Page 18 of Master of Paradise

As Nicholas Peacock lay in bed on the morning of his wedding, he laughed at himself.

I've fallen into a trap of my own making.

He was mad in love with his exquisite bride-to-be, but in order to get her, he'd had to agree to a marriage in name only.

How long will I last before that little promise is broken? The constant denial had turned his dreams into orgies of lust that did nothing to relieve the sexual tension that was relentlessly building within his body.

I promised two years.

Judas, it will be a miracle if I last two days!

He could hear Samuel filling his bath, and the delicious aroma coming from the kitchens told him that preparations for the special wedding dinner were already underway.

It seemed strange for him to have a day off work.

He was always busy from sunup to well after sundown, if the workload demanded it, so he was at a loss to fill the hours until the wedding party arrived.

Things were not so quiet over at the Jackson Plantation.

It could be said without exaggeration that everything was in a state of chaotic flux.

Packing had been going on for three days, and an outside observer would have supposed a journey of a thousand miles was being undertaken.

The pecking-order of impatience began with the head of the household, as it should.

Bernard Jackson's temper flayed the house servants who were readying him not only for the wedding, but for his extended trip to Richmond.

Mammy Lou, trotting between Jennifer Joy and Aunt Billie tried to delegate responsibility to the house servants.

They suddenly turned stubborn as field mules because they were receiving too many orders from too many directions.

When Jennifer threw a tantrum bordering on hysterics because the slippers she planned to wear had been packed, there was nothing for it but to unpack all her boxes until the missing fugitives were discovered.

Amanda Virginia took in the scene philosophically and proceeded to pack her own things, and ready herself for her wedding.

She was glad of the respite from the chattering horde.

She needed a quiet time to herself, and was relieved that while they were driving each other to distraction, they were leaving her to her solitude.

Mandy lay supine across the bed with her head hanging over the edge so that her hair flowed like a waterfall to the carpet.

Today had an unreality to it.

She couldn't quite grasp that this was her wedding day and Nicholas Peacock was to be her husband.

She recalled their first meeting as if it had been yesterday.

I remember I thought him a god, and upon reflection I wasn't too far off the mark.

What Nicholas has accomplished in the years he's been here is superhuman.

If this is the measure of a man, most other males compared and measured against him are woefully lacking.

He is taller, broader, stronger; his skin more tan, his laugh deeper, and his patience more forbearing.

He's also kind, tolerant, and understanding.

The great mystery is that he wants me, and wants me now.

Mandy examined her feelings for him closely in this hour left to her before she committed herself to him with vows that would bind her for the rest of her life.

There has always been an unspoken understanding between us, but that was for some far-off, almost mythical future that has suddenly materialized into the here and now.

Its immediacy frightened her.

If she was being truthful, Nicholas Peacock frightened her.

On the surface they had been friends, but underneath that surface lay depths she was afraid to plumb.

He was different than other men.

Clay Hampden and Wes Beverly were such everyday, uncomplicated boys, familiar to her and her way of life since childhood.

Nicholas is a man from another world.

He has qualities that set him apart; qualities that are perhaps dangerous.

She finally admitted to herself that the thrilling, forbidden aspect of the whole adventure was what lured her irresistibly.

She was ready for any dare, any challenge.

She loved to shock, and anticipated with relish being shocked in return.

In the drawing room at Paradise, the minister from the church in Summerville stood ready.

Only the family were present.

Brandon was groomsman.

Nicholas would have preferred to ask Rafe Collins, but deferred to the family's state of mourning.

Aunt Billie was rigged out in a retching shade of puce, while Mammy Lou stood by with tears in her eyes, wringing her hands.

Samuel had turned the drawing room into a bower, filling it with pink and white blossoms.

The fireplace opening was filled with a mass of peonies in varying shades from shell pink to deepest fuchsia.

Standing beside her sister, Jennifer held her head unnaturally high.

She smiled so long and so brightly that her top lip stuck to her teeth.

She felt nauseated, and knew she would loathe the heady smell of peonies for the rest of her life.

Nicholas came forward to meet his bride.

He looked down at her and noticed her pallor.

Never had he seen a female look more innocent and pure.

A wave of guilt washed over him as he contemplated Amanda's vulnerability.

She whispered low.

"They've stuck me with this damn white again."

Nicholas laughed with relief as he recognized the impish Mandy he loved.

