late morning. Hastily, he returned to his hotel room and asked at the desk if anyone had asked for him. No one had.
Annoyed, he returned to his room and peered into the mirror. No wonder he had a headache. His face was bruised and swollen. He touched his swollen cheek and winced from the pain. He could not remember anything, but May must have been telling the truth about him getting into a fight. He fell across the bed feeling woozy and nauseous. The last thing he thought of as he dozed off to sleep, Abby was not coming.
Cord felt the sun on his face. He fumbled for his pocket watch on the side table and peered at it with blood shot eyes. It was 2:00 in the afternoon. After waiting three days, he could wait no longer. He packed his belongings into his saddlebags and checked out. He went to the telegraph office and sent a message to his brother Adam, in Raleigh. As he rode away from Tarboro, he fought the urge to return to Abby’s farm. His pride kept him from doing so. He would not grovel, not even for Abby.
****
Beyond furious, Nick kicked the horse in the sides trying to get more speed from him. When he got his hands on Abby, he would make sure she would not be able to sit down for a week. He turned his back for only a moment and she gave him the
slip. For three days he didn’t let her out of his sight. Then in an instant she was gone, riding out of the yard on Jack.
Precious time had been lost because he walked to the closest farm and borrowed a horse, if it could even be called a horse. The old nag was so slow it took all his effort just to get a trot out of the poor soul. By the time he made it to town, Abby would be gone with Cord. His stomach ached at the thoughts of never seeing her again.
In the distance he saw a dust cloud round the curve in the road. Raising his hand over his eyes to shade them from the sun, he saw beautiful russet hair shining brightly. It was Abby. Then his worry turned to anger. Now that he knew she was safe, he would punish her for scaring him. He dismounted and waited for her.
As she came closer, Nick could tell she was upset. Her face was dirty from dust, with clear streaks running down her cheeks from her tears. The moment she saw Nick, she halted Jack, climbed from his back, and fell into his arms. She was crying so hard he could not understand a word she said. It sounded like blubbering to him.
“Abby, calm down. Tell me what happened.”
Her crying intensified. Too distraught to tell him what upset her, she continued to wail. He cradled her in his arms and lifted her to Jack’s back, and climbed behind her. Leading the old nag, they rode home as she soaked Nick’s shirt with her tears.
Gently, Nick laid Abby on the bed. He brushed her hair back from her face. Her dirty face swollen and splotched from crying, she looked a mess. Her pitiful sobs tore at his heart strings. “Stop crying and tell me what happened, Abby.”
After several sniffles, Abby calmed enough to speak. “I found Cord in bed with a whore at the saloon.”
Even though Nick knew Abby was devastated, he was happy she had seen Cord for what he was. Now maybe she would marry Andrew and accept a life with him.
“He used me, Nick. He took my trust and love then deserted me. I’m ruined.” Her tears started afresh.
“You’re not ruined, Abby. Every thing will be okay.” Nick took out his handkerchief and wiped her dirty face. I’m going to get you some water. I’ll be right back.” Nick kissed her forehead before he slipped off the bed to go to the kitchen.
He returned with the glass of water and held it to Abby’s lips. She
didn’t even have the strength to hold it. After taking several sips she looked at Nick. “How can you still show me so much compassion when I have behaved so wantonly?”
“How many times must I tell you it is not your fault? You fell in love. It just happened to be with the wrong man.” Nick draped his arm around Abby’s shoulder and held her close.
She sniffled loudly. “Please don’t tell father I went to town to find Cord. I have done enough damage to our relationship. I can’t tolerate him hating me any worse than he does now.”
“There is no reason for him to know. The most important thing is you are home where you belong.” Nick pulled Abby’s shoes off and helped her under the covers. “Sleep, Abby. You need rest more than anything now.”
Nick turned to leave but she grabbed his hand. “Thank you, Nick. I don’t know what I would do without you. You have always been there for me.”
