Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou) (42 page)

"I'm glad of it and if I'm to call you Lauren you must call me Amelia. We will do away with all formalities."

"As we should, where are your escorts?" Lauren cut her eyes at Gwendolyn, they did need to pretend to like her. "I hear that you are retiring early."

"Word does travel quickly, and yes. Mr. McMahon is fetching Jordan now."

"I find it hard to believe you let that man out of your eyesight, you don't want him to stray."

Amelia found it was her turn to scowl. "He would not."

"You never know, our dear Mr. Bradford does have a reputation, but let me be quiet he has you now and surely you make him happy." Curtseying sweetly Lauren gave Amelia a sugary smile. "I bid you a goodnight Mrs. Bradford; fret not looks as if he is already in a rush to be by your side."

Looking toward the entrance to the house Amelia spied her husband, and Margaret with Jasper in tow heading toward her. There was no mistaking now that Lauren was in no way going to be her friend. Should she have expected more? Forcing a smile to her lips Amelia took a deep relieving breath and started walking to the trio closing the gap.

"Are you ready?" Jordan linked his arm with his wife's, if she was not ready he was. Upon noticing Amelia with Lauren, Jordan had a nagging stirring in his stomach. Who knew what Lauren was trying to poison Amelia's mind with. He could tell even now that something had to have transpired between the two. He could tell because he knew his wife very well and as she stood next to him now he could sense a bit of anger.

"I am." Was her response.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

To say that she was irritable was an understatement. As of late she was just plain disagreeable. It didn't trouble him but he was annoying her, so today Jordan would make himself scarce.

Pulling on his white shirt he buttoned it with fast moving fingers. Tucking it down into the black trousers and pulling the braces over his shoulders. Next he put his arm though the grandly embroidered emerald double breasted vest positioning his ascot just right before buttoning his vest over it. Next came the town coat and he gave a little laugh.

It had been a long time since he had dressed everyday in such a manner, though he always dressed well. Snatching up his top hat he tilted it slightly upon his head liking the angle, and having to go against the everyday normalcy somehow. Lastly he pulled on his deerskin gloves, connected his pocket watch and grabbed for, then decided against, the gold topped walking cane. He could walk without an aid as far as he was concerned.

As quietly as he could Jordan crept over to the edge of their bed and kissed the top of Amelia's head. However as he began to stand, her hand came out to touch his and stilled him.

"Where are you going?" Amelia was groggy from sleep and lazily pushed herself up in bed.

"Go back to bed Princess."

Suppressing a yawn Amelia grinned at her husband. "Have I been so terrible that you've taken to sneaking out at the break of dawn?"

Taking a seat on the bed Jordan laughed at that. "Yes my dear you have, but don't fuss I've not taken it to heart."

"Stay with me." Amelia began but he was already shaking his head.

“That wouldn’t be wise; I know when I'm not wanted." Chuckling Jordan rose again determined to leave and not be drawn back.

"You're always wanted."

"Enjoy your morning. I won’t be gone too long." Tipping his hat to her he walked through the double doors of their room bowed again once outside of them and then shut them quietly. She desired his presence at the moment but if he'd stayed he'd find that much too soon he would manage to rile her ire with a heavy sigh, or a look, even by the way he'd read from a book to her once. No today was a day for separation if only a few hours. It would do her good and give him a break from the assault.

Nodding a greeting to Thomas their newly acquired butler he uttered a thank you as the man pulled open the door for him.

The carriage was already waiting in front; clambering in Jordan waived the coachman on. This would take some readjusting to. In America he opened his own doors and rode Colossus whom he'd sent for, everywhere he went. He dressed moderately and most of the time you'd see him in just a shirt and trousers as he went about his errands.

He was headed to meet with Jasper and Nathan Crombly, the Baron of Essex an old friend at the Cittie of York. He'd suggested the pub as it was one of his favorites when in London and as the carriage turned onto High Hilborn he could see from the window Nathan walking in.

As soon as the coach came to a complete stop, he was stepping out taking in the wet air and just in time for Jasper to come up and clap him on the back.

