Savage Autumn Read online

  “I think you get the picture, Joanna,” her aunt squealed with delight. “Howard tells me that accidents happen all the time at sea. One could be lost at sea, never to be heard of again. Didn’t that very thing happen to your pa?”

  Joanna looked from one to the other, wondering what kind of monsters they were. “Do you think that I would just sit idly by while you threaten my brother?” Joanna asked, as her eyes blazed dangerously. “I will go to the authorities and tell them what you are planning to do.”

  Her uncle threw his head back and laughed. “I don’t think you will, missy. You see, you and Taggart will be locked in your rooms until such time as he sails next week. Should you try anything so foolhardy, you will never see your brother again.”

  Joanna felt as though an icy hand had touched her heart. She was trapped, and her uncle knew it.

  Tag ran to Joanna and she placed a protective arm about him, but her uncle grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted him up as if he weighed nothing.

  “Put him down!” Joanna demanded through clenched teeth. “If you harm Tag, I will see that you pay.”

  “My, my, she does have a temper,” her aunt said through fits of laughter.

  “You will see how I can fight when my brother’s life is at stake. I will see you both damned to hell!” she cried.

  Her uncle released his hold on Tag, then turned to strike Joanna a stunning blow that knocked her back against the settee.

  Tag went flying at Howard, pounding him with his fists. His uncle picked him up once more and carried him toward the stairs. “From now until the day he takes ship, your brother will be locked in his room, Joanna, as will you.”

  Joanna wiped the blood from her cut lip and watched helplessly as Howard Landon took Tag away. For now she could do nothing. But her uncle and aunt had made one fatal mistake. They had threatened her with the life of her brother. She would fight like a tigress defending her young. If she was to save Tag and herself she must pretend to be beaten, but she wasn’t; she would find a way to save them both, she vowed.

  Chapter Two

  Joanna felt as if she were living in a nightmare. Three days had passed since she and Tag had been locked in their bedrooms. There was no one she could turn to for help. Franny came to her room three times a day to bring food, but she was always accompanied by Joanna’s uncle, who was watchful, giving her no chance to speak with Franny alone. If Joanna was going to save Tag she would have to come up with something soon, because time was running out. She paced the room trying to think of a plan.

  Suddenly there was the sound of a key grating in the lock, and Franny came in, flanked by Uncle Howard. Franny’s eyes were bright as she placed the tray of food on the bedside table.

  “Miss Joanna, if you will just set the tray by the door when you are finished eating,” Franny said, winking at Joanna.

  “Of course,” Joanna agreed, wondering why Franny was acting nervous and fidgety.

  “You can go now, Franny,” Joanna’s uncle said, dismissing her with a curt nod.

  Franny sniffed haughtily and raised her head, sailing out of the room.

  “Look at me, Joanna!” her uncle commanded.

  She raised her violet-colored eyes and he could read the defiance in their bright depths.

  “You haven’t fooled me. I know you aren’t one to sit idly by doing nothing. If I know you, you are at this moment hatching up some scheme, thinking you can thwart me. You are probably thinking that something will happen at the last minute to save you. Let me assure you, that will not happen. I can handle you, little girl.”

  Joanna’s red-gold hair swirled about her as she raised her chin proudly. “You have a very high opinion of yourself.”

  He smiled and took her hand while he arched his eyebrow, daring her to pull away from him.

  “I would do anything to possess you, Joanna,” he said in a silky-smooth voice.

  “I would rather die than have you touch me,” she said, jerking her hand free.

  He seemed unconcerned by her rejection and merely shrugged his shoulders. “There is no rush, I have plenty of time. When I decide to take you to bed, you will squeal in delight and beg for more.”

  Joanna couldn’t resist a shudder. “I would kill myself before I would allow you to touch me.”

  His eyes sparked dangerously. “I have taken more from you than I would ever take from anyone else, missy. Just count yourself lucky that I am a tolerant man.”

