The Wicked North (Hearts Touched By Fire Book 1) (36 page)

Francois nodded to her.

Jack’s rage nearly boiled over. “You haven’t told her, have you?”

“There’s nothing to say,” his brother smugly replied.

“You are not worthy of her,” he spat. “Jesus, you are arrogant.”

“And you are?”

“Stop it! Stop it now!” Her voice rose. Jack ignored her and confronted Francois.

“Tell her. I’m sure she’s noticed. Do not drag her into this hell without her knowing,” he said, low, threateningly.

“Tell me what?” For all the years she’d known Jack, he never spoke of his home, never went there either that she knew of. All she knew was he felt his father had the money and power to protect her and Nathan from the war. What was so demonic about this place?

Jack brought Tommy around to face her. “Look at him, Emma. Look at him.”

She looked at the slave. “He’s a child, Jack. Maybe seven, eight?”

The boy nodded. Jack’s tight grasp made Tommy cower.

Jack glared at her. “Look closer,” he demanded.

She squinted. His skin was lighter brown, almost beige even. And he had stunning blue eyes. Her mouth dropped open with sudden realization. “He looks like, like—”

“Me,” Francois said, his voice cold. “Or our father.”

Her stomach flipped. Images of slaves crowded her mind. The memory of the blue and green eyes now meant something. What had seemed an odd occurrence became all too clear. “But there are so many.”

Jack snorted. “Welcome to Bellefountaine, or hell as I think of it.”

The month she’d been there, she’d seen lighter skinned slaves with blue eyes. And two with green.

“There are multiple ways to use slaves,” Jack stated. “Because importing slaves became illegal, what better way to increase their numbers than to encourage breeding them?”

Emma was stunned.

“As for those light-skinned slave girls,” he turned on Francois. “Why don’t you tell her what’s in their future?”

Francois pursed his lips, his blue eyes icy.

“They’re sold to the brothels in New O’leans for a high price.” Jack nodded in agreement.

“No,” she whispered, falling back to the mattress.

Jack went to her. “I won’t allow Nathan to be subject to this. Or you. Your intended would get you with child; he’s proven his ability to do so many times with the slaves.”

“Jack,” Francois threatened. “It’s not as though you’re a saint, as Fanny learned.”

Jack flew at his brother, knocking him to the floor. Francois leapt back up and returned the punch.

“Stop!” she cried.

They tumbled onto the ground, pounding each other. They rolled into a table holding a porcelain tea set and sent everything crashing to the floor. Emma yelled again as Jack pulled his brother up, preparing to hit him again. She saw the blood on them, the look of madness in their eyes.

Her ears started to buzz and the room became edged in blackness. She grabbed the bolster at the foot of the bed.

“Massa Jack,” she heard Tilly shrill as Emma clung to the post.

The slave’s yell finally reached the brawling men’s ears, interrupting their fight, and both panted as they rose from the floor. Emma struggled to stay upright.

Jack was at her side instantly. “Darlin’, you all right? You’re very white.”

Despite her lightheadedness, she glared at him just as Francois stated, “Brother, give her room to breathe.” He went to her as well, limping slightly.

Jack remained where he stood, his concern for her evident. Francois’ casual demeanor annoyed Emma. As her future husband, he should have been worried about her, too. If the room ever stopped spinning, she’d walk out on both of them.

“I came back for you Emma, for you. I can’t believe you are…” he twisted, eyeing his brother, “in love with that scoundrel and that I mean nothing after all we’ve been through.”

She wanted to scream but stood there in frustration, anger building. “After all we’ve been through? You act as though you considered us one, a couple, but how many times did you deny me? Hurt me? You even bedded Caroline! Married her, fathered a child with her, forsook my heart for her!” Tired of fighting Jack in her head, Emma’s tongue was finally loosed.