“How are you holding up, I hear Amelia is giving you hell in that mansion?”

“Hell and headaches, but understandably. Soon it will be over.”

“Serves you right but I do believe you’re a glutton for punishment.”

“I’m actually escaping my abuse right now.”

“I see, I have a wager going with Margaret—I say you’ll have a boy, she’s bet her pounds on a girl. Want to join in?”

“No, it’s a win either way. I don’t have a preference.”

“Better a boy, if you have a girl and she takes after Amelia you’ll be in a world of trouble. Besides if it’s a girl you will spoil her rotten."

“As I should, women are my weakness these days. Come on Nathan is already inside I saw him arrive moments before us.”

Jasper nodded and stepped into the pub eyes adjusting to the dimmer lighting. Immediately a young raven haired beauty came up to them. “A glass of port gents?”

“Brandy please.” Jasper responded noting how the woman’s eyes lingered over his face and figure and her rosy cheeks.

“And you sir?”

“Port and Nathan I believe you are partial to Scotch.”

“I am.” Nathan had sidled up alongside that pair the moment they walked in

As the girl scampered away obviously flustered, Jasper turned to his friends. “Ha, she didn't even notice you; apparently I'm still handsome as ever.”

Jordan didn't respond what did he care for the girl’s attention anyway? Soon she was back and leading them over to a high table and seating them.

“Anything else?”

“No thank you.” This was Nathan in his deep baritone British voice. Giving her a smile he noted she looked near ready to swoon, reaching into his pocket he produced a gold coin and placed it into her palm.

“Oh thank you sir.” The girl stammered nearly knocking a chair over in her retreat.

“I believe I'm the victor here.” Nathan chuckled; he was as handsome as his companions and knew it. He had deep green eyes, chestnut hair and a tall strong frame. The only one in the trio not married, he was still free to womanize as he pleased.

“I care not.” Jordan was filled with mirth as Jasper grumbled to himself being as competitive as he was. “Margaret would have words with you if she were privy to this scene.”

“Ah but she's not.”

“On to important matters I've heard about your new wife Jordon? I'll have to admit seeing will be believing. Rather risky this marriage.” Nathan chirped. For the past month the city was abuzz with gossip revolving around the new Mrs. Amelia Bradford. Was she a really a Negro, the most prominent amongst them? No one believing the American they'd come to adore would lower himself so. He himself didn't believe Jordon had done it.

“We can arrange an introduction but I assure you she is real.”

“And no doubt ravishing to get you to commit in such a way, most men would have thrown a couple coins at the woman and walked away.”

“I'm not most men and she's not a common street whore.” Jordon flared.

“No but a common whore might have been a more acceptable choice in a bride.”

Jordon could feel his temperature rise and Jasper cleared his throat in warning to them both.

“Calm down I'm only stating what most would have done. My God man you do realize what you are risking?” Nathan explained

“A few dim witted associates, an invite to an affair I'd rather not attend?”

“I'm not the enemy my friend. I am only asking if you fully comprehend what you've done? I just want to know that you’re sure before I throw myself in with your lot. It would be a damn shame to be shunned by some of those sweet English flowers for nothing.”

At that they all laughed. “So it's the loss of the chance to bed a few high society ladies that causes you pause?”

“What else? I could care less about the men.”

“At least we have the endorsement of a Baron.” Jasper joked. “We’ll make sure to keep you drowning in females so as not to have you renege.”

“That reminds me, how is Alice?” Jordan set his empty glass on the table.

“I’ve not seen her in over three years.”

“I have no idea how our conversation could have sparked up her memory, however she’s well, probably tucked away with her nose in a book. She’s so smart it’s a shame they wouldn’t accept her at the universities. Her father won’t let her study abroad either. It sickens me, to see her so unhappy.”

Jasper rolled his eyes. “She’d put her books down in a second if you’d ask her too. For all your smarts the two of you can be so dense. You don’t even realize what’s between you.”

“Because there is nothing between us, Lady Haughton is a cherished childhood friend, nothing more.”