Smiling, Nick laid his hand on her cheek. “You have been through a traumatic experience, Abby. Cord was slick and fast. Stop feeling guilty for something you are not responsible for.”
Nick could not bring himself to put any of the blame on Abby. She would always be his baby sister, who he felt the need to protect. She was too innocent and naïve for a man like Cord Sutton.
Chapter Six
For days Abby walked around as if in a trance. In her mind she kept seeing Cord beneath that harlot in town, his hands caressing her body; the same hands that gave her so much enjoyment and pleasure. How could she have given herself to a man that promised her nothing? Yes, he asked her to go with him, but he never said he would marry her. Now she knew he would have used her until he tired of her and then sent her packing. How could she have been so stupid?
Abby cooked, cleaned, gardened, but she said very little. Gone was the love of life that once existed for her. In its place was a huge darkness that just would not go away. Depression settled into her heart so deep and heavy she could not sleep or eat. She lost weight and looked drawn and tired.
Finding Abby sitting on the porch staring at nothing, Nick took her hand. “Abby, I need you. You have to get over these feelings before they destroy you. If for no one else but me, please at least try. I want my sister back.”
Guilt began to replace her depression. She should at least consider Nick. She had been happy before Cord, she could be happy again.
Abby pulled his hand to her face and kissed it softly. “I’m sorry, Nick.” She knew she needed to fight the depression. Cord was not worth the tears she had shed. He was a bastard who had treated her horribly.
****
Two weeks passed, and Abby was doing better. Memories of Cord were still fresh in her mind, but at least the tears had stopped. All the work around the farm kept her busy. Still sometimes something he said or did would slip into her thoughts and the gut wrenching pain would return. If not for her love for Nick, she would let the depression take over. Even though everyday was a struggle, she would survive. Memories of him would fade over time.
Picking blackberries that grew wild beside the barn, she heard the wagon approaching before she saw it. Apprehensive, she stepped behind the barn and waited. She could not make out the stranger’s face from where she stood, but there was something vaguely familiar about him.
Well, she wouldn’t know what he wanted if she stayed hidden behind the barn like a scared little mouse. She walked to the front yard where he stopped the wagon. He seemed curious as he took in the barn and house. His eyes roamed over the fields where their crops were now tiny shoots sprouting form the earth. When he turned and saw her, she tried to read his expression but could not.
“Is this the Henley farm?”
Shocked, Abby stood staring at him. His mouth reminded her of Cord. She began to tremble.
Slowly, he took a step toward her. “Are you okay, ma’am?”
No doubt she was being ridiculous. Just because the man resembled Cord slightly,
didn’t mean anything. He was tall and muscular like Cord, but his light brown hair and blue eyes were nothing like his. Surely she was being foolish. She tried to smile. “Yes, my father is Jacob Henley.”
“You must be, Abby.” A smile split his face.
Abby felt a terrible pressure in her chest. His voice deep and husky sounded like Cord’s. “Who are you?”
The man removed his hat and stuck his hand out to shake Abby’s hand. “Adam Sutton, ma’am, Cord’s older brother.”
When Abby just stood there with her mouth gaped open, not offering her hand in return, he pulled his back and nervously wiped it on his pants.
“Cord asked me to check on you ma’am. He sent me a telegraph informing me how you and your family saved his life. He asked me to bring your father and brother these fine horses and farm equipment as payment for your hospitality.”
As Adam moved toward the wagon, Abby followed. She stared at the wagon. It was well made and in better condition than their old wagon. Two huge draft horses stood harnessed to the wagon. Their harnesses jingled when they shook their massive heads to ward off the flies. She had never seen finer animals.
A beautiful chestnut mare and a dark horse were tied to the rear of the wagon. On the back of the wagon were several contraptions she had never seen before. She surmised it was the farm equipment he mentioned. It infuriated her that Cord thought he could make up for taking her virginity with horses and farm equipment.
An angry snort escaped her lips. “You take the gifts back to Cord and tell him I want nothing he has to offer. Tell him he is dead to me.”