  She laughed insultingly but did not reply.

  “I would give it all up in a moment, Joanna, if you would have me. You have gotten into my brain, and I can’t seem to do anything without thinking about you. If you would only be nice to me, life would be more pleasant for you and Tag.”

  Joanna looked at him in disgust. “I have no desire to be nice to you. You have stolen everything that belonged to my brother and me. If my father were alive, he would have you jailed.”

  Howard looked at her in speculation. “Well, missy, I think you and I understand each other. I would have gladly given you anything you asked for, but now you will rue the day you tried to defy me.” He removed his watch from his pocket and twirled it around. “If you had said yes, Joanna, Tag would have been allowed to remain here with you, but since you refused, he sails in three days. Barring any unforeseen accident, he should be back home within two years.”

  Joanna felt tears of helplessness well up in her eyes, and she tried to keep him from seeing her weakness. If she was to save Tag, it would have to be tonight, and she had no idea how that could be accomplished.

  “I am very tired. I wish you would leave now.”

  He nodded his head, knowing he had finally humbled the proud Joanna. His eyes gleamed brightly as he crossed the room and left, locking the door after him. He actually felt more satisfaction from piercing the calm that always surrounded her than if she had consented to his proposition.

  Joanna sat down on the bed and buried her face in her hands. It all seemed so hopeless. What could she do? Was she some weak little mouse that she couldn’t outsmart someone with her uncle’s limited intelligence? She would never allow him to win—she would fight to the bitter end. The determined light in her eyes slowly faded. How? What could she do to help Tag while she was locked in her room?

  Suddenly Joanna remembered Franny’s words, and she knew that the housekeeper must have placed something under the lunch tray. She glanced at the door and quickly lifted the tray. She gasped when she recognized her father’s handwriting on the letter that Franny had hidden for her. It was as if he had reached out from his watery grave to bring her courage and comfort, she thought. She quickly broke the seal and began to read.

  My dearest Joanna and Tag,

  I was sorely grieved to get your letter and learn about your dear mother’s death. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that I was unable to be with you at such a time. Be brave and try not to grieve.

  Joanna closed her eyes. He had known about her mother’s death before he died, but how?

  I blame myself for not being with your mother when she needed me. I know that you will be shocked to hear from me since Richard told me he wrote you of my death.

  Tears of joy washed down Joanna’s cheeks. It had all been some horrible mistake. Her father was alive! Joanna’s hand trembled, and she had a hard time reading since her eyes were swimming with tears.

  How you, my dear ones, must have grieved, thinking you had lost both your mother and father. I was on the ship when it went down, but was able to drag myself upon the broken mast and the waves washed me ashore. I have not been well. I suffered a broken back or I would have come to you instead of sending you this letter. I am doing the next best thing, however. I have made arrangements for the two of you to come to me in the spring on the Althea.

  Know in your hearts that I love you and await the time when we can all be together again.

  Your loving father

  Joanna was overcome with joy. She wanted to shout her happiness to the world. What should she do? Demand to see her uncle and tell him that her father was alive? No, he was a desperate and dangerous man. He might yet harm Tag even if he knew that their father was alive. She lay down across the bed, trying to think what to do. Suddenly an idea came to her. It was just daring enough to work. She got up quickly and rummaged in a drawer until she found a paper and quill, and began to write.

  Franny, I have a plan, but I will need your cooperation. When everyone has gone to sleep, go into the study and look behind the portrait. There you will find my mother’s jewels. Give them to Simon. Have him saddle two horses and wait in the stable for me and Tag. Pray God that I am able to carry through with my plan.

  Joanna wrapped the note in a napkin and set the tray beside the door, knowing Franny would not be allowed to come to her room until she brought the evening meal. What she would have to do now was wait.

  Walking over to the window, Joanna looked at the giant oak tree with its branches spread wide. Yes, it just might enable her to reach Tag’s room and then they could both climb to safety. After they were free, they could then find a way to reach their father.

