Rebel Temptress (Historical Romance) Page 8

  She smiled at him slightly, and he thought he detected a sadness in her eyes, which brought out a protective instinct in him.

  "Ma'am, the major would like to see you, if you have no objections."

  "I have nothing to say to your Major O'Roarke, sir. You can just tell him that I intend to remain in my bedroom until he has withdrawn from my home."

  "I understand how you feel, little lady, but the major means you no harm. He is an honorable gentleman, and is truly sorry to intrude on your privacy."

  "Then why does he not go and leave me in peace? He has been here for over three weeks."

  "There is a war on, ma'am, and we are forced to do many things that we would not ordinarily do. Why don't you go downstairs and tell him how you feel?"

  Honor smiled, and Simpson drew in his breath at the transformation of her face. Where she had been beautiful before, her smile made her transcend beautiful. He knew he would carry the vision of her lovely face for the rest of her his life.

  "I see what you are trying to do, sergeant. You think if I become angry enough I will go downstairs to confront your major."

  He gave her a lopsided grin. "He really would like to talk to you. You have not come out of your room since the night we arrived. It cannot be good for you being shut up in your room for so long."

  "Do you know what the major wants to talk to me about?" Honor asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

  "I think it has something to do with a Mr. and Mrs. Daniels."

  "Are my mother and father-in-law here?"

  Simpson smiled at her once more. "Why don't you go below and find out?"

  Her laughter was like music to the grizzled old sergeant. "They are not here or you would have said so. You win, though. Inform your major I will attend him this afternoon."

  He gave her a formal bow, and a wink. "I will tell him, and you will find him in your study. Good morning ma'am."

  Honor closed the door and leaned against it. She felt frightened at the thought of seeing the Yankee major. He had not intruded on her privacy, in fact, she had only caught a fleeting glimpse of him since the first night they had tended the wounded men. What could he possibly have to say to her about the Daniels? Maybe one of them was ill!

  Fearing that might be the case, Honor decided not to wait until the afternoon to see the major. Gathering up her shawl and draping it over her shoulders so it hid her rounded stomach, she opened the door and descended the stairs. There was no sign of any of the Yankee intruders.

  When she reached the study she noticed the door was partially open. Honor decided she would not knock. After all, this was her home, and she did not owe the Yankees any courtesy. Her hand was on the doorknob when she heard voices from inside the study.

  "Major O'Roarke, the general wants me to convince you of the importance of holding the bridge. He wants you to stay on here until further notice."

  "Lieutenant, I am well aware of the importance of our position, but what I do not understand is why he sent you to tell me. It is the usual custom to send a dispatch rider."

  "The general did not want to put in writing what I am about to relate to you. We must have absolute secrecy if our plan is to work. We have been informed that there is a big buildup of Confederate forces just to the south. Our informant tells us they intend to retake the bridge. We do not know just when they will make their push, but we intend to be ready for them when they do."

  "What is the general's plan?"

  "As you know, it is hard to move our troops in secret, since we are surrounded by the enemy. Would you believe just last week we caught a nine-year-old boy slipping through our lines, carrying information to the enemy about our whereabouts and our strength."

  Yes, I can believe it. It would be no different if the enemy were occupying our lands. We would do the same in like circumstances."

  "You are right, of course, but do you understand our need for complete secrecy?"

  "What is the plan?"

  "We are going to start sneaking troops across the river within the next few days. They cannot come by way of the bridge since it is under surveillance, but will swim across at a designated spot."

  "Yes that makes sense, but it will be difficult to keep secret."

  "The general's plan is to sneak about ten men across each night."

  "Where will the men hide out, and how long will it take?"

  That is where you come in, major. You are to hide them here. See that no one discovers your strength, or our plan is lost."

  Honor held her breath. She knew she must make her way back up the stairs without being detected and somehow she must get the information she had just overheard to the proper authorities. Holding her breath, she tiptoed back upstairs and did not breathe easy until she had reached the safety of her room.

  Closing the door, she paced up and down the room. How could she get the information to the Confederate forces? If the lieutenant had been correct, and the Confederates were going to try and retake the bridge, they would be going unawares into an ambush.

  Honor placed her hands over her eyes and noticed that they were trembling. She had to pull herself together and think clearly, but what could she do? She was virtually a prisoner in her own home. She remembered that the major wanted to talk to her about the Daniels. Maybe he would allow her to visit them. Then she could tell Mr. Daniels what she had overheard. He would know what to do with the information. She immediately felt better now that she had something positive in mind.

  Honor sat down in the chair and watched the clock. She would wait until after lunch to visit the major. After all, she did not want to arouse his suspicions. What would be the best way to approach him? Should she pretend to be sick? She wished she had Meagan's daring. Meagan would know how to handle the Yankee major. Should she try to flirt with him? Honor looked down at her swollen stomach and quickly disregarded that idea. Even if she were not with child the major would not be intrigued by her. She was certainly no beauty.

  No, the best way to play it would be simply to ask to visit with her mother and father-in-law. After all, the major could not know that she had overheard his conversation. He would simply think she was making a legitimate request.

