Northern Star

Chapter 14

Perry woke to the sound of Wade's voice drifting from somewhere above her. He was talking softly to Noma. "She fell just after leaving the stable. It was a miracle I saw her," he whispered. "To think she might have lain hurt in the road for the rest of the night, if not for your help. I am in your debt, Noma."

Wade was silent for a moment before adding, "Remember, when she comes to, she may be out of her head for a time. When I tried to help her, she even fought me, as though I had somehow caused her pain. I think the best thing would be to give her something to help her sleep."

Perry heard Noma rushing to do Wade's bidding. "I'll look in the kitchen downstairs, Mr. Williams. I heard old Sarah say she keeps medicine the doctor brings her to help her rest."

As Noma's steps disappeared, Perry opened her eyes to watch Wade. He stood above her, his hands behind his back, as if he were about to address his troops. His dark good looks were twisted into a stormy, thoughtful frown. Her blood marred his cheek and coat in silent rebellion to his normally spotless appearance.

"I know you can hear me, Perry. I'm not going to touch you now; there will be plenty of time later. I've posted one of the stable boys outside your balcony to stop any future attempts at escape. Tomorrow morning we will ride over to the church and be married." He began to pace, planning his strategy. "Or should you still be recovering, I'll bring the minister here for a quiet wedding."

He halted suddenly and pointed at Perry, lying under the covers. "Don't you ever try anything like that again. If you do, I promise you'll have more than a few slaps to remember." His laugh was cruel and frightening. "I promised your grandfather I'd not get you pregnant, and I'll be true to my word. I find other games much more exciting. But we'll talk of that tomorrow, on our wedding night."

Moving close to her bedside, he continued, "Your grandfather showed me something very interesting tonight. I know he's a crazy old fool, but this may help you stay true, my dear." His lips curled into an evil sneer as he emphasized the last two words.

He pulled a piece of paper from his breast pocket. 'It seems your grandfather tried everything to get your mother back when she ran away with your father. He even paid a great deal of money to have this document forged."

Opening the yellow paper, he stated, "It says simply that your mother was the daughter of a slave and therefore property of the estate of Three Oaks. Now, Perry, you and I may know this is a forgery, but look at the damage even the rumor could do to you. Because you can't prove otherwise, anyone would only have to look at that beautiful black hair to wonder." Laughing again, he added, "Now don't worry, my dear, I plan to keep this little secret carefully locked up. I wouldn't want my wife to be subject to gossip."

Perry made no motion to acknowledge that she was listening. A tear ran down the corner of her eye and fell on the pillow as she absorbed his words. He was blackmailing her. What of the future? Would there be more "accidents," until eventually one killed her?

Perry moved her lips, closing her eyes to the pain she caused herself as she whispered, "Why?"

Wade moved close. "What did you say, my dear?"

"Why me?" Perry managed with some degree of clarity.

"Why you?" He laughed. "But, my love, don't you know. First, you will inherit, when your grandfather dies, one of the most potentially profitable plantations in the South. Everyone knows your grandfather drinks, so an accident would not seem unusual after we've married."

"Second, I want a Southern wife to sit at the head of my table, for I need to make friends fast. I've seen most of the single women in these parts, and you outshine them all by far." He patted her hand in mock tenderness. "Don't worry, my love, I'll see the bruises don't show after we're married. In time you might even find my little games entertaining."

Wade straightened, remembering his lecture once more. "Oh, yes-third, I want you because you're fiery yet unprotected. I wouldn't want to fight a father or a handful of brothers."

Perry realized he was right. Noma, the only one close to her, had fallen completely into his trap. She knew even if she told Noma the truth, it was unlikely the old woman would believe her. Andrew was out of reach. Even if he did return, he might not be strong enough to fight Wade's power. Wade knew how to bend people to his will, and Andrew was already a beaten man.

Closing her eyes tightly, she forced out tears as she tried to make her head stop throbbing. She knew she must fight alone against Wade. There was no one to help her. Somewhere deep inside, that spirit which always urged her not to give up still whispered. She had to clear her head enough to think.

Noma returned with two cups of warm milk and a spoon of sleeping powder. She placed the tray by Perry's bed and added the powder to one cup. "I'll put this much in, Mr. Williams, and she'll sleep like a baby till mornin'."

Wade moved to the door, impatient to leave. "Take good care of my bride, Noma. I'll be back about nine tomorrow."

As he closed the door Noma moved closer to Perry. She lovingly arranged the covers. She was confident her betrayal was for Perry's benefit. Noma chimed softly as she worked, "Everything is going to be fine, my baby, just wait and see. Now let's drink our milk and go to sleep." Noma must have said these very words thousands of times over the years, yet tonight they held no comfort for Perry.

Opening her eyes, she stared at Noma. She couldn't hate someone she'd loved all her life, yet her trust in the old woman had vanished.

Lifting her hand slowly, she pointed to the dying fire.

Noma understood. "You must have a chill. I'll add a log. Just you rest, it'll only take a second."

When Noma moved to the fire, Perry's eyes never left her huge frame. Unnoticed, bruised fingers traveled up to the tray of milk. Silently she moved her cup backward on the tray and exchanged it with Noma's cup of milk.

Her private war had began, and she knew that no matter what happened, she would never surrender.