Southern Beauty (7 page)

Her temperature rising along with her voice, “Why did you come here?”  She decided it was best to ignore his ramblings.  It only hurt her more and ruined the only remembrance she had of romance that wasn’t written in a book.     

David knew he must have gone
too far, so he tried to backtrack and get back the look in her eyes when she first saw him, but it was too late.  She stood in a cold stance and continued her glare. 

“I’m sorr,” he was trying to apologize but she interrupted him.

“Well, it seems you have found some other poor girl to use to get what you wanted.  What did it take, a day to move on or a couple of hours?” Did she just say that aloud?  Johanna surprised herself.  “Why did you even come back here?”  Johanna tried desperately to hold back her tears, but when one slipped down her frosted cheek, she turned towards the garden once more.  David was about to touch her hand and bring it towards him, when a man suddenly interrupted them.

“Miss Johanna, is this man bothering you?”  Malcolm Graystone came out onto the balcony, interrupting what it looked like, a lover’s quarrel.   Johanna cleared her eyes and turned to him. 

“No Mr. Graystone. I’m fine,” she said.

“I’m sorry, and you are?” he inquired toward David, who still hadn’t turned in Malcolm’s direction until now.  David nodded.  Malcolm’s eyes widened and then he composed himself with a smile. He turned to Johanna. “May I have the next dance?”

“Yes, I would like that, thank you.” And she passed David and held Malcolm’s arm toward the dance floor.  She couldn’t look back.  She was mortified she had given away her secret jealousy.  On the dance floor Malcolm interrogated Johanna.

“Who was the gentleman?” Malcolm asked.

“He was no gentleman,” she said. “He was the one you bashed in the head with your gun, and now I would like to do it myself,” she wanted to say.  Instead she lied. “Just someone who was sure of himself that I would be interested in a dance, I guess he didn’t want to take no for an answer.” She had no idea why she continued to protect him.

“I see, how quite peculiar,” said Malcolm.

“What’s that?” asked Johanna.

“Oh, he looks familiar
,” he said, “but I am not quite sure where from.”

“
I know why he looks familiar to you,” she thought. They were interrupted by General P.G.T. Beauregard himself.

“Hello, Private Graystone, it’s so nice to see you again.  I see you’ve retrieved the package,” he looked at Johanna and smiled.

Malcolm smiled back and excused himself from Johanna to make it a private conversation. 

“Oh, my delivery is not quite complete, but I am sure the package will be delivered in a few weeks time. I am confident that my goals will be achieved by the end of the delivery,” said Malcolm. 

Not interested in their conversation anyway, Johanna made her way across the room.  She felt considerable relief when she spied her dear friend Mary Alice. 

“You have truly surprised me!  It’s so nice to see you out.”  Mary Alice hugged her.  “I can’t believe you would come to Clarice’s ball.”

“It’s not her ball it’s her family’s ball.  Actually, I came with someone,” Johanna pointed to Malcolm who had been still involved in conversation with Beauregard. “He’s over there.” 

“I guess you don’t need me to set you up, you did fine on your own,” Mary Alice laughed impressed with her friend’s companion for the evening.  “Where did you find him, and does he have a brother?”

“Oh, he came and rescued me from a terrible situation and a dreadful man,” said Johanna.

“You must tell,” Mary Alice intrigued now.

“Another time Mary Alice, I must find my uncle. Have you seen him yet?” Johanna asked.

“No, not yet, but I will let you know if I do.  Did you hear that Clarice’s mysterious lover is here at the party? I haven’t seen him yet, but I heard he is the most handsome man in the room.” She looked at Johanna’s agitated state.  “Of course until you came with Mr. Graystone.”

Johanna smiled back at her.  “You are truly a good friend, Mary Alice.”

“Oh no, she is heading this way,” said Mary Alice.

              “Who is?” By the time Johanna glanced away to see who was approaching them, Mary Alice slipped away.

“Hello Johanna,” Clarice said with a bit of arrogance.

“Ah, Clarice,” Johanna nodded with a slight bow.

“It’s so nice to see you out,
” Clarice lied. “It’s been awhile.”

“Well, thank you, you have a lovely home.” Johanna followed.

“It’s not as nice as the one in New Orleans, but it is charming. It is Parisian decor.  You probably recognized it, actually, you probably feel more at home here.  Anyway, I am surprised to see you.” Clarice said.

“Oh?” Johanna questioned ignoring Clarice’s jab about her family.

