Rebel Temptress (Historical Romance) (8 page)

"You are a very lovely and desirable woman, but you are not very wise. Has your mother never warned you of the hazards you might encounter if you offer your charms so freely?" One hand moved up her shoulder and touched her face lightly.

"I . . . I was not offering you myself. You are the last man I would allow to touch me." She was mesmerized by the look in his eyes and found she could not look away.

"Your eyes say otherwise," he whispered.

"Please release me. I do not wish to continue this conversation. I only wish permission to visit my mother- and father-in-law."

He released her. "Do you think me a complete fool, Mrs. Daniels?"

She raised her chin proudly. "As a matter of fact, I do, major."

The amusement was back in his eyes. "Let me set you straight on a few points, Mrs. Daniels. I know you are playing a game. I also know why. You overheard my conversation this morning with Lieutenant Holmes. You see, I am not quite the fool you think me to be."

Anger sparked to life inside Honor. "How did you know?" she asked.

He smiled and walked to the desk and seated himself on the smooth surface. "You wear a very distinct and pleasant perfume, Mrs. Daniels. When I walked Lieutenant Holmes to the front door, the evidence of your presence still lingered in the hallway."

"Does this mean you will not allow me to visit Green Rivers?"

Honor waited for his answer, although she already knew what it would be. She felt very much as she had when she was a small child knowing she had misbehaved and awaiting her punishment.

Adam looked long and hard at her. He noted the frightened expression on her face. He saw her raise her chin proudly, awaiting his decision. Rising to his feet, he walked the length of the room, prolonging her agony. Stopping in front of her, he saw her cringe.

Honor tried to look directly into his eyes. Her aunt had once told her that eye contact was very important, whether confronting friend or foe. But she found she could not meet his eyes. She lowered her head and stared instead at his black shiny boots.

"You are sixteen and about to become a mother. Where is your husband?"

His question surprised her. She jerked her head up and looked at him defiantly. "I would not tell you, major, even if I knew. To repeat what you said to me a moment ago, do you think me a complete fool?"

"I am not asking for his exact whereabouts. I am merely trying to unravel my confusion where you are concerned."

"I am not your concern," she said haughtily.

"You have become very much my concern, Mrs. Daniels. You have, in your lovely head, information the Confederacy would give much to obtain. And do not tell me you would not do all within your power to see that the information reached the rebels."

"I would do no more than any true patriot would do in my place."

"Men have been shot for far less, I can assure you. Give me your word that you will not pass on the information you overheard today, and I will be lenient with you.

Honor looked directly into his eyes. "You may as well shoot me and have done with it, major, for I promise you, should I get the chance to relay what I overheard today, I shall do so."

"Then I must see to it that you do not get that chance. Consider yourself under house arrest until further notice. You will not be allowed to leave the house without an escort. Do I make myself clear?"

"Oh, yes, major, you make yourself perfectly clear. I am a prisoner in my own home. Am I not to be allowed visitors?" she said bitingly.

"As it happens, a Mr. and Mrs. Daniels came to call on you this very morning, and as on two other occasions, they were turned away at the gates. Funny, my men did not seem to think them old or ailing."

Tears stung Honor's eyes. "You are hateful, major. I know it is not the proper thing for a lady to say, but I do not like you in the least."

"I hope that is only your anger speaking. It would grieve me unbearably if you did not hold me in high regard," he said mockingly.

"I wish the war was over and you and your kind would leave us in peace," Honor told him angrily.

He smiled. "The South is like an errant child gone astray. The Union is the sorrowful father chastising the child, trying to bring it back into the fold."

"A loving father does not chastise unto death, major," Honor told him.

His eyes narrowed and a muscle twitched in his jaw. "Sometimes the punishment must be severe when the crime is so great."

Honor drew herself up proudly. "I will wish you a good day, major," she told him, walking to the door.

Seeing it was her intention to leave, he intercepted her. Grabbing her by the arm, he turned her to face him.

"Not so fast, Mrs. Daniels. I have not dismissed you yet."

Angry words rushed to her lips, but he silenced her with a glance.

"I will not allow you to close yourself off in your room as you have been doing. I have a sister who has two children, and the doctor told her that she should get plenty of fresh air and exercise to deliver a healthy baby."

"Perhaps your Yankee women are puny and weak, but I can assure you that is not the case with me," Honor said childishly. "I do not need your advice," she added ungraciously, wondering why he should care if she had fresh air and exercise.

"You will take at least one walk a day, Mrs. Daniels. I will have one of my men accompany you. Is that clear?" He smiled slightly. "I will not have it said that a woman in your condition was mistreated by a Yankee."

"A southern gentleman would never call attention to a woman's condition when she is with child. I have heard it said that the men from the north are not gentlemen. I now know that to be the truth," Honor said scorchingly.

Adam laughed heartily. "What is said about southern
ladies
who try to woo a man with their charms, Mrs. Daniels?"

Honor looked at him indignantly. His barb had struck a nerve. For the first time she could see herself as he must have seen her, and she was more than a little embarrassed. She had sparred with him and felt she had held her own up to this point. All of a sudden it became important to her that he not think she was the kind of woman who would seek out a man and offer her favors freely.

"I would not have . . . I do not want you to think I am a . . ."

Adam lifted her chin and studied her face. "Do you not think that I know that? I pride myself on being a good judge of character, and I judge you to be innocent, and somehow untouched." His voice deepened. "What is your name?"

Honor felt confused. She had expected anything from him but the compassion she saw on his face. "My name is Honor," she whispered through trembling lips.

