Creighton Manor (15 page)

“You can tell them I have not yet recovered.” Zachary turned to face his grandmother, and noticed Gillian standing in the doorway. The need to state his argument slipped away. She was simply stunning with strands of auburn hair falling over one shoulder like a cascade of bronze and gold. He couldn’t seem to stop himself as his gaze traveled up and down and back again before his eyes settled on her kissable lips
.

Lotti followed Zachary’s gaze. She smiled when she saw why her grandson had been so distracted.

“Gillian, come join us. We were discussing the last details of the party.”

“I heard.” Gillian walked over to Zachary with a hesitant smile.

She looked so lovely, so very feminine that Zachary forgot for a moment he didn’t trust her, shouldn’t trust her, but his traitorous heart still pounded against his ribcage, confirming he wanted her anyway.

“Zachary, we should go through with the reception,” Gillian said. “It would be the best opportunity for you to convince Cyrus to make the bet.”

He blinked and forced himself to look away. “I could do that anywhere.”

“Yes, but it would be easier at the party. Everyone would be in good humor. The tension between the two of you would be lessened, giving you an opportunity to bring up the race in a general conversation. Then you can make your wager in front of family and friends. You’ll have witnesses and Cyrus won’t be able to go back on his word.”

Zachary hated to admit it, but she did have a point. “Maybe.”

“Then it’s settled.” Lotti tapped her cane again. “The party goes on as planned.”

“I didn’t—” Zachary shook his head, deciding it wasn’t worth arguing. He had already wasted half the morning with no results. “Fine.” He threw up his hands. “We’ll attend the celebration.”

“I knew you’d come to your senses.” Lotti eyes twinkled as she smiled. “Oh, before I forget. I’ll need to borrow Tyler, today.”

“Why?” Both Gillian and Zachary voiced their concern.

He met Gillian’s startled gaze. He realized she was nervous to be alone with him. Well, he didn’t fancy the prospect either when he didn’t know what to do with her. Lotti didn’t seem to mind their discomfort at all.

“I have some crates being delivered and Tyler would be a welcomed help if he would take the packages inside the crates upstairs. Too many trips up and down those steps, leaves me winded now.”

Zachary sensed Lotti was up to something, but for the life of him he couldn’t think of what.

“And,” she continued, “I need the two of you to go over to Yorkshire’s Linens and Lace and pick up the embroidered sheets I ordered. They are for the upstairs bedroom.”

“Yorkshire’s is more than a half a day’s drive.” Zachary shook his head. “We couldn’t possibly leave this late in the day and make it back before it is dark
.”

“Really?” Lotti asked innocently. “I guess the two of you will have to spend the night and head back early tomorrow.”

“I can stay here,” Gillian offered.

However, it seemed Lotti had other plans. “Well that would be all right, I suppose. Actually, maybe it’s even better. Ellery did tell me he was going to come by tonight. Gillian could entertain him while you are away, Zachary.”

That was enough to send him over the edge. There was no way in hell he’d leave Gillian alone with a womanizer. Ellery may be his best friend, but he didn’t trust him with any woman for long. “Ellery will just have to find us not at home. Gillian is coming with me.” He didn’t wait for Gillian to protest. He stormed out of the room.

Zachary made the preparations needed for the trip, while all the time mumbling to himself, how his grandmother did too much meddling in his life. “A whole day alone with . . .” Then it dawned on him. “So that is what you were up to.” He frowned as he wondered how he felt about that. Then a slow smile spread across his face. “A whole day and night.” He almost had a skip to his step now. Maybe he could turn this all around. Being alone with Gillian would give him the opportunity to show her just how charming he could be. He would wine and dine her. She was going to have such a wonderful time she wouldn’t have any thoughts of leaving him.

Gillian packed what she needed for the trip. She worried about spending the day with Zachary, but at the same time, her heart quickened at the thought.

She sat heavily on the bed. What if she never went back to her time? What would she do? Could she remain married to Zachary? He was handsome, and honorable. If they had met under different circumstances, she would have liked him. However, was this enough to spend the rest of her life with him? She was stuck in the same dilemma that she’d been in with Jerry. Would it be fair to Zachary that she would be pining for a man in her dreams?

Of course, there was one difference between Jerry and Zachary. Gillian had known she wasn’t in love with Jerry. She wasn’t sure what she felt about Zachary. She’d say she was only infatuated with him, but the word
s
rang false. Zachary had kissed her—among other t
hings—
and he had turned her convictions upside down. She wasn’t sure if sexual tension was a qualification for having a long-term relationship, but it didn’t really matter. She doubted she would have the luxury of finding out. Zachary would win Creighton Manor and she would have to make the decision to stay with him or not. Did she want a man who thought of her as a possession? Of course she didn’t, she answered herself. She’d be a fool to think she did, but there was something in the way Zachary held her and looked at her. Would she be willing to find out what it was?

She sighed with frustration. “Why am I dwelling on this? I’ll probably go back to my time. I’ll have my life back and Zachary will be but a distant memory.”

***

By mid morning they were on their way. Zachary didn’t push the horses. He took them by another part of town where magnificent mansions stoo
d up on the hill. Unlike other s
outhern towns during the Civil War, Natchez had escaped being burned down to the ground.

Zachary pulled back on the reins and stopped the carriage.

“What are you doing?” Gillian looked at him. He turned in his seat and looked up. She followed his gaze. The large white house towered above all the others. The lower story had large columns, while smaller columns adorned the upper portion. In the front, there were live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss. They nearly covered the French style roof. She could imagine the garden that once adorned the walkway. It was impressive to say the least. Even before Zachary spoke, she knew why they’d stop. This was the house that haunted him. This was Creighton Manor.