“Well, since you have been in that little depression of yours, secluded from everyone, a lot has happened.”  Clarice said.

“A lot has happened where?” questioned Johanna.

“Oh, not with the conflict, I don’t waste my time on depressing thoughts like that, it would ruin one’s day, don’t you think?  No, I mean a lot has happened to me.”  Clarice proudly announced.

Oh great, here she goes, thought Johanna.

“Yes?” Johanna asked although she didn’t want to know, equally annoyed with Mary Alice for leaving her stuck with Clarice and her nonsensical talk.

“Oh yes.  You might not have heard yet,” she steps closer and lowers her voice to a whisper,” but I am soon to be engaged.”

“Engaged!?” Johanna gasped.

“Keep your voice down.  My papa doesn’t know yet,” Clarice said.

Stumbling over her words, still in shock, “You committed to only one?” Johanna mockingly asked.

Clarice laughs.  “Oh, it is very easy when you’re in love.  I am sure you someday you will know what I mean.”  Clarice slams Johanna.

“Who could he possibly be?”  Johanna now extremely annoyed by her remarks.

“Oh, you wouldn’t know him, he is new to the regiment,” said Clarice.
              “A soldier?”  Johanna choked on her words.

“Oh yes.  I only just met him but he and I knew right away we were meant to be together.”  Clarice announced with pride.
              “That’s so nice for you.” Johanna said with slight sarcasm.

“I am sure you will be invited to our wedding,” said Clarice.

“Oh, thank you very much.  I will look forward to it.” Johanna lied.

“Please do not tell anyone what I’ve told you.  I want us to tell my papa tonight.  I guess there really isn’t anyone for you to tell is there?  I have more guests to talk to so I must leave you, goodbye.”  Clarice gets one more jab in.

“He’s here?”  Johanna asked in vain.  Clarice had already begun to mingle and gossip with the other guests. 

Johanna cannot figure why she would be so interested in finding who this new soldier is in Clarice’s life.  For some reason it vexed her.  She wanted to know who he was.  Who would possibly trust her?  He must not know her very well. 

“She is truly evil isn’t she?”  Mary Alice stepped back into Johanna’s sight.

“Thanks a lot,” said Johanna.

Mary Alice laughed, “I knew you could handle her yourself.  You always could.”

“Can you believe the nerve of her?  She truly thinks she is the only one that has ever been in love,” said Johanna.

“Are you in love Johanna?”  Mary Alice questioned.

Chapter 8

D

avid walked to the edge of the balcony looking over the garden’s edge.  He pondered his dilemma.  He wanted to express his love to Johanna, but his mission was clouding his focus. Or was his love for Johanna clouding his mission?  He didn’t know anymore.  Maybe I should tell her I love her.  I don’t know if she would even believe me.  Oh no…what am I doing?  His thoughts were interrupted.

“Hello my sweet Lieutenant.”  David knew that voice, and he closed his eyes to wish her away but she came closer.  She grabbed his hand and turned him around towards her.  Pressing herself against him she whispered, “What are you doing out here in the shadows? Were you waiting for me?” asked Clarice.

She was hoping David would enjoy her playfulness.  David found it to be revolting, he found her to be revolting.  He was truly surprised that a woman with her upbringing would have such a strong, straight forward personality when in the presence of a gentleman.  It was down right disgraceful and a bit shocking.  Although he understood why men would fall for her hard and fast, she was flawlessly beautiful.  Her body was curvy and she wore her gowns well.  It also helped that she came from a very powerful and wealthy family.  She was confidant enough to know what she wanted and not afraid to go after it even if it meant pretending to be a bashful lover if that is what it took. Her mastery of manipulation was evident the more time David spent with her.  She had a gift.  It was a dangerous gift, but she knew when to use it to her advantage every time.

David was never taken in by her.  He was never fooled by her outer appearance for her inner beauty was much to be desired and that was something she apparently could not hide.  She had been the perfect cover for his covert operation to get to Johanna and now he did not need her friendship any longer so he thought.

“I have to tell you something,
” he tried to stop her.

“Tell me later, let’s go be together alone somewhere,” she insisted.

“Now?”  David asked out of shock.

“
You seem surprised?” she asked grinning seductively.

“I just…” he tried to say, but she quickly
leaned in to him and before he could protest, she kissed him hard upon the lips.    

