Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou) (32 page)

“I don’t.” Running a hand through unkempt hair Jordan took a ragged breath as his heart lurched at his words unrepentantly.

“Deny your heart all you want but it speaks volumes and eventually will win.” Fastening her hair into a loose braid Melanie shrugged out of her robe and went to the task of slipping into her dress.

“Are you tired of talking foolishness yet or should I prepare myself for more of your mindless drabble concerning that harpy?”

“It’s been my experience that men who have slept with harpies and harlots would be done with them the moment they left their beds, not drink themselves into stupors because they missed them. “

“I do not miss her.”

“Then why are you constantly drunk of late.” It was a fair question.

“It keeps me in good spirits, and I like to.”

“No you don’t, not like this.”

“Perhaps it is time you take your leave as well.. I don’t need you here to tell me what I like and feel.”

“Yes you do I am wondering however after you abduct the little Miss what do you plan to do with her? Being pregnant on a cramped ship for a months won’t go over well I assure you.”

“She will be comfortable in my quarters. I gave every thought to her condition.”

“You’ll never be able to show your face again. How do you intend to hide this.”

“I do not intend to hide my family.”

“Family is that what you’ll be?” Checking herself over, Melanie grabbed for her parasol.

“What else would we be, me and the little wife, my child, and Georgia.”  “Wife, you can’t be serious.” The news was more than alarming. “You’re going to try to marry the woman.”

“I’m going to marry her—no child of mine will be called a bastard.”     “It’s illegal, you’ll never find anyone to perform it.”

“What do I need state law for when I have the church? I’d rather have God on my side than government any day.” Confidently Jordan stood his ground.

“What if she refuses?”

“Woman haven’t you figured it out by now? I always get what I want.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Amelia sat down in the rocking chair on the porch silently beside Nina as the sun started to creep below the horizon. Nina smiled sweetly and patted her own huge belly before rubbing Amelia’s tiny burgeoning bulge.

Almost three months had passed since the night she’d last seen Jordan. The days felt so dark and lonely and though she had many things to celebrate in her life like the tiny cabin Jasper and Margaret had made her own six weeks ago and so many good friends she now passed the hours with, she often found herself lost in thought or her heart aching for wanting Jordan.

The first week had been hell as scores of the clothing and jewels he’d purchased one day ended up in the dirt in front of Nina and Cole’s house. Days later followed a basinet, and each following day after they would happen upon another item for the baby. “I should go before it gets too dark.”

“It will be dark midway down to your house, why don’t you stay a while longer. Cole hates the fact that you take that ol’ trail by yourself and so do I.”

“I want to lie down in my own bed Nina.” She did that lately, nothing felt as comfy as climbing under her thick blanket and resting. She would let her mind wander, or fantasize about Jordan. Wishing she could revisit lost moments. She missed him so very much.

Gathering up her scarf Amelia wrapped the thick wool material about her neck so it could ward off the chilly night air. “See you tomorrow?” She asked, they had planned on having lunch at her house.

“Alright bye sugah.” Nina waved her friend off.

Walking was suddenly starting to become harder than it used to be, her feet were now beginning to hurt. Amelia made her way past the tattered wood fence of her friend’s yard to the harshly carved dirt road.

The setting sun cast shades of dark purples and deep orange hues that stained the sky and it was a breathtaking sight, crossing her arms over her chest Amelia warmed herself and hummed a childhood lullaby mindlessly.

Feeling a little lighthearted she let her eyes drift closed for a moment as she walked and a smile crept over her lips.

What would her baby look like? She couldn’t wait to hear him or say her name for the first time. Would he or she favor her or Jordan? She would love for their baby to have his odd violet blue eyes. Yet having eyes that color would confirm everyone’s belief about her, would let everyone know her child’s father was indeed a white man.

She didn’t care, in truth she knew they already knew. They could whisper and laugh and call her a fool behind her back. They could tell her how hard things were going to be for her since she was not to marry Morgan. They could tell her how stupid she was to keep a baby who was half white but never white enough to be accepted by those who were white. Who was black but not black enough to escape stereotypes of the only community it had a chance to grow in. They could tell her, and would tell her, but it wouldn’t change a thing.

