Elizabeth started toward Jonathan.“I’m glad you are going tonight,” she said when she stood in front of him.How handsome he looked, she thought.He’d lost a little weight but it only made him more attractive.He wore a fine white satin waistcoat and his breeches, right down to his stockings, were a deep slate gray, relieved only by the brilliance of his white shirt.
Jonathan straightened, then took her hand.“I believe I was threatened earlier,” he reminded her as he drew her hand to his lips.
Elizabeth blushed.“Who?Me?”She pointed to herself.“Why, I’d never stoop so low.”
Jonathan’s sky-blue eyes twinkled with warmth as he stared at her.His face, dark and swarthy like a pirate’s, made him stand out in a crowd.She longed to reach up and place a kiss on his lips, but she knew her brother would reprimand her for such unladylike manners.
Jonathan couldn’t believe the vision before him.He’d never seen a woman so full of life and surprises.Elizabeth never showed any outward concern for possessions.She liked having fun and enjoying life.As his gaze traveled up to her face, he couldn’t help but notice that those expressive eyes held a sensual promise.He longed to have her next to him in bed with that glorious hair spread about the pillows and across his bare chest.And he wanted her, he realized, very badly.He’d just have to keep reminding himself he wasn’t the same.But he wasn’t going to remind himself at the moment.He leaned over, his lips very close to her ear, and whispered, “I could be talked into staying home with you.”
Elizabeth felt her ears burn, and she blushed at the same time her brother said, “We’ll not have any fraternizing until after you two have married.”
“Adam, ol’ boy, you’re just too cynical in your old age,” Jonathan said with his famous lopsided grin.He put his hand on the small of Elizabeth’s back to head her toward the doorway, then he evidently thought of another jab.“Should I remind you of all the ...fraternizing you did with Jewel before she became your wife?As a matter of fact, remember one morning back at Briercliff....”
“That’s enough, Jonathan,” Adam bit out, stopping him.“Besides, that was different,” he added as he and Jewel followed the other couple from the room.
The huge, black traveling chaise waited for them and soon they were on their way to New Orleans.Elizabeth said a small prayer, thankful that a touch of her old Jonathan had returned.
She couldn’t help but notice how his left arm hung limply beside him.But his spirits seemed high, so maybe she could keep his mind off his damaged arm.
Jonathan cleared his throat and turned to Adam.“Have you spoken to General Jackson in the last several weeks?”
“Not since the battle.I heard they crowned Jackson with laurel when he rode into New Orleans.”Adam smiled.
“Wait a minute.”Jonathan chuckled.“Our staunch general, our destroyer of Indians, rode around the city with a leafy crown on his head?”He leaned forward.“I’d like to have seen that.”
Adam laughed.“I would, too.At least we’ll get to see him at his victory ball since it’s being held in his honor.”
“I hope Uncle Jean and Uncle Pierre are there,” Jewel chimed in.
Adam glanced at his wife and smiled.“I’m sure they will be, my love.They have, after all, been forgiven for their past sins, so they should be in attendance.I believe Jackson has a soft spot for those pirates, even if he won’t admit the fact.”
“Will you introduce me to your uncles, Jewel?”Elizabeth asked.She’d heard many stories about the pirates.Like the time it was rumored that Jean had killed a man in a duel in Charleston ...an affair of honor in which a mysterious woman had played a part.
“Of course.We are family.”
Elizabeth could feel Jonathan’s warmth.Without thinking, she reached over and took his hand.A little too late she realized it was his bad arm, but she didn’t let go when he tried to pull away with his other hand.He’d have to learn how to use his arm sooner or later.
She rubbed her fingers back and forth across his hand until he seemed to relax, and to her amazement he didn’t move his fingers.She’d never let him give up.Maybe there was a chance that Jonathan would recover, and the past would be behind them.
The carriage halted in front of the French Exchange.Gaslights sputtered all around the building, casting a warm glow into the chilly night and showing off the elaborate decorations, Elizabeth noted as she embarked from the vehicle.
When they entered, they were informed that the upper part of the Exchange was for dancing.Dinner would be on the lower portion in precisely two hours.
Climbing the staircase, the murmur of voices grew louder.Flowers and colored lamps were everywhere.A huge banner,Jacksonandvictory:they arebutone!,was draped across the barrister.
Elizabeth noted that all of society had turned out for the occasion, dressed in bright colors much like her own dress.Maybe the New Orleans culture had rubbed off on her.
She was escorted over to the receiving line where she was again introduced to the general.She was surprised at how haggard he looked.Evidently the battle had taken its toll.
“General, you remember my wife?”Adam said with a nod.“And my sister, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth took Jackson’s extended hand.His long, thin fingers felt cold.“It is nice to see you again,” Elizabeth said.“Congratulations on your victory.Our city will be safe once again.”
Jackson smiled broadly.“We have the two gentlemen with you to thank for our safety.”He patted Adam on the shoulder.“Without their help, the triumph could have gone the other way.”Jackson regarded Jonathan.“I heard that you decided to take a ride across my battlefield, Son.How is your wound?”
“I’m left with a mangled limb, General, so I’m of little use to anyone.”
“Nonsense!You are as good as you were.No, I take that back.You are better because now you have experience under your belt.”