As soon as the minister began the ceremony, and realization came that she was actually being married to this man, Amanda's heart began to thud uncontrollably until she could hardly breathe.

"Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I will."

As his clear response came to her, a look of awe etched her delicate features. Then she was being asked:

"Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live"

"I will."

Her response was as clear and firm as his had been.

"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"

"I do,"

Bernard Jackson said firmly.

When her father spoke, surprise that he was actually going through with it arched Mandy's brow.

Then Nicholas took her right hand in his.

A momentary worry clouded her face because her palm was slightly damp, while his hand was firm, warm, and dry.

She saw a smile begin at the corners of his eyes as he looked down at her, and her worries melted away.

She heard him repeat.

"I, Nicholas Peacock, take thee Amanda Virginia Jackson to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."

She knew she also made the vow, but all she could remember saying was to love and to cherish and I plight thee my troth.

She watched Brandon step forward to place a golden wedding band upon the prayer book.

The minister gave it to Nicholas, who lifted her left hand and slipped the ring halfway down her fourth finger. Then his deep voice washed over her.

"With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee honor, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow."

Jennifer Joy flinched at the words and hoped it would soon be over.

Many prayers followed before the couple was finally pronounced man and wife. When the minister concluded by saying.

"You may now kiss the bride,"

Mandy had a moment of panic, but Nicholas bent down and placed a chaste kiss upon her brow, and they moved over to a side table to sign the certificate.

In spite of all the friction that had gone into its preparation, the meal that followed could be called a resounding success.

Samuel had only just begun to establish a pecking order with the new cook and house servants of Paradise when another lot of servants was thrust upon him from the Jackson Plantation.

Samuel welcomed Nicholas's new bride, but could not muster the same feelings toward Amanda's sister and aunt.

He openly resented Mammy Lou and her entourage of house servants, with the exception of Brute's woman, Cleo.

Samuel was determined to rule the household with an iron hand.

He knew exactly what his master liked and disliked, and Paradise was going to remain a place where the master's wishes were paramount, despite the passel of women that had just descended.

Mammy Lou on the other hand knew all her mistress's pleasures and displeasures, and was determined that the new Mistress of Paradise would have every small whim satisfied, which of course would elevate her own status.

She had enjoyed full sway in the Jackson household for so long, she was not about to relinquish her authority at this stage in life.

So Samuel had seen to it that Nicholas had his shrimp creole with mounds of their own fluffy white rice, and Mammy had insisted on Mandy's favorite stuffed crab cakes.

Samuel had supervised the duck in wine sauce, while Mammy had overseen the decorating of the petit fors.

As a result of this dual supervision, there was too much food.

Aunt Billie decided her new home was aptly named.

This was the closest to Paradise she was ever likely to get.

Brandon proposed as many toasts as he dared, which helped to ease the tension and smooth over any awkward moments.

Shortly after the meal, Bernard, anxious to start out on the long journey to Richmond, gave his family a short farewell speech.

"I hate to break up the party, but I must make a start. I have no qualms whatsoever in leaving my ladies under Nicholas's protection. I am honored to have him as a son-in-law."

He looked at his son.

"Brandon, for the first time, will have a house to run. Let's hope he doesn't run amok."

His small attempt at humor was followed by polite laughter.

There was a distinct feeling of relief after Bernard had departed.

Brandon helped himself to a double bourbon.

"You two newlyweds won't mind if I desert you, will you now? I must make a head start on the wild life I am going to commence."

Nicholas smiled.

"I'll walk to the stables with you, if the ladies will excuse me."

Mammy Lou bustled forward.

"It's time y'all had yore nap Miz Mandy. Yo' mus be plumb tuckered out in dis heat. Up to yore bed dis minute."

Nicholas said.

"Why don't you put your feet up for awhile Lou? You've been working since daybreak."

Mammy Lou's mouth fell open.

This was the first time in her recollection anyone had cared how she felt.

Nicholas was the only one who had ever referred to her as anything but Mammy.

She was a woman with a name, and Nicholas acknowledged it.

Amanda shooed the servants from her bedroom.

She removed the white dress, washed her hands and face, and slipped into a cream linen riding skirt.

She ran her brush through her hair quickly, not bothering with a mirror.

As she descended the curved staircase that led from the east wing, she saw that Nicholas was going downstairs also, from the west wing.

Gone was the white suit. He now wore a cool shirt and serviceable riding breeches.