Tightening her arms about herself once more, she turned her attention toward the crooked curve of the road that led to her home. Intrigued by the strange firelight glowing from within.

Perhaps Margaret had come to visit and let herself in to wait on her. She visited often, always with some newly knitted quilt or clothing. Her baby was loved, no one could ever deny that.

Quickening her step, she hurried up the cobblestone path not wanting her to have to wait on her any longer. Tugging the door open she entered the cottage, grateful for its warmth that was now chasing the chill from her skin. “I didn’t think you were visiting today. I was over at Nina’s.” She called out blindly, hanging up her scarf on the coat rack Cole had fastened for her a week ago, saying “A fancy house like dis’ needs fancy things.” Fancy indeed the smooth oak was a welcome gift. “Margaret?” She called out when the woman did not answer. Peering into the sitting room she let her eyes glide over the space to fall on the broad back of a man.

It took her a moment to catch her breath and the lurching in her chest finally began to slow with each deep gasp..

“I’m not here to harm you.”

Those words did little to calm Amelia’s jumpy nerves. For here was a man she did not recognize standing in her living room. “Sir?” She questioned.

“The good Pastor Greggs is here to marry us.”

The voice came from within her kitchen and it needed no introductions. Amelia felt she would faint. “Marry us?”

“Yes.” Stepping out from the dark shadows of the kitchen the newly shaven and sober Jordan painted a handsome picture. “Come stand here sweet, so we can get this done quickly. The Pastor is in a hurry, has to get back to Boston.”

Amelia was still trying to recover when he walked over to her and grabbed her by the arm, positioning her in front of the Pastor. Tilting her head up at him she took in the sight of him standing tall and straight faced at the other man. What was going on here?

Shaking her hand loose from his she noticed the annoyed look he gave her but gave no never mind. “I’m sorry Pastor… Greggs is it? There will be no wedding today. Please let me show you to the door.” As the man nodded his head somewhat confused but compliantly, Amelia was already at the door opening it wide for him.

Jordan shook his head, then with long strides cut the older man off and then making his way over to Amelia slammed shut the door. “You Pastor were paid a handsome sum for this jamboree so you best believe there is going to be a ceremony.”

“But Mr. Bradford, the lady doesn’t wish to wed.” Fumbling for his pocket watch the man looked at the time. “And as you know I am short on time. I should have been on my way some time ago.”

Jordan silenced him with a look before turning to his surprised would be bride. “Here take this.” Taking from his coat pocket a shiny gold ring Jordan shoved it into her hand.

Amelia nearly dropped it before again staring up at him, no longer dumbfounded but angry. “Get out of my house! How dare you?”

“How dare you!” Jordan threw back. “Liar that you are you should be glad I am willing to marry you.”

The ring in her palm suddenly felt very heavy but she still hurled it in this face and it hit him square in the forehead. “You are not a great gift.” She spat. “I haven’t seen you in months; you refused to hear me out. You called me a whore. You who I thought put the stars in the sky can kiss my behind.” She said with finality.

“Once we are married.” Jordan threw back sarcastically.

“You don’t love me and I won’t marry you.” Even as her heart screamed for her to take him any way she could, she turned her back on him. How could she fall in love with such an arrogant and cruel fool? “Get out of this house.”

“I will not.” Jordan knelt down to pick up the ring on the floor. Through gritted teeth he asked. “What will it take for you to say yes, to marry me?”

“For you to love me.” She spoke before she could think to stop herself.

“That is something you and I both know I cannot give.” He said icily and his heart panged at the words.

“And that’s why I won’t do it, even if it were legal.”

“I tried to give you the choice now I’m taking it from you.” Jordan walked over to the Pastor who still stood shocked into a mute state and said something to him Amelia could not hear.

She watched as the two walked over to her coffee table and from his briefcase the Pastor pulled out a beige piece of parchment. She watched still as Jordan took in hand a quill and scribbled down something or other. Then as Pastor in turn did the same.