#   #   #

Johanna saw Malcolm heading toward her and she was surprised that she was actually blushing.  Over th
e course of just a few days they had spent much time together.  She had unexpectedly begun to feel fondly toward him, and since the party she was actually a bit impressed with him.  While he sauntered over to her, his face beamed and he stared at her like she was the only one in the room.  Now any woman would feel important with that kind of attention, Johanna thought.  Malcolm was a genius at making you feel like you were the most important person in the world.  Johanna liked that about him and was also weary of him for it.

“Miss Johanna, I was told your uncle has arrived and has stepped out onto the balcony.  Should we go see him?”  Malcolm smiled pleased with himself.

“The balcony, are you sure?”  Johanna feared for her uncle’s safety, that is where they had left David alone.  She ran ahead of Malcolm leaving Mary Alice behind.

Her heart beat faster, she was to reunite with her uncle and maybe even David, who she still was conflicted about. 

Once David came in view Johanna was mortified to see him in a compromising scene with Clarice.  Johanna’s heart stopped.  She was horror-struck.  As Johanna ran back into the ballroom where the music played merrily and the couples danced with delight, she ran into Malcolm who had been lagging behind. 

“Was he not there?” he asked.

“No,” was all Johanna could muster.

“Oh, I must have been mistaken.” Malcolm smiled in triumph and then quickly noticed her agitated state.  Feeling a tinge of regret he said, “Are you okay?” 

“I am fine,” she lied. “I want to leave now.  I want to go to Virginia tonight.” 

“But, this is a party let’s have fun, maybe we should dance again.”  And before Johanna could speak, Malcolm pulled her on the ballroom floor.  Johanna could barely breathe or think straight.  She tried to smile at Malcolm but couldn’t stop thinking about what she had seen.  Thankful her uncle was not in danger but horrified at finding David kissing Clarice.  It was a blow she felt she could never recover from.

“May I cut in?”  David interrupted their dance.  Malcolm didn’t utter a word or put up a fight, he was so shocked to see the redhead he met just a few weeks earlier standing right in front of him in a beautiful crimson gown ready to take his hand for a dance.  

“No, I don’t think so,
” Johanna gritted her teeth, but it was too late.  The mesmerized Malcolm had already left her side for Clarice.

“Now what is wrong?”  David asked as he bowed.

Johanna not wanting to make a scene curtsied back.  She was so mortified that her heart was actually breaking.  Even though it all made sense, he must have been Clarice’s lover, them soon to be engaged, and to find him molesting her on the balcony it just put a knife in her chest. 

“I see you found your Southern w
hore” Johanna straightened herself up.  She refused to let him bother her anymore.  She began to hate him.  She must have been mistaken about her affection towards him. 

“Oh, but you are my Southern Beauty,” he whispered in her ear.

“Just stay away from me,” surprising herself, her lips quivered as she whispered, but she did not cry.

“I can’t,
” he said more with feeling than he wanted to express.  If he would have said what was on his heart, his words would have freed her from the pain. 

“I need that map.  Your uncle has arrived and being held by
Preston with a gun pointed to his chest.”

Johanna’s face went pale.  She searched the party with her eyes trying to find her uncle, trying to find
Preston.  She looked back at David.

“Why are you doing this to me?” Johanna couldn’t remember ever being this confused in her entire life.  Everything had always seemed black and white to her, right or wrong.  She couldn’t take this emotional mountains and valleys he was sending her on.  One minute she wanted him desperately, the next she never wanted to see him again.  She wanted to throw the locket at him and be done.

“He’s on your side the last time I checked,” Johanna said with conviction.

“Then why is he in enemy territory?” David asked.

“He still has friends here,” Johanna insisted.

“I need that map,” he said.

“I don’t have it here.  I left it at the mansion. I will take you there.  Just leave him alone,” She was desperate and realized now she loathed him even more. He tried to grab her locket that was peeking out of her dress. “It’s not in there anymore,” she lied smacking his hand away.

“As soon as I get that map he will be released.  And if you so desire, you and I will say our goodbyes forever,” he said.

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure,” she gritted her teeth. 

“Do you hate me that much?” he asked.

“Ever since you came into my life you have done nothing but given me heartache,” she said in anger.

He was surprised by her words again. Her words were like ice.  He wanted to take her in his arms and love her madly and forever.  He slipped her into an adjacent room that was deserted. 

“What do you mean by that? You know I never meant to hurt you,” David needed her to know. “Do I have to remind you?  You betrayed me.  You made me believe you wanted to kiss me so your rescuer could assault me, how clever you are.”