"Hello darlin', off on an adventure?"

he called across to her.

"I'm going to see if Miss Louise likes your stables."

She noticed that he no longer had the clipped British accent he had had when they first met, but a pleasant slow drawl. I love the way he said Hello Darlin' like it was a caress.

When they reached the bottom, he asked.

"Amanda Virginia Peacock-- does it sound strange to you?"

She shook her head.

"It seems right and natural,"

she assured him. Mandy wasn't really ready to be a wife, but the sudden thought that someone else might have caught him for her husband and ended up at Paradise made her weak at the knees. Suddenly she was very, very glad that they were legally married and had exchanged vows that would bind them forever.

Before they reached the stables, Nicholas paused in the shade of an oak and took her hand.

"I never want you to regret this day, Amanda."

He brushed a tress of long dark hair back from her shoulder and it curled possessively around his fingers.

"I hope you never have regrets, Nicholas."

If you only knew. I'm already regretting the promises I made to your father. The texture of her hair was like satin between his fingers.

She laughed self-consciously.

"I'm a married woman, yet I'm not old enough to wear my hair up."

"When you put your hair up for the first time, I want the pleasure of taking it down."

Damn, I must stop touching her and saying these intimate things that spring to my lips the moment I'm near her. He had imagined his desire for her was a thing of the future that could be controlled, not this immediately, demanding need that set his blood on fire. Nicholas stepped away from her.

"I'm putting in new water steps at the river. I'm having a boat built for us to sail back and forth to Charleston. If you sail with the tide, it only takes an hour, whereas it takes almost three on horseback."

"It once took us five hours by carriage. It was a nightmare of a trip."

"Would you believe that yesterday the paddle-wheeler that goes up and down the Ashley stopped at our landing so the people could tour our beautiful gardens?"

"Did you let them?"

"I must confess that I did."

"Your house and gardens have no rival in three counties."

"Our house, Amanda. I'll leave you to see to your horse. If you'd prefer another stall, just move her."

She saddled up for herself and rode about the land belonging to her new home. She loved every acre. She had always loved this land, but Nicholas had turned a wilderness into a thriving plantation and a garden showplace. The ornamental lake now boasted a small bridge, under which a pair of swans glided with stately elegance. She looked heavenward as a sharp flapping of wings filled the air. A flight of wild geese had chosen to land on their lake for the night. She was thrilled and thought, not for the first time, that birds were a lucky omen for her. After all, wasn't she a Peacock?"

After her ride she stabled Miss Louise, brushed her, and gave her a generous feeding of oats.

"You are my beautiful girl, and I love you."

The filly answered her. Amanda looked down at her wedding ring, and twisted it round and round, hoping she wouldn't awaken and find it had all been a dream.

On the way up to her room, she saw Cleo with an armful of dresses.

"Oh Cleo, take the rest of the day off. Don't you want to be with Brute?"

"Ah can't Miz Mandy. Miz Jenny clothes are in a terrible mess wid all dis movin'. She want all her dresses pressed nice an' fresh."

"Cleo, this is my wedding day and I want you to enjoy being with Brute. Besides, I'm the mistress here now. Run along, I'll take these dresses to Jenny and explain."

"Oh thank you' Miz Mandy. Ah wants to be with Brute somethin' powerful."

As Mandy went up into the east wing she saw two maids come scurrying from Jennifer's room, almost in tears. She could hear her sister's voice, shrill and angry. She opened the door and stopped on the threshold to admire the room's prettiness.

"What do you want?"

Jennifer demanded.

"I gave Cleo the rest of the day off. She can finish these tomorrow."

Jennifer's eyes blazed their indignation.

"How dare you? Little Miss High and Mighty. Countermanding my orders to my own slave. Why, you've even got Mammy treating you as if you're someone special now that you're married to Nicholas Peacock. The joke of it is you won't be a proper wife to him for at least two years yet!"

Though Mandy felt as if she'd been slapped in the face, she said lightly.

"I won't allow even you to spoil this day for me."

She placed the dresses on the bed and left.

Mandy had just removed her riding skirt when Mammy Lou came in.

"Did y'all have a nice rest, honey? Ah shore enjoyed puttin' ma ol' feet up fo' a spell. Let's pick a real purty dress fo' dat husband o'yores. Ah declare, yo' is one lucky gal!"

Amanda stood before the wardrobe with dismay clearly etched on her face.