“Emma…”

“No, you will hear me. You betrayed your home, the South, absolved all ties to your family. Fran told me you haven’t inquired here in years.” She saw his jaw tense…and Francois fight a grin, which irritated her more. “You betrayed me for Caroline, then you stole me from my home, let my husband sacrifice everything so you could get me with child, and, with that act completed, you denied any feelings for me! I saved your life, and for what? You hurt me, Jack. Hurt me!” She was beyond caring about what she said but finally paused in her tirade. Jack looked like a wounded dog.

Emma asked, “So why wouldn’t I accept your brother’s proposal? At least he’s asked for my hand and has been a gentleman for the whole time I’ve known him, but you arrive and claim I’m yours? Ugh!” She spun and nearly lost her balance. From the corner of her eye, she saw Tilly dart out the room.

“Emma…” Jack stood.

“Non, mon frère,” Francois said smoothly, stepping closer. “As you have heard, I’m the better choice.”

#

Jack’s nerves were was on fire. Not only because of the fight with Francois, who had handled himself surprisingly well, but especially because of Emma’s outburst. Apparently she hated him. A hatred he himself had sown. He couldn’t deny any of her accusations. Now, he had to find a way to win her back or lose her forever.

“Emma,” Jack started again, ignoring his brother and no longer aware of the pain from the punches Francois had delivered. “I love you. I have loved you since the moment I met you, back on that creek at Rose Hill.”

She laughed scornfully. “I don’t believe you. I can’t. Not anymore, Jack…”

“It is the truth. I have fought heaven and hell to get here, to save you and my son from the nightmare of my family and to prove to you I love you. I want to marry you.”

“Ma chere, do not listen to him,” Francois said. Jack noticed he seemed to realize Emma might not wed him after all.

She stood there, wordless but shaking her head.

“Please, Emma…”

“No, Jack, no!” Tears sprang to her eyes and the color had drained from her face. Breathing heavily, she said, “You’ve hurt me too much.”

“I never meant to hurt you. I was trying to protect you from me. What future could I offer, being a soldier at war? But I found I can’t fight without knowing I’ve got you to live for.” He took her hand. It was cold as ice. In the warm spring heat, it shouldn’t have felt like that.

“And I have been here, consoling her wounded soul because of the damage you’ve done,” Francois interjected. “I will be here. Always. I also love her.” He now stood next to Jack. “Mon aime, it is all arranged–the priest, the guests, our future.”

#

Emma’s life had quickly become complicated. Francois had been at her side, willing to accept her and her baby as his, plus Nathan. He was sweet, suave, able to take care of her needs and wants, but he had a dark side. She’d known in her heart what his “business” had been in that slave shanty she’d seen him leave.

But now Jack was with her again. He was alive. He had finally said exactly what she wanted to hear for so long–he loved her, enough to go through hell and high water, or war, to be with her. But the past didn’t disappear just because she wanted it to. He had betrayed her, broken her heart. More than once. He claimed he couldn’t go on without her. She was torn. Her love for him remained strong despite everything else, and with his baby inside her…

Both men waited anxiously for her to decide. What should she do? She had promised herself to Francois, and he was right, the ceremony, the guests, everything was arranged for their marriage ceremony—but she didn’t love him. And the fact that he continued to do what he did “for the family” disgusted her.

It would be so much simpler if she could just live on her own.

But Society would look down on her and make it impossible for her to live in peace, especially without means. And her unborn child would be considered a bastard.

Emma’s head throbbed and her heart ached. She thought she’d be sick, but then there was a slight flutter deep and low inside her. It was as though the baby wanted a say in what she would do.

Torn by emotion, she heard the buzzing in her ears again. She gripped the duvet as the room began spinning. When she heard footsteps in the hall and glanced up, Mrs. Fontaine was standing in the doorway with Dr. Spalding behind her. Tilly must have gone to her.
Thank heavens
.

#

Jack didn’t hear his mother arrive until she called out to them, “Francois, Jacques, get out of the way.”

