Because of Rebecca - By Leanne Tyler Page 0,76
Tell me.”
“I said I’d have no problem taking a lover before marriage if he was someone I loved.”
“Is that so?” Jared tilted her chin up with his finger. “Did you have anyone in particular in mind?”
“Oh Jared, don’t read more into it than what it was.”
“Exactly what was it?”
“Words. Simply words. I was teasing her. Still I had no right… When I think of how hard it must have been for her to keep this secret, especially after Mama and Papa died. She could have easily told Mariah the truth, and yet she kept silent. I couldn’t have done it.”
He smiled. “I think your aunt is a very lucky woman.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, take Doctor Gordon for instance. He didn’t seem to mind her past. It goes to show how much he must love her to overlook what she did in her youth. Don’t you agree?”
Rebecca nodded. “Yes. You’re right. It does prove he loves her dearly and I’m so thankful for that. Aunt Josephine deserves a man who will love her unconditionally. No matter what scandal the truth might have brought if it fell into the wrong hands.”
Rebecca sighed and settled back in his arms, resting her head against his chest. “I’m worried about Delaney being at Oak Hill when we arrive. Did you by chance ask Higgins if he’d been there?”
“Yes. He’s been there and Mary was feeding him supper when Rory arrived. Higgins left so he doesn’t know if Rory was successful in getting him to leave or not.”
“So we may have a house guest?”
“We’d better not,” Jared growled, squeezing her shoulder.
Rebecca laughed softly. “I quite agree.”
She became silent and soon he realized she’d fallen asleep. He closed his eyes as well and longed for a night spent in her arms, enjoying the splendor of her body. He pulled Rebecca closer and rested his chin on the top of her head. Breathing in her faint verbena scent he chuckled, recalling her offering Amos the use of her perfume, as the movement of the carriage lulled him to sleep.
“We’re home, sir,” Higgins shook his arm to wake him. “Mr. Hollingsworth, we’re here.”
Jared opened his eyes and blinked a few times. “Very good, Higgins. Thank you.”
“Can I help you and the missus to the house?”
“I’ll carry her if you can get her small bag.”
“Very well, sir.”
Jared gently rubbed her cheek with his hand. “Rebecca, we’re home, darling.”
“What is it?” she murmured unsteadily swaying on the seat.
“We’re at Oak Hill.”
“That’s nice.”
Jared climbed down and reached for her. “Come here.”
She moved to the door and he helped her down. Once she was steady on her feet he swept her up in his arms. “May I officially carry you over the threshold, Mrs. Hollingsworth?”
She giggled. “I’m too worn out to stop you.”
“Good, because I am too tired to argue.” He carried her to the verandah where Mary met them with a lantern.
“Welcome home!” she cheerfully called.
“Thank you, Mary. Has our visitor left?”
“Afraid not, sir. The gentleman was most insistent on apologizing again to you personally for mistaking you for Mr. Rory. But Rory said you weren’t to be disturbed this evening so he’s entertaining the gentleman in town at Monique’s. I never heard of the place before, have you?”
“So we have the house to ourselves?” Jared asked, glancing at Rebecca. “Rory’s at Monique’s.”
She giggled. “May he stay there all night.”
“Except for me, sir.” Mary’s smile broadened. “It’s good to have you with us, Mrs. Hollingsworth. This place needs a woman to cheer it. I hope you find yourself at home here.”
“Thank you, Mary.”
“Rory said you’d want a light supper and a hot bath when you arrived. I’ve seen to both. They’re waiting for you in your room and I set up a second tub in your study, Mr. Hollingsworth.”
“Then we’ll see you in the morning,” Jared told her, eager for her to be gone.
“I’ll prepare a hot breakfast for you in the morning when you want it.”
Jared carried Rebecca into the house and up the stairs. “I’ll give you a better tour tomorrow,” he said, “but I think you recall where the library is if you should need a book for reading tonight.”
“I—I don’t think I’ll need one,” she whispered, running her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck. “I have other things in mind to preoccupy me tonight if I’m not sleeping.”
“Perhaps you can share those ideas with me?” he teased, opening his bedroom door. He carried her inside and sat her down gently.
As Mary had promised,