The Patriot's Conquest (31 page)

“Love me Jeffrey. Let me show you exactly how much I desire you. I want your hands all over me.”

She placed his hands upon her breasts, rubbing them against her bare flesh. He thumbed her nipples gently. Amanda began moving faster. They achieved a rhythm and pace, his hips surging upward to meet her. A low moan rippled through her throat as she tossed her head back. Abandoning herself totally, Amanda felt her pleasure intensify. As she climaxed, she gave a strangled moan, which Jeffrey echoed as he met his release.

Gasping with exertion, she collapsed upon his chest. Jeffrey embraced her, stroking her hair.

“Mandy, you amaze me. Being with you is everything I could have ever dreamed of. My wife. My darling, sweet wife.” He took her hand and kissed each finger with a tender expression, the emptiness gone from his gaze.

Amanda smiled down at him. “’Tis so nice, being locked together like this. I don’t want to leave you.”

A ghost of his old grin returned as she eased off him. “Not a fine way to sleep though. I’ve a better way.”

Jeffrey rolled over. Tucking her body against his, he tunneled his fingers through her tousled hair.

“I’ve another confession as well. Last time I told a woman about what happened, Caroline, my betrothed, she left me. But before she did...” He fell silent.

“Jeffrey, please tell me.”

A deep hiss escaped his lungs. “I should have seen it. She told me I scared her with my temper and my passions. Caroline had fallen in love with a British officer. She told him what I had told her, about my taking part in the tea party. So he led his men to burn my house and told me to think twice about destroying property again, even my own.”

Outrage filled her. Amanda scowled. “Bloody strumpet.”

He gave a husky laugh and traced her mouth with a finger. “Such a tongue. Such a fierce tongue, my beautiful Mandy. ’Tis in the past and best forgotten.”

“Caroline did not love you.”

“Aye. ’Tis best, perhaps, I found out before ’twas too late.”

Amanda summoned all her courage. Stating her feelings scared her more than completing the marriage act. But she felt compelled. When Jeffrey had cried out in his sleep, she knew it as surely as she knew life would never be the same again after marrying him.

“I love you, Jeffrey,” she whispered into the dark.

She felt him stiffen. He brushed a kiss against her temple. But he did not speak.

“Jeffrey, can you not say the words in return?”

He settled into the covers, pulling her against his muscled abdomen. She felt a tear leak out. Why could he not say it, even now?

“Mandy,” he whispered in her ear, “’Tis much affection I have for you, sweet wife.”

She felt a brief regret. He couldn’t say he loved her. But close enough. For now, she felt content to lie in his arms and sleep, confident his nightmares were banished.

J
EFFREY
’
S CONFESSION HAD
deeply moved Amanda. It was as if he had opened his heart and soul, trusting her with a secret scar. His thoughtful gestures, such as purchasing Sage, spoke of a man who hid his feelings, but showed his love. She wished she had some way of returning the favor.

Amanda paused as she swept the broom over the cabin floor. Her gaze fell upon Jeffrey’s silver walking stick. Curious, she picked it up and noticed again the broken beak. Of course! Jeffrey had mentioned the cane had been his father’s. What better gift than to repair it?

She used the excuse of stocking the almshouse to visit town. Jeffrey helped Jake load the farm wagon with food.

“Mandy, ’tis no problem for me to bring this on the morrow. I cannot do it now, for I’ve a task at the smith’s shop.” He dug out his pocket watch. “Should leave soon. I promised Jim I’d have the job finished today.”

“Nay Jeffrey, ’tis no trouble, for I thought to visit Mother as well.” She beamed at him as his face crinkled into a grimace.

“If you must visit that old witch,” he muttered.

She kissed him swiftly. “She is still my mother. And I intend to inquire what she did with my grandmother’s necklet. Mayhap I can purchase it back from the person who bought it. I will not let her browbeat me.”

He tenderly caressed her cheek. “That’s my Mandy.”

In Williamsburg, she stopped at the store first. Her mother at first denied taking the necklet, but under Amanda’s relentless questioning, finally admitted selling it to a local shopkeeper who desired it for his wife.

Encouraged by the thought she might recover the treasure, Amanda thanked her. She wished to say more, but people began entering the shop, asking about the new local cloth the Reeves sold.

While her mother busied herself with a customer, Amanda took the cane and put it on the counter, admiring the intricate craftsmanship.

“Beautiful,” a familiar voice said.

She whirled to find William, gazing not at the cane, but at her. Amanda flushed from discomfort.

“William. How nice to see you,” she murmured.

“Amanda. I had hopes of running into you. Your mother informed me of your recent marriage. Congratulations.”

His voice held no resentment. William’s face was a careful mask, devoid of expression. He might as well have been congratulating her on purchasing a fine breed of cow.

“Thank you, William. Are you well?”

“Well enough, considering.” He seemed to sink into his jowls for a moment. He looked at the cane, and then at her.

“I do sincerely wish you well, Amanda. My only desire is for you to be happy. Does Clayton make you happy?”

“I am happy, William. Truly.” She bit her lip, marveling at the words. Jeffrey frustrated and vexed her, and they still lived at opposite poles of political beliefs, but she loved him. And suspected he did the same, but still feared to tell her.

“Good. ’Tis all that matters.” He glanced at the cane. “A purchase? ’Tis a strange one, for the tip is broken.”

“Nay, I am taking it to the silversmith’s for repair. ’Tis Jeffrey’s.”

She turned as a well-dressed woman came into the shop. “Elizabeth!” Amanda ran up to Elizabeth Wythe, and the women exchanged greetings.