“I didn’t know he was there,” Johanna confessed.

They gazed upon each other with mixed feelings of love and loathing. He leaned in closer.  He had to kiss her, he had to have her.  He loved her so much.  He felt like his heart was going to burst. 

She didn’t know why he was tormenting her.  He looked at her with intense love in his eyes.  How could this man do this to her?  She had given away so much with her silly jealousy.  But despite all her anger, she wanted his kiss, his touch.  She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she loved him so much it hurt.  Inches away from one another, they could feel their breaths colliding, their hearts pounding.  He kissed her madly.  She let him. 

“I…I can’t do this,” she confessed as she halted their passionate moment.  Johanna then ran off into the crowded ballroom, escaping her desire for David. 

#   #   #

David stunned by their steamy passionate kiss and then her quick change of heart left him frozen in place.  His hesitancy left him no time to retrieve her before she disappeared into the crowd. 

“What happened to you?”  Mary Alice noticed how Johanna seemed flushed and a little out of sorts.

“I must be coming down with something.”  Johanna whispered holding her forehead and feeling her hot cheeks.

“Well, you will be happy to know that Rene has been asking about you,” said Mary Alice with excitement.

Johanna didn’t say anything, her head and heart still spinning from the encounter with David. 

“Did you hear me?  Rene.  Rene Beauregard was asking me about you.  What a blessed evening you are having,” Mary Alice said.

“More like cursed. 
I think I am going to be sick,” Johanna’s heart pumping even faster now, felt like the room was spinning and everyone in it was slowly darkening.

“Oh, Johanna
, you’re fainting.”  Mary Alice noticed as Johanna started to fall backwards. 

“I got you,” Rene was coming up behind Johanna and as perfect timing showed and she fell into his arms. 

The crowd was all in a tizzy, especially the ladies near her at the ball.  “Can you believe she fainted into Rene’s arms?” said one girl. 

“I know, she is so lucky, I wish I would have thought of that,” said another.

Johanna woke up on the couch in a very familiar room.  It was the same room that Johanna and Rene met and David and she kissed. 

“Are you okay
, Miss Johanna?” asked Rene.

“I am fine, thank you,
” she tried to smile. “I guess I was a little overwhelmed.” 

“I guess,
” Rene smiled back at her.  “It seems here we are again alone.” He looked around at the emptiness. 

“Oh Mr. Beauregard
, you stoop this low as to take advantage of a woman in distress?” Johanna smiled.

“No, I never take advantage, I just think of it as opportunity.”  He smiled wider this time. 

“Very funny,” she said.

“If I can amuse, I count that as progress,” he laughed.

“I am sure you do,” she laughed too.

“Now, I am a little disheartened you came here with Malcolm,” said Rene.

“He is taking me to Virginia,” she said.

“I’v
e heard.  Well, I shall miss our encounters.  Maybe I will come and visit you,” Rene announced.

“Well, you are very welcome, as a friend of course.”  She insisted.

“Of course,” he grinned.

“Every time I turn
around you are with someone else.  I am feeling a little slighted by you, Miss Lee,” Malcolm interrupted her and Rene.

“Well Mr. Graystone
, I am still leaving with you,” Johanna smiled.

“Would you like to leave now or are you up for more dancing?”  Malcolm asked.

“I am not ready to leave quite yet, but dancing is out of the question.  I would like to get some fresh air, if you don’t mind.  I will join you in a minute,” she smiled at both men as she headed toward the small balcony.

“I shall meet you in the ballroom then
,” smiled Malcolm with a slight bow.  Then he turned to Rene grabbing his arm leading him to the ballroom.   “Let’s go Rene.  No way am I leaving you alone with Miss Lee again.” 

Chapter 9

J

ohanna stepped out into the small balcony adjacent to the drawing room.  She just needed to clear her head.  What was she doing?  She knew she could never let that passion between her and David ignite again.  She had to stay away from him.  His presence was too strong.  She felt helpless every time he stood near her. 

“If I just keep my distance I shall be fine.  Just keep my distance and don’t look at him.  Yes, I will not look at him,” she insisted.  Those green eyes melted her.  That was the key, if she just didn’t look into his intense gaze.  “If I don’t look I won’t be tempted,” she told herself.

“My kiss does make the ladies swoon.”  David came out of the darkened corner of the balcony.  Johanna froze.