He stared at her long and hard. "Yes, the name fits," he said softly. He released her and opened the door for her to leave. "You may go now, Mrs. Daniels, but within an hour I shall send Sergeant Simpson to you to escort you on your daily walk."

Honor swept past him and ascended the stairs, knowing he watched her. She did not breathe easy until she reached the safety of her room. Her encounter with the Yankee major had left her drained. She knew that she would be watched carefully; there would be no way for her to pass on the information she had overheard today. It was a helpless feeling knowing that she could help her fellow Confederates but for one man —Major Adam O'Roarke.

Funny, she thought, now that it was over she found she had enjoyed sparring with him, even if she had come out the loser this time. She had never known anyone quite like him. He was polished and sophisticated and obviously a man who was used to getting his own way. He had called her beautiful. Why would he say that?

Honor wondered if he had merely been playing with her, or if he really thought her beautiful. She removed her shawl and looked down at her swollen stomach. No, of course he could not think her anything but clumsy and ugly. Honor wondered why that thought hurt her so deeply.

Adam closed the study door and walked over to the window, looking out without really seeing the landscape. He was haunted by green eyes and a soft voice. Was he mad to covet another man's wife? He found himself wondering about the man who was her husband. Did he know what a treasure he possessed?

Of course he did. Was she not carrying his child?

Closing his eyes, Adam saw her beautiful face, her silver-white hair, and her soft lips. Shaking his head, he walked over to the desk and sat down, wondering what it would feel like to hold her in his arms and to kiss those tempting lips.

* * *

Honor stood looking out her bedroom window to the many tents that dotted her front lawn. She could see the soldiers moving about performing their duties. It was still hard for her to comprehend that she was a prisoner in her own home, by order of one Major Adam O'Roarke. She heard a rider coming up the driveway and pulled the drapes aside wondering who it could be, knowing it would have to be a Yankee since her home had become a virtual stronghold for the enemy. She had given up the idea of trying to pass on the information she had overheard that day concerning the bridge. The major had made it impossible for her to talk even to Clyde without Sergeant Simpson present.

She saw the rider was none other than the major himself and drew back as she saw him glance up at her window. Her heart was pounding wildly, and she knew he must have seen her, from the knowing smile on his face. Her cheeks turned red as she pulled the drapes tightly together. She wondered why she always had such strange reactions where he was concerned. It should not matter to her that he was most probably the handsomest man she had ever encountered. She frowned and caught her lip between her teeth. No, there was more to it than that. Major Adam O'Roarke was so . . . male. Like a beautiful animal, deadly, but beautiful nonetheless.

She had found herself wondering if he were married. She considered asking Sergeant Simpson, but she did not want to appear interested in his major.

Honor scolded herself. She was married. She had no right to be thinking about anyone but her own husband.

Honor looked up as Darcy entered the room mumbling under her breath. "I's about fed up with them Yankee's hanging around the house. A body can't walk without bumping into one of them." She gave Honor a disgusted look as she hung her freshly laundered gowns in the wardrobe.

"Well, it seems we might as well get use to it, Darcy. I do not see any signs of their packing up to leave."

"I ran into that Yankee major in the hallway and he asked for you to eat with him tonight. I told him no decent married lady would have dinner with a man that ain't her husband."

Honor was taken aback. "I wonder what he is up to?"

"You ain't about to eat with him," Darcy said, becoming suspicious.

"Be quiet a moment, Darcy and let me think."

"I don't like it none when you get that look in your eyes. It don't mean nothing good."

Honor found herself wanting to dine with the major. Perhaps if she asked him once more he would allow Jordan's parents to visit her. "Darcy, tell Major O'Roarke that I will dine with him tonight, and find out what time."

"Over my dead body. It ain't decent."

Honor looked at Darcy in exasperation. "I told you what I overheard the other day. I feel it is my duty to try and find out all I can. Besides, I want to ask him to allow Mr. and Mrs. Daniels to visit me."

"You ain't never struck me as a scatterbrain, but if you see that man I will think you is one. I see the way he looks at you, and you about to have a baby, too."

"I am sure you are mistaken, Darcy. Now go and do as I told you to."

"Well I ain't blind even if you thinks I is."

"Darcy!"

"I'm going. But you ain't going to eat with him less I is in the same room," Darcy said stubbornly.

"Of course. I would not even consider going otherwise."

Darcy was still grumbling when she pushed the study door open and stood with her hands on her hips facing Adam.

Adam smiled at Darcy, knowing she was angry about something. "Did you deliver my message?"

"Yes I did, and she said she would eat with you, but I don't like it none. If you have any ideas about getting her to yourself, you can forget it. I will be in the room with her."

"Of course. I expected as much." He smiled. "You do not like me much do you, Darcy."

"Like as not you won't lose no sleep worrying whether I likes you or not."

"Sit down, Darcy, I would like to talk to you for a moment, if you can spare the time."

Darcy gave him a haughty look and sat down. "Why do you want Miss Honor to eat with you?"

"Good Lord, You do not think I have any devious plans toward her? Surely you know by now that I would never harm her."

"You like her. I know you does, and I told her so too."

"What was her reply to that?"

"She said I was wrong."

"I see. I think perhaps you can see things that others miss, but you need not concern yourself on Mrs. Daniels' behalf. I received a package from my sister this afternoon. It contained a ham, sugar and flour, which my cook is turning into a culinary delight this very moment. I want only to share my bounty with her."