  After Darcy served her lunch, which she found she could not eat, Honor made her way downstairs for the second time that day. This time the door was securely shut.

  Gathering up all her courage, Honor rapped softly on the door. The major's voice told her to enter. She opened the door and entered the room on shaky legs. He was working on some papers and did not even acknowledge her presence. She stood in the middle of the room, uncertain how to proceed.

  He had put her at a disadvantage. She felt her anger rise. How dare he send for her only to keep her waiting while he completely ignored her. As though he read her thoughts, he looked up and motioned for her to take a chair, which she did, but then he went back to his paperwork and continued to ignore her.

  Anger sparkled in Honor's green eyes as she watched him, assessing him. He was handsome, in a dark, brooding sort of way. His hair was as dark as a raven's wing. His skin was deeply tanned. She remembered from the night of his arrival that he was very tall and broad-shouldered. Honor also remembered his mocking blue eyes. He could well be the most handsome man she had ever met. Most probably he had dozens of female admirers. Maybe he was even married.

  Time passed and still he did not pay her the slightest attention. Angrily she rose to her feet. She was not going to sit waiting in her own home to have a conversation with the enemy.

  "Sit down, Mrs. Daniels. I will be with you in just a few more moments."

  "I have better things to do with my time than to sit and watch you at your work, sir," she told him angrily.

  "Such as sitting in your room, acting like a rebellious six-year-old, Mrs. Daniels?"

  "What I do with my time is no concern of yours. Besides, you sent for me, remember?"

  He smiled and rose to his feet. "So I did. Forgive my bad manners. Won't you please be
seated. Would you like something to drink?"

  Honor turned her back to him, not wanting him to see her anger. She knew she must not antagonize him if she were to get his permission to visit Green Rivers.

  "How strange it is, major, to be offered refreshments in my home by one who is the enemy," she said without turning to face him.

  "Think how awkward it is for me, Mrs. Daniels, for I must admit to you that all I have to offer you is apple cider from your own root cellar."

  Honor turned to him. "In that case, I will accept a glass from you. If you have not tried the cider from Landau, I can recommend it highly. It is made from my Aunt Amanda's secret recipe. My neighbors would give much to know the secret ingredient that goes into it."

  He poured her a glass and offered it to her. Then he raised his glass to hers and smiled. "To your Aunt Amanda and her secret ingredient."

  Honor took a sip and studied him through half-closed eyelashes. He was quite tall, inches taller than Jordan. She watched as he leaned against her desk and crossed his long legs. His appearance was neat. His body appeared lean, yet muscular. He was very handsome indeed, for a Yankee, she thought.

  "Have you decided, Mrs. Daniels?" Adam drawled.

  His voice startled her. She had not been aware that she had been staring at him. "Have I decided what, major?"

  He smiled. "Do I measure up to what you expected an enemy officer to look like?"

  Her face turned red and she lowered her head. What would Meagan do in a situation like this, she wondered. Most probably she would charm the major into doing her bidding. Honor rose and walked slowly over to where he stood. Forcing a smile she looked into his eyes.

  "Major, I have a favor to ask of you." She threw back her head and gave him a look she had seen Meagan deliver on numerous occasions.

  The smile left Adam's face and his eyes narrowed to icy pinpoints. "I am at your service, Mrs. Daniels. Ask what you will."

  Honor licked her lips and moved even closer to him. She hated what she was doing, but the end results would justify the means, she told herself.

  "I would like to visit my mother- and father-in-law at Green Rivers. They are not young anymore and I like to check on them every so often. They must be beside themselves with worry, knowing I am alone and helpless among the enemy."

  "You are asking my permission?"

  She moved even closer to him. Her arm brushed his shoulder. "I was told by Sergeant Simpson that you were kind and a gentleman." She placed her hand on his arm and gave him her most helpless look.

  He withdrew her hand from his arm and held it for a moment. She wanted to pull away, but she could not back down now.

  Adam wondered just how far she would go to obtain her goal. She was playing with him and he was aware of it. Somehow it made him angry. This role seemed completely out of character for her.

  The anger showed in his voice when he spoke. "Just how bad do you want to visit Green Rivers, Mrs. Daniels?"

  She smiled nervously. "I have told you, major, my husband's parents are very old . . .

  "How far are you prepared to go to obtain my permission?"

  Honor drew back at his biting words. "I do not know what you mean."

  "Do you not? Then I will speak in plain English. You wish to bargain with me. What will you give me for permission to visit Green Rivers?"

  Honor's eyes widened in horror as she realized what he was implying. Backing away from him, she stumbled against a chair. Gripping the back of the chair, she saved herself from falling.

  "You think that I would . . . that I was . . ."

  He walked slowly toward her. His eyes never left her face. As he towered above her, Honor could feel his breath fan her face.

  "You play with fire, Mrs. Daniels. I am a red-blooded man, not immune to the charms of a beautiful woman. But even I would be hard pressed to make love to a woman in such an obviously advanced state of pregnancy."