She placed her hand over his. “It’s beautiful. I can see why you hold it so dear.”

“It’s not what you’re thinking. It’s not just a house to me. This place is my family, my chil
dhood and my memories of before…
when life was simple. We were happy here.” His voice choked with passion.

Tenderness swept through her as she realized what he had lost and how he had wanted to share it with her, to let her know a part of him that he kept secret from the rest of the world.

He squeezed her hand before letting go. Then he clicked his tongue to put the horses into motion.
He
didn’t say m
uch the rest of the journey, but occasionally he’d glance her way with a smile.

They arrived at Yorkshire’s Linens and Lace only to find the store closed with a sign stating to come back tomorrow morning. The town bustled with activity as people hurried along with packages in tow.

Zachary finally stopped one of the citizens to find out what was going on. They were told that there was a festival being held and they were welcome to join in the fun. Zachary thought it would be a good idea to go to the hotel, first. He picked up their bags and they entered the dimly lit establishment. It took them a few minutes for their eyes to adjust but once they did, Gillian noticed that the hotel was actually very quaint, reminding her of a bed and breakfast inn.

A man sat behind the desk. He had a round face, huge brown eyes and absolutely no hair. When he smiled, he had one dimple that creased his right cheek. "Hello
.”
His voice was deep and friendly. "Welcome to the Bowyer Hotel. I'm Mr. Bowyer. Are you looking to have a room?"

"Yes, we are.” Zachary approached the desk and put down their overnight bags. Gillian followed
close behind
.

Mr. Bowyer opened a large book, picked up his quill, and dipped it into the ink. "So let me guess. You two are on your honeymoon. It is a fine time for you to be here, too. There's a festival going on, you know. There are games, pie eating contests and Mabel’s famous meatloaf. You'll have a wonderful time of it."

Zachary didn’t correct the man about them being on their honeymoon. He just smiled and played along. "My wife and I had no idea we would have such luck. We can't wait to join in
on
the fun."

"Well, let's get you sign
ed in
. Can I have your names?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Creighton.”

Gillian realized for the first time they’d be spending the night in the same room and in one bed. She turned her gaze on Zachary wondering if he realized
the situation
. He wouldn’t look at her. He did know. Anger poured through her for not realizing it sooner herself.
I refuse to sleep with him.
Oh and he’d know that soon enough, too.

Mr. Bowyer wrote very slowly in the book, and then he turned the book around so Zachary could place his signature next to what he had written. Then Mr. Bowyer stood and went over to the key peg. After careful consideration, he picked out a key on the top and came back to the desk. "This is the best room in the place. Being you’re on your honeymoon and all, I thought it appropriate." He handed the key to Zachary and pointed toward the stairs. "The room is the last one on the right."

"Than
k you, Mr. Bowyer." Zachary finally looked at her
. "Are you ready
,
dear?”
He didn't wait for an answer. He picked up the bags and headed in the direction that Mr. Bowyer had indicated.

The room was large with a water basin next to the window, a dresser, a chai
r and of course one bed. She
latched onto Zachary’s gaze.

"Well, you didn't expect me to say we wanted separate rooms did you? How would that look?"
he defended himself.

"I didn't say anything."

"You didn't have to." He went over to the window and looked outside to see what the view held. Not looking at her, he said, "I'll sleep on the floor."

"You’re darn right—" Gillian stopped in mid-sentence when Zachary turned to look at her, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Listen, I said I would sleep on the floor." He looked like he was going to say more, but then decided not to. Instead, he took a deep breath. When he spoke again, he had softened his voice. "Can we call a truce? I don't want to fight."

The change in his attitude surprised her, but the truth was she didn’t want to fight either.
"I'm sorry," she offered. "A truce would be nice."

"Good.
If you’re ready let’s see
what the town has to offer.
"
             
They reached the area where most of the town congregated and a tall lanky man ran toward them. "We be needin’ couples to run the three legged race. Are you game?"

Zachary glanced at Gillian. Her smile was all the encouragement he needed. "Sure,” Zachary answered. "Where do we go?"

He pointed to the left. "See the pretty young lady with the dark ringlets. She's lining everyone up. Hurry up. I still want to round up a few more people." He started running off, but called over his shoulder. "Meet you there."

The girl with the dark ringlets handed Zachary and Gillian a scarf to tie around their legs. They stood next to another couple. They were hashing over their strategy of how they were going to win the race.

Zachary cupped his hand and whispered to Gillian, “I think they’ll have another thin
g
coming.”

“I’m with you.”

He looked down at her and grinned.

The sharp bang indicated the race had started. Zachary wrapped his arm around Gillian’s shoulder and she held onto his waist. They ran as fast as they could. Most of the couples fell by the time they were about to reach the finish line, but the couple who had discussed their strategy with such detail was still up and hopping. Zachary and Gillian were neck to neck with them. Zachary took one look at the gleam in Gillian’s eye and smiled. Another trait about his wife, he hadn’t known: She didn’t like to lose. Zachary pushed a little harder, making them finish just a mere second before the other couple.

The judge walked over to Gillian and Zachary with a broad smile. “I declare you two the winners!”

Zachary grabbed Gillian by the waist and spun her around. The judge laughed, enjoying their merriment. As soon as Zachary placed Gillian on the ground, the judge handed them a blue ribbon. “Pin it on your little lady.”