Because of Rebecca - By Leanne Tyler Page 0,81
the nerve…”
“Has anyone told you how beautiful you are when you’re angry?”
She blinked and shook her head. “No, and I have no intentions of starting my married life being angry.” She smiled and added, “But you may tell me how beautiful I am as often as you like.”
“I’ll tell you every day if you wish but mine is a biased opinion.”
“One I’ll gladly accept,” she said with a laugh then her smile vanished and she cast a glance at the untouched tray. “I don’t want to hurt Mary’s feelings, but I don’t think I can eat until we finish this business with Delaney and send him packing.”
“Just coffee, then.” He poured from the carafe into the lone cup and drank before refilling it and handing it to her. She drained it and set it on the table. “That will do for now.”
Jared took her hand. “Let’s go face Delaney and see him off. Then we’ll have a proper breakfast.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“I thought you said they’d be right down?” Delaney held his cup out for Mary to refill.
“They will. You need to be patient. It isn’t like you have anywhere you must be within the hour, do you?” Rory said.
“Would you like more eggs or sausage, sir?” Mary asked.
“No, Mary. The meal was delicious.”
“I’m glad you are enjoying our hospitality, Mr. Delaney,” Jared said as he and Rebecca entered the dining room hand in hand.
Delaney stood and bowed to him. “Good morning, Mr. Hollingsworth. Mrs. Hollingsworth. Your cousin has been a most gracious host. He told me about your run in with those ruffians yesterday. It was a good thing he was there to stop them and return Mrs. Hollingsworth to you safely.”
Jared looked at Rory, who shrugged. Leave it to his cousin to retell the story with a colorful twist.
“I pray you have concluded your business?” Jared said.
“Yes. I have agreed to take the money he owed me in exchange for the plantation. After touring the grounds upon my arrival, I realized managing property this size would require more effort and energy than I have the patience for. I’m a gambler. I enjoy my freedom.”
Jared nodded and led Rebecca to the far end of the table. He pulled out her chair and she sat. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Delaney took his seat again.
Jared pulled out a chair and sat next to Rebecca. “This land has been in our family for generations and I long to see it stay for many more.” He waited until Mary filled his coffee cup before adding, “To getting what we all want.”
Delaney held up a hand. “However, there is one matter that is unsettled.”
A knot formed in Jared’s stomach at Delaney’s words and he prepared himself for what the man would say next. “What’s that?”
“I finally figured out where I know your wife.” Delaney smiled and winked at Rebecca. “By the way, congratulations on your nuptials.”
“Thank you, Mr. Delaney,” Rebecca said and reached for the coffee cup Mary sat before her
“Cut the pleasantries,” Rory ordered. “I already told Jared that you believe you bedded Rebecca in New Orleans.”
“Good Heavens,” Mary gasped. “Rory, watch your language.”
Rebecca sipped her coffee and looked up at the housekeeper. “He did not.”
“I think I did.” Delaney smirked. “Why else did you faint when I first saw you at the Exeter Hotel?”
“This is absurd.” Jared laid his hand over Rebecca’s.
“Furthermore, I married her myself in New Orleans. We spent one hell of a night together. It’s hard to forget a woman like that.”
Rory laughed. “Isn’t that the funniest thing you’ve ever heard? Rebecca and Mr. Delaney?”
“No. It’s not,” Jared barked, moving to stand behind Rebecca’s chair. He held her hand tight and squeezed her shoulder with his other hand to reassure her. “And it couldn’t be farther from the truth. I insist you stop with this idiotic nonsense at once and apologize to my wife.”
“Of course the wedding wasn’t real.” Delaney confessed studying his fingernails. He glanced up at Jared and Rebecca. “I tricked her by having a friend pose as a priest and I believe that is why she pretends not to know me. I upset her by my ruse.”
“I’m not pretending anything, sir. I never met you before our meeting at the Exeter hotel. And I fainted because…because I knew you…you held the markers to Oak Hill.”
Delaney shook his head. “I find it hard to believe you, my dear Mrs. Hollingsworth. I wonder why that is?”
“Are you calling my wife a liar?” Jared demanded, stepping toward the man.
Rebecca held his