  Honor shook her head as tears of humiliation sparkled in her green eyes. Her instinct was to run from the room and seek comfort by crying on Darcy's shoulder. She eyed the door, but Adam, seeing her intention, was not ready to let her go so easily. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he forced her to look at him. She seemed unable to move as his grip tightened on her shoulders.

  "You are a very lovely and desirable woman, but you are not very wise. Has your mother never warned you of the hazards you might encounter if you offer your charms so freely?" One hand moved up her shoulder and touched her face lightly.

  "I . . . I was not offering you myself. You are the last man I would allow to touch me." She was mesmerized by the look in his eyes and found she could not look away.

  "Your eyes say otherwise," he whispered.

  "Please release me. I do not wish to continue this conversation. I only wish permission to visit my mother- and father-in-law."

  He released her. "Do you think me a complete fool, Mrs. Daniels?"

  She raised her chin proudly. "As a matter of fact, I do, major."

  The amusement was back in his eyes. "Let me set you straight on a few points, Mrs. Daniels. I know you are playing a game. I also know why. You overheard my conversation this morning with Lieutenant Holmes. You see, I am not quite the fool you think me to be."

  Anger sparked to life inside Honor. "How did you know?" she asked.

  He smiled and walked to the desk and seated himself on the smooth surface. "You wear a very distinct and pleasant perfume, Mrs. Daniels. When I walked Lieutenant Holmes to the front door, the evidence of your presence still lingered in the hallway."

  "Does this mean you will not allow me to visit Green Rivers?"

  Honor waited for his answer, although she already knew what it would be. She felt very much as she had when she was a small child knowing she had misbehaved and awaiting her punishment.

  Adam looked long and hard at her. He noted the frightened expression on her face. He saw her raise her chin proudly, awaiting his decision. Rising to his feet, he walked the length of the room, prolonging her agony. Stopping in front of her, he saw her cringe.

  Honor tried to look directly into his eyes. Her aunt had once told her that eye contact was very important, whether confronting friend or foe. But she found she could not meet his eyes. She lowered her head and stared instead at his black shiny boots.

  "You are sixteen and about to become a mother. Where is your husband?"

  His question surprised her. She jerked her head up and looked at him defiantly. "I would not tell you, major, even if I knew. To repeat what you said to me a moment ago, do you think me a complete fool?"

  "I am not asking for his exact whereabouts. I am merely trying to unravel my confusion where you are concerned."

  "I am not your concern," she said haughtily.

  "You have become very much my concern, Mrs. Daniels. You have, in your lovely head, information the Confederacy would give much to obtain. And do not tell me you would not do all within your power to see that the information reached the rebels."

  "I would do no more than any true patriot would do in my place."

  "Men have been shot for far less, I can assure you. Give me your word that you will not pass on the information you overheard today, and I will be lenient with you.

  Honor looked directly into his eyes. "You may as well shoot me and have done with it, major, for I promise you, should I get the chance to relay what I overheard today, I shall do so."

  "Then I must see to it that you do not get that chance. Consider yourself under house arrest until further notice. You will not be allowed to leave the house without an escort. Do I make myself clear?"

  "Oh, yes, major, you make yourself perfectly clear. I am a prisoner in my own home. Am I not to be allowed visitors?" she said bitingly.

  "As it happens, a Mr. and Mrs. Daniels came to call on you this very morning, and as on two other occasions, they were turned away at the gates. Funny, my men did not seem to think them old or ailing."

  Tears stung Honor's eyes. "You are hateful, maj
or. I know it is not the proper thing for a lady to say, but I do not like you in the least."

  "I hope that is only your anger speaking. It would grieve me unbearably if you did not hold me in high regard," he said mockingly.

  "I wish the war was over and you and your kind would leave us in peace," Honor told him angrily.

  He smiled. "The South is like an errant child gone astray. The Union is the sorrowful father chastising the child, trying to bring it back into the fold."

  "A loving father does not chastise unto death, major," Honor told him.

  His eyes narrowed and a muscle twitched in his jaw. "Sometimes the punishment must be severe when the crime is so great."

  Honor drew herself up proudly. "I will wish you a good day, major," she told him, walking to the door.

  Seeing it was her intention to leave, he intercepted her. Grabbing her by the arm, he turned her to face him.

  "Not so fast, Mrs. Daniels. I have not dismissed you yet."

  Angry words rushed to her lips, but he silenced her with a glance.

  "I will not allow you to close yourself off in your room as you have been doing. I have a sister who has two children, and the doctor told her that she should get plenty of fresh air and exercise to deliver a healthy baby."

  "Perhaps your Yankee women are puny and weak, but I can assure you that is not the case with me," Honor said childishly. "I do not need your advice," she added ungraciously, wondering why he should care if she had fresh air and exercise.

  "You will take at least one walk a day, Mrs. Daniels. I will have one of my men accompany you. Is that clear?" He smiled slightly. "I will not have it said that a woman in your condition was mistreated by a Yankee."

  "A southern gentleman would never call attention to a woman's condition when she is with child. I have heard it said that the men from the north are not gentlemen. I now know that to be the truth," Honor said scorchingly.