"Mammy Lou, my dresses are all so plain and simple."

"Dis here ma favorite."

"Oh please not pink. It will make me look like a little girl. Maybe the yellow. They all lack something. They're all so childish."

"Verily, verily."

Mammy rolled her eyes.

"Yesterday yo' didn' give a care what covered yore hide. Today yo' wants silk dresses!"

Mandy peered into the mirror.

"It's simply scandalous what the sun has done to my skin. I need some face cream. Oh, I need so many things, it's unbelievable."

"Lordy chile, don' ah scold yo' about de sun 'til ma tongue turn blue, an' yo' jest laughin' at ol' Mammy."

Amanda turned her back so that Mammy could fasten the yellow muslin dress and tie up the sash.

"It will take me hours to get the tangles from my hair."

Mammy rolled her eyes again.

"Nevah thought ah'd live t'see de day yo' combed all de tangles from yo' hair. Easier to get de scissors an' chop 'em out."

"I can't do that. Nicholas loves my long hair. He's always touching it."

"Den yo' better git started wid dat brush fore yo' evah tries to put de comb through it."

It took a whole hour before Amanda was satisfied with her appearance. Mammy opened the door to a polite knock and almost bristled when she saw it was Samuel. He coolly ignored her and bowed to the new mistress.

"De masta say supper be served on de patio, Miz Mandy, if yo' has no objections."

"The patio?"

she questioned.

"Ah come t'escort yo' directly ma'am."

"Thank you, Samuel."

She smiled at him and his heart went out to her.

He led her downstairs, through the east wing and out to the back of the house. A large brick patio shaded by palmetto and a pomegranate tree stretched invitingly before her.

Samuel said.

"Ah'll escort Aunt Billie and Miz Jennifer directly."

In his way he was giving the couple a moment of privacy before their chaperones arrived.

Nicholas arose to meet her.

"I thought it might be cooler to dine out here tonight."

"I've never dined outside in the evening. Won't we be eaten alive?"

"No. We burn these torches made of pine knots dipped in tar. It keeps the mosquitoes away. Even during the sunny hours, this is a nice cool spot."

He indicated a hammock strung between two trees.

"I had that hung out here, but never found time to use it. Perhaps you'll get some enjoyment from it."

Mandy admired the rattan furniture with its deep, soft cushions in a cool green and white pattern.

It seemed to Nicholas that Samuel returned much too quickly with Aunt Billie on his arm.

"Miz Jennifer send her regrets an' begs t'be excused. I'll see she gits a tray upstairs."

When Nicholas raised his brows, Amanda explained.

"She's recuperating from a battle of wills."

"Who won?"

"I'm delighted to admit that I did. A small disagreement regarding Cleo's duties. As mistress of the house I soon straightened it out.

Nicholas hid a smile and seated Aunt Billie.

He poured her a double bourbon, straight up, and saw her rolls of flesh jiggle with silent laughter.

She was used to pleasing men and giving them what they wanted.

She would oblige Nicholas and doze in her chair as soon as she had eaten her fill, executing her role as chaperone with the least pain to all.

The food laid out was cold, eliminating the need for servants. There was sliced ham and turkey, salad, and platters of fruit. Strawberries, three different types of melon, and chunks of fresh pineapple made a colorful centerpiece.

To cover a momentary shyness, Amanda said.

"I saw wild geese landing on the lake this afternoon."

"Really? That's early. The geese don't usually arrive from Canada until the cotton has been shipped. I haven't finished ginning it yet. Amanda, there's such a busy time coming up, I hope you won't be lonely here."

"Of course not. I know how busy you are, especially now that you're looking after both plantations."

"If you want to go somewhere in the carriage, we'll get Ben to drive you. He's the youngest field hand, your own age I think. He won't frighten you."

"Thank you, but actually I won't be receiving invitations for at least six months because of our mourning. I thought I'd make a herb garden like the one you told me you had in England. I've been learning all about herbs and their healing powers from Jessie. It's a fascinating subject to study."

"Jessie? Is she one of the house servants you brought?"

"No. Jessie lives in one of our slave cabins. She's married to one of father's field hands. All the women know so much about medicine and healing. I want to learn everything I can."

"A herb garden is a wonderful idea. You can use some of these bricks,"

he pointed to the patio floor.

"They're made right here at Paradise by Jason. He's a wonder with bricks and tile. I'll get him to lay out the brick walks and make you two or three dozen squares where you can plant your herbs. Just remember to keep the peacocks out of it."