Abby could see Adam’s shock at her reaction. “Ma’am, I don’t know what Cord did to upset you, but he had nothing but praise for you.”
Abby paled, stepped forward, pressed her finger to Adam’s chest, and sputtered with outrage, “Take your gifts and get off my land!”
His brow darkened threateningly. She could tell he wasn’t accustomed to women talking to him in such a tone. He was probably no better than Cord, and thought women were only for his amusement and pleasure.
His eyes flashing stormily, Adam snapped, “Ma’am, you need to calm down. I am just the messenger. I did as Cord asked and brought you some things to make your father and brother’s life a little easier.”
Of course he was right. He had done nothing to upset her. Cord was the one who used her and then threw her to the side. Her tone softened. “I’m sorry, Mr. Sutton. I should not take my anger out on you. You are not responsible for your brother’s actions.”
A puzzled look on his face proved he had no idea what Cord had done to her, and he wondered what had transpired between them. Adam asked, “Can we sit on the porch for a spell.
Turning without saying a word, Abby marched to the front porch and sat down in the rocker. Agitated, Abby began to move the rocker back and forth. She never took her eyes off Adam as he rambled slowly to the rocker beside her and sat down.
“What did Cord do to make you hate him so?”
“You can ask him the next time you see him. It is too personal and I care not to speak of it.”
Blue eyes peered into hers as if he were trying to read her mind. “Cord asked me to escort you to my plantation near Raleigh. He will join you when his business is completed.”
Abby flushed angrily. “He has some nerve! Did he tell you what he plans to do with me once he returns?”
Adam blinked at her vehement tone. “He never conveyed his intentions. I’m sure they are honorable. My brother would never ask me to escort you to my plantation for lascivious reasons. You are a lady aren’t you?”
Abby’s eyes narrowed as she bounded out of the rocker. “Your brother does not know the definition of the word honorable! He is a scoundrel! I hate him and hope to never see him again! I will hate him until my dying day.”
Abby turned to run into the house, but found her wrist caught in a tight grip. She looked at his huge hand wrapped around her wrist.
Angry eyes glared at her menacingly as he pulled her close. “Ma’am, for some reason Cord wanted me to take you from your home. I will not kidnap you, but I will ask you one more time. Are you sure you don’t want to leave with me? I promise you will be safe.”
Abby met his gaze and whispered as she forced her tears back, “No, As far as I am concerned Cord never existed.” Almost falling when he suddenly released her wrist, she stumbled to gain her balance. She ran into the house.
From the window she watched Adam put the huge draft horses and the mare in the barn. He left the wagon and its contents in front of the barn. He untied his horse from the back of the wagon and rode away.
****
Storming in
to the house, Nick ran right past Abby not even seeing her in the kitchen. She waited patiently as he ran all through the house looking for her before backtracking. The amusement showed on her face when he breathlessly stopped in front of her.
“Where did the horses and wagon come from?”
She kept peeling potatoes as if unconcerned. “Cord’s brother, Adam brought them to us today. I told him we didn’t want them, but he left them anyway.”
Before Nick could question her further, her father lumbered into the house in time to hear her explanation. “It is payment for you being his whore.”
Sick of her father’s treatment, Abby let out a loud moan. The only time he had spoken to her was to taunt her for her stupidity of sleeping with a man who had no intention of marrying her. The rest of the time she was subjected to his cold indifference.
Dropping the knife and potato into the pan, she faced her father and snapped, “Father, I told him we
didn’t want anything from Cord.” She waved her hands in the air. “Give them away for all I care. I want nothing from him.”
“Don’t you back talk me girl!” Her father’s angry stride caused Abby to step back.
Before he touched her, Nick intervened. He stepped in front of Abby, barring his way. “Leave her alone, Father. She has been through enough and does not need your constant reminder of what happened. It is spilt milk and nothing can be done about it.” Nick pointed his finger in Jacob’s face. “Do not chastise her again.”