The doctor passed them and went straight to Emma. Jack frowned. He knew Emma was upset, but why did she need a physician?

“Both of you boys come here,” his mother ordered.

He knew that tone. Had heard it since childhood—the voice of authority. Although he was an adult, it still caused a chill to go through him, making him feel like he’d been caught stealing a cookie. He’d bet Francois felt the same.

Dutifully, they left Emma and went to her.

“Jacques, I didn’t know you’d returned,” she stated coolly.

“Just got back, mama. I would’ve—”

“Tsk,” she waved at him to be silent. To his brother she said, “My dear Francois, you and I will take a walk and let them have some time alone.”

“No, mama, I can’t leave my—” Francois protested.

“Yes, you will,” his mother replied sternly. Looping her arm in the crux of Francois’ arm, she aimed him toward the door and glanced over her shoulder at Jack. “You and I will speak later. For now, settle your issues with Emma. She has a wedding.” Having issued her orders, she and his brother left the room, Francois still arguing futilely against it.

Jack knew he had only a short time to convince Emma not to marry his brother. With a brief plea to God and steeling himself, he turned to where she sat on the bed. The doctor was discussing something with her, but he couldn’t hear them. Was she sick? Fear gripped him. Tentatively, he walked to them, hoping she was well and forming his argument to persuade her to be his forever.

#

“Drink this.” Dr. Spalding pressed a cup to her pale lips. Jack’s alarm grew. Jesus, if he lost her now, he’d die.

As the brown liquid seeped into her mouth, she sputtered. Jack had to bite back a grin when he caught a whiff of the stuff and saw her face redden. Straight whiskey often revived one.

“Jack?”

“I’m here, sweetheart,” he said softly.

“Mrs. Bealke,” the doctor said, pushing Jack out of the way and putting his finger to her wrist, “how are you feeling now?”

She looked confused and stared at Jack. He knew he looked a sight. His cheek was swollen, one eye blackened and his lip torn, but he thought he had wiped off most of the blood.

“Fine, I’m fine,” she answered.

The doctor scoffed. “Mr. Fontaine, do try to control yourself. A lady in this condition must be treated delicately.” He closed his medical bag with a snap.

It was Jack’s turn to be confused. What condition? Emma was blushing.

“Rest. I’ll be back t’morrow ta check on you,” the doctor told her as he walked out the door.

Jack held her hand. “What condition, Emma? Have you been ill?”

She glanced downward. “Where’s Francois?”

His brother. She wanted to know about him? “Mother pulled him away,” he answered coldly.

She waited for more.

“They’re walking in the garden or something.” His tongue was tied in frustration. She wanted his brother instead of him. But could he blame her?
If you’re willing to fight for her, make her yours truly…
Charles’ voice sounded in his head.

“Emma,” he squeezed her hand. “Please listen to me. I, I’m sorry.”

“Did you willingly participate in that?” She didn’t need to clarify what “that” was.

He sighed. “Not willingly. I was ‘inducted’ into the practice early. I was made to lie with a slave who I’d grown up with, considered a friend. She was a virgin,” he swallowed the knot of regret. “I hurt her. I couldn’t live with it, so, yes, I ran. It, it killed her,” he chanced a glance at Emma. Her eyes didn’t waver from his face, but tears welled in them. The pain caused by Jack’s revelation equaled the agony in his soul, but she said nothing. He swallowed before continuing. “She had twins. I’m sure you’ve seen them. I, I didn’t know, not till today. The whole event haunted me for years. To my father, it was a tradition and part of my responsibility to the family and so forth. I’m sure it doesn’t make sense to you. Your family had no such ‘tradition.’”

“No, but it wasn’t perfect.” She sounded sad and made him wonder just how much Caroline’s greediness and arrogance had cost Emma.

“I sent you here because my father is wealthy and well known. He could send you anywhere you wanted to go. I wouldn’t have suggested it otherwise.” He touched her cheek. “Emma, this is where I need to be. With you. I love you.”