He laughed.

"I can't take Ben and Jason, you'll need all your hands to get the cotton baled.

"I have to keep you busy so you don't get into mischief,"

he said with a grin.

"I'll find diversions,"

she replied mysteriously.

"Speaking of diversions, I'm having a swing put up for you on that big live oak by the rose garden."

"A swing?"

she challenged, wondering if here serious.

"Nicholas, you persist in treating me like a little girl."

"Nonsense. Why even an old man like myself can still enjoy the fun of a swing."

He pictured her laughing in the moonlight with her hair floating out behind her. How am I going to keep away from her tonight? I want to lift her in my arms and carry her up the staircase. But he knew if he began to kiss her, he would be begging her to stay with him. He took a deep breath and said huskily.

"Would you like a glass of wine-- a nightcap?"

"No thank you. I couldn't manage another thing. I think I'll go up now. It's been a long day, but a very happy one, Nicholas."

I can't bear to part with her.

"Come on then, time for an old married woman like you to go up to bed. You must be worn out."

She glanced over at Aunt Billie and raised an eyebrow.

"Samuel will see that she gets upstairs."

Amanda hummed as she prepared for bed.

I'm going to enjoy being Mrs.

Nicholas Peacock excessively.

This bedroom furniture is so beautiful.

It must be hand-painted cypress.

She ran her fingers over the pale green wood decorated with cabbage roses and tiny wood violets.

The wardrobe and dressing table matched the bed that had a curved foot and headboard designed in the shape of a sleigh.

Two maids came in to hang up her clothes and close the shutters, then Mammy Lou arrived to turn down her bed and tuck her in, as she had every night of her life.

Finally, she got into bed and Mammy turned the lamp down low and said goodnight.

I don't even feel drowsy.

Her thoughts chased each other, all of them centering about Nicholas.

The house was quiet now.

I've been in bed almost two hours and I'm still wide awake.

Mandy had hoped against hope that her husband would come to say goodnight to her, and she felt disappointed.

Then on an impulse she decided she'd go and say goodnight to him.

She slipped from bed and put on her dressing gown.

Softly, she opened her door and closed it gently so none would hear her.

She moved quietly down the hall out of the east wing and made her way into the west wing.

She hesitated only a moment with her hand on the doorknob, then turned the handle and slipped inside.

The room was empty.

Nicholas hadn't yet retired.

She moved swiftly out of the west wing with the intent of going downstairs to seek him out, when suddenly she paused as her sister's voice came to her clearly.

"How could you do this to me?"

Jennifer demanded.

"What is it I'm supposed to have done?"

Nicholas drawled.

"You know very well. You led me on with kisses and promises, taking advantage of my innocence. Naturally I assumed you intended marriage."

An ice cold hand closed about Mandy's heart as she waited for her husband to answer the accusation.

"Jennifer Joy, I don't intend playing games with you. Let's put our cards on the table and speak plainly. I didn't take advantage of your innocence. You lost that long ago."

"How dare you insinuate such a thing?"

she cried.

"Jenny, I saw you in the woods one day with Beau Hampden."

"We were just out riding,"

she flared.

"Jennifer, I saw you naked with him. I saw you making love, and while the thought of it has often made me desire you, it did not make me desire you for my wife."

Mandy had heard enough.

She ran back to her room, shocked beyond belief.

Would Jennifer really do those things? What is between her and Nicholas? What secrets do they share? Fiercely, she dashed the tears from her eyes and got back into bed.

Jennifer had managed to cast a dark shadow across her day after all.

When Nicholas reached the top of the stairs, he paused as if undecided about something.

He turned into the west wing reluctantly and left his bride to her slumber without disturbing her.

While Mandy quietly soaked her pillow before falling into an exhausted sleep, Nicholas fared no better.

He was usually a good sleeper, but for once he found the heat oppressive as he restlessly turned from side to side, then savagely threw off the covers in a futile attempt to cool his hot blood.

If this was the result of spending the evening with Amanda, then he knew his only salvation would be to avoid her as much as possible.

He would observe the formalities, keep a cool distance between them at all times, and never, ever, be alone with her.

As the hour topped midnight and slipped down the slope toward morning, he drifted down, down into slumber.

He could hear her siren song calling to him, and he was helpless as she beckoned him to Paradise.