“Cherished.” Jordan chuckled. “I’ve no doubt of that.”

“I’ve no intentions of talking about Alice when we can be talking about your wife. As a matter of fact I believe a visit is long overdue. That being said, I believe tonight would be fine, I will excuse us all and we can reconvene at Bradford manor around six tonight.”

“You should bring Alice.”

“I will not.” Nathan sputtered. “I wouldn’t want her to be subjected to your idiotic ideas, besides she is preparing a thesis.”

Rising from the table Jordan tossed a couple coins down right as the barmaid was coming back. “Nothing else for you sir?”

“No.” Jordan gave her a wink and devilish smile that nearly caused the girl to topple over a chair as she started to retreat and then came back.

“Are you sure? No charge; courtesy of the house.”

“No thank you, though it’s appreciated.”

Hanging her head down the girl whispered. “Well if you change your mind love, you know where to find me, anything you might want would be my pleasure to provide.” She finished saucily batting long lashes before disappearing into the many faces of the pub.

“I don’t think I need to declare who the true winner is today.” Jordan gloated.

*

It was amazing that she could be so lazy. Never had she lay in bed until noon and risen to find herself still tired.  Stifling a yawn Amelia stretched out like a cat before kicking off the heavy cover and swinging her legs out so that her feet met the plush carpet. She wasn’t sure she would ever get used to her new life.

Heading over toward her vanity she picked up the heavy velvet and satin black robe pulling it on she set to the task of taming her thick mane every crinkly curl was sticking out each and every way. After a few minutes she managed to have a mass of soft waves and deciding that was as good as it would get stood to sort through the dresser for something suitable to wear. There was a calico frock of vibrant jade, it reminded her of home, it was definitely not the fashion here in Europe. she’d yet to wear it as with most of her dresses of late, it tied right below her breast bone instead of cinching at the waist to accommodate her condition but as Amelia let her eyes float over all the divine dresses she’d yet to be able to wear she found herself craving the day she could show them off to Jordan.

At the thought of her husband she glanced at the large clock in the corner. He’d been gone since morning and it was nearly three. She was beginning to miss him. Sure when they slept at night the way he always pressed himself to her back making her sweat could be annoying but when she thought on it, it was also sweet. It was also a little irritating that he always insisted on holding her hand as they walked up the stairs or down but he was just being caring. It was actually charming.

She was having a hard time getting to the last three buttons at her back, but refused to call for assistance. It was so foreign, even when Margaret assisted her. Taking in a deep breath she held it a moment while hurriedly fastening the rest of her dress and released it in a great sigh.

Looking at the white heeled shoes Amelia gave a shudder. She’d been going around  for days without wearing a pair, and she still refused to put them on today and torture her already swollen feet.

A kick from within followed by the loud growl of her stomach made her laugh and prompted her to leave the room. She loved the English muffins Marla their cook made and knew that there would be a bevy of them awaiting her arrival in the dining room.

She often invited the staff to join her for breakfast, Jordon usually being long gone by the time she rose, even when she was up early. Most of them adamantly refused but she would have none of that. If they could cook and clean for them they darn well could eat and enjoy their labor as well.

Marla was the first to concede then Anson the gardener. Though his appearances were still rare as he was not a live in staff member.  The rest soon followed suit and if not present at breakfast they were at lunch. Even Jordan would make it his business to show his face at least once a week.  An action which first sent all the staff scattering. Jordan laughed at this for what seemed an hour while Amelia rounded them all up.

The house was so large and could be so quiet at times. She was anxious for the day it would be filled with the cooing of her child. Making her way down the stairs she laughed as Helmsley seeing her descending hurried to her side and took her hand in his own assisting her down.

Amelia couldn’t help the deep chuckles that erupted from her. “You too?” She managed between giggles.

“My lady, I must ensure your safety.”

“You’re all so absurd. I can’t wait to see you in the last month.” Calming a little she gave him a warm smile and patted his hand. “I’ve missed our daily lunch I must apologize.”