Southern Beauty

chapter 5

avid wrapped Johanna’s dress around her, picked her up in his arms and brought her to the cottage.

“What’s wrong with her?” Preston inquired with a look of confusion that matched Jacob’s.

“She passed out. Could you guys go get some wood for the fire?” David asked without looking at them.

Following orders both men abruptly left the cabin. David laid her on the abandoned bed. He gently stroked her long dampened hair. Trying to coax her awake, he whispered softly in her ear, “Miss Lee, can you hear me?”

Her swollen eyes opened enough to see David’s golden face. She felt worse than she had ever felt; she was hungry, weak, and humiliated.

“You’re going to be all right my Southern Beauty,” he continued to whisper, “I will never let anything happen to you.” Johanna heard him but she was powerless to sleep and she again belonged to the void of darkness.

That night, Johanna awoke to see the cheery face of Preston as he held tight her hand. Alcohol reeked on his breath and before she could speak, his coarse lips came down hard upon hers.

“Get away from her, Myers!” David fiercely called out as he gripped Preston’s hair tightly between his clenched fingers, pulling him away from the frightful Johanna.

“Sorry about that, he had a little too much whiskey. He won’t bother you again,” David reassured the frightened Johanna. She fell back into her deepened slumber, forgetting about Preston’s advances. She only dreamt of what she felt in her heart, a love for the man who sat by her bed, jealous stricken of Preston’s affection toward her. His hidden rage kept secret with his flaming desire for her.

Throughout the day, David would barely talk to her let alone look at her. She was surprised how easily it was to befriend Jacob. He seemed more like a friendly butcher than a soldier. They talked of books and of family. With an occasional added word from David like, “hmmm.” Preston spent most of the day outdoors scouting and gathering firewood, which suited Johanna just fine. She felt very uncomfortable when he was around. He would stare at her with eagerness as he lurked in the dark corner of the room. He seemed almost like a black cat ready to pounce on its prey. She tried not to notice him staring at her when he thought no one was looking. His sinister manner only intensified when she found him hovering over her while she slept.

David tried to keep Preston’s advances at bay, especially when he had found him smelling her hair. Without warning David lunged at him and threw Preston against the wall. Preston, who was caught off guard, had suddenly felt the sting of the wall on his back with a powerful force that sent him straight to the wooden floor.

“Keep your hands off of her!” David warned in a protective tone.

“Oh, I see you are saving her for yourself?” Preston questioned David and laughed as he rubbed his cheek and picked himself up.

“Just knock it off or I will report your insubordination to our commander,” threatened David.

“Come on McPherson I was just having a little fun,” Preston tried to laugh it off.

“Keep in mind we have a mission. Let’s stick to it. We are not here to have fun,” ordered David.

As Preston walked out of the cabin to retreat from the situation, he leaned into Johanna and whispered,” You won’t always have McPherson to protect you.”

“Protect me from what, pray tell.” Johanna boldly stood her ground unaffected by his warning.

Preston did not answer her question, turned and exited.

After David protected her Johanna noticed him in a different light. Throughout the day his manner became more relaxed and he almost seemed friendly. She watched him as he bantered with Jacob to everyone’s amusement. She even once found herself laughing out loud and had to cover her mouth to be discrete.

That evening, David read a few lines out of her magazine as they all sat by the fireplace.

“Is this collection about romance?” David asked her.

Embarrassed Johanna covered, “It’s more about family,” she took it out of his hand “I think that is enough for today thank you.”

“Those are Miss Austen’s writings?” Jacob asked.

“Yes,” said Johanna.

“Oh Emma loves her stories. They are all about romance and love. It’s a girl thing David,” Jacob said.

“Now I am curious,” David asked Johanna scratching his unshaven chin. “How much do you know about it?”

“Know about what?” Johanna asked confused.

“Know about romance and love?” David smiled teasing her.

Johanna refused to answer his question and put her magazine away. Jacob grinned at David’s question while David smirked at her uncomfortable reaction.