Pastor Greggs straightened his spine and waking over to Amelia said. “It’s just my own wife she’s so ill and I needed more money than I had…sorry.” Pulling open the door he walked out and vanished.

Amelia stopped to consider his apology only a second before asking. “What is that?”

“Why it’s our marriage certificate signed and sealed my love.” With a wicked smirk on his lips Jordan walked over took her hand in his placing the gold band on her finger. “How does it feel to be Mrs. Jordan Bradford?”

“It feels as if I’ve just died. I will have this farce disclaimed tomorrow.” She uttered.

“Yes marriage does tend to have that effect; I’d say we are on the right track.”

“I didn’t sign anything. I didn’t say any vows.” Amelia reasoned.

“And it’s forbidden Princess, let us not forget that it’s against the law, yet here we are two married fools.”

“It’s not legal so it’s not valid they are going to have you committed you know. They’ll think you’ve taken leave of your senses.” Amelia suddenly snapped out of her stupor. “You get out of my house.”

“Awe yes, your house, presented by Margaret, bought by me.”

“Liar.”

“No, not in the least, I bought this house so in truth it is mine.”

“And what now, will you take it from me if you don’t get your way?”

“I did get my way, and taking this house from you would be taking from myself.”

“Leave.”

“Well Princess it is my house, and I don’t feel much like leaving just yet, at least not without my wife.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you.” Turning on heel Amelia pushed past him and down the tiny hall to her room. It wasn’t long before she heard the knock at her door. “Go home Jordan.”

“Why Mrs. Bradford mind your tone.” Turning the knob he was more than vexed when he found it locked. “Open the damn door.”

“I will not.” She would keep the door locked and go to bed and by the time it was morning he would be gone she told herself and quickly began to disrobe.

Pulling open her dresser drawer she gave a loud gasp. “Where are my things!”

“I’ve taken the liberty of having them moved to the Maiden.”

“Maiden?” Amelia asked, blindly.

“Yes one of my ships, now open the door.”

“When hell freezes over.” Amelia threw back. “I want my things.”

“You’ll find your effects on the Maiden.” Jordan turned the knob again shaking the brass handle angrily. “Open the door.”

“Never.”

“I’ll break it down Amelia!” Temper rising Jordan banged on the door.

“Well you’ll have too!” Amelia screamed, appalled at the turn her day had taken. Always one thing after another, never any peace. Sitting on the edge of her bed she heard the first loud thud and saw the light splintering of wood.

He really was breaking her beautiful door. No matter she knew he would, he always did what he said.

“Damn it Amelia.” Jordan bellowed.

She ignored him and no more than a second later her pretty oak door burst open. Giving a sigh she fell back on the bed. “I won’t forgive you for this ever.”

“Duly noted.” Bending down he scooped up Amelia like a sack of potatoes in his arms already knowing she wouldn’t use her legs to walk. “Come now wife, it won’t be all bad.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Jordan walked the deck of the Maiden impatiently, he had sent for Jasper hours ago. The fool was probably still in bed with his cousin. Still he was more than ready to go and his sister was still under Jasper and Margaret’s supervision.

Raking a hand through his tousled locks, Jordan attempted to will away the throbbing in his skull. He’d stored away the stoic Mrs. Bradford below in their quarters after a screaming match and some shed tears on her part.

When he had brought her to the ship they were met by more than a few odd and disapproving stares, but understandingly no one voiced any opinions once onboard. Only a fool would bite the hand that fed them.

Amelia had not made the situation any better, yelling and carrying on. Airing out all of their dirty laundry and the fact that through lies and cheating she was his wife. Eventually he grew tired of her ranting and took her to their bedroom.

Theirs. It was a hard concept to wrap one’s head around, but he already had. She was his wife, and he was still waiting for a sinking feeling of dread to settle over him. He’d expected to have to force himself through every step but he hadn’t had too. Not once did he feel the urge to back out of his one-sided arrangement.

Shaking the thoughts from his head he forced himself to remember he was furious with her. Tried to hold on to the idea that she was a lying hellcat with no heart of her own, the only problem was that Jordan knew it wasn’t true.