  The sun was almost down when Joanna heard the key grating in the lock. She tried to act normal, but her young heart was pounding with fear and excitement. Franny entered, and her eyes sought Joanna’s.

  “Franny, I am not at all pleased with you. You gave me a soiled napkin at lunch. You must be more careful in the future.”

  Franny nodded and ducked her head. “I will, miss. I’ll see to it.” She picked up the tray and rushed out, leaving Joanna alone with her uncle, who made no move to leave.

  “What do you want?” she asked in a shaky voice, fearing he had discovered her plan.

  “I want to talk to you. I hate to end the day with bad feelings
between us.”

  Joanna could feel her heart drumming in fear. “I have nothing more to say to you,” she told him, hoping he would leave.

  He advanced on her, and she cringed as he reached out and grabbed a handful of red-gold curls. “I have been bewitched by you ever since the first day I saw you. I have decided I will have you, with or without your consent.”

  Joanna could smell the liquor on his breath and she knew he had been drinking. She tried to think of some way to save herself as his hands ran caressingly down her back.

  “If you don’t release me, I’ll scream, Uncle Howard.”

  “Don’t call me uncle. I am no kin to you. I would rather be your lover.” His thick wet lips fastened on hers, and Joanna thought she would be sick. She struggled to get away from him, and turned her head away when he tried to nuzzle her ear.

  “I want you, Joanna. The money means nothing to me if I can’t have you.”

  Joanna had forgotten she had stuffed her father’s letter down the front of her gown, until her uncle’s hands wandered to the neck of her gown.

  He grunted questioningly. “Huh. What is this?” he asked, withdrawing her father’s letter from the bodice of her gown.

  Joanna drew in her breath. “It is nothing, merely an old letter from my father.”

  He shoved her away and walked over to the candle and began reading. Joanna stood as if frozen until he turned to her. His face was a deep purple color and he stumbled toward her.

  “You bitch! You think you have won, do you? I will show you a thing or two.” He threw her onto the bed and pinned her beneath his body. “Do you think you could somehow reach your father? I would have had every ship searched until I found you, you little slut. I will never let you go. Your father may be alive, but when he comes home, he won’t find you.”

  “Please, you are hurting me.” Joanna tried to move away but he was too heavy for her.

  “I’ll give you what you have been asking for,” he said angrily.

  Joanna felt him fumbling with his trousers, and she bit her lip, trying not to cry out.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” Joanna heard her aunt’s voice and was overcome with relief.

  Howard moved off the bed quickly and straightened his trousers. “I found this,” he said, thrusting the letter at Margaret.

  “What does it say? You know I can’t read. And don’t try to take my mind off what I just saw. I know why you were in Joanna’s room. I have seen you watching her, don’t think I haven’t.”

  “The letter is from your brother. He’s alive!”

  Margaret’s face lost its color. “I told you we should have made sure Russell was dead. He will have us jailed for sure.”

  Howard looked past his wife to Joanna. “He won’t do nothing because we will have his daughter and son.”

  “What do you mean?” his wife asked.

  “I think in the morning both Joanna and her brother will go aboard the Sea Witch.”

  Joanna hid her face in the pillow, knowing she would be watched closely from now on.

  Margaret gave her niece a malignant glare. “I’m going to lock this fancy piece in and I’ll keep the key.”

  Joanna looked up in time to see Howard’s face flush with anger. She could almost read the frustration in his eyes. He had thought he would have his brother-in-law’s fortune and dispose of his niece and nephew as he saw fit.

  “If I were the two of you I would try and find some place to hide before my father returns. He will see you both swing from the gallows.”

  Howard frowned angrily. “If and when your father does return, you will not be here to greet him, missy.”

  Margaret took her husband’s arm and pulled him toward the door. “Let her talk. It will be small comfort to her in the morning.”