Afterward David taught Johanna a card game in which she played quite well. She promised to teach him backgammon some day, and quickly retracted in embarrassment of the situation.

“I guess I forgot for a second where I was,” she said. They all laughed.

During the two days she was held captive, they secretly watched one another when they thought neither was looking. It didn’t go unnoticed by Jacob. He began to feel fondly toward Johanna and actually felt obliged to remind David that there was no way it would ever work out between them.

“What are you talking about Jacob? I feel nothing for her,” said David.

“McPherson, just remember what you are here for. Besides, could you imagine…” Jacob said.

“No, I cannot, and I would not,” interrupted David.

“Just don’t get involved in something you are never intending to finish. I have spent time talking to her, she reminds me of my own niece. She doesn’t deserve your false advances,” said Jacob.

“I have no intentions of any kind, she is a Southerner, Lee’s niece, and a royal pain,” proclaimed David.

“Are you falling for her?” questioned Jacob with a look of concern on his face.

“Are you insane? Are you listening to anything I am telling you?” David asked in denial. “If she needs a companion, Preston can have her.”

Jacob eyed David not believing him, “If you haven’t fallen in love with her, leave her be, it will only end in heartache for the both of you!”

“Fallen in love with her?” David repeated. “That’s absurd! You seem to be the only one enticed by her beauty. I am about done with this, this mission and this conversation.”

In the dusk of the early morning amidst their slumber, Johanna awoke and scanned the room. She saw Jacob and Preston asleep across the room slightly snoring. She quickly sat up and thought in a brief instant she should try to escape. The idea was quickly extinguished when she realized David lay on the floor beside her fast asleep. She tried to get a better look at him, so she leaned over a bit too much and then she fell right on top of him. Johanna could feel his fiery breath upon hers though he did not make a sound. Her body froze, though it was inflamed with fireworks that exploded a thousand times inside her. She wanted more. She longed for his touch. Did he have any idea she had fallen upon him? Or fallen for him?

David had been afraid to fall asleep since the last episode with Preston. He stayed by Johanna like a watchdog. He couldn’t sleep anyway. He had been going over in his mind what he whispered to her at the river. He was appalled that he felt that way toward someone so difficult and proud. Her attitude toward them insinuated that they were beneath her. He didn’t know why he wanted her. What she needed was to be put in her place. He eyed her in the dark when he noticed movement above him. When she leaned over to get a closer look at him he saw her falling and immediately braced himself for the impact. He was going to scold her back into her bed, but something happened when their bodies touched. Johanna’s warmth enveloped him. His very soul steamed with fire. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, embrace her, and love her. He couldn’t open his eyes it was too much.

Johanna, inches away from his tempting lips, slowly came down to touch them gently with her own. Breath to breath, lips barely touching, Johanna hoped for some tender response to her closeness. David began to snore.

“You Yankee fool,” Johanna whispered as she picked herself up off of him and made her way back into bed.

David covered his laugh with a cough. He turned over so she could not see his face. Again without knowing it, she made him laugh. What made him do such a thing? David pondered this until the sun rose. Holding the lovely Johanna in his arms was the only thing he could think of since they met. Was it his devotion to his mission? No, the mission could not be further from his thoughts. It’s only Johanna that he wants or ever wants. She was right he was a fool. They both stared into the night waiting for the morning to arrive thinking only of each other and the missed opportunity of passion.

To Johanna’s relief, morning finally came.

“Where are you going?” Johanna whispered to Jacob as he started toward the door.

“Well, good morning Miss Lee,” surprised to see her awake he asked, “Did you sleep well?”

“I guess, the best I can under the circumstances,” she shrugged with a half smile.

“I am going to get wood, would you like to join me for a walk?” He asked cheerfully as he held the door open for her.

Tiptoeing past David, she shook her head in disappointment. She followed Jacob out the door and they both disappeared into the woods.

“Are you married, Mr. Evans?” Johanna asked.

“Yes, my wife is in Harrisburg waiting for my return,” he answered not noticing the set of footprints that lay on the muddy ground next to their own.