“Amanda, I had hoped to find you in town. I have two old mattresses I plan to donate to the almshouse, but no wagon to bring them. Can you find a way to transport them?”

“I have use of the wagon and was headed there. If your servants may accompany me to load and unload them, I can bring them there.”

Amanda glanced down at the cane. Stopping off at Elizabeth’s and then returning her servants gave her no time to visit the silversmith’s.

“But I am running late and I must drop this off to be repaired.” She beckoned to her mother. “Mother, please do this for me. Take this to the silversmith’s.”

Her mother frowned at the cane. “Can you not do it?”

“Not if I am to stop by Elizabeth’s and secure her gift for the almshouse. Please, mother. Two feather mattresses, soft as down, would surely feel pleasing and bring much comfort to some of the old folks there,” she cajoled.

Her mother gave a brusque nod. “Thank you,” Amanda said. With a nod to William, she left with Elizabeth to fetch the mattresses.

His morning was not proceeding well. First he could not locate his cane. Jeffrey had torn apart every inch of the cabin. He’d had to leave for the shop without it. Then, on the way there, Liberty had thrown a shoe. Jeffrey had to slow and upon reaching the shop, reshoe his horse.

Muttering curses as he banged out a piece of iron, he heard a gentle cough and “Pardon me, kind sir, may I have a moment of your time?”

His irritation melted upon seeing Amanda’s happy smile. Jeffrey laid down his hammer upon the anvil, grinning as he wiped his hands.

“’Tis a much prettier sight I behold than this greasy iron,” he said, stepping away from the anvil. “What makes you so happy Mandy? Certainly not your mother?”

She told him about the donated mattresses, then frowned. “You look much too solemn for your task, husband.”

“Just a few minor things going wrong. I can’t find my cane.”

She paled and glanced away with a guilty look. His suspicions arose.

“Mandy...”

“’Tis no use keeping a secret from you. I am having it repaired.”

At his narrowed gaze, Amanda added defensively, “’Tis my wedding gift to you. I know how much you treasure it. I only wanted to give you something as precious as you gave me when you purchased Sage.”

Dread at losing his valuable cane lifted in a tremendous rush. He thought of the previous night when she’d released her passion as she made love to him. When she’d whispered the endearment, he’d wanted to shake from the incredible emotion those three little words caused. Joy. Disbelief. And a nagging fear. Love. A word Caroline had used that led only to betrayal. And yet Amanda’s voice rang with sincerity, a sweet whisper in the dark that filled his heart with happiness.

Jeffrey gave her a tender smile. “Thank you, Mandy. ’Tis a fine gift.”

Her gaze lit up. “I am glad you like it. Now I’m off the almshouse. I promised Meg I would not be late for my spinning lesson.” She raised herself on tip-toes, breathing into his ear, “And you had best not be late tonight, for I have something else planned as a wedding gift.” With a flounce of her skirts, she left.

Jeffrey grinned, feeling addle-headed at the promise of that seductive smile. He paused before striking the iron, seeing Daniel stride toward the forge. The man’s glance was clearly troubled at the absence of Jeffrey’s walking stick. He looked around the crowded shop. Not here. Somewhere public, but a good excuse.

“I hear you have Louise, my new field hand’s wife, for sale. ’Tis something I might be interested in. As a business man. Would you care to discuss business?” Jeffrey asked.

Daniel cleared his throat. “Perhaps. But not here. At the Raleigh. In an hour? I’ll reserve the club room.”

“I’ll be there,” Jeffrey said.

After bathing away the grime and changing into fresh clothing, Jeffrey headed for the club room, only to be informed it had been reserved by someone else. Mr. Merton awaited him in the public dining room. Jeffrey crossed the hall and spotted Daniel sitting at a corner table. The crowded room was no place to hold a clandestine meeting.

“Merton,” he said loudly, sliding out a chair. “’Tis your slave I’m interested in. Let’s talk of the matter and how much you want for her.”

Daniel frowned “Aye, I’ve a mind to sell her. I’m willing to loan you an ear. Why, I’ll even treat you to a tankard.” A bar maid came over, took his order and vanished. Daniel leaned over the table, dropping his voice.

“’Tis most dangerous meeting like this. Where is your cane?”

He gave a rueful smile. “My dear wife. She saw the beak was damaged and thought to have it repaired. A wedding gift.”

Daniel chuckled and shook his head. “Bless the dear ladies, they shall be the death of us yet. ’Twas exactly something my own beloved wife would have done. I miss her still, though she’s been gone these past ten years.”

The smile dropped as his expression turned serious. “I’ve news to share you must pass on to Patrick. He still plans to march on Williamsburg?”

Jeffrey nodded. “Even as we speak, he has gathered the volunteers and treads down here.”

“Then you must send your messenger at once. Dunmore is a desperate man and has called the council this morning. He plans to publically condemn those joining with Patrick. I fear for Patrick’s safety. Dunmore’s lining up cannon on the palace green and is panicked enough to set the
Fowey’s
cannon against Yorktown. He has threatened to do so.”

Jeffrey’s mouth went dry. Setting a ship’s cannon against Yorktown? “Dunmore would kill innocent folk?”

“Aye, he’s that frightened, with no army to guard him and a band of angry militants marching toward him,” Daniel said tightly.

Jeffrey glanced around. “I’ll inform Pat straight away, suggesting he stop the march short of Williamsburg and let negotiations take over. If Dunmore is that scared, perhaps he’ll pay for the powder and appease Pat.”

“Can you not stop him from marching?”

“Nay, nothing will prevent him now, for he’s worked up like a lightning bolt. Determined to stay the course.”