Abby almost felt sorry for her father. Nick never stood up to their father, and as of late they were constantly at each other’s throats. All the turmoil was her fault. Her unladylike actions were destroying her family. She wondered if they would ever be a loving family again.
****
The moment Abby opened the squeaky barn door, the chestnut mare snorted. She tried to ignore the beautiful animal, knowing she would not be keeping her. Every time she looked at the mare, she felt guilty for giving herself to Cord.
It reminded her of what her father said,
“Cord is paying you for being his whore.”
Brother and sister went about the chore of feeding the other horses and Lou. Abby could tell Nick was impressed with the huge draft horses. He spent time combing their massive backs and silky manes. At supper she could hear the excitement in his voice when he spoke of them.
“What do you think of the new farm equipment?” Abby was a little shocked her father decided to keep the equipment. A proud man, he had never taken charity from someone before. Maybe he felt he deserved if after all the turmoil Cord caused.
“It makes farming a whole lot easier. The rotary spader tills up the ground three times faster than anything we have. The new plow is amazing and so easy to use. I can’t wait to use the cultivator. It will cultivate four rows at one time. Our old tools are antique compared to the modern farm equipment Cord gave us.”
Abby had heard her father speak fondly of the rotary spader. At least Cord had made their lives easier. Her heart still hurt every time she heard his name mentioned. It would take time to get over his betrayal.
No matter how much she tried to stay away, she found herself drawn to the chestnut mare. Finally giving in, Abby rubbed the white blaze on her head. “Are you homesick, girl?” Never having a horse of her own, Abby fell in love with the gentle mare. Taking the curry comb, Abby brushed her shiny coat. Someone had taken very good care of her because her coat was healthy and she loved the attention.
She felt Nick’s hand on her shoulder. “She is beautiful, Abby. I don’t see what it would hurt if you keep her.” Nick walked outside and returned with a saddle and bridle. “This was in the wagon.”
Abby looked at the brown, leather saddle. It was well made and looked expensive. She had never had a saddle before, always riding Jack or Jess bareback. He handed her the letter that he found under the saddle.
Her name is Sugar.
She wondered if Sugar had belonged to Cord or Adam. She could not imagine Cord owning such a docile animal. Pepper had spirit just like Cord.
“I’ll try to come in early enough tomorrow to show you how to saddle her.”
Just as Abby stepped onto the porch, she heard a buggy approaching. Her hands broke out into a cold sweat when she recognized Andrew. As if he sensed her apprehension, Nick squeezed Abby’s hand. It was awfully late for him to be coming to call on her. It must be something important to bring him out in the dark of night. She never uttered a word as he stepped out of the buggy and sauntered toward them.
“Hello, Nick. I hope you are doing well.”
“Yes, Andrew. I am fine.”
Not bothering with pleasantries, he turned his attention to Abby, and asked, “May I talk to you in private.”
“I’ll see you in the house, Abby.”
Even though Andrew deserved an explanation, the thought of being alone with him caused her to tremble. The sound of the door shutting behind Nick only caused her to become more nervous.
Andrew tucked his arm into Abby’s, and escorted her to the rockers on the porch. She rested her head on the back of the chair and peered into the night sky. A full moon lit up the sky with a brilliant glow. Stars by the millions sparkled above her head. Somewhere close a whippoorwill cooed softly. All this beauty and she no longer enjoyed it. Cord ruined that for her.
Andrew’s hard voice interrupted the quietness. “Your father told me you are no longer a virgin.”
Abby’s cheeks burned hot. She knew this conversation was not going to go well. Both were silent for several seconds. “I’m sorry, Andrew. I know you must hate me.”
“I feel betrayed. You were promised to me. I feel as if something was stolen from me.” His voice brisk and angry made her wish you could go in the house and not have this conversation.
Abby stiffened. “I can understand if you want to call off the wedding. I did betray you. I acted like a harlot and do not deserve your forgiveness.”