“Is that where we are going?” Johanna asked.

“No. We are headed to New Orleans. We need to get out of enemy territory,” he answered.

“Isn’t Louisiana on its way to succession too?” she asked.

“It isn’t yet. We have a contact there. We must be meeting them soon,” Jacob looked at Johanna who seemed confused. “I am not sure what David has planned for you. Don’t worry though, I know him, and he would never jeopardize your safety and I will make sure of it.” He smiled and looked down at her in a fatherly sort of way.

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about me. I can take care of myself,” she insisted.

“Yes, I could confirm that,” he said and they both smiled.

“Are we waiting for my uncle?” she asked.

“I am not sure what we’re doing to tell the truth. This is McPherson’s show,” explained Jacob.

“Oh, he can sometimes be so difficult. Is that a Northern thing or does he not have a mother to teach him manners, especially around ladies?” asked Johanna.

“Ah, he’s not so bad once you get to know him. He has a great Christian family actually. And to tell you the truth they would be appalled he is treating you so unkindly. I am hesitant to go on any further, Miss Lee,” he paused for her attention, “he is like a brother to me.”

“I’m sorry. I spoke out of place,” she agreed.

Jacob smiled at her, “I’ve never seen him act this way before and we have been friends for a very long time.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Johanna asked with much interest.

Jacob didn’t want to say anymore for he knew David felt more than he was letting on. “He is generally the perfect gentleman, ladies love him, men respect him, and well, ever since we met you, he has been, let’s just say different.”

“I see,” Johanna didn’t know what to make of this.

“Don’t take him too seriously. He likes to antagonize you,” Jacob said in a whisper.

“I got that,” she said. “I think he needs someone to teach him a good lesson.”

“Would that be you?” he asked in a laugh.

“Is he married?” asked Johanna ignoring Jacob’s questioned.

“Not yet, but his mother is trying to marry him off,” Jacob explained.

“Marry him off?” Johanna’s heart sank and yet she didn’t know why she even cared. So what if he was to marry. “Who is she trying to have Mr. McPherson marry?” Forcing a smile, Johanna swallowed hard. She felt a bit weak and she began to feel a cold sweat tingle her body. She looked up toward the pale gray storm clouds that began to form and tried to stop her eyes from tearing. Why it was affecting her was perplexing.

“Kathleen? She is a friend of the family. She has had feelings for him since they were kids. Maybe someday he will settle down and have a family, although he proclaims he wants to go where he pleases without any ties, any responsibilities to anyone,” announced Jacob with a slight grin.

“That sounds like something he would say,” Johanna said with a harsh tone, lifting her head in a prideful stance.

Jacob followed her back to the cabin holding the stack of wood he collected. He tried to hold back his laugh at Johanna’s observation and her prideful manner.

Turning to Jacob once again, she asked in almost a whisper, “Does he love her?”

“McPherson? Ah, he loves every woman and they love him too,” said Jacob. He noticed her emerald eyes had now turned glossy as if she were about to cry, even though she tried desperately to hide it. Jacob sighed and then rested his hand on her shoulder. “Is he getting to you? Are you actually beginning to care for David?”

“Oh no, absolutely not, I don’t care in the least. I have much higher standards, Mr. Evans. Besides he is so, so, difficult,” She stated as she gained control of her emotions once again.

“And you are not?” Jacob laughed.

Rain began to sprinkle down on them and Jacob and Johanna continued their trip back to the cabin.

“And where the hell have you two been?” David asked angrily in a way that made them both feel like they were kids being scolded by a parent.

“We went to gather wood for the fire.” Jacob answered quickly before Johanna could speak.

“Do you have a problem with that?” Johanna glared.

“As a matter of fact I do,” he scowled, “there are footprints outside that do not belong to any of us. Someone knows we’re here we need to leave immediately.”

David grabbed her arm forcing her towards him and stared down at her. “Listen little girl, you could be in danger, you need to stop acting like a child, and listen to me for once.”