  Joanna watched them leave the room and she waited impatiently for the sun to go down and the house to become quiet. At last, after what Joanna considered an eternity, she dressed in her green velvet riding habit and put her matching fur-lined cape on.

  She opened the window carefully and climbed onto the ledge. She caught hold of a strong branch and swung up into the tree. Easing herself slowly along the ledge, she soon came to Tag’s window. Joanna knew that this would be the most critical part, for her aunt and uncle’s room was next to Tag’s. Bracing herself against the tree, Joanna tapped on the window. She got no response, so she tapped harder. At last her efforts were rewarded when Tag’s face came into view. Seeing his sister he quickly raised the window.

  Joanna placed her finger to her lips to silence him. She spoke softly. “Dress warmly, Tag, and hurry! Simon is waiting for us in the stable.”

  In no time at all Tag was dressed, and he climbed out the window into Joanna’s waiting arms. She hugged him tightly, then motioned for him to climb to the ground. She watched until he hit the ground, then she hurried after him. Joanna pulled Tag into the shadow of a laurel bush, and they both waited for a moment to see if their movements had been detected. Joanna’s heart was pounding loudly. They weren’t out of danger yet; they still had to get to the horses and get safely away.

  Joanna pushed Tag forward and looked over her shoulder as he disappeared into the stable.

  When they reached the stable, Simon was waiting for them. “Thank the good Lord you made it. I didn’t hold out much hope. I half feared you wouldn’t be able to get away.”

  Joanna threw her arms around Simon. “Tag and I want to thank you and Franny for all your help.”

  “Saints preserve us, Miss Joanna, me and Franny aren’t about to let you and Master Taggart strike out on your own. You had better get on the horses and ride out nice and quiet. I’ll meet you past the grove of apple trees. Me and Franny put our heads together and got a room for all of us at an inn on the other side of town.”

  Joanna hugged Simon once more. “I don’t have the words to thank you. Tag and I could never have gotten away without your and Franny’s help.”

  “We don’t want no thanks, Miss Joanna. Now you and young Master Taggart here had better leave,” Simon told her. He picked Tag up and placed him on his horse while Joanna swung into the saddle from the mounting block. She kicked her horse Fosset in the flanks and she and Tag rode away into the night.

  Joanna was too relieved to be free to have any regrets about leaving her home, but Tag halted his horse and looked back at the big three-story mansion. He vowed silently that someday he would return and claim what belonged to him.

  Joanna glanced out the second-story window of the inn, watching the people scurrying by. She and Tag had been staying at the Wellmore Inn with Simon and Franny for three weeks now.

  Tag had been overjoyed to hear that their father was still alive. He pestered Joanna each day, wanting to know when they would be going to Oregon.

  Simon had discreetly inquired at the docks about a ship that would carry them to Oregon. But Joanna’s uncle had foreseen that they would try to make their way to their father, so he had alerted the authorities about her’s and Tag’s disappearance and the docks were alive with men searching for them. There would be no way for them to board a ship without their Uncle Howard finding out about it.

  Joanna hadn’t known what to do until she saw a notice which had been posted in the paper. There was a wagon train that was headed for Oregon Territory, and when it left Philadelphia, she intended for her and Tag to leave with it.

  When she had first told Simon and Franny her plans they had protested loudly, but in the end they had agreed that the situation was desperate enough to call for reckless measures.

  Joanna was overcome with relief and gratitude when Franny and Simon insisted on accompanying her and Tag on the long and dangerous journey.

  To Joanna’s surprise, Franny had somehow managed to smuggle much of her and Tag’s clothing out of the house before she left.

  Some of Joanna’s mother’s jewels had been sold to buy a wagon, horses and supplies.

  Tomorrow morning before sun up, the train would be heading out, and Tag was a bundle of excitement. He looked on the excursion as an adventure, while Joanna looked upon it with fear. She had heard all sorts of tales about the brutal Indian attacks on the wagon trains. If she weren’t so desperate she would never have decided to go overland to Oregon.