“No, you could be in danger. Let go of my arm.” Johanna said gritting her teeth and pulling away. “I’m tired of you treating me terribly. Don’t touch me, don’t talk to me, and don’t even look at me.” Johanna reached for the doorknob.

“Where do you think you’re going?” David yelled after her as if she were a child being scolded.

“Out!” she screamed back, slamming the door behind her, thunder cracked adding to the drama, and she stepped into the pouring rain which now fell like autumn leaves in a gusty breeze.

“It’s raining; you’re going to catch the death of yourself.” David bit his lip. “I guess I better go get her, you’ll never know what kind of trouble she’ll get herself into.” He left without looking at Preston and Jacob’s blank expressions as they watched the scene before them unfold.

Johanna’s silken body was now drenched, the dampness had cooled her hot head and she raised her hands above her head to feel the freedom she felt out in the open. The heavy beats of the rain pounding the ground drowned out David’s voice calling for her. When she finally did hear him, she ducked behind a tree so he’d pass.

“Johanna?” he yelled again this time in a concerned and frantic tone. The rain now poured harder, but beyond the splashing rain he heard a faint giggle. Turning he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Her golden hair clinging to her face, dress and petticoat beneath stuck to her so tightly it showed her full figure, and that smile, that teasing smile, seductively invited him to her.

David grinned taking a closer step. He lifted his hand to her cheek and pulled away her wet hair that hid her emerald eyes. What was it about her that made him feel so alive? He felt anger and passion at once. She was a child but everything about her was a woman.

“Do you really hate me?” David asked her with a slight grin.

“No, I do not,” she admitted and then held her breath. Her gaze locked on his. She wanted desperately to remove herself from his powerful presence. He had an undeniable power over her that made her want more of him. She hated him for it. It was hard for her to swallow. His handsome face gazing upon hers made Johanna tremble. The look on his face made it even harder for her to turn away. He looked at her with wonder as if he had never seen her before.

“Do you treat all your prisoners like this, Lieutenant?” asked Johanna, trying desperately to break their intense moment.

“Only the ones who are defiant,” said David. “Of course, until they are broken.”

Johanna stared him down. “Are you saying that I am a horse or child?” she asked.

“Does it matter?” he asked.

Johanna was so furious with David she could actually feel her blood pressure boil, and her face burn with anger, but she could not make any words form. She stared at him. Watching him laugh at her was painful. She had let down her guard for some odd reason. Why she did continued to perplex her.

Johanna turned in anger and tried to step away from him to head back to the cottage. Before she took another step, David grabbed her arm and turned her toward him with a jerk.

They were now face to face again, staring in each other’s eyes, inches from each other. Another crack of thunder and a flash of lightening outlined their circumstance. A small stream began to form nearby that had been created by the downpour of rain.

Johanna tried to push him away although he was too strong for her. His fists wrapped around her wrists, she tried to struggle, but her heart wanted to give in. David whispered her name calming her. “Johanna,” he whispered.

Her face felt hot again but it wasn’t because of anger. She froze and looked up into his handsome face.

He whispered her name again, “Johanna.”

She was entranced, it was as if the whole world had stopped, became motionless, as if there was no rain, no war, and no cares. Time had held on and wouldn’t tick to the next second.

David’s mind couldn’t comprehend what he was seeing. Even wet with the rain pouring over her, Johanna was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He whispered her name as if it was a heavenly secret he unveiled.

“Johanna,” he said once again. She wanted him even though she struggled, he knew. He could see it in her eyes. He felt it he was consumed by it, by her. She was intoxicating. He had lost. He could not pretend anymore. He had to have her. He would never be the same again. It was then, in that moment, that space in time that the revelation came. Lieutenant David McPherson knew that he loved her.

David’s eyes traced Johanna’s lips, he wanted to taste them, feel their warmth, their tenderness. His hands shook as they began to touch her silken face. He feared if he touched her, she’d disappear into the night as if in a dream. He could not wait any longer he had to kiss her, and with a powerful embrace, his lips collided with hers.